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As they walk the seemingly dead village, both Karen and Sir Drystan spot fragments of metal littering the ground. Upon closer examination, it would appear that the shards could have fit together in some sort of spherical-esque contraption. However, there seems to be too many pieces to have been only one such device.
"This is odd. Hold on a moment." Karen casts Detect Magic to see if the shards even a lingering magical aura.
So, the normal lingering time for a strong aura is measured in tens of minutes. In order to get to days, you need an artifact level item, which is kinda stupid to me. So, please ignore that. You don't know how long ago this thing shattered, but it's definitely a couple days ago, at least
”This mystery is far beyond me. Whether this was an important artifact or self cleaning chamber pot, I know not. Any insight, Karen?”
Fortress Party-
Any time they stop to rest, and when they get near the fort, Lian will summon a Dire Bat (Summon Monster 3) to confirm the area is still demon-free.
This is some sort of alchemically treated mithral. As you study it more closely two things are readily apparent:
One, this was made to be some sort of weapon, as you're fairly certain it was weakened to make it much easier to break apart upon impact.
However, you also believe it was somehow enhanced to better deliver whatever was inside it.
As you more closely examine the shards, even going so far as to sniff a piece, you're able to determine that this was definitely some kind of poison. However, you're also fairly certain that it was magical in origin.
"Has anyone ever heard of magical poison? I haven't, other than that druid spell. Something weird was going on here. I mean, who keeps poison in a mithral container, and how did they make mithral explode?"
”A very good question. Perhaps as a method for spreading undeath.” Part of him whished that Loc was there, as he would probably know more. However the man radiated a light evil...who knew what he would do with the information?
”Let us push forward. See what else we can find.”
"Where's the necromancer when you need him? his expertise, if not his minions, would be good to have right now."
"I'm going to take a sample to have Loc take a look at when we get back." Karen said as she ripped the bottom of her tunic and wrapped the shards into it.
Searching the rest of the dead village, you don't spot much of importance. Oh sure, there's plenty of value, were you to decide to loot the houses, but beyond that, there's little that catches your eye.
Godwyn looked through the abandoned buildings without temptation. Logically he knew that such wealth could be put to good use, but it wasn’t why he was here. There was a task to be done, one that he knew in his heart to be righteous. Earthly temptation came second.
Drystan takes another look around, but is mostly just ready to get out of this place.
The trio spots nothing else of note, and decide to head back to the rest of the group.
As you step just past the village boarder, you each feel a slight chill, and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It's as if somebody or something was watching you, but you see nothing.
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Within a couple of hours, both groups meet back up again, and it seems that as they traveled, Lian's refugees grew by about another two dozen.
While they aren't from the same village as the initial group, they share a similar story of their town being overrun, and a vile disease striking many of them down. If asked, it turns out they're only a couple miles from apart from the original survivors.
"We'll want to check out their village, but that should come later, not sooner. We'll also want to gather up everyone in the courtyard so that I can use my newfound ability to cleanse disease on all of the refugees at once."
This disease is spreading. Maybe some enemy is causing it?
”A safe bet to make. If only we could be everywhere at once...sadly, from being in the last village, I have learned the limits of my investigative abilities. Let us tell this group the same as the last, and pray that if they choose to go to the fortress that it might keep them safe.”
Sir Drystan nods. ”Indeed, that’s probably the best option, given the circumstances.”
"I am positive that it is being caused by someone very strong, since they put the disease in Mithral jars and used them as splash weapons."
Karen thinks for a moment, then adds "If we are going to hold this place long-term, we're going to need to recruit some more troops. Anyone besides Loc have an idea where we might do so?" Turning to Loc, Karen adds "Sorry, but I think it'll send the wrong message if we have undead manning the walls."
"Mithral? Damnit!" Ametist is quite surprised by the discovery, and scratches his chin constantly, thinking, to the point he barely hears Karen's question.
"Uh? Eh... Well, I guess the people will join us if we save them and they perceive we can bring them any hope." Turning to Zorakir, he adds "Maybe you can control some aspects of nature? Animals? Plants?"
”With time, I have no doubt we could train some of the refugees into competent warriors. But time may be the one thing we do not have.”
”Dark times. We do not have any resources beyond our strength at arms. I pray that they find safety within the walls, if there is nowhere else to take them. But we must be on our way. There is a greater evil we must combat, for refugees like these are all over the world. The best way to help them is to remove the cause of their plight.”
"Given all we know, it might be better to say 'Causes'." Corrects Karen.
Yes, too true. If there was a simple divination we could use to locate an immediate threat that'd be one thing, but here we can merely help them protect themselves best we can before moving on.
The group, along with there some sixty or so refugees, slowly make their way to Fort Invictus. They arrive just as the is beginning to set(dusk, still decently light), and find they have a guest awaiting them.
Standing before the main gate is a travel worn young man, who despite his weary appearance, is well armed, and seems ready for trouble. However, a quick glancing assessment shows he is not hostile towards any of you.
Upon his shield is a curious symbol. It looks like a blue flower with wings and a sunburst 'crown'.
Seeing that the man was no threat, Godwyn looked closely at the regalia to see if he could place it on any religion he knew...
His isolated upbringing prevents Ametist from having even the minimal idea about the strange symbol the man is wearing. "Must be something good, though, if he seems that friendly, no?"
"Hello. Is there something we can assist you with?" asks Karen as she moves forward to speak with him.
Drystan peers inquisitively at the symbol on the young man's shield.
Armed non-demons in general tend more towards potential allies these days, Lian notes before checking her memory.
You recognize part of the imagery as that of the holy symbol of Sarenrae, but the rest is unknown to you.
"Greetings, I am Sir Uthar Sunwake, and I have heard news of your retaking of Fort Invictus. I come offering aid, supplies, and whatever else you might need to help get the fortress operational again. These are dark times indeed, and the re-establishment of the Fort will go along way towards bolstering the morale of the local populace, as well as the legions fighting in the surrounding lands."
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Uthar. Is it just you here, or do you represent a larger organization? Either way, we're not likely to turn down aid. A great many people need help, as you can clearly see."
Ametist has never been the best at judging people. "He's a good guy, isn't he?" he whispers, while raising his hand to the stranger as a kind of salutation.
”I think so. And these refugees do need someone to protect them.”
Recognizing a bit of the heraldry on Sunwake's shield, Drystan nods. "The Dawnflower's aid is always welcome, and supplies even moreso. We have been quite short on news though, what legions do you speak of that are out here fighting?"
"Highhelm is under siege from Treerazer's forces. The newly ascended Demon Lord has taken over the vast majority of Kyonin, southern Galt, as well as the northern portions of the Five Kings Mountains and northeastern Druma. Highhelm has been able to hold out, thanks to their fabled Defenders, but they are being worn down through sheer numbers and attrition."
”Our path is clear then. We must break this siege and destroy Treerazer.” Then to the knight, Godwyn said ”Your coming here with this news is most fortuitous. I believe that I speak for all when I offer you our welcome and our thanks.”
"We have some experience in the area of siegebreaking," Lian adds. Perhaps not on such a scale, but I believe we may be of some help."