The Lady's NPC 8.0's page

Sir Ilivan Reflex (DC 15): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Hannah Reflex (DC 15): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Both Sir Ilivan and his faithful steed manage to avoid the worst of the brimorak's fire as well, the crusader gritting his teeth as he draws his sword.

"Bah! It'll take more than that to put me down!"

As the duo prepare to charge forth, something catches Sir Ilivan's eye and he points towards a dust cloud that seems to be advancing from the north. "Damn! Reinforcements!?"

Every single one of you see it too and spot the figures within - more demons, advancing quickly on your position.

"Pathfinders, kill that brimorak and rescue those men. No matter what, rescue those men and then ride as fast as you can for Nerosyan. I'll hold them off. Consider this my last order." Sir Ilivan's expression is grim but determined as he and Hannah wheel about. "For what it's worth, it's been an honor to share your company. HYAH!"

He kicks into Hannah and the pair charge off toward the north to meet the oncoming horde, sun glinting off his armor and lance steady in his grip...
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Consider this an uninterruptable cutscene. Another post to follow, please stand by~

The crusader reflects on Effie's suggestion, looking thoughtful.

"Hmm...that could work. I'll have to give it some more thought though, once we return to Nerosyan."
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After a few minutes of riding you can see a swarm of angry looking hornets off in the distance and Sir Ilivan is quick to pull on Hannah's reigns to draw her to a halt. Some of you prepare to do battle, reaching for alchemist's fires and the like, but Sir Ilivan throws his arm out to signal you to wait.

"Watch, they've picked up a scent that isn't us. If we wait, I think we'll be able to pass on by while they're after whatever quarry they've sighted."

And just as the crusader finishes his sentence, the swarm rises high into the air and speedily moves away towards the north.

There's an optional encounter here but I generally skip those if they don't add anything to the story.

"Whew. One less thing to deal with. Hannah and I wouldn't have been much help against those things," Sir Ilivan remarks with a sigh of relief.

"Okay, let's get moving before they come back. I think we're getting close, too..."
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

Though none of you have forgotten your purpose Hepsubia's retelling of your adventures in Heaven prove a welcome respite after the unnerving encounter with the rageweed. Even Sir Ilivan can't help but chuckle at the thought of throwing shoes at a demon, though his expression quickly grows somber again once the tale is done.

"You know...being out here with you all, seeing my shortcomings in the face of your bravery, well...if that isn't proof that the war has changed me then I don't know what is."

He stares ahead at the path you follow, the path that will hopefully lead you to the captured crusaders.

"And now I see that I'm not fit to lead, not like this. I should've helped you back at Bedis and I shouldn't have argued about coming out here after those men. Once we rescue them and make it back to Nerosyan, I'll be stepping down - effective immediately. Maybe it'd do me good to go back to being part of the rank and file or maybe they'll have some other idea where to put me."

There's a pause and he adds, "As long as it's not filling out gods-damned paperwork! Think I'd rather take my chances against the demons armed with baked goods..."

"We shall get you some better help when we return. I'm not saying the clerics couldn't help, just that well... obviously they don't know everything. I strongly suggest you stay back when we encounter the demons. Your panic attack could easily be triggered again, putting everyone at more risk of harm."

""His reaction to the rageweed is no worse than Effie's or Hepsubia's was. Perhaps better since he restrained his blade. Sir Ilvan is a crusader of many years, and I trust him to handle himself."

As Sir Ilivan climbs back atop his horse he shakes his head. "No, she's got a fair point. I haven't done much to earn your trust, earlier or now. But if the gods are willing, I'd like to try now. You'll not face those demons alone but if I...if I feel like I might lose control of myself again, I'll fall back. You have my word."

"I'll put a word for you next time I go to Heaven."

"What's Heaven like?" the crusader suddenly asks. Even though some of you had mentioned your trip there previously, this is the first time that Sir Ilivan has seemed to show any interest in it. "Is it as beautiful as the books say it is?"

Perhaps now understanding that arguing won't get him anywhere Sir Ilivan ceases trying to regain his seat atop Hannah and plops down, arms draped over his knees and staring at the ground. After a long pause, he finally speaks.

"I've been out here a long time. Not just in years. I've seen things that good, decent people should never have to see. And I've done things," he begins, his tone bordering on what sounds like despair. "During the Fourth Mendevian Crusade. I was leading a platoon. We were hard marching to an outpost, sent to relieve the men who were there. But I was a fool and banked on speed instead of scouting parties to avoid the enemy. And when you push for speed, men get tired. When they get tired, they grumble. When they grumble, it wears on you on top of being tired yourself."

