Wrath of the Righteous 2 [3.5]

[Kish]

Many of the people who have been at Defender's Heart move out, going back to their houses or elsewhere. Anevia moves back to the Tirabades' house, as does Irabeth, technically, though she still seems to be at the inn every day. Two weeks after your first meeting with the Queen, a Sword Knight of Iomedae restores Aravashnial's. Later that day, Aravashnial tells Semult that the box you left at the inn before setting out to the Ring District is a phylactery of faithfulness, its facade damaged probably in a crude attempt by cultists to destroy it, but still just as functional.

The next day, Queen Galfrey shows up at the inn again, and again you're called into a back room to meet with her. She hands back the two dragonscales she took from you before. "First, Quednys told me you'd received my earlier message and payment. Attempts to resurrect Terendelev failed," she says grimly. "I have an assignment for you, but first, have you learned any more about your condition since we last spoke?"

[CWater]

"I've learned nothing specific, Your Majesty. It seems to have improved my fighting skills, and possibly my endurance too, though I haven't yet had the chance to really test that. Also, I feel my connection to Desna is stronger now, and... I feel... calmer. Which is a little strange; before I only felt serene when I was in the woods, never in the city." Alamryn scratches her ear absentmindedly.

"In any case, I'm ready to follow your orders. And I'm sorry to hear about Terendelev.."

[Cavir]

"Your Majesty, thank you for your gracious gift and aiding Aravashnial. I have been researching my, condition, at the Academy. At least for the books and scrolls I have access to I've found no mention. I have also been experimenting on my own. I am feeling much hardier but the more fascinating part is my connection to magic. To a limited extent I am able to recast spells I've already spent through sheer willpower. My conjuration spells last longer. I'm able to summon an acid dart at will. Without casting a spell or using a magical item I am able to teleport short distances. I'm sure Your Majesty knows of the standard path a wizard progresses through. These are outside that path. Not so much higher level magics, but more of them." Semult gives a proper bow and steps back among the group.

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The bard bows low, then slowly steps forward to reclaim the dragon scale, "I too would like to express my gratitude for your majesty's generosity. The news regarding Terendelev is troubling. The clerics have oft said a soul must be 'free to return' for their powerful magics to work.......", glancing around at the assembled, Trawyn leaves the terrible implication of his words left unsaid.

"I know very little of these new powers beyond feeling a bit hardier and quicker to read and react to danger. I must confess, however, that the events that lead to these....changes, has left me quite suspicious of their source and utilization."

Drawing his crystal sword and placing it tip down on the floor, then kneeling with his hands joined at the weapon's hilt, "Working with the multitude of refugees from what remains of this once great city has left me eager to strike back at the enemy. I am yours to command your majesty. What would you have of us?"

[razorback]

The messenger, used to being barely seen amongst the nobles, blends into the background as best he can. With a bow, he says "My thanks. I shall endeavor with my comrades to advance our cause against the devils and demons." he says before bowing again, lower than the first time. Looking about, he makes his way back to the others and falls in line, obviously uncomfortable with all of the highborn about.

[Novabomb]

Tellos
I have noticed little except a dramatic increase in the duration of my spells.

On Trawyn's speculation Tellos says nothing. If her soul is trapped, he will do whatever is in his power to help free her, but for now he assumes that she simple has chosen not to return.

[Kish]

"No particular consistent theme. No overt demonic influences..." Queen Galfrey rubs her lower lip. "Under the circumstances, I'm going to assume that your getting these powers was the will of Iomedae, because if we're going to have a chance against the demons and especially Areelu Vorlesh, we're going to need to rely on you."

"As I said last time we talked, the demons are on the offensive, pushing to expand the boundaries of the Worldwound. Zuhra Aponavicius, the marilith who has ruled Drezen since it fell, has taken the bulk of her army to join up with the Storm King at Iz. I don't know how much all of you know of the Worldwound's history, but 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."

"I need you to lead a force of one hundred paladins through the Worldwound and retake Drezen. I don't know exactly who is in charge of the remaining demonic forces there, but I suspect they will be reluctant to call for help and admit they're not up to the task of defending the citadel from such a relatively paltry force, and if you can seize the Sword of Valor and reactivate it, it will stop any demons from teleporting back to retake the city."

[Novabomb]

Tellos
I would be honored to participate in this expedition. Surely there are paladins more qualified to lead. One the troops would respect and trust, whose name is honored.

