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Hidden behind the illusion is the Ivory Sanctum, where the leaders of the Templars and the distribution hub of Nahyndrian Elixirs resided.
Inside the Ivory Sanctum the floor is decorated with basalt tiles, each of which has been crafted to represent one section of a complex
labyrinth. Ivory lined columns support the 30 foot high ceiling, every inch engraved with a mix of images of mazes, minotaurs, and men and women writhing in ecstasy or agony.
A pervasive light comes from high up along the walls, near the ceiling, where blood red demonic runes pulse with a menacing power. Evil radiates in the very air of the place.
After a particularly brutal battle, with Vang narrowly escaping destruction, the heroes would pull back from the Sanctum for the night, to rest and recover their spent power, before assaulting the sanctum once more.
Seemingly right, they quickly traversed the entirety of the Sanctum, finding no evidence of any remaining foes or traps, until they came across what was at first glance, a simple storage room for cloaks and robes and various articles of clothing for religious ceremonies.
It was here that Vanthor felt something vile coming from one of the walls, even more so than other rooms of the Sanctum. It was as if his senses came alive of their own volition and focused on the wall and its incredible evil.
He pointed it out to Arue, who searched for and found a secret door. Once knew where the door was, Vanthor wasted no time in opening it, to which he was immediately assaulted by the undiluted evil of the room.
The entirety of the room had been lined with lead and inscribed with countless tiny Abyssal prayers and runes, each in turn sweating and reabsorbing cold, black water while a low, discordant drone emanated from them.
Potent and debilitating energies hung in the air of the room, but Vanthor resisted their drain as he rushed in, for he quickly took note of a most wicked creature left to guard this vile place. A Thanadaemon. Before the creature could even twitch, Vanthor, armed with mythic power and the righteous wrath of Iomedae, moved in and called forth a smite upon it. Swinging Radiance, his famed longsword, in mighty arcs almost faster than an eye could follow, he dispatched the creature. He would only later realize that Arue had shot a few arrows into it as well before it succumbed to its final rest.
But even though Vang managed to escape, he left behind precious treasures, some notes, a journal, and other documents of great value to the crusaders.
Vang's journal in particular proved extremely valuable. It was written in code and initially proved impossible to decipher, that is until the Riftwarden of Drezen, Aravashniel, took it to study at length.
He was able to piece together enough fragments from the contents of the journal to know it focuses on Xanthir’s involvement in the refinement of Nahyndrian crystals into things such as the elixirs used to grant demons mythic power and the chisel that was used to deliver the death blow to the Kenabres’s wardstone. Hints of new uses for these crystals also exist, including preliminary plans for the creation of a Nahyndrian golem of incredible power.
The most important clue found in the journal is the revelation that the Nahyndrian crystals are being mined in the Abyssal realm of the Midnight Isles, and perhaps even more disturbing is the fact that the journal reveals the crystals to be the fossilized lifeblood of assassinated demon lords!
The fact that the ruler of the Midnight Isles, the demon lord Nocticula, has not yet granted permission for the mining project is of note as well—the journal records several attempts by the cult of Baphomet to bring Nocticula into the alliance associated with the Worldwound, but so far, the Queen of Shadows has not agreed to join.
Lastly, the journal vaguely mentions a few new attempts to forge such an alliance that will soon be undertaken by the Templars stationed in the Abyss; these are the latest entries in the book, and mention two women in particular as agents working to secure an alliance:
* Minagho, a lilitu demon of great power (who is apparently trying to win back the good graces of Baphomet after failing to protect the remnants of the Kenabres’s wardstone)
* Hepzamirah, the daughter of Baphomet (who is the true leader of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, and the one in charge of the Nahyndrian crystal mining operation on the Midnight Isles).
Gathering their strength for the coming days, what will our heroes do next?
I hope Irion isn't too mad that I went with Vanthor to investigate the Sanctum and left him sleeping alone...
Arue thought to herself as she slinked quietly back into camp.
She turned the thought over in her mind, churning with guilt, and she began to silently hope...
Maybe they won't even notice we left!
