Session 79
General Summary
Mass Suggestion Rewind
Now to the woman who did drugs and made friends with the Pirate Lord, Moira:
Rani wishes Moira good luck – this interview is going so well – as the cleric steps into the eerie red spotlight. So, tell me Moira, what motivated you to make such a drastic change in your life? You are a long way from the Ladies of the Stars after all. Well, I kind of felt a pull to Oshozi and then just took it from there. What kind of pull? Oh, more like a push. Did your God of Fate push you off the mountain? That's quite the fall! Regardless, you've made your way across the continent and now everyone is dying to know what is the root of your love for birds? When did it all begin? Moira explains that oh so long ago she was in a bar and saw a cool bird that she wasn't supposed to see but she did. Quite scandalous? Very scandalous. When pressed, Moira responded that this bird was... the original bird, but Calibird is obviously her favorite. Was there ever any other answer?
Now, the gossip circles love your association with notorious men. Would you say you have a type? Now listen, I was trying to hunt the Pirate Lord and I was pretty new to this. That guy? He's slippery... like a weasel. And what about Volo, your companion's previous boss? Moira only hears the word "Boss". Well, Moira, if it isn't a type, I want to know: Is your sweet country bumpkin exterior just an act to perhaps hide... something darker underneath? Moira freezes. Behind the full face helmet it is hard to discern if Cahareth is just... giving a probing interview of fan reaction or if he might have more information than he lets on. He already seems to have a wealth of information at his disposal. Moira responded by saying she's on a path of self-discovery and, when pressed about what she had discovered, explained that she is very impulsive (and indecisive as your companions decided), but now she's more concerned with consequences. Oh? Consequences? Yet another of you with some growth, it seems!
Do you feel you are making decisions that will serve this continent well? Drive it towards a better fate, so to speak? Moira explains that she once felt cheated by fate, but she's come to realize that everyone has there own hand in fate. There you have it folks, go out there and grab the sand seal by the tusks if you need to! Now, what would you give as your top three recipes? Obviously, Biscuits & Gravy and, you know, the Ah'Shazza wasn't that bad. For a third... Gravy and Biscuits? Man, may need to diversify the cooking repertoire.
Early Morning Sand Seal Dueling
Upon waking, the Deep End comments on Newt's new look. Annoyed, Newt begins to stew in his frustration when he realizes that in his drunken stupor... they had drawn all over him. Ghilani comments, "Nice Dickbutt, it looks like a sand seal!". Newt leaves disgruntled to go take a bath and try and get some of it off at least. In the bathhouse, he finds a woman who seems a bit too enthusiastic to scrub him down for a bit of gold – what an entertaining morning. The polish is gone, but the ink does remain somewhat – though quite faded now. She'd be happy to help him again tomorrow morning.
Declan attempts to reach out to Rani about the plans for the day, but is asked to "please hold". Ezra would love to spend more time with Rani. Walking hand in hand through the streets, they pick up breakfast for everyone. Rani remarks that she would prefer he not put himself in unnecessary danger. Ezra comments that what happened in the Coliseum... that's very much not how he normally operate. He prefers to be in the shadows, per se. If he does anything, though, it will be after much research and after Rani has been notified. He, of course, requests she do the same, though he trusts her and, by extension, her companions.
Upon arriving back at her parents' home, there is a brief discussion about what happened to Newt while he was drunk. Declan asserts that they would have done the same thing to him, but Rani says they never did... it didn't seem fun because he was just, you know, so pathetically sad. Declan argues it was just that they didn't know each other like they do now.
Ghilani then announces that Ezra needs to cover his ears or leave. Really? After everything? Regardless, Ezra leaves, standing outside as Ghilani mentions that Primus has a plan. As Newt returns from the bathhouse, Ezra places a hand on his shoulder: sorry about that man. With Newt back, Ghilani explains that they don't need to worry about 3 because Primus has a plan. And what is the plan? Primus assured Ghilani that they will ensure that the people of Lark'Hal believe. And how was that said exactly? When has anyone said that and it turned out well? Primus insists that they will handle the whole affair as Ghilani wishes and they don't wish to harm the city. What about the people? The pantheon of blood will need worshippers. Ghilani responds that yeah, no harm to the people... that's how he's going to interpret it. The group expressed some doubt in this vague plan and in how Ghilani intents to handle it when the time comes to which Primus seemed... a bit perturbed, but they are more than welcome to visit and discuss. Tatya asks if he can FINALLY come downstairs for breakfast.
