Session 105
General Summary
We're All Just Melee Fighters Now
The Void wastes no time in getting into everyone's business. Declan experiences a wild magic surge and immediately begins spitting pink bubbles whenever he tries to talk. Conveniently, at that time, everyone else seemed to fall into a stupor, unable to talk. Moira reverted to her rat Moira ways – putting up a sacntuary and preparing to... stab? Ghilani lamented that no one could speak, but him (they would eventually remember that they all have a hive mind mental conection). Then the Void began plucking off bits of its self, creating black, void-like humanoids that would occasional take the form of... Ghilani? And then Rani... and Declan. Real Ghilani has a great time counterspelling Fake Ghilani's one useful spell: Fireball. Real Declan would really like someone to kill Fake Declan – he's a problem. Newt initially tries to remain at range, but then ultimately decides to join the melee free. Although no keyholes for him to immediately disintegrate, Newt critically stabs the Void in the ear. It didn't enjoy that. Rani isn't sure whether The Void stole it's destructive wave thing from HER... or if maybe, perhaps, she took that from it, but that's just details right?
Everyone starts to experience what it's like to enter the VOID... before immediately stepping out. Both Moira and Ghilani decide that it's time for their ultimate power play: double melee casters. Fake Moira is finally destroyed and then fake Newt and finally fake Rani (who really was just vibing). Slowly, but surely, the manifestation of a Greater Deity was widdled down, bit by bit. Finally, after a few well placed strikes from Declan (which summoned Rosamel), the Void's demeanor shifted.
The Void released a battle cry – otherworldly and eerie. Its eyes flared a brilliant, otherworldly violet as portions of the obsidian-like armor shattered. The mirage-like dome around the Temple Foyer and around the Eternal Oracle shattered, dissipating into cold, black tendrils that drifted in the air. As the Void turned, glowing eyes filled with focus and intensity... the Void is... incomplete. A portion of the Void's chest is missing. The Void is without its heart. And from down the hall, an annoyed, feminine voice:
Meanwhile, Newt finds himself Stunned and nearly killed (with a single world), but Ghilani says otherwise, counterspelling the Lady of Dread. He then prepares his move: Maze. While the target was initially the Lady of Dread... the male Void-like figure got a bit greedy, per se, and took the spell for himself. The Lady of Dread managed to coerce Declan into attacking Newt (as opposed to her). Rani, moving into range, rememberd that she too and critically hit things (she was just saving up for this bitch). What? Are you finding it hard to kill a desert rat?
With one final Fireball, The Lady of Dread's influence begins to fade and crumble. The sound of a clock ticks and fades. This continent will burn. I've already undone what she has so carefully woven. Not even you can stop it. With a blood-curdling scream, the Lady of Dread is reduced to nothing more than a charred corpse.
Everyone starts to experience what it's like to enter the VOID... before immediately stepping out. Both Moira and Ghilani decide that it's time for their ultimate power play: double melee casters. Fake Moira is finally destroyed and then fake Newt and finally fake Rani (who really was just vibing). Slowly, but surely, the manifestation of a Greater Deity was widdled down, bit by bit. Finally, after a few well placed strikes from Declan (which summoned Rosamel), the Void's demeanor shifted.
The Void released a battle cry – otherworldly and eerie. Its eyes flared a brilliant, otherworldly violet as portions of the obsidian-like armor shattered. The mirage-like dome around the Temple Foyer and around the Eternal Oracle shattered, dissipating into cold, black tendrils that drifted in the air. As the Void turned, glowing eyes filled with focus and intensity... the Void is... incomplete. A portion of the Void's chest is missing. The Void is without its heart. And from down the hall, an annoyed, feminine voice:
Hm. If you want something done correctly, one must do it themselves.Ghilani cracks his knuckles and fireballs the two Lady of Dreads... and then gets a Fireball reflected back at him. Newt, bloody and very hurt, thankfully dodges. Rani gives some of her bardic to Annanias before heading towards the annoyance known as the Lady of Dread. Nias wishes to be returned; they can be whole again! Annie surmises that if returned, the memories he has recovered will remain. Before Moira can do anything, a familiar spell rings out. Pleading to Caliban, Moira feels the urge to vomit. The Lady of Dread smirks triumphantly... before frowning in confusion and annoyance as Moira isn't feebleminded. No, she just vomited up a bird. Not just any bird: CALIBIRD. Oh, and the lair is yours now! Moira steps forward, takes a breath, mind links with the Void, and offers up a bit of herself (her lovely Persuasion). The Void within her begins to peel and pry away, pulling on her very soul. Declan moves to help Moira, bracing her. In a contest of wills, Moira manages to overrule the Void. Its form freezes. The empty space fills. Moira is alone in her mind.
