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Greta doesn't wait quite long enough for a response before she decides to start at the beginning...
"It all started at the Armasse celebration. We were all enjoying the festivities like any other year, and then with no warning the demons attacked. I don't think any of us remember that first attack very well because we all got beat up pretty bad by the earthquake; I mean, not as bad as Anevia, commander Tirabade's wife, or Aravashnial- they were both caught in the earthquake with us and are still injured. But, from what we do remember, a lot of demons just showed up in Clydwell Plaza and, obviously, fighting broke out, but then the Storm King appeared and started cutting people down. Terendelev flew into the square and started fighting the demonlord... and... well, it looked like she lost... but that's right when the earth shook and we all fell into a chasm below the city. The fall would have killed us but Terendelev used her magic to make us float down like feathers, and when we woke up at the bottom of the cave there we enough of her scales for each of us to have one. That could just be a coincidence, ma'am, but I always thought it was interesting that it was just the right number, like maybe she had given them to us for a reason."
"Either way, we knew we had to get back to the surface as quick as we could to try to help fight the invasion. Oh, and Horgus was in the cave with us too; so, we helped the three of them stay safe and get out of there. It turns out there's, like, miles of tunnels below the city, and there's things like giant bugs and living stalagtites down there that tried to kill us, but we also found a whole city of mongrelmen down there, called Neathholm, and they helped us some and traded with us, and they sent some soldiers up a little later who actually helped us storm the Gray Garrison. But there were also cultists hiding in the tunnels, closer to the surface, and they might have been involved in preparing for the attack, but we killed all of them and found the sword they stole: its called Radiance and it was used by the famous crusader Yaniel, and now Benedic is using it, but he let Commander Tirabade borrow it for my knighting which I thought was really cool, even though I don't personally worship Iomedae like they all do, but sometimes men look at me and they think because I'm little and a girl I can't really fight, so being knighted by a female commander with a female crusader's sword was awesome."
"But, anyways, after we killed the cultists, and a couple dretches, we got out of the tunnels and back into the city. We got Horgus and Avashnial to the places they wanted to go--and thought they'd be safe at--and then we found Defender's Heart, where we finally reunited Anevia and Irabeth. From here we went on a couple missions and killed some more cultists, and demons, and captured some more intel, and then Commander Tirabade told us about the enemies' plan to corrupt the wardstone and the Eagle Watch's plan to stop it. We went--along with our mongrelman allies--to the Gray Garrison while other units were staging attacks around the city to draw attention away from us. There were still a bunch of cultists and demons there, but we fought our way through them, and stayed on mission, even when there were other important things that we wanted to do, and we found where they had the shard hidden. It was guarded by a really big demon who hit hard but we killed him too and then we destroyed it like we were supposed to, and all the other demons across the city died too, like our leaders were hoping they would."
She pauses while Selann adds some more details then continues, "that's right. The shard exploded, and the pieces embedded themselves in the walls and furniture, and one of them burrowed right into my hammer, which used to be my father's but he died when I was little so it use it in his memory. But the shards weren't the really amazing part: there was this light and we felt this amazing power roll over us, and it was like we were full of Heaven itself--like we were invincible, and capable of anything--and we fought another demon, one that should have been too powerful for us, but with all that extra power we won easily, and then it faded... the power, I mean... not all the way though, like, we're not full of Heaven any more but we were... I don't know, changed by it? All of us are tougher and more powerful than before; I'm not sure how else to describe it."
"And, that's about it. They had desecrated a bunch of shrines in the Garrison, so we cleaned them up and got them ready to be reconsecrated and then came back here and celebrated with everyone. Oh, and... I was warned to be careful who we told about this, but--since you're the queen and all--we all had a vision where Iomedae told us that our work wasn't done yet and we should be ready to do what we're called on to do. Now, like I said, I don't worship her--I worship Ragathiel--but, you know, when a goddess like that gives you a vision I think you kind of have to listen, right?"
Junior is quick to add, "We got a lot of intel too, see here," he points to a letter from Minagho. "Don't worry about that Faxon guy, we totally murdered him. Anyway it sounds like the demoness Minahgo, yes of the Red Morning Massacre, was behind it with the architect of the Worldwound herself. They needed some kind of crystal called Nahyndrian. And we got this map, that's probably more up to date than anything we have, oh and a bunch of other documents. "
Let us not forget the note to Staunton Vane we found with Irabeth's familial blade. Indicating that he murderous heretic is at least in communication with the traitors who infiltrated Kenabres, Is that what you produced Junior, my apologies. he nods in appreciation to the half-ork before continuing, There were cultists of Deskari, and the Minotaur demon lord as well. Apologies, infernal religion is not an area of study I am well-versed in.
