The Chellish Reclamation Of Kantaria

The man with the dark grimace turned his eyes upward, to the
opening in the rotunda, just beneath the golden dome of Valor's
fastness. The corpse of Fourth Sword Knight Oppian Nevilindor was
being tied to pitons by the Thrune wizard
Not 'Thrune wizard', the dour man thought to himself, Vindicus
Thrune. He has earned at least enough respect for his name to be
worthy of my remembering.

A groan from nearby caught his attention, and he looked to the
source. From beneath the body of a fallen Chellish peasant, a
grievously wounded soldier of the Reclamation had come to, and
was trying to crawl out from beneath the corpse but blood loss
had left him far too weak. He lay prone, on his belly, blood
beginning to pool around him, soaking into the grass.
Approaching the man, he kneeled, "You are badly wounded, soldier.
Ask it of me, and I shall heal your wounds."
The young man looked up, through his barbuta helm.
Young, maybe 20? Certainly not more than 25. Strong, too. The
grimaced man said, kneeling to look him in the eye.
The soldier looked up at him, the unmistakable vestments of a
cleric belonging to Asmodeus, Lord of The Pit.
"P-p-paladin. Iomedae." The man groaned out, trying feebly to get
out from under the body of the fallen enemy.
"It matters not to me. The battle is over, and the Crown is
victorious. I'll not ask you to break your vows to your goddess,
for vows are sacred. I'll not ask you to commit any heinous act
to violate your ethos, or to swear me any sort of allegiance or
fealty. All I ask, is to hear your request." The man offered, his
voice empty, devoid of feeling.
The paladin made one attempt to free himself, unaware of just how
much blood poured from his stomach wound.
"I...I..please. Please heal me." he said after just a moments
hesitation.
"As you request." The cleric responded, reaching into his robes
as the paladin dropped his head to the grass, taking a breath
that was part sigh, part relief. Pouring the smallest drop of
devil's blood onto the man's exposed neck, the cleric waved a
hand and murmured the prayer to Asmodeus, beseeching his master
to grant him the spell. It washed over the young man, part
healing magic of the the positive energy plane, part fiendish
magic of Hell. In that moment, the paladin realized he had erred.
"No! Not that magic!" he cried, even as his body began to mend
and repair itself, lending him back enough strength to kick the
corpse off the top of his waist and legs, and begin to rise to
his knees. "I...I did not..." he stammered, his connection to his
goddess waning, marking her disapproval.
The cleric rose to his full height, his stature less than that of
the youth, but his presence quantifiably greater.
"You did not specify. Asmodeus gifts to you your health, and I
will gift to him your soul." He spoke, his voice rising slightly,
and he swung his heavy mace against the side of the man's head,
not a skull cracking blow, but a resounding one none the less.
The man, midway rising to his feet, fell over, giving out a
gurgled cry as he fell onto his back. The scowling man hunched
over, and swung again, not entirely unlike a croquet mallet. The
man was once again quiet, knocked unconscious.
An armored woman walked up to stand beside him.
"You could have just manacled him." She offered, looking down at
the young man, who was still breathing.
"I didn't want to hear him cry.They always cry" The cleric
answered factually. "Have you found your offering yet?" He said,
turning to her. She turned, so that her one working eye could
meet his look.
"Not yet. I'm hoping the young initiate finds my armor in there
and tries to keep it for himself so that I have a reason to use
him."
The cleric turned away from the ebon-skinned woman, and pondered
the sentiment. "Well thought out." he replied after a moment.
"And if he should honor you by returning it?"

"Then I shall use him in a different way." she said, trying not to
smile, She looked up, as the body of Oppian Nevilindor was
securely put into place.
"Where are we setting off to after this place?" She asked,
admiring the handiwork of the group who aptly named themselves
the Hellfire Heathens.
"Emil will assuredly be restless at this point. We will need to
rendezvous with him soon, before he endangers his position. From
there, we will have our share of work to do to route out more
Reclamation troops. Left to their own, in time I think they might
turn to banditry, or rejoin the greater bulk of their movement.
Neither are acceptable options." He spoke, his voice monotone.
Around him, the Chellish forces cheered at the defeat of the 4th
Sword Knight, roars of shouts and applause echoed off the
Fastness' stone walls.

"Agreed. And the Queen's Hand?"
"Important, but not a task for us." The cleric knelt down,
placing manacles on the paladin, and beginning to tie a drag rope.
"We have a stop to make before Emil, though. Longacre."
"That little backwater village?" she questioned.
"Sadly, yes. The Archbaron needs to be checked on, and I suspect
the Heathens will return to receive orders from him. He would
have no need for them to remain stationed here. Someone from the
Narikopolous House will be sufficient." He said, hoisting the
tied rope over his shoulder, and testing it's strength.
"I don't like Fex." The armored woman said plainly.
"No one does. That's why he governs Longacre, and not Corentyn."
"He bid for Corentyn?" Asked the dark skinned woman, a look of
mild surprise on her face.
"Yes. Thrice times, as damned as House Thrune. When they refused
him, he was out of bids and ordered to Longacre. It was all a
punishment for his outspoken views on the merits of sorcery
versus wizardry. Foolish of him to believe such a difference of
source mattered in the least. Even more foolish of him to think
the Queen wouldn't hear of his strong opinions."
The cleric began to pull the sleeping paladin behind him, making
his way to the throng of soldiers and armed peasants, the armored
woman following beside him.
"They don't?" She asked, inquisitively, having rarely heard the
cleric give his own opinion on anything. "The source of magic,
that is."
"The Arcane? No. Books, or blood, makes little difference to those
who wield the power of Gods." He grunted, dragging the soldier,
his armor and helm making the occasional metal thunk noise as it
clanged against the cobblestone.
The woman with the blind eye smirked. "Careful. The Queen might
hear you."
"Let her. I am not within her hierarchy to command." the cleric
spoke, either oblivious to the humor, or choosing to ignore it all
together.
"I have such a fondness for you Asmodeans. I wonder sometimes if
you don't follow the code of law more dedicatedly than we
Hellknights." She said, her smile wide, a contrast against her
midnight skin.
"We do. I assure you, our punishment for transgression is more
severe." He said through clenched teeth, the strain of the
unconscious youth heavy on his muscles.
Knowing it would be fruitless to argue, the woman changed
subjects. "I could pull that for you, if you'd like."
"My offering. My responsibility." the man said.
"You could at least remove his armor. Chain is heavy." She
offered.
"I bring him to Asmodeus as he is." The cleric said, his words
strained through heavy breathing. Understanding the burden he
bore, the woman kept pace with him and remained silent, to allow
him focus as they walked past the corpse of Facetess, and out of
the grounds of Valor's Fastness.
Sometime later, they arrived at their wagon outside of the Little
Uskwood, The cleric paid the young boy they had paid to wait with
their horse. The boy eyed the "sleeping" soldier, but he had
enough sense not to ask questions.
The scowling man had nearly exhausted himself, his vestments
stained with sweat. "I carried my burden well, but I will need
your assistance lifting him into the cart."
"Certainly." The woman said, easily lifting the lion's share of
of the man's weight into the wagon.
Removing the papal crown he wore, he withdrew a cloth rag and
mopped his brow and pate. "I admire your ability to lift such a
heavy load with such ease so soon after combat."
"Why, I do believe that is the first time I have ever heard you
compliment any of us." She said, expressing honest surprise.
From within the wagon, the soldier began to groan as he came to
from the recent jostle of being loaded into the wagon.
"I suppose it was. I hope I'm not getting sentimental and
vulnerable in my old age." The cleric replied, looking in on the
soldier, and then sending his mind back into blackness with a
slap from his armored hand.
"You rest, old man." The armored said, taking the driver's seat
and reins of the horse. "I'll get us to where we need to be."

