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Diri bursts into the room bronze armor sporting an unusual amount of polish considering the dents and dings, arms raised in a triumphant salute.
"The months of calculations and weeks of metalcrafting and years of painstaking calculations have finally culminated in this prototype suit of armor even though the process was sublinear the end result is much greater than the summating individual events hence we are led to the present tense where everyone may get a chance to witness my thus far crowning achievement as the armor I've endlessly enhanced has become operational-," she cuts off, realizing she's the first to arrive to the mission briefing. This does little to curb her excitement, as she paces the room (slowly).
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Dark red robes edged in orange seem to burn like a flame. The tengu woman beneath them has black feathers tinged in red. A stripe of white feathers climbs from above her right eye to the back of her head. "Shiny," she exclaims seeing he gnome and others about her. In her excitement she snaps her fingers. The red tinge deepens and a flame comes into being in her fingers. A dodo shaped mass of fire follows quietly along. "Aikio the Red," she says and bows in introduction.
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A fighter wearing brand new plate mail walks into the room. She's carrying a silver bastard sword, but not shield.
She sees Aikio and raises the visor of the helmet. A Garundi woman smiles at Aikio. "Hello Aikio it's good to see you again. Will your fire spells scorch my shiny new armor? I've just had it made to order."
She looks with interest at the gnome. She's never seen armor quite like that before.
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Diri glances up at the newcomers, as she speaks in a flat tone bordering on absurdity: "In my experience of inherent trauma studies scorched armor is a feature instead of a drawback because when your armor is scorched the living tissue contained therein is likely protected from the blast damage and thermal breakdown that fire typically enacts upon the humanoid body," Diri remarks flatly, unconsciously running a hand along one of the deeper acid marks in her armor.
"Diri Lizzenbettolze," she introduces, almost an afterthought. "I specialize in invention and experimentation but dabble in thermal breakdown and repair and triage with a focus on trauma classification and reclamation but am not limited to the harder sciences if perhaps a little biology can solve a problem that physics cannot."
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A man enters the room, well built and young, but his face shows the wear on many battles. He wears a set of exquisite kikko armor, much like the samurais of Tien prefer. Multiple quivers with various arrows hang off of him as well as a well maintained, and very large, bow. He goes around the room, shaking everyone's hand and introducing himself. "Hello, I'm Rilas. I'm glad to see such experienced Pathfinders gathered here today. I have no doubt we will succeed at whatever the mission is. And this here is Winston. He may look fierce but I assure you he is a gentle giant. Most of the time." His attitude is gentle, yet straight to the point and business like. He turns and looks behind him but realizes nobody is there. Just then, he lets out an ear piercing whistle and a ball of muscle and fur tries to squeeze it's way through the door.
Ohhhhh the whistle, must be time for play. Or treat! I hope It's both. Ughhhh this hole is so small. Why must these humans make openings so small.
The large wolf, a mixture of dark red, tan and white fur, almost knocks Rilas over as he enters the room. At the shoulders, he stands about the same height as warhorse. Rilas then pulls out an old stale sweetbread and tosses it on the floor and Winston curls up on the floor, knawing on the biscuit like bread.
Yesyesyesyesyesyesthisisthebestthingever
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..."Diri Lizzenbettolze," she introduces, almost an afterthought. "I specialize in invention and experimentation but dabble in thermal breakdown ...."
Aikio holds up one of her note books, "I wrote a book too. It's called 'Things That Burn.' The society refused to publish it. Saying its just too encompassing. Which reminds me I neglected to add those worms from Geb. (What with me nearly dying and all.)"
The wizards eyes warm as she sees Ariana again, and they also catch a different gleam upon seeing the new armor. "Shiny, she agrees with a smile.
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"I could see how a strict exhaustive listing of all things that burn would be unpublishable as the creation and invention of new technology tends to outpace the ability to test it for thermal breakdown thresholds," Diri nods, conjecturing in her head that worms are likely less fire resistant than deremestid beetles but more than likely negligibly so. "Perhaps a collection of melting or boiling or sublimation points for items would be more academically sound as others could put your research to use in experiments of their own."
