Session 66
General Summary
To the Library
Once out of the water and safely aboard the ship again, Serene asked about the vial Ghilani had managed to acquire from the Earth Titan. After spending an hour inspecting it, she made not that the mixture within it is certainly peculiar. They will need more, however. Dr. Valdove promised the group that she will handle the politics associated with their success if they have other matters to attend to.
The teleport took the Deep End about 99% of the way to the Library of Carmenthia, appearing on the black, charred lava flats in front of a familiar pillar. After presenting their "library card" to the pillar, the ground parted to reveal a pristine stairwell illuminated by teal lights. The stairs led not to a bridge over lava, but straight to the large black, gray, and white doors. This time, the doors opened without trial or key, and the Deep End returned to the Library of Carmenthia. Ismera was quick to appear to greet them, hugging Ghilani first before acknowledging anyone else. Ghilani has now passed his final test. Carmenthia is out and about, though quite busy, but Ismera is more than happy to ask for her to give them an audience.
Upon Azrail's request, Ismera led them to the tall central chamber where Ismera had previously tried to murder the Deep End and transformed into their draconic form. Their teal scales and stinger-equipped tail contradict the known classification of dragons, but Ismera seems proud of their abnormalities. Though they quickly returned to human form. It is much easier to tend to the books while in this form. They have accidentally - in the past - destroyed book on accident with their claws. Moving further into the library, Dr. Conway is barely noticeable over a mountain of books and texts, fully engrossed in his research. Moving about the room, vanishing into and appearing from puddles of water... is Carmenthia. The Goddess of Knowledge seems more human than last time, though her form is still primarily composed of water and the tendrils tipped in white and greenish-black still extend out from her back to grab books and tuck them back into their place.
The Goddess of Knowledge has also remembered. Who else has remembered? What have they remembered? Carmenthia remembered that she had approved the sealing of that thing beneath her waters so that she might study it. However, she is uncertain if she ever began to study it or if she conveniently forgot about it before she began to study it at all. Some tension arose between Rani and Carmenthia once more, but Carmenthia asserted quickly and sharply that this is her library. However, she did acknowledge the role the Deep End had played in restoring her memories and aiding her people and region – something she has neglected.
When discussing the binding crystals, Carmenthia explained the common groupings within the pantheon. The first is the premier and auxiliary. The gods that oversee the two main cycles – day and night, life and death – are seen as the premier gods: Elis, Caliban, Tel'Rhea, and Ah'Shal. The other gods, however, are relegated to auxiliary status, which seemed to displease the Goddess of Knowledge. When Declan inquired about changing that order and the place of the Mother Goddess, Carmenthia seemed sour. Do you think they put the Mother Goddess in her position? No, she maneuvered herself. Unfortunately, the domain of life pervades all things and permits all others. Declan, however, argued that it is the domains of the auxiliary gods that enrich and fulfill life and that is just as, if not more, important. Carmenthia said he could make that argument to Tel'Rhea if he so wished. The alternative classification involves associations with elements, which is accurate, but simplistic. Caliban, Carmenthia, and Varoona are all Water deities, with Varoona having the most obvious association. Yet Caliban is the God of the Tides and water is believed to have healing properties, a domain that belongs to Carmenthia.
After informing Carmenthia that both Caliban and Therarask had cracked and that the Barrier – near Lark'Hal – had cracked, the Goddess seemed intrigued. Offhandedly, she mused whether or not she herself could or would crack. Regarding the gods, she asked what happened when they cracked. Ghilani mentioned that he had accused Caliban of not doing enough and of being petulant. And that drove him to want to run away. Caliban has always been a bit of a coward, a flaw of his. Rani remarked that Therarask had once been a God of love and devotion but had become obsessive as of late. A rather nasty flaw it seems. Regarding the Barrier, it was created by the pantheon as a collective, but... as she thought about it, Carmenthia could not seem to recall why it was made. It could not have been made without a purpose. That seemed to bother her, but she moved on. The Goddess of knowledge has three theories as to why the Barrier might have cracked, one of which concerns the fractured pantheon. She does not remember much of her fallen brother, but Judas was once the God of Commerce. After instructing them to seek help from Ismera, the Goddess of Knowledge departed to pursue her own research.
