[Pathfinder] Wrath of the Righteous, part 61: Return to the Marchlands

 

Asami

When we had recovered from fighting the demons, we left Eagle Rock behind us and returned to Drezen for two nights to restore ourselves. Some of my companions have ordered items to be made for them by the artificer who was engaged by Horgus Gwerm for that purpose. I inscribed two new spells into my spellbook from the book that Aravashnial gave me.

Aravashnial (NPC)

Two days later we set out once more into the Marchlands, turning our faces toward the lake that lies northward of the lava field where we visited Delamere's tomb. We were marching along through the waste beneath the Worldwound's perpetual heavy dark sky when a winged beast came swooping down upon us with such speed that I was unaware of its approach until I heard the beat of its wings directly over my head.

It was one of the drake riders we had heard were patrolling the area, though we ourselves had not encountered one before. I recognized this was a rift drake, a variety of drake found in this region, and its rider was an incubus. The incubus carried a lance, which he plunged into Zosta's flesh as it was she who was at the forefront of our party.

Drake rider

The lance dealt her such a grievous blow that she was immediately plunged into unconsciousness. Zero immediately began to recite a stirring tale to bolster our resolve, and Runa ran to Zosta's side to heal her wound. Jiro hurled a swarm of dragonflies at the incubus. Runa's healing brought Zosta back to her feet and she sprang at the drake, but the rider had his mount swerve out of her reach. I then hurled my spear at the drake and it pierced the beast's scaly hide before returning to my hand.

Zosta

The incubus attempted to place a suggestion in Runa's mind, but her will was too strong. I warned my friends that incubi can make such efforts whenever they desire and we must be on our guard. Then the drake spat a cloud of burning acid at us all, and I found myself growing sluggish under its temporary effect. It did not prevent me from summoning a river of wind to strike drake and rider. I was gratified that the drake's flight seemed disturbed by the blast of wind flowing against it. 

Jiro created a magic circle to protect us from the incubus's evil. Two tiny missiles flew from somewhere behind me, and despite the incubus's resistanct to magic it appeared to have take some harm from the missiles that Bohgong expended from his wand. The drake then swooped at Runa, the rider likely recognizing the symbols of Iomedae that she bears. Zero, who had vanished from sight, suddenly reappeared with his bow in hand but his arrow flew past the drake. The drake swept past us and banked for a return.

Jiro

Bohgong

I realized that a spell of haste would counteract the effect of the drake's acid and I cast it, affecting Jiro, Zero and Zosta as well as myself. Runa had manifested five wings and flown up to meet the drake and thus was too far away to benefit from my spell. Zosta used the increased speed afforded by the magic to make a prodigious leap at the drake and rider, grappling the drake's wings and forcing the creature to the ground. We all rushed it, Jiro going first to heal the wounds Runa had suffered from the drake's last attack on her. Runa then struck the incubus in the vitals and he went limp, the light of life fading from his eyes. 

Zero

Runa

Runa dealt the drake a final blow, though she expressed regret at slaying a creature of such beauty. When we were certain both rider and mount were dead, most of the hide was removed from the drake and placed in Zosta's capacious bag. Perhaps the crafters in Drezen will be able to make use of it. The incubus's lance was enchanted with the power to create a burst of lightning and he wore leather armor of good quality. Runa also took the specially made saddle used to ride the drake. 

We will rest now, and tomorrow continue with our exploration. 

[Pathfinder] Wrath of the Righteous, part 60: Eagle Rock

Respected Master;

I have cast a teleportation spell for the first time, calling on the power given me by the Ancient Tree to transport myself, Runa, and Jesker Helton to Drezen. This seemed the most expedient option, as I am not yet strong enough in my magic to convey us all, and traveling back to the town on foot might have proved too taxing for the suffering priest. While Runa and I were away, our comrades would work to clear the chapel and remove the desecration it had experienced at the hands of the shachath demon.

As Drezen is now a familiar locale to me, it was not difficult to transport us there. We arrived just outside so that we would not startle the Crusaders within the Citadel. The paladins we met upon our arrival at once recognized that Jesker's period under the control of the demon had caused his nature turn toward evil. For this reason we had an escort as we entered the Citadel. We had thought to meet with Anevia first, but we learned that she was away when Aron came to greet us. Aron took us to the tent where Joran Vhane had been questioned. We were offered simple refreshments. Runa attempted to persuade Jesker to at least drink some water, but even that made the poor priest ill.

