Session 75
General Summary
Do You Know How Things Work Around Here?
A bit indecisive on the next step, the group once again considers beating up Ghilani for clout (mostly Cyrus). He wouldn't beat him up too much... just enough that the common rabble take the "beaten pup" under their wings. Primus is displeased by this discussion again. I took great care in stitching you together. Newt and Rani put their foot (hoof) down – we are not beating up Ghilani. Instead, they decide to have another discussion with High Priest Baladon.
Arriving at the House of Death, the doors have been closed, but upon knocking it seems the doors are unlocked. Rani requests to speak to the High Priest and after mentioning the Council and pulling out official papers, the Acolytes scurries off. Newt enters the House of Death and finds... that no one stops him or pays him any mind at all for that matter.
Fifteen minutes later, the Acolyte returned with a very tired looking Baladon. The old priest led the group down to a small office that seems to be nothing more than a half-converted closet on the first level of the crypts. We heard that you received an odd body? Ghilani put on display one of the many victims that they found in Carmenthia. Baladon seemed to dismiss the oddities – how do you define a "peculiar" death? Are you attempting to accuse me of poor record-keeping? You lot don't strike me as being from here. He seems incredibly tense and his eyes seem to shift periodically to Cyrus.
When Baladon continued to be "SUS" and not cooperative, Rani moved to casually flank the old man as Cyrus moved behind him to quickly and easily inject something into Baladon's neck. Cyrus and Newt were quick to gaslight the old man. What? Nothing touched you! Are you sure you are alright? Do you need healing or anything? Seemingly tired, Baladon remarked that traditional healing cannot help him. He – seemingly not completely duped by the ruse – said he would speak to Declan, Rani, and Moira. After leaving, Newt immediately pressed his ear to the door.
With Moira appearing as the most sympathetic and Baladon aware of Khalashtars, he asked to speak to her telepathically. He informed her that the Overlords are blackmailing him into covering up the deaths they are inquiring about. They saw what happened in Carmenthia and would prefer that outsiders not be sent to intervene... though it seems that has already occurred. When assured that they are here to help, Baladon remarked that you may be here to help, but he must be cautious. He has Acolytes to look after. One too many has been killed by "straying" enforcers. Of course, he would like to see this "illness" ended, but Baladon feels his hands are tied. Newt expresses his frustration at listening to pure silence on the other side of the door.
Declan commented on how Baladon has been rude and dismissive of them when all they had intended to do was help. Baladon countered that Declan – and the rest of the group – have the luxury of leaving this smog-filled city if consequences come to bare. He, on the other hand, and his acolytes do not. Bounty hunters are also well known for spinning sweet words and smiling, before they draw the knife to slit your throat. Baladon has learned not to trust stated words... but actions. Your name may be known, but what lingers beneath your surface will have to be revealed. Regardless, he told Moira that he would gladly apologize, should they remove this blight.
Rani inquired about any deaths with mutilations and physical wounds. Baladon almost immediately honed in on a series of "murders" – if you can call them that. The string of deaths occurred a few years back and although not a weapons' expert, he seemed certain that an axe would have been used for the killing blows... though they were certainly not clean. However, the deaths with the symptoms the "skinny one" showed were not associated.
Reunited, Cyrus inquired what the old priest had said. Was it helpful? NO? UGH. Debating their options, the Deep End and Cyrus exited the House of Death. In the back of Newt's mind, a familiar voice spoke: I could help, you know. I would be more than happy to help my son.
Outside of the House of Death, the group debates going into the mines without permission... or asking permission. Ashenfoot is in town, according to Baladon who mentioned "going to the source". Feeling eyes on them, Ghilani hears the creaking of joints approach. Rust Bucket emerges from the smog. Per protocol, what you requested. There is no way Beast murdered that person. The large tabaxi wouldn't risk losing "her" by mutilating another woman. And Vald is unlikely. He wouldn't want blood on his clothes. The only one who remains with the strength to back... is Volo. After placing a flower from Ghilani in the space underneath his metal shoulder plating, Rust Bucket turned and vanished back into the smog.
