Session 103
General Summary
Let's Get Ready to... RUMBLE
Good evening Theydies and Gentlethems! Welcome back to Mass Suggestion! Live from the seat of royal authority, I have the pleasure of bringing you a follow up interview with The Deep End... and friends, it seems! You're late "Heroes" of Dremora. You missed the ball! You missed my oh-so-esteemed sponsor! But that doesn't mean we can't have a celebration of our own! Let's... get ready to rumble!
Deucalion, seated lethargically on his sister's throne, jerks up – like a puppet on strings – before dashing out of view. Denarya prioritizes trying to move towards her son. There certainly seemed to be some tension between the two. Denarya failing to support her son? Cahareth holding that against her? But man, mom, look where I am know! The seat of ROYAL POWER. Lollith and Ghilani's voices begin to fuse and merge despite being on different floors. Moira is truly embracing her wererat phase. Ezra is getting his flame on and lighting everyone on fire today. Declan finally gets the Speed property of his blade working again (just had to turn it on and off again)!
After some time, with Deucalion looking rough, Cahareth finally emerges through one of the statues and seems to bring Deucalion back to full. Everyone immediately turns to target the figure in red. However, Cahareth moves across the room and mental math fills Newt's mind as he attempts to get to Cahareth to do non-lethal damage. Denarya watches closely in the 6 seconds of strategy. With Lexington's aid, Newt is able to knock Cahareth out, remove the mask, and happen across a switch of sorts. The rest of the figures in the room drop, including Deucalion. They all seem to be unconscious.
Declan (and Lollith) summoned Ragnar. Declan managed to avoid setting off the bomb and confirm that none of the blood in the dining room belonged to Tatya. Newt roamed the halls as a cost and helped Rani located and assist Imani and her captain of the guard, Ehsaan. Moira attempted to undo some of her carnage. Ghilani tried to sense Savant Three, but the palace made it difficult. After depositing everyone in the magical pool on the second story, the sounds of destruction echoed throughout the Palace. Ragnar has arrived and he's on a war path.
General Aftermath:
In dreams and in trances, a voice speaks, the sound of ticking clocks in the background:
After some time, with Deucalion looking rough, Cahareth finally emerges through one of the statues and seems to bring Deucalion back to full. Everyone immediately turns to target the figure in red. However, Cahareth moves across the room and mental math fills Newt's mind as he attempts to get to Cahareth to do non-lethal damage. Denarya watches closely in the 6 seconds of strategy. With Lexington's aid, Newt is able to knock Cahareth out, remove the mask, and happen across a switch of sorts. The rest of the figures in the room drop, including Deucalion. They all seem to be unconscious.
Declan (and Lollith) summoned Ragnar. Declan managed to avoid setting off the bomb and confirm that none of the blood in the dining room belonged to Tatya. Newt roamed the halls as a cost and helped Rani located and assist Imani and her captain of the guard, Ehsaan. Moira attempted to undo some of her carnage. Ghilani tried to sense Savant Three, but the palace made it difficult. After depositing everyone in the magical pool on the second story, the sounds of destruction echoed throughout the Palace. Ragnar has arrived and he's on a war path.
The Queen, The Lady, and the Silver Dragon
With so many natural 20s for Perception, how could anyone POSSIBLY miss how Ragnar's body was being puppetted and restrained by strings! And how that the black and violet fragments of the Void were being drawn from his veins and coalesced into one easily taken piece. Also, what in the world is this odd Temple doing here? The Laurels are on one wall? There are statues of Judas? And oh, let's not forget the Dread King's symbol on the floor! And, oh, that shaggy hair: Tatya unfortunately got an invitation.
At the far end of the corrupted temple hall, there stood a regal water genasi woman, encased in a shell of black and violet mirage: Queen Phaedra.
Have you finished wrecking havoc upon my Palace? Insolent vermin. It is best you know your place in the coming order. We are the descendants of a land lost... not you. You stand in the Halls of Fortune. In my domain. Here I rule the red threads. And soon I will rule this continent. As is my destiny. As is owed. As is my birthright. You're too late. Now, bow before your rightfull Queen... or face the consequences.
Ghilani turned to Rani: Wanna go in? The two dimension doored while Declan tried to throw a knife at the invisible strings. Moira took note of red threads, invisible, emerging from an odd portal – or perhaps sensor – in the ceiling. Huh. Rani promises Ghilani that she'll be right back as she moved to shake Tatya out of a stupor. Lollith is VERY concerned about Ragnar. Ghilani has a lovely encounter with the Queen – I shall add your blood to that of Savant Three's. In response, Ghilani becomes a adult silver dragon (channeling that real Lunar Queen energy). HAH. The Queen then put a Magic Drain zone on him. Oh.
