Nilus grasps his holy symbol and cries out
Blessed Rose! Preserve this poor man!
Sarkast rushes across the floor as Jesker numbly moves for the lava, catching him with a flying tackle! Dejik and then Nilus' spells both wash over him. Dejik's spell is sufficient enough, and he goes limp and starts weeping bitterly in Sarkast's arms.
Then, he starts shaking. Violently. He lets out a horrifying scream as purple smoke pours out of his ears, mouth, and eyes before he collapses into unconsciousness. A demon now stands by him.
This winged abomination is 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.
"YOUR GODS HAVE ABANDONED YOU AND YOUR SOULS WILL BE MINE!" shrieks the demon head while the human face on the back of its skull starts a ghastly, wailing scream.
This is a Shachath, a living embodiment of blasphemy. They are obsessed with the destruction of mortal faith in the Gods, and are noted advisors and interrogators for the demon lords. They are noted for their ability to physically possess the bodies of targets. Shachaths wield an array of spells and have the common immunities and resistances of demons, as well as spell resistance.
Sarkast
Nilus
---
Quinach
---
Dejik
Ayesha
"What do you know of our gods and their hold on our souls, demon? You are nothing more than blasphemy made solid. Your words are as empty as your heart, and nowhere near as ugly as your face. It is no wonder you prey upon the weak-minded and inhabit their forms. I wouldn't want to wear that abomination you were born with any longer than I had to!"
To her friends, Ayesha called "Cold iron and good-aligned weapons will hurt it more that anything else. Immune to electricity and resistant to almost everything else, including most spells. Guard your minds against its words, as it will try and instill doubt in all that you are and believe."
Sarkast sets the unconscious priest down and turns to the demon. With blinding speed he runs around the demon, pulling two daggers from his belt, one cold-iron, the other magic. He jabs at the demon with the dagger, then circles and does it again.
Nilus stares very unhappily at the lava flow before him, not sure he can make the jump in plate mail. Meanwhile, Sarkast leaps into action, easily slipping past the shachath before attacking repeatedly. One attack lands solidly as he slices the demon's hamstring.
Its face swivels about, and the angelic, contorted face turns to stare at Sarkast.
"But you hurt me, whatever shall I do?"
It then grins viciously before it limps abck, allowing Sarkast an attack before it begins to cast.
A pulse of black light emerges from the shachath, and the area becomes darker, and the Gods feel cold, and distant.
Sarkast
Nilus
---
Quinach (27 dmg, hampered)
---
Dejik
Ayesha
Dejik shakes of the worst of the demon's attack. I'm willing to put my faith to the test. Are you?
Sarkast stabs the demon again as it gathers up a shroud of darkness. Even as his blade strikes home, he feels a cold shadow on his soul.
Ayesha feels her strength draining from her as the demon's presence washed over her. She blinked in confusion for a moment, trying to recall what it was that she was doing.
Nilus moves forward attacks the Demon across the lava.
Sarkast and Ayesha are blasted into a daze by the power of the blasphemy while Nilus and Dejik manage to fight through it. Dejik casts a prayer to her Goddess in defiance of the demon, which empowers her allies and harms the shachath!
The shachath snarls at Sarkast and rears back before flinging her arms and wings forwards. Sarkast feels a thump as an invisible force slams into his chest, trying to send him backwards into the laval!
However, she leans on her injured leg and it gives out, causing her spell to simply blast some pebbles aside on the ground.
Sarkast (7 str)
Nilus (3 str)
---
Quinach (37 dmg)
---
Dejik (3 str)
Ayesha (7 str)
Round 2
Nilus moves and attacks the Demon across the Lava flow
Ayesha shook her head to clear her mind, but felt immensely weak. He pack was nearly pulling her to the ground, so she let it slip from her shoulders. Freed of the colossal weight, she moved in close enough so that all of her companions could get the benefit from her spell. Immediately everyone felt a rush of speed and agility as the haste spell too effect.
HP 75/75. Current AC: 23/15/19
Active conditions: -7 str (3)
Active spell effects: haste
Arcane pool: 10/10 left today
Spells remaining: 1st 7/7, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 4/4
Black Blade arcane pool 3/3
Mythic power: 9/9
pearl of power lvl 1 2/2
pearl of power lvl 2 1/1
Sarkast smiles as the group shakes off the effects of the demon's magic, and everyone starts moving into position. He steps up to place the beast between himself and Nilus, and begins jabbing with both knives.
Nilus' glaive whistles past the shachath twice. Dejik then rushes up, enchanting Nilus with greater strength to counter the effects of the demon's spell. Ayesha sends up a haste spell in memory of Ronan which gives Sarkast the edge he needs. He leaps on the demon,s tabbing repeatedly, and although only one attack hits, it's enough to slow her badly.