The group decides to ask permission and travels to a little bubble in the smog. Here, a Varoona-style estate has been set up and is swarming with lizardfolk guards. With Cyrus present, the Deep End is led into Gukziki Ashenfoot's office. The black lizardfolk seemed a bit tense, but settled quickly into a more relaxed posture, eye everyone. Ashenfoot inquired as to who on the Council had sent them and seemed to frown when Ironborn's name was mentioned. Well, what is it you want?
Rani stated that they were here for the people. Don't you want alive workers? Yes, quite logical that I would desire alive workers. Are you here to berate me for increasing my factory hours? Unfortunately, it was a necessity... I have quotas to keep... Ashenfoot seems particularly bitter about that. Rani dismisses Ashenfoot's "Overlord politics". She doesn't care about those. And in turn, Ashenfoot informs her that perhaps she should not be talking to him then. If you must look through the mines along the cliff, very well. But know that Lestroc and Ah'Vanni also have mines and factories there as well. How convenient that neither seem to be around.
Ghilani attempted to persuade Ashenfoot stating that he understands the politics. What do you think of Ironbound? Ghilani said that he seems like a laidback, jovial kind of man and seems nice enough. Ashenfoot scoffs. When asked about the arcane engines and what Ashenfoot's factories do, Ashenfoot seemed to sour. His factories are responsible for supplying other factories (and the forges in Nacheevi that still run) with what they need to make their other products. It is IronForge that makes the arcane engines.
Cyrus lingers behind to speak with Ashenfoot. He assures Ashenfoot that should these crystals be found, there will be no evidence linking them to Ashenfoot. How loyal are you to Ironbound? To Ironborn? Ashenfoot, resolved, informed Cyrus that he would be willing to be of further assistance should Cyrus assist him in moving out from the oppressive thumb of IronForge. You are a man of efficiency, after all, are you not? Ashenfoot is tired of having to answer to IronForge. In return for his assistance, Ashenfoot expects Cyrus to provide him with documentation from Ironbound's office (something important or incriminating, he cares not which)... or you can kill Volo, severing the tie between enforcer and Overlord. As a testament of Ashenfoot's good will, he pointed him to one of his mines. You'll find what you seek there. And know that should you betray this deal, it will be you and you alone who bares the consequences. But if this succeeds, I'll ensure that you have all you need for you work.
Reuniting, Cyrus begins to lead the group towards the cliff sides. Were you able to learn anymore? A bit, perhaps. Some of Ashenfoot's numbers overlap with some of Cyrus's so he has a good idea of where to start. After carefully traversing some clearly OSHA-violation bridges, the Deep End arrived outside a massive mine entrance... with a familiar woman, a five-tailed whip hooked to her hip. She gave Newt a hard stare with a smirk and Newt, in traditional Newt fashion, stared right the hell back. Cordelia spoke with Cyrus – stealthily reading the note from Ashenfoot. His call. Hey... what do you think of your traveling companions? I can make it worth your while if you make that one's wings no work... just on your way out. I'll keep a look out. When asked what Cordelia said, Cyrus simply said: the traditional trash talking. Now, shall we?
Arriving at the House of Death, the doors have been closed, but upon knocking it seems the doors are unlocked. Rani requests to speak to the High Priest and after mentioning the Council and pulling out official papers, the Acolytes scurries off. Newt enters the House of Death and finds... that no one stops him or pays him any mind at all for that matter.
Fifteen minutes later, the Acolyte returned with a very tired looking Baladon. The old priest led the group down to a small office that seems to be nothing more than a half-converted closet on the first level of the crypts. We heard that you received an odd body? Ghilani put on display one of the many victims that they found in Carmenthia. Baladon seemed to dismiss the oddities – how do you define a "peculiar" death? Are you attempting to accuse me of poor record-keeping? You lot don't strike me as being from here. He seems incredibly tense and his eyes seem to shift periodically to Cyrus.
When Baladon continued to be "SUS" and not cooperative, Rani moved to casually flank the old man as Cyrus moved behind him to quickly and easily inject something into Baladon's neck. Cyrus and Newt were quick to gaslight the old man. What? Nothing touched you! Are you sure you are alright? Do you need healing or anything? Seemingly tired, Baladon remarked that traditional healing cannot help him. He – seemingly not completely duped by the ruse – said he would speak to Declan, Rani, and Moira. After leaving, Newt immediately pressed his ear to the door.
