Session 2 - Play it Ava. Play as Time Goes By.
General Summary
31st of Amael, 1700 (again)
After waking up from their 14th attempt, the group notices that the obsidian crow statuette has gained a crack along its side. They are able to determine that the attempts they have are limited and they must start making headway in resolving this cataclysmic event. Heading out on try number 15, the group heads toward where they believe all this is happening; the old hut where Ava grew up. As they approach the hut, it is clear that people are living here. The old hut still maintains it’s somewhat tattered appearance, but it is clear that someone has made attempts to make it more livable. As they approach the hut, they decide to go quietly just in case…or some of them do. The Heroes of Maccion are able to hear that someone is inside the hut, moving around non- chalantly. Based on the smoke from the chimney and the lingering odors of breakfast, it is safe to assume they were cleaning up. Cref and Gavin decide to call out to see who would answer. A sudden stillness grips the inside of the hut. Then, the group could hear someone running out the back of the hut. Arathor and Andre give pursuit with Cref and Gavin deciding to check out the hut. Eventually, Andre catches up with a young boy, no older than 13 running through the woods. He tries to intimidate the child into stopping, but ends up with some magic missiles to his chest. These came from Nissim, Ava’s first born as he spun around to face his pursuers. Putting on a brave face he prepared himself for a fight. Andre and Arathor at this point were able to calm down Nissim and bring him back to the hut after they identify that they are friends of his mom. Upon seeing Cref and Gavin, Nissim begins to open up and speak with his Uncles, although it is clear that he is not always being forthcoming or 100% honest during the conversation. Specifically, he is most cagey about what happened with his much younger sister Rose. All he would say, while trying to keep a brave face, is that Rose got sick and died. Aside from that, he would speak about how his other Uncles and Aunties are running around as well (Aeric, Kyros, and Elidi). He wasn’t too keen on Del, but all of them were here to help his mom, whereas Cref and Gavin decided to leave them all there alone. Lastly, Nissim let’s them all know that Ava is probably by the altar where the Pan Flute 5 originally met Ava (where she was battling the Red Hats). After going through Ava’s hut, they found books on necromancy and illusion as well as some that seemed to contain otherworldly knowledge on how to create ‘living undead.’ Most of these books would reference Hecate, Goddess of Witches. The group then sets out toward the altar to confront Ava. Once again, Arathor and Andre decide to try to sneak up on Ava, with Cref and Gavin calling out to her. As she turns, it is clear that the last 10 years have been hard on her. Despite her elven heritage, which would put her close late twenties in human years, the strain of what has happen to her and her family is etched all over her face. She excitedly approaches the members of the Pan Flute 5, seeming very happy to see the group. She goes on to explain that once things started going from bad to worse, that she struck out to try to find the group, going as far as the underdark. Along the way, she found the Collector’s lair and learned of his processes of bringing things back from the dead. This was slightly different than the more traditional methods that she typically employs where the risen become husks of their former selves. They maintain independence, but don’t seem to retain any memories. Understanding she needed help and protection, she used these methods on Aeric, Kyros, Elidi and a delightful dark elf she found in the underdark; Del. She summoned them all to the alter using sending stones at this point. She explained that they were going to get items to prepare for the ritual to save her family. She was cagey as well about what happened to her daughter Rose, but was determined to use all the magic that she has learned and the pan flute to bring Rose and Neophytos back to her. Not seeing anything wrong with what was going to proceed, the group decided to watch Ava to see what happened. Del arrived last, bringing the Pan Flute back to Ava. Based on their back and forth, it was clear that Del had procured it from the Pelor Inquisitors at the Pan Flute Inn. Ava the set upon the ritual and everything seemed to be going well until the incorporation of the Pan Flute. Ava was clearly losing control, and even with Aeric going to assist it was too late. The group looked up as Del vanished into the woods and the familiar crack was heard over their head. As their senses filled once again with the brimstone and fire around them they at least had solace in knowing that they were getting closer to fixing this situation. The next morning (attempt 16), the group decides to go straight away to the Inn and attempt to get the Pan Flute prior to Del getting it. In their pursuit of their namesake, there were some shenanigans. Andre went into the inn to cause a scene with the rest renting a room and therefore getting access through the window of that room. With Andre challenging old men eating their breakfast to all sorts of contests, Arathor and the others went to speak with Patroklos in his office. Upon seeing the Pan Flute 5, Patroklos started to panic but was reminded that he would be in a world of pain if he didn’t do what the PF5 said. As this wasn’t his first rodeo with the PF5, he knew that they would make good on their word, and answered their questions. He seemed to not know where the flute was, but understood that his family, who rented the room in the top floor, probably had it. After binding him up and shoving him into a closet, Arathor used magic to look just like him. He then proceeded to make an absolute mess of all of Patroklos’s ledgers…because. The remaining heroes made their way upstairs to the penthouse where the Inquisitors were staying. They burst into the room and attacked them immediately, not wanting to was time. The Inquisitors of Pelor didn’t hold back, blasting the area around them with fire, ice and other explosive spells. As they began to fall to the Pan Flute 5, Alexis decided to try to shatter the foundation of the penthouse they were all standing in. This was an effort to destroy everyone by leveraging the already mostly destroyed building. Arathor however countered her last-ditch effort to kill everyone, with her dying immediately after. The group then used their teleport scroll to make it back to the altar to see how things will play out this time. Ava greeted them the same as before, and explaining everything that they heard previously. The group decided to wait to see how everything would play out when Del arrived. Del arrived, but explained to Ava that the Pan Flute was missing and that the Inn was on fire. Ava turned to the group, her friendly face disappearing. Like a mask cracking from her face, all of the hatred, anger and need for revenge shown through. She accused the group of taking the flue, and always wanting it for themselves. They attempt to calm her down and explain to her about what will happen. Cref casts a calming spell, which Aeric counter spells immediately. This seems to put Ava even further on edge, but the group knows that this could still be salvaged.
Report Date
21 Sep 2023
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