BUILD YOUR OWN WORLD Like what you see? Become the Master of your own Universe!

Session 4 - Apologies are Trinkets, Darkness is a Knife

General Summary

Darkness Why Are You Here It's 3 PM

 
Darkness pervades the memory of an aquatic town with the only source of light emanating from the statue of an eladrin boy. Screams of terror echo from the darkness, accompanied by the sounds of somthing unknown. Teagan, Arkyn, and Milo are struck by fear as what lurks in the darkness remains unknown yet inches closer... and then a massive ray lunges from the darkness to bite and swipe at Milo. The creatures seem content to make their attack and quickly retreat into the cover of darkness. Sensing the stress of the party, another source of faint light becomes visible in the darkness: Omen. Taking pity on everywhere, he begins to drone, granting a small blessing to a chosen few.  
  Slowly, after a few rounds of ambushes from the darkness, tactics shift. Aiaoue turns into a stone falcon and charges into the darkness to lure them in after entangle failed. Yenush wakes up from momentary unconsciousness (and being berated with "Get up, snake") to see Aiaoue shift to a falcon. Yenush begins to avoid Aiaoue. Teagan suddenly strains as he turns awkwardly towards Cadence, weapon raised. Confused, Cadence watches as Teagan chooses the darkness - charging recklessly towards the faintly glowing ray in the distance (courtesy of Milo's Starry Wisp). Finally, a ray stays within Cadence's blindsight and she's able to point out its location. The party codenses (and the DM wishes the rays had AOEs). Arkyn's shocking grasp destroys one ray. Teagan, grappling the remaining ray, bashed its head in with its shield. As it died, it fell into Teagans arm, gurgling out what might be a horrible attempt at a tragic, poetic monologue... before it vomiting its own skull at Teagan.  
  As the darkness recedes, rays in the distance chase the darkness as they drag people down to the natural darkness of the depths below. Omen, still keeping his distant, warns that something is not right and that they should retreat while they can. Prior to departing, the combat seems to have disturbed the sediment, revealing a set of items: A glowing orb, an anklet, a coat, and a trident - all oddly untarnished by the water, time, and miasma.  
  Returning to the Iron Delver, Aiaoue feels the pain return to her as she struggles to swim. Once aboard the Iron Delver, Omen begins a somewhat hasty retreat back towards Legacy. Teagan asks if Yenush and Aiaoue are okay. Yenush attempts to assure Aiaoue but his fear of her (in this stone bird form) is apparent. Arkyn attempts to comfort Aiaoue and fails. The ride in the Iron Delver quickly devolves to Cadence taking a nap and Milo checking in on Omen while the remaining four pick a respective corner to be "not okay" in.  
   

