Session 33
General Summary
We Don't Talk about... "Meera"
Rani, Newt, and Ghilani followed the captured assassin back to her new cell at the Bay Guard complex where they then proceeded to interrogate her regarding the events that occurred onboard the Iron Arrow. Although she goes by many names, the captured assassin offered up one: Hilda. She was involved with the whole affair for money. The primary target was the High Lord, but... there also was a 100 gold prize for each of the Deep End's heads. Modest, but still a price. After giving vary little regarding the Pirate Lord and Olivantha - "take it up with "Meera" - Rani used the locusts to threaten her, cutting off her airways. It seems that "Meera" is more of a title than an individual person... a title held by whoever wears the mask. Hilda has worked with two "Meera's". Their methods of communication vary, but what does it matter... she's useless now; her execution is inevitable.
Newt believes it could prove advantageous to release Hilda - under the pretense of an orchestrated "escape" - so that she could be used to provide information. He conveyed this idea to the High Lord, who agreed to consider the proposition. He, too, would like the leader of his assassination attempt brought to justice... but he has other resources from which he can pull from and a duty to his people. Justice should be served for those who perished in the attack.
Meanwhile, The Widow and Moira (with Trix) sought out Denarya and informed her that her daughter is most likely dead and that they plan to go after her in the morning. Denarya seemed incredibly distraught and upset by the news, getting snappy and agitated with The Widow. You need to rest? Are you pleased with delivering this news to a mother and asking her to do nothing but sit and ruminate on it? Moira cast sending to Olivantha, hoping to perhaps get some answer... after the spell seemed to be distorted for a moment, it arrived and a family, deep voice responded. It claims that the party did not fight "this vessel".
I will decimate you... Bye.Setting out in the morning, Rani used the map to try and find Olivantha... it attempted to plot multiple paths but could not seem to "converge" onto one. A similar result was obtained for "Olivantha's body". While traveling, Ghilani attempted divination... and received a cryptic response. They're going to find a part of her, but it's not her and never was? And Newt showed off his new gunning skills to Denarya who seemed mildly amused. After arriving on the crushed remains of what once was a pristine arcane skiff, Denarya was equally frustrated and relieved to find that the corpse was not her daughter's. Trapped and pinned beneath the mangled corpse of the skiff was a lithe figure covered in torn and stained black leathers with a black mask, now cracked exposing white skin, white eyes with no pupils, and strands of pale white hair. And... part of her spine appears to have been ripped out... it seems "Meera" has perished. Ghilani detected faint traces of lingering magic originating from the skiff, not surprisingly, and also from the gaping hole in the changeling's spine. Something there was once magical. Moira also noticed familiar black veins originated from the missing part of her spine and radiating outward slightly before fading to normal. Before departing back to the ship, Trix managed to collect some scrap material that may be useful later on. Aboard the Diving Board once again, Ghilani consumed "Meera's" blood in order to ask her a handful of questions. Is something missing from her back? Did she have something put there... yes. Really good questions you have there. Rani had a deep talk with Denarya. If she must be mad at someone, then be made at her. She took the shot thinking it could have been Olivantha... and she'd do it again. Rani was taught to think of the greater good. Denarya is insistent that she be the one to make the call whether or not her daughter needs to be killed for the "greater good". After conveying what occurred during her most recent sending to Olivantha, Moira thinks it might be worth it to try and speak with the Dread King within her again. Rani somewhat agrees, but if Olivantha has ended up fragmented... she doesn't want the same thing to happen to Moira. Is it worth the risk for information? Meditating during the evening, Widow was able to see a glorious, opulent, and almost gaudy interior of a building lined with gold and filled with courtesans, escorts, and prostitutes tending to guests of varying races, sizes, and dress. A spectral figure of a changeling appeared - androgynous, a coy expression on their face. Welcome to Pleasure Row. During the late morning of the 17th, the party arrived back in Varoona Proper.
In the Days Before the Games
While walking through the streets of Varoona one day, Newt spoke with Moira about how they both have "evil stuff" going on and perhaps they should take a trip away from everyone to try and take care of "evil stuff" together. You know, between Newt's dad and Moira's... whatever she's got going on there. Do you think it would be a good idea to talk to it again? Though, we don't want you fragmented... also, by the way, probably going to call my dad. Should we get a their opinion? After Newt said he'd prefer to avoid any finger waggin, Moira suggested speaking to Ghilani.
Rani was immediately pulled right back into the swing of rehearsals as she prepares to participate in the Theater's events during the Namakan Games. The swarm seems to be making progress in terms of the art department. Marigold is very pleased. Ezra, however, seems skittish around his mother, ducking backstage when the prima donna is on stage.
Ghilani, after asking first, took a vial of the Widow's blood... and later took some from Moira.
The twins announced their arrival in Varoona by attempting to hit Moira with a cream pie to the face. As always, they're in the mood for some mischief and were thrilled to see the city to see the sights... and look for potential targets. After showing them the temple and heading out, a large blue dragonborn moved through the crowd in pursuit of his quarry... it seems Diavolo is back in town. Newt caught up with him as he promptly took care of the elven man attempting to flee. He's in town for the Games – always a lot of bounties hanging around. Figured he could swing through.
