Session 8 - Connections, Dreams, and a Divine Corpse
General Summary
Death or the Depth's Boon
Are we fighting this one boys? With confirmation, Yenush fires the first shot at what once was the group's slimy skinned guide. The two abyssal guards are guick to swarm Teagan and Yenush while that massive creature atop the throne merely watches with an unsettling grin. Arkyn attempts to get trusty Zephyr's feather up and going, but his old friend the guide stopped that from happening. Feeling betrayed, Arkyn shifts. Aiaoue goes stone bird and moves to help Teagan, while Cadence assesses the battle and determines that she'll be playing healer mostly for this one. Teagan goes to swing and then decides to get mad first. After crushing the guard in front of him, Teagan remembered that he has a triton that might be better suited to an underwater brawl.
As the flesh-robed priest drifts around the group (desperately seeking cone formation), the two guards tear into Yenush and Teagan (and later Aiaoue) as the they are all kept up by the diligent efforts of Arkyn's Silvery Barbs and Cadence's healing. After watching one of the guard's fall only to get back up at the priest's call, everyone turned their attention towards the priest. Arkyn tried to touch the priest and as his hand closed over that slimy, unsettling skin... Arkyn felt insecure. Arkyn understands why he hasn't been targeted this fight. Aiaoue than attacks Arkyn, antagonized by the priest.
Teagan, after being previously antagonized to attack Cadence, settles for a new approach: standing far away and hurling the trident at enemies. "FIGHT ME" Teagan screams as the trident cruises over the priest's head. Arkyn tries the touching thing again and now he's feeling CONFIDENT. Aiaoue is knocked out of bird form only to immediately resume being in bird form (all for those sweet-sweet pack-tics). Yenush, having been knocked unconscious and brought back up by Cadence, fires the final shot at the priest, dealing gobs of damage. And then his arm jerked.
What, you think yourself the Executioner?? All must see trial. A CORPSE can't see TRIAL.
And then half the bullet exploded in Yenush's face. The group makes quick work of the remaining guards, who do not get back up now that their priest friend is dead. Victorious, the group stands as time freezes. The creature atop the throne continues to grin as cracks form, covering its entire body. Dark, blackened flesh pushes its way out before consuming the creature. Back in the present, the walls are still. One wall is broken as the massive flesh that draped atop the monolith enters the room, ending at the base of the throne where a slightly rotted corpse sits, grin still plastered to its face.
Aiaoue grabs a ring off the creature's finger while Yenush grabs an amulet with a face contorted in fear stretched across its bone-metal surface. Cadence grabs a shell from atop the creature before Teagan hefts the corpse of a god into his arms. It's head rolls so that it grins right at Teagan. Arkyn, wanting to feel useful, grabs a bunch of bones off the ground before the group makes a swim back to Omen, who seems oddly eager to leave these depths.
Aboard the Iron Delver, Aiaoue asks Omen what he thinks about the ring. Omen can't exactly pinpoint a piece of jewelry on the Iron Delver. After sitting with the ring, Aiaoue feels like she can impose Non-Euclidean space on people if she chooses. Meanwhile, Arkyn sits the amulet and, after awhile, it doesn't seem to affect him anymore. The Depth's boon grants a myriad of benefits (and obviously no consequences). Cadence, after looking over the shell for a bit, brings it to her ear. The first voice she hears speak is familiar: the Shadowed One Below, rot bringer, Eresh. She keeps that information to herself for now.
Teagan, bothered by the corpse, starts trying to stitch up all its orifices. There's a lot now that the eels are gone.
An Evening in Legacy
Ironborn arrives to greet the group as they disembark the Iron Delver. The older dwarf instructs them to take the body to Khalil... it's all in his hands now. Teagan slings the corpse over his shoulder like a potato sack and drags the long tail behind him... which Arkyn picks up to help. Yenush, Cadence, and Aiaoue watch as Teagan and Arkyn attempt to coordinate how to get this large, wiggly body up through the Academic Center. A woman is disgusted at the sight of the body as she leaves Khalil's office. Arkyn tries to be nice and introduce himself but she (that bitch) does not care. She moves out of the Academic Center, ignoring the rest of the group.
Khalil immediately jumps up from his desk as Teagan unceremoniously drops the corpse on the office floor. The group notifies Khalil that that... this was a bad dude. There's people down there screaming and it's all around not great. Khalil, however, is undeterred. A god, should Khalil succeed, at least has the potential to be negotiated with... the miasma does not. But does it have to be THIS guy? Do you have another god's corpse? Khalil plans to begin his work on this body, but should you find another more suitable divine corpse, Khalil would consider swapping his efforts. He offhandedly mentioned that the Void Maiden has killed a god. Man, when is this train coming back?
