| Stip |
I'm posting these separately from the campaign prologue/cut scene thread since these might be easily adaptable resources for other GMS. The first are excepts from the journal of Staunton Vhane the PCs recover in book 2 - taking the essential bullets from the adventure and expanding them. Some of these dates might need to be revised, as an FYI, just because my campaign timeline is a few years later than the official campaign timeline (to tie these events into some prior campaigns).
The second is a revised version of Arueshalae's prayer to Desna. I have spent a lot of time developing Arueshalae's backstory so that her introduction and redemption is a central arc of the campaign, and I wanted to expand the prayer a little bit.
If this is useful to anyone please use/steal/adapt liberally! This campaign has been amazing thus far and I am happy to give back given how much I have taken from these forums!
| Stip |
Select Entries from the Journals of Staunton Vhane
28 Calistril 4595
My parents have gifted me this journal. They told me if I am to be a great explorer, and recover the lost Sky Citadel of Jormurdun, the world will need to know my story, and I should get into the habit of recording my thoughts. Father told me I can share this with my own children someday, so they could know the story of their father in his own words. I asked him if he kept a similar journal. He told me does, and he will bequeath it when he can no longer speak his truth to me directly. I am comforted to know that he will still be able to guide me even after he has gone on to his great reward at Torag’s side.
Misc Entries: 4595-4626
Entries chronicle Vhane’s childhood, his relationship with his family and clan, to whom he was very close, his growing bond with Torag, his decision to become a Paladin, his ambition to recover the dwarven sky citadel of Jormurdun, and enlisting in the Crusade
12 Pharast 4596
I lost my temper with Joran today. It is just so frustrating the way he constantly follows me around. He needs to spend time with the dwarves his own age. I have better things to do than watch over him when I am trying to explore with my friends. Mother tells me I’ll be glad I have such a loyal younger brother when I’m older, but she is always saying things like that.
19 Lamashan 4607
The whole clan gathered today in a meeting in the Great Hall. The lands of Sarkoris have been overrun with demons. There are rumors of some unsealable gate that is letting demons just walk straight into Golarion, and that the energy of the abyssal plane is leaking into and corrupting the world. Tens of thousands of people have been killed. Maybe more. The Church of Aroden and Iomedae are calling for a great Crusade to drive the demons back. The clan is deciding how to respond. The demons will need to be driven back if I am to find Jormurdun.
14 Desnus 4624
I took my vows today, dedicating myself to Torag. How does one even talk about what a day like this means? The feeling is indescribable. To know that I shall forever walk in purpose, that He shall always be there to guide me, that I will never truly be alone. Joran has expressed a desire to follow in my footsteps. His faith was never as strong as mine. I hope he finds it, or that I can guide him to it. All should know this peace.
3 Pharast 4626
Joran and I plan to enlist in the Mendevian Crusade. We could not be more excited. It is a glorious opportunity for us to serve Torag and to know that our lives will make a difference – to carve our names into the history of Golarion. So much of Sarkoris has been lost so quickly, which means Jormurdun is even further out of reach. But the crusade has commissioned a fortress, modeled in the style of the Sky Citadels. They are naming it Drezen. I hope to be stationed there. A posting deep in Sarkoris will enable us to launch strikes deep into the demons’ territory, and who knows what we might discover.
3 Neth, 4626 to 21 Pharast 4628
A series of increasingly frustrated and angry entries criticizing, in exhausting details, the many tactical shortcomings of the leadership of Citadel Drezen
23 Kuthona 4638
Joran had not abandoned his faith after all. I reported him to General Aponoavicius to prove my loyalty to Deskari. He will be punished and given the opportunity to make amends.
7th to 13th Abadius 4639
A series of entries where Vhane describes his role in the fall of Drezen (as per the prologue)
11 Calistril 4643
I am being sent back to Mendev on an infiltration mission. I requested that Joran be sent with me. He will not survive here on his own. We will be accompanied by several other Dwarven agents of Deskari and Baphomet. We plan to found a mercenary company. It will be safer to stay outside the formal Crusade structure. Fewer paladins, clerics, and inquisitors. I will be reporting to Mistress Jerribeth, though she will act through agents. Unless we are given a specific objective, we are to fight to win and earn as much glory as we can. After all, there are always more demons. There is some greater plan in motion and I have been chosen to play an essential part, though what my role I have not yet been told.
