Crossroads Episode 23: The Chase

## Synopsis

4 Highsun 1258 IC

Morning arrives in the camp. As the party begin their preparations for the day Stünislav asks if anyone else has started to remember the events prior to Wyrm using the time crystal. Nep'Rixa confirms and talks about how she suspects the voice heard from Otal was Fayan.

The mention of Fayan triggers the candlemaker's eyes to turn black and Nep'Rixa can feel necrotic energy emanating from him, as she turns to look he is already returning to normal. Wanting to make sure he is ok Nep'Rixa attempts to send a message into his mind once again. In her mind she feels someone run past her and hears Otal's voice, as she tells the party what she heard the candlemaker's face changes once again. This time a voice Tasya recognises can be heard, Aleksandr Dracovich.

As Tasya and Stünislav begin to tell the party of Dracovich and the Maristevians, Cerin now able to see Stünislav in the daylight comes to the realization they have met before on Raesik island. (*Or at least they will in a future past, see RoR episode 12: Spectres of the Now*)

Stünislav asks how Cerin is here, Cerin goes on to explain how after Stünislav and the other members of the Rebels of Raesik party entered the hideout of the Creed of Star an event occured and he woke up somewhere he didn't recognise. Stünislav tries to explain that he meant time, not location. Cerin is unaware he was transported back in time by about 250 years or so.

Cerin not sure what Stünislav means he says they can catch up about Raesik later and is more interested in the Maristevians right now. Stünislav tells him that since he came back he has been dedicating his time to wiping the Maristevians from the face of the world. Cerin explains what he witnessed in Cultrek and he suspects the Creed of Star are involved in some way.

Cerin pledges his blades to the party, If the party are going after those responsible for Cultrek he wants to be a part of it.

Stünislav offers to perform a ritual to help the boy and clear his mind of the effects of the umbra. As he does his mind is filled with the voice of his father, reminding him he still has 2 of the 13 tasks to complete or the souls of the Rebels party are forfeit.

Stünislav feels a burst of heat in his chest, searing the skin. The child stands with his hand raised and heals Stünislav , An Oritel flower appears between his feet.

A voice emanates from the boy "Murderers, Murderers, Murderers" The party wonder if he is referring to them. Cerin clarifies he is talking about someone else. The party ask the boy who they are referring to and another voice echoes out from the child in pure Maristevian, recognised by Tasya as Drago Todorov.

The party debate their next move as voices continue from the child, the sound of Otal commanding during a battle, sounds of Magda being tortured. They cease and Cerin asks the child where they should head next, the boy points west in the same direction as the town described by Magda through the child previously.

Before the party leaves to begin their journey Nep'Rixa takes the Oritel and places it in Bojnay's acorn, They set off and travel for seven days until 10 Highsun.

As they finally close in on the town they happen upon a building standing alone on the road. The sign outside reads "A.S. Cummings - House of Oddities and Curiosities, open 24/6".

The party enter and inside organ music can be heard playing in the distance, it stops abruptly as the party see two shadowy figures at the end of the hall coming towards them. One tall carrying a lantern, the other short and squat.

The tall one asks them to follow him as he shows them the latest piece in the collection. The fresh severed head of a wolf can be seen floating in a jar of fluid. He then gestures towards the one who brought it here.

As the party turn to see the other side of the room, the dim light reveals a figure as he looks towards Tasya and says "Hello Sister....."

*Synopsis written by Caffinated Viking, Proofread and edits by Svartemaya.*

## The Party

* Beatrix Qiroris - Lvl 5 Half-Elf Wizard
* Kreel - Lvl 5 Tengu Witch
* Nep'Rixa of Skor'Ritha - Lvl 5 Sadrath'il Cleric of Fayer
* Stünislav Marekoi - Lvl 5 Tiefling Redeemer
* Tasya Marinov - Lvl 5 Human Fighter
* Wyrm - Lvl 5 Goblin Rogue