Looking up a genealogy, you discover that Dimitri Boroi died in Pangolais two months after the final entry in his diary. He "accidentally" fell out a window and died from the impact.
Jassminder gives a casual one-shoulder shrug as Ussaile reads this bit of news. "This is Nidal. Falling out a window practically counts as natural causes."
She gives the library a dismissive glance. "Are we done here? We don't want to keep aunt Eugenia waiting. Although you're probably better off if I'm not there, I doubt I'm her type." Anya's comment about people who can be, quote, obvious, unquote in their worship of the Prince of Pain didn't go unnoticed.
Looking up a genealogy, you discover that Dimitri Boroi died in Pangolais two months after the final entry in his diary. He "accidentally" fell out a window and died from the impact.Jassminder gives a casual one-shoulder shrug as Ussaile reads this bit of news. "This is Nidal. Falling out a window practically counts as natural causes."
She gives the library a dismissive glance. "Are we done here? We don't want to keep aunt Eugenia waiting. Although you're probably better off if I'm not there, I doubt I'm her type." Anya's comment about people who can be, quote, obvious, unquote in their worship of the Prince of Pain didn't go unnoticed.
"No I suspect a Paladin would be extremely poorly received by Aunt Eugenia. Given the potent nature of ghosts our one or two emissaries will be volunteers. With his direct nature and the animosities people of Karpad have against his race, Marcus is a poor choice. Xanther knows religion and thus might be able to pass as a worshipper but he can't lie well. Ussaile is better at intimidating but undead aren't phased by such attempts plus she doesn't have knowledge of religion. It appears I'm a choice although I have no idea how Aunt Eugenia feels about tieflings."
Summarizing what he learned Noctifer tells the others, "A point which is likely important: Nicasor isn't actually a fetchling; he's a shae. Shae are inhabitants of the Shadow Plane composed of insubstantial shadows that resemble humanoids. They tend to wear masks and form-fitting clothing when dealing with other races as their indistinct forms are otherwise disturbing. Their touch saps the heat from living creatures and they have an instinctive command over shadows. And some more bad news for Jassminder and Marcus: their insubstantial forms also make them difficult to hit no matter the light level."
Ready to talk to Aunt Eugenia, you flag down a maid cleaning the nearby hallway and request Anya join you in the library. She appears about ten minutes later, Marek notably absent. "Before we go down, here's the explanation I promised. I mentioned yesterday that Aunt Eugenia was a cleric. Sixteen years ago she called for inquisitors from the capital to perform the ritual of the Midnight Bride, in which a woman is slowly tortured to death over a period of weeks. Stepan's father was...encouraged...to allow her to do as she wished." (Anya appears to be picking her words with care.) "I wasn't here then, obviously, but as I understand it she was not pleased when she awoke as a ghost instead of being by her Lord's side. She's still loyal to the Boroi line but she dislikes anyone she sees as being too lax in their faith...and that's almost everyone. She doesn't even like Master Miklos." Anya sighs. "If you want her to talk to you then you'll need to convince her of your devotion. Otherwise she'll probably dismiss you as not being worth her time, no matter how much I explain that you're trying to help."
"If you're willing to wear them, I have some spare holy symbols here. They might help." She produces several amulets depicting silver skulls with chains bleeding from the eyes. "Who plans to go?"
As Xanther processes what their research has found, he paces restlessly up and down, rattling off his train of thought. "Alright, according to Dimitri's journal, the Mirror is leaking planar shadow essence from the manor courtyard. This means we can't solve the problem by moving the mirror."
"Dimitri died in Pangolais, and as Jassminder points out, it might have nothing to do with Nicasor. But it doesn't exclude Nicasor entirely. Therefore, we have no idea whether Dimitri managed to evade the curse by running. It might still be worth a try for the Baron."
"Also, I wonder whether Nicasor is limited to appearing only in dream. Do any of you have any ideas on how to block dream magic? Perhaps that may allow the Baron some rest and lessen his paranoia."
"Dimitri writes that Nicasor was unable to speak from within the Mirror. But from how the Baron spoke about Nicasor, he seems to have heard him. Has the Mirror continued to deteriorate, so that Nicasor can now speak from it?"
