Session 73
General Summary
The Kids are in Trouble Again
Oksha arrives at Crossbones Taverns escorted by her guardian Markus and, despite her blindness and the volume of the tavern, was able to pinpoint Newt. While pleased to see him again, there is an... undercurrent of anxiety to that sentiment. She noted that Cyrus has two spirits clinging to him. Don't worry through, they should hopefully leave by nightfall, called or escorted to the Realm of the Dead as the boundary between living and dead blurs.
Declan asks to speak in Oksha's mind about some more delicate matters to the shock of everyone. You NEVER ask. Declan inquired about the situation in Ah'Shal with it being the Day of the Dead and informed Oksha about the crystal situation. She doesn't know much about that in all honesty.
Newt and Oksha stepped out to speak and she expresses some worry about him being here on today of all days. The Acolytes consider this to be somewhat of a "Collection Day", where any lingering souls that need collecting – and have accepted their death, finally – are rounded up and escorted to finally see the Goddess of Death. As a result of the boundaries blurring, it is often possible to speak to the dead more easily. If Ah'Shal hasn't come to collect you yet, then Oksha trusts that Newt's friends will keep him safe. When Newt spoke of wanting to fall back into the service of Ah'Shal, Oksha immediately asked about Ah'Shal's tenets and domains. Newt floundered. There are things you can (and could have) been doing if that was your intent. Her domains extend beyond death and the dead, you know. Newt then mentioned that Ah'Shal had spoken to him and that she didn't seem too happy, to which Oksha did not seem pleased. Although she has not been particularly fruitful in her attempts to help, she and Markus did find something. While reading, she'd gotten bored of Markus reading and they poked around the crypts. She can see the spirits descending down with intent. Its peculiar and seemed to interest her.
Returning to Crossbones Tavern, Cyrus is quick to urge a plan of action as opposed to sitting and chatting. Ghilani decides to go and talk to Lady Crossbones, perched on the bar as she watches a bar fight off in the corner. As Ghilani stood and waved, the rust covered warforged snapped to attention, bud did not halt Ghilani's approach to where she sat, legs dangling on the bar. The sound of someone cutting bone echoed through the tavern as the bar fight came to an end. Upon offering her a flower, Lady Crossbones remarked that she likes Ghilani's forearms and was happy to bring Rust Bucket over when requested. Ghilani was able to then dodge out of the way of Rust Bucket, but Newt was unable to dodge the solid strike to his face.
Meanwhile, Rani spoke to Oksha. The High Priest is nice enough, but she has only spoken to him once and he spends most of his time tending to the bodies. He never leaves the House of Death as well. If you are interested in death records, the House of Death keeps death archives from across the continent. She has taken to wearing armor because of collateral in bounty hunter pursuits. If given the chance, she would gladly punch a bounty hunter (Markus seemed uncomfortable with that). Oksha is displeased with the situation. Many Acolytes serve not because they choose Ah'Shal, but because it is there only choice. Upon returning to Varoona, she realized something... how would you feel as a Goddess if your region was turned into what it is? If those who served only served you as an obligation as opposed to a free choice? If Death was used as an excuse not to live? Oksha believes that AhShal is not the end. And her domains are not just Death, but a Gatekeeper, a guider of souls, darkness, twilight, loss, decay.
Declan cut in promptly with a "WEE WOO WEE WOO" – the kids are in TROUBLE! Cyrus, however, quickly stepped in and injected himself with some serum, which caused him to sprout an extra pair of arms. Well, if its arms you want, then surely something can be arranged if you just assist us in talking to your metal friend here. Rust Bucket seems much more willing to listen to Lady Crossbones. If it's a factory you wish to see, then so be it. Regarding hunger and a disease, Lady Crossbones noted that Beast could eat three horses and she's never seen Blitz' face, but she's rumored to have nearly the appetite of Beast. Cyrus handed Lady Crossbones his card. Simply request anyone who is not he or his associated and he will acquire her a new set of bones. After thinking for a moment, Lady Crossbones mentioned the ogres at Executioner's Block. Their bones would make a might fine centerpiece.
The group decides to SPLIT with Ghilani, Newt, and Cyrus leaving quickly with a impatient Rust Bucket, while Moira, Declan, and Rani went with Oksha to the House of Death. While traveling through the streets with Rust Bucket, the warforged noted that GHilani is small and Newt is unimpressive (though Newt remarked that he didn't fight back). Ghilani was interested in Rust Bucket's protocol to which the war forged remarked that his protocol includes protecting the Lady Crossbones... but it does not include Ghilani. He's pretty sure pansies aren't poisonous. Regarding factories, Rust Bucket will take you to the nearest one. You may poke around there as you see fit. He doesn't keep tabs on deaths in factories... he just kills who he needs to. Newt inquired if anyone in particular hates him or has a bone to pick with him. Rust Bucket doesn't. Mirage doesn't. She likes to people watch. Certainly, Newt is fully capable of taking care of himself... HA.
