"OH, JUST HAPPENED TO BE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THOUGH WE'D CHECK IN."
"Not too sure how much information comes out to the estate. We were on a patrol and figured we would be good neighbors and bring gossip." A tusky grin accompanies that statement. George looks at the placement of the sun.
"Ah, I see, I see. Been quiet so far. Just gettin' folk settled in and learning what Horgus is wanting us to do here. Pretty basic stuff, keep the grounds safe and secure."
He points up to the house.
"It's a big place, we could use even more folks here. It's actually surprisingly defensible as a safehouse. Anyhoo, let's hear this gossip? We can step inside and grab a drink too. 'Fraid there's not much in the way of liquor here, but he's got plenty of water. Kept cold in fact, which makes it taste so sweet."
"I CAN MAKE COFFEE."
Spending some time drinking coffee and exchanging info. Pretty quickly, both groups are caught up on events.
Upon returning, the place is bustling with dinnertime activity. Meals are being prepared and some are starting to get their rations for the day, so as to make room for others later. In short order, Irabeth approaches the group, a worried expression creasing her brow. "Ah, it is good you are back. If you are not too busy, could you come with me, there's someone you should meet."
During the conversation, Tetsu sits quietly by herself and doesn't speak.
George nods and gets ready to follow Irabeth. He nonchalantly hands a pouch to Tetsu. "A couple of oils to enchant a weapon. They don't last long, but will let me power them up a bit more."
"SURE THING, IRABETH."
"GOOD THINKING, GEORGE."
Leading the group to one of the side rooms, she presents to them an older man with an eagle's talon tattooed on his face. He is standing before a table, cluttered with papers and maps.
"This is Quednys Orlun, he's the head librarian of Blackwing."
The old man nods, but continues shuffling through the papers. Irabeth presses on, but raises an eyebrow slightly at him.
"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.""
Irabeth makes a wide gesture as if to indicate all of the people of the Defender's Heart.
"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."[/b]
The old man starts speaking, still flipping through papers. "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."
George's eyes widen at the implication of the task presented. "Not recover, not repair, but destroy? Will we need to escort a peer of Aravashnial, or will someone have to teach us a ritual?"
Tetsu acknowledges the gift from George, and bows deeply.
Arigato George-san. I fear I did not bring gift for you.
"I'VE GOT SOME SKILL WITH THAT SORT OF THING, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LIKE OL' ARAVASH." Coop says. "BUT I'M PRETTY GOOD AT SMASHING THINGS, IF THATS WHAT THE JOB CALLS FOR. USUALLY ITS MORE COMPLICATED THAN THAT, THOUGH."
Stop them! Let the oni win!
Tetsu ponders something for a moment, and shakes her head as if clearing it.
If oni try to do something to hurt people, Tetsu do what she can to stop them. But Tetsu not smart like George-san, not strong like Coop-san, and not kind like Firas-san. But Tetsu will do what she can to help
Tetsu brings out her hammer and examines it closely.
Not sure if hammer can hurt such thing. Usually for taking weapon from attacker, but if can hurt Wardstone, will try
Firas blushes himself at Tetsu's compliment, unused to being noted for his kindness.
"I share in George's reservations. How can we be sure that this is not some deception? The abyss spawn have infiltrated our ranks and seem to be spying amongst us for some time now. They could be trying to trick us into destroying the one thing that could protect us. I certainly do not mean to make any accusations. I simply feel that it is very important that we do not make any rash decisions here. A lot hangs in the balance."
"Please to not think of this as a gift. My purpose is to make certain everyone can fight to their best. You using these to put down those that would harm others, that is the best way to repay any debt you feel."
Quednys smiles and looks up for the first time. "Yes, destroy it. If they can get their hands on that crystal and the wardstone, it could spell doom for many. If the fragment is destroyed however, that may give us a chance to counter. As for how to do such a thing, well, that's where this gets a lot more interesting. But, I hear your concerns. This is not something we are taking lightly, and I expect they will have some of their more fervent followers guarding the fragment, making this a very dangerous mission. So before I lay things out, do you accept?"
"OH, MOST DEFINITELY" Coop says.
Georgie, it is the Dawn of a New Age. Living, dead, mortal, divine, fiend, Material plane, and Abyss. All swirling together, blurring, mixing.
George’s eyes get a little wide, and a small giggle escapes before he regains his composure. ”This is going to be one of those weeks. The death of a legend, the fall of a city, the plague of fiends. Why not end it with the destruction of an artifact that has protected us for centuries. A new Age is upon us, and the rules must change.”
