At the edge of the Worldwound, overlooking the
Bitter River, stands Clydwell Keep, a fortress of
light on the border of a blighted land. For more
than a century, holy champions from all corners
of the known world have taken up the crusade
against Abyssal monstrosities lurking within the
Worldwound. The blood of countless martyrs and
crusaders anoints the stones of this legendary
keep—a testimony to the sacrifices made to
protect Golarion from the hordes of the Abyss.
Standing but a few miles distant, the town
of Kenabres bolsters the keep’s defenders
by continually providing two important
commodities: weapons capable of slaying
demons and the soldiers to use them.
Tomorrow marks an important occasion in
Kenabres, for today a young man is to be
consecrated to the sacred Order of Holy
Sentinels. Dignitaries, soldiers, merchants,
zealots, and other invitees gather from far and
wide to witness the ceremony, a renewal of
the pledge of protection and a reminder of the
sacrifices of those who came before.
Your a day away from Kenabres, traveling by horse.
As you escort a merchant named Kraft, who is going to
Kenabres for the event and to sell his wares.
the event and sell his wares.
Craft:
"Just one more day of travel and then we can enjoy an event that happens once every generation."
Holo:
"Thats if we don't run into any problems."
Bresna looks to Holo. "And what 'problems' would be troubling your mind? That is what we are here for. After her statement, Bresna returns to watching the roads as they travel.
Sorriel chuckles warmly, her emerald hair bouncing as Sunset trots along playfully,
"Well there are generations and then there are generations, young man. My grandchildren are probably trying to elevate me to greatness even now! I don't know too much about this ceremony, but if its possible, I might even speak the pledge myself - of course I'll need to read the fine print first - it seems a worthy cause. I wonder how accepting they are, can anyone join, or is it one of these exclusive things? Anyone know about these Holy Sentinels?"
Three great men are chosen to be consecrated to the sacred Order of Holy Sentinels for something important.
Craft:
"Sorry, but it's rather exclusive.
Not just anyone can be a Holy Sentinel."
Sorriel sighs theatrically,
"Boys and their little clubs. Well I'm not averse to a bit of pomp and pageantry, there's something to be said for a show - right Bresna?"
Absolutely. I am extremely curious, though. I know the Sentinels induct members every 20 or so years, are we lucky enough to be present at a time of such a consecration?
Craft:
"Oh it is an honour, as they keep the Demons out of Mendev."
Some of us are happy to keep the evil out of the family.
"A noble tradition." and somehow a breath of condensed air escapes from the pale, pretty woman's lips.
If you have the knowledge, sir, what kind of demons? Certainly none of the greater denizens of the Abyss. Bresna has a twinkle in her eye, a smile splitting her face, but she doesn't look happy, more excited.
"How on earth do they manage that? I had heard something of Wardstone, but I confess I'm largely ignorant - in most things I suppose! If it did not happen in an Opera I'm afraid I likely missed it! Sounds like they might be worth a ladies time though, maybe you girls should introduce yourselves!" Sorriel suggests, with a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Perhaps. They DO sound as if they would be fun in a tussle. Speaking of which, I am surprised we have encountered little along this trip. Sort of a dull job in comparison to my usual work. Bresna looks ponderous, somewhat spacey and faded.
Holo:
"The Order keeps every variety of demon out as best they can.
As the Wardstones act as a barrier against the demons, but it's not perfect.
Though I heard the stones are powered by something, though don't know what."
Well, I should hope we don't run out of it, whatever it is. Bresna smile impishly. If they did, the Sentinels would surely have to speed up their induction progress.
Amrit rides with the others, his gaze fixed somewhere in the horizon, as he would be recalling some event years ago, trying to remember the fine details. He had trained with a boy that later became a Holy Sentinel, but it was a century ago. It was from his great-grandson that Amrit had recived the invitation. They probably thought that they were sending the invitation to a descendant of his, but Amrit was not planning on correcting them. People tend to be slightly suspicious when you insist on being almost a century and a half old.
He looks around for a while, like he had just became aware of his surroundings.
"You know... I have no idea why the demons want to take over this of all places. I mean, I've always had the feeling that demons feel more like home at warmer climates, and we are as north as you can go before everything turns into ice... Even I feel a little chilly."
1st Level: Comphrehend Languages x1, Cure Light Wounds x2, Expeditious Retreat x1, Shield x1, 2 slots open.
