Livre 4, Chapitre 4: Mind Control
Finally, in "Mind Control," the adventurers uncover the True mastermind behind the summoning of the Harvester of Souls. It is revealed that a powerful necromancer has been controlling the undead creatures and using them to summon the avatar. The adventurers must face the necromancer in a final showdown to prevent the arrival of the Harvester of Souls and restore balance to Tellene.
Plot points/Scenes
1. In Search of Shadows
The Gehenna Squad traverses the harsh dunes of Khydoban, tracking the elusive necromancer. Along the way, they face remnants of the undead armies, sandstorms, and desert beasts, all while unraveling the lingering magic that the necromancer has left behind as a trail.
2. Oasis of Whispers
The Squad comes upon a verdant oasis in the midst of the desert. Here, they encounter desert nomads who speak of an ancient burial site known as the "Dunes of the Silent", rumored to be where the necromancer draws his power. It's said that these dunes are haunted by ancient spirits and that they guard the crypt of a powerful Sorcerer.
3. The Necromancer's Revealing
At the Dunes of the Silent, they finally confront the necromancer. In the ensuing battle, it becomes evident that the necromancer isn't just controlling the undead, but he is being controlled himself. His actions are not entirely his own; he's under the influence of a powerful artifact known as the "Scepter of the Confused Path," undoubtedly a tool of the Confuser of Ways.
4. Layers of Manipulation
After the confrontation, the necromancer, who is identified as Karshen, a once-renowned mage who sought to learn the secrets of life and death, reveals the depth of the Confuser's plan. The Confuser of Ways intends to use the Dead Company's reputation and the undead hordes to destabilize regions, including the Kalamaran Empire. This would make them ripe for conflict, thereby sparking the inevitable war.
5. Shifting Sands
Rumors reach the Squad that the Kalamaran Empire has been receiving reports of the Dead Company's alleged atrocities in the desert (engineered by the Confuser's influence). The Empire is growing wary and is gathering allies, furthering the Confuser's intent of instigating widespread conflict.
6. Preparing for the Storm
Knowing that they'll be facing a two-front battle (against both the manipulated perceptions of their actions and the Confuser's direct machinations), the Dead Company begins to rally their allies in Svimohzia. They send emissaries to distant lands, hoping to clarify their intentions and gather support for the looming conflict.
7. Final Scene
A clandestine meeting in the heart of Svimohzia between Captain Amator and other influential leaders of various factions. They discuss the looming shadows of war and the Confuser's role in it all. Though the Dead Company's reputation has been smeared, their resolve has never been stronger.
The stage is set for Book 5.