Session 50: Saving the Tourists / An Unsettling Discovery
General Summary
Looking Back / The Next Steps
The session began with Agave recapping on what him and AND were able to observe while out keeping an eye on Simol. He mentioned how she didn't reveal anything about The Oni, but she did go through a Mothlight Tree at some point. Kaswink confirmed that Simol was there to visit Tympi and Ilven. She just looked them over, grunted, and left. Agave was confused by this, and Kaswink provided a bit of a hypothesis, "No, um, remember the other hag that worked for Ilven? Think something similar to that, like, this isn't the Oni, but it's the Oni's doll. Maybe she isn't always like that, maybe sometimes she has a personality outside of that, but over all she's still just a tool for the Oni." Agave next went over the strange Spires that he and AND had seen while out looking for any other Oni influence. Apparently there were people impaled on spikes sticking out of much larger spires. The appearance of the spires matched the paintings found in The Gallery, and Agave suggested going to investigate them. Kaswink weighed in on this portion of the report as well by stating that it could be the next stage in The Oni's plan. Namina spoke next and voiced her concerns that these spires and the tourists on them "Follow a trend of not dead but suffering." Agave agreed that the people on them were still alive, and that it was torturous in nature. Kaswink theorized that the spires "grow up from wherever they come from up through this world and then into our own." She also had some pretty radical ideas about how Ilmater might be related. "That church we saw was dedicated to Ilmater and was this continued trend of suffering. When I saw him, when I held him and comforted him, he seemed different than he was depicted. Something about him was off. It looked like the same guy that DAN saw that talked to you in the outhouse. I always thought that was The Oni, but when I called out to my god this person answered. I think that either Ilmater is being tortured by the Oni, or, in an attempt to rid of the world of suffering, maybe has been changed into something else. He wanted to take everyone's burden onto himself, and maybe that burden got too big and now he forces other people to suffer."Namina heard this and had another theory, "You know who else claims they're taking upon other's burdens. The world and the world before that and the world before that? Our tea guest, let's just say that." Kaswink nodded, "And the Oni is just a general of it, just a piece of that spirit. It makes sense that he would seek out our Tea Friend for that reason." Frode suddenly appeared at this point, and Kaswink explained that Ilmater might be evil or connected to the Oni in some way. Frode called this blasphemy, but as Kaswink tried to explain what was happening he softened and had some actual questions. He seemed particularly concerned about how one could take on Ilmater's suffering when Ilmater is there to take everyone else's. It would be a bit cyclical, after all. While Kaswink was explaining that they may need to either fight their god or someone connected to him or capable of capturing him, Frode brought up The Chained Man. Kaswink stated that she thought that was Ilmater too, but that when she reached out to Ilmater it wasn't the chained man, it was the man that threatened DAN in the outhouse. Frode suggested going to find the chained man again. Kaswink brought up a way that she could ease Ilmater's suffering or at least help unravel him, and that the same method could be used to help DAN's brother, Steve. She showed off a new addition to her glaive: a chain that she pulled out of the prison of her mind back in The Prison Beneath Thera Relovut. Namina had a point though, "What if the only way to ease Steve's suffering was to suffer in his place?" Kaswink seemed fine with this, going so far as to say that "All I care about is not being used by the Oni and that you are safe after I'm gone."
Frode reminded Kaswink that there are things far worse than death. Kaswink was aware of this and ready to deal with it when the time comes. Namina and Frode were both concerned about this, and Frode again brought up going back to "the wall", likely referring to the Chained Man. Agave thought over how to get back to that place, but there didn't seem to be much of a sign as to how you would. The only thing that could be remembered was that you showed up in this world after going through a vortex of blood. He knew that there must be a connection though since the paintings in the Maze had the spires and that it lies between your realm (Taranel) and this realm (The Spirit World). Kaswink suggested maybe going to speak with Simol about it since Ilven and Tympi were both still sleeping, and Agave agreed that she would have some information though that it would cost something. Namina was violently against going to see her, Hysteria was worried that the cost would be esoteric and steep. While arguments were had about whether or not to visit Simol, Namina suggested investigating a different lead: one of the other camps that Quince mentioned, perhaps Nori's camp would be ideal so that she could see if her brother was safe. Hysteria had a goal as well, and apparently that involved not going to see hags. Kaswink summarized, "So, our bets are go talk to Nori, and then go deal with the Rot Gate or deal with the Spiral Gate." Agave explained that the Spires aren't a terribly taxing journey, and suggested going to see them before going to either Gate, and he also preferred to go deal with the Rot first. Namina agreed as she recalled that "she is still casting that spell, and that's nooo gooood." Though, Kaswink countered this by saying that the Oni's plans are also moving, and that her life is on a timer.
