You feel a titter of humour.
Mother we both know that puns are beneath us. Well, perhaps not. Bu we have put an end to a great evil. Together we are unstoppable!
Arueshalae is utterly bewildered by Nilus' emotional response to her presence, and again seems very unsure of what to do with herself.
"Ah... thank you sir. Trust me, I'm just as happy to see you."
Nilus takes a moment to find the three former clerics of Lamashtu, who shriek with pain as they near the temple and so end up staying outside. Arueshalae leads you into her makeshift home, and leads you to the top floor, where she points out a large bell hung at the top that appears to be made of polished silver.
"This is the Bell of Mercy, which is the only reason I am still alive. I.... please, give me a moment to explain what has happened."
Arueshalae flaps her wings a moment before tucking them in behind her. She fidgets as she speaks. Her voice is whisper-quiet and she avoids eye contact.
"And forgive my uncertainty. I have had very little contact with anyone who I'd consider, ah, friendly since I learned to dream. I am a succubus, and was charged with the corruption of the religious. My touch is death to mortals - even still, and I had seduced and drained a priestess of Desna. I was... curious? I used a spell to explore her thoughts as she died. And she did die, and go to the place of dreams. I was trapped by my own curiousity, and went with her."
"Demons do not sleep, and as such, we do not dream. I can't quite put into words what happened, but Desna rules in this land of dreams, and I was found. And she... she showed me mercy. I'll never forget what she said to me."
Tears show on her cheeks as she speaks.
"Even demons can dream."
Arueshalae is silent for a moment before she continues in her whisper-quiet voice.
"We demons are the corrupted souls of mortals. She released me, and I awoke with memories of who I was. I awoke with an understanding of what it was to be mortal, and with empathy for those I had harmed. I have killed so many, and had to atone. The crusaders would not tolerate me as I appear, so instead I hid myself among the demons and worked to undermine them from within. I hoped I could present myself to the crusade and prove my good intentions after I had done enough good, but something happened."
She fixes her red eyes on Sarkast.
"I found a lost child in the Worldwound. When I saved you, I was found out by the demons. I fled to the Worldwound and hid, and uncovered something. When a demon lord falls, crystals are formed called Nahyndrian crystals. These crystals can grant demons incredible power, like nothing I had seen. At Drezen they had empowered a chimera named Soltengrebbe. Before I could find out too much more, I was captured during my spying attempts, and imprisoned in Drezen. For years, the marilith Aponavicius tried to turn me back, but she failed. My faith in Desna was stronger, and eventually, my prayers were answered and i escaped."
She gestures broadly around the room.
"I knew of the redoubt from the dreams of the Priestess I killed, and was drawn here. The Bell of Mercy had kept me safe, and thus I was hiding until the hag Jaruunicka and her demonic minions found me out and laid siege. And so here we are."
Sarkast touches the elk charm on his wrist as the succubus tells her story. "I knew that I was saved by a servant of the goddess, and when I returned home, I dedicated myself to her service in thanks. That is, in a way, how I ended up with these companions. It seems I have been given the chance to repay your rescue."
"What will you do now? Drezen is liberated, and occupied once again by the crusade. We use it as a base from which to make our attacks into the worldwound. Your appearance would cause concern, but if you wish to come there, I know that the assurance of Nilus and Dejik that there is no evil within you would carry weight."
With the danger passed, Dejik focuses on tending her friends' wounds. She examines Sarkast and Ayesha as their remaining wounds transfer to her. Despite his protests that he's fine, she also checks Nilus for any remaining effects of the poison.
Dejik concentrates on her friends almost to the exclusion of all else. As she listens to the demon's story, a shadow crosses her face. How many demons like Arushalae had Dejik and her fellow crusaders dispatched over the years, never once imagining that any of them could be saved? She had already begun to see that Nilus was partially right with all his talk of redemption...could he be wholly correct?
It would be my honor to speak for you to Queen Galfrey and the other leaders of the Crusade. They fight with blade and bow, but the real fight is here. Nilus taps his chest It is a fight between Hope and Despair. I know I have felt Hope today, it gives me strength.
