Session 45
General Summary
Leaving the Island
Debating the merits of fighting "Ah'Shal guy", Rani and Moira went to gather more information from Angelos. Prior to getting too close, Moira noticed an invisible set of feathered wings, neatly folded on his back. When asked more details on the fight, Angelos emphasized that he is an honorable man, but if they were to act dishonorably, he is more than happy to return in kind. The fight, of course, will be 2 on 1 and he will aim to kill. Moira didn't notice any invisible animal companion or any companion for that matter... which Executioners tend to have. Newt and Ghilani were still indecisive, electing to make their final decision... later.
In the Medical Ward, the Deep End checked in with Dr. Valdove. She handed over 4,000 gold. Prof. Dunebrook was successful in acquiring the grant she was after and hopes that these funds will support Rani (and Ghilani's) efforts in pursuing her research goals. With the money (and advice regarding Angelos) given, Dr. Valdove pulled Ghilani aside to speak. She suspects that there is another binding crystal near Carmenthia. She plans to find it and will attempt to reinforce its binding. If her theory holds, it would resolve the plague issue... however, it would be only a temporary solution. The permanent solution would involve breaking them and eradicating what lies beyond. She asked Ghilani to keep an eye out for more of these crystals and to keep her up to date on any journal related discoveries. Good luck.
Meanwhile, Widow asked if Olivantha's status should be conveyed to someone. Denarya promptly said no. She believes it is still too much of a risk. The Widow is free to let the information loose when that creature's head is removed from its body.
The Deep End then split up. Concerned by what Dr. Valdove had said of Caliban, Rani went to get some further information on the region. Widow went to make arrangements with the crew, hoping to secure their employment for the next trip and foreseeable future. The remaining trio hunted down Mary and spoke with the head of the creature they found in the Purifying Ward. The Doctor headed to the north of the after escaping the Purifying Ward and, while always wearing a mask with a modulated voice, it was always a male tone. Mary plans to head out shortly using the information she's received as a start to hunt down and eradicate what may remain of the Purifying Ward. Perhaps their paths will cross again in the future.
As the sun began to set, the Deep End took to the Diving Board to set sail. Newt sent his dad another message informing him that he was in route to Caliban and provided his ETA and then later sent to Diavolo asking if (1) their conversation could be kept between the two of them, (2) if he knew Angelos, and (3) are you an executioner? Diavolo thought Newt knew... but yes, he's one of Ah'Shal's executioners. Also fond of sending, Moira checked in with Ezra on Rani's behalf. He's doing well at Ragna's Coliseum.
Moira also happens to love scrying. Zephus appears to be happily painting amidst the sounds of an eager crowd as figures covered in armor, dirt, grime, and blood pass through the periphery. And then Moira saw a creepy figure in a mask as he approached a table where two masked figures were promptly working at removing a humanoid's limb. The masked figure seemed to notice the scry and promptly dismissed it.
Ghilani worked on deciphering the journal and was able to make some progress. Ismera informed Ghilani that he DOES have the Ire of Tel'Rhea and, although not listed on Ah'Shal's, you're not doing great there either... and getting OFF that list involves a lot of groveling.
Moira then asked "Hey Caliban" and he didn't respond... until a massive creature came hurling at their boat after the sun had set that evening. Auriga Fél is a massive bronze dragon who introduced himself as the Greatwyrm of the Stars. He received a dream that informed him to travel and take Moira (and friends) to Caliban.
And once again The Deep End left the Diving Board in the hands of the crew... as they took to the skies on the back of Auriga, flying at speeds that made even the stars blur.
Arriving in Caliban
As promised, Auriga delivered The Deep End to his cliffside perch above the entrance to Dragontide Bay. Once they dismounted, the bronze dragon curled up around the cliffside and resumed his statue-like position gazing over the Bay down below. A group of bronze dragonborn met the party and directed them to the processing office in Fél's Hold, the Moon Guard Navl base within the bay.
The interior of the Hold's Processing Office is immaculate and pristinely organized. When half of the party provided incredibly vague answers for where they would be staying, the office worker suggested Moonlight Horizons. Widow was stopped regarding the boat he mentioned. If you plan on docking and keeping it here, you'll need higher approval... this is a military base first and foremost after all.
A few minutes later, the door to the office was kicked open by none other than Cali Valdove, hauling a lean bronze dragonborn with her. After calling out to just approve the boat, Cali led the Deep End back to the Bronze Queen, the flagship of the Moon Guard navy... and Cali's current tanning spot. Her bronze dragonborn companion introduced himself as Nadeen, son of the Grand Admiral. Given the recent skirmish that broke out (killing the original Gold and Blue contender for the High Council position), he was sent away from the New District.
After issuing a general warning about the Laws of the region and the more temperamental nature of some of the Clans, Nadeen mentioned that the following four individuals are the current frontrunners for the High Council position:
- The Grand Admiral of the Moon Guard, of the Bronze Dragon Clan
- Cyra of the Gold Dragon Clan and daughter of Parvathian the Gold
- Mencius of the Black Dragon Clan
- Vetulátos of the Green Dragon Clan
He issued a final warning to Rani: keep a close eye on your Kalashtar friends. Many of the Dragon Clans have a high... fondness for their race.
Cali provided some additional gossip. Supposedly, the green (Suyin) and blue (Sephora) dragon clan leaders are on very good terms. However, Cali's heard a rumor that their both ACTUALLY vying for each other's throats. Departing the Bronze Queen, Newt let Cali know how happy he was to see her. Serene may be the smart one, but Cali's the clear favorite.
