Session 19: In The Eye of the Storm Report

General Summary

Scene 1: The Report of the Rescued
The mid-day light of the feels oddly dull and oppressive with the sun blotted out by the fog cloud looming over the city of bansa. Putting it to their backs, the party returns to the Baron’s Manor to the sight of the baron in the courtyard nervously awaiting their return. His feline pacing back and forth before his feet.
The feline’s nervous energy already wafting over your group before getting in close range. It’s apparent from the dust on their paws and the hem of the baron’s robes, they have scarcely left the dirt-trodden path outside the courtyard in some time.
“You’re back. We were growing concerned that you might have met an ill fate in that place.” He scans your group - you can tell his eyes are looking for his son Mikel. Not seeing him he looks sad, but quickly adjusts his reaction upon seeing the enforcer and woman you’ve returned with.
“Payton, Claire?” He smiles and rushes the pair of them, pulling them into a bear hug. “Your families will be so relieved to see you are alright.”
He nods to your group, You’ve done a great service to me returning the Lockmaster and one of my dear friends Payton.”
The party discusses breifly with the reunited Baron and express their regret that they didn’t find the Baron’s son Mikel while in the canal tunnels. While talking they discover a few things.

The Lockmaster Claire Wayspire, and the Enforcer Payton Higgins had fled into the tunnels two weeks ago with the city was attacked by an unknown enemy, the originating point of the fog came from an “explosion” of some kind on a ship that had entered the second lock moving up-stream.

The fog quickly spread and covered the city. It was after the fog obscured the area that the rift opened in the sky above the approximate location of the ship.

The cathedral to Unn & Uni was the first target of attack after th rift opened. It was flattened and attacked by the wraith-like creatures from the rift.

Something in the fog quickly spread the sickness and created the zombie-like transfomed creatures that were once citizens.

The LockMaster Claire says that she had dispatched the Baron’s son Mickel Armann, to do matinance the morning preceeding the attack.

They had Also heard from him/his bond on the other side of a collapsed tunnel 1 week ago. But that was the last time they had seen or heard from him since.

The LockMaster tells the group that it was she who had ordered the RunePlate to be destroyed along the lock systems. Due to the assumption that the attack was an act of sabatage or piracy, and trapping the ship in the system would ensure that an enemy would be unsuccessful or waylaid in any attempt to overpower the systems and security in place.

Payton laments that they do not in fact have any holy/radient weapons as Andi inquires after them.

They describe the Tendril monster (of which the party faught) was in theory a part of a singular creature festering near the epicenter of the city, that it has become more brazen over the last few days as things have become even more quiet in the city, the screaming and paniked sounds of civilians having dropped to near zero.

The ship ultimately exploded and sunk to the bottom of the canal Lock.

Scene 2: Communing with Uni & Delayed Messages
Andi and Squiffy thank the survivors for answering their questions and then request a bit of time to themselves somewhere private. The Baron offers his office to their use, which they find to be pretty empty amid the current evacuation of the remaining people in the city there.
Once secluded Andi and Squiffy talk about what questions they would like to bring to Uni, knowing that They are Seers, and that their is a connection now between them that will allow them to communicate with Uni directly. Upon solidifying the questions they focus and begin to cast the spell/prayer to open the channel to Uni.
Q1. Is the Oose Creature the catalyst?

A1. It’s Attached.

Q2. If we follow the ooze, will it lead us to the catalyst?

A2. Yes.

Q3. If we destroy the Catalyst, will the rift close?

A3. Unclear.