Are you ready to do some sand seal dueling? Following Tatya, the Deep End (and Ezra) make their way out into the Dunes just outside the city where they find Tatya's friends with a multitude of... very lethargic, lazy looking sand seals. What is the punishment if you ride a sand seal without a license? Tatya and Rani both explain that you USED to get dragged behind a sand seal, but that is so barbaric. Now, you may just get pinned underneath one. They love to hp and flop around to get comfortable so have fun. If you wanna risk the authorities... then sure we can get you rigged up to a sand seal!
Newt chose to be the designated responsible adult (DRA) and sets up with his notebook to take notes in the "stands". Tatya's friends quickly harness up the sand seals. Ghilani finds the biggest and laziest looking one. Moira is drawn to a slightly smaller one with the most empty look in its eyes – is it staring into the sun? Moira and Ghilani choose to challenge Declan to a 2 vs. 1, while Rani and Tatya prepare to duel, deciding that why should they hold back? Let's put spellcasting on the table!
Both Tatya and Rani moved quickly off the start, looking incredibly composed and poised surfing behind the suddenly speedy animals, plowing through the Dunes like nothing. Rani enhanced her ability to attack while Tatya seemed to blur his image. The other three somewhat struggled to get control of their sand seals, but do manage to stay upright... though looking far from graceful. Rani manages to land a strike on Tatya, striking with Vinaash. She shoves Tatya away with the swarm. When he attempts to reciprocate in kind, Rani is able to stand firm. The other three slowly make their way towards each other. Tatya surges forward and manages to land an attack on Rani, who stumbles slightly but rights herself quickly. In the background the other three eventually converge, with Moira summoning the "Baguette of Death".
Surging closer to the end, Rani – competitive and determined to win – casts Destructive Wave on Tatya... and the sand seal. Both fail and Rani watches, in a moment of brief horror, as her brother goes flying and the sand seal releases a yelp as it rolls and stalls in the sand. She surges to the finish and turns to find that Tatya has begun to rapidly untie himself from the rigging as he rushes over to the injured, complaining sand seal. In the distance, Ghilani falls face down, but says fuck it and casts magic missile. 3 points for Ghilani and Moira!
Rani rushes over and begins to heal the sand seal (and then Tatya). Alarmed, he asks: What was that? You can't just... Tatya seemed a bit at a loss and Rani is quick to apologize. I didn't think, I'm sorry. Tatya accepts the apology after a moment, though mentions that it is the sand seal she really should be apologizing to. He seems more concerned with what happened to the seal than to himself. I know it's been a while and you've been through a lot... but you have to remember the little people every now and then (not that I'M that little). Rani admits that she is jealous of Tatya for not having to change... for being able to be here. She longs for the days where they could fight and brawl without restraint – get out all their frustration. Tatya mentions that she can always duel him, but while this might be a fight it's not a... fight. And although she may believe that he hasn't changed... he has. He seems a bit saddened by that. Not everything has been easy, you know? But you're my sister – and always will be – and perhaps we should have a drink, like old times. There's been something he's been meaning to talk to Rani about anyway.
As the group reunites, Ezra pulls Rani into a reassuring hug and Newt gives Tatya his notes, including: "Get good, scrub". Before departing with his buddies, Tatya assures Rani that he believes in her and no... you wouldn't have won. I guess we'll just have to have a rematch to see, but it'll have... modified rules perhaps. Rani diverts the Deep End to a sand seal shop to purchase two weeks worth of top quality food and treats for the injured sand seal. As Moira discusses how she misses Ah'Shazza, Rani brings her to a window of a cafe... well, Lark'Hal has calzones.
Declan attempts to reach out to Rani about the plans for the day, but is asked to "please hold". Ezra would love to spend more time with Rani. Walking hand in hand through the streets, they pick up breakfast for everyone. Rani remarks that she would prefer he not put himself in unnecessary danger. Ezra comments that what happened in the Coliseum... that's very much not how he normally operate. He prefers to be in the shadows, per se. If he does anything, though, it will be after much research and after Rani has been notified. He, of course, requests she do the same, though he trusts her and, by extension, her companions.
Upon arriving back at her parents' home, there is a brief discussion about what happened to Newt while he was drunk. Declan asserts that they would have done the same thing to him, but Rani says they never did... it didn't seem fun because he was just, you know, so pathetically sad. Declan argues it was just that they didn't know each other like they do now.