Junior whispers to Caliban, "Demonic not Infernal. Cheliax and their Infernal associates are obstinately our allies in the crusade."
Caliban leans back to Junior, Dammit, thank you, I should know that I suppose given my studies of Abyssal, Infernal, and Daemonic languages. They do all run together sometimes. And I do not exactly see the church of Asmodeus front and center on our battle lines around here.
Junior smiles and pats Caliban on the back, "I will write my dad a strongly worded letter. He probably sent his Hellknights away from Kenebres. He would have called it a tactical retreat."
As Junior and Caliban meander into their side conversation, Greta smiles a bit awkwardly and confirms, “yes, we found papers with some of the cultists we killed, and I’m pretty sure we showed them all to Commander Tirabade when we got here, or after we found them, for the ones we found after we got here, but we do still have some of them in our possession and, obviously, you can look at them or take them, or whatever. I mean, you’re the queen, obviously you can have them, you don’t need me to tell you that you can have them… ma’am.”
Junior stiffens his stance a bit and winks at Greta, "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt. Um... about Aravashnial any chance yer highness has a cleric capable of restoring his eyes? I'd be happy to pay for it. He kinda needs his eyes for his particular skillset."
Tristan continues to just read the room.
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In the days leading up to the visit with the queen Junior busies himself with his smithing tools, making significant progress reforging his mother's greatsword. But he doesn't forget his friends and imbues Benny and Cal's armor with his magic.
Galfrey's eyes widen almost imperceptibly when Benedic speaks up, but that is the only outward sign she shows of recognition or surprise. She maintains her stoic demeanor throughout your report, interrupting occasionally to ask a clarifying question or for the odd detail here and there. The corner of her mouth twitches up in what almost might be a smile as Caliban and Junior descend into their side conversation. Once you're finished, she nods and leans forward, planting her hands on the conference table.
"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. In particular, 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 Nerosyan, Karcau, and beyond. The time is right to strike into their territory. Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the First Crusade, and we lost more than 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 you out. If you can retake Drezen and reclaim the Sword of Valor, not only will you silence the fools who would brand you traitors for destroying the wardstone, but more importantly, you would bolster the entire war effort with your heroism. And I fear we need all the bolstering we can get!
"This is quite the task I set before you, but time is pressing. I will not order you to march to Drezen, but I would have your answers now. Ask any questions you may have of me before making your decision."
Junior grins ear to ear, "Sounds like fun! Let's do this!" He looks down at Fred who has suddenly appeared in Junior's hand, "But we can get in on the ground floor. You'll be the first merchant lord in the city that will eventually spring up around Drezen." After a pause, "You're being obstinate, back in the pack."
He turns back to his friends, "You're in right? We get to lead a glorious assault on an impenetrable fortress guarded by who knows what kinds of vicious and cruel demons!"
Greta's jaw drops while the queen is talking and her eyes go wide. <We destroyed all the wardstones?!?> she silently mouths to Selann.
She hardly lets Junior finish speaking before interjecting her own answer: "Of course, ma'am! Ever since I was old enough to understand that the demons killed my dad and my brothers, and that nobody would ever be truly safe until they were defeated, it's been my dream to join the crusade and make a difference. I'd be honored and... grateful, I guess, to get to take the fight to them at Drezen."
Over the course of a few days, while Junior enchants armor Caliban spends time with Selann's wand of magic missiles, pouring arcane energy back into the wand.
Junior slows his excitement, "Oh wow that was their plan?" He explains for the not magically inclined, "Ok so sympathetic magic. You take an object to represent something and then you use engergy to bond the object to the thing it represents, its a channel. This is a lot easier to do if they're similar or was once a part of it. You make a doll of someone you can incorporate their hair, for example. Once this is done changes to the channel affect the thing it represents. They did that to the wardstones with the chunk the Storm King tore off. They were going to corrupt the piece which would corrupt our wardstone and since they're all linked all would have been effected. Except we interrupted the ritual and destroyed the channel and thus the wardstones."
Selann is surprised like Greta and shrugs, then nods at her mouthed question.
He is also surprised that the supposed interrogation includes praise. He knows that they hadn't done anything other than what they were supposed to do. But that doesn't always excuse the results. When asked "IF" they would go.... He steps forward, standing as tall as his 3' 1" body allows.