Rust Bucket eventually led them into a standard factory that is – as expected – empty. He led them up a staircase that violates OSHA. What's OSHA? Upon finding the office to the overseers locked, Rust Bucket spared no time in punching it open, motioning for them to enter. Cyrus inquired if Rust Bucket will be returning to Crossbones or going elsewhere. The warforged began to respond, trailed off, and then trudged off.
Arriving at the House of Death, Oksha seemed to pause and wince slightly as she stood in the foyer. There is a lot of input for her here on this particular day, but she moved past it, guiding the trio down to the first level of the crypts. There, they found an older gentleman in slightly more ornate robes: High Priest Baladon. Yes, he has been busy with the dead – he is always busy. If you wish to investigate records, he can certainly take you to the archives and point you in the right direction. Declan mentioned the crystals and helping the gods and Baladon seemed... unimpressed. Regardless, he guided them to a large room lined with rows and rows of books, scrolls, tomes, and even old clay tablets. Before Baladon could fully excuse himself, Declan asked about the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. What if a god changed their mind? Baladon looked... exasperated. Who are you? Oh, I'm Declan Rawlings. Baladon "hmmed" as if the name means little to him and simply left.
Ghilani and Newt proved incredibly ineffective perusing the office, but Cyrus knew precisely where to look. Perusing the records, there have been deaths and accidents reported in this particular factory, but it doesn't seem to originate from any place of specific residence within the City of Smog. However, Cyrus did note an... oddly peculiar comment written near the records, indicating that certain deaths are being "handled". It seems Grimbuckle has chosen to increase shifts from 12 to 14 hours. Don't worry, Ghilani and Newt found out that it's Susan's birthday next week! Poking around a bit more, Cyrus found no evidence of anything out of the ordinary besides one machine being currently out of service... but that's not that abnormal.
Back in the House of Death, Rani – with her Primeval Awareness – could sense spirits moving through. Moira cast her signature See Invisibility when she noticed Calibird tracking movement in the room that she couldn't see. The room is flooded with green-eyed spiders, birds, and rats. When Moira mentioned a desire to speak to the Lady, one of the birds led her lower down the crypts. Moira stopped for a moment to note an oddly nice urn amidst broken and plain urns and then found the bird perched at the edge of a chute into darkness... with Oksha and Markus nearby. The bird then vanished down the chute. Moira spoke to Oksha and mentioned seeing the bird and how it had led her there. Oksha gave Markus a look and he shook his head before quietly saying "No". Moira worried for her safety and quickly departed.
Cyrus, Newt, and Ghilani hatched a plan to up the clout with the common rabble. Cyrus offered to rough up Ghilani... just a little bit. You know, to gather sympathy points. Don't worry, it'll just hurt a little bit. Ghilani contends that he can just disguise himself to look beat up! Otherwise, Ghilani's down to do it, but Newt is very much not. Primus then spoke up, seemingly offended at the harm that would come to Ghilani. Thus, Ghilani changed his tune, saying that perhaps this is a bad idea... and Newt was very thankful he came to his senses. And, like the Library of Carmenthia, Newt offered to be a test subject for Cyrus' concoctions. Feeling drowsy and slow, Newt reached out to Declan to ask how much longer it was going to be.
Rani mentions taking everyone to see the grandmothers – you all need it – while perusing the death records. It seems a bit odd that there are no records of death from an unknown disease, which one might expect given the circumstances and that Carmenthia herself did not know of the disease. Either someone has meticulously covered up the deaths (with solid medical knowledge) or perhaps nothing strange is afoot after all. Through Rani's arcane eye, she watched Oksha descend into the chute with Markus. A moment later, Moira returned, expressing that Oksha may have been contemplating pushing her down a chute.
Updating Newt, Declan mentioned that Oksha had gone down the chute, which prompted Newt to panic slightly. Cyrus was perplexed why they now needed to go to the House of Death? Do they not have factories to investigate, enforcers and common folk to interrogate, and crystals to find? How will this help them? Newt explained that the person he loves (he thinks) just went down a dark chute! However, Rani and Declan discuss that perhaps it isn't a good idea for Newt to go. They assure Newt that they will bring Oksha back safe and sound. Trust them. Newt initially agrees... but no. He needs to go. Ever for moving as quickly and efficiently as possible, Cyrus summoned a sickly looking horse and he and Ghilani rode through the streets of Ah'Shal with newt flying overhead, scaring plenty of the locals.
Outside of the House of Death, everything slowed for a moment. No one and nothing seemed to notice Newt as he walked into the House of Death.
