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FemNPC5's page
58 posts. Alias of Camris.
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NPC Kyra
Kyra, uncomfortable at the nearness of a rampaging half-demon minotaur, tumbled back out of reach of it. He got a swing off on her, but she beat him, just barely.
Safely out of reach of the enemy, she cast Mirror Images, and now there are eight of her.
Varys wrote: "That is, what kind of business does the Ramblehouse take from out-of-towners on average?" "There's space for twenty, as long as they're small folk." Cham says proudly. "Maybe half are in use during the off season."
Grobradon wrote: "Do we have a description of the guest? " Cham tries her best, but she just cannot bring anything specific to mind.
Male. Average height, average build, average hair, average clothing. Human. Probably...
Cham Larringfass
Varys wrote: I will need a list of all people who were staying in the Ramblehouse this past night. ”Well, I really don’t think…”
Varys wrote: Cham, was anyone manning the front desk overnight? ”We don’t really have an overnight…”
Varys wrote: Could anyone have seen people coming and going who may have otherwise had access to rooms? ”Like I said, we don’t…”
Varys wrote: Who has access to keys to the individual rooms? ”Well, I…”
Varys wrote: Was Rodrik known to have any visitors to the Ramblehouse? ”Well, his brother of course, and…”
Varys wrote: Does he have his own residence in town, or was this his primary abode? ”Well, he slept here…”
Varys wrote: May I borrow that board? There is a blackboard by the front desk.
”Uh, yes of course.” She said faintly, looking a little dizzy at the blizzard of words coming from Varys.
Sheathing her sword, she approached you again.
"Now. I have arranged this transport circle to take you directly to where the Knights of Kenabres are encamped. If you have any last minute arrangements, take care of them now and then enter the Circle."
You note that several priests and wizards have started lighting incense
and blue candles around the circle.
If you want to bring anything besides yourselves, it has to fit inside the circle.
The Queen stepped forward and raised her hands.
"CRUSADERS! YOU HAVE HEARD OF THE HEROES OF KENABRES AND THEIR DEEDS TO LIBERATE THE CITY!
"HERE WE HAVE FOUR MORE TO ADD TO THE RANKS OF HEROES OF KENABRES!"
(The crusaders shout their approval.)
"IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SUCCESS AND IN HONOR OF THEIR TRIUMPH, WE AWARD THEM THE RANK AND HONORS..."
She paused to sweep her sword from her scabbard.
"...OF KNIGHTS OF THE FIFTH CRUSADE!" She proclaimed.
(The crusaders cheer!)
One by one, she directed you all to kneel before her.
She took her sword and tapped you on each shoulder and then the top of your head.
Then she draped a silver chain with a jeweled medallion (a shield shape the size of your hand) around your shoulders.
The symbol is of a silver dragon scale with the icon of Iomedae in the upper left and the hammer of Torag in the upper right.
Then she drew you to your feet again, proclaiming; "RISE, SIR _______!" To the wild acclaim of the crusaders present.
Players Note:
The title makes you a low noble. It gives you permission to lead armies and rule lands, among other rights and privileges.
You are allowed to fly a Knights Pennon, create your own coat-of-arms, and you must be addressed as Sir (or Dame as you prefer).
Thrall wrote: "I am ready, Your Majesty." The queen nodded and rose.
"Very well then. Everything should be in readiness now, come this way."
Taedric wrote: "In fact, I was wondering if we'd have some sort of map, given that we once held it? Ideally, the walls will be wide enough that I can bring Knave in with us - with a map we could maybe plan for the best possible route." Queen Galfrey shook her head.
"What maps that we have are with the command team of the Knights of Kenabres. The fortress of Drezen is said to be very impressive; It is likely wide enough most everywhere to bring your 'Knave' with you."
Sapphiria wrote: <Drezen - dwarf-work - secret entrances?> The queen shook her head.
"If there were any, we have no records here of where they might be.
"Bear in mind that at the time it was betrayed and overrun, Drezen had not yet been fully completed. When you are on scene, hopefully you can get more information on ways and means to effect entry."