Ismera was more than happy to provide assistance! Rani, to prepare for her next temples, researched regions, temples, and gods. Tel'Rhea was not always a matriarchal society, but is currently a theocracy. The House of Life was built atop Tel'Rhea's old temple and while Rani and Moira will have no issues accessing the House of Life, for those who are unable to bare children (mainly men), they are required to do 6 years of service to Tel'Rhea before they can be admitted entry. The old temple of Therarask is located at the base of the volcano beyond the Golden Mist. The island is filled with a vast diversity of people, but it is only the tabaxi who have been imbued with the ability to travel the volatile and always changing Jungle. There are mentions of an old temple and the House of Death in Ah'Shal, but it is hard to tell if these are two locations or one and the same. The House of Death is located in the heart of the city and serves as both morgue and crypt. The city is organized into three classes: workers, enforcers, and overlords. Elis was once a more diverse region, but is now home to avian races. The city itself is said to be the place first touched by the sun. Elis' temple sits on the highest peak, but is only accessible to those who have earned their ceremonial braids.
Preparing for a nice vacation to the island of Therarask, Declan spent some time researching the Golden Mist. In a time long past, there was no Golden Mist and the people of Therarask lived their days in revelry at the base of the volcano alongside the God of Hedonism. But the God of Pleasure suddenly drove their people away, sending a Golden Mist to force them from the volcano. The people who wanted to return to their deity established a settlement on the edge of the Golden Mist: Pleasure Row. Those who have ventured into the mist have been sent back to the location where they entered, told to make something of their hedonism. A priest of Therarask, Eros, was believed to make it to the volcano base by refusing all temptation and staying devoted to their goal. Others have claimed they were guided by a large tiger carrying a red-pink lantern. While reading one of the books, Ismera appeared and closed it, taking it away. You have not done San Futas on Therarask, yes? Then I'm afraid you can't read the rest of this!
Azrail, not familiar with Judas, chose to investigate the dead God. Before the Dread King's War, Judas was the God of Gold, Commerce, Wealth, Trade, Merchants, and Luck. It was said that there was more gold in his city than the entire continent of Dremora combined. Wishing wells were common features and those who made an offering were said to have it returned ten-fold... if their luck was good. Hidden within dense texts was a small additional tidbit of information: Judas was known for supposedly walking amongst his people very often.
Ismera was taken aback by Ghilani's seemingly random, out of nowhere, nuanced question: What happened to any Chosen that turned away from their God? But of course, sometimes you are just struck by these questions! Clearly, there is no ulterior motive or reason besides that it just came to you! There are plenty of texts about bards who left Lark, but it is hard to determine if these were actually Chosen and if it was Lark they were leaving or just the region. There have been those that left or abandoned service and did incur Ire, but many of them simply left the region's of the god or goddess they once served. Although Ismera was committed to help, they seemed to be holding back on something, which became quite apparent when Ismera accidentally gave Ghilani a book on cats amidst what he had asked for. They agreed to exchange secrets. Ghilani settled on telling Ismera how cool Mistress 8's home. After ensuring Ghilani would not share, Ismera revealed that Ah'Shal had a chosen once who she tasked with eradicating all undead and undying... but he collected them instead. Tel'Rhea demanded that he be killed, but... Ah'Shal did not kill him. She sealed him away, supposedly. So, one answer to Ghilani's question is that you become immortal and the antagonist of a Goddess. The only title that survives: Vainheart.
As night fell, Ismera brought the group to mega bed, pre-prepared. When Ismera asked if they were all friends, everyone said yes. Ismera promptly shut the door and shuffled away in a hurry.
Research, Errands, and Super Mega Bed
In the morning, the Deep End awoke to an entire spread of breakfast foods, including smoked and lightly smoggy Ah'Shazza. As Azrail went over what he could and could not say (don't do anything to make Moira be a lab rat and get cut open or something) to High Lady La'Talenna, Carmenthia appeared. She possesses a fragment of what was sealed? Would you like it removed? Then I could study it. Rani quickly reprimanded the Goddess. Is that not what happened previously? And look what happened? Is it not in the nature of experimentation to let this novel symbiosis continue? Carmenthia acquiesced. She did step back and say that, although she had performed unethical experiments in the pursuit of knowledge before, she does not wish harm upon Moira. They all helped her and her people after all.