Misc Entries: 4640-4722
60 plus years of entries detailing his role advising Aponoavicius on Crusader tactics, completing successful missions against the forces of the Worldwound in his paladin cover, as well as the occasional atrocity he was asked to perform – first on behalf of Jerribeth, and later various handlers from the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth. He takes vicious satisfaction in describing his slaughter of demons, as well as a perverse pride in his various betrayals great and small. There are also regular abasements he is instructed to perform to demonstrate his continued loyalty. He does not describe what is asked of him, just that the process is demeaning, disturbing, and each act ensures that the road back remains even further out of reach.
14 Desnus 4651
Joran seems to have chosen Droskar over Lord Deskari. Perhaps he draws comfort from Droskar’s connection to Torag. It matters not, in the end. We have made our choices, and the Abyss has claimed us, regardless of who we worship
10 Calistril 4691
New orders from Mistress Jerribeth. I am to position myself in Kenebras, and obtain a posting guarding the Kenebras wardstone. I do not know why, but apparently this is part of Lady Vorlesh’s larger plan. If this goes well, it affords me a real chance to prove my loyalty to Lord Deskari, and to the larger cause, beyond any doubt.
13 Desnus, 4692
I have been delivered a vial of some immensely potent corrupting oil. I am to apply it to the wardstone, which will weak its defenses for what is coming. It should not be difficult to get myself stationed as a guard with a loyal Hammer.
22 Desnus 4692
Success. Now we wait. Joran seems to think the alchemical agent will dampen the power of the wardstone, making it possible for demons to teleport into Kenebras. I do not believe Terendelev suspects anything is amiss, but they will need to send a mighty force to deal with her presence. A raid on Kenebras will show the Mendevians that even behind their walls and wards they cannot hide from my Lord Deskari, and he will grow fat upon their fear and despair.
3 Sarenith 4692
This was no raid. It was an all out assault on the wardstone, lead by the Storm King himself. Ironically, I lead the hammers in a relief effort to drive the demons from the Kite. It appears that Terendelev was able to drive off the Storm King, but not before he was able to wound the Wardstone. The stone was chipped, and his corruption has now infested it. It is just a small spark, but in time, who knows how bright it will burn
4 Gozran 4693
The Hammers have built quite a reputation for themselves during the so-called 4th Crusade. Of course, it is easy to be successful when you know exactly where the ‘enemy’ is. Though the fighting is no less real, and no less satisfying. How delicious that these demons are to be sacrificed for my greater glory.
4695 20 Arodus
That fool Yaniel has apparently had some falling out with the church of Iomadae. She plans to lead a force to Raliscard to steal some slaves out from under Lady Minagho’s nose. It would be a shame if she were to learn that Yaniel was coming.
17 Neth 4698
I do not understand the decisions made by General Aponoavicius. They smack of arrogance, though when one is as powerful an entity as she, a little arrogance may be justified. There is a breastplate of incredible power, allegedly once worn by the Herald of Iomadae himself, that was recovered about 35 years ago worn by some powerful inquisitor. She will not subject it to the influence of the Corruption Forge, preferring instead to keep it as a trophy, casually on display. I have shared my bewilderment with Lady Jerribeth, who, typically, informed me that dispensation of the armor was for Aponoavicius. to choose and it was not for me to question. Joran wonders if the armor is too powerful for the forge.
1 4706 Abadius
Today marks 100 years, give or take, since the full unveiling of the Worldwound. I remain baffled that the resistance hasn’t collapsed, especially given how ineffectual it has been since First Crusade. Severely frayed, but still holding. How can they not see that my Lord Deskari toys with them? Against the infinite might of the Abyss there is no resistance. This is a game, a farce, a mummer’s pageant for my Lord’s amusement. He draws power from their despair, and their despair is all the sweeter for the hope they cling to. I wonder how much longer he will allow this to continue.
23 Lamashan 4722 to 15th Rova
Almost daily entries describing in graphic and disturbing detail, what Vhane plans to do to Irabeth Tiribade should he ever get his hands on her. They are difficult to read, and after a few, you stop. They alternate between sexual violations and torture, physical mutilation, and above all abject humiliation. They seem fixated on breaking her, getting her to renounce her faith. There is a particular glee and urgency to the entries after the arrival of the Knights of Kenebras. Vhane is excited for the ‘so called heroes of Kenebras’ to make their way into the citadel, so he can subdue them and use them as bait for Irabeth. He seems almost relieved that the armies defending Drezen have been defeated so that he will have this opportunity, but it is difficult to determine if these are post facto rationalizations or a plan.
