Session 100
General Summary
Before the Gala
In the City of Smog, the Deep End finds Cordelia standing near the edge of the one of the cliffs in Ah'Shal. Although not drunk this time, Cordelia is equally as standoffish and vindictive in conversation. After being shoved off the cliff, Newt pursued while the others left. Cordelia seemed less willing to entertain conversation with Newt, who eventually promised to return for what is owed.
Outside the city of Eredet, a patch of grass has been cleared to provide ample space for arcane runes and sigils. Declan notes one set that suggests Divination magic, though nothing about it seems quite right. Ghilani notes a separate set, immediately recognizing the basic structure of a set of necromantic spells: ressurection, true ressurection, and... soul cage? Serene herself flits about the ritual set up, putting final touches on pits of the arcane script. Although she looks haggard physically, she has never looked happier.
After a tense conversation and multiple assurances that Serene knows her body well, Ghilani offers her the vial and agrees to pupeteer Serene by blood if needed. Newt looks at his gun and his sword and decides to embody a pillar of the Goddess of Death since he's a bit at a loss with all the magic stuff happening.
Serene opened the vial as she stood in the center of her complex pattern of sigils and runes. The swirling essence of orange tinged with violet and block swirled momentarily in the space in front of her. She then began to chant, first in Elvish and then in an ancient tongue that was a bit of a strain on her. With a hand, she divided the swirling essence: orange and black-violet. Curshing the black, blackness crawled up her veins until her eyes turned completely black. With the other hand, she cradled the orange essence close.
Bringing Serene to her townhome, they debated whether or not the soul cage should be held as leverage. Newt tries to feel the soul... it's not whole. Something's wrong with it. Ghilani eventually stood firm: she keeps the vial and we wait. Upon waking, Serene is berated for her secrecy and her lack of faith and trust. When asked about her engagement, Serene pleaded with them to not pry. It is for the best that it remains as is. Primus mentioned to Ghilani that Serene and his goals were more aligned than previously thought. Primus is glad they didn't follow through on a plan to have Ghilani betray her.
Outside the city of Eredet, a patch of grass has been cleared to provide ample space for arcane runes and sigils. Declan notes one set that suggests Divination magic, though nothing about it seems quite right. Ghilani notes a separate set, immediately recognizing the basic structure of a set of necromantic spells: ressurection, true ressurection, and... soul cage? Serene herself flits about the ritual set up, putting final touches on pits of the arcane script. Although she looks haggard physically, she has never looked happier.
After a tense conversation and multiple assurances that Serene knows her body well, Ghilani offers her the vial and agrees to pupeteer Serene by blood if needed. Newt looks at his gun and his sword and decides to embody a pillar of the Goddess of Death since he's a bit at a loss with all the magic stuff happening.
Serene opened the vial as she stood in the center of her complex pattern of sigils and runes. The swirling essence of orange tinged with violet and block swirled momentarily in the space in front of her. She then began to chant, first in Elvish and then in an ancient tongue that was a bit of a strain on her. With a hand, she divided the swirling essence: orange and black-violet. Curshing the black, blackness crawled up her veins until her eyes turned completely black. With the other hand, she cradled the orange essence close.
Theruns beneath Serene's feet begin to light and glow. They pulse a brilliant violet before they flicker and fade to a deep ominous black. The area begins to feel cold and a pressure build near your heart. A tangible presence… yet it lingers all around. Serene stands in the middle, hand still delicately enclosed around the orange essence.
A darkness falls over the area. For a moment, perhaps it was just the clouds passing overhead… blocking the sun. Yet as you glance up, you can still see the sun, no distorted by this odd warping darkness. The orange essence in Serene’s hand glows brighter in contrast. The sensation, the tangible presence… begins to pull gently on your inner being.
The grass, once blowing in the wind, all suddenly flip inward – towards the center of the circle. The pulling on your being intensifies… as a dark swirling opening appears in front of you. It begins as a single dot of black, floating not but three feet from Serene. Then it expands, six projections from its center to create a warped star…
The warped star expands, creating an opening to a dark blacky expanse. The darkness you stand in is nothing compared to the darkness beyond this cold, voidlike gate. The pull on your inner being is strong now and you feel your very grip on the ground beginning to slip and fade. The sensation that washes over you – cold, alien, and gripping – feels otherworldly… powerful… hungry… dark… and destructive.