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I should remind you that elves don't sleep. While you may escaped my notice, Vanthor is not nearly as stealthy. The two of you made a dangerous decision to go in alone. I had to stay here as Bergitta and Dojen had no way to combat a flying opponent should one arrive. I understand you went in trying to do the right thing, but you have to realize that part of fighting for the greater good is to think about those whom fight alongside you.
Irion softly takes Arushela's chin in his fingers and pulls her gaze into his eyes. "I am glad you came back to ... us without harm. I would hate for anything to happen to you before you've had the chance to live with a pure soul."
Arue's eyes grew large for a moment as Irion directed her gaze. Her breath quickened and a slight flush rose to her cheeks. Her lips parted slighly, but no sound uttered forth.
I am deeply sorry to have both worried you and to have weakened your trust in me. Arue's mental voice whispered directly into Irion's mind.
Then her eyes drew narrow and a wry grin crept upon her lips... which Irion couldn't help but notice were especially full and inviting... and somehow very close.
As for the purity of my soul...well I am not exactly looking for purity, but I will settle for good...and at the moment I feel...very...very good. she mentally purred.
With their faces already drawn close, she quickly pressed forward, kissing Irion full upon his lips!
Arue quickly recoiled. A rush of emotions seemed to flitter across her face, ranging from worry, to interest, to excitement, before finally settling on a steady and very hungry look.
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The early morning sky of the Worldwound is just as dark as the night had been, with thick black clouds blocking the light of the rising sun.
A steaming blood-rain, which reeks of decay, has just begun to pour down outside of the cave you are sheltering in.
A flash of purple lightning briefly lights the sky, quickly followed by a brutal crack of thunder, seemingly overhead, that causes the ground to shudder.
All things considered, it is an especially pleasant morning as far as mornings in the Worldwound go.
With a whirl of wind that parts and spins the falling sheets of blood up and away from the cavern entrance, the party is greeted by a misty and translucent form that fills the air before them, that of a large horse-like beast with a single horn protruding from its forehead.
"FINALLY!" booms a familiar and excited mental voice in everyone's mind.
"I am so glad to have found you!" the voice continues, this time more relieved and quite reduced in volume.
"I came as quickly as I could once my quest was over. Praise The Inheritor for her guidance and wisdom. I now stand ready, by your side once more, and I pledge myself to your cause!"
And with that, the form of Argos becomes solid, and he dips his head deeply, touching his horn to the ground in respect.
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"Argos! You have returned to us! Thank the heavens. It is great to have you back." With a smoldering look toward Arushela, "Though I recall your timing being better."
"Please tell us where you've been since last we saw one another."
I'm just guessing you can both hear my thoughts. With a wink to the succubus, Going to have to watch myself lest anyone get the wrong message.
Out of the darkness, Arueshalae stood and slid around Irion to position herself between Argos and her male companion.
No longer in her normal form, she currently resembled a tall, beautiful elven woman with jet black shoulder length hair and eyes of deepest green.
With only passing acknowlegment of Argos, she slowly leveled her gaze back toward Irion and spoke softly "This..." gesturing back and forth between them "is far from over."
She then spun to face the bowing kirin, her eyes bright and her smile wide, "I've heard much about you. My name is Arueshalae. I'm glad to finally meet you."
Raising his head with an inquisitive tilt, Argos began, "It is interesting to meet you as well Desnan." indicating Arueshalae.
...For the next hour, the Kirin told the tale of his quest, high and wide in the skies above...
He had been sent to garner the aid of those of his kind that would follow him back to the Worldwound and the Fifth Crusade.
To that end, he met with several Emperor Kirin, for they were widely regarded as the most wise and influential members of his people. Explaining what he had learned during his brief time with the crusaders, his stories began to turn more than a few hearts and minds to the cause.
At first, only a few of the younger and more fiery Kirin descended from the skies, each eager to find their own valiant crusaders to assist. Before long though, some of the older Kirin too decided that the cause was indeed worthy, of their investigation at least.
By the time Argos was done, he had swayed no less than 2 score Kirin to descend, where before he was the only one.
The rain had slowed and eventually ceased during his story telling, and the sky had even lightened a bit as the dark clouds overhead parted slightly.
"Now, gather your things and let us step from this dark cavern." the Kirin said aloud.
