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Mid-Morning, 1st of Rova
The Heidmarch Manor, Varisian Pathfinder Lodge
The sun is warm for this early fall day and it shines brightly over the immaculately groomed practice yard. As you practice your archery, Romulus, works over the remains of a lamb shank the cooks saved over for him from last night's meal.
The only sounds disturbing the grounds of this deceptively idyllic manor in the heart of Magnimar, is the twang of your bowstrings as you bullseye target after target. That and the occasional yawn of your large wolf. For a moment, you forget you're in the heart of one of the largest settlements on the Storval Plateau, it feels more like a peaceful countryside estate.
But the peace is just an illusion, an illusion that crumbles quickly with the cracking voice of Sheila Heidmarch's young page.
"'Cuse me Mr. Fletch, sir, the mistress requests your presence in the Western Library."
The boy is impeccably groomed, and bears a sharp resemblance to Venture Captain Heidmarch, most likely a nephew or younger cousin, fostering with her for a summer. Yet despite his clear lineage and fine attire, he appears nervous in the presence of a storied Veteran Pathfinder. Still, he holds his ground waiting for you to follow.
A final twang of your bow buries a broadhead in the middle of the cloth dummies head. A kill shot, the boy's jaw falls slightly agape at your prowess, before he quickly remembers his place and snaps it shut. As you and Romulus approach, he turns sharply on his heels and leads you through the wealth grounds of the estate, through the West Wing of the Great Hall and into the Western Library. There flanked by massive oaken bookshelves filled with old leather-wrapped tomes stands Sheila Heidmarch and a tall, strong featured woman in massive Mithral Armor. Sheila nods to her page, dismissing him without a word, then turns to you and motions to a seat.
"Please, sit while we wait for the others to arrive."
The mess hall is far from empty, though it's not quite so full as you'd like. Still, your fellow Pathfinders are enthralled by your performance as you recite bawdy Ulfen tavern songs, recall classic fumbles of your companions from previous encounters and poke fun at the various Venture Captains you've served with.
"And that's when I told old Ambrus, 'You know you can use Prestidigitation for something other than mustache grooming!'"
The mess hall roars with laughter, as you roast the well-known, mustachioed Captain of Absalom. But the laughter cuts short, when Sheila Heidmarch's lieutenant enters through the West Doors.
"Quigly Cobblepots, come with me. Lady Heidmarch would have a word with you."
A murmur goes over the crowd when you restort.
"Just a word? I guess Lord Heidmarch's back in town."
And the crowd roars, while a grimace washes over the face of the now perturbed Pathfinder.
"Now, if you please, she is waiting in the Western Library."
Your walk is short and silent as the lieutenant brings you into the great Western Library where you see a Large Wolf, a well armed man, Lady Heidmarch and a tall, strong woman in Mithral Plate.
"Have a seat next to Fletch, Quigly." She says pointing to the only other male in the room. "The rest will be here shortly."
The eastern sun shines through the stained glass windows of Heidmarch Shrine. This Ecumenical place of worship has small altars to each of the Gods, with one stained glass window dedicated to a famous miracle or intervention of each of the Gods.
You kneel before the Shrine of Iomedae. The stained glass window overlooking it depicts her 4th Act. As you commune with your Goddess, you feel her blessings wash over you in the multi-hued light that breaks through the semi-translucent panes. As you finish your daily prayers and devotion, stand and sheath your sword. You notice a young girl waiting behind you. You recognize her as one of Lady Heidmarch's servants and nod to the girl, not wishing to interrupt her devotions.
But your acknowledgement proves to be the moment she was waiting for and it turns out that it was she, not you, who was wishing not to disturb daily worship.
"Ser Seelah," The girl says nervously. "M'lady beckons you to join her in the Western Library. She said it is most urgent."
And with that the girl curtseys and exits the shrine quickly.
