| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After a fierce and exhausting battle, the schirs finally break and begin teleporting away, leaving the champions to reunite with their crusader companions and begin hunting through Paradise Hill for prisoners to free. It takes several hours and a few more skirmishes, but soon roughly two hundred fifty prisoners are gathered in the central, most fortified area of Paradise Hill. About fifty of them are too malnourished or injured to fight, even with the aid of the paladins, but that still represents almost twice again the number of troops - especially as only a bare handful of Knights of Kenabres died in battle.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
With the immediate threat handled, Thesius turns his attention to aiding the rescued prisoners and injured knights. He refrains from using his spells at this time in case there is need for them later. Should he find himself with them shortly before going to rest for the day, he will use them on the most injured.
As he does this, he inquires into what the villagers may know of the situation surrounding Drezen. Information often proved vital and while they were held captive, they may have overheard something from their captors.
If left with more time, he will see what he can do about helping to shore up the defenses of their makeshift camp.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
When the fighting is done, Azira moves through the army thanking the soldiers and praising their valor- by name as often as she's able. She tracks down Wulfric and makes certain to tell him how much she and the others could have used his inspiring tales while fighting on the tower, and asks him to accompany her.
Together they head for the newly liberated prisoners. Azira takes a moment with each one of them, to praise their fortitude and offer encouraging words about the future of the city and the battle against the demonic hordes. While she does that, Wulfric watches and listens for any signs that any of them might be spies or saboteurs seeking to infiltrate their camp.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Merixia casts the spells she hadn't used previously, in her mistaken belief that there would be more enemies inside the tower. Not much point in saving them now though. She descends onto the battlefield with the last minutes of shield of wings, carving her way through the enemy with a detached calm she almost never feels during a fight.
The demons may have fled, but that's just the beginning of a cleric's job. Merixia cleans and sheathes her blade as she makes her way to the freed prisoners. "Gather round me, all who are injured. I still have two uses of channeled energy left today."
After a half hour or so, all of the prisoners who can be healed by ordinary positive energy and cure spells have been helped. The rest will need more potent healing such as regenerate. Merixia slips away from the crowd. Ordinarily this is a difficult task in heavy armor, but given that most of the army is wearing such armor, she blends in well enough. She should probably go conjure some water for the cooks... but the walls she's built around her emotions are cracking. And she isn't about to let that happen where anyone can see or hear.
Eventually she finds a supply wagon where just enough of the food crates have been taken out to make a convenient hiding spot. It's barely big enough for a tall, muscular woman in banded mail to sit, but Merixia makes it work. She presses a handkerchief to her face- it wouldn't do to rust her armor with tears- and lets it all out.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After the battle is won, Verene moves through the battlefield, speaking little to the knights save for greetings and tired smiles, but doing what needs doing. She helps carry the wounded to the healers to be tended, bring the basics of food and water to the freed prisoners, haul schir bodies away, and collect useful materials. She also checks in on Mouse, and on Nurah and the three tiefling prisoners from their two previous major battles.
Mindful of the possibility of infiltration, she begins discreetly but thoroughly scanning the former prisoners and the entire central most-fortified area of Pillar Hill where the army will now be encamped for any magical auras that should not be there, as well as for demonic presence.
Around forty minutes after what she thinks of as the clean-up has begun, Verene notices that she has not seen Merixia in a while. She starts looking out for her while performing the divinations that take her in a circle around camp, and eventually sees just the end of a tail, moving restlessly underneath a supply wagon. Approaching the gap between stacks of food crates to its side, Verene politely clears her throat just before rounding the corner, to let the cleric know she's coming and not startle her.
"Coffee?" She offers a capped flask. Somehow during the organizational efforts, Verene has managed to find hot water and the time to take out her equipment and make some of the strong, rich brew. Nothing fortifies the spirits, in her experience, quite like a hot drink. One of the newly freed prisoners had actually cried upon tasting it. She hopes this was a reflection on the length of his captivity and not on her brewing skills.
She leans against the crates, staring out at the forbidding edifice of Citadel Drezen in the distance. After about a minute of silence, she says, very casually, "I trained to be a cleric, you know."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
With their numbers now tripled, Elliot feels a surge of pride - they were doing it, making a real difference. Not only by killing more enemies, but also actually saving others while they were at it. These people had been condemned to fates presumably worse than death. No one apart from the fifth crusade could have saved them - and they had. Hundreds and hundreads of demons and cultists had been unable to stop them.
He isn't sure what to do when some of the prisoners seem to go out of their way to thank him specifically as he walked past - apparently the group's exploits during the journey were further adding to their growing reputation and some claimed their progress was sorely possible due to the five of them being here - a claim he was discintly uncomfortable with. "Ah, sure. No problem?" He says, which was probably the lamest possible way a 'decorated hero of the crusade' could have responded. But then again, he was about as charasmatic as a stage magician could be expected to be, suddenly tossed to the forefront of a nation or world-altering conflict, expected to take a lead role.
Still he stays, walking through the crowd on the off-chance his technically only 'missing' father would be among them. But he abandons those efforts soon enough - clinging to false hope only made the crushing disappointment worse. And speaking of such...
He finds Verene talking to a stack of crates. And while he wouldn't deny anyone their own particular ways of relieving stress, the sounds of crying eminating from them up close were a rather telling giveaway. His eyes meet his sister's and he slowly nods. I'll leave this to you then, he implies as he silently leaves the scene, thinking he was abiding Meri's earlier wish of not wanting to talk just yet. Maybe his sister had better luck.
If Azira hadn't already done so, he'd report their success to Irabeth. It seemed pointless, as that could be inferred easily be enough from their presence here and the notable lack of giant boulders falling from the sky to turn them into bloody paste. But at least it would distract him from that feeling of powerlessness over his girlfriend's sorrow...
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Thesius discovers that the majority of the cultists are ill-trained, lacking priests or other spellcasters to help them - all of the most important people of the demonic forces remain in Citadel Drezen rather than outside.
He also hears that the bridge that connects Paradise Hill to Southbank is not well-maintained. Some of the prisoners speculate that it'll be the next one to fall, leaving Paradise Hill separated from the rest of the town. When he mentions that the next plan is to head south, they advise strongly against using that bridge - "It'll collapse under your horses!" One exclaims.
At least, one man points out with forced cheer, there's plenty of provisions and they're in a reasonably fortified area!
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Thesius listens intently to the words of the crusaders. The news about the outside cultists was welcome, but the rest is disheartening. It was not surprising that the fortress itself would be the most challenging venture they had before them.
"Thank you all. I'm glad we were able to make it in time to rescue you. We would appreciate your help with retaking the fortress if you are feeling up to it. The time to strike has come and we hope to see it through."