Nilus fetches Nyx, Darius and Kuthie. He explains to them that even a Demon can find redemption, and introduces them to Arueshalae.
These three were rescued from a life serving Lamashtu. I have begun to show them a new path, perhaps you might give them some Hope as well M'lady
"Your story is moving, indeed, as are your deeds both before and since we have arrived. I will speak for you, as well, should you wish to ally with the forces of good against the demon incursion."
"I think we killed the chimera, if it's the same one you told us of, but we never ran into the marilith. It sounds as though that might be just as well, if she has one of these crystals in her possession. Perhaps we do need to return to the army, post haste, and speak with the Queen regarding these matters? Do we have anything else on our agenda? Or are we free to return?"
Arueshalae smiles, nodding once.
"Please, let us return to Drezen. If you will represent me to the crusade I will return the favour. My work has uncovered the location of where the elixirs distilled from the Nahyndrian crystals are distributed; the Ivory Sanctum. This is the headquarters of the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth, the Baphomet-worshippers who have been so adept at infiltrating the crusades. If we were to strike at the Sanctum it will not only cripple the crusade's most insidious enemy, but we can prevent the empowering of more mighty demons."
Arueshalae then looks to the bell of mercy.
"We should rest and travel at first light, but one thing to think of. This bell will keep demons at bay, albeit only once a year. If you can think of a way to get this to a better location, please let me know."
With that, you bed down and rest safely and comfortably.
The journey back across the Worldwound is as backbreaking as ever, but with Arueshalae flying overhead and spotting, you're able to avoid and get past any of the typical dangers. The strange, horrific landscape is no less punishing, but you at least manage to avoid a fight. Finally, you arrive in Drezen.
Arueshalae lands, and walks in surrounded by the four of you with the three ex-clerics in tow. Your long absence has been sorely missed and a cheer goes up from the troops as you approach the reclaimed city. Without hesitation, you make for the Citadel. There are a large number of nervous looks from the paladins as a true-to-life succubus walks in with you.
You are ushered in to see Irabeth, who is conversing quietly with Sosiel. They both start as you walk in with Arueshalae and the clerics.
Irabeth quickly stands, the brawny half-orc looking a little unsure of herself for the first time that you can recall.
"Commanders, welcome back. We get the impression you've done quite a lot... ah..."
She looks over Arueshalae and the ex-clerics.
"I assume there's a story. Why is there a succubus here? I... I don't detect evil. From her at least."
Irabeth turns to fix her gaze on the ex-clerics.
Lady Irabeth, this is Nyx, Kuthie and Darius. They are repentant former followers of the Demon Queen Lamashtu. They wish to work to earn their forgiveness, and a measure of redemption. I will see to them, and discuss them with Sosiel.
Nilus waits for Sarkast to introduce Arueshalae, since they seem close.
"Irabeth, this is Arushelae. She tells an amazing tale of redemption herself, through the dreams of a priestess of Desna. It was apparently Arushelae who saved me as a young man in the worldwound, and in so doing became a prisoner of the demons. She called to me through my own dreams while we were travelling, and drew us to her prison. Once we defeated the demons there, she offered her services to our crusade. As you can see, the taint of evil has left her, despite her demonic origin. I think there can be no tale better to keep the spirits of Drezen high than to know that even a succubus can turn her back on evil. "
Sarkast brings Arushelae forward and introduces her. "Arushelae, this is Irabeth. She leads the crusaders here at Drezen."
Nilus offers his support for Sarkast's proposal
The greatest weapon the Demons have over us is Despair. Arushalae is a living embodiment of Hope, the antithesis of the enemy's weapon. I beg you, Lady Irabeth, let us speak with the Queen about Arushalae. She is proof that we can WIN, not just stem the flow of the Demon horde, but Win, end this war and alleviate all the suffering that has been caused in it's name.