Your trip through the grounds is uneventful. A few Veteran Pathfinders greet you with a wave or a nod. Some of the younger Pathfinders, watch in amazement as one of the most renowned Paladins in the Society passes before them.
Finally, you arrive at the great oak doors that lead into the library. Whispering a silent prayer for guidance, you push them open.
Sitting quietly are a pair of Pathfinders you've seen around the lodge before, recognizing them as fellow veterans, you nod to them and they return your greeting. Lady Sheila smiles and motions for you to also take a seat next to them. But as you approach, your eyes fall on a fourth figure. You sense her aura of Good even from this distance. You nod and she returns a knowing nod to you with a subtle smile.
Setting on your desk, next to a pile of scrolls and quills, is a new spell book you've recently acquired. As you pour over it's pages, absorbing the powerful words and incantations within, you feel a sudden need for fresh air. With a wave of your hand and a few words in a tongue few understand, the latches lift on your window and the windows slowly open.
A cool breeze washes over you, as you stand before the open window soaking the sun into your skin. It is a beautiful day in Maginmar, peaceful and quiet, a rare treasure these last few months.
As you pause, contemplating your good fortune. A raven appears on your window sill. You recognize the bird as the Familiar of Lady Heidmarch's personal Wizard. The corners of your lips start to turn down as you notice a small piece of parchment tied to the left leg of the Raven.
Untying the string, you remove the parchment. The bird squawks expectingly. You shake your head and toss the raven a piece of salted pork from your breakfast plate. It greedily eats it in one bite and flutters off.
The note is a simple summons to join Lady Heidmarch in the Western Library. A room you know well. It takes you little time to navigate the grounds and arrive at your destination. Though a few of the younger casters try to interrupt you trip to ask for clarification about a spell component or the proper somatic gestures for some minor incantation. You refer them all to Lady Heidmarch's Wizard and excuse yourself due to your haste to meet with the Venture Captain. You leave more than a few disappointed faces in your wake, but as always, the Society must come first.
As you enter the library, a tall, strong woman in Mithral eyes you over cautiously, before Lady Heidmarch greets you.
"Welcome, Norco, thank you for joining us. We are just waiting on a few more before beginning."
Droogami yawns and stretches her back as, you sit in the Garden, enjoying the colors of the Fall leaves. Your fellow Society Druids and Verdant Sorcerers have created an amazing topiary sanctuary.
As you study the flowers and watch the animals gather their resources for the long winter to come, a solitary figure breaks the solitude of your morning.
"Lini," The voice says with friendly authority. "I've been sent by Lady Heidmarch. She requests your presence at once in the Western Library."
A solidly built, Shoanti Barbarian stands arms folded with a great Earthbreaker strapped to his back.
"If you'll follow me," He says beckoning you to follow.
You make quite the pair passing through the grounds. The massive barbarian stands twice as tall as you and three times as wide. Though, your cat prevents any snarky comments from being thrown your way. Once you reach the Library, the Shoanti opens the door for you.
Waiting in the room are a quartet of Pathfinders sitting silently in front of Sheila Heidmarch, and an unnamed Paladin.
Sheila motions for you to take a seat.
"Thank you for coming Lini, I think we are all here or enough of us are to continue."
Sheila steps forward and looks over you all.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice, I'm not sure if you all know each other, if not there will be time for introductions after the briefing. This," She says turning toward her companion. "Is Ollysta Zadrian, Paladin of Sarenrae and trusted member of the Society. After I finish your briefing, she will answer any of your questions about the mission."
Ollysta nods and Sheila continues.
"Thousands of years ago, a group of insanely powerful wizard kings ruled Thassilon, a vast world-spanning empire. Many of the great monuments in Varisia, including the Irespan here in Magnimar and the Storval Stairs, are relics of this forgotten age. The wizard kings wielded powerful rune magic and declared themselves rune lords. The Thassilonian empire was destroyed by some immense cataclysmic event, but the runelords were prepared and entombed themselves in hidden, well protected chambers and put themselves into deep, magical sleep. Until recently, we thought the secret of the location of these chambers and methods of waking the runelords of Thassilon was forgotten. However, recent findings revealed that a powerful group of Lissalan cultists knows where Runelord Krune is sleeping and are working to waken him from his long sleep. Awakening a powerful and ambitious wizard like Krune would have a massive impact on Golarion the Decemvirate would prefer to avoid.”