"And finally, The History of the Uskwood implies this mirror should be in the capital. But not only is it HERE, it is leaking shadow essence from the courtyard. Why? Is the mirror somehow tied to this specific location?"
With regard to Aunt Eugenia he nods in agreement with Noctifer's assessment. "I might be able to impress her with knowledge, but I can't feign piety and should not try, especially against wise Cleric. Although perhaps if we had some means of private communication, I could supply knowledge to Noctifer from a distance, without actually being there."
"I agree that if the Baron actually heard Nicasor through the Midnight Mirror it suggests either Nicasor is growing stronger or the Mirror is growing weaker. It's interesting why and how the Midnight Mirror remained here instead of going to Pangolais; perhaps even then someone realized something was wrong? As for the leak, it may be worse than you say Xanther. Ussaile's research indicated the leak is in the Mirror version of the manor's courtyard, not the physical courtyard. So the Baron may get his wish that we enter the Mirror; if so, let's negotiate the price before letting him know we need to. If we're going to place ourselves in such risk, we should be fairly compensated."
"I'm no philosopher, spell caster, or a monk so I'll leave the talking with the ghost up to you guys. However, with a Shae having some control over shadows, this thing leaking shadow essence and there being about 100 prisoners, I must ask, could those shadows have been a means of escape or Nicasor reaching out? If it is a progression of efforts, tallow-throat may have just been step one in an escape plan."
"I'm no philosopher, spell caster, or a monk so I'll leave the talking with the ghost up to you guys. However, with a Shae having some control over shadows, this thing leaking shadow essence and there being about 100 prisoners, I must ask, could those shadows have been a means of escape or Nicasor reaching out? If it is a progression of efforts, tallow-throat may have just been step one in an escape plan."
"Those are possibilities. We still don't know enough yet about how these events are, or are not, connected and how they work."
"If you're willing to wear them, I have some spare holy symbols here. They might help." She produces several amulets depicting silver skulls with chains bleeding from the eyes. "Who plans to go?"
Jassminder looks at the symbols with obvious distaste. "I'm not wearing that, it doesn't go with my other accessories. None of us are particularly good at lying, Noctifer's probably the best at it and Ussaile..." She takes one of the evil symbols and holds it up speculatively as she looks at the witch. "Ussaile's the only one of us I can imagine actively worshipping Zon-Kuthon." She hands it over to Ussaile, with a half-smile. "Wear this and look evil, let Noctifer do the talking."
The witch grabs the holy symbol after a moment of silent consultation with her patron. "I can do this. Noctifer should come with me though, I refuse to travel there alone." She swears that the holy symbol bites at her skin when she puts it on.
"I think the leak is a real problem but we should not be biasing ourselves until we speak with the ghost. Allow me 10 minutes to prepare, I don't wish to go in there without a force shield ready."
The witch grabs the holy symbol after a moment of silent consultation with her patron. "I can do this. Noctifer should come with me though, I refuse to travel there alone." She swears that the holy symbol bites at her skin when she puts it on.
"I think the leak is a real problem but we should not be biasing ourselves until we speak with the ghost. Allow me 10 minutes to prepare, I don't wish to go in there without a force shield ready."
Taking the offered holy symbol(s) Noctifer will tell Ussaile, "No need to worry I already said I was at least one of the people going to speak to Aunt Eugenia. Should we peruse the library for any holy books to brush up on knowledge of the rites, etc.?"
Thanking the Baroness for the holy symbol(s), he adds "Thank you I think I understand the situation with Aunt Eugenia. I'm hopeful that Nicasor's threat of the curse over at least two members of the Boroi family will get her attention. Plus some other information she might decide is critical."
Out of nowhere, Xanther suddenly recalls something. "Say, wasn't there a hedge witch named Nadia we were supposed to talk to as well?"
"Ussaile's research indicated the leak is in the Mirror version of the manor's courtyard, not the physical courtyard."
Xanther scratches his head. "I think it means that the Mirror is leaking shadow essence from the manor courtyard here on Golarion. This is why Fetchlings feel comfortable in Karpad, and is likely how Nicasor is exerting his influence on the external world."