Thesius makes a mental note to discuss his findings not only with Irabeth and the others, but in particular Verene, Elliot, and Merixia to see if they have any possible solutions for repairing the bridge.
He will find his way to Irabeth next and if granted an audience, he will inquire into the state of their camp, freely sharing the information he gathered, and asking how he might assist. While he thought it may be worthwhile to search the surroundings for anything of use, that seemed like a task better left to tomorrow with evening settling in. For now it seemed more important they decide on how best to fortify their position and the next steps to take with the bridge.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Around forty minutes after what she thinks of as the clean-up has begun, Verene notices that she has not seen Merixia in a while. She starts looking out for her while performing the divinations that take her in a circle around camp, and eventually sees just the end of a tail, moving restlessly underneath a supply wagon. Approaching the gap between stacks of food crates to its side, Verene politely clears her throat just before rounding the corner, to let the cleric know she's coming and not startle her.
"Coffee?" She offers a capped flask. Somehow during the organizational efforts, Verene has managed to find hot water and the time to take out her equipment and make some of the strong, rich brew. Nothing fortifies the spirits, in her experience, quite like a hot drink. One of the newly freed prisoners had actually cried upon tasting it. She hopes this was a reflection on the length of his captivity and not on her brewing skills.
Merixia hurriedly wipes her face with the now soggy handkerchief as she hears Verene approach. She was afraid of this. Verene obviously caught on that something was wrong earlier- no surprise there, Merixia is a terrible actress- and between the wizard's own sharp eyes and those of Thamyris, it's hard to hide from her. But the embarrassment of being caught crying quickly gives way to the heavenly aroma of coffee. Gods, it’s been forever since she had coffee! "Really? Thank you." Merixia accepts the flask, takes a much more moderate drink than she would like, and hands it back.
She leans against the crates, staring out at the forbidding edifice of Citadel Drezen in the distance. After about a minute of silence, she says, very casually, "I trained to be a cleric, you know."
Ah. This is going to be an emotional talk for both of them, it seems. Merixia nods. "I think you mentioned that back in Kenabres." It seems like a lifetime ago.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Verene returns Elliot's gaze with a slow blink of acknowledgement that is not quite a nod.
"I think you mentioned that back in Kenabres." It seems like a lifetime ago.
Verene nods and pours a small amount of coffee into the cap for herself, then pushes the rest of the flask back into Merixia's hands. "Of course. I probably mentioned training with Azira." This is an exceedingly mild way to describe that interaction, but she skips past it to her point.
"I wasn't very good at it," she says candidly. "As you have no doubt guessed. I had just enough aptitude to convince myself that dedication and faith could make up for the rest. I never had any strong intuitive awareness of the world, or a feeling of oneness, or divine understanding, or just a sense for people and what they need.
"You do. More than anyone I've ever seen — more even than my mother, who has served Iomedae as a healer these fifty years. And perhaps more importantly, you have the ear of a god who recognizes and empowers that which is already within you. You are worthy. You have purpose." She sips from the cap, slow, her gaze on the distant citadel.
"But — forgive me — you do not seem happy. Not only today, but at other times as well." The words are quiet, neutral, nonjudgmental. Verene looks at Merixia for the first time, her grey eyes probing but kind.
"Good to see you. I take it your mission was a success?"
"Well we're not getting squashed by boulders, are we?" The Magus responds, stating his earlier thoughts a bit too honestly. Then he exhales softly and holds up a hand to his de facto commander. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. Yes, we were succesful. But it was... tough. The demons here are a lot stronger than the ones in Kenabres. I just hope these guys were their elites rather than their rank and file."
He glances over the battlefield, relieved that such seemed to be the case, judging from the minimal number of casualties on the crusaders' side. Then, realizing there were only so many people he could go to for advice, he put aside his fear of the commander. "And... I think Merixia in particular blames herself for having trouble. It... hurts to see her so upset. I'd like to help her but I don't know how. Can I ask... how you and Anevia support eachother when things get bad? You must have gone through a lot more than we have."
”We are working on that,” Azira assures those who point out the lack of equipment. “For now, eat and rest and heal.”
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Verene returns Elliot's gaze with a slow blink of acknowledgement that is not quite a nod.
"I think you mentioned that back in Kenabres." It seems like a lifetime ago.Verene nods and pours a small amount of coffee into the cap for herself, then pushes the rest of the flask back into Merixia's hands. "Of course. I probably mentioned training with Azira." This is an exceedingly mild way to describe that interaction, but she skips past it to her point.
"I wasn't very good at it," she says candidly. "As you have no doubt guessed. I had just enough aptitude to convince myself that dedication and faith could make up for the rest. I never had any strong intuitive awareness of the world, or a feeling of oneness, or divine understanding, or just a sense for people and what they need.
"You do. More than anyone I've ever seen — more even than my mother, who has served Iomedae as a healer these fifty years. And perhaps more importantly, you have the ear of a god who recognizes and empowers that which is already within you. You are worthy. You have purpose." She sips from the cap, slow, her gaze on the distant citadel.
"But — forgive me — you do not seem happy. Not only today, but at other times as well." The words are quiet, neutral, nonjudgmental. Verene looks at Merixia for the first time, her grey eyes probing but kind.
Merixia just stares at Verene for a moment, wide-eyed. Verene actually thinks all that about her? Well, she said it, didn't she? Verene isn't the kind of person who tells comforting lies. She tells the truth as kindly as possible, and sometimes just doesn't say anything, but she doesn't lie. "Um. Wow. Thank you, although I'm not sure I'm as insightful as all that." Merixia takes another drink of sweet, sweet coffee to give herself some time to gather her thoughs.
"No, I'm not happy. It's not a crisis of faith or anything, Ragathiel's appearance to me after the whole wardstone thing was comforting in that regard." She'll never forget the experience of having her god kneel down to grant her his blessing. "Maybe the divine understanding and all would be enough if I served a different deity. But Ragathiel is a god of war, and I'm failing at that aspect of my calling." Merixia swallows hard. "I try and try, but you saw what happened today! I couldn't land a single hit on those brimoraks. And I don't know what to do to improve myself."
She sighs, staring out over the camp. "It was a long journey to Kenabres, with a bunch of other crusaders. I was so excited at first to spar and learn from the ones who would tolerate a tiefling. But none of them used a bastard sword, and I found out the hard way that my weapon of choice is just different enough from a longsword- and a greatsword, and a scimitar, and an Aldori dueling sword- that their techniques don't quite work for me. I guess there's a reason why people pay Father Darian to teach them how to properly use a bastard sword. You need an expert to get beyond the basics. And I was too impatient to stay in Almas long enough to learn his advanced techniques." The cleric takes another drink of coffee and offers Verene her flask back. She doesn't want to be greedy. "All I can think of to do at this point is pray for guidance and hope I get an answer. I hate having to do that. It's like admitting that I can't solve my problems on my own."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Verene does not dispute Merixia's characterization of the fight, for it is clear that to bring up the success of her disabling chains, or the value of her healing, would be taken as a deflection. She listens closely, trying to understand, and is silent for some moments after she absently receives the flask again.
