“Fellow Pathfinders, I am Jorsal of Lauterbury, Venture-Captain of Nerosyan. I welcome you to the Starrise Spire and bid you to find a seat and speak with the other guests. Once everyone is comfortably seated, I will get to the point of this great gathering.”
As the dreadful secretary in red has the party sign a good 15 different forms, in triplicate, she ushers you forth into the portal headed to the Diamond of the North, Nerosyan. With a final wave, the portal winks out of existence, leaving the party in the slightly chilled early morning streets of the city.
All around in the distance tall walls encase the city, casting a shadows over the place as if to say, 'Don't forget, we are at war.' Fires light many of the places along the walls, and towers regularly intersperse it with their solid rigidity. From one such tower, a bright orb or some other object shines in a bright white light, almost as if competing to outshine the sun itself. Though near impossible to look at directly, the light seems to have a reassuring property to it. It’s to this tower that you have been directed.
Getting around proves to be no hardship, the wide lance straight avenues run at precise intervals dividing the town into a grid of sorts, clearly designed to be able to move people and resoruces around quicky and with out complications. Along the way, many people have set up small shops and stands, all of them hawking supplies and foods, though the most common things for sale are weapons, armors, small magic items which comprise more than half of the stalls, outclassing foods and other sundry items. Clearly a place where war is business.
As you get to the courtyard of the tower, a large man with imposing features gets onto a podium and introduces himself as Jorsal and ushering you all to sit.
Knowledge (Engineering or Geography)
You might know something about the city of Nerosyan itself.
Knowledge (History)
The appearance of the Worldwound came at a turbulent time in history, and you may know about the fall of nearby Sarkoris, or the rise of the crusaders.
Knowledge (Local or Nobility)
You may already know something about Pathfinder Society politics in the Mendev region.
Knowledge (Planes or Religion)
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A small lithe woman moves through the crowds of crusaders and Pathfinders, wearing no armor in comparison to the rest of the men and women around her. She catches sight of your party milling about, and weaves her way over to you. ”There are some open seats over there, if you’d like to join me!”
She leads you to a spot that has a sense or relative calm despite the people thronging about on all sides. Taking out a small pot of hot water and a tin she starts moving as if to make tea. “Would you like a cup of Tian tea? It is very relaxing and can be very warming on a chill morning such as this.” She pours as many cups as people wish, before introducing herself. “I am Hiko Umeyama and I’m from the Lands of the Linnorm Kings. I have been stationed here for a few months Do you mind if I ask you you might be?”
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Zyneste is a young woman perhaps in her mid twenties. While her complexion and remnants of an accent suggest she is likely from Andoran or someone thereabouts, she is dressed in simple robes of Tain appearance. She possesses an understated and natural beauty. Her long, brown hair is pulled back from her face and pinned neatly back with a delicate pin in the shape of a lotus. Much like Hiko, she wears no armor, and the only weapon she appears to carry is an old but very finely crafted bow strung to her back...and of course a full quiver of arrows.
She smiles warmly and gratefully accepts the offer of tea, closing her eyes for a moment to savour the aroma of the warm beverage before taking a small sip and lingering on the taste a few moments more before once again opening her eyes. "Forgive me, but this tea brings back so many memories. My now departed husband, Jiro, used to make this for me and the mere smell of it makes me feel his presence once more. Thank you so much for this kindness! It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Zyneste!"
"This is my first time in Nerosyan. Is there anything you can tell us about the city? I have of course heard of the the Worldwound, the unnatural blight on the world. They say it is a rift into the Abyss, a gateway opening shortly after the death of Aroden...and of the four crusades, the first of which saw the birth of Mendev itself."
**Munch munch munch**
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He takes a filthy wrapper from the beast's mouth, and throws it away. "Sorry. Her definition of food is...well, let's just say we don't always see eye to eye." He takes a seat and motions the owlbear to lay down by his feet. "Some tea would be lovely, thank you. My name is Kahru; this is Nokka." He takes a look around the courtyard, taking in the city. "I have not been to this city before. Is this sort of gathering common?"
