Part 1: The Crusader's March

[Mr_Praetorian]

Swelling with pride and righteousness, Daveed steps forward to address the crowd, his sun-mark and eyes beaming with solar fire.

"Citizens and warriors of Kenabres, of this great nation, for too long have we walked through the despair of the night. For too long have we stood, backs to the wall, in fear of demons who would see our world burnt to nothing. For too long have we squabbled amongst ourselves, while the true enemy watched from the shadows. No more!"

Our enemies threw much into this assault. The most vicious of demons and devious of plots came down upon not just this city, but the entire border. Despite the brutality and horrors we all were forced to suffer, we are still here. Our banners still fly, and crests still shine with the glory of the sun. If this is not a testament to the will of our people and allies, then I know not what is.

Perhaps what this is, my comrades, is a sign. A sign that is time to cast aside our sorrows and doubts. A clarion call to rise from the ashes! The signal that holy retribution is finally at hand!" Daveed roared, drawing Radiance in a brilliant arc of golden flame.

People of Mendev! Allies of justice! The dawn has come! OUR TIME IS NOW!!!"

(Diplomacy: 1d20+18+20(DoC)= 45)

[Squall255]

As Daveed finishes, a huge roar goes up from the crowd, and you notice that many women cling to those nearby for support, and at least a dozen fall over unconscious, dazzled by the stunning figure the mythic paladin cuts.

(Assuming none of the rest of you give a speech of your own)

The ceremony is ended with a large burst of positive energy as all the clerics there expend a burst of Channel Energy, and a feast begins.

The next morning you meet with Aron Kir, Anevia, Irabeth, and the Queen to go over your plan to reach Drezen.

map:


Queen Galfrey suggests that you travel to Vala's Gift first, which is a small farming town, before crossing the river at Vilareth Ford.
Then you can either follow the river to Keeper's Canyon which is an easier path before turning into the path to Drezen or you can have your army climb into the mountains and take a more direct line.

NPC recommendations:
Anevia and Irabeth vote for the river for ease of scouting and keeping the fresh water source available
Aron votes for the mountain trip as he doesn't like channeling your army between a cliff face and a river.

Reference distances:
Kenabres - Valas's Gift: 28 miles
Valas's Gift - Vilareth Ford: 52 miles
Vilareth Ford - Keeper's Canyon: 46 miles
Keeper's Canyon - Drezen: 35 miles

[Zanaikin]

[Squall255]

Aron's other reason for the other route is that the one Anevia and Irabeth suggested would be the normal travel route, and therefore more likely to have roadblocks/stationed troops along them, while the "backcountry" of the route he suggests would be less likely to be guarded.

[Sajuuk]

Cernandlon also agrees with Epicette, Anevia, and Irabeth's plan for keeping with the river, as well as with Epicette's advancement plan.

[Mr_Praetorian]

Daveed doesn't object to Epi's plan either, and seems quite pleased that she posses these skills.

[Squall255]

[Zanaikin]

Epicette launches Reverie to go take a spin around the village and report back with signs of any occupancy and movement.

In the meanwhile I suggest we march on until we reach town. (What to do with the town itself... I have no clue. [1] search? [2] march on?)

[Squall255]

Reverie reports back that he doesn't see any signs of occupancy or movement. It looks as though the place was abandoned. At the safe distance he kept he can't tell if that was before or after it was destroyed by demons.

[Zanaikin]

[Mr_Praetorian]

Daveed disagrees. Noting that the enemy may haves scouts/troops in the ruins or nearby areas, and it would be worthwhile to check.

[Sajuuk]

Cernandlon also suggests that their could be remaining supplies in the village, and it would at least be worth a look.

[Zanaikin]

"Looks like we're checking the village then," she shrugs.

[Squall255]

You use your scouts and carefully approach the village and there are no signs of inhabitants. You make it into the ruined buildings and begin searching them around 3:45 (you were cautious approaching). Your men begin scavenging the ruins and find some still good grain and other food, and are able to prepare that tonight and in the morning instead of using your own reserves.

You are free to interact and give evening actions, and attempt to interact with NPC's if you wish.

(Oh, it looks like you can only have 1 commander per army, so please decide who's Commandering Knights and who's commandering the Mongrelfolk. Also if more of you want to take commander positions, I can split the army into 2 smaller armies.)

[Mr_Praetorian]

Daveed oversees the Paladins in scavenging through the ruins. He also instructs them to bury any bodies (or what remains thereof) they locate.