Template:StoryArc The Scroll of Tielekku

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The Scroll of Tielekku (25-29)

Souvenir

Translation of the Scroll of Tielekku

You've kept Dr. Cheng's scribbled translation of:

The Scroll of Tielekku

The adventure began when your contact told you about some unusual activity in a warehouse. Investigating, you found Warriors fighting Banished Pantheon cultists as both groups searched the warehouse for something called the Scroll of Tielekku.

Your contact found that the warehouse held the disputed estate of the deceased hero Ross 'Darkvine' Coldwell, a former member of the Midnight Squad. When you went to speak with the executor of the estate, you found the Banished Pantheon already on the premises, searching for the scroll. After defeating them, you found out that the Warriors had already absconded with the scroll.

Fortunately, you were able to track the Warriors down and recover the Scroll of Tielekku. Unfortunately, you still had no idea of the scroll's significance.

That changed when your contact was approached by Dr. Cheng, a renowned mystic scholar, who said that he might be able to translate the scroll. In order to do so, he would need reference materials that were currently in the hands of the Circle of Thorns, somewhere in the depths of their ancient city. Braving all dangers, you recovered the books and returned them to Dr. Cheng.

While you had been busy, your enemies had kidnapped Debbie Coldwell and Dr. Duncan Silver, the heirs to the Coldwell estate. You were able to free their heirs, but something wasn't right.

Too late you learned that the Pantheon cultists had stolen the Scroll of Tielekku back from Dr. Cheng. Fortunately, he had already completed his translation. After reading through it, you learned the story of how the ancient goddess Tielekku was the first to discover magic, taught magic to gods and mortals, and used her skills to banish a pantheon of cannibal gods to the darkness. Alarmed by this information, you hastened to the Pantheon's hideout and retrieved the scroll.

Unfortunately, the Pantheon had already gleaned enough information to lay a trap for the goddess Tielekku. You attacked the Pantheon in Dark Astoria, and were able to alter the ritual. Instead of trapping the goddess, you sent a message to her, a warning that the dark gods she had banished so long ago were back. You don't know if Tielekku heard it, or even if she still exists. But perhaps one day soon she'll return to help rid the world of the Banished Pantheon and its cult.

Find out what's so interesting to the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors

Briefing

Banished Pantheon cultists have been seen searching a warehouse in Independence Port. Whatever they're looking for must be very interesting, because there have been reports of Warriors on the scene as well. I need someone to go to the warehouse and find out what's so interesting to the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors.

Mission Acceptance

The Pantheon typically has no respect for local gangs, but I wonder what would make the Warriors risk going into the Family's territory? It must be important to them.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Try to find out what the Warriors and the Pantheon are interested in.

Mission Objective(s)

Massive crates house a mishmash of valuable items, furniture, jewelry and a gorgeous Oriental rug.

• Stop all villains in warehouse

On one of the defeated Warriors, you found some written orders.

Enemies

Warriors

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• That Which Seeks (Banished Pantheon Totem)
• Search leader (Warriors Hewer Elite)

Warriors dialogue

Before combat:

Warriors minion 1: Should we give our lives for a silly scroll?

Warriors minion 2: Sir, the scroll means great power!

Combat start:

Warriors minion 1: To battle!

Battling villains dialogue

Before combat:

That Which Seeks: We are inevitable!

Search leader: They are slow and stupid! We can win this!

Banished Pantheon minion: Lu... ghe... bu...

Warriors minion: Sir! There are too many!

Combat start:

That Which Seeks: We hunger, and we hunt!

Search leader: Glory in battle!

Banished Pantheon minion: Flesh!

Warriors minion: I will not fall without a fight!

Warrior orders

These written orders indicate that the Warriors were here to find one item and one item only: something called the Scroll of Tielekku.

Debriefing

So the Warriors were there searching for this Scroll of Tielekku? My guess is that the Banished Pantheon may have been searching for the same thing.

Talk to the executor of the estate about the Scroll of Tielekku

Briefing

I did a bit of digging about the warehouse where you stopped the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors. Apparently it's used to hold items for estates that are under dispute by the inheritors. Among other things, it held the private library of Ross Coldwell, who used to adventure with the Midnight Squad under the name Darkvine. It might be a good idea to check with the executor of the estate and see what he knows about this Scroll of Tielekku.

