Session 4: Rell's Log

General Summary

After the shared encounter with Otho, Liv and I decided to continue our unity and partial consolidations by spending the night in her room. I was glad of the peace from the shared barracks that bustled relentlessly no matter the hour. Normally I’d be desperate to share exploits into the Wastelands with any who’d listen, but Otho’s disapproval had damped my desire to gloat.
I’d slept soundly propped up against the wall with Liv taking the sole bed. Too many watches and excursions meant that even her floor was a comfort in comparison to some of the places I’d rested. Gratefully we ran into no one as we ate breakfast, nor were we ambushed by Daq or Nugget. Liv had explained what Otho conveyed to her after I’d left, and I’d rather show them by my deeds than my words that I’d live up to my promise to watch out for her. If that is what Otho wanted of me, I’d do it.
Liv decided to purchase some healing potions and with Mesh still in the Wastelands, I was glad to accompany her. I’d never bought such extravagances myself, they’d always been provided for me during lengthy excursions or simply looted from hapless individuals, so we weren’t sure where to acquire them.
Dressing in far lighter and more comfortable clothing than the previous days, we headed back through the portal and into the city. The nearest thing we could find to potions was a Herbalist shop called All Things Nice and while Liv seemed shy about enquiring I pushed inside to try to get the information needed.
I’d perhaps been too cocky and overconfident in my persuasion skills as the proprietors refused to give me directions as to where I could find the potions we needed. I couldn’t help myself in trying to sweet talk them, but Liv quickly grew bored and simply bought the coffee I’d been enquiring over; ending the game I wasn’t likely to win. As the coffee was scooped up and wrapped, we’d been informed there was a store that sold all manner of potions in the Soularium called Varen's Apothecary. Despite my argument that it had only been a means to an end, Liv passed the coffee to me anyway. Pocketing the unwanted gift, Mesh’s voice intruded on my thoughts, Make the most of what you have. Anything could be useful. She was right as always, and I expected the small bundle of luxury would have some benefit in the future.
After making our way to the Apothecary store we’d headed inside to find a multitude of tantalizing vials on display behind the counter. Varen himself was shrewd though, suggesting that healing potions were in high demand and we’d need to pay a premium price. Curious, I’d asked who else had been buying them and he’d mentioned a blonde-haired elf which I immediately assumed to be Elirith. Trying to barter, my negotiation skills failed me once again, but we did manage to receive a 5 gold discount. I took it as a success though we both agreed to ask our new elven companion how much she’d paid. Changeling. I had corrected myself internally, reminding myself not to forget.
With our pockets assuredly lighter we’d decided to check in at the Miner’s Shaft in case anyone from the Council had already attempted to contact us regarding the Freelancer work. The inn was a strange one, spanning three levels with the bar shifting between them on an elaborate rope pulley system. I always thought it looked exhausting but even still you were never long waiting for a drink even when the place was heaving.
Thankfully today it was mostly empty, and the barkeep kindly checked with the owner Rod as to whether we’d received any correspondence. I knew I’d be remembered with half-elves being undeniably uncommon and sure enough, Rod knew who we were and produced a carefully folded, if slightly creased piece of paper. Hurriedly unfolding it, the neat hand spoke of our exceptional performance and invited us to meet with Councilmember Stoneshield tomorrow morning.
My stomach gave an odd twist as I thought of the Council and what it would be like to visit their Chambers; to stand under the Soul Anchor where so many had been slaughtered. I’d crumpled the paper further with my racing thoughts and quickly suggested to Liv that we spent the rest of the day at the Memorial Gardens. Anything to distract me from the thousands of horrific scenarios dancing in my head.


