Session 135

General Summary

• Dazki said a few choice words aimed at Dwardazik and Kesmet for escalating the situation with Jack while a gun was pointed at his father and exited, not to return until the next morning.
• The rest of the party plan their next moves, mostly settling on going south to investigate the area on Vicra's Map of Exignis that identifies a nexus of power seemingly in the middle of the grand savanna.
• In the morning, Dwardazik briefed Dazki on the plan that they had come up with. They brainstormed a little about how to deal with the situation with Jack and Queen.
• Dav'id believes that the conflict between Queen and her father is going to keep causing collateral damage until they directly confront one another over their issues.
• Dazki tried to use the ability he "acquired" from Roamer to speak with Dwardazik's "passenger", but this caused it to flip out.
• Theran likewise flipped out and use a powerful Mega Frost Blast, which hit Kesmet and Dazki as well.
• The bout ended when Gemineye forced Dazki to stab Dwardazik with his rapier.

Full Recap

Plans

Dazki: I don't even know what to say right now. We fucked that up royally, and I am extremely angry.   Dwardazik: ...about what? I'm just glad we're not dead!   Dazki: Are you fucking serious, Dwardazik?   Dwardazik: I thought it could've gone worse!   Marvin: Being happy about not being dead is not a bad outlook to have.   Dazki: Well, you're gonna have to forgive me then — because although I don't get along well with my dad, I certainly don't like it when his life is threatened because a couple of my cohorts are being complete jackasses! Dwardazik, that "dwarven diplomacy" that you were doing? Up here, that's called "being an asshole". You need to maybe set your ego aside a little bit, if you want to actually try protecting people. And Kesmet, you —   Kesmet: Huh? What'd I do?!   Dazki: — you, of all people — of ALL people here! — when someone's family member is being threatened by a mob boss, you of all people should know how to act! Should know not to be a self-centered, egomaniacal, asshat! BUT NO! He had a gun pointed at my dad, and you just continued to fucking mouth off!   Kesmet: Oh, that's where he was pointing it...   Dazki: People other than you exist in the world, Kesmet! People other than you have things that they care about! Dennis is not the be-all/end-all, and you need to start realizing that.   Dazki (cont'd): Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go make sure that my dad isn't going to go try and take care of this himself. Theran, Marvin, Aathu, could you make sure the two idiots don't fuck things up more, and that they get to bed on time? Because I can't deal with these children right now.   Barry: Uh... you got it, boss...!

Dazki walks out, leaving the others to talk about what just happened... both the conversation with Jack and Dazki's outburst. Barry reminds the group (something that Theran is hearing for the first time) that "if [they] get in trouble with the law one more time, [he thinks] they're legally allowed to kill [the party]".   The non-Dazki party members have a long discussion trying to plan out their next moves. Because Dennis was working so closely with Pendel, the initial thought is to see if they can get closer to what remains of The Hounds Guild to see if there's been some word about where the next of the Manifestations of the Mirage may be.   Theran also voices another idea: given that someone working for Mirage Prime seems to have attached some kind of tether to the Red Desert and is trying to drag it towards the material plane to cause havoc, maybe they're leaving behind some sort of evidence that can show where that's going on.   Theran also brings up the issue of Annu's "Constraints" pointing out that the next lead for that is in the capital, which is nowhere near where they need to go, though Dwardazik and Marvin don't think that now is the time to focus on his issues.   Mostly stumped, they talk things out for a bit while looking at Vicra's Map of Exignis. Dwardazik points to the south, where there are two territories that haven't yet been explored. Theran chimes in to add that maybe they could convince Queen to come with them to figure out what's going on in the unexplored area, killing two birds with one stone by also keeping her away from the Hounds Guild, but Barry suggests that it would look too much like a hostage situation and might cause the House of Cards to just come after them anyway. Still, they agree that going in that direction is probably the best lead they have.   They eventually message Dazki to get him involved in the rest of the planning. He's not near enough for the new earrings, but he's reached by a Sending. His response: "Making sure my dad isn't on some hitlist. Then, I need to cool off. See you in the morning."   Barry sneaks off to go meditate for the evening at some point, and when the others notice he's gone, they also decide to sleep. Dwardazik goes to check up on the other members of the house. Jersey is still unconscious, so Theran checks on him. He's at full health, so Dwardazik and Marvin('s big purple hand) team up to get Jersey onto the couch to sleep off whatever, and most* go to sleep.  