While traveling the mountain path to the New District, a buddy system was implemented... and then immediately threatened as, upon arriving, two members of the party felt compelled to seek out a dark blue tent at the base of the High Oracle's temple.
Four out of the Five party members made it to Moonlight Horizons, a quaint bakery along Porcelain Avenue. The owner, Kaili, recognized Moira and seems to be on good terms with Yue. She offered free mooncakes and a night in her upper rooms free of charge. Anything for one of Yue's! While Moira went up to help Kaili set up the rooms and Widow and Rani left in pursuit of a missing Newt, Ghilani was left to man the counter. He looks like a smart young boy.
Upon entering a dark blue tent, Newt suddenly regained his previous memories of this tent... and immediately recognized the tiefling who turned to great him. Ikaris apologized for his secrecy and perhaps "shady" behavior upon their first meeting, but it was a necessary safety precaution against the Lady of the Dead. Unfortunately, he won't be much use to Atu if he's dead. After detecting Newt's arrival in Caliban, he summoned him here to assist with an important task: rescuing one of Newt's half-siblings from the White Maw. Sage, the granddaughter of Jahdiel the White and leader of the White Dragon Clan, was sent into the Maw - the lair of white dragons that live below the estate. Given that his mission is to ensure the safety of Atu's children – the one's that are still alive anyway – he is unwilling to trust Sage's safety to the Maw. He would ask Newt to retrieve her. Ikaris is mostly confident that he could keep her safe from the prying eyes and ears of Ah'Shal. As Newt asked about speaking with his father, Newt and Rani arrived... regaining their memories of their time in the tent.
Meanwhile, as Ghilani was tending to the counter, a regal silver dragonborn walked in. She gave a parting glance at Ghilani before taking a seat at one of the corner tables. When approached, she introduced herself as Diviner Two - or Luna, whichever you prefer. She asked if Ghilani would be willing to have his fortune read. It seems that another weaver has meddled in his tapestry of fate, but she still offered the following fortune:
Two's Fortune for Ghilani: The key to your future lies in your past. What do you believe? And what do you know? Who are you, Ghilani, and where do you come from?Two then explained that she serves the Lunar Queen, a silver greatwyrm who slumbers from atop her Spire in the Old District. She is aware of what Ghilani wants from her and is willing to comply... provided Ghilani do something for her in exchange. Its very simple really. You simply must ascend the mountain and convince the Moon to leave his Temple. You must then seek the Vengeance of Karma and pluck a scale from his hide. Then, and only then, might the Lunar Queen awaken. Diviner Two mentioned that either Jahdiel the White or the White Maw may know where the Vengeance's lair is as it has denied all of her divination attempts. Ikaris lit nearly a hundred candles before pulling a blanket off the mirror. As the mirror's surface rippled, the familiar form of a blue tiefling materialized. Atu has been imprisoned in Avernus by Ah'Shal for his actions against her. When asked what he did, Atu recounted what transpired over two decades ago. When he was younger, he was fascinated by the boundary between planes and, after serving Ah'Shal for many years, she permitted him to study that boundary. Ah'Shal was... on a break with Tel'Rhea and, he's a man, what can he say? But the "love" between Tel'Rhea and Ah'Shal is certainly not worth getting involved in. Spurned, he travelled the continent using what he'd learned of the boundary between planes and charmed many women. Ah'Shal then imprisoned him and wiped his name from the records. He's had plenty of time to think and he just wants to keep his children safe. Being summoned by Ghilani yelling, Two read Moira's fortune and those of the party's as well upon their return:
Two's Fortune for Moira: Take heed of your words and deeds. Your closest ally may become your enemy. Your enemy... perhaps a friend. They hear. It hears Two's Fortune for Newt: Death's shadow looms large, but you are not alone. There is strength in numbers, but weaknesses as well. Two's Fortune for Rani: A relic of the past may serve as the key to the future. Unlock the door that was sealed so long ago. Seek a solution you do not yet know you need. Two's Fortune for Widow: The lines between victim and perpetrator are not always clear. They can be written and overwritten by those in power.After reading their fortune's, she remarked that there was a peculiarity. Another weaver has had her hands in all of their fates. Finally retiring to their room after a long day of travel, mega mat was formed and all crevices stuffed with blankets and towels. The Deep End then discussed everything they had learned. The White Dragon Clan seems to be at the center of both Newt and Ghilani's affairs. There's a lot going on and a lot of information to digest... thank goodness nothing about he Doctor has showed up! After telling Diavolo that he sees him as family... Diavolo responded: "Newt, you're the closest thing I'll ever have to a son." Newt has a lot of feelings right now. Ghilani deciphered another journal entry. Dysis was a Beloved... but she wasn't too happy about that as it seems to have driven her away from Caliban. After casting the spell, Ghilani retreated to a corner of the room where he thanked the disembodied voice for all of their help and then asked for their name. Well, it's been quite some time since anyone's said my name... but yes, I... am Primus One. Only you can save me Ghilani. The fate of all blood witches may very well rest with you. Perhaps the first move should be to explore Porcelain Avenue and get to know the region. Although scaleless... perhaps some of the dragonborn frontrunners will let information slip.
Rewards Granted
Prior to leaving Carmenthia, Dr. Valdove gifted Rani (and Ghilani) 4,000 gold. Prof. Dunebrook was successful in acquiring the grant she was after. She trusts that the money will be well-spent.
Report Date
22 Jun 2022
Primary Location
Secondary Location
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