Yenush heads back down the pier to talk to Ironborn. You mentioned something about a prosthetic arm? Ironborn has experience with prosthetics and could easily enhance what Yenush has (or construct something new). He'd be more than happy to do so in return for the biofuel refineries... or for the corpse... or if they get the rest of the adamantine. Why do you hate making bullets by the way? Ironborn launched into a mini tirade about how there's only ever been ONE gun made that he respects. It blended metal and the arcane flawlessly. It didn't NEED bullets! But his legacy has been warped and twisted. He sought the beautiful union of metal and magic... but there is something so... inelegant about guns that Ironborn despises. Asking about diving again, Ironborn informs Yenush that the diving tasks are now done. Yenush mentions that he saw how the creature's worked with and forged the bone-metal. Ironborn thinks... he could potentially rig a forge like that up.
Aiaoue waits for the group to split up and depart before she goes down one of the piers. With a deep breath, she braces herself before running off the edge and diving into the water. Swimming through the bay, she finds the massive shape of Omen curled up somewhat like a big water cat. His many eyes open as she approaches. She releases a note of song that gets Omen's attention. He releases a drone in return. Aiaoue ducks to the surface to get air before diving back down. When Omen realizes she can only speak a few words, he lifts his head to the surface. You said that I stole something, but I was the one stolen from! They stole YOUR gift. You warned me, everyone warmed me, but I was just so happy. And Alcide... Omen releases a deep rumble: You are my child. Omen lifts Aiaoue out of the water. Who took it? Aiaoue informs him that it was someone with the Dark Sun. Omen cannot reach into the mountains, but he made a deal with Varoona to help in the search for one of his that had gone missing. Varoona does not need to know that Aiaoue has been found... and perhaps Varoona's people will find information. Omen informs Aiaoue that should she need something, she simply must ask. The great eldritch horror then slinks back into the bottom of the bay.
Arkyn swings by the theater and finds that a performance is about to start. Madame Blythe stands in the foyer. She assures Arkyn he need not apologize for flaking and leads him to a small staff space in the back where they can talk. As Arkyn begins to talk about a connection, Madame Blythe mentions that such connections are common, they've happened to her before here in Legacy. Arkyn explains that he had a connection wth Sayah when they touched. Oh, that's common for young men. Do you know what attraction is? You shouldn't be so worried; my husband was terrible at the beginning but he got better with practice. NO. Arkyn states that he wanted to PUSH Sayah off a ROOF, but that wasn't him. Oh, you should have opened with that! Arkyn extended a hand and, after a moment, Delilah took it. Arkyn's shoulders immediately rolled back. He is important and he is in the presence of someone equally important; who shares a sacred task. Delilah's shoulder's also rolled back. Arkyn asked if she would be willing to do this again and Delilah, of course, agreed.
Cadence knocks on the red door standing in the middle of Legacy. A moment later, Mistress Eight answers. Cadence, after confirming that Eight knows Aiaoue, inquires after an Oracle. There has not been any true Oracle here, but the Void Maiden was herself once an Oracle... a long time ago. Switching gears, Cadence asked if Eight knew anyone by the name of Eresh. With incredible memory, Eight recalled that her love mentioned that name once before in reverenece... and fear. As if pleading the name to halt a curse. Otherwise, she does not know anything else. Eight commented that Cadence carries the symbols of Caliban; there was a gnomish girl who had similar symbolism. Cadence thanks Eight as the red door closes.
Teagan, after picking up some bone metal, goes to Kovac's Square and finds Syrio closing up his forge for the evening. Going into the back room, Teagan offers the bone-metal and Syrio, as promised, produces the other half of the adamantine. Syrio speaks no words, but he seems to be equally as pleased with whatever partnership Teagan is proposing. After dropping off the adamantine with Ironborn, Teagan heads to the bar... where he sits and waits for his friends.
Yenush picks up Ozti and takes her on a walk around Legacy. He swings through the Pawn shop to get a flask and an item that will tell someone that they're beautiful in any and all form. The Pica brothers prodcue a music box that, when opened, sings "YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL". Yenush then heads to the Church, ducking into the alcove dedicated to the Dremoran pantheon. There, he places a gear in the offering bowl to Nacheevi and prays. I could really use some help with this arm... it won't really talk to me and I don't know what it wants. There is no direct response.
