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Session 82

General Summary

Conversations over Blood Soup

 
In the evening of the 6th of Eredenva, the Deep End arrives in front of Home tree. The birds are startled, but the cats seem indifferent as they lounge on their catio. Declan is immediately hesitant to enter: Do you think Six knows that Volo is no longer hunting her? That I meddled when she told me not to? Newt gives a rousing speech in response. We're the protectors of the continent! Six is part of the continent and, therefore, she gets protection! However talking to her is a you problem, I'm going to go see my girlfriend! And Newt takes to the sky as everyone else turns to the white dragonborn standing their with them.  
  Sage seems a bit irked that she is being dragged to and fro (especially after being called to the desert for what could have been a sending or two). Moira attempts to appeal to her innate desire to hunt. The dragonborn, however, seems adamant that perhaps it is best she returns to Elios. If they already have found two siblings in Therarask... well, there is still one not yet found and they are, supposedly, in Elios, not Therarask. The group explains that they will be heading that way soon. Sage promises then to meet them in Elios. Moira tells Newt that he fucked up and Newt comes flying back screaming "SAGE".  
  From inside, Six yells at all of them for being too loud. Six is pleased to see them – the rooms are still available for you if you are here to stay! And I have soup! Declan informed Six that Volo is no longer hunting her. Oh? Did he finally choke and die? No, he just has another target now. OH? Declan explains that he sent Volo after a much better target... the Doctor. Six inquires about the dragonborn who didn't come inside. Did she not wish to stay? The group explains there are just some sibling issues between her and Newt. Oh? like MEDDLING with the other? Meddling against their expression wishes? HM? HMMMM? Declan gets the hint.  
  Ghilani then loudly declared that they came here to kidnap Six. Declan shoots Ghilani a glare before clarifying: I want to become your hunter in true so will you go wish us to Therarask? Do you care about what other people think? No. Have I ever given you the impression that I wanted you to be more than just a son? Declan emphasizes that he wants to do this. Therarask and Six are the two people he deeply cares about and this way, he can choose both rather than choosing one or the other. He can be Therarask's Chosen and Six's hunter. Hey, Therarask even seemed open to the idea.  
  Six inquires if they truly understand what swearing by blood, in this context, entails. It may have changed in the many years Six has lived, so you certainly should inquire. Your life will be bound to a blood witch. And you will be expected to die before them. In the times of old, those sworn would have had the immortality of a blood witch. Declan would be expected to go before Newt of course. The group surmises that is because Ghilani doesn't have a number – he's not a true blood witch. Six hums and gives a noncommittal answer. Moira immediately cuts ties with the panicking Newt to instead connect with Six. After apologizing for not asking to invade her mind, Moira asks if that's true. Six simply says, Ghilani and you are more similar than you might think.  
