Session 55
General Summary
T-Posing Adventures
While still in Tel'Rhea, Newt and Moira left Six's orchard to meet with Oksha at a small beach along the cliffside base of Tel'Rhea. As the duo descended, the wall of smog stands in the distance, impenetrable. It is impossible to see any buildings or landmarks within the City of Death. However, Newt tried to point out some notable locations like where he stole Volo's axe and the general location of the House of Death.
Oksha and Markus both seem to be in good shape. Oksha has mostly spent her time in the house of Death... reading, which is really hard because she either has to wait for things to be translated to braille or listen to Markus read in monotone.
As one might expect, she was quite concerned about the nonchalant mention of death. After asking about Newt's father, Oksha mentioned that she'd have to be High Priestess to get access to the entrance to Avernus. When Newt expressed concern, she remarked that although she is doing this for Newt, she is also doing this for herself. The City of Death is also experiencing an outbreak. Some bodies have arrived with black veins and desiccated. The factory overlords don't seem very concerned, sweeping it under the rug as they tend to do. And the spirits whisper that the High Priest is involved in something shady... though she's not sure what.
Regarding Volo, Oksha has heard rumors from the bounty hunters that drop off their dead targets. Volo is apparently on the prowl, moving frequently between the City of Death and the City of Life. Before leaving, Oksha hugged Newt and told him to stay safe. She always looks forward to his messages.
Newt sent to Volo, asking about what he's been up to and where he's at. Volo did respond, saying that he comes and goes from the City of Death. He's finally found a target worth his time. Perhaps he'll see Newt around. When Moira scried on him... she noticed that Volo appears to be in the City of Life. And she did get a brief glimpse at the bird who started it all: Thanatos.
Back in Caliban
Back in Caliban, the Widow urgently wished to speak to Caliban. After consulting Calibird, the Deep End found the God of Fate in the midst of renovations. He, however, is no artist. Rani offered an artist that she knows and Caliban seemed more than pleased to welcome him. He'll make sure the walls aren't flaking by the time this artist arrives.
Relocating to somewhere more private, the Widow asked about the cracking. Caliban was, apparently, unaware that he had "cracked" until Ghilani showed an illusion of what had happened. Thinking more about that moment, Caliban remembered that Ghilani had struck a nerve... perhaps he was angry, but more than anything he had wanted to run away and keep running. He had always been a coward. And then, Moira had convinced him that perhaps, for once, he should stand his ground and move forward. Caliban asked what exactly was the circumstances around Therarask cracking. They aren't particularly close with Therarask, but perhaps you need to dig deeper. Rani remarked that perhaps Widow is only a symptom of the real problem at hand. When asked who might know more about how to fix or heal the cracking, Caliban mentioned Carmenthia... or The One.
Caliban also apologized to Moira and the rest of the Deep End. He has been made aware that his decision was, perhaps... not the best one and was made in haste without considering all of the information.
On the topic of Ragna, Widow mentioned that he's great at apologizing to women (to which Ghilani proclaimed "No you're not!"). Caliban mentioned that you won't get a chance to apologize to Ragna if you piss her off.
Ghilani was toted around in a baby bjorn by Widow and then passed to Rani as he spent a good long while deciphering a journal entry from Dysis. Moira stood near him to make him EVEN SMARTER every now and then. Eventually, the words aligned... Dysis mentioned that she was Chosen of Caliban, but her status as Beloved of Judas forced her to travel across the continent.
With encouragement from Newt, Moira sent to the kalashtar woman who resembled her. The woman responded that she did have a sister. She is resigned to her fate and seems to view her current state as a necessity. Her name is Meena. She is already on her way to Eredet, but perhaps they might speak there. Afterwards, Newt spoke with Jahdiel. How much would it take to buy a slave? From the Green dragon clan... if it's a kalashtar, you'll need a small fortune to pry one from their hands. perhaps start with 10,000 gold? Guess Moira's gotta save up to buy a sister!