Andi and squiffy sit with the answers for a moment and lament the difficulty of the task they have before them, and the uncertainty that comes with.
Returning to the assembled group outside the Manor, where Clair and Payton are being fed and cared for. Andi and Squiffy discuss next steps. After some conversation they decide to return to the Encampment to secure back up for the enevitable return into the city to destroy the creature at it’s center.
The baron thanks them for their efforts and Tells them that he and the remaining civilians will finish evacuating the remaining non-fog covered portion of the city. Then he will also return to the encampment once they are safe.
Andi and the Tactical Team, Todd, and Andi’s dad Stephen head out to make their way back to camp.
———
Just before leaving, Squiffy notices an odd magical aura pulsating in his bow, where the ring is stowed…
As he takes a look inside… An incomplete surge of energy flickers into existance momentarily before fading, as quick as it comes it fades, and then repetes itself again and again. It’s mental magical signature seeming to be stuck in a magical gag- refelx like a feline’s tounge having caught a bit of cotton fluff.
The mental sensation is like an alarm, inperceptable to everyone else but Squiffy… previously unnoticeable or perhaps hindered by the red magic haze of the city, it is only now making itself known. It is possible you surmise, that the ring could not fully expel the sent item till beyond the suppressing effects of the dense red magic fog.
Removing the ring and holding it before you, you see something llodged in the ring : A tightly rolled scroll, with a purple ribbon, stuck as the ring attempts repeatedly to expel it without success.
Slowing up, and steping asside, Squiffy pulls at the scroll and dislodges it from the ring. Pulling Andi asside to an out of direct sight area on the front lawn, he opens it. It reads…
Lady Ellisandi

I’m writing to you from a place of seclusion which I cannot divulge as the situation surrounding my assassination attempt has become complex. However, I have received your message and request, I’m happy to do all I can. You will find a royal Airship is headed your way at it’s fastest clip, permitted to fly across the Shadelands at my approval.. Upon which I believe a pleasant surprise awaits you. I belive you can expect the arrival of the ship within a day of receiving this note, perhaps sooner, as the crew had set out before I had time to send this message.

Best of luck, May Uni protect and guide you. - Her Royal Highness, High Queen Elaine Fillian Tangore, Keeper of the Bands of Victory.
Stowing the note away Andi and Squiffy feel a bit bolstered and turn their eyes skyward towards the south west for any sign of the promised ship. Nothing yet, but they remain hopeful as the message could have been stuck mid-sending for some time unknown to them.

Scene 3: Encampment & War Council
Andi, Squiffy and Co, head back to the encampment. Upon returning they notice the air of preparation among the troops. Squiffy and the rest head into the center of camp. Meeting up with Commander Devore who welcomes them back and expresses his worry about the state of things - citing that the flood of creatures exiting the city has lessened significantly, and that they still haven’t had anyone leaving the city who aren’t totally turned by the Crimson Blight.
As Andi speaks to Commander Devore, Squiffy catches sight of Captain Lotte, and his feline sidestepped from the main council tent, and standing rigidly and focused. At his feet his feline gives off an aura of collecting magic, much like one does before their bond is filled with it to cast a spell, however this energy is re-directed and collected. This concentrated pulling of energy collects into the gem on the pummel of the Captains Sword.
Squiffy, recalls seeing a similar magical condensing behind the closed doors of Ophelia’s Office. He had been spying on them through the void, at the time could not make any decision on exactly what was occurring… till now. Where the magical aura and manipulation play out once more before his physical eyes with the Captain.
This practice, is something Squiffy knows only Energy Mason’s to be capable of performing. That the manipulation and storing of magical energy is illegal.  - Knowing this, Squiffy quickly points this out to Andi who turns towards the pair seated outside a nearby tent away from everyone.
On impulse and intrigue, She approaches Capton Lotte; who, before Andi is able to ask her questions about what Squiffy saw, is met with the displeased glare of the Captain who expresses his displeasure with the way that Andi left without notifying him.
Annoyed with his presumptuous and superior attitude puts him in his place quickly. “I belive I am in charge here, and I do not need to confide in you of my movement or direction of the troops under my command.”
The stiff and reluctant nod from Captain Lotte signals his begrudging aquecence to her command. “Never the less, you should be more careful.” He says, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You have returned with news?”
Andi nods, and tells him to call all the Commander togeather for a concil. He bows and glares as he leaves to fulfill her command. As he walks away, Andi mutters to herself “Douche Bag.” Annoyed.
Andi turns to Todd and recounts what Squiffy saw the Captain doing with the gem and the gathered energy.
“I wouldn’t have pegged him for it, but it makes sense.” Todd says, as he elaborates, that the act of anchoring magic into certain items for use later is a skill that is not taught except by crown-sanctioned individuals. To konw how to do it is a skill that some military types have learned. Becuase hanging such a reserve of magic can mean faster casting and more powerful attacks in battle. “It’s ceritnly something ignored by some in times of war. But… We aren’t really in war-times… So this is cerintly outside of the usual turn-a-blind-eye situation. But…” he says eyeing the city over Andi’s shoulder, “Perhaps here it isn’t a bad idea to have all the help we can get.”
Andi begrudgingly concludes that is a good point. “We can report him when he’s no longer useful.”
———
It’s at this point that a commotion can be feared rippling through the camp, some excitment and some anxious… but upon the horizon a flying ship’s silhouette can be seen as it heads towards them over the tree-line with the Great Tree at it’s back.
———
The Meeting is called, and Andi and Squiffy attend to give a report on what they found inside the city. Then also telling them of the Flying Ship now on it’s way to assist, Sent by her request as backup. This seems to impress pretty much all in attendance.
Orders are given to have the troops prepare for the ships arrival.
The Group begins discussing Stratagy.