Declan asks to speak in Oksha's mind about some more delicate matters to the shock of everyone. You NEVER ask. Declan inquired about the situation in Ah'Shal with it being the Day of the Dead and informed Oksha about the crystal situation. She doesn't know much about that in all honesty.
Newt and Oksha stepped out to speak and she expresses some worry about him being here on today of all days. The Acolytes consider this to be somewhat of a "Collection Day", where any lingering souls that need collecting – and have accepted their death, finally – are rounded up and escorted to finally see the Goddess of Death. As a result of the boundaries blurring, it is often possible to speak to the dead more easily. If Ah'Shal hasn't come to collect you yet, then Oksha trusts that Newt's friends will keep him safe. When Newt spoke of wanting to fall back into the service of Ah'Shal, Oksha immediately asked about Ah'Shal's tenets and domains. Newt floundered. There are things you can (and could have) been doing if that was your intent. Her domains extend beyond death and the dead, you know. Newt then mentioned that Ah'Shal had spoken to him and that she didn't seem too happy, to which Oksha did not seem pleased. Although she has not been particularly fruitful in her attempts to help, she and Markus did find something. While reading, she'd gotten bored of Markus reading and they poked around the crypts. She can see the spirits descending down with intent. Its peculiar and seemed to interest her.
Returning to Crossbones Tavern, Cyrus is quick to urge a plan of action as opposed to sitting and chatting. Ghilani decides to go and talk to Lady Crossbones, perched on the bar as she watches a bar fight off in the corner. As Ghilani stood and waved, the rust covered warforged snapped to attention, bud did not halt Ghilani's approach to where she sat, legs dangling on the bar. The sound of someone cutting bone echoed through the tavern as the bar fight came to an end. Upon offering her a flower, Lady Crossbones remarked that she likes Ghilani's forearms and was happy to bring Rust Bucket over when requested. Ghilani was able to then dodge out of the way of Rust Bucket, but Newt was unable to dodge the solid strike to his face.
Meanwhile, Rani spoke to Oksha. The High Priest is nice enough, but she has only spoken to him once and he spends most of his time tending to the bodies. He never leaves the House of Death as well. If you are interested in death records, the House of Death keeps death archives from across the continent. She has taken to wearing armor because of collateral in bounty hunter pursuits. If given the chance, she would gladly punch a bounty hunter (Markus seemed uncomfortable with that). Oksha is displeased with the situation. Many Acolytes serve not because they choose Ah'Shal, but because it is there only choice. Upon returning to Varoona, she realized something... how would you feel as a Goddess if your region was turned into what it is? If those who served only served you as an obligation as opposed to a free choice? If Death was used as an excuse not to live? Oksha believes that AhShal is not the end. And her domains are not just Death, but a Gatekeeper, a guider of souls, darkness, twilight, loss, decay.
Declan cut in promptly with a "WEE WOO WEE WOO" – the kids are in TROUBLE! Cyrus, however, quickly stepped in and injected himself with some serum, which caused him to sprout an extra pair of arms. Well, if its arms you want, then surely something can be arranged if you just assist us in talking to your metal friend here. Rust Bucket seems much more willing to listen to Lady Crossbones. If it's a factory you wish to see, then so be it. Regarding hunger and a disease, Lady Crossbones noted that Beast could eat three horses and she's never seen Blitz' face, but she's rumored to have nearly the appetite of Beast. Cyrus handed Lady Crossbones his card. Simply request anyone who is not he or his associated and he will acquire her a new set of bones. After thinking for a moment, Lady Crossbones mentioned the ogres at Executioner's Block. Their bones would make a might fine centerpiece.
The group decides to SPLIT with Ghilani, Newt, and Cyrus leaving quickly with a impatient Rust Bucket, while Moira, Declan, and Rani went with Oksha to the House of Death. While traveling through the streets with Rust Bucket, the warforged noted that GHilani is small and Newt is unimpressive (though Newt remarked that he didn't fight back). Ghilani was interested in Rust Bucket's protocol to which the war forged remarked that his protocol includes protecting the Lady Crossbones... but it does not include Ghilani. He's pretty sure pansies aren't poisonous. Regarding factories, Rust Bucket will take you to the nearest one. You may poke around there as you see fit. He doesn't keep tabs on deaths in factories... he just kills who he needs to. Newt inquired if anyone in particular hates him or has a bone to pick with him. Rust Bucket doesn't. Mirage doesn't. She likes to people watch. Certainly, Newt is fully capable of taking care of himself... HA.
Rust Bucket eventually led them into a standard factory that is – as expected – empty. He led them up a staircase that violates OSHA. What's OSHA? Upon finding the office to the overseers locked, Rust Bucket spared no time in punching it open, motioning for them to enter. Cyrus inquired if Rust Bucket will be returning to Crossbones or going elsewhere. The warforged began to respond, trailed off, and then trudged off.