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Standing before you is an elf, standing lithe and tall. Takumi is dressed in long orange-brown flowing robes that some of you may recognise as the kimono of the distant Minkai. He seems to carry little with him, although what they might be is covered by the cloak and hood that is drawn tightly to ward off the chill.
He states, "This humble one is honoured to make your acquaintance." Giving yet another bow, Takumi continues, "I have been given the simple name of Takumi Kamizo, hailing from shimmering city of Ayajinbo, the capital of Jinin. I understand that not many in the west is familiar with our elven nation of Tian. That is not surprising as we keep largely to ourselves except for our export of mithral. Our nation nurtures artisans of the most masterful crafts. I myself come from the guild of paper sculptors, although I am still just a lowly apprentice. I would gladly share with you some of my work." Then almost as an after thought, he adds, "Ah, again it seems my wandering mind has left my introduction incomplete. I also dabble in the magical arts, much like many in my family. I specialise specifically in the art of summoning and conjuration." He ends off with yet another bow.
He then gracefully accepts the cup of tea from Hiko. "May a thousand fortunes befall you for your kindness." He sips the tea carefully. He then turns and looks around at the gathering. "Seeing the relationship that the Society has with the Crusaders of Mendev, led by Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury himself, and the infestation of the Worldwound by demons and their demon lords, my lowly assumption is that they would be our antagonists?" He says this again in his measured and formal tone, but with a twinkle in his eye.
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Carefully stepping through the crowds in human form, Kaya notes that there are a lot more indicators of warfare than she'd expected. She'd been aware of the crusades, but actually being confronted with evidence of the events was kind of impressive. Once a bit thinner than was considered healthy, Kaya has long since grown into a body both athletic and feminine. She wears a long cloak to keep warm, and has equipped herself with a collection of tools for her trade.
The group to which she'd been assigned was gathered up for an impromptu tea party, but... The tea is warming and welcome in the chilly morning.
"Thank you," she nods to the woman, struck by how familiar she appears. Sipping carefully, she allows the tea to warm her from the chest outward and notes the flavor. It's both bitter and sweet. I think I like this, she muses.
"I am called Kaya," she introduces herself to the woman and her designated team. "Kaya Yoshida. I'm known to be something of a klutz, but I occasionally come in handy when it comes time to hide or carefully borrow things for a bit." She takes another sip of tea to hide the slight grin.
"Anyways, where is Thurl? I thought someone with the dealings he has had would be interested in so large an operation."
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She smiles warmly and gratefully accepts the offer of tea, closing her eyes for a moment to savour the aroma of the warm beverage before taking a small sip and lingering on the taste a few moments more before once again opening her eyes. "Forgive me, but this tea brings back so many memories. My now departed husband, Jiro, used to make this for me and the mere smell of it makes me feel his presence once more. Thank you so much for this kindness! It is a pleasure to meet you, my name is Zyneste!"
"This is my first time in Nerosyan. Is there anything you can tell us about the city? I have of course heard of the the Worldwound, the unnatural blight on the world. They say it is a rift into the Abyss, a gateway opening shortly after the death of Aroden...and of the four crusades, the first of which saw the birth of Mendev itself."
Hiko gives a bow in response to Zyneste’s high praise. “It’s a pleasure to be able to bring such pleasurable memories to mind, though I’m sure my tea is a very pale comparison to your late husband’s.” She gladly whips up another cup as soon as the woman finishes her first cup.
At the question about the city, Hiko reaches back to her pack and pulls out a small map of the city. “Ah, you must have just reached the city! Here, take a look at this map.” She lays out in the center of the group a map depicting a nearly perfect diamond of a city, with straight walls ending in large towers on each corner. Inside the large thick walls are smaller walls connecting each corner to a large structure in the center. “This is Nerosyan, as you can see it’s a diamond shape, which is why we call it ‘the Diamond of the North.’ It’s divided into four different districts by these smaller internal walls here. There’s the Egelsee District to the southeast here, they have the cheapest and fastest letter couriers here. Next to that is the Confluence District to the southwest, if you want some Minkai food there’s a great restaurant right around here.”
