Session 5 - So What's YOUR Problem?
General Summary
Adamantine and Biofuel
Ironborn is in need of some assistance and is willing to reimburse for the aid. It seems someone (or multiple people) took the opportunity that his absence provided to mess with his affairs. Notably, someone has (a) destroyed the integrity of the magical enchantments within some of the biofuel refinery chains and (b) stolen a case of adamantine ingots. Regarding the biofuel refineries, there is no mechanical damage, but the arcane runes themselves have been nullified (though without being marred). Although the mechanical casing and parts of the refinery tanks are expensive and time-consuming to construct, it is the arcane components – the enchantments – that are the most expensive. Ironborn would see his refineries returned to full capacity... to ensure the emergency supply of fuel cells stays strong. Who would do this? If someone wanted to balance upon a knife's edge, someone with the power to remove enchantments could be doing this to gain leverage.
Could it be someone from the Church? "Sucking" magic out of an arcane rune seems right in line with their void vibes. Ironborn reveals that he wears a small void shard - one that would keep him hidden from Varoona should he return to Dremora. It is not the Void that is destroying the magic in his refinery.
Regarding the adamantine, Ironborn mentions that the security protocols in this vessel have all been stripped for parts at this point. However, Ironborn's name, the potential presence of the constructs, and the notion that this vessel is haunted keep most people at bay. Aiaoue is immediately curious - is this place haunted? Ironborn dismisses the concept of it being haunted as mere supersition. Ironborn then brings the group to the scene of the crime. Investigating the space, Aiaoue and Milo are eventually able to note a variety of footprints in the dust: bootprints (size and stature of Milo or Arkyn), sandals with a heel, sandals accompanied by a cane, and large clawed prints (lizardfolk perhaps). Ironborn mentions that Zix'Gavi is a large lizardfolk that is regularly here as he moves supplies from the incoming ships to here (when Vendetta cannot). Regarding a cane, Diamont is the only individual Ironborn recalls using one.
Heading to the filtering tank of a biofuel refinery chain, Aiaoue begins to feel uncomfortable as she passes over the salt water... only to enter a massive metal container full of multiple water tanks. Milo sticks near Aiaoue who plasters herself to the wall while the rest of the group cross the metal catwalk to investigate the arcane runes of this massive container. Yenush and arcane note that... something came through and slorped up the magic. Arkyn concludes that something is hungry. Upon closer inspection of another set of arcane runes, Yenush notes an odd layer of slime... or ooze? He suddenly recalls hearing cases of pest problems in workshops outside the walls of the City of Ordained Order. Did a pest make it on the Iron Queen? Aiaoue casts detect magic and gets a subtle ping from one of the water tanks... and it moves. As most of the group moves to attack whatever Aiaoue identified, Teagan confirms that everything is well on the other side of the filtering tank right before he's attack by a pest lashing out from the water below.
Yenush is struck by the pest and finds that his prosthetic arm goes slack as the magic within it is temporarily nullified. Milo casts Dissonent Whispers on one of them and then watches as the ooze-like pest casts the same spell on Teagan. Arkyn and Cadence each of some of their magic slorped by the pests as they being to lash out more frequently. Aiaoue goes stone falcon again, moving to aid Teagan as he battles a pest. In the middle of his rage, Teagan once again feels ghostly forms trying to direct his attack to an ally. Instead, he yells "Get away" and begins swatting at air. With a single tear in her stone falcon eye, Aiaoue does what she is told and "goes away". Yenush performs some impressive feats of acrobatics as he critical strikes a pest while hanging upside down from the railing. However, his gun then misfires and he ends up in the water fire his pistol. Arkyn decides that these ooze creatures are the perfect thing to touch. It fails the first time, but then the pest is stunned. One more touch later and both Arkyn and the Pest are suddenly feeling insecure (on top of the tragic regret this non-speaking ooze now feels for the first time).
Eventually, Cadence's spiritual weapon delivers the final blow, splitting the last pest in half. As his rage settles, Teagan hears a familiar, masculine voice that then morphs into a more feminine one: "You left them unburied." And in this moment, there is a collective agreement that something is very wrong with everyone... except Milo. He seems fine.
Reporting to Ironborn, he is rightfully concerned with how a pest got here. If it was intentionally smuggled aboard, then he'll have to up security aboard the Iron Queen.
The "What is Wrong with You" Tavern Lunch
Yenush is thrilled to go back to the tavern once again. Low and behold, Jin is awake behind the bar! Yenush trades some dragon teeth for a bottle of fine alcohol laced with "Varoona's Kelp". After grabbing some food from the full buffet spread laid out by a small gnomish girl, Briella, the group ponders the adamantine situation. Aiaoue asks Jin if he knows good hiding places for things. Jin responds in an odd string of words that Yenush picks up as Thieves' Cant. Leaving the group, Yenush talks with Jinoah. Is Ademar really a "Lord"? Jinoah's tone seems to indicate the response is "no", but his words carry a warning. It may not be a formal title, but it is not without reason. Half the down owes Ademar, fortunately Jin is not one of them. Switching to Thieves' Cant, Yenush follows up on Aiaoue's inquiry. Jin motions around him - he knows how to hide things. As Yenush begins to inquire about his work schedule... Jin passes out.