Aron Kir

                                               

Irabeth soon arrived, and Runa explained to her what had befallen Jesker. Irabeth's demeanor toward Jesker was firm, perhaps even a bit harsh, but not cruel. When asked if he had brought anything she should know about, Jesker offered up his journal, confessing that he had not been the only one to write in it. Irabeth handed the journal over to Aron, who read it while she continued to speak with Jesker. When she asked Jesker if he wanted to reform, he agreed. Irabeth then told him that it would be possible for him to be given atonement, but that doing so would not make his reformation an easy process. She then asked Runa and I not to share this information with anyone else. I believe that this is to prevent the news that a priest was turned to evil from affecting the morale of the army within Drezen.

Irabeth Tirabade

I left the tent then, while Runa remained to give her support to Jesker. Before we departed from our friends Jiro had asked me to see if the enchantment of his morningstar was complete, and Runa asked for me to see if any letters had come for her. I found one letter awaiting her and fetched Jiro's weapon from the enchanter, then sought out Aravashnial to learn any news. There was little that differed from what we had heard on our last visit. I also briefly visited one of Horgus Gwerm's people to find out whether they had acquired anything of interest, but because the Citadel and the town have now been thoroughly investigated new items are less likely to be discovered.

Aravashnial

After I rejoined Runa to return to the chapel, she told me that Aron had found in the journal news that Jesker and his unwelcome passenger had visited Drezen prior to the cleansing of the town. The demon, whose name is Quinarch, knows our names and seems to have been observing us. This is concerning, as the journal did not indicate whether Quinarch had shared its observations with other demons.

Runa and I returned to the chapel to rejoin our companions that same day. The others had been taking turns resting and working on the chapel. After we arrived Runa was able to restore the damaged statue of Erastil. Jiro had used a scroll to consecrate the structure, which had made the disturbing aura of the place vanish and made it feel comfortable enough that Runa's eagle Phon was unafraid to enter. Jiro then used his magic to create a subterranean shelter for us to rest within during the night.

As I meditated I experienced a vision of the lava-filled chamber in which Delamere was laid to rest in her crystal casket. The casket melted away, as though it was made of ice. I felt a sensation of a spirit being at peace, of gratitude directed toward me, and then I saw where the casket had lain several objects lying upon the ground.

When my companions woke they began to speak of a dream they had all experienced, and I realized that my vision was the same as theirs. We speculated that the sense of gratitude had come from Erastil himself, thanking us for rescuing Jesker and restoring the chapel. We all felt that the objects left behind when Delamere's casket melted were actual items that had been bequeathed to us as material rewards.

Jiro volunteered to fly down to the chamber where we had fought with Quinarch and recover the objects. He returned to tell us that the disappearance of the casket had left Delamere's mummified corpse, but he felt that there was no need to do anything else with her body. He brought with him her suit of armor, a talisman, and an enchanted longbow. Jiro determined that the armor will allow the wearer to fly several times each day in addition to providing protection. Zero was persuaded to take it. The talisman proved a challenge to me, but Jiro found that it was a very powerful object that could cause the earth to swallow an evil creature, though it could do so only once more before all of its magic would be consumed. Runa took charge of it. The bow was designed for a strong person to wield and would further enhance the strength of their shots. Though Zosta is more focused on fighting with her fists, she took the bow as she is the only one of us besides Runa who is strong enough to draw it.

When we had dealt with Erastil's gifts, we discussed what we would do next. Our original intent had been to continue searching for the Ivory Labyrinth. But we recalled that there is another location within this wasteland that we have overlooked in our explorations, a place called Eagle Rock. It was once a Crusader fortress, but at the end of the Fourth Crusade it was taken by the enemy and destroyed. Demons still lurk there and often take prisoners there to torture them. Of course we must ensure that they are holding no captives there and rid the place of their foul taint.

Eagle Rock is a plateau standing some fifty feet high which once held a fortress, though all that remains is the ruins of five towers protruding like fingers. The path that had once led to the top of the plateau had fallen into disrepair. Before we began our ascent I joined my mind telepathically with Kirara, Jiro, and Runa. While Jiro, Runa, Zero, and Zosta climbed up the remnant of the path, I cast a spell of flight upon myself and kept pace with them from the air.

Eagle Rock

Our approach had not gone unnoticed, for a swarm of wasps suddenly appeared and began to distract and sting us. Their poison made me feel sluggish. The wasps were followed by a second swarm, then rats that ran underfoot of the climbers and bit at them. Fortunately no one fell. I realized that these creatures had been summoned rather than occurring naturally, and the wasps had been brought there by a spell that would not allow them to move about of their own will; they were held in a single area by the summoning.

