Campaign 3, Arc 3: The Journey into Imperial Lands

## The Journey into Imperial Lands

* Symbol
* Poster

***The Imperial Lands Arc***, or ***The** **Journey into Imperial Lands***, is the third arc of DiceVersa's *Heiliger Krieg* campaign and is the third & final arc of the *War's Prelude Saga*. It saw *Filii Impiorum* travel across the *Zemnian Empire* to help Zamiel uncover his forgotten memories.

The Imperial Lands Arc began on December 23rd, 2022 with the players beginning at level 7, and ended on May 7th, 2023. The events of the campaign have taken place between **10th Jyuongir, 6E 34** and **13th Dimiuskure, 6E 34**.

The third arc is broken down into twelve sessions.

## The Sessions:

### Session #25: "The Call of the Empire"

It's been two months since Filii Impiorum defeated the Fist of Ocrta & The Anguish at the Final Convergence, and since then, many things have changed. Now in a time of peace, Biri heads off on her own in search of Formal, leaving the rest of the group to work on rebuilding the City of Ostagar. Within the two-month time skip, Zamiel has worked with both Riros and his wife Cora on improving his abilities, both with his knowledge of the Foreclaimers and with his blacksmithing skill. Meanwhile, Garret has taken the role of Master Thief within the Akkaran Thieves Guild, working in tandem with The Sparrow. On the night of the 9th of Jyuongir, Zamiel has a dream of finding himself in a grass field near a small village, he then notices the sky turn red and hears the sounds of swords clashing and screams. Turning around, Zamiel stares at a figure wearing full plate armor with a symbol on his right shoulder. The figure then approaches Zamiel, before then attacking him. Zamiel tries to fight back, but it's clear he's outmatched. Finally, the figure deals the final blow, causing Zamiel to wake up in a cold sweat.

Zamiel searches for his wife, causing him to run into Garret. Deciding to have breakfast at their very inconvenient 50-foot "X"-shaped table, Zamiel, and Garret question the purpose of such a beautiful creation when Riros enters the castle. Zamiel then explains to both Garret and Riros about his dream, with Riros revealing that the symbol Zamiel saw is the symbol of the Zemnian Empire. Zamiel then decides to get his wife's opinion on his dream, while Riros asks Garret to come help take care of Odysseus whose condition is getting worse. Garret and Riros arrive at Riros' Tower, where the two find Odysseus bedridden and delirious. Riros explains to Garret that Odysseus is only getting worse regardless of any treatment the half-elf tries to use. This causes Garret to head to the Church of the Divines to talk with Ravenos about any way to save his friend.

Meanwhile, Zamiel stops by the New Aistroph Blacksmith (NAB) to speak with Cora. Zamiel explains his dream to Cora, who does her best to explain that it's possible that the dream took place in the Münsee Hills within the Empire. Zamiel asks Cora to possibly join the group and learn of the mysteries of each other's past, however, Cora declines explaining that she hates causing violence. After being reassured by Cora, Zamiel heads off towards Riros' Tower to have him join the journey.

Garret soon arrives at the Church of the Divines and quickly sets up a ritual to commune with Ravenos. Ravenos then appears and explains that Odysseus' condition is due to his soul being broken after the Anguish was ripped out. He then goes on to explain that he will heal on his own, but it will take some time. Ravenos then cuts contact refusing to listen to Garret ramble on about how gods don't exist.

Zamiel then arrives at Riros' Tower, allowing Riros to take a quick nap and regain his energy. Garret soon arrives as well, causing the latter to try and wake up Riros. After being stopped by Zamiel, Riros then wakes up. Garret explains what he learned from Ravenos, and Zamiel asks the two to join him on his quest. Garret agrees but Riros declines, saying that someone needs to look after the city. However, thanks to some persuasion from Zamiel, Riros decides to join them. Leaving Tailor Breakdance in charge of the city, with Cora left to keep an eye on Tailor, Filii Impiorum heads off towards the Yunic Pass to enter the Zemnian Empire.

Arriving at the Yunic Pass a week later in the Battle Cart®, the group buys passage into the Empire, with this being Zamiel's first time entering a new nation. The group then travels to the village of Münsee, named after the Münsee Hills. They then quickly head to the Infamous Stew Tavern, where Zamiel learns a little more about the Crusades and how the more eastern you go, the more hatred of the Akkaran Kingdom grows. Zamiel and Riros then head off to bed, but Garret stays up and beats a rich kid named Frank in a drinking competition. After beating Frank and getting pissed drunk, Garret passes out on the floor of his room.

### Session #26: "The Stranger from the Past"

Arriving in the village of Landhiem, Biri Dasmafear takes a break from her search for Formal Emberheart, stopping at a tavern. After having a few drinks, she gets up and heads out only to run into the rest of Filii Impiorum, who had arrived just recently. Deciding to work with the group, Biri rejoins the party as make their way toward the town of Cyira.

Once they arrive, Zamiel quickly realizes that the town was similar to his dream vision. The group decides to split up, while looking around, Zamiel finds an old statue in the center of the town that looks exactly like him. Biri, Garret, and Riros soon arrive to see Zamiel confused and in shock. Reading the plaque, they learn that the statue was made in honor of Izlema Oathpris, a hero of the Zemnian Empire during the Battle of Cyira; which took place during the First Crusade. Confused about how a statue of himself could be created almost 106 years prior, Zamiel begins to ask around the town in hopes of finding someone who could have any information about it. This soon leads Filii Impiorum to an old man named Xeoff, who explains that a Drow who lives in the Berksönee Woodland would be the only one that would know such a thing. With their only lead in hand, the group departs from Cyira in hopes of finding some answers.

After a three-day journey into the Woodland, the group nears the location marked by Xeoff, however, before they can arrive they are suddenly attacked by a group of slavers that used special darts to knock them out. Waking up sometime later, the group quickly escapes from their bonds and tries to attack their attackers. Sadly for them, it's difficult to locate the enemy as they remain hidden in the forest. With Zamiel, Biri, and Riros down, the slavers emerge from their hiding place ready to tie the group up once again. Little do they know, Garret had hidden in the forest waiting for his time to strike. Before Garret moved in to attack, however, he was suddenly stopped by a mysterious stranger who then spoke to him through telepathy, explaining that he was a friend. The two then made their move, with Garret taking down their leader with a surprise attack, and the stranger killing the other two with a simple command. The stranger then helps the group heal up and get back onto their feet.

With the battle over, the stranger asks what the group is doing out here. Filii Impiorum then quickly explains the situation, with the stranger explaining that Izlema Oathpris was once a general of the Zemnian Empire during the First Crusade and that he also worked with a small group known as the "Children of the Light", which the stranger then goes on to explain that the Children of the Light's headquarters was in the city of Dubtry. The stranger then asks for the names of the group, and afterward, he comments on how Zamiel's pet Chester reminded him of the Exiled. This quickly caused the Freldans of the group to ask if he had been in the Second Exiled War and who he was, which the stranger then revealed that he was Merlin Wyllt.