"You don't... want to pray for guidance." This is such an alien notion to Verene, even many years removed from her childish belief that anything would answer, that she struggles to contain her bafflement. Most of her life has been spent on the edge of the Worldwound, and there is nothing like knowing that only holy magic is holding back the ravening hordes of demons every second of every day to prove that mortals cannot solve all their problems on their own. "I can understand wanting to do what you can on your own without bothering a deity over every little thing, I suppose. But this is not a small problem to you, and the worst thing that can happen is you do not receive an answer and are no worse off than before. He is the entire reason you are here, after all. Surely he wants you to succeed, and to feel useful in the fight. Surely no one is more of an expert in his chosen weapon, or more capable of putting you in the path of such an expert to train you. Self-reliance is a virtue. But so is being able to ask for help when you need it.
"Don't you think... he might be waiting for you to ask?"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Verene does not dispute Merixia's characterization of the fight, for it is clear that to bring up the success of her disabling chains, or the value of her healing, would be taken as a deflection. She listens closely, trying to understand, and is silent for some moments after she absently receives the flask again.
"You don't... want to pray for guidance." This is such an alien notion to Verene, even many years removed from her childish belief that anything would answer, that she struggles to contain her bafflement. Most of her life has been spent on the edge of the Worldwound, and there is nothing like knowing that only holy magic is holding back the ravening hordes of demons every second of every day to prove that mortals cannot solve all their problems on their own. "I can understand wanting to do what you can on your own without bothering a deity over every little thing, I suppose. But this is not a small problem to you, and the worst thing that can happen is you do not receive an answer and are no worse off than before. He is the entire reason you are here, after all. Surely he wants you to succeed, and to feel useful in the fight. Surely no one is more of an expert in his chosen weapon, or more capable of putting you in the path of such an expert to train you. Self-reliance is a virtue. But so is being able to ask for help when you need it.
"Don't you think... he might be waiting for you to ask?"
"Ragathiel already gives me so much, spells and channeling and everything..." Merixia sighs. "But you're right. I wouldn't have crossed a continent to fight demons if it weren't for him." Maybe she would have followed her original plan to become an Eagle Knight. Maybe she would have been a mercenary, or a Pathfinder, or something darker. The craving for battle has always been a constant for her, but there's plenty of that closer to home.
"Well. If he does answer, I suppose that will be a lesson for me on the pitfalls of pride." She uncurls herself with a creaking of armor and hops down from the wagon. "Thank you, Verene. Talking to you always helps. I should probably track Elliot down and apologize for brushing him off earlier." Merixia turns and smiles at her. It's a small, subdued smile, but it's there. "If you ever need to talk to someone, I'll always be willing to listen."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
When he asks her for romantic advice, she rubs her head, chuckling. "You'd do better to ask Sosiel for advice - he's the priest, and a Shelynite, no less. Goddess, I'm a warrior, not a... well, whatever." She shakes her head. "I'll say this: in my experience, love isn't easy. Sometimes it's very hard to support one another." She pats her sword - one that was reclaimed from demons. "It sometimes means giving up something you value to help your loved ones."
After that, she looks to Thesius, frowning as he reports. "Well, it's good to know that that bridge isn't the ideal crossing point..." She rubs her head again. "Wish I had the map in front of me... Did you get the impressions that we could pass by Citadel Drezen and cross the main bridge?" She asks.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Ragathiel already gives me so much, spells and channeling and everything..." Merixia sighs. "But you're right. I wouldn't have crossed a continent to fight demons if it weren't for him." Maybe she would have followed her original plan to become an Eagle Knight. Maybe she would have been a mercenary, or a Pathfinder, or something darker. The craving for battle has always been a constant for her, but there's plenty of that closer to home.
"Well. If he does answer, I suppose that will be a lesson for me on the pitfalls of pride." She uncurls herself with a creaking of armor and hops down from the wagon. "Thank you, Verene. Talking to you always helps. I should probably track Elliot down and apologize for brushing him off earlier." Merixia turns and smiles at her. It's a small, subdued smile, but it's there. "If you ever need to talk to someone, I'll always be willing to listen."
Recalling what Merixia's impulse was at the awful fountain back in Kenabres where they found Old Arthek's body, and what it meant to her then, Verene steps forward and hugs her briefly but fiercely. "You already have, and I count myself lucky for that every day. I didn't say anything you don't already know. You aren't alone in this."
She smiles at Merixia, presses the flask into her hands once more, and lets her go.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
After finishing her rounds with the recently liberated, Azira—and Wulfric—seek out Commander Tirabade. She confirms that their leader has received a report of the battle and then offers, “there are a number of liberated prisoners who are willing and able to fight, or will be once they’ve eaten, slept, and been equipped. I know we’re short on gear but I have an idea… we do have some light armor and small arms we’ve salvaged from previous battles, and most of our soldiers are equipped with bows, which they won’t need if they’re fighting through city streets- we could equip as many of the new recruits as possible with light arms and armor and unused bows and let them function as archers behind the frontline. They likely won’t be as effective in that role as they will be once fully equipped, but it would strengthen our forces and give us an edge while we try to ‘liberate’ some equipment for them.”
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Recalling what Merixia's impulse was at the awful fountain back in Kenabres where they found Old Arthek's body, and what it meant to her then, Verene steps forward and hugs her briefly but fiercely. "You already have, and I count myself lucky for that every day. I didn't say anything you don't already know. You aren't alone in this."
She smiles at Merixia, presses the flask into her hands once more, and lets her go.
The hug startles Merixia for a moment, then she relaxes and hugs back. (Gently. She's still wearing armor and Verene is not.) Ah, I needed that. "I have? Um, okay. Good." At least she's doing something right, apparently. Although she can't think of anything noteworthy that she's done for Verene. Talked her through the emotional aftermath of Iomedae's unwanted blessing, maybe? But that's just what you do for friends. Nothing unusual there. "I'll see you later tonight."
Now, where might Elliot be? Merixia makes a circuit of the camp, savoring the last sips of Verene's coffee as she slowly spirals in toward the center. It doesn't take long for her boyfriend's fiery hair to become visible in the fading twilight. Oh, he's talking with Irabeth. I'll wait until he's done.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Unfortunately I was not provided with any information on that particular bridge. Depending on if it still stands, perhaps whatever strategy we come up with could effectively be used their as well if necessary."
He listens to Azira and Wulfric's report when they arrive and nods. "Indeed, they do seem ready to fight if given the proper chance to do so. Providing them with likely unused ranged weapons sounds like a solid plan."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Did you get the impressions that we could pass by Citadel Drezen and cross the main bridge?"
