Esterson Session 14
General Summary
But what would happen when the lights… go… out…
During the Night
Skelk’s Growth Spurt
During the night, some commotion within the kitchen had awakened the party members. Investigating the matter, it turns out that it was Skelk, only a little bigger, changed, and with wings most of all. Turns out he was due for a growth spurt of sorts.
Cruel Reprise
During the night, the party dreamt of a Shadow being haunting the Hall as it reached out for each sleeping party member. It then invoked cruel imagery of bliss before being taken away into the dark.
Altor’s Dream
You are whisked away to a far yet familiar place. One of bubbling beakers and subjects wrapped in salves. Of course, you know this place. Deep and forgotten in memory, this is where it all started. You can see a shadowy mass hovering within a test tube.
A figure steps in. Clearly a vician, but one that is like Gavaln where their head is a deer skull with horns. “This time is upon us, Altor! It is here! It is time to embrace what you are!”
Altor proceeded to “embrace” what could be…
The shadow begins to metastasize and morphs into a vague silhouette shape. The glass begins to splinter and crack. With a strike from its arm, the glass shatters and the Shadow is free. It hovers within the air, “It is time to realize the true nature of what power resides within you.” The shadow looks up to the light and swiftly snuffs it out.
Darkness floods the laboratory. Vines and overgrowth surround all over the room. The color has all turned to grey. The wind outside howls with a dull monotone. The other subjects, along with Kynus, look deprived. The bones show in their features and their tired eyes with a gray hue around it look up to you and the Shadow.
Succeeding on the Wisdom save, he decapitated Kynus, the vician overseer, and ran off from the shadow.
Darwin’s Dream
You are swept away to a table. Your attention drawn to the guild members harmonizing before they begin dancing with a tether in hand wrapping around a massive pole in the center. An orb of light glows at the top. As your head lifts off the table, Emoru looks over to you excitedly, “Oh it’s about time! This was your idea to do after all!”
Darwin and the Guild Hall enjoy a ceremony of fun and splendor, perhaps even a drinking game with Darwin as the center of attention.
As the activity slowly dies down, you can help but feel something creep closer. The Shadow leers around your shoulder, “Having… fun?” The shadow turns its head to the light at the stop of the pole, “Oh yes… Such gatherings are full of spirit and hope aren’t they? A shame they express their cheers in the light. Caels forbid what happens when they go out…” Reaching up with a long arm, the Shadow snuffs out the light with a pinch.
Darkness shrouds the Guild Hall. The windows are shattered, the walls are stained and cracked. You see the Dumb Luck members and the Savvy Strays step forward. Their appearances look stitched and sewn together. Wrath is clear in their eyes. You’re on your own now. No one can help you…
Succeeding on his Wisdom save, Darwin beat back the demented forms within the Hall.
Johan’s Dream
Johan is then whisked away into a lovely dream back in Kalgarim. All back home, nice and safe. No more running, no more drama. Just the bliss of that old quiet life. You hear the dinner bell ring, “Come and get it everyone before it’s all mine!” Shouts Mrs. Fogwood.
Johan winds up back home in Kalgarim and has a lovely dinner with his family. Until the Shadow steps forward. Hanging above the dinner table is a strange floating light.
The occasion becomes dour for you as the Shadow steps inside, “Such a jovial occasion. No more magistrates, no more festering vicians to worry about. It’s all so peaceful isn’t? Though, surely worry what would happen if the light went out…?” The Shadow reaches up toward the orb up above and pinches it, snuffing it out like a candle.
In an instant, darkness prevails. The food rotten and spoiled. Silverware rusted or shattered. Sitting in your family’s place are the Civil Guardsmen from the apothecary incident. Their faces melted and macabre. In your wife’s seat is the Phantom of Kalgarim. He stands up, hateful eyes glaring your way, “Time to answer for the crime, murderer!”
Johan had failed his saving throw. To avoid being dragged to Inferna, he had shot himself in the dream.
Maedhros’ Dream
You are brought to a serene view. You recall it as the backyard of your old village home back in Haliah. The sun twinkles between the leaves and branches of the trees. What catches your attention is a knocking sound. Turning back, you see Antharine standing at the doorway. Though, not alone. At her side is a child where she rests her hand on their shoulder, “You’ve been outside for some time now.”