Nori's Camp
While traveling to Nori's Camp, Kaswink was keeping an eye out for any birds that she didn't know about yet, and for any unusual animals/life forms in general. Anything messed up by the spiral, basically. She didn't find any weird birds or animals, but she did find a strange hand-shaped bit of vegetation that seemed to be beckoning to her. She placed a gold coin in this hand, and it closed around it before unfurling "a little too far". The hand wrapped backwards around itself, forming a small spiral and revealing its empty palm. Kaswink was content with this. Namina found some Wisps! They were a bit more rare than usual, with only four of them showing up around the Mothlight Tree they used. The wisps she found reflected the mood of the forest, as usual, and they seemed on edge about something, agitated. She warned the group about this, and she noted that there were even fewer wisps the further south they traveled towards Nori's Camp. The camp was finally reached without much effort, but it appeaered to be completely covered in fog. You could see the outside of a fence, but the camp was covered in a very thick fog. Agave considered flying overhead to scout, and saw that the fog was at least 20 feet high, looking at it from above would be the same as looking at it from the side. Before he could scout through it, Namina began to use her magical powers to disperse the fog with wind. As the wind blew, the sides of tents and buildings could be seen, and rocks started to fly through the air. Hysteria, Kaswink and Namina were all hit with these rocks, and Frode and DAN felt them bounce off of their armor. Shouts of "Let her go!", "Unhand her, you villains!" and "Free Namina!" could be heard which led to some confusion on Namina's face. Hysteria, meanwhile, snuck into the camp to do that scouting that Agave mentioned.Hysteria snuck behind a small group of people, unable to really see through the fog, but he stopped before bumping into anyone. They were able to hear their friends shouting that they didn't kidnap Namina, that Namina isn't a prisoner she's a healer, and they were also able to hear the other side of things in the camp. Part of the group whispered, "Hm, should we tell the director they didn't kidnap her?" before rapid and loud footsteps faded in another direction. Hysteria was alone with one of the tourists in Nori's Camp, and they tried to get this tourist's attention. Namina continued shouting that she isn't a prisoner, Hysteria touched the back of the tourist they were behind, and the tourist shouted, "We're being surrounded!" Hysteria continued trying to sign that they aren't surrounding them, but the tourist didn't understand. Nori, elsewhere in camp, lowered the fog and it started to disperse. Hysteria could see the tourist in front of them brandishing another stone and looking rather on edge. Nori was visible now and walking towards you all. He approached Namina first, and as he started to speak he dropped his disguise as a sea elf. His first words to her were, "Namina, the tablets...uh, what're you doing here?" Namina was offended, and she demanded to know if he came all this way just to say that she's grounded. He replied, "Uh, that's part of it, but mostly I Just wanted to make sure you're okay." Namina continued to be a bit stand-offish and claimed that she's older now, she's aged, and that she can take care of herself. Nori wanted to know about her friends, and Namina explained that, "We're the Spiritual Travelers! We're going to save the world!" Nori was confused and wanted to know what she's saving the world from. The two of them continued to argue over who should or shouldn't be in the Spirit World, but Namina had backup with the rest of you. As you each explained that you're meant to be here. Nori wanted to know if she was going to just abandon tradition and their mother to worship this "trench mother". This caused some confusion as most of you were under the impression that merfolk just all worship the trench mother. Nori explained that most merfolk worship another deity, Eadro, who is rather the opposite of the trench mother. Namina tried to explain that that doesn't matter, and that she is here for something important, and that she is useful here, especially to her friends.
Nori was impressed with everything that Namina was saying, and backtracked a bit by claiming that, "I'm not here to bring you home or do any of that, I Just wanna know that you're okay. Speaking of which, where's Tamago?" Namina explained the current state of her other brother, and Nori was shocked. He took a moment, breathed, and announced his resolve to go and find his brother. Namina and the rest of you stopped him, however, and he agreed to just go with you whenever the time came to rescue him. He also insisted that Namina visit him now and then to discuss what she's been doing and enjoy some tea. Kaswink suggested that this camp needs to move somewhere else, bringing up the imminent danger of the Spires, and suggested everyone head to the Mothlights. Namina agreed to provide an explanation on the Trench Mother during the journey back.