"The team that rescued the Citadel and dealt with the Wardstone fragment has already travelled through the worldwound with the Knights of Kenabres by secret paths, and is currently laying seige to the fortress itself.
"I will be sending you by a special transportation spell, as time is short and I need you there by today.
"Now, there is a little time before the ceremony, do you have any questions of me?" She asked.
"In brief; I have detailed three companies of armored knights, about a hundred crusaders in each, plus the Commanders detail, auxilliary forces like scouts, wagoneers and so on, perhaps a bit more than four hundred all told." She rattled off.
Then she smiled.
"Technically they would be called a Battalion; but I think you'll find that facing the foes you are they will be punching far above their weight class. I have no problem calling them an Army."
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"Under Commander Irabeth, you will be part of the Command structure, leading troops where needed and forming a small but powerful unit for special actions needing something more powerful than a lance of knights."
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"To give you a basic overview of Citadel Drezen, I can tell you that it was built during the First Mendevian Crusade as a strategic foothold inside the Worldwound.
"Dwarves chiseled it from of a rocky hill near the source of the Sellen River.
"And it held for well over a decade, withstanding almost constant war before a traitor turned the Sword of Valor over to the demons.
"We never found out who it was, but with the Sword of Valor’s protection gone, the demons overwhelmed Drezen in a night.”
She shook her head.
"As for the Sword of Valor, despite the name, it’s not a sword. It’s a battle standard—an artifact once used by Iomedae herself during the Shining Crusade.
"The church loaned the banner to the First Mendevian Crusade and allowed it to hang in Drezen, where it bolstered crusader morale and, perhaps more importantly, warded against demonic attacks, deceptions, and even teleportation.
“It is almost certainly still somewhere inside Citadel Drezen. At one point, it was held in a special vault, but our divinations have only revealed that the banner remains in the Citadel somewhere. Alas, the same wards that protect it against demons also hamper divination attempts—but we know it’s still in there, likely kept as a trophy.”
She hesitated a moment.
"But, you understand the implications of what has happend, I’m sure—the wardstones are all gone, but Iomedae has seen fit that YOU will be their replacement.
"I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would have settled in your bodies and souls and didn’t merely fade into the ether.
_
"The demons will regroup and reorganize—we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than it otherwise would take, but we shouldn’t underestimate them. They’ll be back soon enough. Already I’ve had reports from along the front lines that small groups of demons are attacking fortifications and settlements along the southern border."
_
She leaned forward, looking intense.
"But what intrigues me most is that as our fiendish enemies are starting to mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow within the Worldwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected.
"In particular, the fiend Aponavicius has taken the bulk of her army from Drezen, leaving it only moderately protected as she joins with the Storm King in Iz to, no doubt, plot greater attacks on larger targets like Nerosyan, Karcau, and beyond."
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She straightened up.
"The time is right to strike into their territory. Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the First Crusade, and we lost more than our kin and our pride that day. We lost the Sword of Valor, a magical banner carried by the Inheritor herself during the Shining Crusade.
"If Drezen could be retaken—if the Sword of Valor could once again be held by the crusade... well, I trust I don’t need to explain how well that would affect morale.
_
"But with the attacks along the border, I cannot spare many to lead an assault on Drezen. And even if I could, a large army attacking the city would only draw Aponavicius back to defend the place.
"The obvious tactic is to send in a group of capable heroes with a modest but well-trained army to strike now, while the proverbial iron is hot. And this is why I have already done so."
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"I have been seeking out those who have suddenly become more powerful, more heroic and more inspiring that were not present at the final destruction of the Wardstone fragment; namely yourselves. By sending you along with the rest of the Paladin army, we gain your power and abilities to aid in the assault against Drezen; for we need every sword arm, every arrow and every spell we can send."
_
She leaned forward.
"If we can retake Drezen and reclaim the Sword of Valor, not only will you silence the whispering of fools who would brand you traitors for destroying the wardstone, but more importantly, you would bolster the entire war effort with your heroism. And I fear we need all the bolstering we can get!"
