Session 74
General Summary
In Line to See Ah'Shal
The Lady of Death waves two of her fingers and a moment after, black onyx gemstones appear floating in front of each person. Each stone is carved with the symbol of the Goddess of Death – a boon from completing her temple. With another wave, the gemstones approach and the Goddess places her staff in the ground allowing more consistent green light to fill the office space as she returns to her desk, grabbing a quill. Rani gives a respectful, slight bow while Newt, on the other hand, bows deeply. The Lady of Death, in a perfectly even voice, simply asks: who is first? Form a line, please.
After a moment of hesitation, Newt stepped forward. He needs to know the truth of his heritage and what he can do to life Ah'Shal's Ire. Completely even-toned, Ah'Shal remarked that this is quite the change for someone who so adamantly had wanted to kill her. Yes, his intent to do so was entirely serious, but he's realized perhaps he was in the wrong. He has been faithful to her for years and wishes to return to that. What is my heritage? Why do you hate me? My hatred for you is an unfortunate circumstance of your birth, a threat and a contradiction to what I was tasked to do. She then motioned to the doors around her; First, to the Sea of Unclaimed Souls... and then to the cracked door behind her. The shattered door is one that has always existed for as along as Ah'Shal can remember. She has not ever been able to close it. Beyond the door lies a hellish place. If you wish to remove her ire, then you must find a means to close the door from whence you came.
And then a voice from beyond that very door called out: "After I come through it, yes. My Lady, I've told you I'd be more than happy to assist with that affair..." Ah'Shal, without turning to acknowledge the voice, quickly dismisses Atu, informing him that she had not invited him to this conversation and that his very own son had not indicated a desire to speak with him. Newt asked if perhaps he could go across and see the other side. Ah'Shal did not stop him, but it would certainly do her a favor... she would just not allow him back. However, she did then offer to "open" the door, if Newt desired to see his father.
Unlike previously, Atu does not seem to be bound in any way. He walks freely into view... though his shadow does not match the form he wears. The blurry image of perhaps what is a throne room comes into view beyond him – crude, simple, and dark. Atu is pleased to see Newt liave and well. He – by the "rules" of your world – is perhaps considered a "God" here. But his world has broken and crumbled and, without any "termination" rules in place, the world continues to exist... without Death. And so, Death is something Atu covets greatly. He desires to bring his bloodline through. Once that is accomplished, Atu is genuinely more than happy to help close the door behind him. Of course, he has an army to offer and knowledge to give. You have enemies in need of defeating? While I tire of fighting, I will fight if I need to. One more battle before he retires to his given plot of land. You could rule, Newt... you are my first born (well, on that side at least). He leaned in to the very edge of the gateway and told Newt to ask the lady about her scars. They were much worse, you know.
Regarding Newt's siblings, Ah'Shal remarked that she is not so cruel to attempt to destroy their souls. No, she has simply locked them away for safety. When the door is closed, only then will she release them and permit them to move on to an afterlife. Trust that, for now, they are safe.
Ah'Shal granted Newt a moment to process everything he had heard, both from her and his father. She then turned to the rest of the group. What else do you desire of me? A discussion of the crystals was had – Cyrus sighs in relief. Ah'Shal remembers the Dread King's War and all the death it wrought. He remembers much before that as well, but she does not have any knowledge of the crystals that they spoke of. Rani mentioned that other deities had recalled things in the past and perhaps Ah'Shal might recall how to close the door. Although Ah'Shal does not seem particularly hopeful that that is true, the line of thought is not entirely illogical to her. After a moment, she mentioned the cliff sides. Perhaps focus your efforts there. She has not noticed oddities in souls... and seems perplexed that Moira is only half there.
Rani spoke quite fondly of Oksha. The Yuan-Ti Priestess had quite forcefully made her presence and thoughts known to the Goddess of Death. When AH'Shal had expressed a dislike for what had become of her region, Rani was quick to pitch Oksha as a prime opportunity for a revolutionary leader. Ah'Shal seemed hesitant, for Oksha is but one of her servants against a metallic parasite of sizable strength. Rani, however, thinks otherwise: She might be only one, but every revolution needs a start. Ah'Shal will certainly consider it. The Goddess then paused to remark that Rani seems to contain a divine spark... not unlike the one that exists within each of the pantheon.