Saving These Tourists
A lengthy discussion was had about how to save these tourists, but a resolution was eventually reached that involved moving them through the Mothlights towards Dorchar and Aotri. Nori's Camp was already as close as the nearest tree to those frog-towns, so they would just march from their current spot, but the other camps would need to move through the Mothlights. It was agreed that someone from Tympi's Court would need to be alerted before they all get piled in, and may even be needed to get the tourists in in the first place. Additionally, Dorcha and Aotrom would need to be spoken to before a bunch of tourists show up in their towns. First thing's first though, and the Mothlight's were traveled to with hopes of getting permission from Tympi's Court. Anvi was still watching over Tympi and Ilven in Tympi's House. He was welcoming and happy to see this group again, though a bit of stress was showing due to the news that was provided the last time you were there. The spires and the danger they present to the tourists was explained, and Anvi seemed to recognize something about what was going on. He didn't want to say too much in case he was wrong or in case it wasn't his place to speak of it, but he was convinced to by Kaswink as it would be helpful for your investigation. He relented a bit awkwardly with some pain on his face as if what he was saying was physically painful, and he claimed that his words wouldn't be written down, couldn't be written down."You've found Sinkholes and Wells...and these Spire things. The Ground has to Remember. The ground has to remember, and it could forget. The Land Can't Forget, otherwise we'll all be in trouble. Do you ever have a thought that you just can't say or think about without hurting yourself? It's gonna hurt the world. If those spikes are going into people, they probably don't remember who they are. If the land forgets who it is, that could be bad."He sat down, exhausted, and explained that he had already contacted some people about your tourist problem. An impressive feat considering he was talking to you the whole time, and he tried to get more information about the destination. With the destination in mind and the location of each camp, he claimed it would all be taken care of if you can confirm that Aotri and Dorchar would receive the tourists.
Aotrom
With the help of Agave's magical hat and a board game, you teleported back to Aotrom. Deciding who would speak to the unusual frog person was accomplished with a game of nose-goes. Kaswink was chosen, and she wandered around town looking for Aotrom. Aotrom was found easily enough at her shrine, and she immediately started reaching towards Kaswink with her usual grabby-hands. She was taller than the last time you saw her by about a foot, and Kaswink greeted her. Aotrom spoke first, "The sun is coming back! Did you see the clear skies?" Kaswink commented that she doesn't normally, but she does see them everytime she goes downstairs to the farm. Aotrom then said, "I really like your farm... Dorcha saw you! She saw you in the city of murder and fires. You cleared her sky, and she could see again! The clouds still cover this place, but I can see that village, and I can see the chasm where Thera Relovut used to be. You're doing a lot! What do you need?" Kaswink answered, "I was hoping to ask you for a favor, and maybe to provide a favor in return. We have refugees from our world that got trapped here. They don't have a safe place to be, and I think that your city already has a populace, somewhere where they'll be more comfortable and at home. I don't know how you would feel about a bunch of outsiders, but I would like to ask your permission to move some refugees in here." She leaned back, thinking. Kaswink spoke again, "In return, I would like to help clear the sky above your city." Aotrom wasn't sure how she would, but did the best she could to help Kaswink find an answer. Kaswink explained that you freed the spirit/person that was being tormented there, and that something similar happened in Thera Relovut." Aotrom summarized, "So, people are being freed...if we could figure out who is trapped here and free them, then I could make more houses for your people. I'm not sure who could be trapped though. Am I trapped? Do I need to be freed?" Kaswink didn't think that Aotrom was trapped, though she did ask the little frog if she felt trapped. "I'm feeling less trapped. There are more places for me to see now... Have you ever had someone that you, hmm, used to talk to all the time? Someone that you miss?" Kaswink tried to explain that she misses her dad, but it's hard to miss someone you're actively trying to avenge. Aotrom also explained that she misses Dorcha since twilight isn't a very common thing with all the perpetual overcast.Kaswink started to end the conversation by stating that the refugees would be setting up camp around town. Aotrom seemed fine with that for the time being, but she wanted to know why these people were running. She was shocked to hear of the Spires, and showed some concern over them popping up around her home. Kaswink assured her that they would be fine, and that the safety of "you and your sister" would keep anything dangerous away. They thanked each other for the conversation and shared a hug before separating. Kaswink returned to the group and summarized the conversation. Namina had some ideas on who could be trapped in the Spirit World such as Hysteria's Patron, Namina's brother, DAN's brother, Kaswink.... But Kaswink tried to explain that the person that's trapped needs to be someone in this town, not just in the Spirit World in general. "Somewhere here there is a spirit that is uneasy, trapped or in unrest." Namina pondered this and agreed to help if the general area could be found. She suggested setting up a tea set when the person is found, and Kaswink started to search for the potentially trapped person.
