Session 62

General Summary

Meeting with the Council

With the Deep End and all of the High Dremoran Council now gathered in the meeting chambers at the top of the Tower Citadel, Grand Priest Aepius grants the floor (and the Powerpoint controls) to Dr. Valdove to begin.

Dr. Valdove's Opening Statement

Let us start with the most obvious, glaring question at hand: What is to be done of the plague? Upon my visit to Antiek'Vee Forest, I saw them firsthand, frothing at the mouth to feast upon flesh... despite being designed to feast upon vegetation. No animal is spared. I have witnessed the blackened veins of those brought to the Medical Ward of St. Carmen's. How these patients cry out constantly for satiation and rest, both of which continue to elude them.
If nothing is done, it will spread. The True Followers are struggling. St. Carmen's will soon be overrun – all staff are overworked including Dr. Stefano Corvinus himself. Why HAS nothing been done? Why have the healers and doctors of St. Carmen's been unable to stop the growing disease? Myself included. It is because it is not a disease at all. It is more akin to a possession, one that is unfortunately... not so easily dispelled. For what you and your people have endured, High Lady La'Talenna and High Lord Ivan, you have my deepest sympathies.
Yet, perhaps this issue has already spread. For patients arrive to St. Carmen's from your mountains, High lord Nozhawk, as well as from your lands, High Lord Steelwind, High Lord Delkova.

After a brief discussion between some of the members of the Council, Dr. Valdove gave Ghilani control of the slides. Rani recounted The Deep End's experiencing with the animals in the Forest and their experience with the affected people and fish on Carmenthia. When Rani mentioned that the disease was unknown to Carmenthia, the High Lady La'Talenna inquired about the Old Temple: surely you must have found something of aid there? The issue once again seemed to focus on the capabilities of Carmenthia to handle its own affairs, until Lux jumped in to ask about the Forest. What is your God of the Hunt doing? Can he not remove these animals? Rani assured Lux that the God of the Hunt was very well active in protecting his Forests. 

Dr. Valdove's Middle Statement

While this possession rips apart out people, draining them dry and reducing them to nothing more than husks of their former selves... others have clearly arisen, deriving power from this evil. This powerful force killing our people has empowered an... unsavory side of our continent that has only served to cause further destruction and harm.

A young blond-haired woman clearly derived powers from this force. She was responsible for the assassination attempt on High Priest Osoosi of Oshiv'Ran. A threat to religious security I know is a concern for both High Lord Ivan and the Grand Priest.

The Iron Arrow. As everyone is aware, the Iron Arrow was attacked and infiltrated by assassins under the orders of the Pirate Lord, Janos Liderc. An assassin donning a mask with a symbol of a warped, six-pronged star attempted to kill both myself and High Lord Valdove. They were responsible for detonating bombs aboard the Iron Arrow, taking lives and ruining the maiden voyage of one of your greatest creations, High Lord Ironborn.

The Second Siege of Varoona. The Audacity of this Pirate Lord did not end. He laid siege to the city of my birth... and he did not come alone. He brought with him a creature that, if you believe the myths, was birthed of Omen, yet it was not the Eldritch Horror of the Depths that guided its movements. We failed to realize the significance of the attempt made upon my father's and I's lives until the blond woman from Oshiv'Ran appeared to aid the Pirate Lord.

When the Deep End spoke of Olivantha's possession, Lux seemed to feel that the party seemed very familiar with the symptoms as if speaking from – perhaps – more personal experience? Newt and Rani, however, deflected the prying Therarask rep. However, as Lux warned, the topic of Moira's association with the Pirate Lord emerged, from Lux themselves. Your friendship surely must have been a ruse to gain information? Well then, speak! Let us hear what information you managed to gain? The Pirate Lord is guarded and not easy to get information out of, whatever he may present himself as. Lux did not seem fully convinced, but was certainly amused by the exchange.

The High Lady Tatsuya finally spoke up when the Doctor was mentioned. How many creatures does he have? If there are better ones, perhaps the warriors fo Ragna should handle this fight. Rani mentioned that they had found an abandoned lab under Carmenthia and High Lord Ironborn took an immediate interest, inquiring as to how recently it seemed to have been abandoned. The conversation then diverted as High Lord Ironborn turned to make accusations against High Lady La'Talenna. Rani was able to persuade him to return to the topic at hand, but he seem to not dismiss the allegations. Rani assumed he was referring to her allegations against the Doctor, but this outburst seems to be about another matter.

After the mention of the Clock Lady and her association with the Doctor, these two mysterious figures seem to have been presented as the primary targets of whatever insurgence this may be.

