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.
OKAY BACK IN BUSINESS. Thanks for your patience.
========
The Prisoners
========
You seek out Sosiel who is in fact in counselling with Joran, Jestak, and Chorussina. Sosiel looks grimly to Nilus as he listens to the tale of Jesker.
"There are few things crueler than to have your fate stolen by you. Drezen failed Jesker here, and under my watch particularly as the religious leader of this community. I am shamed before the Rose, and will do everything I can to help him regain his lost faith. Old Deadeye never left Jesker, but Jesker did spurn Old Deadeye, even if it was not entirely of his own volition. I can cast the atonement spell and will do so."
Sosiel leads you to the part of Drezen which has been converted to a comfortable prison for the three powerful prisoners who may be worthy of redemption.
"Chorussina is... of evil. I fear her soul was never ours to begin with and I do not know what steps can be taken to ensure her salvation at this point. Her entire magical being is based on a demonic connection which, if severed, would probably kill her. She is also responsible for many atrocities as the quartermaster of Drezen during its occupation. Irabeth has made it clear that it is redemption or execution for this one, and I do not see a path to redemption."
He moves on to Joran, who is reading comfortably.
"Joran... there is hope with this one. I would recommend you find an activity or goal for him which will bring him further to the side of good. Joran's failing, if it is one, is that he over-intellectualizes. The emotional connection of doing good is lost on him. Perhaps good deeds would be his road to salvation. Having lost his faith in his cruel God of suffering and toil, he is without direction or purpose."
Finally, Sosiel moves to Jestak, who is pacing her cell like a caged animal.
"Jestak is a savage creature of death and destruction. She has the opposite problem to Joran. All she wants to do is destroy - why when she realized that her commanders thought she failed, she slaughtered her entire command to impress them. I... would think of a way to make use of her. If given meaningful work and strict orders, she could be a force for good, although unknowingly. She wants to kill, and there are demons to kill rather than good men. Perhaps the new barbarians who have settled here would be a good fit for her culturally."
===========
Shopping
===========
The cessation of the raids has allowed many new supplies to come in to Drezen, expertly monitored by Horgus who has set up a pseudo-command economy. in this context, several merchants have now set up with a petty cash loaned by the government to allow for high-value transactions. The sheer power of this place, and large amount of magical items in the economy ensures that there's a lot of cash moving around.
Your advances have removed the 'ruined' trait from the settlement, which increases the purchase limit to 5000 gp. Base value for magical items is 2,200. However if you are interested in something more powerful pelase ask and I'll roll to see if it is available.
==============
Next Quests
==============
- There have been reports of strange activity at a small ghost town on the northern bank of the Ahari - just west of Drezen.
- Anevia has made a discovery on a long-wage scouting mission. An active temple of Baphomet is located about thirty miles west of Drezen. This is an excellent chance to gather more information on the enemy.
- Rumours of a fell beast nicknamed the Woundwyrm have been circulating through Drezen, including a party which was wipedo ut to a man. The lair is apparently somewhere to the southwest, although a specific location has not been noted.
Sosiel listens intently to Dejik, looking over the blinded young woman with concern. He settles beside her, his armour clanking softly.
"Well, Shelyn and Iomedae are at once very different, and very similar. Shelyn is beauty, and love incarnate and for this reason she is beloved by all Gods, even those of great evil. She cannot help this - it is her nature to be loved. Rather than a warrior, she creates and nurtures but she is energetic and passionate; capable of great might when her hand is forced. She is as old as the world, and in her way is the beauty of the world.
Iomedae was born a mortal, ascending to Godhood through the test of the Starstone. She was the hearld Aroden, and with his death has become his heir of sorts. Iomedae's place is far more direct. Her place is to fight evil, to lead crusades, and to stop evil from consuming the world. Being born mortal, she thinks like a mortal, taking a direct and uncomplicated view of things - at least to the other Gods. Iomedae is a warrior, leading the crusade against evil, and she has been at war since she ascended. Shelyn and Iomedae are allies, and in this battle, close allies - I would argue."
He pauses for a moment, considering his words before speaking further.