[razorback]

Jemus gives a hesitant look at the others, unsure of what the queen was expecting... him to help the others lead a hundred paladins? To retake Drezen? Surely she meant the rest of the group? He was just a humble courier who got caught up in all this. As Tellos responds to her, he nods in agreement. "I... we will do whatever you ask, Majesty, to the best of our abilities but I believe my friend is correct. Someone who can command the paladins is needed."

[Kish]

"I'm planning to send three specialists with you, and if you know others who might be helpful, you can certainly ask them to accompany you. I can appoint someone else to lead the army, if you want, but I believe your new abilities will be vital to any hope of victory," Queen Galfrey replies.

[Cavir]

Semult steps forward. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your faith in us." His gaze passes around the group. "We took down their headquarters here in the city because we had surprise. Surprise is on our side again with Drezen. We had the help of descendants from the first crusade . Now we'll have more help. I'm sure the paladins will have leadership among themselves but they'll be there to support us. Perhaps the the blood of the first crusaders will join us again? I look forward to taking the fight to the Enemy. Do we have any maps of our route? Of Drezen itself? If not perhaps I can find some at the Academy."

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The bard steps forward to stand next to Semult, and puts a hand on his shoulder, "I second my friend's sentiments. We're honored to have been selected for this mission and eager to strike a blow to the enemy....as is oft the case in perilous times, each of us must ask ourselves, 'If not me, then who?' For my part, all I can offer is my willingness to try. T'is a bold plan, one reliant on speed and decisive action. Whether we are the right choice to lead the attack will reveal itself in time, but regardless of the outcome this will almost certainly put the enemy on their back foot...even if just momentarily. In addition to my friend's queries, I would add - what do we know of the Sword of Valor?"

[CWater]

Alamryn's first reaction is utter surprise and speechlessness. Lead? We? I?! She's both relieved to hear that she's not alone in feeling out of her depth and also that there are others who feel more confident about it. And then she hears herself say, "We will do our best Your Majesty. The demons won't succeed in spreading their evil, we'll... we'll make sure of that."

[Kish]

The Queen nods at Semult's questions. "One of the specialists I plan to send with you is named Sosiel Vaenic. He's an expert on siege tactics, traps, infiltration, scouting, and the like; he will be able to provide you with maps not only of the terrain between here and Drezen, but of the citadel itself--though those maps will, unfortunately, be somewhat out of date."

"The Sword of Valor, despite its name, is 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."

[Cavir]

Semult was impressed by the specialist's variety of specialties. A wealth of knowledge to learn from while on the road. The until recently academy student smiled. "I look forward to meeting Sosiel and the others. Do the paladins have a leader among themselves? Are they assembled? When do you wish us to move out? Time is a concern though it may be good to have all involved meet and make plans."

[razorback]

A sword that wasn't a sword??? Jemus thinks to himself as he listens.
"Well, Sosiel's company will be greatly appreciated. Any other words of advice?"

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

The bard whistles a low rising note, "An artifact of Iomedae...."

Glancing at the others, then back to the Queen, "I think we should meet with Sosiel Vaenic as soon as possible and introduce ourselves to these paladins."

[CWater]

Alamryn nods in agreement. "Yes, that's probably best. If that was all, Your Majesty?"

[Kish]

"If you have no other questions, make sure you have whatever you want to bring with you and come to the camp just outside of the city." Queen Galfrey rises to her feet.

Spoiler

Show

Let me know if you want to talk to any NPC you've met here or do anything else to prepare before heading out of Kenabres; you're not likely to be coming back here within the scope of the game.

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

Inwardly the bard's stomach flutters as he feels there should be something more to ask....just the right piece of information to be ferret out, and a rush of doubt crept in. Just for a moment, though, as he steadied himself, then knelt as the Queen stood, "Your majesty." It was not normal for him to be at a loss for words, but that was all he could muster.

[Cavir]

Spoiler: IC info from OOC

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Figured this stuff should be added to IC

Sera is still living with her family, staying indoors all the time, for now. She seems physically and mentally healthy, though far from happy.

If you ask, Queen Galfrey tells you that you can reveal the details of your mission to anyone you see fit, and ask anyone from Kenabres to accompany you on it, but when you contact Chief Sull, the message he sends back is that while his people will help to fortify and rebuild Kenabres, none are willing to accompany you into the Worldwound itself.