Rani picked up her replica bag of holding and then took the "kids" shopping. Only upon arriving at "Caliban's Secret" did the two of them realize that they were lingerie shopping.
Ghilani asked Primus One about the gods again and the cracking... consider it your homework. You're a smart boy. I'm sure you'll piece it together.
Upon arriving at Dragontide, the Bronze Queen has departed. The hunt for Porysis' trail continues. Trix has improved the engine and, provided that she is on board and conscious, fuel efficiency has been doubled! The crew will depart for Eredet on the following morning and stick to the water lanes. Moira set up her shrine and Widow was just incredibly happy to see the boat... if only for a moment.
With encouragement from Newt, Moira sent to the kalashtar woman who resembled her. The woman responded that she did have a sister. She is resigned to her fate and seems to view her current state as a necessity. Her name is Meena. She is already on her way to Eredet, but perhaps they might speak there. Afterwards, Newt spoke with Jahdiel. How much would it take to buy a slave? From the Green dragon clan... if it's a kalashtar, you'll need a small fortune to pry one from their hands. perhaps start with 10,000 gold? Guess Moira's gotta save up to buy a sister!
Rani picked up her replica bag of holding and then took the "kids" shopping. Only upon arriving at "Caliban's Secret" did the two of them realize that they were lingerie shopping.
Ghilani asked Primus One about the gods again and the cracking... consider it your homework. You're a smart boy. I'm sure you'll piece it together.
Upon arriving at Dragontide, the Bronze Queen has departed. The hunt for Porysis' trail continues. Trix has improved the engine and, provided that she is on board and conscious, fuel efficiency has been doubled! The crew will depart for Eredet on the following morning and stick to the water lanes. Moira set up her shrine and Widow was just incredibly happy to see the boat... if only for a moment.
Entering the Coliseum
When Dr. Valdove's magic fizzled out, you are met by the roar of a crowd. You stand on an outcropping that overlooks a sprawling set of buildings and a river below. Beneath your feet, an intricate set of runes have been arranged in a circle. Ghilani immediately recognized this as a teleportation circle. Welcome to the Middle Levels of the Coliseum – a mass of buildings and other arrangements attached to the actual Coliseum.
If you're looking to fight, the Coliseum is currently running the Gauntlet. This current iteration requires a "best buy-in" round before facing off against the other competitors as you fight your way to the Coliseum floor. Rani, Widow, and Newt signed up for the last fight of the day. Of course, medical insurance is a thing, and seems pretty bad. The attendant mentioned that the Coliseum is experiencing shortages in medical staff, potions, and arms as the Prince Elect has increased the number and intensity of the Games recently in the Coliseum.
Rani immediately went to Tyrant's Tavern where she found Noel and her crew. Noel seemed a bit off when Rani had mentioned traveling, though happy to be in the Coliseum. Her only frustration is that the Prince Elect has not allowed her to fight as much as she wishes to. But enough of that! Noel was pleased to hear of Rani's fights, bouts, and adventures since they last saw one another and she's more than willing to help her surprise Ezra.
Newt found his way to Durza's Arms, a smithy with a steady flow of people in and out. From the prices of some of the displayed weapons and armor... they could only be magical in nature. A half-orc man, Achilles, appears to be running the front desk, though doing a horrible job as he just stares off into space with an almost dreamy look in his eye. His sister, Anya, handles the forging here, but she's been swamped recently. Of course she can handle modest enchantments, though it may take her a while... unless you wanted to help out? Are ya good with kids? Achilles mentioned that Anya has two kids and with Anya and her husband's increasing workload, it's been rough. Perhaps if you play monster with Apollo and Artemis, Anya might give you a discount. Newt said he'd circle back to that.