The topic of antagonists surfaced and when asked who Carmenthia's antagonist was, there was the very audible sound of Ismera dropping a tray and than hastily excusing themselves. Unfazed by Ismera's departure, Carmenthia responded that Ismera is her antagonist. When Ghilani remarked that it was great to see that Carmenthia had such a good relationship with her antagonist, Carmenthia seemed to pause. Ismera has given her years of excellent service and kept immaculate care of her Library... and she has ignored them in turn. Ismera has done well, but she has failed in that regard. Regardless, their relationship proves that antagonists need not be... opposed, per se. The Greatwyrms are Caliban's and Lark was once lovers with his, though now she is kept sated by the Sea of Moving Art. Therarask's antagonist is known as the Euseban and the current one is Artemilla. Their followers are referred to as the Ascetics as they believe that true pleasure can only be found through rigid discipline.
When asked if Tel'Rhea and Ah'Shal were antagonists, Carmenthia quickly dismissed that question as folly. No, the two goddesses – as messy as their whole affair is – are but one point in the same continuum. No, they each have their own antagonist, though the Goddess did not give any information on either. Unfortunately, Tel'Rhea believes herself superior and above the "primitive' notion of an antagonist. Although Carmenthia dislikes Tel'Rhea, there is some knowledge that must be handled delicately.
The Goddess turned to Rani and inquired about the Temples, as she seems to be interested in those. Rani showed the Goddess the map. After looking it over for a moment, Carmenthia noted that the map was not made on the continent... it was not made on this plane for that matter. She believes that it was made by The One, though she knows not why or how it ended up in the Wasteland. Rani then allowed the Goddess to peruse the diary. She noted that it is clearly a symbol of Judas and when Rani supplied Dysis' name, the Goddess seemed to know her: "the woman who crossed the continent". Waving a hand over the entry, it seemed to decode, but the Goddess winced. As she handed it back, she remarked that she will not be able to do that again. The journal is covered in strong magic and it was not meant for her. It was meant for you. Ghilani commented that he could teach her some things. Although seemingly irked by that suggestion, the Goddess permitted it to slide. The Goddess then departed back to her lab to consult with the member and bright minds of her Upper Court.
Back to the grind of research, Rani looked into Executioners, trying to find any who had abandoned their bounty. While Executioners are often bounty hunters – a large overlap in the skillsets required – they are not always inclined to hunt bounties. Executioners are assigned one task and once complete, they have fulfilled their duty to Ah'Shal. There are records of some that died in the process of pursuing their task, others who died of old age or another cause before they could complete it, and a select few that perhaps were struck down by Ah'Shal herself. While perusing the books, Rani noticed familiar names. Angelos has completed his task, killing his two targets and is thus, retired. Volo, however... his tasks seems to be... on hold?
With time to spare, Rani found an old book on children of the gods. Although the section on Judas is incredibly small, he did have a son: Kostas. The lineage ends with Kostas, but his wife's name is also listed: Soyolmaa. Meanwhile, Declan attempted to find information on the Doctor, but was only able to find information on the Purifying Ward. The goal of its operations was to overcome the limits of the soul in order to achieve the next step in the evolutionary line and then perfection. However, most of what was created there was a failure, went mad, or had defects.
Azrail traveled to Eredet with errands from the Deep End and to speak with Lady La'Talenna. It pleased her to hear that Carmenthia herself is taking more direct action and that the plague is already beginning to fade. With that pressure of her shoulders, she can fully engage in the political sphere: her battlefield. As thanks, she gifted Azrail a potion supreme healing, for himself or the group. She may have to call him back to Eredet soon, but for now, there seem to be other, more urgent matters, especially when Azrail informed her that Therarask has cracked. She owes a favor to High Lord Briar and, as one of her closest allies (though not necessarily trustworthy), she needs the changeling to not be distracted by regional affairs. She also requested that Azrail convey that Mary and Rayen have seen the white masks in the slums of Eredet. They are preying on the desperate and destitute.
