Session 64
General Summary
The Colossus of Earth
As the fight commenced, Apophis quickly managed to GTFO, but not without his spell seeming to stutter and sputter before eventually working as he Dimension Doored himself out of the combat arena.
Rani, used to burrowing a bit was taken on a nice joy ride underground by the massive earth creature. For a moment, Moira felt compelled to do whatever it said, struggling to play whack-a-mole with Ghilani stuck in the mud. Widow began his journey of being very acquainted with the dirt as Azrail required how much healing might be required to keep just Declan up alone. Newt struggled to hit on the main strike, but man was the offhand crossbow on point. Ghilani, proclaiming that "he isn't scared" became the rare melee wizard while his spectral fist was really struggling to land a hit.
After Rani landed a strike to its back, the creature seemed to begin to crumble... but as stone, dirt and vines began to slough off the colossus' frame, it freezes – slowing to a halt. From the cracks you feel the sensation of a pull, can feel the cold, and can see the swirling blackness within. The fragment swells and grows, filling the broken shell of the Colossus and with a jerk, it stands back up to its height. Its skull lulls to the side slightly and awkwardly, but a moment later, the eyes in the skull glow a brilliant violet.
The puppet version of the creature honed in on the beaten and bleeding Declan until it knocked the air completely from his lungs and crushed him. Its form leaned over and seemed to try and absorb him, but it seemed to fail. Hearing about a nipple piercing, but not how it worked, Azrail ripped it off and used it to bring Declan back to life. Tie broken.
Watching this creature relentlessly beat Declan and Azrail, Moira offered herself up by laying prone in the hopes of diverting its attention to her. While it was initially successful, when she slurped up its attack, it didn't seem very pleased. As it became wispy, it turned back to the prone healer, slurped up Ghilani's spectral hand attack, and then used it to pummel Azrail.
As Moira laid one final strike into it, the creature began to crumble and a force rocked through the cavern, pulling things towards the body of the fallen titan. For the briefest of moments, the black coalesced into the form of a man with glowing violet eyes and a jagged six-pointed crown before fading into oblivion. Ghilani, upon seeing it fall, immediately cast a spell, trapping a ball of energy mostly in orange hue into a vial. If one looks closer, there are flecks of violet in it. As Ghilani went through the motions, however, Moira – eyes now black – almost seemed to mimic him.
Taking a moment to recover, Apophis returned. Immediately, he focused on Ghilani asking him if he was successful and seemingly interested in the results. Although he doubts it will be enough, hopefully this is the start she needs. He will be packing up here and heading back to the Institute at Lark'Hal. Before the Deep End left, he spoke briefly about the Wasteland and Prof. Dunebrook's excursions into it. His expertise seems to center around detecting faint traces fo lingering magic on artifacts.
Outside, the Deep End took shelter in Antiek'Vee Forest. Although it is abnormally quiet, there is no longer a cold, tugging sensation from within. Newt tried to call out for Yemaja, but man, it's a big forest. Rani, however, took an hour to explore and found some normal animals, though far fewer than one might expect from a healthy forest. And then she found several remains of rapidly desiccated and cold corpses. It appears that whatever has haunted this Forest... has ended.
Moira spoke to her cool shadowy bud again on the boat. It seemed taken aback, almost offended, at her blatant accusation and admonishment to "try not to be evil". Is that what you think of me?
Onward to Carmenthia
Back aboard the Diving Board, Ghilani and Moira joined forces once more to attempt to teleport... and failing as the engine began to spew smoke. Trix, coughing and hacking from within, muttered that she was working on it. Realizing that they needed to go ahead to Carmenthia post haste, the Deep End sent the ship sailing for Eredet before Azrail opened a gate to Carmenthia through a tree. They emerged in the Medical Ward of St. Carmen's.
In pursuit of Dr. Corvinus, they found the older man looking incredibly worn down. He greeted Azrail, but quickly excused himself after remarking that he believes Dr. Valdove's discovery to be Carmenthia's message. As Azrail made the rounds of the Medical Ward distributing good berries for the hungry, Rani entered Dr. Conway's office easily. The rumors are true: he seems to have left. Afterwards, she checked in and let Kaleb know that Mary is fine, though it is odd that more of the brothers seem present in the shop at the moment.
Not sure when Serene would arrive, the Deep End settled in for a day in Carmenthia to recover from their fight. Newt pulled Ghilani aside to ask him more about the blood witch thing: are you sure you aren't being used? Perhaps you should ask what is going to happen or what will happen to you. Ghilani mentioned that he thinks Newt would be a great God of Death... he has the silhouette for it after all. Taking Newt's advice, Ghilani inquired. Primus One explained that they are losing their grip on the world... as they are not of it. Ghilani occupies a unique place in that he is of Dremora but also of Primus. Thus, he may serve as the pantheon's equivalent of a Champion and tether Primus back to this world, allowing them to bring forth a true sea of Crimson Red. Once tethered, they believe this will grant them the ability to establish a pantheon... for they are, in fact, above the pantheon.
Declan left the rest of the group to go down to sit by the water and pray to Varoona, Carmenthia, and Therarask. Upon his prayers, the waves seemed to crash a bit rougher and the wind picked up. Meanwhile, Moira scried on Volo. The blue dragonborn is stalking the outside of Six's orchard, very much trying to get in, but seemingly getting thrown out. Immediately after, Newt sent to Volo, who responded with a question first: Are you spying on me, kid? Volo needs to cement his legacy. A blood witch is a prime target... unless you have another?