None of the paladins have ranks higher than Lieutenant, or any significant command training; appointing one of your number as the army commander might be a good idea. Queen Galfrey encourages you to organize them as you see fit. Levels are, of course, not an IC concept, but you can learn readily that all of them are immune to disease but (unlike Irabeth, if the subject comes up) none can summon a special mount.

The three specialists Queen Galfrey introduces you to are:

Aron Kir, expert on siege tactics, traps, infiltration, scouting, and the like (yes, I know this was the description she gave for Sosiel; the module mixes up their two names at one point, so please pretend I said Aron Kir there)
Nurah Dendiwhar, bard and expert on the region, who Queen Galfrey will wager knows more about Drezen than anyone in Kenabres at this point
Sosiel Vaenic, who was a priest at the temple of Shelyn in Kenabres before that temple was destroyed; he can help with healing as needed, but is also quite knowledgeable about demons and their tactics

She dubs you Knights of the Fifth Crusade, with authority to lead armies of Mendev, and rule lands, should you be able to retake Drezen.

Before she leaves to set Kenabres in order, Galfrey has one final bit of advice-she suggests you travel north directly to Valas's Gift and then follow the east bank of the Sellen River north until you come to Vilareth Ford, at which point you can cross the West Sellen and continue north along its west bank to the dry Ahari riverbed, since this route will provide something of a natural trail to follow.

Semult graciously thanks the Queen for all she has done. "Let's go meet all those we will be traveling with."

With Aron and Nurah gathered, Semult will pass along the Queen's suggested route so they can start making plans. He also ask for maps of the route in case some of the overall group gets separated or countered.

Spoiler: OOC

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RolandDeschain has plans to organize things so I'll pause here.

[RolandDeschain]

KNIGHTS OF THE FIFTH CRUSADE

Interlude

---

Queen Galfrey takes herself away to the encampment outside the walls of Kenabres, and the heroes begin planning in earnest.

---

Scene 1 - Sera

Trawyn hangs near the doorway, speaking quietly with the young lady's father. Sera certainly appeared hale and hearty, yet an air of fear and frustration hung over her that was hard to ignore. The bard was much changed from his encounter with Vorlesh....they all were.....but their experience in some ways paled in comparison with that of the young lady.

Pressing a handful of gold coins into her father's hand, "All that remain in Kenabres are dealing with countless personal crises. When things....settle a bit, take her to temple and see what the priests and acolytes can do for her."

The mood is somewhat somber as the group silently make their way back to the inn. Breaking the silence the bard simply says, "Unlike so many, many others she.....like us......lives. What each of us does with that blessing, is entirely of our choice and making."

---

Scene 2 -Anevia and Irabeth

To Anevia, Trawyn bows and clasp her hand before lifting it his heart, "You rescued me from what would have certainly been a grizzly demise. To you I owe much and more. Our shared flight....no fight...to the surface shall forever bind us in friendship. When we return, and mark my words we will, we shall drink, reminisce, and sing songs of remembrance."

Turning to Irabeth he reaches out to clasp her firmly on the shoulder, "Commander, your courage was a lodestone that saw us through our mission to the Gray Garrison. I fear I spoke to you harshly before I had a full grasp of the situation....or my emotions for that matter. The failing was mine alone, and you have my sincerest apology. You and all those that remain here in Kenabres face a difficult task of rebuilding while trying to provide some defense of the city....look to the descendants of the First Crusade....Anevia can act as your liaison to Chief Sull."

---

Scene 3 - Aravashnial

The bard knew that Semult had forged a connection with the elf wizard, so he merely sat quietly while the two discuss the finer arcane arts and spellbooks, as well as things like the Rift Wardens. After a few minutes Trawyn clears his throat, "It does my heart good to see you well and your vision restored Aravashnial."

---

Scene 4 - Queen's Encampment

Earlier the Queen had assembled the paladins, and the command standard had been passed to the party. The newly dubbed Knights of the Fifth Crusade made their introductions brief and the assembled were informed that they would be breaking camp in the morning. The Queen's aide-de-camp had shown them to their own command tent, posted a guard, and sent a summons to Aron Kir, Nurah Dendiwhar, and Sosiel Vaenic. Semult passed along the Queen's suggested route so they could start making plans. He also asked for maps of the route in case some of the overall group gets separated or countered.