With Moira appearing as the most sympathetic and Baladon aware of Khalashtars, he asked to speak to her telepathically. He informed her that the Overlords are blackmailing him into covering up the deaths they are inquiring about. They saw what happened in Carmenthia and would prefer that outsiders not be sent to intervene... though it seems that has already occurred. When assured that they are here to help, Baladon remarked that you may be here to help, but he must be cautious. He has Acolytes to look after. One too many has been killed by "straying" enforcers. Of course, he would like to see this "illness" ended, but Baladon feels his hands are tied. Newt expresses his frustration at listening to pure silence on the other side of the door.
Declan commented on how Baladon has been rude and dismissive of them when all they had intended to do was help. Baladon countered that Declan – and the rest of the group – have the luxury of leaving this smog-filled city if consequences come to bare. He, on the other hand, and his acolytes do not. Bounty hunters are also well known for spinning sweet words and smiling, before they draw the knife to slit your throat. Baladon has learned not to trust stated words... but actions. Your name may be known, but what lingers beneath your surface will have to be revealed. Regardless, he told Moira that he would gladly apologize, should they remove this blight.
Rani inquired about any deaths with mutilations and physical wounds. Baladon almost immediately honed in on a series of "murders" – if you can call them that. The string of deaths occurred a few years back and although not a weapons' expert, he seemed certain that an axe would have been used for the killing blows... though they were certainly not clean. However, the deaths with the symptoms the "skinny one" showed were not associated.
Reunited, Cyrus inquired what the old priest had said. Was it helpful? NO? UGH. Debating their options, the Deep End and Cyrus exited the House of Death. In the back of Newt's mind, a familiar voice spoke: I could help, you know. I would be more than happy to help my son.
Outside of the House of Death, the group debates going into the mines without permission... or asking permission. Ashenfoot is in town, according to Baladon who mentioned "going to the source". Feeling eyes on them, Ghilani hears the creaking of joints approach. Rust Bucket emerges from the smog. Per protocol, what you requested. There is no way Beast murdered that person. The large tabaxi wouldn't risk losing "her" by mutilating another woman. And Vald is unlikely. He wouldn't want blood on his clothes. The only one who remains with the strength to back... is Volo. After placing a flower from Ghilani in the space underneath his metal shoulder plating, Rust Bucket turned and vanished back into the smog.
The group decides to ask permission and travels to a little bubble in the smog. Here, a Varoona-style estate has been set up and is swarming with lizardfolk guards. With Cyrus present, the Deep End is led into Gukziki Ashenfoot's office. The black lizardfolk seemed a bit tense, but settled quickly into a more relaxed posture, eye everyone. Ashenfoot inquired as to who on the Council had sent them and seemed to frown when Ironborn's name was mentioned. Well, what is it you want?
Rani stated that they were here for the people. Don't you want alive workers? Yes, quite logical that I would desire alive workers. Are you here to berate me for increasing my factory hours? Unfortunately, it was a necessity... I have quotas to keep... Ashenfoot seems particularly bitter about that. Rani dismisses Ashenfoot's "Overlord politics". She doesn't care about those. And in turn, Ashenfoot informs her that perhaps she should not be talking to him then. If you must look through the mines along the cliff, very well. But know that Lestroc and Ah'Vanni also have mines and factories there as well. How convenient that neither seem to be around.
Ghilani attempted to persuade Ashenfoot stating that he understands the politics. What do you think of Ironbound? Ghilani said that he seems like a laidback, jovial kind of man and seems nice enough. Ashenfoot scoffs. When asked about the arcane engines and what Ashenfoot's factories do, Ashenfoot seemed to sour. His factories are responsible for supplying other factories (and the forges in Nacheevi that still run) with what they need to make their other products. It is IronForge that makes the arcane engines.