As the young man and the tall gentleman with the green hair and their menagarie enter the briefing room, Diri greets them as well, proudly introducing her most current research on humanoid trauma, "The Lizzenbettolze: A Unifying Unit for Which to Measure Physical Trauma; An Abstract," and when she gets around to remembering, introduces herself as well.
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"Well, it wasn't all things that burn. Just the creatures I've met. And that one druid's hut. And that rose bush. But those were just footnotes. The Pathfinders recruited me when there was all that trouble with demons and the Worldwound. Demons don't burn so I started a list of what did. It is helpful when combat starts." And around Pathfinders combat starts a lot. Her fingers continually spark as she speaks, "Ariana can tell you, for all their songs of fire and burning, goblins kaBOOM just as easily as the dragons did. If she had lips the tengu would be smiling at the memory.
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A well dressed man in gold and green enters in the room. Worn around his neck a symbol of a sihedron rune and on his shoulder everybody can see a thrush
After a short bow he says in a melodious voice Greetings Pathfinders, I'm Albert Gam, seeker of Knowledge, Past, Present and Future.
I'm specialized in Air Magic. I hope to be of assistance of such experienced Pathfinders.
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Diri's expression perks up a bit at Albert's introduction, and requests a chance to read any chronicles of his findings.
"Admittedly I only know of rapid aeration in the guise of rapid oxidation as a method to intensify the excitement of thermal reactions but typically experiments with said techniques lead to explosions and expulsions so my tinkering with increasing levels of oxygen infusion have remained strictly theoretic," she says with a flat tone failing to convey the excitement on her face. She rifles around in her pack for an eviction notice from a burned out laboratory in Alkenstar with a bit of research notes scrawled across the back including three sketches of explosions of differing sizes.
"I conjecture a collaboration between Aikio and Albert could have tremendous scientific repercussions that reverberate far beyond the confines of a single experimental facility," she adds. Without turning her head, she asks Rilas, "Is your canine companion able to operate a thermometer?"
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"Indeed it will, if for no other reason than the perusing of spell books," the excited wizard's feathers grow a dark red and a big spark escapes her fingers. "Since we have some time before the venture Captain arrives, would you like to take a peak?" She holds up two books, one worn and singed, the other shining with a bit of magic.
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Albert turns to Diri Engineering and Arcane are not the same. Rules are different and Fire magic are not enhanced by Air magic.
But I like your spirit.
For your information I have a few abilities to use my magic to heal people and bring hope.
When Aikio proposes to share knowledge Albert's smile widden. It will be my pleasure Aikio ! Sharing knowledge is one of the best way to acquire it !
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A few weeks ago, you where all summoned to Nerosyan to meet with Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury for a special mission of some sort. Details, and even rumors as to what you might be doing have been scarce, though returning to the capital of Mendev, so close to the Worldwound can't be good.
When you arrive, lower ranking Agents and initiates greet you, informing you that you will be given a room, but need to wait for other Pathfinder's to arrive. They, likewise, seem to know nothing of why you where called, though it seems you have been asked for by name. In the coming days, finding things to keep you occupied throughout the Starrise Spire Lodge, you manage to find the other Agents to make up your team. Finally, as the last one arrives at the Lodge, you are all gathered in a small gathering room with an open doorway leading to a balcony. The sounds of saws and hammers echo from the city below, and even here, you can catch a feint scent of brimstone and other abyssal hints. A tall woman in full-plate armor stands in the balcony, looking over the city, her back turn towards you. She doesn't say anything, perhaps not even noticing you as you enter, taking a seat at a small round table.
A few servants enter, each bringing in a small platter. As they set them down on the table, removing the lids, you see a small assortment of foods, some ranging from sliced or peeled fruits, others sliced meats, and another hardy bread. None of them look to be designed for presentation or even for taste, but rather they all seem intended to fill you and be healthy, a step or two above trail rations and serving nearly the same function.
The Venture Captain is not yet present, though one of the servant's claims he shall be here in a just a few more moments.
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When Aikio looks at his spellbook and asks him about some strange spells in it Albert says Past Life give me the opportunity to alter the range of my understanding of the Arcane. I master a few spells from one of my past life when I was a bard. An happy life, full of stories.
You have quite a full book yourself. Do you master all of these spells ?