Ayesha stood by as Nilus and Sarkast introduced their newest companions. She held her tongue at Nilus' words, knowing in her heart that the redemption of one succubus in no way signified that the demon horde itself could be won over or ever stopped.
Just as Nurah, the traitor, was not indicative of the rest of the Crusaders, neither was Arushalae proof that the demons as a group could be turned. Still, it would profit none of them to rebuff Nilus' words at this point, and Ayesha certainly believed that Nilus was correct in his thoughts about the reformed succubus, at least as far as she herself went.
As for the "converted" Lamashtans, she was less certain. Nilus had let slip something during their discussions on the return trip that bothered her a bit. These Lamashtans looked at him as if he were the avatar of a god, right here before them. and he was letting them. It almost seemed as if he had plans to become one, at least for them. She'd have to remember to write that down in her journal. She really wished she hadn't forgotten it when they left on their last set of missions. Hopefully it was still around.
Irabeth listens attentively for a little while before speaking.
"I'll send a missive to the Queen. She is in Kenabres and I doubt she is likely to endanger herself by coming to Drezen, but perhaps we can sort something out. I have never failed by placing my trust in the four of you and will continue to do so, however..."
Irabeth looks to Arueshalae and the clerics in turn, her expression is hard. She stands.
"You stand at the edge of the light. Know that redemption is not a one-time choice. It is many choices, many hard choices, and you may not make the correct ones all the time. I am by word of the Queen, ruler of this city, and I will grant you protection. In turn, I expect you to follow the virtues this city is based upon. You must not believe in good things, but you must do good things."
Irabeth gestures to Arueshalae.
"She has found her path to redemption through the Great Dreamer. Find a being whose virtues you can believe in, and whose path you can follow. Pray, show obedience to your deity, and do not just think, but do."
Sosiel stands, and approaches the Nyx, Kuthie, and Darus. He kisses them all once on the cheek, which they seem completely uncertain of what to do with.
"The Eternal Rose blesses us this day and sees beauty even where great effort has been taken to destroy it. The damage done to not just your souls, but your bodies has been... significant. However, we can work together to bring you to a new life, a better life. You must believe in the power of beauty. I will be pleased to show you."
Tears start streaming down Nyx's face and her legs start to give way. Her shattered mouth fumbles through the words.
"Ah am brawhken... no beauty... muh baby whull kill mee..."
Sosiel puts an arm over her and looks to everyone else.
"If you would, I would speak with them separately. I have faith that I can help."
Darus looks like he's about to speak, but Aravashnial bursts into the room excitedly.
The acerbic elf looks delighted to see all of you and gestures wildly.
"Whatever you're talking about isn't important, come quick! I have something for you."
Irabeth looks to all of you.
"Arueshalae should stay close to you for now, I will inform the city of her presence. Sosiel can look after our new citizens. If that's all you can go with our very rude elf."
Nilus gives an encouraging smile of thanks to Sosiel I'll come and speak with you later Brother.
To the others Nilus says I wonder what could have animated Master Aravashnial so... as they follow after the Elf.
Ensconced in her rooms, Ayesha tore the place apart looking for the journal that she had started months ago. It seemed as if it had been a year or more since she had updated it, though only weeks had passed. But, what weeks those were! She wrote late into the night, scratching out her thoughts and memories into the thick paper of the journal. By the time she had finished, it was well into the mid-watch, and her hand ached with the unaccustomed exercise. As she lay on her bed, she closed her eyes and whispered a hope that the coming weeks would be as profitable, if not as dangerous, as the recent ones had been.
[b][i]Good night my child. I am truly blessed to have you at my side. Let Nilus be content with his new-found worshipers. Let Sarkast know in his heart that his connection with Arueshelae came to good fruit. Let Dejik know her parentage, and its divine nature. I know, I KNOW that I have the truest companion and family by my side, one that knows me more thoroughly than ever a child or sibling of flesh could ever, and still accepts and encourages me. Thank you, beloved blade, and good night.