Cyrus lingers behind to speak with Ashenfoot. He assures Ashenfoot that should these crystals be found, there will be no evidence linking them to Ashenfoot. How loyal are you to Ironbound? To Ironborn? Ashenfoot, resolved, informed Cyrus that he would be willing to be of further assistance should Cyrus assist him in moving out from the oppressive thumb of IronForge. You are a man of efficiency, after all, are you not? Ashenfoot is tired of having to answer to IronForge. In return for his assistance, Ashenfoot expects Cyrus to provide him with documentation from Ironbound's office (something important or incriminating, he cares not which)... or you can kill Volo, severing the tie between enforcer and Overlord. As a testament of Ashenfoot's good will, he pointed him to one of his mines. You'll find what you seek there. And know that should you betray this deal, it will be you and you alone who bares the consequences. But if this succeeds, I'll ensure that you have all you need for you work.
Reuniting, Cyrus begins to lead the group towards the cliff sides. Were you able to learn anymore? A bit, perhaps. Some of Ashenfoot's numbers overlap with some of Cyrus's so he has a good idea of where to start. After carefully traversing some clearly OSHA-violation bridges, the Deep End arrived outside a massive mine entrance... with a familiar woman, a five-tailed whip hooked to her hip. She gave Newt a hard stare with a smirk and Newt, in traditional Newt fashion, stared right the hell back. Cordelia spoke with Cyrus – stealthily reading the note from Ashenfoot. His call. Hey... what do you think of your traveling companions? I can make it worth your while if you make that one's wings no work... just on your way out. I'll keep a look out. When asked what Cordelia said, Cyrus simply said: the traditional trash talking. Now, shall we?
Where DK Actually Stands for Donkey Kong
Moving through the mine, the sound of a drill echoes in the distance and dark smoke drifts in clouds down one of the other tunnels. Detouring away from the noise and smoke, a ramshackle door has been placed to obscure and block the glowing light... a familiar glowing light. Cyrus starts to inspect his nails while leaning against the wall as the rest of the Deep End jumps into action. Ghilani sets to work unweaving the crystal. Moira's passenger seems to perk up – I can help with this. After creating a changing curtain of bees and locusts, the Dread King placed a cold hand on Ghilani's shoulder.
After an hour, the crystal – baring the symbols of The One, Ah'Shal, Ragna, and Therarask, dissolves. All is silent... and then the floor opens up beneath them. Both Rani and Declan are able to grab the sides and begin to scale down. Newt dives after the other three as they plummet, but Ghilani manages to feather fall them all, delicately landing in the cavern below.
The heat increases in this cavern and sweat begins to accumulate, particularly for Moira in her heavier armor. 9 crystals are oddly arranged in a ring. The ground within the ring is flat, but engraved with carvings of 9 total figures. 6 are just the outline of a humanoid shape, void of all features. The other three have a gem embedded in their chest. One of the gems glows a red and pink color with hints of gold. Investigating, the crystals seem to have different arrangements of symbols. Declan recalls that Therarask is the God of Trickery. Would they do symmetry?
Ghilani casts detect magic and finds that one of the crystals vanishes as he is able to discern its identity before his magic is suppressed fully. Newt takes a stab at one and finds that people not standing anywhere near him get hurt as all the crystals flash brightly. After poking a few more crystals and debating, Rani uses Primeval Awareness and Faerie Fire to rule out some of the other crystals. Eventually, Ghilani and Moira are able to unweave the true crystals amidst the duplicates. And once more, the floor falls out from beneath them...
At the bottom of the next chasm, the heat rises further. An old rusted track extends out down a tunnel on supports. Three mine carts rest on the track. The brakes seem functional, but a bit rusted. Ghilani notes that a modified Earth Bind rune has been carved into the base of each of the carts. If we get in, we're not getting out. Dividing up into pairs – Newt & Moira, Declan & Rani, and Cyrus & Ghilani – the mine carts begin to roll. Starting out slow and steady, Newt and Moira are quick to push the limits of speed, whipping around the first turn and careening down the track. As they round a turn, Newt is able to destroy Ah'Shal's crystal. Rani and Declan pick up some speed, though Declan has no issue strategically applying the brake to keep themselves in control... unlike some. Rani casts web to stop their cart so they can quickly destroy Ragna's crystal, but not after JUST BARELY getting their cart to lift enough to jump the gap in the track.
