Session 101 Part 2
General Summary
Around the Northern Market We Go
In the aftermath of a brief bout of combat at the Lotus Lounge, the group debates whether or not they should physically destroy the Tower. It does seem like its off. Declan cleared the Lotus Lounge before hacking away at the structure. With one final strike, the tower didn't explode, but imploded, forming a swirling mass of darkness and force – equivalent to a small black hole. Declan managed to avoid the brunt of it, but the Lotus Lounge and portions of surrounding buildings were not so lucky as they were demolished in the crushing force.
Rani was able to find Tatya's friend, Asenath, standing near her parents as they mourned the loss of family history and their livelihood. Rani tried to be encouraging, mentioning that they can rebuild, but Asenath did not seem appeased by the notion. Regarldess, Rani handed them the equivalent of an "IOU" (though at the Council's expense) and inquired after Tatya. Unfortunately, she hasn't seen him in some time.
On their way to Rani's home, the group encountered a set of four robed figures and two armored figures barging into one of the homes. They spend 15 minutes audibly and perhaps forcibly searching the place before they exit, leaving behind some coin for the unfortunate homeowners. Newt sends Lexington to read the list. The images sent back are a bit out of focus (he's learning on the job), but Newt was able to piece together the names. Afterwards, the group decided to set an ambush, silencing the casters and then picking them off one by one. Surprised, they were hardly able to put up any fight.
Rani's home was empty and devoid of any secret messages. Nothing seemed out of place. Moving on, they entered the northern market square and found that those moving in and out of Rao's building were being stopped and "ID checked" by two armored figures. Robed figures could be seen within. Rani snuck in through one of the back doors, weaving her way to her Uncle's shop. Rao, Rani quickly learned, hasn't really stepped outside much in his flurry to finish the gown he hopes a royal will wear for their wedding. Is something odd going on? Although against the family code, Rao promised to say that he "hasn't seen Rani in some time" if asked. Clearly, Rao has been left alone.
At the fencing studio, Newt is able to easily pick the lock. They should probably get a new one. Inside, the studio was empty, though Rani noted that while Timur's teaching foil was present, his actual weapon was gone; the one he rarely uses nowadays. Moving up to the rooftop, Rani was able to step back quickly as a fire-laced sword swung down. A moment later, Rani was pulled into a hug by a familar fire genasi. Shit, I could have killed you! Then we would be even. Hamida moved over to Timur, laying down on the rooftop looking over the mirage-coated palace.
An information exchange occured. Ezra mentioned that – surely they've noticed – there are three feuding groups. The white masks have been holding the Western Ward. Of course, all gates are closed and guarded. No one has come in or out until them. A broadcast goes out every three hours, though Ezra noted that it hasn't done anything tangible, to him at least... though there are others more noticibly affected. And then, of course, there are the guards rounding up the royals. Ezra was initially stopped, but once the "guards" learned that he wasn't born in Lark'Hal nor related to the families, they let him go without a care. Ezra mentioned that he last saw Zephus in LIMA, near the Sarcophagus. While Ezra originally set out to look for Tatya, he hasn't been able to find him and instead, decided to stick near Timur to ensure his safety.
Approaching Timur, he immediately noted that... Rani seemed familiar. Hamida winced. As Rani reintroduced herself, Timur winced heavily before pulling Rani into a tight hug. Now, do you have any gossip, Baba? Why yes! Although perhaps missing some pieces, Timur noted that the Queen arrested Katreus shortly after Ghilani made claims about the Muses' paint. There was supposedly a whole case against the Earth Genasi family as well, but the delivered apology seemed to alleviate that. Then, Phaedra called for a ball to celebrate her upcoming engagement – though no one has sorted out WHO it was too! Perhaps a ruse! Of course, there were rumors that it was to cover up Katreus' execution, removing Phaedra's largest critic once and for all. There were also rumors that Phaedra was seen shortly before the Gates closed at the Department of Wasteland Research! Timur was hoping Tatya got a chance to meet her, but that sentiment has shifted in light of current circumstances. Now, with the royals being rounded up, Timur – though he cannot be certain entirely – highly believes that Katreus is no longer alive.
Ezra joined the group, while Hamida stayed behind with Timur. Rani allowed Newt to leave. She had a whole plan with aphrodisiacs and everything, but she's now realizing that maybe things like this shouldn't wait. Rani got down on one knee and offered two rings to Ezra. Well, while I'd still like to see everything you had planned, I cannot deny that these circumstances are certainly memorable. With rings now in place, Ezra gave Rani a kiss before it was back to work.