The Battlefield

With Kantaria firmly back under the Crown's control, all that remains is to assault Valor's Fastness, the Iomedaen church. Even with plenty of resources,  this won't be an easy task.

The church itself is built as an Iomedaen fortress, with 20 ft. high walls, and a fortified gate with double reinforced porticulus  gates, and a very sturdy wooden gatedoor. The walls are whitewashed masonry - not impossible to scale,  but not riddled with handhelds either. There are four watchtowers along the wall, which have been under constant assault by angry citizens throwing rocks, and making the occasional attack with bows or crossbows, but so far they have been unsuccesful.

Inside the courtyard, the crystal dragon, Facetus is believed to be on constant patrol.
Rumor also holds that the spirit of Iomedae's loyal hound, Exemplar, still roams.

The number of remaining outsiders is entirely unknown, but none have been spotted within the walls.

A rough estimation says there is between 100 to 140 trained Iomedaens inside - these include low level paladins, fighters, and cavaliers. There are 20-40 militia, loyal yo the church, which include freed halfling slips, freed and armed former slaves, warriors and commoners.

Faydreth Zaine, the wizard, and his Wood Golem are also residing within. Viktor Skave, the tiefling sheriff with the ogre-sized flail also survived the chaos.

Among your resources - you have the following;

The Carrows- Immensely loyal, and exceptionally competent, the only thing to worry about the Carrows is the familial curse, which seems to bring them bad luck at inoppurtune times. With Vindicus Thrune accepting them intomhis service, the curse, as they understand it, is likely lessened but may still be disasterous, if they are relied upon too heavily. The Carrows have requsistioned ample gear and supplies to try and deal with any situations that may arise.

Amycus (Fighter 4/Aristocrat 2)
Alecto (Swashbuckler [Noble Fencer] 4/Aristocrat 2)
Bernard (Magus 4 / Aristocrat 1, Youngest)
Ralphio (Fighter [Crossbowman] 4 / Aristocrat 1/ Middle)
Hectate (Warpriest 5 / Oldest)

Kantaria Citizens
Loredana- Propeietor of The Little Uskwood and now owner of The Sweetest Drop, Loredana has little to offer you besides rooms and food. Because of it's closeness to Valor's Fastness, The Little Uskwood could serve as a staging ground, but would be less than optimal.

Linton Deemer - Leader of the Urgothol population, Linton's explanation for his disappearence may still not have squashed your suspicions. The alchemist has begun crafting potions and alchemical supplies to aid your efforts, mostly in the form of cure spells and remedies - his specialties. He advises that 10 of his more martial minded associates have agreed to join the assault. He has 2 "men" on the inside as well who will recognize you as allies and reveal themselves when they can. Linton has tried tomget them messages, but so far,  mundane attempts have failed.

The Devil Hogs - Ched, Marko, Krash, Henry, Penelope, all part of Cimri's local gang of thugs, these four excel at vandalism and thuggery but ae not overly eager at taking a front line roll against Valor's Fastness. (2nd lvl Warriors/ 1st lvl Rogues)

Angry Loyalists - Those who show absolute loyalty to the Crown, they are among the common rabble who are willing to take up arms against the Iomedaens. You have 40 worthwhile folk, mostly warriors and commoners. Most own a proper weapon, half of them have light or medium armor, while the rest are having straw armor made for them. 

Angry Nobles - 55 survivng members of the Kantarian nobility are quite outspoken in their anger, but so far have been unwilling to offer anything more than heated words and raised fists at the Fastness' walls.

The Ratfolk- Kubi attends any meeting she is requested to attend, but speaks little. When asked, she advises that the ratfolk suffered heavy losses during the Swarm Moon, and that her people have fulfilled their end of the bargain.

Crown Troops
Armed Soldiers - Freed from the Hardship's Hearth prison camp, there are 40 soldiers who have recovered  or acquired quality weapons and armor. 3 of them are Sargenta, capable of seeing that your orders are obeyed.

Powers of Hell
Brextur- Left largely ignored since destroying the docks,  the Ukobach devil haaa been burning in the furnaces of Tychus Groat Smithy the last few weeks. Able to produce copious amounts of fire, the devil is otherwise frail and weak.

Other Allies- Strong, and Resourceful, your group has ties with Lazzero Dalvera from Longacre, him having performed the Hellfire Compact for the original members.
The two clearly have an agenda, and it seems to tie into making sure that Kantaria is back under control of the Crown, but anything beyond that is a guess. The two have agreed to support your efforts, but have plainly stated they will not put themselves in grave danger to assist with your mission. Linxia is a straight forward melee fighter, while Lazzero has offered to pray for healing power or pray for the aid of Hell's minions, come the day of battle, as your group suggests.

Linxia Benzerki
(Female Human Hellknight 💀 ?? )
Lazzero Dalvera
(Male Human Cleric of Asmodeus 💀 ??)

You have 9 days to prepare. Word has come that the Glorious Reclamation has diverted  a large number of troops to Kantaria to recover Valor's Fastness
 If they arrive, the city will be lost.