After revealing his name, the group quickly explains how Garret, Biri, and their missing member Odysseus are descendants of the Three Chosen. Causing Merlin to complain about how he can't escape from "that life". Realizing who they're talking to, Biri quickly asks if Merlin could assist in locating Formal, which he says he can the next day. Deciding to rest, the group sleeps in the Battle Cart®, but Garret stays up asking more questions. Merlin explains how he was connected to the God-Killers, how he's over 1000 years old, and that Garret is the Avatar of Ravenos. Merlin also comments on how he can try to enter the dreams of Formal and pull out the memory of the prophecy. Possibly allowing the group to hear the entire thing. Hoping to get more answers the following day, the group heads to bed prepared for anything.

### Session #27: "The Mindscape, Part 1"

Waking up from their slumber, Filii Impiorum has Merlin use his magic to enter the dreams of Formal Emberheart and Zamiel. Merlin reveals that Formal is alive and trapped on an island most likely in the middle of the Freldan Channel. Moving on to Zamiel, Merlin tries to enter his mind, however, something goes wrong. Merlin causes an explosion of purple energy, causing everyone to pass out.

When the group awakes, they find themselves in an endless desert with a dark purplish blue sky filled with black clouds and lightning above. Realizing that they were alone and without Merlin, they quickly began to travel in a random direction with hopes of running into the missing Drow. While walking, suddenly Riros noticed some movement in the distance. Garret began to walk in that direction hoping to find whatever Riros saw, but after seeing nothing he turned back around towards the group. Then suddenly Garret heard a voice telling him to "follow it". Garret turned away from the group and headed off, with Biri chasing after him. While Zamiel and Riros were falling behind due to a failed talk with Chester, Biri caught up to Garret turning to pull him back, however, Garret then suddenly began to "riggle" his way out. Escaping from Biri's grip, Garret ran over a sand dune and began to make his way down it. As Biri arrived on top of the dune, she noticed that Garret was running towards the hands of a weird sickly blue creature. Enraged, Biri quickly ran down to attack the creature, but before her sword could connect, it disappeared. Zamiel and Riros caught up to the group confused. Garret quickly explained that he was likely charmed, meanwhile, Biri explained what charmed Garret to the others. Riros quickly realized that the creature was an Oni, a nightmare spirit. Suddenly, the group heard a voice from behind them. Turning around they saw three Oni on top of the sand dune smiling at them. Quick to act, Biri attacked the three Oni, only to see them reform after each attack. A battle soon broke out with Filii Impiorum being able to defeat one of the Oni. Sadly, however, when Riros was knocked out, he was taken by the Oni, who quickly disappeared with their prize.

Left tried and bruised, the remaining three members of Filii Impiorum were forced to rest. During Zamiel's watch, he was suddenly spoken to by a woman that looked exactly like his wife Cora. At first, Zamiel refused to listen, but after being persuaded he decided to bite. The Doppelgänger Cora then led Zamiel into the dunes, where they suddenly found themselves in a Zemnian city. After entering a nice-looking manor, Doppelgänger Cora led Zamiel into a war room, where he saw himself at the head of the war table. The Doppelgänger Zamiel greeted the Doppelgänger Cora calling her Arco, with Arco responding by calling Doppelgänger Zamiel; Izlema. The war council began to talk about the invasion, most likely speaking of the First Crusade. Many wanted to gain revenge against the "Kinks" as they called them, but Arco protested explaining that violence wouldn't help end the problem. Izlema order all of them to be quiet, he then explained to Arco that wars couldn't be won with words. Arco left in anger, slamming the door shut with Izlema trying to call her back. Zamiel walked as the war room slowly began to shift, becoming war-torn. Izlema then looked towards Zamiel, telling him that Merlin lied to East and that he needed to find the truth on his own. Zamiel then found himself back on his bedroll, with more questions than answers.

Biri took the second watch, and similar to Zamiel, Biri quickly noticed a voice calling to her. Turning around, Biri saw a Dragonborn man wearing a monk's uniform. Before Biri could ask who he was, the man gestured for Biri to follow. Following the man, the scene suddenly shifted to a city Biri recognized, that being the capital city of the Dasmafear Clan, Orin. Biri then realized who the man was, her uncle, Lubo Dasmefear. Lubo then explained the events that led to Biri's father Xolocke's death, explaining how Xolocke was a tyrant and how Lubo and the Three Chosen started the Orin Rebellion. Lubo also revealed how Xolocke was planning to backstab him, that was until Ixlilan Nevardy stopped Xolocke by shooting him in the head. Lubo explained to Biri that Fate and Choice are often in balance with each other and that sometimes one can change fate, but that fate can also be unchangeable. Lubo told Biri to have faith in herself and that when the time came, she would make the right choice. Lubo then sent Biri back to the campsite, telling her good luck.

Finally, it was Garret's turn. While Garret sat on his bedroll looking over the others, he suddenly heard Merlin's voice in his mind. Merlin explained that he was captured and taken by the Oni and that the Oni and some plan for the group. Merlin then explained that Garret needed to know what he heard from Formal's dreams about the Lost Prophecy. Suddenly, Garret found himself in a black void where Merlin soon appeared. Quickly afterward Formal appeared in a utopian version of the city of Koros, but Garret watched as the city slowly began to transform into a war zone, with Imperial Crusaders from the Empire attacking the city. Suddenly, Nimway appeared behind Formal, Formal jumped back but before he could speak Nimway recited the Prophecy.

Before Nimway could tell it fully, she was suddenly kidnapped by a dark figure that was clearly a god. Garret then awoke, with Merlin's presence slowly fading away. Luckily Garret was able to sense Merlin's magic coming from the East. With this information in hand, Garret woke the others and they began making their way east. After traveling for what seemed to be 22 hours, the group arrived at the edge of a forest with a large castle in the distance. Believing it to possibly be the home of the Oni, and thus where both Merlin and Riros were being kept, the three traveled deeper into the forest hoping to save their allies.

### Session #28: "The Mindscape, Part 2"

Traveling through the forest of purple trees, the group does their best to keep their cool and prevent Zamiel from eating even more sand. While traveling, both Biri and Garret notice movement within the tree line. Biri hopped off the elephant-sized Chester to check out what made the said movement, finding a blue spirit of a woman that seemingly acted as an animal. Biri offered some of her rations to the spirit causing the woman to say: "Beware the Demon's hands". Before Biri could question more, the woman fled deeper into the forest leaving her alone with the warning.

