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Stan steps forward and launches a single arrow straight into Leventi's chest. Anastasia readies to dispel. Morogth follows with bone crushing magic.
The devil has finally run out of luck and he sinks to his knees, the contracts unfurling around him as he falls face forward to the ground.
"We could have been so powerful..." he gasps with his last breath.
Zarta rushes over to collect Gellius Thrune's soul container from the ground. "It is not harmed." She proclaims with relief.
------------------------------
In the other room, Vina and Lackadee prepare to leave Gilgrim and Noke to their fate. The statue strikes out wildly again, with Gilgrim taking the brunt from a well reckoned slam. The time warping wave returns, but only Gilgrim can feel it.
Infernal Statue -98 damage <blinded>
Noke <haste, fly, see invisibility, ablative barrier (shadow conjuration), heroism, alchemist grease, air bubble>
Gilgrim -47 damage <shield of faith> <Need a will save>
----------------------------
Leventi -171 damage <unconscious>
Stan <smite on Leventi>
Anastasia <haste, deathwatch, false life, talisman of reprieve, bear’s endurance, delay poison, antitoxin, pained -4>
Vina <haste, phantom hunt, barkskin, cat's grace, bull's strength, bear's endurance, pained -4>
Lakadee* -1 damage <4 bleed, shield companion, phantom hunt, barkskin, greater magic fang, cat's grace, bull's strength, bear's endurance, shield of faith>
Morgoth <haste, false vision, effortless armor, air bubble, magic circle against evil, sihedron brand (+20 hp)>
Cerebri Summons
Zarta <haste>
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Noke's quick spell allows Gilgrim to get two hard hammer swings in, and the statue cracks down the middle and falls to pieces.
Infernal Statue -145 damage <destroyed>
Noke <haste, fly, see invisibility, ablative barrier (shadow conjuration), heroism, alchemist grease, air bubble>
Gilgrim -47 damage <shield of faith>
Stan <smite on Leventi>
Anastasia <haste, deathwatch, false life, talisman of reprieve, bear’s endurance, delay poison, antitoxin, pained -4>
Vina <haste, phantom hunt, barkskin, cat's grace, bull's strength, bear's endurance, pained -4>
Lakadee -5 damage <4 bleed, shield companion, phantom hunt, barkskin, greater magic fang, cat's grace, bull's strength, bear's endurance, shield of faith>
Morgoth <haste, false vision, effortless armor, air bubble, magic circle against evil, sihedron brand (+20 hp)>
Cerebri Summons
Zarta <haste>
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The group stands ready, expecting another chapter to Leventi's tale, but he remains motionless on the floor.
The face within the soul container smiles at Zarta.
In a weak far away voice, it speaks, concealing a scheming smile. "Ah, my dear, you look so much like Rufino Davian, whom I shared a wonderful few nights with along the Corentyn Coast. In her remembrance, perhaps you could free me."
Zarta reveals a face struggling between disgust and surprise. She opens her rucksack and pockets the jar, saying, “All in due time.”
Turning to you all, she suggests checking on Gilgrim, then returning to Vetrivides to formalize the transfer of Gellius' soul.
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Vina stops the Lakadee's bleeding, noting some clear sap soaking the bark on his left side.
She then tends to Gilgrim's wounds using his wand when he returns from the previous room, unless a more proficient healer decides to use his/her spells instead.
When everyone is healed, Vina nods to Zarta and follows her, not saying much and wincing with every step due to the wracking pain that still courses through her body.
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The group returns to Leventi's entry chamber, where Vetrivides waits with their cohorts. "That was quick, especially for mortals... is Leventi apprehended?"
"He lies on the floor in the next chamber, you may retrieve him at your leisure. I already have the soul of Gellius Thrune as payment, as we agreed, but I will need his contract as well." Zarta says with conviction.
Vetrivides sends the two bone devils through to check on Leventi's fate, they return and nod agreement.
"Very well. I'm sure we have enough Thrune souls to last an eternity anyway." With a pop, Gellius' contract appears in the bone devil's hand and Zarta snatches it away. Sensing you may have words for the nasty devil now that business is concluded the Paracountess ushers you quickly out to the hallway.
