¶ Laughter's Summons
While recouperating in Stalwart Fortress, a novel invitation provokes the travelers.
¶ Foolish Invitation
The sound of jingling bells is heard outside Stalwart Fortress and upon inspection, a jolly notice is discovered.
It is an invitation to The Grand Jester's Festival, happening in The Desecrated Valley.
While quite enticing, the travelers remain aware of the possible darkness brewing in The Church of Her, and their promise to deliver the Strange Mushroom to the Druids of the Southern Plain.
Yet, despite such important tasks at hand, the travelers take a vote and overwhelmingly decide to attend the festival for some revelry.
¶ Shrine's Recur
Amid the discussion on where to go, The Ruined Shrine reappears, casting a vision to many.
The strange vision was pondered for some time until Axan recognized the language and hidden meaning of the shrine's words.
Friend and enemy, I will perish
Upon this revelation, the shrine continued emanating energy as Gunther Wolfsblood asked how to unlock the gates of Mount Turlo to which the shrine responded with another vexxation.
It was not long before Roll recognized the secret answer within:
8 Protectors
Though the shrine persisted emanating energy, it cast no further visions at the time.
Four of seven inscriptions were now engraved u pon the shrine's surface.
¶ The Festival Begins
As the travelers approacth the festival they hear uncommon sounds in The Forsaken Lands, laughter and music.
There are colorful lights and tents throughout The Desecrated Valley, and a merry atmosphere.
A presentation begins, as Deet the Fool and Jobus the Jester take the stage.
Deet introduces the travelers to the festivities, promising food and drink as The New Moon rises and The Serpent writhes.
¶ Tale of Yuria
Jobus tells the sad tale of Yuria and The Turlo, recanting how they were strong, beautiful, and uncorrupted — the fires of Mount Turlo keeping them pure of heart.
Through many challenges of strength, The Turlo tested themselves and Yuria arose from among them as a grand champion who believed in freedom and along with The Furies, she grew an army of female berserkers and became a dominant force.
Over time she found peace, settling into a life at the bottom of Mount Turlo and oversaw her army from afar. Though it was not long before the zealots of Yorn and Yogg began campaigns of conversion, forcing Mother Agora upon many until there were few not enraptured by Her Light.
Refusing this indoctrination, The Furies were brought into conflict and fought the zealots until they were ppushed back to their home in Mount Turlo. Then, an ancient being from within the mountain called to Yuria and a pact was made, transforming her into a being of hatred, flame, and destruction.
Yuria lost control and she erupted into an explosion that slaughtered all of her enemies. Her violence carried forward, killing all life within the valley, friend and foe, while striking fear into Yorn and Yogg. All that was left was turned to ash.
She became one with the mountain itself. A giant molten door formed within the mountain, and has remained shut until the power of Yuria's Seals can open it. Though, they have been scattered across The Forsaken Lands by the remaining Turlo. Some say a Ruined Shrine appears to some, seeking those worthy to unlock the gate.
¶ Last Laugh
Upon completion of Yuria's history, Jobus laughs heartily and offers himself as a sacrifice to The Nameless Serpent on behalf of The Nameless Charter. He is cut down, to be consumed by the snake.
Deet lets the travelers know that this is the way of The Grand Festival and that all are encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry.
Through the final day of the festival, there will be a Grand Tournament of 32 champions, an opportunity to earn Jester's Tickets which may be useful once the festival has ended.
He provokes The Burner to join, and makes note that Bald Savior will be the one orchestrating the tournament.
A notice of entrance is posted, and many begin vying for a chance to fight in the tournament.