Session 69 – Nice
General Summary
Vows, Promises, & Apologies
Therarask opened the "dance" by "evening the playing field", duplicating themselves and surrounding the group. Rani, in response, began a prayer chain, inviting the gods and goddesses she had met (even, sigh, Carmenthia) to come and aid their sibling. Moira joined the prayer immediately after, but she received a response from within... I can help.
Slamming his sword into the ground, Declan attempted to reason with Therarask and talk them out of this unwanted affair. Stop this now. This isn't what I want... and this isn't the Therarask I know. It's certainly not he Therarask I love. Although they seemed to take note of the words, Therarask did not heed Declan's pleas. Ghilani powered up, but did listen to Declan and didn't move to attack any of the 6 Therarasks around them. In his mind, Primus spoke: So this is that rule... hm.
Therarask, displeased with the aversion to their dance – and after such a KIND invitation – moved in quickly, landing several attacks on Rani, Ghilani, Rodric, and Azrail, commanding Ghilani to fall prone. Shifting their image, Therarask then enticed Ghilani, Moira, and Rani with images of beauty and what they found the most attractive. The two duplicates of Therarask near Ghilani suddenly sported some mighty fine horns – seems that's Ghilani's thing. Moira saw a buff bird with mischief in its eyes. Just a coincidence that it looks vaguely like Thanatos right? And Rani saw the image of Ezra... and all three of them were stunned.
Declan asked for Thera once more to relent. Do you want to fashion yourself like my father? Do you want to make me mother? Where did the warmth go? This isn't love, Thera. Declan asked the others to leave and Rodric agreed. After growing in size, he quickly moved to pick up Ghilani, Moira, and Rani, taking multiple strikes from the cracked god. Shortly thereafter, Rani became unstunned and wiggled out of Rodric's grasp in... the exact spot she had been in previously. She focused on the faint music within her mind – a familiar melody from a singer in Lark'Hal. Perhaps there is another dance that they can pursue. The voice of Primus echoed in Ghilani's mind. You care about your friends, do you not? Declare that. When Ghilani did just so, promising to keep "Decky" safe – a gift to the God who grieved for the blood witches – Therarask did seem to pause.
Moira extended a hand, eyes black and black veins expanding across her face, and placed it on Rani. There was a brief moment of "oh no, what have I agreed to" before both of Rani's exhaustion levels seemed to be pulled right out of her. And the Dread King then fell silent. Help given. Rodric saw no reason to run away from Therarask and the god took the opportunity to pry. You do not intend direct harm... but indirect harm? oh, now THAT is interesting. Quickly surrounding Rodric, the god struck, landing a series of blows.
Declan promised that although they have to fight their own battles, they will ALWAYS come back. Have they not done that so far? Moira declared that they have all died (or at least all ALMOST died) for this and they have ensured they all came back. Controlled by Therarask and forced to strike into Rodric, Rani emphasized the vows to her family. Therarask may have experienced pain, but Rani remembers how her mother almost died in childbirth. How she loved her sister upon holding her. How her family means everything to her. And despite all that Rani vowed to place Declan above that. The culmination of the vows suddenly openly voiced to the God of Devotion caused them to stop. Declan reassured Therarask, grasping their face. They will ALWAYS come back. The Sanctum is their home.
Therarask collapsed, golden tears streaming down their face. Rushing to them, Declan held them as they lamented: a curse disguised as a blessing. What would I be but a broken half without you? Wiping the tears from their face, the cracks slowly closed... leaving golden scars behind. The gold faded from their eyes, leaving familiar pink irises.
Still on the ground, Declan spoke of Sylvia. About how she had loved Therarask and how she had taught him to love again. How it was her that ultimately led him to Therarask. The saddened, but still dramatic god then blurted out that they had denied her. In their vindictive jealousy for stealing even an iota of his time... Therarask denied her, letting her be adrift in the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. When Declan asked about getting her back and giving her the afterlife she clearly deserved, Therarask said they would do it if Declan wished, but Ah'Shal holds the key to the Unclaimed Sea. They acknowledged that they are both jealous and selfish... but they can work on it.