"My Queen. Of course we will go! As for questions, well.... I have but two. I'm not a leader or course, but who will be leading the modest, but well trained army? And.... How would we find the banner once we clear the city? Does anyone currently here know what it looks like or where it might be in the city?"
Tristan's only response is to request the latest maps, troop movements, and projected fortifications of their newest mark....
Galfrey nods in agreement with Junior's theorizing. "Just so. A rather cunning plan for fiends of chaos, wouldn't you agree?" She raises an eyebrow before turning to Selann.
"Reasonable questions. I have had the privilege of seeing the banner with my own eyes. It is a battle standard, with Iomedae's holy symbol laid against a red field. She used it Herself, you know, when She was still a mortal. As to its location, well...it is somewhere inside Citadel Drezen. At one point, it was held in a special vault, but our divinations have only revealed that the banner remains in the Citadel somewhere. Alas, the same wards that protect it against demons also hamper divination attempts—but we know it's still in there, likely kept as a trophy.
"My hope was that one of you would lead this army. To support you, we're sending three specialists. Aron Kir was a cleric of Shelyn here in Kenabres before the temple was destroyed—he can help with healing as needed, but he's also quite knowledgeable about demons and their tactics. Sosiel Vaenic is an expert on siege tactics, traps, infiltration, scouting, and the like; he’s where you’ll be getting your map of the Citadel, incidentally. And lastly, there's Nurah Dendiwhar. She'll be supporting you with her bardic magic, but she’s also an expert on the region and knows more about Drezen than anyone in Kenabres at this point, I'll wager. I'm also going to be sending an army of crusaders with you. There's only a hundred of them, but they're all devout paladins of Iomedae. It's not a large army, but you'll be able to move without attracting attention. Trust me, that’s an advantage when it comes to demonic foes. They hit hard, so it's best not to give them the opportunity."
When the queen proposes that one of their group lead the army she begins to consider weight of that responsibility, and prepare herself to volunteer. She freezes, though, at the mention of the soldiers being paladins of Iomedae.
Benedic's devotion almost cost us valuable time in the Gray Garrison... but he did listen to reason and wait until after our victory to cleanse the altars there... and none of us would understand the soldiers' motivations, or code or conduct, like he would...
She nods at the queen's advice and then looks to the priest to see if he will speak up.
Selann considers the queen's words. A hundred Paladins? Great force against demons but certainly not going to follow a little rogue/wizard like him!
"A banner? The demons probably rolled it up and stashed it if they couldn't destroy it. We'll have to clear the citadel then and search. Well, we will.... once we get there. Guess I'll join Sosiel with the scouting. I'm a pretty fair scout myself."
He starts to turn, then remembers who he is speaking to.... He bows, "Thank you my Queen. We will succeed with this!"
Tristan listens. The Inquisitor nods at the conclusion.
Best be about planning our route.
Tristan bows before searching for the map expert.
Benedic, who has been looking away during the Queen's speech, winces when he sees Greta's stare. He takes a long breath, almost like a sigh, and says: "There was a time, not very long ago, when I would have rushed forward with my hand in the air, and indeed have thought it absurd and unfair whenever any other would be placed in charge of righteous women and men over me. But having traveled and fought beside the members of this small, worthy band of adventurers, I cannot imagine any of us putting ourselves above the others, even as a royal directive." He looks around the circle. "Since your majesty requires a chain of command, I will serve as our leader if it is your wish, but you should know that any decisions will be made by us as a group, though they might come from me as our spokesperson."
He frowns deeply. "As commander, I suppose it will be necessary to reveal who I am, as it will undoubtedly get about and could have a positive effect on the army's morale. However I, ah, haven't spoken about this to my friends. I feared it would harm our... well, ah, I am not sure why I have kept it secret." He bites his lip and looks around at everyone again. "Some of you may have deduced it, but my father was descended from one of Queen Galfrey's sisters. I have thus sometimes been addressed with the honorary title 'Prince Benedic' by those who know my lineage." Benedic's expression is complicated, suggesting he is more embarrassed than proud to share this information.
Junior gasps at the dramatic revelation. "Normally I'd complain about nepotism, but I'm ok with Prince Benny leading the army. I would take the job but I'd be a bad fit for a bunch of paladins." He gives his royal friend a pat on the back, "Grats man."