Now the command tent had fallen silent as the comrades gathered around the maps each lost in their own thoughts for a moment.

Trawyn leans over one of the maps and traces a finger north from Kenabres to a point mark Vala's Gift, leaving a lightly glowing line along the map....then along the Sellen River to Vilareth Ford, across the West Sellen and up the Ahari to their destination. "That's the Queen's suggested route. Alamyrn, this mission may give your hawk an opportunity to stretch its wings....so to speak, as any advance scouting will surely pay major dividends."

Taking a seat and pouring himself a glass of wine, "Well? Should we talk command structure, or perhaps speak with Aaron, Nurah, and Sosiel one at a time? Also, has anyone thought about travelling under the cover of darkness? I doubt it will do any good though....," his voice trails off as he studies the others.

Spoiler: OC

Show

Probably kind of obnoxious or presumptuous on my part, but I was just trying to be helpful and move the story along. Feel free to comment on any of the scenes, add your own, or just note your character is present and accounted for.

P.S. While Trawyn would certainly be open to acting as "Commander"(it's really just a title for shared responsibility) I think his inspire courage ability will be needed 'on the ground' with the paladins to bolster their fighting effectiveness. Trawyn is good with Semult as acting "Commander".

[Novabomb]

Tellos
I think the specialists should be spoken with one at a time, so that they are more comfortable with revealing skills.

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

"I think that's a good starting point Tellos. I'll have 'em fetch Aron Kir." the bard says as he rises and strides to the tent flap. Sticking his head out, he speaks briefly to the page, who runs off to fetch Aron, and then the guard to show the specialist in as soon as he arrives.

[razorback]

Jemus, far out of his element, continues to follow everyone as tries to absorb everything going on. As Tellos and Trawyn speak, he just nods in agreement and waits with Tellos.

[Kish]

KNIGHTS OF THE FIFTH CRUSADE

Interlude

---

Queen Galfrey takes herself away to the encampment outside the walls of Kenabres, and the heroes begin planning in earnest.

---

Scene 1 - Sera

Trawyn hangs near the doorway, speaking quietly with the young lady's father. Sera certainly appeared hale and hearty, yet an air of fear and frustration hung over her that was hard to ignore. The bard was much changed from his encounter with Vorlesh....they all were.....but their experience in some ways paled in comparison with that of the young lady.

Pressing a handful of gold coins into her father's hand, "All that remain in Kenabres are dealing with countless personal crises. When things....settle a bit, take her to temple and see what the priests and acolytes can do for her."

He looks uncertain, but before he can speak, a clear female voice comes from behind Trawyn. "I've already seen a priest. Irabeth brought him here. He said it would take more powerful magic than he'd ever even heard of to change me back."

Sera seems to have heard Trawyn from some distance away, which is perhaps not all that surprising. "Thank you, though," she adds.

The mood is somewhat somber as the group silently make their way back to the inn. Breaking the silence the bard simply says, "Unlike so many, many others she.....like us......lives. What each of us does with that blessing, is entirely of our choice and making."

---

Scene 2 -Anevia and Irabeth

To Anevia, Trawyn bows and clasp her hand before lifting it his heart, "You rescued me from what would have certainly been a grizzly demise. To you I owe much and more. Our shared flight....no fight...to the surface shall forever bind us in friendship. When we return, and mark my words we will, we shall drink, reminisce, and sing songs of remembrance."

Turning to Irabeth he reaches out to clasp her firmly on the shoulder, "Commander, your courage was a lodestone that saw us through our mission to the Gray Garrison. I fear I spoke to you harshly before I had a full grasp of the situation....or my emotions for that matter. The failing was mine alone, and you have my sincerest apology. You and all those that remain here in Kenabres face a difficult task of rebuilding while trying to provide some defense of the city....look to the descendants of the First Crusade....Anevia can act as your liaison to Chief Sull."

"I understand," Irabeth says. "I wish I could have thought of another way. I think you have the harder task, here, even if you've commanded troops in battle before."

---

Scene 3 - Aravashnial

The bard knew that Semult had forged a connection with the elf wizard, so he merely sat quietly while the two discuss the finer arcane arts and spellbooks, as well as things like the Rift Wardens. After a few minutes Trawyn clears his throat, "It does my heart good to see you well and your vision restored Aravashnial."

