Velarys's Wrath of the Righteous (The IC portion of the chatlog, with some editing for clarity)


Campaign Journals

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Grand Lodge

Joran Vhane throws up his hands as the last babau falls. "I thought no one would ever be able to save me."

Altruis Heavensward: "Seeking a light, are we? Perhaps the saving graces to end this tyranny?"

Joran Vhane: "The demons were never my idea, I swear!"

Tomas Castonello: "Those demons didn't harm you. So what was their reason for keeping you here?"

Joran Vhane: "Me brother's got no talent nor skill at the forge. But I wasnae sure how long mine'd keep 'em off me."

Just then, the door is thrown open revealing a lavishly funished room, and a fiendish wasp behind a dwarf wearing green-enameled full-plate and and carrying a gold-hafted glaive, and a babau appears beside Skinnareth.

Staunton Vhane: "So ye've finally turned... I should be proud o'ye, but I'll still have t'kill ye."

Skinnareth: "The fight continues! I will not be denied!"

Tomas Castonello: "Wait, but you two are brothers! Don't you care what happens to him?"

Staunton Vhane: "Blood-kin or not, if he's turned against us and abandoned his great work, Deskari'll nae excuse sentiment from disposing of him." He charges out, flanking Skinnareth with the babau. The dwarf's gold-hafted glaive cuts between protean scales and the babau's dripping longspear clacks off. Sarathel clanks into the room, watching to see if her services are needed. Altruis Heavensward charges for the dwarven aggressor, smiting him most thoroughly. yet the dwarf manages to turn Radiance with his armor's spikes. Joran Vhane carefully does not make any threatening moves. Skinnareth lumbers at Staunton, smashing his tail into the dwarf's armor, fangs unable to pierce it, though his claws find some cracks.

Skinnareth: "Your blood and oaths matter little to me, stumpy warrior! You will be crushed!"

Vendric: "Stumpy warrior? Well they may be evil skinny there is no need to insult them cause their dwarfs."

Staunton Vhane: "I don't let insults from the dead bother me."

Vendric hurls a bomb at Staunton.

Staunton Vhane: "Huh... that almost felt like a nice day at the forge." He manages through gritted teeth as his beard catches fire as he turns to smite the paladin, stepping back into the doorway as his glaive slashes thrice, only once finding a crack between Altruis's plates.

Sarathel's prayer mends Altruis's wound. The paladin pursues anti-paladin, stepping between a pair of half-fiend minotaurs, Radiance shearing through green-enameled armor. The babau turns its longspear on Joran who takes a purely defensive stance, taking up his hammer only to turn aside its weapon.

Tomas Castonello: "Skinnareth, go after that one!"

Skinnareth: "Now, when my quarry is retreating?"

Tomas Castonello: "Yes, now!"

Skinnareth: "You'll pay me extra for this, human!" In his pique the bite and first claw miss. The tail and second claw strike home.

The half-fiend minotaurs attack the paladin but his armor fends off their blows flawlessly. Staunton Vhane steps back again, continuing his assault, using his greater reach to draw his opponents in, though his blows ring on the armor of his antithesis. Altruis steps inside the dwarf's reach and Radiance bites deep through Staunton's armor.

Staunton Vhane: "The light... will...go out!"

The babau stabs futilely at Skinnareth's tail. Joran Vhane maintains his defensive posture.

Skinnareth sneers at the feeble demon. "You're just a disappointment." The babau dissolves as Skin tears it apart. "Ah, yes. Now for the real victory!"

Zullion slides from Pharah's back, following Altruis into the other room, drawing his longsword against the southern half-fiend. The half-fiend blocks the mithral blade with his own. Vendric hurls another bomb into Staunton's face, and while it's severely burned, the creatures around him seem unafffected. One half-fiend attacks Altruis, while the other strikes at Zullion, their blows turned aside by shining armor.

Staunton Vhane steps back to attack again." I... will... not... fall... cannot... fall... Deskari promised!"

Radiance rings as it's blocked by the golden haft of Staunton's glaive. Skinnareth barges through the doorway, squeezing past everyone in a mad dash for Staunton, a minotaur's great-axe bouncing off one side, and Tomas Castonello uses some of his own strength to keep Skinnareth from fading away as a deep gash opens on the other. Skinnareth flails at Staunton from afar, not able to make it all the way to him. Staunton's limbs splay limply as Skinnareth's teeth close on him.

Skinnareth: "Pheh... this victory feels hollow somehow..."

Tomas Castonello: "I think I found out where my stomach is on this body... urrrgh..."

He turns his claws on the minotaur who'd opened his side, opening gashes across its chest in repayment. Skinnareth places his claws over his head as the minotaurs rain blows upon his scaly hide and the northern minotaur bites his own tongue. The fiendish wasp, which had been unable to enter the tight fray, dies and vanishes in the sizzle of holy water. Sarathel prays for Skinnareth's healing. Skinnareth grins fiendishly at the minotaur with whom he had traded injuries as his wound knits and returns to its dark sheen.

Skinnareth: "You're going to be my consolation." He closes his jaws around the minotaur, pins it against the wall, and rakes the wings off of its body before snapping its neck

Skinnareth: "Hmm..."

Vendric: "I imagine they don't taste so good do they skinny?"

The remaining half-fiend minotaur stubbornly charges Skinnareth's backside, roaring in protest. Skinnareth blocks the blow with a wing and sneers at the thing, which is stopped standing directly in front of the open doorway.

Vendric bathes it in holy water. "My bombs may not work too well on them, but I'm glad these things do."

Half of the half-fiend's fur is scorched off. The skin beneath grey.

Skinnareth: "Oh, are you mad, cow? Do you bleed for your partner?" He pins the minotaur down and pushes his claws into it, but does so half-heartedly and thereafter pushes it aside, uninterested.

Sarathel looks into the room. "Staunton Vhane is still breathing.... and he isn't bleeding any more."

Tomas Castonello: "He's not healing himself, is he? Should we tie him up?"

Sarathel: "He's out cold... I don't think he can heal himself. Unless... there are some rare magic rings that enable such..."

Vendric: "So what should we do with him now? Take to the crusaders for questioning later?"

Sarathel: "It is an option. Do you think there's any chance he might repent?"

Tomas Castonello: "Maybe we should let his brother manage him. They are still family, right?"

Vendric: "I'm not sure we can trust him either. his aura is still evil. perhaps hand them both over for now and deal with them when we are done here."

Skinnareth: "I care not. Do with them what you will. My concern lies elsewhere."

Sarathel: "If we do bring them back... do we tell the others about the ritual we must thwart?"

Tomas Castonello: "True. There is that small matter about the citadel possibly plunging into the Abyss."

Vendric: "We should let them know whats happening. And them knowing will let them prepare should the worst happen."

((Thus ends session 42))

Grand Lodge

The prisoners are stripped of gear, rooms searched, and Staunton's chest emptied.

Vendric looks down at the gold-hafted glaive that had fallen from the antipaladin's limp fingers. "Huh an evil glaive. That's interesting." He leans over to touch it. "Yep definitely a evil glaive. Just tried to take control of me. Maybe we should destroy it."

Nightwolf "I wouldn't be too hasty. We may be missing an opportunity. It should definitely be kept under lock and key until we discover that opportunity though."

Joran Vhane: "May I speak?"

Nightwolf "What do you have to say?"

Vendric begins wrapping it up. "Go ahead."

Joran Vhane: "Below, there is a forge which can change the alignments of objects. Staunton had me design it to corrupt virtuous trophies... but it can be adjusted to produce the reverse effect, though it may take several days and some effort."

Nightwolf "An interesting proposal, and also possibly a trick. We will take your information under advisement, Perhaps if you speak the truth there is hope for your soul yet."

Zullion listens closely.

Vendric wraps the glaive in another layer. "That is an interesting idea. We will need to investigate it later when this keep is under our full control."

Joran Vhane: "I have no desire to die here. I know lying to my new captors and rescuers will not enhance my prospects for survival. Being useful...has worked thus far."

Nightwolf "I'm not sure I would consider being captured 'working'. Still you could have just as easily told us to destroy the glave and the the forge, or said nothing about either."

Joran Vhane: "From your reputations... being captured by you will be a step up from being stared at by a trio of babaus with spears aimed at my throat. Of course -that- started with Arushalae's escape. Staunton didn't want me getting any ideas."

Vendric: "Someone escaped from here? Who was this person?" He begins wrapping the weapon yet again.

Joran Vhane: "Arushalae? She's a succubus. Overheard some of the demons calling her a 'traitor to the Abyss', whatever that means. But Staunton executed the pair of kalavaki who were guarding her."

Zullion raises an eyebrow "That sounds very hard to believe"

Nightwolf "Why would a succubus turn against her own kind?"

Joran Vhane shrugs. "We weren't exactly positioned for in-depth discussions. For all I know she was a pawn of Nocticula playing a long game against Deskari. That's their style, isn't it?"

Vendric: "A traitor to the Abyss? I could see her betraying other demons for a different Demon Lord but the whole Abyss? That is hard to believe."

Joran Vhane: "Staunton might know more...if you can get him to talk."

Nightwolf "You're just a font of information today aren't you? You'll get your bread and water first."

Vendric: "We will have to take him back to camp and wait until later then."

Joran Vhane: "Lovely. But what I'm really looking forward to is sleep...I've lost track of how long my brother's kept me up. If it weren't for Droskar's restorations I'm sure I'd be hallucinating by now."
Oh...if you're really interested in the escaped succubus... she was kept in the anti-magic cells. She may have left something behind."

Nightwolf "Perhaps we're all a figment of your imagination now then."

Vendric: "We can afford a small rest and sometime to brief the others on the situation but after we must make haste with the rest of this place."

Zullion: "Don't torture the man further." he sighs

Joran Vhane: "Figments don't {i}usually{/i} make that suggestion..."

Nightwolf "Agreed, a night's rest and then the lower level of this place."

Vendric: "It's a poor joke at a poor time."

Nightwolf "Met many figments have you?"

Joran Vhane: "When the demons were feeling 'playful.' " He scowls.
Vendric: "Well you no need to worry about that with us."

Joran Vhane: "Yes...I'm sure if you decide to execute me it'll be after a nice, fair trial, taking into account how helpful I'm being." He sounds rather bitter. "Not just part of a game."

Vendric: "So if were going back lets make haste. We can't waste much time with them preparing that ritual."

Our heroes clank their way back to the camp, lowering the prisoners from their entrance with some care.

Grand Lodge

Nightwolf "We've potentially useful prisoners. Lock them in irons and place them under constant watch."

Sosiel Vaenic: "Yes, sir! Do they need gags?"

Vendric: "Maybe one of them. the other has been helpful so far but I still see an evil aura on him so keep a close eye on him anyway."

Sosiel Vaenic nods. "Of course, sir."

Sosiel Vaenic: "...I take it the one that's conscious has been the one that's helpful?"

Vendric: "You are correct."

Zullion: "We do try to be unlike our enemy."

Joran Vhane: "If you're feeling so generous...could I ask for a bedroll and pillow?"

Zullion: "Of course" he nods and goes to get his own to give to him

Nightwolf "The other one can sleep on the ground."

Vendric: "We also found evidence of a underground section the demons added as well as a ritual to create a portal to the abyss and suck in the citadel should it fall. Luckily it takes about a week for it to be complete. But i still think we shouldn't take our time to stop it."

Sosiel Vaenic fits the unresisting dwarf with manacles and shackles his ankles together.

Zullion: "Yes, we do not want an entire fortified area to simply vanish"

Joran Vhane: "Oh yes, quite a few rooms downstairs. Awful whispering, but plenty of rooms. Saw some of 'em, 't least." He falls over on the provided bedding and swiftly begin snoring.

Vendric: "And another portal to the abyss to open."

Nightwolf "We'll rest the night then venture below. The good news is the surface level appears to be clear for now."

Zullion: "Indeed, every step in the right direction, I just hope our steps wont be too slow"

Sarathel: "Except, perhaps, for the gate house. We never did make it there."

Nightwolf "Though we should not take the possibility of reinforcements for granted."

Vendric: "Indeed it would be a good idea to expect some more demons even in the areas we cleared out.

Sosiel Vaenic: "Perhaps...perhaps not... do you think any of the demons you faced would wish to report such a loss to superiors and ask those {i}demons{/i} for aid?"

Zullion: "I guess their nature is counting for us" he chuckles.

Vendric: "It is still better to err on the side of caution."

Nightwolf "I'm inclined to leave any holed up in the gatehouse remain there until the greater threat is dealt with."

Aron Kir: "If we wanted to be cautious, what are we doing out here in the Worldwound?"

Sarathel chuckles, as does Sosiel.

Nightwolf "Hopefully winning this war, but we won't accomplish that by being reckless either."

Zullion: "We are cautiously making sure the rest of the world doesn't need to be cautious"

Sosiel Vaenic also secures Staunton, chaining him to the command tent's central pole and each of his limbs to each other for good measure. "Would you like me to heal the other prisoner to wakefulness for questioning?"

Nightwolf "What say the rest of you, should we question him before venturing to the lower levels? I'm inclined to leave him unconscious and question him later."

Zullion: "Now would be better, the more info we have going to the enemy, the better."

Sarathel: "When the helpful brother wakes up, we could ask him for confirmations of anything he claims?"

Nightwolf "Very well, though I won't trust anything he says."

Vendric: "Questioning him now could give us some information on whats down below. Then again we could gain nothing and lose some time."

Nightwolf "So we'll have the word of two confirmed traitors."

Sarathel: "We're only losing time if we go on long enough to cut into our sleep, no?"

Zullion: "I'd rather maybe lose time, than definitely walk into an ambush or the unknown"

Grand Lodge

Sosiel Vaenic prays to all-loving Shelyn, and a few of Staunton's wounds slowly heal.

Nightwolf "Do we have any spells that can help us determine the truth of what he says."

Sarathel: "He should be awake now. I can pray for a {i}zone of truth{/i} but he might resist it."

Nightwolf "It's better than nothing."

Sarathel prays, and a soft light fills the area. She shakes her head. "His will is strong, though evil."

Staunton Vhane 's eyes remain closed and still.

Nightwolf "Then we will have to depend on our own intuition."

Sarathel: "He merely feigns sleep."

Nightwolf pokes Staunton with the tip of a sword.

Staunton Vhane attempts to shove the blade aside.

Nightwolf "Speak or you'll need more healing than we care to give."

Staunton Vhane: "Speak? You tell me to speak? You give me orders who rules over this city? You should crawl on your knees begging the mercy of the Abyss... oh yes, the Abyss has mercy...for those who join with it. Those strong enough to be useful."

Nightwolf "I've got news for you, pal, you ain't ruler of but two things right now: Jack and s*%$... and Jack left town."

Staunton Vhane glares daggers at Nightwolf. "If you wish to think of yourself as excrement, so you will be treated."

Zullion: "You my friend, are no position to make threats. It is rather sad to see one fallen so far."

Nightwolf "Tell us about the lower levels of your city - your highness."

Staunton Vhane: "Fallen? You say that as though it were a bad thing! The greatest glories lie within the deepest depths!"

Nightwolf "and what 'glories' await us below?"

Staunton Vhane: "Power! The likes of which you have not dreamed! Which shall never be yours until you accept the sweet embrace of the shadows!"

Zullion leans over to Lerial and whispers "Can I kill him now?"

Lerial: "If we did that, we might have to face him again as some sort of bug-demon."

Vendric: "Judging by their 'Ruler' I'd say a few more baubaus and those rat things. Can't imagine much more would be willing to serve under him."

Nightwolf "Typical megalomaniac."

Staunton Vhane: "Hah! You seek to trick me into revealing the final defenses! I will not fall for that so easily."

Nightwolf "Final, as in last. We already know about the ritual to suck your city into the abyss. What will you rule then?"
Staunton Vhane: "Either I will be provided a new city, or Drezen shall be rebuilt in the Abyss."

Zullion leans over to Lerial and whispers again "how about now?"
Staunton Vhane: "As can be said for all Golarion's cities! For soon the Abyss shall swallow this world!"

Nightwolf "Do demons normally reward such failure?"

Vendric: "Not really I just honestly think you don't have as much control as you think. After all we heard of the succubus that got away from you. In fact I bet you don't really know what is even down there do you? I don't think any demon lord would put someone so incompetent in charge."

Lerial: "If you don't mind him coming back as something with a dozen legs... or we could just gag him and knock him out...maybe stick him in his own antimagic cell once we've cleared it out? For the rest of his natural life?"

Staunton Vhane: "I. Have. Kept. My. Charge."

Nightwolf "Seems to me your best outcome is our success. If you are recaptured by the demons you will surely suffer greatly for your failure thus far."

Staunton Vhane cackles. "You think to stand against the might of the Abyss? Look around! The very soil is poison, the air, infused with corruption!"

Staunton Vhane: "Is it not glorious?"

Nightwolf "Not."

Vendric: "Corruption can be purified. All that you done can be undone as well."

Staunton Vhane: "And as for a succubus being held prisoner? Don't be ridiculous. There have been several in my service." He leers.

Nightwolf: "You really think we should put him in his own prison? It can't be very secure, at least one prisoner has already escaped."

Staunton Vhane: "Oh, yes...by all means put me in the cells. I'm sure I'll be comfortable there."

Vendric: "That slight twitch in your temple betrays some of your words. It seems you did have trouble with one succubus. And managed to let her escape as well."

Sarathel: "Interesting... he actually is afraid we'll throw him in his own cells."

Zullion: "I am getting very tired of all this, to think people would side with those creatures..." he sighs.

Lerial: "They can be quite persuasive...when one is vulnerable." She replies sadly.

Vendric: "I don't see why. they obviously don't work otherwise he'd not have lost a prisoner. Maybe once we deal with the rest of his little demons we can get someone to actually make a decent cell out of them."

Nightwolf "Well if his majesty doesn't wish it, maybe we'll consider putting him in his own cell, regardless of its reputation for escapees."

Staunton Vhane: "She never would have escaped if your deities weren't cheating! They aren't supposed to interfere directly on this plane!"

Nightwolf "Really you're going to accusing the good deities of cheating?"

Zullion: "You, my dear I do not count, you were lied to by people, or by shapeshifters, I am sure one of their kind would not simply appear in their true form."

Nightwolf "All is fair in love and war."

Staunton Vhane: "There's no other explanation for the overpowering stench of goodness left behind when the wards fell!"

Staunton Vhane: "Or the butterflies! I never had a butterfly infestation before!"

Nightwolf "Oh really a butterfly infestation?"

Staunton Vhane: "We wiped it out again quickly, of course."

Vendric: "Sounds like a poor excuse to me. I doubt your master will or did buy it. And even if its true how did she slip past your guards after escaping the cells. Are your demons really that powerless to stop one succubus?

Nightwolf "You know Desna is chaotic right? She doesn't have to play by the rules."

Vendric: "Guess it really is only a few baubuas left under there."

Nightwolf "Be sure to flap your wings at him, Ven."

Staunton Vhane: "She's a master spy. Avoiding notice is something she's skilled at. You can't trust anything about her!"

Nightwolf "If a 'master spy' really has spent time inside your walls I would greatly like to meet her."

Vendric: "And none of your guards were prepared for such things? Even though you knew what she was capable of? Sounds like you really are incompetent."

Joran Vhane wakes up with all this yelling. "Babaus are just in the torture chamber. But there's a couple spectres down the long hall...bunch of vampires at the end of it... with their master having a study off the torture chamber. The forge's near the entrance, but behind a secret door... guarded by salamanders. I know there are more rooms, but I haven't seen them."

Staunton Vhane: "And you call {i}me{/i} a traitor." he lunges at his brother, but the chains hold him back.

Nightwolf "I call him useful... and potentially redeemable. You I regret not killing in battle since you are neither."

Vendric: "He is kind of entertaining. Hearing how a bunch of butterflies caused him so much trouble."

Nightwolf "Well I know one large butterfly that caused him no small trouble."

