Wrath of the Righteous 2 [3.5]

[Kish]

Spoiler: Semult

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You identify the wand as a wand of longstrider, with 28 charges left, the ring as a ring of protection +2, and the potion as a potion of cure moderate wounds. Aravashnial seems fascinated by your account, assuring you with disturbing enthusiasm that it sounds very much like Areelu attempted to kill you all with a weird spell, which should have worked. "Her magical power is unmatched, or close to it," he tells you. "Baba Yaga, perhaps, might be stronger than her, but for all the wizards in this area...it's always been something of a mystery that she hasn't ended the war years ago. She doesn't seem to seek out confrontations with crusaders except when she does, but I've never heard of any crusader surviving a confrontation with her before. She's not above killing by any means. She said the five of you were marked? But she didn't give you any more than that?"

He seems almost as fascinated by your account of the changes Sera underwent. You do not think introducing him to her or her family anytime soon would be a good idea.

Semult has gained +2 to Constitution, a +2 inherent bonus to Knowledge (Arcana), a bonus feat, +23 permanent hit points (and from now on, whenever he gains a level, he gains 3 hit points beyond what he normally would), and from now on, if he is reduced to negative hit points by a demon without being killed outright, he can spend a mythic power charge* to heal himself of (2d6 + twice Semult's mythic tier*) damage. Finally, you should choose one of these for him:

Archmage Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Champion Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Guardian Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Hierophant Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Marshal Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Trickster Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Spoiler: Alamryn

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Alamryn has gained +2 to Wisdom, a +2 inherent bonus to Knowledge (Nature), a bonus feat, +5 permanent hit points, and can choose a second domain associated with her deity. From now on, she can use the first-level spell of either domain a number of times per day equal to her mythic tier*. She can spend one mythic power charge* to use any of either domain's spell of a level equal to or less than her mythic tier* as a spell-like ability (right now, this translates to: she can use the first-level spell from either domain more than once per day by spending a mythic power charge). Finally, you should choose one of these for her:

Finally, you should choose one of these for her:

Archmage Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Champion Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Guardian Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Hierophant Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Marshal Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Trickster Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Spoiler: Jemus

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Jemus gains +2 Dexterity, a +2 inherent bonus to Perception, a bonus feat, +5 permanent hit points, a +2 bonus to Reflex saves, and from now on, he can spend a mythic power charge* to gain an automatic natural 20 on any Acrobatics, Bluff, Disguise, Sleight of Hand, or Stealth check, instead of rolling. Finally, you should choose one of these for him:

Archmage Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Champion Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Guardian Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Hierophant Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Marshal Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Trickster Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Spoiler: Tellos

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Tellos gains +2 Intelligence (which does retroactively increase his skill points), a +2 inherent bonus to Knowledge (Arcana), a bonus feat, +5 permanent hit points, a +4 bonus to caster level checks to penetrate a demon's spell resistance, and from now on, once per day, he can spend a mythic power charge* to recharge a magic item that has charges, adding (1d10 + his mythic tier*) charges to the item, up to its maximum. Finally, you should choose one of these for him:

Archmage Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Champion Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Guardian Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Hierophant Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Marshal Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Trickster Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Spoiler: Trawyn

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Trawyn gains +2 to Charisma, a bonus feat, +5 permanent hit points, and a +2 inherent bonus to Fortitude saves. By expending one mythic power charge* as a swift action, he can ignore a single demon's damage reduction for 1 minute, and increase the critical multiplier of any weapon he wields against that demon by 1. Finally, you should choose one of these for him:

Archmage Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Champion Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Guardian Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Hierophant Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Marshal Path: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Trickster Path:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1...it?usp=sharing

Spoiler: All

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I'll post the Queen arriving tomorrow, but I wanted to give you all a chance to look those over, and ask any questions you have.

[Cavir]

Semult is fascinated by Aravashnial's knowledge. Up until now there was always the threat of death. For at least tonight it seemed there was some respite. His voice was a weird mix of gracious and patient yet wanting to know all that the senior conjurer could mentor on. He conversed in elven if it pleased the elf.

"She said she did us a favor and would come to collect." He paused, pondering. "Whatever this mark is, it seems we are at least marked to cross paths with her again. We need to prepare for that. Can you tell me more about the Riftwardens? If you are one of if not the last Riftwardens is there some way I can help? Some way we can restore the wardstone? Are there stashes we should secure to prevent others from gaining them? Any of your own possessions we can collect for you? Hopefully when the Queen arrives there is someone who can restore your sight."

"What is known about this Baba Yaga? A powerful wizard like Areelu?" Semult does what he can to become a mental mop soaking up all he can about demons.

