Session 38

General Summary

Aftermath of a Siege...

Slowly, as the sun sets, the city begins to rejoice as the Pirate Lord retreats. Inside the temple, a mother mourns the loss of her daughter, brushing silver-white hair from her face before closing blue eyes forever. Priestesses mourn the loss of their friends, holding their bodies. A priestess embraces the tired, aged High Priestess, sobbing and apologizing in a familiar language. Oksha emerges with a bloodied Markus, clutching her head from the large amount of stimulus. Time, which seemed frozen, begins to move again.

Moira comforted Denarya by simply being there with her. After a few minutes, Moira helped her move her daughter's body from the Temple. Newt and Rani helped Oksha move the bodies to the preparation rooms in the back. On her way out, Rani asked to speak with the High Priestess in the morning. She agreed as she feels she owes them a conversation, at the least. Newt informed Oksha about what happened to Callon. She apologized for not having more information to give. The Widow went and bought cheap alcohol from Carmine. He ended up throwing it off the wall.

Moira spoke with Varoona, who asked her to make a choice: "Would you still like some of my divine mojo? Are you a Caliban-only girl?". Moira is incredibly grateful to Varoona and will always serve her in some way... but she feels that she must continue on the path that fate set before her. For it was Caliban who brought here to her friends in the first place. Varoona seems to agree with Moira's choice. She hasn't spoken to centuries... he hasn't really spoken to anyone, at least not how he has spoken to Moira. Perhaps she can get through to the God of Fate.

Widow felt almost on fire as Therarask's touch seemed to almost burn. "Where and how are you hurt? You foolish, foolish man. Why can't you just run away from danger, for once? I may not have a mortal heart, but that does not mean it cannot strain... or break." Therarask is not pleased that the Widow violated the one rule. They only asked one thing... they've had but one month and you threaten to rip them apart? Do you really love them? The Widow reminded Therarask of the reason they took Therarask's deal in the first place... it was Sylvia that brought them together. Therarask's eyebrow twitched.

Next Steps

The Deep End spoke to the High Priestess. A secret entrance to a stairwell was ripped open and, descending downward, documents and scrolls have been thrown around a secret chamber. At the far end - where a mural once was - is now a gaping hole in the wall. By absence of dust on a platform beyond, it appears that a large, curved, spiked blade was taken. Over the years, detailed information what artifacts were secured behind the walls has been lost, but Thalassa did know of their presence. She suspects it was an item that Varoona acquired after the Dread King's War and deemed fit to be sequestered away. She is alarmed that someone knew of its presence. Her priestesses informed her of the shadow puppeteering the woman of metal... she hopes to speak with the High Lord again. Perhaps measures should be taken to secure areas of religious importance, in case they too house such items that may be at risk.
At the Guild Council, many of the nobles appear to be quite active in organizing efforts to help repair the city and recover from the attack. The High Lord is particularly concerned with the events that transpired and plans to speak with the High Council, but that will take some time. He requested that the Deep End enter into his service. It is beneficial that the party is "one step above being nobodies" as it allows them freedom to move in ways that he, as a High Lord, is unable to. He requested the party do the following:

1. Carmenthia – There is a disease outbreak placing significant pressure on St. Carmen's. He trusts that his daughter can asisst there, but the sooner she returns to her research the better... and the happier she'll be.
2. Caliban – The High Oracle has been silent and there is disagreement among the Dragon Clans regarding how to proceed in choosing their next High Council representative.

In the more distance future, the High Lord may call upon The Deep End to testify in front of the High Dremoran Council. The Widow asked when they would be called to speak - an exact date. Politics, unfortunately, move at a snail's pace. Despite doing this dance for centuries, the High Lord cannot give an exact date. The party asked Widow what he meant by "not being aroudn any more". He discussed the situation with Therarask and they are not pleased. Also, sorry Ghilani, but you may have Therarask's Ire now.
Ghilani and Moira went to speak with Dr. Valdove. On the way, Ghilani  and Moira had a chat. What would you do if someone hurt you? Moira responded that she would first want to know why. And if you already knew the why, she'd make sure they could never hurt her again. Obviously don't just kill indiscriminately. Is this about Volo?