Runa cast the spell that grants her five angelic wings and flew over the top of the plateau, while Zero bounded up the cliff and vanished from sight. Two creatures appeared that resembled locusts, but these were the size of horses and were unmistakably demonic in nature. Jiro identified them as one of them flew past Zosta, stabbing her with its long stinger. They emitted a loud droning noise that affected our minds, causing me to mistake Jiro for an enemy and I hurled a blast of flames down upon him. I am ashamed I was unable to withstand the effect of the noise, but the flames also disposed of the summoned rats.

Jiro moved away from me and sent a swarm of dragonflies at the demon. Runa then rushed it, stabbing it viciously with her holy blade. Zosta grappled the second demon and pinned its wings, tumbling off the edge of the plateau with the creature wrapped in her fierce embrace. I could not see Zero, but I could hear him performing a stirring oration.

The demon Runa faced stung her, its stinger nearly piercing through her body despite her armor. The confusion left my mind and I thought to Kirara that she should assume her mist form for her safety. Jiro's healing relieved some of the pain of the wasp stings I had suffered. Runa slashed the demon twice and finished with a stab to its abdomen. As the creature collapsed it vanished.

I could not see Zosta at this time, but she too had been affected by the droning sound and released her grip on the demon, which teleported away while she began to furiously clamber back up to the plateau. While no foes were in sight Runa swallowed an antitoxin potion and Bohgong took out a wand and used it to heal some of Jiro's injuries. Then the second demon reappeared and once more I was affected by its droning. It took a moment for that to affect me, however, enabling me to use the technique of channeling positive energy to harm it that Aravashnial had shown my in my Riftwarden training. Jiro suffered the demon's sting. I lost my capacity to understand what was happening and struck myself with my own wooden sword, while at the same time Kirara clawed and bit at herself. Runa found herself surrounded by a swarm of bats the demon had called and began to swing her sword at them wildly.

Zosta reached the top of the plateau, her mind now free of the droning's effect. She saw that Jiro was badly wounded and charged the demon. Jiro had stepped closer to it, and he now looked up into its insect-like face and told it, "I survived because I am a righteous man. Now you face an angry woman." He said later that he saw fear in the demon's eyes at those words. In response it teleported away a second time.

After it had gone I recovered from its droning once more, but the demon was not done with us. It returned a third time. This time we were all able to withstand the sound and we turned all of our strength on it at once to destroy it. It did not disappear when it died, for this one had summoned its fellow.

Next: part 61, Return to the Marchlands

[Pathfinder] Wrath of the Righteous, part 59: Rescue From the Fire

Respected Master;

I have neglected to mention how devoted Runa is to the tenet of redemption. You will see later how truly she exemplifies that belief.

In addition to the poor creatures the Lamashtu cultists had kept as trophies, we also found some animals that were injured but were capable of being healed and released. These Runa soothed with her natural affinity for all beasts, and when their hurts were healed she set them free. Those that were too far gone to be saved she released from this life with gentle mercy. But among those that could be healed were also several quasits. Runa offered these the opportunity to be set free, advising them to seek a path toward good and even giving them the bodies of those that had died to feed them before they departed.

Quasit

Though Runa showed them kindness and mercy, I caught a glimpse of Bohgong over Jiro's shoulder, making threatening gestures at them. What they will do next we do not know, but they did not go toward the Worldwound nor toward any city we know when they left the cave.

While Runa had been dealing with the animals, Jiro examined the journals left by the three women in the hope that they would have inscribed in them some information that would be of use to us. He learned that they had been engaged in creating abominations, which are a great delight to the Mother of Monsters. Their writings mentioned the Temple of the Ivory Labyrinth but did not give its location, which was the information we had most hoped to find.

When we had exhausted our investigation of the alchemical laboratory, we considered if we might block up its entrance somehow or in some other way prevent any enemies from reclaiming it. In the end we smashed everything we did not intend to carry out with us, and spread some loose dirt around the entrance so that if we should return their we might be able to see what manner of creatures approached the cave.

We decided that we would continue on in our search for the missing priest Jesker after we left the cave. We explored the remainder of the territory immediately surrounding the cave and then spent an uneventful night resting.

On the following morning after I had centered my mind and prepared my spells for the day, I restored charges to a wand Jiro had been carrying - or rather Bohgong, since it was he who produced it - and Jiro then gave it to Zero to use. Jiro also used a charm he knows to prepare us all for traveling in this wasteland and meeting any other demons. We did encounter a warped one creature but it proved no great challenge to us. A few hours later we found the humble wooden chapel dedicated to Erastil where Jesker had settled.

The chapel stood empty, showing no sign that it had been recently inhabited. Jiro called out to Jesker in greeting but received no response. There were footprints left by both animals and demons outside the structure.