Ghilani then announces that Ezra needs to cover his ears or leave. Really? After everything? Regardless, Ezra leaves, standing outside as Ghilani mentions that Primus has a plan. As Newt returns from the bathhouse, Ezra places a hand on his shoulder: sorry about that man. With Newt back, Ghilani explains that they don't need to worry about 3 because Primus has a plan. And what is the plan? Primus assured Ghilani that they will ensure that the people of Lark'Hal believe. And how was that said exactly? When has anyone said that and it turned out well? Primus insists that they will handle the whole affair as Ghilani wishes and they don't wish to harm the city. What about the people? The pantheon of blood will need worshippers. Ghilani responds that yeah, no harm to the people... that's how he's going to interpret it. The group expressed some doubt in this vague plan and in how Ghilani intents to handle it when the time comes to which Primus seemed... a bit perturbed, but they are more than welcome to visit and discuss. Tatya asks if he can FINALLY come downstairs for breakfast.
Are you ready to do some sand seal dueling? Following Tatya, the Deep End (and Ezra) make their way out into the Dunes just outside the city where they find Tatya's friends with a multitude of... very lethargic, lazy looking sand seals. What is the punishment if you ride a sand seal without a license? Tatya and Rani both explain that you USED to get dragged behind a sand seal, but that is so barbaric. Now, you may just get pinned underneath one. They love to hp and flop around to get comfortable so have fun. If you wanna risk the authorities... then sure we can get you rigged up to a sand seal!
Newt chose to be the designated responsible adult (DRA) and sets up with his notebook to take notes in the "stands". Tatya's friends quickly harness up the sand seals. Ghilani finds the biggest and laziest looking one. Moira is drawn to a slightly smaller one with the most empty look in its eyes – is it staring into the sun? Moira and Ghilani choose to challenge Declan to a 2 vs. 1, while Rani and Tatya prepare to duel, deciding that why should they hold back? Let's put spellcasting on the table!
Both Tatya and Rani moved quickly off the start, looking incredibly composed and poised surfing behind the suddenly speedy animals, plowing through the Dunes like nothing. Rani enhanced her ability to attack while Tatya seemed to blur his image. The other three somewhat struggled to get control of their sand seals, but do manage to stay upright... though looking far from graceful. Rani manages to land a strike on Tatya, striking with Vinaash. She shoves Tatya away with the swarm. When he attempts to reciprocate in kind, Rani is able to stand firm. The other three slowly make their way towards each other. Tatya surges forward and manages to land an attack on Rani, who stumbles slightly but rights herself quickly. In the background the other three eventually converge, with Moira summoning the "Baguette of Death".
Surging closer to the end, Rani – competitive and determined to win – casts Destructive Wave on Tatya... and the sand seal. Both fail and Rani watches, in a moment of brief horror, as her brother goes flying and the sand seal releases a yelp as it rolls and stalls in the sand. She surges to the finish and turns to find that Tatya has begun to rapidly untie himself from the rigging as he rushes over to the injured, complaining sand seal. In the distance, Ghilani falls face down, but says fuck it and casts magic missile. 3 points for Ghilani and Moira!
Rani rushes over and begins to heal the sand seal (and then Tatya). Alarmed, he asks: What was that? You can't just... Tatya seemed a bit at a loss and Rani is quick to apologize. I didn't think, I'm sorry. Tatya accepts the apology after a moment, though mentions that it is the sand seal she really should be apologizing to. He seems more concerned with what happened to the seal than to himself. I know it's been a while and you've been through a lot... but you have to remember the little people every now and then (not that I'M that little). Rani admits that she is jealous of Tatya for not having to change... for being able to be here. She longs for the days where they could fight and brawl without restraint – get out all their frustration. Tatya mentions that she can always duel him, but while this might be a fight it's not a... fight. And although she may believe that he hasn't changed... he has. He seems a bit saddened by that. Not everything has been easy, you know? But you're my sister – and always will be – and perhaps we should have a drink, like old times. There's been something he's been meaning to talk to Rani about anyway.
As the group reunites, Ezra pulls Rani into a reassuring hug and Newt gives Tatya his notes, including: "Get good, scrub". Before departing with his buddies, Tatya assures Rani that he believes in her and no... you wouldn't have won. I guess we'll just have to have a rematch to see, but it'll have... modified rules perhaps. Rani diverts the Deep End to a sand seal shop to purchase two weeks worth of top quality food and treats for the injured sand seal. As Moira discusses how she misses Ah'Shazza, Rani brings her to a window of a cafe... well, Lark'Hal has calzones.
