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 Decemvirate. Since Thurl’s experimentations, Valais’s soul has shared her body with the essences of two demons; this arrangement left her behavior muddled and sometimes unpredictable. Since meeting the Pathfinders, she has gained some level of control and composure, and most of her former personality has reemerged.
Valais is brave and determined. While she no longer fears the demons will overtake her, coping with the frequent thoughts encouraging her to commit evil acts, combined with the physical pain of the grafts, is exhausting.
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The Ghostwriter returns to Kaer Maega, terrorizing street criminals from the shadowy caverns and crevasses of that strange city at night and doing whatever the heck it is he does during the day. As the time passes, other pressing concerns take over and his memory of the cursed Venture Captain begins to fade. One night while he is stalking a known slave smuggler from the roof top of an alehouse they frequent, he begins to wonder whatever happened to Valais. Did they ever find a cure for her condition?
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Fifi would have stayed this time in Mendev, doing her best to aid on Valais' recovery and control. As per her vow, she would try and help her through prayer, her healing powers, and studying different texts with Jorsal on how exactly to purge such a demonic influence on her.
In parallel, she would be helping the city of Nerosyan recover from the recent attack, doing her best to help those in need in whatever way she can. She would finally ask Patros to check in on Shayna and see how she's doing.
Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury stands on a balcony of Starrise Spire, overlooking Nerosyan. The sounds of saws and hammers echo from the city below. He turns to the tall woman in full-plate armor standing by his side and says, “Ollysta, I believe our Pathfinder agents have arrived.”
Ollysta greets Fifi, and brushes aside a perfunctory handshake with an uncharacteristically warm hug.
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. 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.”
Ollysta takes over, “For the last week, the Silver Crusade has worked with the Pathfinder Society to attempt to cure Valais. 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.” 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.”
Jorsal calls Valais in.
Valais says, “Greetings, friends." She looks at Reggie. "We have not have the pleasure of meeting. I hope that you do not find my appearance too disturbing AND GROVEL IN FEAR."
She continues, "I need your help investigating a mystery and Jorsal won’t let me go out alone, skulking in the dark, waiting.
Ever since we contacted the night hag in Thurl's laboratory, I’ve been having strange visions about stone halls, a terrible beast, and a bleeding tree. Echoing throughout is the name she mentioned: ‘Laktharis.’ Our scholars say he is A POWERFUL SARKORIAN GOD. I know there's something in the Worldwound that can shed light on this - my DEMONIC PERFECTION can guide the way but I don't want to give it too much control.”
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 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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Reggie is clearly nonplussed by Valais's introduction, but his Mama raised him up right so he minds his manners.
"Ah...yeah...nope...no problem...a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am," he says, tipping his wide brimmed hat at her. He pats the human sized wolf that he's riding, and its growling stops, its head and ears raising.
Reggie listens to both Jorsal and Ollysta carefully as they give the rundown on the situation.
"Keep one Pathfinder safe, track down a person tryin' to fight the bad guys, find places to set up bases. Well, it don't sound easy to do, but then, what's good and needed usually ain't."
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The Ghostwriter says, "Ah yes, Valais, the demonic parts are disturbing but I do not grovel in face of evil. The demons will be the one that should be preparing to grovel!"
The Ghostwriter is curious about this Laktharis and the Sarkorians.
"What can you tell us of these Sarkorians? You say that Laktharis is a god; is he a true god or just some puffed up demonic lordling claiming divine powers? He doesn't sound familiar to me? What is he the god of?"
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It's a monster! A monster! It's going to try to get my Best Pal Reggie!
Rowdy shows the creature his teeth and gives it a warning to let it know that it won't let it get his Best Pal Reggie.
But then his Best Pal Reggie pats him like the creature isn't a threat. Reggie knows best so Rowdy relaxes, some, though he continues to glare suspiciously.
"Well, this is the Worldwound, so there are all sorts of demons running around. Shyael should recognize your wayfinders. We didn't set up a password - this was supposed to be a scouting mission, not an undercover mission or combat mission."
Dredarin worshipped Laktharis as their sole deity. When the Worldwound opened in 4606 AR, demons overran Dredarin and slew Laktharis’s followers.
You may also want to know about recent happenings ...
across demons, she fights without mercy.