“To the northwest there’s the Woundward district some of the best lodging in town can be found here. Finally there’s the Battle District in the northeast, if you’re in need of supplies, this might be the best place to go looking!”
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She gets cut off by Kahru and Nokka fighting over the wrapper, with a small laugh, she waves away his concern over the owlbear’s behavior. “Oh, no worries. As someone who has grown up around Estrid’s Pet, who has a tendency to eat people who make Estrid displeased, it’s fine that he’s just nibbling on some leftover tidbits!”
"I have not been to this city before. Is this sort of gathering common?"
She gives a fairly firm shake of her head “Why no, it is not. Have you not heard, there’s been a Dwarven Sky Citadel discovered near the heart of the Worldwound and Jorsal is trying to mount a massive expedition to reach the site. You must have had to sign a longboat’s worth of paperwork, right?”
He states, "This humble one is honoured to make your acquaintance." Giving yet another bow, Takumi continues, "I have been given the simple name of Takumi Kamizo, hailing from shimmering city of Ayajinbo, the capital of Jinin. I understand that not many in the west is familiar with our elven nation of Tian. That is not surprising as we keep largely to ourselves except for our export of mithral. Our nation nurtures artisans of the most masterful crafts. I myself come from the guild of paper sculptors, although I am still just a lowly apprentice. I would gladly share with you some of my work."
Hiko’s brow quirks up for a second, “As in the Shogunate of Jinin? I think I remember my parents talking about them once or twice before. ‘The elves of Jinin have much of the spirit and restrained sensibilities as the Old Minkai Shogunate’ or something along those lines. Though they never actually said much about the places there.”
Then almost as an after thought, he adds, "Ah, again it seems my wandering mind has left my introduction incomplete. I also dabble in the magical arts, much like many in my family. I specialise specifically in the art of summoning and conjuration." He ends off with yet another bow.
At the mention of magical abilities, a small flash of pain and jealousy passes in front of Hiko’s face, and she has to take a second to pause and adjust. She gives the man a smile. “My if that’s the case, I’m sure my parents would love to meet you. If you every visit Halgrim, make sure to stop by and see the Umeyama’s.”
He then turns and looks around at the gathering. "Seeing the relationship that the Society has with the Crusaders of Mendev, led by Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury himself, and the infestation of the Worldwound by demons and their demon lords, my lowly assumption is that they would be our antagonists?"
“Well hopefully we won't have to make them our antagonists, but given just where we are supposed to be traveling. I doubt there’s much choice on the matter. You’ve at least heard of the Demon Lords, right?”
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"I am called Kaya," she introduces herself to the woman and her designated team. "Kaya Yoshida. I'm known to be something of a klutz, but I occasionally come in handy when it comes time to hide or carefully borrow things for a bit." She takes another sip of tea to hide the slight grin.
"Anyways, where is Thurl? I thought someone with the dealings he has had would be interested in so large an operation."
Hiko gives the very nearly identical looking woman a warm grin. "I normally wouldn't say this but feel free to borrow what you want from the demon hosts! Just make sure not to be hiding when there's fighting going on!"
"As for Thurl... Well I haven't seen our second Venture-Captain recently. But he did prefer to work from the shadows, I'm sure the surly tatoo'd dwarf is around here somewhere."
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Curiosity aroused and thoughts of Thurl dismissed, Kaya asks, "Will you tell us more about the demon hosts? Perhaps it is only me, newly come to this place, but I do not know much about them and would greatly welcome any knowledge you have to share." She's always interested in any advantages she can get and it sounds as though Hiko knows something about the demons -- Demon Lords, demon hosts. What was the difference? Was there one?