After Christmas Event

Waking up in the sewers

Your entire body aches, never before have you felt such an all-encompassing body pain. You rise up on your elbows and look around,  finding yourself in a dry room,  but undoubtly in the sewers,  laying on a stained matress. You see your other companions,  laying on similar mattresses,  their bodies stripped of most of their clothing, lain beside them,  and wrapped in bandages and poultices. Several ratfolk scurry across the room,  a pair of ratfolk closet to you are moving in bundles of straw,  one has a severe limp caused by a club foot,  while the other appears to have an unsightly growth of a tumor along the left side of his face, and eye. 

"Ahh,  you awaken. Sorry if we disturbed your recovery,  good lords. We moved as quietly as we could. Should we fetch Kubi with you? She is busy with preparations,  but I'm certain she'll make time for you."

Kubi arrives, looking a bit less meek than when you first met her in the alleyway of The Little Uskwood. 

"Strange timing you have - on the eve we plan to make good on our promise to aid you,  you crash down into our warrens,  and we have to pull you from the rubble and out of death's grasp. Strange timing indeed. I apologize for your friend of orcish descent, he did not survive the collapse. The injuries to his body were...incompatible with life."

"The swarm moon waxes full, and our power rises to a full crescendo. With no enemies in our home, we would turn our wrath on this Glorious Reclamation, as they would confine us to the sewers. Our time is short, but I beg for you to share with me the cause of the sword towers collapse on your group."

"A remarkable tale for remarkable people. Not to be dismissive,  but we have only a few hours before dawn, and much to do. In a few minutes, our lesser kin will emerge topside in massive swarns to steal away food, destroy property,  and terrorize the citizens of Kantaria. We will do no more permanent damage than absolute neccesary, but they must be reminded that the ratfolk are not to be slighted so severely. Should you find yourself able to recover,  you may find this an opportune time to free the loyalist from the prison camp. We can provide safe access into the area where the humans are being held prisoners.
Naikopolus Manor should also be accessible with many fewer guards. The Mage who resides there has put numerous magical wards up, and will surely be aware of your arrival.

Beneath Hardship's Hearth

Nikki the Hood

"This way, and please move swiftly. There is much vengeance to be had above, and I would hate to miss out on my chance at fun. Nevermind the Otyugh's you may see - they work for us and will not harm anyone they know to be our allies."

"That hole leads to the privies of the structures that the prisoners are kept in. You'll have to break through the wooden shittersitters to get in there. I'll wait for one hour, and not a moment longer for you to do whatever it is you have to do, but then I must leave with or without you. Make it back in time, and I can lead you to the Narikopolus manor."

Inside, you find a mass of prisoners
(40 Soldiers, 30 Thrune Loyalists, The five Carrows (Amycus, the father and former soldier, Alecto the Mother and trained fencer, Bernard, the youngest morningstar wielding magus, Ralphio, the crossbowman and middle brother, and Hectate, the serious and stern older brother and warpriest of Asmodeus.
Amycus steps forward, "We knew you'd make it here - somehow. We've been kept in the dark these last few weeks, but we knew that unless you were leading an army, there was no way for you, or for us, to deal with the sheer number of guards they had in place here. Over the last few days though, guards have been being pulled out of the camp, and tonight, the place is scarcely guarded. We've heard lots of screaming coming from outside the walls - I guess you had something to do with that?"

The main defenses we'll have to deal with are the four towers. They usually keep three bowmen in there, but cut down to two recently. I do not know how many are in there for certain. Unless they had good reason, the warden, a monk named Jalila with tatooed skin will be on the grounds, accompanied by two angels with the heads of mutts.She rarely goes anywhere without them. Any other guards will probably be sleeping or on foot in the yard. We have 40 soldiers here, 15 who we have armed. The rest will have to make do with rocks and whatever else we have laying around. The nobles and other loyalists won't be much use, but every fist helps. 

Jalila HadjaraHP:???
AC:25 (+2 Natural, +4 Wisdom, +4 Dodge, +1 Dodge, +1 Insight, +3 Boss)

F:+10 W:+11 R:LOL

Unarmed Strike (+11)1D10+3
F.O.B. +10/+10/+6/+6Stunning Fist: 6 times daily, DC 16

Archon Style: This grants any adjacent allies a +2 dodge bonus to AC against that opponent’s next melee attack (as long as that attack comes before the beginning of your next turn). The dodge bonus persists even if your allies move away from you, but still only applies against attacks made by the opponent that you designated upon first using this ability. It is a move action to use this ability.
Once per round while using Archon Style, when you have at least one hand free, Jalila can divert one melee weapon attack that would have struck an  adjacent archon ally and take the blow in your ally’s stead, using your own AC to determine whether the attack hits you. Whether or not a diverted attack actually hits you, the ally you protected can make an attack of opportunity against the diverted opponent. You expend no action to divert the attack, but you must be aware of it and must not be flat-footed. You must declare that you are using this feat after your opponent has declared the target of its melee attack but before it makes its attack roll.

When Jalila diverts an attack to herself and actually suffers damage, any allies threatening the PCs get a free A.o.O. against the diverted opponent. 

Hound Archon / Monk 1
HP:55 
AC:23 (+2 Wisdom, +9 Natural, +2 Deflection)
DR:10/Evil
F:+12 R:+9 W:+9
Unarmed Strike: (+9)1D6+3Bite (+9)1D8+3
Stunning Fists:4x daily, Fort DC 14

Paired Opportunist: +4 on A.o.O. vs shared threatsSnapping Flank - While flanking, swift action to get a bite attack 
Improved Greater Fortitude.

Equipment: Belt of Giant Strength and Constitution +2 

Narikopolous Manor

F9-Where Zaine keeps many of the acquired items, this is where they will first encounter him. He will animate a number of items before teleporting out of the room. During this fight, Bargle the Demonic appears.

Loot:Nightmare Boots, Infernal Cord, Skullcrusher Gauntlets, Rod of Minor Curses, Fiend's Relief, Brimstone Barbazu, Chest of Epic Loots Type 2 - Item not exceeding 18,000 GP., Lichead 

F3- The Grodair fight takes place here, with the creature magically leaving it's tank encompassed in an orb of water. 

The Aftermath of the Sword Tower trap.

