Book 2: They Watched the Stars

Chapter 3: What Remains

Or, What the Hell is in that forest?

The morning following the battle, the committee is convinced of the purity of the party and the townspeople are very excited about their presence, calling them the “chosen”. Entering the throngs of adoring fans, Sammakko basks in the adoration of the mobs while inquiring about Osoyo. He and Hector are told that while the natives do not know of Osoyo they suggest that the heroes go to the Sarkoris Scar (also known as the world scar or worldwound).

The whole party does not know much about the world scar but believe that the things which they hear are not necessarily true. Hector catches a priest trying to take a memento of the chosen and scolds him. The priest explains it would give him status and Sammakko scares him off. The party uses the remaining time to gather needed items for their journey.

On the second day, Hector hatches a plan. Yoi-ko gathers caustic spit from Sammakko in a glass and hands it to Hector excitedly. Opening the door dramatically, Hector bellows that he will give the essence of Sammakko to the priest who brings the best information about Osoyo by the end of the day. After dinner, a priest returns with a book of ancient knowledge. The book says that Osoyo was first encountered near the elven homeland and inhaling his mist gave the people paranormal powers but also corrupted them. He was sealed under the ice in the crown of the world.
When questioned about why they would be going to the world scar, Sakuachi clarifies that they need a god who is walking the lands.

The next morning the party leaves with the caravan. The the carts cannot move because of the throngs of people worshiping the heroes. Sammakko intimidates the heck out of the people with the help of Hector and the crowds quickly make way.

The heroes and the tribesmen are allowed by the caravan master to stay in the last, smallest wagon. The trek will take 7 days. During their down time the party forages for the group, reaping a bounty which Yoi-ko cooks into a delicious meal each day. In the meantime, Hector attempts to form some bonds with the people of the caravan but to no avail. Trying to capitalize on Hector’s efforts Sammakko tries to charm the caravan master over a succulent provided by Yoi-ko. She is initially not impressed but succumbs to Sammakko’s charms… his “honest” charms.

Another night Sakuachi snaps awake and says that she had a vision. A white bird burst from the ground and embraces her with icy wings. When she finishes, a star falls to the west. Sakuachi says they have to leave the next day to find the fallen star, near the world scar.

The first night breaking a path to the fallen star, Sakuachi tries to read the stars and determines something unholy is coming but she does not know when. The night is uneventful as the the next day of travel. The second night is the same and on the third night she still can’t read the stars but feels something evil is imminent.

That night, while the camp sleeps and Innumma is keeping watch, he spots a Nabasu demon stalking the camp members. Yoi-ko springs to action, restraining the demon though its mere presence drains some of the monks strength. Sammakko unleashes a thunderous strike on the immobilized fiend, Hector slaps on his armor as he leaps from his mat, and Innumma alerts the group to its weakness while slamming it with arrows. The battle is vicious the Nabasu feeding on itself at one point. In the end, its skull was no match for the hammer of Hector which ushered it back to the infernal halls of hell.

Treasure: a severed demon foot (Sammakko‘s trophy)