The swirling extensions of the Void-like gate, stretch downward, driving forward into the ground near Serene. Smaller, darkened tendrils wrap up around her legs and her staff.With the Void temporarily tethered to Serene, everyone attempted to search through the cold, destructive, all-consuming emptiness of The Void. Within... there is something. As Ghilani channeled spell slots through her and Reversed the Gravity, an essence of a soul moved into the vial as it snapped close. Multiple forces of gravity fought, but eventually – tendril by tendril – the Void gate closed. The wind returned. The sun's warmth returned. Serene passed out.
Bringing Serene to her townhome, they debated whether or not the soul cage should be held as leverage. Newt tries to feel the soul... it's not whole. Something's wrong with it. Ghilani eventually stood firm: she keeps the vial and we wait. Upon waking, Serene is berated for her secrecy and her lack of faith and trust. When asked about her engagement, Serene pleaded with them to not pry. It is for the best that it remains as is. Primus mentioned to Ghilani that Serene and his goals were more aligned than previously thought. Primus is glad they didn't follow through on a plan to have Ghilani betray her.
Newt cycles back to Serene. The others are just tense and on edge with everything going on. Serene appreciated the gesture. Rani then visited and expressed her fears. Serene asserted that she has always been their ally, but this was not work she could openly discuss... and apparently people have been stealing her work. She knew Ghilani for years before she confided in him, primarily motivated by similar... circumstances. Rani has Serene promise that she would ask The Deep End for aid with honesty. Serene countered: provided you can respect given honesty within reason.
The Gala
For the gala, a band took up residence on the central stage with projected screens providing multiple views and amplifying the music throughout the large space. An illusion was cast on the ceiling, depicting a starry sky. Colorful glass pieces hung from the ceiling and arrangements of flowers were placed around the room. Food and refreshments included a diverse array: Baklava, Moon cakes, Ah'Shazza, and a ruby chocolate ("blood") fountain. In the back, a portion of the floor had been opened to reveal a pool of crystal clear water. A diving board had been positioned overhead.
Newt, having invited Oksha, immediately took the Eye Sight potion. The couple ping-ponged around the room at Oksha's (unstoppable) will as she took in everything. Rani and Declan spoke with Emir, who offered them an invitation. It is a common move to be both polite and spiteful; you have been invited to the final day of Phaedra's engagement ball... which is tomorrow. Emir then also expressed his gratitude for all of their efforts before he dismissed himself. Ghilani found Lux, inserting himself right alongside Lux's gambling before pulling the changeling. Any gossip? Rumors? Hm, Emir looks a bit worried. Perhaps you should speak with Leon? Lux invited Ghilani to join them if he so desires. Do at least have some fun!
The band was interupted by a familiar bear of a man getting on stage. High Lord Ivan gave a short speech to express his and the people of Oshiv'Ran's gratitude. He offered The Deep End the pelts and furs from the first approved hunt into the Holy Forest after the disease was eradicated. And the band returned to playing.
Without telling Oksha who he's going to talk to, Newt finds his mother in the crowd. A gangly boy stood next to her, familiar. Upon noticing Newt approaching, Lavathi dismissed the boy. Newt apologized to Lavathi for their previous interactions. Lavathi issued an apology in return. Newt wished to get to know Lavathi more – perhaps over short conversations? And he'd like to know his siblings as well. Lavathi mentioned that she feared the worst when an Exectuioner arrived in Eredet... that is no longer the case. She would be willing to converse, but for the itme being, she'd prefer her children be left in the dark. Their names, however, are Slate and Odette. Newt then introduced Oksha as his fiance.