Hopping back onto Chester, the group makes their way closer to the large castle noticing that more of the blue spirits were seemingly fleeing from the city in the distance. Finally, the group arrived on the outskirts of the outer wall, noticing the 60-foot walls looming above them. Entering the city, they quickly hide to avoid a large ice giant that seemingly commands the Oni. Overhearing that the ice giant has captured their allies, Filii Impiorum sneaky follows the giant thanks to Garret's invisibility spell. After Garret begins rizzing up the nearby ghost women, Biri loses her invisibility and is forced to make a run for it. With Biri on a wild goose chase, Garret and Zamiel continue to follow the ice giant as he heads off toward the castle in the center of the city. After Biri parkours around the ruined city, losing the Oni and making her way back to the group. United once again, the group witnesses the ice giant enter the large castle. Sneaking around, the group climbs up the side of the outskirt wall, dropping down into the courtyard of the castle.

Before entering the castle, Garret uses a disgust kit to make Zamiel look like an Oni. The plan is set in motion, Zamiel takes Biri claiming that he found a new prisoner, while Garret sneaks around looking for anything useful. Zamiel is led to the dungeon where he throws Biri into a cell with an unconscious Riros. Biri helps Riros up, quickly followed by Zamiel ripping out the Oni's spine that was guarding Riros. The three then rush out of the dungeon, hoping to escape quickly.

Meanwhile, with Garret, he finds Merlin tied up in chains with the ice giant demanding to know the prophecy. Merlin refuses, causing him to be electrocuted. The ice giant soon leaves hearing that the dungeon has been broken into. Garret sneaks on over to the Oni manning the controls of the chains. Using Chester, he's able to lure the Oni away allowing him to free Merlin. After freeing Merlin, the two begin to leave but quickly hide when the ice giant returns. Seeing Merlin gone, the ice giant runs off.

Back with the others, right before they can escape they are suddenly stopped by the ice giant who's holding both Garret and Merlin in his hands. Realizing the only way out is to fight, Biri charges at the ice giant.

### Session #29: "The Mindscape, Part 3"

Picking up with Garret and Merlin, once the ice giant left the two rushed for the exit, sneaking their way through the castle. The two eventually make their way to the dungeon, where they find the remains of the Oni that Zamiel killed. Realizing that their allies weren't there, the two begin to make their way out of the dungeon only for Merlin to get grabbed by the ice giant once exiting. Garret decides to stay behind, abandoning Merlin.

Returning to the fight at hand, the rest of Filii Impiorum attacks the ice giant trying to free both Garret and Merlin. The ice giant tries to crush Garret, but it turns out that it was actually Chester, who shapeshifts into his normal form escaping to Zamiel. The three take down the ice giant killing him, afterward, Merlin regains consciousness and the real Garret runs into the scene. Before any questions can be answered, Merlin yells at the group to run before the ice giant reforms. Running out of the castle and into the city, Merlin explains that both the ice giant and he are demigods and that he'll explain more once they get somewhere safe. Garret leads the group to a hiding spot he found when he hid from the ice giant when they entered the city, there the group rests watching out for the Oni patrols.

Merlin explains his story, how he's the son of the Ancient Nkéian Celestial; Hades, the God of the Underworld. Because of this, he can use his warlock powers without the need for a patron. He also explains that the ice giant whose name is Dibous is the son of the Betrayer God Adea, the Goddess of Death; which makes him a demigod as well. Merlin explains that since Dibous became the minor God of Nightmares, he's been hunting Merlin down trying to steal his power and use it for his own. Because the group is stuck in a Mindscape, which is Dibous' home turf, Merlin can't send them back into their bodies unless they kill Dibous' True Self. Merlin explains that the True Self is the essence of power a god has, usually hidden away in their realm of power for protection, so destroying Dibous' True Self will make him powerless thus killing him. He goes into detail explaining that Dibous' True Self would be in the center of the Mindscape, where the group would run into more nightmares and regrets of the past. With no other choice at hand, the group rests to gain back their strength.

Waking up, the group sneaks out of the city and heads toward the center of the Mindscape. On their way there, they notice the Mindscape getting more violent, the sky turning black and red and the blue spirits from before begin to attack each other. While traveling, Biri suddenly hears a familiar whisper behind her. Turning around she sees her son Maxwell alive and fine. She tries to approach him, but before she can reach him he turns and runs away. Biri chases after him, with the group following right behind. Biri watches as she sees visions, the first being when she returned from a quest only to find a note left behind by Maxwell, claiming she hated her. The second is when she found Maxwell's body after he was killed by a traveler, she watched herself kill the traveler without hesitation filled with anger and rage. Before she could see more, she was ripped out of the vision by Zamiel and the group. Merlin explains once again that the deeper they go, the harder it will be to ignore the whispers.

The group travels once again, and after a while, suddenly both Riros and Merlin run away in different directions. Garret shouts that he will go after Merlin, while Zamiel and Biri run after Riros. Chasing after Riros, the two are eventually able to capture him. Once they do, however, they suddenly find themselves in another vision, this one belonging to Riros. They find themselves outside a mineshaft with both a younger Riros and a shorter dark-haired half-elf with green eyes named Falborin. Falborin jokes about learning what the Foreclaimers found attractive, causing Riros to tell him to shut the fuck up. Riros and Falborin then enter the mineshaft, making their way deeper until they found the recently unearthed Foreclaimer tomb. The two then enter the tomb, making their way through it until they found a large chamber with an altar in the center. Falborin stops Riros, worried that the Foreclaimers may have made traps to protect their tombs, but Riros ignores it. Heading up to the altar, Riros opens it revealing a Foreclaimer corpse. While creepily staring at the body with excitement, Riros goes to move it. As he touches it, however, both Falborin and he notices the room glow red. The two rush out, trying to escape the tomb. But similar to how Riros lost Mace, Falborin is trapped within the collapsing tomb. Riros tries to force the door back open, but no matter what he did he can't undo what he's done. The three suddenly snap out of the visions, causing Zamiel to question if Riros was good. Biri scoffs at Zamiel's way of comfort, saying that living through something traumatic needs more than a "You good?" response. The two begin to argue, but Riros shouts at the two to just shut up and that they need to return to the others.

Meanwhile, Garret catches up to Merlin who had suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. Grabbing onto Merlin's shoulder, Garret watches as the world shifts into a vision of a young Merlin on a boat with four others. Merlin explains how he blames himself for Ragnarök and the Great Collapse. Saying that he could have tried to stop them, after all, he's a demigod. Garret counters, explaining that the God-Killers literally killed gods, even if Merlin had fought against them, he would have just been killed as well. Merlin then brings up the fact he doesn't have a home anymore, that the people he cared about, the ones he trained like Arthur Pendragon and Morganna LeFay, are gone. Garret then counters again, explaining that he did make a difference when it mattered, explaining that Arthur saved the world by sacrificing himself to protect the sword. He also begins to explain his own insecurities, explaining how from his childhood he was an outcast and so he makes jokes and pretends to be an asshole as it's the best way for people to acknowledge him. Garret also explains that for the first time in his life, he has people that he's willing to call friends. Merlin apologizes to Garret for being a dick to him and offers advice by saying that Garret should tell the others about his insecurities as well. Garret is unsure of this, causing Merlin to say that it's up to him if he tells them. The two then get up with a hint of newly forged respect and make their way back to the others.