With Newt, Rani, and Ghilani focused on the Queen, everyone else took on the Queen's masked guard. Declan kept getting whiplash from the blood bond (ALERT! Nevermind we're a dragon. ALERT! Nope, sorry, a dragon again, all good). Moira is discovering that consuming things is the solution to most of her problems. With the scrying sensor gone and Ragnar prone on the ground, Moira slorped up that bit of the Dread King. Ragnar collapsed limp and luckily, Moira's usual buddy and pal seemed to be the dominant personality... for the moment. Lollith didn't like that.
When Phaedra's protective mirage finally shattered, Newt lined up a killer shot, dealing well over 100 points of damage to the Queen. And then someone else stood up... and with one single word, killed the Queen, ripping a fragment of the Void from her.
Thank you, oh great heroes for assisting a damsel in distress! I am your Lady of Dread. A pleasure to finally meet you.
Ghilani lays the claws and fangs into the Lady of Dread. Wait... why isn't there blood? Moira's baguette slaps the newly revealed enemy. Red soil? Oh, this isn't really her is it? Moira proclaims COWARD once more. Meanwhile, Lollith called out to her Father in Infernal, winding her hand through Ragnar's. Declan stopped halfway to Tatya, apologized to Rani, and turned around to do whatever he could – including pulling off a kicking and wailing Lollith – to help Ragnar NOT get snatched by The Doctor once more. Newt stepped up to Lollith, but ultimately decided that the Lady of Dread is the threat, firing the shot to take her down as she dissolved into a pile of red soil, laughter echoing before silence. A moment later, Lollith vanishes... but Ragnar remained.
General Aftermath:
- Imani Maletshatsi – Her survival ensures that the two most powerful political players of the Earth Genasi family are still present. Emir will arrive via teleportation in the next day to assist in salvaging the political situation and to honor the dead.
- Ignatia and Zumena – The First Advisor and Prime Minister will share the burden of leadership in the interim as the deaths are overseen, the death of the Queen in particular addressed, and other issues dealt with.
- Ragnar – Now free of the Void and free of The Doctor's control, the hulking monstrosity is his own person for the first time in nearly two decades. He is exhausted and disoriented, but alive.
- Denarya & Cahareth – Should you require her aid in the future, Denarya is willing to provide her aid as you have done far beyond what she expected and accomplished what she almost believed impossible: saving both her children. Cahareth's memories are a bit distorted. Most of his normal broadcasts he recalls. What he doesn't recall was preceded by a woman whispering in his ear and the increase in the sound of clocks.
- The Water Genasi Royal Family – Deucalion was close with his sister and is beyond distraught at her death. It is only somewhat mitigated by Aerope being alive and well. Neither has any intention of pursuing further political office. Deucalion can confirm that Katreus was executed on Phaedra's orders.
- Wasteland Research – Another simulacrum was present. Marcella Dunebrook was injured, but Dr. Khalil took the brunt. He was beaten and stabbed multiple times; his body found in Prof. Dunebrook's office amidst small piles of red soil. Prof. Dunebrook is distraught, but otherwise fine.
- Savant 3 – After centuries of imprisonment, Savant 3 walks free. She is... clearly not all there in the head. She harbors ire and rage towards the people of the desert for profiting off of her blood for so long. Her rage is tempered only by knowing Phaedra has been killed.
- Aepius – Yes, his daughter has returned to him, but you've taken his Pride & Joy.
- The Lady of Dread – Your dream tormentor lurks within the place where none should be able to enter... red sand... the Wasteland. The lost realm of Judas.
- The Barrier – That ethereal wall holds something at bay... and it continues to crack.
In dreams and in trances, a voice speaks, the sound of ticking clocks in the background:
How easy it is to pull your strings. Until we meet in true... face to face. I shall eagerly await it. Please don't be... cowards and keep me waiting.
Bonus Content
The Throne Room
On the first floor, the marble floors here are immaculately polished; you can almost just make out your reflection in the polished shine. Parts of the pristine white give way to a pattern of blue, teal, and indigo tiles – the colors of water. The lower portion of the walls are built of refined sandstone encased in a lattice work of swirling filigree pulled from gold, copper, and bronze with traces of other metals intertwined. Above the lattice, there sits a line – perhaps nearly a foot thick – of carved white stone. Carvings of desert flora cover the entire surface. Above that, the walls are a solid teal color, but adorned with stained glass windows on the left and right and paintings throughout the other spaces. The paintings depict a variety of genasi figures, all regally dressed and adorned with colorful jewelry and fabric that matches the colors of their respective houses. In each corner, a statue carved of polished and refined stone stands nearly the height of the floor. There is one for each genasi family and the statue is adorned with their respective fabric color: blue, white, red, and green.