10 Neth 4722
Mistress Jerribeth returned today, with a most unusual prisoner. A succubus who has apparently not only betrayed Deskari, but has revolted against her own nature. A demonic heretic. Given what I know about demons, I did not think such a thing possible. Demons are sins made flesh, the living manifestation of prior choices, not a product of choice. How does one rebel against their very being? The rain does not flow up, even if it wanted to. A tree does not decide to give up the sun because it wishes to eat meat. And how would it develop that inclination? Lady Vorlesh wants to study her, but she is to remain here, under the tender care of Theruk Nul, until some great design is completed. General Aponoavicius has ordered her broken, and seems obsessed with the succubus renouncing her heresy. I have never seen the demons so disturbed, at least the few who know. She was spirited into the dungeon, and her existence is largely a mystery to the rest of the Citadel.
24 Neth 4722
An unusually powerful shadow demon named Eustoyriax arrived today, riding the body of a crusader named Marnase and bearing gifts from Ivory Sanctum. The General immediately took the demon into her chambers, and I do not yet know what prize he brought.
27 Neth 4722
Apparently Xanthir Vang still rules the Ivory Sanctum. I am a warrior in the great world consuming army of the Lord of the Locust Host, and if I never have to interact with him again it will be too soon. A singularly revolting man. I do not know how those Blackflame Adepts who follow him manage to stand it.
18 Kuthona 4722
The elixirs are made from something called a Nahyndrian crystal . Each confers great power, but at terrible risk. Six elixirs arrived with Eustoyriax. While the chimera survived, both the General’s pet dragon and her Xacraba were destroyed when it was consumed. Aponoavicius wishes to gift one to Kiranda as a reward for her faithful service (what service, besides spreading her legs or whatever it is one does for a snake?). I have offered to take one as well. As a precaution before risking Kiranda, of course. But I fear my position is precarious given what happened in Kenebras. I must demonstrate my value, and, should the need arise, be ready to defend myself.
24 Kuthona 4722
It worked! I was deathly ill for days, but I survived the transformation. A power unlike any I have ever known courses through me. I am faster, stronger. It feels as though reality itself must bend to my desires. Who knows what I shall be able to master in time? I asked Eustoryiax who was responsible for their creation. He would not tell me. I sense he has taken one as well. Kiranda will attempt the transformation soon. I hope, for her sake, she is as strong as I am. This leaves no elixir for Aponovicus, which is curious. I assume she will be granted another if she wishes, but I have been led to believe the process of creating these is slow and the ingredients incredibly rare – in particular the powdered Nahyndrian crystal.
17 Abadius 4723
Apparently Aponovicus, is preparing some great Oubliette in the Rasping Risks for the heretic. Though Aponovicus, and Jerribeth do not speak her name, Theruk Nul revealed it as Arueshalae. He has been torturing her without end since her arrival, and while she has proven resistant, he learned she had stolen some information related to the elixirs. I could hear her praying in her cell as I spoke with Nul. Who would hear the prayers of a demon? We are all of us beyond redemption. Our only salvation comes from aligning with the victors. She has doomed herself, and for what?
2 Kuthona 4722
Eustoryiax has lost interest in Manase, and handed him over to Kiranda. I wonder if he will enjoy his demise. Still, I wish he had held onto the body, or that he finds a new one to possess soon. I do not fear for myself, but Joran is increasingly fragile, and I doubt he would be able to resist if he became the demons target.
6 Erastus 4723
General Aponovicus has abandoned Drezen, and left me in command of its defenses, though that b~+~* Chorussina remains the seneschal. Although the elixir has greatly enhanced my powers, and it was an honor to be chosen to receive it, I cannot help but see this as a punishment, as they have fled Drezen for a greater mustering near Nerosyan, taking most of the great eastern army with her. They’ve left me with a contingent of schirs, brimoraks, dretches, and a few other minor demons, cultists, and mercenaries. Clearly Drezen is no longer of importance to them, despite the presence of the Sword of Valor. Eustoyriax has been commanded to guard it. I hope he stays down there.
8 Erastus 4723
Why didn’t Aponovicus destroy the Sword when she had the chance. It is far too powerful to remain on this plane. Its raw power is obvious– the way it inspires and magically enhances those who fight under its protection is impressive enough, but the debilitating impact it has on demons is remarkable. It denies them their gifts of summoning and teleportation, and severely weakens them besides that. Its powers actually remind me of the wardstones. I wonder what would happen if more of that corrupting agent was applied to it, but the General was content to treat it like a trophy. I wonder - was it imbued with the inheritor’s power after the b*&*+ ascended, or had it always possessed these abilities?