Back on Land and Happy For It

  Teagan practically throws himself onto the pier once the Iron Delver's hatch opens. A very unamused dwarf looks at him. The group gives Ironborn the run down of what they went through. Ironborn is... not surprised that they didn't find what they were looking for. It seems the dwarf had a theory and the group's endeavors have proven that theory true. 100 years ago, Ironborn was at the Battle of the Barrier. Many of his men through themselves overboard in fear and panic as a massive kaiju-like creature rose from the abyss. It brought with it darkness and fear, not too different from what the party described. Since no bodies of the enemy were found, it is quite possible that the deity they seek is one that attempted to attack Dremora a century ago. Don't worry, though, when you have to deal with it... you should be dealing with a corpse.  
  The group then splits up. Aiaoue heads to the Pawn shop, where she is enthusiastically greeted by Maurit and Hudsun Pica. Do they have any trinkets that say "I'm sorry for insulting your muscles" and "I'm sorry for being abhorrent"? The two aarakocra bring back a myriad of items, including a book of apologies and a carved statuette of a muscled man. Can they carve something on the statue? Maurit begins to carve "Awesome Muscles" into the abs of the statuette as Aiaoue inquires about the book. Hudsun finds an alternative item: a plt with a flower that symbolizes the greatest of apologies. As Aiaoue offers a carving and embroidery to trade, Hudsun asks if Aiaoue is from the north. Hudsun seems familiar with the island Aiaoue mentions, though he (and his brother) are from Sun'Sotét, on the border of Elios and Ah'Shal. After some pleasant conversation and picking up knee pads for Teagan (to help with the Jeff situation), Aiaoue departs. She is always welcome back!  
  Teagan attempts to sneak up on Jeff in the mine shaft, but the aarakocra notices him. So you come to the mines now? Teagan explains that they had to go diving and fought some rays. How did it feel? Not great, happy to be back. Did you kill any? As a matter of fact, I did! How did it feel? Something was not right with those rays. Jeff eventually settles on not attempting to kneecap Teagan, turning back to mining this odd material that sends a wave of dread down Teagan's spine. Odd... didn't he see that material elsewhere? Teagan can't remember.  
  Cadence goes to the Ohn'Lee clinic where a frazzled Viren once again answers the door. Cadence apologies for not coming yesterday as promised, she was feeling under the weather so she chose to just stay home and pray. Somewhat taken aback, Viren still welcomes any attempt to help, though he seems to keep an eye on Cadence from a distance as she begins to tend to the few patients in the clinic. Although a bit out of practice in this setting, Cadence provides adequat care... though she finds herself missing the darkness. It seems a bit too bright here.  
  Aftering asking a series of people if they'd seen a person with birds, Arkyn eventually makes it to the fields. While he doesn't find the person, he does find the birds... and then the person he's looking for finds him. Sayah has abandoned her hat and outer garb or pants and cropped top. What do you need? Arkyn chooses to start with the more respectful of his two inquiries: What did you mean my clan has fallen? Sayah blinks. When was the last time you were there? Arkyn responds that it's been about a decade. Sayah assures him that his Clan is fine; just not in the position it was with the old Bear of the South. Arkyn comments that every clan needs time in the light. Sayah laughs; my clan's name literally means Shadow Walker. Every clan needs... shadow time?  
  And what's the other thing you need? Arkyn clears his throat: When you commented on my size, were you coming onto me? Sayah blinks. As Arkyn pulls out his reference books, Sayah snags one and flips through it. Do you want me to come onto you? Though, based on this book, I'd wager you'd might be more into men. Arkyn doesn't know, he doesn't have any experience. Sayah does a quick lap around Arkyn before mentioning that if she could give him some experience. As she saunters off, she pauses. Careful now, a heart is a precious, valuable thing... and I might just steal it.  
  Milo and Yenush visit Dunebrook at the dig in the center of Legacy. The ruins of a Temple have clearly been uncovered with the main floor still oddly well-reserved. Dunebrook, after hearing what transpired, begrudgingly admits that Ironborn was right. Milo inquires if Dunebrook knew what they would find. No, she did not. It is odd to find an Eladrin statue underwater. After revealing items they found, Milo and Yenush willingly hand them over for Dunebrook to inspect further. If anyone else has items they found, she'd appreciate having a look at them; it would give her a clearer picture and may better help her decipher what the party may find themselves "swimming into" on the next dive. Inquiring about the carved floor, Dunebrook points first to the ouroboros, symbol of The One, Creator of the Dremoran pantheon... and perhaps the pantheon of this continent. Given that there are twelve Dremoran gods, Dunebrook suspects that each "slice" is a domain with the inner row representing Dremora and the outer row, perhaps, representing this continent.   
  Leaving the dig, Yenush decides to swing by Eight's to pick up Ozti. Would Vendetta like a dragon jaw bone to chew on? Teagan swings through the pawn shop to drop off the odd current compass he found. The brothers seem intrigued by it!  
  The group reunites as they sit down at the tavern. In a happy twist, Jin is awake! And so he is able to man the bar. Arkyn discusses his conversation with Sayah as he is unclear what their talk meant. Arkyn recounts everything and, at the end, Yenush things this is a solid maybe. Teagan counters: if that's your maybe what's your absolute? Cadence is confidence that Sayah came onto Arkyn. Given Arkyn's aversion to touch, he's far more interested in seeing if she could teach him to talk to a bird (sounds like she wants to talk about birds AND bees, my man). The conversation shifts to Arkyn's desire to avoid touching people, since people he touches explode. After a go-around at the table, Cadence offers a hand stating "Shake". Arkyn, off-handedly, brushes it off with a "No".  
  Cadence will remember that. Cadence didn't like that. Suddenly, the tavern table is consumed by darkness. Arkyn and Teagan are afraid. Yenush is suddenly concerned they never left the miasma to begin with. Milo tries to move Cadence out of the darkness only to realize that she IS the darkness. As black vines twist and writhe beneath Cadence's skin, she feels long bony fingers curl around her shoulder as a vaguely familiar voice whispers. "Yes, child of moonlight... Spread by darkened rot once more." Cadence then is compelled to cast darkness on the entire tavern floor before sending an Ice Knife at Arkyn. And then light is restored, revealing Jin standing over a now unconscious Cadence. Jin seemed shaken and he quickly made a retreat to the kitchen.  
  Yenush follows Jin as the elven man leans over a counter, thinking. Eventually, Jin comments that it wasn't a human girl he knocked out. It was something else. But hey, how cool that you can see through magical darkness... Yeah, cool... Yenush leaves Jin to manage the kitchen as he returns to man the bar.  
  So Cadence... what the hell was that? Cadence doesn't seem to have full memory of what happened. She remembers the darkness (almost fondly), but doesn't remember stabbing Arkyn. Has this happened before? A few times, but no one important was hurt! (Arkyn sheds a single tear - he's not important). What set that off? Oh, I don't like being told I can't do something. I don't like being told "no". How about "Nah"? Yeah, no? A maybe that eventually turns into a no? Can you warn us next time your darkness jar is about to be full? Cadence says she'll try.  
  Aiaoue then takes center stage as she first presents Arkyn with the little statue. She apologies for saying his muscles were just for show (though she bets they are a very nice show). She then offers the knee pads to Teagan as he seems "worried about the Jeff situation". Finally, she offers the small plate to Yenush who does accept (after once again trying to assure Aiaoue that "it's not you... it's me").  
 