Shortly after leaving, Ghilani messaged Azrail asking him to ask Lady La'Talenna if she could ask High Lord Delkove to procure some "man passes" for the Deep End to get into the House of Life. Sephira agreed, though seemed very irked at having to speak with Delkova. A few hours later, Azrail was informed that the Deep End will have to pursue an audience with High Lord Delkova, but he is the first husband of the Queen so perhaps he could pull strings.
Ghilani has a "dumb" idea... since he was made what is the arrangement of his internal organs and what not? Rani suggests casting Detect Ovaries if he's really interested in knowing the answer.
Upon Azrail's return with a massive, fried, teal swordfish, Ismera was incredibly excited, almost instantly transforming into a dragon. Before scarfing it down, he gifted Ghilani the sword (the best part according to Ismera) and cut slices for everyone to have. Immediately afterward, Ghilani prepared SUPER megabed.
Flowers, Secrets, and Blood
Ismera was saddened to see the Deep End off, but Ghilani assured him that he would be back – he can come back whenever he wants now! But Ismera doesn't have to stay. He could see the world and all its knowledge. Not fully convinced, but inclined to listen to their best friend Ghilani, Ismera went to consult Carmenthia as they were worried about who could possibly tend to the library in their absence? Carmenthia must have assured the dragon for they returned missing the flowing sleeves, adorned in leathers, and with a travel bag. Although still hesitant to leave and blinded by the sun a bit, they seem excited.
After teleporting the ship to the waters between Tel'Rhea and Therarask, the group teleported to the entrance to Six's orchard. Some of the trees seems to be charred and burned as if struck by lightning and their remains seem to ooze with a necrotic aura. Clearly, someone has been here. Moving inward, Six greeted everyone – including the dragon and mushroom man – welcoming them all back into her home. When asked about the scorched trees and the blue dragonborn, Six was quick to dodge the question as she is prone to do. Rani, as Six was talking, moved off and up the stairs upon mental prompt from Declan. Behind one of the doors she found a familiar boy... Mario, the boy they had turned over to Volo to die... very much not dead. Apparently he never died. Mario told her to go ask Six about it. All he knows is that a deal was struck between Volo, Denarya, and Six. Rani did, in fact, NOT go ask Six. Instead, she walked straight out of Six's orchard and didn't stop until she was submerged in the water. There she sat holding her sending stones.
As Declan continued to push Six on her lack of concern for Volo scorching her doorstep, Six ushered mushroom man out before she procured a knife from her piles upon piles of random items. Home tree is marvelous, yes? She then stabbed it and, instead of sap... blood dripped from the wound. Do you think that Volo is the first bounty hunter the overlords of Ah'Shal have sent after me? He is not the first! Six's grandmother and mother... they are all Six, previous vessels that she has inhabited, but her true form – the core pool of her blood – is home tree. After the Purge, she assured that she would have a fallback. Declan still didn't understand why Six was still asking him to just accept it and step aside. Six mentioned that even if Volo does not kill her, she will wither away as the blood thins. She has lived a long life. What does it matter if she dies by slowly withering away or the swift kiss of an axe to her neck? What right do you have anyway dumb, stupid idiot boy? You have died more in the past year than Six has in the past few centuries! Regardless, sometimes things must come to an end, it is the way of things. And, even if she dies, home tree will still be here. And, as cheesy as it may be, Six will live on in Declan's heart and in all the hearts of those she has helped.
Yet Declan still doesn't think he can just step aside. Volo is just doing this for legacy. Do you treat all of your enemies as if they only exist at the surface? That they do not have emotions or complicated pasts? It is important to empathize. There is more to that than what you believe. Fortunately for you, Volo has a heart – a thing that cannot be said for all bounty hunters. And, perhaps you do not realize it, but you travel with a piece of his heart. Plus, you have other things you must focus on. Why are you worrying about Six when you have things you are avoiding?
Concerned that Rani hadn't returned, Ghilani messaged her. After getting her general location and hearing that she was in no immediate threat, Azrail, Ghilani, and Ismera set out to do something nice for her upon her return. They found a quaint flower shop, Dalliance, run by a woman named Danic, who was willing to do an arrangement if they would deliver some flowers to the guardsmen at the Wall. Ghilani requested a bouquet with a rock in the center, flowers that look like seals, and something that conveys strength, resilience, "we are family", and more. The trio then set out and were met first by the half-elf captain Oriel and the enthusiastic warforged Clay, who was quick to assume they were some kind of threat – insisting they would need to be fully questioned. After being handed a bouquet though, he seemed to back off.