Meanwhile, Newt finds himself Stunned and nearly killed (with a single world), but Ghilani says otherwise, counterspelling the Lady of Dread. He then prepares his move: Maze. While the target was initially the Lady of Dread... the male Void-like figure got a bit greedy, per se, and took the spell for himself. The Lady of Dread managed to coerce Declan into attacking Newt (as opposed to her). Rani, moving into range, rememberd that she too and critically hit things (she was just saving up for this bitch). What? Are you finding it hard to kill a desert rat?
With one final Fireball, The Lady of Dread's influence begins to fade and crumble. The sound of a clock ticks and fades. This continent will burn. I've already undone what she has so carefully woven. Not even you can stop it. With a blood-curdling scream, the Lady of Dread is reduced to nothing more than a charred corpse.
The Heart of The Void
As the Void settles into its new, nearly perfect, tether, motes of light – finally free from their bondage to the old, rusted dagger – drift throughout the Foyer. Six of the motes linger for but a moment before darting out of the Temple through windows and through the doors. Five, however, linger:
- A black-green essence drifted to Newt, expanding to take the form of a man in dark leathers, a hound seated at his feet. It reverts to essence once more.
- A Rainbow essence drifted to Rani, expanding to take the form of a woman wielding a dual-sided blade surrounded by sand. It reverts to essence once more.
- A Rose-gold essence drifted to Declan, expanding to take the form of a lithe figure, fashionably dressed with a lyre at their hip. It reverts to essence once more.
- A Blue-violet essence drifted to Moira, expanding to take the form of a woman in armor, holding a shield and surrounded by the illusion of a dragon. It reverts to essence once more.
Long lost fragments of the gods are restored and returned... to new Champions. Another essence initially moves with the others that are quick to dart away. Yet, it pauses and returns to Ghilani. The green and pink essence expands to take the form of a dryad-like figure, holding a staff. She nods and gives a small curtsy before the flowers on Ghialni's staff bloomed more brilliant than ever before, overflowing with gratitude. And it reverts to essence and departs. And then Primus spoke:
My dear, return to the Compound. This encounter has been... illuminating. Perhaps I can strengthen this tether further and with haste.
Rani stepped forward to speak to Dysis, returning the journal. We have something of yours. They were meant for you. The silver-haired woman commented that Rani looks just like her. They may not know one another, but Dysis considers Rani a friend. Rani feels as if she knows a bit about Dysis. Thank you for making the sacrifices you had to make. Dysis offered a soft smile. Turning to Newt, Dysis opened a gate into the Void. She did what she could to save Judas' Court. They deserve a second chance at life. Thousands of souls flooded out. Newt sighs: she's going to be very busy. To Declan, Dysis offers her gratitude... and then another voice. We are now perfect, in part, because of you. We fought against one another, but never again. To Moira, Dysis is grateful that she carried a bit of her Beloved. Moira comments that she went back and forth on it a few times, but she is glad she's here now. Dysis thinks Moira is precisely the type of Oracle Caliban needs. To Ghilani, Dysis makes a promise: this continent is yours, we have no stake in it, but should The One come knocking with the desire to eradicate you once again... call, and we will destroy them. You'd destroy The One? If needed.