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It seems that the servant was indeed correct, for just moments later, the door opens up, and Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury walks in, taking a quick assessment and approving of the assembled agents, and then looks at the tall woman in the doorway of the open balcony. “Ollysta, I believe our Pathfinder agents have arrived and we might begin.”
Jorsal bows slightly and smiles. “A pleasure. As you can see, Nerosyan is still rebuilding. However, thanks to the timely and decisive actions of the Pathfinder Society, Mendev still has a city to rebuild. I want to personally thank those of you who had a direct hand in helping to contain the threat of the Worldwound. We now look for new sites to establish forward bases of operations."
“Yet, even our victories shine a light on our failures. It seems that while we were able to rebuild Nerosyan and drive out the demonic scourge, we could not rebuild the body and mind of one of our own.”
The warrior woman, Ollysta, leader of the Silver Crusade turns to face you, offering a warming smile, but one that also hides a certain sadness, takes over, “For nearly two years the Silver Crusade has worked with the Pathfinder Society to attempt to cure Valais, a Pathfinder sent to investigate former Venture-Captain Thurl. He kidnapped her, then shattered her mind and body, replacing most of her physique with babau and kalavakus flesh.” The paladin splays her hand and holds it up, as if to the rising sun. “Even the light of the Dawnflower cannot banish Thurl’s darkness; usual healing magic has had no effect.”
Jorsal steps forward, “Valais has an idea that she believes could help the Society and herself, but I’ll let her explain it to you. Are there any questions you have about her unique situation before we call her in? I can also answer any questions you have about the crusade against the demons of the Worldwound before we continue.”
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Albert bows to the Venture Captain and to Ollysta.
It's an honor to meet you Lady Ollysta. I've heard so much about your deeds and truth be told, none of the stories I've heard match your real beauty.
I was not part of the Society at the time these unfortunate incidents happened but I will do my best to help a fellow agent cursed by a traitor's actions.
After a short silence he continues Lady Ollysta if I may. What type of magic did you have used ? Is a well crafted wish have been used to help Valais ? Or something equivalent but divine ?
As for Valais, in her state - part human, part demon - is her mind still hers ? Is our mission asks for "visiting" the Worldwound or what we are looking for is here in Nerosyan or in Mendev ?
Albert share his knowledge of the history of the land as well as what he knows about the last rumor in town.
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"What exactly has afflicted Valais, and what were the circumstances surrounding how it happened?"
Jorsal answers, “Thurl, the bastard" before he stops himself, looking at Lady Ollysta, "My apologies, speaking of the trai,. . ." but the Paladin holds up a hand to stop him, responding "Nay, you are right, he was a bastard!" Joral continues, "Thrul used her in his experiments. He replaced much of her body with demonic flesh and suffused them into her essence.” Valais adds, “The treacherous villain thought that demons’ powers would serve him better than PATHETIC HUMAN FLESH.”
Lady Ollysta if I may. What type of magic did you have used ? Is a well crafted wish have been used to help Valais ? Or something equivalent but divine ?
Ollysta replies, “We’ve tried removing the demon flesh and using regeneration magic to regrow her human body, but the demonic essence is so infused with her soul that the demon flesh grows back. Some have considered powerful resurrection magic, but we’re afraid her soul might not be able to return.” Valais whispers, “We persist.”
As for Valais, in her state - part human, part demon - is her mind still hers ? Is our mission asks for "visiting" the Worldwound or what we are looking for is here in Nerosyan or in Mendev ?
Ollysta says, “Yes. She’s in control, for the most part, though there are sometimes,. . .” a saddened expression causes her face, but only for a moment as she considers her words, "unnerving,. . . quirks." Everyone turn to Savage for more first hand explanation, having some experience with the woman before.
"As to the nature of the mission, I shall leave that to Valais herself to explain once you are ready to meat her."
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"Who exactly is Thurl and why would he do this to her? Did she volunteer for these experiments or were they forced on her against her will?"
“A dwarven demonologist and former venture-captain. He worked out of Nerosyan in his own lodge, attempting to study the demons to find their weaknesses. Apparently, he was corrupted by his own fascination.”