Meanwhile, back at the table, the group decides to unpack things. Arkyn asks Milo what's wrong with him. Besides generally missing his family, Milo is perfectly fine (as far as he's aware). Aiaoue mentions that her husband is unwell. She's talked to people in Tel'Rhea, Ah'Shal, and the Library about it... but no one had an answer. Though the nice Librarian directed her here and so Aiaoue has been asking "people who know old stuff real good" about it. Sadly, Mistress Eight needs blood. Arkyn also remarks that he's looking to help his sister. While Aiaoue's husband is unconscious, Arkyn's sister is there... but not. Aiaoue thinks the Void Maiden could help her husband, while Arkyn thinks he might need an anti-Void to help his sister. With Aiaoue and Arkyn's concerns raised (and Cadence's previously experienced), the group turns to Teagan: Why were your eyes red? My eyes were red? Teagan explains that he was just getting rid of a threat NEAR Aiaoue that he saw. Teagan suspects that it's just the miasma still fucking with him. Ya'll saw stuff on the Iron Queen right? Aiaoue mentioned a lady. If you see a singing lady... just kill her. Teagan hasn't seen that lady. Perhaps this is a conversation that should happen in the evening... over a drink.
(After all agreeing to this plan, they then decide to procrastinate and postpone to another evening.)
Briella seems familiar with Jin's habit of spontaneous unconsciousness. She asks about Yenush's arm. Did you make it? When Yenush responds that he did not, Briella seems relieved. As she goes to leave, Aiaoue asks if she knows if anyone has apples. Briella offers to ask Zix!
Meanwhile, back at the table, the group decides to unpack things. Arkyn asks Milo what's wrong with him. Besides generally missing his family, Milo is perfectly fine (as far as he's aware). Aiaoue mentions that her husband is unwell. She's talked to people in Tel'Rhea, Ah'Shal, and the Library about it... but no one had an answer. Though the nice Librarian directed her here and so Aiaoue has been asking "people who know old stuff real good" about it. Sadly, Mistress Eight needs blood. Arkyn also remarks that he's looking to help his sister. While Aiaoue's husband is unconscious, Arkyn's sister is there... but not. Aiaoue thinks the Void Maiden could help her husband, while Arkyn thinks he might need an anti-Void to help his sister. With Aiaoue and Arkyn's concerns raised (and Cadence's previously experienced), the group turns to Teagan: Why were your eyes red? My eyes were red? Teagan explains that he was just getting rid of a threat NEAR Aiaoue that he saw. Teagan suspects that it's just the miasma still fucking with him. Ya'll saw stuff on the Iron Queen right? Aiaoue mentioned a lady. If you see a singing lady... just kill her. Teagan hasn't seen that lady. Perhaps this is a conversation that should happen in the evening... over a drink.
(After all agreeing to this plan, they then decide to procrastinate and postpone to another evening.)
Briella seems familiar with Jin's habit of spontaneous unconsciousness. She asks about Yenush's arm. Did you make it? When Yenush responds that he did not, Briella seems relieved. As she goes to leave, Aiaoue asks if she knows if anyone has apples. Briella offers to ask Zix!
The Hunt for Missing Adamantine
Aiaoue and Milo do a lap around Legacy as Aiaoue casts Locate Object ("OOOOOOOOO-Men"). As they move, Aiaoue pings adamantine in the Church and adamantine near the Iron Arrow Loading Dock (though already contained within MWDs and other machinery). As they talk, Aiaoue and Milo chat. Aiaoue thinks that Elis must be mad at her. After Milo promises secrecy, Aiaoue talks about the Nehezko. They angered Elis so much that she cursed them to stone. Aiaoue's "stone form" is of these birds and so she suspects Elis must be angry with her. Despite everything, Aiaoue is positive that she will find a cure for Alcide and will live a happy life. It must be nice to have such a happy family! Milo is about to agree when his vision suddenly shifts and distorted.
The streets of Eredet are filled with those of wealth and prosperity. And yet despite the city's standing, there are still alleys where the poor and destitute congregate. You turn down an alley, strolling casually as if you regularly pass this way. Unfamiliar faces, worn and ragged, drift by in your peripheral. And then you stop. A familiar face. The world slows as you turn to find Chloe curled up around Marcus, wrapped in a frayed and patchwork blanket. The world has treated her harshly; she is withered - little more than skin and bones. You are the reason their fate has become this.
Milo's heart rate spikes as he swears there is silhouette in his periphery threatening to charge. Despite the clear change in disposition, Milo brushes off Aiaoue's concern. You said something about a pawn shop?