Dr. Valdove's Solution

I would not have asked High Lord Valdove to summon you all and permit me to speak if I did not believe I had a solution. And I believe I do. A solution that would permit us to avoid another great conflict should this force be allowed to fester and grow unchecked. In both Oshiv'Ran and Carmenthia, I have found the presence of binding crystals, both divine and arcane in nature. Five have been broken in Oshiv'Ran and only one has begun to crack in Carmenthia. These are the source of our "plague" – this possession. These seals, however, are leaking. They are failing.

In my absence from Eredet, I have reinforced the bindings in both Oshiv'Ran and Carmenthia... but with the crystals shattered in Oshiv'Ran, my reinforcements fade quickly. I cannot say that the bindings are effective with the amount of ill in Carmenthia. Something will need to be done, else we condemn the people of these regions to slowly wither and fade. The entire continent will suffer if the harvests in Oshiv'Ran fail and the Medical Ward is unundated with patients whose suffering they can barely ease.

These crystals bear old symbols of half the pantheon: Oshozi, Tel'Rhea, Nacheevi, Carmenthia, Caliban, and Varoona. According to legends and to history, there was but one threat that truly united all of our pantheon... Although distant in our history, I trust you are all aware of the devastation that the Dread King brought to our continent.

I hope that you desire to see the suffering of our people ended and that you would not ask them to bear more than necessary. This is a start of a brewing war if we allow it to fest. I beg of you, we can end it before it begins. We can stop the devastation and snuff out this evil at its source. I propose we break these crystals and find others that I suspect are out there on this continent. Let us take the fight to it. I don't know what lies beyond the crystals... but should you, prestigious council, elect to heed by advice and pool your strengths and resources, it will not be ready for us. We would not need an army... No, only a small force.

Dr. Valdove offered the services of The Deep End. They have experience with everything that has occurred. They have proven themselves capable and able to handle themselves. Send them as an elite strike force to eradicate this evil before it can fester.

The Grilling – Why Should we Send YOU?

The Grand Priest expressed his concerns first: You (Declan) attempted to order the demolition of sacred religious property. How can we expect you to act with any form of decency that is representative of not only this Council, but of our pantheon? Of The One? Widow recognized his poor choices in the past and promised that he has grown and that amends were made long ago to the High Priestess. Rani supported his argument that he has changed. However, along a similar vein, High Lord Ivan, despite his inclination to have faith in the group, asked if they can be trusted to speak not just for their own interests, but for the Councils. When Rani gladly proclaimed that they would speak, act, and even die to help the continent - including the Forest and the animals of Oshiv'Ran – Ivan seemed to regard Rani with significant respect.

All attention turned to Ghilani then as High Lord Vetulátos began to speak. What are you? A being of knitted flesh? A drinker of blood? Can we trust your words and your allegiance when what you present yourself as is a great deceit? Rani attempted to interject and defend Ghialni, but the old dragonborn insisted, he wished to hear from the boy. Ghilani said he's not sure what he is, but that he can be trusted. His friends defended him – he's certainly too sweet and he very well can't lie. High Lord Pekk Nozhawk spoke up. What happened on the Southern Seas? You had Captain Porysis did you not? And then you simply didn't. Should we expect this from you again? Rani mentioned that they were... unaware that Porysis had other dealings with Mistress 8. They have learned from the experience and will take caution in the future. In the vein of blood witches, what is your association? Emir has had little interaction with them except with the one that harasses the people of the Neg'Varos Bay. Can they be called upon for aid? Ghilani mentioned that the wounds of the past are still healing, but they don't desire to see harm to the entire continent. Over 2 thousand years the the wounds are still open?

High Lord Ironborn laid out his concerns bluntly and clearly:

Although I applaud your efforts and express my gratitude for your assistance, did you truly do enough? You lot strike me like... the first-years the University. You partake quite liberally in intoxication and chase down excitement without contemplation. You partied, played at performer, and pursued other, arguably inconsequential matters, while pirates roamed. I do not mean to discredit your contributions, but this is a serious matter. Are you mature enough? Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices moving forward?

The group assured the dwarven lord that they had done all that they could. Without them, the continent would not know of the Pirate Lord nor of the severity of what is occurring. High Lord Ironborn did not seem fully convinced.

High Lord Jasper Delkova – seemingly affronted by it – mentioned that he and the Grand Priest share a concern. Do we truly want those that disrespect our traditions and religion? He mentioned the Lady of Life who was "assaulted" and that, unfortunately, there is one amongst them that cares little for the data, flinging about body parts with little care. Is this truly what we would want to represent us? Widow attempted to defend himself, mentioning that i was a personal matters. Jasper did not seem convinced. However, with some aid from the others, he seemed to drop the matter.