Regrouping once again, the five head travel only a little bit more before they arrive at Dibous' True Self, which is a large red glowing orb levitating five feet off the ground connected to four chains that are anchored in black stone. The group splits up, cutting off the four chains and beginning to attack Dibous' True Self. Suddenly from behind them, they hear the voice of Dibous telling them to surrender, instead, the group confuses him before then attacking. The battle was rigged from the start, as Filii Impiorum quickly defeated Dibous and chased off his Oni before destroying his True Self. Now freed from Dibous' control, Merlin sends the group's souls back to their bodies, leaving the Mindscape for good.

Waking up in the same position they blacked out in, the group slowly remembers why they even sought out Merlin in the first place. Merlin reminds them that they need to head to Dubtry and locate the remains of the Children of the Light, and from there, Zamiel would hopefully be able to find the answers to the questions he's been looking for. Before the group leaves, they offer Merlin a place at Ostagar, which he accepts. The group then hops onto the Battle Cart®, making their way to the city of Dubtry, where they'll find some answers.

### Session #30: "Into the Dragon’s Horde"

Picking up on the 30th, Filii Impiorum finally arrives back to civilization and promptly goes to straight to a tavern to get some rest. That night, while Garret, Biri, and Riros read an old book that Garret stole from Xeoff titled "Ralf & the Quest of Dark Art", Zamiel headed off to bed. Sadly for him, he would be haunted by dreams once more. During this new dream, Zamiel watched as Izlema began to have doubts about the path of the First Crusade with him becoming concerned by the fact that Zemnian Empire has begun to kill innocent civilians in the Battle of Terkirch. Izlema is approached by a drawven man who complains about civilians wishing for the end of the war. Izlema shoots back that what the Empire is doing feels wrong, but is then shot down by the man and told to go get some rest. Izlema then looks over to Zamiel telling him he's on the right path, then Zamiel wakes up.

Three days later, the group arrives in the village of Terkirch only to find it in ruins. The group quickly looks around, believing the destruction to be caused by an army of some kind. Soon, the group meets the mayor of Terkirch, a man named Reo Daybright. Mayor Daybright then explains that the village had been attacked by a group of bandits for sometime, so the village hired a group of mercenaries to take care of them. These mercenaries apparently found a dragon's horde and decided to steal some gold. This theft angered the young Red Dragon, which as been attacking the village ever since. Needing supplies for the trip, the group agrees to kill the dragon though the seem worried if they can even do such a task. Resting that night, the group picks up in the morning heading five hours north of the village to the ruins of the bandit camp. After finding a secret trapdoor, the group travels underground for some time until eventually they arrive in the dragon's horde. That's when all hell breaks loose.

Garret sneaks up to the dragon's gold pile only to run into a baby dragon, confused on how it could be the dragon that destroyed the village. Suddenly, he's overshadow by a Young Red Dragon flying into the cave, causing him to quickly go invisible. The battle begins, with Biri, Zamiel, and Riros focusing on the dragon itself while Garret tried to find the baby. Eventually, the group begins to realize that they were seriously underprepared for the battle and sadly this would cost them greatly. Riros would be killed during the battle, with Zamiel trying his hardest yet failing to save him. With Riros' death the group was able to summon enough power to kill the dragon, however, the victory was bitter sweet. Left to grieve the death of their friend, the group takes the entire horde for themselves heading back to the village with one goal. To bring back their friend no matter the cost.

### Session #31: "Resurrection, Memory, and Light"

Returning back to the village of Terkirch, Filii Impiorum quickly gathers their supplies and heads off to the city of Dubtry. While on their journey to the city, the group questions themselves and their actions both about the Battle of the Dragon's Horde and their actions throughout their adventures together. Biri questions why she always causes the deaths of those she's close too, first Maxwell, then Odysseus, and now Riros. Begging for answers she's sadly only left with silence. Meanwhile, Zamiel begins to question the point of the quest, questioning if he'll even be the same man once everything is said and done. Garret on the other hand, looks back to his past remembering a funny play.

Arriving in Dubtry, the group quickly asks around for a shop that would sell Resurrection scrolls, where they learn of a shop titled "Scrolls, Tomes, and Parchment". Entering the shop, they meet a goblin women who then tells them the rules behind Resurrection magic. She explains that a person's soul must be willing to return, and that once the person is brought back they will be in a coma for sometime equal to how long they've been dead, and finally she explains that a person can only be brought back three times. Once they die their fourth time, known as the final death, they can't ever be brought back again. She then goes into the prices of the scroll, which causes an argument to break out between the group with Garret wanting to just steal the scroll while Zamiel wanted to just pay for it. Eventually, Garret concedes and the group buys the scroll. The woman then explains that there is a church next to the museum that can cast the spell for them.

Filii Impiorum then quickly heads across the city to the church, where they meet a priest that helps them. The Priest then casts the spell, bring Riros back to life though in an unconscious state. With Riros brought back, the group then asks a few questions about the history of the Empire, learning of the Purge and the museum that was dedicated to Izlema Oathpris. Afterwards, the group spilts up with Biri taking the unconscious to an enchantment shop to understand the weapons they got from the Dragon's Horde. Meanwhile, Zamiel and Garret head off to the museum in hopes of learning more about Izlema's past.

Entering the enchantment shop titled "Solutions and Answers", Biri learns of the three items taken from the Dragon's Horde, those items being the Silver Drachma, the Javelin of Lightning, and the Boots of Elven Spider Climbing. The Silver Drachma can transform into a longsword or a spear, both glow with a silver light and have the luck enchantment. The Javelin of Lightning can become a bolt of lightning once it's wielder throws it, finally the Boots of Elven Spider Climbing cause the wearer to be completely silent when walking, and allow them to walk on walls.

Meanwhile with the others, Garret and Zamiel learn more of the history of the First Crusade and Izlema's past. However, while taking the tour, Zamiel suddenly finds himself in the middle of the Battle of Cyira, having to kill soldiers left and right just to survive. Once again the scene shifts as Izlema meets with his Dwarven friend from the previous dream. The Dwarf begs Izlema to reconsider leaving, but Izlema explains that he's done with fighting. Suddenly, while in a hug meant to be farewell, Izlema is suddenly stabbed in the back. The Dwarf then explains that he can't allow him to interfere with the plans ahead, and that killing Izlema and his wife Arco is merely tying up a loose end. The Dwarf then leaves Izlema to die, but Izlema then uses a crystal to teleport to Arco's house. Arco seeing Izlema stabbed, takes him to a church in hopes of using magic to heal him. Sadly the priest explains that his fate is sealed with the gods. Arco heads back out of the church, begging for Izlema to tell her of someplace that could help him. Izlema then mentions the manor, the war table, and that she needed to turn the dragon's head.