The Wasteland Reserach building is clearly under guard, though students and faculty were moving in and out. Rani would like to believe that the Lady of Dread has every reason to keep Prof. Dunebrook alive. Still, the group decided to confirm she's alright. Rani wrote out a quick letter and gave it to Lexington who flew over to the window. After a few determined pecks, Marcella opened the curtains. Huh? With little response from Marcella, Moira sent Calibird... who flew right back to her. Rani climbed the wall as a rat three times before being able to stay at the window. Rani managed to get through to her. She's alright... she just can't seem to remember how to get out of her office. Odd. Rani is concerned her memories have been tampered with.
While the animals window tapped, another pulse went out from the nearby monolith. Ezra, Zephus, and Denarya all suddenly began to move briskly towards the guards. Althoughs topped, one of the guards clearly took note of the group. Rani pulled Ezra into a kiss and put on a convincing enough performance, allowing the group to slip away. On their way towards the Sarcophagus, the violet orb loomed over the Pondering Cats... and a lone water genasi man walked the streets nearby. Peculiar. Ghilani immediately determined that he was SUS. Zephus identified him as Deucalion, Aerope's uncle and brother to the Queen. Why is he not on the list? Why is he just out and about? Zephus offered to speak with him and the group agreed, taking up positions to observe nearby.
Ghilani is impressed with Zephus as he somehow bullshits his way through an initial conversation with Deucalion. The water genasi's intentions about finding and protecting his niece are genuine, though there are many definitions to "throwing off guards". Regardless, Zephus' "interrogation" convinced the group to approach and converse with Deucalion instead of abducting him as Ghilani suggested. Deucalion was willing to converse. He mentioned that he left the palace to meet Aerope the previous night – before the gates closed. His top priority is his niece, though he mentioned that Idalia wasn't in the Palace and he wagers Zaynaba would be, though he personally didn't see her. If you need a way in and can hold your breath, Deucalion moves in and out of the Palace via the oasis... it's also an easy way to get across the city without anyone really noticing. After Zephus punched Deucalion real good to confirm no charm, Zephus told him about Aerope and the water genasi departed.
Converging on the Pondering Cats, everyone's favorite announcing bard return. Moira felt her armor begin to heat. Time for the chef to get cooked! Declan was mocked for not knowing how to use a sword – that one at least. Cahareth also jumped on Newt when he missed his target. Eventually, the guards were dispatched and the tower deactivated with relative ease.
Zephus led the whole group to a back entrance to the Sarcophagus, LIMA's library. They were greated by a finely dressed water genasi man who introduced himself as Miguel Lark, the librarian. Upstairs, Zephus led the group to a study room where Aerope and Idalia were tucked securely away. Aerope immediately got a bit nervous as multiple people moved into the room. Idalia, on the other, does not seem to mind in the slightest – a bit bolder than the younger water genasi. Aerope, when asked, mentioned that Deucalion had been here before something... shifted and he departed. Whatever happened, Aerope stated that Deucalion is a good person; he's only ever looked after her. Idalia, however, had a different perspective. Without Deucalion's perspective, she'd prefer to push to the temple and she'd be pleased to be escorted... her body is not meant for fighting, clearly.
Navigating through the city, the Deep End and co arrived in the Temple of Lark. The cold, otherworldly sensation of the black mirage lifts partially here. Annanias rises to the surface.
Rani was able to find Tatya's friend, Asenath, standing near her parents as they mourned the loss of family history and their livelihood. Rani tried to be encouraging, mentioning that they can rebuild, but Asenath did not seem appeased by the notion. Regarldess, Rani handed them the equivalent of an "IOU" (though at the Council's expense) and inquired after Tatya. Unfortunately, she hasn't seen him in some time.
On their way to Rani's home, the group encountered a set of four robed figures and two armored figures barging into one of the homes. They spend 15 minutes audibly and perhaps forcibly searching the place before they exit, leaving behind some coin for the unfortunate homeowners. Newt sends Lexington to read the list. The images sent back are a bit out of focus (he's learning on the job), but Newt was able to piece together the names. Afterwards, the group decided to set an ambush, silencing the casters and then picking them off one by one. Surprised, they were hardly able to put up any fight.
