AOd, with Takahiro's assistance is able to diagnose the posion the children are under and neutralize the effects. As the child come to, the look around in bewilderment, identifying themselves as Tilly and Tarcy Anders. Their bewilderment turns to unspeakable horror as the recognize the two corpses, posed as if at dinner, as being their parents. The children are overcome with grief and it takes much consoling to calm them enough that they are able to even climb out of the pit.
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"As much as I would like to ensure every inch of this place is rid of evil taint, I feel that the lesson from 'Tilly' is that we must be circumspect and restrained in our actions - let us not open the gate to peril and chance the lives of those blessed enough to be rescued, but instead be wise and lead them safely from here... we can always return to open the last door she we need to"
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"I do not wish to stand between a hungry man and a possible meal; should you know of a way to safely gain access and are satisfied there is nothing treacherously evil behind this door then I would gladly offer you what assistance I can. You have done all that is asked of you, and should you ask it back, I would honour that - but after these people are moved to safety..." Takahiro simply puts the offer out there.
On the way out of the basement level, the party investigates the balcony in the hall. Climbing over the balcony reveals a chamber. In the chamber’s center, a desk faces the balcony and the grand mural beyond. Two portals have been carved into the stone floor; their recessed lines are stained reddish-brown, with blood. Pai recalls that one method of retuning a portal is to taint it with blood. Haris discovers a secret compartment in the desk that contains a journal.
Sweet Aglorn, even in your death you assist me greatly. I read your thesis on rerouting portals, and I think I reproduced your work at the Diamond Gate. With Ostergarde’s infernal portals re-tuned to the Abyss, I have swelled my army of murderers with a demonic horde! Shax be praised! I leave for a wedding, which conveniently brings me near Absalom where I can delve the yet-unexplored dungeons beneath the ruins of Bonekeep. If I’m right, I can move my army there— closer to the city and keep them hidden under the ruins until I’m ready to strike! Oh, how I wish you still lived, brother, for the chaos and death shall be glorious!
Dearest Brother, your memory spurs me on. I’ve hit minor snag in my plans, but do not fret, sweet Aglorn, for they are minor inconveniences. I failed to find ingress to the dungeons under Bonekeep, and on that same damned trip I discovered that Ostergarde had exchanged ownership. The very same Pathfinder Society responsible for your death sends agents my way! I must flee, but don’t worry—I have left those meddling Pathfinders a little gift. Brother, I head to Nerosyan, forsaking my position in the Thrune government. Shax has shown me the force I need, and it waits in the Worldwound! With this force, I shall return to Absalom, set my murderers upon the city, and when chaos and fear grip the entire population, my demon army will strike. So north we go, brother, and from there, to the City at the Center of the World!
The party takes the children and heads back out of the manor. Returning to the nearest Society lodge, the party is commended for their efforts, and the orphans are taken in as wards of the Society under the tutelage of Drandle Dreng.
With Ostergarde secured, the party returns to Absalom, where Ambrus Valsin greets them with a warm smile. He immediately thanks the you for a job well done and informs them that the Blakros family is pleased as well. When Valsin learns of Tancred Desimire’s shocking plans, he seems unconcerned; despite his nonchalance, he immediately takes this information to the Decemvirate. What future plans the Ten will unleash to counteract Tancred’s grandiose schemes is not immediately revealed.....
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"Agreed." Aod extends a hand towards his companions and offers a strong grip. "We make a good team. Where I come from, shedding blood in battle makes you battle brothers. Should any of you need a good sword, leave a message on the public board at Maximo's Hideaway in Absalom. Until then I plan to ask some questions about the events revealed here, because it seems the terrible plots hatched here are far from finished. "