  Newt then came baring in – I can't find Sage, she's gone. Oh, soup? What did you expect, you didn't even acknowledge her when you left! Why am I getting so much shit for going to see my girlfriend? Rani does this ALL THE TIME!  
  Long ago, Six had a sworn hunter. Those who swore were the first to die out in the Purge. She remembers that Savant Three had a sworn who died particularly early. She suspects he died attempting to prevent what occurred to her from transpiring. There have been others, but it was a time long ago. Six asked Ghilani how he would handle Lark'Hal and the affairs there. Ghilani explained that he would show the people what was happening and how wrong it was. How far would you go to do so? Ghilani says whatever it takes. Six fell silent as the group continued to discuss the royal families as if they were only entities or structures as opposed to a group of actual people. Six suddenly departs. Newt decides to head out once more to go see Oksha.  
  Declan follows after Six. Are you really mad at me? Six says, after a deep breath, that she is not. Is it not the natural order, though, of a parental figure to die before their child, anyway? You are meddling in things you may not fully understanding – muddling the waters for yourself. However, if this is a decision that Declan wishes to make, then she will go with him to Therarask. Be aware, though, that when you try not to choose, you may give something else the opportunity to make that choice for you. Be careful. You are dealing with something very powerful and it is not to be taken lightly. Yeah, I know mom. Six gave Declan a hug.  
  Newt finds Oksha in the House of Death and she is pleasantly surprised to "see" him. Would you like to look over some dead bodies? Newt explains that he's going to make a deal by blood and isn't really sure what that entails, but you know! Oksha stares at him. What? You're going to what? Oh, it's just for Ghilani, you know. I don't think I have to be like devoted to him or anything. It's weird that I'll die before him though. Newt, he's an efl... you would normally die before him. Oh, you are SO right. Feeling better about the whole blood swearing thing now, Oksha still forces Newt to promise her to actually ask questions and think a bit before he does things like swearing and making deals. Newt says he'll give himself 30 seconds. How about 1 minute? Sure, I can do that. Also I had blood soup, it was really good. Please go brush your teeth.  
  Therarask seems a bit surprised to see Declan in a dream. Were you not just saying you were coming in person? I was making preparations! Declan is kind of surprised they don't watch him all the time. Oh well, I have screen- ahem, no of course not, I have so many other things to do! Now, are you not coming in person? Yes, still am, AND you can meet my mom! I told her to be very honest with you. Therarask stares blankly. So I cancelled therapy... for more therapy...? Declan originally says no... but then changes that answer to yes. Declan mentions that Therarask's eye has been flashing gold here and there. Oh? I wasn't aware that was happening. Regardless, Thera is looking forward to the in person visit. You were going to teleport in? Oh, well I suppose I can allow that this once. No, I don't let people just teleport into Pleasure Row! It's a thing I do for the tabaxi.