Ghilani proves that he has so much strength as he applies the brake with no problem... until suddenly it is a problem. Cyrus gets smacked around by some stalactites. As Moira and Newt continue, they are able to make a strike at the Therarask crystal before Newt says fuck the brake, we're gonna go FAST. Cyrus and Ghilani are able to fire bomb the Therarask crystal and shatter it. Rani and Declan, who were trying to pick up speed, saw the track give way and they were the first to careen over the edge. Newt and Moira came barreling next, narrowly avoiding hitting Ghilani and Cyrus.
The Deep End notes that while the door at the far end of this cavern is familiar, the gems are located elsewhere. Rani and Declan head to Ragna's engraving while Newt and Cyrus head to Ah'Shal's. Ghilani and Moira approach the door and, upon reaching it, the engraving of Therarask lights up as fire bound beings rise from the steaming water below and magma rolling underneath.
Ghilani produces his token of devotion between he and his legal best friend, Ismera, and the first opal gemstone lights... and the engraving of Therarask remains lit. Not switching like previously. Moira, charging into the fray, pulls out her aphrodisiac and consumes it, winking at the approaching fire elementals. Another opal gemstone lights, leaving one more. Cyrus demands to know what is going on. What are we doing? Before he can receive an answer, he is knocked down by converging elementals. They linger, waiting for Newt to descend. After casting minor illusion, the final opal gemstone lights... and Ragna's carving begins to glow. The water begins to rise.
Cyrus comes to in Newt's arms well above the fire elementals. Ghilani and Moira both get out of dodge. Rani adds some performative flair to her attack which causes one Tourmaline gemstone to light. Newt attempts to assist, but only removes Declan's only target. Instead, Declan throws Rani and the feat of strength seems to be sufficient to light another gemstone. Cyrus falls unconscious and Newt seems to have a plan. Declan, after throwing Rani and then taking damage from the rising, boiling water, manages to get the final crystal of Ragna to light.
Newt drags Cyrus' unconscious body to the engraving of Ah'Shal. Is he not "guiding souls"? A gemstone reluctantly lights. Ghilani moves into range to cast Wither and Bloom, which causes the second black onyx gemstone to light. Newt attempts to Gatekeep Cyrus again, more successfully this time... and the water ceases to rise as the elementals fade back. The door opens with a heavy groan, revealing a dark chute downward.
As the final crystal shatters, there is a groan as a feline creature rises from its sweltering slumber... gold dripping from its maw and fire flaring from between the cracks of its obsidian armor.
After an hour, the crystal – baring the symbols of The One, Ah'Shal, Ragna, and Therarask, dissolves. All is silent... and then the floor opens up beneath them. Both Rani and Declan are able to grab the sides and begin to scale down. Newt dives after the other three as they plummet, but Ghilani manages to feather fall them all, delicately landing in the cavern below.
The heat increases in this cavern and sweat begins to accumulate, particularly for Moira in her heavier armor. 9 crystals are oddly arranged in a ring. The ground within the ring is flat, but engraved with carvings of 9 total figures. 6 are just the outline of a humanoid shape, void of all features. The other three have a gem embedded in their chest. One of the gems glows a red and pink color with hints of gold. Investigating, the crystals seem to have different arrangements of symbols. Declan recalls that Therarask is the God of Trickery. Would they do symmetry?
Ghilani casts detect magic and finds that one of the crystals vanishes as he is able to discern its identity before his magic is suppressed fully. Newt takes a stab at one and finds that people not standing anywhere near him get hurt as all the crystals flash brightly. After poking a few more crystals and debating, Rani uses Primeval Awareness and Faerie Fire to rule out some of the other crystals. Eventually, Ghilani and Moira are able to unweave the true crystals amidst the duplicates. And once more, the floor falls out from beneath them...
At the bottom of the next chasm, the heat rises further. An old rusted track extends out down a tunnel on supports. Three mine carts rest on the track. The brakes seem functional, but a bit rusted. Ghilani notes that a modified Earth Bind rune has been carved into the base of each of the carts. If we get in, we're not getting out. Dividing up into pairs – Newt & Moira, Declan & Rani, and Cyrus & Ghilani – the mine carts begin to roll. Starting out slow and steady, Newt and Moira are quick to push the limits of speed, whipping around the first turn and careening down the track. As they round a turn, Newt is able to destroy Ah'Shal's crystal. Rani and Declan pick up some speed, though Declan has no issue strategically applying the brake to keep themselves in control... unlike some. Rani casts web to stop their cart so they can quickly destroy Ragna's crystal, but not after JUST BARELY getting their cart to lift enough to jump the gap in the track.