Mission Acceptance

Darkvine was one of the many Midnight Squad members killed in the Rikti War. Like all of them, he was well versed in the mystic arts. Perhaps the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors have good reason for being interested in his belongings.

Unnecessary Solicitation

Find the executor of the Coldwell estate. We need to know what the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors were after.

Mission Objective(s)

This staid office is in an uproar as the walking dead and their mad masters stalk its halls!

• Find the estate manager
  • 7 office workers to rescue

You defeated the Banished Pantheon and rescued the estate manager.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Hostage x4 (Hostage)
• Estate Manager x3 (Hostage)

Banished Pantheon Patrols

Banished Pantheon 1: Seek the scroll!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon zombie 1: Feast upon you!
Banished Pantheon zombie 2: Your flesh!

Hostages

Hostage: I thought I was done for! I've heard what those things do to people!
Estate Manager: I tried to tell them that it wasn't here!

The estate manager's tale

When you rescued Coldwell's estate manager, he told you:

'They kept asking me for the Scroll of Tielekku, but I didn't have it! The Warriors already stole it! I wish I could tell you what they want with it, but no one ever mentioned it had any sort of mystic powers. To tell you the truth, I doubt even Coldwell knew.

Debriefing

The Warriors already made off with the Scroll of Tielekku, huh? At least the Banished Pantheon don't have it, though I don't really want to see it in the Warriors' hands either. Character, we're going to have to recover that scroll.

Recover the scroll from the Warriors

Briefing

Just because the Warriors got to the Scroll of Tielekku before you did doesn't mean it's all over. We'll just have to go after it. According to one of my contacts, the Warriors are near Talos Island waiting for reinforcements. If you're up to it, you could recover that scroll from the Warriors before it disappears forever. I'll call for an emergency force field to give you time to get there.

Mission Acceptance

I still don't know what this is about, but that Scroll of Tielekku is clearly important to both the Warriors and the Banished Pantheon. Be careful.

Unnecessary Solicitation

We need to get that scroll back from the Warriors.

Mission Objective(s)

You wonder what secrets the Scroll of Tielekku contains. Whatever they are, you can't let the Warriors unlock them.

• Recover the Scroll of Tielekku
  • Find the Scroll of Tielekku

You have recovered the Scroll of Tielekku.

Enemies

Warriors

Banished Pantheon

Battling Villains

Before Combat
Banished Pantheon zombie: M' ... te ... ru...
Warriors minion: We have been discovered!
Combat Start
Banished Pantheon zombie: Flesh! Warriors minion: Where are our reinforcements?

Scroll of Tielekku

This ancient papyrus scroll is simply breathtaking. The central picture, which shows a powerful woman seated on a throne of gold, seems hardly to have faded at all. Surrounding this figure are some faded pictograms. It will take an expert in lost languages to decipher these markings.

Debriefing

You got the Scroll of Tielekku! Good work. The scroll itself is still a mystery though. I still have no idea why everyone wants the thing. I talked to the executor of Coldwell's will, as well as both of his heirs. None of them remember Coldwell even mentioning the Scroll of Tielekku. Maybe the Pantheon and the Warriors know something he didn't?

Deliver the Scroll of Tielekku to Dr. Cheng

Briefing

I found someone who may be able to tell us why the Pantheon and the Warriors are so interested in this scroll. You may already know of Dr. Cheng; he's an old man who's very learned about all kinds of mystical matters. He says that he may be able to translate the scroll. Will you deliver the Scroll of Tielekku to Dr. Cheng?

Mission Acceptance

If Dr. Cheng can translate that scroll, he could finally tell us why the Banished Pantheon and the Warriors are so interested in it.

Take the scroll to Dr. Cheng

Unnecessary Solicitation

Get that scroll to Dr. Cheng, and we may be able to get some answers.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take the scroll to Dr. Cheng

Ambush! After accepting the mission you will be ambushed by a single group of Banished Pantheon cultists

Dr. Cheng

Briefing

It is good to see you. Is this the Scroll of Tielekku? Ah, yes. I would like to provide you the answers you seek, but I will first need some reference materials. Fortunately, I know exactly where to find them. Unfortunately, the information I need is held by the Circle of Thorns in one of their underground libraries. If we are to uncover the secrets of this scroll, you will have to recover several tomes from the Circle of Thorns.