You ALWAYS Listen to the Safety Briefing
The Deep End has a nice lunch break, eating Medfouna and fried fruit and succulents on a stick. Afterwards, they walked through the West side of town, looking for white masks, but finding none. Once on the South side of the city, there appears to be a massive pier affixed to the outer wall where a giant creature may dock.Rani bring the group outside the Southern Gate, where there is a large fenced off area with plenty of napping and sun bathing sand seals. Seal of Approval: Seals and Sleds (SASS) provides sand seals and sleds to those wishing to go to the Sea of Moving Art. After renting a sled and a pair of sand seals, the group set out into the Sea of Moving Art, letting Zephus know they were on the way. They all take note of massive and small art pieces alike: paintings, sculptures, and other artistic pieces scattered about the Dunes. Rani, who had listened to the safety briefing, managed to divert them away from a patch of almost boiling and rolling sand... a warp zone, where the Dune Sea is either about to consume the area around it or perhaps expel a new work of art from its depths.
In the distance, a large silhouette appears on the horizon. Eventually, a massive Sivat comes into view, releasing a huge bellow as it stops a short distance away. This massive creature seems to be quite old, if the sagging skin under its eyes is anything to go by. It pauses and settles into the sand and, shortly after, a familiar air genasi boy disembarks from one of the 7 saddle platforms affixed to A'Homok'Kurát. Zephus and Rani share a hug. Welcome to the Sea of Moving Art! if you guys would like to tae a ride, then you are welcome to join the Curators aboard. A red lizardfolk disembarks and begins to hurl sand seals up onto the platform with very little effort.
How have you been with the golden scales nowadays? Zephus mentioned that it has been perfectly fine out here, you know. And Rani's family was really great – he did a portrait of them, did you see it? He's getting better at people. However, he didn't spend much time in the city and certainly steered clear of the East side. Rani asked if Zephus would be willing to paint a family portrait for Lakshmi to make a tattoo and Zephus was more than happy to. Zephus comments on Newt's appearance to which Newt mentions that it happened while he was in a drunken stupor. Zephus remarks that drugs, you know... are not a good way to cope with stuff. Hey, do you know anything about the royal genasi families? Is your family involved? Your parents maybe? Zephus stares straight ahead and then goes: "I never knew my father". Ghilani says, me too!
Climbing aboard the massive Sivat, there seems to be a handful of people scattered about, including a very annoyed looking tabaxi and a garbed woman with a hawk perched on her shoulder. When Rani mentioned both Lark and the Sand Scorned Gorgon Queen. Zephus responded that the Sea of Moving Art's first offering was supposedly the original Temple of Lark. Overhearing the conversation, the woman chimes in. You are familiar with the old legends of the Sand Scorned Gorgon Queen? If she exists, you shouldn't go looking for her... she's cursed after all. When asked about who cursed her, she responded that there's no clear resolution on that – its an old legend after all. But they believe that it was she who brought the curse upon herself. Well, Rani would prefer to speak to Lark first anyway. Hearing that, a few of the locusts took to the air and flew off into the Sea of Moving Art. And the Sivat began to follow, bellowing before it began to move.
How does one get art dedicated to the Sea of Moving Art, anyway? Zephus responds that High Priests and Priestesses do. Technically, you can offer any art you want to the Sea of Moving Art... but once you give it, you can't take it back. Though, there have been raiders stealing art from the Sea. Newt immediately asks if its to sell and, yeah, that's the assumed motive. They've not been able to catch them before as they travel with a team of sand seals and a sled, which allows them to maneuver their way through the art sea much better than A'Homok'Kurát can with his size. It seems there are about two dozen of them and their leader wears a bronze mask and carries a large weapon.
Ghilani spoke to the motion sick tabaxi. He is an herablist and he has to be here. Have you covered your eyes then? That might help! And Ghilani offered to be his eyes. No, I have to see! Ghilani eventually gave up, confused. Zephus explained that Set is here because his daughter's dream was to ride a Sivat, but she passed before she could, so he is experiencing it for her. He's a good guy, but like an onion with a prickly pear at its center.