"Thank you! I'd ask you more questions about the changes you've undergone, but I know you have to go. And Irabeth's insisted, quite harshly, that I leave the demon girl--Sera--alone." Aravashnial grimaces at Irabeth's lack of scientific interest. "I suppose I'll go looking for other Riftwardens now. There aren't any left in Kenabres, it becomes ever harder to deny."

---

Scene 4 - Queen's Encampment

Earlier the Queen had assembled the paladins, and the command standard had been passed to the party. The newly dubbed Knights of the Fifth Crusade made their introductions brief and the assembled were informed that they would be breaking camp in the morning. The Queen's aide-de-camp had shown them to their own command tent, posted a guard, and sent a summons to Aron Kir, Nurah Dendiwhar, and Sosiel Vaenic. Semult passed along the Queen's suggested route so they could start making plans. He also asked for maps of the route in case some of the overall group gets separated or countered.

Now the command tent had fallen silent as the comrades gathered around the maps each lost in their own thoughts for a moment.

Trawyn leans over one of the maps and traces a finger north from Kenabres to a point mark Vala's Gift, leaving a lightly glowing line along the map....then along the Sellen River to Vilareth Ford, across the West Sellen and up the Ahari to their destination. "That's the Queen's suggested route. Alamyrn, this mission may give your hawk an opportunity to stretch its wings....so to speak, as any advance scouting will surely pay major dividends."

Taking a seat and pouring himself a glass of wine, "Well? Should we talk command structure, or perhaps speak with Aaron, Nurah, and Sosiel one at a time? Also, has anyone thought about travelling under the cover of darkness? I doubt it will do any good though....," his voice trails off as he studies the others.

Spoiler: OC

Show

Probably kind of obnoxious or presumptuous on my part, but I was just trying to be helpful and move the story along. Feel free to comment on any of the scenes, add your own, or just note your character is present and accounted for.

P.S. While Trawyn would certainly be open to acting as "Commander"(it's really just a title for shared responsibility) I think his inspire courage ability will be needed 'on the ground' with the paladins to bolster their fighting effectiveness. Trawyn is good with Semult as acting "Commander".

Tellos
I think the specialists should be spoken with one at a time, so that they are more comfortable with revealing skills.

Trawyn

"I think that's a good starting point Tellos. I'll have 'em fetch Aron Kir." the bard says as he rises and strides to the tent flap. Sticking his head out, he speaks briefly to the page, who runs off to fetch Aron, and then the guard to show the specialist in as soon as he arrives.

Jemus, far out of his element, continues to follow everyone as tries to absorb everything going on. As Tellos and Trawyn speak, he just nods in agreement and waits with Tellos.

The guard quickly shows in a pale young human man in leather armor. "Hello," he says a little nervously. "I'm Aron Kir."

On questioning him, he tells you that he's from Taldor and has had extensive training with traps and siege tactics. He produces two maps, though he warns you that neither is up-to-date.
Worldwound map
Drezen map

[RolandDeschain]

Trawyn

"Be at ease Aaron, we're just trying to get the 'lay of the land' so to speak....", the bard turns his attention to the maps for a moment. "Come, show us on these maps."

Waiting for Aaron to come to the table, tracing his finger along the vertical blue line on the first map, "I presume this is the Sellen river, and this brown line diverging far to the north is the Ahari ....correct? Could you mark Valas's Gift and Vilareth Ford for us?"

Turning his attention to the other map for a moment, he points to the large, grey, obviously walled structure depicted in the middle of the map, "I presume this is the citadel and where the Sword of Valor is kept." Moving his finger to the right, "What's this darkened, burned out area to the east?"

Looking around at the others for a moment, "Anybody know anything about the Ahari riverbed? Like....is it completely dry? Is it a muddy flat? I wonder if it's patrolled or how visible the bottom is from casual observance from the banks? If we could move up the dry river bed, we could get very, very close to the Citadel."

[Cavir]

He looks uncertain, but before he can speak, a clear female voice comes from behind Trawyn. "I've already seen a priest. Irabeth brought him here. He said it would take more powerful magic than he'd ever even heard of to change me back."

Sera seems to have heard Trawyn from some distance away, which is perhaps not all that surprising. "Thank you, though," she adds.

