The Citadel part 1 (Blighted City)
| The Citadel part 1 (Blighted City) | |
|---|---|
| Date | 6/16/23 |
| Storyteller | Dag |
| Tier | Any |
| Player Characters | Zeal, Illiam Elro, Cyrus Leyvald, Kali, Bright Eyes, Mayel |
| Rewards | 325 exp, 200 gp, Blessed Tattoo (Formula), Wayfinder, Hat of the Magi, Spellbook (Summon Fiend), Trustworthy Round (Formula), Imp Shot (Formula), Focus Cathartic (Moderate) (Formula), Oil of Unlife, (Lesser) (Formula), Oil of Potency (Formula), Bag of Holding (Type 1) (Formula) |
| Result | Success |
| Author | Zeal |
Log
After recruiting everyone for this expedition, I made sure to write up letters on when and where to meet. 7 AM, at the Onadbyr front gate. Illiam was always going to be late, so the earlier I set it the better. Renting mounts we set out for Lancaster. Most of the group tried to keep a positive outlook, and I appreciated it, though I knew it would be dangerous. Lancaster has never been easy to handle.
The journey was uneventful otherwise, with us taking another rest in town to let Cyrus recover his magic from summoning a steed to ride each day. We then head out, past the jail and to the citadel. We see what appear to be two hell knights at the gate, guarding it. Undead, no doubt. I approach, calling over and confirming they are indeed Order of the Nail. After some back-and-forth, including them answering my request to take the trial with "You are alive.", we are led inside to meet the paravicar, who I later find out is the highest rank present. There is no Lictor leading these undead bastardizations of Hellknights. What's worse, this morose creature insists the ceremony is unimportant. I was in no position to argue, being only an armiger, but it did disgust me.
Perhaps the most vile part of this, however, was the venue. We did not use the arena. Instead we took up position in some sort of presentation hall. I fought the bearded devil, the Barbazu, upon a raised platform. Below, everyone else stands in a viewing area. Beyond them, a littering of graves of those that have tried and failed at the test. The devil went down without great issue, albeit at the cost of an infernal wound digging into my waist. Quickly reciting my vows, I hurried to help my allies, who were besieged by undead flowing out from the numerous graves in the distance. I had originally intended to make a display of this "Raziel"'s death as I slew him, but the number of undead were quickly overwhelming my allies.
Everyone did exceptionally well, and we narrowly avoided losing Bright Eyes. They also assisted me with the infernal wound until it left, and aside from the ghast fever Bright Eyes and I had to sweat off during the journey back, I would say we came out of it with an overall positive result.
The paravicar leading the undead Hellknights seems strong, but I only saw 4, perhaps a couple more, Hellknights as we walked through the citadel. The numerous graves inside are the real issue, but I think a sufficiently prepared team could clear this out. And we should, for they are a stain upon the waning dignity of the Hellknights. So I say as the new lictor of the Godclaw Hellknights, who pledge their full strength to the city and the maintaining of order within.