He pauses for a moment, before adding "Thurl used us, and we believe killed many Pathfinders under his charge in his experimentations, and to keep thing quiet for as long as he did. It's still not clear just how much damage he might have done, or what part he may have played in all that has happened here in the last year or so, but we are still trying to sift through a lot of damning evidence that Savage and his team returned to us. Savage, you had first hand experience in this matter. Perhaps you can shed some more light. Between only those in this room, I now there are certain details that have not been made public knowledge, but could be pertinent to the task at hand. Again, this information does not leave this room. Is that clear?"
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After the Venture captain turns the floor over to Savage, he stands up and takes the center of the room and begins to speak. "After the siege of Nerosyan, we hsd received reports from Pathfinders involved in the siege implicating Thurl, Nerosyan’s other venture-captain, of knowing that the demons would attack and when. What little evidence we had went so far as to suggest that Thurl assisted the demons in planning the assault against us. Venture-Captain Thurl was perhaps the most dedicated scholar of demonic anatomy that the Society had, and several times in his career he had discovered a physiological or psychological weakness of the fiends that granted the crusaders a small advantage. A group of Pathfinders who finished a mission in Numeria was later assigned to review Thurl’s work and notebooks, but those agents were never from." Savage takes a short pause then continues. "When we went to see for ourselves, we found that the majority of his works detailed studies of demonic anatomy. His files had several entries that suggested Thurl resorted to unsavory business practices. As we continued we found a strange creature hideing among the shelves, watching us. It looked like a patchwork of cream, red, and purple skin with asymmetrical horns and mismatched legs. This was when we found what happend to Valais. The creature was her. As we continued to go through his base of opperation, we noticed a large container made of glass that was foggy and opaque enough to disguise the finer features of whatever resides inside, though the surface is just clear enough to reveal a creature’s shape and a few details such as a scaled hand, a stretch of flesh stitched with staples and wire. A little more on Valais Durant, formerly a Pathfinder who traveled to Mendev from Numeria as part of the team sent to review Thurl’s work. After breaking into the basement and discovering the venture-captain’s hidden laboratory, several of Thurl’s eidolon servitors captured her. The woman’s resourcefulness impressed the dwarf, and he set to vivisecting his captive and grafting pieces of demon flesh to her to create a stitched eidolon that might exercise greater autonomy yet still follow his commands. Mentally,Valais has asserted control over the body, but at times one of the two demonic components wrests control from her. We also found writing in a series of exchanges Thurl had with a night hag named Aslynn, who has maintained a business partnership with the dwarf for nearly 20 years. They communicate woud through magic chalk."
After a few minutes of talking Savage takes his seat and hopes that the story of his mission helped fill in his allies on what had happened
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Diri remains mainly silent, tacking down pretty much everything stated in a cramped notebook, filling margins and headers when the bulk of a sheet of paper nears capacity. A lot of what she notes is fact, but plenty of conjecture about experimentation methods and possible consequences of Ms. Durant's state (and ways they could be adapted for less Abyssal ends) are sprinkled throughout.
Towards the end, she speaks up, "are we defining our serial-posistioned objective as the eradication and recompilation of Ms. Durant in her previously unaugmented state of existence or is the current iteration of her personage a state that demands preservation for future endeavors both scientific and retributive?" Diri asks, hoping to get an answer before Valais arrives.
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"Not fire," Aikio says to Ariana.
But she runs a hand along the band of white feathers and adds, "But cold works."
The demons destroyed many of the clans that used to rule Sarkovia. Sarkovia was once the land where the Worldwound formed in 4607. The refugees fled into Mendev, Numeria, Ustalav, and the Realm of the Mammoth Lords.
At the description of Valais the tengu cringes. "What skills did she practice before she fell afoul of this Thurl?"
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Towards the end, she speaks up, "are we defining our serial-posistioned objective as the eradication and recompilation of Ms. Durant in her previously unaugmented state of existence or is the current iteration of her personage a state that demands preservation for future endeavors both scientific and retributive?"
Jorsal begins to say something, but then stops, allowing Ollysta to reply. "Of late, Valais has been having certain dreams, or rather nightmares. She speaks of a single word, "Laktharis". She doesn't know this, but the nightmares have grown so bad that we have found her writing this name even in her tormented sleep. As far as we can tell, it's one of the Sarkorian’s many gods."