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"I s'pose the worse that might happen is that we find the wrong elf. Or, I guess, to your point, somebody who looks like the right elf but ain't," Reggie says.
He does some asking around.
"With the crusaders takin' back the lands 'round the Worldwound, a lot of Sarkorians're headin' back to get back into their homeland. And, no doubt makin' some of them crusaders wonder why they're doin' it, a bunch of them Sarkorians are still polytheistic and don't much care for Sarenrae or Iomedae," he says after gathering some information.
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"Ah, demons! This is all outside my usual area of expertise, but to help the fair maiden Valais, I will give it my all and my best, and we shall hope that the endeavor produces results!"
Orin nods to the others, "Ah, it is good to see you all again! Ghostwriter, Fifi, Vangral, Patros!" turning to Reggie, "And to you sir, good day, and most pleased to meet your acquaintance, I am Baronet Orin Tarfoot Tallfeather, at your service."
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Fifi takes Jorsal's warm hug gladly, and proceeds to then hug the rest of the group, taking a long time scratching behind Rowdy's ears. She can't help herself around such a cute animal, but eventually returns to the conversation at hand-"What was Shyael sent out to scout? A normal reconnaissance of the area, or looking for a particular site or item?"-she ponders out loud.
When she hears Reggie bringing up the topic, she says-"I knew a Baronet from Taldor as well! Marcus Vulpares Fantallier, a Pathfinder which helped me get my bearings in Taldor. If not for him, my faith in the Everlight would have made me an outcast in such a traditionalist nation."-she smiles as she pulls out a pound cake wrapped in beeswax cloth.
She uncovers it and cuts it with a small knife, sandwiching whipped cream and strawberries between two pieces of cake and giving them off to everyone-"The Everlight teaches to look for the oasis in the desert of work. So help yourselves to something sweet!"-she says laughing, handing out pieces for everyone, including Jorsal and Ollysta.
"What was Shyael sent out to scout? A normal reconnaissance of the area, or looking for a particular site or item?"
"She was sent to the ruined city of Dredarin, the ancient home of the people who called Laktharis god."
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With no other questions, Valais starts leading the way. Once they leave the city, Valais leads them 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.
As the Pathfinders reach Dredarin, they see picks and shovels laying haphazardly around an excavation camp. The spire and roof of a stone building peek out from the dense, ashen mud.
An elf stands on the roof of the uncovered cathedral, looking for danger in all directions. Several cultists stand along the edge of the ridge, digging away at the dirt to uncover the ancient structure.
As the elf sees you approaching, she climbs down to the edge of the ridge.
"Identify yourselves!"
"I am an elf woman, and I go by Shyael. Identify yourselves, and state your business - this is the only time I will repeat myself!"
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The Ghostwriter steps forward, reciting a few lines of classic elven poetry about friends meeting in the road as he steps forward raising his empty hands in the air for her to see, then begins to speak quickly and eloquently, hoping to convince her to restrain from attacking them on sight.
"We are Pathfinders and here on a quest of redemption for one who was tainted by the evil actions of a notorious demonologist. Her appearance may alarm you but I only request that you allow us the opportunity to pass peacefully by so that we can proceed on our endeavor. The crusaders have also asked us to keep an eye out for one such as yourself. They are concerned because you have not reported back at the expected time and would like to know that you are safe and whether you have found any pertinent intelligence to report back to them."
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As they travel, Reggie chats amiably and almost continuously. Yet, even as he does so, both he and Rowdy are carefully watching the road and it's surroundings. It is clear that they are familiar with this sort of procedure.
He quiets down when they arrive at the cathedral and unlimbers his lance and shield.
For the moment, he lets the others talk, though he pays little mind to the elf woman beyond listening to her response.
Instead, he focuses on the diggers, assuming they're going to be the ones giving them trouble.
"Jorsal of Irrisen! I'm surprised he remembers me! Tell me, how is the old gnome?"
Shyael breaks into a smile.
"I've learned that I can never be too careful. Jorsal of Lauterbury taught me that," she replies.
All the excavators seem to relax as she does, and resume digging.
Shyael explains that this is a sacred site, and it is her sworn duty to protect these people. About half the people digging are humans, the other half summoned eidolons.