Zosta pushed open the door to reveal the interior of the small space. There were only enough simple wooden pews within to seat perhaps twenty people. These had been overturned and scattered. The walls had blasphemous phrases and curses scratched into them, and on the small altar was a phrase referring to Delamere, tears, and fire. A statue of Erastil had been split in half. Beyond the altar lay another door, presumably leading to the priest's personal quarters.

As we stood looking at the destruction within the little chapel, all of us felt something unpleasant pressing on our will, but no one succumbed. Jiro put his lantern on his staff, and he and Zosta went toward the other door. Runa's attention was caught by a book lying by the broken statue of the god, and I went with her to examine it while Zosta opened the door and she and Jiro looked into the room. Zero remained at the entrance to the chapel, looking out for dangers.

The book bore the title 'Stag King's Bride', which I recalled had been written by a priestess of Erastil named Delamere, who was regarded as a heretic by the larger church. Delamere had espoused the belief that cities are evil and no community should contain more than fifty-three people to avoid falling into evil. Despite her peculiar belief she had garnered a significant number of followers, and her tomb lay somewhere not far from the chapel. Inside the tome we found a note clearly written recently indicating that the writer thought Delamere's beliefs were correct.

Jiro and Zosta stepped out of Jesker's room to report that it had apparently been hastily cleared of personal items. I explained to them the relevance of the book and the note written within it, and we concluded that we should seek out Delamere's tomb as that might be where we would find Jesker.

The chapel of Erastil stands very near to a chasm that falls some two hundred feet to a river of lava. Were the chapel any nearer to the rift we should have been able to feel the heat of the molten rock while standing beside the little structure. When we reached the edge of this cliff we could see that not only did lava flow along the floor of the chasm, but rivulets of it poured out of the cliff walls and flowed down like fiery waterfalls. The heat there is intense. We could see no sign of Delamere's tomb nor of any way to climb down the walls.

Jiro used his magic to protect us all from fire and then took flight and soared out over the inferno in search of more information. When he returned he reported that he had seen what seemed to be a cave opening near the river of lava, but there was no stair nor any climbing holds leading down to it. We realized that our ropes would not survive long enough to let us descend. The heat was so terrible that Runa sent her eagle back to the chapel to await our return. I expended a little of the World Tree's power to grant us all some relief from the heat, though my magic is not powerful enough to entirely resist the heat of molten rock from the world's core.

Jiro then cast a spell that would permit us all to fly, and I granted fire resistance to Kirara as Jiro's spell had not included her. With that we flew down toward the terrible river at the bottom of the chasm.

The lava flowed into the cave in rivulets, making shallow grooves where it melted the stone of the floor. There were also several deep pits in the floor, which the lava streams curiously seemed to be avoiding. There were no pillars nor stalactites or stalagmites within the cave, which made it easy for us to spy Delamere's crystal casket. Seated on top of the casket was a haggard human man we recognized as matching the description we had been given of the missing priest.

As we entered Jesker rose to his feet, saying in a weary and sorrowful voice that he had brought shame upon himself and his family and betrayed his god. We realized he meant to throw himself into the lava that flowed past the coffin. Runa called out to him that there is always room for redemption, and Jiro stated that Jesker was not in control of himself and some outside influence was affecting him. I could see that Jiro was preparing to cast a spell.

Jesker slumped down upon the crystal casket and began to weep. As he did so a creature emerged from within his body. This creature seemed to be made of two beings melded together, one demonic and the other angelic. It had four legs, and its leathery wings were partially covered in white feathers. It was as tall as Runa. This demon flew toward us and screamed a string of obscenities and blasphemies at us that were so distressing I found myself dazed and my limbs grew weak. Kirara was rendered completely immobile where she hid inside my pack.

Shachath demon

Jiro recognized this demon variety as a shachath from his extensive reading and gave a rapid description of what it could do. The demon immediately vanished from sight as it tapped an unholy symbol it wore. Runa called on Iomedae's power to sanctify her weapon and moved away from the rest of us in an effort to draw the demon's attention, for Jiro had told us it could become invisible and we assumed it was still present. As Runa moved she called encouragements to Jesker, who still wept atop the coffin.

Jiro surrounded himself with an aura that would dispel evil creatures. As Runa approached the coffin where Jesker rested, she suddenly felt a force push her, shoving her down into the stream of lava. Zero began to perform to inspire us and Zosta shouted to Runa that she should fly up, for we were all still under the effect of Jiro's flight spell.

To my relief the daze caused by the demon's blasphemies left me and I immediately used more of the Tree's power to enable myself to see invisible things. But this did not help me to locate the demon. Knowing that like many demons it was capable of summoning lesser demons to its aid, I cast a spell I had prepared to prevent it from summoning anything near to us.