Moira booked it back to Cali's (with Newt on her tail) to tell Ghilani that Diavolo is here if he wants to lay low. Ghilani, as expected, turned pale as a sheet. The twins, on the other hand, think pranking him is a great idea.
Zephus has finished painting the ceiling mural in the Temple with a depiction of the current High Priestess now interwoven into it. He seems very proud of himself and is getting more comfortable with his physical appearance. He invited Rani, and Newt, to the Blue End Galleon to celebrate finishing his painting job.
Oksha notified Newt of her return, though she must visit the crematorium before returning to the city Proper. Newt immediately went over there to hang out. He apologized to Markus who didn't seem too perturbed as, "She's blind, I just walk far enough away." Meanwhile, Captain Faumea sent a missive to Ghilani informing him that she is considering parole for Azhi. If she shows willingness and a drive to topple the empire she helped build... perhaps she can earn her freedom back. Serene also sent word, via hawk, to Rani that Marcella (and Tatya) have returned from the Wasteland and will be in Lark'Hal for some time before setting out once again.
The 2136 YAR Namakan Games Orca Orcademy Graduation
Ezra and Rani grabbed breakfast before going to his reserved seats atop one of the building along the Beach, overlooking the Bay. It seems many of the nobles have boxes set up here as well, including the High Lord. The rest of the Deep End (and friends) were one by one carried to the roof of the Temple to watch the Opening Ceremonies.
At the Temple, illusions of sea creatures spilled forth from the temple followed by priestesses and acolytes, dressed in their traditional robes. After a few minutes of a dazzling display, 11 figures emerged form the Temple, including some familiar faces: Celtra Hylandria, Lady Eirina Von'Della, and... Bert, in his finest loincloth. Last to depart the Temple is the High Priestess escorted by the High Lord. After placing a large pearl in the hand of the statue of Varoona in the Temple Square, the High Lord announced the start of the games...
...and a heavy drumbeat began. The shadows of ships take form in the Bay. Something explodes off the deck of the flagship, rocketing up in an arch over the city, before slowly beginning to fall on the beach. The bombs explode in a flash of color, soaking tourists and locals alike. Ezra and Rani both grew feather beards and Rani plucked one of Ezra's feathers to place in her hair. Everyone on the Temple roof levitated 6 inches off the ground, had a cycling skin tone of various colors, double vision, and lost 3 pounds. Newt also saw everyone within 30 feet of him as the opposite gender for a bit.
A portal appeared on the Bay, allowing multiple ships to spew forth. The barrage of color bombs stops as they ships begin engaging in combat. In the square, a figure clad in dark armor appears near the statue, engaging in choreographed dance with each member of the Guild Council until the High Priestess sends him back into the Sello River. As the ships retreat to the docks, the Opening Ceremonies draws to a close.
In the evening, the Deep End excitedly attended Orca Orcademy graduation. King Dorephan himself even made an appearance to mark the start of a long procession of whales - of varying sizes, colors, and shapes - escorting all of the graduates from the senior class to the floating docks near the statue of Ambarra. After a lull in the onslaught of whales, Jeramy arrived riding a massive whale covered in bioluminescent creatures of all kinds.
...And Jeramy delivered perhaps a slightly unexpected Valedictorian Speech:
"So I worked hard for it, I sacrificed for it; I did extracurriculars, stressed, and yes... beat up a pirate lord, and I got it." "15 seconds of yeah I won. 15 seconds of being at the top of the pile of all my accomplishments, and it felt euphoric... but there always is a 16 second. And on that 16th second, I sat down in my seat. I looked at my silver sash that says valedictorian and I thought... that's it? What just happened? Why am I not feeling anything else." "I realized that the stress of this year for this goal and a five-minute speech was paid for with the lack of attending to relationships in my life. Well, lesson learned and self-reflection accomplished." "Friends we are about to launch into life and we haven't messed anything up yet!" "It was your career you chose over your spouse. Instead of the games and sports, it's money that you pursue at the detriment of your children. It's striving to be famous at the expense of time with your friends because now you're too self-involved." "I can't imagine if I learned this at 60 like a friend I know or at the end of my life." "Relationships are where we get to influence, impact, and change people's lives. Your life cannot be meaningful without them, and I believe we are here to help each other and we all have a purpose to advance our society so that all may be safe." "If you have not begun to pursue the path of self-care, just do it."
After Jeramy's speech, a lot of conversations happened. Maybe Ghilani should confront Diavolo rather than hiding from him! He's really a good guy! Sure, he was a bit harsh growing up, but he saved me from being an orphan! Rani doesn't see what would come of that conversation. Ghilani doesn't seem to be interested in talking with the blue lizard. Moira thinks its a neat thought experiment.
Also, did Moira break Jeramy's heart or something by not talking to him enough? He talked a lot about relationships.
Newt mentioned that he died and Oksha wanted to hear about that right away, seemingly very taken aback. When the party described what hapend to Newt upon his death... Oksha froze. Are you sure there was green in the smoke? Oksha summoned Erebus... before solemly pulling away from Newt. Are ou aware of those who have incurred the Ire of a god?
Newt, you've incurred the ire of the Goddess of Death.
Report Date
17 Feb 2022
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