-------------------------
Ophelia waits stoically outside. Zarta stops short of her and turns back to the group. "I have no use for this one. Shall we make it a banner day and set her free?"
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"I am not familiar w-with this expression, but I am in favor of facilitating her freedom. Is she... a soul or petitioner which may require relocation to another plane or is sh-she still mortal? wh-what about the other Hellknight souls waiting in the Ghetto?" Vina asks, her stutter returning between gasps of pain...
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Moroth gladly shares Greater Infernal Healing with most wounded team member - most likely Gilgrim.
We made it fine. And we still hae some time.
Soon after Leventi falls, the advocate spends time to inspect both confrontation rooms more properly. Probably, he won't visit this place ever again. He smiles if Stan with Gilgrim collect souvenirs. And grab omething himself. For example a goblet which covered Symbol of Pain.
Moergoth surely takes a fine probe of Leventi's blood.
When team get back to Vetrivides, Morgoth borows Gelius'Thrune contract from Zarta for an inspectation.
When Ophelia Perran appears, Morgoth nods and thinks for a while.
Procedures insist on judging her. Do youi submit I view our team as a court? Or maybe Pharasma have a proper court. I am a bit tired to decide such matters right now. But if I should - knight Perran will come with me to visit Orders bastion. May be as a witness - her status will be decided. Surely I'd take other Hellknights with me, but they are not subject of accusation, so they can do whatever they would like to.
Finally, Morgoth use his Restoration scroll to help Bess feel more healthy, recovering from Constitution drain.
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Stan has a deeply furrowed brow as he walks with the group, considering how this devil had managed to divert so many people from their destinies.
As I recall, we have Ophelia Perran, the Hellknights(including Teena Forester), Narsino, and the Soul in the gem we won at Widow's Cry left to deal with.
I am assuming that Ophelia and Narsino had died and were diverted by Leventi from their proper judgement, as the Hellknights had told us they were.
Is there a way to send them back on the paths they would have been on had Leventi not imposed his will upon them? Perhaps send them back to Pharasma to be judged anew? If nothing else, we have determined that they should not be here, so perhaps Rowane would send them on their way?
We also have the soul in the gem from Widow's Cry, which we know nothing about. How do we determine what to do with it? Can we find out anything about who it is, and where they belong?
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Ophelia demurs mostly, but does pipe up once. "I believe I will head to the Boneyard to discover my fate if my contract to Leventi is terminated. It is what he always threatened, anyway."
"Perhaps as it should be. You have much to answer for." Zarta interrupts. "As for the Hellknights and Narsino, I believe their contracts are judged void now as well. They should be released to Pharasma's will by tonight."
If no one objects, a contract suddenly appears at Ophelia's feet. Morgoth can inspect to determine it's truth and can void it with a thought.
----------------------
With the mission nearly complete, Zarta moves you away from the Fastness and heads straight for the Hellmouth portal you entered from yesterday, hidden still on the ever-changing streets of Dis.
Stepping through the portal a final time, your bodies churn and then fill with a refreshing and pleasant feeling as you reemerge in the strange vault below the Grand Lodge of Absalom.
Once everyone is accounted for, Zarta momentarily consults with Gellius’s trapped soul then holds the Melancholic Talisman aloft in front of the massive portal to Hell.
The talisman briefly flares as Zarta struggles to finally close the hellmouth. The infernal scents fade slowly as Gellius Thrune’s bound soul bobs approvingly in the container, and the portal shrinks away to nothingness. “Closed as promised, Lady Davian.”
Zarta winces slightly. She almost speaks, but doesn't.
“Of course, I cannot promise perfect control in this state…” The disembodied head nods within its glass prison. “But before we quibble over terms, let me speak plainly, for I see in you the same need that has consumed me for centuries: revenge against House Thrune. With my wits and knowledge of the foundations and secrets of the damned House, I would be an invaluable ally to leverage your Davian lineage to strike to weaken and wound them.”
