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Session 72

General Summary

The Justification of Academic Theft

  Declan returned to a familiar golden platform with Therarask reclining in their normal position on the couch, swirling a glass of wine in one hand. Would you like the good, the bad, or the uncomfortable news first, Thera? Well, the bad news IS the uncomfortable news and... hey, you're getting a therapist! Ta-Da! Therarask took a moment to process, banishing the wine away. Do you know how they are going to do therapy? They are going to make me sit and start at a wall for an hour! So boring! Declan reminded Thera that they promised to try and so, reluctantly, Therarask acquiesced. Though they did mutter that they are certainly going to make Artemilla's travels easy.  
 
The good news is that Declan now knows what type of bloodhunter he wants to be. Why can't he be both? Why does he have to choose between Thera and Six? Thera made a bit of a fact at that. Can you blame them? If they have a mother, they certainly don't remember what it feels like... so their first instinct is to think competition. Come now, they are going to be selfish. Declan then mentioned that they had picked up Newt. Oh, you did? Well, speaking of, I did manage to speak to Ah'Shal. Therarask explained that Declan is endearingly stupid, but what Newt did was... I mean, piss off Therarask and you have bad sex for the rest of your life (which can you imagine?). Truly appalling, but at least you have your life! Now, to knowingly return to and pester a holy place of the Goddess who despises you... oh she was very much thinking of killing him. Someone called her off, it seems.  
  In the morning, the Deep End moved downstairs to find Rayen and one of Romello's old consorts, Israfel, conversing. After a discussion of who has the better calves was had, the two informed the group that they will be moving out into the city to gather information and keep watchful eyes and ears out for the "white masks". While the Deep End conversed, both of them slipped out.  
  Passing through a secret door, the Deep End found Octavion perched over the bodies of one of the white masks, while Serene seemed in a focused, magical trance of sorts. Mary sat, leaned back and comfortable, against one of the walls nearby and Leon appeared to be observing. Upon entering, Leon greeted the group. Is there anything else you can tell me? Anything else I should know? I will do what I can to uncover this. Leon mentioned that he agrees with Mary's assumption that Eredet is a suitable place to look, though he suspects Nacheevi, perhaps Ah'Shal, and even Lark'Hal would also meet the criteria needed to support The Doctor's operation. When Declan mentioned their presence in Elios, Leon waved it off. Yes, he is aware, but his priority and concern is to cut the head off directly.  
  Soon after, Dr. Valdove snapped out of her trance, falling forward, but managing to catch herself. She seems incredibly tired – a bad trend. Moira noted that, as Dr. Valdove joined the conversation, she seemed a bit skittish and on edge, eyes darting to Leon frequently. The new High Lord, however, quickly gathered Octavion and Mary and left the room. Afterward, Rani inquired whether she should have told Leon to come here or not. Dr. Valdove simply sighed and mentioned that every now and then she just has a gut feeling... but she's been wrong before. Its simply that she does not know him, but, to be fair, she works with her father and their relationship is strained, at best. At the end of the day, she trusts the Deep End. When she asked how they would like to move forward with the White Masks, given her limited progress, she offered to disintegrate them – clean removal.  
  Ghilani then asked when Dr. Valdove had last slept and she quickly got defensive – she trances, Ghilani. We are both elves remember? She seemed very alarmed that someone has the spell to move someone... there was a time where she experimented with such magic and there is such a spell in her very own spell book. However, it seemed wrong to abduct people so she has never used it. How long ago would you have studied at the University? Declan offered a hundred years to which Serene promptly replied: I'm only 83. But there's a reason she keeps her spell book locked. She doesn't believe anyone would have accessed it, but there are many she has collaborated with during her time at the University – it is the way of academic even if cutthroat. She wouldn't be surprised if someone else developed such magic. She will try and think on it further... after her pinky promised 4 hours of trancing.  
  After Ghilani kicked everyone out, saying that the "wizards need to talk", Dr. Valdove mentioned that even though she can't go with them and Dr. Khalil has obligations at LIMA, she believes Ghilani is fully capable. The crystals have a unique resonance to them and the vials seem similar. If used, she believes it may help break the crystals. She made some modifications to Ghilani's dispel magic in his spell book. He then asked if it was possible to tell if someone had cast magic to move people – if it lingered in the area. She responded that it's feasible. If you wish to learn how to develop your own spells, Serene expressed a willingness to teach him, though it would take some time to learn.  