The soft flap of the archon's wings was drowned out by the
tumultuous rumble of the collapsing tower. A cloud of debris
scattered through the streets, coating nearby businesses, homes,
and squatting peasants, who fled the chaos in fear.
Able to move without making even the slightest of noises, the
archon made it a point to flap his wings when landing near his
mortal allies - it served to make them more at ease when they
were aware of his presence, rather than being surprised by his
supernatural quietude. Faydreth Zaine, Rassaphore of the Kantaria
Resistance, was not such a man perturbed by the archon's silence.
Very little seemed to unnerve the half-elf. Standing atop a squat
two story wooden building, two streets over from the sword tower,
the night's wind blew through his auburn hair as he watched the
dust begin to settle - his face impassive to the destruction.
"Your plan was carried out flawlessly." the angel reported,
folding his jet black wings behind him.
"Your intel was accurate, Umberro." The Rassaphore replied, in
offer of a compliment, the archon supposed.
"What will be the Reclamation's next step, moving forward?"
Umberro asked, lowering the black cloth that covered his face,
masculine features that seemed sculpted from a dark gray, smooth
stone,his eyes the most striking feature- a piercingly vivid
green.
"Moving forward, we will try to repair the damage done by the
insurgents. There is very little else we can do. The people's
faith in the Glorious Reclamation is too damaged for us to
contribute to the efforts of the Reclamation's regional plans,
and Oppian's faith in himself is too shaken for him to
effectively rally the citizens to action. His killing of Tychus
Groat, the loss of Sinderbos, the Oathday Massacre, and the
rebuttal of his advances towards the Nidalese tavern wench have
all dealt severe blows to his confidance." The Half-Elf's voice
was flat, analytical.
"The loss of a sword tower, and so many supplies will surely be
another blow, even as the death of the evil-doers might uplift
him" The archon asked, momentarily surprised to hear that the
leader of the Reclamation was in such poor spirits.
"The tower was a neccesary sacrifice." replied Zaine withou
pause. "The only supply losses we suffered were of wooden crates,
 dyed water from the Sedna River, well polished parade armor, and
wooden practice swords."
The archon's eyes widened in surprise, the mouth cut into his
polsihed stone face agape, an expression he did not make often,
"You decieved me?" he asked, incredulously.
"I used deception yes, but spoke no falsehood to you. A shipment
did arrive, We simply had better sense than to store it in the
sword tower. I did however, spread rumor to the troops that it
would be held there until dispersal. I knew the lesser
disciplined ones would speak loosely of it, giving the Devils an
irresistable target while lifting the hopes of those who support
out cause."
Umberro thought on this for a moment. Recalling their
conversations, Zaine had never explcitiy told Umberro that the
northern sword tower held precious supplies - only that a
shipment had been placed there, and Umberro was needed to watch
for intruders into the tower. Umberro, having to often practice
his own unique form of deception and misinformation devoid of
actual lies and falsehoods, could appreciate the Rassaphore's
efforts towards a noble goal.
"The Fourth Sword Knight will not appreciate the necessity of
your actions. He will have wanted to out them publically, before
meeting them on a field of battle."
"Yes. He would have wanted to be recognized for his valor in
defeating them through traditional methods of warfare, as most
Iomedaens would want. Our enemy knew this and refused to be
goaded into such action. We needed an unconventional way of
ending their violence, and a trap was as unconventional of a
method as I was willing to stoop to. No doubt this will weigh
against me in the afterlife, when my measure is tested on the
scales of justice, but hopefully the pain and suffering I
prevented will make up for it." The pair were silent, as the
town's guards and people began to slowly make their way to the
rubble.
"I will need to make myself known - they will all suspect this to
be the work of The Devil, and rumors should be squashed before
they can spread. Umberro, I thank you for your service." said
Zaine, who completed a spell, and then began hovering inches from
the ground. "Return to your duties, remain wary for any agents of
House Thrune that may still be operating. We still have much to
do." Faydreth Zaine glided along the air, flying towards the
destruction and calling out to the Reclamation soldiers.
Umberro perched on the edge of the rooftop, eyes peering down,
eager to catch signs of anyone that might try to scamper away
from beneath the collapsed tower. These enemies had proven to be
a remarkably resistant to the Reclamations efforts. He would
watch the scene like a hawk peering for a rodent, and dispatch
any of them he spotted.

Despair Meter

With the Queen's Hand yet to arrive in Kantaria, it falls to the Hellfire Heathens to find a way to drive out the Glorious Reclamation. Outnumbered, outgunned and with virtually no allies, they find themselves facing a challenging situation.

A late night meeting with Razelago, Azrael speaks, explaining the foolish death of Wyran Thrune. Taken aback and quite shocked, Razelago listens to the story as well as the explanation that the Queen's Hand is long overdue. He travels back to Archbaron Fex, returning an hour later via teleportation, with a letter.


"The news of Wyran's death is as unexpected as it is enraging. However, we cannot allow this to stop our plans. My pupil has studied The Art and can provide sage counsel. Heed his advice as if it were my own. It is most auspicious that one Thrune's death is timed so closely to another one's arrival. The Thrune house holds great favor amongst the Lords of Hell, and perhaps the divine Prince of Darkness had a hand in how these events played out.

Until your situation changes, you will need to wage a war of sabotage and subterfuge against the Reclamation. Do not overplay your hands and get yourselves killed. You must breed fear and mistrust amongst them to foster dissent. Dissent will be your shepheard's crook to lead the flock to despair and once they despair, they will turn back to the only thing they know, the secure yolk of House Thrune."

DESPAIR POINTS

In the previous chapter, you were trying to slow the accrual of rebellion points as much as possible, in order to slow the timing of events. In chapter 2, Wrath of Thrune, you are trying to earn as many despair points as possible, in order to undermine the Glorious Reclamation. To date, The Glorious Reclamation secured the city of Kantaria with little bloodshed, and they have turned the town into a place of peace and security. They rule with a velvet gloved hand, and make few demands of the citizenry. They have rounded up Thrune loyalist, ensured commerce remains normal, and have helped feed and clothe the poor and downtrodden, all earning the respect of the people. The Hellfire Heathens must undo all of this as covertly as possible. The price of failure is capture or death, depending on the severity of the offense. 

The book has numerous events that occur that will provide the OPPORTUNITY to earn points in order progress the story. I strongly encourage each of they players to take their characters class, items, and abilities, and personality into consideration and develop your own individual plans in order to cause fear, dissent, and despair in the folks of citizenry. KEEP IN MIND - The Glorious Reclamation is the overwhelming presence in Kantaria. Should your plan be poorly thought out, it may lead to capture or execution. 