Suddenly, Zamiel wakes up once again immediately ending the tour and heading to the war room with Garret right behind. Zamiel then enters the room, seeing the war table with its legs having dragon statues formed from it. Zamiel then twist the head of one, causing a secret passage to open up. Entering the secret passage, Zamiel starts seeing in two, seeing his past self and Arco along with his present self and Garret. The two follow the memory of the past, eventually entering a corridor where the two learn of a holy site of Laverno known as the Chantry of the Light. Once the memory fades away, the two suddenly notice candle coming from down another hall. Entering it, the find a figure in black robes surrounded by fifty other black robed people. The room then suddenly lights up revealing the entire group causing the figure in the center to make a speech. The figure and the other members of this cult suddenly then begin shouting a single sentence over and over again.

"Break the Veil, Free the Gods"

### Session #32: "The Pilgrimage to the Highlands"

After hearing the chanting of this cult, both Garret and Zamiel decided it would be best just to turn around and leave, grabbing the book that mentioned the Chantry of the Light on the way back out of the chamber. Returning to the Oathpris Museum, Zamiel enquires more about the history of the Empire in the aftermath of the First Crusade, learning of the Second and Third Crusades as well as the fall of the Akkaran Crown Colonies in the aftermath of the Second Exiled War. Somewhat satisfied with the information gained, the two head back out into the city to inform Biri of the recent events. Reuniting with Biri and the unconscious Riros, the two sides share stories before deciding to head toward the city of Poilimar before traveling to the Linberg Highlands.

A day later, the group rests for the night at a campfire. Sadly, Zamiel pasts out due to the comfortable weather and his overall tiredness. The group then wakes up only to find themselves bound to a metal pole over a large campfire surrounded by Goblins, the group quickly escapes attacking their kidnappers and completely overwhelming them. As the battle begins to die down, the three notice a Goblin trying to escape, but before anyone can try and stop it; it suddenly finds a war axe stuck in its head followed by its head exploding from a divine light. From the trees, Riros appears now fully conscious. Returning to the camp, the group explains the events that have transpired since Riros' death. Riros shocked to learn that he was dead, and even more confused as to the fact that he couldn't remember any form of Afterlife, if there even was any. Riros also decodes the symbol used by the cult beneath the Oathpris Museum, ruffly translating the symbol to mean "Veil Breakers".

The group then begins to question the involvement of the Veil Breakers, wondering if they have or had any connection to the Children of the Light. Eventually, it's decided that they need to focus on the task at hand and make their way towards the Highlands to recover Zamiel's memory in hopes of learning more information on the Children of the Light from those memories. With this said and done, the group rests before heading back to the road toward Poilimar.

Arriving at Poilimar, Biri tasks the group with locating someone able to forge armor from the bones of the Red Dragon. The group soon learns that the only ones able to forge items from Dragon Bone are the Forgemasters in the Dragon Peak within the Freldan Isles, realizing that it will be some time before they head back there, the group beginning to prepare to travel to the capital city of the Empire, the city of Linberg. Before heading out, Garret travels to the outskirts of the city to summon Ravenos. Garret questions why Ravenos made him his Avatar, and Ravenos explains that Garret and the other members of Filii Impiorum play an important role in the conflict to come, and that Ravenos is betting on Garret making the correct decision.

Return back to the group, Garret and the others begin to head toward Linberg. Suddenly Zamiel finds himself thrown back into the past, watching Izlema and Arco head to the village of Wareren. Zamiel quickly forces the group to change course. Following the path of his past, the group eventually arrives at Wareren only to learn that Izlema and Arco headed into the Highlands. Quick to follow, the group travels towards the Highlands but is soon stopped by an old woman who warns them of Giants living in the hills. After questioning why they constantly run into problem after problem when trying to just find some answers, the group finally stops and decides to make camp. During the first watch, Riros and Biri discuss the former's death. With Riros explaining how death felt while also trying to prevent Biri from blaming themselves for his death. Afterward during the second watch, Zamiel and Garret get into a heated discussion about the outlook on life. Before either side can come out on top, Riros suddenly wakes to warn the group. The four hit the group just as a Giant destroys their camp.

### Session #33: "The Chantry of the Light"

After quickly taking cover, Filii Impiorum prepares for battle against the newly arrived 20-foot Giant. However, before a single attack is fired, the Giant suddenly drops down to the ground sitting criss-cross-applesauce. The Giant then asks to be friends with the group, leading to a moment of confusion. The Giant introduces himself as Azarath, and explains to the group that he was sent by his mother to help protect and guide travelers throughout the Linberg Highlands. Needing directions, the group asks if Azarath knows about the Chantry of the Light which he explains that he and his mother live there. With a guide in hand, the group packs up and follows Azarath.

Half a day later, Filii Impiorum arrived at the Chantry. As soon as they enter, they are met by an elderly Giant woman with long white hair named Mavre. Mavre introduces herself, explaining her past as the Avatar of Laverno whilst also mentioning how she once met Izlema Oathpris. Zamiel begins to ask questions of his past, learning that he in fact is an Aasimar and that he's lived three separate lives. The first was a Minor Celestial known as Malize, who was a lieutenant under Laverno. He was reincarnated into Izlema as the gods favored the Zemnian Empire as it was made from multiple cultures that each worshiped all the Divines. After suffering through the loss of his family at the hands of the Akkaran Kingdom, Izlema joined the Imperial Crusaders and quickly rose through the ranks eventually becoming a general. Soon after, he would create council to help lead his army, a group known as the Children of the Light. As the First Crusade began, Izlema would lead his army into battle, slathering any who stood in his way. This would lead to him being immortalized as a hero of the Empire, becoming known as Izlema Oathpris, the Butcher of Zemnia. While the entirety of Zemnia supported him, one person did not, his lover Arco. Arco opposed his slaughtering of innocent Akkarans, which caused Izlema to begin questioning his actions. As the war continued, Izlema would question his own purpose, becoming conflicted with the fact that he had to serve the Empire but no longer wishing to commit the endless slaughter that led to the turning of the war in the Empire’s hands. Eventually, Izlema decided to leave the military after the war ended, which led to Izlema being poisoned by Ranmin Stonegift and Izlema having to flee to Arco for help.