"The reach of the Gods varies by place, and by context. Their own great games are beyond our ken. But I know that where one is prevented from intervening directly, another may be free. Although The Eternal Rose has the same stake in this conflict as all beings who love Golarion, Iomedae is the general. She is on the front lines; closer to this conflict than any deity. The focus of the demon lords will be intense."
He takes a moment to choose his words carefully.
"The Eternal Rose is selfless with her love of all things good beautiful, regardless of their loyalties. Perhaps she helped simply because she could. And if you were to show her your love in return it would be gladly received. But. You are a living embodiment of the power of the Inheritor. She has very obviously not abandoned you. If I was to guess - which I am loathe to do - I would say that Iomedae cannot help directly. She may be too closely scrutinized by the enemy to move on this plane. Remember Shelyn is loved by all, and so can move more freely, and perhaps with less attention than Iomdae would. That is my reading of it at least. Your choices, however, are your own."
Sosiel frowns as he looks up at the massive Citadel.
"I see significant damage to the structure. It hasn't been entirely circled to see if there are significant cracks in the walls that could be passed through. That may be another way of approaching."
With their efforts done for the day, the group fall asleep to the sound of the excited chatter of the army. Despite taking some minor losses attacking Paradise Hill, it's obvious that spirits could not be higher.
Throughout the night, there is the sound of the occasional warning or combat as undead wander into the camp. However, the army of paladins make quick work of any ghouls that wander in, and the night otherwise passes without incident.
You all receive a full night's rest and as much healing as you require.
At the crack of 'dawn', the word only being applied loosely due to the filtered, ugly light of the Worldwound, the group find themselves eating breakfast as Sosiel explains the ghoul army and the strange vault.
"As far as we can tell the ghouls and the demons co-exist, but considering the nature of either party there doesn't seem to be a real alliance. That said the ghouls are a menace and a dangerously unpredictable element. Actually reaching the cemetery is awkward due to the old riverbeds, but if we swing around to the southwest that should allow us to engage the enemy that way."
He points at a building marked on the map with 'vault' written beside it.
"Commanders, this is where you come in. There is great evil emanating from this building. Most undead menaces have a root cause, usually a terrible event, or a creature of great power. We will keep the ghoul army off of your back, if you handle whatever lies at this building."
I'll hit fast-forward.
It's worth around 250 gold. Probably a spell component. The group commits to cleaning the place up and spends a little while thanks to Dejiks' generous use of conjured water clearing the filth off of the walls, hauling out the bodies, and putting the altar into some semblance of repair. The chapel itself is in dire condition, but with a couple of hours of hard work, the worst of the despoiling has been cleared out.
The work finished, the group gathers the many packs of cure light wounds potions and makes the perilous journey down the exceedingly steep stairs to rejoin the army. It is now a little after noon and the army has long since packed up and has spent some time scavenging for supplies, having found a small amount. A cheer rises up as you return, mostly because the army is bored of waiting and wants to get a move on.
You are met there by Irabeth along with Sosiel, Anevia, and Aravashnial. Aron remains in his tent, having been ordered by Irabeth and Sosiel to take a day of rest and recover from his ordeal at the hands of the traitorous halfling Nurah.
"The Rose is with us today, that is splendid news! The horrors those ghouls and nabasu were committing to the place is nothing new; several of these chapels are scattered around the Worldwound and have long been taken over by demons. This is a small victory, but a significant one. Thank you my friends, thank you."
Sosiel moves forward to embrace Aron, clinging to him tightly before he turns to the group.
"We are all under great pressure, the important thing is that we can handle the issue at its source. The blessings of my goddess are powerful enough now that I can remove disease; perhaps this will work."
Sosiel drapes his arm over the miserable Aron and looks to the group. "Friends, thank you for the support. I am certain I can resolve this matter privately and ask that you give Aron all support he needs. More importantly though... the shadowblood just appeared?" Sosiel stares at Aron sternly.
Aron nods. "It was just... in my pack. I found when I bedded down for the evening after the Vilareth Ford. I could swear it was not there before."
Sosiel looks over to the group. "I ask that you help me find out how this came to be, shadowblood would be very hard to come by after the destruction of Kenabres."