Semult turns to Sera. "Sera, as a teenager I was captured and tortured. Before they could finish me off to summon more demons I was rescued. A Couatl temple took me in and helped." He pulls out to display a beautiful rainbow colored Couatl feather. "Perhaps you too can learn how to learn to use what they did to you against them. I wish you well."

"I understand," Irabeth says. "I wish I could have thought of another way. I think you have the harder task, here, even if you've commanded troops in battle before."

"Thank you for all you've done. Best of luck preparing the city."

"Thank you! I'd ask you more questions about the changes you've undergone, but I know you have to go. And Irabeth's insisted, quite harshly, that I leave the demon girl--Sera--alone." Aravashnial grimaces at Irabeth's lack of scientific interest. "I suppose I'll go looking for other Riftwardens now. There aren't any left in Kenabres, it becomes ever harder to deny."

"I hope you can get the network back online. If there is some way I can help and you can Send, please do."

The guard quickly shows in a pale young human man in leather armor. "Hello," he says a little nervously. "I'm Aron Kir."

"Hello Mr. Kir. The Queen has spoken highly of you." Semult describes the route the Queen described to help clarify Trawyn's questions.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Perhaps we should to talking to all three in parallel?

[razorback]

Jemus, upon meeting Aron, sensing a kindredship with him. "Yes, don't be nervous. We need to figure out the best route with the best, if not must current, information we can get our hands on. Also, with our group, any suggestions on keeping us as hidden as long a possible would be appreciated. Please speak your mind as your opnion counts for much." he says with a friendly smile.

[CWater]

Scene 1 - Sera

Semult turns to Sera. "Sera, as a teenager I was captured and tortured. Before they could finish me off to summon more demons I was rescued. A Couatl temple took me in and helped." He pulls out to display a beautiful rainbow colored Couatl feather. "Perhaps you too can learn how to learn to use what they did to you against them. I wish you well."

"I as well, perhaps Semult is right and you can turn an awful thing to something better. You are... a lot stronger now that you used to be. If someone tries to hurt you or your family again, I believe you would be able to fight them off. Bye, Sera, I hope you find a worthy path in life." Alamryn slinks away awkwardly.

The mood is somewhat somber as the group silently make their way back to the inn. Breaking the silence the bard simply says, "Unlike so many, many others she.....like us......lives. What each of us does with that blessing, is entirely of our choice and making."

"That's true. So many others are dead. I have to believe it has some meaning, that we're still live against all the odds."

---

Scene 2 -Anevia and Irabeth

To Anevia, Trawyn bows and clasp her hand before lifting it his heart, "You rescued me from what would have certainly been a grizzly demise. To you I owe much and more. Our shared flight....no fight...to the surface shall forever bind us in friendship. When we return, and mark my words we will, we shall drink, reminisce, and sing songs of remembrance."

"I hope that day comes soon. Goodbye Anevia, I consider you a dear friend", Alamryn moves to hug Anevia if it looks like she wouldn't mind. "Be safe, both you and Irabeth."

---

Scene 4 - Queen's Encampment

Trawyn leans over one of the maps and traces a finger north from Kenabres to a point mark Vala's Gift, leaving a lightly glowing line along the map....then along the Sellen River to Vilareth Ford, across the West Sellen and up the Ahari to their destination. "That's the Queen's suggested route. Alamyrn, this mission may give your hawk an opportunity to stretch its wings....so to speak, as any advance scouting will surely pay major dividends."

"Nyra is an eagle", Alamryn corrects quickly, but nods in agreement, "but she knows some seeking tricks and can scout, to an extent. At the very least she'll be able to notify us if there's something moving ahead of us."

The guard quickly shows in a pale young human man in leather armor. "Hello," he says a little nervously. "I'm Aron Kir."

On questioning him, he tells you that he's from Taldor and has had extensive training with traps and siege tactics. He produces two maps, though he warns you that neither is up-to-date.
Worldwound map
Drezen map

"Hello, my name is Alamryn Kven." The druid was happy to let Trawyn do most of the talking, it seemed to come naturally to him, unlike her. Her instinct was to shrink away to the background and not be paid much attention. Or that's what her instincts used to tell her. Now she wasn't so sure, ever since that... event in the tower, she'd felt a strange source of confidence bubble inside her, urging her to step up and take charge. But she wasn't yet sure how to deal with that feeling, or if listening to it was even what she wanted.