Session 48
General Summary
In Diviner Two's spire, Newt and Rani asked some additional questions of the fortuneteller blood witch. Who was Sage's mother? What happened to her and how did she die? How should they act in the White Dragon Clan estate? What's the deal with the Maw? Are there usually two dragons down there? It IS a mated pair, right? After thanking Two for her time and guidance, they were sent back to the base of the Spire, reuniting with Widow.
The Deep End briefly discussed a game plane as they trekked through the mountain pass and then up a winding, frigid path towards the White Dragon Estate. Rani eventually concluded that perhaps it's best to wing it. Chaos has worked for them thus far... right?
At the gates of the White Dragon Clan, Newt presented the writ from Visenya. After double-taking, the guards permitted them entry. Moira and Ghilani attempted to appear strong. Feeling confident, Moira tried to pick up Ghilani, but quickly felt her knees buckle underneath. Moira claims its the icy ground. Ghilani is slightly concerned that he gained weight over night.
Once within the estate, the Deep End moved through the icy estate "town" towards a fighting ring at its center. None of the guards or dragonborn on the palace steps attempted to interfere as the group, led by Newt, approached Jahdiel. Lifting a hand, the older white dragonborn silenced Newt until the fighting in the ring had finished.
"What business do you have with me, you scaleless lot? Speak quickly... else you'll freeze."In exchange for information, prove yourself worthy. Once in the fighting ring, five small ice-like drakes crawled out from beneath the icy ground followed shortly by an explosion of ice... surrounded by broken ice shards stood a massive dragon built entirely of ice, eyes glowing stark white and radiating cold and frost from its huge frame. Ghilani immediately responded by saying "I can do that too" and summoned a draconic spirit to aid in the fight. Rani and Newt bravely charged forward, getting up close and personal with the large ice drake. Rani took quite a bit of a beating, finding herself unconscious multiple times, supported by her trusty shoes. An ice wall blocked Ghilani, forcing him to get in that good cardio while getting pelted by ice shards. Moira cast an absolutely lethal guiding bolt, shattering a portion of the ice beasts health. And Widow damaged himself and healed the entire battle field.
Jahdiel seemed impressed... particularly for scaleless. He invited the Deep End into the palace, arriving in his office. He does not know where Kar's lair is specifically, but the Queen of Frozen Tears would certainly know. Jahdiel was willing to arrange for the Deep End to descend into the Maw in the morning. Carry yourselves with respect and grace... else you might become the Queen's snack. Ghilani has learned there are multiple definitions of "snack".
In the privacy of his guest room, Newt spoke with Tzira, Jahdiel's favored kalashtar slave. Sage was sent down into the Maw, which is a great honor for any member of the Clan. Having looked at the floor for all of the conversation, the older woman suddenly lifted her gaze and spoke with a stronger, more confident and assertive tone. Sage's mother was quick to distrust Newt. Do you truly think Sage is not a formidable warrior capable of protecting herself? Regardless, it is a great honor to serve in the Maw, especially someone of such strong draconic descent. It would be gossip or assert that Sage is anything other than a true-blooded white half-dragon.
Although mega-met is off the table for the night, the Deep End convened to perform evening and other before-bed shenanigans including chatting with people, praying, and spying on people. Moira scried on Tatya. Rani's brother seemed to be retelling a dramatic tale of swordplay atop sand seals in the deserts of Lark'Hal in some sort of bar surrounded by people who were familiar to Rani, when described. There isn't anyone around that screams "creepy lady, beware". Moira also tried - and failed - to scry on old man attack. She then cast sending to Jeremy, receiving a typical, jovial Jeremy response of "I'm fine". Confused by his short response, she sent to him again and received a very distorted "MoIrAaaaa". Rani comforted Moira, seeing her distraught over her messages to Jeremy. Touching her necklace, it glowed in response.
Newt sent a message to Oksha. She suggests Newt be himself and be respectful. She's arrived in Ah'Shal and is setting out on the path to become a priestess. When Newt expressed a concern about stepping on toes, Oksha reminded him that she is a blind woman... do you know how many toes she's stepped on? Newt then prayed to Caliban once more... he could really use some gods on his side.
Ghilani sent to Ismera, asking about a list of blood witch locations, updating Ismera on where he is, and asking if Ismera wanted anything. When Ismera responded with a bit of a solemn tone, Ghilani was immediately concerned. Ismera isn't allowed to be sad! Friends tell each other things, right? Ismera was cast out of Caliban – he doesn't get along well with other dragons. Ghilani then asked the voice – the Primus One – if he could tell his friends about them. Do you trust your friends more than you distrust the higher powers they serve? Regardless, Primus One trusts Ghilani's judgement...
Widow prayed to Varoona, requesting her help in finding freedom for all those enslaved in Caliban. He also brewed a potion. Widow then found himself on a golden platform with a familiar couch positioned in the center. Therarask was draped dramatically across the couch, one arm over their face as they released a dramatic sigh. They assured Widow that they spent hours trying – very hard, mind you – to educate that poor boy. When asked about Widow's previous lives, Therarask explained that they were all different. Some were more fickle and others devoted... perhaps to a fault. Therarask described it as all versions sharing the same starting canvas, but the way the paint falls is different. On another note, someone on Pleasure Row is making an X-rated play based on the recent Siege of Varoona... Therarask assured Widow that they'll personally oversee the costume design... at least for Widow.
In the late morning, white dragonborn guards escorted the party to the Maw. Some members of the group resisted the cold better than the others... Moira having it the worst of all. Newt tried to keep her warm with one of his wings. Shrill shrieks echoed from the swirling snow that surrounded a narrow ice bridge. Newt caught sight of a shadow moving in the distance.
The Queen of Frozen Tears - a massive white dragon lethargically draped across pillars of ice with frozen humanoids within – did not seem amused by the group at first. Why would she care about Caliban or pursuing an easy victory? No, the joy is in the hunt... the chase... in playing with your prey. After a moment of thought, however, she seemed to consider something and revealed the location of Kar's layer within the swirling blizzard in the northern portion of the mountain range.
As the Deep End departed, Newt spoke with Sage. She seems happy to live in the Maw and serve the Queen. When her father was mentioned and Newt added that he had a lead on his location, Sage seemed more willing to leave the Maw. She approached the Queen and declared her intent to bring back her father's head... payment for abandoning her mother and the clan. The Queen of Frozen Tears approved, granting Sage permission to exit the Maw and her service, at least temporarily.
When Sage and Newt had reunited with the party, some of the dragonborn made offhanded comments about a treatment that dargonborn start at age 10... they don't seem concerned about being able to see in the dark. Moira noticed - through her clattering teeth and dragging feet – that although Sage has many "ice-like" features... there is actual ice forming on her.
Leaving the Maw, Tzira gave Widow a set of white leathers. Keep Sage safe.
After leaving the estate, Newt admitted to maybe having lied just a little bit. Sage, annoyed by the deception, moved to grab Newt by the neck and draw her sword. She is of draconic blood! Why is her "father" in hell? Newt told her the truth. Still somewhat annoyed, she demanded that they seek out Diviner Two for this blood test Newt mentioned. Only then will she believe Newt... She can't return to the White Dragon Clan without a trophy of some sorts after all.
Report Date
22 Jul 2022
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Comments