Better to ask, Kaya decided, than to make a fool of herself later for the lack of knowledge.
"Especially if we're to be traveling through their domain." There's a slight frown - but only a slight one. Demons, then. Demons, demons, what worked well against demons?
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A woman arrives, breathless. "I'm so sorry I'm late; they needed a salvage team to go into the Taffeta, I mean, Tapestry, and...well, it's a long story."
"Nerosyan! I've read a treatise on the city. It's a fascinating place."
The woman has white skin covered with blue swirls long white curls piled on top of her head. She is quite clearly a sylph. As you get closer to her, it is apparent that the blue swirls mask the vast network of scars that seemingly cover all of her skin. Her mithral chain shirt is oddly fastened.
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself, have I? I'm Eugressia! I used to be part of the Consortium. I mean, the Calliope. I mean, the Concordance! That's it." She looks around. "Oh! Kahru! Nokka! Oiur!"
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Curiosity aroused and thoughts of Thurl dismissed, Kaya asks, "Will you tell us more about the demon hosts? Perhaps it is only me, newly come to this place, but I do not know much about them and would greatly welcome any knowledge you have to share." She's always interested in any advantages she can get and it sounds as though Hiko knows something about the demons -- Demon Lords, demon hosts. What was the difference? Was there one?
Better to ask, Kaya decided, than to make a fool of herself later for the lack of knowledge.
"Especially if we're to be traveling through their domain." There's a slight frown - but only a slight one. Demons, then. Demons, demons, what worked well against demons?
Hiko gives a slightly less than enthusiastic smile at the question. "Demon hosts and lords are a bit different. Hosts tend to be the rabble, the lower level demons that populate the Worldwound, whereas the Lords are powerful demons worshiped in their own right, even providing some power to the most loyal supporters like a god, but their not as powerful as one." She pours herself another cup of tea to calm herself before continuing, "You have heard of what can and can't affect a demon right? Cold Iron or good aligned weapons are often the most effective, and don't even bother with Acid, Fire or Cold spells as most demons resist if are not outright immune to them."
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"Nerosyan! I've read a treatise on the city. It's a fascinating place."
The woman has white skin covered with blue swirls long white curls piled on top of her head. She is quite clearly a sylph. As you get closer to her, it is apparent that the blue swirls mask the vast network of scars that seemingly cover all of her skin. Her mithral chain shirt is oddly fastened.
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself, have I? I'm Eugressia! I used to be part of the Consortium. I mean, the Calliope. I mean, the Concordance! That's it." She looks around. "Oh! Kahru! Nokka! Oiur!"
Hiko gives the latecomer a warm smile, gestruing for her to come and sit down. "Here! Come and join us. Would you like some Tian tea? It's nice and warm."
Getting a good look at the woman's scars she adds, "My that is an impressive set of scars! If I may ask, how ever did you earn them?"
“Pathfinders, please get settled. I’d like to start in a few minutes.”
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"I'm....actually afraid I can't remember. I can't remember a lot of things." Eugressia gratefully accepts the tea.
"Well, that must be a rather difficult situation."
Grimacing at that bit of information, Kaya nods. "Thank you! Looks like I'll have to get something extra, then," she admits. "The only cold iron I've got is my dagger." Recalling the myriad stands that she'd passed on the way in, she thought she might be able to snag something.
Hiko gives the woman a smile. "Well, there's Jorsal now! Given how slow pathfinders are prone to moving when it comes to getting settled in, if you stop by one of the nearer stalls you could probably haggle for a couple of things and be back here in time. I recommend Earnie's; he's fairly good about giving going rates on things!"
She turns to the rest of the group. "Now, was there anything else you wanted to know about?"
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Kahru opens his pack and takes a quick inventory. "Hm, I think I'm all set."
Hiko eyes the three different weapons the man is carrying along with the bulging pack and towering owlbear. "I'd say you probably are!"