Grey wrote: "Oh! Yer be wantin' this then!" Again, the queen put her hand up.
”No young Grey. That scale came to your hand for a purpose. A Destiny if you will.
Grey wrote: A casual jerk of his head towards the Gnome, the priest & the woman, "They're heroes." "I'm not." Queen Galfrey smiled gently.
”Young man, I am in a position where I have seen the greatest of heroes, as well as the most craven of traitors.” She said intently. ”You may not be able to see it, but for eyes that can see, you ALL blaze forth with a blue-white radiance; you hold the greatest of Good within you, I swear it is true.”
The queen smiled at Sapphira’s performance.
”I believe I followed most of that.” She commented.
I. Speak. Gesture. She signed to Sapphira.
Thrall wrote: He shows the scale on the palm of his hand, offering it to the Queen. The queen held up her hand.
”No Sir Thrall, I am certain that that scale, from the Silver Dragon Terendelev, was meant to be in your possession.”
Thrall wrote: Thrall kneels before the Queen. Queen Galfrey held up her hand.
”No, no Sir Thrall; we are not at court and strictly speaking, I was never here.” She looked around. ”I hope you understand.
”Still, let us sit at leisure while you tell us your tale.”
She guided you into a side chamber where an old beaten up table that had clearly been used as a barricade at one point has been set up again, with chairs, a platter of food and bottles of wine suitable for a court function had been set up.
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Queen Galfrey
There is no mistake; her profile is on all the gold sovereigns you have. That and the confident air of authority she wears like another set of armor.
But how is she here? Everyone had her way down South dealing with several hordes of demons free from the destroyed wardstones confinement.
She smiled and nodded at you.
"Please be at ease. I have gathered you all together because I understand you have had an unusual experience? Connected to one of the Wardstones when they were destroyed?
"If you can, I would like to hear of what happened to you... and how you came by a silver dragon scale. It may not be apparent, but I can assure you it is important." She asked to each of you.
Sasha said, "I suppose I should put something on..." She said, sashaying exaggeratedly back into Reijo's cabin.
Perform (Erotic dance): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
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Amella Venkali (first mate) stepped forward and snagged Booker and Skald before they could step forward.
"That's OK Captain, I'll ride 'em 'till ye get back." She said.
Turning to the rest of the crew and passengers, she smiled and cracked a bullwhip.
"THE REST 'O YE GET BACK TO WORK!" She bawled out, getting the rest back to fixing the decks, the rigging, and the breastwork defenses against another plant people attack.
A good looking woman with tousled red hair and mischievous green eyes strode into the room. Slender and athletic, her friendly grin belied the fancy double interlocking swept hilt rapiers case on her belt.
"I am Sasha Nevah, from Magnimar." She said cheerfully to the Captain, accepting a glass of rum and sitting.
Midori bustled in with a massive book.
"Hey guys! I thought the symbol on the key we found was familiar. It's a Coat of Arms!"
She dropped it on the sheriff's desk and it fell open to a page marked with a ruler.
"Guess who it belongs to!" She crowed.
The page shows the symbol on the key you found is the family crest of the noble Foxglove family. The current family head is Aldern Foxglove.
—any PC who spent more than a few hours with Aldern Foxglove in Chapter One gains a +10 bonus on this check and can attempt it even if she has no ranks in the skill.
"Compulsion? No, they were just curious. Understandable." She replied as she reached out with a hand to caress Cynara, her other hand to caress Nakoda, and her other hand to caress Sylvianna.
Her easy caress is Hypnotic in pattern.
Everybody make a Will save DC15 (vs. Illusion).
Cynara, Nakoda and Sylvianna feel the elf-woman's touch is oddly slimy; make a Fort Save vs DC20
"And your clothing looks so strange to me. Will you step forward that I may see what new fashions there are in this new era?" She asked with a hungry look.
She cocked her head again, as if puzzled.