Declan and Rani found a hoard of women gossiping and giggling. At the center, the flower-ladened horns of Jasper Delkova were visible. Upon weaseling through the crowd, Jasper is with... the Queen? The Queen of Tel'Rhea is heavily pregnant and looking very happy. Both acknowledged the duo with deep respect. The Queen is grateful to them. She mentioned considering making changes in Tel'Rhea. Her son deserves that, she believes. Ghilani hunts down Pekk and finds him in the company of multiple familiar faces: Rhovahk, Altan, and Nine. Ghilani asked about the mines. Rhovahk chimed in, saying that Jhaxton is there keeping an eye on things at the moment. They haven't done anything, but they have eyes and wings on it. Ghilani then went with Nine to see how long Altan could stay in the chocolate fountain. Nine would like to have Altan formally her Blood Sworn so she may subject him to this sort of thing for eternity.
The band once again quieted as Lady La'Talenns carefully took the stage in her scaled gown of black and white. Two figures joined her, standing as equals: Dr. Corvinus and Mary. The representative of Carmenthia stands with a newfound confidence. And the crowd begins to murmer: Why is Corvinus standing equal with some nobody? As Ivan did, Sephira offers her expression of gratitude. Yet, unlike Ivan, there is a sense of challenge in Sephira's eyes when she finishes her speech.
Newt rallied everyone to go drinking, grabbing Mary. Rhovahk promised to join later. Rani and Declan spoke with Valdove. Take this moment of reprieve. There will be much to do, but for now, this is earned and deserved. Declan asked about higher public officials. Valdove mentioned he may want to prioritize the present for the time being. The road ahead is still a long and arduous one. Ghilani found Ironborn in an alcove tucked in the back... working? The dwarven High Lord had a series of blue prints laid out in front of him. Ghilani asked what he was doing; I was told we're supposed to all be having fun. Ironborn explained that the Navy is coming along, but he has hit a hiccup. Damn near killed himself trying to teleport his own personal ship. Ironborn didn't shirk away when Ghilani sat down, looking over blueprints of naval ships and arcane engines. Ghilani offered his help: perhaps you need a more arcane eye? Ironborn agreed. Though, you will work in my workshop and work under my rules. I work with only the best. Ghilani offered a 50% confident affirmative response.
The band quieted for a third time as Pekk hopped onto the stage. He makes a very deliberate attempt to make eye contact with each member of The Deep End as he speech. It is abundantly clear that he does not giving a flying aarakocra ass about anyone else in the room. Afterward, Rhovahk made his way over to join Newt's drinking brigade.
About to look for Leon, the Ragna Councilman found Declan and Rani first. While Leon is commonly attended to by previous consorts of the Prince Elect (notably Octavion and Israfel), he has a different previous consort with him: Faustina. Ducking into an alcove, Leon gave them the following information:
Newt, having invited Oksha, immediately took the Eye Sight potion. The couple ping-ponged around the room at Oksha's (unstoppable) will as she took in everything. Rani and Declan spoke with Emir, who offered them an invitation. It is a common move to be both polite and spiteful; you have been invited to the final day of Phaedra's engagement ball... which is tomorrow. Emir then also expressed his gratitude for all of their efforts before he dismissed himself. Ghilani found Lux, inserting himself right alongside Lux's gambling before pulling the changeling. Any gossip? Rumors? Hm, Emir looks a bit worried. Perhaps you should speak with Leon? Lux invited Ghilani to join them if he so desires. Do at least have some fun!
The band was interupted by a familiar bear of a man getting on stage. High Lord Ivan gave a short speech to express his and the people of Oshiv'Ran's gratitude. He offered The Deep End the pelts and furs from the first approved hunt into the Holy Forest after the disease was eradicated. And the band returned to playing.
Without telling Oksha who he's going to talk to, Newt finds his mother in the crowd. A gangly boy stood next to her, familiar. Upon noticing Newt approaching, Lavathi dismissed the boy. Newt apologized to Lavathi for their previous interactions. Lavathi issued an apology in return. Newt wished to get to know Lavathi more – perhaps over short conversations? And he'd like to know his siblings as well. Lavathi mentioned that she feared the worst when an Exectuioner arrived in Eredet... that is no longer the case. She would be willing to converse, but for the itme being, she'd prefer her children be left in the dark. Their names, however, are Slate and Odette. Newt then introduced Oksha as his fiance.