"That would mean marching the entire army right by their front gate, exposing it to at least two more towers with catapults and whatever decides to charge at us from the gate. Not to mention that IF we do that, it would be very easy for the demons to trap us on the bridge to the west by attacking from the rear and front the moment we try and cross it." Elliot says. "I'm no tactician, but that sounds like a disastrous idea."
He turns and looks south, in the direction of the rocky riverbed. Seeing Merixia, he smiles warmly and waves her over. "Hey! Feeling better now?" he asks, relieved as that was apparent enough. He'd have to thank his sister later - and it was probably best to not even allude to having been there himself even momentarily. Everyone had their bad moments. What was to be gained by lingering on them? Nothing good, in his mind. Still, maybe he could help out to restore her spirits further.
"If I could only cast that spell..." He thinks, but he knows he can't - so he puts it on hold for later. "We're trying to figure out how to proceed from here," He continues instead. "Do you have any ideas?" He asks her, then turns back to Irabeth and Thesius. "It seems to me that we only have two workable courses of action: try and cross the river or bridge to the south to neutralize that army and get its supplies for our new men, or keep sabotaging the siege towers so the army has more freedom to move about. In any case, it's probably best to deal with any and all cultist and demon forces outside the city before we attack it directly. At least, that's what seems safest to me."
"So... how about we put the army to work repairing the south bridge enough for us to cross it? Is that possible? If we follow Azira's plan and outfit the former prisoners with bows, we should have good protection from any aerial threats. And if this camp is out of range for their remaining siege weapons, whoever we sent to work on the bridge should be too. Even outside of potential magic, we have a lot of people to work with. Surely we can get something done in a reasonably short time?" He muses, looking at the others for their opinions.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Once she has parted from Merixia and finished her self-appointed task of checking the entire camp and newly freed prisoners with her divinations , Verene joins Thesius, Elliot, Azira, Wulfric, and Merixia where they are conversing with Irabeth. The conversation has been in progress for some time when she arrives, but she is able to glean the gist of it by listening to Elliot.
"I like Azira's idea of outfitting the freed prisoners with what we do have on hand and keeping them at range with bows until we can get them proper weapons and armor. If it were me, I would want any possible protection and ability to fight back I could get, as soon as I could get it. I also agree with Elliot that it seems crucial to deal with the forces outside before assaulting the citadel directly. To that end, when it comes to allowing the knights to cross the Ahari riverbed and attack the forces gathered on the south bank, tomorrow I would gladly help with bridge-repair efforts or attempts to disguise our movements as we cross with my spells. But not before then — for tonight, I am all but spent." She is clearly flagging, due to both the mental load of all the magic she used today, and her physical work during the cleanup efforts, but just as clearly still in good spirits: their and particularly the army's successes today are far better than she feared things would go.
Verene briefly summarizes the capabilities of the spells she has available in her spellbook or through the intuitive magic the Wardstone has granted her, incorporating suggestions and reminders from Thesius along the way.
When the meeting breaks up for the night, she plans to work a little on Elliot's pearl of power with her last remaining spell of the day, and then turn in.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
He turns and looks south, in the direction of the rocky riverbed. Seeing Merixia, he smiles warmly and waves her over. "Hey! Feeling better now?" he asks, relieved as that was apparent enough. He'd have to thank his sister later - and it was probably best to not even allude to having been there himself even momentarily. Everyone had their bad moments. What was to be gained by lingering on them? Nothing good, in his mind. Still, maybe he could help out to restore her spirits further.
Merixia waves back and walks up to the group. Clearly Elliot wasn't discussing anything personal with the commander. "Hi, Elliot." Looks like this isn't the time or place to apologize to him. Hopefully this meeting won't take too long, and then they can find somewhere private (as private as it gets in this camp, anyway) to talk.
She listens for a bit, getting a feel for the topic of conversation. Ah. Getting back across the riverbed to deal with the army there. The sound of footsteps briefly attracts her attention; Verene. The cleric nods to her, but lets everyone else keep talking for a bit.
"I like Azira's idea of outfitting the freed prisoners with what we do have on hand and keeping them at range with bows until we can get them proper weapons and armor. If it were me, I would want any possible protection and ability to fight back I could get, as soon as I could get it. I also agree with Elliot that it seems crucial to deal with the forces outside before assaulting the citadel directly. To that end, when it comes to allowing the knights to cross the Ahari riverbed and attack the forces gathered on the south bank, tomorrow I would gladly help with bridge-repair efforts or attempts to disguise our movements as we cross with my spells. But not before then — for tonight, I am all but spent."
"Just let me know which divine spells you think the army will need and I'll be happy to prepare them tomorrow morning. I'm in the same boat as Verene for tonight, though. What spells I didn't use in combat, I used to heal our rescued soldiers."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Irabeth welcomes the other champions as they arrive, momentarily delegating her duties to her second-in-command as the rest of her command staff is called.
The Knight-Commander considers Azira's suggestion. "That may well be." She acknowledges slowly.
"I have but one concern." Aravashnial says. "How adept are the ex-prisoners as archers? I would not wish to see them accidentally hit our crusaders in their zeal to slay the enemy."
Irabeth glances at Anevia, who nods. "I'll spread word to ask around."
Looking back to Elliot, Irabeth nods. "I don't want to turn our backs on the Citadel as well. It'd be really bad if they caught us between the two... that said, I do want that bridge claimed." She frowns slightly. "And... have we any magic that could block them in, however temporarily?" The other command staff shake their heads and look to the champions.
"Regardless, I agree that getting rid of the catapults in the towers is a priority if we are planning on heading west any time soon - which we are." She continues. "If only we had a sense of what they're doing in there..."
"I personally doubt that the demons will expend much effort in saving their cultists." Sosiel says thoughtfully. "I don't know who's in command there, but if it's a demon, they probably won't send a major force out to destroy us in the hopes of aiding their cultists. Better to let us exhaust ourselves on them - even the cultists inside might be reluctant to help - fewer competitors for their foul patrons' attentions."
Irabeth sighs. "Aron, what do you think about repairing the bridge to Southshore?" She looks at the engineer.
"Well..." He hesitates. "I'd have to get a closer examination of it to be sure, but materials are limited. I don't know how much magic can help, so maybe that'll be the deciding factor."
"Mm." Irabeth shakes her head. "For tonight, I want our people focused on healing the injured and reinforcing the fortifications we've already got here. Tomorrow, we can see what insight the new day brings us."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Merixia nods to the commander. "I'll wait to prepare my spells for tomorrow until we have a better idea of what we'll need, then." Irabeth is a paladin, she'll know that doing so takes about an hour. Fortunately Ragathiel isn't fussy about minutiae such as exactly when his followers pray for spells. He knows that war can be unpredictable.