Vendric: "Yep. It seems Butterflies are your bane Staunton Vhane."

Staunton Vhane glares daggers at Vendric. Vendric gives him a cheeky smile. Staunton Vhane clamps his lips shut.

Nightwolf "As I predicted it seems we'll get nothing useful from him."
Sarathel: "The bit about a demoness being sprung by your goddess might be useful...but not in keeping the citadel on this plane."

Nightwolf "True, information to investigate at another time."

Vendric: "We did get some info from him. And his reaction to what his brother said makes me think its true."

Nightwolf "Or a ruse, I guess we'll find out soon enough."

Nightwolf "I wouldn't mind meeting a prisoner sprung by Desna herself."

Sarathel: "Soon enough, yes... but it won't hurt to bring some stakes. How's your holy water supply holding up, Vendric?"

Nightwolf "Delivering rapid airborne wooden stakes are my specialty."

Vendric: "Nor would I. It is something I'd like to see personally. As for my supply I still have a bunch if the regular stuff but only 1 vial of the concentrated stuff. I should be able to make a few more by tomorrow."

Sarathel: "Think we should borrow some garlic from the cooks?"

Vendric: "I'm not sure how well that actually works but doesn't hurt to carry some. But for now rest awaits us and maybe if I'm lucky Densa will bless me with some dreams that will shed some light in our new found situation."

((Thus ends session 43.))

Grand Lodge

Nightwolf takes Vhane's journal to read before bed. They all rest well, their guards proving effective. The next morning, they return to the Citadel, wending their way through now-unguarded halls.

Nightwolf "No reinforcements have come up from below it seems."

Sarathel: "Perhaps they're all occupied with their ritual...or hiding even from the weakened sunlight of the Worldwound."

Zullion: "Either way, we have to be careful, and also be thorough in cleansing this place of their taint."

Tomas Castonello: "Given the amount of resources and manpower lost, it makes sense to concentrate their forces and hold out for the trump card. Expect to find traps or barricades set up for us. Possibly a triggered summoning circle. That's what I would have done."

Zullion laughs "Well then, at least if you turn into an evil overlord, we know now what to look out for"

Sarathel chuckles. "I do not think they will do that. Not with how much of their time they give."

Tomas Castonello: "Oh please. If I was going to turn against you, I'd have been planning it so long you would already be doomed."

Zullion: "Ah, the brains of the outfit has spoken, we will all perish under his magnificent mind"

Nightwolf "That's why we let you take the lead."

Skinnareth: "Ah, brilliant work human. The other mortals will pale in the wake of your floating water balls and marble skin tattoos."

Zullion takes a deep breath, he looks around at his comrades, at Pharah, then nods "Let us get this show on the road. We have demons to kill."

Tomas Castonello: "Right then. Enough joking around... seriously, Skinnareth."

Skinnareth: "Whatever, human. Get it over with."

Skinnareth clacks his talons upon the doors as he inspects them, checking for signs of magic.

Tomas Castonello: "There's two sources of some kind of magic ahead. Take care as we go forward."

Tomas Castonello puts his taloned hands on the doors, peering in to check for waiting soldiers. He slithers inside, finding ​the walls of the chamber hold numerous dark, narrow prison cells.​ ​Around the main entrance stands an iron cage, with a cell door blocking entrance into the main vault. ​They are all able to withstand the sourceless whispers thickening the air.

Zullion: "I will take point." He starts to move forward slowly, his sword and shield ready, Pharah's feathers bristling with anticipation.

Nightwolf: "And I will kill all the monsters while you stand in front of me."

Tomas Castonello: "Then I'm counting on you to get there first, Skinnareth!"

Skinnareth: "Whatever. Let's get out of this tomb."

Zullion: "Perhaps someone needs to check this gate?"

Nightwolf checks for traps. "It is safe to open."

Pharah pushes the gate open in eerie silence. With that Zullion steps through, "We have bodies in the cells," he says softly

Sarathel: "we can see to them after the ritual is disrupted."

Tomas Castonello: "This area lies heavy with evil protection magic. Perhaps a dampener effect for holy crusaders."

Nightwolf inspects the bodies through the bars. They look human... some Kellid, some Taldan. "Nothing we can do for these empty vessels now. What's down this passage?" He indicates the double doors across from the stairs. Tomas Castonello goes to open the door and check inside again.

Sarathel: "I think Joran said that would be the prison wing."

Grand Lodge

A specter glides down the hall at Skinnareth, tapping him on the nose.

Nightwolf "Ven, quick some of that ghost oil of yours!"

Tomas Castonello: "Aggh! It just tried to rip my soul apart!"

Skinnareth: "Okay, now I'm annoyed!" His amulet of mighty fists bouncing against his scales, he tears into the specter with fang and claw. Though somewhat tattered, the apparition continues to hover.

Zullion holds back, seeing this is not his fight. Nightwolf stuffs a fistful of arrows into a pot of goo presented by the alchemist before firing a volley! The first specter dissolves and wails as Nightwolf's arrow strikes. Two arrows hang from the farther specter's chest.

Nightwolf: "Seems they are no match for your alchemical creations."

The second specter flies in, but Skinnareth is easily able to dodge it. Skinnareth crawls his way to the top of the hallway, hangs down, and savagely swipes at the apparition. The specter dissolves with a wail.

Sarathel: "Those weren't so bad."

Tomas Castonello: "We were particularly lucky. Having one's life force drained is a very specific school of magic I haven't studied. I won't be excited to do that again."

Nightwolf: "Less so than they appeared. Let us onward. With you standing in front of me of course."

Tomas Castonello: "You know, now that I have the hang of it, the ceiling seems safer."

Zullion: "Doors" he says softly and points to his right.

Sarathel: "Those would lead toward the torture chamber...with the babaus, and maybe the master vampire. The anti-magic prison should be on the other side." She points towards the left.

Nightwolf: "I've never killed a vampire before."

Zullion: "So we go through here then."

Grand Lodge

Skinnareth slithers over to the southward doors and starts to slip through, following a stairway further down...down...down into a dank hall containing a restraining table and various implements of torture.​ ​The sharp tang of fresh blood hangs heavy in the air, and the directionless whispering is louder. The pair of babaus flanking the entrance to the stairway look up in surprise at the creature walking along the ceiling, 20 feet above. Zullion rides Pharah down into the torture chamber, and the babaus spring into action, skewering the cavalier on their longspears.

Zullion: "GAAAAAH!" He cries out in pain as his armor is pierced, but steels himself to carry through his attack. Zullion's lance drives deep into the eastern babau's flesh, but the gryphon draws back from its acidic coating.

Nightwolf charges down the stairs, drawing on his mythic might, and fires a volley at the babaus. The babau on the east falls with three arrows in its chest. The one on the west catches an arrow with each shoulder, growling over its pain. The surviving babau attempts to retaliate against Nightwolf, who dodges its now-clumsy blows. Skinnareth drops from the ceiling, flares his wings, appears above the babau and lets loose with all of his fury. Skinnareth hits the ground and finishes off the demon by crushing it.

Skinnareth: "How disappointing. Where to now?"

Zullion is breathing heavily, clutching his side where the spears penetrated his armour "I may... need some... help," he whispers.

Sarathel prays to heal Zullion.

Zullion looks down and gives her a smile "Thank you m'lady, that will for sure ease the pain"

Sarathel: "I wish only I had the faith to heal such grievous wounds more rapidly."

Nightwolf: "Incoming from behind. A lot of them."

Our heroes lie in wait as the footsteps draw closer...closer. A pale, fanged person with red eyes reaches the hall directly across from the stairs. Zullion leans forward with his lance, as he bears forward at the creature, his lance aimed at its chest. Our heroes can all put a name to this creature: vampire.

Sarathel: "I think... that's just a spawn. Poor creature to be so turned."

Zullion drives his lance through the vampire's blackened heart. It falls to the floor, turning to dust faster than aught natural. Another of its kind turns the corner, lashing out with a knife, metal bouncing off Zullion's armor.

Nightwolf in contrast to his usual blacken the sky strategy, draws a single sharpened stick, takes careful deliberate aim at the vampire's heart, and fires. "I shall put this creature out of its misery quickly."

The simple, sharpened length of wood flies past Sara, Pharah, and Zullion, sliding between the vampire's ribs. It falls backward, and crumbles to dust. Vendric draws out a bomb that glows through its vial, hurling it at the rearmost pair of vampires. It explodes in a shower of butterflies of light, passing through the undead, scorching them. The vampiric spawn cry out as they dissolve. The butterflies remain an instant longer, then dissipate as well. The two remaining vampiric spawn throw themselves at Vendric, their blades no match for his alchemic protections.

Skinnareth takes wing and glides up the stairs, tucking his way through the narrow corridor so as to get closer to the threat. The first two bites slay the nearer spawn. Sarathel prays for Zullion's further healing. Most of the wounds inflicted by the sneaky demons now gone, he nods at Serathel in thanks. Sarathel smiles as she salutes the knight. Pharah bites the last spawn in half and tears it to shreds.

For the next several seconds, our heroes feel they are being watched, and examine their surroundings, unable to find the source of their foreboding. Skinnareth clings to the ceiling just east of the stairs' top and watches for signs of an attack. Pharah and Zullion remain on the topmost stairs. Sarathel joins Nightwolf between the sturdiest of the heroes, Vendric standing at their backs to the west.

Suddenly, Zullion raises his lance, as he strikes at his scaly once-companion.

Sarathel: "Zullion's been enchanted!"

Skinnareth bellows as the controlled warrior stabs upward at him, piercing his flesh and issuing black smoke from his wound. "You FOOL! What on planes do you think you're doing!?"

Vendric: "As Sara said, he's been enchanted."

Tomas Castonello: "I felt that... I really felt that!"

Nightwolf prays to Desna that the cavalier be protected from evil, and pats his armored shin.

Tomas Castonello: "Skinnareth, he has been possessed! We have to pin him down somehow!"

Skinnareth: "Oh, I know a somehow..."

Nightwolf "Pharah, Zullion has been possessed, you must throw him."

Vendric drinks an alchemical allocation then draws on his mythic might to drink an elixir of vision. He now sees a figure lurking at the bottom of the stairs, peering around the corner, shadows pouring off his armor. He points at the man. "There he is! He must be the caster!" He moves closer to the figure.

Skinnareth puts his head close to Zullion and roars as his wings open up, "You got lucky..." He flies down and digs into the wall searching vainly for the vampire. "Your senses fail you, human! There's nothing here!"

Sarathel prays for Skinnareth's wounds to heal. A moment later, the half-orc vampire strikes Skinnareth from the shadows, scales turning his dagger.

Zullion bellows out in anger "Mess with my mind will you?! Pharah, lets get him!" he charges down the stairs, lance raised, piercing the vampire's chest with the gryphon's full weight behind it. Pharah follows suit as she too digs into the attacker of her companion and friend, with beak and talons.

The vampire turns misty, and starts to drift southeast through a door into a room with well-stocked bookshelves lining the walls, a plush carpet covering the floor. ​On it lies a human man, two small wounds in his neck.

Vendric yells. "We need to follow it. It's not finished yet." He suits action to words, the others following as best they can.

Tomas Castonello: "We ought to prepare for when he reforms. Sara, are you capable of conjuring daylight?"

Sarathel shakes her head. "Conjured light won't work. It has to be the real thing. Though one of Nightwolf's special arrows and some of Vendric's holy water should do the trick."

Tomas Castonello: "Maybe so, but if the light is bright enough he won't be able to sneak around very easily."

Sarathel: "That is a good thought... I shouldn't have been so caught up in what he is rather than what he has been able to do."

Vendric: "Looks like we got a bitten man here."

Sarathel: "Is he still breathing?" Being the slowest, she's still near the stairs.

Vendric: "He looks alive."

The vampire's misty form disappears into the bottom of the one bare patch on the wall.

Vendric: "I"ll leave this man to you, Sara. We can't let this vampire get away."

Nightwolf: "Its locked."

A dome of healing light erupts from Sara as she reaches the library's doorway. It takes Nightwolf only seconds to pop open the locked hidden door. Beyond is a room, 15 ft. square. A coffin is its only furnishing. The vampire has coalesced within, his massive wounds slowly oozing shut.

Skinnareth: "Do I get to smash it now?"

Nightwolf draws a wooden shaft and drives it through the half-orc vampire's heart.

Sarathel: "Smashing it would just turn it back to mist, Skinnareth. Vampires must be slain in a special way."

Vendric: "So there is a trick to this. Nightwolf has done step one. Now skinny you may remove his head if you please. then I'll do the rest." He pulls out some holy water.

Skinnareth: "Beheading things? How barbaric a notion."

Sarathel: "We could drag the body up into the sunlight if you prefer..."

Vendric: "such are the steps. This would be the fastest option."

Sarathel: "Quite true."

Vendric: "If you won't I'm sure Zullion would."

Tomas Castonello: "Based on what I've read, beheadings are a relied-upon means of killing the undead. Couldn't hurt at least what with all the biting."

Sarathel: "In fairness, beheading also kills most living things as well."

Skinnareth: "Very well. Let's just move on from this place." He gingerly picks up the limp creature, pinches his head between two claws, and pulls it until it comes off.

Vendric: "Now my turn." He splashes the head with holy water making sure to get all of it. The corpse dissolves to dust, leaving his gear behind.

Nightwolf: "I shall now add vampire slayer to my resume."
((Thus ends session 44.))

Grand Lodge

Nightwolf looks down at the vampire's last victim. "I am surprised this man is alive."

Idrian Vosner: "Gruhhh…." The man's eyes snap open and his hand flies to his neck.

Sarathel inspects the man. "Looks like it was very close."

Vendric: "Then it is good we arrived." Vendric looks at the man.

Nightwolf "So it would seem."

Vendric: "Yes you are. By the luck of Desna we arrived in time to save you and slay the being that wished to use you as dinner."

Sarathel nods. "I'm afraid we weren't in time for the others."

Idrian Vosner: "My squad... they were captured with me..."

Nightwolf "I sense you are not an evil creature. Who are you?"

Idrian Vosner: "Name's Idrian Vosner. We were pulled out of a prison camp on top of the hill... You... you're not demons... not cultists?"

Nightwolf "No, though I rarely take one at their word when answering such questions."

Vendric: "We are crusaders. We aim to take back this city and purge the demons. This basement is the last holdout for them."

Idrian Vosner: "I'm inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to people who save me when a vampire's draining my blood. Thank Iomedae, Erastil, Desna and anyone else who's concerned."

Tomas Castonello: "Well, nobody that inclusive could possibly be evil. Hooray!"

Vendric: "Well if we want to be sure its not a demon's ploy..." Vendric splashes the man with holy water. Idrian Vosner is slightly dampened.

Sarathel: "I'm not sure he should be sent to camp on his own... he doesn't know the way, and if a demon should teleport in while he's on the way..."

Tomas Castonello: "If you want to bring him back while we go on ahead, I guess that'd be fine. We can probably take it from here."

Nightwolf "I suppose we can spare a brief detour."

Sarathel: "Zullion and Pharah could probably get him back the quickest..."

Nightwolf: "Seems reasonable. The rest of us shall return to exploration of this place then."

Zullion and Pharah are happy to escort Idrian Vosner to safety.

Vendric: "Indeed, we have more areas to clear out and check."

Grand Lodge

Vendric checks the other rooms off the main torture chamber and finds them furnished with more obviously used torture equipment, but nothing living, or undead.

Nightwolf: "Let's head north."

Sarathel: "All right."

Nightwolf: "You coming Skinas?"

When tried, the north gate opens easily with Staunton Vhane's key.

Nightwolf: "Tomareth?"

Vendric walks in and opens the door. Sarathel follows at her slow pace.

Nightwolf follows him. "Hmm... Tomareth sounds better but a little on the long side..."

Sarathel: "I wouldn't really expect either of them to respond to such a mishmash." She looks around the main room. "It looks rather empty."

Two large prison cells flank this large interrogation chamber.​ ​The entryway to each cell is lined with multiple layers of arcane sigils scribed into the floor, lintels, and even the barred door.​ ​While the symbols around the western cell door glow with red light, those to the east do not and its prison door hangs open.

Nightwolf "Meh, I bet if I said 'Tomareth, there is a big pile of jewels in here' one of them would come check it out."

​Tomas Castonello comes dragging his serpentine body down the hall. His long tail thumps as he turns corners and his claws click upon the floor. "Oh, well, I'm here. Skinnareth's pretty quiet though. He has been off for a while." He makes his way up the stairs and across the caged-off foyer. "Oh... excuse me. I don't want to crush you, Sara."

Sarathel steps out of their way. "Of course. Did Skinnareth not find vampire slaying to his taste?"

Tomas Castonello: "Hmm. Maybe he just didn't respect it because it looked human. That sounds like him."

Vendric: "Hmm interesting." He looks into the cell. "This must have been the cell of the escaped Succubus. Guess Densa left her mark on her as well,"

Vendric goes in to read the writing he sees the edges of on the north wall.

"​HEAR MY PRAYER, LADY LUCK. FOR IT IS LUCK I NEED IN ESCAPING THIS CELL. NOT JUST THE LIFE BEHIND THESE BARS, BUT AN ETERNITY SPENT SHACKLED TO THE ABYSS ITSELF. IF YOU TRULY ARE THE TENDER OF DREAMS, THEN TENDER UNTO ME A NEW EXISTENCE. LET ME SING THE SONG OF THE SPHERES, SEE THE STARS WITH NEW EYES, AND ESCAPE THE PIT INTO WHICH MY SOUL WAS CAST. BRING ME GOOD FORTUNE, MY LADY. BRING ME A NEW SPIRIT MADE CLEAN. AND I WILL FOREVER BE YOURS, IN LIFE, AND IN FAITH. I AM READY. FINALLY READY."

Tomas Castonello does his part in casting detect magic on the cell.

Vendric: "Hmm the whispers are gone. That's a relief at least. And I feel good in here."

Nightwolf: "Seems this is where the escaped prisoner was kept."

Vendric: "And where Lady Desna helped her escape."

Tomas Castonello: "There's defeinitely some different kind of magic going on here. The occupant may have studied some powerful arcane magic and counterspelled their way out."

Vendric: "No Desna helped. She told me so last night."

Tomas Castonello: "Or they had a concealed item for casting. Of course, if their captors weren't prepared for it, they may not have taken the proper measures."

Vendric: "And once we get this keep under our control i think we should make efforts of finding this jail's old occupant."

Sarathel: "The relative silence is quite peaceful... amazing how something can wear on one when one isn't even thinking of it."

Nightwolf: "Curious, I knew this occupant. I'm sure of it. Though I don't know how."

Tomas Castonello: "It does make for a real nasty headache. I have been feeling a pressure on me since we stepped down here. Here, let me in the room." He reverts to his own human form and joins the others in the large, butterfly-etched cell.

Nightwolf: "She is the one that rescued me from the worldwound as a child."

Tomas Castonello: "Interesting. The planar attunement is totally gone here. Whatever she did to these walls, I want some of it."

Vendric rubs his fingers in the writing a he reads. "And then she indeed answered. I wonder if this is now considered a holy spot for Desna. Perhaps once we take this place for ourselves we can turn it into something more pleasing than a cell."

Sarathel: "It looks like the former occupant has alreayd half-made it into a shrine." She traces one of the butterflies.

Nightwolf "It would please me to lock Staunton in here with a whole flock of butterflies."

Sarathel: "Do you think the peace of this place could heal even him?"

Tomas Castonello: "We can brainstorm ideas after a quick respite. I just wanna rest my eyes..."

Vendric looks at Tomas. "This was done by Desna. Well the magic part. And yes I suppose it is. Though I bet a nice mural of the stars on the ceiling and removal of the bars will help as well."

Tomas Castonello sits in the corner with his hands behind his head and relaxes. "Sure, whatever you say... Desnan..."

Nightwolf "I was going more for drive him mad, but whatever."