Despair Rating: 33

The Devil of Kantaria, The Life Leech, and The Peasant Basher have unarguably carved a serious wound onto the psyche of the Kantaria citizens. People no longer feel safe on the streets - travel in the city stops well before dusk as people huddle in their house. Families large enough post their own sentries, strong men and youths to watch the door, should something evil come knocking. A feeling of paranoia has begun to worm itself into the minds of the Reclamation troops, as they begin to suspect everyone of possibly working against them, and their once helpful attitude towards the citizens is now one of slight suspicion. Guards have been pulled from Hardships Hearth to fortify patrols, whistles handed out to better be heard should they run into trouble, and stores of magic items have been given to select lieutenants and even sergeants to aid them. A few trusted townsfolk have been recruited into the Nightwatch Militia, to even further their strength.
Goods remain 20% more expensive.
Due to the number of people leaving the outskirts of Kantaria and entering the city proper, attempting to stealthily travel at night will now require a stealth check made for each hour out, and impose a -3 penality due to the sheer number of eyes in the city alert for signs of trouble. 

The townsfolk of Kantaria whisper that an organized insurgents oppose the Glorious Reclamation. Rumors persist that the most outspoken opponent is a powerful wizard, The Devil of Kantaria. His mark, that of a horned skull with a snake twisting through orifices is easily recognized. It is believed that his attacks on the Reclamation has allowed for other evils to surface, including "The Peasant Basher", a murderer who tortures workers in the outlying areas around Kantaria, and "The Life Leech", an unknown killer believed to be some sort of monster, who chooses his victims indiscriminately and saps their body of all their life energies. 

Concern for the future is on the rise as smart merchants fear the possibility of civil unrest - the price of ALL goods increases by 20%. All Reclamation patrols are being reinforced by additional units.  

Inspired by Oppian's speech, the townsfolk of Kantaria grow emboldened to action. There is a 30% chance during any public encounter against obvious evil forces that a human mob will form to try and deal with the threat. 

• Making use of posters booby-trapped with explosive and fiery runes to harm random citizens +3 Despair. The Glorious Reclamation has taken steps to inform the citizens, who now are careful not to look at the posters.

• The disappearance of Wakko, Yakko, and Dot, three halflings who ran a small fishing business near the Sedna River. +2 Despair. The townsfolk question the decision on putting three recently freed slaves on the outskirts of Kantaria by themselves. The Halfling population upset that the three were not offered better protection. The Glorious Reclamation launches full investigation, but lead suspect Nicolae Umbra has ironclad alibi.

• The savage murder of Jayblin Blackcreek, the man who operated the grain mill along the Sedna River. Rumors say that he was strapped to his own mill's waterwheel and faced repeated water torture before he was murdered - his entire head brutally bashed to a pulp, down to the shoulders. +2 Despair. The Glorious Reclamation has pledged a full investigation. It is unclear if this was related to the disappearance of the three halflings.
• The murder of various townsfolk, with the only common thread being that their exists no obvious method. +2 Despair. The Glorious Reclamation initially suspects powerful illusion magic, which has been known to be used in the past to kill it's victims in bloodless ways. However, clerical spells granted by Iomedae allowing communion with shades of the victims reveals that they witnessed no bizarre images or monsters in the last moments of their life, only an intrusion into their minds followed by the whispering of an unknown being. Reclamation leaders now suspect the use of incorporeal undead.
• The Oathday Massacre- Whatever bloodlust that washed over the citizens of Kantaria that drove them to such madness was never identified, but the day will forever be remembered as the bloodiest day in the towns history. An unknown force swept through the joyous event, driving hundreds of the citizens to turn on each other, in a full out assault, doing their best to kill each other. Those who resisted the urges had to fight for their lives against their murderous countrymen. Several other factors made the event significantly worse, including visiting dignitary of the Trox people of Mount Rinia, Stone Lord Krixis Two-Ton Boulderfists, who waded through the citizens with his warhammer as if they were bugs, a trained ape being attacked by his gnomish master and then driven to fighting for its life, several large horses amidst the crowd, and armed members of the Torag faith having to defend themselves from rioting peasants. Citizens were found dead throughout the surrounding area - in total, 183 died in the riots.
  