Kaswink looked around town and found something unusual: the Eadarling and their buildings weren't giving off any sort of resonance visible with her special eye. They were effectively unseen with this eye that can see anything that emits such a resonance, but these creatures and their homes didn't have any. She continued to search, and Namina was able to note that the Eadarling still have an aura despite not having any resonance. Kaswink's continued search eventually revealed that there was something in this town that gave off resonance: the statue at the center of Aotrom's shrine. She peeped it over for a bit and also discovered that there was something beneath the statue going deep underground. She told the rest of you about this, and Aotrom was approached once again to seek permission to dig up the statue. When asked about the statue, considering it was definitely something different in the area, crafted by something more "real", she had some confusion, and didn't seem to know who built it. Not knowing who built this statue caused even more confusion for her as knowing about things in this area was kinda just something she did. She gave full permission to investigate beneath the statue, not even really caring if it was damaged in the process, but Kaswink was resolved to lift it gently without damaging what was probably sacred to the people of this village. A pulley system was devised with DAN's expertise, and Agave started to dig around the statue to see more about what was hidden beneath. Beneath the statue, Agave discovered that the structure beneath it was made long before the statue was. A line separated the statue and the underground structure which was a 100ft tall square pillar. The pillar eventually reached a stone "floor" that extended 50ft in each direction. Digging down from the edge of this floor showed walls that went another 10-15ft down into the ground before ending with another edge. He had discovered a shaft and a room. He sketched it out and showed his friends what he had learned.
Beneath Aotri
The shaft was uncovered as the pulley was finished. Scaffolding was erected to hold the statue up so that the ropes weren't under constant strain to avoid the risk of the statue falling and obstructing your only way out. A 100ft drop was seen below you as the statue was moved, and the descent began. It wasn't a long way down, but it was still a task to avoid death by gravity. Kaswink used her climbing ability that she happened to have gained from a multi-Monkey spirit that day. Namina rode Kaswink down by shrinking herself. Agave had some natural climbing ability with his claws as well, and Frode used a rope to help everyone else get down. At the bottom of the shaft was a hatch. It had an unusual stone and metal mechanism that Kaswink's immense strength struggled to turn. As it finally turned all the way and clicked into place, there was a moment of silence in the tall stone shaft before the hatch suddenly snapped all the way open, nearly hitting Kaswink right in the face. The hatch collided with the stone walls and made a deafening sound that likely gave some of you tinnitus for a moment.On the other side of the hatch was a large room with 100ft long square walls, rounded corners, and 10-15ft tall from ceiling to floor as described by Agave. Some of you were able to see all of this room thanks to your wondrous ability to see in the dark, but the rest of you were only able to see a small spot of sunlight that had reached the floor below from the still open shaft up above you. Kaswink jumped down first with Namina still clinging to her, and Namina's shrinking spell wore off at that moment. The two of them were greeted with a frightful sight: A bullfrog matching Croak's appearance was chained up to a wall. He was emaciated, bleeding from several open wounds, covered in scars, dirt and dried cracking skin. He groaned out as they arrived, not really saying any words but just making a long sound representing their agony. Kaswink scanned the room, noting the consistent sound of water dripping that echoed around you all along with the general dampness of the area. Everyone else lowered down on Frode's rope, and the bullfrog was approached. He continued groaning, and Namina began to heal his wounds while a small amount of water was raised to the poor frog's lips. The water helped his cracked lips and skin, but it also caused a dribble of blood to cascade down his chin. Namina's spell healed most of his wounds, but as they closed a new wound opened. This injury appeared on the frog's stomach and looked like a long slash that was deep into his flesh. Worried glances were shared about the mixed messages received from this result, and Kaswink started to free him with her upgraded glaive.
She swung down with all of her strength. Metal collided with metal and the immense electric, thunder and forceful energy spread through the chains that rattled with far greater intensity than when the frog prisoner tried to move. The electricity traveled up the chain and caused more agony for the prisoner who then passed out. The chain broke, however, and Kaswink moved to the other side. Agave healed the bullfrog again, and he was happy to be awake once more. His gut continued to open up from the new cut, and his intestines were starting to wriggle free from within. Kaswink was readying herself for another swing, and the frog mumbled while shaking his said from side to side. This was ignored, however, and Kaswink brought the blade of her weapon down on the chain once more. The prisoner again collapsed due to the electricity passing through him, and Kaswink also felt an immense amount of pain as the other chain broke. Something inside of it tried to shout inside her mind, she pushed through the pain and came out the otherside with an immense headache. Despite all this, the frog was now free, and his limp, unconscious frame was lying on the ground. Not wasting any time, Hysteria grabbed the unnamed bullfrog and began to rise into the air. Sunlight touched his face, and spoke for the first time, "Ah, finally. It's been so long."
In-game Date:
Daulok 07, 308
Daulok 07, 308
Report Date
07 Nov 2022
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