Wrath of the Righteous - Worldwound Incursion [IC]

[Kallimakus]

"That's fine" Irabeth says. She has opened the sword case. "Now how did you come to be here..." the paladin says quietly, retrieving a wide-bladed steel sword. "I thought I'd lost you"

She turns to look at Luna and Shauna. "Perhaps it is wisest to draw back" she concedes. "Rest, recover and strike again."

"Lady Luna" Lann says. "I will gladly join you in the next assault"

[Kish]

"Your sword is here?" Hesper asks. She offers no opinion on retreating.

[Kallimakus]

"That's right" Irabeth says. "I had to part ways with it years ago. It is an unexpected reunion."

There is a note attached that falls from the case. Irabeth reads it, then tosses it aside angrily. "It just gets better and better." she growls. She takes a few deep breaths, calming herself.

Lord Stauton
I believe you will find the enclosed weapon to be a singular and familiar delight, for it once belonged to your old 'friend' Irabeth. She sold it to Kandro Nyserian, of all peolps - I've no idea why. Kandro's been sitting on it for years - Still would be, except he got his home smashed by an Ulkreth. Shame. He managed to save the sword and came here begging for an escort to Drezen, doubtless so he could give you the sword and weasel some cash to help him set up a new home. I hope you don't begrudge the creativity I took - Our old friend Nyserian serves now as a warm suit for a Vermlek as punishment for only reveaing the sword now instead of when he first acquired it. I suspect the blade will take to your brother's touch nicely!
Your loyal servant
Othrubo

[Frosty]

"Wait....you sold your sword? isn't that a prized possession and an important tool for every crusader?" asks Luna as she gathers up the items. "Let's keep talking as we head back. Oh, and let's close this door. We might as well keep this little armory hidden in case we need to hide out or something."

[NeoSeraphi]

Shauna smiles at Irabeth. "Your blade! Ma'am, congratulations on retrieving it. I couldn't be happier for you. I know that even though you made the right decision in the end, it still cost you a lot to part with the weapon you were so familiar with."

[Kish]

"Huh. Who is Lord Staunton? And who's his brother and why would he specifically want your sword? Do you know?" Hesper asks.

[Kallimakus]

"To answer your questions..." Irabeth starts, as they start making their way back to the Defender's Heart.

"I sold this sword to get an important gift to Anevia, to let her live the life she wanted." she says, a little guarded. She turns to Luna "It was my father's. The only thing I had left of him, full of pain of loss. Without it, I found closure and peace. I'm over it now."

"The Stauton I knew was no lord. Staunton Vhane was a crusader. A dwarf. I learned that he was working for the demons, feeding them information about our defences. I confronted him, but he bested me and fled" she explains. "I had hoped him dead by now. But clearly the traitor has managed to make the best of the situation to be called a lord."

[NeoSeraphi]

"You were bested in fair combat? This Stauton sounds like a worthy opponent. I shall teach him the penalty for treachery."

[Frosty]

"Perhaps with your sword in your possession again, this time you can best him instead! Well, assuming we survive this entire mess first. Any thoughts on our first foray, and suggestions for the second?"

[Kallimakus]

Irabeth nods to Shauna. "I would love to take justice to him myself. But I'll settle for knowing that justice is served."

To Luna, she says "I do not think I shall go to Drezen, and I doubt he has the courage to come to us. As for the next foray... We saw what we're up against. Bring weapons that defeat demons. Cold Iron. And use the potions we've stocked."

[Frosty]

"Well, my martial prowess is limited. I have some fire, but the demons are resistant. I will focus on aiding you all so you can hit them!"

Once back at the inn, Luna will look for people who need healing, and dump the rest of her unexpended spells into healing those who need it the most. She also purchases a rod that will enhance the length of some of her magic. After cleaning herself off and getting a short rest, she goes to Shauna to see if she wants to raise the troops' morale with her. If not, Luna will do it alone. The troops deserve it for risking life and limb as distractions. In the morning, Luna will be eager to go back to the Gray Garrison.

[Frosty]

When Luna has a chance to rest, so she goes up to Rosa. "So tell me. How did you end up in the Gray Garrison, about to be sacrificed? You look like you can take care of yourself. They must've ambushed you or something huh?"

[Zhentarim]

When Luna has a chance to rest, so she goes up to Rosa. "So tell me. How did you end up in the Gray Garrison, about to be sacrificed? You look like you can take care of yourself. They must've ambushed you or something huh?"

"Oh yeah, they got the jump on me and got several lucky hits on me. Normally I don't get taken down so easy. I think the alchemist poisoned the weapons with something."

Rosa looks at Luna, and asked "What about you, how did you come to travel with this group?"