The demon maneuvers away from Nilus and Sarkast, limping, and then suddenly vanishes.
The demon has cast greater invisibility on herself.
Haste active 9/9
Sarkast (7 str)
Nilus (bull's strength)
---
Quinach (64 dmg) (invisible) (-2 AC, -4 v Sarkast, 1/1)
---
Dejik (3 str)
Ayesha (7 str)
Ayesha saw the demon step back and vanish, and smiled to herself. "Sarkast, Nilus, shield your eyes!"
Quickly, she cast a simple spell, one that every arcanist picked up almost as soon as possible, knowing how useful it could be. Where the demon has disappeared, Ayesha brought forth a bright light that exploded in a cloud of glittering particles that clung to everything they touched.
Ayesha's spell goes off, and the demon is illuminated! Its head flips around to the demonic head, which roars in anger.
Nilus steps south and unleashes hell on the demon
Nilus attacks with several vicious swipes, and two of them land on the speedy demon.
Haste active 9/9
Sarkast (7 str)
Nilus (bull's strength)
---
Quinach (113 dmg)(-2 AC, -4 v Sarkast, 1/1)
---
Dejik (3 str)
Ayesha (7 str)
When Ayesha's spell outlines the demon, Sarkast growls to see that it has wedged itself into the space between a pillar and the lava, preventing him from reaching the weak points he had identified. He steps up and does his best, attacking with speed if not accuracy.
With the demon across the lava, Dejik resorts to her original weapon.
With the demon outlined, Sarkast lunges at it with an unbelievable flurry of attacks. His form is a blur as he moves and twists around it, stabbing again, and again, and again. Finally he yanks a dagger out of its chest, only for Dejik's arrow to fly in and take the demon in the throat. With a howl it collapses on the ground, dead.
End of Combat
After the furor of the battle the cavern is strangely silent aside from the occasional pop and bubble of the lava. Jesker lies completely unconscious by the edge of the lava, but is quickly pulled away.
Exploring the cavern reveals the crystalline "coffin" that Jesker was perched on. Within the crystal is a mummified body clutching a few items.
I feel a sense of great power on that crystal, mother. Be cautious, Deadeye himself has blessed this place at one point.
Nilus checks the man for a pulse.
Nilus then prays over the man, and uses his gifts of Healing
"Wait! Don't touch the crystal. Not yet anyways. There's something about it..."
Ayesha studied the crystal through her arcane sight, letting Darb N'ssiar guide her with its own senses.
Nilus checks on Jesker, healing him thoroughly. Jesker starts coughing and opens his eyes, looking at the group blearly. As soon as he does so, he starts weeping.
"The things I've done... I've abandoned my God..."
Meanwhile, Ayesha crouches and stares intently at the magical auras contained within the crystal. The crystal itself does not appear to have a magical aura itself, just the warnings given to her by Darb N'Ssiar.
The body is wearing a suit of the finest, lightest chainmail Ayesha has ever seen. She detects that it is enchanted, and allows the wearer to fly once per day.
At the side of the body is a powerful longbow with an enchantment upon it.
And finally, around her neck is a talisman of pure good with one charge remaining. This incredibly powerful item allows a divine caster of true, pure good to create a flaming crack in the earth beneath the feet of an evil spellcaster.
Sarkast allows the others to console the priest. While Ayesha studies the body, he looks for a way to help Jesker back across the lava now that he is no longer possessed.
Jesker still seems somewhat delirious.
"The hatred, the vile desecration... it felt... beautiful? Oh Gods what is wrong with me!"
The lava flows are certainly unpleasant, although at some spots the jump is a mere three or four feet. With some assistance it shouldn't be difficult to get Jesker across.
Nilus frowns, but helps the man across the lava.
Be at ease friend. The demon torments you no more.
"So, is this Delamere's tomb, then? Seems that someone - The Forest Reaver himself? - wanted these remains to stay safe. If it was Erastil that did this, perhaps Delamere wasn't so heretical after all? What do you say, Jesker? Is Drezen to be razed to the ground simply for growing larger than ten families?"
Approaching Nilus, she whispered, "What do you think? Can he be redeemed? Or did the demon find entirely too much natural talent to latch on to?"
Jesker continues muttering.
"Erastil protects her in death," mutters Jesker. "Even those who strayed from the path deserve redemption. But not I... I have spat on my God and destroyed what he offers. Those actions were mine - it's how the demon works.."
Jesker's actions have lead to the loss of his faith and status as a cleric. An antonement spell would be the first step to his redemption in this case.
No man is beyond redemption. No matter their actions, the way is always there. We will go to Drezen and discuss this further.
Sarkast gives the cave another good search, then prepares the climbing gear to help everyone get back up the cliff.