Joahan has been doing research, and allegedly the banner can be used to call forth a powerful celestial at certain intervals. I cannot believe those fools never once unveiled that power during the months and years that Drezen remained under siege. What were they waiting for?
14 Erastus 4723
The succubus has escaped. I should have Theruk Nul flayed and staked for this. He denies knowing how it happened, but it must have been him. She has seen no one else. I did not realize her powers would work on him. I will not be held responsible for her his failure. Nul assures me she has lost the use of many of her powers, including her teleportation. Nor can she travel to the ethereal plane. She cannot have gotten far. I have dispatched agents. We will have her back soon, and I will personally use Soulshear to carve her wings and legs from her body.
Misc Entries: 15 Erastus to 16 Arodus 4723
Almost every journal entry for the next month is full of an increasingly panicky account of the hunt for Arueshalae, who continued to elude him
17 Arodus 4723
Praise Deskari, the Storm King has won a great victory at Kenebras, finally destroying both the wardstone and Terendelev. I hear he cleaved her pompous head from her body and carried his prize back to Iz. Surely my sabotage all those years ago was instrumental in making the stone vulnerable, and this proves that Irabeth’s interference came to nothing. I expect I shall be appropriately rewarded after the border is overrun, now that the stones are weakened.
27th Arodus 4723
F&%*! Somehow Irabeth has managed to thwart the plan to turn the wardstones against the crusade. Rumor has it that Lady Vorlesh and General Aponovicus have been gravely wounded as well. I fear I will be punished upon Aponovicus return for not destroying her when I had the chance. I must find that thrice damned succubus!
10 Rova 4723
I have hired Jaruunicka to return Arueshalae to me. I must have her back in my possession before Aponovicus returns. The hag is a cultist of Sifkesh, and apparently the cult has taken a special interest in the succubus. I guess heresy is only desirable when it isn’t your beliefs being undermiend. She claims to be able to track her through dreams. This had better work.
15 Rova 4723
Eustoyriax has a new plaything. Apparently, Nurah Dendiwheir succeeded in getting one of the knights, one of their leaders no less, addicted to his blood. From there it was child’s play to call him. I will sleep easier knowing his attention has a new focus.
17 Rova 4723
Irabeth has taken the courtyard. She comes. Choriussa has fled to the dungeon, babbling on about how she will ensure the Crusade never reclaims Drezen or the Sword. She has ordered me to delay them as long as possible. Who is she to give me orders? I wish no delay. The sooner Irabeth is in my grasp, the better. No word from Jarunnickia. Once I have dealt with these crusaders I will go after the heretic myself.
Corruption Forge Insert
Several sheets of folded paper inserted into the back of the diaries lists of dozens of weapons that Joran Vhane has tainted using the Corruption Forge. Each entry lists the older weapon, where it was attained, its ability, the date the item was corrupted, and its new powers. About 1 in 3 entries indicate where the new items were sent. There has been a burst of activity over the last year, though it is clear from this log (as well as other journal entries) that Vhane and his brother have made periodic trips to Drezen since it’s fall, prior to his unmasking by Irabeth.
| Stip |
Arueshalae's Prayer
Even demons can dream. I dream of lives I’ve destroyed. I dream of a deep and distant past. But I walk in nightmares, and cannot dream the future
I want to dream. To dream with a hunger more consuming than any I have ever known. I am lost and someone must find me. Let me wander your ribbons of moonlight until I find my way home
Hear my prayer, Goddess of the North Star, and guide me to freedom. Let me add my voice to the song of the spheres, see your stars with new eyes, and escape the pit into which my soul was cast. Bring me a new spirit made clean. Do this, and I will be forever yours, in life, and in faith
I am ready
Finally ready
| Stip |
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I can't edit the text above - this is what was ultimately used, which I like better
I dream of lives I destroyed. I dream of a deep and distant past. But I walk in nightmares, and I cannot dream the future
I am lost and someone must find me. Hear my prayer, Goddess of the North Star. Let me wander your moonlight paths until they guide me home. Let me add my voice to the song of the spheres, see your stars with clear eyes, and escape the pit into which my soul was cast. Let me dream a new spirit, made clean. Do this, and I will be yours. In life, and in faith
I am ready
Finally ready