Helped to their feet by Declan, Therarask addressed the group, regaining a bit of their more dramatic, boisterous tone. For what it is worth, my apologies and gratitude. Enjoy the Sanctum, relax or revel in the delights here. Therarask then dismissed themselves – they have a very important apology to make. Ghilani almost immediately went onto Therarask's throne – what are those people carved onto the throne doing? Lucille arrived a moment later, pleased to be free of the thorny vines and back in the Sanctum. She thanked everyone for their mercy and for forcing a degree of acknowledgement of what she recognized was wrong. Regardless, drugs, drinks, other pleasures? Declan thanked Lucille, giving her a hug, and offering her some bread. He heard she liked breakfast and peacocks. She does, yes. After directing Azrail and Rodric to a place to get drinks, she led Ghilani, Moira, and Rani through the Jungle. The map does seem to have expanded.
Moira, to no one's surprise, partook in drugs as they relaxed in the hot springs. Meanwhile, Therarask returned to Declan, who, upon receiving some criticism about his weapon, remarked that Therarask certainly hadn't given him one. Oh? Therarask pulled the sword out of the rock with ease before waving a hand over it. You met Rosamel, yes? Well, you can call him instead of that... elemental, if you wish. I am quite fond of Rosamel so I hope that this shows my trust... and faith in you. Though, please, I am going to be an absolute bitch about all of this. Now, dungeon or bedroom? To chase or be chased?
In the morning, Therarask returned with Declan, reuniting with the rest of the group for a spread of breakfast prepared by Lucille. Upon the God of Pleasure's arrival, Ghilani attempted to puff up and look intimidating, declaring that "Talk is cheap". He then told Therarask to bring it in, to which Therarask did. Does this mean I don't need to give you an apology gift? Nah, you should still totally give a gift! And so, after admitting that GHilani has proven to be a strong caster, they offered a white rose. May each petal take the hue of someone who loves you. May it help you find what you seek. And Primus and I were once friends... perhaps we could be again. Ghilani let Primus know that Therarask wanted to hang out.
To Rani, you have proven that you stand on nearly even ground with the God of Devotion. I can see the true devotion to your family and yet you chose not to abandon my Beloved and your friends. There is not enough gratitude that I can express. However, I have followers in Lark'Hal, I will do what I can to ensure your families safety and because I am such a fan of your budding romance, I will expand your bond with him – if you wish it. Rani accepted the gifts and remarked that, she's in the habit of scolding gods, but Therarask isn't her responsibility.
Although they think Moira should put herself out there (what is the point of a checklist if you never act on it), they offered her an array of spices... for whenever she chooses to become a chef in true. And finally, to Azrail. You saved my Beloved once... they offered a golden mushroom. For you to have the courage to ask what you desire. Oh, a talking tree? How peculiar! I'm not sure what you mean! I'll look into it though!
Therarask turned on Rodric. If any harm befalls this group, my Beloved most of all... while I may not be able to leave and travel across the continent, my reach is far. There are those devoted to me who will hunt you down and ill you. Your balls would make an excellent decoration to my Sanctum. Rodric, however, expressed a desire to lie to Ironborn - or at least perhaps misdirect him slightly. To assist, Therarask offered to enchant a piece of paper upon which they could grant their message.
Asking about Newt's siblings, Therarask remarked that Executioners have been here and Chain is certainly one of Newt's siblings. There is another, a woman named Zetla. They believe she can be found in Dragon's Den. Preparing to depart, Declan chose to stay another day with Therarask, who offered to show them their new wardrobe after informing them of white masks on their island. When you do go there, perhaps you should speak with... ugh, Artemilla. They may be of assistance. Their rage, perhaps, was misguided... and perhaps another target is more suitable. I will help you in true... but for now...
Slamming his sword into the ground, Declan attempted to reason with Therarask and talk them out of this unwanted affair. Stop this now. This isn't what I want... and this isn't the Therarask I know. It's certainly not he Therarask I love. Although they seemed to take note of the words, Therarask did not heed Declan's pleas. Ghilani powered up, but did listen to Declan and didn't move to attack any of the 6 Therarasks around them. In his mind, Primus spoke: So this is that rule... hm.