Jersal continues where she pauses, "She also complains of terrible visions, visions of a bleeding tree urge her to travel west, into the Worldwound."
"What skills did she practice before she fell afoul of this Thurl?"
"It's difficult to say. Before Thurl broke her body and mind, Valais Durant was a curious and kindhearted adventurer. She was known to aid those in need while still remaining fiercely loyal to the Society. But now, it takes so much of her will just to remain in control, she has little energy left to explore much of her former self. But, her, let me call her in, and she can explain more herself. But, I must warn you, she, well, you shall see. . ."
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Jorsal calls for Valais, who enters the room. Her visage is a patchwork of cream, red, and purple skin with asymmetrical horns.
Valais says, “Greetings Pathfinders, My name is Valais. I hope that you do not find my appearance too disturbing," without missing a beat, suddenly her voice changes, instantly becoming more masculine, firm, and filled with cruelty, You can see by the slight cringe that the poor woman is fully aware of what has just happened, but can't help it. Again, without missing a beat, her voice returns to normal and she continues without pause, "I need your help investigating a mystery and Jorsal won’t let me go out alone, skulking in the dark, waiting. Her voice changes once again, mid sentence, becoming sly and deceptive. "I’ve been having strange dreams lately about stone halls, a terrible beast, and a bleeding tree. Echoing throughout is a single word: ‘Laktharis.’ Our scholars say he is . I’ve also felt a compulsion to find something in the Worldwound, dark and hidden.”
Jorsal interjects, “We’d like you to escort her and help her overcome any trials. Keep her safe and watch for anything that could help her condition. While out there, the Crusade asks that we keep an eye out for any abandoned buildings or fortresses we could use and to ensure they are habitable. The crusaders have already sent out a scout, an elf named Shyael. She hasn’t reported in for a week and they’d like an update on her progress. If you don’t run into her, just report your findings about potential sites directly to me.”
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She speaks of different voice or my hearing is bad ?!
He turns to Valais, bowing to her.
Pleasure to meet you Valais, I'm Albert Gam, seeker of knowledge, past, present and future. First let me assure you I will help you the best I can to recover from this curse. Second, don't worry about your appearance. My past lives have given me the opportunity to see many things, unfortunately nothing who could help you directly I fear.
So it seems you will go into the worldwound after all, could you be more specific about the stone hall, this terrible beast and this bleeding tree ?
Then he asks the Captain. Captain Jorsal, do you give us enough food and water for our journey in the Worldwound ? I've heard that strange thing happened here as the Abyss' influence are powerful in these cursed lands ?
As for any fort or construction do you have something particular in mind ? and Is this Shyael the Erastil Paladin known for caring more about the refugees than fighting demons ? If so, do you have a description of her ? if we see refugees on our way we could asks them if they saw her ? How could refugees could want to come back in these cursed land I have no idea... but it seems that Sarkorian hope to take back the lands of their ancestor... how foolish
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"I hope I'm not too late", said a half-orc as he entering the room. He is tall and doesn't have hair, and shows many scars through his entire body. His outfit have a hood, that is always used over his head, and he carries a big amount of junk with him.
"I was entering here when I heard what you were talking about", he rubs his nose, "and well, I suppose I can help you. I'm Tûrak Kavendarth, at your will", the alchemist bows to Jorsal, Ollysta and the other Pathfinders there.
Tûrak looks suspiciously at Valais... "Can we go?", he asks everybody, a bit anxious.
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Diri tacks down the title "Laktharis" and circles it on a fresh piece of paper.
"Has any research on the demideific entity of Laktharsis been compliled for perusal before we embark? Even mythology could lend a instance for beginning more scientific inquiries into our augmented colleague's point of nightmares."
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Ariana shows slight shocked at her appearance. What was done to her is just not right. We have to help.
"I am honored to help you with your tasks, and escort you where you wish to go." she smiles, "I am not wise like some of those I travel with. I know nothing of history or the arcane, but I'm strong and can hit things very hard.
Ariana looks at Jorsnal, "Checking out buildings for soundness? That's something I can help with."