Arriving at the House of Death, Oksha seemed to pause and wince slightly as she stood in the foyer. There is a lot of input for her here on this particular day, but she moved past it, guiding the trio down to the first level of the crypts. There, they found an older gentleman in slightly more ornate robes: High Priest Baladon. Yes, he has been busy with the dead – he is always busy. If you wish to investigate records, he can certainly take you to the archives and point you in the right direction. Declan mentioned the crystals and helping the gods and Baladon seemed... unimpressed. Regardless, he guided them to a large room lined with rows and rows of books, scrolls, tomes, and even old clay tablets. Before Baladon could fully excuse himself, Declan asked about the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. What if a god changed their mind? Baladon looked... exasperated. Who are you? Oh, I'm Declan Rawlings. Baladon "hmmed" as if the name means little to him and simply left.
Ghilani and Newt proved incredibly ineffective perusing the office, but Cyrus knew precisely where to look. Perusing the records, there have been deaths and accidents reported in this particular factory, but it doesn't seem to originate from any place of specific residence within the City of Smog. However, Cyrus did note an... oddly peculiar comment written near the records, indicating that certain deaths are being "handled". It seems Grimbuckle has chosen to increase shifts from 12 to 14 hours. Don't worry, Ghilani and Newt found out that it's Susan's birthday next week! Poking around a bit more, Cyrus found no evidence of anything out of the ordinary besides one machine being currently out of service... but that's not that abnormal.
Back in the House of Death, Rani – with her Primeval Awareness – could sense spirits moving through. Moira cast her signature See Invisibility when she noticed Calibird tracking movement in the room that she couldn't see. The room is flooded with green-eyed spiders, birds, and rats. When Moira mentioned a desire to speak to the Lady, one of the birds led her lower down the crypts. Moira stopped for a moment to note an oddly nice urn amidst broken and plain urns and then found the bird perched at the edge of a chute into darkness... with Oksha and Markus nearby. The bird then vanished down the chute. Moira spoke to Oksha and mentioned seeing the bird and how it had led her there. Oksha gave Markus a look and he shook his head before quietly saying "No". Moira worried for her safety and quickly departed.
Cyrus, Newt, and Ghilani hatched a plan to up the clout with the common rabble. Cyrus offered to rough up Ghilani... just a little bit. You know, to gather sympathy points. Don't worry, it'll just hurt a little bit. Ghilani contends that he can just disguise himself to look beat up! Otherwise, Ghilani's down to do it, but Newt is very much not. Primus then spoke up, seemingly offended at the harm that would come to Ghilani. Thus, Ghilani changed his tune, saying that perhaps this is a bad idea... and Newt was very thankful he came to his senses. And, like the Library of Carmenthia, Newt offered to be a test subject for Cyrus' concoctions. Feeling drowsy and slow, Newt reached out to Declan to ask how much longer it was going to be.
Rani mentions taking everyone to see the grandmothers – you all need it – while perusing the death records. It seems a bit odd that there are no records of death from an unknown disease, which one might expect given the circumstances and that Carmenthia herself did not know of the disease. Either someone has meticulously covered up the deaths (with solid medical knowledge) or perhaps nothing strange is afoot after all. Through Rani's arcane eye, she watched Oksha descend into the chute with Markus. A moment later, Moira returned, expressing that Oksha may have been contemplating pushing her down a chute.
Updating Newt, Declan mentioned that Oksha had gone down the chute, which prompted Newt to panic slightly. Cyrus was perplexed why they now needed to go to the House of Death? Do they not have factories to investigate, enforcers and common folk to interrogate, and crystals to find? How will this help them? Newt explained that the person he loves (he thinks) just went down a dark chute! However, Rani and Declan discuss that perhaps it isn't a good idea for Newt to go. They assure Newt that they will bring Oksha back safe and sound. Trust them. Newt initially agrees... but no. He needs to go. Ever for moving as quickly and efficiently as possible, Cyrus summoned a sickly looking horse and he and Ghilani rode through the streets of Ah'Shal with newt flying overhead, scaring plenty of the locals.
Outside of the House of Death, everything slowed for a moment. No one and nothing seemed to notice Newt as he walked into the House of Death.
Say my name. Atu Szeme.
Down a Chute to Embrace Death
Down the chute, Declan supported Moira as both he and Rani were able to spider climb their way down for an hour. Cyrus injected himself SO MANY DAMN TIMES. Newt failed to catch Ghilani (really living up to the job description of blood hunter), but boy did Ghilani pull his weight when it was time to catch Cyrus. The two separate trios stood (30 minutes apart) in a cavern of refuse that coalesced to a putrid green river with stone arches visible at the edge of the cavern.