Her focus then shifted to Ghilani. You are removed from the Cycle of Life and Death... but you certainly can still die, if that was not apparent. That is why Tel'Rhea hates you. As Ah'Shal speaks, she lightly traces the scars on her face. Ghilani is outside of her control and therefore, she will not stop until you are removed. Know that she may be the Goddess of Life, but that does not mean she cannot end you. Ah'Shal, however, seems to harbor no direct ill will towards Ghilani, though she seems to have an inkling of what Primus wants. Ghilani suggested that Ah'Shal should visit Primus, but then offered instead to deliver a message. The Goddess of Death assures Primus that if they come to kill her, she will not go down without a fight. Both of their forces may be mere shadows of what they once were, but any attempt on Ah'Shal will be met with force. However, the Goddess of Death harbors no direct ill will towards Primus.
Ah'Shal then shifted to Declan. She is understanding of his position, for it was not long ago that she was still so blindly enraptured in her own millenia of turmoil – made to believe her relationship was of love not control and power. Declan expressed his belief that the gods should speak to one another, perhaps become more blended and diffuse rather than standing so rigidly alone. It doesn't have to be just life and death. Ah'Shal agreed, it is not a line, but a circle. When Declan continued explaining that there is more to life than just Tel'Rhea – more to live for than just the mere act of living – Ah'Shal's eye twitched mildly. Mortals may choose how they wish to understand the pantheon and religion, but there are rules in place and roles to fill. A mortal mind perhaps cannot comprehend it, but there is power in your faith and how you choose to relieve.
Declan asked if he could reclaim a soul from the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. For Therarask realized his mistake. Do you think souls are a trivial affair? Do you think they truly "fear" your anger? Do you think they truly regret? Or is this not all an effort just to get back into your pants? It is easy to say that you would make the decision to let them go and cut them off if needed... it is so easy to say and very hard to do. Declan argued that Sylvia deserves more, regardless of Therarask, but Ah'Shal immediately countered that one could argue that many souls deserve more. Regardless, she held her arm out to the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. You may risk it if you wish. I will not stop you... nor will I help you.
With Cyrus, Ah'Shal seems... mildly displeased. Are you happy with where your afterlife will be? Hm. Know that I could make it "not peaceful". You may make alterations to the body, but I can make cuts on your soul.
Rani spoke with Atu through the doorway, speaking in the language that had come to her in a dream. Atu responds in a broken version of the language. he explains that he has knowledge and understanding that he suspects might help them. He also assured Rani that he has no desire to ravage or destroy them, what would be the purpose of doing that? He is trying to escape his hellish dead world. Atu does not know Primus and the Dread King does not know of Atu or his world. The Dread King was apologetic for not being able to assist more.
Do you still love Tel'Rhea? Yes, but there are things that I cannot forgive. There was a time where I contemplated killing your mother and all the others, to end it all before it could begin... but Tel'Rhea stopped me. Patronizingly and critical. And Atu was quick to cut in: But I was there for you, my Lady.
Declan moves through the Sea of Unclaimed Souls, feeling the life drained from him and his body warp and bend. However, reinforced by the belt and hasted by Ghilani, Declan is able to find Sylvia's form amidst the sea. Once he had a hold of her, however, he found himself disoriented, until the sound of a sick flute draws him back. Collapsing on the ground, the new wrinkles are apparent on Declan's face and hands. yet the spirit of Sylvia moved out of his grip, free from the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. Standing before Ah'Shal, she was consumed by light... sent to the Court of Therarask.
Ghilani inched closer and closer to Ah'Shal's desk and offered her a flower. Upon taking it, the green tulip immediately began to decay. Undeterred, Ghilani offered her another flower, but this time in a waterskin. Ah'Shal appreciated the effort, placing it on her desk. When he asked about the sealed door, Ah'Shal waved it off and when the name "Vainheart" was mentioned, Ah'Shal firmly informed him that it would be best for him to forget that he ever knew that name.