Having spent the night in my own familiar bed this time, I woke far earlier than necessary, creeping passed snores and murmurs I readied myself with nervous precision. Every inch of me was washed, hair brushed out and braided as complex as I could manage. Pulling out my finest clothes I realised I was dressing up to impress fools, yet I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to look my best, be my best. Drawing in a few careful long deep breathes as if that could settle my nerves, I headed to meet Liv. She glanced at my deliberate appearance, but I knew she’d made an extra effort too.
Saman, Elirith and Robyn were waiting outside the Soul Plaza and we exchanged a few words before heading inside. The Warforged had been busy it seemed, as he mentioned to Liv that he could now cast a few more spells. Robyn remained quite quiet and I wondered if she was also nervous. Elirith, on the other hand, appeared quite relaxed and it sprung a little suspicion in my mind that I quickly tossed away. At least she did confirm that we weren’t robbed blind by Varen, which I’d been extremely glad to hear.
Moving into Soul’s Plaza we all paused as if to take in our surroundings. The huge, mysterious Soul Anchor towered ahead of us, the true guardian of all of Bastion. The lower half of the building was mainly consumed by a huge set of doors leading to the inner workings of the atrium, while the crown or top half remained suspended high above us. I knew the Councilmember’s chambers would be up there, floating in grandeur above us all.
Linking the detached top section to the ground were two narrow bridges which seemed strained as if the floating top section might be trying to escape its brother below. Beautiful black stone made up the buildings themselves, with interlaced blue mapping across it like veins. It was truly magnificent to behold.
As if that wasn’t stunning enough, between both sections was a ball of pure energy. Some considered it as pretty as the stonework itself, but I found it too eerie, too unsettling. It pulsed as though alive, colours twisting in on themselves in vivid shades of white, blue and violet. The same magic emanated from the top of the crown itself, shooting upwards before dispersing into nothingness. Were the colours linked to the complex unknown magic or was what we saw a reflection of our own souls? I swallowed, dreading to think.
The recognisable statues of the First Council were displayed larger than life just ahead of us in the Plaza. The Protector, The Scholar, The Builder, The Provider, The Prophet, The Shepherd and The Architect. Everyone within Bastion knew their stories off by heart and out of respect I reached into my pocket, flipping a coin into the nearby fountain. With a few words under my breath, I sent a prayer to all those that had died here during the Uprising. Surviving isn’t enough I mouthed silently as the copper sinks. I’m not even quite sure myself if it’s The Shepherd I’m really talking to.
We head as a group towards the Soul Anchor and the Council chambers within. The current Council mirrors the First in that it comprises of three dwarves, three elves and a human representative, though as to whether Godwin Chancer truly defined what the human population wanted or needed was a debate for another time. This was certainly not a place for such thoughts, I couldn’t lose control here. The Soul Anchor’s Ceremonial Guardsmen blocked our onward journey, just as they’d halted those during the Uprising years before. While they might have been dressed ostentatiously, they were lethal and competent soldiers. Their halberds and short swords were not for show.
Announcing that we were here to visit Councilmember Stoneshield, I produced the correspondence from the Miner’s Shaft. After a rapid inspection, the note was returned, and we were allowed to pass without incident. A smile touched my lips, this document held some power and I’d ensure to study it in greater detail later.
We continued onwards, the architecture and housing far grander than anywhere else within the city. As we reached the Chambers and headed inside, what began as a tingling feeling moved to frequent trembles or vibrations and Leith, the elven clerk we met soon after, advised us that it’s quite normal this close to the mercurial ball of the Soul Anchor. Something about it made me even more uneasy.
When we finally meet Councilmember Stoneshield, I was quite shocked by his behaviour. Although The Faithful easily operate under the Council’s nose and I believed Otho could outsmart them any way they chose, I had still held onto to an ingrained fear of those that claimed to rule over Bastion. I shouldn’t have worried. Stoneshield was not what I imaged, certainly not a heartless leader; too eager, very outspoken and seemingly lacking any decorum for someone in his position. He was far too animated but devoted to the principle of the Freelancers and even produced haphazardly made badges for us to wear as members of the group. Robyn clearly knew his nephew and didn’t seem very happy at the prospect of having made his acquaintance. I could imagine why if he was anything like his uncle. Either way, we were now acting as agents of the city, agents of the Council and worryingly agents of the energetic man before us.
Something felt wrong and I asked his motivations to which he’d answered that he simply wished to serve the city, wanted the best for everyone in it and he thought the Freelancers were the best way to ensure this. I couldn’t quite tell if his intentions were valid. Was I just letting old preconceptions cloud my judgements? It didn’t matter, I’d continue working as part of the Freelancers for now. If Liv wanted to, I basically almost had no choice since I’d gotten myself into this mess. I didn’t really mind, perhaps I could truly help the city as the Council Member suggested despite my lurching gut.