Moving quickly, Cyrus summoned his horse once more and the two trios made their way down a set of simple stone archways covered in stians until they reached a dark black door, with eerie green mist drifting beyond where one door sat off its hinges and slightly ajar. Without hesitation, everyone entered the Old Temple of Ah'Shal, Goddess of Death.
Beyond the door, the two trios stood in a small room with a trio of lanterns, shuttered and adorned with symbols. Picking them up, they found that any darkvision was stripped from them. A thin walkway extended over a pit of inky blackness. After debating, the group set forward with their lanterns. After being separated and reuniting, Rani felt a platform crumble beneath her feet, but was able to grab on and pull herself up, feeling shadows attempting to pull her downward. Both trios then continued to progress. With lanterns shuttered, a green light told them to speak the name of one you've lost. Ghilani spoke his mother's name, Marethari. Declan offered Sylvia. After a pause, Cyrus offered Dora, his mother (she is not an explorer... she's dead). Newt said Thyron. Rani remembered a boy whose pain was displayed and immortalized in his art. And Moira is haunted by Jeremy. Cyrus brushed off the death of his mother when asked.
Continuing on, the trios were once again prompted by the green text: Bare thy soul. Rani expressed a desire to speak and help the Lady of Death and how important this task is. Declan expressed his worry that the sins of his past will catch up to him and cause harm to the group. Moira believes she is making decisions that are bigger than herself and that she has carelessly messed with fate... especially in relation to her passenger. Newt opened up about how he has felt lost and wishes to return to when he was under Ah'Shal's roof. Ghilani spoke about how he truly desires to help people.
After chugging a truth serum, Cyrus... WENT OFF. All these people talk so much and yet get NOWHERE. He has always been motivated by profit. His parents' death was an opportunity and one he seized gladly. He doesn't understand the purpose of any of this. How is this helping? He is incredibly frustrated and annoyed with this group and cannot understand in the slightest why THEY were the one's sent to deal with this affair. However, if given the chance, he'd very much like to find this Doctor they keep talking about (who he knows nothing about) and perhaps see what their work is about as it seems to align with his own. And bonus points if he can test some of his concoctions on this group he travels with.... Is that sufficient?
Making it to the other side, Newt is just able to catch Ghilani before he could fall into the darkness below... but then they all found themselves alone, facing down various versions of their younger selves. Both Moira and Declan resolved to help. Declan told his younger self that it'll all be worth it in the end while Moira focused on the trek: they made it once and they can make it again. However, once they felt their hold on the precipice slipping, they chose to let themselves go. Ghilani attempted to offer a flower, but once he began to slip, he told his younger self to hold onto his mother while he can... she won't always be there. Rani tells herself that she has just recently buried this piece of her and she will always miss her, but the dead must stay where the dead are... and the living must go on. Newt has things he needs to do and people he needs to save. Thyron is gone. There are no keys to return anymore. Cyrus says: Ew, let go of me.
Yet, as they tried to stand and leave, the faces morphed: Lakshmi, Callon, Yue, Six, Marethari... and still Cyrus. Rani, tears in her eyes, recalled her promise, sworn in the presence of the God of Devotion. She promised to put Declan first... and she let her sister go. Newt promised that he was going to come back for Callon. Declan acknowledged that Six had made her choice and if this is her time... so be it. Ghilani, resolved, said that he knows his mother cannot be here for she returned to the Sea of Crimson Red. Moira believes her fate will always guide her back home, but now she has a fight to finish. Cyrus ponders the merits of cloning himself before prying loose his forearm.
After exchanging some hugs, tears, and encouragement... or an awkward acknowledgment of being reunited, both trios arrived at a crystalline wall with multiple chains. Atop the chains sit various green-eyed creatures, watching and waiting with anticipation. In front of the crystalline wall, a statue waits with arms outspread, almost welcoming and inviting. And a disembodied, ethereal voice speaks:
Newt without hesitation remarked that Thyron said that death is always one to be embraced like a friend. He ran forward and hugged the statue, feeling it drain away his life force... until his body fell lifeless. A moment later, a bird perched on his chest. Declan, Rani, and Moira debated and Moira declared that the statue looks prime for hugging. After Rani tried to walk through the crystal wall, Declan offered to go first, slumping to the ground. Moira and Rani held hands and embraced the statue together. As Moira's eyes closed, she saw Calibird nod, salute... and absolutely ignore Moira's instructions by going through the wall with no problem.