"Another plane? Yesss... The Great Beyond. It is true."
She looked sharply at each of you.
"But you are not. Who are you? Where do you come from?"
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Queen Galfrey and her personal guard escort you to the camps just outside of Kenabres’s northern wall, where her armies wait.
She leads you to a group of crusaders outside a Headquarters Tent at the northern edge of the camps, and as they approach, the knights there quickly fall into line, standing at attention.
She turns to you.
”These knights have all volunteered to aid you in retaking Drezen, and that their loyalty and devotion are true.”
She starts walking along the line, gesturing to each individual crusader in turn.
“First, this is Sir Sosiel Vaenic, Pastor of the church of Shelyn in Kenabres. You Chief of Clerical support and Battalion Hospitaller.” The Queen stated.
Sosiel is a dark skinned male human who projects a sense of calm and serenity. He is tall, impeccable in appearance in his clerical vestments and well-worn gear, and inspires those around him by his very appearance. On the battlefield he is very imposing with his tall frame and spinning glaive. A crystal medallion with the embossed image of Shelyn’s thrush always hangs from his neck against his chest under his armor, taking on an iridescent sheen in the light of the sun.
He bows to you.
”I am honored to make your acquaintance my Lords and Ladies.” He said in a rich speaking voice. ”I hope to be of aid and assistance to everyone in our army on the campaign.”
His faith and inspiring attitude grants the army a +1 bonus to its morale—(this bonus is included in your Army stats.)
“Next, we have Lady Nurah Dendiwhar, Master Bard. Your Chief of Inspiration and Communication.” The Queen said, gesturing down this time.
Nurah is a short blond haired Halfling with a brilliant smile and bounces with suppressed energy. She is informally dressed, and while she mostly uses percussion instruments, she also carries around a horn almost as big as she is.
”Hi! Pleased to meet ya!” She waives at you cheerily in a clear and chirpy voice.
Her skill at bolstering courage and lightening spirits grants the army a +1 bonus to its OM—(This bonus is included in your Army stats.)
“Next we have Sir Mathis, Captain of Company C." The Queen said.
This huge human male looks like a stereotype. Blond, bright white smile, shining plate armor. He gave you a huge smile as he bowed deeply.
"And may I say, you're an inspiration to us all Sir Thetin!" He said, grabbing Thetin's hand in addition to bowing. "With Radiance in your hand and your faithful..." He continued before the Queen without apparent effort cut him off and swept you all along to the next Crusader.
“Next, we have My Lord Horgus, Count Gwerm, your Quartermaster and Chief of Supply.” The Queen stated.
Even the most expensive robes ever made cannot prevent Horgus from looking like a dumpy middle aged clerk. His face fell as he realized who his new commanders would be.
“WHAT?... Oh no.
"Your Majesty! … Them?” He said incredulously, pointing at you.
Irabeth looked at you with a raised eyebrow.
“What exactly did you do to him down in those caverns?” Muttered Irabeth to you under her breath.
The Queen threw her arm around Horgus companionably.
“Now now Horgus, we have discussed this.
"THIS is an important mission! These heroes are the ones for the job, and YOU are going to help make it happen. There is no one else capable of doing this job but you; which is why I am entrusting you with it. Right?” She asked, smiling persuasively.
Reluctantly, painfully, Horgus nodded.
“Yes... Your Majesty.” He said grudgingly.
“Good man!” She said cheerily, then moved to the next soldier.
His support reduces the army’s Consumption score by 2.
“This is Sir Freidrich, Captain of Company B.” The Queen stated.
This very distinguished looking human male bows with great piety. He wears very nice formal plate armor with a crest denoting that he is an heir of a very old Sarkoris noble family. He bowed and knelt with great formality.
"YOUR Most Beneficient Majesty!" He intoned in an a florid, almost archaic accent.
“This is Sir Aron Kir, Tactition and Siege warfare engineer." The Queen stated.
This sandy haired human male is barely thirty, but he looks older because of his lined and weathered face. He wears practical and relatively inexpensive plate/mail. He salutes crisply, but makes no other comment.