"Thank you Hiko!" Zyneste gets up and heads out with Kaya. "I might pick up an extra quiver of cold iron arrows if you think we've got time."
Hiko gives Zyneste a nod. "I'll save you a seat! Just make sure you get back soon."
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Oiur grins widely at the sight of their friends. They weave their thin, hardy frame through the crowd. Their bobbing shock of bright red hair marks their passage, as do the black, red, and charcoal tattoos spiraling across their weathered face.
"Eugressia, good to see you so soon! And Kahru! I didn't expect to run into familiar faces this far north."
They turn towards the others. "Good to meet you all! I'm Oiur—not as strong as Kahru or as smart as Eugressia, but I do what I can." They hum contentedly to themself as they sip their tea and listen to the others' conversation.
They twist up a corner of their mouth at the mention of cold iron, pull a dagger from its sheath, and tap the flat of its blade contemplatively on the edge of the table. "Right. I remember we dealt with that sort of thing when Absalom was attacked, and I've been reading up in the aftermath. I'll probably get some of those alchemical blanches I saw mentioned."
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"Strictly internally, I assure you." Oiur's lips flatten in a subdued smile, but their emerald eyes twinkle. They lean down to scratch Nokka under the beak.
"It sounds like some of you are familiar with Nerosyan? I know a bit from books, but I've never been in Mendev before. I'm not sure how excited I am about traveling towards the Worldwound, but I suppose I'm slowly getting acclimated to that sort of thing. The Pathfinder Society's taken me..." they look to Kahru, "...well, us, I suppose, far from home."
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Oiur grins widely at the sight of their friends. They weave their thin, hardy frame through the crowd. Their bobbing shock of bright red hair marks their passage, as do the black, red, and charcoal tattoos spiraling across their weathered face.
"Eugressia, good to see you so soon! And Kahru! I didn't expect to run into familiar faces this far north."
They turn towards the others. "Good to meet you all! I'm Oiur—not as strong as Kahru or as smart as Eugressia, but I do what I can." They hum contentedly to themself as they sip their tea and listen to the others' conversation.They twist up a corner of their mouth at the mention of cold iron, pull a dagger from its sheath, and tap the flat of its blade contemplatively on the edge of the table. "Right. I remember we dealt with that sort of thing when Absalom was attacked, and I've been reading up in the aftermath. I'll probably get some of those alchemical blanches I saw mentioned."
Hiko gives the approaching human a smile and gestures to the open spot in their group. "Ah, you must be the sixth member! Please do come and join us for some tea." Offering up a cup, she adds, "Oh, good, you seem to be aquainted with many of the people here!"
"Strictly internally, I assure you." Oiur's lips flatten in a subdued smile, but their emerald eyes twinkle. They lean down to scratch Nokka under the beak.
"It sounds like some of you are familiar with Nerosyan? I know a bit from books, but I've never been in Mendev before. I'm not sure how excited I am about traveling towards the Worldwound, but I suppose I'm slowly getting acclimated to that sort of thing. The Pathfinder Society's taken me..." they look to Kahru, "...well, us, I suppose, far from home."
Hiko gives a small laugh. "Well if it's demon blood, externally is fine with me!"
Kaya gently sets the cup down on the table, but then makes something of a dash towards the stands and stalls from earlier, not wanting to enter battle ill-equipped. The immediate need, at least, filled, she returns
Kaya is able to get out of the courtyard and finds a stall selling all manner of different cold iron weapons with a sizable section of rapiers. The owner approaches and noticing what she's looking at, quickly picks up one of the weapons with an intricately wrought guard and pommel. "Looking for a rapier to handle demons? Might I suggest this one, she's the prettiest sword in my shop and you seem like you would be a good compliment for her. You look like your in a rush. I'll give you a deal, just 330 gp if you'll give me that one on your hip!"