Therarask, displeased with the aversion to their dance – and after such a KIND invitation – moved in quickly, landing several attacks on Rani, Ghilani, Rodric, and Azrail, commanding Ghilani to fall prone. Shifting their image, Therarask then enticed Ghilani, Moira, and Rani with images of beauty and what they found the most attractive. The two duplicates of Therarask near Ghilani suddenly sported some mighty fine horns – seems that's Ghilani's thing. Moira saw a buff bird with mischief in its eyes. Just a coincidence that it looks vaguely like Thanatos right? And Rani saw the image of Ezra... and all three of them were stunned.
Declan asked for Thera once more to relent. Do you want to fashion yourself like my father? Do you want to make me mother? Where did the warmth go? This isn't love, Thera. Declan asked the others to leave and Rodric agreed. After growing in size, he quickly moved to pick up Ghilani, Moira, and Rani, taking multiple strikes from the cracked god. Shortly thereafter, Rani became unstunned and wiggled out of Rodric's grasp in... the exact spot she had been in previously. She focused on the faint music within her mind – a familiar melody from a singer in Lark'Hal. Perhaps there is another dance that they can pursue. The voice of Primus echoed in Ghilani's mind. You care about your friends, do you not? Declare that. When Ghilani did just so, promising to keep "Decky" safe – a gift to the God who grieved for the blood witches – Therarask did seem to pause.
Moira extended a hand, eyes black and black veins expanding across her face, and placed it on Rani. There was a brief moment of "oh no, what have I agreed to" before both of Rani's exhaustion levels seemed to be pulled right out of her. And the Dread King then fell silent. Help given. Rodric saw no reason to run away from Therarask and the god took the opportunity to pry. You do not intend direct harm... but indirect harm? oh, now THAT is interesting. Quickly surrounding Rodric, the god struck, landing a series of blows.
Declan promised that although they have to fight their own battles, they will ALWAYS come back. Have they not done that so far? Moira declared that they have all died (or at least all ALMOST died) for this and they have ensured they all came back. Controlled by Therarask and forced to strike into Rodric, Rani emphasized the vows to her family. Therarask may have experienced pain, but Rani remembers how her mother almost died in childbirth. How she loved her sister upon holding her. How her family means everything to her. And despite all that Rani vowed to place Declan above that. The culmination of the vows suddenly openly voiced to the God of Devotion caused them to stop. Declan reassured Therarask, grasping their face. They will ALWAYS come back. The Sanctum is their home.
Therarask collapsed, golden tears streaming down their face. Rushing to them, Declan held them as they lamented: a curse disguised as a blessing. What would I be but a broken half without you? Wiping the tears from their face, the cracks slowly closed... leaving golden scars behind. The gold faded from their eyes, leaving familiar pink irises.
Still on the ground, Declan spoke of Sylvia. About how she had loved Therarask and how she had taught him to love again. How it was her that ultimately led him to Therarask. The saddened, but still dramatic god then blurted out that they had denied her. In their vindictive jealousy for stealing even an iota of his time... Therarask denied her, letting her be adrift in the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. When Declan asked about getting her back and giving her the afterlife she clearly deserved, Therarask said they would do it if Declan wished, but Ah'Shal holds the key to the Unclaimed Sea. They acknowledged that they are both jealous and selfish... but they can work on it.
Helped to their feet by Declan, Therarask addressed the group, regaining a bit of their more dramatic, boisterous tone. For what it is worth, my apologies and gratitude. Enjoy the Sanctum, relax or revel in the delights here. Therarask then dismissed themselves – they have a very important apology to make. Ghilani almost immediately went onto Therarask's throne – what are those people carved onto the throne doing? Lucille arrived a moment later, pleased to be free of the thorny vines and back in the Sanctum. She thanked everyone for their mercy and for forcing a degree of acknowledgement of what she recognized was wrong. Regardless, drugs, drinks, other pleasures? Declan thanked Lucille, giving her a hug, and offering her some bread. He heard she liked breakfast and peacocks. She does, yes. After directing Azrail and Rodric to a place to get drinks, she led Ghilani, Moira, and Rani through the Jungle. The map does seem to have expanded.
Moira, to no one's surprise, partook in drugs as they relaxed in the hot springs. Meanwhile, Therarask returned to Declan, who, upon receiving some criticism about his weapon, remarked that Therarask certainly hadn't given him one. Oh? Therarask pulled the sword out of the rock with ease before waving a hand over it. You met Rosamel, yes? Well, you can call him instead of that... elemental, if you wish. I am quite fond of Rosamel so I hope that this shows my trust... and faith in you. Though, please, I am going to be an absolute bitch about all of this. Now, dungeon or bedroom? To chase or be chased?