Squiffy suggests that he, with Fudge’s help can create a tunneling effect through the fog.

Ponno suggests a multi-directional assult, noting that with the unknown nature of the creature, but knowing it’s tentical nature, that it is sound stratagy to prepare to attack on multiple fronts.

Captain Lotte Suggests re-setting the troops configurations, so that they are able to be more versatile if the plan is to make a multi-directional assult on the creature at the center of the city. Andi nods.

Squiffy brings up the lack of communication being a problem, as the ability to communicate across multiple teams will make it hard to coordinate an attack. Then suggests that he can probably train some felines to send messages through the fog by creating bullet-like holes in the fog with funneling the blue magic.

It is agreed that they need time to train some felines to replicate Squiffy’s technique. The Concil agrees that a 1-2 day delay will be allotted to achieve this.

The arrival of the Ship and whomever is upon it, is considered a factor, as a ship will allow for arial support if the fog can be eliminated.

The FINAL plan, is to Reid the city of the fog by killing the creature, then deal with the Rift above the city when the fog is no longer in the way.

Caleb and Fudge agree to assist in the training of the feline’s to send messages.

Scene 4: Amelia’s Air Ship Calvary
The approaching silhouette of the flying ship upon the horizon fades as the sun starts to set the and approaching form of the ship from the south over the trees is obscured for a time by the trees upon it’s approch. Nevertheless an excitment is lifting the spirits of those who see it sailing towards the city feel the relief of possible intervention of support and the bolstered mood has elevated the ease of the protective bubble around camp.
Evening shrouds the ships advance. Although some of the recrutes claim to have spotted dancing light on the wind winging towards the encampment, preparations are underway to clear an area for the ship to land.
Everyone seems to be celebrating an ally arriving, everyone it seems except for Commander Lotte who is busy with preparations and re-structuring the troops as discussed. He can be seen with rosters and the Commanders, re-issuing a division of manpower.
————
A few hours later, a sound of excitment erupts from the far side of the encampment as they spot the decending sight of the underbelly of the air ship. Torchlight, as well as a few ligh-spells shine upward and light the decending ship. The light cast upward to the underbelly of the ship hardly highlights who might be on board, but a scramble of boots can be heard along with commands given by a light and pleasant voice. Ropes cascade down to the awaiting men below who take ahold and rush to pull the ship down to land. Cresting the bow onto the earth.
Following the lightest touchdown men lower heavy black boxes with markings upon them. The weight of which seem light. But as they are secured to the ropes and grapples of the ship, the seem to take the effort of twenty men, firmly holding the ship. A faint humming glow from the black boxes show runic glyphs artistically rendered onto the smooth black surface. - this shift witnessed by Squiffy’s mental eye. The runic-symbols on teh boxes glow faintly as they take on the denser physical wait required to hold the ship in place.
“ANDI!”
A voice from above you calls out, peering over the railing. The bright cascade of golden blond hair and teal and pink ribbons easily identifies who you had heard before… Amelia Ember eagerly and gracefully decends a rope while men from atop the ship scramble to follow behind her. Her bodyguards who have far less experience on a boat it seems, stumble down rope ladders and soon join the advance party. But not before Amelia rushes to hug Andi! Her clean sea-breeze blown scent fills your nose as she holds you for a lingering moment.
Andi feels her embrace and pulls her tightly back, feeling a rush of bolstered relief in the arrival of a friend and true ally. “It’s good to see you.” She mumbles into your ear as she squeezes.
Pulling back, her smile faulters a bit accompanying a slight change of tone, moving from jovial to serious. “That’s not good.” Her eyes darting up towards the red-magic cloud of fog settled over the city. Andi just nods seriously.