How much do you know about the Royal Families? What would they do to someone who irritated them or perhaps overstepped their bounds a little bit? Zephus seemed a bit uncomfortable with the conversation, but hypothetically, if an illegitimate child is born they get outcasted. And that's done to someone technically with royal blood. Do any of you have royal blood? No... well then I can only imagine it would be worse. What is the association with the royal families and the Council? Well, Emir sits on the Council and he has sisters... one of them, Imani, is trying to help with the Raiders. Zephus mentioned that if you want to potentially know more about the royals and the palace, you could try speaking with Aerope. She was always nice, but her father (Katreus) didn't want her hanging out with Zephus anymore so he hasn't seen her in a bit. Last he heard, she wanted to study dance at LIMA. If you go to speak to her, she is often with Deucalion and he reports to the water genasi royal family. Otherwise, Zephus recalls that the Royal Palace has 3 stories above ground and at least one basement.
The Deep End then asked if Zephus wanted to go to the Temple of Lark. Zephus seemed a bit unsure, but once told to HAVE CONVICTION AND MAKE A DECISION. He agreed. Sure, yeah... that IS what I came out here to do. And maybe then I'll stop drawing gold dragons. All I can draw out here is gold dragons. Departing A'Homok'Kurát, the Curators promise to wait until nightfall, when they must commence patrols for the raiders. Zephus and Ezra travel with the group to a warp zone where they find Rani's locusts sitting on top... unharmed. As the Deep End approaches, the locusts salute and begin to descend into the rolling sand. Rani prepared to just dive in afterwards (she has full faith in Lark), but for everyone else, she agrees to tie a rope... but that breaks quickly, leaving everyone adrift alone in the sand.
In the distance, a large silhouette appears on the horizon. Eventually, a massive Sivat comes into view, releasing a huge bellow as it stops a short distance away. This massive creature seems to be quite old, if the sagging skin under its eyes is anything to go by. It pauses and settles into the sand and, shortly after, a familiar air genasi boy disembarks from one of the 7 saddle platforms affixed to A'Homok'Kurát. Zephus and Rani share a hug. Welcome to the Sea of Moving Art! if you guys would like to tae a ride, then you are welcome to join the Curators aboard. A red lizardfolk disembarks and begins to hurl sand seals up onto the platform with very little effort.
How have you been with the golden scales nowadays? Zephus mentioned that it has been perfectly fine out here, you know. And Rani's family was really great – he did a portrait of them, did you see it? He's getting better at people. However, he didn't spend much time in the city and certainly steered clear of the East side. Rani asked if Zephus would be willing to paint a family portrait for Lakshmi to make a tattoo and Zephus was more than happy to. Zephus comments on Newt's appearance to which Newt mentions that it happened while he was in a drunken stupor. Zephus remarks that drugs, you know... are not a good way to cope with stuff. Hey, do you know anything about the royal genasi families? Is your family involved? Your parents maybe? Zephus stares straight ahead and then goes: "I never knew my father". Ghilani says, me too!
Climbing aboard the massive Sivat, there seems to be a handful of people scattered about, including a very annoyed looking tabaxi and a garbed woman with a hawk perched on her shoulder. When Rani mentioned both Lark and the Sand Scorned Gorgon Queen. Zephus responded that the Sea of Moving Art's first offering was supposedly the original Temple of Lark. Overhearing the conversation, the woman chimes in. You are familiar with the old legends of the Sand Scorned Gorgon Queen? If she exists, you shouldn't go looking for her... she's cursed after all. When asked about who cursed her, she responded that there's no clear resolution on that – its an old legend after all. But they believe that it was she who brought the curse upon herself. Well, Rani would prefer to speak to Lark first anyway. Hearing that, a few of the locusts took to the air and flew off into the Sea of Moving Art. And the Sivat began to follow, bellowing before it began to move.
How does one get art dedicated to the Sea of Moving Art, anyway? Zephus responds that High Priests and Priestesses do. Technically, you can offer any art you want to the Sea of Moving Art... but once you give it, you can't take it back. Though, there have been raiders stealing art from the Sea. Newt immediately asks if its to sell and, yeah, that's the assumed motive. They've not been able to catch them before as they travel with a team of sand seals and a sled, which allows them to maneuver their way through the art sea much better than A'Homok'Kurát can with his size. It seems there are about two dozen of them and their leader wears a bronze mask and carries a large weapon.
