Session 50
General Summary
Arriving at the White Dragon Clan estate once again, Newt overheard a bit of confusion at Sage's "early" return. However, the guards of the estate permit Sage - and the Deep End - to enter the grounds with little more than a cursory glance. After finding Jahdiel once again observing a bout in the fighting ring from the steps of his palace, the Deep End was escorted to vaguely familiar, slightly chilly rooms.
About an hour after settling in, Sage returned after speaking with her grandfather. So long as the Deep End is within the walls of the White Dragon Estate, Jahdiel has ensured that no harm shall befall The Deep End via the Black Dragon clan. However, in the streets of the New District, he won't do anything to stand against his friend... unless you give him reason to. The older white dragonborn seems to have some respect for the Deep End after their demonstration in his fighting ring and for standing against Kar'Haragja, but his ties with Tetsuya the Black are strong.
Ikaris was quite pleased to see Sage out of the White Maw. He offered Sage and Newt a charm to keep the force of Ah'Shal at Bay. He has been working on the charm for some time after hearing what happened to Callon in Varoona. Ikaris can work on recreating the divination ability he gifted to Newt and Widow, but it will take some time. He prepared that specially for the San Futas celebration and has been focusing on the protection charms. He informed Newt that he'll be leaving after the Festival of Fates for Therarask or Elios. He's heard rumors in both of those areas. While Newt spoke with Ikaris, Ghilani moved the illusory stars around with mage hand.
Convinced to not tell Ikaris her intent upon finding their father, Sage asked if Newt had the balls to go through a Goddess of Death to get to their target. When Newt agreed, she informed him that she'll also be leaving, either on her own or alongside this... Ikaris fellow. If they must go through a goddess to complete this hunt, she'd prefer an advantage of numbers. Newt gave Sage an his trusty Orb of Direction, to guide her in her travels.
Porcelain Avenue, even at an early hour, seems busier than usual as decorations are perfectly positioned for the upcoming festival. As they strolled through the streets, a mailman finally caught up to Rani to deliver her a parcel. It is signed by Ezra and Zephus.
Back in the Old District, the Deep End took spent the rest of the sunlight hours with the Ladies of the Stars. newt helped set up for the Festival of Fates, while Rani spoke with Yue about what they should expect from the upcoming climb. She also read her mail. Within her parcel was a letter from Ezra and another letter from Zephus alongside two small, painted canvases. The first showed Ezra overlooking the Coliseum and the second showed Noel as she returned to the Coliseum. At the end of the golden illusion that jumped forth from the canvas, Noel seemed... concerned.
After 8 long hours of watching random scribbles float above the journal, Ghilani deciphered another one of Dysis' entries. Dysis met with the Bhediya and a woman by the name of Soyolmaa after she departed Ragna's Coliseum. Dysis claims to have had a vision where she will, in the future, hand Matron Seven's blades to Soyolmaa. Although a detailed description is not provided, both Soyolmaa and Rani have defined muscles and callouses so CLEARLY they're related.
The Deep End began their trek to the Temple with mooncakes and sake in tow. They paused to investigate a great Amphitheater – a meeting place for the Greatwyrms when they still numbered four.
Beginning the steep climb up the mountain, everyone was able to navigate the rocky and broken terrain, though a couple individuals were particularly tired upon reaching the top. While Rani rested, Newt, Ghilani, and Moira poked around the outskirts of the broken, crumbling temple. They found some "boxes" neatly arranged in rows on a flat ledge on the side of the Temple. After Ghilani opened ALL of them, Rani realized they were apiaries. The bees seem... curious? Happy? Perhaps nostalgic?
Entering the Temple, the foyer has fallen into disrepair. Murals on the walls still depict elements and motifs associated with the Lunar god – moon, stars, tides... but the details have faded. Passing through a set of blowing tattered curtains, the Deep End stood in a dark room, silent save the constant drip of water. And then, a small flash of silver moonlight and a figure emerged... flickering between five different variations: a middle-aged Kalashtar man, an elven man with skin like a galaxy, a dragonborn beneath a robe, a violet-skinned man framed by the moon, and a silhouette with no noticeable features. Irked by the presence of more than one, Caliban spoke:
Entering the doorway that appeared after Caliban's departure, the Deep End entered into a large circular room with six pillars and six doors beyond, each with a unique symbol. Above them, the roof opened into a beautiful starry sky. On the floor beneath the stars, a poem was carved in Draconic:
After debating the positioning of the stars, corresponding constellations, and association with the Greatwyrms of Caliban, the Deep End walked through the first door incorrectly, but quickly corrected their error. They followed strands of glowing starlight to the next phase: A tunnel of water with the sound of multiple large clocks ticking, muddled through the water. Halfway towards the door, Moira was slammed by a swinging pendulum and dumped into the depths, but she quickly willed herself back onto the platform. The water seems to have a desire to pull people down.
Moira was moving a bit slow, but was aided by Rani who kept bringing her along with her, pushing through the constant pull of the water. Newt sprinted through, getting pummeled by pendulums because he took the lead. Ghilani developed a new swimming technique in the shallow water when he decided he was just done being int he water tunnel of clocks and pendulums. Booking it, Ghilani was the first out of there. When Moira started to really lag, a voice decided that it could do better, taking over to ensure that Moira got the answers it desired. Widow and Rani noticed Moira's blackened eyes as she charged out of the water tunnel.