His skill at tactics grants the army a +1 bonus to its DV—
(This bonus is already included in your Army stats.)
“This is Sir Arles, Captain of Company A.” The Queen stated.
This human male with graying hair looks like a hard bitten veteran of many conflicts. His armor, though cleaned and polished, has scratches and dents no armorsmith can buff out. He merely bowed at you with no comment, looking skeptical of your abilities.
“Next, we have Master Aravashnial of the Riftwardens, Head of your Arcane magic support." The Queen stated.
The tall male elf smiled down on you before bowing gracefully. He looks very different now that his eyes have been regenerated. He looks much more handsome, self-confident and alert now; holding his staff with less of a death grip.
”We are well acquainted Your Majesty. Well met again!” He said smiling.
He grants the army Spellbreaker as a bonus tactic, increasing the army’s DV by 4 against armies with the spellcasting ability.
“Lastly, we have Madame Anevia Tirabade, Head of your Scouts.” The Queen stated.
Anevia smiled and bowed to you all as Irabeth made a sound like she was choking on her own tongue.
”We’ve met.” She said, smiling and bowing. She blew a kiss at a stunned Irabeth as soon as the Queen turned back to you.
Her reports help gain your army battlefield advantage,
increasing its OM and DC by 2.
The Queen says; “I’ve never been one for unneeded ceremony, and you’ve a lot of work ahead of you—I wish you luck in your mission, and hope to hear of your triumph soon!” She nodded at you and left you to your own council.
"Crusaders! You all know our plan! We march on the Morrow!
"Until then, DISMISSED!" She shouted.
The assembled Crusaders all saluted, which she returned, and they broke up talking excitedly amongst themselves.
She turned to you all.
"Excellent speech Sir Thetin! I approve wholeheartedly! And you Sir Carilain, short, sweet and perfectly timed; Excellent!
"But before you head out tomorrow I think it's time you met the command staff. Come with me." She said, turning to march down one of the alleyways behind Defender's Heart.
Stepping back, the queen barks "SALUTE!" and as the queen snaps a salute to you, all the crusaders do the same in near perfect synchronicity.
Then she again calls up all of the Heroes.
"I present to Dame Kyra, Sir Carilain, Sir Thetin, Sir Kelden, Sir Kankai and Sir Irabeth the Righteous Medal of Valor!
"In recognition of a hero who delivers a death blow to a demon whose power greatly exceeds theirs!" She proclaims, pinning a medal that looks like a demonic skull, the top of which has been pierced by four red-hilted swords.
As a swift action, the wearer of the Medal of Valor can gain a +2 sacred bonus to Strength for 1 minute (once a day).
In addition, this medal grants a constant +2 sacred bonus to CMD.
Then she calls up Carilain and Kelden.
"I present to Sir Carilain and Sir Kelden the Righteous Medal of Vigor!
"In recognition of a hero who is reduced to unconsciousness in battle by a demon but survives and rejoins the battle before that demon is defeated!" She proclaims, pinning a medal that looks like a hexagonal medal depicting a white castle on a field of red with gold trim.
As a swift action, the wearer of the Medal of Vigor can gain a +2 sacred bonus to Constitution for 1 minute (once a day).
In addition, this medal grants a constant +2 sacred bonus on saves against death effects.
Then she calls up Carilain, Kelden, Kyra and Thetin.
"I present to Sir Carilain, Sir Kelden, Dame Kyra and Sir Thetin the
Righteous Medal of Command!
"In recognition of a hero who redeems one of the enemy and convinces the redeemed character to join the crusade!" She proclaims, pinning a circular medal that depicts a leering demon head before two crossed swords.
As a swift action, the wearer can gain a +2 Charisma for 1 minute (once a day).
In addition, this medal grants a +2 sacred bonus on saves against emotion-based effects (including fear effects).
Then she calls up all of the Heroes.
"I present to Sir Kelden, Sir Carilain, Dame Kyra, Sir Thetin, and Sir Kankai the Righteous Medal of Clairity!