Finally, Lux provided his two cents. The group seems trustworthy enough. Surely, a group that rents a seedy motel and can be heard through the walls must be a united front, yes? At the very least, they should be very familiar with one another? A group that fucks together should fight well together, after all! With that rousing conclusion, the Council broke to mingle, planning to reconvene in the afternoon.

Ghilani approached High Lord Ironborn and told him that yes, Ghilani doesn't think he did enough. Moving forward though, he damn well will try and do more. Ironborn seemed to appreciate that – good that you have managed to learn that so young. Tatsuya seemed to gain a bit more respect for both Rani (for expressing the honor she would have fighting with and alongside warriors of Ragna) and to Ghilani (once part of the hoard, always part of the hoard). Moira and Rani spoke with Jasper, where Moira explained that she's realized she's slipped up a bit. She hopes to treat all life with respect moving forward, even those that might be fighting against them. Jasper seemed pleased with that and suggested that, should she have the time, she should travel to the House of Life. You may find aid and enlightenment there.

Lux is a fan of poking fun, especially when Moira approached. How was that orgy by the way? Did you find that you had a preference? No, I just get this sense that your type is tall blue lizard, am I right? When asked about what they want, they expressed that they have the island of Therarask's interests at heart and wish to see no conflict grace its soil. Moira just managed to catch that Lux seemed to glance at Widow.

To The Barrier & Beyond

Having spoken to the Council members of interest, the Deep End began to leave... until something unexpected happened.

A Crack in the Barrier

Seemingly suddenly and with no preamble, the soft discussion amidst the Council is interrupted by a loud sound somewhere between the shattering of glass, a strong gust of wind, a howl, and perhaps an explosion. There are a few beats of absolute silence before an entire guard force swiftly and with purpose marches into the Council room, splitting off with practice ease to surround and escort the various Council members. 

Guards move to surround High Lord Aedric Valdove and Dr. Valdove, who appears to go along with it before she freezes. Turning suddenly, she calls for The Deep End before teleporting them to the Observatory. Red lights flash and flare around the entire room as researchers move in a panic. Dr. Valdove moves quickly to the scope before releasing a yell of frustration. The Barrier has cracked. 

After chugging a coffee and calming down, Dr. Valdove tried to spin the unexpected event in their favor. They can use this to further motivate the Council. She then ordered the scope to do a full assessment of the Barrier. Besides the one crack off the coast of Lark'Hal, the Barrier remains strong and stable. Rani immediately asked Moira to reach out to her mother in Lark'Hal. She responded that Lark'Hal was currently being hit with a dust storm. Rani then left to try and find Emir, but given that the council is in lockdown, she spent her time pacing the art gallery in the Tower of Lark listening to her swords bicker over the best course of action.

Newt and Moira sent to hunt down Trix. Dr. Valdove assured Ghilani that she's managing. Ghilani went with Widow to find and speak with Lux, who speaks in "games", according to Widow. Yet Lux seemed to believe it was Widow who must simply speak clearly. Should they gouge out their eyes for casting a glance at someone? The One forbid! Lux then asked how much Widow knows about the island. Are you aware of the weather patterns? It's a cycle, you know. We experience years of what we shall call normalcy and then a bout of perfect conditions – as if the island has ascended to the plane of the gods. Yet shortly after we shall be plunged into at least a decade of never-ending rain.

After a discussion about the allocation of resources, Lady La'Talenna invited the Deep End to speak with her. In the Tower of Carmenthia, the party reconvened with Mary and Rayen and a third individual: Azrail. Lady La'Talenna offered two things given that the Deep End travel first to either Oshiv'Ran – to aid her ally High Lord Ivan – or her island. First, Dr. Corvinus can spare one free resurrection should something occur during their endeavors. She also offered the service of her colleague, Azrail. Hopefully you can help keep each other alive.

The group then spoke with High Lord Ivan. He has spoken to High Lord Ironborn and secured them an audience in the morning. He also offered 2,000 gold and five potions of polymorph. After wishing them luck, he left to be with his daughters. Dr. Valdove then flagged them down. Ghilani should remember her graduate student: Dr. Khalil. Although not a particularly strong caster, he is gifted with a unique version of sight that makes him perfectly suited for the task of monitoring the crystals in Oshiv'Ran. Seek him out. But please, do not let him go anywhere near danger. Dr. Valdove fears that his curiosity will kill him. She stressed the importance of their task and shared with Ghilani a spell she has been working to devise. If there is anything left, Ghilani, you must acquire it. She promised her aid personally in Carmenthia. And it is also important to go the Temples. If she is not successful, there only hope may be to speak to The One. 