Rani went to announce what was up with Moira... but found herself alone. Everyone stood alone, water lapping at their shines in the darkness, until they were presented with an image of a potential future? A possible fate meant to evoke fear... to force them to flee. Moira said not today and charged forward immediately. She's owed a conversation. The others all braced themselves against the initial hold of fear and pushed through the presented illusions, entering the seat of Claiban's power: his Inner Court.
Caliban seemed reassured that Dysis found company in the Bhediya and vaguely recognized Rani's swords when she presented them. He'd seen them in one of Dysis' visions. Yet, despite their initial attempts to reason with Caliban... do mortals truly know what it's like to live with such pain and guilt for a millenium? To bear the weight of knowing that someone trusted you whole-heartedly... and you could do nothing? She never returned to his Court. Where did her soul go?
The sorrow in the God of the Moon's eyes faded to a bitter rage when Ghilani demanded to know what was the God's excuse for hiding away in a Temple all these years. Do you think I've done nothing? The God of the Moon seems to know that his memories are lost or distorted... he cannot remember the Dread King's War. He sent Ido back in time to find answers... but the dragon never seems to remember what he saw when he returns. As the God mourned and raged, cracks formed on his face. His words morphed to an angry sob... but the fight is not lost. You should stand and fight. Despite it all, Moira believes she would be gone – long ago consumed – if not for Caliban. She helped Caliban stand.
Slightly reassured and more confident, the God of Fate offered a boon for his Temple... and offered Moira a shield, inducting her into his Chosen. The spectral figures of Oracles long past all stood to bow to Moira. Despite what he said and what he showed all of the Deep End, he offered a small show of respect. You have each shown strength and resilience in your journeys.
Caliban walked outside his Temple for the first time. He senses a trace of familiarity in Alhaya and the bees. Perhaps they are descendants of those that Dysis once raised here.
Returning to Two's spire aboard a carpet weaved of starlight... the great silver greatwyrm, the Lunar Queen, lifted her head, blinking slowly.
About an hour after settling in, Sage returned after speaking with her grandfather. So long as the Deep End is within the walls of the White Dragon Estate, Jahdiel has ensured that no harm shall befall The Deep End via the Black Dragon clan. However, in the streets of the New District, he won't do anything to stand against his friend... unless you give him reason to. The older white dragonborn seems to have some respect for the Deep End after their demonstration in his fighting ring and for standing against Kar'Haragja, but his ties with Tetsuya the Black are strong.
Ikaris was quite pleased to see Sage out of the White Maw. He offered Sage and Newt a charm to keep the force of Ah'Shal at Bay. He has been working on the charm for some time after hearing what happened to Callon in Varoona. Ikaris can work on recreating the divination ability he gifted to Newt and Widow, but it will take some time. He prepared that specially for the San Futas celebration and has been focusing on the protection charms. He informed Newt that he'll be leaving after the Festival of Fates for Therarask or Elios. He's heard rumors in both of those areas. While Newt spoke with Ikaris, Ghilani moved the illusory stars around with mage hand.
Convinced to not tell Ikaris her intent upon finding their father, Sage asked if Newt had the balls to go through a Goddess of Death to get to their target. When Newt agreed, she informed him that she'll also be leaving, either on her own or alongside this... Ikaris fellow. If they must go through a goddess to complete this hunt, she'd prefer an advantage of numbers. Newt gave Sage an his trusty Orb of Direction, to guide her in her travels.
Porcelain Avenue, even at an early hour, seems busier than usual as decorations are perfectly positioned for the upcoming festival. As they strolled through the streets, a mailman finally caught up to Rani to deliver her a parcel. It is signed by Ezra and Zephus.
Back in the Old District, the Deep End took spent the rest of the sunlight hours with the Ladies of the Stars. newt helped set up for the Festival of Fates, while Rani spoke with Yue about what they should expect from the upcoming climb. She also read her mail. Within her parcel was a letter from Ezra and another letter from Zephus alongside two small, painted canvases. The first showed Ezra overlooking the Coliseum and the second showed Noel as she returned to the Coliseum. At the end of the golden illusion that jumped forth from the canvas, Noel seemed... concerned.
After 8 long hours of watching random scribbles float above the journal, Ghilani deciphered another one of Dysis' entries. Dysis met with the Bhediya and a woman by the name of Soyolmaa after she departed Ragna's Coliseum. Dysis claims to have had a vision where she will, in the future, hand Matron Seven's blades to Soyolmaa. Although a detailed description is not provided, both Soyolmaa and Rani have defined muscles and callouses so CLEARLY they're related.
The Deep End began their trek to the Temple with mooncakes and sake in tow. They paused to investigate a great Amphitheater – a meeting place for the Greatwyrms when they still numbered four.