Once their (hopefully lengthy) chat comes to a close for the night, Semult offer to guide Aravashnial to the main hall for dinner.

[Kish]

To Semult's Riftwarden question, Aravashnial hesitates. "I am not sure what there is to do, for the moment. There are certainly more outside Kenabres, unless they were all attacked simultaneously as the city fell..." He seems to find that possibility implausibly worth considering. He's willing to talk at length about the Riftwardens, though with frequent odd hesitations, but what he says is more repetitive than informative; they study planar travel and generally try to restrict it.

"There is something, a cache I've been meaning to show you. You might be able to find it, if the demons have truly left the city entirely. The wardstone here was likely beyond repair when Khorramzadeh first appeared. If the network is destroyed, we'll need to examine it, certainly."

"Baby Yaga is a Northern legend. Her daughters rule Irrisen, where wolves walk in human form, and every century she takes the current queen off in her magic hut and leaves a new daughter on the throne."

************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** ***********************

Late the next day, a group of four armored Mendevian crusaders approach the inn, the guards letting them pass quickly, followed by a human woman of about 20 in ornate plate armor.

Spoiler: Knowledge: History, Local, or Nobility and Royalty 10

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You recognize the woman as Queen Galfrey before she's introduced. A powerful paladin who worships Iomedae, she's used sun orchid elixir to prolong her lifespan twice, and is about a hundred years older than she looks.

"Eagle Watch Commander Tirabade," the woman says. "I understand you're in charge here."

"Yes, your Majesty," Irabeth replies. "I have a lot to report. In the back office?"

"Yes," the woman says. "Lead on, Commander." The two of them disappear into the back of the inn.

About an hour later, Irabeth comes out and says, "She wants to talk to the five of you now."

[Novabomb]

Tellos rises quickly to an attention when Irabeth addresses us.
He says nothing and moves to follow.

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The bard stands and follows Tellos dutifully to speak with the Queen.

[Cavir]

Semult thanks Aravashnial and further queries where they could find the cache. Even if the demons are all gone the city will still be in chaos and better to prevent the items there from going missing.

That night Semult finds a room to himself and analyzes the new power running through him. A plate or two may have been broken during his experiments. He doesn't mention his findings to Aravashnial yet. It's only after that the thoughts of what he's done, destroying the much needed wardstone, threatens to overwhelm him. Sleep only comes when he convinces himself it was the best option they had and not doing so would have been worse.

Summoned by Queen Galfrey, he takes a slow deep breath and exhales it completely, resigned to the thought that those in power may not come to the same conclusion he had about the wardstone. He acts as formal as his years of language and magic schooling guides him, although he had never met royalty. The thought of learning more of the overall picture gave him hope.

[CWater]

Alamryn follows the others to meet the Queen, awfully nervous about how to act in the presence of someone of such high importance and fully aware that she has no knowledge to help her in this regard. This fear was strange though, she mused, after all there wouldn't be any actual danger, yet it still made her fidget. Well, better the queen than more demons.

[Kish]

Irabeth closes the door behind you. Queen Galfrey's eyes look over each of you before finally stopping on Trawyn, though she unambiguously addresses all of you.

"Commander Tirabade had a lot to tell me, nearly all of which was surprising even by the standards of what I was expecting after the demons were able to attack Kenabres," she says. "But I understand your role in it has been central. Tell me what happened, in your own words." A second passes before she adds, "Please."

[Cavir]

Semult speaks up respectfully. "Your majesty, do you mean everything since the initial attack on the city or starting with our assault on the demon's headquarters with the commander? "

[Kish]

"The first, from as soon as the demons attacked."

[Cavir]

"I was rescued along the way, underground. I can't start at the beginning." Semult looks to the others to at least start the tale.

[Novabomb]

Tellos
It started with an explosion at the Kite. I was in the square at the time, and all of a sudden there were Demons all around us. Terendelev and Khorramzadeh fought in the sky. The earth opened up under us, even as we saw her die. By her grace some of us survived the fall deep beneath the city.

The few of us who survived sought out passage to the surface. We found and aided some underfolk, and they showed us a way to the surface. Cultist scum barred our way, but we prevailed, and saved these 3. The contingent there looked to be preparing to corrupt Yaniel's Blade, but they failed. Tellos frowns Some of us did not make it that far though. In the air he draws a circle as a sign of remembrance.

He pauses so that one of the others can continue the story.

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The bard bows low, "Your Majesty." Straightening, "Trawyn Fellwine."

Pausing to allow the others to introduce themselves, he nods at Semult's query and follows along with Tellos' recounting of events.