Dysis moved to the crumbled body, cradling it delicately. Rani asked if Judas was truly gone. Dysis explained that to accomplish what she did, Judas could not be left alive. She sent Soyolmaa to rally the gods against them. She shattered Judas' soul – the power of The One within all – with the help of the power of all 11 gods she commandeered and used it to shatter and bind her love away. And poor Ido; he has been trapped her preserving this space for millenium. While she will bear the burden of what she has done forever, there was... no other way. If Judas would have continued with the Void, hellbent on its oath, there would have been no continent today. Still, Judas is still here. Every time you barter, haggle, or exchange gold, Judas is there. Whenever you steal or feel compelled to take something out of vicous curiosity, Judas is there. Whenever you see the sun light glittered from gold... Judas is there and always will be.
When Dysis finally learned who she was playing the prophetic game against, she learned that Destruction deities are not the greatest threat to the continent. No, our own Creator is. The Barrier will break and what comes through will seek to destroy us. If we fall then, The One's game will end and there will be nothing that remains. Declan asked more about what was beyond. Dysis explained that there is miasma here and she saw miasma beyond. When she stabbed Judas through the heart, the miasma formed, leaking across the region. Without the region's divine heart, nothing remained. Yet, a corrupted heart could result in something similar... and perhaps those are the hulking creatures that lurk beyond... waiting.
Of course, we will be stronger if the pantheon was whole. Rani hesitantly mentioned that they may have a way to elevate a god. Has your prophetic vision showed you the best choice? Dysis has not seen the future beyond this point, but she offered advice. Despite everything and despite accusing him of such, Judas never gave into his flaw. He, perhaps more than any of the gods, walked among his people. He married, he had children, he bartered and haggled in the markets, and he spoke to his people like friends. They regarded him more as a friend than a god. For the worst thing one can do is forget there own mortality. Judas never forgot.
Dysis stepped aside then to summon Horizon. They seemed pleased that their master was together, but ultimately still annoyed at being there. The Deep End, meanwhile, debated their choices. Rani and Newt offered themselves up as potential candidates, reluctant to submit anyone else to such a curse: an eternal fight against oneself or everyone in your region dies. Ghilani offered as well before remembering that he (and Declan) doesn't have a soul to put on the line anymore. Primus owns that. Serene? No, she's fallen head first into her flaw. Bert? NO. Cali? No, she's pretty tight with Varoona. Rowbyn? Would he do anything besides stare at crystals? Ghilani pipes up: what about Parvathian? He's working on himself and he needs something beyond Caliban. Plus, he's gold. Horizon is sent to collect Parvathian and, after receiving approval from Two, joins The Deep End in the Temple of Fortune.
Declan urges Parvathian to ignore the clearly bizzare circumstances the gold dragonborn is now in and strap in for an interview! What are your biggest flaws? Parvathian looks confused, but then rolls his shoulders back and puffs his chest a bit – the same posturing he did when serving as the leader of the Gold Dragon Clan. Ghilani put a hand on his shoulder in support. Parvathian responded that his self-doubt, self-loathing, and inability to define his own path – to choose things for himself in a healthy fashion. Now, what are your greatest strengths? Parvathian paused. Not to pat myself on the back, but I'm an excellent father. I am detail-oriented and I know how to work for something (citing his archery skills as reference). And what would you do if you could choose your own path? I... haven't thought about that too much (after pointedly looking at Ghilani), perhaps make my own tea? Weave more? How tied are you to Caliban? Parvathian doesn't seem too attached, particularly. There is no place for him (officially) in his Clan Estate.
The Deep End finally explain the dilemma: we're raising someone to godhood. Parvathian comments that he cannot do magic; he's not sure how he can help. Rani assures him that he won't have to do anything like that technically... they'd do it... to him. Huh? Parvathian, understanding what was being asked, took a moment to think. Would I be alone? No, never. Newt mentioned that there is a people that need a home – his people. This land could further be restored. Parvathian knows what it is like to be ostracized and cast out. To not have a place. Parvathian then looked at Ghilani: Would you visit? Obviously. Parvathian then agreed. Before he ate the fang, Horizon was sent to fetch lady Cyra. The father and daughter spoke and both seem oddly delighted by this turn of events. Finally a way for them to both have what they want, albeit not the way they envisioned it exactly.