"What Dimitri theorizes, is that the reason why shadow essence is leaking from the manor courtyard in Golarion, is because the center of the Mirror demiplane, where the 'heart' can be found, is located in the Mirror demiplane's manor courtyard. This implies that the Mirror demiplane is shaped as a literal reflection of Karpad."
"It does lead me to wonder, if we move the Mirror to the courtyard here on Golarion, would we then be able to see the reflected courtyard in the Mirror demiplane? If yes, could we step in, find the heart, and stab it with the shard right away?"
You do know two spells that aid in rest and might be worth pursuing. The first is Keep Watch, which allows for all the benefits of sleep without the target actually needing to sleep. The second is Restful Sleep, which (as the name suggests) is meant to guarantee a restful night's sleep without nightmares.
The basement is dark, cool, and clammy. To your right you can immediately see a small shrine dedicated to Zon-Kuthon. The walls are lined with hooks, knives, and other instruments of pain. A steel altar, encrusted with old dried blood and graven runes, sits in the center of the shrine. Behind the altar stands an iron maiden whose cover depicts a woman in a bridal veil and dress.
Anya stops in front of the shrine. "Hello Aunt Eugenia. I apologize for disturbing your meditations, but I have two people here I'd like you to meet. Noctifer and Ussaile are helping us solve the problems Karpad has been facing. They'd like to ask you a few questions and see if perhaps your wisdom can help."
The iron maiden rattles in response. A surprisingly deep but still recognizably female voice calls out, "I've already offered you my wisdom and you've rejected it. That idiot nephew of mine was never truly faithful and you're even worse. Is it any wonder my groom has finally decided to act against you? Just look at the state of this shrine! Ah, if only Iozif had lived, my dear boy. He understood what it meant to be devoted to the Prince of Pain."
Out of nowhere, Xanther suddenly recalls something. "Say, wasn't there a hedge witch named Nadia we were supposed to talk to as well?"
"Ussaile's research indicated the leak is in the Mirror version of the manor's courtyard, not the physical courtyard."Xanther scratches his head. "I think it means that the Mirror is leaking shadow essence from the manor courtyard here on Golarion. This is why Fetchlings feel comfortable in Karpad, and is likely how Nicasor is exerting his influence on the external world."
"What Dimitri theorizes, is that the reason why shadow essence is leaking from the manor courtyard in Golarion, is because the center of the Mirror demiplane, where the 'heart' can be found, is located in the Mirror demiplane's manor courtyard. This implies that the Mirror demiplane is shaped as a literal reflection of Karpad."
"It does lead me to wonder, if we move the Mirror to the courtyard here on Golarion, would we then be able to see the reflected courtyard in the Mirror demiplane? If yes, could we step in, find the heart, and stab it with the shard right away?"
"Yes Nadia is still on our 'to do' list; we've had several developments get in the way of that discussion. Hopefully she'll be able to add something to either/both of our investigations."
Addressing the Baroness Noctifer says, "My research suggests there may be two spells to help your husband sleep or at least attain some restfulness. The first is called 'Keep Watch'; unfortunately I do not know the spell and it isn't one Master Miklos is likely to know. My associate Jassminder can cast it; if there's a ranger or an arcane caster such as a wizard or sorcerer, they should be able to cast it. Maybe Nadia can? The other spell is 'Restful Sleep'; it's generally favored by bards. I'm not sure if there are any bards in Karpad though."
"Yes Nadia is still on our 'to do' list; we've had several developments get in the way of that discussion. Hopefully she'll be able to add something to either/both of our investigations."
"Yes, it's starting to make sense." Xanther continues to pace up and down. "If Tallowthroat is caused by the leaking shadow essence, that explains why Fetchlings are immune, they are already infused with shadow. Additionally, since the essence is leaking from the courtyard, the first person to fall sick would be the human who spends the most time there... the groundskeeper!"
"But after that, all the other victims were from town, which means Tallowthroat is currently spreading like a 'normal' disease."
