Session 23

General Summary

Waking up on the roof of Cali's Cabana, Newt had another close encounter of the ghostly kind. At the end of the roof sat a translucent humanoid figure dressed in the familiar crisp, but simple, uniform of the many mage inspectors of the factories in Ah'Shal. After casually asking "Whatcha doing there bud?" (because this is totally normal), the figure slowly turned... Their head seemed to hover an inch above their neck, a clean decapitation. As the sun emerged over the top of a building, the figure vanished in the bright lay of light. Congratulations though! You have a skill proficiency!
In the kitchen of Cali's Cabana, The Widow grilled Ghilani on his competence in a possible fight and attempted to determine if the cuts on his hand were self-inflicted or not... does the Widow have... CoMpEtItIoN!?!?
Rani asked to speak with Newt... who conveniently also needed to speak with Rani. The two left to go paint a name on their ship: "The Diving Board" – very fitting for a group called The Deep End. Rani thanked Newt for taking time to speak with Zephus and helping him come out of his shell. Her words didn't seem to get through to him, but she's glad that whatever Newt said helped Zephus find some sense of self-worth and validation. Newt asked Rani for advice... for a bit now, he's been talking to Oksha and she may have mentioned wanting to see the ocean. Newt wanted to know if it was "too much" to go out of his way to find a means for her to see... He's never liked someone before. Rani assured him that, often, it's about the feeling and the intention behind the gift rather than the gift itself.
Moira told Ghilani about the situation with Rhea... he immediately wrote another letter to Serene.
The Widow, Ghilani, and Moira headed to Chaos Reigns, taking note of a large outflux of laborers. It seems they're going up north to help lay the tracks for the Iron Arrow: a technological marvel that will connect the north (Eredet) to the jewel of the south (Varoona).
Entering Chaos Reigns, Ghilani was immediately jump-scared by an illusory shark. Auntie Four seemed interested in Ghilani. The Widow telepathically asked if Four knew if Ghilani was associated with blood magic in any way to which Auntie Four simply asked Ghilani, who responded affirmative. After taking a small blood sample from Ghilani, she seemed quite intrigued and her mood lifted. As Five passed by, she made a passing comment about Ghilani's tattoo. It must have been an "act of desperation", before she apologized and excused herself.
When Newt and Rani arrived, Rani almost immediately asked Four what was wrong with Moira. Four seemed positively delighted at the prospect of "playing doctor" after so long. She escorted Moira up to her station and began drawing a relatively large blood sample, while she grilled the young cleric on symptoms: hunger, cold, hallucinations, other unexpected changes? When Moira happened to mention that a couple people had mentioned "seeing things" or that she looked odd, Four grabbed a potion, chugged it, and affirmed that Moira looked fascinating now. After calling Bella Five over to sketch what they could see using truesight and running the bloodwork... it seems that – with 75% certainty – Moira may be "possessed" by a itty-bitty, teensy-weensy, tiny fraction of the Dread King. And, according to Four, its been there for more than a couple months... its been there for around two decades.
How are Four and Five so certain? They've both been alive for quite a long time... They've both lived thousands of years in their lifetime (or multiple lifetimes). When you live so long, your memory tends to favor the things that matter most... like the one you love, but still, they have faint memories of historical events. The two blood witches had just gotten to Varoona and were settling in when the Dread King's forces laid siege to the city. Of course, they didn't partake in the skirmish. After all, why would you fight for a people who not too long ago had tried to eradicate your kind? (Don't worry, Four is bout 60% over it). But there was a unique sensation that day and, although faint, it feels similar to whatever has wormed its way alongside Moira's heart.
Removing this fragment would be unwise. Four could attempt it, yes, but does the party wish to risk Moira's life? If removing it is of dire importance, Four suggested speaking with an actual trained healer: someone from Carmenthia or perhaps the Princess of Sotto Varoona when she returns from her studies there? Either way, Four didn't seem concerned... but rather, quite curious. It seems to be living symbiotically with Moira... at least, for now.
Ghilani asked Bella Five what she meant about the tattoo. As the premier magical tattooist, Five can recognize the craft easily. Ghilani's tattoo is of magical origin and whoever gave it to him, must have loved him very deeply... Five allowed Ghilani to give her a hug.
Newt asked Four about a potion to allow Oksha to see through his eyes. The blood alchemist seemed interested in the prospect of experimenting with such a potion and will work on developing something... though she did suggest keeping in mind that there will be a price (she runs a business, not a charity, after all). Whether you choose to pay in gold or goods is up to you... Four is interested in acquiring monster parts (of course), any magical items to give to Vith for materials (she likes to keep him happy), or the blood from a pirate captain... she can find uses for that.
Callon arrived, at Newt's request, to do a blood test... and CONGRATULATIONS! You're half-brothers! Cue confetti poppers! Of course, Callon's mother is an elf... but Newt's mother was definitely a tiefling, according to Four.
With the entire party present, Callon informed the party that scouts found evidence of explosives being detonated near the site where the River Leviathan must have emerged from. After speaking with the Chaos Reigns clerk, it seems the explosives they sold to Chaos Reigns have been sold to the representatives overseeing the construction of the Iron Arrow. They were sold relatively recently. They don't keep track of the chaos their products may cause once it leaves the grounds of the store.
Callon also asked if anyone would like their opinion to be made known to the Guild Council... through his mother of course. The Council is trying to resolve how to allocate resources and Callon trusts and respects the Deep End's opinion.