Ghilani attempted to convince Cyrus to die. WHY? What is the reason for all of this? How does this MATTER? Look, he's a CORPSE! After kicking Newt's body, the bird perched atop his chest turned into a snarling three-headed hound and bit down into Cyrus. After a moment, it reverted back into a bird and continued to observe. Ghilani assured Cyrus that they've died and come back just fine. Consider it research! NO, Cyrus can just ASK other, simpler people who he an kill and bring back what the experience was like. Ghilani protested that it isn't the SAME. Eventually Cyrus acquiesced if Ghilani went first. Ghilani slumped and a bird landed on him. When asked if he could approach the bodies, the two birds shared a look and then shook their heads. Tentatively, Cyrus touched the statue... and then slumped.
Floating in a river for a bit, the group arrives completely together. Declan asks about Rani's divide. One is Lark and the other is... Rani thinks Judas. Ghilani seems mildly alarmed that portions of him are missing, but then is mildly amused by the claws. Cyrus is just a normal gray figure. Following a path and passing through a wall of green light, the group arrives at a... waiting room?
Most of the figures (souls) here are barely humanoid, a few stand out as they have retained detail. They flank a large door with a giant skull, clutching a set of keys. Before they can move forward, the Deep End and Cyrus were stopped by a tiefling man, perhaps in his 40s. How impressive! It has been some time since anyone has come through this way since me! Though you were beaten by a Yuan-Ti girl and her human companion. They have already spoken to the Lady. Seemed important that she return quickly to the land of the living. Of course, if you wish to speak with her then you must simply answer one question: Say my name.
After a pause, Newt says Thyron. And the tiefling man smiles. Why yes. Did you think I would stay old? No! The two embraced. It has been some time. Rani and Declan remarked that they had seen Thyron's urn – mighty impressive ship on there. Rani showed Thyron the map and he was intrigued. He would have loved that in his youth. Happy to see Newt alive and well, he gave Newt a bit of advice. He now understands why things are the way they are, but you will have to ask the Goddess of Death herself. Remember, you cannot see the burdens others carry. You may not know what shackles them... but, by the way, I need to shackle you.
Beyond the doors, the Deep End finds themselves in a plain office with three large doors. After sending a soul on its way, Ah'Shal rises from her desk positioned in the center of the room. You stand in the presence of Death Incarnate, the Mother of Decay, and the Guider of Souls.
Moving quickly, Cyrus summoned his horse once more and the two trios made their way down a set of simple stone archways covered in stians until they reached a dark black door, with eerie green mist drifting beyond where one door sat off its hinges and slightly ajar. Without hesitation, everyone entered the Old Temple of Ah'Shal, Goddess of Death.
Beyond the door, the two trios stood in a small room with a trio of lanterns, shuttered and adorned with symbols. Picking them up, they found that any darkvision was stripped from them. A thin walkway extended over a pit of inky blackness. After debating, the group set forward with their lanterns. After being separated and reuniting, Rani felt a platform crumble beneath her feet, but was able to grab on and pull herself up, feeling shadows attempting to pull her downward. Both trios then continued to progress. With lanterns shuttered, a green light told them to speak the name of one you've lost. Ghilani spoke his mother's name, Marethari. Declan offered Sylvia. After a pause, Cyrus offered Dora, his mother (she is not an explorer... she's dead). Newt said Thyron. Rani remembered a boy whose pain was displayed and immortalized in his art. And Moira is haunted by Jeremy. Cyrus brushed off the death of his mother when asked.
Continuing on, the trios were once again prompted by the green text: Bare thy soul. Rani expressed a desire to speak and help the Lady of Death and how important this task is. Declan expressed his worry that the sins of his past will catch up to him and cause harm to the group. Moira believes she is making decisions that are bigger than herself and that she has carelessly messed with fate... especially in relation to her passenger. Newt opened up about how he has felt lost and wishes to return to when he was under Ah'Shal's roof. Ghilani spoke about how he truly desires to help people.
After chugging a truth serum, Cyrus... WENT OFF. All these people talk so much and yet get NOWHERE. He has always been motivated by profit. His parents' death was an opportunity and one he seized gladly. He doesn't understand the purpose of any of this. How is this helping? He is incredibly frustrated and annoyed with this group and cannot understand in the slightest why THEY were the one's sent to deal with this affair. However, if given the chance, he'd very much like to find this Doctor they keep talking about (who he knows nothing about) and perhaps see what their work is about as it seems to align with his own. And bonus points if he can test some of his concoctions on this group he travels with.... Is that sufficient?
Making it to the other side, Newt is just able to catch Ghilani before he could fall into the darkness below... but then they all found themselves alone, facing down various versions of their younger selves. Both Moira and Declan resolved to help. Declan told his younger self that it'll all be worth it in the end while Moira focused on the trek: they made it once and they can make it again. However, once they felt their hold on the precipice slipping, they chose to let themselves go. Ghilani attempted to offer a flower, but once he began to slip, he told his younger self to hold onto his mother while he can... she won't always be there. Rani tells herself that she has just recently buried this piece of her and she will always miss her, but the dead must stay where the dead are... and the living must go on. Newt has things he needs to do and people he needs to save. Thyron is gone. There are no keys to return anymore. Cyrus says: Ew, let go of me.