As she finishes Ollysta steps forward. And Sheila continues
“Ollysta has been actively pursuing the activities of the cult. She just got a lead about a powerful branch of Lissalan cultists operating in Kaer Maga. We need you to track down the cultists and find out what they are planning and disrupt their operation in Kaer Maga. If you have any questions about your mission, she is the one to ask.”
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Ollysta turns to the Wizard.
"A good question," she begins. “Several weeks ago a friend of the Society in Kaer Maga sent me a letter asking for help with a criminal element in the City of Strangers. She realized that they were tampering with foul magic, and that we were her best chance to find help. You’ll meet her at or near the Blushing Rose brothel. Ask for Miss Feathers. We’re not sure how embroiled in this she is, so make sure she’s doing well. She can be a valuable contact in the city.”
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Fletch's mouth wrinkles into the ghost of a smile. "I'm familiar with Ms. Feathers," he says. "Her word has always been good."
He turns to the Venture-Captain. "So who're Krune and Lissala when they're not being all mysterious? Why would cultists of some god I've never heard of want to awaken a wizard that's been asleep for thousands of years? I'm guessing it's not just to ask for his recipe for chicken soup."
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Ollysta turns to the ranger and responds.
"Lissala is an ancient, near forgotten Goddess of Knowledge and Runes. At one time her worshippers revered her for her virtues, but slowly her religion became corrupt and her rituals twisted. Some claim the Runelords, such as Krune, were responsible for this corruption of her faith and it is know that at some point, he was the head of her Church. But when the catastrophe that destroyed the Runelords struck, Krune retreated into an arcane slumber to survive and the Church of Lissala faded into near obscurity." She pauses.
"Her cultists no doubt want to awaken Krune, hoping that his second ascension to power will elevate them to positions of power again," She lowers her gaze. "Though, I do not absolve them of their foolishness, I understand how they have been seduced. Many of her followers are poor, slaves, individuals without hope. They cleave to that which offers them a chance to turn the table on those they view as oppressors. Though, I fear they would be in no better position that before should Krune rise."
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At the mention of slaves, the humor drains from Fletch's face like wine from a glass. His jaw tightens, but he says nothing. Sensing the change in his master's mood, Romulus stirs, uttering a low growl until with a small motion Fletch signals him to lie down.
"When do we go?" asks the Andoran ranger.
Entering the briefing room a little late, a young, starry eyed half elf wearing the holy symbol of the dreamer slips in as quietly as possible. I have been asked to accompany you. There is some belief among the 10 that that strong divine magics will be needed for complete success. he says little else and tries to catch up on what has been said.
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Sheila nods to Deneb as the Half-Elf entered the room.
"Greetings Deneb," Lady Heidmarch greets the Cleric. "Thank you for joining us, the team is just asking Lady Ollysta questions about the mission. They will be able to fill you in on what you missed."
I have been informed that we hunt the cult of Lissala. I do know something about this elusive group. He briefs the team on the information in the three knowledge religion spoilers above (so everyone please read). I have traveled to Kaer Maga. As much as l like to wander, I cannot say a look forward to returning to the City of Strangers. It is a dangerous place where evil creatures walk the streets and trolls, and worse are citizens.
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Heidmarch waits a moment and then looks around.
"If there are no other questions, we have asked one of our local Wizards to prepare a greater Teleport spell to take you to Kaer Maga to ensure no ambushes on your way there," She then steps closer. "The Lisallans are resourceful, and the city of Kaer Maga is lawless. There are many who would sell you out for a song and as we learned a few years ago, not even fellow Pathfinders can be trusted completely. You have the rest of the morning to gather your equipment, prepare spells and make your way to the North Tower. Good luck, and the Gods be with you."