She looks over at Elliot. "Want to take a walk?" Somewhere they can talk without half the camp listening in.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Elliot listens to the interplay between all staff members, very glad for their expertise and experience. While he could offer suggestions, formulating a workable plan for a force now three hundred or so strong was highly complicated and soon the fatigue of the day's battles begins wearing down his ability to focus. He's happy when Irabeth dismissed the team, feeling he did everything he could have contributed that day. And the premise of a good meal followed by his tent and bedroll seemed awfully tempting just then.
"Want to take a walk?"
...But resting would have to wait. "Of course. I know just the place." He smiles and begins heading towards one of the many only partially intact buildings to the north - probably still a holdover from the capture of the city by the demons in the past. Perhaps there'd never been a need for them to repair the lodgings, what with the demons' native resistances to most weather effects. Or maybe fixing things just wasn't in their nature to begin with. Regardless, it was easy to find and ascend one of the half-collapsed towers to get a decent view of both the citadel to the west, the making of camp below them and the bridge over the dry riverbed to the south.
Along with the setting sun, that was probably the best possible scenery one could hope for on a crusade, or so he figured. "We made good progress today," He says as he sat down on the edge, drawing and resting Righteous Eclipse on his lap for added sitting comfort. Starting with something positive and pretty much objectively true seemed a safe way to start the conversation. "The crusade as a whole, I mean. If we figure out how to move the army across the riverbed, at this rate we'll have all of Drezen's surroundings cleared out in mere days."
The momentary look of contemplatation over that logistical problem fades as he briefly shakes his head. "But that's not why we're here, is it? So... how are you holding up?" The magus follows invitingly, trying to read his lover's mood and intentions.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Want to take a walk?"...But resting would have to wait. "Of course. I know just the place." He smiles and begins heading towards one of the many only partially intact buildings to the north - probably still a holdover from the capture of the city by the demons in the past. Perhaps there'd never been a need for them to repair the lodgings, what with the demons' native resistances to most weather effects. Or maybe fixing things just wasn't in their nature to begin with. Regardless, it was easy to find and ascend one of the half-collapsed towers to get a decent view of both the citadel to the west, the making of camp below them and the bridge over the dry riverbed to the south.
Along with the setting sun, that was probably the best possible scenery one could hope for on a crusade, or so he figured. "We made good progress today," He says as he sat down on the edge, drawing and resting Righteous Eclipse on his lap for added sitting comfort. Starting with something positive and pretty much objectively true seemed a safe way to start the conversation. "The crusade as a whole, I mean. If we figure out how to move the army across the riverbed, at this rate we'll have all of Drezen's surroundings cleared out in mere days."
The momentary look of contemplatation over that logistical problem fades as he briefly shakes his head. "But that's not why we're here, is it? So... how are you holding up?" The magus follows invitingly, trying to read his lover's mood and intentions.
Wow, Merixia didn't even consider the ruins they built their camp around when she went looking for privacy earlier. Definitely better than squishing into a supply wagon. She sits down next to him, eyeing Righteous Eclipse curiously. It's a talking sword; maybe it wants to be part of the conversation? Hopefully it isn't too interested in its bearer's romantic life.
"I'm doing a bit better now. I don't know how Verene does it, but somehow she always seems to know just what to say to put things in perspective." Her tail hides itself behind her, a sign of nerves. "Um, I wanted to apologize for earlier." Merixia looks down over the camp and the ruined city. "I was so disappointed and mad at myself about completely failing everyone in that fight, it was all I could do to keep it together long enough to finish the battle, heal the wounded, and find a safe place to let it all out." She looks back up at him. "The one thing that always breaks my composure when I'm trying to not feel things is someone being kind. Somebody caring and asking how I'm doing. Which is normally a good thing!", she hastens to add. "The fact that you care so much is one of the things I love about you. Just maybe don't ask when I'm that upset and the situation isn't safe to break down emotionally? Come find me once we're in a secure place and I can cry on you then." The cleric's lips quirk in a rueful smile.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Looking back to Elliot, Irabeth nods. "I don't want to turn our backs on the Citadel as well. It'd be really bad if they caught us between the two... that said, I do want that bridge claimed." She frowns slightly. "And... have we any magic that could block them in, however temporarily?" The other command staff shake their heads and look to the champions.
Verene shakes her head as well. "I could summon a wall of wind, concealing mist, or distorted vision that disorients creatures that walk through it, but not physically block them in, no." Even supposing they would only have to block off the main entrance to the citadel, just past the guarded bridge, the gap between those two front towers where the great gate once hung must be forty feet wide or more. The spells that could create a physical barrier across such a large space are advanced evocations for summoning ice or hardening the air into an impassable barrier: not currently within her reach, and not likely to be graspable without significantly more research and practice with the Wardstone power to unlock fundamental principles.
Irabeth shakes her head. "For tonight, I want our people focused on healing the injured and reinforcing the fortifications we've already got here. Tomorrow, we can see what insight the new day brings us."
Verene inclines her head in acknowledgement of this clear dismissal, relieved. Their cold lunch of rations seems a long time ago, and though the coffee took the edge off, she is hungry. But as she is turning away to find a bite to eat and a quiet area to set up her spell-work table, a thought occurs. "Master Aravashnial, might I speak with you a moment? Perhaps over some food, if you are also headed in that direction."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I was so disappointed and mad at myself for completely failing everyone that fight. (...) Just maybe don't ask when I'm that upset and the situation isn't safe enough to break down emotionally? "
Elliot isn't sure where to begin; the time and place component was clear but there were feelings of inadequacy there too, which he himself had also struggled with in the past. Perhaps he still did, to some degree. But that wouldn't stop him from trying his best for her. ”All right. I’ll keep that in mind. Just know that you don’t have to pretend things are well. Not to me, at least – I wouldn’t think any less of you. Everyone has their off days; I certainly had mine below Kenabres.” He grins wistfully – it felt like a lifetime ago. In a sense it was, with parts of his memory replaced by that of another. ”And…” Mustering his courage, he gently takes her hand. ”I am your… partner, am I not? I’d like to think that if something ever did trouble you in the future, no matter what it was, you’d feel safe and secure enough to tell me. And if not, to tell me that instead.” There is an earnest warmth to his gaze.
”Besides, I do believe I owe you at least a few more pep talks,” He adds good-naturedly. ”It doesn’t seem entirely fair that when I feel down, you’re there for me, but when you feel down, you go to Verene instead. Or Verene gets to you first? Either way – when does a poor guy get to return the favor! ” The magus laments in decidedly overly dramatic fashion before rising up and taking a similar cliché heroic pose. ”Do you hear that, universe! I, Elliot Worthane, have empathy too!“ He boasts heavenward. ”I demand you let me use it!”