Yet, as they tried to stand and leave, the faces morphed: Lakshmi, Callon, Yue, Six, Marethari... and still Cyrus. Rani, tears in her eyes, recalled her promise, sworn in the presence of the God of Devotion. She promised to put Declan first... and she let her sister go. Newt promised that he was going to come back for Callon. Declan acknowledged that Six had made her choice and if this is her time... so be it. Ghilani, resolved, said that he knows his mother cannot be here for she returned to the Sea of Crimson Red. Moira believes her fate will always guide her back home, but now she has a fight to finish. Cyrus ponders the merits of cloning himself before prying loose his forearm.
After exchanging some hugs, tears, and encouragement... or an awkward acknowledgment of being reunited, both trios arrived at a crystalline wall with multiple chains. Atop the chains sit various green-eyed creatures, watching and waiting with anticipation. In front of the crystalline wall, a statue waits with arms outspread, almost welcoming and inviting. And a disembodied, ethereal voice speaks:
Through Darkness, beyond what's lost. Behold the Gateway to the Realm of Souls. Domain of the Goddess Ah'Shal. Take heed of the Gatekeeper But it is your choice to enter.
Newt without hesitation remarked that Thyron said that death is always one to be embraced like a friend. He ran forward and hugged the statue, feeling it drain away his life force... until his body fell lifeless. A moment later, a bird perched on his chest. Declan, Rani, and Moira debated and Moira declared that the statue looks prime for hugging. After Rani tried to walk through the crystal wall, Declan offered to go first, slumping to the ground. Moira and Rani held hands and embraced the statue together. As Moira's eyes closed, she saw Calibird nod, salute... and absolutely ignore Moira's instructions by going through the wall with no problem.
Ghilani attempted to convince Cyrus to die. WHY? What is the reason for all of this? How does this MATTER? Look, he's a CORPSE! After kicking Newt's body, the bird perched atop his chest turned into a snarling three-headed hound and bit down into Cyrus. After a moment, it reverted back into a bird and continued to observe. Ghilani assured Cyrus that they've died and come back just fine. Consider it research! NO, Cyrus can just ASK other, simpler people who he an kill and bring back what the experience was like. Ghilani protested that it isn't the SAME. Eventually Cyrus acquiesced if Ghilani went first. Ghilani slumped and a bird landed on him. When asked if he could approach the bodies, the two birds shared a look and then shook their heads. Tentatively, Cyrus touched the statue... and then slumped.
Floating in a river for a bit, the group arrives completely together. Declan asks about Rani's divide. One is Lark and the other is... Rani thinks Judas. Ghilani seems mildly alarmed that portions of him are missing, but then is mildly amused by the claws. Cyrus is just a normal gray figure. Following a path and passing through a wall of green light, the group arrives at a... waiting room?
Most of the figures (souls) here are barely humanoid, a few stand out as they have retained detail. They flank a large door with a giant skull, clutching a set of keys. Before they can move forward, the Deep End and Cyrus were stopped by a tiefling man, perhaps in his 40s. How impressive! It has been some time since anyone has come through this way since me! Though you were beaten by a Yuan-Ti girl and her human companion. They have already spoken to the Lady. Seemed important that she return quickly to the land of the living. Of course, if you wish to speak with her then you must simply answer one question: Say my name.
After a pause, Newt says Thyron. And the tiefling man smiles. Why yes. Did you think I would stay old? No! The two embraced. It has been some time. Rani and Declan remarked that they had seen Thyron's urn – mighty impressive ship on there. Rani showed Thyron the map and he was intrigued. He would have loved that in his youth. Happy to see Newt alive and well, he gave Newt a bit of advice. He now understands why things are the way they are, but you will have to ask the Goddess of Death herself. Remember, you cannot see the burdens others carry. You may not know what shackles them... but, by the way, I need to shackle you.
Beyond the doors, the Deep End finds themselves in a plain office with three large doors. After sending a soul on its way, Ah'Shal rises from her desk positioned in the center of the room. You stand in the presence of Death Incarnate, the Mother of Decay, and the Guider of Souls.
Report Date
25 Feb 2023
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Trials in the Temple of Ah'Shal
Dangling over a rocky precipice above nothing but inky black darkness, on hand grasps onto yours – the exact same skin (fur) tone... From the smoke your face emerges, familiar but not quite yours.Rani
Clutched to your younger self's chest is a bucket of paint. You blink. You swear you hear drums. There are caravans to guide... pranks to pull... you remember those days. You remember this you. The face shifts, similar but different than yours. Two skin tones arranged in a mottled pattern – unique, and beautiful. She looks at you terrified, beads of her hat drifting amidst the smoke. "Don't let me go now, please Rani. You're my sister. Help me."