Recover tomes from Circle

Unnecessary Solicitation

If you can get those books to Dr. Cheng, he can probably translate the Scroll of Tielekku. Then we can figure out what all this is about!

Mission Objective(s)

The smell of old books mingles with the strange odors of the Circle's spell components.

• Recover tomes from Circle
  • 6 books to find

You have recovered all of the books Dr. Cheng wanted.

Enemies

Circle of Thorns

Notable NPCs

• Tomefinder Arhazen (Circle of Thorns Soul Mage)

Circle of Thorns minions dialogue

Circle of Thorns minion 1: Now, where did I put that tome?
Circle of Thorns minion 2: Tielekku! To even imagine such power shakes me deeply.
Circle of Thorns minion 3: We shall keep this situation well in hand!
Circle of Thorns minion 4: I feel the barriers weakening. The city's defenders are powerless.
Circle of Thorns minion 5: It shall be up to us in the end, as we always knew.

(aggroed)

Circle of Thorns minion 4: You do not know what you face!
Circle of Thorns minion 5: Your interference is unnecessary and ill advised.
Circle of Thorns minion 6: If those Pantheon cultists only understood the repercussions of their acts.
Circle of Thorns minion 7: Dwell not upon the mad machinations of zealots.
Circle of Thorns minion 8: I wonder where the Pantheon cultists will attempt the breakthrough?
Circle of Thorns minion 9: They shall attempt to pierce the barrier in Astoria, no doubt.
Circle of Thorns minion 10: They seek to break the seals, and we shall stop them.

Tomefinder Arhazen dialogue

Before combat: There is time yet before the cultists will begin their work.
Combat start: You have wandered far for a lost cause. You are powerless before what comes, and we alone can stop the Pantheon.

The Translation Stone

The face of this quartz slab bears a worn inscription. It is a translation between the Sumerian language and an unknown tongue thought to be Enochian, the celestial language of divine beings.

Spells Of The First Order

This tattered vellum folio from 1602 is rumored to be an original translation of the first spells ever taught to mankind by the gods.

Lost Tongues of the Tower Makers

Compiled by Greek scholars, this book is a guide to the ancient languages of a lost civilization that built a tower to the stars.

Of the First Ones

These ancient myths and legends tell of the first beings in the world, the gods who existed before mankind.

The Red Dust Tome

These swirling crimson sands are enchanted to form themselves into a book at their owner's will. The Red Dust Tome contains such bizarre knowledge that it can unhinge the thoughts of anyone without extraordinary willpower.

The Obsidian Libram

Long whispered of in magical circles, the Obsidian Libram is connected with many wild rumors. Some say it is the written soul of a demon. Others insist it is a testament engraved by intelligent saurians during the age of reptiles. Some even whisper that it is a gateway to another plane of being. No one knows the truth, for this book of black stone plates seems to present different faces to different readers.

Take the books to Dr. Cheng

Unnecessary Solicitation

You got the books? Excellent! Now you've got to get them to Dr. Cheng.

Mission Objective(s)

• Take the books to Dr. Cheng

Dr. Cheng

Debriefing

Ah, I knew you would come through. Let me take those from you. I have already made a little headway, and have found some very interesting things. This scroll is a chronicle of the life of the goddess Tielekku, who was said to be the first to discover magic. I will be able to tell you more shortly. In the meantime, I believe StoryArc The Scroll of Tielekku is looking for you. It seems there has been another development.

Debriefing

Thanks for getting those reference materials to Dr. Cheng. As soon as he translates the Scroll of Tielekku, we'll know a lot more about the Banished Pantheon's intentions. You say even the Circle mystics were eager to stop the Pantheon's plot? Interesting. And not a little scary.