In the morning, Therarask returned with Declan, reuniting with the rest of the group for a spread of breakfast prepared by Lucille. Upon the God of Pleasure's arrival, Ghilani attempted to puff up and look intimidating, declaring that "Talk is cheap". He then told Therarask to bring it in, to which Therarask did. Does this mean I don't need to give you an apology gift? Nah, you should still totally give a gift! And so, after admitting that GHilani has proven to be a strong caster, they offered a white rose. May each petal take the hue of someone who loves you. May it help you find what you seek. And Primus and I were once friends... perhaps we could be again. Ghilani let Primus know that Therarask wanted to hang out.
To Rani, you have proven that you stand on nearly even ground with the God of Devotion. I can see the true devotion to your family and yet you chose not to abandon my Beloved and your friends. There is not enough gratitude that I can express. However, I have followers in Lark'Hal, I will do what I can to ensure your families safety and because I am such a fan of your budding romance, I will expand your bond with him – if you wish it. Rani accepted the gifts and remarked that, she's in the habit of scolding gods, but Therarask isn't her responsibility.
Although they think Moira should put herself out there (what is the point of a checklist if you never act on it), they offered her an array of spices... for whenever she chooses to become a chef in true. And finally, to Azrail. You saved my Beloved once... they offered a golden mushroom. For you to have the courage to ask what you desire. Oh, a talking tree? How peculiar! I'm not sure what you mean! I'll look into it though!
Therarask turned on Rodric. If any harm befalls this group, my Beloved most of all... while I may not be able to leave and travel across the continent, my reach is far. There are those devoted to me who will hunt you down and ill you. Your balls would make an excellent decoration to my Sanctum. Rodric, however, expressed a desire to lie to Ironborn - or at least perhaps misdirect him slightly. To assist, Therarask offered to enchant a piece of paper upon which they could grant their message.
Asking about Newt's siblings, Therarask remarked that Executioners have been here and Chain is certainly one of Newt's siblings. There is another, a woman named Zetla. They believe she can be found in Dragon's Den. Preparing to depart, Declan chose to stay another day with Therarask, who offered to show them their new wardrobe after informing them of white masks on their island. When you do go there, perhaps you should speak with... ugh, Artemilla. They may be of assistance. Their rage, perhaps, was misguided... and perhaps another target is more suitable. I will help you in true... but for now...
Return to Pleasure Row
Most of the group arrived back on Pleasure Row. Ghilani immediately received a message from Serene: return to Eredet when you can. My father is doing damage control. You were chosen to represent the Council... and Ironborn arrived in quite the flurry to announce that one of your members has left? At the same time, Azrail received a message from Lady La'Talenna. She is taking advantage of Ironborn's return to Eredet to slip out to Carmenthia. Your return orders have been issues.
Eventually, Ghilani chose to go to Haven to find Ismera instead of waiting for them as they had requested. It seems Ismera REALLY knows how to tie knots and they MAY know from things beyond just books. Ghilani was VERY insightful for a moment. But perhaps we should do drugs? That would be fun! Meanwhile, the others made their way directly to Dragon's Den. Azrail purchased a dose of the Elixer of Fantasy and was out for an hour, cradled by an escort and then Rodric. Rani located a Yuan-Ti woman missing an arm after chugging some Liquid Courage. She seemed quite shy and confused as to why Rani wished to speak to her. The nearby patrons seemed to take note, keeping covert eyes on Rani. Zetla did eventually agree, though it would have to be her lunch break. Ismera and Ghilani arrived right as Rani was quickly slipping out the door.
At Ezra's parent's house, Rani found Lady Vi'Har in an office/wardrobe seemingly perplexed on what to wear. Rani apologized to her for not slowing down and announcing their arrival. She should have done that for someone who she hopes will one day be family. Lady Vi'Har was pleased with the apology, though she certainly won't apologize for her displeasure. And so Rani won't apologize for this: a big hug... to which Lady Vi'Har returned. Now, if you wish to start proving yourself a good daughter, perhaps you'll help me pick my outfit?