2nd Level: Blur x2, Invisibility x2, 1 slot open.
3rd Level: Beast Shape x1, Haste x1, Elemental Aura x1, 1 slot open.
Craft
"Let's be alert as we are getting closer to the WorldWound, and the wardstones are a not perfect barrier."
"Chilly, I don't feel chilly."
It looks as if Jonnie would never feel chilly.
Sorriel shrugs,
"I generally find it always good practice to be alert. Do any of you know much of demons? I've only fought devils before so any tips, would be appreciated, a little knowledge can go a long way afterall. Generally my plan would be to smite them and give them a taste of Iomedae's holy wrath, while inspiring those around me with a rousing aria, or combat speech - I like Aroden's soliloquy from Calamatus part IV, only a rock could fail to be stirred by that, and I'm not even sure about that!"
I know they have no morals, no conscience. They attack the helpless, the old, the sick, as well as the strong, young, and hardy. Whatever food they can obtain. Every demon is different, so there is no clear-set weakness or strength of all of them. In my opinion, the are also VERY fun to fight; they take a good bit to take down. This talk of combat has Bresna on-edge, charged. She takes a look around them, ahead and behind them.
Perception Checks please
"Well, I can be hard to take down as well. So I suppose it boils down on who gets bored first."
Holo:
"There should be no problems since we are less than a day away, right?"
Craft:
"I'd rather be safe than dead."
"Demons are just devils without a purpose."
Jonnie adds flippantly.
Actually, I am not sure that is true. They originate from two completely different planes. I think I remember a tale to do with this... Bresna looks up, thoughtful.
"Same purpose as far as I'm concerned." Sorriel says, voice suddenly steely as she pats the hilt of the great black sword strapped across her back.
That is a common view, but I like to learn about what I fight. Demons, devils, outsiders, hags; all monstrous beings interest me. I guess it is an interest I have had for the last 3 years or so, after I almost got taken out by a sea hag. Bresna begins her statement with a quirky grin, but this fades from her face very quickly when she mentions the hag.
"I once met a wizard from Cheliax who had an imp familiar. And whatever demons are like, I'm sure that they cannot be more annoying. I ended up accidentally drowning that ugly bat into a barrel of holy water."
You hear both Craft and Holo laugh that an imp was dunked in Holy water.
Speaking of such things Sorriel sweeps her surroundings with detect evil.
"There is nothing funny about being dunked in holy water."
Jonnie adds soberly, the conversation has completely wiped her smile from her face.
Obviously not if it were you, Jonnie, but I'll bet it's hysterical in the case of an imp. Annoying little sh*t's, those.
"It was Caydenite holy water, so at least he was drunk when he died," Amrit adds in a (bad) attempt to mollify Jonhilda. "Much more humane than ordinary holy water."
With a slightly amused expression, he watches as Sorriel searches for evil near them. "What is it, kid? Lost something?"
Slightly concerned by the laughter Sorriel moves Sunset close enough to scan those of the group she has yet to check for evil intent. She knows demons and devils hate one another and laughing at pain, even of evil beings, has never sat well with her.
"Don't call me that please, its both inaccurate and lessening - reputations can be powerful tools. But I'm just ensuring none of us is evil, because my narrative sensibilities are screaming warning at this conversation."
Jonnie removes a silver holy symbol and shows it proudly. "Here is my holy symbol--Ole Deadeye. I do not serve evil, I hunt it."
"Fine, then," Amrit responds to Sorriel. "Kids these days... *mumble* ...no respect at all... *mumble* ...never would had even thought of..."
You keep calling us 'kids', just how old ARE you, Amrit?
"Well, uh-" Amrit is slightly taken aback by the question. "I'm not entirely sure, but I think that I had turned forty when all that Aroden stuff happened. And that was... uh... A long time ago. Long before any of you were born, anyway."
Sorriel laughs, "Well it's nice to be made to feel young I suppose! But then it's all rather immaterial after a certain amount of time, some people have old or young souls. I'd rather like to think I'm still a girl at heart, but I've worked hard to cultivate a reputation that I'd not care to tarnished.
But her eyes are still seeking out evil as Sunset trots forward.
Well damn. That would make you well over 100, wouldn't it? Bresna smiles teasingly and turns to Sorriel. I don't think you can be mad at him calling you kid anymore!
"Oh, I was never mad, there is so little point in it over trivial things. But as I say I've a reputation, and a reputation is a weapon as surely as any sword."