*

Theran stops Marvin to talk.

Theran: I wanted to ask if you knew if there's something going on with Dwardazik?   Marvin, after a long laugh: Oh yeah, he has some shit going on.   Theran: Like... what kind?   Marvin: I don't know if it's really my place to tell, but you should have the right to know, at the very least... you should hear from him personally, but just know that he's been "afflicted", but he's got a handle on things. Let's just leave it at that.   Theran: It's like there's a darkness inside of him, and then I don't like it.   Marvin: He fully understands what's going on with himself, and I respect him for that. I may not like the stance he's taken towards his "guest" — and I don't fully understand it either! — but he seems to be cool with it, and that's good enough for me.   Theran: Are you sure he understands what's going on?   Marvin: Oh, probably not, no! But he believes he understands it, and I trust him enough to handle it himself. I know you haven't known us long, so I totally get it if you don't trust him well enough for that. If you're curious, he's not going to be offended if you want to talk to him about it.   Theran: Also, I wanted to ask — because I've telepathically communicated with a couple of people, but some people don't like it, and other people don't care, and... is there, like... I know it's bad to read people's minds without permission, or to control people's emotions without permission. But if you're just talking to them, it shouldn't be bad, right?   Marvin: If you know them, sure. If it's really important or an emergency, sure. With any of us, sure. But if it's somebody you don't know... eh, ask about it first. And I appreciate you asking it first. That shows some wisdom on your part.   Theran: Thank you... and, to be entirely upfront, I did end up doing a quick surface scan on most of you before I realized it wasn't cool.   Marvin: I'd've been surprised if you hadn't, honestly. Don't fret about it, we all make mistakes, and we're going to make plenty more.   Theran: I just want to know that I'm doing the right thing.   Marvin: Honestly, we really don't know until after the fact most of the time. Just a part of growin' up and learning.

Morning

Dazki is back. He clarifies some of the things he was doing the night before, and Dwardazik explains to him the plan that the rest of the party came up with the night before, but...

Dazki: Have fun! I'm not leaving the city until I know my dad is safe. I figured you of all people would understand needing to do what's necessary to protect your family. But I guess I shouldn't expect any real loyalty from you.   Dwardazik: I am not going to be manipulated because you are thinking about yourself and not the party. Explain to me how you think that us doing this is going to protect anyone? You are dragging us into a conflict with Jack and Queen only because you love her. That's it! You're risking our lives on that!   Marvin: OK, both of you shut up for a second. Here's everyone's bacon and eggs, all right? Rosalin and I worked on this for everyone. First off, Dwardazik, you know that's not fair. That's not what he was exactly saying. Dazki, same goes for you. You're both putting words in each other's mouths. Now start saying what you actually mean.   Dwardazik: He's trying to drag us into an unwinnable conflict, unless we straight-up kill Jack or —   Marvin: If you listen to what he said, he's trying to get his dad out of the conflict. And he just said that Queen also wants out of the mob. (She and her father just need to talk more. It would solve all of this.) Dazki, it's also not fair for you to go and say of Dwardazik that he's not loyal. We're clearly loyal to one another, just the rest of us don't know what's going on in your head. We don't know what your plan is to get your father safe!   Dwardazik: Because he's busy making plans for the rest of us without including us at all in it.   Marvin: That doesn't make sense, Dwardazik. Making plans for us, without involving us? That doesn't make any sense. He's trying to protect his father. You know that's not fair, that's not a good-faith argument.   Dazki: All I did last night — ALL I did last night! — was see if my dad was on any hitlist, and then I took a walk because I needed to cool down. Because I was not making good decisions. I was not trying to make plans or do anything like that for any of you. I'm sorry you think so little of me that you believe I would.   Kesmet: Well, if you did, I'm totally onboard with, uh, "plans" for Jack...   Dazki: Clearly, I am just a "disaster". (He stands up and gives a sarcastic bow.)

Dav'id sits at the table, ignoring the entire discussion, with a plate of something that definitely none of the party members had prepared.   Dwardazik picks Dazki's brain a little bit to get him to explain a bit more what he understands about the mob situation. He acquiesces, saying that Queen definitely wants out of the mob, but he hasn't been able to think clearly enough to make a good plan for what to do yet about any of that situation, be it with Queen, Jack, or otherwise.