Sarkast tells Arushelae, "That is Aravashnial, a wizard who has been with us from the beginning of this fight. He tends to speak his mind before he considers his words, but he is a good man."
Sarkast follows the elf to see what has him so excited this time.
Arvashnial ushers you away, and down into the depths of the the dungeon below the fortress. Leading you westwards, you finally come to a familiar place; the forge of corruption. Standing beside it is Joran Vhane, the former cleric of Droskar and now prisoner of the crusades.
"Tell them what we've managed Joran."
Joran clears his throat, and the dour, unhappy dwarf seems a little cheerful for the first time.
"The Corruption Forge was created to convert items of power to the cause of the abyss. As you will well know, certain equipment is empowered with positive energy, or even a good soul. This forge corrupts that power."
He points at Nilus and Ayesha.
"Your weapons are famous in Drezen. This forge could have not destroyed - but changed their very nature to serve the forces of evil."
Ayesha feels a twinge of fear and horror from within Darb N'ssiar.
"But to do this, you need a smith. My redemption starts here, and with the aid of Aravashnial and Sosiel, we have inflicted the ultimate irony on the forge. This is now the Purification Forge, and it will bring light to items of evil. Our work is complete, and we have our first convert."
Joran walks over to a weapon rack, and he retrives a beautiful glaive. It changes form in his hands to a warhammer.
"This is my brother's weapon, formerly Soulshear. It was a weapon of great intelligence, eager for murder. You recovered it and entrusted it to us, and we can now claim this victory."
Joran offers up the warhammer.
"It will change to whatever weapon you desire, and is ... enthusiastic to aid the cause of good. This is my gift to the crusades for sparing me, and my first step to my own redemption."
Nilus' smile is broad, his face positively beams A Thousand Praises to you my Lady. My beautiful Rose.
Blessed be. The Rose works her miracles here in Drezen in so many ways. Nilus murmurs.
Sarkast doesn't even try to hold back his amazement. "Truly you have worked a miracle here. May I?"
The scout reverently holds out his hand toward Joran. He takes the hammer, and in his hands it becomes a four-pointed dagger with a handle in a central ring - the starknife favored by Desna.
"Never would I give up Darb N'ssiar, though your work here borders on the miraculous. Sarkast, I believe it is you who should have this weapon that Joran has reclaimed. It will go well with your arsenal, and should serve us all well."
"Joran, you are certainly working out your salvation in truth. This is excellent news! I know that my blade will rest easier in its sheath knowing that the Corruption Forge has been converted. That thing gave the both of us a bad feeling."
Oh I sense great power from you. We will do mighty things things together. I am your blade and I will destroy evil wherever it stands!
Sarkast flips the starknife over in his hand. The powerful weapon feels natural and right as he feels its joy and eagerness ringing in his mind.
Joran offers a short, curt bow.
"It feels... right to commit to these changes. We shall see whta the future holds."
Nilus will spend whatever time he has divided among the following.
Here is a link to the last downtime we had
1) Assisting Sosiel with the ministration of Shelyn's flock in Drezen.
2) Continuing his speaking with Jestak and her role in scouting with the Wintersun tribe of Kellids. (Aron was supposed to take them scouting.)
3) Visiting Chorussina and trying to ascertain which demon she is bound to.
4) Seeing Jesker's progress on the Shrine and Grove to Erastil
5) Continuing to preach the faith of Shelyn and redemption to Nyx, Kuthie and Darus
Freedom's Kiss remains silent as you bear your new blade, occasionally sending forth emotional encouragement. It is clear this blade wants to be put to the task of slaying evil, and has little patience with your religion, but still tolerates it.
The worship of Desna was widespread amongst the people of Sarkoris, and although the crusade does not have many Desnans, you are able to find natives of the land who have flocked to Drezen. Amongst them you find a Kellid priest. As you go to meet with her, Arueshalae accompanies you. She is extremely quiet amongst anyone else, but speaks a little more freely as she moves with you.