Vendric: "I'm afraid that may only annoy him further. I think he may have grown a great distaste for butterflies after all hes been through."

Sarathel laughs. "I suppose that is a possibility."

Nightwolf "Seems there is little more to discover here for now. Let us return to the subject when we have finished this place."

Vendric: "I think once we got this place secure we should find the previous occupant. From what Desna told me last night in my dreams she may need our assistance and guidance."

Sarathel: "That's rather direct divine guidance.. is this usual for you?"

Vendric: "Somewhat. For as long as i can remember I have been visited by a Dream lady as I used to call her. She taught me about the stars and other planes while I dreamnt. As I got older she started given me advice and hints as to where I might be needed most."

Sarathel: "And now I find I must steel myself to face what's outside the cell door..." She turns to Tomas. "Are you ready?" She rests her hand on his shoulder.

Tomas Castonello: "Hold on. I'm using prestidigitation to warm my robe and it's doing wonders for my shoulders."

Sarathel smiles. "Sounds nice... would you be willing to do the same for my armor? Please?"

Tomas Castonello: "Oh yeah... come here for a bit."

Sarathel would sit next to Tomas. Tomas Castonello puts his hands on Sara's shoulders and speaks the incantation, making her armor radiate heat like a warm cup of tea.

Sarathel smiles. "Thank you, Tomas. That is lovely."

Nightwolf rolls his eyes at the frivolousness

"Mmmm... it is..." Tomas Castonello puts his head on Sarathel's shoulder and basks in the heat.

Sarathel leans her head over slightly, onto Tomas's. "I could stay in here all day... unfortunately, there's that ritual proceeding to drag this place into the Abyss."

Nightwolf: "Yes, inconvenient that."

Tomas Castonello: "Just a few more minutes..."

Sarathel runs a healing hand through Tomas's hair while whispering a prayer. "Does that help?"

Nightwolf looks ready to retch.

Tomas Castonello: "Your hands feel really good. It's nice to not be interrupted by that snake for once."
Sarathel smiles. "Perhaps we should come back once we've dealt with our deadline...see if that's a property of this place."

Tomas Castonello: "Nnnngh... and the comfort is gone."

Sarathel: "Evidently not?"

Nightwolf mumbles under his breath "Never thought I'd miss the snake."

Tomas Castonello: "Yeah, okay. I'm good to go."

Sarathel would start struggling to her feet. Tomas Castonello rises with Sarathel, brushes her armor and his clothes off, and gives her shoulder a squeeze.

Nightwolf "Come on, I'd tell you three to get a room but it seems you've found one."

Sarathel smiles, blushing. Tomas Castonello looks away and blushes

Vendric: "Hmm yeah this cell may be a bit too comfortable. Perhaps its cause of all the evil that surrounds it. Like an oasis in the desert. But Nightwolf is right we should leave and make haste. We can talk later once we know this place isn't gonna end up sucked into the Abyss."

Tomas Castonello: "That's alright. Give me a minute."

Vendric gets up and prepares to head out again.

Sarathel would carefully squeeze Tomas's hand, while he still has one. Tomas Castonello walks out of the cell and begins to concentrate. His hand leaves Sarathel's as he begins to convulse, his body covering in shadow as the form of the winged snake overtakes him once more.

Vendric: "Must say they do make a cute couple or maybe I should say trio." He says to Nightwolf as he follows them out.

Sarathel: "Everything we're looking for must be through that secret door Jhoran mentioned... the one opening onto his forge."

Vendric: "Then that is where we go next."

Grand Lodge

Our heroes proceed down the prison hall and toward the alcove they've been informed hides a door.

Sarathel: "It should be at the back of that southern alcove, assuming Jhoran was telling the truth."

Vendric: "Well time to see if he was."

Tomas Castonello: "Well, that's gonna have to get marked. I do not trust myself to find that quickly."

Vendric: "It's quite easy if you know what you're looking for. But yeah, a few more redesigns are needed for this place overall, anyway."

Sarathel: "We shouldn't be surprised that demonic architecture is a bit twisted."

Tomas Castonello: "I'll scout ahead for enemies." He slowly drags himself through the small hallway and emerges onto a terrace overlooking a large room. In an alcove of the terrace, ​a ten-foot-wide cage encloses an elevated lift. ​A line of chains and an array of pulleys allow the cage to be lowered down into the room or moved across the room to a set of double doors at the far side of the chamber.​​

Nightwolf "Coming butterfly?"

Tomas Castonello: "...Found em."

​Heat wavers in the air, and wisps of vapor periodically waft up from the floor and walls, but the temperature atop the terrace is rather cool.​ The walls of the lower room glow red hot. The large forge is the lower room's most notable feature... though the fiery serpentine creatures also stand out. The salamanders ready their spears as they see motion on the terrace.

Tomas Castonello: "I'll take flight and get the ones in the back. You lot lay down support from here. I get the feeling we shouldn't approach the hellish flame mouth."

Nightwolf "Ranged support is what I do."

Vendric: "Well time to see how well these new bombs work on demons. Well not demons but the effect on evil non-demons would be good data to have as well."

Vendric hurls a holy bomb at the farther salamander on the north side of the room, and for possibly the first time, a salamander learns what it's like to burn. The stricken salamander thinks to lure the party down where they can be reached, and heads up a narrow hall to the northwest.

Nightwolf moves to the edge of the terrace, loosing a volley of arrows. The nearest salamander falls with four arrows in it. The fifth hits the one by the forge. The further salamander to the south withdraws into the tunnel on that side.

Nightwolf: "Tough little buggers, but not hard to hit."

Tomas Castonello picks up his wings and glides down to the lower floor, skimming ten feet above the ground. He flies into the tunnel and snatches the salamander in his jaws, landing on the ceiling. Sarathel moves out onto the terrace. The salamander by the forge makes for a door in the corner. Vendric flies out for a better angle and acquaints it with a holy bomb. The first salamander burnt by holiness reaches the end of the hallway, turning with spear raised. Nightwolf looses another volley from his perch on the terrace's edge and the salamander in the corner dies with the second arrow. The salamander held in Protean jaws vainly attempts to stab his captor.

Tomas is pained by the heat of the forge-floor. "Okay, this is my first try. SAVAGE MELEE!"

Tomas Castonello caps the salamander in the chest with a talon and throws him to the ground. His tail comes down like a sharp kick to the torso, and then his head snakes down and grabs it again, shaking it until it goes limp. "Gah! I can't believe I just did that!"

Sarathel draws on mystic might, praying for herself, Nightwolf, and Vendric to be resist the heat. "Tomas? Are you all right?"

Tomas Castonello: "A little hot, but I'm okay! I'll meet you guys back topside!"

Vendric flies towards the one that had slithered up the north tunnel and tosses another bomb, keeping as close to the ceiling as he can. The salamander rears up on its coils, to stab vainly at Vendric. Nightwolf rolls off the ledge, landing on his feet on the forge-floor. He fires on the last salamander, which is fighting Vendric in the tunnel. It takes an arrow through the shoulder.

Tomas Castonello crawls out of the opposite hallway and flies back up to the top of the chamber where Sarathel is. "Wow! What a scorcher! Not doing that for a while!"

Sarathel: "I can help with that, Tomas." She smiles, setting a hand on his snout, blessing him with fire resistance. "It shouldn't bother you for quite a while, now."

Tomas Castonello: "Huh... wow, that's..." He hides his head under his wing.

Sarathel: "I'm glad I can help."

Vendric flies back a bit and drops two more bombs, the second finishing off the salamander.

Nightwolf "Lets explore this area and the adjoining rooms quickly while Sara's spell lasts."

Sarathel: "I'm not sure I'm nimble enough to jump down like Nightwolf did... I suppose that means I'll have to work out how this cage-thing works...unless someone can carry me down. It should last an hour and a half... so that's not so much a rush."

Tomas Castonello: "Um, hey! I'll help you down!"

Vendric: "Time to show the lady what you got Tomas!"

Sarathel smiles. "Thank you, Tomas."

Nightwolf "Without your magic I'd be trying to work that thing myself."

Vendric lands and looks around.

Tomas Castonello: "Just, um, hold onto me real tight, okay?"
Nightwolf "Without your magic I'd be trying to work that thing myself."

The forge matches the description of the Corruption Forge...there's nothing else of interest.

Sarathel wraps her arms around Tomas's currently serpentine neck. Tomas Castonello flares his wings and floats slowly down with his arms around Sarathel, the hot air making him glide lightly across the room. He keeps a gentle grip to avoid squashing her, but holds firmly to keep her safe

Sarathel smiles. "Now that was a delightful flight. Thank you again."

Tomas Castonello: "Wow... flying feels so much different when it's with a... friend." He lets Sarathel down gently and flexes his arms, grinning toothily.

Sarathel smiles. "In a good way, I hope. Is it also different when you're the one directing your movements?"

Tomas Castonello: "Hahah, yeah, completely. I guess I've been around long enough while Skinnareth was doing it that it's mostly muscle memory, but I am so surprised by how intuitive it is."

Vendric and Nightwolf carefully investigate the three rooms down the north hall, listening at doors before opening.

Nightwolf "Enough weapons for a small garrison, but nothing magical or of any note. Lets move on."

The other single-doors prove to lead onto a storeroom for smithing tools, and coal stores.

Tomas Castonello takes some time to recite a couple incantations and grunts confidently as his body grows stronger, layering over with bark-like scales and pumping his arms furiously in the air, thus casting barkskin and bull's strength.

Vendric motions to the others. "Chanting." He motion to the door.

Sarathel: "You think that's it? The ritual room?"

Nightwolf and Vendric nod. Vendric counts down on his hand and throws open the doors.

Grand Lodge

Within, a small dais of steps descends into this oddly shaped chamber, while more stairs lead up to the northwest and southeast. The ceiling is 40 above. Lit candles surround the 26-ft.-diameter circle of arcane purpose scribed on the floor, centered around a large crystal hanging from a heavy chain, pulsing in the reflected light. It is surrounded by 3 schirs, the succubus who had escaped upstairs, and a female tiefling with dragonfly wings.

Tomas Castonello: "No way... that's the second biggest ritual circle I've ever seen!"

Sarathel: "How big was the largest?"

Nightwolf: "Meh, I've seen bigger."

Tomas Castonello: "Picture if this entire basement was one room."

Sarathel whistles appreciatively. She smiles at the familiar succubus, saluting her with her own rapier.

Vendric: "Ahh demons this time. Now I can see how my new bombs work on them."

Tomas Castonello: "Sara? You're not going to fight her, are you?"

Sarathel: "Fight her? I doubt she'll be alive long enough." She whispers. "But the others thought taunting her would be a good idea."

Nightwolf takes down a pair of schirs with one volley.

Tomas Castonello casts haste: "Alright huma... guys, let's hit them fast and hard!" He calls on his mythic power and charges in at the remaining schir, mauling it and holding it fast in his jaws.

Nightwolf: "Well that takes care of the rabble."

Vendric grins at the demon. "Miss me?" He hurls six bombs, three with either hand. Half slam into the succubus, and half into the tiefling.

Chorussina-the-tiefling retreats to the corner, and casts a spell. The air shimmers in front of her.

Kiranda-the-succubus smirks. "Not yet." She crooks a finger at Vendric. "I'm sure you're feeling sorry for that already."

Tomas Castonello: "Shoot!"

Kiranda: "And I'm sure you'll do everything you can to protect me, won't you?" She smiles.

Vendric: "Of course my dear."

Sarathel fails to dispel the charm. The remaining schir flails with halberd and horns, scratching open its own arm.

Sarathel: "Vendric's under a spell, like Zullion was, Tomas... you may have to restrain him."

Nightwolf "Or just kill the controlling agent." The third arrow of this volley finishes off the demoness. "I like my solution better."

Tomas Castonello flies 20 feet up into the air and releases the schir. He then points at the remaining demoness and says "You're gonna feel the hate that we feel from watching our friends suffer!" He casts rage

Vendric shakes his head as the magic still clouds it, but with the caster now dead. And having received no orders to attack his allies, he focuses on the tiefling. "Perhaps you should just surrender. Your all that's left and you alone can't stop us all. You know if you somehow can make it out your masters aren't gonna be happy of your failure here. I think we are your best option at this point."

Chorussina spits in reply, the glob drizzling down the force wall.

Tomas Castonello: "Hey Sara, get in here. The wall will keep her pinned."

Vendric: "So a waiting game it is."

Sarathel: "Coming..."

Vendric: "Can one of you dispel this wall?"

Sarathel frowns. “I...don't think so.”

Chorussina is surrounded by blue flames.

Tomas Castonello: "I cooould try the Wild Arcana again, but..."

Nightwolf charges forward gripping his bow in left hand he draws an Adamantine battle axe and strikes at the wall. He feels a slight chipping sensation.

Vendric takes out a vial with supernatural speed and downs it. The magic causes a surge from his body as his his mind becomes sharper and body more limber. He then pulls out some bombs and adds in a something a little extra as he tosses them at the force wall. The wall is thus decorated by a tracery reminiscent of a spider's web.

((Thus ends session 45.))

Grand Lodge

Chorussina casts a spell, appearing to teleport over 2 feet. Sarathel moves out of the line to the door. Zullion swoops in on Pharah. On seeing his companions attacking the force wall, they charge in to join the assault. The spiderwebbing of lines started by Vendric's barrage expands a bit. Nightwolf strikes the wall twice, his axe chips the wall slightly. Vendric hurls a second barrage. The wall vanishes with Vendric's second bomb, and he hurls a pair of shining ones at the tiefling, which explode in a shower of golden butterflies of light, which zoom through her apparent location to strike the wall just past her. Chorussina steels herself, as the light-butterflies waft into her before dissipating, and casts another spell. Five shifting images half-merge with her own, mimicking her actions. Nightwolf steps back, dropping his axe and raising his bow, firing a volley at her. Chorussina falls with an arrow through her throat, and another through her chest. A flash of red appears on the tiefling woman's forehead in the shape of locust wings dripping blood in the instant of her death. Zullion nods at the outcome.

Zullion: "Well, that cant be good."

Sarathel: "She was a demoniac. Deskari has claimed her soul."

Tomas Castonello: "I suppose that makes her the Abyssal equivalent of a Diabolist. I imagine the rites are similar in that regard. That might help me with the particulars of undoing the enchantments of the area."

Sarathel: "You think you can dispel the whispers?"

Tomas Castonello: "Eventually, and with some help. I bet we'll have plenty of time to do so after the townspeople have reclaimed their city. For now, we made a whole lot of progress."

Sarathel: "Do you think, maybe, that severed the link to the Abyss that was bringing in the whispers? And now they'll fade away?"

Nightwolf: "Let's hope."

Tomas Castonello: "We can hope. The more we discover, the more we learn on what the Abyss has in store. That will help the Crusade in the long run. Not to mention, there's a nice little library in the late vampire's wing."

Nightwolf: "The ritual to draw the citadel into the Abyss would have used an existing focus that had been infusing the dungeon with Abyssal essence, which would explain the whispers. That crystal looks suspect but there might be other possibilities."

Tomas Castonello: "Well, might be fun to throw the crystal against stuff and smash it into tiny pieces."

Vendric: "Wouldn't hurt to try the crystal."

Nightwolf "It might."

Tomas Castonello: "We coooooould throw it in the forge. If nobody thinks it will have a bad reaction."

Vendric: "Isn't the forge currently used to make things evil? Don't see how that would help."

Sarathel: "I mean, possibly, once we've had time to reverse the forge's effects... Jhoran said that might be possible...maybe that would connect the crystal to Elysium instead?"

Vendric: "Can anyone remove unhallow? I think we may as well try the crystal. It is pretty suspect for being our anchor"

Tomas Castonello: "That's not my forte. What do you want to do, Sara?"

Sarathel: "That would almost have to be the evil spell you sensed earlier, wouldn't it, Tomas? How strong did you say it was? I can try to dispel it a few times... but I haven't yet learned the proper rituals to hallow a place."

Nightwolf: "Perhaps it is better to move on for now. We can return to this task when we have the proper rituals."

Tomas Castonello: "The aura I noted was overwhelming. It was cast by someone incredibly well learned. It might be beyond even our collective abilities."

Sarathel: "Hallowing always nullifies unhallowing. Regardless of the strength of those performing the ritual."

Tomas Castonello: "Then I trust your superior divine expertise. I'll help you any way I can."

Sarathel smiles at the protean form. "Thank you, but I'm afraid the fastest way will be if Sosiel happens to have the proper scroll...and it might be better to sort it out once the Sword of Valor is once more in place and locking the demons out."

Nightwolf "The search for the sword resumes."

Vendric: "It would. So now that we've secured this place or at least made it so its not in danger of being sucked into the Abyss lets continue our tasks." He leads the way through the southern doors, and down the hall to a wider hall leading north/south.

Grand Lodge

Swaths of pulsating red lichen illuminate this long, 30-foot-high, alcove-lined hall.​ ​The alcoves themselves display elaborate, colorful murals of demonic entities torturing goodly deities, each with inscriptions chiseled into the stone below them.​ ​At the far end of the hall stands a massive iron framework that displays a red banner. ​

Nightwolf: "Wait up Ven."

Vendric: "Huh seems someone hates the good gods. Not surprising i guess."

Vendric tosses holy water at the lichen. The glow given off by the lichen is rather pretty diffused through the liquid.

Nightwolf: "Come on Tomareth. Careful, I sense these murals are more than decoration. The banner is the trigger. We also cannot leave this room without triggering it."

Sarathel: "But... we can't just leave it... do you think you can do something about this trap? Anyone?"

Nightwolf: "I will do my best to disable it, please cover me." He inspects the mural of Desna with detect magic and detect evil. All the architecture is awash with evil Abyssal influences. The components of the trap appear to be magical auras connecting the 5 paintings of Deskari, the banner, and the exits.

Vendric also studies them, with identify.

Nightwolf: "You want the bad news or the worse news?"

Sarathel: "Can't we take good news?"

Vendric: "What about neutral news?

Nightwolf "The bad news is this isn't even the real banner."

Sarathel: "A second decoy... they were thorough."

Nightwolf "The worse news is if I fail to disarm this trap, we could be subjected to something similar to phantasmal killer. The best news I can give you is I might be able to disarm it."

Sarathel: "I dont' think I'm familiar with that spell...But disarming it is good, certainly."

Nightwolf "As the name implies, it is an illusion that can literally kill you from fear."

Vendric: "From i heard about it it summons an image of ones greatest fear and kills them from fright. Do you have anything that may help sara? Something to boost his ability to see through illusions or resist fear?"

Sarathel considers, and begins to pray for Nightwolf to have courage. "I have recently learned the ritual to resist negative energies, and some necromantic... would that help?"

Vendric: "Probably wouldn't hurt."

With Sara's preparations complete, Nightwolf says a quick prayer to Desna and sets to work on the trap with his tools. For five minutes he goes between the murals and the framework holding the illusory banner, carefully scraping at bits of the spells painted on them. "I have disabled it."

((End session 46))

Grand Lodge

Vendric moves up giving each portrait a quick look over. "These are gonna need to go."

Sarathel: "Do you think we should replace them with more fitting portraits? Or just get them off the rock?"

Vendric: "Depends what we decide to do with this place."

Nightwolf "Just hang some tapestries. We can discuss redecorating later."

Tomas Castonello comes bounding down the hallway after the group, bumping around corners and through doors.

Sarathel: "They had some fairly skilled artists, but we shouldn't be surprised at the abominable nature of their work."

Vendric: "Hmm, what's this?" At Vendric's touch, the panel swivels inward. Look what I found."

From the inside, the door on the far side of the short passage is rather obvious.

Sarathel: "See any trouble ahead?"

Vendric: "I see a statue in a pit. looks suspicious. Looks like a marilith."

Nightwolf "The statue, or the pit?"

Vendric: "Both."