Ismera recommended a dose of Rose Dew... and both failed the save, becoming relaxed and charmed by the other. They sat for a little over two hours. Ghilani thinks Ismera has nice horns. Ismera thinks Ghilani is perfect just the way he is. Returning from Ezra's parents house... Rani forgot. Though she feels like she was supposed to do something important? Moira reminded her about her lunch meeting. Zetla assured her that she is quite safe here, but promised to reach out to Newt tomorrow. She seemed somewhat interested in her father.
Meanwhile, Therarask reintroduces Declan to Tayanna who – depending on what rules you subscribe to – is by magic definition their daughter. Afterwards, Therarask – disguised as a tiefling but with scars still prevalent – moved through the Temple... until Declan asked if they wished to take the Rites of Devotion? is it odd if Therarask takes their own rites?
The rest of the Deep End began crafting their message to Ironborn, while Ghilani read the journal with Ismera. The rose did take a teal hue, a mixture of platonic and romantic love...
Eventually, Ghilani chose to go to Haven to find Ismera instead of waiting for them as they had requested. It seems Ismera REALLY knows how to tie knots and they MAY know from things beyond just books. Ghilani was VERY insightful for a moment. But perhaps we should do drugs? That would be fun! Meanwhile, the others made their way directly to Dragon's Den. Azrail purchased a dose of the Elixer of Fantasy and was out for an hour, cradled by an escort and then Rodric. Rani located a Yuan-Ti woman missing an arm after chugging some Liquid Courage. She seemed quite shy and confused as to why Rani wished to speak to her. The nearby patrons seemed to take note, keeping covert eyes on Rani. Zetla did eventually agree, though it would have to be her lunch break. Ismera and Ghilani arrived right as Rani was quickly slipping out the door.
At Ezra's parent's house, Rani found Lady Vi'Har in an office/wardrobe seemingly perplexed on what to wear. Rani apologized to her for not slowing down and announcing their arrival. She should have done that for someone who she hopes will one day be family. Lady Vi'Har was pleased with the apology, though she certainly won't apologize for her displeasure. And so Rani won't apologize for this: a big hug... to which Lady Vi'Har returned. Now, if you wish to start proving yourself a good daughter, perhaps you'll help me pick my outfit?
Ismera recommended a dose of Rose Dew... and both failed the save, becoming relaxed and charmed by the other. They sat for a little over two hours. Ghilani thinks Ismera has nice horns. Ismera thinks Ghilani is perfect just the way he is. Returning from Ezra's parents house... Rani forgot. Though she feels like she was supposed to do something important? Moira reminded her about her lunch meeting. Zetla assured her that she is quite safe here, but promised to reach out to Newt tomorrow. She seemed somewhat interested in her father.
Meanwhile, Therarask reintroduces Declan to Tayanna who – depending on what rules you subscribe to – is by magic definition their daughter. Afterwards, Therarask – disguised as a tiefling but with scars still prevalent – moved through the Temple... until Declan asked if they wished to take the Rites of Devotion? is it odd if Therarask takes their own rites?
The rest of the Deep End began crafting their message to Ironborn, while Ghilani read the journal with Ismera. The rose did take a teal hue, a mixture of platonic and romantic love...
Report Date
27 Jan 2023
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Moira
Standing amidst swirling strands of black and violet, you feel the cold air settle around you, though it doesn't seem to bother you as much as before. Seemingly waiting for you, the dark silhouette of the Dread King's form stands, violet eyes fixed squarely on you.
You... trusted me today, but... you chose to suppress me beneath the waves... Do you fear me? Do you... not trust me?Unmoving, the Dread King stands, observing... scrutinizing. After baring the weight of its star for what feels like hours, its gaze turn upwards.
Your... "God" of Fate. I... I felt what he felt. It is... foreign yet familiar.
One of its hands, raises from the swirling mass to delicately rest over where you would suspect a normal humanoid would have a heart. For a moment, its violet eyes close… but they reopen and its hand falls away.
The Dread King extends a hand to you, swirling eyes fixed upon you once more.
I would like... to speak with your God of Fate... This Caliban. Maybe now it might be... possible. I... realize I have not been... grateful? That is the correct... sentiment.