Dr. Valdove has deciphered a journal entry it seems, though it was not what she expected. The journal appears to be not quite sentient, but certainly not inert. Whoever wrote the journal, crafted it in such a way that it would have to be deciphered in order. She then presented the journal and her crude spell to Ghilani, entrusting him with this task. Consider it your dissertation. After asking Moira to leave, Dr. Valdove confided in Ghilani:

Should I pursue this in the vain hope that there is enough of Judas left to restore him and re-balance the pantheon? You lost your mother... and so did I. I'm doing this for her. I have to do this... for her. Else everything else is in vain.

Ghilani reassured her that she was justified in her pursuits. In return, she offered Ghilani the option to select any spells from her spellbook.

Oh and did Cali really go to the front lines in a chain bikini? Probably.

Meanwhile, Widow and Newt went to collect a bounty, getting 3,000 gold for the party. Rani went to Cali's cabana, where she found Cali sorting through the rubble and the Diving Board scratched, but otherwise unharmed. Cali told Rani that it was a gift from Varoona, a spell to make Rani let loose, have some fun, and cause a little bit of chaos. Cali was a bit bored and she understands she can be a bit... off putting to some, so there really is no need to apologize. She agreed to go to Sotto Varoona with Rani; she could use some new friends.
As per tradition at this point, the party converged at Chaos Reigns to receive the bounty funds. Newt got a tattoo - adding to his facial markings. Rani bought the healing potions Four recently brewed. Moira commissioned a tattoo from Five. The Widow got a new sword - this one also possessed by a spirit, albeit not as tangible.
Ghilani was escorted by Five beyond Four's wall of blood, where he found her brewing chamber eerily lit and Four waiting for him.

"Tell me, do you wish to release your soul to embark upon the path of crimson red? To acquire immortality and power beyond what any meager mortal could offer? Do you want to become a blood witch, Ghilani?"

And in the depths of your mind, a feminine voice spoke:

"Is this not what you wanted, dear? If you become a blood witch... you could save me, Ghilani.
And if you save me... well, I've only been here to help and look after you since... well, since the gods stood idly by. How unjust. How unfair. 
I could bring your mother back. You cannot trust the gods, they betrayed you after all... but dear, please trust me."

Ghilani has agreed to embark upon the path of crimson red. Acquire the blood of the premier blood witches 2-10, consume their blood, and then seek out Primus One - the first to walk the path of crimson red. After finishing tattooing Newt, Five tattooed a ring of waves aboard the Diving Board. Once per day, you may attempt to open a connection to Chaos Reigns. If the Principles of Chaos will it... the portal opens.

The Final Days in Varoona

Ghilani and Newt spoke about Ah'Shal. Ghilani - using minor illusion - showed Newt what happened when his mother was killed. He had gone to get a tulip and returned to find her mangled corpse. Red, blood-like threads lifted and supported a distorted semblance of life as Ghilani held onto what remained of his mother. Ghilani doesn't serve a god and he doesn't think Ah'Shal likes him very much either. It seems they both have to watch each other's backs. Though, Newt thinks the cruelty displayed doesn't seem to fit Volo. It shows a rage that Volo normally doesn't have.

Rani spoke with Zephus, inquiring about where he plans to go (or stay) as he seems happy in Varoona. He thanked her for bringing him here, but he believes he can't run anymore. He plans to travel with Ezra's troupe to Lark'Hal. He's not sure he'll go back to the city, but perhaps he'll visit the moving art sea. Rani left the locusts with Zephus to paint and, after many hours of work, gave Zephus two portraits: one of him in Varoona and one of him in the desert around a fire. Rani asked Desiree for her approval in seeing Ezra. As Lady Amalia, her cold, haughty demeanor faded. She cares for her son's happiness and Rani makes him happy. For what it is worth, she gives her approval. Ezra accepted Rani's gift gladly. He'll keep it close to his heart for she's been perhaps his greatest happiness. But he cannot deny the call of business. He will travel with the troupe to Ragna (and keep an eye on Zephus), but once there he will remain. Rani then partied in Sotto Varoona, sending her unexpected apology to the Goddess of the sea.