"This is... so strange. Honesty is foreign to a succubus, not unless I was seconds from the kill and could reveal myself. I lied to my superiors, having my own agendas. I lied to my targets, to seduce them. When Desna spoke to me, I lied to the demons so they thought I was of their number. And then I lied to the crusaders, appearing as a human to avoid being attacked. To even speak of this is... a great deal. I have always believed there was no truth, just the reality will exerted upon those weaker than me. Now I have to reckon with truth, to allow myself the weakness of honesty. It is difficult."
You meet up with your old frenemy Horgus Gwerm, who has been doing his best to bring tradespeople into Drezen. The old, difficult nobleman had always shown you some kindness, and he actually smiles as he sees you.
"Heh. The Dancer. It's good to see you Ayesha, and you didn't bring Sarkast with you. Even better. The crusaders may be good at killing demons but Irabeth is a bloody fool when it comes to finances. She just demands money and doesn't have a thought to what I have to do to get it! Good thing she was smart enough to hire me. C'mere, I need your help."
He leads you over and pokes at a ledger.
"The city is starting to act like a city, even if the citizens are nearly all crusaders. I need the aid of someone prettier than me. There's a dealer in powerful magic who is here visiting. He knows he'd make money, but is uninterested in getting killed by demons. Also, he hates me. You're a legend around here, he'd be flattered to be visited. Interested in using some of your, eh, charms?"
After Sosiel has spend some time with the former cultists of Lamashtu, he goes to meet with you privately, his face is grim.
"Thank you for seeing me. Although Nilus has taken the charge of their redemption, he can be naive. These cultists are at extremely high risk, each one of them who were shocked by his display of power. But rather than seeing Shelyn as the light they see... Nilus as their way forward. ANd it is his power, not his goodness, that they revere. But that is a separate matter."
He looks at you keenly.
"Whatever is growing within Nyx is not human. I cannot see into her womb but whatever is there is a monster, and it will assuredly kill her within the month. She has left Lamashtu and the mother of demons will ensure that she dies horribly for abandoning her faith. And as such, we have options."
He holds up two fingers.
"We can destroy the thing that grows inside her. It is not a child. It will be devastating for her, but she will live. The other option is far riskier, because it will rely on her own faith. She and the others have gone mad and are almost childlike. But there is a spell I believe can help in this situation; holy word. The power of the holy word in this situation can drive the evil from her if she commits, and truly believes in something good. If she fails this test, it will destroy the child, and it will kill her as well. If she passes, it will not destroy, but change the demon spawn. I have read of this in the past. She is not of her senses, and we must make this choice for her. What do you think?"
You go to speak with Jestak. The barbarian commander is eager to speak with you, as she is obviously impressed by your power. Aron accompanies by her.
"Jetsak has been a force of nature, and has assumed command of some of the Wintersun troops. She is... a living weapon, for lack of a better term. I wouldn't say she believes in our cause, but the question for you is if she has to."
Jestak then speaks.
"Aron smart man; good scout. I care not for your gods or your battle, but I will go with side that is winning, and you are winning. You tell me what you want from me, you are commander."
============
============
Jesker's shrine to Erastil has now been restored, and you show up to find, pleasantly, that the Wintersun have begun to hear the word of Old Deadeye. Two of them are bowed in prayer at the shrine while Jesker observers, moving about. As he spots you, he quietly calls out.
"Welcome friend. You have set me right and I can feel Deadeye's power flowing through me. I have done the augeries according to the old ways, and know that you should return to Delamere's Tomb. The crystal coffin that held many treasures is now yours. As I have been redeemed, you are to be rewarded. Thank you."
Nilus frowns at Jestak, and Aron's assessment of her. She does not need to believe in our cause to be helpful. I believe that the most destructive rage holds some inner beauty. We will wait and see. Jestak could one day see the light.
Jesker's return to the light bouys Nilus' spirits. I am honored you think of me Master Jesker. My heart is glad for you to return to the loving embrace of Erastil. May you serve him faithfully for many years.
Nilus will mention the Tomb to Aron or Sarkast. Perhaps in their travels they might come across it.