As Argos stepped outside in the air, his cloven hooves mere inches from the ground, the heroes eyes met with a great sight. There stood, also floating in the air, half a dozen misty formed Kirin, waiting to carry them home.
"We must make haste to Drezen so you can report your findings! The Crusade must ever soar on!" He spoke loudly!
Vanthor makes his way back to his companions to relax and share the days events.
"The day is not complete unless friends"....
Vanthor stops, hope rising, as his eyes fall upon the noble kirin. After the last several days, worry has plagued him at the enormity of the challenge they are facing. Truly, not only are their hearts warmed by the return of a friend but indeed a worthy and steadfast spirit has joined their ranks.
"THERE YOU ARE VANTHOR!" Boomed Argos' mental shout in Vanthor's mind."I am especially glad to see you well and unharmed."
"Come! Gather yourself and your belongings for soon we make for Drezen, and you ride with me!"Argos said for all to hear!
"I can not say how good it is to see you Argos." Vanthor sends his thoughts to his friend the kirin.
"The help you have provided goes beyond what could be imagined. You sacrifice your safety and risk all to help in this desperate fight. Truly, the nobility and wisdom of the kirin humbles me."
Vanthor reflects back on those around him. Beings undoubtedly brought together by higher forces to fight the scourge of the Demon host. His heart struggles with his role and how he could best be used in this fight.
He was sure he would stand strong against all tests and vanquish all foes set before him single handedly leading the forces of good to victory. He has humbly accepted that more often then not that it is he who falls short and avoids failure and death only by the help of his friends.
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With the kirins' help, the 70 mile trip back to Drezen takes little more than an hour.
The daily bustle that surrounds the citadel is in full swing, with on going repair work happening in every corner of the city. Crusaders all over stop what they are doing and wave as you fly overhead.
Here, on the northern edge of the Worldwound, the sky seems brighter and the land seems less bleak, even if just a little bit. But make no mistake, you are still in a hostile environment.
As you settle and dismount, the Kirin all dip their heads deeply before rising to the sky once more, and all but Argos depart.
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Upon returning to the citadel, Irion spends his days working with the scouts. He wants to ensure their training will adequately prepare them for the trials they will face in the long months to come. His time in the evenings, however, are spent exploring his budding relationship with Arueshalae. While at first suspect of his own initial feelings, and if their origin was part of some enchantment, he has come to care very much for the succubus. While he understands her need to walk among others in the form of an elf, he endeavors to convince her to stay in her true form when they are alone together.
Knowing the demon’s proclivity for solely ’physical’ relationships, Irion attempts to provide earnest romance (in what he believes in his heart to be a courtship). This is not to say he is immune to more primal urges. He is keenly aware of how effective she is at enflaming his desires, and would enjoy nothing more than to sate those longings, often. He knows that she has committed atrocities and used her infernal abilities to corrupt and twist others to her will. She has never known love that was not tainted, a love free of compulsion, a love based on mutual respect, a love beyond the physical, a true love. She has known lust, she has felt false adoration and forced flattery. She needs to know what true companionship is.
In addition to supporting her in her quest to become redeemed, Irion also takes time to learn from Arue. These energies swirling inside of him have granted him an expanded view of the universe, and his place in it. Their conversations go deep into the evenings, covering a myriad of topics. He asks Arueshalae to teach him some of what she knows. Opening his mind, he allows her to share her fluency in a number of languages which the elf rapidly absorbs.
On one such night after hours of intellectual stimulation, Irion fills Arue’s glass with wine. ”You are quite a gifted teacher. Are there any other lessons you have for me? I thought there was something you wanted to ...finish just before Argos returned." Irion steps up next to Arueshalae, feeling the heat smoldering between their bodies. "Perhaps you would like to expand on what you had in mind?”
Arueshalae had spent countless centuries as an instrument of corruption, and wickedness was all too familiar to her. True affection and kindness, on the other hand, were something she had very little experience with and she was justifiably guarded whenever meeting anyone new.
She was keenly aware of how easily a person could be manipulated, and she wanted nothing to do with that kind of behavior when she could avoid it. That was what made Irion and his friends so dear to her.