"My research suggests there may be two spells to help your husband sleep or at least attain some restfulness. The first is called 'Keep Watch'; unfortunately I do not know the spell and it isn't one Master Miklos is likely to know. My associate Jassminder can cast it; if there's a ranger or an arcane caster such as a wizard or sorcerer, they should be able to cast it. Maybe Nadia can?"
Xanther adds on. "If Keep Watch does work, me and Jassminder could work together to create a Page of Spell Knowledge. As I understand from your mother, you are a Sorceress. With this, you'll be able to consistently provide the Baron a good night's rest."
"Of course, you must understand, this item won't be free..."
Xanther then shares his theories about shadow essence leaking from the courtyard causing Tallowthroat. "If this is true, as a precaution, I recommend closing off the courtyard to non-fetchlings. In fact, you might want to consider closing off parts of the mansion closest to the courtyard as well."
"Speaking of the courtyard, I'm going to walk around and see if I can feel anything. Maybe I can find the sweet spot." Marcus says as he walks out of the room.
Before heading to see the ghost, Ussaile speaks up to Xanther, "Well, if we were able to restore his wisdom, he would have an easy time as well. Perhaps if we could provide that it may prove to be an easier solution for the time being, but temporary."
---
Ussaile knew very little about the rites of the Zon-Kutonites, but she was intrigued to find out more. A torturous spell that someone would be willing to undergo? It gave her sinister ideas though for the time being she would have to hold them back, she did not want to disrespect.
Seeing the specter's resting place, Ussaile bows deeply. "It is unfortunate we must meet under such a situation. I am Ussaile, and I am hoping we can solve the problem that has been plaguing this area."
She knew they were treading on dangerous ground.
"What Noctifer says is true based on our knowledge. It is also true that we are mercenaries so our reputation is all we have. We do wish to help this line continue."
Xanther then shares his theories about shadow essence leaking from the courtyard causing Tallowthroat. "If this is true, as a precaution, I recommend closing off the courtyard to non-fetchlings. In fact, you might want to consider closing off parts of the mansion closest to the courtyard as well."
Anya listens to the information you've gathered, face pale. "Since Sergyev died I don't think any of the servants have been taking care of the courtyard. I haven't been spending time out there either. The closest rooms are the foyer, dining room, sitting room, and Stepan's study. While closing off the courtyard itself is reasonable, I don't think the corruption can spread any further. Otherwise Stepan certainly would have caught Tallowthroat by now."
This, as well as the information you provide, apparently piques Eugenia's interest. Her ghost floats out of the iron maiden and drifts next to Noctifer, peering deep into his eyes. (Which is disconcerting, as her own have been gouged out.) Wounds all over her body leak silver "blood" onto the floor. "Hmmm. That's the first fresh blood this altar's seen since Iozif's death. You may be one of Cheliax's bastards, but you know the ways of the Prince of Pain. That's worth answering a few questions."
"Dimitri, Dimitri...oh yes. He's the one that went mad and killed himself a couple centuries ago. I'm afraid I don't know anything more about him than that. Nor had I ever heard of this midnight mirror or had any idea Nicasor was being imprisoned there." She hums thoughtfully. "The fey are certainly a problem. A lurker in light? Here? As if we needed any more proof of my Groom's displeasure. I'll tell you the same thing I've told my idiot nephew and his whore of a wife-" (Anya sucks in a sharp breath, knuckles going white around the torch), "All of this is punishment for our lack of faith. This never would have happened if Iozif-" Abruptly she falls silent and stares off into the distance.
Just when you're starting to exchange concerned glances, wondering if she's decided to stop talking, Eugenia bursts into howls of laughter. "The midnight mirror! That's how he did it! Ah, perhaps that idiot nephew of mine has some sadism in him after all. I might have misjudged him." The insane laughter dissolves into chuckles. "Not that it changes anything. You want my wisdom? Here is is. For fey talk to the witch Nadia. If anyone knows where fey might be lurking in the Ombrefell it would be her. For Nicasor, my nephew might have the right of it. If he is doing anything, the only way to stop it is to enter the mirror and kill him."