Save the Coldwell heirs from the Banished Pantheon

Briefing

While you were helping Dr. Cheng, I got a call from the Coldwell estate manager. He hasn't been able to contact either of the Coldwell heirs for several hours, and he's getting worried about them. If the Banished Pantheon is interested in the Scroll of Tielekku that was part of the Coldwell's estate, they may be interested in the heirs as well! Can you rescue the Coldwell heirs from the Banished Pantheon?

Mission Acceptance

You're looking for Coldwell's daughter, Debbie Coldwell, and Dr. Duncan Silver, Coldwell's illegitimate son.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to get the Coldwell heirs away from the Pantheon cultists. That's your only concern in this one.

Mission Objective(s)

The distant beat of drums makes the presence of the Banished Pantheon all too clear

• Rescue Coldwell heirs
  • 2 heirs to rescue
  • Lead Duncan out!
  • Lead Debbie out!

You rescued the Coldwell heirs from the Banished Pantheon.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Debbie Coldwell (Hostage)
• Duncan Silver (Hostage)

Ambush! After freeing each hostage you will be ambushed by a single group of Banished Pantheon cultists

Wandering zombies dialogue

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon zombie 1: Ravage!
Banished Pantheon zombie 2: Feast!

Debbie Coldwell dialogue

Banished Pantheon zombie: Flesh!
Debbie Coldwell: You psychos!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: Eat of them, Lughebu!

(once free)

Debbie Coldwell: Those cultists are crazy! Can you get me out of here?

(at the mission exit)

Debbie Coldwell: Thanks. I won't forget this.

Duncan Silver dialogue

Banished Pantheon zombie: Hrrrh
Duncan Silver: Leave me alone!

(aggroed)

Banished Pantheon Shaman: Meat!

(once free)

Duncan Silver: Thanks, Rescuer! Let me tell you what happened!

(at the mission exit)

Duncan SIlver: You've saved me. I don't know how to thank you.

Debbie Coldwell's side

After you rescued Debbie Coldwell, she told you:

'Those Pantheon cultists kept asking about the Scroll of Tielekku. They wanted to know if we'd translated it yet. Father had hundreds of scrolls and books. We didn't know that this one was special.

We wouldn't even be in this mess if it wasn't for my stupid half-brother. I wanted to give that scroll and all of Dad's things to the Midnight Squad, so they could use it to help the city. But he wants it all for himself so he can get powers like Dad's.'

Duncan Silver's side

After you rescued Duncan Silver, he told you:

'The Pantheon cultists kept asking if we'd already used the scroll to call Tielekku. They wouldn't listen when I tried to tell them I didn't know what they were talking about.

We wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for my stupid half-sister, anyway. She just wants to give all of Dad's stuff to the Midnight Squad where it'll stay in some vault forever, so she'll get a massive tax write-off and good press for her company. But there's information in there that could help the city right now.

Debriefing

Both of the Coldwell heirs are safe, thanks to you. At least the experience seems to have mellowed them out some. The executor tells me they started speaking civilly to one another on the way to the hospital. Which is good for them, but I'm a little worried, Character. The Pantheon didn't do anything to the heirs. No ritual, no sacrifice, nothing. Could it be that this kidnapping was merely a stunt to distract us from the Pantheon's real goal: the Scroll of Tielekku?

Recover the scroll

Briefing

I just got word from Dr. Cheng. He finished the translation, but while you were rescuing the Coldwell heirs, the Pantheon jumped him and got the scroll! Cheng himself is okay, but he says it's imperative that we recover the Scroll of Tielekku at once. He's used a little of his magic and a lot of his contacts to uncover its location. Now we just need you to recover the scroll.

Mission Acceptance

Based on Cheng's translation, this scroll looks pretty powerful. I wonder if the Banished Pantheon really knows what they're getting into?

Unnecessary Solicitation

We need to get that scroll back before the Pantheon can use it.

Here's Cheng's translation of the Scroll of Tielekku. You might want to take a moment to look at it so you have an idea of what the stakes are.

Scroll translation

According to Dr. Cheng, the Scroll of Tielekku tells the story of a prehistoric war between two pantheons of gods: a great alliance of man's first gods and a coalition of twisted gods who fed on death. It goes on to tell of how the goddess Tielekku first harnessed the power of magic, taught it to other gods and mortals, and used her power to trick and defeat the evil pantheon, banishing them to the spirit world. The scroll gives instructions for contacting Tielekku herself, should the pantheon she banished ever return to trouble the living world. Finally, it warns that this knowledge must never fall into the Banished Pantheon's hands, for they could use it to trap Tielekku and devour her.