 

A Delicate Matter and One Minute of Impulse Control

 
In the morning, as the Deep End discusses plans, Six asks if Moira would like to receive a sending. She receives word from one of Delkova's servants. The Queen will be outside the House of Life for the next few days for petitions. We should probably talk to the Queen, right? BEFORE the broadcast? Moira prepares to lead the conversation – internally panicking. Progressing through the city, the Deep End sticks to the main roads. Ghilani had felt like he was being watched the last time he took some of the more secluded side paths.  
  The Gardens of the Gods is a massive, sprawling garden that features statues and odes to all members of the pantheon, with Tel'Rhea – the Mother Goddess – positioned at the center of all the others. here, a dais has been set-up. Multiple Ladies of Life – including a familiar face – are seated speaking to various locals. In the center, beneath the statue of Tel'Rhea herself, is the Queen, Adorned in a cloak of colorful flowers. Moira approaches, bowing as the others follow her lead. Queen Eleté smiles and ensures her that she need not bow, though Declan and Newt may continue to do so. Before Moira could speak, Eleté motioned for her guards and, when Moira inquired, the Queen told her not to worry, please continue. Moira noted the guards were moving behind her...  
  And the guards began to approach Ghilani. Moira attempted to argue on Ghilani's behalf. he means no harm and wishes to give his pleas to the Goddess of Life. Queen Eleté expressed her displeasure at the dying flowers. Such a thing cannot be so easily tolerated. Newt offers to keep and eye and watch on Ghilani. Oh? That would be wonderful. We have been waiting for a servant of Ah'Shal to carry out their duties and deal with this creature. While Moira continues to argues on behalf of Ghilani, Declan turns to Newt and tells him to take Ghilani away. Ghilani then dimension doors straight up with Newt and the duo begin to fly away.  
  Rani expressed a desire to make the continent safer for her future children and the Queen seemed to smile at that, attention diverted away from Ghilani's previous presence. Would you all wish to walk? As the Queen stands, her guards attempt to follow but she waves them aside. Once a bit further away, the Queen mentioned that High Lord Delkova had informed her that they might be able to assist her. Can I trust your utmost discretion in this affair? Moira agrees. The Queen motioned for Declan to step forward; you need not avert your gaze. The Queen had only ever hoped to marry once, but she has now married three times. She fears that either a curse has been laid upon those she weds or upon herself. For she has not yet known the joys of motherhood and she desperately want to... and needs to as the High Priestess and Queen of Tel'Rhea. Moira is so confident that they can handle this discretely. DEFINITELY. That's ALWAYS how they operate!  
  Declan began asking a series of questions, with Moira jumping in as well. Is there anyone who would harbor ill will against you as Queen? No. The role of Queen is chosen by the Mother Goddess herself – none can and should argue with her. Any scorned lovers? No, I had none before my first husband, whom I chose. Anyone else who would wish you harm... such as Tel'Rhea's antagonist? The Queen's face clouded. The Mother Goddess has no such barbaric thing. Moira discerns that the Queen seems... truthful in that stance. She believes that. The Mother Goddess is above the pantheon and its restrictions. Is there anyone else who might know about what happened? The Queen said they may speak to her two husbands in the city: Vihaan (her guard) and Anastrasius, if they wish. And perhaps the nymphs and dryads as well.  
  Regarding the Queen's marks, they are traditional among Queens and the Ladies of Life. Generally, they are blessings or marks of protection, gifted by the nymphs and dryads – spirits of Tel'Rhea and the land. When Declan mentioned that Ghilani had similar marks, the Queen's face darkened. Not like those marks, no. If the Deep End is able to alleviate this curse, discretely, then she will waive tradition and permit Newt and Declan into the House of Life and the Temple. What about GHilani? Well if I see him then I would have to stop him. And if I know that you have a means to prevent me from seeing him, then I would have to inform the House of Life's defenses. The Queen seems to be truthful in her intentions.  
  Meanwhile, Newt and Ghilani fly over the City of Tel'Rhea. Ghilani gets a weird vibe from the forested area near the outskirts of the city. Once mentioned, Newt also kind of faintly gets the weird vibe. Should we go investigate? Newt thinks for one minute, as promised, and decides, no they probably shouldn't. Ghilani agrees. Departing from the Queen, Moira updates Newt and Ghilani. Hey we picked up a weird vibe, we should ALL go investigate. And so the Deep End reconvened and delved into the groves.  