Caliban takes it in stride, Benedic revealing his familial connection to the Royalty in the room, I agree then that Benedic should have command, as these soldiers will need a strong voice to listen to. But I do know that in battle, command can be lost, may I suggest Greta as his second? turning back to the Queen, We will certainly advance on the city and reclaim the banner, and these soldiers will certainly help us arrive safely should the forces of the Worldwound attempt to stand in our way. he bows graciously, accustomed to greeting important people in Kyonin; and retreats a few steps to listen to the conversations of the party and her Majesty, seeing if any patterns emerge for him.
Benedic narrows his eyes at Junior, still never quite sure how to react to the half-ork's joking manner. He sighs and nods to acknowledge the congratulations, wondering to himself if 'Prince Benny' is better or worse for his dignity than just 'Benny'.
On his way to begin planning the route with the expert, Tristan stops at the local printer union.
I need a bunch of tabards printed with the words "Team Prince Benny" on them! Ready before we leave!
well, that explains why he seemed like a pompous little princeling when we first met…
Greta let’s out a tiny giggle then clears her throat and pretends that didn’t happen. “I’m honored to serve however I can,” she answers Caliban’s suggestion seriously.
Queen Galfrey favors Benedic with a warm smile, despite (or perhaps because of) his plain discomfort at laying claim to his royal heritage.
"I must confess, my dear nephew, that I had hoped you would take on this burden. I know your duties in Kenabres had occupied the majority of your time and focus, but I believe that placing you at the head of the army that retakes Drezen will demonstrate the faith and importance I am placing in you and your mission." She pauses for a moment. "And do not correct me by insisting on counting out however many 'greats' are supposed to be in front of 'nephew.' I am reminded of my age far more than is proper for any woman, let alone one of my advanced years."
Junior's spine stiffens as the queen bears here teeth ever so slightly. He whispers to Caliban, "Oh snap."
"Very well. Dame Greta and I-- as well as the rest of your irregulars here-- are at your service, your majesty. Or would you prefer I call you 'auntie'?" Though this seems like it might be a joke, Benedic does not crack a smile as he looks her in the eye.
Then, as if anxious to finish talking before the queen can take offense, he plows ahead. "I... I do have a request, if I may. There is a woman here in Kenabres named Beatrics, who is also a devout follower of Iomedae, and who until recently served as my acolyte at the temple. Since returning to the city I have had the opportunity to hear her preaching, and I was extremely impressed with her performance. I never knew she could be so inspiring; the people who heard her words were clearly moved by the spirit of the Inheritor Herself. Would... ah, your majesty, as a favor to me, would you appoint her to act as chaplain for this expedition? I don't think she would refuse a royal invitation, and I feel that I owe her something for her faithful service. I fear that if I were to ask her she might refuse, for our relationship is somewhat strained at the present time."
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...their relationship is 'somewhat strained' at the present time... well, that's what he gets for taking along the whole band of merry men here to go see her when he should have gone with just me...
Caliban leans back to Junior, She seems extremely sensitive about the age thing, but she definitely appears formidable even without knowing her authority. I do think that this explains more of Benedic, but he has certainly moved beyond being a princeling, to his credit.
The gaggle at the back of the court continue their low murmur, respectful, but still slightly distracted from the interactions of the nobles...
Queen Galfrey blinks once in surprise, before nodding. "Is that all you would ask, nephew? It is done." She turns to the rest of the heroes. "Lest I be accused of favoritism, I must offer the same opportunity to each of you. If you have a request of me, and it is within my power, I shall see it done."
Greta’s eyes get big(ger) with surprise at the queen’s generous offer. She contemplates it for a moment and then speaks rather tentatively, ”ma’am, I… well, I know that there will be a lot to be done to rebuild this city, and as much as I hate to say it, some of her oldest family-lines may have been cut off by this calamity… my family doesn’t have that kind of prestige, but my father and my brothers gave their lives fighting the demons, and I’m prepared to do the same if needed, but if it’s not… if I survive all this and we succeed in driving back the demons, I would commit myself to helping Kenabres become all that it was and more… so I ask this- if I do survive, and if there are houses that don’t, then when the war is over you would grant me one of their holdings in the old city, and the right for my descendants to inherit it in my father’s name, so that for as long as Kenabres stands our fate would be tied to its, and our blood here to defend it.”
Caliban breaks off his side conversation with Junior in the back of the room, meeting the queen's gaze and inclining his head after Greta's heartfelt request. Thank you for your kindness in this your Majesty, I have no needs for myself at this time, but what else can you tell us of Drezen? Are there things we should expect journeying there? Do you know what forces hold the city of Drezen now? And what of our companions we rescued recently - Horgus, Aravashnial, Anevia, and the descendants of the Crusaders, may they accompany us as well? he waits for her responses before asking the next question, but clearly wants as much information as possible before setting off on this next wild excursion.[/b]
Junior coughs interrupting Caliban's request, "Anevia and Aravashnial were both injured in the fighting. Aravashnial's eye were gouged out... Could one of your healers restore them?"