Ghilani
There are not yet golden tattoos upon his head. No, not yet. It'd still be a few years. You see, clutched to his chest, is a bouquet of flowers... your mother's favorites. Yes, there are flowers to pick... your mother's embrace to return to. You remember this you. The face shifts, vaguely reminiscent of your own. She bares the golden tattoos reminiscent of the ones she gave you. There are only slight wrinkles around her eyes, but her grip is failing. "Ghilani, I know you have the strength in you. Don't you want to pick flowers together again?"
Newt
Held tightly with his free hand is a set of keys. You'd recognize them anywhere, even after years. Thyron's. He left them in the crematorium again. You need to bring them back. There are bodies to inspect and walks to Tel'Rhea to make. Cabinets to hide in. You can't keep Thyron waiting. You remember this you. The face shifts, vaguely reminiscent of yours, but a pale skin tone with red horns, brown hair. His Bay Guard armor is covered in dried and fresh blood. His grip is weakening and you can see the smoke grabbing for him. "I'm glad you made it... just... pull me up? Newt?"
Moira
An earlier time. Eyes sunken in and bags beneath. Face almost hollow. With her free arm, she cradles a basket of food – mooncakes. Yue got them just for you. For the journey. For the trek. You promised her you would be fine. That you would make it. You just have to keep going a little further. You remember this you. The face shifts, elongating and morphing into a familiar green snout. Her blue dress is covered with dirt and stains. A no longer luminescent bird now clutched in her arm. She looks up to you, face full of pain. "Moira, I carried you up that mountain... I... I need you to pull me up now."
Declan
Some cuts and bruises line your features. The beginning of creases and wrinkles absent. With his free arm, he seems to clutch a bundle of random trinkets. Ah yes, trinkets for Six. Why had she asked? Had she even asked? She always liked things just to have them. You have another bounty to do. You'd just make a quick drop. You remember this you. The face shifts, growing gray fur and a set of spectacles from out of nowhere. Her face is aged, with rolls visible even beneath the fur. The light is faded in her once-twinkling eyes. You can feel her arm shake as she struggles to hold on. "Well, dumb, stupid, idiot boy? Aren't you going to pull me up?"
Cyrus
As you gaze into the oddly emotionless face, it is familiar, but not quite yours. A relic of a time past. His clothes are stained with grease, ash, and soot. With one arm, he clutches rolled parchment. Your first ideas – crude and unrefined. Your ticket up and out. The grip digs deeper into your forearm. You remember this you. The grip sinks further into you, nails threatening to break your skin. "I made you. Without me, you won't get where you stand now. Two of us are better than one. Isn't that what it's always been about? Efficiency. So pull me up."
A Soul Laid Bare
A line of gray, vaguely humanoid shape wraps around the banks of a still river moving slowly towards a beckoning green light.Declan
His form is made of a blending of pinks and red, like petals woven together with bronze, copper, and gold threads. On each thread, hundreds of knots that total to thousands. In some places, the pink and red seem to fade to hues of blue. Although upon initial glance Declan retains his normal features – facial hair, violet eyes – if you look too long... the features shift: a humble human woman, a genasi dressed in armor, a changeling in escort garb.Ghilani
Like his natural form, Ghilani appears to be composed of patches of pale segments, nearly void of any color. Each patch is stitched together by red thread, flowing like liquid and pulsing with what might be a heartbeat. His limbs seem to elongate... and his fingers occasionally look like sharpened claws. Every now and then portions of him seem to be... missing. As if only half of him is there at any one time.Moira
Her entire form is composed of a network of visible blackened veins, with the thickest, twisted mass of them concentrated around the area that would be near her heart. The areas between the black tendrils seem to be a mixture of blue, purple, and littered with the illusion of stars... but as your gaze lingers, the starry spaces seem to warp, stretch, and distort. The mass in her chest almost swirls... with six prongs swirling around slowly.Rani
Her form is split perfectly down the middle, a vertical line running from head to toe. One half a mixture of white interspersed with flecks of gold, teal, and every now and then a myriad of other colors. The other half is a mixture of black with flecks of gold and orange. As you look, the line between the two groups of colors seems to drift and sway, bend and warp. Flecks of the colors drift across the boundary before vanishing into the palette of that half.Newt
His entire form is cracked as if covered with scales or like rock as it begins to harden over flowing lava. Through the space between the scales, brilliant colors flash: red-orange like fire, to icy frost, to crackling lightning, to greenish fog, brilliant light, and dark swirling blackness. It's ironic... that this form has a shadow cast in the eerie green light. It's larger than Newt with broader wings, sharpened claws, and a set of larger, twisting horns.The Trio of Doors
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