"Semult, Jamus, and I were the three that were rescued from the cultists. With the assistance of the descendants of the First Crusade and Chief Sull we fought our way to the surface again...there were others with us that survived the journey as well. Lord Horgus Gwerm, who was later slain in route to his estates, the Commanders wife Anevia, and the wizard Aravashnial who was terribly wounded...in fact, blinded in the original attack."

Trawyn looks at the others a bit anxiously before plowing forward, "When we emerged from the sewers we were aghast to discover the city in its present condition...the tower of the Kite and the Cathedral of St. Clydwell having been completely destroyed. There was screaming coming from....well, everywhere it seemed. It was then that we heard the announcements being broadcast throughout the city...'People of Kenabres, you should not throw your lives away needlessly. I desire nothing more than an end to this pointless bloodshed. Come to the Ring District and tell the guards there you wish to surrender to Areelu Vorlesh. You have my word of honor that as long as you cooperate, you will not be harmed.' It was there that we parted with Lord Gwerm as he insisted on returning to his estates immediately, while we instead decided to proceed to the Commander's home where we found a note instructing Anevia to come here...to the Defender's Heart. Along the way we decided to stop by the Librarium of the Broken Black Wing because Aravashnial had spoken of some possible knowledge pertaining to the Riftwardens. We fought our way through some quasits torturing locals. The library had largely been destroyed, but we freed a handful of the attendants that were being abused by a mercenary named Chaleb that wanted to join 'the winning side' to survive....alas he did not survive the encounter. We gathered the attendants and refugees from the city with us and came here to the Defender's Heart. "

He pauses looking at the Queen, then to the rest of party to see if anyone else wanted to take up the story from there...

[Cavir]

Already introduced by Trawyn, Semult continues. "Our underground captor had a letter identifying three cultist hideouts." He shows the letter, giving the Queen time to read it if she so desires.

Spoiler: Hosilla Letter

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"Two days ago we set out to search those locations. The first, Nyserian Manor, was demolished.

The second was Topaz Solutions. In there we found 3 people there who said they had stayed safe there but were on their way out to keep moving for safety. They seemed suspicious but we had no cause to hold them. We have not seen them since. Inside the shop we found a hidden basement dedicated to Baphomet with several traps. We brought back a Baphomet prayer book and a small statue that Aravashnial was interested in.

The last was the Tower of Estrod. We found it occupied by human and tiefling cultists who we dispatched. Below ground we found a shrine to Baphomet that had been there for a long time. We claimed their supplies and found this letter:"

Spoiler: Tower of Estrod Letter

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"We then returned here for healing and to report our findings."

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

With another nod to Semult, Trawyn picks up the story from there and takes the narrative through the night and the meeting the next morning.

He goes on to outline how the descendants of the First Crusade joined them as the party moved on the Ring District, recounts seeing Sir Hulrun and Kandro Nyserian guarding the makeshift gates. A quick review of the party's ascent over the rubble that constituted the 'walls' of the Ring District and their meeting with Sherry, Tellos' mother.

Slowing down considerable and with a number of interjections from the other party members, Trawyn walks through their assault on the Gray Garrison from the clash with the cultists on the first floor, the planning or conference room on the second floor, the rescue of Sera, and their climactic encounter with Vorlesh.

"We did find this in the 2nd floor conference room," as he produces the letter.

Spoiler: Gray Garrison Letter

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Looking at the others a bit uneasily, he continues on to describe how he's felt....different somehow, since the encounter...as if his own abilities have increased dramatically in power and scope.

[Cavir]

Semult chimes in on the finer arcane details of the encounter with Areelu Vorlesh and her physical description. If reports were true, it was rare to see Vorlesh and survive.

As Trawyn alludes to his abilities Semult quietly nodded. The conjurer was glad to not be the only one who had noticed changes. Inwardly, Semult was itching to explore his arcane gains like a child with a new toy. Magic was a resource not to be wasted for experimentation in dangerous times like this though. What did Trawyn newly discover within himself? What about the others? How did all this happen? Was it Vorlesh's doing and they should be worried or was it an effect of the wardstone magic being both released and cancelled? He wanted to search the arcane libraries for any lore of others having had their own magic enhanced as his had. Again, now wasn't the time for that it seemed.

The group's report complete short of questions from the Queen, the relatively novice conjurer asked a question out of concern. "Your Majesty, have you heard anything about the rest of the wardstone network? Does it still function eslewhere?"