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Fletch wonders what in the world is an aasimar.
"I'm ready now," says the ranger, scratching his blond-bearded chin. "I carry everything I need with me. But if we're leaving Magnimar, I could go for some eel stew and a mug of ale over at the Old Fang before we go. Who's with me?"
Taking up his great bow, the woodsman heads out the door, dire wolf in tow, sketching a vague salute towards Sheila Heidmarch with his gauntleted hand. "Ma'am, he says as he goes.
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The morning passes as you gather your gear and prepare your spells. At the end of the morning, you make your way to the North Tower, there a Wizard stands with a pair of scrolls. Nodding you you, he reaches out and takes the hand of Norco, motioning for him to take the hands of his companions. He opens the scroll, begins to recite the words. You feel as if you're being pulled apart for a second then suddenly, as if you'e whole again.
When you open your eyes, you're in a small house. The Wizard turns to you.
"I have been instructed to wait here for you for 2 days and no more," He says calmly. "If you have not returned by then, I am to report you missing in action so they can send a second team. If you exit this building and head south, you should come across the Blushing Rose adn your contact. Good luck."
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Seelah spends her time getting all of her gear together, and it is not much when all told, but she is used to traipsing all over the world with little more than her arms and armour. She offers a short prayer at the shrine to Iomedae, asking for guidance and wisdom, before she joins the others.
Upon arriving in Kaer Maga, Seelah moves quickly to the door, her hand on her sword hilt. She stops, ready to go out first. "Fletch, look out the window and see if you can spot anything out of the ordinary." she says in a tone suggesting she has done this many times before and knows what her own role is in these times.
Fletch nods and moves to the window, Romulus in tow.
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Deneb thanks the wizard. We understand your instructions. Stay safe. If you have to leave to be safe, do so. I can return us to Absolom if need be.
[b]A moment. Deneb will cast Long Strider (+10 movement, duration 9 hours) on Seelah and Leni, using a pearl of power to cast it the second time. The half elf then nods to Seelah indicating he is ready to move out.
As the door opens the cleric peers around looking for trouble.
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[oo]I sent all of you your faction missions in a Private Message. The spell was Greater Teleport[/ooc]
As you all look out the window into the street and you notice you're in an area of Kaer Maga commonly known as the Hospice District. It's home to brothels, taverns and various dens of vice. People stumble down the street paying little attention to those around them. Despite your gear and outfits, you should barely be noticed.
As you exit, you see the sun shining on your left. Being that it is the afternoon, you know south is directly before you.
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"Yep," says Fletch. "Kaer Maga as it ever was. Come on, I know the way. Keep your eyes peeled."
Fletch leads the way out to the Blushing Rose. He makes no efforts to hide, as if a man followed by a dire wolf and an assortment of heavily-armed Pathfinders could stay hidden in the streets if he wanted to.
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Lini interrupts Deneb politely, "That is not needed good sir. I do not plan on walking through the town."
Glancing outside to check the status of the weather, most importantly wind conditions at thr moment and through the day to come.
Turning to Droogami, the gnome orders her companion to defend the Paladin, Seelah. No offense Seelah, but I imagine you are the most likely to be a target of someone or something. As such, your actions seem the most reasonable to link to Droog. I will do my best to scout oe us as needed"
Once so ordered, Lini wild shapes into a familiar hawk, and lights on Seelah's shoulder. Once outside, Lini takes flight, and circles above the group, keeping a keen eye out for anything unusual from the air.
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Seelah nods in acknowledgement of Deneb's magical assistance. She has a slightly bemused smile for the Leopard, and one even more so for Lini's choice of perch, but she does indeed feel safer for both their presences. She mentally makes another prayer to Iomedae and walks out into the street as bold and confident as Fletch.