Rani stealthily pulls out the map and notices the region of Ah'Shal light up and fill in. Newt finds that he can't give an answer. If she could not close the door, how are they supposed to? Ah'Shal remarks that there is One that might be able to assist, glancing towards Rani's map. Newt assured Ah'Shal that he is one of hers. Although her expression falls to change at all, the Goddess of Death stands and places a finger to his head. The spirits become tangible. Very well, a token to you then.
Before they departed, Ah'Shal looked at Calibird and then Moira. Tell him that she never came here.
Cyrus was immediately sent back not wanting to deal with the Deep End having yet another long winded conversation. Speaking with Thyron, the tiefling is happy to see that Newt has returned and seemingly in better graces with the Lady of Death. His ship was most certainly not named the Floating Tit (what an awful ship), but he had a wild youth and he was once known as the Scourge of the Southern Seas. he cheated and mocked death one too many times, but ultimately pleaded with her when she came for him and entered her service instead of dying. He doesn't know much about a "Janos Liderc", but he fucked around plenty. Regarding the sealed door, Thyron declared that "she can't murder me, I'm already dead" and informed them that Vainheart is the ruler of the House of the Undead & Undying. Beyond that, he is Ah'Shal's antagonist... and her one and only son. Newt gave Thyron a big hug. You might not have been my dad, but you were my father. And you raised me well. Thyron is pleased to see how Newt has grown. Glad he raised one of them well cause he certainly didn't do so with any of his actual children! After giving Newt a set of keys, he sent them all on their way.
Cyrus waited one... two minutes before the rest of them showed up. Moira prayed to Caliban and Calibird nodded sagely. Walking across the ash-covered beach on his short little legs, Calibird stood for a moment in front of the exhausted Declan before flying and pecking him in the face, grabbing on with his wings. A moment later, Declan felt a LOT better and a LOT less exhausted. And Calibird nodded, returning to Moira's shoulder.
While climbing, Ghilani presented his rose to Rani. She does love him and the petal took on a myriad of colors, the most prominent being gold and orange. After climbing up the ledge into the much louder factory city, Cyrus led them through the streets to a nicer boarding house than expected. He was able to acquire rooms for them before departing to his own residence for the evening. With megabed assembled... The Deep End rests.
After a moment of hesitation, Newt stepped forward. He needs to know the truth of his heritage and what he can do to life Ah'Shal's Ire. Completely even-toned, Ah'Shal remarked that this is quite the change for someone who so adamantly had wanted to kill her. Yes, his intent to do so was entirely serious, but he's realized perhaps he was in the wrong. He has been faithful to her for years and wishes to return to that. What is my heritage? Why do you hate me? My hatred for you is an unfortunate circumstance of your birth, a threat and a contradiction to what I was tasked to do. She then motioned to the doors around her; First, to the Sea of Unclaimed Souls... and then to the cracked door behind her. The shattered door is one that has always existed for as along as Ah'Shal can remember. She has not ever been able to close it. Beyond the door lies a hellish place. If you wish to remove her ire, then you must find a means to close the door from whence you came.
And then a voice from beyond that very door called out: "After I come through it, yes. My Lady, I've told you I'd be more than happy to assist with that affair..." Ah'Shal, without turning to acknowledge the voice, quickly dismisses Atu, informing him that she had not invited him to this conversation and that his very own son had not indicated a desire to speak with him. Newt asked if perhaps he could go across and see the other side. Ah'Shal did not stop him, but it would certainly do her a favor... she would just not allow him back. However, she did then offer to "open" the door, if Newt desired to see his father.
Unlike previously, Atu does not seem to be bound in any way. He walks freely into view... though his shadow does not match the form he wears. The blurry image of perhaps what is a throne room comes into view beyond him – crude, simple, and dark. Atu is pleased to see Newt liave and well. He – by the "rules" of your world – is perhaps considered a "God" here. But his world has broken and crumbled and, without any "termination" rules in place, the world continues to exist... without Death. And so, Death is something Atu covets greatly. He desires to bring his bloodline through. Once that is accomplished, Atu is genuinely more than happy to help close the door behind him. Of course, he has an army to offer and knowledge to give. You have enemies in need of defeating? While I tire of fighting, I will fight if I need to. One more battle before he retires to his given plot of land. You could rule, Newt... you are my first born (well, on that side at least). He leaned in to the very edge of the gateway and told Newt to ask the lady about her scars. They were much worse, you know.
