Session 16 - Reunion in the Realm of Shadows

General Summary

As the party's journey led them to the shore of the spectral river, a congregation of departed souls greeted them. These ethereal figures, their forms like gentle whispers in the wind, slowly converged upon the adventurers. Each soul echoed the words of the living, the resonance of their voices creating a mesmerizing harmony. Amidst this symphony of echoes, Pyro's inquiry about his master reverberated through the air, a single word echoing back like a ripple on a tranquil pond. Yet, within this repeating echo, a voice stood out with a note of astonishment.
"Pyro?" the voice called out, and Pyro's heart leapt in recognition.
With a rush of emotions, Pyro identified the voice as that of his master, Spyridon. Through trials of riotous waves and labyrinthine paths, Pyro finally found his beloved master. Spyridon's surprise mingled with curiosity as he urged Pyro to recount his journey. In his excitement, Pyro stumbled over his words, only to be interrupted by another man who introduced himself only as Candid. A mysterious mute woman with vivid green hair accompanied them.
Pyro introduced his companions to Spyridon and Candid, retelling their adventures and, in some cases, reacquainting old acquaintances. Lenora took the lead, outlining their path to a distant tower through the enigmatic forest. She warned that staying in the company of the shades would eventually cause most of the party to become shades themselves. The only way ahead meant breaking away from them, and risking encounters with infernal hounds and vengeful apparitions, prompting the party to brace themselves for what lay ahead. But should they survive, a tower in the forest may give them a way to go to other parts of Hades.
Curiosity piqued, Candid questioned Lenora's ability to traverse between worlds. She revealed her connection to the ferry, explaining her unique access. However, her companions were not similarly blessed. Before setting forth into the looming forest, the spirits of centaur warriors approached Xenobia, their forms bearing signs of battle. Their presence stirred discomfort, and she hastily departed upon noticing the weapons maker in the injuries they bore. In a tense moment, she urged the party to move forward.
As the forest's shadows enveloped them, distant baying heralded the approach of infernal hounds. The party readied themselves for the clash, but before action could be taken, the green-haired mute, Euphrosyne, chanted an incantation. She granted Candid divine swiftness, preparing him to strike with unparalleled agility. What followed defied expectation as Euphrosyne struck out with a dagger, piercing one of the two-headed hounds even as it bit into her. Candid's fierce blow landed on another hound with resounding force. However, she quickly fell, succumbing to the dog’s bite.
Ischyrós, unerring with his sling, launched stones with precision. Spiridon, Candid, and Pandion combined their strengths to subdue one of the hounds, while Pyro, transformed into a mighty badger, sought to protect Spyridon. Xenobia joined the fray, her spear a beacon of relentless determination. Amidst the struggle, the party overcame the monstrout canines, and Lenora's efforts diverted the remaining hounds' attention.
With the hounds defeated, the party tended to Euphrosyne's injuries and pressed on with unwavering determination, their steps echoing through the ethereal forest. As they drew closer to the looming tower, an unsettling presence materialized—a congregation of angry spirits descending upon them like a swarm of shadows. These spectral apparitions clawed at the party members, their touch an icy reminder of their ephemeral existence. Pyro attempted to divert their attention, but his efforts faltered against the relentless onslaught. However, Pandion, Candid, and Spiridon rallied together, their combined strength and skill proving a formidable force. With a synchrony that spoke of seasoned camaraderie, they swiftly dispelled one of the malevolent spirits, driving it into retreat as it vanished into the obscurity of the surrounding darkness.
The tower they sought loomed ahead, separated by a moat. Spotting a door on the other side, they attempted various methods to open it, from Euphrosyne's magic to Pyro's spectral hand. A decision was reached: a raft would carry them across. With Candid's persuasive abilities and a Pyro’s raft-making skills, the party joined forces to construct a raft. Within a short span, their makeshift vessel was ready, and they launched it onto the water, surprised to see Xenobia step aboard without incident.
Crossing the moat marked the end of their watery trial. Worn by battle, the party decided to rest before venturing. In the embrace of the surrounding darkness, they gathered their collective resolve to petition Hades for liberation from their ominous fate. Yet, after enduring countless tribulations, a lingering question loomed: Would they ever breathe the free air again, or was their destiny forever tied to the shadows?

Report Date

15 Aug 2023

Primary Location

Hades