Session 57

General Summary

It's Just a Normal... Party

After reconvening in the training hall, the Deep End received an invitation from the Prince Elect to attend a party hosted in his Chamber's later that night. Based on the servant's tone, it would seem that finer garbs might be more appropriate if you don't wish to get ripped apart by the Consorts. Cue shopping montage.

Rani made her way to the Tyrant's Tavern and very easily found Noel about to start drinking with her crew. You're going to the Prince Elect's party? Well then, it should be an enjoyable time, but be wary of the consorts. They are just warriors of a different battlefield after all. Despite acting a bit odd, Noel agreed to go shopping with Rani. Meanwhile, Newt spoke with jin, borrowing some clothes from the tiefling bard.

After giving Noel a set of guidelines on what clothing to search for, as she prefers shoulder pads on shoulder pads and anything else to make her look big and buff, Rani pulled her into a changing room. Noel admitted that she positively loathes politics and hates being dragged into it. She doesn't want to be involved. Yes, it could be better with a different Ruler... but it could also be worse. Noel knows that she's good at hitting things, getting angry, and swinging her axe. When asked about Bonebreaker, Noel says that she has no quarrel with her and sees her as a formidable, respected opponent. With a sigh and a bit of reluctance, she promised to do what is needed of her. She trusts Rani. Keeping Rani's name on her head was... perhaps a way to send a message.

Ghilani dished out the jewels by passing out the gold jewelry he got from the Gold Dragon Clan.

Dressed in their finer garbs, the Deep End was escorted into the statue of Ragna, through elegant hallways, and finally into a luxurious room with marble statues of various warriors and art pieces amidst a generous variety of food and drink. Amidst the servants moving to refill glasses and replenish the food, six individuals stand out by their level of dress and disposition.

After getting some food and drink and being greeted by Faustina, Ghilani, Moira, and then Rani took a seat amidst the pillows, joining a conversation with an elven woman (Azalea), a dark-skinned half elf man who seemed already on his way to being buzzed (Tristan), and a fire genasi woman with bright red hair (Qadira). Tristan seems down to have a good time, and immediately requested a story, which Rani swooped in to try and salvage (You forgot the part where we almost died!). When asked what his preference is, Ghilani responded, on autopilot, "Blood". Tristan interpreted that as something else before pulling Ghilani into a dance... which almost resulted in him getting hurled across the room.

While Widow was watching for Nakir, the only missing consort, he was approached by a blue-skinned male tiefling (Octavion) who seemed a bit too touchy. Immediately uncomfortable, Rani quickly noticed and made her way over to reinforce Widow. They eventually started to dance and converse.

Newt tried to gather information, but the consorts seem to be on alert, watching and redirecting their conversations whenever Newt approached.

Nakir arrived shortly after, pausing to give pleasantries to Widow and Rani. He claims to be responsible for the wellbeing of the Prince Elect. Enjoy the festivities. A bit later, the Prince Elect arrived, moving quickly to the bath, followed by Tristan, Ghilani, Widow, and Rani. Newt went to talk to Octavion because he was told not to talk to Octavion. Moira went to speak to the grouchy individual in the corner, Israfel. He seems to be more concerned with watching and listening, but like the other consorts, seems to fall into flirting naturally, albeit not quite as graceful as the others.

In the bath, the Prince Elect says he no longer fights because he had a plenty big share of all that in his youth, though he appears to be only in his forties. He believes that it's time for others to partake in the heroism and honor of Ragna. Widow then asked the Prince Elect why exactly they had been invited here. Are they just here so the Prince Elect can have his pick? Romello seemed slightly taken aback. He invited the group here because yes, he is intrigued, though he already has a delightful selection to choose from. Of course, he would humor any advances or trysts, but if not with him, perhaps his other consorts. You are not obligated to do anything. As the Prince Elect went to leave the bath, Ghilani complimented how big his horns were.

While in the bath, Rani noticed Nakir enter, reorganize and fold everyone's clothing neatly, and then promptly exit. Searching through their clothing, Rani and Widow found a crumpled piece of paper in Rani's clothing. When unfolded, there was a rose drawn on it. Kind of inconvenient that it could mean Therarask or the Rose Collective...