Mavre then switches the topic, bringing into question how a simple poison could have killed someone like Izlema, eventually revealing that it wasn’t the poison killing him, but himself. Izlema was at war with himself, with his sin and virtue battling within him. The problem was that his sin was far more powerful, gaining more power from his bloodshed in the First Crusade. Zamiel, confused on why this would mattered, questions this. Mavre then explains that Aasimar have the draw back of being more effected by spiritual forces such as their own sin and virtue. With his sin more powerful than his virtue, Izlema would either die or be reborn as someone far worse. Arco would take Izlema to the Chantry in hopes of finding a means of spiritual healing, an effort that would succeed in but at a cost. Mavre explains that to save Izlema, she had to separate his sin and virtue in order to let his virtue grow more powerful. To insure that the virtue would thrive, she wiped it of Izlema’s memories so that it may grow independently. Realizing that she would lose Izlema, Arco volunteered to go through the same process in order to be with him, reasoning that she was the reason he even began to change. Mavre accepted this, and soon split their souls holding them in stasis for almost 140 years. Once she released them, their virtues would become Zamiel and Cora Aistroph.

Now that Zamiel has returned, he is equal in strength to Izlema’s sin. Now Zamiel’s final trial must begin. Mavre cast a spell that causes the Chantry to shift, leading to a pedestal emerging from the center with a crystal. As soon as the crystal reaches some sunlight coming from the sunroof, it glows and shoots a bright beam of light into the top of a nearby door frame which causes the door to unlock. Mavre explains that the group must guide the beam to a crystal within the Chantry's catacombs, once the beam hits it, the Chamber holding Izlema’s sin will be unlocked and the final trial will begin. Before heading down, Mavre makes a small comment on how Zamiel, Garret, and Biri are connected by prophecy. This leads to them explaining that they in fact are, with them revealing the details behind the Lost Prophecy. Mavre shows concern with this information, as the Lost Prophecy seems to use both techniques of the universe, order and chaos. Prophecies can be usually be divided into two types, those that have a certain series of events that will happen in a certain way, these are classified as order-like prophecies like those of the Prophecy of the Three Chosen. The other type is chaos-like prophecies, those that tell of certain events that will happen in a unknown way, these prophecies can have different interpretations such as the Prophecy of Ragnarök where only the event leading up to it are clear. As for the Prophecy of the Twilight's End, it uses both, mainly following the order-like prophecies expect for a single line, "To make a Choice of hope or despair" which leaves two interpretations like chaos-like prophecies. Mavre warns the group to take the prophecy seriously, as the fact that nobody knew the prophecy and that Nimway was kidnapped by the Goddess of Death weren't good signs. The group then headed down the door, entering into catacombs.

Once in the catacombs, the group maneuvered past a series of traps, dodging a spike pit, defeating two wraiths, and leading the beam of light into another crystal that once again shot the beam deeper into the catacombs. Finally, the group arrives at a door, deciding to rest before going deeper. After a nice long rest in a room of dead people, the group opens the door and finds themselves face to face with a weird humanoid creature in black robes. Before the group can attempt to reason with it, it suddenly attacks shouting in a demonic like tone they their blood would satisfy him.

### Session #34: "Zamiel's Final Trial"

As soon as the creature fires an arcane bolt, the battle begins. Biri and Zamiel rush forward to the creature while Riros and Garret remain behind as support. Zamiel throws the Javelin of Lightning into a nearby skeleton defeating it before it can even more, meanwhile Biri launches her assault on the creature. The creature retaliates by attacking Biri's mind, causing a massive migraine that forces her to the ground. The creature then casts a spell causing an orb of blue energy to expand and then disappear. Zamiel then rushes towards the creature, slamming his mace into its jaw. As per usual, Zamiel charges his divine smite into his attack, however this time, nothing happens. Quickly afterward, both Riros and Garret attempt to use magic on the creature, with Riros shooting fireballs at it and Garret misty stepping behind it before sneak attacking it with eldritch blast. Both spells disappear before they cause an effect. The group shifts tactics, with Biri and Zamiel focusing on solely melee damage. This leads the the creature's spell fading, which soon is followed up by the group laying the smack down on the creature. As soon as it's defeated, the group finds the last crystal and places on an altar were the beam is hitting. Once the beam hits the crystal, a bright light fills the room, leading to the group being teleported to the top floor of the Chantry.

Arriving back in the Chantry proper, Filii Impiorum watches as the wall behind them, filled with ancient cravings seemingly from eons ago, begins to descend causing the entire building to shake. Soon the wall disappears, revealing a golden bronze gateway about 15 feet tall. The gateway appears to have an energy-like fog within it, flowing like a portal. Mavre then approaches Zamiel, explaining that this is his last chance to either back out or ask questions. Zamiel asks more about Malize, though Mavre can't give much as she never knew up. Zamiel then ask what's beyond the gateway, where Mavre explains that she doesn't have any idea. Fresh out of answers, Zamiel decides to rest a bit regaining his strength before entering the Chamber. As he rest, he speaks with Biri and Riros who both worry about what he must do yet believe in him all the same. Riros then gives Zamiel a necklace of his for luck, Biri then gives Zamiel the Silver Drachma for the same reason, finally Garret flips Zamiel the bird and Zamiel accepts this. With his affairs in order, Zamiel apporches the gateway, immediately Zamiel notices the whispers coming from the fog, however, he presses on and walks into the fog disappear out of thin air.

For some time, Zamiel walks through the endless fog until finally he arrives in a familiar location, he finds himself in a grass field near a small village, he watches the sky turn red and the sounds of swords clashing and screams echo through the battleground. Looking ahead, Zamiel stares at a man wearing full plate armor with the Imperial symbol on his right shoulder standing on a mound of dead bodies. The man then turns to look at him, slowly descending the bodies until he hits the floor. Izlema stares back at Zamiel, leading to Izlema asking if Zamiel remembers their family. Izlema reveals that his father, mother, brother, and sister were all killed by the Akkaran Kingdom. Their deaths were the reason why Izlema joined the Imperial Crusaders, and why he became the Butcher of Zemnia. After being separated, Izlema's hatred of the Akkarans only grew. Izlema then claimed that only blood can bring change and that Zamiel and he could work together to gain vengeance for their family.