“Mom couldnt say no...” Amelia says with a sly smirk. Linking her arm in Andi’s. “…Not when I insisted that my best friend needed my help. Besides, this city kinda needs both the north and eastern rootlands to be involved. Right?”
Andi agrees and linked in her arm as Andi turns around looking for something. “Which tent is yours?” She asks, “It’s the biggest one right?”
Andi smiles and shakes her head, pointing to her tent set a bit away from the main Command Tent. “I See.” She says waving a group of men toward the tent. “I’ll set up mine then beside yours.” Men setting about the task immediately.
The Captain and Commanders arrive to greet the ship and it’s captain, suprised in part to see Amelia totally in control of the situation and demanding respect and expecting to get it. This brazen fire of Amelia has really grown over the last several weeks and Andi can’t help but be impressed. Practically as Captain Lotte approches her and she puts him in his place. Dressing him down with her eyes.
“Ahh Captain. I assume you are taking good care to follow the orders of Lady Ellisande Raye?” Her eyes are piecing. Daring him to act in a way or say anything she might dislike.
“Of course.” He says with a stiff bow.
“Good.” She snaps calmly. “You should remember that the House of Ember gave you your position and you act under our benevolent grace.”
With that Amelia returns to take Andi’s arm and guide her to Andi’s Tent; her eyes lingering about as she clearly seems to be looking for someone… She whispers, “Now, where is that boy of yours?”
Andi blushes, “He’s around.”
“Yeah? Here to protect you and all that?” She teases. “You know, he insisted on taking the appointment, of carrying the cure. He was quite passionate when he petitioned my mother for the task.”
Once inside the tent, she takes a seat on Andi’s bed, pats it affectionately for her to join. Andi sits down and She recounts things to Amelia. The situation and the unknown factors as well as the stratagy they are currently moving forward with.
“That sounds like a good plan. I’m happy to support in any way I can.” She nods determinedly. “Well then… On that topic; she waves in a few men who lug in three heavy crates into the tent and then let themselves out. “My mom sent these along.” She nods to the crates.
Andi stands and moves to the top crate and prays it open. Inside are two rows of 6 potions, glinting gold and shimmering with a layer of viscous liquid atop shimmering sand-like substrate. The sight of these potions brings back the potion that Evo, Martha’s brother had used at the Burnt-Out Hospital fight. The potion had erupted and caused lots of damage to the ooze creature they had been fighting.
“Wow.” Andi says smiling. “This will be a huge help.
Squiffy noting the radient energy wafting off the bottles once the lid of the crate had been removed. Unlike Todd’s holy-blessed weapon, the aura of these bottles is bright blue with freckles of golden energy. The Aura of which instantly bolsters the mood and lifts the oppressive feelings the Fog imposes around it. The burden of mental stress lifted in the presence of these potions.
“Mom mom made them.” Amelia says, “She did some tinkering though, with these, they aren’t like the one she gave to the Hammers of Halvishlan. This one is more potant and volitile.” She warns.
Three Crates of 12 = 36 potions total.
Andi thanks Amelia for her help. “Of corse. Nothing would have stopped me from coming to help.” She says as she stands up, “Let’s talk a bit more in the morning.” She points towards where her tent now pressed firmly against Andi’s now shares a wall. “I’m just here if you need me.”
Andi nods, and Amelia leaves to get her own tent sorted and to bark a bit more at people. Her ditzy facade seems to have gone almost completely.
Andi pulls Todd over and shows him the potions. He examines them and nods, “These are impressive, and certainly helpful. I’m impressed with your friend’s resources. Certainly an expensive and rare munition.”
They re-cover the crate and Todd excuses himself from the tent to let andi and Squiffy alone for a good nights rest.

FIN.

Campaign

Shades & Valor

Protagonists

Ellisende' Gertrude Copperbottom Raye

Chaotic Good Human (Northern Rootlord, Wealthy)
Bonded 6
Palidin 2

61 / 61 HP

STR
16

DEX
18

CON
18

INT
10

WIS
12

CHA
14

Squiffy-Bean

Chaotic Neutral Feline (Wealthy, FIN)
Bonded 6

41 / 41 HP

STR
12

DEX
16

CON
12

INT
15

WIS
16

CHA
17

Report Date

29 Mar 2023