Session 16 - # Don't You EVER Accuse Me of Having Morals, Narrative or Otherwise, EVER Again

General Summary

Last time, on Strength of Thousands…Four months passed. Under the fresh rain of the newly-begun wet season, the Anteater Cohort spoke to Ignaci about his history with Mariama and came to a gentle accord. Money was made, investigations begun (and ended), and by the time Spring was in full bloom, our heroes had all qualified to become Attendants. Meeting at the auditorium, the Anteater Cohort spoke on many topics: the future, friendship, and unrequited love. As the curtain raised and the ritual concluded, infusing each member’s fresh mask with a portion of their wearer’s soul, all seemed as if it was right in the world.But then, the insects attacked, swarming from burrows in the floor and ceiling. The entire Spire Dormitory leapt into action alongside teachers and civilians alike, slaying centipede swarms, giant goliath beetles, and even enormous ankhrav larvae. Casualties were kept to a minimum—and though Jatya, Xhokan, and Strands’ children were in peril, a timely intervention rescued all of them without tragedy. Now, the Magaambya has gone into lockdown. As the grounds swarm with Chime-Ringers, Emerald Guard, and alumni, there are only two questions to answer: Where is Teacher Ot? And how did this happen?

Eshe turns to Adira to check on them after the significant fighting just finishing.

Teachers begin yelling out and issuing commands on how the auditorium will collapse, and that we all need to go off back to our dormitories.

Orvin and Nymeria jumping to heal injured individuals nearby, while Rubina takes time to reacquire Laura.

Adira asking Eshe to check on Strands and her children to see if they are safe. Noticing that the three are on one of the balconies safe and on their way back to the dormitory.

Teacher Zuma casts fly and goes over to the stage with a wound on one of his arms. He immediately points to Rubina and instructs her to take everyone back to the spire dormitory. Rubina immediately stomping her foot on the ground to draw the attention of the others to issue the instruction to leave.

turning toward Adira, Rubina checks on her to make sure she is able to make it back to the dorm. Rubina turning toward Eshe sees that Eshe using their mirror to make sure everyone is getting out safely, while Eshe's mirror uses Detect Magic to check out one of the burrow holes.

Chizire is in stress dump with a noticeable limp and can't help but laugh. Esi immediately scoops up Chizire and hands him to Rubina for safe keeping. Eshe looking into the nearby burrow, they notice a sound from deep inside it. A soft thrumming. Gentle constant reverberation that is never ending. Very even-toned. A low drone that is slowly rising upward. It sounds like a mining bee to Eshe (23 nature check). with a 11 crafting check, Eshe notices that the tunnel is dug very purposefully. Not dug recently either. The mining bee burrows into the earth to make its hive. these bees don't usually attack people unless provoked. These bees usually burrow into stone and are solitary, and it is very rare for people to stumble onto their nests since they remain pretty seperate from others. A distant sound, but plentiful. Eshe hears the stage audibly crack, and sees that it is further falling into the hole. Realizing that the auditorium is close to full collapse.

We exit the auditorium to a heavy rain. Hearing people rushing around, and crying. Hearing people asking for medical attention, and magical lights flaring throughout the haze and fog in the rain.

We all arrive in time for the arch ways of the doors to begin glowing ruby red with words in Mwangi words reading an impenitrable shield is raised. Do not touch this shield. Esi reporting that they didn't see Okoro, and they didn't know where Teacher Ot was.

Esi gives orders to make sure everyone is checked for wounds and cleaned up. Esi glancing periodically back though the wards. Eshe asking if the dorm is safe enough, and Esi reports that the dorm is likely the safest place we can be. Chizire reporting to have broken his hand and is sent to his room to recover. Nymeria would step in to heal others through battle medicine and Ocean's balm.

Confirming that Anchor Root had been scooped up by Noxolo upon exiting the auditorium. noxolo is taking time to dry Anchor Root and warm her up. Nymeria asks her to take time to check in with Esi when she has a moment.

Adira is constantly doing sweeps in the dorm to check that there is no one else in the dorm with them. Taking time to check the ground periodically as well. Reminding the party to be careful of the ground. Reporting back that they saw no sign of Okoro and that he likely had not got to the dorm before the rest of the group.

Rubina takes time to check in on Chizire, and refrains from using their earth tremor alarm system as many people are already on edge.

