Northern Expedition: Corrupted Totem

Diplomatic action

Sylvie Tsudzurao navigates through a battlefield littered with demonic corpses, all marked by daggers bearing the Black Yang Symbol. She eventually finds Ismara Ymir, a woman in grief, cradling the body of a man, surrounded by discarded daggers. The woman’s appearance, though once beautiful, is now marred by grief and dirt. Her face is a portrait of haunted pain.

Confrontation
Sylvie approaches calmly, introducing herself. She acknowledges the man's death and suggests that his name and story be remembered. Ismara, initially startled, reveals her identity and her profound grief. She explains the tragic events leading up to the man’s death—his name was Bel'Arkoth. Obsessed with forbidden knowledge, he defied her warnings and attempted to break into a restricted archive, only to be betrayed by Ismara and later killed by her hand.   The Tale Unfolds
Sylvie witnesses the unfolding history through Ismara’s memories. The woman had been a fierce warrior, fighting demons with cold efficiency. Her lover, driven by betrayal and demonic strength, had eventually been defeated by her. Sylvie sees the aftermath: Ismara, now heartless and cold, crafting a runic totem to trap Arkoth’s soul within a massive floating artifact.   The Request
Ismara, now torn between her past love and her duty, expresses her anguish. She feels trapped by the corrupted power she cannot destroy and is desperate to protect her people. She clutches Arkoth’s heart, now corrupted, and asks Sylvie for help to free his soul. Ismara requests Sylvie’s aid in one of three ways:   Remove the corruption:
* Using a spring to the north reputed to purify corruption from the soul.
* Separate the corrupted soul: Extract Arkoth’s soul from the corruption.
* Other means: Any method to relieve the taint and offer him release.
  Sylvie's Response Sylvie is initially frustrated by Ismara’s indirect approach but agrees to assist. She acknowledges the task and commits to finding the spring or another solution to purify the heart. Ismara expresses her gratitude and promises eternal thanks, regardless of the time it takes.   Resolution
Sylvie returns after some time, having purified Arkoth’s heart. This act of cleansing transforms the totemic site from one of corruption to a peaceful location. The energies surrounding the site become calm and harmonious, reflecting the restored balance.   Conclusion The intervention not only grants Ismara the relief she sought but also restores peace to the location tied to the tragic events. Sylvie’s actions ensure that the legacy of Bel'Arkoth is honored and that Ismara’s burden is somewhat alleviated. The site now stands as a testament to the healing of old wounds and the enduring power of redemption.