Regarding Newt's siblings, Ah'Shal remarked that she is not so cruel to attempt to destroy their souls. No, she has simply locked them away for safety. When the door is closed, only then will she release them and permit them to move on to an afterlife. Trust that, for now, they are safe.
Ah'Shal granted Newt a moment to process everything he had heard, both from her and his father. She then turned to the rest of the group. What else do you desire of me? A discussion of the crystals was had – Cyrus sighs in relief. Ah'Shal remembers the Dread King's War and all the death it wrought. He remembers much before that as well, but she does not have any knowledge of the crystals that they spoke of. Rani mentioned that other deities had recalled things in the past and perhaps Ah'Shal might recall how to close the door. Although Ah'Shal does not seem particularly hopeful that that is true, the line of thought is not entirely illogical to her. After a moment, she mentioned the cliff sides. Perhaps focus your efforts there. She has not noticed oddities in souls... and seems perplexed that Moira is only half there.
Rani spoke quite fondly of Oksha. The Yuan-Ti Priestess had quite forcefully made her presence and thoughts known to the Goddess of Death. When AH'Shal had expressed a dislike for what had become of her region, Rani was quick to pitch Oksha as a prime opportunity for a revolutionary leader. Ah'Shal seemed hesitant, for Oksha is but one of her servants against a metallic parasite of sizable strength. Rani, however, thinks otherwise: She might be only one, but every revolution needs a start. Ah'Shal will certainly consider it. The Goddess then paused to remark that Rani seems to contain a divine spark... not unlike the one that exists within each of the pantheon.
Her focus then shifted to Ghilani. You are removed from the Cycle of Life and Death... but you certainly can still die, if that was not apparent. That is why Tel'Rhea hates you. As Ah'Shal speaks, she lightly traces the scars on her face. Ghilani is outside of her control and therefore, she will not stop until you are removed. Know that she may be the Goddess of Life, but that does not mean she cannot end you. Ah'Shal, however, seems to harbor no direct ill will towards Ghilani, though she seems to have an inkling of what Primus wants. Ghilani suggested that Ah'Shal should visit Primus, but then offered instead to deliver a message. The Goddess of Death assures Primus that if they come to kill her, she will not go down without a fight. Both of their forces may be mere shadows of what they once were, but any attempt on Ah'Shal will be met with force. However, the Goddess of Death harbors no direct ill will towards Primus.
Ah'Shal then shifted to Declan. She is understanding of his position, for it was not long ago that she was still so blindly enraptured in her own millenia of turmoil – made to believe her relationship was of love not control and power. Declan expressed his belief that the gods should speak to one another, perhaps become more blended and diffuse rather than standing so rigidly alone. It doesn't have to be just life and death. Ah'Shal agreed, it is not a line, but a circle. When Declan continued explaining that there is more to life than just Tel'Rhea – more to live for than just the mere act of living – Ah'Shal's eye twitched mildly. Mortals may choose how they wish to understand the pantheon and religion, but there are rules in place and roles to fill. A mortal mind perhaps cannot comprehend it, but there is power in your faith and how you choose to relieve.
Declan asked if he could reclaim a soul from the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. For Therarask realized his mistake. Do you think souls are a trivial affair? Do you think they truly "fear" your anger? Do you think they truly regret? Or is this not all an effort just to get back into your pants? It is easy to say that you would make the decision to let them go and cut them off if needed... it is so easy to say and very hard to do. Declan argued that Sylvia deserves more, regardless of Therarask, but Ah'Shal immediately countered that one could argue that many souls deserve more. Regardless, she held her arm out to the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. You may risk it if you wish. I will not stop you... nor will I help you.