Tomas Castonello: "This is something... even I can recognize. We've read about it before. It's the likeness of the demon that launched the siege of Drezen in the first place. Aponavicius."

Sarathel: "I suppose I can understand why they'd make a statue of her...she probably ordered it."

Vendric: "Can you scan it for magic. Perhaps they put a magic trap on it should we get close."

Nightwolf "How many arms is too many?"

Tomas Castonello: "Good point. Any one of these could be a stone golem about to crush us." He checks the statue for magic auras.

Vendric: "Depends on the person's taste guess, Nightwolf. I've heard tales of one with 100 arms. Though only tales."

Tomas Castonello: "Hold! There is magic here! And it's the floor itself!"

Vendric looks at the floor a few inches from his feet. "How so?"

Tomas Castonello: "So, the pit floor you see is actually an illusion. There is no bottom."

Sarathel: "So... we stay on the upper level?"

Nightwolf: "Crafty little bastards."

Vendric: "Is the statue real?"

Tomas Castonello: "Unless we navigated around the edge, and found other passages."

Vendric: "Or fly."

Tomas Castonello: "Statue seems real enough. And not a golem, thankfully."

Vendric: "Lets try the south door."

Sarathel: "Don't see how we can reach those doors without going down there at all..."

Nightwolf: "Well it wont be a problem for those with wings. You and I may need some help."

Tomas Castonello: "If it's just you, I can carry you, Sara."

Sarathel smiles. "There is also Nightwolf, unless he has another way of flying..."

Vendric moves into the hallway to the south, trying the floor to see if its real. "Well its a real floor here but let me test something."

Tomas Castonello: "I could make you fly again. We'd just have to be quick about getting back, or I'll end up using twice as much magic."

Vendric: "I think those patches may be a trap. Care to check them out, Nightwolf?

Vendric flies to get better look at the holes across from the dusty patches.

Nightwolf carefully works his way around the edge of the room, testing the floor with each step before committing his full weight, to the closest dusty patch to investigate.

Tomas Castonello: "Well, he's brave."

Sarathel: "I don't think any cowards would have come this far." She rests a hand on the back of Tomas's scaly neck.

Nightwolf: "Good eye Vendric, there is a pressure plate here. Though what it triggers I'm not sure."

Vendric: "Then I'm guessing something shoots out from here then."

Nightwolf casts a light spell on a coin and slides it across the floor, looking for the point it vanishes and listens...hearing a soft splash after a few seconds.

Sarathel: "At least all these defenses indicate we're on the right track."

Vendric jams the holes close. Using sovereign glue and other stuff. "Try the patch now." He stands out of the way of the hole, just in case.

Nightwolf pokes the pressure plate with a sword. Some of the dust puffs away. Vendric: "Try standing on it."

Nightwolf "You try standing on it, I'm content to step around."

Sarathel: "Do you think the other two need to be dealt with? Or do we just cross the pit?"

Vendric: "Well the other holes are there; if Nightwolf can disable them we should be fine but I won't know for sure unless 'Someone' stands on the plate. I need to see how well this holds."

Sarathel takes a deep breath. "If it needs to be done, that is something I can do."

Nightwolf "I can try to jam the pressure plates, but if the floor in front of that far doorway are solid enough and our flying friends are willing to help I reckon it might be safest to just avoid them."

Tomas Castonello puts a finger on Sarathiel's shoulder. "Please don't do it. I don't want anything to happen."

Nightwolf steps onto the disarmed patch and kicks up some dust. It swirls rather prettily. Nothing else happens. "Lets continue on cautiously shall we?"

Vendric: "Well there is more holes there and the south seems to lead deeper in still."

Sarathel: "Seems like a good couple rooms for caution."

Tomas Castonello: "Here Sara, I can help you across if you want."

Sarathel smiles at Tomas. "That would be lovely, thank you. If we're going across."

Tomas Castonello: "Anywhere you want. The sky's the limit... or the ceiling?"

Nightwolf: "Bah, I bet the south leads back the way we came, through the unhidden doorway. The way forward is through that eastern door on the other side of the pit."

Vendric: "Doesn't hurt to check."

Nightwolf "It might."

Vendric flies in and over the patch. The southern tunnel does appear to go back whence they'd come. "It did and it would have. there is another patch. You'd think the demons would keep their traps clean at least."

Nightwolf continues carefully working his way around the lower edge of the room, testing the floor before each step to the next dusty patch. He wedges the pressure plate so it can no longer depress.

Tomas Castonello takes wing and, holding on firmly to Sarathel, drifts over the pit to the eastern doors

Vendric opens the doors.

Grand Lodge

A wall of blackness waits behind the doors. Even to those with darkvision. The light from Nightwolf's spell doesn't put a dent in the darkness.

Nightwolf "Seems we need something a little stronger."

Tomas Castonello: "I'm going to say that something is evoking down here."

Vendric: "Can anyone deal with this?"

Sarathel: "Easiest way would be to pray for daylight."

Tomas Castonello: "How do we do that?"

Sarathel starts to pray, drawing on mythic power.

Vendric: "I'm more of a nighttime kind of guy so ill let you handle that sara."

The daylight nullifies the deeper darkness. A pair of shadow demons flanks the doors. ​The north and south walls of the chamber feature 3 alcoves each, and each contains a large, jagged purple crystal on a pedestal.​ ​A seventh crystal sits on a seventh pedestal to east, just behind a marble slab on which sits a crumpled red banner.​​ In front of the banner is a thrid shadow demon, limned by a purple glow. Two statues of demonic figures flank this slab in alcoves—the northern one depicts a goat-headed winged demon and the southern one is an insectoid horror armed with a scythe.

Tomas Castonello: "Simply astounding..."

Grand Lodge

Nightwolf: "Well aren't you ugly."

Vendric: "Sorry to intrude but we are this keeps new owners and we need that banner next to you."

Eustoyriax: "I think not. I think you will be joining us in the darkness for a very long time."

Vendric whispers to Sara. "Think you can use that spell again? Would really help."

Sarathel nods.

Tomas Castonello: "Oh great. Something that can't be touched."

Vendric pulls out a tin and slathers the contents onto his bomb vials as he flies up and tosses some at the demon. They hit, exploding in bursts of light-butterflies which swarm the shadow and dissolve into glitter as they vanish.

Tomas Castonello charges the purple-limned demon, gripping it in his mighty protean jaws though his teeth fail to sink into the demon.

Vendric: "Tell me, Skinny. Fangs or claws? Which would you like to deal some damage with?"

Tomas Castonello holds his hands in the air and waves them with a mouthful of shadows. "Mmmfm?"

Sarathel prays for more daylight.

Nightwolf moves in, loosing a volley. The first and third arrows leave smoky tears as they soar through the demon. The other two bounce off.

Eustoyriax turns its claw on the one imprisoning him, riming a line on his scales. The other shadow demons flee the light. Vendric moves next to Skinny as he pulls out another tin of goop and slathers it onto his claws. Then he tosses a bomb at the demon to his south. The bomb flies harmlessly past the shadow, though a few light-butterflies flutter into it. Tomas Castonello struggles with the thing in his mouth, trying to signal to the others that it isn't being meaningfully hurt, though it can't escape him, either.

Nightwolf prays to Desna for protection from evil, fires a holy arrow which bounces off Tomas's prisoner as he runs past to grab hold of the Sword of Valor. "Iomedae aid us!" In answer to Nightwolf's prayer, a planetar is summoned, and he feels bolstered. The angel's holy smite hits the southern two demons, bathing them in brilliant light.

Tomas Castonello: "Hmmmf?"

Both of the normal shadow demons attempt to possess Tomas/Skinnareth, but fail, and Eustoyriax is unable to concentrate enough to cast a spell whilst Tomas is shaking him. Vendric moves slightly and throws bombs at the purple-limned demon. When the third swarm of light-butterflies to engulf the shadow demon glitters apart, no darkness remains behind.

Grand Lodge

Tomas Castonello: "Ow... did you have to do that right in my face?" He rubs his glowy eyes and shakes his serpentine head.

Vendric: "Just be glad I managed to make sure the energy didn't touch you. May not do as much as it does to evil beings, but neutral ones like you won't be unharmed."

Tomas Castonello: "Hmph! You're neutral..."

Sarathel walks up, resting a hand on Tomas's scaly shoulder. "You were quite brave, holding it in all those blasts, keeping it from casting spells or escaping."

Tomas Castonello: "Aw, shucks... you're just bein' nice."

Sarathel: "No, I mean it. Do you really think I'd lie to you about such a thing?"

Tomas Castonello: "Lie? Never. You're just too sweet for me to take."

Sarathel blushes. "I wouldn't be so sure of that." She clears her throat "That is...I think the prior lack of sweetness in your life has not left you unfit for it."

Vendric watching the two interact pulls out his lute and starts playing a romantic tune. Sarathel's blush deepens.

Tomas Castonello: "Ah, no, really. You're super sweet... and kind... and--stop doing that!" He puts his claws on his lower tail and glares at Vendric.

Vendric chuckles. "Just trying to help set the mood. And drown out the damn demonic whispering."

Sarathel: "Getting rid of that will be nice." Her hand is still resting on Tomas's shoulder. She whispers in Tomas's ear-hole. "And I still think you don't give yourself enough credit."

Tomas Castonello: "Mmm... it isn't so bad anymore... but we can go back to a room where no one can bother-ahem, ah, where the whispers won't bother us."

Skinnareth: "And, that's where my patience wanes."

Tomas Castonello: "Oh no... not you again--"

Sarathel: "Hello again, Skinnareth. I thought you must have been taking a nap."

Skinnareth: "Don't you forget whose body this is, magician. I don't recall giving you leave to masquerade as me."

Sarathel: "He hasn't been. It's been quite clear who's been doing the talking."

Skinnareth suddenly contorts his body, making Tomas yelp in surprise and struggle against him

Vendric feigns surprise. "Really? Here I thought it was Skinny all along."

Skinnareth: "We're going to have a long talk about what you can and can't do without my permission."

Sarathel shoots a glare at Vendric. "I don't think that's helping. And in regards to some things that are associated with private rooms... you should know that I'm a Sarenite, not a Calistrian." She's rather flustered by the encouragement/teasing.

Tomas Castonello: "I... did what I had to do... without your help. You useless lizard."

Sarathel: "Tomas... I know that's coming out of frustration.... but both of you, please... fighting each other only hurts you both."

Vendric: "In more ways then one in your case."

Skinnareth: "Hmph. There is no contest between me and this one. But you won't be borrowing my form again without my express consent." Skinnareth shrinks Tomas down to his human form, making him stumble upon his own feet. Sarathel fails to catch him.

Skinnareth: "Make your own way back."

Tomas Castonello grabs Sarathiel's hand, tumbling with her.

Vendric: "Seems you both are falling for each other."

Tomas Castonello: "Well fine! I don't need you! I've got magic, jerk!"

Vendric chuckles a bit more.

Sarathel: "Are you all right, Tomas?" She can't help blushing as she tries to ignore the teasing.

Tomas Castonello: "I'm sorry, Sara. I didn't mean to upset you. I promise I won't fight with him anymore."

Tomas Castonello offers a hand meekly.

Sarathel smiles and takes Tomas's hand. "I know it must be hard, not being able to get any space of your own, even in your own head. And I do agree there are things we should discuss...preferably without interruption. And if everyone is in good health, we shouldn't be needed for the banner to be hung."

Vendric: "Yeah I'm sure me and the others got this. You two love birds go off and have your talk."

Tomas and Sara wander off hand-in-hand, speaking softly.

((Thus ends session 47.))

Grand Lodge

Sarathel smiles at Tomas as they get some distance, and privacy. "They're probably going to be like that from now on, aren't they? That is... if... well... certain presumptions aren't incorrect." She blushes as one fearing making a fool of herself.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Tomas raises an eyebrow, looking at Sarathel with toasty brown eyes.

Sarathel: "Have I been the only one feeling a certain spark between us?"

Tomas's eyes suddenly go wide, and his heart skips a beat. He sputters, "Y-you said--what, you mean I... you... feel the same?"

Sarathel's blush deepens "I... don't have a lot of experience with such things. There aren't many who look twice at the crippled half-orc... but I think so. If you're saying what I think you're saying."

Tomas: "B-but that's fine! I've never had another girl give me the time of day! And for you to be so warm and kind... you make me feel like I can do anything. Anything's possible."

Sarathel smiles at Tomas, laughing softly. "That's because you can, and it is...at least, between you, you can." The half-orc sighs. "I am sorry. I know this is awkward, but if anything is to develop between us, Tomas, Skinnareth is going to be involved as well... at least so long as you're sharing the same body."

Tomas's face falls slightly at the mention of Skinnareth. He pauses, his eyes darting back and forth. "So, wait... ho-how is that going to work? You mean you want to share him with me? You want us to..."

Sarathel blushes furiously. "I don't know... as I said, he's inextricably involved in the situation, at least, so far as we know, and so he must be taken into account... and I'm sure neither of us wants to get... too involved...without so much as considering any sort of accommodation. I think we have to ask what he thinks of this... if the entire line of conversation isn't too alien for him to understand."

Tomas is silent for a minute, painfully aware of each breath. When he finally speaks, his voice is deep and thoughtful. "I did promise I wouldn't fight him anymore, since it bothers you. I'm not sure what I feel about letting him near you... but if that's what will make you happy, then I'll try. I'll do anything for you--"

Sarathel attempts to clarify in a rush. "The way I see it, it isn't so much letting him near me, or letting -you- near me, Tomas... it's that if you're both inside the same skin, feeling the same things, well... I'm not sure how either of you would be getting near me without the other. But perhaps I've missed something, not being in there with the two of you."

Tomas's face suddenly contorts into a sneer. His features remain, but his eyes are that of a snake. He chuckles to himself, and flashes his teeth. "I knew you wanted me."

"Ah, Skinnareth…" Sara weighs her words carefully. "Is my assessment correct, as you see it?"

Skinnareth twists Tomas's head, appearing to puzzle it over. "I do see the quandry... you can't enjoy the pleasure of my company without this lonely speck following along. But you'll find that I'm a patient and benevolent being. I will let you humor him as long as he needs, and when he's out of the way... we will have our fun."

Sarathel speaks slowly and carefully. "Skinnareth...I do care for both of you, and your predicament. I hope that while it continues, you will come to appreciate each other's strengths. And I certainly wouldn't dream of getting involved with either of you, romantically, without the other's approval. I think that if things are to work between the three of us, we'll all need to get to know each other much better. I will not see the two of you tear yourselves apart over me. And... what I said about being Sarenite… do you know what that means for relationships?"

Skinnareth: "Hmmm... methinks you misinterpret my intentions. I promise you, I have no quarrel with the human, and I have respect for the solidarity of your oath. As my body is my spirit, I know full well the eternal pleasures that transcend the physical. I intend to share with you all of my splendor, and you with me all of your secrets. The arcanist may try his best to please you. But I caution you, his best efforts will pale in comparison to my presence. It's just supernatural." Skinnareth extends a hand to Sarathiel, his expression smoother, yet his eyes remain as focused.

Sara takes off a gauntlet before taking their hand. She smiles, blushing. "I've never considered myself particularly secretive, but what would you both like to know about me?"

Tomas's eyes flash, and it's hard to tell which one is speaking. "Everything."

Sara laughs. "Short though my life has been, that still feels like a rather large subject. You've met my sister, of course... our father was the orc, and one of most saintly men I've known. His tribe saw his self-restraint and calm as weakness, and sold him to slavers. He earned his freedom in Pitax's gladiatorial arenas, and made his way to Mendev, where he met our mother.... but maybe you weren't wanting me to start with family?"

TomaSkinnareth: "No, this is fine. It's important to know where we came from, and where we're going. Your sister is a Lieutenant, and a follower of Iomedae. Do you two get along well?"

Sarathel: "Actually, she was promoted to captain as Queen Gallfrey appointed her to lead the rebuilding of Kenabres; that happened after our knighting, and they didn't realize the rest of you might want to attend... but yes, we get along quite well."

TomaSkinnareth: "Do the two of you do anything together, outside of your duties? Do you have fun?"

Sara chuckles. "We both like fireworks. That's why I was helping with the Armasse display just before we met. Other than that, I like to make musical instruments, though most are a bit delicate for crafting on the road. I enjoy music as well, not that I have any skill with it. And baking always reminds me of good days with the family when I was growing up. I'm afraid I haven't been able to engage in very many of the more active games in quite a while. But I do enjoy a good book, or talking with friends, getting to know people."

"Wow... there's a lot more to do in Mendev than I thought was possible. I guess it's been a while since we have allowed ourselves to unwind. I wouldn't have guessed you were so talented at crafting as well. Fireworks especially confound me, I never figured out that kind of magic. You will absolutely have to show me sometime how you manage it. But I am even more interested in the kind of instruments you make. Music is a bit of a hobby of mine from back in Isger, and I practiced at length with a couple, so hopefully you can show me. And maybe we'll even find a kitchen too. I've never baked before, but it can't hurt to try. I bet there's even a spell for that..." It would become evident at this point that Tomas is in control of the body.

Sara chuckles. "I'm not quite so talented as you're making out, Tomas. I wasn't making the fireworks, just setting them up to be let off in the right order, and I always use one of my mother's recipes when I bake. I haven't successfully come up with any of my own. As to spells for baking... I'm not sure there is. Food and water are sometimes given to the faithful, but it's always rather bland fare, though nourishing. Can you tell me about Isger? I don't think I've met anyone else from there."

Tomas: "Isger was... a stifling place. Everybody was always trying to curry the favor of one house or another. If you weren't part of a house, then you worked in the camps. I grew up in the service of the Diabolists, pledged in service to my master, so I didn't have to work. But I still wouldn't call it a good life. From the moment I woke to the moment I slept, I was raised to be someone else's property. Every book I studied and every skill I learned was to make me a fitting servant for my Devil's contract. I did enjoy some things, I suppose. The library was quiet, the gardens were beautiful, and I did love to hear the piano. There wasn't much else that I liked. I suppose if I had stayed, I'd have been drafted into the army and been a Signifer for the capital. I'm quite glad that I left, though. As bad as things are here, at least I am not a servant. I do what I want. Right now, I want to be here."

Sarathel: "How could anyone sign a binding contract on an infant's behalf? And how did you escape?"

Tomas: "Oh, I don't have a contract. The contract has to be made willingly, and I wasn't of age yet. I left the day before my ritual initiation. It wasn't easy to get out of the estate, I did a lot of things to a guard that I'm not proud of, and I spent a full day in a granary silo before I was able to take a cart out of Elidir. It was even luckier that it was heading north, else I would have ended up in the Chelish capital and been worse off. But no, I went north, and every step of the way this shadow was after me. Of course I had no idea what it was at the time, or I'd have been annoyed instead of terrified."

Sarathel would squeeze his hand as he confronts painful memories, then chuckle at the conclusion of this tale. "And do you now feel brilliant rather than shadowed? I know I have felt that glow within, ever since the wardstone's remnant burst."

Tomas: "I feel... different. I still don't have the fantastic magic that I envisioned, and I'm certainly not on the level of the Grand High Diabolist. But he doesn't have what we have. And he never will. In Isger, and in the capital as well, you don't have any friends."

Sarathel: "That sounds a sorry way to live."

Tomas: "That's how Devils work. Demons too, I'll bet. Do you think that maybe the reason people end up in bad realms is because they don't know how to make friends?"

Sarathel: "Or they don't care to, or the friends they make are terrible people who lead them down terrible paths."

Tomas: "I wonder. I think if you have a completely real friend, you don't need the kinds of things that bring you to contract Devils. A Devil makes deals for power. Friends don't care if you're good enough, you just are."

Sarathel: "From what I've seen, many of the demons' dupes don't understand that about friends. But having friends who want to conquer the world, and are happy to have you tag along whatever your capacity isn't likely to lead you to a good eternal destination either."

Tomas: "Hmm. Maybe you are right. I've never met anyone like that. I guess that could be fun too. I'm not one to judge."