[Kish]

"Hm." The queen pauses when you all finish speaking. "No," she replies to Trawyn's question. "What Vorlesh said was true. The wardstones have fallen, and the abyssal horde is moving. I'll need to make arrangements to respond. Ever since her role in the creation of the Worldwound, Vorlesh has been a somewhat enigmatic figure. Although she calls herself Champion of Deskari, apparently without challenge from Deskari or any of his minions, Areelu Vorlesh rarely participates in battles. When she does, our forces are annhilated. However, some of the enemies' forces, particularly the ones who directly serve Areelu, demonstrate types of powers that our crusaders have no response to--one soldier who annihilates a dozen, a chimera who cannot be injured by any weapon we have, a spellcaster whose spells are impossible to resist. She calls these abilities 'mythic.'"

She pauses for a few seconds and then, as if having reminded herself of something, says, "I need Terendelev's scales--well, only one of them should be enough. The rest of her body was carried away into the Worldwound, but with that, I should be able to have her resurrected. Hopefully." The last word is pitched quietly enough that you think she was speaking to herself more than to you. "I'll need to speak to you again. If you move out of this inn, make sure Commander Tirabade knows where to find you, please."

Spoiler: OOC

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The next stage here is likely to be meeting with Queen Galfrey again, so I'll continue without waiting for posts from everyone, but if anyone has something specific they want to bring up before she leaves or that they want to do before hearing from her again, now would be the time; in particular, you might want to mention Aravashnial needing his eyes regenerated.

[Cavir]

Semult's shoulders slump a little with news of the wardstone network. At least it seemed the Queen hadn't questioned his action with the Rod of Cancellation.

"Perhaps the network can be repaired? I do have one of Terendelev's scales that can be used. Could your same cleric with Aravashnial's eyesight? He lost his during the city attack. He has been not only quite helpful but without his magic we might not have made it back to here."

If nothing else is going on, Semult will ask Aravashnial about the stash he had mentioned, what he knew about "mythic powers" and if he knew where Semult could research more about them since their enemy had those powers.

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The bard is crestfallen as he learns of the fate of the wardstone network. He reaches into his pack and hands over Terendelev's scale that he's used but once, "I give this up gladly if there is a chance she can be resurrected."

Bowing to the Queen, "If you've need of us your majesty we'll be here doing what we can to help the people of the city."

Trawyn seeks out Irabeth and inquires about putting together a small force of perhaps five or six people tasked specifically with reuniting families that may have become separated since the attack on the city. He'll start the effort by going through the inn and taking the names of children that have been brought or simply drifted in and their addresses. Speaking later to Irabeth, "Do we have a map of the city so that we can mark out the blocks and sections that have been destroyed?"

[Novabomb]

Tellos
Faced with the fact the Daemon spoke true, and given her actions, he will have to begin to reconsider Vorlash's intentions. This will nag the back of his mind for the coming days.

Remembering his occasional issues attempting to cast in armor in the garrison, he makes tests a new spell. After verifying the result, he returns his armor to the acting quartermaster.

He holds a small funeral? remembrance? for his friends who fell during the invasion.

He returns to his home each night glad for his luck that his mother survived. He returns to the Defender's Heart each day for awaiting new orders. Technically still a crusader in training, he awaits his anointment.

[Kish]

Queen Galfrey takes both the offered scales. If you ask, she mentions that, if resurrecting Terendelev succeeds, you should expect all the scales to disappear. "I should be able to arrange that," she says in response to Semult's question about healing Aravashnial's blindness.

Spoiler

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Aravashnial confirms that you should keep the contents of the Riftwarden cache. The quarterstaff you took from the hostile orc at the Tirabades' turns out to be a +2 quarterstaff. Trawyn's inquiries determine that Horgus Gwerm had no surviving family, his parents having apparently been killed by demons when he was a child. Irabeth finds a map for Trawyn, and he sketches out the changes in the city. The results of his investigations are grim; nearly three-quarters of Kenabres' former population is dead or missing. The people who have been staying in the inn gradually trickle out, returning to their homes if they are still intact, or setting out to rebuild in some cases.

The next time Jemus draws Yaniel's sword from its sheath for any reason, the sword shimmers and grows in his hand to the size of a greatsword.

Aravashnial has much to tell Semult of legendary figures, but Semult quickly concludes that most of what Aravashnial is saying is unsupported. Even if he's as right about everything as he was about the "mole people" beneath Kenabres, and not as wrong as he apparently was about Horgus funding the cultists, everyone he lists who isn't directly connected to Areelu Vorlesh is hundreds of miles away if they exist at all. The only definite figures he identifies are Khorramzadeh, the Storm King of Iz; Staunton Vhane, a corrupted paladin; and Aponavicius, the marilith ruler of Drezen.