[Kallimakus]

The Defender's Heart is crowded as before. Many people are injured, set on the ground and attended to by surviving healers. Luna joins in to help them out, getting several more warriors on their feet. A number have injuries beyond wounds that require long-term care. Irabeth spends her blessings on other injured, before being caught by Anevia, who hugs the half-orc Paladin. They head over to the side.

They spot Aravashinal, still very blind, enter the common room. "I heard the heroes were back" he says. "I wanted to ask some questions."

[Frosty]

"What do you need to know, Aravashniel?" asks Luna after she has completed her healing duties. She sees Irabeth and Anevia head off to the side, and smiles. It's good to spend time with loved ones.

[Kallimakus]

"I was hoping to learn more about how big our rush is." he says, worried. "I mean, obviously we're not at the point of disaster yet. Did you encounter actual demons in your foray? That would generally be a bad sign."

[NeoSeraphi]

"We have met many dretches," Shauna replies. "Those are certainly demons, and plenty dangerous to the average civilian."

[Zhentarim]

[COLOR="#008080]"I am Rosa. I was rescued earlier by these people and am here to help."[/COLOR]

[Kallimakus]

"I appreciate that, Rosa." Aravashinal says, "We all do."

"That said... What you said, Shauna, lines up with what the diversions reported. Some lesser demons, but nothing serious. The emergence of their final victory would undoubtedly draw more powerful demons here. Like a magnet. I think we're not at the final day"

"We encountered some Abrikandilu as well" Irabeth says, entering the conversation
"They're also in the lesser order" Aravashinal says.
"We should push hard tomorrow as well."

[NeoSeraphi]

"So then we are safe for the most part...?" Shauna asks. "But what about the Storm King himself?"

[Frosty]

"I wonder if we should just send EVERYONE to the Gray Garrison then?" asks Luna.

[Kish]

Hesper blinks and shakes her head. "We can't leave the noncombatants here defenseless."

[NeoSeraphi]

"As opposed to leaving them in their homes, defenseless?" Shauna points out. "At the very least, the civilians do have a better chance of survival by banding together."

[Kallimakus]

"To answer your question, Lunalesca, we should not. The defence we faced were light because we had diversions going on in half a dozen places. And while they inflicted injuries on our foes... Without such distraction we would face greater defence than we did now" Irabeth says. cans while we would have numbers, we couldn't bring them to bear inside the cramped halls.

"Sir Irabeth has a point" Aravashinal says. "You are the most talented and able individuals here without a doubt. You are the ones that can fight the denizens of Worldwound head to head."

[NeoSeraphi]

"Then we shall go. On the morrow, we will fight these despicable fiends and rescue Kenabres from certain doom. And I will have my revenge..." Shauna whispers. She nearly spits the word. These traitors...they deserved to hang, the lot of them.

[Frosty]

Luna hears Shauna's last words, and puts a gentle hand on the paladin's shoulders. "Traitors...I don't think you'll find many there. They were never on our side to begin with. Just spies and saboteurs. But, dispatch of them we will. Quickly and efficiently. Shall we rest?"

[Kallimakus]

The night passes. The next morning, the group prepares for their new outing, as the other crusaders are setting off to provide distractions.
Irabeth walks up to Shauna. "Do you feel the Inheritor's eyes on you?" she asks. "I feel today is the day we take back our city.

Meanwhile, Lann walks up to Luna, looking sorry and apologetic. "Lady Luna. I fear that I alone of mine folk will be joining today's endeavor. With many crusaders out of action, their numbers needed filling."

[NeoSeraphi]

Shauna stands firm. "Yes. Today, that is the day that the General enacts Her revenge. With me as Her sword."

[Frosty]

Luna smiles sadly at Lann. "I do not envy them, honestly. I don't know which of the tasks is more dangerous. I'll go wish them luck personally before we leave. I'll rely on you as well to watch my back today as well."

She goes off to give her blessings and to see how the others are doing this morning. "We cleaned out one floor yesterday. How much you wanna bet they've replenished some of their defenders? And remember, if my haversack, I've supplies in case you need them, including..."

5x Potion of CLW
8x Potion of CMW (CL3)
4x Potion of Lesser Restoration
1x Potion of Invisibility (CL 3)
3x Scroll of Comprehend Languages
Wand of Magic Missile (CL 5), 31 charges
Wand of Daylight, 24 charges
Chime of Opening, 10 charges (Disable Device with a +11 bonus, disables arcane lock and hold portal)

"I just hope we're not too late. How do you see our chances?"

[NeoSeraphi]

Shauna picks up the wand of daylight. She examines it for a moment, then hands it to Luna. "You should take this. Be ready to use it in case we need it."