Ayesha smiled at Master Gwerm. It seemed forever since she had spoken with the councilman - and she was of half a mind that it was still too short an absence.
"Master Gwerm! It is good to see you once again. It seems that General Irabeth has chosen well in finding someone to handle the books. I just hope she has someone checking your numbers to make sure that both copies of the ledger reconcile." She smiled to make certain that the prickly nobleman knew that she was joking, and not accusing him of embezzlement.
"You say there's a dealer in magic items here that could help the city's growth? I'd be happy to talk with him. He might just be interested in some particular items that we recovered in our latest excursion. Perhaps that can convince him to lend his aid - and his treasury - to our cause. Profit for all, right? I assume you can provide an introduction?"
"When people can be honest, they can work together for greater things. I hope that you are able to see how much better life can be among honest, good people. "
Sarkast tries to convey patience to the new weapon, that there will be enough time for slaying evil soon, but first there must be rest and preparation.
Horgus grunts, and stands, leading you to another room within the fortress. Within sits a Keleshite man with a pointed beard and a rather severe expression. He seems impressed as you enter, and he stands, eyeing you openly.
"Ayesha, the Dancer. Everyone has spoken of you and your companions. I am honoured. How may I be of service? I've had several..."
He looks sidelong at Horgus, who grumps at him.
"Illuminating conversations with the treasurer for this city."
Arueshalae gives her obeisance to Desna, the barbarian parishioners completely unsure of what to do with her. Not meeting anyone's eyes, she turns to you and continues speaking as you leave to go meet with the Wintersun about your tribe.
"I... will try. Tell me of your people. What were you before you were this?"
After checking in with Jestak you head to the dungeons to check in on the most difficult prisoner of the crusade, Chorussina. As you come down to her cell to meet her, she snarls, clutching the bars as she glares at you.
"Here to mock me?! Come closer, I'll rip the heart out of you!"
Nilus favors Chorussina with a sad look I'd not mock you. Toward you I can feel nothing but...Love. Love and sadness. I forgive you for your actions. I fear however, that there is something holding you back from accepting that forgiveness, and working towards earning that forgiveness. Tell me. To what Demon is your soul bound? Nilus shines with an inner light, the same one that came forth in the cave of Lamashtu.
Dejik listens to Sosiel carefully, then paces back and forth across the tent. Do you know how to destroy the child otherwise? If we can't see it, I'm not certain we could safely destroy it. Or perhaps I'm just trying to make our decision easier...
Dejik pauses midstep. Perhaps the reformed succubus might have some insight--I suspect she knows more about converting demons than anyone. Dejik takes a deep breath, then shakes her head. Can you speak to her? I...I can't face her.
Sarkast chuckles slightly at Arushelae's question. "Before this? It seems like so long ago now ... I was raised in the borderlands of the Worldwound in the Elkstar tribe. We consider ourselves to be in particular servants of Desna, which is why we call ourselves that. I was trained as a scout, and as a child I had a higher opinion of my skills than perhaps was warranted. That is how you came to find to find me alone that day that you saved me from the demons. When I came of age, the shaman had a vision that sent me to Kenabres. Ayesha was there with me on the day the evil dragon attacked. We have had a number of companions join us, many of whom we have lost in one way or another, but we continue to fight back. It is our destiny."
Ayesha bowed in Quadiran fashion, in a manner suitable for the meeting of one merchant with another of similar station. She did wonder, however, at the temerity of this Keleshite who would enter a conversation with so open a negotiating style, and yet not offer up his name.
"Greetings to you, Master..." She trailed off, letting him fill in the missing information at his discretion.
"It is my pleasure to meet with you. Master Horgus here has told me little of your conversations, but since he knows my background and how I helped the army not only in military matters but with logistic as well, he seemed to think that you and I would have interesting discussions also. Perhaps moreso than the two of you have managed?"
"He also mentioned that you are a purveyor of fine magical items. It so happens that in our latest excursions, my companions and I found some interesting artifacts that may intrigue you."