  +6 despair for the Massacre itself.
  +1 Despair for the death of the two hound archons who were suppose to protect the Oathday Market and are seen as failing in their duties.
  +1 Depair for the death of several notable and loved members of the town, specifically "Dingy", "Brewbelly" and Lindel the Butcher.
  +2 Despair for the death of The Twins, lesser leaders of the Reclamation.
  The Glorious Reclamation declares martial law for 2 days as they launch a thorough search throughout the area to try and determine some sort of source for the violence. Finding none through mundane methods, Governor Oppian Nevilindor has pledged to spend a week in fasting and prayer in an attempt to beseech Iomedae for insight - meanwhile lower ranking clerics will use all divination spells at their disposal to find answers.
• With the total destruction of the Kantaria Docks, the town faces a major loss of revenue as boatsman travel elsewhere to do their business - it is simply too difficult for merchants to unload heavy trunks and chests from boats on to the steep, muddy banks of Kantaria. Additionally, the man most qualified to help solve the problem - Sancho Reikman - was killed in the fire caused by The Devil of Kantaria. +5 Despair for the destruction of the docks. +1 Despair for the death of a lesser leader of Kantaria. The Reclamation immediately seeks out skilled carpenters to begin rebuilding the docks. While able to locate workers skilled in woodwork, none of them are as skilled at dealing with the problems of water as Sancho would have been. It will be quite some time before docks are rebuilt. 
• A grizzly murder is discovered at one of the outlying farms of Kantaria. The Guldwhey family was assaulted in their own beds. The children were tied and left in a root cellar, while Berrick and Galina Guldwhey were savagely beaten, and then nailed atop makeshift crosses among their wheat fields in grizzly effigy to scarecrows. The bodies were not discovered until two days after their murder, by passing Reclamation soldiers. The children have survived and have been sent to nearby Longacre to live with family. +2 Despair. Believed to be related to Jayblin Blackcreek's murder, the Reclamation is unable to quell rumors about the two events, and the name "The Peasant Basher" is being attributed to a murderer who is targetting townsfolk with sadistic torture then murder in a way that relates to their vocation, with their mouths being smashed in by a blunt object. 
• The Voice, the assimar woman responsible for many of the called outsiders that serve in Kantaria was slain, presumably by The Devil of Kantaria, while traveling outside the city walls. An ear piercing tone was heard throughout the city, as each of the summoned allies cried out, their connection between the Heavens and Golarion briefly thrummed in the ripple effect. Although not easily spotted, the archons and angels that now patrol the streets are ever-so slightly less robust than before, and a little quicker to find themselves full of righteous fury at the citizens for minor infractions. +1 Despair for the death of a lesser leader in Kantaria. While not publicized, the loss of Sinderbos spreads through the Reclamation. The former hammer of Tychus Groat was to be purified into a tool for the forces of good, to be used to craft shining armor for the Reclamation troops. It's loss weighs heavily on Iomedae's soldiers, but none feel the loss so acutely as Oppian Nevilindor, Groat's old friend and killer. +2 Despair. 
• Brazen attacks on the Glorious Reclamation patrols left dozens dead, as devils were summoned from Hell to slay them. How will the Reclamation protect the townsfolk, if they cannot even protect themselves? +3 Despair. The Reclamation responds by strengthening their patrols with more seasoned soldiers previously stationed at Hardships Hearth, and assuring the people that the Reclamation is now fully prepared to deal with The Devil of Kantaria. 
• The third grizzly murder, this time of Reberto Mondavi, a Chellish man who kept a humble vineyard, and crafted sweet spring wines to make a living for himself and wife. Rumors are that the pair were forced to gorge themselves on their own grapes and wine to the point that their elderly stomachs were near to burst - and as with the other murders, their heads violently caved in by blunt force. +2 Despair. Many of the peasantfolk in the area outside take leave of their homes, either traveling into Kantaria or leaving for elsewhere, as their is little safety out in the rural areas. With few places to stay, many households are forced to sleep in the streets. Stealthily traveling at night becomes difficult, imposing a -3 penalty due to the sheer number of people now in the city.  
• The arrival of a horse carrying the dwarven corpse of Kalcyra the Just, an inquisitor of Torag, and a binding force between the Glorious Reclamation and the dwarven followers of The Smith. Within two hours of her body arriving, those who followed Kalcyra to Kantaria have their worldly possessions packed on mules, and are leaving, leaving behind many smoldering forges, that once rang with the sound of hammer crafting out weapons and armor for reclamation soldiers. Between the destruction of the Tychus Groat and the Moloch worshippers and the Torag smiths, the number of capable smiths in Kantaria can be counted on one hand with fingers to spare. Not only will the reclamation suffer, but so will the townsfolk as their metalworked tools and household items fall into disrepair. +6 Despair. 

Oppian Nevilindor sends word out the same day that Kalcyra the Just is slain - he will be giving a speech to all of Kantaria at the southern Sword Tower. Bread, and stew, and wine will be provided for all who attend, the meeting to be held at dusk.
True to his word, Oppian is at the Sword Tower at dusk. The middle aged man kneels in prayer before the statue of Iomedae that sits beside the tower's heavy oaken door. His armor is immaculate, and shines even through the coming night.
Channeling healing energy into the statue of Iomedae at the base of the tower, causes the entire 50 foot stone sword to illuminate brightly. While not unseen by most of the townsfolk, the display of magic is still a sight to behold for the common folk.

"Citizens of Kantaria - I come to you not as your governor, or a military leader," He begins, his voice magically amplified so that the hundreds in attendance can hear, "but as a fellow citizen. I stand not on a platform speaking down to you, or from the balcony of Valor's Fastness speaking up to Iomedae in holy exaltation, but I walk among you, speaking to you as a neighbor. Like many of you, I was born and raised here in our town. All my life, I have lived under the threat of House Thrune, knowing that should I stray far from liturgy permitted by the Crown, that my very soul would be gifted to the 9 Hells on a silver platter. Yet, I followed the path of The Inheritor, praying each day for the courage to maintain my conviction. And there has been no lack of trials to test my faith. The constant threat of Thrune, the presence of fiends in our city and the terrors they have inspired in us. I have had to put my own friend to the sword, a man I would have called brother once, who I could not sway from his beliefs any more than I could be swayed from mine. And through it all, my courage has not left me. It has seen me through these times, and gives me the strength to carry on, to lead the Glorious Reclamation. Our movement is more than just about reclaiming Iomedae's sword she wielded as a mortal - it is about shaking loose the yolk of tyranny that is Thrune, about breaking the bonds that would bind us to Hell. I have lost more friends these past few months than most people lose in a lifetime. And you have an equally pressing burden - the loss of family, of children, and husbands, and wives, and mothers and fathers. House Thrune would rob you of all these precious things and more, they would settle your souls as currency to garner favor in Hell and further their own station. I plead with you, as a fellow countryman, be courageous and draw strength to oppose these tyrants - if not in body, then in mind. Do not allow them to cow you in your homes, do not allow them to push you into a pit of despair - together, united, we are the swords of Iomedae, and we will drive out these wretched fiends, and show them the Inheritor's wrath!"

The citizens find solace in Oppian's speech - while not overwhelmingly successful, the cleric does manage to inspire some confidence in the citizens of Kantaria. Over the next few days, their fervor will spread to others, as citizens begin to take a more active role in driving out the Devil of Kantaria and his ilk. -8 Despair. 

Hazardous Meetings and Dangerous Greetings

An aged couple prodded their underfed nag along the southern road into Kantaria. The man wore a wide-brimmed straw hat, and coveralls, chewing on a piece of wheat. The woman wore a shawl over her head, and was wrapped in an old gray blanket, the kind that would normally be used to give a dog a place to sleep. She shivered beneath the sodden cotton, as if sick with the shakes. Behind them, the nag pulled a cart lined with hay, and full of turnips, and a handful of other,  withered lookng produce. Beside them, walked their three sons, simple, but strong looking men dressed in peasant work clothes, simple cotton shirts and breeches stained with dirt and.sweat, and their skin tanned from long days spent in the fields. 

Ahead lay the town of Kataria, where they would try and make whatever copper coins they could, selling their paltry vegetables, that they might survive another year without ending up in a Chellish dungeon for failure to pay their taxes.  Between them and their destination, stood a group of sentries, soldiers and halfling scouts, backed by a row of archers, and led by silver haired, steel eyed sargeant, all bearing the symbol of Iomedae. 