With Cyrus, Ah'Shal seems... mildly displeased. Are you happy with where your afterlife will be? Hm. Know that I could make it "not peaceful". You may make alterations to the body, but I can make cuts on your soul.
Rani spoke with Atu through the doorway, speaking in the language that had come to her in a dream. Atu responds in a broken version of the language. he explains that he has knowledge and understanding that he suspects might help them. He also assured Rani that he has no desire to ravage or destroy them, what would be the purpose of doing that? He is trying to escape his hellish dead world. Atu does not know Primus and the Dread King does not know of Atu or his world. The Dread King was apologetic for not being able to assist more.
Do you still love Tel'Rhea? Yes, but there are things that I cannot forgive. There was a time where I contemplated killing your mother and all the others, to end it all before it could begin... but Tel'Rhea stopped me. Patronizingly and critical. And Atu was quick to cut in: But I was there for you, my Lady.
Declan moves through the Sea of Unclaimed Souls, feeling the life drained from him and his body warp and bend. However, reinforced by the belt and hasted by Ghilani, Declan is able to find Sylvia's form amidst the sea. Once he had a hold of her, however, he found himself disoriented, until the sound of a sick flute draws him back. Collapsing on the ground, the new wrinkles are apparent on Declan's face and hands. yet the spirit of Sylvia moved out of his grip, free from the Sea of Unclaimed Souls. Standing before Ah'Shal, she was consumed by light... sent to the Court of Therarask.
Ghilani inched closer and closer to Ah'Shal's desk and offered her a flower. Upon taking it, the green tulip immediately began to decay. Undeterred, Ghilani offered her another flower, but this time in a waterskin. Ah'Shal appreciated the effort, placing it on her desk. When he asked about the sealed door, Ah'Shal waved it off and when the name "Vainheart" was mentioned, Ah'Shal firmly informed him that it would be best for him to forget that he ever knew that name.
Rani stealthily pulls out the map and notices the region of Ah'Shal light up and fill in. Newt finds that he can't give an answer. If she could not close the door, how are they supposed to? Ah'Shal remarks that there is One that might be able to assist, glancing towards Rani's map. Newt assured Ah'Shal that he is one of hers. Although her expression falls to change at all, the Goddess of Death stands and places a finger to his head. The spirits become tangible. Very well, a token to you then.
Before they departed, Ah'Shal looked at Calibird and then Moira. Tell him that she never came here.
Cyrus was immediately sent back not wanting to deal with the Deep End having yet another long winded conversation. Speaking with Thyron, the tiefling is happy to see that Newt has returned and seemingly in better graces with the Lady of Death. His ship was most certainly not named the Floating Tit (what an awful ship), but he had a wild youth and he was once known as the Scourge of the Southern Seas. he cheated and mocked death one too many times, but ultimately pleaded with her when she came for him and entered her service instead of dying. He doesn't know much about a "Janos Liderc", but he fucked around plenty. Regarding the sealed door, Thyron declared that "she can't murder me, I'm already dead" and informed them that Vainheart is the ruler of the House of the Undead & Undying. Beyond that, he is Ah'Shal's antagonist... and her one and only son. Newt gave Thyron a big hug. You might not have been my dad, but you were my father. And you raised me well. Thyron is pleased to see how Newt has grown. Glad he raised one of them well cause he certainly didn't do so with any of his actual children! After giving Newt a set of keys, he sent them all on their way.
Cyrus waited one... two minutes before the rest of them showed up. Moira prayed to Caliban and Calibird nodded sagely. Walking across the ash-covered beach on his short little legs, Calibird stood for a moment in front of the exhausted Declan before flying and pecking him in the face, grabbing on with his wings. A moment later, Declan felt a LOT better and a LOT less exhausted. And Calibird nodded, returning to Moira's shoulder.
While climbing, Ghilani presented his rose to Rani. She does love him and the petal took on a myriad of colors, the most prominent being gold and orange. After climbing up the ledge into the much louder factory city, Cyrus led them through the streets to a nicer boarding house than expected. He was able to acquire rooms for them before departing to his own residence for the evening. With megabed assembled... The Deep End rests.