They were easy and honest in all they did. There were nuances of course, but each of them truly believed what they said whenever they spoke, and they never tried to manipulate those around them with half truths or other types of chicanery. They were kind and hardworking, always willing to help another wherever it was needed. Where previously she might have found weakness in this, now she found only strength. This made it easy to like them, especially Irion.
His patronage of the Black Butterfly aside, Arueshalae felt Irion was much like her, outwardly calm and quiet but with extremely passionate inner thoughts. He had quite a sense of humor, that was almost wicked at times, but he mostly kept it to himself. She felt guilty for “overhearing” his thoughts and she had to make an active effort not to, for more and more she would find herself stifling laughter at some thought she had heard from his mind.
In an effort to honor Irion’s privacy, she had offered her blessing to Vanthor, for she new it allowed for a greater telepathic connection and she hoped that would help keep her from “overhearing” any more of Irion’s private thoughts. It worked for a time. Shortly after defeating the last of the denizens of the Sanctum, she felt the access to her abilities return, though not through the connection to the abyss she had felt previously. This connection was good and pure, and she could tell it was with Desna. It filled her heart in a way she had never known before. She wanted nothing more than to shout it to the world when she first felt it.
But after all her years of guardedness, she stifled that shout and found herself rushing back to Irion, whom she wanted to tell first. She had avoided closeness with another for so long because she knew her natural hungers were deadly, as merely a kiss could steal years and life from a mortal. She felt that had changed now, and she was desperate to find out. That first kiss, however fleeting, was all the proof she needed.
She had thought of little else the entire Kirin ride back to Drezen. She had thought of little else the next few days and weeks in Drezen, where she passed her days in the form of an elf among the other crusaders and her nights telepathically teaching Irion the many languages she was familiar with. Always close in her mind, was the thought of that kiss. She had not drained his life.
With each passing day she grew closer to Irion, for his insights and clever actions, his remarkable thoughtfulness and his inner light, yet still she never brought up the kiss or the implied continuance. She had played this game with all manner of lover before, but she wanted Irion to bring it up first, not from some sense of control but because she wanted him to feel safe enough to do so. It was important. She knew she was a predator. She didn’t want him to feel like prey.
One night, after hours of intellectual stimulation, Irion fills Arue’s glass with wine. ”You are quite a gifted teacher. Are there any other lessons you have for me? I thought there was something you wanted to …finish just before Argos returned." Irion steps up next to Arueshalae, feeling the heat smoldering between their bodies. "Perhaps you would like to expand on what you had in mind?”
In response, Arue gives Irion a brilliant and sincere smile. She slowly reaches up toward his face and gently brushes an errant strand of hair behind his sharply pointed ear. It is a caress, as intimate as any ever felt. Her eyes never waiver from his. Her lips part as she slowly moves closer.
Then she touches his mind. ”I offer you my blessing, a gift to you from me. It comes with only one condition. You must accept it for it to be yours. Do you accept my gift, Irion of the true heart?”
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I need no other ‘gift’ from you than having you here with me. The only blessing I desire is your continued companionship.
Sensing his thoughts may not clearly send is intent, he adds Know this Arueshalae, I freely accept who you are, your commitment to Desna, your quest for redemption, and your blessing.
He gently moves his hands, one to the small of her back, the other just above the nape of her neck. His lips slowly close toward hers. He takes his time, making the negligible gap seems like a desert canyon. He wants to rush, to feel her, to be with her, in her. Irion suspects that is how most of her lovemaking has been, enthralled victims out of control with lust. So, this is his gift to her. A night where the demonstration of love and yearning is slow, its pace tempered with thoughtful, caring intent. He realizes just how important a threshold this is for them both.
This space between them, is a slight whisper. A sliver of restraint. Their breath mingles as they inhale one another. Then, after what seems like agonizing and tortuous hours, the abyss closes completely, engulfed with true passion. It is more than lips coming together for a kiss. It is a life altering connection these two souls have willingly accepted. He pulls her closer, not wanting the moment to end. He thinks of how love is a gift that not everyone receives. How they were brought together, what they have found in the most unlikely of places, must be a gift.
Unsure how long they have stood there, Irion moves on from her infernally soft lips to kiss her neck, nibble on her ear, even caress and kiss her horns, to show that he is consciously aware of the choice he is making. His mouth finds her again to reaffirm his devotion to her.