Declan and Rani found a hoard of women gossiping and giggling. At the center, the flower-ladened horns of Jasper Delkova were visible. Upon weaseling through the crowd, Jasper is with... the Queen? The Queen of Tel'Rhea is heavily pregnant and looking very happy. Both acknowledged the duo with deep respect. The Queen is grateful to them. She mentioned considering making changes in Tel'Rhea. Her son deserves that, she believes. Ghilani hunts down Pekk and finds him in the company of multiple familiar faces: Rhovahk, Altan, and Nine. Ghilani asked about the mines. Rhovahk chimed in, saying that Jhaxton is there keeping an eye on things at the moment. They haven't done anything, but they have eyes and wings on it. Ghilani then went with Nine to see how long Altan could stay in the chocolate fountain. Nine would like to have Altan formally her Blood Sworn so she may subject him to this sort of thing for eternity.
The band once again quieted as Lady La'Talenns carefully took the stage in her scaled gown of black and white. Two figures joined her, standing as equals: Dr. Corvinus and Mary. The representative of Carmenthia stands with a newfound confidence. And the crowd begins to murmer: Why is Corvinus standing equal with some nobody? As Ivan did, Sephira offers her expression of gratitude. Yet, unlike Ivan, there is a sense of challenge in Sephira's eyes when she finishes her speech.
Newt rallied everyone to go drinking, grabbing Mary. Rhovahk promised to join later. Rani and Declan spoke with Valdove. Take this moment of reprieve. There will be much to do, but for now, this is earned and deserved. Declan asked about higher public officials. Valdove mentioned he may want to prioritize the present for the time being. The road ahead is still a long and arduous one. Ghilani found Ironborn in an alcove tucked in the back... working? The dwarven High Lord had a series of blue prints laid out in front of him. Ghilani asked what he was doing; I was told we're supposed to all be having fun. Ironborn explained that the Navy is coming along, but he has hit a hiccup. Damn near killed himself trying to teleport his own personal ship. Ironborn didn't shirk away when Ghilani sat down, looking over blueprints of naval ships and arcane engines. Ghilani offered his help: perhaps you need a more arcane eye? Ironborn agreed. Though, you will work in my workshop and work under my rules. I work with only the best. Ghilani offered a 50% confident affirmative response.
The band quieted for a third time as Pekk hopped onto the stage. He makes a very deliberate attempt to make eye contact with each member of The Deep End as he speech. It is abundantly clear that he does not giving a flying aarakocra ass about anyone else in the room. Afterward, Rhovahk made his way over to join Newt's drinking brigade.
About to look for Leon, the Ragna Councilman found Declan and Rani first. While Leon is commonly attended to by previous consorts of the Prince Elect (notably Octavion and Israfel), he has a different previous consort with him: Faustina. Ducking into an alcove, Leon gave them the following information:
- Ezra reported an increase in loiterers around the Wasteland Research building. They are dressed as students, but are clearly putting on a performance of sorts.
- Phaedra has been throwing a ball. Perhaps the party is so enticing no one is leaving, but most "high-ranking" royals haven't been seen in the past few days... save for Phaedra's brother: Deucalion.
- Through the "Air Genasi Grape Vine", Katreus was blamed for the "Muse Paint" affair. There are further rumors that he was executed, but Leon has been unable to get confirmation.
- There are rapid construction projects underway that began when the ball started.
We Interupt Your Regularly Scheduled Entertainment...
The conversation with Leon is interrupted. The band stopped playing and confusion echoed through the halls. What happened to the projected screens? A moment later, the glitching screens clarified to reveal a familiar masked man in a one-sleeve red suit.Good evening Dremora. For those sand-stumbling newbies who unfortunately do no know me, I am THE Cahareth. Welcome to Mass Suggestion. I am interrupting your regularly scheduled entertainment ot bring you this... very... important message from my oh-so-gracious sponsor.As Cahareth leans forward, the black opaque surface of his mask shimmered and shifted... until a ticking clock took form.