Runa flew out of the lava, burned badly but still able to resist. She called on Iomedae's magic to grant herself greater strength to offset the weakness the shachath had caused. We felt ourselves further heartened when Bohgong used a wand to cast a blessing upon us. Zosta asked if the unseen demon had re-entered Jesker, which Jiro denied. Jiro had cast a spell that would allow him to find the demon by sound rather than sight, but he also could not locate it. He summoned a magical weapon to himself to prepare to fight the demon. Zosta flew to me and grasped me about the waist in the event the demon should try to push me into the lava, for which I was very appreciative.

Then Jesker suddenly toppled off the casket into the lava, screaming horribly once before falling silent. We all feared for his life, as he had appeared so weary and weakened. Zero ceased his recitation and ran toward Jesker. Inspired by what the demon had done to Runa, I granted myself the ability to reach out and lift Jesker out of the lava, laying him at Zero's feet. Runa flew to land beside him and sacrificed some of her magic to heal him, but he was still barely clinging to life. She channeled some of her goddess's healing power to pull him away from the edge of death.

Holy symbol of Iomedae

Just as Jesker's life was spared, Jiro located the demon hiding under the lip of the pit beside the casket. He put his hand on the evil monster, using his evil-dispelling aura to force it to return to the plane from which it had come.

With the shachath gone, we all pooled our knowledge to remember what such demons were capable of. The demonic possession had severed Jesker's connection to his god. He would not be able to restore that connection without atonement. We asked him what he wished to do and he expressed that his desire was to atone, which we determined could be best done in Drezen. I will use my power to teleport myself, Jesker, and Runa back to the city to find someone to help him in this quest. The weakness inflicted by the shachath has mercifully passed, and once Runa and I return we will continue our own quest to find the lair of the Ivory Labyrinth.

Holy symbol of Erastil

Next: part 60, Eagle Rock

[Pathfinder] Wrath of the Righteous, part 58: Cave of Monsters

Venerable Master;

We remained only a single night in Drezen before setting out to seek the missing priest of Erastil.

As we made our way through the desolate landscape of winding ravines this time, we decided we should remain on the top of the plateau rather than walking along the floors of the ravines as we had done previously. We encountered a variety of strange creatures during our travel, ordinary creatures such as an owlbear and several birds but strangely modified. The owlbear had a demon claw attached to its body, and the birds were variously equipped with an excess of wings or extra legs and heads. When these creatures set upon us the behavior seemed to be instinct rather than any true desire to harm us. Jiro examined the owlbear and concluded that it may have been intentionally altered rather than mutated by the unwholesome atmosphere of the Worldwound.

Demonic owlbear

This led us to seek out those who were responsible. It was not difficult to follow the animals' tracks to a cavern. As we approached we spied a bird with seven wings circling awkwardly above the cave entrance, and while we looked on it dropped gracelessly to the ground, flapped its excess of wings once more, and died.

Mutated bird creature

The cave's large entrance took us into a series of branching tunnels. There were innumerable tracks in the dirt, too many to identify or count. Just as we rounded the first corner together we came upon what appeared to be an imp, but its wings had been removed and it wore four legs attached to its body in an irregular fashion. This creature did not appear to pose any threat, but we decided to turn aside and proceed down another tunnel in the opposite direction. Zosta, however, was not willing to let the imp go. She pursued it, pinned it to the ground and pummeled it to death with her fists.

Mutated imp

When Zosta rejoined the rest of our group, she ranged ahead of us and quickly reported that she had heard a sound. We split into two groups as we came to a fork in the passage, Zero and Runa going down one branch while Jiro, Zosta and I entered the other. Runa came upon a winged cat which was engaged in washing itself with its forked tongue. Though she suspected it might be an intelligent creature like Kirara, she did not strike it and the feline wandered off. Meanwhile Zosta observed two bats, one lacking wings and the other equipped with an extra pair of legs. The winged one of the pair was taking advantage of its ability to fly to assault the wingless bat. These seemed disturbed by our presence and attempted to move away from us.

Just ahead of Runa another creature appeared while all of us emerged into the same passageway. Jiro and Runa immediately identified it as a stirge, but it was much larger than an ordinary stirge, as large as a person. While I was looking ahead toward this awful creature, I suddenly sensed Kirara's distress from behind me. The winged cat had crept up behind us and bitten her. Its tongue bore some kind of poison. I told her to assume her misty form and escape from it.