For a moment... nothing happened. And then sun light began to stream through the old, broken windows of the ancient Temple. Through the Temple doors, the city seems to be covered in warm light... and bits of green are appearing throughout the vast barren expanse. The miasma is gone, dismissed and dispelled. And Parvathian seems to glow just a little bit. When asked how he was feeling, Parvathian responded that he's "feeling rather fortunate". Though perhaps he can also push his luck. Ghilani obliged him with a kiss and reminded him that he too will also be around for a LONG time.
Parvathian is happy to welcome Newt's people – he has a city to fill it seems. For now, he has plenty of city to explore and familiarize himself with. Now, with the miasma gone, Dysis takes her leave, but promises to return when the battle is upon them. Horizon follows after. A large, very tall figure enters the Temple, bombastically asking what the year was. Ido, the Greatwyrm of Time, is finally free from his bonds... and seems to have already shaken off most of the rust. He offered to take Lady Cyra back to Caliban – he has a lot to catch up on! Marcella, seeing the change in the air, arrived shortly after. She is more than happy to stay with Parvathian. This is the find of the century! This is her life's work!
The Barrier continues to crack. Something is lurking beyond. The Game continues. But for just a little bit, there is peace. For the first time in over 1,000 years, the Dremoran pantheon... is whole once again.
Dysis moved to the crumbled body, cradling it delicately. Rani asked if Judas was truly gone. Dysis explained that to accomplish what she did, Judas could not be left alive. She sent Soyolmaa to rally the gods against them. She shattered Judas' soul – the power of The One within all – with the help of the power of all 11 gods she commandeered and used it to shatter and bind her love away. And poor Ido; he has been trapped her preserving this space for millenium. While she will bear the burden of what she has done forever, there was... no other way. If Judas would have continued with the Void, hellbent on its oath, there would have been no continent today. Still, Judas is still here. Every time you barter, haggle, or exchange gold, Judas is there. Whenever you steal or feel compelled to take something out of vicous curiosity, Judas is there. Whenever you see the sun light glittered from gold... Judas is there and always will be.
When Dysis finally learned who she was playing the prophetic game against, she learned that Destruction deities are not the greatest threat to the continent. No, our own Creator is. The Barrier will break and what comes through will seek to destroy us. If we fall then, The One's game will end and there will be nothing that remains. Declan asked more about what was beyond. Dysis explained that there is miasma here and she saw miasma beyond. When she stabbed Judas through the heart, the miasma formed, leaking across the region. Without the region's divine heart, nothing remained. Yet, a corrupted heart could result in something similar... and perhaps those are the hulking creatures that lurk beyond... waiting.
Of course, we will be stronger if the pantheon was whole. Rani hesitantly mentioned that they may have a way to elevate a god. Has your prophetic vision showed you the best choice? Dysis has not seen the future beyond this point, but she offered advice. Despite everything and despite accusing him of such, Judas never gave into his flaw. He, perhaps more than any of the gods, walked among his people. He married, he had children, he bartered and haggled in the markets, and he spoke to his people like friends. They regarded him more as a friend than a god. For the worst thing one can do is forget there own mortality. Judas never forgot.
Dysis stepped aside then to summon Horizon. They seemed pleased that their master was together, but ultimately still annoyed at being there. The Deep End, meanwhile, debated their choices. Rani and Newt offered themselves up as potential candidates, reluctant to submit anyone else to such a curse: an eternal fight against oneself or everyone in your region dies. Ghilani offered as well before remembering that he (and Declan) doesn't have a soul to put on the line anymore. Primus owns that. Serene? No, she's fallen head first into her flaw. Bert? NO. Cali? No, she's pretty tight with Varoona. Rowbyn? Would he do anything besides stare at crystals? Ghilani pipes up: what about Parvathian? He's working on himself and he needs something beyond Caliban. Plus, he's gold. Horizon is sent to collect Parvathian and, after receiving approval from Two, joins The Deep End in the Temple of Fortune.