Deciding to leave the items within the crystal coffin for now, you make your way out. Using Sarkast's expertise with ropes, you manage to climb the side of the cliff and even get Jesker up to the top. With the mission accomplished, you make your way back towards Drezen, victorious.
Jesker explains on the way that the demon - Quinarch was her name - was attempting to use him as bait to get at the four of you, or so she explained after he was trapped. Being the only Erastilian in Drezen, he was somewhat on his own, and drawn in fairly easy to the point where he forsook his vows. The demon then destroyed the shrine and took over his body - his suicide was to shame the four of you lead you to doubt your own Gods.
The journey back is uneventful, and after a few days of back-breaking travel, you find yourselves back in Drezen, safe and sound.
Nilus will bring Jesker to Irabeth for a full debrief. He will seek her counsel on an appropriate atonement for the fallen Cleric.
After Irabeth decides what should be done with Jesker, Nilus will act as either his Jailer or Mentor, depending on the situation. In both cases Nilus will do his best to show the man how he might find redemption and solace in the service of his God once more.
Nilus will also check on Joran, Jestak and Chorussina. Nilus will continue his ministry of redemption with them.
Most of Ayesha's time spent on the way back to Drezden was done with Sarkast, estimating the worth of the goods they could sell, and trying to figure out the contacts back in Drezden to get the best prices.
Still, when Nilus mentioned getting an atonement spell for Jesker, she smiled. Nilus was being Nilus, for sure. "I know Sosiel would likely be all too happy to cast the spell, if he can. Especially with your advocacy, Nilus."
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You seek out Sosiel who is in fact in counselling with Joran, Jestak, and Chorussina. Sosiel looks grimly to Nilus as he listens to the tale of Jesker.
"There are few things crueler than to have your fate stolen by you. Drezen failed Jesker here, and under my watch particularly as the religious leader of this community. I am shamed before the Rose, and will do everything I can to help him regain his lost faith. Old Deadeye never left Jesker, but Jesker did spurn Old Deadeye, even if it was not entirely of his own volition. I can cast the atonement spell and will do so."
Sosiel leads you to the part of Drezen which has been converted to a comfortable prison for the three powerful prisoners who may be worthy of redemption.
"Chorussina is... of evil. I fear her soul was never ours to begin with and I do not know what steps can be taken to ensure her salvation at this point. Her entire magical being is based on a demonic connection which, if severed, would probably kill her. She is also responsible for many atrocities as the quartermaster of Drezen during its occupation. Irabeth has made it clear that it is redemption or execution for this one, and I do not see a path to redemption."
He moves on to Joran, who is reading comfortably.
"Joran... there is hope with this one. I would recommend you find an activity or goal for him which will bring him further to the side of good. Joran's failing, if it is one, is that he over-intellectualizes. The emotional connection of doing good is lost on him. Perhaps good deeds would be his road to salvation. Having lost his faith in his cruel God of suffering and toil, he is without direction or purpose."
Finally, Sosiel moves to Jestak, who is pacing her cell like a caged animal.
"Jestak is a savage creature of death and destruction. She has the opposite problem to Joran. All she wants to do is destroy - why when she realized that her commanders thought she failed, she slaughtered her entire command to impress them. I... would think of a way to make use of her. If given meaningful work and strict orders, she could be a force for good, although unknowingly. She wants to kill, and there are demons to kill rather than good men. Perhaps the new barbarians who have settled here would be a good fit for her culturally."
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The cessation of the raids has allowed many new supplies to come in to Drezen, expertly monitored by Horgus who has set up a pseudo-command economy. in this context, several merchants have now set up with a petty cash loaned by the government to allow for high-value transactions. The sheer power of this place, and large amount of magical items in the economy ensures that there's a lot of cash moving around.
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- There have been reports of strange activity at a small ghost town on the northern bank of the Ahari - just west of Drezen.
- Anevia has made a discovery on a long-wage scouting mission. An active temple of Baphomet is located about thirty miles west of Drezen. This is an excellent chance to gather more information on the enemy.
- Rumours of a fell beast nicknamed the Woundwyrm have been circulating through Drezen, including a party which was wipedo ut to a man. The lair is apparently somewhere to the southwest, although a specific location has not been noted.
Truly Sosiel? Your words dishearten me. The Rose believes that all may find redemption...perhaps it may take this one longer than our lifespan to find it. But we should allow her that chance.
Nilus will go to Chorussina and attempt to ascertain her motives and nature, and if she even desires redemption.
Perhaps. Perhaps Master Vhane may be placed in charge of the Forge, and turning its awful powers into those more Goodly aligned. You said it was possible right? To alter the Forge and make it something truly wonderful? Joran is a dwarf, he knows of forges...maybe with your help and that of Aravashnial he might find redemption and turn an Evil artifact into something of Beauty.