Ghilani proves that he has so much strength as he applies the brake with no problem... until suddenly it is a problem. Cyrus gets smacked around by some stalactites. As Moira and Newt continue, they are able to make a strike at the Therarask crystal before Newt says fuck the brake, we're gonna go FAST. Cyrus and Ghilani are able to fire bomb the Therarask crystal and shatter it. Rani and Declan, who were trying to pick up speed, saw the track give way and they were the first to careen over the edge. Newt and Moira came barreling next, narrowly avoiding hitting Ghilani and Cyrus.
The Deep End notes that while the door at the far end of this cavern is familiar, the gems are located elsewhere. Rani and Declan head to Ragna's engraving while Newt and Cyrus head to Ah'Shal's. Ghilani and Moira approach the door and, upon reaching it, the engraving of Therarask lights up as fire bound beings rise from the steaming water below and magma rolling underneath.
Ghilani produces his token of devotion between he and his legal best friend, Ismera, and the first opal gemstone lights... and the engraving of Therarask remains lit. Not switching like previously. Moira, charging into the fray, pulls out her aphrodisiac and consumes it, winking at the approaching fire elementals. Another opal gemstone lights, leaving one more. Cyrus demands to know what is going on. What are we doing? Before he can receive an answer, he is knocked down by converging elementals. They linger, waiting for Newt to descend. After casting minor illusion, the final opal gemstone lights... and Ragna's carving begins to glow. The water begins to rise.
Cyrus comes to in Newt's arms well above the fire elementals. Ghilani and Moira both get out of dodge. Rani adds some performative flair to her attack which causes one Tourmaline gemstone to light. Newt attempts to assist, but only removes Declan's only target. Instead, Declan throws Rani and the feat of strength seems to be sufficient to light another gemstone. Cyrus falls unconscious and Newt seems to have a plan. Declan, after throwing Rani and then taking damage from the rising, boiling water, manages to get the final crystal of Ragna to light.
Newt drags Cyrus' unconscious body to the engraving of Ah'Shal. Is he not "guiding souls"? A gemstone reluctantly lights. Ghilani moves into range to cast Wither and Bloom, which causes the second black onyx gemstone to light. Newt attempts to Gatekeep Cyrus again, more successfully this time... and the water ceases to rise as the elementals fade back. The door opens with a heavy groan, revealing a dark chute downward.
As the final crystal shatters, there is a groan as a feline creature rises from its sweltering slumber... gold dripping from its maw and fire flaring from between the cracks of its obsidian armor.
Report Date
10 Mar 2023
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
Ashenfoot's Mine Entrance
The Fire Bound Door
The Dread King – At the top and center of the door is a depiction of a shadow-like humanoid figure in black and violet. The only discernible features are the violet eyes and a 6-pronged jagged crown. The Goddess of Death – A vaguely feminine figure draped in darkness and wreathed in shadow stands amidst a cluster of bodies. Where darkness laps at the bottom of her dress, a figure clutches at a wound in his stomach while another figure crouches over him, mourning and wailing. Dark teal swirls and vaguely human forms stand amidst a field of slowly decaying plants, giving way to mushrooms and other detritivores. The Goddess of War – A muscled figure caressed by fire stands proud, fierce, and strong, flaming weapon in one arm and a massive shield in the other. With her sword hand, she impales and lifts multiple enemies. Her shield is extended away from her and multiple arrows have found purchase in the meat of her shoulder, but those behind her have been spared injury. An aura of light and fire erupts around those who rally behind her. There is no fear in the eyes of those who follow her. The God of Hedonism – A lithe, androgynous figure dressed in finery and draped in tendrils of gold lounges amidst a group of beautiful individuals. With every second you glance, the figures seem to shift and change, their beauty becoming more and more enticing, or perhaps a trick of the flickering light. The background does not depict day or night, but a spectrum of the sky above jungle scenery, a hedonistic gathering that does not cease. Yet despite being surrounded by vices and beauty, the central figure stares longingly at a silhouette in the distance at the edge of the door, gaze never wavering.
The Fire Titan
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