Four sets of refined sandstone steps lead up to the second-story balcony that lines 3 of the 4 walls in the throne room. Like the walls, the stairs are composed of beautiful carved stone pillars covered in a lattice of metallic filigree. The lower edge of the balcony features white stone carved with images of sand seals, sivats, genasi figures, and desert scenery, tastefully painted with touches of gold to emphasize features and other aspects of the carvings. Multiple smooth sandstone pillars support the balcony as well as two additional carved statues, one in front of the main doors and one on the opposite side. The figures appear to be genasi with one standing in a warrior’s pose and weapon at the ready, while the other is clearly a performer, in the motions of strumming a lyre.
Four sets of refined sandstone steps lead up to the second-story balcony that lines 3 of the 4 walls in the throne room. Like the walls, the stairs are composed of beautiful carved stone pillars covered in a lattice of metallic filigree. The lower edge of the balcony features white stone carved with images of sand seals, sivats, genasi figures, and desert scenery, tastefully painted with touches of gold to emphasize features and other aspects of the carvings. Multiple smooth sandstone pillars support the balcony as well as two additional carved statues, one in front of the main doors and one on the opposite side. The figures appear to be genasi with one standing in a warrior’s pose and weapon at the ready, while the other is clearly a performer, in the motions of strumming a lyre.
Carpet covered stairs lead up to a dais lined and embellished with enough gold to border precariously on the edge of gaudy. The carpet on the stairs matches the same teal as the walls. However, the tapestries that hang in the space between large stained glass windows and the fabric that drapes across the statues share the colors and symbols of the water genasi royal family. A statue of a sand seal stands poised and regal at the bottom of the steps, while a pair of Sivat statues flank the sides of the dais itself. The statues are decorated with intricate patterns that have been decorated with gold.
In the center of the dais sits a throne of refined stone, gold, and luxurious blue and teal fabric. Beautiful carved laurel branches wrap around the top of the throne, floating out from it. A large statue, spanning the height of two stories, stands on either side of the throne. One statue has been painted with dark skin and is adorned with a myriad of gems in all colors. The cloth draped across the statue, however, is only in blue. The other figure is adorned in a crisp tunic painted orange with slicked back hair. Although there are no vibrant gems adorning this statue, there is certainly no lack of gold.
On the second floor, the wooden floors are nearly as polished and reflective as the marble below. The wooden railings are adorned with golden filigree and near perfect latticework. Rich wooden tables with intricate edging and gold lining are arranged near the edges of the space and display decorative vases with flowers and various other trinkets. Like the first floor, the open space of the wall has been filled with tapestries and paintings primarily. The tapestries all seem to be water themed or otherwise relating to the water genasi royal family. The portraits, however, depict all types of genasi – all regally adorned with gems and jewels and lush textiles. Four statues of genasi figures stand near the walls, two on each side of the space.
Above, the beautiful stained glass domed ceiling creates a mesmerizing kaleidoscope effect on the full – a full rainbow of colors that dance, vanish, and appear as clouds, sun, moon, and stars move across the sky.
The Adjacent Gallery Room
Two carved sandstone archways line one of the walls on the second story of the throne room. Within this small adjacent space, there are two notable statues. Tucked in the lower portion of the room is a statue of a regal, jewel-laden water genasi woman. That statue appears to be the newest in the throne room. The statue in the center of the room is oddly styled like a sarcophagus, but also as a stand-alone statue. It is most certainly older than the other statues. A wooden table sports the remnants of refreshments, though they have accumulated flies and a faint odor. The food is half-eaten. In the other corner, there is a bar with a wine rack inlaid in the wall beyond. Opened, yet unfinished wine bottles sit forgotten. Filled and empty glasses are scattered about the bar top.
Report Date
01 Dec 2023
Primary Location
The Sarcophagus in the Throne Room
The odd statue styled like a sarcophagus appeared to depict the air genasi queen, Zephyra. The ruled as regent during the time of the Dread King's War and chose to "betray" Judas and the City of Fortune to side with the rest of the continent. Given the close relationship that once existed between the City of Fortune and the Heart of the Desert... this was not an easy nor a unanimous choice.
The decorations in this hall contrast heavily with this otherworldly cold. The center features threeornate fountains, decorated to resemble wishing wells. Figures have been carved in gold decorated with artistically placed bronze, copper, and silver. In their arms they carry wares, treasure, and ample amounts of gold amidst talismans of luck: wishbones, four-leaf clovers, and more. Water cascades down from the fountain and a twinkle of gold within can be seen. Yet on the wall, three alcoves each host a beautiful, almost ethereal statue of one of the Laurels. In their hands they clutch a wreath of laurels and their garments swirl around them as if they were caught in the middle of a dance. Their likeness is immaculately captured but… as daughters of the God of Creativity, why are they devoid of any and all color?
