Session 44
General Summary
Returning to Carmen'Két
After speaking with Dr. Conway and advising him to take some "battle archeologists" to the Library of Carmenthia, the Deep End grabbed some grub. Newt spread some vastly different rumors regarding what happened to them before heading out to the Spa and back to Carmen'Két.
The Orchidea Spas are an older feature of the island, but still beautiful nonetheless. The party booked a bath for the evening. On their way, Ghilani noticed and waved to a familiar looking merchant – Kade, one of Kalé's brothers. He mentioned that Kalé had received a "shipment of fruit from a witch up north" and that he's holding some for the "older one" in the group. Although Moira was in a daze, he also mentioned that Kalé received her letter... and has tentatively accepted. Hey, you're no longer on the murder list, but you've only made it to the tolerate list at best.
While enjoying the peace and quiet of the bath, Rani suggested that it may be in the party's best interest to hold her back the next time they meet a god... After Therarask and Lark (and perhaps Ragna), it looks like rough sailing for the rest of the pantheon. And Rani's track record when filling the silence isn't the best, per se. Ghilani was then confronted about "what he did". He told the group about what happened with his mom. He too has seen Ah'Shal's green eyes, but upon fleeing to the flowery fields of Tel'Rhea, also found the statue of Tel'Rhea bleeding and crying as she clutched a corpse.
After morning mimosas (and orange juice for the Widow), the Deep End travelled back to Carmenthia. Ghilani informed Ismera that he'd been thinking about their butt before asking the dragon to check if he was on any Ire list. Ismera was perplexed. Is that what friends do? Think about each other's butts? Very well, they'll consult the Library regarding that matter.
Now back in Carmen'Két, the city seems to have a bit of a spring in its step - a greater sense of urgency. Rumors of odd occurrences in the Fishing Ward and a change in the Director of St. Carmen's flood the streets as locals and tourists alike whisper and talk as they go about their business.
In the Medical Ward, the Deep End waiting for nearly a half hour before speaking with Dr. Corvinus. He offered a small gold payment for their assistance with the blight. The director seems tired and stressed, a look that Ghilani is very familiar with seeing on Dr. Valdove's face. The Director did admit to speaking with Carmenthia and promised to return Dr. Conway's funds when he has a moment.
Olivantha's Dream
There seems to be more to the Director's stress than just the plague. Dr. Corvinus, when prodded, sighed and motioned for the group to follow him. A section of the Medical Ward has been blocked off for "repairs" and, within, lies Olivantha's body. Dr. Valdove weaves a stream of magic over her unconscious body as Denarya stands nearby, holding her daughter's hand. The metal suit has been pried and pealed away from her skin. A closer inspection revealed that it was practically fused with her body – and much of it still is. She is still pale and her breathing shallow, but her veins are no longer black and no discharge leaks from her closed eyes. On the metal suit sits a symbol: a dark, warped 6 pronged star.
Dr. Corvinus revealed that he has spent much of his time here. Multiple regeneration spells to knit his daughter's stomach back... Resurrection to call her soul back... only to watch her convulse and go into shock. Dr. Valdove, however, has a theory: Perhaps something in her mind is causing her body to reject her soul – to reject another change at life. By modifying already existing spells, Dr. Valdove may be able to send people in to help Olivantha deal with whatever is haunting her mind. Be warned, however, that there may be repercussions...
In Olivantha's mind, the buildings and square were vaguely reminiscent of Eredet, but GHilani recognized it as the main square of the University of Eredet. Nearby, Olivantha walked alongside Mario... happy. Until a clawed hand shot through her abdomen, ripping out organs and flesh, blood spraying everywhere. A massive, hulking creature with four arms, contorted elongated legs, and an armored tail stood admiring the blood that coated its arm.
Engaging the creature, it focused on Widow – claws slashing and teeth sinking into the flesh of his shoulder. Later, it rounded on Rani, ripping apart the flesh of her shoulder and eviscerating the flesh of one of her legs. As the creature vanished beyond the scope of Olivantha's memories and figures in robes and white masks approach, the memory shifted.
Newt focused on five figures beyond Olivantha's restrained body. They all wore dark masks with the dark, warped 6-pronged star. By the angle of their masked faces, they seem to be watching the scene before them in silence.
The other four found Olivantha as she took the hand of the Dread King. Rani offered a source of physical comfort. Ghilani reminded Olivanthat that her parents missed her and cared for her, going to great lengths to bring her back. Moira understands how easy it is to take the Dread King's hand. It wasn't you that committed those acts... you can still come back. The Widow understands making a deal to avoid dying as he did the same. You can always come back.
When the Deep End emerged outside Olivantha's conscious... Denarya was in tears... as her daughter's breathing strengthened. As thanks, Denarya offered her weapon to Newt, though he'll have to wait until she completes her own tasks. Dr. Valdove was interested in what the party saw while within Olivantha's memories. When Newt mentioned the figures and the symbol, Dr. Valdove mentioned that – although only a few historical records survive – it may be a symbol of the Dread King, or, more specifically, his servants. This may be good evidence for her father to present to the Council to motivate them to broader action.
Thinking back on the symbol... is the Pirate Lord more connected than initially thought?
Ghilani informed Dr. Valdove about her ancestor potentially being Ambarra. That certainly caught her off guard.
Dr. Valdove requested that the Deep End speak with her before they leave. She may have funding to offer.
Final Days on Carmenthia
The Deep End touched base with Trix aboard the Diving Board. She'll get to work on seeing if she can make the engine more fuel efficient. Make sure you pay the crew!
Newt noticed a flash of vaguely familiar armor – the Bay Guard seems to be "covertly" present in Carmenthia. Ushered quickly on board, the group spoke with Captain Faumea. After pushing her buttons and making light of the current situation, the Captain sent everyone out but Rani and Ghilani. She has no news on pirates, but she promises to keep them informed. She is not planning on engaging in combat in her trip to Caliban. Ghilani asked her to give something to his friend. Captain Faumea promised to return her spellbook, not with a beautiful pressed flower.
What's the best way to find someone? Just yell REALLY LOUD for them until they answer! OStis wandered out of his hut on crutches, confused by the flying tiefling screaming for him. He quickly turned from hesitant to annoyed as the group of four (all but Rani) pressed him on the affair. Once the situation in Oshiv'Ran was mentioned in a more serious tone, Ostis provided information what happened. he seemed dismayed when the group decreed that it was a problem with no solution.
Rani went and found Ah'Shal guy (Angelos). She warned him about the fish situation, which he appreciated. While casually buying himself dinner, he issued a challenge. Although he took his target out ages ago, he's not one to deny adding icing to the cake, so to speak. If the winged one and the flower one wish to have answers, they simply must face him in honorable combat. It would be glorious to deliver their heads and corpses to the Goddesses who despise them.
Widow and Ghilani found Kaleb in a slightly more chipper mood. Widow bought some Eltartem fruit and Ghilani asked about Mary. The Kartus' brothers do have a teal dragon figurine in stock!
After receiving keys and updates from Mary, the group returned to the 4th Ward. Rayen is apparently part of a network that has an interest in eradicating what may remain of the Purifying Ward. The drow was hoping Widow would have more information to assist him as he plans to begin the hunt for this "Doctor" soon, hopefully with Mary's aid.
Report Date
17 Jun 2022
Primary Location
Secondary Location
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