Irabeth nods with a grim determination in her eyes. "Here is the plan. I, and a few others will lead groups out into the city. Attempting to draw the attention of these cultists and demons, to lure them out of the Garrison. Small bands will work well for this as we'll be able to hit and keep moving. I do expect we will have some losses, but the destruction of the Wardstone fragment is paramount right now."
She pauses for a moment, looking up as a messenger enters. He passes off a note that she scans quickly.
"Good news there, but we'll come back to that momentarily. Cracking the defenses at the Grey Garrison might take a while. Even if you can get in, do not try to push yourselves too hard. If you need to fall back, we will have teams nearby that can give you some cover."
Quednys chimes in at this point, "Well, don't tarry too long. We still need to complete this before Vorlesh arrives. Once she is on the field, well, that will make things much, much more difficult for us all. Especially if she has this Nahyndrian crystal. But here, you'll need this. You were worried about rituals and fancy ceremonies to power down the Wardstone. Nothing to extravagant. Just tap this rod to it and that'll do the trick."
The old man hands over a white staff that looks a bit like a tuning fork with a green orb between the prongs.
"Just, do be careful with that. It's a Rod of Cancellation. Was recovered from one of the destroyed structures in town. Tap that on anything magic, and it'll drain it's power permanently, but it only works once. So, watch where you point it."
Irabeth redirects the conversation, shaking the paper from the messenger, "So, now that that is laid out, here's something to help you all. Some of the mongrelmen have arrived. A squadron of archers that can support you while you are out. I am confident we will win this thing. Unless you need anything, we should start getting prepared. My first teams will be heading out in just a few hours to get in place. You all can begin in the morning. Sound good?"
"SOUNDS EXCITING! AND GLAD TO HEAR OUR FRIENDS FROM BELOW WILL BE JOINING IN THE FIGHT."
"Oh, I've got that handled." Coop says, pulling a scroll of gust of wind from his bag.
Firas asks Irabeth and Quednys, "Is there anything else that your organization can provide for us? I feel a bit unprepared for such a frontline assault. Half of us don't yet have enchanted weapons. Demonic hide is notoriously resilient."
Alex, would you be opposed to me swapping weapon of awe for Knock as one of my 2nd level spells I just picked up? 2nd level slots are in high demand, and it won't help with traps, but it's a competitive disable device for opening locks.
You didn't start with standard wealth for 3rd level?
Irabeth squinches her face for a moment in thought. "Outside of what the merchants are offering, I'm afraid I don't have too much that I can give. Each team is going to need supplies for this to work. Honestly, we're a bit hard pressed, but I can't really justify depriving the merchants of their livelihoods. Not yet anyway. My bigger concern is our food stores if I'm being blunt. So many mouths to feed and the stocks are dwindling."
George mulls over the Gray Garrison for a bit, then remembers that the old building has seen recent use as a museum. It spans two full floors and a partial third floor. The interior is usually lit with a whole compliment of everburning torches, but there is a distinct lack of windows in the complex, which makes the smoke gather and is a tad uncomfortable to be in for long periods.
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"Alright. Get some dinner, then rest up. Be ready to move at first light."
Irabeth makes a formal gesture and moves around to the other side of the desk, nearer to the maps.
Heading out of the meeting room, a somewhat familiar figure is strolling down the hallways. You spot Aravashnial talking with Anevia. She smiles and waves to the group and directs his attention towards you all. His face no longer covered in bandages, his bright elven eyes seen to shine in the light here.
"Hello again my friends. It is good to meet, and finally see you all. With all that has been going on, and my haste to help out those of the Blackwing, I'm afraid I left before I could offer a proper reward for your help."
He pulls out a small bit of parchment and jots something down quickly upon it.
"Go to that location, I think you will find plenty of things in that cache that will be worthwhile. I only regret that I don't have them with me to present them to you all myself."
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George breaks out in a huge grin at seeing the wizard. "Aravahnial, it is good to see you! Got to love the magic. I am glad that there was someone around to fix your eyes so quickly. I shudder to think of having to rely on just my body's natural repair.
How goes things with Blackwing? Have you found others of your lodge, or are you stepping in as headmaster? I have not seen or heard anything more of the Worm Man.
A look of chagrin passes over his face. "Forgive me. In the joy of familiar faces, my manners have deserted me. This is Tetsu, from the East, that felt the call to travel all the way here to help defeat the demons."