Mission Objective(s)

The air is filled with a tangible burning anger. This place is consecrated to hate.

• Recover the Scroll of Tielekku

You have recovered the Scroll of Tielekku from the Banished Pantheon.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Notable NPCs

• Totem of M'Teru (Banished Pantheon Totem)

Totem of M'Teru dialogue

Before combat: When comes the prey?
Combat start: Into the hunter's maw you step.

Debriefing

You got the Scroll of Tielekku back from the Banished Pantheon? Good. We may have a chance now, but something tells me this isn't over yet.

Stop the ritual before the Banished Pantheon can finish it

Briefing

Azuria's just alerted me to a massive buildup of mystical power in a building in Dark Astoria. It's got to be the Banished Pantheon. I know you got the Scroll of Tielekku back, but what if the Pantheon had it long enough to translate it? With that info, they may still be able to perform the calling ritual and trap the goddess Tielekku. If that happens, the gods of the Banished Pantheon will gain astronomical power. You've got to stop that ceremony before the Banished Pantheon can finish it.

Mission Acceptance

According to Dr. Cheng, the Pantheon needs an altar and nine mystical gates to complete the ritual. You should be able to modify the gates and altar so they'll call to Tielekku instead of forcing her into a trap.

Unnecessary Solicitation

You need to modify all nine gates and the altar to stop the ceremony.

Mission Objective(s)

This is it. You will now face the fury of the mad cult's dread gods, to save a goddess long lost to time and history.

• Stop the Pantheon ceremony
  • 9 portals to change, Change altar!

It is done. You've changed the Banished Pantheon's trap into a warning to the ancient goddess Tielekku.

Enemies

Banished Pantheon

Circle of Thorns

Warriors

Notable NPCs

• Blade King Caesar (Warriors Smasher Elite)
• Spell Breaker Hanuzeth (Circle of Thorns Agony Mage)
• Guardian Totem (Banished Pantheon Totem)
• Guardian Spirit of Pain (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Pain)
• Guardian Spirit of Sorrow (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Sorrow)
• Guardian Spirit of Death (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Death)
• Guardian Spirit of Desire (Banished Pantheon Spirit of Desire)

Blade King Caesar dialogue

Before combat: C'mon! We win and we'll have a goddess at our command!
Combat start: I fear no one! None can stand before Blade King Caesar!

Spell Breaker Hanuzeth dialogue

Before combat: We can still take adventage of this situation and gain the power of the goddess.
Combat start: Why must you meddle in affairs which are beyond you?

Guardian Spirit of Death dialogue

Before combat: Death shall claim Tielekku!
Combat start: Death shall claim your lives!

Guardian Spirit of Pain dialogue

Before combat: Tielekku shall anguish in eternity!
Combat start: Eternal pain will be your reward!

Guardian Spirit of Sorrow dialogue

Before combat: Cry for the fate of the goddess!
Combat start: Cry for the fate of your souls!

Guardian Spirit of Desire dialogue

Before combat: Tielekku will long for the release of her torment!
Combat start: You shall be denied all you seek!

Guardian Totem dialogue

Before combat: Tielekku shall free the sleeper.
Combat start: You cannot stop us.

Debriefing

You did it! The Banished Pantheon's trap is broken. People may not know it, but the city owes you a big today. Maybe even the world. If the Pantheon had managed to trap the goddess Tielekku, who knows what kind of powers they might have gained?

I wonder if Tielekku got the message you sent her? Maybe, if she still exists, she'll return one day to join the fight against the Pantheon she banished to the spirit world all those eons ago.

Anyway, the Coldwell heirs seem to have made up. Coldwell's old library will be donated to the Midnight Squad, and they've given Duncan permission to research his father's old books to his heart's content. And Dr. Cheng wanted me to thank you for recovering his books from the Circle of Thorns; he says that they're giving him a lot of insight into the beliefs of the Tsoo. You really came through on this, Character. You were incredible.