Sosiel grimaces as you speak.
"Well to be frank there are physical means, and there are spells which can target demons but leave humans unharmed. Destroying the monster is not an issue."
He frowns as he looks to Dejik.
"I respect that, and I will speak with her privately. We do not need to make this decision today."
The merchant seems put at ease by your manner. He grins.
"You're already far more interesting than that irritating man. What assurances do you have that my business will not be harmed? I can make money elsewhere - what will, ah, entice me here?"
Your suddenly display of power shocks the sorceress, who shrinks back. Whatever you've done seems to have put the demon she is linked with at bay.
"PLEASE FREE ME! Korugineth the conquerer is the one who owns me! I can't take this torment any mo---ahhhh..."
Her moment of lucidity is interrupted and she snarls once more, throwing herself against the glass door that is the magical prison.
"[b]This will not be the last soul I come to own. Your end will come soon, paladin. We know you and we will destroy you."
Arueshalae nods quietly, listening intently. She doesn't offer much up in response.
The Wintersun, unlike the crusaders themselves are relatively at ease around Arueshalae, having had enough dealings with demons under their former leader. You come to meet with several of the scouts who have a good idea of the terrain of the Worldwound and its peoples.
"The Elkstar tribe? We've had dealings with them in the past. There are communal meeting-places where the peoples of old Sarkoris come together for trade. The Elkstar tribe stopped coming to the meet a year or so back... which is odd. Supplies are scarce. We don't know why or what's become of them."
Nilus faces down the demon in Chorussina and steels his will.
Demon. You will release this mortal from your grip, whether this results in your destruction or not depends on your choice. The Rose will not abide such a perversion of love. Mortals are not meant to be bent to your whims. and with that Nilus whirls on his heel and marches out of the room. He makes a point to visit Aravashnial and Irabeth and ask them about Korugineth the Conqueror.
Nilus will also try and find Aron or Sarkast and let them know about the treasure under the Crypt of Delamere.
"Assurances that your business will not be harmed? Hah! Are you a merchant or a priest? Nothing risked, nothing gained. But, I will be generous and suppose that you mean to seek assurances only that no one will physically endanger your life or that of your business. That, I think should be self-evident, given that this is a thriving outpost of the Crusade.
"However, you and I both know that sometimes even righteous warriors can get a little...free-handed with goods that are not theirs. I will talk to General Irabeth. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement where some crusaders can patrol near your stall on a regular basis, making a show of force. I will also put about the word that anyone who is less than upright in dealings with you will answer to me personally. I think I have enough clout in this encampment to make that a threat none but the most foolish would want to put to the test."
"So, what say you? Yes, you can make money elsewhere, but here you have a chance to rake in tremendous profits, for only slightly more risk than in a city like Kenebras. And do not think I do not know the merchant's code: Above all else, profit!"
Ayesha quickly realizes that Dejik is deflecting questions about her newly-revealed parentage, changing the subject or suddenly remembering some task or other. But being just as adept at conversational sparring as she is at dueling, the dancer easily maneuvers the former archer into talking. And the bottle of fine Chelish wine that Master Gwerm somehow procured certainly didn't hurt...
You're right, Ayesha--you usually are--I should talk about it. Iomedae is...my mother. Dejik finishes off her third glass and lets out her breath. That's the first time I've been able to say it aloud. It still doesn't seem real.
With that first, tiny crack, Dejik's carefully constructed wall gives way, and a torrent of emotions comes rushing out.
I never even thought about trying to find my parents, did you know that? Not once. I suppose, somewhere deep in my soul, that I resented them for abandoning me--if they didn't want me, well, then I didn't want anything to do with them, either. But the temple of Iomedae was always my home, her priests and paladins were my family, and I never longed for any other. I was content. She waits while Ayesha pours the last of the bottle into her glass, then takes a sip while she collects her thoughts.
And one year ago, I would have been ecstatic at this news. It would have been the perfect reward for a lifetime of devotion. But lately... Dejik turns her head, but not quickly enough to hide the burgeoning tears from Ayesha's sharp eyes.