Sarathel: "If by 'fun' you mean condemned to the Abyss forever... I am one to judge, but I try to encourage people to save themselves before it comes to that."

Tomas: "I understand. It would be pretty difficult to be part of the church while also condoning the actions of people that oppose it. Even the Archdukes in Hell want to radicate Demonkind. And the Demons hate each other. I almost feel sorry for them."

Grand Lodge

Our heroes emerge from the citadel and proclaim their victory, regaling their armies with their exploits. The armies cheer their success. Sosiel presents the righteous medals they've earned. He then uses his scroll of sending to communicate with the queen.

Sosiel Vaenic reports after using his scroll of sending. "Her Majesty orders us to restore and improve fortifications as we can, and await reinforcements. Along with sending her congratulations, of course."

Vendric: "Sounds like a reasonable plan. Wouldn't hurt to make this place more welcoming. Definitely need to get rid of some of the major damage and the demonic decor."

Sosiel Vaenic: "Do you have specific projects in mind for the troops? Or shall I just spread out the obvious work to keep them busy? Shall we have half on watch, half on construction?"

Nightwolf "Half sounds reasonable, be sure to rotate their duties."

Sosiel Vaenic: "Of course, Sir. I'll see if any of our rescuees are Desnans who'd like to put their construction time into that."

Vendric: "But as to quarters id like to request the tower for my use. Some of my alchemical research can be a bit dangerous and the tower would make a great location for a lab and minimizes chances of accidents happening."

Sosiel Vaenic: "You'll be taking the upper floor, then?"

Tomas: "Well that's not a problem. I know I want to preserve that library and all the spaces around it to further my research. If there are other scholars and arcane students in town, we could repurpose some of the space for a reading area. Maybe get a think tank going to share and explore ideas."

Sosiel Vaenic: "I am afraid that the surviving prisoners are men of arms, not spells or books. Perhaps there will be some among the reinforcements sent."

Sarathel: "And we'll want to see about purifying the basement and the forge."

Tomas Castonello: "Hmm... there's always Kenabres. I know Aravashnial and his colleagues would be interested in the prospect of new finds. I'll write him a letter...Ah, yeah. I want to help with the forge conversion if I can. Apart from being uncomfortably hot, the potential for crafting utility is to great to ignore."

Sarathel: "It will also be much easier to focus on the books without those whispers."

Tomas Castonello: "Luckily, we do know somebody whom might be able to help. Joran might be a bit traumatized from his ordeal, but it may help him to have something to work on. And we could use all the help we can get."

Vendric: "I'm sure between our minds and talents we might come up with something."

Grand Lodge

Sarathel looks in on the prisoners as they are transported to their rooms (smaller ones, in the Citadel's first floor, with only one entry, furnished with cots and buckets). She shares her personality evaluations with her friends, and goes in to persuade Joran to goodness, with Tomas at her side.

Tomas Castonello: "The way I see it, the strength and resolve you possessed to resist your brother's meddling speak to your incredible potential. Whatever your beliefs, I think it would be an indelible service to everyone if you harnessed that strength to working on rebuilding this city in the likeness of traditional dwarven settlements. It would also allow you to express your ideas and beliefs through your work, and give you access to resources and amenities you won't find anywhere else. And all I ask is that you and I get to work together. In return, you can share my workspace and I'll help you with your projects. That's my promise to you."

Joran Vhane: "That sounds like a most generous offer... but do you really think all these paladins will go along with it, knowing I had been working against them?"

Tomas Castonello: "Maybe not at first. It does occur to me that conflicting beliefs do make working relationships harder. But if I've learned anything from falling for a super powerful and totally amazing girl, it's that the actions of individuals shape the hearts and minds of the people around them. If you can show your worth through the work that you do, even the most stalwart of warriors will see the best in you. And it is worth my time to help you. I know you have what it takes to achieve something brilliant here. Better than your brother imagined. And you know it too."

Sarathel blushes at Tomas's compliment. "But then, Droskar's not one for great works, is he? More the sort for tiresome toil and drudgery. Now great works... those are pleasing to Torag. And serving him would make working around so many paladins more effective and relaxed for everyone. I'm sure they'd all rejoice to see you escape the darkness that has been clawing at your soul. The darkness which abandoned you to the demons."

Joran Vhane frowns thoughtfully. "I... am not used to thinking in grandiose terms."

Tomas Castonello: "That's up to you. I'm not a very forceful person. I just like to look at the big picture and work towards what I see. But I will say this... your brother was very intent on breaking you to serve his interests and those of his demonic patron. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if he was capable of finding somebody just as skilled, you wouldn't be alive. It was more than convenience. I think he understood you had talent beyond his. And maybe... maybe he envied that. But like my colleague says, there are opportunities for you to explore the extent of that talent right here, with all the resources you could ask for at your disposal. I trust you to decide for yourself what serves your interests more. Either way, thank you for listening to me. When you want to discuss business, I'll gladly arrange for an upgrade to your current lodgings."

By evening, Joran is willing to help the crusaders with a report of the Citadel's inventory as he knew it, and other tasks that wouldn't interfere with Droskar's work. Tomas follows through on his promise of improved conditions, and Sara stops by throughout the week, pointing out the ill-consequence of his allegiance to Droskar, and how much better things could be were he Toragdan. By the end of the week, Joran is willing to convert and accept an atonement from her.

Grand Lodge

At the same time, Nightwolf goes to talk with Nurah.

Nightwolf: "You see Nurah, the war is not lost. We have secured a great victory here and routed your former leadership from the citadel."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "A small, temporary setback. Hardly compares to the past century. And now your wardstones are gone."

Nightwolf: "The wardstones will not be needed as we push the demons back into the Wound."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "I don't see that happening."

"Then I will show you." Nighwolf takes Nurah (still restrained at the wrists and under watchful eye) for a tour around the work being done to restore the citadel.

Nurah Dendiwhar: "This is a small, ruined city. And the Abyssal forces were focused on the southern front."

Nightwolf: "Look around you. Even when the stones were functioning this fortress was under demonic control."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "What's your point?"

Nightwolf ushers her down to Arushalae's former cell, which Vendric has started converting to a Desnan shrine. "This is Vendric's new temple under construction... feel Desna's influence. Even deep within a demonic prison the forces of the abyss could not prevent Desna from rescuing one of their own turned to her."

Nurah Dendiwhar looks troubled. "Doesn't seem to be lifting any fingers on any battlefields though." She sneers.

Nightwolf: "What of Vendric and I? Are we not agents of the goddess we serve?"

Vendric: "Ahh Nightwolf, and Nurah? See they let you out for a stroll."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Something about not wanting my legs to atrophy so I'll have to be carried around."

Nightwolf: "Come now, it isn't though you weigh that much. I thought she might want to see your temple."

Vendric: "This place does have quite a story. And a nice feel to it despite all the evil that surrounded it. Goes to show ones faith can be rewarded even if it all looks to be hopeless."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "You know us bards, always interested in a new story."

Vendric: "Well I''m not sure what Nightwolf told you about it but this place was used to hold a succubus that turned towards Desna after being gifted the chance by her. These cells were made to disable all magic any occupant could use to make sure no one could escape. So the Succubus prayed for help from Desna. And being a goddess of freedom and hearing her prayers she helped her escape. The good and pleasant feeling you have in her is mark her presence left in this place. A small room of good in a place corrupted by evil.

Nurah Dendiwhar: "I thought I felt a draft...." Her face flickers through a few expressions.

Nightwolf: "Yes but a pleasant one isn't it? Like a breath of fresh air after being inside too long."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "After a week slung over a packhorse's backside, it's being outside too long that's more on my mind."

Nightwolf: "Well I'm happy to let you linger in here for a while."

Vendric: "Some company would be nice. And you are a bard right? Maybe we could play something together."

Nurah Dendiwhar smiles. "I don't suppose a bath could be arranged? Wash off that smell of horseflesh?"

Nurah Dendiwhar: "A bard, yes, but dancing is my specialty... of course, you'd have to untie me for that..."

Nightwolf: "I don't think there is to much chance of you escaping here, unless Desna wills it of course," he says smiling.

Nurah Dendiwhar looks hopeful.

Nightwolf: "And it seems fitting you should taste more freedom in a shrine to a goddess of freedom," he says undoing her bonds.

Nurah Dendiwhar stretches, rubbing her limbs where the bonds had been removed.

Vendric: "Well have talk to some of the female guards about that bath later."

Nurah Dendiwhar smirks. "You don't want to keep an eye on me?"

Vendric: "From what I thought that's Nightwolfs job at the moment. But if you really want me to keep an eye on you I can. I'm pretty sure Tomas knows some cleaning magic he can use on you instead."

Nurah Dendiwhar sighs. "Well, if you aren't going to be fun about it... I think I'm ready to dance."

Vendric: "Very well then. Nightwolf feel free to join in if you want." He plays his lute exquisitely.

Nurah Dendiwhar is quite rusty, but starts to relax into a showy jig, a hint of a smile hovering on her lips.

Vendric: "Much better than being tied up to a horse isn't it."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "A bit."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Enough that I might be able to get used to it."

Nightwolf: "Remember you are a prisoner as a result of your own choices. Your choices also determine if you will remain one."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Prisoners don't generally get a say in that."

Vendric: "Well us good guys can be quite forgiving if the person is genuine in seeking forgiveness. And it would be nice to play with you again."

Nightwolf: "Well it isn't quite as simple as 'I chose to be free now' but in some cases they do.:

Nurah Dendiwhar narrows her brows. "How complicated would it be?"
Nightwolf: "I won't lie, I'm not going to unlock your cell simply because you cross your heart and promise to be good, but genuine effort at repentance will earn your freedom."

Nurah Dendiwhar frowns thoughtfully.

Vendric: "Indeed. You would have to show your genuine and actions do speak louder than words. And I know it may not be easy for you but so long as you are at least trying you will have the help of us and some of the others around here too."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "But I'd have to be free to act, wouldn't I?"

Vendric: "You could sort of be. If you have a idea on how you can be helpful we could let you do it though you'd be under supervision."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "I do have a bit of healing magic... of course, you'd have to let me touch the wounded."

Vendric: "Then you can join me when I'm on the rounds giving out some of my concoctions."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "As for being your adviser again... I'm fairly sure you'd have to trust what I'd have to say, first."

Nightwolf: "If you give helpful advice what reason would I have not to trust it?"

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Not to trust that it's really helpful? After I was a spy... you can't be this naive."

Vendric: "Well it's not like we won't listen at all to what you say. That trust we did have in you will take work to build back up but it is possible."

Nightwolf: "Well I guess the only way to know if your advice is helpful is to listen to what you say. Whether we follow it may be another matter."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Such as by pointing out that as soon as the demons realize they can't teleport here anymore, they're going to start sending infiltrators by foot... or wing? And how often do you think your sentries remember to look up?"

Nightwolf: "Not exactly inside knowledge, but good advice nonetheless."

Vendric: "Hopefully often given the enemies are on the lookout for. But any other insight you might provide? Given your experience as a spy."

Nightwolf: "Indeed, you operated as their spy. You know their tactics. Putting your knowledge to use helping us catch a few could certainly fast-track you to a room with a lock on the inside rather than out."

Nurah Dendiwhar smirks. "A magic aura is often used in conjunction with misdirection, if the spy is powerful enough or an undetectable alignment. Paladins so rarely think to check one's neighbor's luggage, and detain all nearby until spells have time to fade. I wasn't told of any others sent out among your ranks."

Nightwolf: "A kind of quarantine unit for those entering the city. Until spells fade and a true read on alignment can be determined."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "You think they'll mind being kept waiting like that?"

Vendric: "Maybe make an anti-magic room we can bring people to check them there? Perhaps somehow transfer the power from one of these cells to like a waiting room?"

Nurah Dendiwhar: "I'm afraid I'm not up to weaving that sort of magic."

Vendric: "Just me thinking aloud. May need to check with others about making something like that later."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "I suppose you could haul them down here...might be a bit crowded and destabilizing, of course."

Nightwolf: "I am thinking of something more in the opposite approach. We want to keep those that have not passed our security measures away from the citadel itself, not invite them in."

Nurah Dendiwhar chuckles. "That is probably the wiser course."

Nightwolf: "What if we limit un-screened persons to one section of the city, say the south bank until they have clearances."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "The south bank is nearly half the city. Why not the hill-quarter instead?"

Vendric: "That's not a bad idea either."

Nurah Dendiwhar smiles. "Thank you."

Vendric: "Well its about time I made my rounds with my extracts and potions. You two care to join me?"

Nurah Dendiwhar: "It would be good to see what you're doing with the place."

Grand Lodge

The next day, Tomas, Sara, and Vendric collaborate to transform the corruption forge into a redemption forge. The day after, Tomas uses it to work the dungeon's crystal focus.

As the crystal emerges from the forge, the whispers in the dungeon turn to an Elysian chorus softly singing.

Tomas Castonello: "By the eight schools of magic... Sara! I need you to see this thing!"

Vendric: "Hmm I hope they change their song now and then cause that constantly could get annoying."

Sarathel comes over to the forge, having provided both of them with fire resistance. "It's... amazing."

Tomas Castonello: "I don't know how, but.. I had this breakthrough, and before I new it, I transmuted the aura of this thing into something... beautiful!"

Vendric: "Hmm I feel a lot more at home down here now. Good work Tomas."

Tomas Castonello hardly seems to notice Vendric as he turns to Sara. "There's this overwhelming feeling rising inside my chest. It's like I'm brimming with energy... here!"

Sarathel: "Do you think it feels...Good?"

Tomas Castonello goes onto one knee, takes Sarathiel's hand and puts it up against his chest to feel his heart pounding. "... I want you to know that i'm commited. No matter what we face, or what stands in your way, I'll be there by your side! This music gives me the confidence to do anything!"

Sarathel smiles, blushing. "Tomas... that... sounded like a proposal...if you're sure you'll feel the same when we return to the surface?"

Tomas Castonello: "I... I feel like the confidence may be limited to the music. But my feelings are real. I want to be there for you in everything we do. I promise, I'll do everything in my power to make you happy and give you strength when you need it! That's what I'm feeling in my heart!"

Sarathel smiles warmly. "That... sounds like a marriage to me. But, if I'm getting the wrong impression...."

Tomas Castonello: "I don't know.... do you think we're ready for that?"

Sarathel: "On the one hand, it's a bit quick, all things considered... on the other hand, in a war like this... one never knows how long one has..."

Skinnareth: "You FOOL! If you have to ask, you don't have the stomach for it!"

Sarathel: "Skinnareth. It is actually customary to ask prior to arranging a wedding. And to think through the ramifications together and to be sure. For we mere mortals of this plane."

Tomas Castonello: "Screw it! Sara... I want you to know that I love you. Being through the darkness and the light has given me the opportunity to learn that. But if you need to be sure that this isn't some reaction to the crystal, then let's do this!"

If by the time this city is rebuilt, if our love is as strong and as true as I feel it is right now... then we will be married! Would you agree to that?"

Sarathel 's smile slowly grows. "Yes, Tomas. If we feel the same by then, I will be your wife."

Tomas Castonello 's chest swells with adoration. "Sara... in this moment, I have more happiness than all the realms in and out of Golarion combined."

Skinnareth 's eyes shine in the crystal's glow. "Oh, but if he hurts you... I will devour the little worm on the spot. You rest assured."

Sarathel glows by the forgelight reflected from the crystal. "I do not think you need to fear that, Skinnareth. Of course, it's also customary for a newly betrothed couple to share a kiss..."

Tomas Castonello 's chest gives an audible thud. "You will... o-of course. I will always give you what you want, Sa... my Sarathiel."
Sarathel: "I know you will, my Tomas."

Tomas Castonello holds Sarathiel's hands and leans in for a passionate kiss

Sarathel returns the kiss adoringly, letting it last a while.

Grand Lodge

The next day, Vendric uses the redemption forge to purify Staunton's glaive.

Vendric hears a soft voice from the glaive. "I...am a glaive? A weapon? But a moment ago that lich was standing over me, and I was bound to a table..."

Vendric thinks a bit. "Really then? Hmm...That's not good... Then I have some even more bad news to tell you. I'm guessing your soul was used to craft this weapon so it could have some form of intelligence. And I guess our redeeming of this item has washed away the evil magic keeping your soul silent and unaware."

Glaive: "I think I would be aware of the passage of time..I am...was... a bralani."

Vendric goes to join Tomas and Joran in one of their discussions, filing them in on the change to the glaive, and his theory.

Joran Vhane: "Oh, no... Soulshear was made by fusing a babau to it. This sounds as though the forge took the opportunity presented by your efforts to rescue the essence of a dying bralani and use that for a replacement."

Vendric: "Hmm that is an interesting development." He looks at the glaive in question. "Well guess this is better than what ever that lich was planing for you but how do you feel about this... Ah what is your name?"

Glaive: "It is...was...Drethoril." The glaive shimmers, and a bralani manifests next to it. "Yes. I can still manifest my own form. At least for a time. It is somewhat of a relief."

Vendric: "Well, Drethoril. How would you feel about aiding us on our crusade against the demons of the world wound? I'm sure we can find you a more wielder able you use you much better than I could."

Drethoril: "A good fight against demons, you say? Sounds like a better way to continue than sitting on a rack."

Vendric: "Now all we need to do if find you a suitable wielder."

Drethoril: "That would be much appreciated."

Grand Lodge

As the remainder of the two weeks pass, Vendric patrols for demonic infiltrators, and helps with the redecorating, most especially in the new Desnan shrine, though he also takes the time to share healing extracts with the wounded. He and Nightwolf devote much of their time to converting Nurah to the worship of Desna.

Sara feels many duties: to heal the injured, to aid the reconstruction with stone shape and to spend as much time as she can with Tomas. Tomas puts much of his time into improving his allies gear, with Sara's assistance for the holier effects.

Altruis trains himself and his troops, helping to keep up morale, and maintains his gear, respectfully so, in the case of Radiance.

Two days before the reinforcements arrive, reconstruction efforts slow as the Iomedaeans devote themselves to prayer for the fallen, and giving thanks to their allies, in honor of the Day of the Inheritor. Altruis leads the services

Grand Lodge

Zullion and Pharah drill the sentries on spotting sky-approaches as they practice flying together.

Grand Lodge

Rova 20th

Nurah has once again been brought for a peaceful discussion in the new Desnan shrine.

Vendric: "Given any more thought to what I said about you maybe fitting well with being a Desnan?"

Nurah: "Some. The prospect of freedom is certainly appealing."

Vendric: "I imagine so. And her other teachings aren't bad either. And having something to look towards as an example, or a guiding star if you will, would help you on your path of achieving it."

Nurah: "But how do I know that's the path I want to follow?"

Vendric: "Hmm that's hard to explain. For me it just felt right. I learned about the other gods a goddesses from my father but I felt like Desna was the right one for me. I guess its all about how you feel inside about it. And there are varying degrees of worship too. You don't need to be as devoted as I am."

"I'm not sure what the point of worship is, if half-hearted....I mean, why say you're following someone you don't want to follow, if you aren't spying on them?" Nurah looks up at Arushalae's prayer.

Vendric: "I think you may has misunderstood me. Or I used the wrong phrasing. I was more referring to the difference in say how Nightwolf and I show our devotion. We are both devoted followers. I have no doubt about that. But we each have different ways of showing them. I for one spend an hour of my time each day following a custom of hers. And I'm sure Nightwolf has his own way."

Nurah stares intently at the carving on the wall. "All my life, I wanted freedom, and respect... but I also took joy in fooling people, being smarter than they knew. Being small, and weak, it was the way I could beat them. Then the demons rescued me, and Minagho herself saw my value. They treated me well as they taught me Baphomet's ways, and then sent me back to fool humans... the humans I blamed for my life of slavery. Now I am captured again, and I see a carrot before and a stick behind. You say you want me to be truly free... but how can I believe you mean it when so clearly if I reject your offer I will share Staunton's fate?"

