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Loose threads Although the vampire is trapped, theparasites might still be active; puzzle the vampire mentioned
Participants Harkrow Bonabo Nesty Yimtakk Drivvnel Gartunk Taurox Hakuto
Locations Visage
Short summary:
After last attempt's fail, this time we are better prepared. After... acquiring a cadaver, we performed a ritual, in which we have implanted the parasite, hoping the body will become a trap for the vampire.
On the other side of the portal we have encountered several Arboreals, as well as animated trees, infected with the same parasite, which we dispatched quickly. They seemed grateful for this action.
In Visage we searchedfor one Lemony. After conversation, a test and a confrntation, Lemonylost control to the vampire, who offered a meeting in exchange for sparing Lemony the stress. Meeting was arranged, and we faced off against the vampire aswell as a minion Ogre. Though there was a moment of danger, when the vampire dominated Taurox, Harkrow's magic slowed the vampire down to a snail's pace, earning us a victory.
Barely a few moments passed before a very disgruntled cadaver opened its mouth, which confirmed our success.
Full Report
After meeting in the Pug, we continued the investigation. From this a plan was born. We acquired a body. Several options were presented, but we ultimately decided to use the body of a female dwarf. Through magic and practical medicinal knowledge, we implanted a parasite into it, ensuring that the body cannot be easily escaped from.
Once on the other side of the portal, we started moving through Eleutheria, towards Visage. Our path was blocked by the forest itself. Several Arboreals, who strangely spoke to us in our Common tongue. They called us "hunters" and inquired about our goal. We did not hide it, and so influenced by our prey they attacked. Though not effortless, the fight ended quickly in our victory. Bodies crumbled into ash, and as they did they called out "freedom".
We entered Visage, and there we searched for information on our prey. This search lead us to Lemony, rumored to disappear frequently for several days, with no memory of the time left after his return. We found him in a local tea shop, reciting poetry. Bonabo managed to improvise, presumably, a poem that caught his attention, and allowed us to "steal" him for a conversation in private. The conversation was going slowly, so I decided to push some buttons, and tested Lemony with silver. He confirmed his recently acquired allergy to the metal, which we have found common among the carriers of the parasite, which we disclosed to Lemony. This was not taken well, so much so that the vampire noticed it and took direct control over the poet. Vampire, saying they are quite fond of Lemony, insisted we do not stress him anymore, to which I agreed only if they allows us to meet in person.
Thus the meeting was arranged.
We met under the Visage, where we learned that the vampire is intent on reaching a certain chamber inside the Visage, but they are incapable of solving the puzzle blocking their way. They offered us a deal, where our end was to solve said puzzle and relinquish the find.
Although tempting due to curiosity, we had our own plans. Vampire was our prey, and that would not change this easily. Fight was not easy, there were several dangerous moments. They wield powerful mental magic, and was able to dominate Taurox' mind, pitting him against us. However, just as they were able to overpower Taurox' mind for a moment, their own hubris brought their own downfall, as Harkrow's magic overpowered vampire's defenses, essentially disabling them entirely. After destroying them, the Ogre tried to retreat, but to avoid unnecessary loose ends I killed it as well.
Only a moment before, vampire was less than worried about their chances, claiming they can just hop into another body, but as the implanting of parasite was a success, they soon woke up in an immobile cadaver, to our knowledge unable to use magic or escape into another body.