Orvin takes time to stand watch for any major NPCs while racking his brain for naything that could connect ArcaniCo to the insect events occuring.

Eshe taking time to check the two sets of Chizire's words at the doorways of the dorm to see that they are not damaged or messed with in any way. Eshe taking time to share their observations on the hole with whoever finds themselves in the common area of the dorm.

Adira checking in on Haibram briefly and giving words of praise to his bee wrangling. Overhearing Eshe, Adira would check in asking about the existence of an underground area beneath the school. Adira asking if the insects could be in that space, Eshe agreeing with this as a possibillity. Adira turning to Eshe and Rubina asking if they think it could be the vessicant egg mentioned to teacher ulawa previously. Rubina immediately looking at Eshe, rubina looks shooken up, she frowns and says that she normally likes to be right, but that she doesnt know what else could have brought so many insects, especially such large ones.

Nymeria entering the conversation to check in on what is being discussed. Adira felt people walking nearby and would turn to greet the new individuals arriving (Haibram, Mariama, Ignaci).

The group coming together to ask if this graduation ceremony was normal compared to others. Ignaci stating that it isn't typical outside of all the strange things happen this year. Haibram jumpin gin to say that the group is having a chance to experience that they are all the same rank at the same time. Ignaci saddened by that fact, as the conversant ceremony is all but canceled.

Adira taking a moment to reflect on the fact that they indeed did graduate despite the poor circumstances. Nymeria expressing that they should all be thankful to be alive, while doing strange eye movements. Taking a moment Nymeria, Eshe, Rubina and Adira check in to see if they are still open to talking about the vessicant egg in front of everyone.

Anchor root asks if they should step away, but Noxolo steps forward and asks the group to share what they know about what has been happening.

Rubina begins to discuss the insect problems. Asking if the bugs had been acting strange when the others had joined previously. the Npcs deny, and Rubina begins to explain their dream about an ominous egg. Being commanded to find this egg and retrieve it, and then to deliver it/use it. Knowing that something felt off and how that it was not Kazutal who spoke to her. Through research finding that this was likely the vessicant egg. That it is really powerful artifact that is able to control insects.

Esi stepping forward to ask if the party really thinks that this is what is here on campus. Rubina further explains how Ulawa was dismissive at first, and the confusion of how the egg works entirely. Maybe someoene could use it from far away? Nymeria steps forward to ask if Esi knows anything about what is being talked about. She explains Ulawa's paper on the topic. the Keepers of the egg are very protective of this space. How no one else had entered that space in a long time. Esi expressing concern if people had brought this artifact here somehow.

Strands comes forward asking if the relic is able to draw insects, asking if that artifact is what brings them to the campus. Rubina explaining that it seems more that it takes cntrol of the insect instead of just alluring them. rubina expressing that from their past work with bugs that it seems that something strange is happening to the insects. Eshe reporting they think that the insects are compelled toward an end that they are unsure of. The insects acting against their instincts at times. Rubina asking how detect magic had not picked up on the effects.

Strands eyes well up with tears at the mentioning of "brainwashing" and apologizes for crying. Strands saying how what is being discussed is making a lot of things make sense to her. Adira approaching to comfort her, and expressing that this is a safe space with her friends. Strands reporting that she was invited by someone at the emerald boughs, and immediately thought that she couldn't raise her children at the school. She knew that she couldn't stay, knowing that her partner would be enraged at this. Strands reported that she said yes and that it felt good to be here since then. Expressing that she has been having dreams of circles, along with her children. Strands thinking it was tied to her schooling, and expressing her concern if her actions are her own.

Rubina calling to Orvin to show the rune from the beetles previously. He draws it on the ground and Strands collapses in fear expressing that the rune is one that she has been seeing in her dreams. Orvin uses his jacket to cover the rune, while Eshe takes steps to calm Strands in her native language.

Esi begins to anxiously pace and rattle off every thought coming to her mind. Nym notices this as Esi being overwhelmed by her thoughts, and takes a moment to ask Esi to focus on one thought at a time. Esi promptng the dorm to sleep in pairs and to use our magic to canvas the grounds outside of the building to check in on things beneath the dorm.

Orvin asks Chizire to set up a stiff drink, and he trots off to do so.

Rubina agrees about sleeping in pairs, and asks if the other dorm members are able to distinguish between Rubina's spell and big tremors from the bugs. Ignaci asks for everyone to do a crash course on what occurs. Orvin asking if strands wants to invite her children in and she declines. the rest of the NPCs and PCs agree to take the crash course.