The sky was not visibly impressed. ”…Both demon and crusader alike are laughing at me, aren’t they.” Deflating back to normal, he chuckles. ”Let’s hope that one doesn’t make it into the history books.” He risks a glance at his companion. Maybe he’d lifted her mood? Made her laugh? Smile? It was all he could hope for.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Before turning in for the night, Azira gathers several groups of soldiers and liberated prisoners and expends the remainder of her healing power to channel energy. She and Wulfric also inform the new additions that they hold morning prayers if any of them are interested in joining.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Elliot isn't sure where to begin; the time and place component was clear but there were feelings of inadequacy there too, which he himself had also struggled with in the past. Perhaps he still did, to some degree. But that wouldn't stop him from trying his best for her. ”All right. I’ll keep that in mind. Just know that you don’t have to pretend things are well. Not to me, at least – I wouldn’t think any less of you. Everyone has their off days; I certainly had mine below Kenabres.” He grins wistfully – it felt like a lifetime ago. In a sense it was, with parts of his memory replaced by that of another. ”And…” Mustering his courage, he gently takes her hand. ”I am your… partner, am I not? I’d like to think that if something ever did trouble you in the future, no matter what it was, you’d feel safe and secure enough to tell me. And if not, to tell me that instead.” There is an earnest warmth to his gaze.
”Besides, I do believe I owe you at least a few more pep talks,” He adds good-naturedly. ”It doesn’t seem entirely fair that when I feel down, you’re there for me, but when you feel down, you go to Verene instead. Or Verene gets to you first? Either way – when does a poor guy get to return the favor! ” The magus laments in decidedly overly dramatic fashion before rising up and taking a similar cliché heroic pose. ”Do you hear that, universe! I, Elliot Worthane, have empathy too!“ He boasts heavenward. ”I demand you let me use it!”
The sky was not visibly impressed. ”…Both demon and crusader alike are laughing at me, aren’t they.” Deflating back to normal, he chuckles. ”Let’s hope that one doesn’t make it into the history books.” He risks a glance at his companion. Maybe he’d lifted her mood? Made her laugh? Smile? It was all he could hope for.
Merixia laughs softly at Elliot's antics, resting her head on his shoulder. Thankfully her horns curve back over her head, otherwise this position would be uncomfortable for him. "It was just luck that Verene found me first. Luck, and possibly Thamyris, although I didn't see him." He's a tiny little bird though, so that doesn't mean much. "I'm still getting used to having a partner in life. I've never courted anyone before, so earlier I guess I just acted on instinct. On what I always used to do."
She sighs, tail reflexively curling around Elliot's waist. "All I can promise is that I'll try to open up more. Because you're right, this is what partners should do for one another, but the habits of a lifetime don't die easily." But she will try, and she will do her best. Elliot deserves that much and more. "Anyway, Verene convinced me that it isn't actually a sign of weakness to pray for guidance when I've done my best and it isn't working, and since Ragathiel is the whole reason I'm here in the Worldwound, he just might answer." Merixia chuckles. "An atheist counseling a cleric on a matter of faith. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Thesius greets the others warmly as they join the conversation and happily assists Verene with reviewing what kind of spells might aid them in crossing through and over the riverbed. He would even go so far as to tease her about how he was pretty sure she was the wizard, not he.
"Rest would be a blessing at this time. Not only could we use the time to recover from our wounds and fatigue, but many of us have magic as well."
As the others disperse, he will take the time to first seek out Aron to discuss the catapults along with how he might more effectively disable them without fully destroying them while showing him how they took care of the first one. Removing the others from play would still be vital in the events to come.
Finally, he will take the time to get food for him and Nurah before going to visit the halfling in hopes of improving his spirit as best he can.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"I'm still getting used to having a partner in life. I've never courted anyone before, so earlier I guess I just acted on instinct."
"Yeah... same here," The magus smiles and puts his arm and her shoulder when she leans into him. "All I really have as reference material are some books I read on how this sort of thing is supposed to go - assuming the stories can be trusted. Except that, you know..." He looks around the devastated buildings, the army going about setting up camp and its chores such as the pile of bodies that would have to be dealt with and the blasted and mutated landscape of the Worldwound. "...There is a distinct lack of anything normal going on around us."
"Anyway, Verene convinced me that it isn't actually a sign of weakness to pray for guidance when I've done my best and it isn't working, and since Ragathiel is the whole reason I'm here in the Worldwound, he just might answer." Merixia chuckles. "An atheist counseling a cleric on a matter of faith. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke."
Elliot snorts, amused at first, then he contemplates the deeper implications. "...He might, yeah. What with the five of us each receiving visions of our respective gods before. One might assume they are unusually invested in us and our success." The swordsman continues, frowning. "Just, ah, if he offers to change you in some way, would it be because you wanted to or because you felt forced to? I want you to be happy," He clarifies. "And I love you as you are. Just know that you don't have to do such a thing. We've gotten by everything in our way thusfar and I'm sure we will continue to do so. Just..." He struggles to find the words. Whatever happened to Meri, he would have to live with that too. "So long as it's your choice."
Realizing it was getting late, he eventually disentangles himself. "All right. Shall we go off and have a bit to eat? I don't know about you, but I'm starving. And dead tired, too. We'll need to get a good bit of sleep while we can, probably." He smiles even though part of him was reluctant to break this tender moment amidst all the carnage of the crusade.
Verene rallies a bit to Thesius's teasing by instantly responding that she is quitting the wizardry business to become a carpenter, effective immediately, and is naming him as her successor.
She did not miss the sigh: though on its own it could mean nothing, Aravashnial, too, has occasionally seemed unhappy in some way deeper than what she can attribute to the normal worries and privations of life on a dangerous military campaign. But if he does not feel comfortable discussing personal matters with her, to give him a harmless topic anyone might converse about would be a good place to start. Verene herself is not picky about food, and she has grown used to — though already a little tired of — oat porridge in the morning and barley or chickpea stew with salt beef or bacon at night, interspersed with shield-baked flatbreads and roasted or mashed root vegetables. Hard to overcook, but even harder to eat raw.
After her conversation with Aravashnial, Verene helps the cooks with cleanup, then works on Elliot's pearl of power for another two hours before the runes and sigils begin to cross before her tired eyes. She is asleep almost before lying down on her camp cot. Her dreams are filled with a constant, overpowering heat that somehow does not harm her, and the familiar stifling air and rhythmic clink of hammers in a working forge, interspersed with flashes of an equally extreme cold that come in time with the huge and heavy footsteps of some great beast.