He slowly starts to undress, fighting the need to hurry, never taking his eyes away from Arueshalae. Once naked, his hands find buttons and laces to carefully, methodically unclasp and untie. He thinks to her I want this moment to last forever, I want to savor it, to take it all in. He continues to undress her, his mouth replacing clothing as soon as her skin become exposed. Her shoulders, back, wings, breasts, thighs all adorned with kisses. He scoops her up into his arms and carries her across the room, his eyes never leaving hers. Irion does not lay her on to the bed. Instead, he sits in the middle and slides her legs around his waist so they are facing on another.
I don’t know if there will be enough nights in all eternity for me to share myself with you the way I want to, the way I need to. Tonight is just the beginning.
Irion’s hands and mouth spend hours holding, caressing and exploring. He treats her body as a representation of the burgeoning and beautiful soul within. It is not until the breaking of dawn does he finally relent and succumbs to more primal cravings. He allows himself to become lost in a tangle of limbs, hair and wings. As his body finally releases his pent up passion This is lovemaking Arueshalae! This feeling is what we are fighting for, where we draw our strength. Not for the physical pleasure, but for the bolstering of the souls! A being with mortal limits, Irion eventually collapses in blissful exhaustion.
... and your blessing. with those final mental words, it is was if the world fell open to her, for the second time.
She could feel Irion in a way no mortal could, for that was truly her gift now.
She could feel what he wanted... Irion's mind was a low growl I want this moment to last forever, I want to savor it, to take it all in.
She could feel what he needed... as his thoughts drifted to I don’t know if there will be enough nights in all eternity for me to share myself with you the way I want to, the way I need to. Tonight is just the beginning.
They become lost in a tangle of limbs, hair and wings. As Irion's body finally releases his pent up passion for her, his soul does as well This is lovemaking Arueshalae! This feeling is what we are fighting for, where we draw our strength. Not for the physical pleasure, but for the bolstering of the souls! Now she could truly feel what he felt.
As Irion finally collapses into blissful exhaustion, Arushalea slides gently to his side and lays her head upon his still heaving chest. Her eyes glisten and close as a smile grows across her beautiful face.
Not only can demons dream it seems... they can also love.
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The early morning light of dawn is an unfamiliar sight in the Worldwound, even this far to the north, but the heavens have forced their way full past the dark clouds this day.
The early risers among the crusaders stand stunned for a moment as, almost collectively, the thought sinks in The gods smile for us. We will be strong and we will triumph!
More than a few openly weep.
Doors are quickly pounded on and sheets are thrown to the wind in an effort to make sure all can see the wondrous sight. Before long, not one eye remains shut within the town.
It lasts for over an hour.
<==================>
As the noon day comes upon Drezen, the dark skies of the Worldwound have long since returned, but all about the town people are still talking of the incredible morning light.
Vanthor is among the crusaders as they take their mid day meal when he receives a "sending"... It is from Queen Galfrey
“Have secured an item of utmost significance—something that
can shut the Worldwound rift forever. We need to meet as soon
as possible to discuss.”
" We are at your disposal and can be ready within the hour. Tell us where we are to meet and when."
"We will come to you. Where will you be?" Comes the quick reply via another sending spell.
"The Citadel of Drezen."
"Send forth word to my friends to quickly finish what needs to be done here in Drezen. There is a situation that may take all of our attention away from here. We must discuss this in the Citadel within the hour."
Vanthor tells a most trusted guard.
"Please, do this with discretion. Have the guard doubled in the Citadel and if the Kirin are willing take to the air and do us the honor of watching the sky's. Have frequent and regular checks on all posts inside, outside, above and below."
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Aron, the Warden of Drezen, did in fact enhance the guard in the citadel, and as requested he went about it in a very discreet manor.
He hand selected guards, with whom he had the best rapport, and sent them to secondary, and in some cases tertiary, posts that he had worked out for just this sort of thing. Not knowing how long this could last or what specifically was to be expected, he just planned for several contingencies.
He had already trained dedicated support teams, each ready with channels, spells and alchemical remedies for all manner of disaster from an all out attack to a simple kitchen fire.