Rani's home was empty and devoid of any secret messages. Nothing seemed out of place. Moving on, they entered the northern market square and found that those moving in and out of Rao's building were being stopped and "ID checked" by two armored figures. Robed figures could be seen within. Rani snuck in through one of the back doors, weaving her way to her Uncle's shop. Rao, Rani quickly learned, hasn't really stepped outside much in his flurry to finish the gown he hopes a royal will wear for their wedding. Is something odd going on? Although against the family code, Rao promised to say that he "hasn't seen Rani in some time" if asked. Clearly, Rao has been left alone.
At the fencing studio, Newt is able to easily pick the lock. They should probably get a new one. Inside, the studio was empty, though Rani noted that while Timur's teaching foil was present, his actual weapon was gone; the one he rarely uses nowadays. Moving up to the rooftop, Rani was able to step back quickly as a fire-laced sword swung down. A moment later, Rani was pulled into a hug by a familar fire genasi. Shit, I could have killed you! Then we would be even. Hamida moved over to Timur, laying down on the rooftop looking over the mirage-coated palace.
An information exchange occured. Ezra mentioned that – surely they've noticed – there are three feuding groups. The white masks have been holding the Western Ward. Of course, all gates are closed and guarded. No one has come in or out until them. A broadcast goes out every three hours, though Ezra noted that it hasn't done anything tangible, to him at least... though there are others more noticibly affected. And then, of course, there are the guards rounding up the royals. Ezra was initially stopped, but once the "guards" learned that he wasn't born in Lark'Hal nor related to the families, they let him go without a care. Ezra mentioned that he last saw Zephus in LIMA, near the Sarcophagus. While Ezra originally set out to look for Tatya, he hasn't been able to find him and instead, decided to stick near Timur to ensure his safety.
Approaching Timur, he immediately noted that... Rani seemed familiar. Hamida winced. As Rani reintroduced herself, Timur winced heavily before pulling Rani into a tight hug. Now, do you have any gossip, Baba? Why yes! Although perhaps missing some pieces, Timur noted that the Queen arrested Katreus shortly after Ghilani made claims about the Muses' paint. There was supposedly a whole case against the Earth Genasi family as well, but the delivered apology seemed to alleviate that. Then, Phaedra called for a ball to celebrate her upcoming engagement – though no one has sorted out WHO it was too! Perhaps a ruse! Of course, there were rumors that it was to cover up Katreus' execution, removing Phaedra's largest critic once and for all. There were also rumors that Phaedra was seen shortly before the Gates closed at the Department of Wasteland Research! Timur was hoping Tatya got a chance to meet her, but that sentiment has shifted in light of current circumstances. Now, with the royals being rounded up, Timur – though he cannot be certain entirely – highly believes that Katreus is no longer alive.
Ezra joined the group, while Hamida stayed behind with Timur. Rani allowed Newt to leave. She had a whole plan with aphrodisiacs and everything, but she's now realizing that maybe things like this shouldn't wait. Rani got down on one knee and offered two rings to Ezra. Well, while I'd still like to see everything you had planned, I cannot deny that these circumstances are certainly memorable. With rings now in place, Ezra gave Rani a kiss before it was back to work.
The Wasteland Reserach building is clearly under guard, though students and faculty were moving in and out. Rani would like to believe that the Lady of Dread has every reason to keep Prof. Dunebrook alive. Still, the group decided to confirm she's alright. Rani wrote out a quick letter and gave it to Lexington who flew over to the window. After a few determined pecks, Marcella opened the curtains. Huh? With little response from Marcella, Moira sent Calibird... who flew right back to her. Rani climbed the wall as a rat three times before being able to stay at the window. Rani managed to get through to her. She's alright... she just can't seem to remember how to get out of her office. Odd. Rani is concerned her memories have been tampered with.
While the animals window tapped, another pulse went out from the nearby monolith. Ezra, Zephus, and Denarya all suddenly began to move briskly towards the guards. Althoughs topped, one of the guards clearly took note of the group. Rani pulled Ezra into a kiss and put on a convincing enough performance, allowing the group to slip away. On their way towards the Sarcophagus, the violet orb loomed over the Pondering Cats... and a lone water genasi man walked the streets nearby. Peculiar. Ghilani immediately determined that he was SUS. Zephus identified him as Deucalion, Aerope's uncle and brother to the Queen. Why is he not on the list? Why is he just out and about? Zephus offered to speak with him and the group agreed, taking up positions to observe nearby.