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As you walk down the street, you notice the sheer abject poverty and desolation of the Hospice district. Drunks, addicts and the touched, all together mingling, fighting, and just trying to coexist.
As you walk further south, the addicts and touched give way to slightly more affluent citizenry. Clearly these men and women do not belong among the dregs, and yet no one pays them any mind, and they give you no more than a passing glance.
They are the Johns and Janes, the customers of the Ladies of the District. And unless you're working, they don't notice you and don't want you to notice them.
After another block, you all notice a single woman in the distance. Actually anyone who can see could spot this woman.
This has to be your contact, Ms. Feathers.
But before you can approach her, she approaches Norco.
"Well hello there," She says stepping up next to him. She runs her thick muscular index finger over his ear. "My what long, pointy, full ears you have handsome."
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Fletch grins into his beard over Norco's predicament. Ms. Feathers looks like she could tuck the slender elf under one arm like a newborn calf.
"Hello, Feathers," says Fletch will real warmth. "It's good to see you again. Maybe we could all somewhere a little less public? Grab a cup of wine and talk?"
With a straight face he turns to the elf and says "Buck up, Norco! You couldn't be in better hands."
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Norco blushes a for a few moments and considers Fletch's words, Its not her hands I am worried about. It is a pleasure to meet you Madam Feathers. Anyone that could make a business work in a place like this should be admired for more than just her hands. He offers her a bow suggests with his arm that we could move this inside.
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Seelah, despite the reputation of Paladins, is not a prude, and does not judge the actions taken by the desperate and those who don't feel they have another choice. I must return here when I get the chance and see if I can help any of these people... where is the nearest temple of Iomedae or Sarenrae?
Ms. Feathers' treatment of Norco makes her grin. She restrains the urge to comment, and remains watchful and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
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Ms. Feathers lets her finger linger on Norco's ear. Noticing his blush she leans over putting her mouth close to his ears.
"Blushing is a sign that blood is rushing to your cheeks, I know how to fix that handsome," She says just loudly enough that your companions can hear it too.
When she hears her name, she turns to see who called it. As she does, Fletch notices that Feathers is looking a little less like herself than in previous encounters. Her face is gaunt, though she still has excellent bone structure. Her eyes have lost a bit of their sparkle. And the thick corded muscles you remember, seem a bit diminished. She still looks like she could handle a raging Shoanti with one arm tied behind her back, it just seems like she wouldn't quite get the thrill from it she once would.
That said, as soon as she recognizes Fletch, her face lights up. She runs her finger down the Elf's ear and then reaches up to grab the feather boa wrapped around her neck. She sashays over to Fletch, her hips swaying to the rhythm of an unheard bass drum.
"Why hello, there tall, dark and hairy," she says in her throaty baritone. Her long eyelashes bat at you. "How long has it been handsome?"
As she speaks, she snaps her fingers at her side and Romulus bounds over, letting Feathers scratch his ears. Much to the surprise of everyone around. She then turns to Fletch.
"And it's good to see you too Fletch."
She smiles a nostalgic smile for a moment and then, the color fades again. She discreetly takes a look around and then nods toward a nearby door that seems to lead into a flop house of sorts.
"I don't know who is listening or watching me anymore, lets go some place a little more private."
You quickly enter the room. There's a simple bed, a nightstand and a table with a bottle of cheap booze. Feathers moves to the windows and pulls the shades shut. She locks and bars the door and then motions for you to take a seat at the table, while she sits on the corner of the bed.
Turning to Norco, she pats the space on the bed next to her.
"I only told Ollysta a little bit, but here’s the score. Some of the girls at the Blushing Rose went missing, and Madam Rose was none too happy. She figured I’m a girl who can take care
of herself, so she sent me around to look into where they got off to or to see whether maybe another cathouse snagged ’em. This guy Gelwin—a customer—had seen some of them. I ask him and he says they’d been feeling down and he sent them to this lethe house he’d done some forged contracts for. I go looking around and they rope me into this weird ritual. I ain’t felt right since," She pauses for a second and takes a breath. Just talking about her experience seems to drain her.