Meanwhile, Ghilani and Moira headed to a very organized, medical ward... with a chaotic array of medical staff and wounded darting about. A woman instantly put them to work, asking "how are you with blood"? Ghilani beamed. He is VERY good with blood. They were then asked to be on standby for the Gauntlet and would be more than pleased to hire them. They are incredibly short staffed.
After spending time unattuning to the armor, Widow found himself in a snowy environment facing down a bloodthirsty snow shark in the Coliseum. Rani and Newt took on lions. Although on separate platforms well above the Coliseum floor, their likeness was displayed across various illusory screens floating throughout the Coliseum. In the next round, Widow faced off with a dextrou individual who seemed to have no qualms wielding massive weaponry. Newt faced a gray-skinned individual with a very nasty spear. Rani saw the familiar patterns of Lark'Hal on the colorful clothing of a female warrior wielding a charged sword and shield. Barely making it out of his scrap, Newt faced the Widow and shortly went down, much to the dismay of the crowd. As Newt fell through the crumbling platform, Ghilani cast a spell to slow his fall. A guard seemed all too eager to accuse Ghilani that he had "cheated and interferred". He and Moira were led downward and locked in a cell. Ghilani is very offended that he was arrested.
Once the small blond boy with a tunic, shield, and sword was defeated, Rani faced the Widow and managed to claim victory... after a water elemental appeared. She was raised up to the view the Prince Elect's booth. The tiefling man congratulated her for a fight well fought... perhaps in the future, he might pit her against his Champion.
After being left in the cell, Ghilani – full of spite and rage – disintegrated the door... but the duo decided to turn around and put themselves back in the cell. Ghilani created a new door. Perhaps it was better to wait than be "on the run". While discussing their options, Moira heard an odd... chittering noise. When it faded, Ghilani was slammed against the wall. The feeling of a worm-like, slimy "net" dug across his body and pinned him before it suddenly vanished and he was released. They were greeted by silence.
Shortly after the jarring experience, a tall, slender woman dressed regally and adorned in bones and gold appeared. Would you like out of this dreadful cell? Perhaps I can help... just break a bone. Annoyed at the situation, Ghilani eventually broke his arm and Moira followed. With a wicked grin, the woman easily ripped open the door with ease and when Ghilani again demanded her name, she responded with "Bonebreaker", a member of the Warrior Elite. She bound their broken arms with a piece of gold from her headdress and bid them to scurry off.
Rani, with Noel's help, found her way into where Ezra was staying and placed herself in a spinning chair. Upon arrival, Ezra was pleasantly surprised to see Rani, spinning in lingerie in the chair as she stroked the golden lion figurine she had won from the Gauntlet. With but a few words of motivation, Ezra snapped out of his stupor and swept Rani into his arms, carrying her off to his room.
Rani immediately went to Tyrant's Tavern where she found Noel and her crew. Noel seemed a bit off when Rani had mentioned traveling, though happy to be in the Coliseum. Her only frustration is that the Prince Elect has not allowed her to fight as much as she wishes to. But enough of that! Noel was pleased to hear of Rani's fights, bouts, and adventures since they last saw one another and she's more than willing to help her surprise Ezra.
Newt found his way to Durza's Arms, a smithy with a steady flow of people in and out. From the prices of some of the displayed weapons and armor... they could only be magical in nature. A half-orc man, Achilles, appears to be running the front desk, though doing a horrible job as he just stares off into space with an almost dreamy look in his eye. His sister, Anya, handles the forging here, but she's been swamped recently. Of course she can handle modest enchantments, though it may take her a while... unless you wanted to help out? Are ya good with kids? Achilles mentioned that Anya has two kids and with Anya and her husband's increasing workload, it's been rough. Perhaps if you play monster with Apollo and Artemis, Anya might give you a discount. Newt said he'd circle back to that.
Meanwhile, Ghilani and Moira headed to a very organized, medical ward... with a chaotic array of medical staff and wounded darting about. A woman instantly put them to work, asking "how are you with blood"? Ghilani beamed. He is VERY good with blood. They were then asked to be on standby for the Gauntlet and would be more than pleased to hire them. They are incredibly short staffed.