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Despite his words, it seems Valais knows his mind, answering the unasked question. "The demons that Thurl fused into my body speak with their own voices at times. I never hear what they say, but they convey my meaning well enough. I know it can be to observe, but the demonic portions have no control over my actions.”
"As to the dreams, . . . the buildings, they are fairly intact, but the windows are full of dirt. They are likely buried like a forgotten corpse. From the Beast, I get more of an impression that an image. When I try to remember, I just become overwhelmed by . And the tree, it is fairly large with gnarled limbs and no leaves. Cracks in the tree bleed and burn!”
[b]"Has any research on the demideific entity of Laktharsis been compliled for perusal before we embark? Even mythology could lend a instance for beginning more scientific inquiries into our augmented colleague's point of nightmares."
"We have attempted to look into that, but have found little hard evidence. Even the name is unclear. We are hoping that you might be able to have better luck."
Valais interjects, her tone almost seems like she is speaking form personal experience; “The Worldwound used to be called Sarkoris before the demons slaughtered the weak. The clans of Sarkoris worshiped innumerable gods . Some even had personal gods they could summon to their sides. Known as god-callers, they were the most revered members of Sarkorian society."
Then he asks the Captain. Captain Jorsal, do you give us enough food and water for our journey in the Worldwound ? I've heard that strange thing happened here as the Abyss' influence are powerful in these cursed lands ?
[b]"Despite the Worldwound's influence, a good soldier can still live off the land, albeit, only if they keep their heads. You can also resupply in the markets before you go."[b]
Is this Shyael the Erastil Paladin known for caring more about the refugees than fighting demons ? If so, do you have a description of her ? if we see refugees on our way we could asks them if they saw her ?
"Shyael is a young elven woman, with short dark hair, but otherwise has fairly average features. She is known as an excellent scout and archer, but no sense of humor. Not even sure the girl knows how to relax."
How could refugees want to come back in these cursed land I have no idea... but it seems that Sarkorian hope to take back the lands of their ancestor... how foolish
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Time to head out into the big wide corrupted Wouldwound.
Valais leads you through the many alleys and side streets of Nerosyan. She heads east to Thurl’s old Pathfinder lodge, then northwest, before stopping in front of a small burned down shop near the city’s western walls. She sifts her way through the rubble, uncovering a concealed trap door that leads into a smugglers tunnel that travels beyond the walls of Nerosyan and past the Egelsee River. While traversing the tunnel, the party passes through a tunnel, and at one point, every feels,. . . well, you are not entirely sure just what it is. You feel something. Something like you are somehow more vulnerable, like the protection, or perhaps it is the illusion of protection has suddenly abandon you to a darker fate. Suddenly, the world feels very dark, angry, and cruel, and you are not certain that you have the strength to stand up and take it. It's not debilitating, but rather more of a nagging feeling, and one that tells you that you are alone, and can't trust anyone.
Once they leave the city, Valais leads you out into the Worldwound and
toward the demonic city of Storasta, through the scorched hills that used to be the Falling Forest. The journey from Nerosyan to the ruins of Dredarin takes 10 days on foot. While no venture into the Worldwound is truly safe, the you do not come across anything that poses a significant challenge to adventurers of your caliber, (fiendish small animals, wandering dretches, and other lesser demonkind), which you easily can frighten off or dispatch without expending resources.
In the distance, the ground occasionally explodes in geysers of raw elemental energy. Picks and shovels lay haphazardly around an excavation camp. The spire and roof of a stone building peek out from the dense, ashen mud.
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During the 10 days travel, Albert looked at Valais to be sure of her state of mind. Speaking with her of her experience and trying to find what she love and what she doesn't like. Hoping to help her keep a "right" state of mind.
When he sees the working site he stops.
At last, some "life" ... But we must be careful, it could be demon worshiper trying to free some buried demonic artifact.
Albert stops and try to see what type of people is working on the site.
Do you see if it is demons or human who's working ? he turns to Valais Are we near what you are looking for ?
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As the walk through the tunnel Rilas gets an odd sensation, and suddenly Winston stops and won't proceed any further. "I think we are at the edge of the Wardstone's magic. We must be on guard from here on out." He scratches under the wolf's chin and whispers something in its ear before pulling out a treat, and he finally follows along.
When the group stops after the long journey, Rilas carefully scouts the area.