The esteemed Lady of Dread sends her fondest regards to the Dremoran continent. I, on her behalf, am proud to announce that the Heart of the Desert is now under her benevolent control. Yes, yes, please do cheer! No more squabbling between those pesky royal families now, aye?But rest assured, if you thrive off drama, strap in, listen up, grab yourself another drink… Another message… this one specifically to your “heroic representatives”. Say goodbye to the gentle wading of the shallow end and plunge headfirst into the cold, dark embrace of The Deep End. My sponsor has gracefully, as always, previously requested that a stolen journal be returned to her, but The Deep End has refused at every turn! Selfish, truly! Is it money, I wonder? They say bounty hunting pay is down. And certainly, the Old District of Caliban is in need of funds? I can’t imagine the God of Pleasure comes cheap either. Or perhaps it is academic prestige? It is so cutthroat nowadays, isn’t it? An opportunity for a desert rat to best her brother. An opportunity for a glass cannon to finally shine beyond his tutor’s extensive shadow. Regardless, their horribly selfish decisions have led us to this point. Do you hear that, Dremora? The Deep End has forced the Lady of Dread’s hand. They, and they alone. The Lady of Dread, however, is not without mercy and forgiveness. A set of instructions. I trust you are able to follow? If Tatya’s intellect is anything to go by, you should hopefully be able to grasp the importance of your obedience. You will deliver the journal to the Gates of the Heart of the Desert. You will do nothing more and nothing less. Don’t be coy. The Lady of Dread wants nothing more than the safety of the people now in her domain. It should be a serious misfortune should someone get hurt, wouldn’t you agree? The choice is all yours esteemed heroes! We wait with bated breath: Oh, what shall the heroes do? Will they do as they are bid and gain forgiveness from my esteemed sponsor? Or will they forsake everything for selfish, petulant little desires? Will they forsake family and people just to pursue a childish fantasy at playing hero? At believing they were anything more than common, disease-ridden rats? Do you trust the choice to your heroes, Dremora? Do you trust the heroes chosen by a Council so removed from common society that they cannot see beyond their High Tower? Might I make a suggestion to you, the esteemed masses? Find that fervor in your hearts… and strike at the cause of this affair.
A strong pulsing sensation reverberated throughout the room, reaching into the minds of all present. The Deep End shook off the effects, but others did not. Oksha attempted to joke Newt. Rhovahk came flying at Ghilani, beak aimed for the face. And Faustina lunged for Declan. Newt attempted to get him and Ghilani out of there, but when that failed, Ghilani D Doored them to the rafters above. Declan and Rani turned invisible. The wards of the Tower Citadel strained and the sensation faded. All returned to... normal?
From their perch above, Ghilani and Newt noted that the Grand Priest had an immediate reaction of rage. Two Acolytes fell in beside him as he made haste towards one of the exits. Valdove as well moved to leave quickly. Ivan moved towards Ironbon who was frustratedly gathering his supplies. Declan and Rani fell in with Aepius, descending down to the Temple of The One. Yes, we are allies! That bitch. Rani asked why she wanted the journal. Aepius suspects, given her fixation on the Eternal Oracle, that that is reason enough. Of course, if you'd like a more developed opinion, I would need to read it. How can we protect ourselves from her charms? Aepius has one 100% solution, but none of you seem willing to go under my scalpel. Regardless, Aepius stated that he plans to send Lollith and, provided the path to the Lady of Dread is cleared, he will deploy Ragnar.
Newt fell in with Valdove. Were you as shocked with all that as I was? Valdove gave him a look. I imagine it was a substantial shock to all. Come, to my office. Seated in Valdove's office, Aedric stated that he underestimated the woman known as the Lady of Dread. Fetch your friends, some honesty perhaps is now needed. Ghilani, meanwhile, overheard Ironborn aggravated: "I was supposed to have time! What is-". What do you mean? Ivan and Ironborn exchanged a glance before Ivan put a heavy hand on Ghilani's shoulders. Come with us.