After spending time unattuning to the armor, Widow found himself in a snowy environment facing down a bloodthirsty snow shark in the Coliseum. Rani and Newt took on lions. Although on separate platforms well above the Coliseum floor, their likeness was displayed across various illusory screens floating throughout the Coliseum. In the next round, Widow faced off with a dextrou individual who seemed to have no qualms wielding massive weaponry. Newt faced a gray-skinned individual with a very nasty spear. Rani saw the familiar patterns of Lark'Hal on the colorful clothing of a female warrior wielding a charged sword and shield. Barely making it out of his scrap, Newt faced the Widow and shortly went down, much to the dismay of the crowd. As Newt fell through the crumbling platform, Ghilani cast a spell to slow his fall. A guard seemed all too eager to accuse Ghilani that he had "cheated and interferred". He and Moira were led downward and locked in a cell. Ghilani is very offended that he was arrested.
Once the small blond boy with a tunic, shield, and sword was defeated, Rani faced the Widow and managed to claim victory... after a water elemental appeared. She was raised up to the view the Prince Elect's booth. The tiefling man congratulated her for a fight well fought... perhaps in the future, he might pit her against his Champion.
After being left in the cell, Ghilani – full of spite and rage – disintegrated the door... but the duo decided to turn around and put themselves back in the cell. Ghilani created a new door. Perhaps it was better to wait than be "on the run". While discussing their options, Moira heard an odd... chittering noise. When it faded, Ghilani was slammed against the wall. The feeling of a worm-like, slimy "net" dug across his body and pinned him before it suddenly vanished and he was released. They were greeted by silence.
Shortly after the jarring experience, a tall, slender woman dressed regally and adorned in bones and gold appeared. Would you like out of this dreadful cell? Perhaps I can help... just break a bone. Annoyed at the situation, Ghilani eventually broke his arm and Moira followed. With a wicked grin, the woman easily ripped open the door with ease and when Ghilani again demanded her name, she responded with "Bonebreaker", a member of the Warrior Elite. She bound their broken arms with a piece of gold from her headdress and bid them to scurry off.
Rani, with Noel's help, found her way into where Ezra was staying and placed herself in a spinning chair. Upon arrival, Ezra was pleasantly surprised to see Rani, spinning in lingerie in the chair as she stroked the golden lion figurine she had won from the Gauntlet. With but a few words of motivation, Ezra snapped out of his stupor and swept Rani into his arms, carrying her off to his room.
Report Date
16 Sep 2022
Primary Location
Secondary Location
The Journal
Ran’Olvad 1000 YAR We will arrive in the city later today. I can see the gold temple from here… it glitters in the setting sun. The sky is… much more red here. It is ostentatious. It makes me nauseous. Yesterday, as we made camp, Soyolmaa spoke fondly of marrying one day. There are many men of her tribe that are always vying for her attention. She dances with some of them and spurns others. Why could I not choose to continue my dance with Caliban and spurn the desires of an unfamiliar god? She is free and I am envious of that. When I told her such, I realized that she is not aware of whom I am. She was not told that I was Chosen of Caliban and that I served as his Oracle. She was not told that I am the Beloved of Judas and am therefore bound to the god of good fortune. She knows not the weight of what rests on my shoulders. I don’t wish to burden her with that. By the fire, Soyolmaa and I danced. I will miss her company, but I know that I will see her again. We call each other friends as we share some of the sake I brought from Caliban. Afterwards, a vision came to me. In a room of gold, Soyolmaa danced to the beat of familiar drums. She held the swords I will gift her one-day. Yet it wasn’t she I danced with. There was a figure, tall and imposing. Features obscured by the fuzziness of the visions. Is this Judas? Shall I find myself comfortable with Judas… as I was with Caliban? Perhaps I shall humor that hope. Dysis
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