He winks at Caliban, "A wizard must be able to read afterall."
Tristan has already left the building to begin preparations for the upcoming mission, quest, thingy.
Later on that day, the Queen receives a missive denoting the laundry list of items, property, titles and a new T-shirt printing press on their return for more Team Prince Benny shirts to be made in triumph!
Galfrey nods in answer to Greta. "It will take time, as I have no wish to dispossess anyone of their ancestral home, but it will be done. Sadly, a great number of family lines, high and lowborn alike, have been ended.
"My healers are seeing to your comrades now, Aravashnial in particular. If it your wish that they accompany you, then I will see that done as well."
”Thank you, ma’am… your majesty,” Greta replies earnestly. ”Take your time. I don’t want to take anything from anyone living to claim it either, and I wouldn’t ask you to grant it before we leave and risk having to redeed it all over again if we don’t come back. But when we do come back, I promise you won’t regret it, ma’am.”
Selann stays back when the group is discussing future homes and honors. While he hoped that there'd be an academy of the arcane when the city was built, he wasn't going to ask for it now. There were demons to kill and a gateway to somehow close. He assumed that was what they'd been granted to powers for.
While the last of the real preparations are being made, Greta slips off to the market area and secures dried fruit, nuts, and whatever precious little chocolate or sweets she can find to make for pleasant little treats during their dangerous journey.
With the snacks safely hidden away in her bag, she returns to her friends and asks, "Well, are we all set to go then?"
Once the immediate preparations are concluded, Queen Galfrey has one more command for each of you.
"Kneel," she says, drawing her sword. "I know that some of you have titles and knighthoods of your own already, but I have one more to bestow upon all of you: Knight of the Fifth Crusade." She proceeds down the line, tapping her sword on each shoulder before asking you to rise to your feet once again.
"Furthermore," she adds, nodding to an aide as he enters the room, carrying a small wooden case. "A more tangible recognition of what you have achieved already." She opens the case, which contains eight medals, held inside a soft insert. Six of them are an identical blue disc, circled in lightning. Of the remaining two, one is a triangular piece of iron with a demon's faced etched into it, and the other is a colorful disc with a pair of crossed swords above a sunburst.
"In recognition of the vital intelligence you captured during your liberation of the Gray Garrison, you are each awarded the Righteous Medal of Clarity. Dame Gyllenhår, in recognition of your swift and decisive action to save the lives of civilians trapped by a demon, I award you the Righteous Medal of Agility. And to Sir Junior, in recognition of your dedicated mercy and compassion to an enemy, I award you the Righteous Medal of Command."
Rather than hanging the medals about your necks or pinning them to your clothes, Galfrey takes your hand, places the medal in your open palm, and closes your fingers around it. She nods to the aide again, who departs as silently as he entered.
"Now, we've done enough talking. Follow me to your army, and meet your troops."
Selann accepts the medal with the proper dignity, wondering about the function of such. He knew it had to be more than decoration but decided he'd study it later. He waited until all had been passed out and the command given to join the army. It was time to get moving!
As Queen Galfrey knights Junior and decorates him the half-ork grins from ear to ear. Later he lets out a yelp, ”We’re big damn heroes. Let’s go show the demons we don’t need the wardstones anymore.”
Amelia follows Junior to the back and to the right of Junior. She rolled her eyes at his joyful outburst. ”Yeah, just walk up to a demon fortress and bloody their noses, simple right?” she muttered. She knew first hand the power the demons held but this odd group of the insane, idealists, and establishmentarians also had power. And they were a lot kinder than the demons and other cultists, even if they had sticks up their asses.
She clutched her guitar with newly formed callouses from hours of practice. She was skeptical at first about magic through music. But it worked somehow, and she liked it, but most of all it gave her some measure of security. The security the Cult of Baphomet had failed to provide her.
Caliban bows deeply accepting the medal from the Queen. Thank you your Majesty, I believe we are prepared for this next endeavor. Your support is always welcome and we are but humble servants against this tide of evil. he retreats and allows the others to accept their medals in turn.
Benedic accepts the medal and bows to his great-aunt-queen. "Lead on, your majesty, and we will follow you."