Rani
You sit, perhaps meditating or perhaps simply relaxing, entertained by the swarms that dance around you. Beneath you and extended out in front of you is a harsh line that divides red rock to the left and sand to the right. Across your vision the swarms dance and meld together until they become dancing arrays of colors: gold, orange… purple, black, white.
The swirling colors intensify before reverting back to the swarm, the buzzing loud and intense. The ground upon which you sit begins to shake and rumble. The red rock cracks and breaks away and the sand begins to drain and vanish. Whispers emerge at the edge of your senses amidst the incessant buzzing – gibberish… or perhaps words?
The swarm ascends, bringing you with them… and then the swarm is gone… scattered like stars as you now float amidst the night sky. Amidst the cosmos. Beneath you, the world stretches and you can easily pick out the desert of your homeland… yet your weapons, larger than life, rest poised to strike… to slice through the glowing Barrier to destroy the continent within.
The gibberish begins to sound more and more like words, though their meaning still just outside of your grasp. The map appears to your left, glowing brilliantly. It beckons you, pulls you. But a cold sensation is quick to rise and raise the hair on your neck, digging deep within you to pull you to your right.
The tug-of-war does not pull on your joints, but on something within you: the core of your very being. The opposing pressure becomes almost unbearable... and then it just stops.
A line emerges directly ahead of you. At the end of it is a silhouette flanked by silver, gold, orange, purple, white, black... fluctuating colors.
The gibberish begins to sound more and more like words, though their meaning still just outside of your grasp. The map appears to your left, glowing brilliantly. It beckons you, pulls you. But a cold sensation is quick to rise and raise the hair on your neck, digging deep within you to pull you to your right.
The tug-of-war does not pull on your joints, but on something within you: the core of your very being. The opposing pressure becomes almost unbearable... and then it just stops.
A line emerges directly ahead of you. At the end of it is a silhouette flanked by silver, gold, orange, purple, white, black... fluctuating colors.
Forward. One step at a time.
Ghilani
If the smell of iron wasn’t immediately present in the air, you’d think you were standing knee deep in water… but when your vision clears it’s all crimson red. The rolling waves of thick blood extend far beyond your reach and vision. After a moment of silence, multiple figures emerge from the blood, standing inert yet at the ready. Although you do not see Primus, they speak.Once my power was greatYou feel a force raising your arm. From the sea around you, familiar threads of blood drift upward at your command.
And perhaps it could be again.Your hand snaps forward hand closing sharply into a fist. The threads move forward digging into the form of one of the creatures in front of you. Your other hand raises and the threads fly out towards another creature. Like the push and pull of the tides, as you push and pull on the threads – invisible yet tangible – the creature move… like puppets on strings. And then they all collapse, fading into the crimson sea.
From blood you may draw further strength, Ghilani. But know that so long as my blood remains thin and withered... it is not without sacrifice.
Declan
The Coliseum looms over you. Kneeling amidst the sand, silt and dirt, you hear no crowd. The statues still stand at the top, but there are no people in the stands in front of you. And as you take in the Coliseum… it is not quite right. Only a sliver of the Coliseum is as you remember it, with the statue of Ragna towering above it.
The rest has been… overrun. One sliver has been consumed by vines and forest, the statue of a white stag positioned at the top. Water cascades from a giant shell that has latched onto another sliver, a statue of a merfolk woman reclined within. In another sliver, the stands of the Coliseum have been replaced with rows and rows of books with the statue of a water-like form wandering amidst them. A temple painted like the night sky makes up the next portion with a statue of a familiar khalashtar man beneath a sloped roof. And the last and final sliver has been shrouded in mist and overgrown by Jungle, the form of Therarask that you are familiar with captured in marble.
You get the sensation that you are not alone. In front of you, perhaps an unexpected face: Cheveyo.
The pantheon of this continent possesses power, and holds sway over all of our beings in some way.
Cheveyo pauses to take a breath before he stands, drawing both glaive and mask from the dirt. With the mask fixed on his face, his eyes seem to glow and the glaive seems to reverberate with energy. The ground begins to rumble and shake, cracking as water and lava spurts up from within. The walls of the Coliseum begin to crumble and cave, collapsing in on themselves… to reveal the beautiful landscape beyond.
Yet perhaps you know now that power and strength also come from within. Do not allow others to define your barriers for you. Your charge may be your own, but you will not be alone.
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