"So focused on speed, we never saw the shadow demon. They're cruel, calculating things. It took over my mind because it knew I was in command. And..." Sir Ilivan hesitates, begins again in a voice that begins to crack, "That evil bastard...made me...killed two....of the finest, bravest...."

Suddenly he pounds the earth with a fist and emits an anguished cry, "Damn them! Damn them all to the Abyss!" He buries his head in his hands for a moment, and you can hear him talking softly though the only word you can catch of this is 'Iomedae'.

"I might've killed them all if a few of my men hadn't been quick-witted and quicker on their feet than I was and tackled me to the ground," the crusader finally continues, looking up to meet your gazes at last. "Worst day of my life. I see it, every now and again, when I lay down at night. The still of the night, just you and your thoughts. Sometimes you can't control those thoughts, and that memory bubbles up. They said to let it go. I worked with the clerics of Iomedae. And they did what they could, said the normal, 'Not your fault', 'Nothing you can do', 'Best way to heal is to avenge them'."

"Pah!" He spits on the ground. "They don't see those faces when they lay down at night. Good men, trying to be a heroes. They looked up to me, respected me, followed me. And I killed them. May Iomedae have mercy on my soul."

Sir Ilivan falls silent again and it seems as though he may speak no more...until he finally turns wearily to the Grandfrogger and accepts the offered apple. "Thank you. We'll rest a few more minutes but then we'd best get moving again. I may have failed my men that day, but I'll not fail those prisoners too."

"No, I have a duty to you and I will not leave you behind," Sir Ilivan flatly replies to Zithembe. "Splitting up out here is just asking for trouble."

And as if aware of the irony of speaking about 'duty' after urging you to leave the soldiers to their fate, the crusader suddenly offers a small, grim smile.

"And you're right. By the gods, you're right. I came out here to find a purpose in life and for 18 years I've had one. I'd probably live longer if I went back to the smuggling game or ran away to the Mwangi but what's the point of getting old and grey if you spend all that time just drifting?"

Thanks to everyone's words, Effie's in particular, it almost seems as though Sir Ilivan has reached an epiphany of sorts, though he clearly still doesn't share Effie's boundless optimism as he adds, "It's probably all still a fool's errand but I'll grant you that we won't know for sure if we don't at least track those demons down. And you're not going out there alone, that's for damn sure!"
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

As soon as he seems certain that you're truly alone in the chamber Sir Ilivan turns to the rest of you, shaking his head.

"This 'rescue mission' is truly a fool's errand. While we had visual confirmation of survivors during our earlier encounter, we have no proof that any of those men and women are still alive. It's not uncommon for these demons to capture crusaders as food, slaves, or pawns to be made 'examples' of. They've likely already been killed for food or sport at this point and that woman knows it. This whole idea of a rescue is just a suicide mission dreamt up by an inexperienced commander too blinded with guilt to see reason."

His expression hardens.

"You can't just wish away a bad call. A person will carry it with them for the rest of their days. Part and parcel of leading and it's the commander's time to learn it. We ought return to Nerosyan in the morning, give our report, and be done with it."

"Because it's the right thing to do, what other reason do you need?"

"To be fair to Sir Ilivan--forgive me and correct me if I am speaking out of turn--I believe his concern is for the maximizing of good," Zithembe interjects. "He worries that our efforts here, while good, will affect how much good we could have done if we arrived at the fort sooner than we now will. It is a strategic assessment. And while we may assess the weights differently, he did not stop us and even suggested the farmers come with us even though that slows us the most."

"What's right isn't always what's best when you look at the big picture," Sir Ilivan retorts. "I used to think you could save everyone. You can't, no matter how damned hard you try. So you may as well toss that notion out with the rubbish right now. Sometimes you just have to cut your losses and do what you can for the people you actually can help."

There's a brief pause and then he adds, "But I'm not a monster. I'm also not an idiot. After all the trouble you went to saving those people I wasn't fool enough to think you'd let them wander the countryside alone. May as well be in for a copper, in for a platinum at this point."

To Zithembe's pointed comment that even more time could've been saved if he'd just joined the battle in the first place, Sir Ilivan offers no response except a grunt.

"So this discussion is like this arrow: pointless."

"And that's about the first thing you've said that I can agree with. What's done is done, no sense crying about it now."

But even so, the crusader still seems to ruminate on everyone's words as you continue your journey...
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Another post to follow, please stand by~

"Are you okay, Sir Ilivan?" Effie asks quietly.