Aiaoue schedules a time to use the ovens at the Tavern and coordinates Gotcha Day cooking with Briella. Aiaoue then ducks off to the theater. There, she finds scraps and adhesive. As she goes about her crafts, she hears the muffled sounds of the Varoonan play and she grumbles.
Cadence and Arkyn head to the Church where Arkyn stops to talk to Kehri while Cadence continues on to speak with Diamont. Arkyn asks how she got that axe. Kehri responds that she got it from Ironbron. Oh well, it's my great-great-grandfather's axe. Kehri's eyes narrow: and he didn't pass it down your line now did he? Arkyn inquries as to what the axe does; Kehri's responses are short as Arkyn is not a member of the Church. However, there is a void shard in the axe. How did that get there? Kehri does not know, but it was there when she got it from Ironborn. Wow, you're really aggressive with your responses. Kehri seemed triggered: Oh, would you rather me demure? Be exactly what YOU want? Arkyn assures her he meant no offense; just not used to it.
Meanwhile, Cadence inquires about the Void Maiden. What is she like? The Void Maiden is The Void. She is a dedicated and determined woman upholding a broken oath from long ago. She wields destruction as salvation for the world. She has laid low a god. She grants fragments of The Void's power and speaks directly on its behalf. Regarding Aria, Diamont remembers her. Aria joined the Church in direct service to the Void Maiden... united on their faith in Caliban. Do you know when the train is coming back? The Void Maiden dictates such things. Diamont extended an invitation to join the Church, if Cadence desired. She's a bit busy right now.
Teagan, now multiple drinks in, is joined by Arkyn and then the rest of the group. Are we making these evening talks a thing now?
Fishing Ain't the Same Without You
Cadence feels GREAT in the morning! Everyone else... it varies. Teagan hauls himself out of bed to go down to the pier. He throws out his fishing line and waits... and waits... Damn. Does Quill choose to go after the hook? Is it an impulse thine? Teagan will never know. Sad, Teagan heads to the mines where he finds Jeff at the ready, that sem narrowed-eye stare the aarakocra always has.
Aiaoue, feeling a particular way, skips right on over to Mistress Eight. She is welcomed in to Eight's sitting parlor once more. Aiaoue then explains that Yenush intends to arrest Yelkin for a crime that he wouldn't say and a punishment that he also wouldn't say. Eight thanks Aiaoue; that is exactly what she needed to know. Yelkin was falsely accused of a crime. Aiaoue perks up: you know what the crime was? Eight pauses; it would be best that you ask Yelkin when he returns. Aiaoue then asks if she could use Eight's kitchen. The blood witch is taken aback, but leads Aiaoue to a clearly very unused kitchen. Aiaou manages to scrap together some BOLD appetizers, giving one to Eight before she departs.
Arkyn heads over to the fields where he eventually tracks down someone in charge: an eladrin woman. Do you know where Sayah is? Oh... it's you; yeah so she asked me to help keep you away from her. She told everyone? The eladrin woman assures Arkyn that no, Sayah only told her what happened. The eladrin woman suggested space. How am I supposed to apologize then? The eladrin woman offered to deliver an apology letter on Arkyn's behalf if he desired and suggested honesty. For now, Arkyn gave her the alcohol to pass along to Sayah.
Yenush takes a walk around Legacy. He sees "that bitch" leaving Sinner's Choice and notices a tiefling and a changeling arguing outside the Church. He swings through Kovac's Square and pops into say high to Viren, who panics and then goes red. Yenush drifts towards the field where he falls in with Arkyn. They have a conversation about Sayah - how DO you feel about her? Why does that matter for an apology?
Cadence enters the clinic, startling Viren again. We never worked out a work schedule? Viren asks that Cadence be on call for if there is a sudden influx of patients. He'd appreciate her help most then. The Riz-less man then asks about Yenush... is he seeing anyone? Cadence doesn't think so; do you want me to put in a good word for you? OH NO, PLEASE DON'T. It's not for ME, it's for... it's for my SISTER. Viren gently pushes Cadence out of the clinic, the sounds of things falling echoing from within. Cadence immediately finds Aiaoue: GIRL, guess what I just heard. Cadence conveys that Viren asked about Yenush on his sister's behalf. Is there a warrant out for her arrest? That's ONE way to get Yenush in pursuit.