We were pointed towards the Waterworks who needed aid with a disturbance and we decided to head there immediately. Liv and I made our excuses to once again return to Haven to retrieve our weapons and armour, myself having to help Liv a little with hers. Feeling far more comfortable with my glaive back in my hands, pleasure worked its way through me that I could now wield it within the city walls. I got the attention I was after as we strode the short distance between Haven’s portal and the Waterworks. It was not common to have such conspicuous weaponry on display and it refilled my confidence after the engagement with the Council.
We re-joined the others and headed through the large stone gates appropriately covered with water murals. It was quickly apparent that we were all but surrounded by water, the air tasted damp and an odd musky smell hung in the air. Huge statues met us as we proceeded inside, their carved tools meeting dramatically over the pathway ahead. Around us swarmed Dwarves and Humans, clearly in the midst of swapping shifts and without any other clear course of action, I pulled one aside to ask to be directed to someone in charge. We were luckily easily pointed to a tunnel marked as number seven and I relished in the simple practicality of their naming system.
There were quite a few Warforged here, so Elirith was the one getting the most questioning looks, elves didn’t lower themselves to work down here underground. Proceeding down Tunnel Seven we soon found a dwarf that had elevated himself slightly and was addressing a gathered throng of concerned miners. It was apparent that there’d been some form of uproar or tunnel collapse and this man was attempting to alleviate any fears or concerns. No one seemed fully convinced but he was able to disperse the group, shooing away any lingering ears so that we could talk in private.
Introducing himself as Gwilym he spoke to us about a problem or commotion in one of the tunnels and varying reports of a creature that seemed to contradict themselves. It was a little concerning as we wouldn’t have any idea what we’d be facing but he did tell us that it’s certainly not a kolbold or goblin. He also mentioned rust monsters that could easily turn metal to rust, which greatly concerned Saman. Hopefully, if we came across one, Elirith, Liv and Robyn would be able to handle it.
Supplies are kindly offered by Gwilym and I chose only a lantern as I’d already bought along pitons and rope. Liv decided on a pickaxe which made me smile a little. After taking what we needed, we were guided by the Dwarf to a lift powered by water and lowered down into a large chamber containing several mine carts and shafts. Gwilym led us to the one we need before asking Saman to take the lead cart in order to work the levers to build momentum. I thought he might be offended but Saman gladly lent a hand. Without thinking too much, I jumped in beside Elirith and we set off down the dark tunnels.
Even with my elven ancestry, I couldn’t make out much as we sped along. The journey seemingly took forever before we without warning dropped alarmingly downwards. My heart was in my mouth as the brakes screeched, echoing around us as the cart came to a halt. Exiting a little faster than necessary, we used the lanterns to evaluate our surroundings. I understood immediately why we were in such a hurry to stop; ahead of the cart was a huge hole burrowing clean through the track we should have taken. Its twin was above us, curving off into the unknown.
Liv and I investigated further, and she pointed out deep gouges into the earth that we could only assume were legs or claws. Clearly whatever made them had been propelling its way forwards through the earth with determined speed and accuracy. From the angle of the marks, it appeared it was heading downwards, and we quickly decided that our only option is to follow it.
Tying complex, secure knots to the tracks, I tested the rope a few times before tossing it into the imposing darkness. Gwilym decided to wait for us there as we prepared ourselves to descend. I glanced once more at the deep furrows marring the tunnel and rubbed at an old scar at my side. I was not looking forward to this.

Previous: Session 3: Rell's Log  Next: Session 5: Rell's Log

46 Acadi

• Liv goes potion shopping.
• Check in at Miner's Shaft for any update from Council; invite for audience with Stoneshield tomorrow morning.

47 Acadi

• Meet at Soul Plaza ahead of audience with Stoneshield.
• We're granted Freelancer badges by Stoneshield as part of his initiative.
• We're directed to the Waterworks who need aid with a disturbance. 
• Went to Tunnel Seven, and spoke to Gwilym.
• Head down a lift into the tunnels and then take the cart, find a huge hole burrowing through the track
• Spoke deep gouges in the earth from legs or claws.
• Tie ropes and descend further down the Waterworks.

Report Date

05 Feb 2019

Original Disclaimer: Written from Rell’s PoV and any opinions on character’s or npcs are her own and may not be a true reflection of a character’s intended actions or intentions. Any missing content is due to Rell’s selective hearing or poor memory. Although I have attempted to keep information on Rell to a minimum, please note that you may read some content/opinions that aren’t common knowledge to your own characters and therefore it should not influence your interactions with her.

Additional Disclaimer: This article is ported frpm old blogspot articles for reference, and pertinent bullets and dates added to timelines.