Giant stirge

Jiro tossed a paper crane at the stirge. I drew a wand from my quiver and sent a missile at the cat but its body resisted the magic. Runa began to fight with the stirge, which was attempting to attach itself to her body. Zero began to recite an inspiring saga and fired an arrow at the winged cat, which caused it to flee.

Winged cat

As the cat departed two babau demons appeared, one near Runa and the other around a corner where I could not see it. The first babau struck Runa a harsh blow with its spear. Zosta tripped the first babau and stamped the life out of it, while Jiro summoned a weapon into the air and sent it to strike the stirge that was still trying to drain Runa's blood.

Babau demon

A third babau suddenly appeared behind Zero and I. I made an attempt to send it back to its native plane but my magic failed to affect it. Beyond the babau a robed figure appeared, bearing the holy emblem of some demon lord that I did not at that moment recognize. A column of flame filled my vision, leaving both Kirara and I badly burned. A second robed figure had appeared nearer to Runa, and then a third made its presence known around a corner at the end of the passage nearest to Runa and Zosta. The second and third figures set more flames upon us, burning all of us but Runa. I watched in despair as Kirara fell to the ground and assumed her solid form, her beautiful fur all burned away and her eyes dimmed as her life fled.

Lamashtu cultist

Zero had somehow appeared beside the first mage. I turned my back, as the babau threatening me had teleported away to attack Runa instead. I moved beside Jiro and a bolt of lightning shot from my fingertip toward the second person at the far end of the passage. In my ire I did not care that the babau which stood between my position and the robed figure would not be harmed by the bolt. I felt a sense of satisfaction when the lightning danced over the robed person's body and made their arms contract in agony. Then I took a vial of healing oil from my pouch and poured it over Kirara's body, sighing in relief as her fur was restored and she began to breathe again.

When Kirara begain to fly again, I turned to see Bohgong, who was riding on Jiro's basket, wildly gesticulating, but I could hear nothing. An imp had approached me, carrying with it silencing magic. I took my staff and smashed at it until its broken body stopped moving and then threw it away from me to remove the magic from the area.

Imp

In the meantime Runa and Zosta had been battling two babau and the two robed people at the opposite end of the passage, while Zero and Jiro's summoned spirit attacked the third person. These three robed people proved all to be women after they died, and Jiro remembered that the emblem they wore represented the goddess Lamashtu. 

Symbol of Lamashtu

We stripped them of their cloaks, armor, weapons, and other items before going on to explore the remainder of the caves where they had made their lair.

Soon enough we found other evidence of the hideous experiments they had been engaged in. One chamber was filled with monsters they had created which they had evidently decided to keep as 'trophies', for these poor victims were impaled on the walls, some of them while still living. We released these beasts from their suffering. I fervently hope that we do not encounter any more of these foul devotees of the Mother of Monsters.

Next: part 59, Rescue From the Fire

[Pathfinder] Wrath of the Righteous, part 57: Visitor in the Glade

Esteemed Master;

It has been our good fortune that on our journey back to Drezen we have encountered no monstrous creatures nor demons or other enemies. We have been away for only a week.

On our return we have learned that our demonic foes have been testing the city's defenses, but these threats have not been serious. Drake riders have been sighted again, but only one at a time and they have not approached any closer to the Citadel than before we last departed. There has been no news of Aegronius and his companion Darra, but Nurah has been sighted giving aid to a family of refugees. They reported that she appeared very weary. Aron will put out another message to invite her to come to Drezen.

Drake rider

Nurah Dendihwar, halfling bard

We shared news of what we have encountered in this past week, particularly of the undead and the dwiergeth that killed Zero. After discussing the dwiergeth with others we know more about such creatures. Their digestive organs are somehow interdimensional, which means that a person who has been swallowed as several of us were could manage to free themselves from one stomach only to find themselves trapped within yet another stomach.

Dwiergeth

Runa asked after Joran Vhane and learned that he has been working diligently at the forge, perhaps too diligently, as Irabeth was concerned that he spent too much time there. He has also shown considerable interest in studying the many faiths of our world. Runa has gone to persuade him to rest and look after his health.

Runa has also visited the glade and spoken to the treekin Gami to ask for a bird to replace Wenchurch. Gami summoned several birds, but Runa chose a second eagle which she tells us is called Phon.

Phon

I have asked Aravashnial for advice regarding dealing with situations such as the dwiergeth, where I found myself challenged to use my magic against such a creature as it is immune or resistance to many forms of energy and is also innately resistant to magic. Aravashnial has made some recommendations which I will take to heart.