"And I knew it was some magic business that your sort should look into. Those girls still haven’t showed up. Gelwin’s gone, too, though I can’t say I want him to start coming back around. I seen some other Pathfinders—at least that’s what they said they was—that put this in my mind. Didn’t seem like the real helpful type, so I sent my letter instead.”
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Lady, I am Deneb, a healer of Desna. You have given me some concern about your health. First you must tell us more of this weird ritual; all that you can remember. And then if you will allow it, I would examine you. Perhaps there is something I can do to help.
When she mentions other pathfinders he adds you did right not trusting that group. I highly doubt they were part of our organization. We have been warned that another group, one of our rivals, would be here snooping around.
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Fletch smiles at Ms. Feather's playful advances, and tries to hide his concern as he notices her diminished state.
Once inside her room, Fletch leans against a table covered in powerful perfumes and smiles again when Romulus the dire wolf sneezes loudly.
He listens carefully as the Pathfinders question the big-hearted prostitute, adding his own questions afterwards.
"Thank you for bringing this to us," he says in a confident tone. "We're going to find out what happened to your friends and we'll return them safe if we can. The Pathfinder Society has sent some of its best agents on this one. Can you describe this Gelwin fellow? And where is this 'lethe house' you went to? Were there any passwords needed to get in? Did you see any guards?"
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She turns to Quigly and smiles.
"Why my dear Gnome," she said with a false gasp. "You just slipped in and disappeared, I almost didn't notice you there. I bet you can get in almost any tight space can't you? But I wander off track, I do apologize. You were asking about your wayward friends. Oh, don't you know my little morsel, that a lady never kisses and tells? It's bad for business. And while a girl like me has no trouble drumming up new customers, it just doesn't make any sense to run off the old ones where there is so much of me to love."
Looking over at Deneb, she responds. "Why aren't you just a doll, worrying about lil' ol' me. I'm just not feeling myself, but if you want to play Doctor, I could use a thorough checkup."
And as she speaks she stands up and spins for you to get a good look at her.
Finally, she leans over to fletch and removes a small piece of parchment from her corset. She hands it to him.
"I don't know who I can trust and so I don't want to be seen with you all out there too terribly much, but I know you Fletch and I know you're someone who's on the good guys side. This is the location of where that strange ritual was. They have a a slow time in mid-afternoon, if you can believe it. About two hours from now. There's no password to worry about, just a surly, smelly dwarf and his thugs. As far as Gelwin, he's Chelish, Got an in with some Church of Asmodeus characters. So black, close shorn hair, purple eyes, but on the shorter side."
She pauses and looks at you all before adding. If you want to grab a meal, the Blushing Rose has something for every appetite, even the non-carnal kind. And Madam Rose always is happy to serve new customers."
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"Strange. I didn’t pay too much attention, but they had us bleed a bit and painted our blood on some crackers. I felt sort of... incomplete afterwards. Like something was missing.” Ms. Feathers replies with a shudder.
After Deneb checks Ms. Feathers over, she looks at you all.
"Something is strange about that house. I felt drained when I left. Please be careful if you enter."
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Fletch laughs and pats Ms. Feathers on the arm. "It'll have to be next time. An adventurer needs to keep up his strength for, you know, writing wrongs and battling villains."
More seriously, he indicates the parchment. "Thanks for this," he says. "And we'll make sure no one knows we spoke to you. We'll all go out separately and meet up outside.
Turning to the others, he says "It sounds like this ritual is a scam. They're hurting the people who come to them, taking their strength and doing something with it. Probably the people and the project the Venture-Captain mentioned. Blood on crackers? I'm ready to shoot someone for that alone. Let's go see this ritual ourselves."