Salvatore is going to look at the things that Tak was able to find.
Upon returning, the place is bustling with lunchtime 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."
Yes we are all done looking into and clearing those places. Salvatore will tell her as they are walking.
"Alright, what's this then?"
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. see slide 1
"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."
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."
"Was all of that spoken in common? I'm not sure I follow what you're saying. You're throwing out terms I'm not familiar with. Ivory Labyrinth? Lord of the Locust Host? Vorlesh? Gray Garrison? And what does all this have to do with us? We were asked here for a reason so don't be shy, what do you want?"
whew boy dat be soundin like we in a pickle. Well ol sarathiel. What you thinkin bout all dis. Im thinkin dey want us to go be the secret savior team.
Darius eyes shift to white and posture straightens So, you would like us to venture forth into enemy territory and destroy this fragment which will most likely be heavily guarded by demonic forces. Darius this seems like something we are capable of but it will be quite treacherous. We may die but how about we take this demon scum down with us
Darius posture relaxes and eyes shift back well I got to say he make a point. I dont know bout yall but guess we be killing demons and a stone thing a majig
Darius will spin his scythe and then rest it on his shoulders like a scarecrow
Yes this does sound a bit treacherous but I feel like this is something we have to do. If there is a chance that we can save all these people and stop these cultists then we have to. I will follow in the footsteps of my parents and do what I can to stop this from happening.
Irabeth smiles at Tak. "Yes, it was in common. The finer details may not be as important as what we need from you four."
Quednys smiles and looks up for the first time. "Yes, the goal here is to destroy the fragment. 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. 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?"
I can't speak for everyone but I most certainly accept. We need to stop these guys at all costs. Salvatore will relay the information he knows about the Lord of the Locust Horde Deskari
"You have a dangerous, likely deadly, mission which has a low chance of success and you aren't willing to share the details until we already commit ourselves. People you just met... You don't ask for much do you? The balls on this guy! How do you walk with those?" Tak asks with a rueful smile on his face. "If I don't agree, you'll likely send someone else and if they fail we get swarmed by demons from the pit. I trust myself to complete the task more than I trust a stranger. So I'm in."
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. Just tap this rod to the wardstone 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?"
Yes first thing in the morning would be great.
"Alright, morning sounds good. That will give me some time to make some improvements to my gun."
Salvatore is going to sell the clockwork toy and then give everyone their split of the gold.
Salvatore is going to purchase a golden holy symbol of Nethys.
Salvatore is going to buy a scroll of Make Whole from the group loot and fix the Phylactery of Faithfulness.
Salvatore will make sure he gets good rest to get ready for the task at hand.
|
Spending the rest of the evening providing care for the wounded and checking where else he could help around the compound, WalMir reata up for the coming task set in front of them. Waking early and performing his prayers to Cihua Couatl, he stands ready when the others arrive to continue their mission
"Alright. Get some chow, 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 seem 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."
"Than Aravash, you're a scholar amongst gentlemen." Tak says to the elf.
Thank you sir, I am sure these items will help us out with our task tomorrow. Salvatore will stick out his hand with the birthmark of the Riftwardens for a handshake. This is the birthmark I was talking to you about. We definetely have to talk about it sometime.
After the talk with Aravashnial, Salvatore looks to the group. We should definitely get this cache of items before our task tomorrow. Shall we head out now?
dat would probably be best i reckon
Aye
Aravashnial inspects the birthmark, then gives an appraising look at Salvatore.
"Ah. I see. I am actually surprised we have not crossed paths before now. Emmaline was the one that raised you, yes? I seem to recall her talking of a boy with a strange marking. If not for a matter with Irabeth that I need to address, I'd like to hear more about you and what you may, or may not, know of the Wardens. Perhaps at dinner we could discuss it?"
"After closer inspection of this map it looks like we might want to hit up this cache on the way to our mission..."
Yes that was the woman who raised me. She was such a kind woman. Yes dinner would be great. I shall see you there. After Tak's comment. Yeah it makes no sense to head out there now when we can stop by there on the way to the mission.
The next morning, there is a bit of commotion from the main hall, couple armored soldiers seem to be burdened with large sacks of grain and other foods.
You can overhear the following conversation.
"Delivery from Horgus Gwerm. 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."
aww looks like maybe we had a impression on him eh
Yeah he wasn't such a bad guy after all. But all this food is a great thing to have here. Everyone is going to be fed well so morale will be up. Great thing to have in what will be coming next.
After taking in the sight of the food delivery, Irabeth catches your attention and signals that it's time for your group to head out.
In short order your group finds itself on the edge of Old Kenabres. In the distance, there are the sounds of explosions and small skirmishes.
Wow we are really going to have to let Aravashnial thanks later this will be a big help.
Also we should probably have each of our Mongrelmen groupies take at least 1 of the bane arrows then have 2 of the guys take 3 arrows.
A large stretch of buckled ground and rubble stretches before the Gray Garrison, an aptly named structure that squats across from the open ground that once stood before the Cathedral of Saint Clydwell. That cathedral is no more—nothing remains but a towering mound of rubble and a deep, jagged rift in the ground.
Ok guys, this is it. Let's get this done, Darius you want to lead the way?
Tak creeps forward quietly, trying to avoid notice. He surveys the area for dangers.
Darius will double move up to the door.
alighty let's keep er movin eh
With the building in view, you easily spot two humans standing outside the front door of the garrison. Both are armed with scythes, but seem to be relaxed at the moment.
Kandro Nyserian, a minor noble of the Nyserian house.
Lord Hulrun Shappok, a renowned inquisitor and leader in the city of Kenabres
I do not remember Irabeth saying that anyone was going to be posted outside of this place. I should definitely be on guard.
Salvatore noticing that they have seen us, Hello there. How are you two doing today?
Turning to face the group, the pair seem to give an appraising look, then turn back to look at the door.
You know it is rather ignorant to turn your back on someone. Salvatore will turn to the rest of the group, Let's press forward shall we. Salvatore will move forward with the rest of the group.
"Something ain't right here..."
Tak steps outlined the open and motions for the mongrelman to move up a little closer.
"Oy! Why you staring at that door like that!?"
Round 1
Darius 40/40
WalMir 24/24
Salvatore 22/22
Tak 27/27
Blue
Yellow
As the group approaches, they ready their scythes and seem prepared to fight.