"Hm? Just...thinking," Sir Ilivan answers distractedly but he's quick to put his eyes firmly back on the road ahead. For a moment it seems as though that might be the end of the conversation but then, suddenly, he remarks, "Saving those people...it was a kind gesture but it won't bear fruit. They aren't anyone important and they have no help or resources to give to the crusade in return. The whole business did nothing but slow us down and who knows what state we'll find Fort Portolmaeus in. It was a gamble. One I'm not sure will pay off. Why bother in the first place?"

Assume that this is all being said out of earshot of the four peasants. Also, others can jump in on the conversation if they want.

"Bah. They obviously know nothing of use," Sir Ilivan snorts. "And we can't afford to dally around any longer than we have to. You there, we can't take you back to your village but you can come with us to Fort Portolmaeus. Gods know it's safer than striking out on your own."

Sir Ilivan appears ready to brush off everyone's words but there's something about Effie's demeanor gives him pause. Perhaps it's her actual words or maybe it's the enthusiasm in her voice, the lack of hesitation or fear. There's a flicker of something across his face; a mixture of sudden awareness and perhaps sorrow. But for who?

He sighs.

"So be it. Go on then, and show me what you can do."

It doesn't seem like he's planning to join you but at least he's no longer actively arguing against getting involved.
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Don't worry, this is actually the better outcome For Reasons - even if it doesn't seem like it. Another post to follow, please stand by~

"Are you out of your minds?? Whoever they are, they're as good as dead anyway," Sir Ilivan hisses, incredulous that everyone seems gung-ho to intervene in what's going on below. "Our only mandate is to make it to Fort Portolmaeus, preferably in one piece. Leave them and return to the horses!"

For whatever reason, the crusader is showing a surprising lack of empathy for the plight of the farmers caught in the demons' clutches. Maybe he could be reasoned with?
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Give me a Diplomacy check if you want to try being reasonable with Sir Ilivan. Alternatively, you could go the Intimidate route and see if that works. Also, another short post to follow, please stand by~

"I believe you've got to take responsibility. I think you understand me." Effie shares.

Sir Ilivan is silent for a moment as you all continue riding along and then he nods. "Aye, now you're speaking a language I can understand. Used to be in the smuggling business before I found my way here. Good money...but it's a hollow life, just living for yourself."

"That was the best thing about the circus, Grandfrogger" Effie's smile returns. "There's plenty of places that someone like me - or you - would struggle to fit in. But the circus isn't one of them."

"Sometimes it takes half a lifetime or more to find a place like that," the crusader muses. "Be thankful you've got it to go back to, if you ever want to."

Another post to follow, please stand by~

"Hannah's a fine animal, Sir Ilivan. Obviously well loved."

"I trust her more than most people, including you lot," the crusader grunts, back to what seems to be his usual gruffness. "By all appearances you look to be capable warriors and make no mistake, we appreciate your assistance. But trust out here isn't freely given - it's earned."

"I gotta admit, I'm not an experienced rider. Back in the circus some of the acrobats used to do tricks from horseback - but I never learned. Smell of gunpowder made the animals nervous, I think. They weren't warhorses though, so I think I'll be okay out here."

"Make no mistake, even these steeds will only put up with so much...but gunpowder isn't likely to be a problem."

There's the briefest of pauses and then, almost grudgingly, Sir Ilivan asks, "The ass-end of the realm is about the farthest place from any circus. Why are you here?"

"Never liked fightin' on ah beast o' any kind, buh aye can see tha merit in it," Rumble confesses. "What sortah cultists are ye talkin', eh? An', if ye don' mind me askin', why isn' tha place defended er at least patrolled more if tha Crusade is so fond o' it?"

Sir Ilivan's expression hardens. "Traitors and fools who cast their lot in with the demons and swear allegiance to the demon lords that lead them. As if that would save them! Pah!" He spits. "And do you think we haven't thought of increased patrols? If we had enough manpower to spare then it would've been done ages ago."

"We have some experience battling individual div and qilpoth. Can you share your experience with demon tactics when the attack in groups?"

"No man can really tell how any group of demons will fight. What you need to know is they will tear through anything to get to you. Hit them hard, and keep hitting them until they don't move, and then hit them some more - that's the best way to deal with demons. But I can tell you that schirs are nimble jumpers and won't hesitate to make use of that ability if the terrain is rocky...and brimoraks delight in setting fires."

"Forty years ago, what happened to cause the village to become abandoned?"