Report Date
04 Oct 2024
Primary Location
Secondary Location
The Speaking Shell
Whispers drift from this shell. Once held to a person's ear, the shell repeats its recorded words. Currently, the shell holds the records of a deal struck: A Deal of Spite and Terror.Aiaoue
Water ripples, cooling and soothing your skin. It is nostalgic, a faint memory. Light streams down through a carefully crafted trap door in a wooden 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. The song is different, tinged with sorrow and mourning… with regret.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. Through the thick layer of fog and haze, you see the silhouette of a beach beyond… and the gentle incline of a mountainside. Through the haze, a figure emerges, running. Silks blow in the breeze, long hair a tangled mess. The echo of footfalls is frantic.
You blink. You stare back through the hole in the wooden pier you climbed out of. The rolling water more tumultuous. Beneath the waves… the water has been stained red. Petals rise to the surface, waterlogged and bloodstained. The faint outline of a silhouette sinks, drifting without resistance towards the depths.
As you dive in, your skin begins to prickle, like needles and knives digging into your flesh. Your joints ache as they lock, groaning in protest. Yet the pain is nothing compared to how your heart aches… how it cries out in agony as half of it withers and dies, leaving only half of your heart to beat. The silhouette below shifts and for a moment… you see Alcide.
Arkyn
When sleep claims you, Nefeli lies at your feet, flowers arranged around her as she rests. You are compelled to kneel… to place a hand upon her shoulder. And her body gives way, shattering into small gems that glow like shards of soft silver light… they reveal a silver path that you have stood on before. But this time, the path twists and winds, rising as if ascending along a steep cliff.Along the silver path you travel. With every step, your feet knock against small silver stones, sending them spiraling off the edge of the path… yet a moment later they ascend into the darkened expanse all around you, twinkling like stars. When you glance at their light, a wave of gentle sorrow washes over you followed by a sense of relief, of peace, of contentment.
The silver path stops at a cliff’s edge. You hear waves crashing down somewhere far below. There, at the edge, lies a wounded wolf. Crimson blood mats the fur along its neck and shoulder. Despite the severity of the wound, the wolf continues to breathe heavily and with great strain. A drop of blood strikes the silver path, staining it.
A blade of silver light appears, piercing the beast through the heart. It releases a strangled cry before it’s body slumps, dead. As the wolf’s body falls over the edge, you feel a presence behind you. A hand clamps on your shoulder in a vice like grip. Nails elongated into claws visible in your peripheral.
You have done her a favor. She feels no pain, no sorrow, nor remorse. Only blissful nothingness.
Yenush
In your years of service, you have walked the perfectly symmetrical halls of the House of Law. Though you are one among many, you are trusted… you were chosen. Down the hallway you walk, passing doors to smaller courts and acolytes debating the latest trial nearby. It is familiar as if plucked from a your memory.But it is also not. The pillars that line the halls are older than you remember. It is not dwarves you see primarily lining the halls, but gnomes and tabaxi. The doors that should lead to courtrooms lead only to halls lined with shelves of papyrus scrolls and clay tablets. Every figure you pass, you feel their eyes on you. One moment you feel reassured; but then the gaze turns threatening and the hairs on the back of your neck rise. The doors to the High Judge’s court loom ahead. You simply must make it through.
And you do, but it is not the familiar Court that you enter. A field stretches out before you in all directions. Something is lurking. Something is stalking. You are prey here.
You fancy yourself an upholder of the Law? Yet you wouldn't strike at the gambling snake.
A massive shadow lifts from the grass ahead. It towers over you; its form composed of nothing but bulk and muscle. It extends one hand, exposing claws.
There is no place for the gutless among my Pride.
Teagan
The air in a mining town is never truly pure, yet the hint of smog in the air assures you that you are home. In the darkened hours of the night, you move through your home with quiet steps. You pass by your daughters’ rooms; doors closed and lights off. It is Connor’s room you move towards with the door resting ajar and a red glow emanating from within. You breathe a sigh of relief. Connor lies asleep, peaceful. You blink. The room is different; features blurry. Where Connor’s bed once was lies a stone bed with the impression of taller, bulkier figure. Candles adorn the space, glowing an orange red. A skull rests near one of the candles, eye sockets glowing red.You blink, Connor’s room is buried in rubble. Frantically you dig until your hands are bloody. The rubble begins to move and give way. You blink. A grave rests in front of you, pried open, body disturbed – ripped apart and stripped of all valuables. A spear rests nearby in the dirt.
A darkened, gauntlet-covered hand digs into your shoulder.
Tormnted and haunted. Vengeance left undelivered. I cannot rest... and neither shall you.
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