1. Allocate resources to rebuild the wall – though Callon notes that the blood witches have offered their services to rectify this in place of the Guild Council.
2. Build the biofuel refinery outside of Sotto Varoona - to provide a consistent fuel source to upgrade the Bay Guard navy to the standards of the North.
3. Send additional resources to Port Oceana to assist with repairs and new ships
4. Send additional resources and workers to implement security measures for the Iron Arrow.

Rani mentioned not trusting anything related to Ah'Shal and it seems Ghilani is from there originally.
After buying some potions, the party departed Chaos Reigns.
The Widow went to find a crew and generally spend the rest of the day working out in the Bay learning to sail.
The rest of The Deep End met with Ezra at Cali's Cabana... after slapping a homemade sign that simply said "Business" on Cali's study door, Rani gave Ezra one more kiss before the interrogation began. After Ezra signed the NDA, Rani began by presenting the map and the diary. She was on a research expedition in the Wasteland when she fell into some ruins. It was there she found the map and diary and shortly thereafter, the swarms found her. Ghilani touched the map... and nothing happened. It is an old map though. Ghilani attempted to comprehend languages on the diary, but it seems that the diary isn't written in any language... appears that it might need a cipher. After failing to stealthily pocket the diary, Ghilani said Serene told him to keep it safe.
Ezra is part of what he calls the "Rose" Collective. He stated multiple times that he is the lowest on the totem pole as he joined the organization relatively recently. He very much is only responsible for "on the ground" information collecting jobs. The splinter cell that he works for is primarily tasked with keeping the entire continent safe all from the secrecy of the shadows. Those in power should pay for their failings, but it should not be at the cost of the livelihood of the common folk. He does not know any other members (including his handler), though many of them are performers, socialites, celebrities, and other "beautiful" individuals.
The Collective ordered Ezra to find the location of and information on "Meera", who was once a member of his organization who went AWOL. He's been unable to find any information on Meera, which may suggest that she's either very engrained in her persona(s) or she's not actually within the city walls. It is possible that one of the pirate captains may know more.
He emphasized that all of what he revealed needed to be kept secret, for his sake and for his usefulness to the party. Technically, by speaking so openly with them, he has already been compromised. If the Collective found out and agreed... he could be forced to leave Varoona and go deep underground for a time.
The Deep End then info-dumped EVERYTHING on Ezra, including the cannibalistic unnatural animals, everything that has occurred with Olivantha, and Moira even confessed to being infected by the Dread King... maybe. Ezra was quite alarmed by Olivantha's involvement, especially if the party is correct that the Dread King - or remnants of him at least - are involved. If the Dread King is returning - even as a fragment of it's former self - his organization would very much be interested in eradicating the pest before it becomes a problem. He advised Moira to keep her condition on the down low... for if the Collective saw it as the best course of action for the greater good, they would not hesitate to eradicate her... and they are lethal. Ezra promised to pass along information to his handler and hopefully provide The Deep End with information in return. Hopefully, they can be of mutual benefit to one another.
Newt asked Ezra to also obtain additional, more personal, information: Atu Szeme. Newt wishes to speak with him.
With business complete, Rani sent a flood of joy and happiness to Ezra, gave him a kiss, and he wished her good luck hunting pirates before they parted ways. Rani met with Noel who simply wished to apologize for her absence and for breaking her promise to meet up later. Perhaps they can get drinks when Rani returns from hunting pirates.
On the morning of the 18th, the party set sail on "The Diving Board" with the party attempting to learn how to sail before inevitably deciding just to talk after Moira got caught in the ropes. Moira and Rani inquired about Ghilani's tattoo and he said he received it from his mother as a traditional that all children receive. The tattoo is based on his name, where Ghilani means "to help" or "to guide" and Avhenon means "hearts of sorrow". According to his name, Ghilani was meant to help others. When asked about his mother, Ghilani lied, but the group picked up on the fact that his mother, Marethari is dead. When a blue dragonborn was mentioned, Ghilani seemed perturbed. He muttered something under his breath in elvish: "The Devil in Death's Shadow". Ghilani seemed disturbed by the party's recent interactions with Diavolo.
Also... Ya doing okay Moira?
A group of Keresello scouts scaled the boat about midday and informed the party that they had tailed a ship leaving the bay a couple of days ago: The Cobra's Envy. They got too ambitious though... the ship is capable of releasing a green fog. They struggled to breathe, but the effect seemed to vanish once they sunk back into the water.
After spending the day aboard The Diving Board – some learning to sail – with winds in their favor, The Deep End and crew arrived in Port Oceana as the sun began to set. Since their last visit, the Port has been repaired and the ships no longer sinking between the floating docks. Many of the vessels are once again prepared for battle, some are still being repaired, and preparations are being made to construct new vessels for the Bay Guard fleet.
As Newt disembarked the vessel, the sending stone pulsed with warmth:

"Newt... Silvercove attacked. No death, but the shroud hangs heavy. Taking hostages? Pirates?"
There is a pause for a few seconds.
"I hear a male voice yelling commands. I've lost Markus."
A shaky inhale and exhale.
"I tried."

Newt, now somewhat panicked, urged the party to quickly locate Captain Faumea. It took only a bit of searching to find the Captain of the Port. She took The Diving Board – with the intention to begin the promised upgrades – and in return granted them some command over the fleet she is currently able to spare: 2 brigantines equipped with rams and two sloops. She also was able to acquire a vial of antitoxin for each of them.
After having the crew sail over night, the party arrived in Silvercove shortly after sunrise on the 19th. Silvercove is a small fishing village currently showing obvious signs of recent attack. The party immediately scoped out someone who seemed somewhat in charge. The villager informed them that a green fog moved over the horizon around sundown the previous day and the next thing they knew... there were pirates, Yuan Ti, swarming the beach. There was a young Yuan-Ti woman who was staying with the village... she went to help someone who fell. The villager is certain she was taken hostage.
Newt happened across a familiar sending stone with a chip in it. Oksha's sending stone.
Rani pulled out the map and spoke Oksha's name... the current trajectory faded and reformed pointing straight out into the Southern Sea.
Time to hunt down Captain Porysis Sozsatos and the Cobra's Envy.

Rewards Granted

Port Oceana appears to be back in (somewhat) working order. The Deep End left their newly christened vessel (The Diving Board) in the hands of Captain Faumea, who owes the party 2,000 gold worth in upgrades for taking down the creature terrorizing the fortress town.

Report Date

11 Nov 2021

Primary Location

City of Varoona Proper

Secondary Location

Port Oceana

Related Characters

• Auntie Four
• Bella Five
• Callon Von'Della
• Captain Faumea Valdove
• Ezra Tuz'Vi'Har
• Noel, Champion of Ragna's Coliseum & Princess Elect
• Oksha Ah'Shal
• Olivantha