After leaving the bath, Ghilani spoke with Azalea. She is an eladrin from Tel'Rhea who had no desire to be a mother and so, she left the stifling city. She has no interest in going elsewhere as she is perfectly happy here. Ghilani mentioned that the Gold Dragon Clan leader might enjoy her sewing skills as he's also interested in that sort of thing. She mentioned that Ghilani's marks are an old tradition that few still follow. If they were from his mother, they most likely convey some form of protection.

A conversation was had about the kids having fun if they want to. Newt is pretty sure he has a girlfriend though. By being persuasive enough, Newt did manage to learn that his siblings were in fact killed by a man named Angelos Dun'Mar.

Rani spoke with Nakir in the bath. Roses are growing on Rani. Some find them less appealing because they might be pricked by the thorns. It is good to have something to defend oneself. Perhaps the Prince Elect might be convinced to allow his Champion to fight. The Prince Elect is not erratic... but something is not quite right.

Moira pulled Israfel to dance, a bit caught off guard. He was able to guide her through the steps, still somewhat grouchy. Newt pulled Faustina away from the Elect to dance. She very quickly took control, guiding him through the steps of a tango. Ghilani danced with Azalea, who seems to know the steps to a very courtly type of dance.
Rani departed the party first, getting hit by a rush of air in the hallway, but she was met with silence afterwards. There was no "OOooOOoo" so it can't be a ghost, despite Widow insisting it must be. She found Noel drunk and fighting people in Tyrant's Tavern. "Crusher", her gnome mentor and guardian, told Rani that they have it covered.

The rest of the Deep End departed, experiencing a series of hauntings... did you hear footsteps? Claws on the wall? Did you lick the wall, Ghilani? No, I poked the blood on the wall and THEN licked my FINGER. That statue totally looked at me... Mega bed was formed, though Rani spent the night with Ezra who seemed very relieved to see her.

What Lies Beneath?

In the morning, Moira woke up particularly hungry. Moira talked to the Widow to inform him that she needs to talk to it. Widow tried to convince her how important she is and how terrible it would be should Moira not be in control of herself. She should let the group help her. Newt then passed out trinkets, explaining that when people die, they just leave him things.

Ezra asked if Rani finds herself with a free evening, he'd like to reserve it as there is a place he'd like to take her. Of course, they have to survive whatever is beneath the Coliseum first. Ezra offered to come with her, as he would prefer to be there to have her back.

Descending into the depth of the Coliseum, Bonebreaker guided the party to a carved tunnel that led downward. As they descended, the heat increased... along with the number of bones. There's also an odd stench in the air. It smells like worms and blood... and death. Progressing further, there are actual worms – big, fat, and crimson red – writhing over the bones. At the front of the group, Rani noticed an arcane sigil on the ground begin to glow beneath her foot before it detonated, covering everyone in fire. Pulling out the magnifying glass, she was able to redirect the group around two more.

Eventually, the tunnel opens up into a dark cavern. In the center, amidst piles and piles of bones, sits a coffin build from rib cages, shoulder bones, femurs, and other large bones. Five large chains wrap around it and extend through the piles of bones, vanishing into the walls and floor of the cavern. Occasionally, a flicker of light emerges from within the bone coffin. In that moment, everyone realizes they didn't really ask much about what they were doing and had major second thoughts about what to do.

Moira and Newt contacted Cheveyo. Is the coffin larger than you? Unless the Stalker has grown, it was Cheveyo's height last he fought it. Given what is occurring in the Coliseum, it seems very unlikely that the Stalker is bound. It would have a living host. He seems to be preparing and getting ready - though for what he wasn't able to fit into the sending. Rani then used her Ranger senses to check out the coffin... it reads as a mixture of aberration (the worms), undead (the coffin, albeit vaguely), and elemental (something inside, perhaps). She also detected a very large undead (Bonebreaker), another undead (Cheveyo, perhaps), and another aberration from above, amidst some other smaller blips.

After decided to just go ahead and release it – Worst Case: they Word of Recall and the Coliseum can deal with it! – three figures rose up from the bones. A clawed individual charged forward and sunk her claws into Newt, ripping him from the air before teleporting, with him, into the darkness. Moira's turn undead didn't seem effective on two of the three, but the third ran away and stood dancing in the corner.

When all the chains had broken, the coffin exploded in a spray of bones, revealing a huge humanoid figure. The Chains hovered and moved behind them, anchored into their form. Fire erupted, killing some of the worms and flesh that clung to it. The creature began to take slow, purposeful steps forward, fire flaring.