Before the evening was done, High Lord Valdove offered the party 10,000 gold. He is a powerful man and can put his power to use. Should they feel they need something this gold cannot provide, make a request of him and he will see what can be done.

Various sendings were sent. Newt extended his congratulations to Oksha. Moira touched based with Rani's mother again. All is well – as far as they can tell – in Lark'Hal but Rani's mama and baba are going to check on Tatya. Jeremy is... totally fine. Moira then reached out to Yue. She is aware of what is happening through Caliban and she is seeing if there is anything she can do to help. 

Ironborn is still not convinced that the group should receive the entire backing of the Council. Although he'd like to believe that they will succeed, he will ensure that their failure will not result in the failure of the entire continent. High Lord Ivan did implore him and he is... willing to grant them some of his newest technology. Their ship should be small enough to support his new foray into his arcane engines. Although completely untested, Ironborn is confident in his theory and calculations. Provided you are strong enough masters of the arcane weave, you should be more than capable to harness the powers of teleportation for your vessel. In three days time, the repairs will be made. And, should you convince Lady La'Talenna to drop her case against him, he will consider offering them discounts on fuel cells in the future.

You've gotten to fuck around, now it's time to find out.

Report Date

04 Nov 2022

Primary Location

The High Dremoran Council Chambers

Secondary Location

The Tower Citadel

Related Characters

• Grand Priest Aepius
• High Lady Sephira La'Talenna
• High Lady Tatsuya
• High Lord Aedric Valdove
• High Lord Carter Steelwind
• High Lord Emir Maletshatsi
• High Lord Ivan of Zver'Behepka
• High Lord Jasper Delkova
• High Lord Kuan-Ti Ironborn
• High Lord Lux Briar
• High Lord Pekk Nozhawk
• High Lord Vetulátos the Green
• Maritza "Mary" Alvarro
• Rayen Lattyx

Council Discussion – Pillars of Knowledge

Ironborn: Carmenthia is an island built upon the pillars of knowledge, correct? Perhaps it is time they bow to outside authority on the matter, if – in fact – this is no longer a disease we are dealing with. The minds of the Technical Institute would-
La'Talenna: We are built upon the pillars of knowledge, yes, High Lord... but you seem to have misunderstood. We are not limited to the pillars of disease and healing, but also of arcane and magic. St. Carmen's is fully capable of remaining the authority on the matter.

Although High Lord Vetulátos offered to send resources to aid the minds of Carmenthia. Despite the generosity of the supposed offer, High Lady La'Talenna seemed momentarily skeptical before composing her expression.

Council Discussion – The Pirate Lord

Maletshatsi: The blond woman has been removed, but the Pirate Lord still remains, at large if I recall corrrectly?
Vetulátos: I cannot speak to the blond woman, but the Pirate Lord is currently being pursued by our Grand Admiral. I assure you, she is more than capable and will have the culprit brought to justice.
Ironborn: Should she be successful, convey to your Grand Admiral that I want his ship intact. If it is proven to be stolen technology of mine, I would feel quite validated in having it joined to our Navy.
Delkova: Your validation? That monstrosity should be dismantled as retribution for the horrors the Pirate Lord committed with it.
Briar: Might I propose an alternative? The Navy's much too boring and destruction quite a waste. It's called the Floating Tit after all... I propose we make it a pleasure vessel-
Aepius: I believe we have gotten off topic, Lords and Ladies.

Amidst the Organized Chaos

As guards swarmed the High Council chambers, you noticed the following:

1. Although guards immediately surround the Grand Priest, he is also immediately approached by a robed figure adorned with religious iconography. The Grand Priest's eyes are blown wide for a moment – perhaps in panic? And then calms down upon the robed figure approaching.
2. A guard approaches Pekk, but he immediately swats hi away and places a hand on  a bow lacking a bowstring. Pekk seems to fall in with Lady Tatsuya who makes no comment about exiting with the aarakocra, having scared off her own guards.
3. Emir remains oddly mellow and calm... but he seems to finger one of his rings as his eyes dart between high Lady La'Talenna and Jasper Delkova as they are escorted out.
4. Ivan and Ironborn fall into stride beside one another. Ivan keeps a hand on a large axe at his side and one arm poised almost protectively over the shorter dwarf as guards surround them. Kuan-Ti seems completely unperturbed, eyes scanning the room as they are escorted out.
5. Relatively shorter, Lux is hard to see once surrounded by guards... but its immediately obvious something has happened. The guards have moved no more than a handful of steps before they stop confused and disperse. Lux is gone.