Nilus will go and speak with Joran about the possibility of him working on turning the Corruption Forge into something more Goodly aligned.
I feel there would be no love lost between the Wintersun and the demons that infest this land. Jestak could, if shown the way, lead them to combat our enemies. I fear though, that if left unchecked her rage would spill over and she would never embrace the light. Perhaps Master Aron might take her and the Wintersun out scouting...to help show her the way.
Nilus will continue his message of Beauty and Calm with Jestak. He will also attempt to find her own feelings about joining the Wintersun.
Thank you Brother Sosiel. Your words warm my heart. I believe indeed that Jesker will repent and atone for his actions. Old Deadeye is a stern Master, but he knows repentance when he sees it. Jesker will restore the Shrine, and perhaps one day there will be a Druid grove here. The Future can be filled with Beauty if we allow it to be.
Nilus will indeed speak of the future to Jesker. Specifically, a future where Erastil is worshipped as much as Iomedae here in Drezen. Nilus councils Jesker to begin his ministry with the Wintersun, they might take to Erastil's message of Home and Hearth more than Iomedae's strict devotion to Glory and Honor.
Sarkast doesn't feel that he can do much to help with the lost souls, but does suggest that he might be able to talk with Joran about the Forge. "I learned something of weaponcrafting before I became a scout, so perhaps I could be of some guidance to him."
During the day or two of rest the group takes, Sarkast continues scouting the area, watching for signs of trouble and trying to find any indication of where the supposed lair of the Woundwyrm might be.
As he does these scouting trips, he begins setting up small piles of stones on the roadside just outside of Drezen on each path. He spends time at them in the early morning and late evening, coloring them with pigments bought from the travelling merchants, mostly dark blues, purples, and black with a scattering of bright yellow and while among them.
When discussing plans, he suggests seeking out the temple of Baphomet. "Each of these temples we take down weakens the enemy and provides us with more opportunity to save enslaved and misguided humans from them."
========
========
Sosiel listens intently to Nilus and he sits back, frowning.
"Putting Joran on the corruption forge is a very interesting prospect. I'll work with him and Aravashnial and see if that can be done. And having Jestak under Aron's supervision is... interesting, I will speak with my love and see what he feels."
He then turns and looks over to Chorussina's room.
"You shame me Nilus, but I will think of other ways. We cannot sever the connection to the demon from this side. I am confident that will kill her or drive her mad. However, perhaps there is another way. She is connected to a specific demon - a soul binding of sorts she underwent to gain power. If this demon is in the Worldwound, you may be able to locate it and end the connection from that end. It is a long shot, we are overrun with millions of demons and this may be a needle in a haystack, but you have made me think and I appreciate that."
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Sarkast starts ranging out on scouting trips, going on his own thanks to his stealth and ease of moving over the land. At one point during his rangings, he does spot a creature flying through the sky far to the southwest. It is hard to pinpoint, but with the points of reference he can find it seems enormous.
While he scouts, he begins to set up his small colourful stone areas. They shine brightly in the brutal world of the Worldwound and bring a lightness to the heart.
Thank you Brother Sosiel. When we find this demon, I will do the rest.
Sosiel embraces Nilus.
"The Rose watch over you. I will keep the faith here, brother."
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With the affairs of Drezen well in hand, you choose a new destination, and strike westwards, following the plans laid out by Anevia. The goal is a Temple of Baphomet, however there is a ghost town that has been causing some trouble which is an easy stop along the way.
Your journey leads you westwards along the Ahari riverbed, which thankfully is a flat, straight road to walk along straight west out of Drezen. The Worldwound remains as punishing as ever. Despite the complete lack of water, you are harried by clouds of horrid stinging insects, which attack you without mercy.
Sarkast recalls the name of the upcoming town being Sesker's Gully, and despite the misery of the insects, the town is reached without too much issue.
The town is a sad, ramshackle affair against a lower bank of the Ahari, with naught but crumbling buildings and a crypt. Some demonic vermin scurry about the place; a couple of lone vescavors and a dretch but they flee at the sight of you.
As you explore the town to figure out why it is of note to anyone, Ayesha finally makes her way to the crypt, and is astonished to see a name listed over top.
The Crypt of the Family Black
The name is immediately familiar, although a common one it is nonetheless the last name of Ronan, your missing companion!
Sarkast moves carefully but quickly around the abandoned town, looking for signs of life or recent use. When Ayesha finds the sign on the crypt, he notes the coincidence. "If it were not for the clear hands of gods in our lives already, I would think this is just an odd coincidence. However, I have to wonder if there is any connection."
Once everyone is gathered, he prepares to open the door and peek inside.