Biscuits, Gravy, and Crystals Maybe
Moira dreamed a familiar dream. Still, she could not make out the words Dysis spoke. And when the chants and cheers began at the end, their words were still muffled... and it did not seem pleased. NO. Its memories are RIGHT THERE! You must GO BACK. Moira woke up with blackened veins.
The parents kicked the children out of the room to chat – sending them both down to make biscuits and gravy. Ghilani can't cook, but Rani insisted that Ghilani go, his encouragement does WONDERS for the biscuits while rising!
Newt apologized for not being there for Declan. He lied when he said it was to try and help them find information. He's been courting death for most of his life... since he left the House of Death. Rani asked if Newt had come here wanting to die. Newt responded that her assumption isn't completely untrue. How long have you served your gods? Lark has always been present – a beat or rhythm to the dance – but she's not sure its been worship. Declan has been in religious worship for a year. Newt has worshipped Ah'Shal from the moment he knew what worship was. If Thyron was his father, then Ah'Shal was his mother. When he left the House of Death, a part of him broke. He sought out an Executioner, stole his axe... and waited, but Volo didn't kill him. And so Newt spend years hunting targets that could fight back... constantly courting death. And then he met Rani and Declan and it was frustrating. A drunkard and a wreck of a man was in a relationship with his god. And he broke more when he learned that Ah'Shal wanted him dead. Now he realizes that he has people – he has a family. The Deep End is his family.
Declan is hurt that Newt wasn't there. he had to be vulnerable in front of two people he didn't know when it was Rani and Newt – the people who have been there from the beginning – that he wanted there most of all. Others had to see his god be vulnerable. Who knows what people will do when they learn that gods can crack.
If we're being honest, Rani admitted that she wants to return to Lark'Hal. They should have taken a break between the first two sets of crystals. Perhaps, they need a bit of joy and love in their lives and she feels Lark'Hal could provide that. They should take a few days to decompress. Complete a temple while we're there. Lark likes me, after all.
In the kitchen, Calibird goes megaphone. Caliban remembers that she felt incredible pain, and despite it all Dysis felt hope. When Moira remarked that Dysis seems to see beyond even a traditional Oracle – speaking to present individuals in memories and visions – Caliban laughed. They used to joke that Dysis would have made a better Goddess of Fate than he ever could. Yet, if her soul did not pass through Ah'Shal's domain... then that means she never died... or her soul was destroyed and cannot ever be regained. Moira assured Caliban that she will find answers. Caliban assured her that for as she has faith in him... he has faith in her. Ghilani commends: "That was a lot."
Cyrus arrives and immediately comments that everyone seems a bit more depressed compared to yesterday. Some stuff just happened, you know? Oksha arrived, absolutely pissed. Her eyes, interestingly, are now green. Markus seems way too amused about the situation. The Yuan-Ti woman immediately stormed up to Newt. I thought you DIED. I sent to you FIVE TIMES. Do you now think I can take care of myself??? You went down a chute to see the Goddess of Death! The GODDESS THAT I SERVE YES. In the heat of the moment, Newt proclaimed that he was worried because he loves Oksha. She immediately froze. First of all, my Goddess wouldn't kill me and second of wall, what? Oksha then kissed Newt. When I though you had died, I realized that I love you too.
Oh, the message from Ah'Shal? It was NOT to go to her Temple, but I guess that already happened. Oksha seems to have been blessed further by the Goddess of Death as her sight now has further reach. Regarding crystals and bodies, there was someone with odd symptoms brought in last night, but Baladon took it quickly. She also happened to hear on the way over that Cordelia is lingering in the City of Smog... more than usual. If there's anything she can do to help, she will certainly try. Newt walked her out and asked Markus to keep an eye on her. The older man remarked that Oksha is like a daughter to him and he would die before anything ever happened to her. And, by the way, incredibly offended that you didn't think I was capable of keeping her safe, but I'll forget about it.