Ghilani spoke to the motion sick tabaxi. He is an herablist and he has to be here. Have you covered your eyes then? That might help! And Ghilani offered to be his eyes. No, I have to see! Ghilani eventually gave up, confused. Zephus explained that Set is here because his daughter's dream was to ride a Sivat, but she passed before she could, so he is experiencing it for her. He's a good guy, but like an onion with a prickly pear at its center.
How much do you know about the Royal Families? What would they do to someone who irritated them or perhaps overstepped their bounds a little bit? Zephus seemed a bit uncomfortable with the conversation, but hypothetically, if an illegitimate child is born they get outcasted. And that's done to someone technically with royal blood. Do any of you have royal blood? No... well then I can only imagine it would be worse. What is the association with the royal families and the Council? Well, Emir sits on the Council and he has sisters... one of them, Imani, is trying to help with the Raiders. Zephus mentioned that if you want to potentially know more about the royals and the palace, you could try speaking with Aerope. She was always nice, but her father (Katreus) didn't want her hanging out with Zephus anymore so he hasn't seen her in a bit. Last he heard, she wanted to study dance at LIMA. If you go to speak to her, she is often with Deucalion and he reports to the water genasi royal family. Otherwise, Zephus recalls that the Royal Palace has 3 stories above ground and at least one basement.
The Deep End then asked if Zephus wanted to go to the Temple of Lark. Zephus seemed a bit unsure, but once told to HAVE CONVICTION AND MAKE A DECISION. He agreed. Sure, yeah... that IS what I came out here to do. And maybe then I'll stop drawing gold dragons. All I can draw out here is gold dragons. Departing A'Homok'Kurát, the Curators promise to wait until nightfall, when they must commence patrols for the raiders. Zephus and Ezra travel with the group to a warp zone where they find Rani's locusts sitting on top... unharmed. As the Deep End approaches, the locusts salute and begin to descend into the rolling sand. Rani prepared to just dive in afterwards (she has full faith in Lark), but for everyone else, she agrees to tie a rope... but that breaks quickly, leaving everyone adrift alone in the sand.
What Will You Create?
Each member of the Deep End stands alone as they are flung from the sane (some with a cut piece of rope falling down near them). The floors, walls, and sealing are all composed of swirling and falling sand. Looking at their arms, their features have been dulled and skin now composed of radiant white sand grains. The sand of one wall then begins to part, mimicking curtains, and hushed whispers drift in from the darkness beyond. The sound of a chisel hacking on stone echoes and, glancing down, writing has somehow been carved into the sand floor:
As the curtains slowly drift close, the sound of whispers and applause fades. From the falling sand, six objects float towards you: A tome and quill, a pair of theater masks, a anatomically correct sculpture, a architectural miniature, a canvas and paintbrush, and a large ornate sword. After being prompted to choose, Ghilani chose the tome, Rani chose the paintbrush, Moira chose the masks, Newt chose the sculpture, and Declan chose the sword. The chosen item then returned to sand and fused into their own forms, before the curtains parted once more to reveal a swirling galaxy of vibrant paint colors, speckled with silver like stars. Reunited, swirling bits of sand offered another prompt:
After a heavy pause, Declan summons forth alchemical supplies – tables of ingredients, vials, and bottles. Understanding the ingredients and their respective interactions, he creates a display of colorful puffs and smoke. Rani summons replicas of her swords from the sands and dancing ribbons and tassels. At first, she begins a dance to mimic the rolling waves, eventually picking up the intensity and pace to better resemble fire. Moira brings forth a table spread of ingredients and a multitude. Using food, she is able to assemble an artistic array of smells and various foods. Newt draws forth a flute from the sand and begins to play. He plays a multitude of melodies, including an ode to death. Ghilani draws forth calligraphy tools and begins to write arcane runes that he then replaces with an arrangement of flowers, using them to cast wither and bloom. As the flowers erupt in a colorful array of colors, applause can be heard.Upon a stage you stand. Not just any, but a stage of your own.Be your own muse. From the sand, take what you need, be it quill, brush, or more.But draw inspiration from your heart. What will you create?