  Surrounded by nature, the faint trace of music drifts through the air. In the distance, they make note of a group of dryad and nymph-like figures moving, dancing, and frolicking through the groves, accompanied by larger treeant like figures with instruments made of wood. The Deep End is surprised to ahve actually seen any of them; Should we go talk to them? As they discuss, the dryads suddenly freeze for a moment before they all bolt into the depths of the trees... and Declan notices a single, ethereal, and androgynous figure amidst the trees. The figure slowly approaches, claiming to be a dryad and inquiring as to what the group is doing out here. As the figure emerges from the nearby tree line, Newt notes that... their shadow doesn't quite match up. That's... odd. Taking a closer look, Newt starts counting... 2, 4... oh wait that's 8 legs. And Newt knows legs.  
  Declan, unaware, starts asking questions. Do you have a name? You may call me Tola, I am... a dryad. Have you interacted with the Queen recently? The Queen, no; Is something the matter? Do you know of anyone who would curse the Queen? That is forbidden magic for dryads of the land... it is not possible for such a thing to be done. In the background, Newt – linked with Moira – tries tot ell her that something is NOT RIGHT. Moira looks. Newt says NO DON'T LOOK.  
  The figure turned towards Ghilani. They are surprised to see Ghilani in the region. She is not fond of you, after all. Alarms begin to blare in everyone's mind as the figure appears near Ghilani, behind him. I can help you. I can help you get into the House of Life. Get into the Temple. I wish to speak with the Mother Goddess. Ghilani feels the sensation of something rippling over him and through the air, but isn't quite sure what, as the being places a hand on his shoulder.  
  Newt decides that its time to GTFO. He throws himself towards Ghilani, grabbing him and attempting to draw forth the black tentacles from his armor... but they never appear. The ethereal being looks at Newt and then its facade drops... and a large monstrosity of spindly legs, a pulled face of leather, and an open rib cage with swirling motes of teal light stands, sharp clawed hand on Ghilani and staring down Newt with one blazing eye. Without any hesitation, Newt draws the gun and attempts to shoot the creature and, although it hits, it doesn't seem very effective. The creature then delicately grapples Ghilani and, a moment later, its rib cage peels open to release motes of light, wailing and screaming. Declan and Moira fall deaf as the creature moves 120 feet way with Ghilani. It again insists that it can help Ghilani. I just wish to speak to the Mother Goddess. Why do you want to? Because I want her? Like you'll ask for her hand? ...Yes? Ghilani tries to dimension door away and finds... that he can't. It seems displeased. If you want to make a deal, why did you hurt my friends? Your friend shot me first. Well... that's fair.  
  Declan drags Moira silently kicking and screaming away from Ghilani. Newt is his hunter so he gets to deal with this. Newt begins to pursue. The creature pauses, if you do not wish to make a deal now, perhaps your friends can in your stead. Holding Ghilani up like Simba, the creature called out to everyone... and conversation resumes, under the promise that Ghilani will not try and teleport away. What does a deal entail? Would one of us have to stay? No... I don't want you. I want a deal. Further questions were asked and it reiterated: I desire the Mother Goddess. I would like to be known to her. I can get you into the House of Life undetected... I just wish to go to the Temple. If you cannot convince Tel'Rhea to remove the Ire, then I can help remove it. Moira said, NAH BUDDY and cast Word of Recall... and they appeared on the boat JUST in time to see an advertisement for Cahareth's broadcast that evening! Everyone screams NO and Ghilani teleports them back to Six.  
  Oh, welcome back. SIX WHAT THE FUCK IS IN THE FOREST. Hm? A spider thing? Tolvaj? That thing is still around? Did any of you make a deal with it? DID YOU MAKE ANY DEALS? No! Good. Six seems aware of Tolvaj. Yes, it is Tel'Rhea's antagonist. She is surprised it is still around. It was known as the "God" of what could have been but never was. Hypothetically, if one of us were to make a deal, what would happen? Are you SURE none of you made a deal? YES! Tolvaj takes what can be and makes it so it never shall be. They are a tender of unborn souls. How could we fix someone if they made a deal? Six says she has done it before. You would need to find a Soul Plant, something that appears at the location where Tolvaj strikes a deal. And then give her 10 days and she can brew a cure. The only other way... is to make a deal with Tolvaj.  
  The Deep End decides to deal with this later... for now, to Therarask!