“Welcome one and all, to the city of Nerosyan. I am Jorsal, Venture-Captain of Starrise Spire. I know you all have questions about why you’ve been sent here, and I intend to spend the evening answering those questions".
“I shall start by telling you why the Society has sent so many skilled agents to Mendev. Intrepid agents recently uncovered information that points to a startling find in the old nation of Sarkoris, now known as the Worldwound. These agents have discovered that a dwarven Sky Citadel, one of the rarest sites on the planet, rests within the Worldwound. It is known to us as Jormurdun.
“It is the will of the Decemvirate that we should come together and find the exact site of thi—”
The speech is interrupted by a distant explosion and the sounding of war horns!
Interrupted mid speech by a distant explosion and the blaring of the horns, Jorsal and all of the assembled Pathfinders wait on baited breath. A second passes and then another second, just as a low murmur of conversation starts up, the horns blare again, before getting cut short by something large and heavy thudding against the side of the tower and shaking the ground.
In a moment, a large number of demons teleport into the square and fall upon the Pathfinders. Not unprepared, the Pathfinders fight off the demons quickly fighting off the horde, though new ones keep popping in at regular intervals. A glance back at the city shows a large smoke ball rising into the sky to the west, along with smaller smoke stacks from fires that must have started around the city. The sounds of distant screams and fighting going on filters back into the square.
Hiko rushes about to gather up her supplies as a demon teleports into existence in the middle of the group. His burning hooves scorch the stones of the plaza, and he glares at everyone with burning eyes, but before he can so much as move, Jorsal rides up from behind on his horse and lops off it’s head with a low stroke. Bringing the horse to a standstill he addresses everyone. “My friends, it appears the city is under attack by a force of demons from the Worldwound! How such a thing is possible, I do not yet know, but I do know that this attack cannot stand. Our treaty with the crusaders of Mendev binds us to join the battle. Give me some time to rally our agents as best I can, and in the meantime I trust you to pick where your skills can best be put to use. Go forth into Nerosyan or hasten to the skirmishes outside its walls, and aid where you can. I shall summon you again when I know how to best combat this enemy.”
He turns back before riding off, adding, “Keep an eye out for Venture-Captain Thurl. If he is not already helping, ensure that he’s not pinned down.”
Hiko, having gathered her things, nods, “You heard the man, we’d best get moving. I’m already promised to help at a contingency hospital in the case of emergencies such as this, but you should see if there’s anything you can do to help out. Given the fires all over the place, I think your help would be appreciated anywhere! Let’s survive this and have tea again sometime. Good Luck!”
With this she gives the group a parting bow and Ulfen gesture of friendship before rushing off down a street.
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Hearing the sounds of battle, Takumi quickly whips out a wand and activates it on himself, granting magical protection.
Although he maintains an outward composure, those more observant can see that he is getting excited. "Come, shall we? Without intelligence, one location is as good as another at this time."
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Seeing Takumi applying some magical protection to himself, Zyneste quickly withdraws her own wand of mage armor and approaches the elf. "Please, Takumi. If you wouldn't mind?"
As for which area to head to next, the shy monk offers no initial suggestions, happy to let others take the lead in such matters.
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Oiur returns from the market stalls, dodging demons and Pathfinder alike to reunite with their companions. The new earth breaker in their hands exhibits the dull glint of cold iron. Their brow is furrowed and they bear a look of grim determination.
"I was worried I wouldn't find you! I heard the Venture-Captain's call—assuming there are still engineers in Egelsee, they might need a path cleared so they can more easily move through the city." They cast an eye towards the plumes of smoke. "It looks like repairs are in order."
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His transformation complete, the man has taken on a bestial appearance. A coarse brown fur now covers his body, and hIs face has stretched and distorted into a snub snout, large teeth visible as he speaks. "I'm sure we won't be hurting for action no matter where we go, right girl?" He reaches down to scratch Nokka behind the ear with a newly-formed claw.
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*Mrrr-hoo* Nokka tilts her head to get the most of the scratches, clearly excited at the activity around her.