Antharine invites Maedhros inside to start preparing dinner. If asked about the child, Nim, She insists that he’s been their child for quite some time. She’s even a disciple of the Candescent at this point.
Maedhros dreamt of being back within the quiet village he was raised in. Specifically, he was meditating just in the backyard.
Alone to ponder this strange scenario, it becomes tense as you feel the presence of the Shadow looming behind you. “Peace and quiet. Such a humble pursuit at the end. Though, elves live such long lives don’t they…” he then looks up to where a ball of light hangs, “It is always a shame when centuries of potential gets snuffed just. Like. That.” His fingers pinch the light.
Darkness floods all around. The screams of Antharine and the child wail through the house. Investigating the sight, you find the two half-alive, butchered by vician intruders. Their helpless eyes blink your way. Bloodied claws point in your direction, “The bloodline ends here! The Centuries cut short! All shall know pain with Infernal presence!”
Maedhros failed his Wisdom saving throw and tried to confront the vicians. He was instead dragged off to the torment of Inferna.
Recovery in the Hall
Because the others in the hall had dreamt the same vision, of seeing their fears and the fears of others, the Hall was tense. Only Remus was within the Dining Hall and even he was shaken by it. For the rest of the day, the Hall had been busy coaxing the woes from the other and gaining insights into things as well.
Developments of Note
To recall every moment would be a bit tedious so here are some highlights instead.
Emoru in the Rain
Emoru dreamt of Evantil and he was berating her about how needy, clingy, and dependent she is, which shocked her to the core. Altor tried his awkward best to reassure Emoru but Darwin eventually stepped in to ensure she was alright.
Maedhros’ Inquiry
Spoiler: Maedhros OnlyMaedhros talked with Welma about reaching out to her sources to investigate whether or not he could possibly be a Dundragon. To get further insight on the matter, she sent a letter to reach out for Albert Mayhew.
Elema’s Betrayal
Maedhros had talked with Elema who was easily distressed by the dreams. She was reluctant to explain until Maedhros went first about his dream. With it only being fair, Elema explained she had dreamt of enjoying the sincerity among Ardentian nobles compared to the facades of inferiin back in the Western Wastes. Inferiin invaders then attacked, calling her out for “betrayal,” which is one of the gravest acts to commit among followers of Verita.
She explained that the dream everyone had is a tactic used by Sidresk and his followers to demoralize enemies and keep their own cultists in line if needs be. To her, it just means getting closer to Vicarion.
Darwin and Elema
Darwin eventually chatted with Elema after Maedhros. Those two discussed about making a better future. Elema insisted that if Darwin wanted a better Reverie, he had best start with himself and spread his reforms to the rest of the clergy.
Mayhew’s Arrival
To the Hall’s surprise, Albert Mayhew came to the Hall. He was just as confused since someone within the hall had wanted to discuss something odd. On the note, he found it odd that Welma wanted to talk about this strange “red line” on the note. He was unsure of what to make of it. After seeing Welma privately, Maedhros was eventually called in on the matter.
Spoiler: Maedhros OnlyCoordinating with Mr. Mayhew about Maedhros’ possible heritage to the Dundragons, Mayhew did point out that her majesty, Amelia, didn’t know her mother but Maedhros does. He did recall hearing about gossip, as much as it sickens him, about a noble elf named Ialanae, Maedhros’ mother, who had disagreements with her husband about how their kids ought to be raised. Mayhew plans on returning back to the castle and discern who the husband was. To help ensure accuracy, he plans on seeing the family tree.
Briefing
Once the Hall had calmed their nerves after a good few hours, they then had Remus brief them on the upcoming quest in Falanstad. Namely that an orc warlord named Tashok has been stirring trouble for the goliaths up north. Martial Olmhart over the army in Hulstead had it under control until the orcs started implementing poison weapons, which is an unusual tactic.
The Auxiliary had to be called in as much as he hated it to help stem the problem. To Albert Mayhew, he believes that Olmhart just needs specialists to find and stop whoever is providing these poisons to the orcs.
Maedhros and Antharine
Spoiler: Maedhros OnlyMaedhros convened with Antharine before heading out for Hulstead. He informed her of the possibility that he could very well be related to the Dundragon family line. Antharine supported looking into it as she figured Maedhros has a lead for his where she does not. The two then talked about what sort of life they’d ought to look forward to but Maedhros insisted they work out the lineage question first before making major decisions.