I've been angry at the Inheritor, for Kenabres-- Her fingers trace the scar from the Storm Lord's whip. --for this, for guiding the rest of you while I was lost and alone. For the first time in my life, I actually felt abandoned...and I started to doubt...
And then Nilus comes along with his unshakable faith and his insane ideas that everyone could find redemption--and events started to prove him right. I began to wonder whether I was following the right goddess, whether I'd misheard the call from very beginning. In another few months, I could see myself taking off my crusader's tabard and asking Sosiel to accept me into his church.
So when you asked me how I felt about finding out I'm Iomedae's daughter...I feel ashamed for doubting her, for even thinking of leaving her service...I feel happy to find that my parents didn't abandon me, to find that the temple was actually my proper home...I feel overwhelmed at what this all might mean, at where my path might lead...mostly, I feel very, very confused She takes the medal of clarity from her chest and studies it with a slight smirk. I feel like this medal of "clear vision" has taken on yet another level of irony. I am more lost than I ever was before.
She smiles up at Ayesha and pulls her sister into a tight embrace.
But I don't feel alone, not anymore.
"I am troubled to hear that you have not come across my family recently. Please keep and eye and ear for them as you travel."
He takes a deep breath and tries to put his personal troubles aside. "Do you have any news of the land around us, or the movements of our enemy? We are resting briefly, but we prepare for our next foray into the infested lands."
There's a long pause as he looks you over before he shrugs and clasps your hand.
"I appreciate your candor. Lord Gwerm kept trying to convince me everything was safe. If the reward exceeds the risk, I agree."
"Hmph, the lands are dangerous as always, although with the dragon gone people are travelling into the wound a little more. Honestly, we have heard little activity of cultists or anything organized beyond the usual terrors of the area. It has been as quiet as the Worldwound gets."
With that, your audience with the Wintersun ends, and you and Arueshalae head back to the Citadel.
All of you eventually find yourselves back with Irabeth, Sosiel, Aron, Anevia, and Aravashnial. Arueshalae stands in the back of the room, her wings twitching restlessly. Irabeth then speaks.
"The Ivory Sanctum is the next, and most important mission. Now that you've successfully scouted out such a huge area of this part of the Worldwound we have the information we need. Arueshalae has been most invaluable. The mission here is very simple. The Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth are the most insidious enemy of the crusade. Their Lord Baphomet preaches infiltration and betrayal and they have done a great deal to cause rot within our ranks. Furthermore, the Nahyndrian crystals, which are used to massively empower demons, are distributed from the Ivory Sanctum."
Irabeth pauses dramatically.
"The four... or I suppose five of you are the only ones among us who have the power to withstand the might of the demons and cultists you will encounter there. Go to the lair of the Ivory Templars and put an end to them. Do you have further questions?"
Radiance and I stand ready to call out and defeat the evil of the Ivory Sanctum. Nilus says
Ever the scout, Sarkast's questions are about the approach. "What do we know about the land around the Sanctum? How exposed will be be approaching it? Do we know what defenses it has?"
Arueshalae speaks up from behind you.
"It's located in a small wood southwest of where you said you fought the Woundwyrm. It sits at the end of a large gorge. unfortunately I don't know where the entrance is, but approaching it should not be an issue due to the trees and terrain."
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As you prepare for your journey, Aron Kir walks in, bearing several items. He hands them over.
"After speaking with Jesker I went out to the tomb he spoke of with his blessing. These items came out of a sort of... crystal coffin to me. Anyways, here you are. This pendant seems particularly special."
Investigation of the items reveals them to be the following:
- A +2 composite long bow (14 strenght rating)
- http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/magic-armor/specific-magic-armor/celest ial-armor
- a http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/artifacts/minor-artifacts/talisman-of-p ure-good with one charge remaining
The talisman in particular radiates with incredible magical power. It is a minor artifact, and although it only has a single charge left, its ability to destroy an evil divine spellcaster is powerful indeed.