I knew we shouldn’t have gone into the house. I could feel the evil energy radiating from its ancient doorway as we drew closer. My hands gripping tightly at my staff as I followed closely behind the three in front of me.

The door gave a displeased groan as it was pushed open, reverberating through the air of the musty entry way. Everyone stopped just inside the door but jump as it slammed shut behind us and all our senses became heightened. It became painfully obvious we were not alone in the Manor. The sounds of cackles and creaking things echoed faintly down through the space. It was clear this place was in disarray and had been left empty for all sorts of unholy things to take root.

And take root they did. As we ventured through the house, the living skeletons, succubi, and all other forms of vile creatures put my magic to the test. The elements even seemed to fear this house as I ensured the safety of my team. I could feel the earth around me cry out in pain from all the darkness tainting it. Left and right the cursed advanced seeking to slay and corrupt the intruders who ventured into their stolen sanctuary. However, we had a mission form the people of New Gridania and we had to ensure their safety, especially myself, who prided healing and protecting others above all else. That skill was put to the test as we went against the Manor Jester and Steward, their attacks strong. I could feel the strain as we fought valiantly forward to purify the creatures and lay them to eternal rest. Which we did with much success, but we knew our journey was not done.

Climbing higher into the tainted domain we finally found our mark, the one who ruled them all. Lady Amandine greeted us with murderous contempt as she began her onslaught. It was clear she was a master of thaumaturgy, even our own Thaumaturge had trouble keeping up with her spell casting. Luckily the gladiator that valiantly took charge and drew most of her hatred was able to hold her contempt while we whittled her down. She would not be bested however without a fight. Summoning more of her minions we floated back and forth between protecting our defense and trying to smite the evil once and for all. Several times I came close to reaching a state of mental exhaustion that would prevent me from helping those around me, but taking a few seconds to find my center, I was once again filled with the aetheric energy to keep my party members safe.

When all looked grim, with a mighty cry, our Thaumaturge began to glow and thrusting his staff into the sky, a shower of fallen stars came crashing down. With his mighty attack Lady Amandine gave a feral cry as she faded away into nothingness. With a triumphant cry, the four of us celebrated and began our track back to New Gridania to put the worry of its citizens to rest.

(The Bluebird Earrings)