Session 29

General Summary

Tomb of Ambarra

Leading the way, Ghilani entered into a room with a floor composed of three colored tiles: teal, blue, and silver. After dodging multiple attacks from spectral swords and dark, water-like tendrils, Ghilani made his way across the room to a teal colored button on the wall. Pressing the button caused the wall to retract and a silver ball of light to appear in the formed alcove. Ghilani attempted to throw the ball to The Widow who then had to step further into the room – getting slapped by a spectral sword – before returning it to the bowls in the other room.

Rani, having received a lesser restoration from Moira, emerged from her calm sadness and calmly made her way into the room. Moira was confused when Rani called her a dodo. Rani barely managed to dive into the room as the door behind her slammed shut.
As small watery figures emerged from grates, Moira and Newt both took flight. Rani and Moira darted into the pantry, quickly realizing that - in Rani's words - this is Varoona's pantry; Chaos is the only rule of organization there. Newt picked up water elementals as they emerged with relative ease. Moira stumbled across tortillas after searching. Ghilani went back to the pantry to help, hurling some taco ingredients over to Moira. As Moira began preparing the taco - steadfastly defended by Rani and Newt – Ghilani found some Cheez Spray in the pantry right before The Widow found what they actually needed: whipped cream. With effective teamwork, The Deep End delivered a taco and coffee to the waiting statue of Ambarra and acquired the third ball of silvery light.

In the final room, the party found a statue of Varoona staring at a phrase on the wall. The Widow appears in the room suddenly. Rani attempted a chaotic performative dance, Newt tried to draw a mustache on the statue, Moira pondered her life, and Ghilani wrote "POOP" on a piece of paper and placed it in Varoona's palm. When Varoona was shown only chaos... the last ball of silver light appeared in her palm.
Descending down after the water dog, the party decided to split. Rani traveled down the path of Varoona, making her way through shimmering water. Ghilania and Newt managed to find their way - blindly and holding hands - through the dark depths of Omen's territory. Moira easily flew past a longsword-lance leapfrog while The Widow took a couple of hits before stumbling to the end.
Reuniting in front of large doors framed by five Hydra heads, the party was attacked by their watery guide who assumed the form of a large water Hydra. Above the door, words were engraved in Elvish:

"In my life, I gave and gave... never an equivalent exchange."

Rani offered her blood, using the swarm to aid her. As her blood dripped into the empty scale, it tipped and a Hydra's head withered. Newt pulled out his bedazzled rapier, placing it on the scale and tipping it. Another Hydra head withered and died. Rani produced her family letters, a crowbar, and a hammer, but the scale didn't quite switch... until Ghilani added his bag of sand and quill. Moira hit a scale with guiding bolt and, coupled with Ghilani's tree illusion, caused the scale to tilt. The Widow scribbled a secret hastily onto a piece of paper and the final head withered and died, dissolving into a puddle of water.
Beyond the door, The Deep End found a tomb... and a beautiful silver sword with inlaid pearls. After debating who was better suited to take the weapon, The Widow eventually touched it and the spectral version of an elf with long hair appeared, reclining and floating in mid-air.

"Is it true? Did that Hydra forget I made him my bitch a long time ago? Are you here to claim my weapon and put Sparky back in his place?"

The only issue... Ambarra doesn't appear to speak Common, only Elvish.
The Deep End departed the tomb... Newt with his pocket slightly heavier with the weight of a secret.

DownTime in Varoona

The Widow and Moira spoke with Denarya about how to connect with their inner spirit. Denarya explained that not all Kalashtar are born with a spirit, but they are all born with the potential to house a spirit. She suggested that they mind link to enhance the meditation process, though she warned that, should a connection be established, all members of the mind link would be privy to it.
Newt spoke with Ghilani about Diavolo. Although he was, and still is, a bounty hunter, he's trying to be a better person and would be willing to try another seance to try and speak with Ghilani's mother. After making a remark about his brimstone odor, Ghilani produced a massive flower that smelled like death, giving it to Newt.
The kids went with The Widow to Port Oceana, where Ghilani implored Captain Faumea to consider releasing Azhi. The Captain said she would consider it if proof can be obtained of "manipulation by Porysis" or if she gives up information on Porysis slave dealings. Even still, Azhi would be released on strict parole.
Newt took Oksha to Dragolee, where they enjoyed a pleasant meal. Oksha seemed somewhat nervous and intent on keeping conversation going. Over dessert, after Newt asked if anything was wrong, Oksha apologized for ruining a good evening - she was very much looking forward to it after all. Earlier that day, she spoke with the High Priest of Ah'Shal... apparently the name Newt gave her is not to spoken as he committed great crimes against' the goddess of death. Oksha did find it odd that the High Priest wouldn't clarify what those crimes were. Given that Ah'Shal is not fond of fiends... Oksha expressed concern for Newt as she cares for him quite a bit. After walking her back to the temple, she asked Newt to lean down so she could get a spirit off his head... she gave him a kiss instead.

Newt told Moira that he stole The Widow's secret and she then demanded that Newt either open it or burn it because she can't have that on her conscience when they mind link again! Newt pretended to burn it and kept the secret, reading it.
The Widow (and Moira) found himself staring at a vaguely familiar place: a river in a jungle. A plain looking woman was crouched over the river doing laundry. The same woman appeared next to him - though looking slightly younger and healthier - smiling.

"You know, it's been a while since we've been reborn as a Kalashtar. It's always pleasant to revisit old memories."
"The god we love is like an inferno... and their ire is equally as searing as their love."

As the male figure placed a hand on the woman's shoulder, The Widow felt a searing heat like nothing he'd ever felt before.
The next night, Moira made a connection and The Widow was taken along. It was cold and dark when a shadowy figure emerged, eyes opening with pupils darker than anything and purple irises.

"You sought me out... do you wish me to go against her wishes? I was... attempting to be gentler."
"They called me The Dread King but... that is not my name. I do not remember my name."

The shadowy figure did not recall who the woman was nor who Olivantha was. When it extended its hand to Moira once again and asked if she would help it remember, Moira recoiled and denied it, twice. It made no move to approach, simply retracting its hand and watching until Moira left. When her eyes opened, they were black as night with charcoal veins underneath her skin. For a minute, The Widow also appeared the same.

Misc: Var'Tempus – News, Rumors, & Gossip, Rani made reservations a Luminscence in Sotto Varoona for her and Ezra, The Widow did additional research on Szere.

Rewards Granted

Having traversed through three layers of puzzles and slap-happy water creatures, The Deep End arrived at Ambarra's tomb and claimed the legendary sword – Varoona's Vengeance – and the spirit of Ambarra that dwells within.

Report Date

20 Jan 2022

Primary Location

City of Varoona Proper

Related Characters

• Ambarra
• Captain Faumea Valdove
• Denarya
• Oksha Ah'Shal