The group decides that going after the Egelsee District in hopes of protecting the pilgrims. The streets of the city prove to be chaos with civilians heading for cover here and there, crusaders and demons duking it out and the occasional cultist here or there crying doom and destruction or just cackling madly. After about half an hour of ducking and diving through the crowds the group arrives at the edge of the district. Not much is different here from the rest of town, chaos reigns supreme here, too.
However, after 10 minutes of helping fight off many of the little demons that are plaguing the district, the fighting slows down and then with the last demon's death cry, an odd silence falls upon the street. After a few seconds a crusader rushes out of one of the nearby buildings, gesturing to the party to join her. “You lot! In here, now!”
It takes everyone’s eyes a moment to adjust to the dimly lit insides of the building, but once adjusted the place proves to be a bustling hub filled with crates, weapons, armor, and all manners of alchemic supplies. The crusader that called to you, stands just aways inside letting you get your bearings before introducing herself. “Pathfinders! It’s good to see you. This attack was so sudden and unexpected that we could use all the help we can get! Speaking of help, we could use yours.”
The half elf motions for you to move in further, heading to a large map of the city on one side of the wall. ”First, I am Lady Talira, and I am in charge of the head emergency supply depot in the Egelsee district… just a sec.”
She breaks off the conversation to chat at a subordinate who seems in a rush. “Heinrich needs more blessed weapons? We’re out aren’t we? Thought so. Well tell him he can wait for a sec, we’re trying to get more.” She turns her attention back to the group. ”Where was I…. Ah right, as you can probably tell we’re well stocked on most things but we need more blessed weapons. Luckily we have quite a few stockpiled in a nearby bank of Abadar. We sent a few people earlier, but the haven’t returned yet and we can’t really spare anyone else. Could you go here and pick them up for us?”
She marks out a spot on the map and with a smile sends you off.
Arriving at the point, the front entrance to the bank seems to be blocked by two giant hulking demons with thick armor like plating on them. One of them snores loudly in a deep sleep, the other picks his teeth with what looks like an earthbreaker, surrounding them is a small mound of dead bodies. With the assured air of creatures that know they are strong enough to not have to pay attention to their surrounds, the two haven’t really caught sight of the group, though you realize they’d probably make short work of you if they had.
These things are Hezrou and not something you think you could take on easily.
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Kaya grins and happily takes the offer, shaking on it and passing over her carefully loved rapier in exchange for the prettily wrought new one. Demons wouldn't have much opportunity to appreciate the look if she managed things correctly, but she, at least, could.
She hastened to return to the others just as the announcement ended and the explosion began - she nearly missed the quick movement as they passed into the next zone!
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"Allow me to scout the inside," Kaya murmurs, keeping her voice low. "There may yet be a back door and if we can obtain the necessary tools, we'll not need to linger or fight when the Crusaders are in need of more weapons."
As she pauses to determine her companions' reactions, she steps into the shadows, fingering her potion of invisibility. If they wanted to engage in combat, she could attempt to start them off, but if they'd rather get in and out, she might be better suited to the deed of obtaining the required weapons.
And... could they use the building next to them? If there was a back door, it was possible the bank had one, too.
A small kncok on the front door of the building next to you garners no response and trying the lock proves the building is unlocked. Opening the door reveals another door at the back of the house.
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"My most humble apologies, but I fail to recognise what those demons are."
Before Kaya moves off, Takumi pulls out from his pouch eight-legged vermin which appears to be a scorpion. On closer look though, you realised that it is actually formed by very complex paper-folding. But it's alive!
Keeping his voice low, he presents the scorpion to her. "This little one is named Kizuo. Allow her to accompany you. Should you encounter danger, she would know." He whispers to the the little paper vermin but it skitters across Takumi's hand onto Kaya's arm and up her shoulder.
OVERSEER ANNOUNCEMENT
Pathfinders have struck a blow against the invaders in the Battle District