Session 101 Part 1
General Summary
Into the Corrupted Desert Heart
After making preparating and some discussion about whether or not to touch base with Zephus' sister – and determining she's the wrong sister – the Deep End teleports to an area outside the West Gate. As they made a discrete approach, the group noticed a small group tucked partially behind one of the rolling dunes. The hulking, four-armed creature is unmistakable as he stands practically unmoving holding hands with another four-armed individual. Lollith is happy they've finally arrived. She's really like to get on into the city, are you ready to go? The Deep End delays with Rani, Newt, and Declan moving ahead to speak with Denarya. Lollith turns to Ghilani and ask how his wound is doing. Before leaving, Declan mind linked with Ragnar... his mind is blank, singlemindedly focused on something, though its hard to pinpoint exactly what.
Angelos appeared to be stuck in conversation with a disgruntled caravan leader. Many of those in the caravan were putting items back in boxes and moving a dead sand seal out of the way. Many of the wagons and sleds appeared to have taken damage and Angelos and Denarya themselves both showed signs of having been in combat. Denarya is happy to see friendly faces of potential allies. She mentioned that, after talking with Angelos, they've noted that the guard rotations are frequent and consistent, which is somewhat odd (according to Angelos). Denarya mentioned that she is far too old to be climbing walls nowadays, but if The Deep End is going into the city, she will be going. She heard the broadcast and even with voice modulation... she's confident that Cahareth is her son. The Deep End promised that they too have every intention of getting to him.
Stealthing to the North Gate, the Deep End finds the Bhediya on watch, though not particularly on high alert. Heading straight to the Grandmother's tent, Rani moved to speak with them. There are some among the Bhediya who would be more than happy to provide a diversion – have been itching to put on a performance so to speak. The Grandmothers also seemed to be aware of the pulsing sensation Denarya mentioned. Mirza mentioned that Timur had gone into the city in hot pursuit of ball-related gossip and to check on his brother, Rao. Tatya, from what Mirza knows, returned to the city for "work" before the doors closed. Neither have been seen since. Mirza permitted Rani to take Lakshmi to see Hamida. Newt sent encouraging vibes to Rani through the blood hive mind.
Approaching Hamida, the older woman noted that Rani seemed vaguely familiar, but quickly dismissed it as related to it being a "long day". Rani took both Lakshmi and Hamida's hands. She explained that she is the woman named Song who has been sending Timur messages. Rani chose, however, to be honest and explained who she truly was. Both Hamida and Lakshmi winced in pain before Lakshmi moved in to hug Rani, saying that she knew she was forgetting someone in the portraits she tried. Hamida moved in a moment later. Hamida offered her aid if Rani planned to go into the city. She would like to find Timur and, without a doubt, he should have some information. Though, you give him too much credit if you think he was able to weasel his way into the Palace. Lakshmi wished them luck. With mind link signal plan set up, the group travelled back to the West Gate.
The Ugly Black Monoliths
As they entered the city, a pulse originated from the tower in the distance, passing over and brushing everyone's mind. Lollith seemed to frown glancing at Ragnar. Lollith is of the mind to deal with that tower. Ragnar doesn't seem fond of it. Declan mind linked with Ragnar again and found a single phrase on repeat in his mind.
"Red threads... She needs me. She beckons."Moira immediately took a look around as Calibird put his translucent, starry wings over her eyes. The entire city was covered in red threads. Oh, Dysis, what ARE you doing? Ragnar was led off shortly thereafter by the white masks, though Lollith remained. Angelos mentioned that he would prefer to move to check on his mother. He'd like to ensure she's safe. Moving carefully through the city, The Deep End arrived at the Western Market square. People were going about their regular business, trading and talking throughout the space. Should we just bring the tower down? Angelos cautioned against it. That tower is large... where do you expect it to fall? Lolllith comments that if it has any machinery like her fathers, there SHOULD be an off switch. Or a self-destruct. Lollith enjoys things that explode. Newt agrees. The boom of a gun is excellent.
After debating back and forth about the best approach, The Deep End moves forward with Hamida and Angelos, leaving Denarya and Lollith to pick up sniping positions on nearby rooftops. Declan takes note of some odd panels that seem perfeclty hand-sized. As they stepped into the open, however, the violet "eye" snapped to attention and the familiar voice of Cahareth echoed: "Our heroes have arrived!". Shortly afterward, rolling thunder ripped through the space as five figures emerged from a now panicking crowd of people.