Cyrus narrows the search down to two enforcers, given that 3 overlords have moved into cliffside operations: Cordelia (Ashenfoot) and Mirage (Ah'Vanni). They resolve to head to the Bounty (Blood) Bowl to start – though beating up Ghilani is still on the table (in Oksha's words: he's fragile!). The Bounty Board still does not bare the likeness of their faces, thank goodness. Newt and Moira headed to Executioner's Block first. Newt noticed a shadowy figure on the edge of his vision. He told Moira about it, she looked, made prolonged eye contact with a figure that didn't blink, and only snapped out of it when Newt said "DON'T LOOK!". Speaking with the owner, Cordelia was in a few days ago and hasn't made note of weird deaths. If that affects his cousins, they might eat the whole city, HA! Send Volo his regards!
In Sweet Valentine's, the rest of the Deep End reunited with Rust Bucket in the midst of receiving some form of repairs. The owner hasn't seen Cordelia in some time – hasn't come by looking for anything of late. Declan commented that this is a pretty sweet shop, do you do enchantments? Yes, he does, but are you a bounty hunter? Retired, yes, worked in Tel'Rhea. Well, you aren't a REAL bounty hunter then. My bounty hungers are my priority, but if I got a spare chance, sure. I could make you something. Ghilani approached Rust Bucket and minor illusioned the image of his mother upon her death. Do you know anyone who would do this? Beat someone? Rust Bucket responded that he would, but he doesn't recognize the woman. It would take someone mighty strong to decapitate someone. Not easy. Or, someone would need help. Ghialni thanked him and asked – even though he doesn't expect Rust Bucket to – if you find anything, he'd appreciate it. Rust Bucket's eyes seemed to whir and then blink once... twice. With his arm reattached, he stood and simply said: "Sure, per protocol". Rust Bucket then left.
In the Pipeworks, the Deep End spoke to the red dragonborn bartender with some scars concealed beneath his garb. Cordelia was here yesterday. No, he doesn't have a way to contact her. What do you want with her? He seems quite suspicious of the group, but with Cyrus leaving a bit of a bribe, the bartender nodded – he'll let her know you all need to speak with her if she passes through. In the background, the large hulking figure of Beast leaves the establishment with a smaller figure trailing behind. With Mirage having vanished and Rani not detecting Cordelia's whip in the vicinity, is Blitz on the table to talk to? Or shall we resort to Cyrus' plan of beating up Ghilani for clout?
Newt apologized for not being there for Declan. He lied when he said it was to try and help them find information. He's been courting death for most of his life... since he left the House of Death. Rani asked if Newt had come here wanting to die. Newt responded that her assumption isn't completely untrue. How long have you served your gods? Lark has always been present – a beat or rhythm to the dance – but she's not sure its been worship. Declan has been in religious worship for a year. Newt has worshipped Ah'Shal from the moment he knew what worship was. If Thyron was his father, then Ah'Shal was his mother. When he left the House of Death, a part of him broke. He sought out an Executioner, stole his axe... and waited, but Volo didn't kill him. And so Newt spend years hunting targets that could fight back... constantly courting death. And then he met Rani and Declan and it was frustrating. A drunkard and a wreck of a man was in a relationship with his god. And he broke more when he learned that Ah'Shal wanted him dead. Now he realizes that he has people – he has a family. The Deep End is his family.
Declan is hurt that Newt wasn't there. he had to be vulnerable in front of two people he didn't know when it was Rani and Newt – the people who have been there from the beginning – that he wanted there most of all. Others had to see his god be vulnerable. Who knows what people will do when they learn that gods can crack.
If we're being honest, Rani admitted that she wants to return to Lark'Hal. They should have taken a break between the first two sets of crystals. Perhaps, they need a bit of joy and love in their lives and she feels Lark'Hal could provide that. They should take a few days to decompress. Complete a temple while we're there. Lark likes me, after all.
In the kitchen, Calibird goes megaphone. Caliban remembers that she felt incredible pain, and despite it all Dysis felt hope. When Moira remarked that Dysis seems to see beyond even a traditional Oracle – speaking to present individuals in memories and visions – Caliban laughed. They used to joke that Dysis would have made a better Goddess of Fate than he ever could. Yet, if her soul did not pass through Ah'Shal's domain... then that means she never died... or her soul was destroyed and cannot ever be regained. Moira assured Caliban that she will find answers. Caliban assured her that for as she has faith in him... he has faith in her. Ghilani commends: "That was a lot."