Dwardazik: Well, our plan — which we may revise — is that in order to not get involved between Queen and Jack, we're going to allow the situation to cool down and explore leads for Mirage. Because, as I understand it, Jack is particularly concerned about Queen getting power from the Hounds Guild, blah blah, we just don't want to get involved. Is there any way that both of these can work out?   Dazki: Not that I can see.   Dwardazik: What about the plan that we talked about where we just grab Queen and take her with us on an adventure? That was brought up. Does that work?   Marvin: It sounds like, before anything can really be decided, we just need to talk to Queen. If you want that by yourself, Dazki, I totally understand that, but we'll back you up if you need backup.   Dav'id: If I may speak? Since it is my life on the line here, and not yours?   Dazki: Please.   Dav'id: This individual, Jack, I believe that somebody is manipulating him.   Marvin: What?   Dav'id: He put himself in a bad situation. He was off his rhythm while he was here, wasn't he?   Dazki: Very much so.   Dav'id: The only person who would be capable would be an individual he cares greatly about. Since — we should all agree — he came here with the actual goal of protecting his daughter, taking her away from the situation might cause problems. However, given the type of people you are magnetically attracted to, this daughter of his is rebellious and tricky. She is messing with things in a dangerous and selfish manner. But I believe this game of theirs goes both ways. They are both manipulating and controlling each other, in a dangerous spiral.   Dav'id (cont'd): But they are not directly competing. They are playing past each other, and that's what's getting others hurt. If either the daughter or the father could just deal with the problems directly — maybe communicate better — they could sort it all out, but they refuse to do so. If they're not directly butting heads, then they will find pawns to do it on their behalf. Other people will get caught in the crossfire. I say you sic the two on each other, and then leave.   Theran: Why are they being indirect with each other, though?   Dwardazik: You know, communication is always such an important thing. And I find it funny because, when you came here, that was the first thing on my mind: I didn't trust you, Dav'id. I just figured, "hey, Dazki's father is coming all this way, he's going to try and take our party member from us, but he deserves the chance to speak his mind and be heard". And I couldn't help but think, wouldn't it be kind of funny if we had both Queen and Jack sitting next to each other not knowing it, saying what they want to say? I just imagine that scenario, where they can just get it done with. Ahh, but that's too idealistic, though...   Dav'id: One thing is certain: if you try to remove the head of this two-headed hydra — either one — more danger will sprout from it.   Dazki: Yep. Speaking of clear communication with calm heads, Dad, the reason I want to continue my adventures — the reason I don't want to go home — is because I know the minute I set foot back home, I have to stop being... this. I have to become the person who lives, breathes, and dies for my people. And I know that I will need to be that person. I'm not ready yet. I need a little bit more time. And I'm asking that you see fit to allow me to have some of that time. I know no one's ever really ready for a position like that when they're thrust into it, but, please. A little longer before I have to be that person. And I will — I swear to you that, when it is time, I will be that person. But let me be this me, for a little while longer.   Dav'id, with a familiar sigh: I know the feeling. I see it, deep in your eyes. The world is crueler than I led you to believe, because sometimes I refuse to believe it myself. You may not know this, but I have also hurt and maimed for the sake of others. In situations where it seemed like the only choice. Each thrust is one of a two-bladed sword, isn't it? For the good of heart, there are always two victims. I still feel the aching scars, but I don't regret my decisions. What I do regret is not protecting you from those same wounds.   Dazki: I think you did an admirable job. I don't think it's possible to protect someone from every wound or every hardship. But I genuinely believe that you did your best. I meant it when I said that I am what I am today because of you. The good and the bad, but I truly believe the good outweighs the bad.   Dav'id: Nine.   Dazki: Nine?   Dav'id: Nine faces never again to greet the sunrise. Nine left as cold as their worst possible selves could imagine. Without redemption.   Dazki: I am praying that I can keep it at six.   Dav'id: It used to bother me greatly. I've never really forgotten, but as I struggle, you need to sometimes remember that you cannot control another's fate — not completely. As much as I regret the joint decisions made by my victims and myself, I have learned that I have to accept that I've tried to give them a chance to veer away from the path of my blade, and it was they who chose not to divert. The world will do what it wants, my son. It is harsh. It can be cruel or unfair. And we can work against it to improve it! But if we don't accept and understand what it is now, then we can't hope to better it. You are out here to experience the real world, not some clean noble fantasy. Blood, dust, and all. Until you are done being this disaster upon the land, I will not have you back.   Kesmet: Well, that sounds settled.   Dazki: Hopefully, I will not be this disaster for longer than necessary.   Dav'id: Now, I must excuse myself; I am, in fact, quite busy this morning. Death threats aside, I do have obligations to others.   Dazki: Of course. And I do have a contact in the House of Gold. I can float your name to them, should you desire?   Dav'id: I think it's better that we be more disassociated.   Dazki: That is fair.