Tomas ventures down near the cells, positing about how the space should be used when the library is open to the rest of the public. Sara is with him, of course, exchanging thoughts with her arm through his. Tomas speaks in an animated voice, working in funny voices and anecdotes to amuse her. The halls thus ring with Sara's laughter as well as the angelic chorus, which does, indeed, change songs.

Tomas: “And what if we found, like, another version of Skinnareth, except pink with big eyelashes and rosy cheeks, and she made him put his jewels away, and he was like 'Nooooo' and she was like 'Yeeeees,' and he had to choose between her and his jewels?”

Sarathel chuckles. "I think a fourth person showing up to be part of this relationship would impressively make it more awkward."

“Maybe, but the drama would make it a really compelling read. And it would really move the story along.”

Sara rolls her eyes. "How compelling a read it would be is not my first consideration in what I want out of life."

“As long as it has a happy ending.” Tomas pokes his head around the corner and sees Vendric. “Oh, it’s you, old timer. Are you doing your Desna thing now?” Tomas looks over and sees the other figure present. “Oh, hey, how are you do-“ His eyes glint as he draws a conclusion. “Oh. Ooooh! Are we interrupting?”

Nurah shrugs. "If I follow what Vendric's been saying, random visitors may be instructive rather than disruptive."

Tomas looks confused and shrugs. “I dunno what he’s been telling you, but you don’t look much like a Desna fan.”

Nurah: "Not enough butterfly wings?"

Tomas: “Well, that, and the general irreverent look on your face. Is it Vendric? Is he boring you?”

Vendric: "I hope I am not boring. But as to what you said earlier Nurah. I really do wish for you to have true freedom. But unfortunately the consequences of some of your past choices make just giving it too you a risk to not only our lives but innocent ones as well. And unlike Staunton you seem willing to change. To make up for your past actions. Or at least try. And I am willing to help you do that so I can grant you that freedom." He then turns towards Tomas. "I'm not that much older than you and we welcome more company."

“Aaaah, okay. I get it now.” Tomas holds Sarathiel’s hand up and squeezes gently. “Maybe you should talk to Sara. She knows a lot about faith, and I love listening to her. She’s really interesting too. Would that be okay with you, Sara?”

Sara smiles. "Of course. One way to think of it is that if you are doing what you want to do, it doesn't matter how many people are asking it of you, or what might follow if you chose otherwise, because you would have made the same choice without those influences. Have you thought about what you really want to do with your freedom, Nurah?" Sara notes. "Of course, this argument is generally set forth by the more orderly religions."

Nurah considers this. "I want to be able to choose my own audiences. And I want to help the other slips. Get my family out of Cheliax. I want to be respected."

"Those are good goals to have. And I think I may know some people who can help with some of them. Tell me Nurah do you know the last person who 'owned' your parents?" Vemdric says "owned" with disgust.

Nurah: "I haven't been back there for nearly a decade. Anything might have happened to them by now..."

Vendric: "I could maybe find out for you. Good or bad news it would help to have some closure."

Nurah chews her lip. "Maybe... but what if you learn the worst?"

Vendric: "Then you won't need to worry about uncertainties anymore. Then we can deal with it from there. Would constantly wondering as you are now be any better? Besides for all we know now it could be good news. Or at least better news then the worst."

Nurah nods. "Last I knew, they were held by Jehares Vren, of that House."

Vendric: "Then I'll write one of my friends and fellow Desnan about it. Do you remember their names as well?"

Nurah frowns. "Their real names? Or the ones the masters called them?"

Vendric: "Both would be good to know. As my friends sources can vary and they may know of them as one name but not the other."

Nurah: "Grimald and Belinda Dendiwhar are their real names. As for the masters... they called them … Snippet and Tansy." She spits the aliases.

Vendric nods. "I'll see if my friend knows anything or can find anything put. And Nurah if they are still alive and still slaves I'll do all I can to free them."

Nurah hides her face. "Thank you. As for my siblings... I had four, I was the oldest. Two of them are now beyond any of our reaches. As for Merabel and Padrig… I don't know what became of them."

Vendric: "I'll be sure to ask about them as well. I'm sure someone knows what became of them."

Nurah: "That's one of us sure of something."

Vendric: "If there is info to be found I'm sure they can find it. And I have an idea that may help as well. But I won't know anything from my friend for a while. Though I could probably get a message to him tonight but it may take him time to find out anything."

Tomas: “Hey, here’s an idea. If I can attract some arcane professors to the library, we may be able to find someone who can perform a high level divination spell. I’ve seen divinations before, so I know some of the basic principle. All we’d need is a specialist.”

Nurah stares up at them, tear trails glistening on her face. "You... would both do such things for me?"

Tomas shrugs. “I know what it’s like to live without choices. If you want it that badly, I can’t see why I shouldn’t help. Also, seeing a Divination is really fun.”

Vendric: "It's not just for you either. If they are still in servitude and alive I feel it's my responsibility to do all I can to free them. Besides friends help each other out. And I'd like to think all this time hanging out made us at least that." He turns to the summoner. "Perhaps I should tell you about my plan then Tomas. If you like magic you may get a kick out it."

Nurah smiles, and kneels to the newly placed altar. She then looks back at the others. "Thank you. I will heed freedom's call."

Vendric places a hand on Nurah's shoulder with a smile on his face. "Well I think this calls for another song."

Vendric then begins playing one. Nurah begins to dance. Sara smiles, and leans against Tomas.

Grand Lodge

The next day, Nurah, Nightwolf and Vendric gather once again in the shrine, Nightwolf holding a scroll ready.

Nightwolf: "Nurah, do you seek atonement for your past misdeeds and swear that you are truly repentant and desirous of setting right those misdeeds? And do you accept Desna's blessing freely of your own will, without duress or compulsion?"

Vendric watches near Nightwolf.

The halfling looks up at the Shoanti. "Yes. After what you have done... all of you.. I think it is what I have truly wanted for most of my life, but never realized."

Nightwolf would then works from teh scroll to begin the ritual, which takes an hour and includes burning incense, much prayer, and an offering to the goddess. Nurah Dendiwhar kneels before the shrine for the duration, deep in contemplation. Vendric assist Nightwolf in the ritual offering prayers himself as well. At the end of the hour, the butterflies etched into the walls glow with starlight, as Vendric's goggles see Nurah's aura change from red to blue.

Vendric: "So how do you feel now Nurah?"

Nurah Dendiwhar takes a deep breath as she stands. "I feel... whole. For the first time in my life. All the weight of my sins lifted, the strain of hiding, of secrets lifted."

Vendric smiles. "It's a good feeling is it not? And i have more good news to share. I know your family is alive. I managed to send them each a dream message telling them we are working on getting them free. Unfortunately the message is one way and I couldn't learn anything else but they are alive."

Nurah Dendiwhar sheds tears of gratitude. "All these years... I hardly dared to hope. Thank you, Vendric. However long it takes to find them."

Vendric: "Hopefully not too long but, I will help however long it does take."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Finding a handful of slips in a that entire nation... perhaps that's why I kept putting it off. I remember I kept thinking that it would be so much easier with the demons' backing, once the victory was complete... I was so twisted..."

Vendric: "Its good to learn from the past but you don't need to dwell on it. Look at the person you used to be as a cautionary tale as you continue to become the person you want to be."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "To stop putting off what matters most for the opportunity in front of me."

Grand Lodge

Over the next several days, Nurah and Vendric work with Sosiel to create respectively portraits of her family and his contacts. They describe these peoples' personalities and share stories of them with Sarathel, until she is familiar enough with them to reach them via sendings.

After her spells reach the Dendiwhars successfully, Sara goes to Vendric and Nurah to share what she has thus learned.

Sarathel: "The sister, Merabel. She's being held in Corentyn. By the Order of the Chain in Citadel Gheradesca. Apparently even Hellknights appreciate halfling cooking and need someone to clean up their messes.

"The brother. Padrig is currently part of a caravan on his way to be sold in Kantaria.

The parents are still together. Now in Halmyris. Lord-Mayor Enfaria Weltrax enjoys Belinda's cooking, and Grimald is kept busy with carpentry and cleaning."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Getting my brother out should be the highest priority. The others sound like their situations are.. stable, at least. But Padrig... he could be sold to a Nidalese vampire for supper, or a vivisectionist, or..."

Vendric: "Your brother may be the easiest to get. I can send someone there to simply buy him and set him free afterwords."

Nurah Dendiwhar's terror for her brother fades to mere worry. "Do you think your contact can get there in time?"

Vendric: "If she can't maybe she has a agent who can. If we had access to someone who could teleport I'd go myself but that is not an option at this time."

Sarathel: "He said the caravan was following the coast of Lake Sorrow from Egorian. And that they've crossed...something. The spell cut off what."

Vendric: "Perhaps someone from the reinforcements can cast teleport but that is still a few days away. I'll send the info we got today tonight to my friend. Then tomorrow i may need to borrow your spells again Sara to actually get information from him."

Sarathel nods. "Of course. I expect I will still have them to lend."

Vendric: "For the others I may need to ask the queen to lend some of her influence. With her possibly backing us we may be able to get them free by making a deal or buying them otherwise it will be up to my friend and his allies to free them. And that may not be so easy. Especially the Hell knights."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "I doubt that Cheliax would pay much attention to such pressure, given the distance between Mendev and the Infernal Empire, and the common knowledge that Queen Gallfrey's hands are quite full with the Worldwound."

Vendric: "True but even a noble house in Cheliax won't ignore it completely. But then again I'd hate to give any of those slavers an opportunity to gain a favor from her. Perhaps it's best I just ask her to aid the liberation of them instead. Though I'll still need more info from my friend to figure out what that would be."

Nurah Dendiwhar: "Do you think she can spare the resources? With the war heated up?"

Vendric: "I do not know but we won't know until we ask. If she can't she can't. We will just figure something else out. For all I know it might not be needed anyway. I'll need to hear from my friends to know for sure."

Grand Lodge

Sara comes out of the spell trance, having contacted one of Vendric's friends in Cheliax. "Lorelei replies: 'A friend of Vendric's? Can head out there... hope I have enough. What should I do with him?' "

Vendric turns to Nurah. "Do you want him sent here or somewhere else?"

Nurah blinks. "A safe escort outside Cheliax would be appreciated. While it's possible for a halfling to be freed there, passers by assuming they haven't been is rather common... and if he would like to join me here, he'd be welcome, of course... but she should ask him where he wants to go. After all, isn't that part of being free?"

Vendric: "Indeed it is. I'll tell her to lead him out of Cheliax but should I also express any wish from you for him to come here?"

Nurah: "I know the messages have to be short. But if you can fit it in..."

Vendric: "Sara, the message we need to send is: 'An escort out of Cheliax would be good. Tell him his sister wishes to see him. We're at Fort Drezen. More information sent by dream.'"

Sara repeats it a few times, to be sure she has it memorized, before casting the spell. "Lorelei replies: '"Can escort, if successful. Will convey message... where is Fort Drezen?'"

Vendric: "Sara you only have a few of these left for today right? Might be better to answer that last one later tonight."

Sarathel: "I've used two, and have two left, now."

Vendric: "Then as much as I hate to make her wait I guess I will save the info for later. This one is going to Andrus now. It's vendric. Did you get all my info? Could you do it? And is there any assistance I could provide?"

"I'll say 'another friend of Vendric' of course." Sara smiles. She casts sending again, and comes out of the trance to convey, "Andrus says: 'Message received. Difficulty expected. Invisibility and flight potions always helpful. May take some time.' "

Vendric: "Tell him. Okay. Will see about the potions. Need a location to send them. And I expected as much."

When she opens her eyes again, she conveys, "Alvis base, within the month. Halmyris dead-drop next."

Vendric: "Well looks like I got some brewing to do. Now the only question is how do i get them to him as quick as I can."

Sarathel: "Tomas also has a wide, but different range of spells within his reach. Perhaps consult with him?"

Vendric: "Indeed I'll have to ask him if he can do such a thing. Would make all this a bit easier. And thank you Sara for your assistance. It helped out a lot."

Sarathel smiles. "It's a worthy cause. I'm happy to have played some small part in it."

Vendric: "I would say more than a small part. Without you communication would have been literally one way."

Sarathel: "Or taken much longer."

Vendric: "Indeed. I'm sure Nurah and her family will appreciate the help as well. If you ever thing of anything I could do to help you feel free to ask."

Sarathel smiles. "I will remember your offer, certainly, though hoping not to have need of it."

Vendric: "Well it could be for anything. Doesn't need to be as major as something like this. I do have many talents and seem to be picking up more hobbies."

Grand Lodge

((Start session 49))

Rova 21st: Early morning, the lookouts report large quantities of dust visible in the chasm, as of a large force approaching. Vendric uses a telescope to look at the coming force. Mendev's banners are raised at the front, and the front several ranks are well-armored, with tabards emblazoned with the nation's crest. They are followed by a multitude in civilian garb, with wagon upon wagon of supplies.

Zullion nods and sighs, "I'm glad we have support, the coming battle will not be easy, even with the gifts we were given."

Vendric: "Well pretty sure that's our reinforcements."

Tomas Castonello: "Can your special goggles work at this range?"

Vendric shakes his head.

Sarathel: "How do we quarantine that many people? And for how long?"

Nightwolf: "I believe it was suggested we give them the hill quarter."

Vendric: "Maybe cast a magic circle against evil at the entrance that should help prove they aren't demons at least.

Nightwolf: "As for how long, until any magics concealing their alignment would expire."

Sarathel: "Do you think we should meet them at the gates?"

Nightwolf "Of course."

Henderson: "I suppose we don't have much choice. If they are ill of intent I can set up a wall, and if they aren't, well, works for me. But a protective circle is a great idea. Give me your hand please, Sara?"

Sarathel smiles. "It's yours, of course." She reaches out to Tomas.

Zullion: "It will be a daunting task yes, but we have to let them know its not because we don't trust them, we don't trust our enemies"

Vendric: "Considering a lot of our enemies can use shape-shifting magic I'm sure they would understand our caution."

Tomas Castonello: "I can use my power to bring us to the gate. The rest of you meet us there."

Grand Lodge

Tomas Castonello appears through a slip in space with his partner Sarathel, and places a circle around her. A short time thereafter, the Major commanding the arriving force, none other than Irabeth Tirabade approaches.

Irabeth salutes and exchanges a smiling nod with her sister as she proffers a scroll. "Orders from her Majesty."

Tomas Castonello: "Good morning, Miss Major Irabeth... ma'am. We're here to receive our company. Did they send a scout ahead by any chance?"

Irabeth Tirabade: "Enough to confirm our forces still hold the city."

Tomas Castonello: "You could imagine our number has our security concerns. We just wanna be sure."

The others arrive.

Vendric: "Ahh look Tomas. Its your soon to be sister in-law."

Irabeth Tirabade blinks. "What was that?"

Zullion stays back and watches the proceedings.

Vendric whispers to Sara. "You didn't tell her?"

Sarathel whispers back. "Our family prefers to share such news in person...and my spellpower has been otherwise spent."

Vendric: "Well at least that checks out for not being a demon trick."

Sarathel: "But yes... we've been through a lot, and Tomas proposed soon after we found the Sword."

Irabeth Tirabade nods slowly. "I see... and you're sure about this?"

Vendric slaps Tomas on the back. "Yep this young man right here will soon be joining your family."

Tomas Castonello starts at the mention of the proposal and grins sheepishly.

Sarathel looks fondly at Tomas as she slips her arm through his. "Rather sure, yes."

Vendric: "I always thought they were cute together."

Tomas Castonello: "There was... probably a better time for this. But yeah... that's pretty much what happened. You're not mad... are you?"

Zullion: "War brings people closer, it is a rather odd thing to say, but it is true."

Irabeth Tirabade: "Then welcome to the family, Sir Tomas. I, of course wish you every happiness, but proper discussion of wedding plans should wait until my people are settled in."

Tomas Castonello: "Uh, yeah! You guys! Let's focus on the present situation! ...but thank you, so much. I appreciate it."

Irabeth Tirabade: "I know the queen wasn't specific about how many to expect. Do you have quarters set up?"

Nightwolf "We have been considering some security precautions. We would like to setup the newcomers in the Hill quarter until their intentions can be verified."

Irabeth Tirabade: "You think some more Templars might be mixed in with the civilians?"

Nightwolf "Likely, our mission here was nearly derailed a couple times by agents of the Abyss."

Vendric: "Would be a good way to infiltrate us. Our enemies have been known to disguise themselves."

Nightwolf "Undercover agents."

Tomas Castonello: "In any case, we can review them for any suspicious activity in the first few minutes. Strong abjurations or divinations should be noted. And of course if they're carrying a strong evil aura."

Irabeth Tirabade: "Ah, hence the magic circle. Knock out any charms secretly placed on the way in? Planning to get one inlaid in silver and made permanent at each gate?"

Vendric: "When we can."

Irabeth Tirabade: "Aravashniel should be able to help with that. He's leading a magely contingent."

Grand Lodge

Irabeth Tirabade turns to the troops. "Single file! We don't want to confuse the divination."

The troops smoothly move to comply, but it still takes a while. Irabeth walks through the circle as they form up, carefully not disturbing the silver dust.

Irabeth Tirabade holds up her hands. "Satisfied?"

Vendric watches the line come through paying close attention to them. The troops all have blue auras to Vendric's sight. The civilians are more scattershot. Many of them having no aura at all. The troops pass smoothly through the circle, the first through holding horses for the others as they come.

Tomas Castonello stands at the ready with detect magic to inspect the auras of the more finely dressed folk among the procession.

The civiilians are more difficult to wrangle into being screened in an orderly fashion. There are a scattered few who read as evil hanging towards the back of the crowd. Oddly, an Erastilian priest tries to skirt the edge of the magic circle. Tomas Castonello takes action and concentrates, his eyes shut, and within a few seconds his form sprouts into that of Skinnareth, who lays a talon down before the evasive interloper. Jesker Helton jumps back...as the beast springs forth...landing in the magic circle. The priest falls to the ground as something rises from his body like a mist before solidifying into a winged abomination seven and a half feet tall: a horrid mix of demonic and angelic features, as if two bodies were carelessly fused into one. Its fanged, inhuman face is frozen in permanent contempt, while a beautiful visage with an expression of horror bulges from the back of its skull.

Skinnareth: "Hmm hmm... look at you. Been harboring some friends, eh?"

Jesker Helton: "Free...finally..."

Vendric not missing a beat tosses holy bombs at the thing. Sparing any non-good people in the blast radius for now as the glowing butterflies llimn its form. Skinnareth snatches the thing up in his mouth as it flies free. A trio of Nightwolf's arrows hit it in the neck and chest and it falls limp.

Vendric looks at the newly freed man. "Well I'm sure you have quite a story to tell."

Jesker Helton: "It... came upon me on the road, must have come through the lines invisibly. I woke up one morning with it whispering in my mind, I thought I was going mad..."

Vendric: "Well we took care of it. And thankfully before it could do much harm here."

Jesker Helton: "I'm very glad that you had your precautions in order... I imagine no one else will protest them, now?" He looks back at the stunned crowd.

Skinnareth: "They'd better not..." Skinnareth sneers and bares his talons to the folks in the back of the line

The entire line shrinks back....while consolidating into more of a line and less of a crowd.

Grand Lodge

Vendric walks up to some of those registering as evil. "So what are all of your stories?"

One shifty-looking man in merchant's robes answers. "Story? I heard that a city the demons couldn't teleport into was being set up, and I ran at the chance to develop a new market."

Vendric: "What kind of market exactly?"

Tomas Castonello: "And what kind of business model are you looking at?"

The man straightens. "What kind of market? Fine woodworking. There's bound to be plenty of demand, and transportation will be risky, meaning it will come at a premium. Plants native to the Worldwound unlikely to be suitable and all."