They wheeled their cart up to the entourage, the sargeant stopping them with one open palm.

"Names? What business have you in Kantaria?"

The youngest of the me spoke up, his voice typical of the peasant drawl found among barnhands and pig farmers. 

"Here to try and sell our turnups, sir. Closest market to our farm out yonder 4 leagues." He spoke, tossing his head back to indicate a general direction of 'somewhere' behind him.

"And names?" The steely eyed sargeant repeated, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone. The two halflings began to inspect the cart, while the two human guards began to sift through the turnips and hay. 

"The Barrows, sir." Then youngest man replied, smiling wide at the sargeant. 

"Awfully nice smile you have there...for turnip farmers.", the old man replied, not even bothering to try and mask his suspicion. "Gilly, Harver, thorough search." He said, his tone authoritative. The halflings gave quick nods,  and began rapping their knuckles hard against the wagon, while their human counter parts began to throw turnips from the wagon to the ground. Behind him, the archers knocked arrows into their bows, taking a few steps forward. 

The young man's smile faded from his face. 

"Pa always said toothcare was important." He replied after a moments hesitation, his eyes flickering to the halflings.

"Right here, Sarge. Hollow panel, I'm certain."

The halfling named Gilly said, ear to the wagon as he knocked. 

Drawing a crowbar, the sargeant ripped the plank from the wagon with ease, reaching into the compartment, and drawing out a sack of red velvet. "Trying to hide something? What am I going to find in here?"

"Oh, I think you know." Said the oldest brother, silent until now, his dark brow furrowing beneath his peasant cap. The glare was not lost on the sargeant, who handed the item to the halfling named Harver. "Flip it." He ordered through clenched teeth, hand going to his sword's hilt. 

"Ho hum, ho hum." Mused the long-haired halfling, pulling at the drawstrings and flipping the bag in and out several times. With a sudden clash of noises, the bag of holding forcefully expelled it's contents onto the road, numerous weapons,  Asmodean unholy symbol and texts, a spell book and other incriminating evidence. 

Moving with practiced speed, Bernard reached out to one of the sargeant's men, and lay a hand on his shoulder, murmuring an incantation. Arcane lightning surged through the middle son's hand, causing the guard's body to convulse, dropping to the ground with a heavy thud. Hectate and Ralphio both dove to the ground, Hectate for his five pointed unholy symbol, and Ralphio for his crossbow. 

The elder carrows jumped down from the wagon, Alecto with a rapier already inexplicably in hand, slashing the sargeant across the forehead, while Amycus followed up the strike with a solid blow to the chin, sending him reeling. Just as he found his footing, an arrow pierced the patriarch's shoulder joint, causing him to cry out in pain. The archers had been quick to the draw and sure of aim as they let loose their arrows into the melee. Harver had scrambled to intercept Ralphio's lunge for his crossbow, but his small arms left his hands empty for the effort, Ralphio scooping the weapon up, and then driving the attached bayonet into the halfling's seafoam green eye, slicing it open beyond repair. The halfling tore himself off the blade, worsening the already grievous wound, his screams were cries of agony as he clutched a hand to his face, trying hopelessly to preserve the pulpated material. Hectate rose from the ground, Asmodean symbol clutched in hand. "By the will of The Unyielding Law, Asmodeus, Prince of Darkness and Hellfire and Blood Oaths," he shouted above the commotion, seemingly unfazed as two arrows pierced his chest, "grant me a spiritul weapon, bring down the upstart fools!" A mace seeingly crafted from hellfire appeared behind the archers, swinging wildly at them, as they tried uselessly to defend themselves with their bows.

Bernard reached down, taking the fallen soldier's shortsword from his belt, the weapon igniting with fire, even as Ralphio stood to his feet, loading a bolt into his crossbow. Alecto and Amycus now locked in battle with the grizzled sargeant, who's longsword was making quick work of the unarmored Carrows, delivering cutting wounds to them and bloodying their farmer's disguise.

The second halfling, Gilly moved with great speed,  driving a dagger into the back of Hectate's leg, the wound cutting and tearing at flesh even as he danced into reach of Ralphio. "Hold still!" Shouted the youngest brother,  trying to adjusthis aim on Gilly. "Hold your guts!" Countered the halfling, as he slashed open the young humans stomach, causing him to double over.  He spun to face the last of the Carrow brothers, and was greeted with the stolen shortsword to his skull. His vision went dark, as the smell of burnt flesh and hair filled his nostrils. He heard  help arriving from the town, and he held up his dagger, stabbing half-blind in pain, a desperate attempt to fend off his attacker. As his vision came back to him, he witnessed his sargeant put down the older man and female with his longsword, and members of the Glorious Reclamation tackle mand bring down the magic user, just before allowing himself to pass out.

"Take them to Hardship's Hearth! Keep them alive and seperated until we figure out who they are! Take caster precautions with all of them!" The gray haired sargeant shouted, his anger still burning hot. 

Kantaria

1. Groat’s Smithy: The former workplace

of blacksmith Tychus Groat, this smithy

is now little more than a ruin of

blackened wood and stone.

2. Harbor: The Taldan soldiers following General

Kantarikos dug Kantaria’s harbor out of the banks of

the Sedna River before the town was even founded. Its

docks, originally little more than a humble assemblage of

wooden planks, were constructed for the disembarkation

of soldiers. Iomedae ordered the docks fortified during

her rule of Kantaria, and a solid stone wall and gatehouse

were erected west of the harbor to ward off river pirates

and other aquatic threats. Up to three riverboats can

moor at the docks at one time. Usually the watercraft

found there are supply ships making their way to the

Menador Mountains or hauling trade goods back to

the heartlands; even after the arrival of the Glorious

Reclamation, Chelish ships are still permitted to

dock in Kantaria as long as they pay a fee and submit

to a rigorous inspection to ensure their cargoes are

not bound for House Thrune or the Imperial Army.

Kantaria’s harbormaster, a former river pirate named

Jonas Reikman, manages the docks and oversees the

searches for the Glorious Reclamation, just as he did

before the Iomedaeans’ arrival.

All sorts of tales surround Kantaria’s harbor, the most

popular being that it conceals a cache of lost Iomedaean

relics. According to local legend, Iomedae herself stood

vigil on the newly constructed harbor walls, wielding

a longbow to devastating effect against a rising tide

of aberrations from the river. It is said that some of

Iomedae’s arrows, now holy relics of the goddess, still

survive somewhere in the depths of the harbor.