"However if you really want to stop Tallowthroat, the only thing that will work is rededicating this town to its Master. Purge the nonbelievers with fire and blade. Starting with her." She points directly at Anya. "Don't think I don't know. You've poisoned Stepan's mind against his God and this is the result. The only thing stopping me from killing you myself is the oath I swore to protect this family...which you are unfortunately a part of."
Anya shrinks back, eyes going wide. "I didn't...I'm faithful..."
"Liar." Eugenia gives her a mocking smile before turning back to Noctifer. "Is there anything else, or may I return to my rest?"
As you're looking around you notice something odd. Whenever you look directly at the fountain the water is clear. However out of the corner of your eye the water appears to be a murky grey color. In fact, you notice everything in the courtyard seems unusually colorless out of your peripheral vision.
Upon returning from his excursion Marcus shares, "The courtyard seems to either be full of shadow stuff or a spot where the barrier between the two realms is very thin. I can't see it directly but it is a very calming place for me and I can see the shadowy essence from my peripheral vision. I think I may clean it up a bit and use it as a workout area."
Addressing the Baroness Noctifer says, "My research suggests there may be two spells to help your husband sleep or at least attain some restfulness. The first is called 'Keep Watch'; unfortunately I do not know the spell and it isn't one Master Miklos is likely to know. My associate Jassminder can cast it."
Jassminder gives Noctifer her have-you-thought-this-through look; it's one that the tiefling gets a lot. "I'm not convinced that giving a paranoid aristocrat, who has almost absolute power locally, more time to brood and scheme is a good plan. A better plan involves putting him to sleep for a week. Or two."
She can't hear either of the prearranged distress calls (Noctifer screaming like a girl; or the squishy sound of internal organs being externalised) coming from the meeting with the ghost, so she figures that the tiefling and the witch have things in hand. That leaves her free to go exploring the manor.
Lacking any better ideas, Xanther follows Jassminder, scanning rooms with Detect Magic and Detect Fiendish Presence.
The first, right next to the library, turns out to be a storage room for crumbling antiques deemed too precious to throw out but too dilapidated to use. Nothing inside registers as magical. The only item of immediate interest is an enormous painting covered by a tarp. Removing the tarp reveals a family portrait depicting the baron’s father, Mikhail; his mother, Beatrix; and their three sons: Iozif, Henric, and Stepan.
The second room takes up the southern wing and turns out to be the baron's chambers. Faded tapestries adorn the walls of the spacious room and thick rugs cover the floor; a four-poster bed dominates the room’s center. Two large wardrobes stand on opposite walls. Detect Magic does reveal magical auras within each.
On the southern side of the room is a spiral staircase leading up into the tower. If you climb it you find yourselves in a beautiful nursery. Large stained-glass windows are on every wall, depicting surprisingly peaceful pastoral scenes. A female maidservant is inside cooing over Marek and appears startled by your approach. "You're the baroness' guests, correct? Are you lost? Can I help you?"
Ussaile listens intently. "Unfortunately stopping Tallowthroat may be more difficult than we would like. This witch though, I do wish to meet her and perhaps we should rendezvous with our party before doing so."
Witches had many names, and she wasn't sure what that meant for the phantom. "Noctifer, I think we should thank our host and take our leave."
She wasn't willing to burn a town down to stop this disease, that would cause far too much attention... Assuming the overzealous woman was even thinking straight.
"Thank you for all of your help."
"Oh don't mind us, we're just scanning the manor for potentially dangerous magic." Xanther says to the maidservant, as he continues his Detect Magic spree.
Anya drops the torch to the floor and flees back upstairs. Eugenia chuckles. "Yes, yes, run while you can girl." She reaches out and gently pats Noctifer on the cheek. While her hand isn't solid he can still feel the cold lingering from the ethereal touch. "Thank you. It eases my heart, learning what happened to them. Better to die in the mirror, at the hands of torments designed by my Groom, than choking on an assassin's poison. Or perhaps he even still lives! An eternity of pain..." She sighs wistfully as she drifts back to the iron maiden.
Noctifer delivers another prayer in Shadowtongue before the two of you collect the torch and head back upstairs. A maid who had been sweeping the floors is now staring down the hallway that leads to the staircase to the second floor. Noticing you she tentatively asks, "Did something happen? The baroness seemed distraught."