He had worked on preparedness drills with each team over the last few months and when he put them on alert, as he had several times before, there was no reason for anyone not part of the teams to suspect this was anything out of the ordinary.
<==================>
The hour has gone by with no surprises.
Right on time, Queen Galfrey and several men at arms, each in heavy plate armor and full Royal Mendevian livery, arrive via teleportation directly inside the citadel's outer walls.
The Queen stands tall, as tall or taller than any man among her retainers. There is no hesitation as she quickly snaps her view to where the citadel guards stand their posts at the entrance to the citadel itself.
Her hand on the pommel of her sword, she takes long, rapid strides toward the guards and the citadel. To their credit, the guards remain level headed upon seeing their sovereign suddenly appear, and snap to attention and salute.
I hope this goes quick - Galfrey thinks to herself - We don't have much time and we can't afford to stand on formalities this close to the end!
Acknowledging the salutes with barely more than a nod, she stops in front of the guards, firmly planting her feet and says with authority, "I am here to meet with Sir Brightholme and his fellow heroes. It is an urgent matter and they are expecting me."
The Champions of Drezen await their Queen. As the escort to the inner chambers approaches Vanthor kneels before Queen Galfrey.
"Welcome to the renewed City of Drezen where brave hearts hold your Kingdoms splendor against the most unwelcome and demoniacal horde that taints this land."
Her smile is nearly a grimace at the official greeting, yet smile she does. They now the urgency and still they... she stifled the negative thought before it could fully form.
"Please stand. We have no time for formalities. Let us quickly get to a secure and private room." she says with an even and measured tone.
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The heroes can't help but realize that this is not a queen of courtiers and high brow society. This is the queen of a kingdom that marched to war on her orders and she marched with them. This war was to protect the entire world from an inhuman scourge the likes of which no mortal living has seen before. This same queen has known nothing but this war for over 100 years!
Even with her years of experience, she can't hide the concern on her face now. She walks quickly as the champions direct her to a secure room in the citadel. It is a room they use for strategic planning, and where all of the recovered documents gathered from the Worldwound excursions is kept.
Taking a quick look around the room, and at the long oval table in the center that is perfect for spreading a map on or pouring over documents, Queen Galfrey nods and gestures to you, "Please gather 'round this table. It is perfect for what I have to show you."
As you all comply and gather, she nods her head to her men, and they quickly take up station outside the door and close it.
"We have one more who will be joining us soon, so don't be alarmed for she is with me." says Queen Galfrey in a reassuring tone.
Suddenly appearing next to her, as if on cue, is what appears to be a tiny elven courtier, not much more than a foot tall, dressed in a fine white dress complete with jewelry and hair done up like a princess.
The queen smiles at her, and it seems genuinely affectionate as she says "Please allow me to introduce Lady Naeriphalithe, a liminal sprite associate of mine. Please call her Naeri. She is here to help me explain the situation."
As the tiny sprite beams a smile at each of you, she curtsies and bows her head regally while the queen produces a pair of thin copper plates from a large travel bag upon her hip. The queen sets them in front of you for you to inspect.
"We have recently come into the possession of a very rare and dangerous tome, called the Lexicon of Paradox. That same book, according to my more scholarly friends..." she pauses and shoots a look toward the tiny sprite, "is what was used to create the Worldwound in the first place."
She lets you digest that for only a moment before she continues, "Thanks to the actions of a brave group of mercenaries led by Venture-Captain Varian Jeggare of the Pathfinders, his tiefling accomplice Radovan and the half-elven paladin Oparal, the Lexicon is now in crusader hands. We have fully restored it and what you see before you is just a small portion of the artifact."
The two plates are densely inscribed with runes, incantations, and equations, and the languages used vary widely.
Naeri then speaks, and she has a melodious voice that carries well despite her small stature, "We believe the pages before you concern a ritual than can, in theory, be used to shut down a small rift between the Material Plane and the Abyss." she pauses to gauge your reaction and then continues, "I expect you have questions so feel free to ask them now.
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"Naeri, who opened the rift originally, and will they be aware of our attempt to close the rift?
Was the Lexicon originally designed with opening the Worldwound, or just to connect two planes of existence?
