Chapter 4, Finale: The Death of Whispered Light

General Summary

I'm sorry... I'm sorry

— Stretched Ink

Stretched Ink stepped back from the body of Whispering Light(person:7274444e-40fc-4e6e-9a33-09f7b1f36e2f) , having done her job. @[Mallus Somnium rushed forward to attack, with Sigholdt Sofiasson galloping ahead, though attacking less successfully. The Trauma Hound by Malus shifted to take on his trauma form and grappled Malus, Esmerae and Peregrine with its tentacles. Luckily Malus was close enough to block some of the damage to protect Peregrine. The Trauma Hound by Sigholdt shifted to take on his trauma form, though Sigholdt resisted its effect. Hermione of Vallea ran in to cast Aether Lance on one of the Hounds, pushing it back, though realising too late she activated it at the same time. Peregrine used a Silvery Barbs to cast Slow and ensure all 3 of the active Hounds were caught in the spell, though she couldn’t escape the grapple she was in.
 Desperate, she asked why Stretched Ink would think Peregrine wanted any of this. When Stretched Ink stated Peregrine wouldn’t expect to understand, Peregrine demanded she explain. Stretched Ink considered this, as Esmerae knocekd a Hound prone with her Eldritch Blast, before turning into a raven to escape the grapple. Stretched Ink finally stated “You so badly want this to happen. You just don’t know, just so ignorant” before casting darkness on herself, as the Hounds released a fire breath and chained Hermione and Malus to the ground. From her prone position, Hermione released another Aether Lance spell, as Peregrine caused a Hound to be terrified of her after hitting her with a meta-magicked Guiding Bolt. She quickly healed herself and, now she was free of the grapple, she moved toward Stretched Ink. Esmerae reappeared as she charmed Stretched Ink to stab herself - successfully! Malus broke out of his chains as Sigholdt cast Vow of Emnity and Hunter’s Mark on his Trauma Hound, before easily killing it. Hermione’s Hound closed into Esmerae, turning from a vision of Wraith to a charred Viktor. It bit Esmerae, bringing her very low on health. Hermione, still prone, cast Catapult to send a Superior Healing Potion to Esmerae.
Peregrine stepped into the darkness with Stretched Ink and apologised for what had been done to her, as well as what she would have to do. Peregrine then released a Burning Hands spell, causing Stretched Ink to drop concentration on the Darkness. Instead of trying to move, she twinned a Healing Word at Sigholdt and Malus, turning to Stretched Ink to ask if she wanted to die. She only got laughter in response. Esmerae drank the potion Hermione catapulted, and teleported as a raven far away from the Hound. Stretched Ink stated Peregrine didn’t need to be sorry, adding “They say she’s still too insignificant”, before knocking Peregrine out, even with Malus’ attempt to shield her. Malus ran forward, ignoring a pinned Hermione and attacking Stretched Ink in retaliation. Stretched Ink stated she had proven her point, he didn’t have to hit her. Malus firmly disagreed. Sigholdt summoned Crumble to appear 60ft above Stretched Ink so he would fall on her to cause damage. This happened successfully, and Sigholdt ran closer to heal Peregrine back to consciousness. The last active Hound ran toward the trio, managing to chain Sigholdt and Malus, and also restraining Peregrine. Hermione however was able to fire off a successful Chromatic Orb, after 4 nat 1 saves between Sigholdt, Malus and Peregrine. Peregrine attempted to end Stretched Ink’s suffering, but even with Silvery Barbs, the spell failed and nothing happened. Wanting to end the fight, Esmerae tried to ask if she should wait and let Peregrine take the kill, but realised that if she waited, Peregrine would die first. Instead, she forced Stretched Ink to prostrate herself at Peregrine’s feet and stab herself as recompense for upsetting Peregrine. As Stretched Ink proceeded to do so, the stars vanished from her eyes. She looked up at Peregrien and said “I’m sorry”, before killing herself. Malus broke free of his chains in that same moment, and Sigholdt shifted his marks and vows to the last active Hound.
The Hound chomped on Malus, and Hermione released a fiery Chromatic Orb, killing the last active Hound. Peregrine fell to her knees, reviving Whisper before letting out an agonised scream, unable to stop even as Whisper woke, reaching desperately for Stretched Ink. Esmerae and Malus held actions, watching the inactive Trauma Hound for a moment. However, Esmerae knew the party should get out of dodge before the cops arrived. Sigholdt summoned his steed as Hermione started to flee for the car. Esmerae tried to gently tell Peregrine they needed to leave, but it was clear Peregrine had shut down, and could only communicate that she would not leave Stretched Ink or Whisper. Sigholdt agreed to carry Stretched Ink and had Crumble carry Peregrine and Whisper to the car after Hermione. Sigholdt and Malus wrapped the body up in blankets to carry her out. As Esmerae left the final inactive Trauma Hound, she turned into ravens and flew above the city and party to watch for danger from the skies.
Sigholdt and Malus walked to the city with the body to meet the rest of the party at the car. In moving with confidence, they tricked general citizens into believing they weren’t carrying a body. The party converged at the car, quickly picking it up from the shopkeep. As Sigholdt sent Crumble back to the temple to run around it as a distraction for the guards, Hermione drove the party out of Diamond easily. After 5 minutes, Crumble returned to Sigholdt after being killed, and hopefully successfully convincing the guards it was a Nocta Mori attack (along with the still living Trauma Hound). The party left the city behind, and they levelled up!
As they travelled, Whisper began to pull off his blindfold. His eyes had reformed! But before the party could address this, a tear appeared in the sky, and the party watched as a waxing/waning moon began to reform.

Report Date

07 Jan 2025