"It would be my honor to help ensure those abominations outside, and those that remain within these walls, are taken care of. However, Shiaran is correct. There is still urgent business we must continue with."

"I think you'll find that as these final pieces fall into place and frayed ends are singed closed, you have more time on your side than you all believe. Once word reaches the Luminaire, with the bulk of the PCA army at our door step, their back bone is soon to be broken to splinters. They're already dead, they just don't know it yet. Furthermore, your next target is unknown to all. You will need aid once the dust settles if you intend to cross a war torn land in search of unseen objectives. Let us continue to help you, and do not give in to impulse".

Shiaran mulls over Oro's words for a moment then gives him a slow nod.

As Shiaran nods, the door to the room swings open. Lyle Pense, the mage behind the party's escape from prison stands looking in. "Well doesn't this look outstanding. You all seem to have made off well. I've already heard tale of Elm - though I tend to hear more than others - and everyone is accounted for". He abruptly sweeps into a low bow "Your majesties, pardon my intrusion. I felt it prudent to show face".

King Ghendrake waves a hand.

"Right" says Lyle cheerfully. "With everyone's blessing, especially yours your majesty, I'd be especially willing to move this gathering to a more suitable location".

The king nods again, looking to Sypher. "You'll be accompanying us then? I believe I know exactly where Lyle plans to send us, and I dare say there isn't a soul here who would want to miss this".

"Of course, Your Majesty."  Sypher gives a slight bow.

A sly grin forms on Beloc's face. "Well, I'm intrigued now."

"Excellent! If everyone would just hold still a moment, I'll get this underway". Lyle holds up a staff, and begins to recit the words Neuga, ziena, zieber, zom several times over. At the third repetition of the incantation, everyone feels a warm feeling before seeing a quick flash of amber light. It takes everyone a moment or two to adjust, before the cool air registers and eyes adjust to the dark of night.

Spot lights starts to flicker on and illuminate a landscape below, as everyone realizes they're in the central most tower of the keep, on a balcony that overlooks the bulk of Fildegarne Walled City. The view is perfect and as more spot lights fire up further down the line, you all realize just how large the city really is. Looking out a little over a mile to the city's main gates, you spot the silhouette of the Luminaire hovering high above. To its port and starboard flanks, smaller gun boats accompany the Titan Class battleship.

Without warning, the decks of the Luminaire erupt in a chorus of sound a lights. Massive cannon barrels protrude from ports now on the underside, unleashing hell at hundreds of feet per second to the enemy troops below. The entirety of the PCA camp erupts into flames and explosions, sending hundreds if not thousands of undead and living troops to their graves. The shear destruction caused in mere moments by the battle group is absolutely incredible and beyond comprehension.

The first volley ends and the second resumes within seconds, taking no chances in leaving survivors.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Mon 03 June 2019.

Julius lets out a sight of relief. "It is as I thought. With Elm pulling the strings of nearly everyone important within the kingdom, our enemy was allowed quarter enough to sit on our door step. He held sway over anyone who could make any degree of decision. Even my admirals and generals.. especially them. But with that scourge of a man dealt with, our battle groups are free to do what they do best: mete out justice on a grand and furious scale. I am thankful to whatever Divines are listening and seeing to this turn of events for our people".

Far out and below, the infernos continue to roar and set the night sky ablaze with shades of orange and red.

The smaller gun boats surrounding the Luminaire open fire on the remaining PCA airships above the camps, quickly punching holes through hulls and sending them into slow death spirals to the ground below.

"That's...impressive," Shiaran says with awe.

Lyle chuckles. Indeed it is m'lady. Indeed it is. Quite sad actually. The fact we've had the capability to do something like this from the start, but one evil man pulling the strings was enough to completely cripple our entire network. You folk have saved us. I don't say that lightly. Whatever games Elm was playing with our lives, you spared us all from an early end. Countless lives, innocent ones at that. Soldiers will return home to their families. Non-combatants will continue living. And the undead bastards and those who control them will go to the graves they belong in. Justice if you ask me".

"Your majesty, in light of recent events... I'd like to make a request".

King Julius looks at Oro, questions dancing in his eyes.

"I'd like my old mannor reinstated. And.. if Wilson Wyck rears his head, I'd like your permission to kill him".

Julius looks Oro up and down before letting out a belly laugh. "My old servant, you have my complete blessing for both of those things. Ten fold even, especially on the last part".

"Thank you, your majesty. I have plans for both requests".

"Something tells me that I shouldn't ask if I want to keep my conscience clear".

"Yes, my liege. As always... there is one other thing".

"Yes?".

"The Royal Navy. Sylas Glen in particular. He seeks to pry secrets from my head that best remain buried and lost to a past age. I'd request he be given official orders to respect my privacy".

Julius ponders the matter for a moment, clearly weighing out the variables. "If Sylas Glen is prying for an answer, you can bet it's a good one... however, in light of recent events, I will speak with him personally. Do not mistake this as me giving a firm yes to your request, but I would hear his side of this before passing final judgement".

Oro nods. "Of course, your majesty. I assumed as much".