Rubina explaining her system of warnings. Saying that if they feel a tremor to meet back in the common area. Strands asks to be taught the cantrip to better serve the community.

Adira reports that they will be staying in the common room along with Eshe and their mirror.

The groups begins to split off with individuals getting ready for sleep. Noxolo and Nymeria are voluntold to watch each other's backs for the night. Haibram bunks with Strands. Ignaci and Mariama pair off. Anchor Root joins the group keeping watch in the common room. Esi and Chizire pair off as well.

Orvin paces the halls and keeps his ears available for the safety of the dorm. Adira approaches and asks how Orvin is holding up, and he brushes off the question with a thousand-yard stare. Handing off some coffee in the process. Orvin saying that he likely needs to have a discussion with the dormitory come morning to talk on his thoughts.

rubina goes off to read her book from Ot for the night.

Nymeria entering Noxolo's room, the sweet scent fills the room. Nymeria expressing thanks for being able to share Noxolo's room because it is easier to sleep there. Noxolo says that she is thankful to have the company. Nym expresses thanks that Noxolo was not hurt earlier. Noxolo expresses that they are very happy that Nymeria is safe after being attacked. Nymeria expressing that the bugs usually don't like trying to eat her. Noxolo further saying that it can't be guaranteed that life isn't simpler. Expressing fear that someone is going to die. Noxolo asks Nymeria to promise that it won't be her. Nymeria says that she will try. Noxolo states that trying isn't good enough, and Nym follows up that she won't die then. Noxolo says that they won't die so to not worry about them. saying that they live with so many ghosts that they don't want more. Nym says that they would be a fun ghost, but that they aren't going to die anyway. Nymeria asks Noxolo if she could try something, and Noxolo agrees. Nym says that she noticed a pattern of good, bad and great. Nym reaches to hold Noxolo's hand and pauses to look around as if she is waiting for something. noxolo says that Nym's hands are cold but that its good. Nym reports that she enjoys holding hands, but the last times it happened it wasa under duress. Saying that it happenes when she feels like she is going to throw up just like when tonali first appeared. Nym saying that she was worried she was causing bad things to happn, but that she likes holding hands with Noxolo. Noxolo states that Nym is a blessing, and that she makes every day here so much brighter. Noxolo stumbles out on how the sun is supposed to know to shine if the moon isn't there to reflect the light. Nym asks if Noxolo thinks that she is the sun. Noxolo says that Nym is brighter than the sun. Nym reporting that she recently learned she needs the sun to survive, and that is why she is soaking it up on so many days. Nym says that the sight of Noxolo is nourishing kind of like the sun. Noxolo still stoic, has a slight smile across their face. Noxolo takes Nym's hand and places it on their heart to show that it is punding. Not knowing a better way to show Nymeria something. Noxolo saying that Nym makes them feel like this, and how it is not normal. But Noxlo enjoys the experience. Nym asking if Noxolo knows that trees have a heartbeat. The roots as the suck up water and nutrients that it makes a pseudo heartbeat. Nymeria experiences that when Noxolo does these things. Nym expressing that she feels like she has a heartbeat when Noxolo is around her. Nym gives consent, and Noxolo gives her a kiss while kicking the door shut.