"Damn dirty demons chased the inhabitants out," comes the reply to Grandfrogger's question. "The ones that they weren't able to just slaughter, that is. Demons moved on and the place has been largely abandoned ever since."

Some time later, after all your preparations are made, you make for the edge of town to meet with Sir Ilivan. You find him waiting with your horses and ponies; slower but sturdy steeds well chosen for a long patrol in dangerous territory. His own horse is a magnificent chestnut destrier and he gives her an appreciative pat on her neck.

"This is Hannah. She and I have been through more scraps than I care to remember," he explains, genuine warmth and affection in his voice. "And she's just as much a part of this outfit as any man or woman. If any of you have ever went into battle atop a steed or with some other critter at your side, you'll understand what I mean."

Once you've all had time to load up your mounts and get settled into your saddles, Sir Ilivan and Hannah take the lead as you begin your ride out of town. "We’ll be starting along the River Road, a normally well-used thoroughfare that follows the eastern bank of the West Sellen River," he explains. "From there, we’ll travel inland for a few miles past Bedis. Bedis used to be a fishing and farming village but it was abandoned roughly forty years ago. We still use it as a rest stop for outbound patrols and the orchards still bear fruit - that the horses love. Cultists have been found on the grounds before though, so be on guard and have weapons at the ready when we get close."

Yep, we'll say that you'll have time to adjust your spells/etc. for the road as well as purchase any additional equipment you might want.

"As my friends know, I've dropped many a monstrous foe with this firearm. I've plenty of cold iron bullets for the demons we'll encounter on patrol, don't you worry!"

"I would trust Effie with my new life"

Sir Ilivan considers all this for a moment and then nods. "No doubt in my mind. I believe the both of you. We don't get many sharpshooters of your sort here but I won't say no to someone that can plug a demon with cold iron from 50 paces and beyond."

"But an Elf from Kyonin would never be caught without cold iron at the ready. We have some experience battling the scourge of their kind as well."

"Yes, I guess all of this isn't news to the two of you," the crusader remarks, indicating Maria as well as Hepsubia. "You'll already have some idea of what we might be dealing with then, so I expect you to prepare accordingly."

"Where is your fluffy tail? And the rabbit ears?"

"The clothes do not make the man. The man makes the clothes."

"Function over form; a brimorak isn't going to be taking fashion notes as it cuts you to pieces," Sir Ilivan remarks curtly...though you think there might've been the briefest ghost of a smile haunting his countenance just now.

"If there aren't any other questions then go make your purchases and preparations, as we'll set out as soon as you lot are ready to go."

Another post to follow, please stand by~

"Do you suspect another attack like the assault on Nerosyan, Sir Ilivan?"

Sir Ilivan acknowledges the question with a nod. "Anything is possible. Demons aren't exactly known for their ability to cooperate with each other for long but they have been known to coordinate attacks on several spots at once."

"That said, since the last major attack, the demonic armies have retreated into the Worldwound’s interior. We will most likely face minor demons sent to test the current efficacy of the wardstones. Expect dretches, brimoraks, and possibly schirs."

"Sir Ilivan? What should we expect to find at Fort Portalmaeus if everything is normal?"

Sir Ilivan raises an eyebrow as if Effie just asked a ridiculous question. "A standing fort instead of a pile of ashes and cinders."

"Aye 'ave ah question. What 're we expected tah bring in light o' whah'll be provided fer us?"

"The Crown will be granting each of you use of a light, non-combat trained horse or pony. You'll also have the necessary equipment: saddle, bit and bridle, and saddlebags with two days of feed."

"For yourselves? Each of you should purchase at least one weapon made of cold iron, if you don't already own one. A cold weather outfit is essential as well, since the temperatures here can often drop below freezing at night."

"Your worries, your fears of working with us - what are they?"

The crusader returns the Grandfrogger's gaze. "To be blunt, serving here isn't for the faint of heart and it's easy to succumb to fear in the face of the demon hordes. A lot of good men and women either wash out or let fear get the better of them and never live to see their second skirmish. But I have it on good authority that each of you have seen your fair share of combat. Keep your wits about you and follow my orders and we'll get along swimmingly, no different than any other recruit."

"Our contract with Queen Galfrey requires you to serve faithfully," Jorsal is quick to add. "While this does not explicitly state that you must follow orders to the letter, ensure that you don’t recklessly threaten the mission or the lives of other crusaders with your actions. If you have an objection, voice it; crusaders arrive from all backgrounds, but they are united by a common cause and a faith in good."