Episode 53: Misfortune and Machines

General Summary

Setting forth from Prin, the group settled down on the ship for next eight days of travel on the seas. Unfortunately, the first thing they met was a storm that resulted in no progress of travel.
While the second day had navigable weather, Reylan spotted what seemed to be the top of an obelisk or spire jutting from the waters. With Water Breathing, Reylan sent Nyx to scout and follow the structure until he could find either a possible threat or boon. Darkvision revealed the presence of tall structures and hinted toward a sunken city-- yet, before Nyx could investigate what looked to be a glowing spherical construct, he was bamfed back onto the ship as the party decided to instead move forward.
The following day as Valentine looked out onto the open seas, he heard something strike the starboard bow. Looking overboard, he saw a kenku and... a child besides him, both floating on a plank. As he hesitated, in shock and staring out, Devona caught his gaze and alerted the ship. The two humanoids were pulled on board and brought into the crew's quarters where Reylan attempted to restore both parties with Gideon's help. However, in trying to place his hand on the girl's shoulder, the magic rebounded-- burning him. Realizing what she could be, Reylan intended to consult Solanos before telling the others; but when Gideon pressed her into revealing the truth, she relented, revealing that the girl was a nullmaiden-- a being born with innate ability to repel rigyra or sparks of magic. She couldn’t recall much other than nullmaidens being sought after and in some cases, they heralded great misfortune as beings with innate magic sought to destroy any source of disruption. As Solanos approached her to check on her, he suddenly backed away-- something that Reylan noticed.
While the girl was a bit slower to recover, the party was able to wake the adult kenku the next morning and glean his identity through a spell. However, not long after some initial questioning with the kenku- whose name turned out to be Hammer, the girl awakened though did not speak to the others when they tried to ask her questions about who she was. As some of the group tried to glean what they could, Vasya took a walk outside with Terra deciding on some fresh air and stretching for some morning training... only to spot a fireball being flung her way.
Dodging to the side and following its trajectory, she found herself looking up at an Ithlondian airship. The noise had rallied the party and captain to the deck and a battle of magic and weapons ignited especially after the airship called out for a surrender of half the goods and crew. In the flurry of magic and projectiles, Solanos relayed that they were under attack by sky pirates under a particular flag.
As the casters and rangers aimed up at the sky, the others found themselves dealing with a war golem that had landed on the deck to attack them and was in turn immune to all non-empowered attacks. With a difficult enemy onboard and as fireballs and bolts rained from above them, Vasya and Solanos noticed something on the edge of the airship beginning to charge. With some help from Ghestin's parting gift, Vasya improvised an explosive arrow and fired at the airship's charging canon.
In true Ghestin fashion, the reagent mixed with fire causing a large explosion that obliterated the airship before it could fire a devastating blow to the Falcon. Eventually with magical attacks and after Devona was able to rip the core out of the golem, the construct set off a self-destruct, exploding in a mix of deadly, sharp metal injuring everyone on board.
It was only after a round of healing and gathering whatever metal was left from the remains of the golem, that the party relaxed with the crew set about their tasks for the rest of the day. As Valentine and Vasya went to speak to the child once more, Reylan set off, disquieted after noticing something during her medical examination of the girl and  leaving Nyx and the others to keep the little one company.
As Vasya and Valentine asked the girl questions in Orcish realizing she hadn't answered any questions because she hadn't understood a lot of common, they learned of how she perceived the world-- of how food was a reward for being cut... and with the dark, veiled truth, they realized that she was in a better place with them.
The trio noticed that she was seeking a pet asking if Nyx were hers and while Valentine allowed her to have Nyx, she began to follow the dragon around as he flew off (eventually leading the girl to the captain’s quarters where Reylan sat drawing tarot cards) leaving the remaining party alone.
Left below deck, Gideon approached Vasya and asked if she had some alcohol. Though she was excited to drink with Gideon for the first time, Vasya admitted that she was unable to find Solanos's new hiding spot for the "good liquor" leading Gideon himself to ask the captain for a bottle. Securing three glasses and dragging Valentine over, Gideon decided to have a talk with them. After a couple shots and as the three started throwing questions around, the soldier ended up revealing the last part of his past that he had yet to tell them-- that he was destined for a fate that he wished to avoid.*
As Valentine headed off to take a break from the stressful day, Vasya persuaded Gideon to reveal the rest of the truth to Reylan and that they check in on her. They head up to the captain's quarters only to find Chase, the girl now calling herself Nyx, and Reylan playing hand games with Solanos keeping watch over them. Seeing how intoxicated Vasya was as both Gideon and Terra were trying to brace her, Solanos decided to usher the younger ones out to leave Reylan and the others alone to talk.
When asked how she was feeling, Reylan revealed that from the markings and the little that the girl has revealed as well as Devona's protectiveness around her, she deduced that the girl had been a slave and that the scars on her skin came from her captors using her for her blood. It was something that Reylan found herself needing time to think about alone causing her to leave earlier. As the questions circled around back to the paladin, Gideon revealed his past but added that he's had a couple of visions of meeting a bone knight-- his brother or at least one who seemed to have his face-- once during their stay Portus and another in one of the carnival tents at Red Rest. He relayed the story of his first defeat as well as a second confrontation revolving around a sword that he had lost. While Reylan alleviated some worry, telling him that not all visions are what they seem to be, Vasya was quick with some support letting him know that no matter what the party won't let him down.

Report Date

19 Dec 2020

Feats & Features

Vasya	Luck (2)
Valentine	Slayer's Prey (2) Sneak Attack

Signature Spells

Valentine	Hunter's Mark
Vasya	Hunter's Mark

Notes

⦿ *Gideon's mention of his past was RP'd between the first four. Details are omitted from the session report as these are treated with an overall sense of character knowledge though as always keep in mind balancing insights from reports with in game knowledge.

Trivia

⦿ This is the first time that Gideon has recreationally drank with the some of the party.

⦿ This would be the last session of 2020 before the holidays.

Session 53 Stats

by Mara Jaena (Canva)