Ghilani is impressed with Zephus as he somehow bullshits his way through an initial conversation with Deucalion. The water genasi's intentions about finding and protecting his niece are genuine, though there are many definitions to "throwing off guards". Regardless, Zephus' "interrogation" convinced the group to approach and converse with Deucalion instead of abducting him as Ghilani suggested. Deucalion was willing to converse. He mentioned that he left the palace to meet Aerope the previous night – before the gates closed. His top priority is his niece, though he mentioned that Idalia wasn't in the Palace and he wagers Zaynaba would be, though he personally didn't see her. If you need a way in and can hold your breath, Deucalion moves in and out of the Palace via the oasis... it's also an easy way to get across the city without anyone really noticing. After Zephus punched Deucalion real good to confirm no charm, Zephus told him about Aerope and the water genasi departed.
Converging on the Pondering Cats, everyone's favorite announcing bard return. Moira felt her armor begin to heat. Time for the chef to get cooked! Declan was mocked for not knowing how to use a sword – that one at least. Cahareth also jumped on Newt when he missed his target. Eventually, the guards were dispatched and the tower deactivated with relative ease.
Zephus led the whole group to a back entrance to the Sarcophagus, LIMA's library. They were greated by a finely dressed water genasi man who introduced himself as Miguel Lark, the librarian. Upstairs, Zephus led the group to a study room where Aerope and Idalia were tucked securely away. Aerope immediately got a bit nervous as multiple people moved into the room. Idalia, on the other, does not seem to mind in the slightest – a bit bolder than the younger water genasi. Aerope, when asked, mentioned that Deucalion had been here before something... shifted and he departed. Whatever happened, Aerope stated that Deucalion is a good person; he's only ever looked after her. Idalia, however, had a different perspective. Without Deucalion's perspective, she'd prefer to push to the temple and she'd be pleased to be escorted... her body is not meant for fighting, clearly.
Navigating through the city, the Deep End and co arrived in the Temple of Lark. The cold, otherworldly sensation of the black mirage lifts partially here. Annanias rises to the surface.
Although another fragment... it seems it did not completely forget what Lark meant to Judas.
Report Date
11 Nov 2023
Primary Location
Related Characters
Red Threads
As you walk, the streets around you suddenly shift and change to something entirely unfamiliar. Damaged, destroyed... crumbled. Flecks of gold drift along an ominous haze. Something around your neck constricts. Strands? A rope? No, thinner. Threads? Most of the group blinked off the sensation, but Declan felt himself briefly choked.
Clock Artist
Tucked beneath a strung-up tarp and surrounded by canvases and painting supplies is a local artist, if the garb is anything to go by. Yet, as you take a closer look, his eyes are black and the veins on his hands and face are slightly darkened. You look at his current canvas... a clock. You look at the other canvases... a clock... another clock... Tick, tick, tick. He looks at you.
"It'll be time soon."And he goes back to painting.
The List of Nobles & Royals
The following names were on the list carried by the Prophet "search party":
- Zephyra and Adad Hevego, Zetlan Hevego
- Zephus Hevego
- Nabila Maletshatsi
- Sharifa Maletshatsi
- Krisha Naretsi
- Cyrus Sarkani
- Idalia Sarkani-Seraph
- Khalfani Sar'Suhtor
- Aerope Ossaho'Mok
Northern Market Singer
While various performers line the square, there is one who seems to have drawn the most attention. Some in the crowd are enraptured, as always, but others whisper with concern. What has happened to Asta's eyes? Her veins... they're black? It is clear that she has been infected with eyes of solid black and blackened veins stretching across her face. Despite this, she sings as she normally does, unperturbed.
Once upon a time there was a man, a fortunate god born to the realm of our Fortune. They say he was a king who brought a great war When the Oracle came into the city and brought only tides of misery. Once upon a time there was a great land, a beautiful one surrounded in the haze of an ancient war They say there was a god, this destructive force Once betrayed by his kin, divided, to wait for his love, bound by oath
The Metal... It Moves?
A pile of metal scrap down one of the streets nearby catches your eye... wait, did that pile of scrap... move? You watch it for a moment. It sits still and then jerks forward before stuttering to a halt again. When approached, it turns to the nearest surface as ink pools on one of its "scrappy" fingers. It begins to write.
Temple Safe. See Cyrus.It then stutters onward. (And Idalia sighs and scoffs. Still more into metal than me, it seems.)
Miguel Lark
Aerope Ossaho'Mok
Idalia Sarkani-Seraph
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