Moments turn into an hour. The bombardment of the PCA camp finally grinds to a halt, with the surrounding landscape being reduced to nearly below sea level. Not a soul or empty shell of a corpse stirs among the fires and carnage. King Julius speaks to Lyle.

"I've seen enough. I would have you send me, and my family, to our personal quarters in the west wing. Have our personal guard.. all of them, placed on duty".

He turns to Sypher and the others. "You are free to roam the grounds as you see fit. Rest, eat, recuperate. Whatever you need. The entirety of The Keep is at your disposal. As the "Champions of Fildegarne", it will spread among the guard that you all are free to come and go as you please and as you need. If you have no further questions of me, my family and I are due for much needed rest. There is much to attend to in the morning for us".

The Whiteravens offer slight bows as befit their station and personalities, but have no further questions or requests at the moment.

"Thank you, your majesty, your offer is most gracious." Beloc bows respectfully for the royal family.

"I would like to request access to a research facility, should one be available on the premises." R.E.B.O.R.T's attention alternates between the King and Lyle.

Before anyone can respond, he shifts his focus to Sypher. "Oh, now might be an appropriate time to arrange for the arrival of the Badger."

"You should find your needs met, Master Rebort, in the Garamune Mannor. Thirteen rooms, a parlor, an entry way, six lavatories. All at your company's disposal, customized as you see fit. And mere hours away from the doors opening. You'll have a laboratory the likes of which this country has never seen, mark my words".

King Julius smiles. "Just send the requisitions for whatever you need to my staff. They'll have it delivered in record time".

"Gazra my old friend" says Oro. "Things have certainly taken an unaccounted for turn. It's good to be home though".

Gazra nods.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Sat 08 June 2019.

"I am going to the front lines.  Our personnel may need assistance and there may be stragglers that need to be put down.  We should reconvene in 24 hours to see to the nearby rift.  I think we have accomplished much here and you are all to be commended for your work.  Thank you."  With that, Sypherion heads out for the outer walls.

Shiaran rolls her eyes at her brother with a smile.  She turns to the warforged and the tiefling.  "A manor.  Sounds like a good place to set up a lab for me as well.  Rebort, you have the right idea.  Mind if I tag along?  Maybe we can work together, pool our research?"

Lyle claps his hands together. "Well, anyone destined for the front lines, don't go anywhere. I'll be back and can offer you quick transport to a safe distance". He turns back to the royal family. "Your majesties".

King Julius nods and they are spirited away by Lyle's spell.

"Apache and I will join Sypher", Beloc says stoically.

R.E.B.O.R.T. swivels his head toward Shiaran. "Yes, of course, I believe our combined efforts could lead to a more fruitful result." The emphasis upon the word 'fruitful' is a curious one. Perhaps one chosen to demonstrate a certain acclamation to the diverse group of people around him.

"Should we manage to get the Badger secured here as well, D'won will help with any manufacturing needs as well."

"I agree.  We need to find some way to get the badger here.  Maybe that Lyle guy is powerful enough to help teleport it or something."

The following 24 hours pass by without major incident. Lyle manages to transport all interested in Oro's former home to the manor, and a list of requests is drafted. At the mention of Darius Grintome and the Badger, Lyle is overly excited to help. He sets out from the manor home with the promise of returning. The manor itself is set on the outskirts of the second ring of Fildegarne, nestled against the thick brick and mortar walls of the place with no back alley. The inside is dry and musty, with years of dust layering what would have been a moderately lavish home years ago. Nine rooms, four lavatories, a parlor, large kitchen, massive basement, and a grand dining room are all discovered and rummaged through. It will take some time, but the place has massive potential for providing a base of operations for the core groups missions.

Sypher and Beloc make their way through the city towards the front lines. Much of the guard within the walls has already moved forward, as the order to attack spread through the ranks quickly.

Upon exiting the front of the city, the grounds ahead are still very much ablaze. the charred corpses of mostly undead litter the ground in all directions. Those who were exceptionally strong still twitch and squirm, trying to regain some sense of mobility. The paladin and elf course their way through the carnage, providing the finishing touches on those who would still try to stand in defiance of the might of Fildegarne.

The scores of bodies are near impossible to number at a glance. Further ahead, over the trenches, the wreckage of PCA airships smolders with the occasional small explosion as unspent munitions cook off.  One Fildegarian Marine stumbles past the pair in a daze of disbelief at the destruction.

Four hours into surveying the battlefield, a cheer begins to erupt from the main group of soldiers spanning the grounds. The realization that the worst seems to be over is setting in to the young and old alike.

As the sun begins to rise, the pair decide the heavy lifting is done enough, and head back for the manor.

Rest is had by all who need it. The past few day's events have been taxing on even the most stalwart of minds and bodies. What could pass for cozy spots are found within the manor, and the early morning wanes into noon before most are refreshed. Those slow to get moving are awakened by the smells of delicious foods.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Tue 11 June 2019.

Sypher finishes his morning meditations and prayer and comes to breakfast.  He waits patiently for the others to join him before fixing a plate.