She wakes early to take a shift with the prisoners, as she saw on the schedule that it would be her turn on watch the next morning. While watching them, Verene makes more coffee, to wake herself up, and offers some of it, or some tea, to each of them as well as any other soldier on guard duty with her. She sets up her table here too, and continues working on the pearl. While she doesn't force a conversation, she is perfectly happy to chat in between carving the tiny runes the work requires.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
When he meets with Nurah, the halfling looks at him seeming quite exhausted. "What is it, Thesius?" She asks, her voice confirming that assessment. "Here to talk some more?"
At her question, he gestures mildly. "In Kyonin, we prepare food rather more... gamey than most humans have a taste for. I have grown somewhat used to Mendevian and Chelish cuisine over the past few years, but I still sometimes miss the foods of my homeland."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
With a quick quip back, Thesius responds to Verene with a playful wink. "No worries, even as an up and coming wizard I will always have time to lend you insight on carpentry as you pursue your new dream."
"Thank you Aron for your insight, your expertise is greatly appreciated. How are you holding up? I feel everything catching up with me from time to time," he offers as a note of shared exhaustion.
Thesius gives a warm smile while answering, "If you'll have me. I've brought food as I think it's something we all need after everything we've been through." He raises the plates as he speaks of the sustenance.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Elliot snorts, amused at first, then he contemplates the deeper implications. "...He might, yeah. What with the five of us each receiving visions of our respective gods before. One might assume they are unusually invested in us and our success." The swordsman continues, frowning. "Just, ah, if he offers to change you in some way, would it be because you wanted to or because you felt forced to? I want you to be happy," He clarifies. "And I love you as you are. Just know that you don't have to do such a thing. We've gotten by everything in our way thusfar and I'm sure we will continue to do so. Just..." He struggles to find the words. Whatever happened to Meri, he would have to live with that too. "So long as it's your choice."
Realizing it was getting late, he eventually disentangles himself. "All right. Shall we go off and have a bit to eat? I don't know about you, but I'm starving. And dead tired, too. We'll need to get a good bit of sleep while we can, probably." He smiles even though part of him was reluctant to break this tender moment amidst all the carnage of the crusade.
Change her? ...Oh. Merixia glances down at Righteous Eclipse. Yeah, in Elliot's shoes, she would worry about that too. "I may be Andoren by choice, but I am Chelaxian by birth. I'm not about to sign a contract without reading the fine print." She lifts her head and turns to look at him, a fierce look in her yellow eyes. "And I will never agree to a bargain that costs me my memories of you. Of us. Or of our friends, for that matter. What we have... this is something I never thought I would find. Someone I can trust not just with my life, but with my heart. And I will fight like hell to keep it."
A gurgling sound interrupts her emotional vow. Merixia looks down at her stomach, blushing. "Um. Yeah, food sounds like a good idea."
"So you are from Kyonin. I have never been fortunate enough to visit there, not really. I passed through Greengold only briefly, on a merchant ship bound for Vellumis. Though as I recall, it was very beautiful, with the buildings all roofed in yellow and the trees growing through them," Verene says wistfully, naming the only elven settlement open to foreigners and non-elves without special permission. "Is the food what you miss most often? Do you have a favorite dish that is impossible to find up here? Have you ever tried to change the flavors with prestidigitation to be more like those you remember?"
Later that night, after dinner and as much of a wash as she can manage under the circumstances, Merixia settles down on her bedroll to pray. I don’t know what to do anymore, Ragathiel. In the fight today, I couldn’t land a single hit on any of those demons, while my friends had no such problems. What am I doing wrong? How can I fix it? There isn’t anyone here who can teach me more advanced techniques with the bastard sword, and I can’t think of anything else to try. Please help me. I’m terrified that my friends and my boyfriend will die because of my weakness.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As they shift their discussion to Kyonin, Aravashnial sighs. "Yes. I lived near Tanglebriar - thus my interest in matters of Abyssal incursions." There's a faint sadness to his tone for a moment before he continues. "While I have used some minor magics on my food in the past, work consumed me in time - leaving me with little inclination to do so." A slight smile creases his lips. "Besides, it was pointed out to me that it might be slightly disrespectful to do so."
Aron shrugs slightly. "Better than I would've been if you'd not caught the shadowblood. Sosiel's been a bit busy, but he's always got time for me. What about you? You've been carrying a lot of the burden of our little adventure."
Nurah hesitates. "Not like I can stop you." She waves a hand to welcome him to sit anywhere near her humble new 'cell' - a set of shackles nailed to a wall. After a moment, she takes a small bite. "Thanks, I guess."
The pulse of righteous (is it truly righteous?) anger inside the hellspawn pauses for a heartbeat, almost as though it is responding to her prayer. Perhaps it is - it's hers, after all, so why wouldn't her intention impact it? Still, though, it seems like it's more meaningful than that.
After a few moments' she feels as though there's a wordless promise left to her - as though she will be given something in time... should she give something up, make an offering, or lose something.
The next morning is eerily quiet - even the sounds of waking crusaders and preparations for the day seem muffled. Once all are prepared for the day, Irabeth summons her command staff to the new command post - a hastily cleaned squat tower that sits near the center of Paradise Hill .
With her already is her wife, as well as Aron and Sosiel - Aravashnial isn't nearby, but the map of Drezen is spread before them on a makeshift table.
"Good, you're up." The Knight-Commander says to them as the arrive. "We've just gotten started - you haven't missed much yet."
Anevia nods. "I was just saying that a lot of the mercenaries - that's what they were, before they were captured, mostly. It seems like any priests or sworn knights of Mendev ended up... elsewhere." Anevia's expression darkens. "Anyways, there's about two dozen who're confident enough in their archery to be willing to take the risk. I am less than confident in about half of those."
"They want to get back at the demons." Sosiel agrees. "I think we can forgive an overabundance of enthusiasm, but we should be cautious."
When they have eaten, she gives Aravashnial her spellbook, assuring him that even one extra copy of invisibility and two more of fly would be a great help, and herself returns to work on Elliot's pearl of power.
After her early watch with the prisoners is over, Verene makes her way to the command tower just as the others are trickling in. She has not yet prepared spells, but otherwise feels refreshed and ready.
"Only a dozen reliable archers? Well, it is better than nothing. The others can guard the encampment, I suppose." It is a little disappointing, but makes it all the more urgent that the boiled leather and plain dirks they had stripped from the earlier cultists be replaced with good steel and cold iron. "So, what are our best choices for the next steps today? I was thinking last night that it might be easiest to have the knights retrace their steps back east and down into the canyon a mile or more, and look for another place to come up out of it that would leave them on the other side without having to make the crossing right in front of the cultists' faces."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"If nothing else, there's a psychological effect to strength in numbers. From afar, any enemy we engage might not be aware that any forces in the rear or moving to flank them aren't as well equipped," Elliot muses the next day at the meeting. He listens to Verene's suggestions and nods. "That seems like the safest move. Maybe we can try having Thesius and Verene escorted south to inspect the bridge before we do so. If it's deemed passable using magic we can go for that and save a lot of time. If not, we simply head east and begin our backtrack."