Esi approaches Eshe and discusses how it will likely be the first flood of the year. Eshe saying how the rain is calming. Esi reporting how her mother used to cast lightining bolt all of the time. Further explaining that her mother was hunting beasts, and how Esi didn't realize the danger that she had been in. Esi reporting that her mother wasn't always responsible, but that she made up for it with determination. Esi reporting that she would like to be like her mother in that way, and expresses that she was meant to meet her mother tonight. Looking back to Adira to say "Magical parents right" Adira stating how they test you more than they wish to and always talking about the ways that magic has helped them in their lives. Adira asks esi when she started to cast magic. she reports that it was when she was little. Saying her mother's favorite spell was electric arc. Esi started casting it when she was 6 or 7 hurting some birds in the process. Adira asking if Esi's parents were strict and let her practice. Esi reported that her parents would have prefered she went to a smaller school somewhere else to explore the world and do cool things. Instead Esi is here and trying to be like her mother and doing an okay job at that. Adira saying that Esi is doing a great job, and that it is difficult to follow the expectations that her parents gave them. Adira looking past Esi reports that she learns a lot from being surrounded by so many different people. Realizing that there are a lot of similarities too. Adira saying that their parents expect them to learn from the parents' mistakes and be better than that. The expectation that the children will be powerful. Esi asking if Eshe feels the same. Eshe reporting that sometimes they feel that theur last name doesn't even feel like theirs. Esi expresses that Eshe will always have family at the Magaambya, and that she will always be family to Eshe and Adira. Eshe expresses thanks, and Esi smiles. esi stating that she always wanted a sibling so that she is not going to turn that opportunity down. Esi Eshe and Adira take turns to figure out what sibling dynamics that they will all have to make it an authentic feeling. Eshe expressing that it feels ominous and a bit fearful. Esi asks if it is regarding Adira, because if so Esi will hop on Eshe's shoulders so they are bigger than Adira. Adira taking time to ask her new siblings for assistance in navigating everything from here. Esi and Eshe give a resounding yes. Esi asking what an outside force could do to them with dyed hair from Chizire. Esi siding with blue hair, Adira with green, and Eshe with white. Esi while talking with them slumps to the floor, seeming to have forgotten that she is bieng present in the moment instead of mentally preparing to jump to the next thing she needs to. the tree continue to watch through the ward as the rain continues.

Orvin pacing the halls he notices that something is not right. a fog and soft haze that is drifting through the dormitory. drifitng and settling within the rooms. Hearing conversations. at the Eastern hall, finidng that a wall has a stone that is not right. touching it the wall slides away. Revealing a space filled with rations scraps of clothing, along with scrawlings along the walls in chalk. Someone has drawn the entire dormitory in a stick figure collection along the walls. Along with that an entire schedule of the dormitory members along the walls. All party members and Npcs arrive. Orvin sternly gives details of the scarwlings and wanted everyone aware before anything else was done. the room is found to not have the similar abjurations the rest of the dorm has, and that the traces of abjuration magic within this space seems new. Anchor root expressing that she can read the Undercommon on the walls.

Chizire prepares to set up a ward and check the other walls in the dorm. Haibram and Strands also will stay behind to protect the children. Eshe entering the space withtheir mirror image they find that the trap door opens with a large creak. A very old looking ladder going incredibly deep. Seemingly to go for 100 feet before the torch scatters across the floor. Seemingly a T junction with stone flooring. Esi instructs Chizire to cast arcane lock on the door behind all of us. Instructing Chizire to contact someone ASAP as the wards go down.

The party assembles the gear and summons as they prepare to descend. Nym giving a quick pet to Tonali while averting her gaze. Eshe making an alloy orb of cold iron along with a crying angel pendant. Eshe giving the crying angel pendant to Strands saying that it should help if anything bad happens to have it available.

Party and NPCs descend into the abyss.

Finidng the chamber to by 20 by 20 feet with a path off to the left and right. Not built for medium sized creatures. Difficult terrain for everyone but Anchor Root. As everyone checks the hallways and reports back that each tunnel goes very far. Esi stating that it may be best to split the party. Esi, Anchor root, Noxolo, Ignaci, and Mariama head down one hall, while the ant eater cohort goes the other way.

And the party is alone

Down the way the party finds a cracked open door with flickering candle light on the other side.

Entering the space we find that this is constructed like above ground domiciles. Heavily disturbed dust on the floor showing significant foot traffic in the area. Entering the space, the wood below creaks and groans. The wall along the south appears to show that this space must have been a dance studio with a railing along the wall. An opening to the west roughly in the shape of a human with a snaking cavern. On the desks within this room there is a stack of old paper with writing only on a single page. Seemingly this room has been picked over quite a bit. However there are papers on the walls nailed into it. Interiors and exteriors of the dormitory with sap signifying the wards on the property. Orvin takes these maps and places them in his pack.

The party discovers a room to the west containing a journal entry from 41 years ago potentially from Musarasa. Captured in pictures by Matt. We find that this journal entry and the maps drawn were parts of Musarasa's spell book.

Eshe asking if the party rememberes Kirshkin discussing a ghost in the dark below. Wondering if the gremlins are conducting business with Musarasa, or his ghost?

From this point the party is descended upon by bees.

The party is victorious but learning that the caverns here must be quite expansive, and the horde of bees must be something truly immense to be so easily heard elsewhere.

Report Date

01 Feb 2025