Ultimately, everyone converged in Aedric's office. Valdove, Ivan, and Ironborn are all members of the Order of the Dread King. Aedric explained that his great-grandfather founded the order and he was born into it. His second wife, Shima, discovered the Eternal Oracle and unlocked her prophecy. Most in the Order use her prophecy to justify their destructive waves in their pursuit of the Dread King's return, but there is an alternative interpretation, which Aedric subscribes to. Valdove continued: the Barrier will break. War will come. I gave the order to besiege my own city. The continent needed a tangible threat to permit Ironborn's navy to be built. The continent needed a threat. And it needed heroes. Rani is quick to snark at Valdove. You may kill me if you wish. Leadership demands tough choices be made. I do not wish to leave my daughters a continent of ash.
With that said, Aedric gave full permission to kill Aepius. However, his "White Masks" will be needed. As horrid as it may sound, they will be perfect soldiers... they will die as needed. All forces will be moved towards the East. Aedric plans to capitalize on the Lady of Dread's unexpected move. Formal forces will not arrive in time to save Lark'Hal, but they will be ready for when the Barrier breaks. It will be up to the Deep End to take down the Lady of Dread and her control over the city.
From their perch above, Ghilani and Newt noted that the Grand Priest had an immediate reaction of rage. Two Acolytes fell in beside him as he made haste towards one of the exits. Valdove as well moved to leave quickly. Ivan moved towards Ironbon who was frustratedly gathering his supplies. Declan and Rani fell in with Aepius, descending down to the Temple of The One. Yes, we are allies! That bitch. Rani asked why she wanted the journal. Aepius suspects, given her fixation on the Eternal Oracle, that that is reason enough. Of course, if you'd like a more developed opinion, I would need to read it. How can we protect ourselves from her charms? Aepius has one 100% solution, but none of you seem willing to go under my scalpel. Regardless, Aepius stated that he plans to send Lollith and, provided the path to the Lady of Dread is cleared, he will deploy Ragnar.
Newt fell in with Valdove. Were you as shocked with all that as I was? Valdove gave him a look. I imagine it was a substantial shock to all. Come, to my office. Seated in Valdove's office, Aedric stated that he underestimated the woman known as the Lady of Dread. Fetch your friends, some honesty perhaps is now needed. Ghilani, meanwhile, overheard Ironborn aggravated: "I was supposed to have time! What is-". What do you mean? Ivan and Ironborn exchanged a glance before Ivan put a heavy hand on Ghilani's shoulders. Come with us.
Ultimately, everyone converged in Aedric's office. Valdove, Ivan, and Ironborn are all members of the Order of the Dread King. Aedric explained that his great-grandfather founded the order and he was born into it. His second wife, Shima, discovered the Eternal Oracle and unlocked her prophecy. Most in the Order use her prophecy to justify their destructive waves in their pursuit of the Dread King's return, but there is an alternative interpretation, which Aedric subscribes to. Valdove continued: the Barrier will break. War will come. I gave the order to besiege my own city. The continent needed a tangible threat to permit Ironborn's navy to be built. The continent needed a threat. And it needed heroes. Rani is quick to snark at Valdove. You may kill me if you wish. Leadership demands tough choices be made. I do not wish to leave my daughters a continent of ash.
With that said, Aedric gave full permission to kill Aepius. However, his "White Masks" will be needed. As horrid as it may sound, they will be perfect soldiers... they will die as needed. All forces will be moved towards the East. Aedric plans to capitalize on the Lady of Dread's unexpected move. Formal forces will not arrive in time to save Lark'Hal, but they will be ready for when the Barrier breaks. It will be up to the Deep End to take down the Lady of Dread and her control over the city.
Report Date
03 Nov 2023
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
- Altan Elis
- Dr. Serene Valdove
- Dr. Stefano Corvinus
- Grand Priest Aepius
- High Lady Sephira La'Talenna
- High Lord Aedric Valdove
- High Lord Emir Maletshatsi
- High Lord Ivan of Zver'Behepka
- High Lord Jasper Delkova
- High Lord Kuan-Ti Ironborn
- High Lord Leon of Ragna
- High Lord Lux Briar
- High Lord Pekk Nozhawk
- Lavathi Azure
- Maritza "Mary" Alvarro
- Nana Nine
- Queen Eleté
- Rhovahk
Gratitude from Oshiv'Ran
A fine gala thrown far too late after the efforts undertaken in my home, but better late than never. On behalf of the shifter clans of Oshiv'Ran, I call for a toast and seize this opportunity to express my greatest gratitude. Our High Priest lives because of their action. Our Holy Forest heals because of their bravery. Clan reintegration – a lofty unreachable goal – is now feasible for the first time in centuries... because of them. Although a small gift, it is my honor to offer you the pelts and cloaks from the first approved hunt in the Holy Forest after the eradication of the disease.