  Rani inquired about Professor Dunebrook. Have you heard anything recently? Dr. Valdove mentioned that there was a malfunction in the Wasteland but someone by the name of Tatya was able to guide them back. Prof Dunebrook is making a push for the City of Fortune and is making modifications to her device to be able to do so. Dr. Valdove was also so very happy to hear about Rani correctly understanding how pass without trace works. My students never seem to fully grasp it! Making use of the very same spell, Rani moved through the District of Judas. If there are remnants of what it once was, they have long been buried underneath rubble and ruin. There doesn't appear to be any white masks out and about.  
  Meanwhile, the children – supervised by Declan – traveled to the observatory to find thousands of floating lenses. Dr. Chord mentioned that the Barrier has changed slightly, but the change in the readings is practically negligible. Newt gathered a bunch of lenses beneath his wings and Declan did the same with his jacket in an attempt to keep track of which lenses they had looked at and which ones they had not. Rani arrived and, after a bit more searching, found a lens that seemed clear, but shifted to resemble a peacock feather when she grabbed it. The swords almost immediately perked up! Oh, that's important! You have no idea what you're talking about. But I can tell it's important! Looking through the magnifying glass, it is clearly magical and feels... otherworldly. Looking through it, the problem of Newt and Declan on her mind... it provided her with an objective solution: communication with respect and understanding.  
  Moira then cast Legend Lore on it. The lens was clearly not made here. Legend holds that the last Grand Priest to speak to The One – Ihyesult – returned and gifted four tokens to his Council of Eredet. This lens is but one of four and may hold the key to unlocking the Temple of The One. Declan and Newt then released all their lenses, allowing Rani a distraction to pocket Fema's lens.  
  The Elian floor in the Tower Citadel is decorated with paintings and murals very different from the District of Elios. One painting depicts a young aarakocra. As they age, they gain a braid until they have earned multiple, soaring towards the sun. Pekk is pleased that they have already succeeded, but did seem quite skeptical about the lens having any greater purpose with a Temple. After revealing the map, he understands their desire to travel to Elios a bit more. Should you succeed in helping the people of Elios, he sees no reason why it could not be loaned back.  
  Apparently, it is custom to say Ah'Shal VERY QUIETLY, as if a secret. Newt sent to Volo to warn him about someone taking a shot at him. Volo seems rightfully unconcerned.  
  The Deep End then purchased lanterns to participate in the Festival. Rani purchased a Lark lantern, but imbued it with extra gold. Moira purchased a Caliban one with the image of a bird and enchanted to shoot stars as it lifted into the air. Declan purchased a Therarask one with additional rose petals. Newt stuck out on a limb and went ahead with the Ah'Shal one. Ghilani found one that was all red and said good enough. With a city as large as Eredet, the entire sky was consumed by the colorful lights of the lanterns as people sent their offerings and pleas to the Goddess of Healing.  
  Declan revisited the golden platform. How lovely to see you again so soon! They conversed and Declan asked why Therarask hadn't asked many questions. Well, they were trying to be helpful, but have you thought about how you are going to convince Ah'Shal to give back a soul from the Sea of Unclaimed Souls? Perhaps that is something to consider. Declan mentioned something about... Dionysus? Oh, sorry, Dysis? The name sounds familiar... once a Beloved of Judas. Declan seems convinced that its important to find out who despised her.  
  After trancing, Ghilani began working on the journal in the morning. When everyone awoke, Rani thought about the new language she suddenly feels she knows – it came to me in a dream. Writing it down and casting comprehend languages, both Newt and Ghilani found themselves stunned, mind going blank. In the back of Moira's mind, her little buddy-parasite-pal seemed to understand what Rani was saying... she is just saying hello. Mind if I take over? Oh, I don't know-SURE WHY NOT. Her decisions may be unpredictable, but her process is the same. Moira's eyes went black and her veins blackened. In the language, Rani and the Dread King conversed. It is a language of the stars... of beyond... it is familiar, though old and distant. It remarked that Rani seems familiar as it gazed at her. Holding out her swords, it held them, perplexed, but seemingly unable to draw any meaningful conclusions. Maybe in time. It then returned control to Moira.  
  Newt sent a warning to his mother – someone may be swinging by to kill you! Shall we head to Ah'Shal?