"In recognition of a hero who recovers vital information of great use against the Worldwound and delivers this intelligence to the crusaders!" She proclaims, pinning a circular blue medal that depicts a pair of feminine gray eyes surrounded by a circular silver lightning bolt.
As a swift action, the wearer of the Medal of Clairity can gain a +2 sacred bonus to Intelligence for 1 minute (once a day).
In addition, this medal grants a constant +2 sacred bonus on saves against insanity or confusion effects.
Then she calls up Kankai.
"I present to Sir Kankai the Righteous Medal of Agility!
"In recognition of a hero who delivers a death blow to a demon in combat before it gets a chance to act!" She proclaims, pinning on her triangular iron medal that shows a demonic face surrounded by three swords.
A medal must be affixed to a worn article of clothing to function, but doesn’t have to be worn visibly.
As a swift action, the wearer of the Medal of Agility can gain a +2 sacred bonus to Dexterity for 1 minute (once a day).
In addition, this medal grants a constant sacred bonus of +1 on Initiative checks.
The Queen stepped forward and raised her hands. The crusaders quieted down.
"CRUSADERS! YOU HAVE HEARD OF THE HEROES OF KENABRES AND THEIR DEEDS TO LIBERATE THE CITY!"
(The crusaders cheer.)
"THIS HAS NOT GONE UNNOTICED BY US!
"IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SUCCESS AND IN HONOR OF THEIR TRIUMPH, WE AWARD THEM THE RANK AND HONORS..."
She paused to sweep her sword from her scabbard.
"...OF KNIGHTS OF THE FIFTH CRUSADE!" She proclaimed.
One by one, she directed you all (and Irabeth) to kneel before her.
She took her sword and tapped you on each shoulder and then the top of your head.
Then she draped a silver chain with a jeweled medallion (a shield shape the size of your hand) around your shoulders.
The symbol is of a silver dragon scale with the icon of Iomedae in the upper left and the hammer of Torag in the upper right.
Then she drew you to your feet again, proclaiming; "RISE, SIR _______!" To the wild acclaim of the army.
Ix wrote: "Have you come here to kill them?" Sylvianna wrote: "Would that free you?" Ix nodded slowly. "Yesss. I believe it would."
Cynara wrote: "What questions have you answered for them?" Ix blinked.
"They asked extensive questions about the city and forest nation, its people, its military and arcane forces... They were very disappointed that my knowledge was millenia old and useless to them." She replied, thinking aloud.
The queen nodded as she led you through the doors and down the hallway.
"Of course Kankai. Your Battalion Quartermaster is already assembling all maps, documents and intelligence you will need for your mission.
"Drezen itself started with a hill and was built out. You won't have to dig to get into it. Probably.
"As for whether or not they will be willing to take orders from you?"
She turned and grinned at Kankai.
"I don't believe you have to worry on that score.
"As for speaking to the scout, well we didn't use one. It was far too risky and time consuming to send them. Our information was developed through careful scrying and augurys."
She cocked her head in puzzlement at Cynara's question.
"My name..." She said, turning the word over in her mind.
"It has been so long. I... am Ix. I am Ixilano, I think.
"I am a spirit of the elder days, bound here by Drow magics to answer their questions."
She cocked her head.
"Have you come here to kill them?" She asked curiously.
After the meal and drinks and any other questions...
The queen rose from her chair.
"If you are finished, would you like to meet your army?" She asked, with a smile on her lips.
To give you a basic overview of Citadel Drezen, I can tell you that it was built during the First Mendevian Crusade as a strategic foothold inside the Worldwound.
"Dwarves chiseled it from of a rocky hill near the source of the Sellen River.
"And it held for well over a decade, withstanding almost constant war before a traitor turned the Sword of Valor over to the demons.
"We never found out who it was, but with the Sword of Valor’s protection gone, the demons overwhelmed Drezen in a night.”
She shook her head.