Rani moved to grapple one of the casters, initially suspecting that their hands would be required to deactivate the device. Moira, however, walked forward and put her hand on the tower, feeling a cold, vaguely familiar sensation. Vibe checking the tower... (hacker voice) she's in? Newt and Ghilani also move forward and place a hand on the tower. With three hands on the surface, a wave of psychic energy passes through them. Denarya and Lollith can't hit shit from a distance. Cahareth proves to be a bit of an annoying commentator throughout the fight. Declan books it across the battlefield as Ghilani goes to bloody and finds that he can't heal after a cutting word from Cahareth. Moira, annoyed, taps into the tower and manages to subdue the tower's functionality... at least in part. Cahareth offers Moira a quick "well played" comment.
As a wave of cold and force passes through the Tower, the band of fire suddenly combusted as the tower flickered and deactivated. Newt, Ghilani, and Moira felt an odd sensation pass over them, but... everything seemed fine? Lollith was quick to dismiss herself after that. Take down those two other orbs in the distance and then give her a call! She'll hold down the West Ward! Don't want them putting that tower back up now do you? Angelos also took his leave, moving towards his mother's warehouse to ensure her safety. The Deep End, Denarya, and Hamid moved to the North Ward.
The sensation of feeling watched returned as the group passed into the Northern Ward of the city. As they moved through a stretch of cafés... they took note of an individual who carved a rose into their fruit. Covertly sitting down and ordering a generic pastry, Rani spoke vaguely to the figure, who initially responded in kind before noting that there are golden masked figures (Descendants), those with red thread (Prophets), and that they are looking for royals, including one Idalia Sarkani-Seraph. Rani recalled her father telling her of the greatest recent debacle in the Fire Genasi royal family... the First Advisor's sun ran off to become a priest, completely abandoning and scorning an elite from Lark'Heléz. To right the wrong, she was adopted by the First Advisor. And he hasn't seen the "sun" since the black mirage and one might find a lover closer than they think, should they keep an eye out.
A short while later, the Deep End moved into the Lotus Lounge, a higher end establishment that features gorgeous rooftop gardens. Inside, everyone seemed to be going about their business. Though, one of the projected screens is shattered and there were clear signs of a past scuffle. The broken screen seemed to still be glitching, playing bits and pieces of Cahareth's broadcast every now and then. Before moving upstairs, Rani noted that one of Tatya's friends is helping to run food and drinks – the "rich girl".
Upstairs, the group finds another ugly black monolith at the center... and Rani and Hamida suddenly felt the need to surrender themselves. Rani moved forward to present her invitation: "take us to your leader!". The others attempted to stop her as combat inevitably broke out when Moira summoned her baguette and Denarya, in response, fired her sniper from the hip. Moira tried to put up her Twilight Sanctuary... but... what is that ability? Moira panicked. Ghilani moved forward and gave Rani the equivalent of blood drugs, shaking her out of her charmed stupor... as yes, these armored people AREN'T friends. A moment later, Cahareth announced his arrival, apologizing for being late. Ghilani don't him he wasn't invited. Cahareth invites himself, you see! Now, let's get ready to RUMBLE!
With relative ease, the group was able to dispatch the threat... though Newt doesn't remember how to do the... what was it? Steady Aim? Huh. This time, Ghilani, Rani, and Declan placed a hand on the tower. Again, a wave of psychic energy passed through them, followed by cold, and then a surge. Declan and Rani both tucked away their bands, ensuring they didn't explode. And with that, another tower flickered out and the sensation of being watched faded.
At a distance, the haze around the Heart of the Desert could reasonably be attributed to heat as it warps distant images. As one draws closer, however, there is something... different about how the image of the city bends and distorts. The haze, normally colorless, has a black and violet hue to it, blocking portions of the city from view as they spin, warp, and vanish before another tendril replaces it. The entire city has been encompassed by a swirling mass of blackness. The city within is distorted. Drawing closer, the heat of the desert abates as a cold sensation takes hold, biting into one's skin and sinking into one's very being. There is an otherworldly sensation in the air that makes one's stomach churn and heart pound. Something is not right.
Report Date
11 Nov 2023
Primary Location
Related Characters
Cahareth's Broadcast Towers
West Ward
Three figures are seated on the rigging that stretches across the narrow streets. They make no attempt to hide what they're discussing or seem to take note of you as you pass underneath."All them masked people fighting. Ain't got a clue about what, but they be painting the streets red." "Guess it's an art of another kind." "Think the Muse Paint has blood like that elven boy said?"
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