Session 42

General Summary

To the Temple...

After landing in underground caverns and tunnels beneath the lava flats, the Deep End found themselves separated. Rani, although alone, easily snuck through the winding tunnels of dark stone following a rhythmically pulsing teal light. After getting partially blasted with some steam and ignoring the odd chittering noises she heard from within some of the alcoves, she arrived almost completely unscathed at a more refined set of stairs leading downward.
With Widow almost completely blind (save for the flashes of teal light), Newt led the way, stealthily navigating the tunnels. The duo stopped to investigated the chittering noise from an alcove and found a large insect-like creature with dark chiton-like plates of armor and pulsing red and orange "veins" glowing from the cracks between plates... almost like magma underneath volcanic rock. After discussing whether or not they should kill the creature, they snuck away. While passing another alcove with a sleeping crawler within, Widow got a full facial of steam, but managed to hold in any noise of discomfort or pain. They, too, arrived at the set of stairs leading down.
As the last echoes of Moira's call for the rest of the group faded, they were replaced by an approaching chittering noise. Ghilani and Moira both attempted to hide and as the noise grew louder, Moira started to float. A massive insect-like creature with mandible like jaws entered the room, stopping right over a steam vent. It seemed to bask in the release of heat and then slowly turned, chittering as it traversed down the tunnels beyond. While leaving the cavern, Ghilani stumbled a bit and he and Moira immediately turned invisible, ran into a steam vent, and booked it down the opposite tunnel. They arrived at the set of stairs and eventually informed the rest of the party that they had arrived and were just invisible.
At the base of the stairs, an old cracked stone bridge stretched over a large pool of lava. Across the bridge was a large set of double doors painted black, then gray, and then white. Four figures were carved onto the door. As Rani and Newt approached, a translucent owl appeared.

"Brave mortals on the path to enlightenment. Entrance to thy Lady's Temple is not without fee. Should you still desire entry, answer one question: Do you fight harder... or smarter?"

The owl then transformed into a small wood covered creature. After Newt stole its club, Rani immediately threw it over the edge. The moment it ignited upon hitting the lava, the torches near the door flashed teal... before the owl reappeared and took on the form of a massive skeleton. Ghilani suggested giving it a hard whack to try and break the bones. Newt slapped it with the black tentacles and the skeleton - seemingly sturdy - shattered upon one impact. A familiar pod-like plant with long intertwined vines appeared and attempted to swallow Widow, missing. It was defeated by poison... though Newt had to first spill his potion and then happen to fire a poison laced bullet that struck true. Chaos was in his favor, it seems. Moira eliminated the shadow wraith that appeared next with a well placed guiding bolt.
A sudden pressure seemed to press through everyone's minds. Familiar, horrific laughter resounded across the magma cavern and the vaguely translucent image of Jaakobah appeared. Ghilani, unfamiliar with this creature, asked what he could be weak to... Widow was fighting water snakes and the rest were a bit too busy panicking last time. Ghilani's trusty Mind Sliver, however, did the trick.

The Library of Carmenthia

With a heavy groan and a large drawn out creak, the doors to the Carmenthia's Temple opened. Upon entering, the Deep End was greeted by Ismera, the lone attendant and overseer of the "his Lady's Library". Albeit a bit awkward - often stuttering over words – they were delighted to offer a tour of the temple and to entertain visitors once again, as it has been some time. After pointing out the various sections of the library, the brewing chambers, and the bathhouse, the party elected to take a short moment of rest. Moira assisted Ismera in preparing food. While many of the dishes were unfamiliar to her, she recognized food from Caliban, Carmenthia, and Varoona.

Ismera semeed curious as the party sat down for dinner. Why have you all traveled together... and why here specifically? Is there a particular reason you are seeking my Lady's counsel? They were very interested to hear new tidbits of information, rumors, and gossip as they "enjoy hearing about things from the mortal perspective". During their stay, Ismera is more than willing to offer any guidance or help, but they apologized for being unable to speak on the topic of Judas. However, you are more than welcome to ask Carmenthia after you complete the trials, of course! They have full faith in the Deep End's ability to complete them.
When asked about "skeletons" and if anyone had died getting lost in the Library, Ismera remarked that the only skeletons are those who choose to spend their last days surrounded by Carmenthia's vast knowledge. The last visitor, in fact, was a mortal named Barnabas. He died with a book in his hands. It was a true shame as they believed he had much more to contribute.
Someone perturbed by Ismera's insistence about getting ample rest (despite Moira discerning his almost desperate desire to be a good host), mega bed was assembled and watches assigned...
...And then everyone immediately split up in the morning. While Ghilani was searching for information on Dysis and Chosen of Caliban, Ismera found him and inquired about his spell book. Does he have a favorite spell? Oh, you are uncertain of your age? Did you experience memory loss? Ismera has always found longer-lived races fascinating. They have a greater propensity to acquire knowledge and contribute to Carmenthia's collection in their many years.

While exploring the brewing chamber, Ismera appeared as Widow was plucking at a familiar pear-shaped golden fruit. They are intrigued as Widow appears to have the fashion of Therarask (if they're still up to date), a sword that screams "chaos", and appears to be familiar with produce of Tel'Rhea. They seemed to recognize that Widow was a Beloved. You do know that you are playing with fire with that one, yes? All gods have Beloveds... but very few of them seek them out nowadays.
Rani called out to Ismera who then assembled everyone for their first test:

"In the days of old, my Lady Carmenthia was renowned as mistress of poison, harbringer of disease, and bearer of plagues. And upon this pillar we shall commence your test"

The test is simple: reproduce a poison. Ismera produced a clear bottle filled with dark red liquid. As Rani and Widow wafted the odor from the bottle... it smells like wine. It also swishes like wine. Newt then chose to drink it. His vision clouded and faded as he felt his heart rate and breathing slow. His body slowed and stalled before he fell unconscious... looking very much like a corpse to all but the most discernible eye.
Ghilani and Widow investigated the poison itself. Widow discerned that it would be made with five ingredients, one of which would be a fruit used to make wine. While utilizing some of the chamber's supplies, Widow found a torn piece of paper that read: "Just Alchemy". Meanwhile, the others explored the library, attempting to find a hint about what this poison could be. They found a recipe... in code. The Deep End reconvened and explored the pantry, identifying some familiar and unfamiliar flora and their potential uses and/or effects.
As the day stretched into evening, Ismera encouraged everyone to rest. There is no time limit after all.

Report Date

16 May 2022

Primary Location

The Library of Carmenthia

Related Characters

• Ismera, Coveter of Knowledge

The Five Spirits' Wine

The First Spirit... Donning deep pink in Order's domain
The Second Spirit.... Stuck on the bridge between
The Third Spirit... Bound beyond the Golden Mist
The Fourth Spirit... An eye upon the mountain top
The Fifth Spirit... Plucked from the vine and pressed