At the mention of Blackwing his expression grows a bit grim. "It appears that the librarians spoke true and the other Wardens have fled. There is no lodge to head right now."
Turning to Tetsu he cocks his head for a moment, then gives a deep bow. "A pleasure to meet you."
"ARAVASH! GLAD TO SEE YOU'VE HEALED NICELY." Coop energetically shakes the elfs hand.
He glances at the note, curious where this cache is hidden.
"Aravashnial!"
Firas rushes over to him and seems to go in for a hug, before catching himself and looking slightly embarrassed at his emotional display. He instead clasping his hand in a firm shake.
"I see that the Healing Light has restored your sight! Blinded, you were a force to be reckoned with. I can only imagine the danger you pose to the demonic filth now!"
"And Anevia, it is good to see you again! How is the leg doing? It is good to have us together again. We are a group forged in the depths!"
His eyebrows arch high on his forehead as he is told of the cache, "That is very generous of you! We will ensure that it is put to the best use possible. And I imagine we should not delay in retrieving these goods. Our quest awaits!"
Tetsu bows in respect to the wizard. Is honor to meet Aravashniel-san.
"Yes, after we parted company, the librarians and I headed north to track down Quednys. Turns out, he was brought here after being injured." Aravash looks towards the meeting room that you all had just come out of. "By the looks of things, you have likely met him. I take it they roped you into their little plan? It should be interesting if nothing else. I just hope it ends up being worth the cost. I fear the odds may be stacked against us for this fight."
Abruptly there is a bit of an excited commotion from the main hall.
"Wonder what they're getting all worked up over?" Aravash and Anevia head towards the hall to investigate.
Coop hurries after them, hand on the haft of his morningstar.
George awkwardly carries his new bardiche and follows after.
Firas follows behind to investigate the commotion, activating his second sight as he goes.
In the main hall, George spots his cousin, seemingly burdened with large sacks of grain and other foods. He waves enthusiastically to George.
"Oh man, it was a great idea sending me over to Horgus's place. He and I got to talking about the situation here at the Heart. He put on that grumpy face of his, but he brought me to a cellar at his place. He's got tons of food stocked up. Said I should probably bring it here to keep the do-gooders fed. The more of them that are out there doing something, the better it'll be for me here. He's a bitter pill, but he's got a great heart under it all."
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"OR HE CALCULATED THAT IF HE DIES TO DEMONS, IT'LL BE LONG BEFORE THE FOOD HE HAD RUNS OUT,SO HIS OPTIMAL STRATEGY IS TO INGRATIATE HIMSELF WITH THE OTHER SURVIVORS AT MINIMAL COST TO HIMSELF." Coop says at what he thinks is a murmur to Firas.
He walks over to George and helps him carry in the food.
Firas smiles and chuckles awkwardly at the gathering, while trying his best to give meaningful looks to Coop and pressing his open palm downward in the air. He joins in to aid with the carrying and distribution of food.
When he gets a chance to do so subtly, he whispers back to Coop, "You are probably right. Horgus strikes me as nobody's fool. But even a good deed done for the wrong reasons is welcome these days. And perhaps the good will and gratitude he receives for these actions will send him down a better path in the long run. In the meantime I suspect that we would be best rewarded by not eroding confidence. Morale will ultimately be more important than the strength of our barricades."
Coop smiles serenely. "I'M PRETTY SURE OL' HORG SAW HUNGRY URCHINS IN THE STREETS BEFORE THE DEMONS SHOWED UP. IF THE SUFFERING OF CHILDREN DIDN'T MOVE HIM TO DO SOMETHING WITH HIS WEALTH BESIDES HOARD IT, THE SUFFERING OF THE TOWNSFOLK NOW DIDN'T, EITHER. HIS TYPE ARE ALWAYS AND ONLY MOTIVATED BY SELF INTEREST AND FEAR." he says, although without much malice.
The night is quiet, but filled with a nervous energy as teams ready and then deploy out into the city. The next morning, just as the sun rises, your group finds itself on the edge of Old Kenabres. In the distance, there are the sounds of explosions and small skirmishes.
"SAY, THIS IS NICE. NOT THE BEST CRAFTSMANSHIP, BUT THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED ONCE WE FIND A SCROLL SALESMEN. Coop says, hefting the earthbreaker.
Coop looks in the direction of the explosions. "I GUESS THIS MUST BE THE PLACE."
Should circle around see guards. Important place not guarded is trap