As you're concluding your brief investigation of the nursery, (no magic items to be found), you hear the door below you slam. Seconds later a white-faced Anya appears, clothing slightly disheveled. The maidservant starts to ask, "My lady, what's-" but can't get out the full sentence before Anya cuts her off.
"Marek. I need my son." The maidservant immediately hands him over and Anya sinks to the floor with him, rocking him back and forth in a manner that seems designed to soothe her more than him. "I need...give me a moment. Leave. Please." After a confused look the maidservant does so, leaving the three of you alone in the nursery. It's unclear whether Anya's even noticed you're there.
Ussaile looks in the direction Anya went, A Desnan? My this has become even more interesting. Perhaps we can learn more about those nightmares if her devotion is true.
She keeps that information in her pocket for now.
"We should reconvene. I believe that was most enlightening."
** spoiler omitted **
After your various adventures you all reconvene in the library. At some point during your absence a covered tray was delivered with a variety of bread, meats, cheeses, and fruits. The note on top reads, For your lunch. You may of course ask the kitchen if you desire something else. -Laurentiu.
It's now a little after noon.
Jassminder clears her throat, alerting Anya to her presence. "You're upset. Did something interesting happen?"
"So, what did the ghost say? Anything we can use?" Marcus asks. "Are we going to go speak with the loggers or go find the witch lady?"
"So, what did the ghost say? Anything we can use?" Marcus asks. "Are we going to go speak with the loggers or go find the witch lady?"
"Actually one of the more important pieces of information Aunt Eugenia gave us is that Nadia the hedge witch is the person to speak to about fey. Hopefully she'll have a better idea what other fey are or might be around and what Ilquis and Dag were trying to summon."
Noctifer waits until the others partake of the food before making his selections...just in case...
"It'll be fine. She can't do anything to me. She said as much. She swore an oath." Anya sounds like she's trying to convince herself. "I'll be fine. I just need a few minutes."
Jassminder thinks for a moment or two, before shaking her head. "I'm pretty sure they wouldn't kill you - well, Noctifer certainly wouldn't." She's less certain about the limits of Ussaile's morality. She's dimly aware that might not be what Anya wants to hear. "I think I'm the wrong person to ask about right and wrong, I have a code but I don't really feel it in the way most people seem to. But, if you want us to exorcise Eugenia, we could probably do that. It might use up supplies we need when we go through the mirror, though. So it would probably be best to wait until that's done."
She's suddenly aware of the baby - Marek - looking at her and she shakes her head at him, suddenly uncomfortable. "Don't do that, I don't have anything you want."
"I disagree with Jassminder's assessment on whether we can exorcize Eugenia. We might be able to slay her in a fight, but ghosts tend to reappear a few days later, unless we somehow give her closure. And the process of dying again and coming back might make her angry enough for her to reconsider her oath."
"Thank you. Both of you. All of you." She shifts Marek to one arm and extends a hand to Xanther, wordlessly requesting his assistance in getting off the floor. "I still want to stand by my husband and my town. At least as long as my presence is doing more good than harm. If we learn it's not, that Aunt Eugenia may be right in her accusations, then I'll reconsider my decision not to leave. But not before."
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
After your various adventures you all reconvene in the library. At some point during your absence a covered tray was delivered with a variety of bread, meats, cheeses, and fruits. The note on top reads, For your lunch. You may of course ask the kitchen if you desire something else. -Laurentiu.
It's now a little after noon.
When the group convenes for lunch Noctifer asks the others, "So what did the rest of you do and learn? Aunt Eugenia is certainly a devoted and relative despite her current status."
If Xanther hesitates, Jassminder will offer her hand to help Anya up (she's at least as strong as the half-elf). "If you decide to stay here, that's your decision. Let us know if it changes." She doesn't sound much as though she cares either way, because she doesn't.
At lunch, Jassminder piles her plate high as if she'd skipped breakfast, which she didn't. Between ravenous mouthfuls, she answers Noctifer's question. "Xanther and I had a talk with Anya. There were lots of feelings but nothing useful to learn." She notes the tiefling's emphasis on his words. "And what did Eugenia draw your attention to?"