Crossroads Episode 26: Domanaris the Weak

## Synopsis

10 Highsun 1258 IC

Within the centre of a facsimile of a temple of Aryos, the party now stand upon a raised platform with nothing but darkness below.

To the west, south and east are the cordoned off platforms tha lead off to corridors. Behind the cordon of the southern platform the candlemaker appears, captured with tendrils of information emanting from him towards the other platforms. A giant form of Domanaris appears on the one to the east, then suddenly another appears on the one to the west.

Domanaris asks them for one minor truth of their past, their greatest fear, their worst insecurity or their greatest love. He states that he will know if it is the truth and if they lie one of them will perish slowly.

The party attempt to resist receiving lightning bolts in return, attacks are exchanged until Domanaris rains down fire upon the party putting Beatrix into a dying state showing he is true to his word. Deciding to go along with this "game" of his for now, the party impart their truths. As Nep'Rixa states hers she stabilizes Beatrix. Stünislav asks if he may heal Beatrix as he does not know the rules of this "game"

Taken aback by the party's perceived cooperation, Domanaris allows it stating it would not be a fair challenge for one of them to die so soon.

Stünislav tries to relate to Domanaris stating the the name "the weak" seems to have been unjustly placed upon him. Domanaris is angered by that name, he states he created the Grandastium, knowledge would be lost without him, the deeds of heroes and villians would be forgotten.

The party notice the insecurity of Domanaris, an Italti, one who witnessed the death of Ævyn is now desperately trying to justify his significance and importance not only to the party but also to himself. With this justification the party also recognize he becomes stronger and his wounds from previous attacks heal.

The party now realise Domanaris's strength comes from his belief in his own dominance and superiority over the people around him. Domanaris is a deeply insecure being that is constantly trying to prove that he is not "the weak" person that history and the other italti claimed him to be. Showing compassion without bringing up his past memories is the way to combat Domanaris.

Tasya approaches the Domanaris to the east and tries to relate with him over their own family, it seems to be working. Tasya brings a dagger out of her robes and presents it to Domanaris as a gift. As Tasya moves forward through the barrier between them their hands and head disintergrate, the dagger and charred bones fall to Domanaris's feet while what remains of Tasya's body falls to the ground still on the party's side of the barrier.

Domanaris laughs and the floor under the party splits open, Wyrm notices the laugh also came from the candlemaker.

Nep'Rixa reaches out to Fayer for guidence, he responds and tells her they need to kill the candlemaker. Nep'Rixa tells the party and they begin to attack the child as Stünislav moves to Tasya's body, feeling something is not right he attempts to heal them before carrying on to join in with the attack.

Domanaris rains fire down upon the party again putting Wyrm into a dying state, seeing Stünislav is also on the edge of death Domanaris attacks him again and also puts him into a dying state.

Nep'Rixa prays once more to Fayer, he restores Tasya's body and brings them back to life, albeit barely.

Now whole again Tasya enters the fray, retrieves the dagger and hurls it toward the candlemaker striking him in the chest and making one of the Domanarises disappear.

Beatrix now enraged seeing more of her friends dying she launches six magic missles at the child, the illusion of the temple dispels around the party leaving them in a clearing in the woods, the candlemaker still knelt in front of them.

Domanaris now defeated, Beatrix somehow absorbs the soul of Domanaris and becomes a full Lithar'il.

The bodies of Stünislav and Wyrm are still laid amongst the party.

Nep'Rixa attempts to heal them and Kreel notices the time crystal fall from Wyrm's pocket.

*Synopsis written by Caffinated Viking*

## The Party

* Beatrix Qiroris - Lvl 6 Half-Elf Wizard
* Kreel - Lvl 6 Tengu Witch
* Nep'Rixa of Skor'Ritha - Lvl 6 Sadrath'il Cleric of Fayer
* Stünislav Marekoi - Lvl 6 Tiefling Redeemer
* Tasya Marinov - Lvl 6 Human Fighter
* Wyrm - Lvl 6 Goblin Rogue