Zarta twirls the point of her dagger blade on Gellius’ infernal contract as she contemplates his offer. “I admit I’ve yearned for this: a chance to slide the knife in, slow and deep, and see those who betrayed me twist on it. Not only did Thrune betray me, but I’ve known for only a few years that they were also responsible for the deaths and erasure of my ancestors, House Davian."
She pulls the dagger away from the paper and acknowledges your group. "However, as I look at you, my treasures, the choice is less clear. I have made a home here, with those who risked their souls to rescue me. Undermining Thrune and restoring Davian would mean leaving this behind, resigning my position, so that Thrune’s reprisals would not target the Society.” She smiles her familiar smile at you all. “So please, tell me how you can’t bear to be without me or how my absence would only stoke your ardor. What should I do?”
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"D-dear Zarta. It is a sign of p-personal growth that you no longer feel a slave to your old desires of revenge. You have experienced much in your years with the Society and you now correctly see it as a path of true knowledge and enlightenment. Leave the games of revenge and cloak and dagger to the less educated and pursue the nobler path. Stay with us, sister."
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Noke nods at Vina and seems to think for a long time.
“Zarta, I know that your personal history still is unclear and I also know that moving against house Thrune seems like the right thing to do. But you have been an in valuable partner in so many situations that it is hard to imagine the dark archives without your leadership! I personally believe that the visit to hell again showed that your connections mean so much and that your contributions can still provide a lot to the society’s members! I personally would very much wish you to stay with us!“ she says softly while looking at Zarta.
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Morgot doesn't like such decisions, but he finally takes out Perran's contract from his suitcase, make a note insede and then burn it to ashes.
Ophelia Perran, I expect you to leave now for higher authority to find your new faith. I'll mail Pike Order so they probably edit istorical chronicles. Dismissed.
---
When the team returns to the Material Plane, Morgoth really interested in Thrune's knowledge and memory. He obviously hard to make another decision. He even smokes a wooden pipe and consult with Bess before answer.
Lady Dralneen. I respect you even though you are not really capable of order. I understand point of my fellows. But. This is a great mistery to solve. This is an opportunity to make house Thrune fall from grace or at least suggest an opposition to Cheliax society. Moreoveer I think that something unclear can be at a century-old process of seizing power by Thrune. We found a lot of corrupted and unproper contratcs in less than 2 days in Dis. So my word is not for revenge, but for finding true about Cheliax'es and you family past. We'll support your intentions most likely whatever decision you make. And for the record, if you'll sustain within Society, I'd participate in next upcoming orgy-party. , - Morgoth smiles predatory and seductively, removing his masked helmet. Finally.
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Stan addresses Zarta directly.
They say a person who embarks on a journey of revenge should first dig two graves. You have done much for the Pathfinder Society. I am sure you could do much for Cheliax if you are to return there with the intention to improve the country. Returning purely for revenge would ruin everyone involved, including the country. Staying with the Society will provide you other opportunities to twist the knife in Thrune's side as well, just not as directly.
As a soft aside to Vina, Vina, not all humans are as much slaves to such desires.
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After some magic words and removing heavy armor Morgoth returns to his previous, civil look.
He takes out of suitcase Aroden's thin body. It glows no more.
You see, Vina, now, when Aroden dead.. again, I feel no restrictions. A marraiage expects me, which is a burden and more social chains. Especially in circumstances of bride is vishkanya. Ex-slave. Patriarch Mobray insists. But now here is no alive moralistic snakes around me. I'll see what I can do with it later, but now we have a fate of the lodge to decide, right? Cheliax is really powerful, but not great at all - lack of competetion provides stagnation. So, Zarta, can you abandon your revenge? And provide me with an invitation?
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Zarta reflects on your words, then pulls Leventi's angelskin haversack over her shoulder.
"You've given me much to consider, so I won't resign just yet. Perhaps I'll give House Thrune some more time to muddy things up more. Besides we have treasure to catalogue. Join me?"
Morgoth is not entirely sure, but those last few words seemed particularly directed toward him.
----------------------------
Zarta takes some well-earned leave to decide her fate, but it quickly becomes evident that the Dark Archive flourishes in the coming months with renewed enthusiasm as more and more resources arrive from the Decemvirate.