Ghilani located Eden, who, after telling him he had 10 seconds to run, didn't seem to follow as Ghilani promptly moved away. Azrail found Velvet, a druid who seems to attract birds and other animals in the trees. They are watching and listening. In times of trouble, the barren stretch is the wall, raised by druids like them to defend the city.
Neva was pleased to receive her bouquet. She seems aware of Volo's presence, remarking that its most of her entertainment for the moment. When asked about the Warforged (kind of hypocritical there Tel'Rhea), Neva recounted the dramatic and elequently stated tale of the War of Forges and how Nacheevi, as thanks and an apology, gifted Tel'Rhea the Warforged to guard her city.... though many of them have moved on. She also mentioned how this Ghilani fellow isn't liked by the Ladies of Life, but obviously your Gillani.
Returning to Danica, they were gifted with a vase and teleported into the Orchard to avoid the blue dragonborn at its gates.
While beneath the water, the chatter from Rani's swords picked up. Ah, she's moody. No, she's brooding. There's a difference. Rani is struggling with seeing Mario alive - though she is grateful. She had mourned for him and struggled with the decision to selfishly choose herself over the life of another. She is struggling also with how to move forward with Declan, now knowing that he didn't and couldn't trust her with that knowledge. Rani finds some comfort in Varoona's presence, in just doing and not thinking. Suraksha seemed to like that. The two swords shared that no one is perfect. Is Varoona's domain not also growth? Balance is not always an easy thing. Plus, Not-you (Soyolmaa) also abandoned someone. Chose herself over a friend. This boy wasn't even your friend! When Rani asked further, Suraksha seemed to remember another figure and a baby, but Vinaash did not recall the baby. Vinaash did seem to feel the name Kostas was familiar. Rani is happy for a moment to think and collect herself where no one can see her cry. Vinaash is pleased with the thinking part.
Rani messaged Ezra. She keeps the memory of the top of the Coliseum in her mind and it warms Ezra to know that. There's always more work to be done. After stopping in a pond to bathe, Rani took a moment to dance with some wandering nymphs and dryads before returning to the Orchard.
Report Date
06 Jan 2023
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Carmenthia's Theories
- The Dread King's presence – especially if they are an antagonist of The One – may have caused the Barrier to crack.
- A member of the pantheon did it, possibly Tel'Rhea (if petty enough), Ah'Shal (if tired enough), and Elis (she's wanted to leave for centuries now).
- The Barrier was made when the pantheon was whole – a reflection of The One and the collective whole – but the pantheon has not been whole.
Dysis' Journal
Ro'Theron 1002 YAR I realize it has been two years since I have written here. Once the chaos of my arrival had abated, I felt more at peace, less torn by emotions and visions. Soyolmaa’s frequent visits, tending to my apiary, and walks with Judas have all been blessings upon my new life here. But the urge to write of today’s events, however, struck me quite forcefully and I tore my room apart searching for this.
Today, I was named High Priestess of Judas. Yet, although I am honored to serve in such a position again, it is not the true reason I wish to write.
Today… was the day. Soyolmaa and Kostas were married. It is the first Bhediya wedding to occur in our halls and Judas, to the surprise of no one, spared no expense in the wedding for his son. Despite the splendor of the affair, it shall serve as not only a union of two people, but of two cultures and both of our future. I hope that this event will mark a long friendship between the Ladies of Luck and the Bhediya people. Until today, I had kept Matron Seven’s swords so carefully tucked away that I had forgotten what they looked like.
I called them Suraksha and Vinaash. Though it was not I who named them. Still, even as I grow in my mastery over my prophetic skills, they still remain cryptic it seems.
Yet it is wrong of me to complain so, for the visions have blessed me. Soyolmaa and Kostas’ line shall extend beyond the millennium. I see countless faces: daughters and sons alike.
My only concern is that I do not feel the red soil of Judas in these visions. Sometimes I feel rocky ground beneath my feet… or the sand between my toes.
Danica
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