The Forest of Madness

Story Event: Stirring Shadows

Episode 3

The Forest of Madness

Previous Quest

Village of Yellow Vestments

Next Quest

After Awakening

Summary

With Akasha's assistance, the party is able to depart Teinsom. However, Hastur's dogged pursuit of Lathna sees her kidnapped and stolen away. The party then gives chase, heading to a local temple pointed out by Akasha.

Dialogue

The key is discovered…
The silver key to the Ancient Gate…
My release is at hand! Well, this isn’t good—we’re completely surrounded by Hasturs! And this crappy little shack won’t hold ‘em at bay for long. Any ideas? Aaaah… He mentioned finding a key, yes? If so, his objective must be… This young lady? Exactly. I suspect he believes she is the key he seeks. Akasha! Where did you come from?! Ah, of course. One as clever as her wouldn’t lend a house to strangers without knowing a secret way by which to enter it. Very perceptive. And yes, there is a passage that leads from this basement and into the woods outside the village. Pray use it now to escape. Look, I’m not complaining, but I also don’t understand WHY you’re helping us. Indeed, would it not make more sense for you to capture Lathna and use her to open this “gate” of yours? Opening the gate does not mean that something will be released. On the contrary, it will likely mean an increase in the number of those who are enslaved. This village has enough trapped souls already. It does not need more. That is all my help seeks to ensure. I’m not sure I have it in me to believe you, but I suppose we’ve little choice. Hey, any port in a storm, right? If you’re helping, we’ll take it! Naturally. This way, please.

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*pant* *pant* Damn. They found us a lot faster than I expected. Alas, I fear I am not the only one with knowledge of this secret path. Well, no use worrying about it now. Besides, if we didn’t use it, we’d all be getting eaten back at that house by now. That being said, we cannot hope to outrun them with a sickly child in our charge. I…I’m sorry… Don’t worry your head over it, Lathna. And just so you know, Heinwald, you ain’t exactly setting a land speed record here! Well then, let me rephrase: So long as this sickly child and brilliant detective are here, we cannot hope to outrun them. I’m not sure a change in PHRASING is really what we need right now. I’m glad you two enjoy such a bosom relationship, but I don’t think we have time to watch it play out right now. Ah! It would appear we are surrounded. If these guys wanted to throw a going-away party for us, they should’ve said so. That way, I could have declined graciously. I hope you have some secret plan up your sleeve and have not simply decided to face down your death while playing at cock of the walk? I don’t need a killer plan to be cocky, partner. I’m Curran the hero, remember?! That would be a “no,” then. All right, Idea Man, what’ve YOU got? Any nuggets in that noggin of yours? As a matter of fact, I do have something: I will have you buy us time while I think up a plan. Why do I always end up with the short end of the stick in this relationship? Ah, but we all have our part to play. Yeah, yeah. Whatever. Guess I just have to accept my lot in life. Oooooooo… Urgh. I’m not a fan of these numbers. You who are blessed! Unspeakable seeds!

Obeyers of sweet yet loathsome edict
and prisoners of fickle eternity!

Ah! Miserable prisoners. Mindless imitators.

Unknowing of the true terror that howls in the night.

Uh, Lathna? This is…astounding… Seek to capture Chaos,

and you will be whelmed by Chaos.
Be you gallant, or be you mad?

Urguuuuh… Hastur seems…frightened. Of Lathna? Or wait, is it…? Dive into this abyss, and your eternity is reduced to a moment.

Be not a fool, and treasure that which you have obtained.
Forced into eternity; an endless spell of binding.
Spend that endless time regretting your improvidence!

Uuuuuggghhh! The Hasturs are falling back… I never thought I would live to see those enslaved by the Unspeakable One running away in fear… Those who stood before Us…

Those who skim the maw of Chaos…
To Us… To…to me…

Uh, Lathna? …Wh-what?! AAAAAH! AAAAAH! I’m… No… NOOOOOO! Lathna, wait! Don’t run off again! S-stay away. I told you, I’m not me! And that means the me that isn’t me will end up doing something terrible to everyone! That’s why you have to stay away! Dammit! We gotta go after her!

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…No sign of her. Where did she GO? She can’t have gone far, but if she’s hiding in a thicket or somesuch, locating her will doubtless prove difficult. Well, those mini-Hasturs or whatever are still wandering around here, so we need to hustle our buns. Judging from the state of things earlier, I wager the child is in little danger. I don’t think we should risk being overly optimistic about such things. EEEEEEEEEK! Lathna! Oooooorgh! For…Him…! No… Noooooooo! Why am I always right about the bad things…? Stop right there you Hastur copycats! Where do you think you’re taking Lathna? It’s just one thing after another with these clowns! Haaah! I will take care of this situation. You two should attend to the child. The largest building is Hastur’s church; that is most certainly where they will be taking her. Akasha, wait! We are up against it here, Curran. Best we take her up on her offer. Well, if Heinwald is okay with it, I guess I can’t really object. Good luck, Akasha! Oh, I will fulfill my duties. You will see. All right, buddy. Let’s get going!