As the curtains slowly drift close, the sound of whispers and applause fades. From the falling sand, six objects float towards you: A tome and quill, a pair of theater masks, a anatomically correct sculpture, a architectural miniature, a canvas and paintbrush, and a large ornate sword. After being prompted to choose, Ghilani chose the tome, Rani chose the paintbrush, Moira chose the masks, Newt chose the sculpture, and Declan chose the sword. The chosen item then returned to sand and fused into their own forms, before the curtains parted once more to reveal a swirling galaxy of vibrant paint colors, speckled with silver like stars. Reunited, swirling bits of sand offered another prompt:
Inspiration is found around us and in the lives and faces of others. Not that you are together once more... What will you create?Was there ever any other option? Obviously, the Deep End is going to make the perfect megabed. Arranged with a whole spread of food, plush pillows, and incredibly soft sheets and blankets, the Deep End creates a megabed... and then immediately climbs in. But before they can get too comfortable and feel the pull of sleep, the megabed vanishes.
Skills and tools now acquired... Shall we put them to use?
Report Date
14 Apr 2023
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
Sand Seal Riding Reference
The Sea of Moving Art
The Forest of Stained Glass – The desert sands give way as large pieces of colorful stained glass erupt from between the grains. The glass first resembles the rolling dunes before transforming into rock formations... bushes and flowers composed entirely of brightly colored glass. The most prominent features are massive trees. Pulled glass in bright colors hangs from the larger pieces to resemble leaves. With strong winds, the glass pieces tap lightly against one another and almost sound like a wind chime.
The Race of Seal & Stag – A set of tall wooden reliefs creates a hallway across the Dune Sea. Strung between the door-sized, upright wood pieces are beautifully patterned textiles of greens, yellows, teals, and natural, earthen tones. The wood has been immaculately carved and the depth of the wood pieces allowed the artist to create a fully 3-dimensional space. As one progresses down the hallway, the scenery of each panel changes from desert, to forest, to rocky land, to beaches, to mountains, to jungle, to orchards, to smog, to mountains, and to red rock. One one side, each wooden panel features a stag and on the other side, each wooden panel features a sand seal. Those Blessed of Lark and Blessed of Oshozi watch as both the stag and sand come to life, bursting free of the wooden panels at the end of their "race". They dance around one another for a moment before vanishing into the air.
The Price of War – From the sand, a massive chunk of dark stone erupts. From a distance, it appears like a crude, almost jagged hand clutching a dagger or sword. As you draw closer, smaller dark stone shapes jut up from the sand... bodies, sprawled in various positions with jagged bits of iron, steel, and other metals impaled in their bodies, crude outlines of weapons. At the base of the main statue, it becomes clear that the hand is composed of multiple bodies of dark stone, cluttered together – some impaled, some screaming, some cheering. All of them life the broken end of a spear in the air. Many have claimed to hear the "music of war" as they walk by. The clang of metal on shields, the screams of men and women dying amidst war chants. Some have even claimed to see the sands turn almost red like blood.
Dancing Flower Girls – The sands turn from beige, to brown, and then to a lush green. Ahead of you, frolicking amidst the rolling Dunes is a series of multiple figures composed entirely of desert flowers and succulents. The flowers have been carefully arranged and suspended to give each girl a sense of movement as if caught in the steps of a dance only known to her. Amidst the girls, there is one figure – also dancing – but adorned in a beautiful, vibrant and lush cape of flowers that trails out behind her.
The Siren's Song – A large hulking behemoth has been constructed out of bones. Small bones have been placed together to form the larger bones required to assemble a leviathan of this size. Beautiful, yet ominous blue gems have been set in this creature's eyes. It seems to be leaping out of the sand Dunes, blue and teal glass pulled to resemble a spray of water. It bends over, mouth open towards a figure made of glass and dressed in silks and pearls. As the wind blows, an ethereal melody is pulled from the figure. Inspired by the myth of how Varoona silence Omen, Horror of the Depths. Many have claimed to have fallen asleep from hearing the music from this art piece.
Half covered by the sand of the dunes, an old, simple wishing well stands. Its foundation is cracked and the metal embellishments have rusted, but the symbols of four-leaf clovers and coins are scattered amidst flecks of fading paint in a rainbow of colors. Sitting atop the sand-covered roof of the wishing well are two figures. Although they sit facing opposite directions, their upper bodies are turned to face one another as they exchange items. Although the color has long since faded, they are still distinguishable. One figure dons a headpiece of what was once perhaps painted metal and is dressed in a sash with flecks of paint in the colors of the rainbow. They hand a sculpture to the other figure, which offers a gold coin in exchange. This second figure is dressed in a crisp tunic, hair slicked back and a four leaf clover pinned above his heart. They both seem happy...
Comments