On a happier, lighter note, Ghilani sent to his friends (or "friends"). He promised to visit Ismera and asked if he wanted anything. Ismera was over the moon at the information, rambling about cleaning up. Another flower, perhaps? Ghilani then asked how Azhi was doing. She's still enslaved if that's what you mean, but don't worry... this is perhaps deserved. Ghilani's gonna send a pipe bomb to the Green Dragon Clan Estate. And back to sending, Azalea is still in Ragna, will you be visiting? Another dance would be lovely. Parvathian almost seemed hesitant to respond... he never thought Ghilani would wish to speak to him, but it is a blessing to hear his voice, if only fleeting.
Rani made her way into the 4th Ward, speaking with the current de facto leader in Mary's absence: TimTam. She helped tend to some of the ill before running food down from topside. Azrail caught up to her and mentioned that he planned to break the NDA if he felt Lady La'Talenna needed to know, but he promised that he won't share what happened with Moira... the group seems to mostly have it under control. If he wishes any harm on Moira, Rani promised to kill him. Despite the tension, they reached an understanding... through honesty, for once. Lying doesn't sit well with either of them.
At the Black & White Inn, Declan returned to find out that Newt and Moira had already gathered information. He promptly erupted at Newt, frustrated that he seems left out of things. What association do you even have with the blood witches? Newt fired back in turn. Newt thinks that Widow is destructive with his emotions and that, honestly, your god abuses you and he's not a fan of letting that happen. When Widow said that he was the only one bearing the burden of Therarask, Newt - baffled - told him to ask the whole party that before promptly leaving. Moira apologized for excluding Widow. Newt needed answers and she thought it best to seek them out. She'll think differently next time. Ghilani asked about Sylvia. Did she make you happy? Did you possibly think that Therarask saw everything as an opportunity? Why didn't they save her if she made you happy?
After the rough conversation, Moira pondered the black and white cookie... it sure was nice when morality and choices were like that. Now everything is just blurry shades of gray. Calibird stepped in, slapping tiny glowing wings onto her cheeks and strongly conveying the sensation that she is doing her best and that's what matters.
While delivery the last round of food, Rani shared some stories of her family and about sand seals with Azrail and he talked about his family and life in turn. After Azrail became a sand seal and Rani donned her mask, the two burrowed for a time until Rani, tiring, stopped. In need of honesty and a hug, Rani received it not from the four she's been traveling with, but from a new friend. She cried herself to sleep.
In the dead of night as the rest of his friends lay sleeping, Ghilani sent an unexpected message... to Volo. Instead of a blood which... how about a Chosen to cement your legacy?
Rumors, Gossip, and News
- New Medical Assistant – Did you hear? Mary ran off with that handsome drow fellow. Quit her job and just left the island entirely! Though her replacement makes up for the loss of the eye candy. He is really quiet though.
- Kartus Brother – The brothers are... off. Kaleb's always an ass, but even the levelheaded Kalé seems obviously on edge. It's probably because Koa was supposedly hassled at the docks last time a shipment came in. They're fewer and further between nowadays.
- Acolytes of Ah'Shal – There's too many of them here. I'd wager they're inviting death onto the island now. Bringing Ah'Shal's vengeance down upon us. The moment that guard turns his back...
- The Dracodile – They put that creature's skull up at the docks for good luck... but it doesn't seem to have done more than serve as a reminder of what else this disease might bring into our waters.
- Missing Professor – Did you hear that Dr. Conway abandoned his classes and scheduled lectures? It's been over two weeks now and I guess he hasn't returned from the "Temple" he supposedly uncovered. Wonder if he just got tired of Dr. Corvinus and the Medical Ward's crap.
Report Date
18 Nov 2022
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
Dysis' Journal Entry
Today, Judas took me on a tour of the city of Fortune. There is no reprieve from the sun – no mountains that restrict the sun's raging heat. There is no place to hide. And the gold! The insufferable gold. I cannot write into words how there is simply too much of it. Even when I am in the few places where the sun’s rays cannot reach me, the gold reflects its light into my eye or scorches the skin of my arm. It is clear to me more than ever that I am a woman of moonlight, of the night breeze, and of the stars. I drift off to the land of dreams and prophecy in the few hours before the sun’s rise. Judas is a creature of the sun, of warmth, and of the light. He is meant to glitter and shine amidst these morning rays. It is too early for him to be so energetic. I find it hard to believe that we were in any way made for one another. He is the sun and I am the moon. He is gold and I silver. He has only ever known what it is like to be served and not to serve, but I have known the pains of servitude. He lives in the moment, which I am envious of for I am constantly plagued by the past, the present, and the future. It is not so simple as he makes it out to be. I long for Caliban’s guidance or Soyolmaa’s presence… for understanding and companionship. Yet, I would be remiss if I did not also write of what I saw in Judas today. He is loved of his people and I can see clear as day why. He does not care for race, appearance, or standing. He smiled at all who approached and greeted them warmly, as if they were each and every one a close or old friend. There was a moment – albeit brief – where I believed he was mortal…For the barest of a moment, I believed we were not so different. Perhaps I shall cease these fruitless comparisons to Caliban, both god and land.Dysis Judas
Sending Adventures
Comments