Beginning the steep climb up the mountain, everyone was able to navigate the rocky and broken terrain, though a couple individuals were particularly tired upon reaching the top. While Rani rested, Newt, Ghilani, and Moira poked around the outskirts of the broken, crumbling temple. They found some "boxes" neatly arranged in rows on a flat ledge on the side of the Temple. After Ghilani opened ALL of them, Rani realized they were apiaries. The bees seem... curious? Happy? Perhaps nostalgic?
Entering the Temple, the foyer has fallen into disrepair. Murals on the walls still depict elements and motifs associated with the Lunar god – moon, stars, tides... but the details have faded. Passing through a set of blowing tattered curtains, the Deep End stood in a dark room, silent save the constant drip of water. And then, a small flash of silver moonlight and a figure emerged... flickering between five different variations: a middle-aged Kalashtar man, an elven man with skin like a galaxy, a dragonborn beneath a robe, a violet-skinned man framed by the moon, and a silhouette with no noticeable features. Irked by the presence of more than one, Caliban spoke:
"You wish to speak to me so badly... Very well, I leave your fate in your hands.
Entering the doorway that appeared after Caliban's departure, the Deep End entered into a large circular room with six pillars and six doors beyond, each with a unique symbol. Above them, the roof opened into a beautiful starry sky. On the floor beneath the stars, a poem was carved in Draconic:
Fate's path bends and winds Never clear, all made blind Yet still in the darkness shines Guiding lights, the path aligns. The first step, the eagle doth point. The second, a lion shall anoint. The third, the hunter, weapon drawn. The fourth, a handle points to dawn.
After debating the positioning of the stars, corresponding constellations, and association with the Greatwyrms of Caliban, the Deep End walked through the first door incorrectly, but quickly corrected their error. They followed strands of glowing starlight to the next phase: A tunnel of water with the sound of multiple large clocks ticking, muddled through the water. Halfway towards the door, Moira was slammed by a swinging pendulum and dumped into the depths, but she quickly willed herself back onto the platform. The water seems to have a desire to pull people down.
Moira was moving a bit slow, but was aided by Rani who kept bringing her along with her, pushing through the constant pull of the water. Newt sprinted through, getting pummeled by pendulums because he took the lead. Ghilani developed a new swimming technique in the shallow water when he decided he was just done being int he water tunnel of clocks and pendulums. Booking it, Ghilani was the first out of there. When Moira started to really lag, a voice decided that it could do better, taking over to ensure that Moira got the answers it desired. Widow and Rani noticed Moira's blackened eyes as she charged out of the water tunnel.
Rani went to announce what was up with Moira... but found herself alone. Everyone stood alone, water lapping at their shines in the darkness, until they were presented with an image of a potential future? A possible fate meant to evoke fear... to force them to flee. Moira said not today and charged forward immediately. She's owed a conversation. The others all braced themselves against the initial hold of fear and pushed through the presented illusions, entering the seat of Claiban's power: his Inner Court.
Caliban seemed reassured that Dysis found company in the Bhediya and vaguely recognized Rani's swords when she presented them. He'd seen them in one of Dysis' visions. Yet, despite their initial attempts to reason with Caliban... do mortals truly know what it's like to live with such pain and guilt for a millenium? To bear the weight of knowing that someone trusted you whole-heartedly... and you could do nothing? She never returned to his Court. Where did her soul go?
The sorrow in the God of the Moon's eyes faded to a bitter rage when Ghilani demanded to know what was the God's excuse for hiding away in a Temple all these years. Do you think I've done nothing? The God of the Moon seems to know that his memories are lost or distorted... he cannot remember the Dread King's War. He sent Ido back in time to find answers... but the dragon never seems to remember what he saw when he returns. As the God mourned and raged, cracks formed on his face. His words morphed to an angry sob... but the fight is not lost. You should stand and fight. Despite it all, Moira believes she would be gone – long ago consumed – if not for Caliban. She helped Caliban stand.
Slightly reassured and more confident, the God of Fate offered a boon for his Temple... and offered Moira a shield, inducting her into his Chosen. The spectral figures of Oracles long past all stood to bow to Moira. Despite what he said and what he showed all of the Deep End, he offered a small show of respect. You have each shown strength and resilience in your journeys.
Caliban walked outside his Temple for the first time. He senses a trace of familiarity in Alhaya and the bees. Perhaps they are descendants of those that Dysis once raised here.
Returning to Two's spire aboard a carpet weaved of starlight... the great silver greatwyrm, the Lunar Queen, lifted her head, blinking slowly.
Facing the Uncertainty of Fate
After witnesses an illusion of their "fate", the God of Fate issues an ominous warning to each of them.Rani: "Although they dance to another's tune, you will never cut the strings that bind them. How will you live with the strikes you've dealt?" Newt: "Your fate is and shall only ever be death. And you will only drag others down into it." Ghilani: "You will never bring her back. But you will try. Your friends nothing more than blood and flesh from which to build." Widow: "Will you ever be strong enough. Ha. You will only ever bring them to ruin." Moira: "Under the guise of your rampaging naivety and fickle indecision, your hunger shall consume you."
Report Date
05 Aug 2022
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
The Temple of Caliban: Exterior
The Trial of Stars
The Temple of Caliban: Interior
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