"As for the Sword of Valor, despite the name, it’s not a sword. It’s a battle standard—an artifact once used by Iomedae herself during the Shining Crusade.
"The church loaned the banner to the First Mendevian Crusade and allowed it to hang in Drezen, where it bolstered crusader morale and, perhaps more importantly, warded against demonic attacks, deceptions, and even teleportation.
“It is almost certainly still somewhere inside Citadel Drezen. At one point, it was held in a special vault, but our divinations have only revealed that the banner remains in the Citadel somewhere. Alas, the same wards that protect it against demons also hamper divination attempts—but we know it’s still in there, likely kept as a trophy.”
"On the front lines things are relatively quiet for the moment, but I expect that to change at any time.
"Scouts within the Worldwound tell us that the demons and their minions are massing all along the Sarkora River in Riftshadow, and we expect them to hit Nerosyan, Karcau, and other southern points within the week.
"I need to get Kenabres in order and head back south in a few days as a result, and I hope you’ll be well on your way north by then.”
Seeing the looks in your eyes she nodded.
"Why do I think this plan will work?
"Well, yes it is risky, but the reward is worth it. And the demons won’t expect it.
"In fact, they might not even notice it, what with their attention focused on the southern borders.
"If you can secure Drezen quickly enough and find the Sword of Valor, it will do most of the work of keeping the place safe once you’ve reactivated it.”
Quote: What’s stopping demons from teleporting in as reinforcements once we attack? “Their own nature. Those left behind have been charged with protecting Drezen, and if they abandon that post, even to teleport away for help, they’ll likely be killed. And no demon truly wants to be killed. That and their arrogance about their superiority over mortal life should be more than enough to keep them in Drezen until the very end.
"At that point, when you’ve broken their morale, they’ll teleport away in droves, which should give you several days to complete your mission.”
Kankai wrote: "We can discuss what is needed after dinner over drinks if her majesty is up for it." She smiled.
"We can do both, of course. You will find, I think, that it is a valuable time saver."
Thetin wrote: "Also is there someone in your retinue that i can talk to about the procurement of some magical items." She nodded.
"Of course. Your Battalion Quartermaster will have a selection of such equipment already available.
"If you don't have them already, your arms and armor should be able for us to forge the basic Enchantment into at the very least.
"If you are independently wealthy you can see the Eagle Watch merchant's bazaar, or even the Black Market before you leave. Healing is especially dear nowadays, with the war you understand."
Thetin wrote: "And if one of your cartographers can get me some maps of Drezen and the surrounding areas i would greatly appreciate it." "Already collected and stored."
Thetin wrote: "I'll need to know the name of the man in charge of the army coming with us as well so that we can start discussing supply lines and tactics." "Well, I was hoping to find someone filled with the power of good and righteousness, already famous for battling against demons, and possibly bearing a weapon out of legend. Do you happen to know of anyone like that?" She asked impishly.
"But don't worry if you feel unqualified, I have assembled veteran officers to aid you in managing your army."
Thetin wrote: "How many people are you sending with us and when do we need to strike." "I have detailed three companies of armored knights, about a hundred crusaders in each, plus the Commanders detail, auxilliary forces like scouts, wagoneers and so on, perhaps a bit more than four hundred all told." She rattled off.
Then she smiled.
"Technically they would be called a Battalion; but I think you'll find that facing the foes you are they will be punching far above their weight class. I have no problem calling them an Army."
Carilain wrote: "When a queen offers to make you a general, there is only one thing to do: Accept." The Queen nodded regally. She looked to the rest of you for your answers.
OVERVIEW
Unlike the other rooms of this place, this large chamber has been restored to its former beauty.
Polished white marble gleams from the walls, carved in the likeness of dancing and frolicking elves.
Along one wall is a gigantic sparkling pool of crystal clear water, behind which stands a gateway made of the purest alabaster, carefully shaped to look like a ring of leaves.
In the center of the pool, a comely elven maiden reclines on a tremendous floating leaf.
She looked with idle curiosity at you all as you enter.