Sarathel: "And by 'fine' you mean whatever you can gull people into thinking is rare and expensive?"

The man bristles. "Every merchant worth his salt knows how to increase the allure of his goods."

Tomas Castonello: "Well, he's not wrong. If you are interested in making a trade in town however, it may be hard for you to make a profit without quality assurance and competitive prices."

The merchant folds his arms. "I think I know my business better than you."

Tomas Castonello: "What do you think, guys? We could use more traffic and some cashflow would help breathe life into the town's merchant quarter."

Nightwolf "He still detects as evil but as far as I know he has committed no crime. He should be restricted to the Hill quarter but otherwise I don't see a reason to hold him."

Sarathel: "Though I think a suggestion that the guards watch his operation will not go amiss."

Nightwolf "Indeed. Know that crime will not be tolerated here. The guards will be watching you closely."

The man sneers. "You high and mighty types, always suspicious of the small businessman trying to make his fortune."

Tomas Castonello: "Eh, it's a start I guess. Maybe I'll confer with the mages on a setup for a magical tradepost to get the cash circulating."

Sarathel: "I'm sure Lord Gwerm has a few ideas along those lines." She mentions as he passes through the circle with an approving nod.
Tomas Castonello: "Oh yeah, that guy! I hope he and Aravashniel can meet us for dinner tonight. We have plenty to catch up on."

Sarathel nods. "So we do. And as it seems they've had some practice rebuilding a city, they should be quite helpful here."

Grand Lodge

That evening, the table is set with Drezen's current best, not that that's saying much before the incoming supplies are distributed.

Irabeth Tirabade would ply Tomas and Sara with familial smalltalk, around actual agenda items.

Vendric lets everyone enjoy the mean a while before he begins talking. "So seems our current objective is to explore the surrounding area as much as we can. I think the immediate area around us should be our priority. I would also like to devote some time in tracking down the shrine's/former cell's also former occupant."

Tomas Castonello would move his seat so he could talk to everybody equally, both his close friends and his Kenabres companions.

Tomas Castonello: "... as well as overseeing improvements to the city. I have a certain level of investment in restoring the infrastructure of Drezen and expanding in multiple sectors. Not to mention constructing a proper chapel."

Irabeth Tirabade chuckles as Sarathel blushes.

Aravashnial: "You'll be wanting the teleport circle on the tower roof restored, of course? With the other end being in Nerosyan, of course."

Horgus Gwerm: "And perhaps one off the market? That should significantly secure our supply lines."

Vendric: "Indeed and maybe add in a permament circle of protection from evil near them as well. We saw how useful that came in today. Though perhaps try to hide them."

Tomas Castonello: "You guys are really on top of this. A circle to accelerate travel is one of our biggest priorities, both for academic and commercial use. I eventually want to reach out of Mendev to the southern markets, especially the ones with sea access."

Aravashnial frowns. "Hiding it and keeping it effective at the same time is problematic... though, perhaps if I can manage to combine it with the teleportation circle... I have been researching in that direction for some time."

Horgus Gwerm: "They are, of course, quite, expensive, and with the resources demanded by the war...budgetary concerns unfortunately exist."

Tomas Castonello: "Our security measures should be focused more on outsiders and less on actual people, if possible. We can prevent invasions and still encourage the exchange of ideas and free trade."

Vendric: "Perhaps focus on the supply line first then."

Aravashnial: "But until my research is complete, might I suggest putting the magic circle on the door leading out of the teleport circle's building?"

Nightwolf "A sensible suggestion."

Vendric: "Would it still be effective if we covered it with like a rug?"

Aravashnial: "If using a permanently inlaid silver design, a rug should not obstruct it, but a rug crossing a threshold would be suspicious in and of itself."

Tomas Castonello: "I'm okay with that. Perhaps we can have a separate circle connected to the library, so our scholars don't interfere with the soldiers' activities above.Then you and your assembly have a direct line to me at all times, in case one of us needs assistance."

Horgus Gwerm: "I am afraid that such an extravagance is not in the budget at this time, Sir Tomas. But a secondary staircase from the more public areas of the citadel would be a more economical option."

Tomas Castonello: "Mmm, I guess. A Move Earth spell isn't too expensive. But I'm projecting continuous growth in that area as we revamp the markets."

Horgus Gwerm: "Perhaps you'll want to move the library to one of the outbuildings? That would resolve issues of accessibility and security, would it not?"

Tomas Castonello: "That's a good question. I really want to make good use of the space. Any thoughts on that, Aravashnial?"

Aravashnial: "With the modifications you have made, I could see refitting it into an infirmary. The wounded should be safer there, and recover faster in both body and mind."

Tomas Castonello: "That's pretty magnanimous of you. I'm enthralled having you all here

Sosiel Vaenic: "A secure infirmary is a high priority, as the demons take great delight in finishing off wounded en massse, when they get the opportunity."

Tomas Castonello: "All right, we'll put funds toward constructing a library near the commercial center so the magically apt can study and buy tools for practice. And we'll start stocking medical supplies and scrolls for the sick and wounded."

Horgus Gwerm: "While many of the buildings were left as ruins by the demons, a number of them should be able to be cheaply renovated."

Vendric: "As for scouting purposes how does our force look?"

Aron Kir: "With the additions Major Tirabade has led to the city, we should be able to keep a solid watch on the Sword's circumference of effect. Beyond that...our scouts aren't really up to dealing with anything that might appear behind them." Aron Kir smiles. "But that is where you Sirs come in, isn't it? According to the queen's orders?"

Vendric: "Yes it is. Then I guess our first outing should be exploring the surrounding lands first."

Aron Kir nods. "Considering the classic spiral search pattern?"

Nightwolf "That seems to be the most efficient."

Aron Kir: "I'm afraid the Lake Lost to the Sun will get in the way, it shouldn't be many miles to the northwest."

Nightwolf "Unless anyone knows of any interesting locations we should make haste to."

Tomas Castonello: "A simple lakebed should be little problem for me. But it depends what you think makes a good search party."

Aron Kir: "Word is that it never went dry, so it's more that exploring the depths is unlikely to do much good, and be difficult as well."

Vendric: "To get a better idea of our surrounding areas is the main goal from there we will simply need to pick a location that seems like we may find something."

Grand Lodge

That night, Vendric prays to Desna, asking where they should go to be of most use, where the Desnan succubus may have escaped too, as well as asking her to help protect Nurah's family and the friends he ended up getting involved.

The part of the dream Vendric remembers on awakening is Desna saying that Arushalae "has taken refuge in one of my holdings to the west."

((End session 49))

Grand Lodge

Sorry I haven't gotten to the Journal. It's been a rough week. Vendric shares what he learned. That the escaped Succubus has taken refuge in a Holy site of Desna in the area of Sarkoris.

Sarathel: "I recall two... though I've no idea if they're still there, of if so, in what shape." She points to a couple spot on the map.

Henderson: "Okay. And is that the kind of place we're looking for?"

Sarathel: "If Vendric's information is correct, and the sites are still there..."

Vendric: "My dream told me it was one of Desna's sites. I recall stories of pilgrimages to a Blessed Bell in that area. I would like to add investigating these places to our list of things to do."

Henderson: "Well... if it's on our way, I guess we can check them out. In addition to investigating the Lake and rooting out demonic infestations."

Vendric orders a few teleport scrolls for a side project.

Zullion "I suggest we scout the immediate and surrounding areas first, to make sure its clear."

Vendric: "As would I. Better to make sure no nasty surprises are in our immediate area before we leave."

Grand Lodge

They set out to search the area around the demonic teleport block in a clockwise pattern, starting from the southeast. This area has a couple gullies and ridges, scattered minor demons and fiendish wildlife, but no serious concerns. The area to the west is quite similar. Northwest of there, are a couple gullies and ridges (the norhtern containing the bare trickle remaining of the former river), scattered minor demons and fiendish wildlife, but no serious concerns. Tomas Castonello recommends following the riverbed to find a probable cause for the low water levels. This is put on hold until the immediate area around Drezen is searched. To the north, they stumble across the hollowed-out shells of an old town.

Grand Lodge

Nightwolf "This must have been Sesker's Gully, founded by crusaders and abandoned after the second crusade."

Near the edge of town, they find the remnants of a cemetery. Including a crypt with the name "Kassim" chiseled over the door.
​The twin stone and bronze doors that once sealed the mausoleum have been smashed apart, while the family name chiseled above the entrance has been splattered with blood and filth. ​

Zullion stops and stares at the name, his eyes follow the trail of destruction and the tarnished name plate. "I wish to inspect this place."

Vendric: "Then we shall."

As Zullion nears the gate, a spirit rises from the bones before it.

Zullion simply looks at the spirit "What do you wish?"

Alrys Kassim: “And now the child comes before me, not content with a parent’s torment! Woe, the bliss of being forgotten yet eludes these old bones!
“There is a darkness in the ground below, festering in the place forever barred to me. I am a monster made such by this land, yet the monster below is far worse! Remove it from my proscribed crypt that only its proximity may vex me, for one more night with the demon squatting within may well drive me to seek out your kin, slay them, and bring their souls back to revel with me!”​

Zullion "So you wish us to cleanse this place? I fear it not, but tell me, who are you?"

Alrys Kassim: "I am Alrys Kassim. Once-fair crusader, and friend of the mighty Terendelev."

Zullion "I share your blood, I share her gift, I will do this task, if only to have my kin rest in peace in these foul lands"

Alrys Kassim: "If I am to rest in peace, my bones must be properly laid to rest once it is cleansed."

Vendric: "You could have just asked us for help. No need to threaten to kill our family. Though I'm not sure I have any living ones left."

Zullion looks over to the rest of his companions "Will you help me with this task? I do not expect this of you, this is personal, and has nothing to do with our current objective"

Tomas Castonello shrugs. "Eh, I mean, since we're here."

Alrys Kassim: "I have lain here for years...decades... perhaps centuries... Unable to rest. Unable to pass on. Tormented by demons. How gracious would your manner remain?"

Zullion "Be still and we shall do this for you. Family should stick together, even in death" With that he dismounts and makes his way to the entrance, Lerial following him closely.

Alrys Kassim nods. "Then your parents have taught you well."

Sarathel: "I'll help as I can, of course."

Vendric: "As will I. Dealing with demons is our job anyway."

Tomas Castonello: "Heh, not that we treat it like one."

The stairway broadens as it leads down.

Pharah remains behind to ensure there are no nasty surprises from the outside.

Vendric drinks his mutagen and a few extracts. Barkskin, darkvision, and shield

Zullion has his shield and sword at the ready.

Tomas Castonello starts speaking very quietly, and after about half a minute, his body is cloaked in shadow and Skinnareth rises from his form.

Skinnareth: "I'm being told that you're descending into a place where humans place other dead humans. Are you expecting to die?"

Sarathel: "We are cleaning the place out so that a body may be added, Skinnareth. One of Zullion's kin."

Skinnareth: "One of his kin? Which one will it be? The bird?"

Grand Lodge

​Below is an unnaturally chill room with a row of six stone doors, each carved with an image of a saluting Iomedae with a sword and shield, running along the east wall.​ Each door bears a stone plaque with the name of a member of the Kassim family—these include Alrys's siblings and cousins.​ A statue of Iomedae stands in each of three corners. Zullion goes to the plaque with Alrys name.

Sara is distracted from Skinnareth's question as Zullion calls out, "Bodak! Be gone from my family's resting place!" As a rush of mythic energy fills him, he rushes at the creature, ready to strike it down.

As the undead comes into sight, a darkness washes over those who behold it. Sarathel warns the others of a bodak's defenses. Zullion's blades bounce from the bodak's tough hide, while its claws scratch harmlessly across his shield.

Nightwolf: "Avert your eyes."

The bodak dodges left and right as Nightwolf fires blindly, evading three of the five arrows. The other two hit the ceiling. Vendric moves up with his eyes closed, to throw two holy bombs at the bodak around the corner. One breaks against the undead, glowing butterflies washing over it. The other smashes against the wall behind its target, and only some of the butterflies are able to flutter into the bodak before dissolving. Skinnareth, not at all worried about some inferior creature's gaze, takes wing and flies right toward it.

Tomas Castonello: "Skinnareth you foo- GAH!" he cries out as he meets the bodak's gaze.

The bodak struggles as the jaws close on it, wriggling from Skinnareth's grasp, and one claw rakes down its side. Sarathel moves up with her eyes closed, holding forth an angelic ankh, and loosing a sphere of golden light which burns the undead. Zullion renews his assault on the intruder, once again using the power granted to him. The cavalier cuts down the undead with a single mighty blow. He spits on the remains of the creature

Tomas Castonello: "Guh... I've been energy drained..."

Lerial: "My life force also feels weaker."

Skinnareth: "It was because of your weak body holding me back!"

Tomas Castonello: "But we're in your body..."

Nightwolf "Remind me to pickup some smoked googles when we get back to civilization."

Sarathel: "I can restore you both."

Zullion: "Was this the only thing down here? Best make sure" while he walks through the doors to a wide and empty hallway leading towards the top of a staircase and two doors at the bottom, he keeps an eye on Lerial, just to make sure the experience didn't affect her too severely.

Sarathel: "Though it will take around twenty seconds...for each of you.

Vendric: "We were told a demon. That was an undead. The demon still remains."

Sarathel: "Then we'll just have to delve deeper."

Once his friends were restored, Zullion continues slowly down the hall and stairs to the double doors.

Grand Lodge

Sarathel remains near the back of the party. Zullion waits for the rest before he motions a count down before he opens the next set of doors. Tomas Castonello keeps his wings up in case another bodak appears to shield Sarathel's eyes. Lerial confers a sacred bond on Zullion, then moves to the back.

Zullion step through. The nabasu lurking just north of the door with an axe reaches out to touch him, delivering pain.

Vendric steps up. "It indeed is quite ugly. Better to remove it as quick as we can." He hurls a pair of holy bombs and the demon roars in pain as glowing butterflies wash over him.

Nightwolf casts greater invisibility as he steps in, loosing a volley. The demon takes an arrow through the left eye, and four more in the torso as its body falls.

Grand Lodge

Sarathel consecrates the crypt as the others haul bodies. Alrys's bones are interred, and he appears before Zullion and the others once more.

Alrys Kassim: ​“You have done for me what your parents could not. They came here, a time ago, and in my anger at their failure I attacked them. They defeated me, they thought me vanquished, yet I was not gone— my final release was beyond their abilities. But you have saved me, so allow me to gift a token of my gratitude...”​

​With that last words, his voice fades, but then his ghostly body shoots south into the ruined town like a comet.​ ​It snakes about until it finally infuses a spot in the ruins of an old church.​
This spot glows with a golden radiance.

Zullion prays to Apsu. And makes an engraving of his family Crest as well as that of his faith close to where Alrys is laid to rest. "May your soul know only peace, and may you travel the after life to your hearts content."

On digging down 4 feet from the glowing spot, the implement hits metal. A chest.

Grand Lodge

Our heroes return to Drezen to inform Irabeth that the vicinity is clear of threats. They then set out for the nearer former-Desnan holy site.

A small Sarkorian shrine was built into a cavern at the foot of an escarpment, not far from the river once known as the Gray Road.​
​Entrance to the fane is via a 30-foot-high cave opening at the base of the cliff—the cave leads to a set of stairs flanked by statues of Baphomet that climb up to the primary shrine, the ceiling a cavernous 30 feet above that floor.

Vendric upon approaching the place drinks his mutagen and extracts. "Well shall we investigate?" He begins to walk forward.

Sarathel: "Judging by the decor, the cultists have found it."

Tomas grants Sarathel barkskin and protection from evil.

((Thus ends session 50.))

Grand Lodge

Said shrine consists of two sets of staircases providing access to a seven-foot-high stone platform, more statues of Baphomet at the front corners, another seated in a lotus position across the width of the platform, towering all the way to the ceiling and a door cracked in the base of the platform. Before the platform stand three A curtained door to either side leads further in. Three people, wearing bull-styled full plate, and a red-trimmed grey tabard cinched by short-swordbelts, and carrying glaives stand at attention before the platform.

As he looks at the demonic statues a wave of anger washes over Vendric. His face showing it. "This place was once a holy site for Desna. Looking at it now one wouldn't even think that... These cultist need to be purged and this place purified." He flies up to the ceiling above the stairs and throws a holy bomb at the center of the cultist. The vial shatters against the central backplate with a tinkle. The person struck cries out as the glowing butterflies wash over and through him, his two allies jumping clear as they feel the burn of the first flutterers.

A tunnel leads through the platform on which the enormous statue sits.

Tomas Castonello leans over Sarathel's shoulder. "Old man Ven seems really intense right now. Should we help him or just let him work it out?"

Sarathel: "Why wouldn't we help him oppose cultists of Baphpomet? We could ask if they're wiling to surrender and repent..."

Tomas Castonello: "Hmm, do you think that'd work?"

Sarathel: "Probably not, but Sarenrae teaches we should give them the chance."

Tomas Castonello shrugs. "Well, might as well. But lemme do this first." Tomas Castonello places a magic circle against chaos on top of Sarathel, then shouts at the cultists. "Hey, you guys up there! Would you promise not to fight us if it means that flying rainbow doesn't blow you to smithereens?"

The templars of the Ivory Labyrinth answer as one "Death to the sniveling servants of weakness!"

Tomas Castonello looks at Sarathel and grimaces. "What would Sarenrae do now?"

Sarathel: "Cleanse this place with fire."

Tomas Castonello: "I don't have fire. Does ice work?"

Sarathel: "Depending on how it's applied."

The stricken templar of the Ivory Labyrinth turns and commands Vendric. "Fall." The half-elven butterfly tumbles to the stone.

Nightwolf vanishes, and arrows appear behind the fallen Vendric, shooting through visor slits, taking down two templars, and wounding the third. Sarathel prays for Vendric's swift healing. The remaining templar of the Ivory Labyrinth steps forward, swinging his glaive, missing Vendric as he rolls aside. Vendric stands up and tosses a bomb at the remaining cultist. The templar of the Ivory Labyrinth staggers as the glowing butterflies wash through him. Tomas Castonello finishes his attempt and flies over to interpose himself between Vendric and the templar, jaws snapping down to put an end to the third.

Another templar of the Ivory Labyrinth emerges from the curtain to the west, roaring a battle cry and swinging a glaive which bounces off Skinnareth's scales. More arrows appear in midair, punching through the templar's armor, who clatters to the floor.
Another pair of cultists bursts through the curtains, releasing waves of chill darkness which wash painfully over our heroes. Vendric five foot steps and tosses some bombs at the western cultist who roars his defiance as the glowing butterflies wash through him.

Tomas Castonello: "Don't worry about these guys, Ven. The Wolf and I can handle 'em. Go find whoever's leading them." turns on the templar that appeared behind him and bears down upon him, trying to flatten him with his mass. He pins the templar down and holds him until he stops moving underneath. He then indicates with a claw at the other one, implying Nightwolf should finish the job.

Nightwolf does so, arrows flying. "How many is that? Four for me?" his voice emerges from apparently empty space.

Sarathel holds forth a golden ankh, releasing a golden wave to counteract the dark ones.

Tomas Castonello: "Where are you even shooting from right now? Did you teleport?"

Zanedra: "Now, Svennarobeth, grandson of Baphomet, answerer of prayers! Show these interlopers your might!" The voice echoes from the platform's door.

A six legged, bat-winged, bull-faced creature covered in greenish scales charges down the platform's hidden tunnel, knocking the door open. A blue pentagram glows on its forehead.

Tomas Castonello: "Ah... ooooh. Skinnareth?"

Skinnareth: "Oh, how humiliating. Another creature has been trapped as I have. Except this one seems more body than mind. Don't worry, creature. You'll not suffer the indignity of servitude to a lesser being."

A barrage of five holy-butterfly-bombs blasts into the hostile eidolon. It staggers a step to the side.

Skinnareth turns and glares at the alchemist. "Fool! You dishonor us!" he rears his neck up to come down upon the creature's head.