 

The Being of Blood

 
Newt is surprised that there are not more naked people here... and there's ALSO a lack of Ikaris' tent. Declan manages to stay standing as something incredibly large barrels into him, gives him a large sand paper kind of lick, and then bounds off towards the Golden Mist, darting through people who seem oblivious to his presence. Newt mentions that... that was a tiger. That was a tiger. Yup, that's my stepson. And the High Priestess is technically my step daughter. Huh, that's weird.  
  Ghilani begins herding everyone towards Haven, explaining that they need to meet a beautiful blond woman. When greeted instead by a toned water genasi man, the rest of the group is confused, but follows when Ghilani gets up and follows. Once in a secluded room, Lux takes their normal form. How delightful to see you all! The changeling High Lord then transports them to the Compound of Blood, asking them to "not mind the dust". Six notes that it has gotten much worse since she was last here.  
  The entire group watches as, from a vat of blood, a being rises, taking humanoid form and emerging from an encasing of blood. Ghilani remarks: isn't she cool? Moira declares that she has "bowed to worse today" and decides to bow to Primus, who is pleased to see a follower of the pantheon bowing to her. When Moira remarks that Caliban is cool, Primus agrees... he has not done much, but Two has remained safe within his domain.  
  When asked about what becoming a blood hunter would mean, Primus summoned illusions from the blood surrounding them. Long ago, the blood witches were... not particularly inclined to combat so the class of the Blood Sworn was created – bound by blood to a blood witch and pledged to protect them. That, however, was ages ago. What does it mean to fail? If your blood witch dies while you are bound to them, then your immortality will cease. You will continue to age. And if you have passed the point of your normal lifespan, then you will rapidly age to your death. Primus then asked for blood from Newt and he obliged. You may live longer than you think as you have blood not of this world. Do you know of my father? Of other worlds? Primus responds that they are quite aware of other worlds. They are eons, after all. They have been to many, but this world... this one is their favorite and they wish to remain.  
  Newt continues, asking what if I want a family and to settle down? What if I don't want to be immortal? Primus rephrases Newt's question: You wish to break your oath? The specifics are between sworn and blood witch, but I can sever it... or Ghilani can. All Ghilani wants in exchange is Newt's friendship. Say the word and consider the bond broken.  
  Declan then mentions how Therarask wishes to rekindle their friendship. Primus would be open to such a thing as the God of Pleasure did permit them to set up here after all. What would happen to the Beloved Cycle? Primus did not have an answer. They have never had a Chosen take a blood oath before. They are incredibly curious to find out. It certainly would not cause your god any more pain than what they are already currently subjected to. Primus mentioned an interest in seeing whose rules would triumph in the end. Would you like to find out?  
  If Primus has been here for some time, what is beyond the Barrier? Newt asks if they should be concerned? Primus knows that there is something beyond – it is NOT an endless expanse of nothing. They are still attempting to decipher the rules, but they expect whatever is beyond it... is not good.  
  Rani inquired about the situation in Lark, this pantheon of blood, and what started the Purge. Primus explained that, first and foremost, they want Savant 3 back. If you provide them with a list, they will only enact rightful vengeance on the perpetrators of such heinous crimes. The pantheon of blood will need worshippers, as the current pantheon does. The group prods Primus on their intentions for the pantheon. You would not wipe them out would you? Here you are, questioning Primus so vehemently when you travel with a greater being of destruction. Turning to Moira, Primus continued: the fragment of what you travel with is a being hellbent on destruction. It is its nature, after all. Primus is willing to find a middle ground with the pantheon. They do not wish to annihilate them... they wish to rewrite the rules. Do you not wish to rewrite the rules? Declan says that yeah, he would... and a few others too.  
  Regarding the people, she would not kill the city for crimes of long past. Those people are long dead... and there was a more powerful hand at play with the Purge. The pantheon? No... although they did stand idly by doing nothing, imperfect as they are. Primus claims that The One triggered the Purge. Why? I am meddling in their game. Moira asks after the Dread King: How can a creature so intent on remembering be nothing more than destruction? Primus responded that we may be ageless and unbound by time, but that does not mean we are not immune to change.  
  The blood covered form suddenly hunches over and coughs. Now, would you like to swear? Both Declan and Newt agree as blood is force down their throats. They feel the sensation of something within them being rearranged and changed... and they become acutely aware of the blood moving through their bodies and the presence of their chosen blood witch. With blood bound and oaths taken, Primus settles back.  
  Ghilani offers Akeldama's finger. Primus takes it, inspects it, and asks who they think cursed Akeldama? Ghilanid doesn't want to believe its Lark and Primus agrees, it was not he. Moira mumbles "The One", and Primus smiles. Yes, yes, it was. But WHY? Curious, is it not? Perhaps one day you might ask. Primus then turned fully to Moira. I would like to speak to the being of Destruction when it has its memories restored. Perhaps two greater deities will be better than one.  
  Primus then caved in on herself, collapsing back into a pool of blood. Lux is pleased to have new initiates! Now, best to get you all back! I have a broadcast to watch with a fine Council. Of course, I can show you their exact facial expressions. Who do you think I am?
Report Date
06 May 2023
Primary Location
Secondary Location

Delkova's Message

 
From Delkova: Queen Eleté will be hearing petitions in the Garden of the Gods on the 7th, 8th, and 9th, outside of the House of Life.
 
 

A Rumor on the Queen

 
Certainly, this husband will prove to be adequate. What unfortunate luck Queen Eleté must have to be married to two impotent men. It is well past time the Queen became a mother herself.
 

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