Another Day in Legacy Where the Fish Aren't... Fish

  Lingering effects of the miasma warp and bend dreams. Arkyn wakes feeling tired and drained; Aiaoue wakes feeling indignant.  
  At the crack of dawn, Teagan decides to go see if there's any fish here. A short while after casting the line, he feels a tug. After a short battle with whatever's on the end of the line, Teagan hauls up something large onto the pier... a man to be specific. Quill begins to laugh, hauling himself up to stand. Ah man, sorry, couldn't resist! Seems Quill was out for a swim. Teagan asked what he was doing here... like here in general. Quill shrugs: picked a fight at the wrong place, wrong time, wrong person. Was he bigger than you? Nah, I beat the shit out of him... but not the next one, or the next one. Teagan inquires about parents and Quill responds that he should have certainly listened to them more. Ever feel like you have to live up to something? Teagan mentioned that he remembered his old man had a life envisioned for him: going into leatherworking like the rest of the family. But look at him now, a miner! Quill comments that mining is simple work; you don't have the weight of a lot of people on your shoulders. Well, miners have to make sure materials get to the right places and that's might important. Quill makes an odd comment about looking out for the "smaller humanoids". Why'd you say it like that? As Quill leaves, Teagan mentions fishing. Seems Quill's style of fishing is... swimming after the fish.  
  Milo and Yenush head to Dunebrook to pick up their items. Dunebrook notes that the coat was possibly produced for merchants who were not aquatic and that the trident is similar to those wielded by the Dremoran Kereselló. She notes a crest on the Trident, though she knows not which family or station it refers to. The tablet seems to correspond to the rays the group fought the day prior and they seem to have a weakness to light (and radiant). The draconic jawbone is perhaps a Young or Adult Dragon... but there are features of the jaw that do not match with any chromatic or metallic dragon of Dremora. Unfortunately, they's need someone from Caliban or at least someone more version in draconic lineages. Additional questions are raised about the next dive. What can Milo report on? Dunebrook asks that Milo not say anything about the details of WHAT or WHY they are doing things. If you wish to write of the Iron Delver, ensure Ironborn's permission is given. Yenush inquires about the Abyss; Isn't it... all bad? Perhaps, but an abyssal god can be negotiated with... the miasma cannot.   
  Arkyn, feeling down, heads to the Theater. Delilah seems a bit taken aback though assures Arkyn that the book he gave her is not an offence. She offers mild comfort to Arkyn before offering him distraction via work. Cadence goes to the pawn shop to... ask for an apology item!! The brothers present her with a flame coaster and a knife that... doesn't actually stab! For your next stabbing! Cadence trades the spearhead and the foot and chain for both items. The brothers discard the foot and seem interested in the chain and shackle. There is a hushed mention of "take to Jeff".  
  Aiaoue, passing indignantly through town, accidentally runs into someone: Viren. As they make eye contact, Aiaoue feels a need to pry and meddle as well as a wave of protectiveness. Viren seems to smile and brighten for a moment, before his shoulders sag again. In the frantic conversation that follows, Viren panics when Aiaoue mentions romance (with her husband) and attempts to flee, but Aiaoue follows. Within the comforts of his clinic, Viren settles slightly. It's odd that he feels somewhat comfortable with her even though he only really knows her name. If you'd like, you could come back later? Aiaoue agrees and offers to bring food.  
  In a few days the Iron Delver will be ready to dive again. According to Dunebrook, Ironborn needs aid and Legacy is filled with odd waves of emotion that seem to trigger with... no apparent reason.  