Sarathel: "What are you calling a dishonor, Skinnareth?"

Vendric gives a glace at skinny. His face in a silent rage. "It's in my way of getting to the leader. Therefore it must be destroyed as quickly as it can."

The creature steps over Skinnareth's sweeping tail, is raked by his claws, and is bitten and held once. Skinnareth holds the eidolon, struggling, and turns away from Vendric, straining his jaws. Barbed arrowheads fly from empty air into the Abyssal eidolon's side. Sarathel moves to the foot of the stairs. The tattooed redhead in studded leather armor and a blue cloak at the far end of the tunnel speaks and points. Vendric freezes abruptly. Skinnareth looks over his shoulder at the others, wincing. He lets the Abyssal creature struggle and bite him. He looks pained, but not from the fangs. Skinnareth flails the creature and rakes it, again trying to snap its neck. Nightwolf's invisible hand reaches out to touch Ven, protecting him from evil, and his arrows plung into the Abyssal eidolon. Svennarobeth lashes out with horns, fangs, and hooves. Skinnareth lets the thing lash against him, the blows glancing off of his skin. His eyes are shut tight as he holds on, keeping its hooves off the ground as the summoner comes down the tunnel and reaches out to give a rejuvenating touch to a rear hoof. Skinnareth uses even more mythic power, and attempts to slam the creature into the ground, pinning it. He then deliberately closes his jaws on it. Svennarobeth dissolves into a cloud of acrid, greenish smoke. Skinnareth slumps down as the other eidolon vanishes, looking exhausted. He lets out a bellow toward the ceiling that reverberates throughout the halls. Nightwolf makes another pin cushion out of the summoner.

Grand Lodge

As the summoner falls, the entire structure suddenly begins to shake and vibrate, and light and energy coruscates over the walls and statues in the complex.​ Before our heroes' eyes, he defiled structure reverts—its wall carvings and statues melting into images of Desna, stars, butterflies, and distant lands. The light also infuses Vendric.

Nightwolf "That saves us doing it manually."

Tomas Castonello shakes his head slightly, regaining awareness. "Wow... that was a rush. Are you all okay?"

Sarathel: "Yes... I'm fine."

As the light fades, a thirty-foot-long, 2,000 lb., moth-like creature with a tail consisting of three peacock feathers, is left in its wake, it's wings displaying shifting scenes of Vendric's life, from which drifts a sparkling dust.

Tomas Castonello: "Gah... it's creepy!"

Sarathel stares at the moth-thing. "Is that...?"

Tomas Castonello: "Giant bug! Not another one!"

Nightwolf: "Skinnareth, stay your fangs! This is one of the good guys."

Tomas Castonello: "Eeeeeeeeew but it's got spindle legs! Don't let it touch me..."

Nightwolf's voice still has no visible source. "Says the guy who spends half his time in a legless serpent body."

Tomas Castonello: "Less is better than more!"

Skinnareth: "Indeed caster, you insult my kind. This is a higher being."

Night Monarch: "Hail, Vendric! Son of Desna! Not least of the notes sung by the Song of the Spheres! By this service and show of devotion, you have demonstrated your readiness to learn your true heritage."​

Vendric gazes at the azatas working the renovations. But then as the Night Monarch appears his focus shifts to it. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He takes a moment to process it's words. "Wait, are you saying what I think your saying?"

Night Monarch: "That depends on what you think I am saying, but if you think that I am saying that Desna is your mother, then yes."

Sarathel leans against the railing during this exchange, awestruck.

Vendric has a look of surprise on his face. "Huh... I suspected something but not that she would be my mother. Though it does explain a lot of things." He rests his hand on the wall still taking in the revelation.

Vendric looks at his companions to see their reactions.

Night Monarch: "This public announcement was decided upon that none might declare you were only dreaming such news."

Tomas Castonello crosses his arms, nodding. "Hm... mhm... that's totally a thing."

Sarathel stares from Vendric to the Night Monarch and back. She bumps into Nightwolf as she ascends the stair to Tomas. Tomas Castonello gives Sarathel his hand, helping her stabilize. He looks at Vendric, giving him a haphazard grin.

Vendric: "Well I suppose having people able to back up the claim would prevent me from being labeled as having gone mad. Still not sure I haven't myself. Its a lot to take in."

Nightwolf "Well that explains the family resemblance."

Sarathel: "Does...does this change anything?"

Tomas Castonello: "Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Of course we're not gonna be building temples of Vendric, but... is he still mortal, or...?"

Night Monarch: "The children of the divine and mortals are all born with the potential to transcend mortal limitations."

Vendric: "Well I don't feel that much different than before. A bit more powerful than a moment ago but I still feel like me."

Skinnareth: "Oh, you're no immortal. You've got ages before you can become as great as myself."

Tomas Castonello: "But do you have god powers? Make life appear and turn into stuff?"

Vendric: "Nothing more than I could before. But that does explain how I could do some things. Like using my own essence to enhance holy water and even how I could refine it for my Holy Bombs."

Night Monarch: "The divine powers mentioned take time to learn to wield, even for the Ascended."

Tomas Castonello: "Well, congratulations, I guess, Vendric. What are ya gonna do now?"

Night Monarch: "I am permitted to answer any further questions on this subject that you may have."

Vendric: "I don't think learning of this will change my mission. I'm still committed to this cause."

Tomas Castonello: "Well, that's a relief. We only just moved you in, you better not be looking at other places."

Sarathel: "Although this might be a suitable summer home, once this is all over." She smiles wryly.

Vendric disappears into a portal and reappears next to Tomas. "I don't know Tomas. If I can figure out this a bit more I may be able to visit a lot more places easier."

Tomas Castonello: "Woah, you can use god powers! That's so unfair!"

Sarathel: "Isn't that as commonly an arcane spell?"

Skinnareth: "Don't be dense, he just uses magic like you. You just don't use it nearly as effectively."

Vendric turns to the Night Monarch. "So how did I come to be? I know from my parents obviously, but how and why did they become a couple and end up having me?"

Night Monarch: "That is something of a story. You are sure it does not disturb you for these others to hear it? If so, your mother will be happy to tell you when next you talk."

Vendric: "So long as we aren't talking about the literal details of my conception I don't mind. I count these people as close friends almost like a family now."

Night Monarch: "You know, of course, of your father's devotion to Desna. He was a great traveler, and explorer of portals. These portals led him to other planes, and other planets, in his time. During his journeys, his path crossed with Desna's."

Vendric: "He told me stories, yes."

Night Monarch: "She found him to be a truly worthy follower, a good man and a charming one, and she loved him."
"She accepted him as consort, but once you were born, it was time for them to part for a season, that you might be raised amongst mortals, for your were born with your mortal side dominant, and your divine side slumbering, awaiting the correct conditions for your metamorphosis."
"Even fully divine children can be tainted by being raised as such among the planes. Just look at how Sicva turned out, and she was daughter to two goodly deities...." His antennae twitch in distress.
Vendric: "That I understand. Being treated as a divine being would have been a strange childhood. And I see how that would change someone."
"Your mother was disguised as a mortal when your parents met, of course. She often does that, when traveling the Material Plane."

Vendric: "As an elf I'm guessing." He moves a hand to his elven ears.

Tomas Castonello suppresses a snicker at that.

Night Monarch: "That is her most common preference, on worlds where such creatures dwell. Is that sufficient detail for you?"

Vendric: "For most of my life I always wondered who my mother was. Feels good to know now. And to know that all those years she was still with me even if i didn't know it at the time."

"Earlier you said special conditions had to happen for my divinity to awaken. Was that when the wardstones exploded and their energy infused with us?"

Night Monarch: "You understand precisely. Since that day your divine as well as physical wings have been slowly unfurling." The Night Monarch waits to see if there are further questions, but when none come, vanishes.

Sarathel: "What do you mean, when you say ... Desna has been with you? I mean, I know you said you've had the occasional dream..."

Vendric: "Well occasional may have been under selling it. Though then again I wasn't sure either until now. Most dreams had a elven woman who I now know was her disguised form."

Sarathel: "But they included long conversations? That you could remember on waking?"

Vendric: "Not at first. Just generally what they were about. But as i got older i could remember more and now i can remember most dreams as if they actually happened. I can even alter them a bit when I need to now and then."

Sarathel: "More divine affinities?"

Vendric: "Maybe. My father told me once he could do it now and again. Called it lucid dreaming but i think for him it was much less common."

Sarathel nods. "When you change them... have you ever been able to change your mother?"

Vendric: "Never thought to try. She was always a comforting presence in my dreams. Didn't see why I should change it."

Sarathel: "Then the things you changed... were they disturbing elements?"

Vendric: "Sometimes they are. I will admit some of our recent encounters have made a appearance but never when I was visted."

Sarathel: "Did she often dispel your nightmares when you were a child?"

Vendric: "Some. Not all, if I remember correctly. I imagine she either couldn't prevent them all or thought a few would be good to have experience of."

"I would suspect the latter." Sarathel smiles.

Vendric: "So do I. Well this day didn't turn out at all how I thought it would. Do you think we should share this revelation to everyone back at Drezen?"

Sarathel: "That's up to you...and whether you want to deal with others' reactions."

Vendric: "Hmm I feel like they should know otherwise I would be hiding something from them. But then again I don't know how they would take the news. I don't want to suddenly be treated differently cause of this."

Sarathel: "There would almost certainly be some who would. Others still may not believe it."

Vendric: "True. Guess we can at least tell our council. They may have some insight on whether we should tell the rest or not."

Sarathel nods. "That may be for the best."

((Thus ends the 51st session.))

Grand Lodge

Nightwolf: "That's like REALLY cool."

Vendric looks over the newly renovated temple. "Those azatas do good work. And pretty quickly."

Zullion: "Being of the planes I am sure their abilities outshine our own."

Sarathel looks around in confusion. "Azatas? What are you talking about?"

Vendric: "Maybe so. Now what do we do with this place? I would like to station troops here to keep it from falling to the cultists again. We could use it as a sort of forward base." He looks at Sara. "You didn't see them? They showed up and fixed everything and remade it back into a temple of Desna... My mother."

Nightwolf: "I must have missed them."

Sarathel: "I saw light, the statues changing, and the Night Monarch... but nothing else."

Nightwolf: "Must be a side effect...of being... well you."

Zullion: "Seems being in the field makes one miss much."

Nightwolf: "While the news about your mother is quite the revelation, I was hoping to find our missing escaped demon."

Sarathel: "Perhaps we should search the back rooms... they might have a lead for us written down somewhere."

Nightwolf: "Good idea."

Vendric: "As was I. And that's a good idea Sara."

Nightwolf: "There is key here that probably opens something interesting."

Vendric: "Well lets go find it. A shame the azatas left. We could have asked them."

Sarathel: "I'd think the place is safe now, or the Night Monarch wouldn't have left."

Vendric: "Indeed I think we are safe for now."

Zullion: "Right?"

Sarathel approaches the curtain then hesitates. "On the other hand... do you think the azatas might have missed any traps?"

Nightwolf: "I'll keep on the lookout for them."

Vendric: "They seemed pretty through but never hurts to be cautious."

Grand Lodge

The curtain separates the main room from a small barracks, with a line of bunks and attendant footlockers. The walls are carved with butterflies against night skies. There is another curtain in the north wall.

Nightwolf: "Well if we do use this as a forward base there is plenty of bunks to sleep in."

Sararthel: "Perhaps that's what the cultists were using it for as well."

Vendric steps up to the curtain and moves it. "And hopefully has Desna's blessing to give good dreams to those that do."

Zullion: "Good rest is hard to find."

Vendric: "Perhaps I can ask for a blessing for you tonight."

Grand Lodge

In the room beyond the north curtain a large oak table covered with papers sits against the north wall, with four round stools placed around it. To the side squats a five-foot-tall and five-foot-wide cabinet with a solid-looking lock.

Nw inspects the cabinet before trying the key in the lock. The cabinet looks perfectly normal, aside from the conspicuous lock. Vendric looks over the papers on the table. The papers detail patrol routes, transfer orders, commissary needs, and the other typical paperwork of a military outpost.

Nightwolf: "These papers may have useful intel for the war effort."

Zullion: "It would be appreciated. And now. Is that lock more than just a lock?"

Nw: "Doesn't look like it." The lock clicks open as the key is used.

The lock opens, and the front panel swings out, revealing 4 drawers. This is clearly a filing cabinet.

"Hmm give me a minute." Vendric pulls out a vial and downs it. His eyes turn blue as he looks over the room. "Looks like there is no magically hidden compartments."

Nightwolf rifles through the drawers for anything immediately useful.

Vendric: "Well seems we got company in a few hours. Looks like a patrol is supposed to be coming here."

Nightwolf: "How large?"

Vendric: "Only three."

Nightwolf: "We should greet them."

Vendric: "Indeed. I hope they like the changes we made."

Zullion: "Could be a friendly meeting."

Sarathel: "I don't think their armor would look good on any of us."

Nightwolf: "Take a look at this. A mention of place called the 'Ivory Sanctum'. It appears to be their main HQ. It is 'within what remains of the Greengates, beyond Vang’s illusory wall.'"

Vendric: "Hmm must be a old spell from Vang still active. From what I heard he's been dead since the third crusade."

Sarathel: "Perhaps Aravashnial or one of the others would know more."

Nightwolf: "Its a long way back to ask a few questions."

Vendric: "They probably would know more than I would about that. We should deal with our visitors quickly so we can report back with all this. Then we can begin to make our way to the other Desnan site. To hopefully find our Desnan ally."

Sarathel: "I could try some sendings, when we settle in."

Vendric: "Ahh thats right you can send information back with that. Though we have quite a lot to send. I don't thing a few castings will cover it all."

Nightwolf: "Perhaps just the broad strokes for now. We will return with the documents."

Sarathel: "I was thinking it enough for the things you don't want to cover in person, such as 'Enemy headquarters in Greengates. Any information on it, or Xanthir Vang?'...And 'Desnan shrine liberated.' Could be tacked on the start there."

Nightwolf: "Personally I'd like to press on to the second temple before turning around, but I'm open to returning first."

Vendric: "That would be a good start. Then we should prepare for the patrol then after dealing with them we rest then head out to the other site? This would be a lot easier if we could teleport."

Tomas wanders in from another room, his humanoid form resumed. "This place is pretty homey for a place of worship. Excuse me, but I could swear I heard someone mention a name. Did anyone say Xanthir Vang just now?"

Sarathel: "Yes... Nightwolf found a note about the cultists' regional headquarters that mentioned a spell he cast."

Zullion: "At least the investigation has some progress."

Tomas' face twisted into a grimace. "Oh lord, what did it say? He's not coming here, is he?"

Sarathel looks over at Tomas. "Coming here? How could he come here? Vendric said he died during the Third Crusade...and which lord were you referring to? Lord Holdrun?"

Tomas: "I don't think so. I heard that name spoken by Aravashnial, and I recall him also mentioning that he was involved in the destruction of the Librarium. I may also have heard that he...Er. I think I might be sick."

Sarathel steps forward, ready to remove his illness.

Nightwolf ask a puzzled "What's wrong?"

Tomas: "I... urp I don't know how much I should tell you. But it's very important that we not engage that man if he is as bad as they say."

Sarathel frowns. "If he's evil, doesn't that make stopping him more important?"

Nightwolf: "Isn't engaging bad guys kind of our job?"

Vendric: "He seems involved in what we may have to deal with soon. All we can learn is good."

Nightwolf: "Though that is no reason to rush into a confrontation we are not ready for."

Tomas: "Look... I know that you are all dedicated to this mission. And we've done a whole lot to get to this point. But Xanthir Vang is a name that I can't face right now. And he might well be beyond all of us. So much so that I really can't justify putting you in danger. Because as sad as it sounds... you're my only friends."

Sarathel: "I don't think it sounds sad at all, Tomas." She'd slip her gauntleted hand into his. and lean in to rest her head on his shoulder.

Vendric: "We put ourselves in danger."

Sarathel adds: "I do hope you will soon be able to tell us what's so terrible about him. So we can at least understand."

Nightwolf: "Look, we'll avoid him as long as we can."

Vendric: "But when you feel you can tell be sure to do."

Zullion: "And it may give us more reason to help, than just helping because we are friends."

Nightwolf: "but we may have to face him eventually."

Vendric: "But for now we have a different goal. Take care of the patrol then rest and set off in the morning after hopefully getting troops on their way here to occupy this place."

"Oh, Sara... Guys..." Tomas holds Sarathel close and hugs her tight. His chest shudders and spasms.

Sara holds Tomas, carefully not bruising him with her armor.

Grand Lodge

Vendric would explore the other rooms once done with the papers. The far side of the sanctum has another bunk room, much like the first, and a mess hall.

The tunnel under the sanctum's platform leads to the bottom of a shallow pit, the rest of that room's floor being on the back half of the platform, the back of the giant statue of Desna serving as its southern wall. It's furnished with a bed, desk, and chair. Vendric notices a slight irregular outline on a section of wall near the back. He opens the hidden door onto a tunnel leading to a cliffside 250 feet down. Looking down from the far end, the ground is 40 ft. below.

Nightwolf: "An escape route for fliers?"

Sarathel: "Her eidolon was winged..."

Vendric: "Or good climbers. Could also be a secret entrance."

Grand Lodge

With the fane scouted and bodies searched, the party returns to the sanctum to await the patrol. Vendric centers himself in the sanctum. Skinnareth clings to the ceiling, and Nightwolf waits near the wall, arrow nocked. Pharah and Zullion on the far side. The last trio of templars barely has time to register what's hitting them before their passing.

Grand Lodge

Vendric: "Well time to get get some rest for tomorrow's journey. I'll pray my mother blesses you all with a good rest and pleasant dreams."

Tomas: "Er... before we retire, I believe Skinnareth has something to say, actually."

Zullion waits and listens.

Vendric: "Go ahead then."

Tomas: "Well, ah... this is you, Skinnareth."

Skinnareth: "Hmph, how unceremonious. Well, fine. It would appear that I am compelled to offer you mortals... so undignified... to offer an apology."

Nightwolf: "Why what'd you do?"

Sarathel frowns. "I hope you mean compelled by conscience rather than any magical or other duress."

Skinnareth: "It occurred to me as you laid your conquest of this hall you so claimed for yourselves, that you would have slain one of my kind. A fellow higher being, shackled into servitude as I was. And I saw fit to deny you that glory. So I apologize."

Nightwolf: "Umm okay, forgiven I guess."

Sarathel shrugs. "Not an offense to me, at least."

Vendric: "The eidolon? I think your origins are pretty different to that one. And you still refer to us as lesser beings?"

Nightwolf: "In battle, so long as evil is slain, it doesn't matter to me who gets the kill. Well maybe it does a little but only in the sense of a little friendly competition."

Skinnareth: "Hmph! As if one who spends their life tethered to the dirt of one realm would understand! It is enough that I don't demand restitution for your indignity!"

Nightwolf: "There's our old Skinny."

Skinnareth turns up his nose, and when he looks back, the eyes of a serpent are gone and Tomas' pupils remain. "Well that was... different. Don't ask me, guys."

Sarathel chuckles. "Wouldn't dream of it."

Vendric: "Still must be an interesting experience. You seem to have gotten more used to it."

Tomas: "Not really. I'm definitely not into sharing a body. But he's also been pretty lax lately. That fight with the bull outsider was the first time in a while he's pushed for control."

Sarathel: "I am glad you are getting along better."

Tomas shrugs. "Is it we're getting along? I think he's just lazy."

Sarathel: "He seems willing enough to exert himself when there's something he cares about at stake."

Tomas suddenly grabs his thumb and twists, making him yelp in pain.

Nightwolf chuckles.

Tomas: "Aaagh... or when his feelings get hurt."

Vendric: "Doesn't that hurt him too?"

Sarathel frowns. "....I would think so."

((Thus ends the 52nd session.))

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