Further. I have been overlooking my discovery that I have the ability to re-shape my wooden sword into any variety of weapon I choose and wield them as if I had trained in their use. The wood becomes as hard as ironwood when I exercise this ability. I should have recalled that when the dweirgeth consumed me. I shall make greater effort to practice and use this ability when faced with foes that are difficult to affect with my magic.

I have also been awarded the ring we found among our reward for releasing Sir Alrys' spirit. It is an enchanted ring in the form of a ram's head which can send out a wave of force capable of pushing creatures away. I must make use of it to make it more difficult for enemies to move closer to me or my friends.

Ring of the Ram

Jiro and Zosta had gone to the glade to visit Gami. While there they observed that the people who have begun to tend to the glade are quite absorbed in that task, spending all of their time at it and appearing to be almost spiritually reverent toward the treekin. While there they observed a person they did not recognize, robed and with hood drawn up, walking from plant to plant and touching each one. This person appeared to be avoiding any contact with the glade tenders.

Jiro questioned the tenders, who told him that they did not know this individual and this person avoided speaking with them. Zosta in her forthright way decided to approach the unknown person, but on seeing her approach that person began to withdraw. Zosta increased the speed of her steps and the other person responded by moving faster to keep ahead of her. This progressed rapidly to the stranger sprinting away at a very swift pace, so much so that Zosta could not overtake him. Though the fleeing person did not make any effort to avoid the plants of the glade, his steps did not do them any harm. Such was his speed that his hood fell back and Zosta was able to glimpse his face. She did not recognize him, but was able to give Jiro a description of him.

When Zosta abandoned her pursuit and returned to Jiro, he asked Gami about the stranger. The treekin of course perceives things differently than we do, but Gami told Jiro that  this man did not seem inclined to converse with the treekin, and he had said that he was a druid. Gami had also observed that the word he spoke most often to the tenders was 'no', which he had also said to Gami when the treekin asked if he needed help or wanted to be friends. Jiro made a drawing from Zosta's description and this has been shown to Anevia, who is interested in any stranger in their midst out of concern that supporters of the demons may infiltrate the community at the Citadel. Jiro had also questioned the plants the man touched and they told him they found the contact pleasant.

Bohgong

After their conversation with Gami, Gami asked after Bohgong, who was not with Jiro at that time. The spirit monkey has been very subdued since the event with the dweirgeth. Jiro invited Gami to leave the glade if the treekin was willing, to which it agreed. Jiro took it to see the wall around the Citadel and the dry riverbed below. He reports that the sight of the treekin departing from the glade seemed to greatly disturb the glade tenders.

Sosiel the priest has presented Runa and Jiro with most admirable gifts. To Runa he gave a golden shield marked with the sigil of Iomedae. To Jiro he provided several scrolls inscribed with very useful spells. Jiro has also sought out additional spells which can be used to consecrate and hallow those places defiled by the presence of evil.

We will set out again tomorrow to continue our missions near the Worldwound. We have decided we should seek the missing priest of Erastil first. I am concerned that the longer we do not seek him, the less likely it is that we will find him. Runa agrees with my concern. I think that Jiro and Zosta have greater desire to seek out the Ivory Labyrinth cultists, and Zero has expressed no preference. But Jiro and Zosta have agreed to look for the priest first of all.

Next: part 58, Cave of Monsters

[Pathfinder] Wrath of the Righteous, part 56: In the Belly of the Beast

Characters are now 10th level

Respected Master;

I continue the saga of what we have experienced near the Worldwound. Jiro has used his magic to remove some of the negative effects Kirara experienced, as such power will not be effective for myself of Zero for several days.

Kirara

We determined to continue searching for the Ivory Labyrinth cultists, and walked down the same series of interconnecting ravines where we were attacked by the rot grubs. Jiro noticed evidence of passage by humanoid creatures. The demon cultists do not appear to be making much effort to hide their presence here. Perhaps they believe that no one who is not sympathetic to their cause will visit this place.

The wind rose up suddenly. Its rapid increase to windstorm force led Jiro to recognize that it must not be a natural wind. Zosta had begun to climb up the side of the ravine to try to find the source of this unnatural wind when a disturbing creature appeared above us. Standing some ten feet in height, its feet had suction cups like an octopus that allowed it to cling to the vertical wall of the ravine. Its body anatomy is difficult to describe, without eyes and covered in quivering bristles. We had hardly a moment to recognize the creature's arrival when it opened one of its mouths and bit Runa, engulfing her and then swallowing her whole.

I delved deep into my memory to recall what this creature is, but it came to me that it was not a demon. It is some chaotic denizen of another plane, known by the name dwiergeth. I could remember that it is resistant to magic and some forms of harm as well as some types of energy, but I could not bring to mind the specifics.