Dreams

  Cadence
You do not dream, but when you wake, a wave of resolve washes over you... tinged with something dark and perhaps unhinged.

  Yenush
You do not dream, but when you wake, a wave of resolve washes over you... yet it is unclear where that resolve is directed.

  Milo
Your dreams are fragmented. You hold Marcus. You blink. Marcus walks – now a child as he plays in the fields beyond the city walls. A thunderous chorus of hooves beating down. You lose Marcus. Your heart races and beats. Bodies everywhere. A scream. Reckless... heroic.

  Teagan
Your dreams are fragmented. Familiar faces flash in your vision, a brother and a son. A sleeping figure. Armor. Wrath. Graves... graves pried open and destroyed. Blood. Bodies. Oh, how you crave sleep. The face of a brother, eyes red. A son denied adulthood... eyes red. A skull with glowing red eyes.

 

Aiaoue's Dream

 
Water ripples, cooling and soothing your skin. It is nostalgic, a faint memory. Light streams down through a carefully crafted trap door in a floor. Through the water's surface, you see a familiar silhouette. A familiar hand reaches for you as you ascend.

And then a song shatters the water.
  You pull yourself through, up and out of the water... but it is not your home you find. A long wooden pier stretches out over the water, waves gently rolling on either side. The singing clarifies. Far down the pier, a figure... donning silk that blows in the breeze.  
"Love decreed by the divine is sacred... If I should be stripped of mine... Why would I permit love to thee?"
 
Your skin begins to prickle, like needles and knives digging into your flesh. Your joints ache as they lock, groaning in protest. Plunged into the painful embrace of the water, you sink... the water fills your lungs and burns.

 

Arkyn's Dream

  When sleep claims you, the soft sounds of a distant forest are the first to greet you. The baying of hounds and the sound of laughter follow. Three silhouettes emerge from the darkness. They call to you, beckoning with open arms. Friends, siblings...  
  But that was before.
  You stop as your foot strikes something. At your feet, lies Nefeli, flowers arranged around her as she rests. You are compelled to kneel; to place a hand upon her shoulder. And her body gives way, rippling like water... falling apart like shards of soft silver light... coalescing into a silver path you have stood on before. A silhouette stands on the far end of the path.  
"Otsana, in your presnce perhaps a smile I'd spare. But for you, child of Otsana... only the weight of my sorrow remains."
  You feel hollow, empty, tired... as your body fails. There is only one thing for you to do: collapse. You lay there, staring back into the empty eyes of Nefeli. The flowers a hollow cry of hope. For what hope is there... when there is nothing left?

Comments

Please Login in order to comment!