Dav'id walks out. Marvin bids him farewell, using his full name, which makes both Dav'id and Dazki groan as he does. Dazki explains that his father is actually particularly embarrassed by his name, "Dav'id", and it would be most respectful to just call him "Sir" or "Lord Sylroris".   Dazki asks Dwardazik about Gemineye. Dwardazik says that Gemineye is OK, which prompts Theran to ask for more details about it. Dazki explains that it's a Turmoil-based symbiote, and that it's mostly harmless, especially since leaving The Phantasmagoria.   Dazki then asks permission to try to communicate with Gemineye using the power he "acquired" from Roamer. Dwardazik consults with Gemineye. Theran also asks permission to observe with his Really Good Insight, permission which Dazki gives (reluctantly) but Dwardazik does not.   Dwardazik looks confused about Gemineye's reply, but he ultimately gives Dazki permission to try his ability. Dazki tries to make the connection, but before he can finish it, Dwardazik spontaneously lashes out at Dazki with his fists, and black tentacles spontaneously sprout out to grapple the elf.

Combat Summary

• Dwardazik promised that it's just hungry and trying to defend itself.
• Theran freaked out and used a Mega Frost Blast towards Dazki, Dwardazik, and Kesmet.
• Through Dwardazik, Gemineye says something in a language that not everybody understands.
• Dazki sliced his palm to draw blood, which he allowed to drip onto Gemineye, who replied (again through Dwardazik) in a language that not everybody understands.
• Marvin cast a Hold Person on Dwardazik.
• Gemineye grabbed Dazki's weapon hand and manipulated it into drawing his sword and stabbing Dwardazik with it. Immediately after the damage was dealt, Gemineye retreated back into Dwardazik.

  Dwardazik, after throwing a plate at Theran for blasting half the party with massively powerful cold magic, explained that sometimes Gemineye gets hungry and wants strange things. Apparently, this time it wanted to be stabbed with a sword.   As Theran heals up the three people he blasted, Kesmet uses his fire magic to warm up Dwardazik's hands, quietly stating to himself, "I do have Healing Hands!"

Dwardazik: Damnit, Theran! You have to think! You hit Kesmet! You hit Dazki!   Marvin: And our breakfast!   Theran: Oh no, you're right... the breakfast is cold now...   Dwardazik: I know we just had this conversation, but damnit, Theran, you could've killed us!   Theran: I know, and I'm sorry, and —   Dazki: All right. Lesson learned, right?   Theran: Yeah.   Marvin: Like I said earlier, man, you're gonna screw up.   Marvin: A bit sooner than I thought, though...   Theran: I guess... the good thing is... my magic is well suited to cleaning up the messes that I make, eh?   Marvin: Let's just keep the messes to a minimum, in the future? How about, let's avoid friendly fire?   Theran: OK.

Dwardazik asks Dazki if he learned anything. He didn't. Dwardazik goes on to explain that sometimes Gemineye has certain strange needs, and in this case it wanted to be stabbed by a sword, so it got desperate and lashed out in order to try to make that happen. It wasn't intentionally trying to harm anyone. Like Theran.

Theran: At least I don't live parasitically inside someone's meat. Just inside their house. And eat their food.   Dazki: Well, I've got to go see how to get Queen and her dad to talk.   Dwardazik: No, you don't. I think... WE do. Right?   Dazki: Yeah. And, for the record — I'm being completely honest — I thought her flirtation was just a game. I have no intent of actually trying to sleep with her. I'm not that foolish.   Dwardazik: Heh, I thought she was gonna take advantage of you!   Dazki: Don't get me wrong, she wouldn't be the first mafioso I'd have slept with, but given the situation, I think it's probably a bad idea.   Dwardazik: All right, so we've got a shit load of plans to deal with, travel arrangements, a family to fix, some target practice to practice...   Dwardazik (cont'd): ...   Dwardazik (cont'd): ...   Dwardazik (cont'd): ...fuck!

Dwardazik sits down in his chair.