Two sets of three golden archways mark the entrance to an even bigger hall. At the ends of this hallway are two large, golden statues. Both depict the same subject: a broad-shouldered humanoid man dressed in a fine orange tunic. He is ladened with jewelry and all manner of gold. There is a ring carved on every finger and the ears have been pierced with gold. Slicked back hair rests just above his shoulders. He stands poised with one arm resting across his stomach and the other extended in perhaps a welcoming gesture or greeting.
Before you stands a massive hall adorned with more gold than you have ever seen before. Braziers light the space, casting eerie dancing reflections across the ornate walls. Alcoves on two of the walls each feature a large statue. Each takes an imposing, yet welcoming stance and is adorned with more gold and jewelry than is reasonable, even for someone of noble or royal standing. 10 marble pillars adorned in gold, copper, and brass, support the ceiling – covered in black marble. The pillars themselves have been carved to depict humanoid figures standing strong and proud as they support the weight of the structure… and the Palace above.
The black marble gives way to a patterned floor, ornate and inlaid with even more gold. And at the center, a six-pronged warped star rests – black, cold, and ominous. A pull radiates from it and a cold drifts outward sending a chill up your spine.
Marble steps lead up to a platform and, beyond that, another set leads up even higher. A large altar rests. It is built of refined stone and covered in cold. A black fabric with patterns of violet has been draped across the top. Behind, three statues have been carved into small alcoves. They each seem to represent the same man: Judas.
You can’t miss the skeleton. It’s so out of place it must have been purposefully left there. It dangles precariously over the edge of the small wall encasing the vat of blood. Even in death, one arm remains extended… reaching for the woman. Reaching for Savant Three.
Cahareth
The Hall of Corrupted Fortune
Ethereal lights float through the space, reflecting off the sheer surfaces of glittering gold, brass, and copper. Much of the floor is a shimmering surface of solid black marble lined with tendrils of brilliant gold. Eight large braziers cover the space with fires lit. Despite the flickering flames, there is a coldness that pervades this place. A coldness that settles deep into one’s bones… and rattles one’s soul. It is otherworldly and unsettling.The decorations in this hall contrast heavily with this otherworldly cold. The center features threeornate fountains, decorated to resemble wishing wells. Figures have been carved in gold decorated with artistically placed bronze, copper, and silver. In their arms they carry wares, treasure, and ample amounts of gold amidst talismans of luck: wishbones, four-leaf clovers, and more. Water cascades down from the fountain and a twinkle of gold within can be seen. Yet on the wall, three alcoves each host a beautiful, almost ethereal statue of one of the Laurels. In their hands they clutch a wreath of laurels and their garments swirl around them as if they were caught in the middle of a dance. Their likeness is immaculately captured but… as daughters of the God of Creativity, why are they devoid of any and all color?
Before you stands a massive hall adorned with more gold than you have ever seen before. Braziers light the space, casting eerie dancing reflections across the ornate walls. Alcoves on two of the walls each feature a large statue. Each takes an imposing, yet welcoming stance and is adorned with more gold and jewelry than is reasonable, even for someone of noble or royal standing. 10 marble pillars adorned in gold, copper, and brass, support the ceiling – covered in black marble. The pillars themselves have been carved to depict humanoid figures standing strong and proud as they support the weight of the structure… and the Palace above.
The black marble gives way to a patterned floor, ornate and inlaid with even more gold. And at the center, a six-pronged warped star rests – black, cold, and ominous. A pull radiates from it and a cold drifts outward sending a chill up your spine.
Marble steps lead up to a platform and, beyond that, another set leads up even higher. A large altar rests. It is built of refined stone and covered in cold. A black fabric with patterns of violet has been draped across the top. Behind, three statues have been carved into small alcoves. They each seem to represent the same man: Judas.
Savant Three's Prison
The smell of iron is thick and ever present. Giant glass cylinders contain thick liquid partially dyed in a standard set of colors. The sounds of compression, release, and the escape of air, gas, and steam, fill the room in a synchronized rhythm. The white tiled floors are pristine; the pipes carrying the crimson blood must be damn near perfect, avoiding wasting even a drop. In the center of the room, a stone dam, lined with brass, has been constructed to contain the vat of blood from which a myriad of pipes descend into. In the center, arranged and restrained on a table, angled around 45 degrees, is the unmoving form of a small halfling. Her veins are darkened and bruised from centuries of abuse. Thin tubes have been shoved deep into her arms, forcing her skin to raise in an unnatural fashion. Her clothes are tattered and torn, covered in a thin layer of grime. Some general care must be given to her, given that her clothes have not fallen away, but clearly they do not care enough to ensure she is pristine.You can’t miss the skeleton. It’s so out of place it must have been purposefully left there. It dangles precariously over the edge of the small wall encasing the vat of blood. Even in death, one arm remains extended… reaching for the woman. Reaching for Savant Three.
Comments