Mining is a dirty job. Hours are spent in tunnels, caverns, and dark crawl spaces. For what? The goal is to strike it rich. To stumble across a rare gemstone or other hidden treasure. More times than not all that is found is dirt and exhaustion. But that doesn't stop a miner. Tomorrow is always a new day. And with a new day comes the potential of a new discovery.
Exhaustion is your constant companion. While citizens are celebrating at the festival, you think only of resting your head on your pillow. Muttering as you head home, you know that sleep will not bring the rest you need.
Quite some time ago, you discovered a large stone beneath the mountains of Parsis. Trapped behind the stone was a Frogkin woman. Smooth white skin. Eyes as black as tar. You can still remember the moment you freed her. As she smiled at you in gratitude…or perhaps something else…a swarm of locusts flew from her mouth. She disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
Since that day, you are haunted in your dreams. Horrible nightmares of giant frogs in Wildwood, rusted Constructs eating Human flesh, and her ever present smile.
You've heard of the Heroes Guild. They have experience with battling all sorts of enemiles. Perhaps by joining them, they can help bring an end to your nightmares.
Accepting your help, the party attempts to enter the Temple of Shintal. The front doors have been barred and a sign hangs from the door frame.
“Temples dedicated to the Dragul gods, and all other false gods of destruction and disorder, are closed by order of the queen.” - Edict - Festival of Heroes (GS-ADV1)
Your eyes, as tired as they are from years in the mines, spot a set of weak shoring stones. It takes very little effort to break through the wall and into the temple chamber. There, to your horror, you see a statue. A statue that looks like the Frogkin woman you released. The base of the statue reads “Yalaka, Frogkin goddess of nightmares.”
Exploring Azema's Catacombs below the Temple of Ulos, your party calls on your mining expertise. Your years of moving underground may just give them the upperhand if anything surprising should happen.
Searching for the Immortal Knight, the party enters into the Dwarven mines. A group of Dwarves are frantically attempting to clear debris from a recent cave-in. You can hear survivors behind the wall of rocks and dirt.
You urge caution. The Dwarves ignore you. As they dig, the cavern caves in further as your world turns dark. In your unconscious dream, you are facing two different doors. The first door seems familiar yet threatening. From behind the second door, you hear screams and smell the faint scent of burning flesh.
…you are wrapped in his arms. And then you see her. Yalaka is here. Your mental fortitude may just help you defeat her. Or not.
You awaken as you are pulled from the rubble.
Lorkheim Village is aflame. Dwarves lie wounded in the ashes. Mines belch smoke and fire. Dobrik calls for your help. Your experience in past mine disasters helps you remain calm as you offer aid. You rush into the flames, hoping to escape uncharred.
Investigating a fissure near Dunshab Lakebed, you witness something large moving through the water below you. A deafening crack startles you and gets your heart racing. You fear that Yalaka is below…and she has found you! Your grip of reality slips from your mind. Your nightmares have entered your reality!
If you had opened the first door previously, you are faced once again by Mr. Puddlesworth. He is followed by the Minoatur who bullied you as a child, an unnaturally tall and lanky man in black, and one of Azema's rotting servants.
If you had opened the second door previously, you are faced with your father, engulfed in flames. Behind him you see your former (and cruel) Bastja teacher, a Troll infested with maggots, and a deranged looking clown with razor sharp teeth.
In the sand beneath you, you discover a metal rod. It is covered with the same glowing runes that were on the stone that was trapping Yalaka.
The Arcazion Tunnels are full of twists and turns. As your party makes their way into the depth, Yalaka blocks your path. Your eyes are drawn to hers as you feel the sensation of falling into a deep pit.
Preparing to attack, she raises her hands defensively.
“You released me from my prison in the caverns beneath the mountains of Parsis. I rewarded this kindness the only way I know how: by offering you my blessing. Those who face their fears gain power beyond their wildest dreams. Join me, and see what you become.“ - Yalaka - The Frozen Expanse (GS-ADV6)
Your quest may be complete, but the Heroes Guild is still in need of your help.