"Hello. Who might you be?" She asked in a lovely contralto voice in elvish.
Standing up, the Queen stepped over to the fireplace and turned to face you. Standing tall, she gazed down at you with piercing eyes.
“There are... some narrow-minded souls among the crusade who blame YOU for the destruction of the wardstone border." She said, smiling bitterly.
"Rest assured, I am not among them. I do not begrudge you for what you did. Far from it. From the sound of it, you saved entire legions of crusaders from a vile fate by preventing Vorlesh from transforming them, and the blast of energy gave us the time we needed to regroup and prepare for what will certainly come next."
_
She hesitated a moment.
"But, you understand the implications of what you’ve done, I’m sure—the wardstones are all gone, but Iomedae has seen fit that YOU will be their replacement.
"I can think of no other reason that would explain why their power would have settled in your bodies and souls and didn’t merely fade into the ether.
_
"In time, the demons will regroup and reorganize—we can trust their inherent chaos to make this period of regrouping longer than it otherwise would take, but we shouldn’t underestimate them. They’ll be back soon enough. Already I’ve had reports from along the front lines that small groups of demons are attacking fortifications and settlements along the southern border."
_
She leaned forward, looking intense.
"But what intrigues me most is news from several reliable sources that as our fiendish enemies are starting to mass in the southern reaches along the Riftshadow within the Worldwound, they have left several of their northern lairs relatively unprotected.
"In particular, the fiend Aponavicius has taken the bulk of her army from Drezen, leaving it only moderately protected as she joins with the Storm King in Iz to, no doubt, plot greater attacks on larger targets like Nerosyan, Karcau, and beyond."
_
She straightened up.
"The time is right to strike into their territory. Drezen was the first of our cities to fall after the First Crusade, and we lost more than our kin and our pride that day. We lost the Sword of Valor, a magical banner carried by the Inheritor herself during the Shining Crusade.
"If Drezen could be retaken—if the Sword of Valor could once again be held by the crusade... well, I trust I don’t need to explain how well that would affect morale.
_
"But with the imminent attacks along the border, I cannot spare many to lead an assault on Drezen. And even if I could, a large army attacking the city would only draw Aponavicius back to defend the place.
"The obvious tactic is to send in a group of capable heroes with a modest but well-trained army to strike now, while the proverbial iron is hot. And this is why I’ve sought you out."
_
She leaned forward.
"If you can retake Drezen and reclaim the Sword of Valor, not only will you silence the fools who would brand you traitors for destroying the wardstone, but more importantly, you would bolster the entire war effort with your heroism. And I fear we need all the bolstering we can get!"
When handed Radiance, the light dimmed to normal torch levels but does not extinguish.
The queen held it reverently as she gazed upon it with wonder.
"It is decided then. Radiance is kindled again in worthy hands." She said reverently, passing it back to Arthas again. Irabeth nodded with the Queen
"It is beyond all hope that I have lived to see Radiance shine forth once more."
One of the servants quickly and quietly gets a stool for Kankai.
Queen Galfrey smiled at you in turn and nodded with approval at Kelden's words.
She seems utterly riveted at your tale. When you come to the part where you opened the sword case to find Radiance, she leaned forward eagerly.
"Could I... see Radiance, now that it has awakened once more?" She asked Thetin.
The queen raised her hand and said; "Please rise... Kelden, right?" Her voice was warm and you felt the impulse to do as she asked; a product of inborn talent, natural charisma and considerable experience.
Elegantly dressed in rich but informal robes, you could tell as she gestured that there was considerable strength in her arms and legs, as befitting a fighting queen.
"I wished to hear the tale of how you survived the assault that destroyed Terendelev and overran Kenabres. My officers surveyed the site where you stood, and no one believed anyone could have survived.
"As court etiquette is frequently a drag on the conveyance of important information, I arranged for an informal dinner situation."
She gestured to the round table as waiters came in to serve everyone the first course.
"Please, take your seats and tell me your tale, each in your own way." She said, and suiting action to words took her own place.
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