If we use it to seal the rift, will we be trapped on the wrong side?
If this can seal the rift, can it then be destroyed to prevent the Worldwound from being opened again?
What if the enemy comes into possession of the Lexicon?
Can they duplicate its effects at another location, or worse, merge all of Golarion with the Abyss?
Our small strike team has not had a fully learned wizard in the Wound, will we need one to complete the ritual?"
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"Irion," Naeri addresses directly "We have it on good authority that the architect of the Worldwound, at least from the material plane side of the rift, was a Sarkorian witch by the name of Areelu Vorlesh.
By all accounts so far, Vorlesh was once mortal but seems to have been transformed into a half-succubus near the time of the rift opening. She was and is one of Deskari's most powerful and loyal followers. That is about as much as we know about Vorlesh at this time.
As you astutely suggested, the ritual requires two casters, one on each side of the rift, to make it work and we believe that Deskari himself was the power on the abyssal side that opened the rift, and the true architect of the Worldwound."
She pauses just long enough to shift her dress slightly and then look around at the group to make sure everyone is paying close attention.
"As to your next question, we don't fully know what the Lexicon's original design was for, as we are still deciphering it, but we can tell there are several rituals for opening and closing planar rifts.
It isn't clear if it is just rifts between the abyss and the material plane or if other planes can be affected. Much of the book was damaged when we recovered it and it took great efforts to restore and as I mentioned we are still deciphering it.
As for the Lexicon falling into the hands of the enemy? We wrested the remnants of the book from them so I imagine it would be very bad. For that reason it’s been placed in a secure vault in Lastwall, where it is being studied by skilled scholars under careful observation by the Knights of Ozem"
Just as Naeri is about to continue, the Queen interrupts the sprite with a gentle raise of her hand.
Her piercing eyes look around the room at each face as she speaks, "Before we continue, we are aware that you recently made some discoveries of your own that could very well affect further discussions. Tell me the details of these discoveries."
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In preparation for the queens meeting, with the aid of his magically enhanced vision, Vanthor scanned the citadel inside the main hall and all the way to the entrance of the citadel, looking for hidden or magically masked spies. Everything looks clear and safe.
When first introduced to Naeri, Vanthor notices beautiful moth wings on the little fairy, though he can tell that they have been rendered invisible for some reason. Other than that, there are no illusions he is aware of.
The group shares with Queen Galfrey all that they know of the new events that have transpired leading up to today. The information flows forth from the companions almost as if they are sharing one thought.
Arushalae uses her abilities to join the minds of the party to help relate the information
Vanthor spares glances about the room to sense any possible threat or spy.
(+2 vs. demons)(if within 60 feet add +10 vs. evil)
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Not detecting anything suspect, Vanthor spreads various documents upon the planning table while explaining details of each to Queen Galfrey.
The Queen takes it all in, her mind turning each piece of information over like a page in a journal. It is apparent she is both keenly interested and at the same time very disturbed by the details of this new intelligence.
As one particular piece of intelligence with black runes and strange symbols slides out from a stack, there is a burst of motion and one of the heroes is roughly jostled aside as a pale skinned elf with long, tied back black hair and dark silk robes reveals himself.
The Queen is not bothered by this as much as interested and she quickly says aloud, "Do not be alarmed. Please forgive the sudden appearance of my other companion, Tiqualishariel. He has been my trusted friend and aide for the last 50 years. You may call him Tiq for short."
With a quick glare at the queen before he returns to studying the symbols, he speaks in a stern voice "Only you call me Tiq. Crusaders refer to me by Qualish... my Queen."
After only another moment of studying the sheet, he rapidly searches for more like it, asking how many you have and the specifics of them. Showing him the other pages of transcription you tell the tale of the wall you found with those very markings and the odd creatures that seemed to be conducting experiments on captured crusaders.
The elf mutters aloud an elven curse reserved for the most vile of the vile before he gestures to the group and says in common, "This is bad. Very bad. What this Vang was doing was attempting to alter planar binding spells to work on natives to the material plane." He pauses momentarily to see if anyone understands the repercussions of something like this.