3. Healthy Heart Alchemicals: Run by the

chirurgeon Linton Demeer, a member of

Kantaria’s governing council, Healthy Heart

Alchemicals is a stopping point for most

townsfolk in need of magical healing. The

shop is stocked with a seemingly endless

supply of curative and restorative

potions, as well as an assortment of

more potent alchemical concoctions.

Up until recent events, many Kantarians

preferred not to show favoritism to the

churches of Asmodeus or Iomedae,

instead buying their healing from Healthy Heart. With the arrival of the Glorious Reclamation, citizens are more open to acquiring services from Nevilindor and the clerics at Valor’s Fastness,though the church still sends those with minor needs to Demeer.

4. Inheritor’s Square: Named for Iomedae, Kantaria’s

main square was used for public excruciations and

other punishments prior to the arrival of the Glorious

Reclamation. Now, the square is home to a vibrant,

open market, bustling with trade. Every Oathday,

the square hosts a larger gathering, as farmers from

outside town and miners from the nearby Menador

Mountains come to barter food and ore for equipment

and supplies.

5. Iomedae’s Home: When the mortal Iomedae lived

in Kantaria, this simple, single-story wooden house

was her home. Maintained regularly by the clergy at

Valor’s Fastness, the residence has remained intact for

nearly 900 years ago, a fact the locals attribute to divine

providence. For the price of 1 silver piece, visitors can

get a short, guided tour from local vagabond Pious Pete,

who bills himself as an “amateur historian,” though he

is known for blatantly exaggerating and misrepresenting

Iomedae’s life in Kantaria.

6. Kantaria Historicum: Both in their late seventies,

Anselm Mathis (CN venerable male human bard 5)

and his husband Gebhard (CG venerable male human

expert 6), have run this combination library and

bookstore for the past 50 years. Avid collectors of books

and documents, the two men met during a literary

conference in Westcrown, and eventually joined their

wealth to purchase a plot of land in town and open

the Kantaria Historicum. Having come under scrutiny

more than once by the Order of the Pyre during the

Hellknights’ infrequent visits to Kantaria, the elderly

couple surprised the town’s populace when they

unexpectedly produced hundreds of hidden tomes

in the wake of the Glorious Reclamation’s arrival.

Previously seen as heretical, these new additions to

the Kantaria Historicum represent a wealth

of information on the various religions

found throughout the Inner Sea region

and beyond.

7. Labor Guild: In the aftermath of

the Glorious Reclamation’s conquest

of the town, dozens of Kantaria’s

slaves found themselves freed and

without purpose. To fill this void,

long-retired dwarven foreman

Durgal Mircask (NG male

dwarf expert 4) created the

Labor Guild, based in the

town’s former slave auction

house. Managing several

accounts, Durgal receives work

orders from townsfolk, farmers, and

external interests alike. Using an

allocation system based on factors such as seniority,

experience, and physical aptitude, Durgal doles out jobs

for those seeking work. In exchange for this service,

Durgal takes a small portion of laborers’ wages, using the

funds to finance larger business opportunities for those coming to the guild for aid.

8. The Little Uskwood: Although this inn appears to

be built from shoddy gray wood, the Little Uskwood is

actually constructed from lumber imported from its

namesake—the Uskwood in shadow-touched Nidal to

the north. Built to accommodate travelers journeying

between Nidal and the Chelish heartlands, the inn’s

gloomy ambiance seems depressing to many Chelaxians

and other visitors, but Nidalese guests find the

atmosphere comforting and refreshing. Currently run by

Loredana Viorica, daughter of the inn’s founder, the Little

Uskwood has seen minimal change with the Glorious

Reclamation’s arrival in Kantaria,

9. Narikopolus Manor: Built from austere red brick, this

large mansion is the manorial seat and official residence of

House Narikopolus, the archdukes of Menador. Nowhere

near as opulent as the noble homes seen in larger Chelish

cities, Narikopolus Manor is nevertheless the most

impressive private dwelling in the town. The Glorious

Reclamation claimed the manor when they took Kantaria,

and Rassophore Faydreth Zaine, the order’s resident

wizard, now makes his home here. The Iomedaean knights

confiscated countless magic items during Kantaria’s fall,

and many of the most dangerous objects were brought to

the manor for personal inspection by Zaine.

10. Shrine of the Hammer: This small chapel was once

dedicated to Aroden, but in the wake of the Chelish Civil

War, it became Kantaria’s temple of Asmodeus. Since the

arrival of the Glorious Reclamation, however, the site has

been repurposed once more, this time as a shrine to

Torag, tending to the spiritual needs of Kantaria’s

small but growing dwarven community.

The leader of the shrine’s congregation is

Kalcyra, a dwarven inquisitor. Dubbed

“the Just” by her allies within the Glorious

Reclamation, Kalcyra hopes to

train new disciples to follow

her beyond the borders

of Kantaria and into the

infernal heart of Cheliax.

11. The Sweetest Drop:

Owned by a reluctant

member of Kantaria’s

governing council, Jana Holdus,

the Sweetest Drop is both a tavern

and an inn. Jana prefers to run

her establishment more as a

drinking hole, sending customers

who just want a soft bed to her competitor, Loredana

Viorica, at the Little Uskwood. Jana doesn’t see much of

a financial drawback from this act of generosity, as many

of her more vivacious patrons inevitably spend the extra

coin to sleep at the Sweetest Drop rather than risk an

embarrassing walk home in the dark.

12. Sword Towers: Three stone watchtowers overlook

Kantaria from the north, west, and south. Each tower is

capped with an oversized stone sword similar to the holy

symbol of Iomedae, pointing toward the sky. Iomedae

herself oversaw the towers’ construction, and when the

sun sets, the swords glow with the light of continual flame

until sunrise. 

13. Valor’s Fastness: Originally the site of General

Kantarikos’s command post, Kantaria’s temple of Iomedae

sits atop the highest point in town. Reconstructed and

renovated countless times in the centuries since the

town’s founding, the fortified temple now boasts strong

walls of whitewashed stone and a 115-foot-tall spire

topped with a dome of red tiles. Valor’s Fastness is the

focal point for the Iomedaean church and the Glorious

Reclamation in Kantaria, and currently houses many of

the knightly order’s troops. Due to the ongoing war, the

fortress is off-limits to citizens except for weekly prayer

sessions held in the temple’s sanctuary.