Declan urges Parvathian to ignore the clearly bizzare circumstances the gold dragonborn is now in and strap in for an interview! What are your biggest flaws? Parvathian looks confused, but then rolls his shoulders back and puffs his chest a bit – the same posturing he did when serving as the leader of the Gold Dragon Clan. Ghilani put a hand on his shoulder in support. Parvathian responded that his self-doubt, self-loathing, and inability to define his own path – to choose things for himself in a healthy fashion. Now, what are your greatest strengths? Parvathian paused. Not to pat myself on the back, but I'm an excellent father. I am detail-oriented and I know how to work for something (citing his archery skills as reference). And what would you do if you could choose your own path? I... haven't thought about that too much (after pointedly looking at Ghilani), perhaps make my own tea? Weave more? How tied are you to Caliban? Parvathian doesn't seem too attached, particularly. There is no place for him (officially) in his Clan Estate.
The Deep End finally explain the dilemma: we're raising someone to godhood. Parvathian comments that he cannot do magic; he's not sure how he can help. Rani assures him that he won't have to do anything like that technically... they'd do it... to him. Huh? Parvathian, understanding what was being asked, took a moment to think. Would I be alone? No, never. Newt mentioned that there is a people that need a home – his people. This land could further be restored. Parvathian knows what it is like to be ostracized and cast out. To not have a place. Parvathian then looked at Ghilani: Would you visit? Obviously. Parvathian then agreed. Before he ate the fang, Horizon was sent to fetch lady Cyra. The father and daughter spoke and both seem oddly delighted by this turn of events. Finally a way for them to both have what they want, albeit not the way they envisioned it exactly.
For a moment... nothing happened. And then sun light began to stream through the old, broken windows of the ancient Temple. Through the Temple doors, the city seems to be covered in warm light... and bits of green are appearing throughout the vast barren expanse. The miasma is gone, dismissed and dispelled. And Parvathian seems to glow just a little bit. When asked how he was feeling, Parvathian responded that he's "feeling rather fortunate". Though perhaps he can also push his luck. Ghilani obliged him with a kiss and reminded him that he too will also be around for a LONG time.
Parvathian is happy to welcome Newt's people – he has a city to fill it seems. For now, he has plenty of city to explore and familiarize himself with. Now, with the miasma gone, Dysis takes her leave, but promises to return when the battle is upon them. Horizon follows after. A large, very tall figure enters the Temple, bombastically asking what the year was. Ido, the Greatwyrm of Time, is finally free from his bonds... and seems to have already shaken off most of the rust. He offered to take Lady Cyra back to Caliban – he has a lot to catch up on! Marcella, seeing the change in the air, arrived shortly after. She is more than happy to stay with Parvathian. This is the find of the century! This is her life's work!
The Barrier continues to crack. Something is lurking beyond. The Game continues. But for just a little bit, there is peace. For the first time in over 1,000 years, the Dremoran pantheon... is whole once again.
Report Date
12 Jan 2024
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
The Void... 90% Complete
Dysis and Annanias
All falls quiet in the Temple of Fortune, until the sound of a knife clattering to the ground echoes throughout the ancient hall. The red threads dissipate, snapping and fading. Although you don’t see it, you sense something shatter. The form of The Void breaks free of its stance, what remains of its armor dissipating into tendrils of nothingness. The silver-haired woman blinks, blackened tears falling for a moment before violet eyes remain – eyes of a Khalashtar. For a moment, she glances around. Her eyes land on you and she smiles faintly; a look of relief, of recognition… of triumph.
Her gaze lingers only briefly on you, before moving to quickly scan the rest of the room. Tears begin to stream freely even as she smiles, struggling to stand and staggering forward. Annanias finally unfreezes – stepping through the Void to reach her, catching her before she can fall. For a moment, they merely stand looking at each other… like Ezra looks at Rani, like Oksha looks at Newt, like Thera looks at Declan, like Yue looks at Moira (like Moira looks at Calibird), and like Marethari looks at Ghilani. With deep, never-ending adoration and love. Like two souls bound together as one. Reunited.
He bends down to press his forehead to hers, cupping her face as she reaches up to cradle his own. For a moment they seem frozen in time, unmoving. And then you watch as Annanias begins to thin and dissipate just as her veins blacken and a six-pronged jagged crown appears on her head. The Void vanishes. And Dysis turns to face you.
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