He then continues "He was very close from what I can tell, and perhaps with further work he may yet complete it. I must not allow this to happen. If he is successful in this endeavor, he could very well summon crusaders from their homes to torture and interrogate or demons could just as easily summon material plane natives to the abyss for enslavement or worse!"
He grabs up the remaining pages of transcription and steps back from the group, nodding to Naeri and Galfrey. He focuses his gaze on the sprite, "Continue with your wonderful explanation. I will find and deal with Vang. With your guidance, Frey and her champions should easily take care of the rift. I have read their power and they have more than enough to activate the plates. And take this..." he says as he produces a miniature lute from the folds of his robe, offering it to Naeri. She beams at the sight of her lute, and grabs for it hungrily before regaining her composure.
"I know you will want to play something before long." says Qualish, smiling briefly. He then quietly whispers "I leave the door for you." and without hesitation he vanishes.
Naeri looks longingly after Qualish as he leaves. Quickly though, she turns her attention back to the group, and you all note a slight color has risen to her alabaster cheeks.
Queen Galfrey clears her throat and speaks to those assembled. "Friends. From what you have told me, it is clear what we need to do, at least for now."
She gestures to the runic inscribed copper plates in the center of the table, "These are but a portion of the greater tome, and if we meet with success here it will go far in the deciphering of the overall book."
She steps back and begins to pace as she details her plan to you all.
"First we must travel to the Midnight Fane, where these Nahyndrian crystals are being refined. We must search for the methods by which the demons and their allies are creating these elixirs and then destroy their tools, their resources and if we can find them, the inventors. I mentioned we, because I intend to accompany you on this mission.
Second, we must close the Midnight Fane Rift. We will go over the details of the ritual soon but suffice to say you will not require the assistance of any other caster for this. Tiq says you are all more than capable and that is enough for me. I will be handling the material side of the ritual and I would ask you to handle the abyssal side.
Once the rift is closed, you will remain on the abyss side for the third part of this mission. I offer you a scroll of plane shift for when you are ready to return home, so don't have fear of being stranded there.
The third part of the mission has two important goals you can complete in whatever order you deem best. The first goal is prevent the Worldwound's attempt to secure an alliance with Nocticula and the second goal is to find where in the Midnight Isles the Nahyndrian crystals are coming from and put a stop to that operation."
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Naeri then looks to the group as she begins to address some of the previous questions left unanswered.
Can they duplicate its effects at another location, or worse, merge all of Golarion with the Abyss? "Not likely. There is a very special planar "thinness" here in Sarkoris, specifically where the Worldwound was first opened. Deskari found out about this quirk of reality and has been obsessed with it for centuries. Of course if we don't close the Worldwound soon, it is only a matter of time before the demons expand outward. They have an endless supply of demons and we have a very limited supply of crusaders. There will be no merging. There will only be devouring."
If this can seal the rift, can it then be destroyed to prevent the Worldwound from being opened again? "We don't know the answer to that yet, but it is our hope. Artifacts are very difficult to destroy, as our enemy seems to have tried to do that very thing to prevent what we are doing now."
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The little sprite seems very tired by all this activity, but she bravely soldiers on, describing the details of the ritual to close the rift.
"The energy contained in the pages taken from the Lexicon of Paradox is all the energy required to begin the ritual to close the portal. One person must hold a page of the Lexicon on the Material Plane side of the rift, and another person must carry a page to the Abyssal side.
You must concentrate intensely, as if maintaining a spell effect that requires concentration, but as long as each participant holds a page from the Lexicon, no other particular skill is needed at this point.
Concentration must be maintained while both pages are held in the rift until such time as the rift turns black. At this point one of the following spells must be cast at the portal from each side:dictum, dimensional anchor, dimensional lock, dispel chaos, dispel evil, dispel magic, or holy word. If all this is done successfully, the portal should then be sealed.
Are there any further questions? Because truth be told, I am very tired from all this." Naeri then raises her lute and begins to strum it quietly. This seems to perk up her spirits a bit and she stands patiently awaiting any questions you might have.
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"I suppose it is pointless to ask you to stay behind as you are personally too valuable to loose? You would counter that all are lives are worth the risk, and the price of your soul is no greater than any others, especially considering what is at stake. So I will just ask this; should you fall, who has the strength and wisdom to keep the Crusade unified?