Zamiel refuses, he retorts Izlema's claim of vengeance calling it nothing more than senseless violence and that it wouldn't bring his family back. Zamiel shows regret that he can't remember his family, but he also claims that they wouldn't have wanted this and that while bloodshed may bring change it will only bring change through fear, a fear that is only temporary and that will disappear when he dies. Izlema, reliaizing that he can't convince his virtuous half, unsheathes his weapons claiming that only one will stand. Zamiel does the same, retorting that he sure as hell isn't falling, the two then clash. The battle was tense, with the two copying, changing, using all their moves to try and defeat the other. It was clear that the two were not just equal in strength, but tactics and magical power. Eventually, Zamiel resorted to uses the spell "Create or Destroy Water" to attempt to drown Izlema. It almost worked, but sadly Izlema then threw Zamiel off of him and used a power that even Zamiel didn't have. Izlema summoned a pair of black angel wings on his back. Now able to fly, the battle shifted into Izlema favor. But, Zamiel slowly gained ground eventually weakening Izlema to the point where he had no more healing spell to help him. Realizing he finally had the upper hand, Zamiel launched an attack at Izlema, not even noticing the fact that he himself had summoned a pair of white angel wings. Sending the fight into the air, Izlema prepare to launch an attack, summoning the remains of his power into one final energy wave. Zamiel matched this, summoning an energy wave of his own with the spirits of his friends standing with him. Launching the beams, the sky suddenly exploded as the two waves clashed against each other. At first, Izlema had the upper hand pushing Zamiel to the ground and almost overtaking him, but Zamiel summoned even more strength sending the wave toward Izlema, screaming that his footwear was made by an off-brand manufacturer. Izlema was consumed by the wave and sent flying into orbit, where upon the energy wave exploded. Zamiel watched as the smoked cleared, with Izlema falling to the ground creating a crater. Standing over his defeated sin, Zamiel commented that he should pay less coin for his outfit before proceeding to crush his skull in with his foot.

With his sin defeated, Zamiel stood there in silence for a few moments before deciding to burry his counterparts body. Once finished, a voice spoke up behind him. Turning around, Zamiel came face-to-face with a human man with short blonde hair and bright gold eyes. The man then explained that he was the Divine Laverno, and the he was glad to finally meet Zamiel. After transforming into a biblically accurate angel via Zamiel's request, Laverno then explained everything to Zamiel. Telling how the Gods favored the Empire due to it favoring each of the Divines equally, how Malize was reincarnated into Izlema Oathpris, and how Malize and Zamiel are very alike. After answering all of Zamiel questions, Laverno warns Zamiel that the choice spoken about in the Lost Prophecy is upon them and that Zamiel and the rest of Filii Impiorum need to head to the capital city of the Empire, Linberg in order to have a chance at preventing a horrible outcome. Laverno reveals that the Gods can see the many outcomes that could happen, but if they interfere it will lead to an outcome worse than any other. Zamiel asks what they must do, and Laverno only responds by saying the leader of the Empire will be in danger and that they must prevent his death. Laverno then promises to try and speak with Zamiel as much as possible, but does mention that due to the Veil and tension from Nimway's disappearance he won't be able to answer all the time. Zamiel understands, and Laverno prepares to send Zamiel back to the Chantry, but before he leaves Zamiel hugs Laverno and promises not to let him down. Laverno simply smiles claiming that he never has. Zamiel is then suddenly surrounded by the fog and Laverno and the battleground fade away.

Only a second after watching him enter, Garret, Biri, and Riros watch as Zamiel exits from the gateway. Confused if he chickened out or if he had a problem, the group approaches him. Zamiel explained what happened, returning the necklace and Drachma to Riros and Biri. Realizing how little time they had, Filii Impiorum quickly packed up their bags and waved farewell to Mavre and Azarath. They then hopped back on to the Battle Cart®, making their way to the holy city of Linberg…they also bought potions.

### Session #35: "An Eye for an Eye…"

As they travel towards the city of Linberg, Filii Impiorum is suddenly contacted by Vadren Alderheart. Vadren informs the group that the Kingdom requires their assistance once again, explaining that after the Third Crusade, the Kingdom established espionage cells in the Empire. Recently one of these cells had insanely decided to start a plot to assassinate the Patriarch on the 13th of Dimiuskure, the leader of the Empire. Vadren explains that this can absolutely not happen, as even if it fails, the fact that previous Akkaran solider attempted to kill the Patriarch would lead to a fourth Crusade, a war that would completely destroy the Kingdom. Immediately, the group remembers that this was what Laverno warned Zamiel about. Understanding that this was more than just a political emergency, the group accepted this task and made it double time to Linberg.

Arriving in Linberg, the group stops at the Black Castle Tavern. After ordering some food and enjoying their meals, Biri is suddenly tapped on the shoulder. Looking behind her, she sees a young red Tiefling, likely in his early twenties. The Tiefling asks to borrow some salt, which Biri provides. This leads to the Tiefling introducing himself as Zorron, and the group does the same. Garret and Riros decide to walk over to Zorron's table where they meet his two companions. A older man in his late 70's named Felix Meyer and A Halfling woman in her late 30's named Marvian Lerthek. The two groups quickly get along, with both of them relating over being adventurers and talking about their accomplishments. The two groups then reveal each others names, those being Filii Impiorum and the Mythwriters. The Mythwriters then explain that they were in Linberg to protect an unknown group, the groups joke that hopefully they don’t have to fight each other since Filii Impiorum is there to end a group. After talking for sometime, the Mythwriters head out saying their goodbyes to the group.

Alone once again, Garret and Biri talk about how Felix Meyer could possibly become an enemy as he seemed closed off and unwilling to befriend them. Being mindful of that, the group decides the best course of action is to warn the Patriarch personally. The group heads to clothing store where they get dressed as a Royal coronation. Making their way to the Gold Ivory Castle, Garret introduces himself to the guards as the Prince of the Freldan Isles. Soon after, the group is led into the courtroom where they meet Patriarch Oliver Lavernius. Garret asks for a tour of the castle under the pretense they he's here to simply meet and discuss the diplomacy between the Unified Kingdom and the Empire. Patriarch Oliver agrees, leading Garret away from any guards. Once alone, Garret reveals the plot surrounding Patriarch Oliver's assassination. At first, Patriarch Oliver doesn't believe it could happen. However, Garret presses the matter, mentioning that it's possible his own guard could be the killers. Patriarch Oliver shows concern, as the Celebration of the Purge is tonight and he must make his speech. Patriarch Oliver then points Garret to a detective named Niko Goldharbor, saying that if anyone could find these "rebels" it would be him. Garret reenforces his warning before taking his leave with the others to go speak with Goldharbor.

Arriving at the Goldharbor Detective Services, the group quickly meet with Niko and explains the situation. After hearing that the rebels have been the Empire since the end of the Third Crusade, Detective Niko reasons that he most like has already encountered them before. Searching through his old files, Biri finds a document about an assassination group known as the Dead Eyes, a group that was taken down back in 1103, however, their leader was never caught. Wanting to confirm this information, the group begins to head to the local prison, but before they go, they ask Niko about Felix. Niko reveals that Felix was a general that fought in the Third Crusade, saying that his loyalty would always stay with the Empire. Deciding that Felix is trustworthy, the group continues to the prison, where they interrogate the capture members, learning that all of them are from villages and cities in Akkara. With this evidence in hand, Detective Niko and Riros head to the Castle to inform the Patriarch, meanwhile, the rest of Filii Impiorum heads to the Dead Eyes' abandoned base.