Cyrus arrives and immediately comments that everyone seems a bit more depressed compared to yesterday. Some stuff just happened, you know? Oksha arrived, absolutely pissed. Her eyes, interestingly, are now green. Markus seems way too amused about the situation. The Yuan-Ti woman immediately stormed up to Newt. I thought you DIED. I sent to you FIVE TIMES. Do you now think I can take care of myself??? You went down a chute to see the Goddess of Death! The GODDESS THAT I SERVE YES. In the heat of the moment, Newt proclaimed that he was worried because he loves Oksha. She immediately froze. First of all, my Goddess wouldn't kill me and second of wall, what? Oksha then kissed Newt. When I though you had died, I realized that I love you too.
Oh, the message from Ah'Shal? It was NOT to go to her Temple, but I guess that already happened. Oksha seems to have been blessed further by the Goddess of Death as her sight now has further reach. Regarding crystals and bodies, there was someone with odd symptoms brought in last night, but Baladon took it quickly. She also happened to hear on the way over that Cordelia is lingering in the City of Smog... more than usual. If there's anything she can do to help, she will certainly try. Newt walked her out and asked Markus to keep an eye on her. The older man remarked that Oksha is like a daughter to him and he would die before anything ever happened to her. And, by the way, incredibly offended that you didn't think I was capable of keeping her safe, but I'll forget about it.
Cyrus narrows the search down to two enforcers, given that 3 overlords have moved into cliffside operations: Cordelia (Ashenfoot) and Mirage (Ah'Vanni). They resolve to head to the Bounty (Blood) Bowl to start – though beating up Ghilani is still on the table (in Oksha's words: he's fragile!). The Bounty Board still does not bare the likeness of their faces, thank goodness. Newt and Moira headed to Executioner's Block first. Newt noticed a shadowy figure on the edge of his vision. He told Moira about it, she looked, made prolonged eye contact with a figure that didn't blink, and only snapped out of it when Newt said "DON'T LOOK!". Speaking with the owner, Cordelia was in a few days ago and hasn't made note of weird deaths. If that affects his cousins, they might eat the whole city, HA! Send Volo his regards!
In Sweet Valentine's, the rest of the Deep End reunited with Rust Bucket in the midst of receiving some form of repairs. The owner hasn't seen Cordelia in some time – hasn't come by looking for anything of late. Declan commented that this is a pretty sweet shop, do you do enchantments? Yes, he does, but are you a bounty hunter? Retired, yes, worked in Tel'Rhea. Well, you aren't a REAL bounty hunter then. My bounty hungers are my priority, but if I got a spare chance, sure. I could make you something. Ghilani approached Rust Bucket and minor illusioned the image of his mother upon her death. Do you know anyone who would do this? Beat someone? Rust Bucket responded that he would, but he doesn't recognize the woman. It would take someone mighty strong to decapitate someone. Not easy. Or, someone would need help. Ghialni thanked him and asked – even though he doesn't expect Rust Bucket to – if you find anything, he'd appreciate it. Rust Bucket's eyes seemed to whir and then blink once... twice. With his arm reattached, he stood and simply said: "Sure, per protocol". Rust Bucket then left.
In the Pipeworks, the Deep End spoke to the red dragonborn bartender with some scars concealed beneath his garb. Cordelia was here yesterday. No, he doesn't have a way to contact her. What do you want with her? He seems quite suspicious of the group, but with Cyrus leaving a bit of a bribe, the bartender nodded – he'll let her know you all need to speak with her if she passes through. In the background, the large hulking figure of Beast leaves the establishment with a smaller figure trailing behind. With Mirage having vanished and Rani not detecting Cordelia's whip in the vicinity, is Blitz on the table to talk to? Or shall we resort to Cyrus' plan of beating up Ghilani for clout?
Report Date
03 Mar 2023
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
The Sea of Unclaimed Souls
The Gateway to a Shattered World
The House of the Undead & Undying
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