Gratitude from Carmenthia
Long ago, Carmenthia saw the folly of mortals. She saw their greed and the darkness in their hearts. She saw how sharp the blade of knowledge could be. How disheartened with us the Goddess must have been to deny the world all her knowledge. Now, the doors to the lost library have been opened once more. Lost knowledge made available to the people of Carmenthia... to the continent. The brightest medical minds faltered under the weight of a great burden. A disease that none could stop. It was abrupt and harsh in its arrival. For months we prepared for the worst. Now the unstoppable disease is eradicated. Two feats said to be impossible by many. Words are insufficient for what you have contributed to my small region. Though we may be small, know the actions you took amidst my people are larger than life. They are felt. They are heard. They will be remembered. Our doors are open to you. Our knowledge is forever yours. On behalf of all the wards of Carmenthia.
Gratitude from Elios
You have reinstated my faith in a future where cultures can coexist with respect and dignity... though I see a long road ahead. One, perhaps, that goes far beyond my lifetime. Still, for just as the sun rises every morning over the Anwar-Dai, I have hope for a brighter dawn. A brighter future. Although time failed to permit it, you expressed an honest intent to honor our heritage, our culture, and our community. The borders of Elios will never be closed to you. Our hunters shall hunt in Elis' name... and in yours.
The Journal
Tensions have arisen within the Temple – amidst the Ladies of Luck, the visiting Bhediya, and among each of the 13 Guilds. Never have I been privy to all of Judas' affairs, but I feel sickened and ashamed that I had not noticed the hints, the signs... nor gleamed this from my sight. Judas intends to go beyond. And if the others do not join him... he will wage war. Who is this God of Fortune? Where has the Judas I have known gone? Does he expect me to condone such actions? The desire to expand is within his domain, but considering war against all who seek to retain the Barrier? Yes, its exact purpose has been lost, but all fragments indicate it was put there for a reason. Curiosity is insufficient to jusitfy the Barrier's destruction. Curiosity, I fear, though, motivates Judas no longer. Has gold consumed him? Has Greed overtaken him? I will speak with Judas and put a stop to his madness before it can sink its ugly roots into the entie continent. — The Barrier has plagued Judas for centuries. Perhaps its existence has plagued other gods as well – Carmenthia comes to mind. Yet it cannot have plagued her as it has plagued him. He pleads against Greed. He pleads, instead, of being restless and of fearing the consequences of idleness. Remain idle from what? Annanias, I have found, does not comprehend emotions well. They are foreign and new, but I believe he attempted to express concern… before showing me horrors I cannot fully convey in words. Sprawling lands destroyed, charred, ravaged, and torn asunder. Bodies marching to a drum, unheard, but felt. There is no sense of self. Lifeless dead eyes that somehow are still filled with unfathomable malice. I did not see them, but their shadows loomed large. Monstrosities poised to destroy… waiting. They know. They're destruction is incomplete. Judas knows they will come for us one day. It is that prophetic “knowing” sensation that I am familiar with. Annanias has sworn an oath to destroy them. He is relentless. A force, I realize now, that I, nor Judas, may ever be able to control. The gentleness with which he takes my hand stands in such stark contrast to what I find in his eyes. I cannot stop him. I can only pray and beseech The One that the Pantheon be persuaded to follow this new path. It is a path laden with destruction, much of it caused by Annanias. Perhaps I can temper this path. The One, Caliban – Please. Show me the right steps. Permit me to guide as an Oracle should. Is this what must be done? Must we walk a path of immediate destruction – caused by our own hands – in order to avert a greater destruction? For years, I masqueraded with Judas, until the truth became clear. Now, I am struck by the same sensation, but this time, I fear it is not just Judas and I entangled. Permit me to find this truth… before it is too late. Dysis Judas
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