Arriving at the ruins, the group quickly finds a secret trapdoor leading into a cave system. Sneaking ahead, they eventually run to the familiar faces of the Mythwriters. Before any fight could break out, the group reveals that the Mythwriters had been hired by someone wanting to assassinating the Patriarch. Hearing this, the Mythwriters switch sides and get ready to battle. Deciding it would be best to go in guns blazing, Biri smirks and says "Let's go prevent a war." Before kicking down the door and charging in.

### Session #36: "…And the World Goes Blind"

Breaking into the room, Filii Impiorum and the Mythwriters interrupt a large group of 25 people partying. Before any words can be spoken, the two parties attack. At first, the Dead Eyes tried to fight, however, with the battle slowly shifting to the favor of the two parties, they attempted to flee. After capturing two of them and taking care of the rest, the two parties split up with Filii Impiorum interrogating one while the Mythwriters interrogate the other. Not getting anywhere, Garret tells Biri to help the Mythwriters before preceding to cut off the skin of the interrogee. But, even with all the torture, the man refuses to speak, instead he throws his head into Garret's knife, killing himself before giving any information. Annoyed by this, Garret and Zamiel head over to the over interrogee to see if they can "assist".

Meanwhile, Biri walks over to the Mythwriters, assisting and then taking over the interrogation. With the man still not talking, Garret takes over using magic to torture his mind along with his body. Instead of giving information however, the man just laughs, claiming that killing him would only inspire millions to follow after his footsteps and that the two parties couldn't prevent the war from happening. The man then taunts them, explaining that they weren't the only group sent to assassinate the Patriarch and that the Patriarch would be killed during his speech that night. Garret then precedes to skin him slowly, causing the Mythwriters to back up in disgust. Realizing that the man wasn't talking and they were losing time, the Mythwriters convince the group to move, with Filii Impiorum deciding to spare the man.

Arriving back on the surface, the two parties head for the celebration grounds, arriving there, they quickly realize that assassins are set up on nearby building ready to kill the Patriarch. Knowing they're out of time, they split up, with Garret heading off to warn the Patriarch while Biri, Zamiel, and the Mythwriters split up to handle the assassins. The five arrive that their selected buildings, taking out the groups inside and reaching the top. As they take out their assassins, for a moment, it looks like the war had been prevented.

Meanwhile, Garret rushes though the Castle, heading first to the courtroom, then to the Patriarch's main chambers, then finally to the balcony. Reaching the hall leading to the balcony, Garret watches as the Patriarch walks through the doors. Noticing a blue Tiefling near the door however, Garret shouts to the Tiefling to hold the doors. However, instead Garret finds himself frozen in place. The Tiefling then speaks up, saying that he can't have Garret get in the way. Garret is suddenly transported to a rooftop across from the balcony, as he turns around, he notices a woman holding a metal stick aiming it towards the Patriarch. Quick to think, Garret rushes for the object, attempting to rip it out of her hands. He succeeds, but sadly the woman pulls the trigger. The members of Filii Impiorum, the Mythwriters, and the crowd at the celebration grounds hear a loud boom. They then watch as a fireball is sent flying into the balcony, completely destroying it. In shock, Garret watches as the woman jumps back whilst drinking a potion. Garret attempts to attack her, but she disappears.

Meanwhile, Biri in shock as well, heads back down into the house. Before she can make it to the street however, she's suddenly stopped by two figures wearing long black cloaks. The tall figure then claims that Biri isn't going anywhere. Biri, enraged, unsheathes her Hammer of Dawn Mk. II and stabs it through the tall figure's chest. However, instead of stabbing him, Biri watches as her greatsword is caught by the figure. The tall figure then crushes it, surprising her. Biri then attempts to attack him with Hammer of Dawn Mk. I, however, the figure simply smiles from the pain. He then unsheathes a greatsword of his own, knocking Biri out in only two hits. Before Biri loses her consciousness, she notices the shorter figure take off his hood. Revealing that it is her son, Maxwell.

Meanwhile, Zamiel begins to fly off toward the balcony attempting to help however he can. But before he can reach it, he's suddenly shot down by a marksman. After losing his wings, Zamiel crashes down into the crowd. He attempts to get up, however, he's then shot multiple times. Losing to much blood, Zamiel passes out. Simultaneously, Garret heads down into the crowd, making his way to the balcony. However, the crowd then mistakes him for the man that shot the weapon. Before Garret can explain, Imperial Crusaders show up, causing him to go invisible and attempt to escape. As he travels through the crowd however, he notices that the Crusaders can still find him. Realizing that his cover is blown, Garret attempts to meet up with Felix. Backflipping over the Crusaders, Garret dodges their attacks and eventually makes it to house that Felix is in. However, before he can head upstairs, Garret is suddenly stopped by a figure as well. The figure makes quick work of Garret due to Garret not being at his full capacity, Garret then blackouts.

Sometime later, Biri wakes up in a dark room. Biri immediately remembering what happens, begins to scream in anguish, causing Garret and Zamiel to wake up as well. The three look around, noticing that they were in an old ancient room surrounded by doorways. Suddenly, the room is lit by multiple torches. From the darkness of one of the corridors, the group hears the sounds of clapping. Eventually, the same blue Tiefling that stopped Garret appears and compliments the group for their performance. Biri ignores this and demands for the return of her son, meanwhile, Garret and Zamiel focus on trying to get information from the Tiefling by playing dumb. The Tiefling reveals his title to be The Shepherd, and that he is the leader of the Veil Breakers, the cult that Garret and Zamiel ran into underneath the Oathpris Museum. The Shepherd then reveals information that not even the Divines knew:

The Shepherd then gives the group a choice, either to join him or to be destroyed with the rest of the world. Garret and Zamiel look too Biri for an answer. Biri says they will, however, the Shepherd then says to swear that they'll never betray him. Biri swears, however, the room suddenly glows red. The Shepherd reveals that a Zone of Truth Spell had been placed on them, showing their true feelings. Realizing he couldn't trust them, the Shepherd offers to show them something. After slamming his staff down, the room suddenly changes to the celebration grounds where they see a man similar to the Patriarch speaking to the people. The man reveals himself to be Kilian Lavernius, the brother of Oliver Lavernius, and the now Patriarch of the Empire. Patriarch Kilian then claims that Filii Impiorum was responsible for the death of his brother. With this claim, he then declares war upon the Akkaran Kingdom and the Unified Kingdom of the Freldan Isles. After showing that they started the war they did everything to prevent, The Shepherd then uses a spell to force them asleep. As they fall unconscious, The Shepherd mocks them by claiming that the world they know will be gone by the time they wake, and that today marks the dawn of a new age; an age of despair.