 

A Day in the City of Smog

 
The smog is thick upon arrival. Standing at the edge of a bowl in the ground, there is one figure who stands out from the rest as the thick smog and ash does not seem to tarnish his attire. Dr. Cyrus Underbrink is the associate of the Overlords, Steelwind, and Ironborn. He is here to assist, so where to? We both have a vested interest in seeing situations resolved. As they exchanged pleasantries and introductions, a beautiful, fiery-haired woman appeared across the bowl, grinning as she hooked a five-stringed whip into her belt. She vanished into one of the establishments below.  
  Heading down to look at the bounty board, there are a handful of odd or notable bounties scattered amidst the myriad of return bounties for runaway workers. It seems there is also some blood scattered around near the stone slab.  
  Heading into Five Overlords to find a semi-private place to speak, a hulking tabaxi-like figure was chowing down – rather violently – on some Ah'Shazza. Finding a secluded table, the Deep End ordered two pies and discussed business (somewhat) with their new associate who very quickly seemed to get agitated by the... lack of focus. Who are the Overlords? Who can we talk to? Any ideas about crystals or a sickness? They eventually settled on speaking with Ironbound. If he is in town and both Cyrus and Newt have sway its a place to start. The Deep End decided to be brutally up front and honest in their approach to tackling the problem of the crystals.  
  Ghilani put a bad review up on the board and almost immediately, the kitchen door opened to reveal a plump tabaxi, smiling... and holding a giant knife. Rani quickly put up a positive review and offered up Moira as a prospective student. Catstro seemed willing to take on a pupil.  
  Moving through the city, there seems to be people out and about and while some of the factories are still churning, it's a bit quieter than usual... it is the Day of the Dead, after all. The nature of the city is to be tightlipped as gossip quickly dies when unfamiliar faces pass by. Rani managed to sneak up behind two gossipers, but they quickly fled – whispering that someone that nicely dressed is obviously in with the Overlords. As a gaseous cloud, however, she was able to overhear some gossip about ilness and white masks... and sending her arcane eye led to a poorer part of town, even by Ah'Shal standards.  
Ironbound has taken up residence in a converted, old factory. Cyrus was quickly let in upon paging the secretary, Sybil. Clearly, she's exhilarated by her job. She did remember Newt, though quickly lost interest. Ironbound greeted them from his very nice parlor and living room – a stark contrast to everything else in Ah'Shal. Welcome back, Newt! And Cyrus, always good to see you! Yes, the death rate is constant, but perhaps we will implement your research at the factory level in the near future! Ironbound is not surprised to hear about the crystals – if they could be used to make money or stop another from making money, it wouldn't surprise him if another Overlord was hiding them. He'll see what he can do about getting audiences with the other Overlords, but you may have better luck with their enforcers. Regarding the Overlords, AH'Vannis is never in the city and good luck finding Mirage. Faysindel won't be in the city, but he has residences in the City of Life... or you can talk to Beast. Lostrac is the newest and last he heard, she was in Nacheevi. Elsenore recently inherited everything from her recently deceased widow. He's never met her, but you could speak with Vald. Wrenn Grimbuckle is rumored to live in Ah'Shal, but outside the city. If you really want to know, you can try trailing Rust Bucket! And then there is Ashenfoot who could be here or on the other side of the continent.   
  Declan talked to Cyrus about his research and Ghilani asked about bone claws. Yes, I've done claws and yes, I've had four arms. I seem to amenable to my own serum. Rani and Declan connect and express concerns. WEE WOO. Doctor? Do you think THE Doctor has stolen this doctors research as well?  
  After messaging Volo and heading to Crossbones, Moira immediately casts her favorite spell: See Invisibility. Why? Do do her favorite thing: find BIRD. Perched nearby is a familiar black bird... with green eyes. The others took note of a rust covered warforged conversing with a bare-foot barmaid. When did the green eyes happen, guys?  
  Volo invited them to sit. Pleasure to see you all here. Volo seems aware of who Cyrus is and mentioned that having him around could be a good thing – there is a "no touch" on him for enforcers, after all. He's backed. Sure, you can talk to the enforcers, but there are others here who know things. Did you forget everything, kid? Ever think to go for the small fry before tackling the big fish? The topic of Volo's potential copy cat came up. He didn't particularly care, but Volo mentioned that Ghilani might. He hasn't kept up with it. Declan challenged Volo – don't you keep track of people? Volo didn't seem pleased with that, but his focus moved to Newt.  
  Newt, you have a lot of balls coming back here when the boundary between the living and dead is about to blur. Be careful kid. Best to keep your distance from me until you resolve everything with the Lady of Death. Volo mentioned that Moira could claim a drink at the bar if she so desired before getting up to leave. Newt made eye contact with the green eyes of Thanatos. For the briefest of moments, he could have sworn it wasn't a bird... but a massive three-headed hound clinging to Volo.  
  As the group asks what the heck is going on, the door to Crossbones opens again... and Oksha and Markus arrive.