When none of the excavators are listening, Shyael quickly whispers to her fellow Pathfinders. She explains that the people, "god callers," as they call themselves, believe Laktharis was born from the fertility goddess of the sacred heartwood tree, and that his power over nature provided prosperity to Sarkorians in ancient times. The god callers insist that Laktharis can fight against the taint of the Abyss and restore the natural world.
"I'm not sure I believe it," Shyael confesses. "But they do need our help."
Just as she finishes explaining, one of the god callers cries out. "I've found the entrance!"
Sarkorians finish clearing the entrance to the cathedral as everyone gathers around. One of them instinctively reaches for the handle to open the door, but Shyael cautions them to wait.
"The Pathfinders are renowned for their exploration of ancient temples. Perhaps we should let our new friends lead the way, just in case there's more waiting for us than I can handle?"
Shyael offers two +1 demon-bane arrows and two +1 undead-bane arrows if the party will lead. The Sarkorians up the bounty with two potions of cure moderate wounds.
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"I will hold onto those arrows...unless any object, of course. I should find good for them, perhaps sending them sailing right into the heart of a fiend."
The Ghostwriter steps to the front of the group. "I am as stealthy as a cat, as alert as a terrier and have a knack with dismantling various mechanical locks and devices. Perhaps allowing me to take a peek ahead would be a wise course of action."
He carefully examines the door, trying to figure out how such a portal could be booby trapped.
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"Well, I s'pose you can't be too careful," Reggie says. "Hope you understand why I reacted the way I did, because of that."
He still seems pretty suspicious of the woman and the crowd of diggers.
He shrugs when it comes time to divvy up the booty. "I don't got much use for them arrows but we may need them potions at some point," he says, patting Rowdy's neck.
Reggie activates his own Ioun torch, giving it a tap that sends it wobbling for a few seconds before it settles back into its stable orbit and winking at Patros with a crooked grin.
An earthen tunnel leads to an elaborate door, shaped like an open mouth baring jagged fangs. The surface of the door is smooth except for six dials, each surrounded by spiked runes.
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"I've been brushing up on Abyssal since our last encounter. Those are demonic letters, mostly symbolic. Pretty disgusting stuff when you start digging down into the entomology. Did you know that they have 213 words for skinning something alive? Of course many of those words are more commonly used for expressing annoyance. But the origin of the.. the Ghostwriter prattles on as he points out the runes.
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Fifi ponders aloud-"A right combination? I don't think we are capable of providing such a feat with our limited knowledge. So let us discard that possibility for now. If this is the temple of Lakarthis, perhaps it only opens to those that serve it?"-as she asks Ghostwriter to say in Abyssal something along the lines of 'the servant of Lakarthis are here'.
If that doesn't work, she says-"Perhaps it would check for those of kindred demonic influence? Then we could be in the presence of the key herself."-she says as she looks back at Valais and asks-"What do you think Valais, can you try and touch the runes or just declare you want the door to open?"-she pulls out her scimitar just in case.
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The Ghostwriter examines the door. "Hmmmm....that's a good idea. I will try that first Fifi. I hope I can get the r's right. They do something interesting with the tongue placement."
"Oh mighty Lakarthis, your servants are here! Open for me or suffer!" Assuming that doesn't work , he takes a look at the dials to see if he can figure out a pattern.
"What do you think Valais, can you try and touch the runes or just declare you want the door to open?"
Valais frowns.
"This door is unfamiliar. Everything else echoes with some faint memory, but not this ...
he takes a look at the dials to see if he can figure out a pattern.
As Ghostwriter reaches out for the dials, his Stalker Sense activates. Danger!
Surprise round:
Ghostwriter
Enemy
Round 1:
Ghostwriter
Patros
Enemy
Orin
Reggie
Fifi
Ghostwriter tries to read the scroll, but a voice blares in his mind, making it difficult for him to cast.
""
Everyone hears the voice in their mind.
The features of the wall start to change as the door reverts to its natural form.
Surprise round:
Ghostwriter
Enemy
Round 1:
Ghostwriter (Will)
Patros (Will)
Enemy
Orin (Will)
Reggie (Will)
Fifi (Will)
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The Ghostwriter resists the compulsion to prostrate on the ground in front of the door.
The Ghostwriter drops the scroll and readies his bow to strike at the first enemy that comes through that door, whether does through by opening it or floating through incorporeally.
"An unnatural presence! Danger everyone!"