A week after your meeting with the Queen, Quednys Orlun asks you all to come see him in his office, and hands a small bag to Trawyn. "The Queen wanted you to know that the papers you found will be useful to the crusade. She wanted me to give you this," he says. "And she said that you should outfit yourselves for a dangerous journey." The bag contains 4500 platinum pieces--although it does not appear large enough to hold that number--and a note that says, "This is a bag of holding. You'll need it."

The next time any of you see Aravashnial (which is probably Semult), he has his eyes back.

[Novabomb]

Tellos
Where will we be going, and what type of opposition are we expected to face?

[Kish]

He shakes his head. "She didn't tell me that."

[Novabomb]

Tellos
Do you know how much food we will need to pack? Or if we need to prepare for extreme heat or cold?

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The bard whistles at the sheer amount of wealth he was just handed. Looking at the others, "If this is any indication of the Queen's plans, then it is clear she intends to send us into harm's way...spend it wisely my friends."

Spoiler: OOC

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that's 9k each
will post Trawyn's list in the OC and try to have his character sheet updated within the next 48 hours

cheers!

[Cavir]

Semult

"I'm sure for the safety of the journey details are being kept secret. We do have this bag of holding so bringing enough food shouldn't be an issue. We could also get a Field Provisions Box from those funds to cover all of us. For Tellos and I these coins would be good to add to our spell repertoires assuming we have time to add them to our spell books."

Spoiler: OOC

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Field Provisions Box is 2k, so that would bring us to 800gp each, which I'm ok with. With the BoH it would be a lot cheaper to just buy lots of rations but Semult is into magic so he'll bring up the option. I'm fine with just getting rations and filled wineskins galore.

[CWater]

"I suppose we are the best suited to send into danger, if someone must be sent. Now that we have this... well, whatever this power is. I was concerned at first, considering we got them because of a demon, but since I feel it has strengthened my connection to Desna, it cannot be too evil by itself." Alamryn carries an odd expression, one her face hadn't really held before, tried as she might have. It was a mixture of determination and confidence. "I am ready and willing to go. This threat must be fought, and quickly."

[Cavir]

In the days following the first meeting with the queen, Semult focused on what can be done to prepare for the coming hordes. Based on information from Aravashnial, Semult organizes an outing to retrieve a cache of Riftwarden items. He spends most of his time at the academy with a renewed focus, refreshing what he had learned and learning all the more he can about demons, the Wardstone Network, mythic powers, the Worldwound, and Vorlesh herself. He also takes note of who has survived- friends, acquaintances, professors. The war is here, he may not see any of them again soon enough. He'll bring Tellos along to the academy if he is interested.

After Quednys's news and bag of coins, Semult spends his share as wisely as he can. Not knowing how long they have until the queen sends them off, the conjurer spends his time transcribing the new spells he bought into his spellbook.

Spoiler: OOC

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Have 4 spells to transcribe, each takes a full day. If we don't have that long they'll be done in this order:
Cloud of Bewilderment, Arcane Turmoil, Web, Appraising Touch
I'll deduct the costs once I see how much gets done before the mission starts.

Roland- you might as well hang onto the Bag of Holding (Which type # is it?)

Let's just buy 100gp of food and water and put it all into the BoH? Semult can cover it.

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The days slipped by, and the initial excitement of his new abilities and outfitting himself with the finest armor and weapon he could find for purchase began to quickly wear off. The work of attempting to reunite families and separated loved-ones all too often ended with Trawyn consoling the citizens of Kenabres one by one. The number of displaced families was staggering, a result of the widespread destruction of much of the city. The number of orphaned children was also emotionally numbing. Trawyn found himself wanting to do nothing more than put down the work and take up his sword and do something....anything to fight back. Try as he might, he was also having little success in his attempts to convince people to stay and help, the volume of refugees pouring out of Kenabres' ruins was going to cause serious problems for the surrounding communities. This was, however, a problem well about his 'pay grade' so he set aside the thought and mindlessly traced his thumb up and down the crystal blade of his new sword, humming a quiet lament for the fallen....

[razorback]

As the others spend their time in their own fashion, Jemus hunts about as he tries to spend this funds as wisely as possible. Knowing that they will face horrors that might dwarf what they have already seen, he equips himself as best he can in the time he has.
As the others finally meet back, he listens before chiming in. "The magic box might be a good choice in the long run, but during the short term I think rations for all within the magic bag might be smarter. Either way, I'll pitch in what I can." as he offers up the last of his coins.