Newt brought Moira with him to speak with Lady Von'Della. Although still grieving, she seems to be very much all business upon arriving. When Newt affirmed that he planned to seek out Ravana, she offered to adopt him to aid in his quest. A noble title would certainly open doors that otherwise would have remained locked. Newt later spoke with Oksha. Although she's never really had ambitions, perhaps it is time she return to Ah'Shal to continue on the path to priestess... and find information. Although she is doing this for Newt, it is not all out of the goodness of her heart. Her faith has been shaken and she needs answers before she dedicates her life to a Goddess she cannot trust.


Moira entrusted the twins to Cali and she promises that they will make it safely to Caliban. At night, near the tides, Moira prayed to Caliban. She felt the god's presence. As the tides froze, she watched a faint illusion of a silver-haired woman, dressed in simple robes, walking beside a kalashtar man, hair pulled back at the nape of his neck. Widow had a seamstress make an outfit. What a pleasure it was to bring to life a design by Arabellan!


As the sun began its descent on the 28th of Var'Tempus, the Deep End gathered - alongside Denarya and the still metal-clad body of her daughter – as Dr. Valdove teleported them to Carmenthia...

Rewards Granted

For agreeing to enter into High Lord Aedric Valdove's service, The Deep End received a badge - bearing the Valdove family crest and the High Lord's signature - as well as 2,000 gold. 
For turning in "Meera's" head, the party received 3,000 gold.

Report Date

15 Apr 2022

Primary Location

City of Varoona Proper

Related Characters

• Ah'Shal
• Atu Szeme
• Auntie Four
• Bella Five
• Caliban
• Calypso "Cali" Valdove
• Denarya
• Desiree
• Dr. Serene Valdove
• Ezra Tuz'Vi'Har
• High Lord Aedric Valdove
• Lady Eirina Von'Della
• Lark
• Layali & Leyla
• Oksha Ah'Shal
• Therarask
• Varoona
• Zephus

Ghilani

As you sit in your trance at night, you find yourself seated in a familiar room. Dusty, smog-filled air surrounds you, the shutters doing little to keep it out. The familiar, slightly younger face of your mother leans over you, lips pursed and brows furrowed, as she seems to be concentrating. With the lightest laugh, she leans back in her seat, lowering her hands... she holds a needle of sorts in one and a well of golden liquid in the other. 
"Ghilani, try and sit still! You don't want wobbly lines on your face, do you?" She smiles. "Believe me, if I could, I'd take you to an expert. She excels at tattoos like these, you know." She laughs and grabs your cheek. "But alas, you're stuck with me I'm afraid, so try and sit very still."
And she returns to drawing gold lines on your forehead. For a moment, you swear she looks... sad.

Newt

You find you sleep restlessly. No matter how you curl up and no matter how many blankets you find... it's cold. When you do sleep, it is only for brief moments. Yet, during one... you dream. The black smoke swells with eerie green extending above Callon's body, forming a large figure of smoke, eyes glowing green.
"Granting you death is more mercy than you deserve." The figure lifts a shadowy scythe, readying it to swing...
...before dissipating as a blue tiefling walks through, crouching besides the body. "You will find no mercy in the arms of the Lady of Death, I'm afraid." When Ravana stands, you see a dark blue - vaguely familiar - tent beyond. Ravana enters, vanishing into the darkness of the tent before the darkness consumes you as well.

Rani

You find yourself amidst the desert sands. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the air against your face as you ride a sand seal through the rolling dunes. The locust swarm around you before surging ahead, dipping through paintings, structures, statues, and more pieces of art erected amidst the dunes. 
You follow the swarm until they reach a massive golden dragon, curled at the base of a enormous sprawling tree bearing golden fruit. The dragon's eyes open and its head lifts. The locusts dance between the large spines on its back and dip between its wings as they unfurl.
"Our conversation was perhaps cut short, though unplanned on my part. Thank  you fo restoring the spark of creativity and confidence to my- to Zephus. But perhaps more than that, you've brought art into being yourself. Would you accept a gift?"
The dragon lifts its hand and places a single talon to your forehead. "A tiny spark of inspiration is a powerful thing. Do continue to bring art into this world... for how quickly it may fade." And the statue is swallowed by the dunes.