Fi-Fi-Fella-Fema Fowell's Lens

 


 

The Bounty Board

 
  1. The Bay Beast – The 7 Overlords are offering 5,000 gold for whoever can take down the Bay Beast.
  2. Unknown – There seems to be an odd bounty written in an obscure variation of Thieves' Cant.
  3. The House of Death – Only one bounty is sponsored by the House of Death: "Hunter wanted for crimes against the dead. 800 gold. Dead."
  4. Magical Force – Declan took a quick glance: "Magically inclined individuals of sufficient strength and constitution required for obstruction removal from mine."
 
 

Rumors & Gossip

"Do you think this copycat was trying to be Volo or trying to sabotage him and his employment with Ironbound? Who'd dare copy Volo? It's much more likely that Volo got a little... I don't know, bored? Struck out of the mold a little bit, so to speak."

 
"Aye, I still remember the last High Priest. Won't ever forget him. At least he tried to help where he could. Walked the streets until his bones didn't let him no more. This one just sits in the House of Death... ain't not once left it seems."

 
"Some newbie tried to get on the Lady about the last few fights she's set up. Can't begin to explain how satisfying it was for an old dog like me to watch Rust Bucket walk in right as the dumbass thought to lay a hand on her. One more set of bones for her, ha."

 
"Fools think Cadmus is the one you gotta be cautious of... Sure, he owns the Pipes and has some muscle to back, but there's a reason they call her the Beast Tamer, you know?"

 
"At first I thought it was some ruse by the Overlords... weed out the workers most likely to run. But now... I'm almost to the point where I'm willing to believe whatever these white mask wearing people are offering is true... it's at least better than this."

 
"Aye, would certainly be up her alley. Was floored when she stepped back... pissed off Ironbound for sure. But like hell can she stay away from the scene entirely. Guess I'll never know for true though... only top dogs get invited there anyway."

 
"My aunt's getting up there in age, but she wasn't no one-cough-gonna-kill-her gal. Accidents? Can't be that. Factory told me she died on the job... but Iris said they got her body out her home in the work transition. I don't care what you think... something's fishy... and I can smell it even over this smog."

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