Arkyn, Cadence, and Teagan go to the Church of The Void. They are led by an acolyte to the office of Void Bearer Diamont. His Void Heir, Kehri, grants them entry to his office, regarding them with a distant, yet observant, look. Diamont welcomes them to the Church. Like Valora, Diamont has suffered the consequences of using his Void Shard. Much of the left side of his body has been destroyed. Yet, unlike Valora, Diamont seems to exhibit mastery of the Void, compelling it to replace the limbs that it has stolen. Teagan immediately asks if Diamont is okay. Puzzled for a moment, Diamont quickly dismisses the concern over his appearance. Arkyn inquires about the Adamantine. Diamont is truthful in his response that he acquired a case as per his agreement with Ironborn, though Teagan and Cadence note that his guard immediately goes up at the sudden line of questioning. What do you need adamantine for? The Church has machinery and one of its acolytes (Sophronia) helps to manage machinery on Church grounds – it is she who needs the supply.
When asked if Diamont knows who would steal adamantine, potentially for leverage purposes... Diamont deflects. Despite the Church's standing and importance, relationships are fragile. Diamont is unwilling to list names that could have done the crime without some evidence that they have. Teagan presses: this matter could affect Legacy and isn't the Church here to protect Legacy? Yes, of course it is, but as leader of the Church, Diamont can also not risk its standing. Arkyn chimes in: What if we keep your involvement a secret? Diamont chuckles without humor; if you gave Ademar a "blank-slate favor", then Diamont has concerns. Regardless, Diamont is happy to verify any suspect should they acquire some evidence and can support then. For now, he seems to wish to stay at arm's length.
For future reference, what DO you want? Diamont seems certain that the trio would ahve little information of interest to him (at least currently). Though, he welcomes more recruits for the Church. Teagan bristles at that and Diamont notices. When Diamont pokes, Teagan does not hide how offput he is by The Void - what do you know about it anyway? Diamont stands and approaches. For Diamont, he knows that when he dies... he will be nothing. Cadence thanks Diamont and apologizes if any comments were offensive. Diamont assures her that he has seen and dealt with far worse.
Upon leaving, Arkyn is suddenly struck with deja vu. The battle axe that Kehri wields... it is reminiscent of the one painted with the Bear of the South. Cadence asks an Acolyte if any Oracles have been here. After a moment of thought, the Acolyte responds that they haven't seen any Oracles, but according to the history, the Void Maiden was once an Oracle of Caliban. Cadence then goes to pray.
Reconvening and sharing what they found, the group decides to visit Ironborn. The dwarven man is not in his forge and after wandering the vast halls of the Academic Center, they find Rune near Ironborn's chambers. After a few minutes, Ironborn appears at his doorway. Diamont took a case? Ironborn mutters that perhaps he is getting old. Yet, despite the admission, Ironborn doesn't appear completely convinced. Rune leads the group back down where the warforged butler notes that yes, the missing case might have gone to Diamont... but another case is empty. There is still adamantine missing. When Yenush makes an offhanded comment about the Academic Center being "depressing", Rune's disposition changes. Be sure not to say that around Lord Ironborn. Rune promptly ignores any further inquiry and dismisses himself.
The party, tired, decides to postpone their evening drinking. Aiaoue takes a quick 1 hour power nap before continuing her tour of town... specifically Sinner's Choice. She does ping adamantine while moving through the casino... though its not in the general hall. As she stands there very obviously looking lost, she is approached by a Yuan-Ti man in what could be a very bougie bathrobe. When he learns that Aiaoue has never gambled, he invites her to a table. With a quick round, Ademar wins Aiaoue's offered trinket and Aiaoue learns that she should get better at math. Seemingly amused, Ademar mentions that Aiaous is back any time. Aiaoue remains in the casino for a bit longer and she determines that she does, in fact, like jazz.
Report Date
06 Sep 2024
Primary Location
The Biofuel Pest
Requestable Rewards from Ironborn
In exchange for assisting him with each of his concerns (adamantine, biofuel), Ironborn will offer a single reward to the collective group.Option 1: Ironborn built his own prosthetic and could build (or upgrade) one upon request.
Option 2: Ironborn can upgrade Yenush's bullets with a protective ward that will prevent the Villám within the bullets from sparking upon contact with cold water.
Option 3: Ironborn is formally an artificer and is capable of creating a variety of magical infusions (magical items):
- Armor of Magical Strength (add INT modifier to STR saving throws)
- Boots of the Winding Path (Teleport up to 15 ft. asa bonus action)
- Enhanced Arcane Focus (+1 to spellcasting)
- Enhanced Defense (+1 to AC)
- Enhanced Weapon (+1 to a melee weapon)
- Mind Sharpener (Auto successes on CON saving throws for concentration)
- Repeating Shot (+1 to ranged weapon)
- Replicate Items (2nd Level) – Alchemy Jug, Bag of Holding, Cap of Water Breathing, Goggles of Night, Rope of climbing, Sending Stones, Wand of Magic Detection, Wand of Secrets
- Replciate Items (6th Level) – Boots of Elvenkind, Cloak of Elvenkind, Cloak of the Manta Ray, Eyes of Charming, Gloves of Thievery, Lantern of Revealing, Pipes of Haunting, Ring of Water Walking
Option 4: Ironborn may also request specific items from Dremora, though this may take some time.
Comments