Jiro cast a spell at the dwiergeth, but it had no effect. Zosta then leaped on it, attempting to grapple with it. It bit her, but she was too agile and it could not swallow her as it had Runa. She attempted to pummel it with her fists but its amorphous body made it difficult for her to make contact. Zero began to recite an inspiring tale of courage to hearten us, then fired an arrow at the monster.

In response the dwiergeth climbed down to the bottom of the ravine and swallowed Jiro. Bohgong was with him and was also consumed. Worried that it would come for me next and I would be able to do nothing to aid my companions, I called on the Great Tree's blessing to grant myself the power of flight. Zosta attempted to grapple the creature again without success. Zero chose that moment to approach and was the next to be swallowed by the ravenous monstrosity. Now it was only Zosta and I who could try to rescue the others.

I sent a bolt of lightning at the creature, but it was difficult to determine if the electricity actually caused it any harm. Zosta continued to struggle with it. Suddenly Bohgong burst out through the creature's side in his enlarged form and began stabbing it in a frenzy with a wakizashi. I had never before seen him use a weapon. He seemed unnaturally enraged. An instant later Runa also emerged from within the thing. Zosta managed to get a good grip on the dwiergeth, but it it turned on Runa and swallowed her again before she could get away from it.

Giant-size Bohgong

Then the thing leaped up onto the ravine wall so that it was within reach of where I hovered and it caught me and swallowed me.

I found myself inside a space filled with sharp protrusions that tried to stab and crush me. I could feel my life force rapidly ebbing and could only experience a moment of relief that Kirara had not been with me when I was engulfed. She would not have survived such injuries. None of the others who had been swallowed were with me. The creature seemed to have many stomachs.

It was my good fortune that I did not have to suffer there for long else I would not be writing this letter. Suddenly the creature expired and everyone with in it was expelled onto the top of the ravine. Bohgong was still furiously stabbing the dwiergeth, which was clearly already dead. I feared he might attack me if I drew his attention so I remained where I was. He paid no attention to Runa, who got to her feet and went to check a motionless Zero.

Zero was dead. The injuries he had suffered in the creature's belly were greater than he could withstand. Runa had also lost her eagle, Winchurch, which was far too fragile a creature to survive being devoured. She sat down next to Zero's body and began to weep.

Zero Geass

Bohgong abruptly transformed back into his normal appearance and fainted.

Jiro used his magic to heal all of our wounds. Then he took out a scroll and performed the ritual to restore Zero to life if his spirit was willing. Sadly he could restore only one creature and could not bring Winchurch back.

Though Zero was brought back to us, he was not entirely whole, The experience of dying had left him weakened. While he rested, we searched the area to see if the creature had expelled anything other than us from its body when it died. We found a number of items that must have belonged to other people it devoured. These were all enchanted objects which could withstand being in the dwiergeth's many stomachs.

We found a light mace that will do frost damage, a ring in the shape of a ram's head that can direct a blast of force like a charging ram, two scrolls, a wand that will protect the target from certain energy types, two cloaks - one of which neither Jiro nor I were able to recognize its enchantment - a set of pipes, and a scabbard that will make the blade it holds keener for a short time.

Ring of the Ram

Scabbard of Keen Edges

Wand of Protection From Energy

Pipes of Pain

The last item was an orb of black stone shot through with veins of orange fire. As soon as I touched it I realized it was an item of evil and it left me weak. Fortunately as soon as I removed my hand from it the weakness passed. Jiro hopes that we can use the forge in Citadel Drezen to convert the evil within it to good.

Sinister orb

Zero would like to return to Drezen to recuperate from his experience. He has suggested that perhaps we can ask Aron to accompany us for a short time. I think that Jiro is somewhat reluctant to return, but he is not willing to refuse Zero. We will make our way back to the city after we have rested for a short while in the shelter Jiro has created.

While we took our rest, Jiro explained to us that because he and Bohgong had not both been in the same place inside the dwiergeth, when Bohgong had transformed himself he could not use a portion of Jiro's power to grant himself the level of strength and intelligence he usually has when he transforms. He was able to enlarge himself and become powerful, but he lacked the intelligence and wisdom of his normal form and became a berserker, like those with which Zosta is familiar among her people. The relationship between the two of them is a complex and curious one.

I will write further when we return to Drezen.

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Magic items acquired this session:
+1 frost light mace
Ring of the Ram
Scroll of tongues
Scroll of order's wrath
Wand of protection from energy, 5th level
Cloak of Slashing
Pipes of Pain
Scabbard of Keen Edges
Orb of Foul Abaddon

Next: part 57, Visitor in the Glade