He waits to see if Thesius and his sister were open to that suggestion before refocusing on Merixia, curious for any signs that her prayers towards her god had worked.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Thesius' eyes widen slightly before relaxing. A sigh escaping his lips. "It's been a lot. While I know my skillsets are of use, I often feel my combat capabilities are not. I know many have similar feelings and that often we are our worst critiques, so I try to do my best."
Before turning in, Thesius makes time for his nightly ritual of dancing and chanting. At times this brings him dangerously close to collisions, but none of them ever seem to actually occur.
He greets the others as he meets them and the rest upon entering the meeting. Listening intently he nods while giving the others time to speak.
"While I can appreciate the idea of removing the troops from the immediate danger, I still think it prudent we find a more effective way of crossing. I understand that those within the city walls are unlikely to leave, but the fact is we don't know what forces lie within and their capabilities. Could they teleport into Paradise Hill to attack anyone we leave behind? Without an effective way to cross back, it could take us some time to rally back and assist. With that in mind, I agree it's prudent we survey the bridge before coming to that decision. I would also say we should remove the rest of the siege engines from play as well while perhaps confirming the one we already meddled with stays down."
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Merixia slowly makes her way back to the waking world, trying to figure out what just happened. Was that Ragathiel? I think so. Ugh, why couldn't he just talk, I know he can. She huffs irritably as she gets out of her bedroll and prepares for the day. A sacrifice, or an offering. Presumably he doesn't want something ephemeral like her memories or such, which is a relief. The best type of offering for the General of Vengeance is spoils of war taken from an evil enemy. Preferably a weapon, armor, or other item useful in battle, and if it's something like an unholy weapon or an inflict wand so much the better.
Well, damn. I should have asked back in Kenabres, that magic scythe we got off the lady guarding the wardstone would have been perfect. Water under the bridge, unfortunately. Merixia lays out her belongings, considering what she has and what she can live without. Her wand of spiritual weapon is almost fully charged, thanks to Verene and Elliot, and she took it from the leader of the Baphomet cult under Kenabres. That's a low level spell though, it probably won't be enough on its own.
Her buckler, maybe? The cleric bites her lip, considering. She had been so proud when she learned how to use a bastard sword in one hand; the proper way, according to her mentor. But... Father Darian is six feet six with shoulders like an ox and biceps nearly as big as Merixia's head. Merixia is none of those things. Maybe she could try fighting with a two-handed grip. It would certainly allow her to put more strength behind her blows. The buckler didn't come from the enemy, though, she got it from the priests of Abadar. I'll let the rest of the command staff know what I'm looking for. Elliot, Verene, Azira, and Thesius would probably just let me have a magic weapon or suit of armor, but if one of the others finds something, I can trade my buckler for it.
Washed, dressed, armed and armored (minus buckler), the cleric ventures forth to find breakfast and her companions. After a quick bowl of porridge and some hot mint tea, it doesn't take long to track down the strategy meeting.
"Good morning, everyone." She takes a seat at the table. "I think taking out the rest of the siege engines before we start making a crossing- whether we opt for the bridge or the riverbed- is a good idea. They might not be terribly accurate at this range, but all it would take is one lucky hit."
Lacking any real knowledge of how to repair a bridge, Azira simply listens to the conversation and waits for those with that knowledge to agree on a plan. “I’d be glad to go along on an expedition to assess the bridge,” she offers. “I don’t know anything about bridges, but I can offer some protection if we encounter any resistance.”
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"If nothing else, there's a psychological effect to strength in numbers. From afar, any enemy we engage might not be aware that any forces in the rear or moving to flank them aren't as well equipped," Elliot muses the next day at the meeting. He listens to Verene's suggestions and nods. "That seems like the safest move. Maybe we can try having Thesius and Verene escorted south to inspect the bridge before we do so. If it's deemed passable using magic we can go for that and save a lot of time. If not, we simply head east and begin our backtrack."
He waits to see if Thesius and his sister were open to that suggestion before refocusing on Merixia, curious for any signs that her prayers towards her god had worked.
"While I can appreciate the idea of removing the troops from the immediate danger, I still think it prudent we find a more effective way of crossing. I understand that those within the city walls are unlikely to leave, but the fact is we don't know what forces lie within and their capabilities. Could they teleport into Paradise Hill to attack anyone we leave behind? Without an effective way to cross back, it could take us some time to rally back and assist. With that in mind, I agree it's prudent we survey the bridge before coming to that decision. I would also say we should remove the rest of the siege engines from play as well while perhaps confirming the one we already meddled with stays down."
"Agreed. I would be happy to fly up to the remaining watchtowers with Thesius, and examine the bridge more closely as a group, before we make a final decision. Thankfully, Master Aravashnial has also kindly agreed to devote some of his spells for the day to such reconnaissance endeavors." Verene smiles gratefully toward the elven wizard.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Urge. To ask. Rising." Elliot thinks on the implication of Verene and his teacher spending even more time together. His hair flares through varying hues of blue and red before he manages to hold his focus on the immediate task. He sits back, relieved that Merixia seemed to be her normal self.
"I don't mind sabotaging more of the siege engines before we do anything else - at some point we will have to manage it regardless. However, I do believe that their presence shouldn't matter for our immediate plan of attacking the cultists on the south. The siege towers are parts of the wall of the city to out immediate west - at least the ones we know of. If they could have shot us while we were camping here out in the open, one could assume we're simply out of range and whether we go south or east, either takes us even further away. It'd cause a lot of chaos if catapults attacked us during the night. Woyuld the demons really pass that up?" he wonders when a disturbing thought hits him. "Although... I suppose it *is* possible that they are withholding fire for if we attempt to cross any bridge, and then fire at the both bridge and us to collapse it." He frowns. "Yeah, maybe we should make sure they can't do such a thing on the off-chance they're capable and patient enough to do that."
His brows crease as he peers at the map. "So... how are we handling this in detail? Are we sending Thesius by himself to be as covert in this sabotage as possible? Or add one bodyguard for saftey? Or all of us? It's going to take a large number of spells to make us all invisible and fly around, though I could provide my own." The magus shrugs. "How about we go with Thesius and Azira, if they are open to that? Thesius for the obvious sabotage and Azira because she's our best warrior and can heal if needed?" He had no issue admitting the paladin was stronger than him, especially if his flight advantage was granted to her by someone else. In spars, she'd beaten him every single time. The only way to have a chance against her would be to go all out with his spells and Wardstone power, which he'd never do as it would weaken himself against any actual enemies that day. Plus, he was fairly sure his fellow Aasimar was holding back against him as well.