If the group have any ideas to pursue this problem I'll follow this up, otherwise I'll move you to the chapel.
Bringing some threads together to push things along.
The group all find themselves speaking with Sosiel and Irabeth as Dejik brings up the subject of shadowblood. Sosiel's eyes go wide and he slaps his head.
"I'm a fool! Shadowblood! Of course! Aron... well, Aron was an addict in the past. He may be backsliding and all the signs are there. I just wonder where he got the stuff."
Sosiel sternly looks at the group.
"Please assist me friends, I'll summon him. We can speak as one."
Sosiel speaks to a runner and soon Aron arrives, looking warily at all of you assembled.
"What?" he says, sullenly.
Sosiel spreads his arms wide.
"Aron. We love you and we know the incredible stress and pain you are suffering from. Speak plainly, do you have drugs?"
Sosiel glances over his shoulder, looking for some support.
Requesting a diplomacy check!
While the army sets up camp, Sosiel approaches the group, looking up at the chapel.
"Commanders, I'd like to request a favour. We have the time to do it and I believe it is important - I'm sure you will agree with me Nilus."
He points up at the chapel.
"These chapels - there are many of them - were built after Drezen was constructed. Each to a different deity. They are meant as hospitals for injured soldiers, and a way station for travelers. I would like to request that you investigate the chapel and if there is taint there, remove it. My duties as the prime medic for the army keep me here, but I can think of no greater affront to the demons than to reclaim a chapel to the Rose."
The cleric smiles, showing perfect white teeth.
"And an act of heroism will do very well for morale here. We have the time according to Aron and Irabeth, and the army has enough food as we make good time. Would you be willing to see to this chapel come tomorrow morning?"
I'm going to include the group in Sarkast's conversation just to move things along.
The briefing done, Aravashnial, Aron, and Anevia take off. Sarkast steps aside to speak briefly with Irabeth and Sosiel. Sosiel frowns and then waves the rest of the group over.
"Sarkast, you say that Aron's morale about the mission is low? I... I'm not sure I believe that. His dedication to the crusades has been unquestioning and we are on the offensive for the first time in decades. He's delighted."
The cleric frowns.
"I have suspicions I will keep to myself, they are not a danger to you but I would ask that you all keep an eye on Aron. Speak to him and challenge his ideas. See if he is keeping something from you. I love him and am too close at times to see everything, but I will speak to him when I can as well."
Sosiel beams a smile, clapping a hand gently on Dejik's shoulder.
"Nilus there are a few who follow the Rose in the crusades, but Dejik is right. We do not only give reminder to the beauty in the world that must be saved, but show those demons the strength of that beauty and that they shall not overcome it!"
Sosiel straightens up, studying the powerful scroll for a long moment before he reads out the words.
"NOASMI NE GAHA OIAD NANAEEL OL OIAD!" he calls out, speaking the language of angels. The scroll burns away in his hands as he reaches out to lay a hand on Aravashnial's ruined, scarred face.
"Be healed, my friend."
Holy power pulses through Sosiel's hand and Aravashnial lets out a scream, falling to his knees as the damage is undone. Scar tissue pulls away from his face, settling into smooth symmetry. His milky eye slowly turns blue as another emerges from the scarring. After a few seconds, his face is complete.
Sosiel cuts in at that point. The cleric is tall, handsome, and with a commanding presence to him. His beautiful armour is immaculately polished and is well-decorated and Sosiel himself looks to have put a lot of care into his appearance. He has the only properly close shave you've seen since the fall of Kenabres.
"We must also think of the dreary things in life, commanders. The army must be fed. Unfortunately we do not have anyone with a great mind for logistics with us, and so if you know of anybody who counts his or her coppers with the same care parents take in counting their children, please let me know. The army can carry enough food to last us five and a half days, which gives us a day's buffer. Drezen should have plenty of supplies, but it does mean that a protracted siege becomes difficult."
He then turns to Sarkast.
"Our last communication from Vilareth Ford was this morning. With the demons having fled we don't expect any forces large enough to take the Ford."
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