Session 43

General Summary

24th - 25th of Wealsun, year 595 - level 15 > level 16 (low summer -- week of Richfest, the midsummer festival, in 3 days)

The party collects the loot promised to them and makes their farewells with Gargroak, the bullywug captain and now king of the tribe. He gives a "promise, soldier to soldier" to Malex that he would keep his word to cease all hostilities with the kuo-toa. And singing "What Do You Do With a Drunken Cleric" with Wave, the legendary magical trident, he opens the portal to Aigéansidhe and they return to Princess Siobhan's coral court. Her royal consort, the once human Antonius, greets them and his lost artifact warmly and boisterously. All business, Toby immediately and sternly, though politely, "requests" the return of the kids. Princess Siobhan honors her word and quickly produces them, still mysteriously insensate. She also introduces the party to a guest, an emissary of Queen Mab, queen of the Unseelie, from the Winterrealm. The emissary invites the party on her queen's behest to the Unseelie Court, where matters of interest to them both can be discussed. The party politely declines, having pressing business back in the Material Realm to see to. The emissary says this is anticipated, and gives the group a black diamond with white specks floating in it like a snow-globe, and tells them to use this to open a portal to the Unseelie Court when they wish to meet with the Queen.
Princess Siobhan opens a portal back to the Material, and they find themselves floating just beyond the beaches of Portville, with their 6 rescued kidnap victims now sputtering and splashing, the unusual goo covering their faces cracking away. With the help of some nearby townspeople who witnessed their appearance, they get the poor victims onto land and drying with blankets, ushering them to The Last Breath, nearby. A crowd quickly gathers as word that the heroes have returned, and with the kuo-toa kidnappees. Tavern-owner and Toby's friend, Divone, quickly takes charge and sees to it the group is warming by the fire and brings out warm food and drink.
They speak with the rescued humans and discover three of them, Klaus and his son Jacob, and a woman named Lucia, are from Crescent and, like kids Elma and Oddo, and the woman Sally from Portville, had been grabbed from their respective shore as they were fishing or playing by the water. Being attacked and grabbed by the "fish men" were the last things they recall before finding themselves waking up in the water moments earlier. The party assure the Crescent townspeople that they'll get them home, and in fact, Malex enlists the help of a couple of the Guard he recognizes and trusts to this task. Toby, knowing that the orphaned "urchins" Oddo and Elma, are often cared for by a couple in town that (while not "bad" people per se) Toby has had less than positive encounters with, asks Divone to see to the kids. She agrees heartily, but expresses some concern and regret at the job since she has related and unfortunate news to relate. . . .
Varius, the archmage friend of theirs, was urgently called back to Settleton and enlisted the services of Sariel to see him there post haste. He left Valenthe with Divone to look after until the party's return. However, just that morning, before the party appeared, as Divone was preparing some breakfast for her, she up and disappeared. Toby recruits some of the kids he mentors to search for her, finding out what they can about her whereabouts. Regardless, the Toby reassures Divone of their trust in her.
As the group is finally dry, warm, and fed, and Wally is singing the latest of the tale to the assembled townsfolk, news of something disturbing makes its way to The Last Breath, causing people to gasp and run out to see what has happened. Penitence, anticipating bad news (and also just really wanting cake) grabs the baker next door, handing him 2 gold for a lemon cake with lemon icing, and reaches the river's edge with the rest of the party. What they see beggers all reason, as an otherwise ordinary riverboat slowly drifts downriver through the town, but its form and shape is twisted and mangled -- not as if by damage, but like the very fabric of space twisted and warped around itself, transforming the structure of the boat at the same time. Even worse, bodies of poor sailors could be seen having merged or melded with the wood of the ship. Some reaching out in death, others with permanent expressions of unearthly terror. Many of the townsfolk utter prayers and make gestures of warding evil.
The party urge the townsfolk to bring the ship to dock, and discover their newly reinforced status as heroes, cause people to act upon their will with no persuasion needed, even to do something as chilling and distressing as bringing this nightmare ship in. Once secured, Toby bounds aboard and makes a quick survey, counting 6 wood-trapped bodies, and a hold full of the usual river-trade cargo, although also misshapen by whatever twisted the ship and crew.
Penitence, meanwhile, uses her craft to retrieve the captain's log from where it had merged with the ship, and shared it with Malex to investigate. The crew manifest reveals there are 2 missing souls, the cargo they carried was not unusual, but their experience approaching the Vortex as they sailed from Bakerville, was most unusual. The captain records in his final entry that he begins seeing the effects of the Vortex (in sky and weather) 2 leagues sooner than is normal, and finds the size of the Vortex increased as evidenced by the ever-present circling storm above it, and was hoping to be able to skirt around it as usual . . . although the final words portend danger he should have heeded:

"As we enter the fog enshrouding the Vortex, that ill manifestation that has ever threatened all who sail near, I admit to visions most disturbing on the banks of the river, and alas, within the fog itself! Shadows and phantoms that I fear are more than just these old eyes playing tricks."

Additionally, a couple of halfling residents of Tilldale have come into Portville in the last day, reporting in a disturbingly close-to-raving manner, the encroachment of "shadows" and other odd sightings and events in and around the pastoral village.
Penitence, grudgingly sharing the amazing cake made by Bertram (the now official baker to the party) as they craft messages for Malex to attempt Sending. He first tries to send a message to their Dragonmarch comrades who were last known trapped in the Temple of Tiamat, but for some reason, he is unable to reach them. He is able to communicate with archmage Varius, and they share this exchange: Malex: "Back in Portville. Why your sudden departure? Aware vortex is expanding and madness, distortion is spreading. Seeking counsel. Our intention to investigate tomorrow. Response requested."
To which Varius replies: "Just arrived in Settleton, call of help from Arcanists. Terrible danger here! Destruction and dragons. Will try to contact later. Stay away, stay safe."
Malex's next send is to Kathra, Wally's childhood friend and tavernkeep in Tilldale: "Kathra, it's Wally. In Portville, on way to Tilldale to help. Give report on events. Why is the Vortex bigger? I love you. Stay safe."
To which Malex gets the reply: "Hello? Is this really you? I'm so scared, I don't know what's going on. Everything is melting into shadow" They decide the mystery of the Vortex, its apparent changes since the resealing of the Locks, the theft of the "Book of Dead Names" by the mind flayer trapped inside it, is most certainly the target of their next efforts. However, it's possible, whatever Queen Mab of the Unseelie wishes to discuss with them, could also involve this phenomenon that seems to be tearing through the multiverse. They will rest and recoup, and attend the Queen on the morrow.
That night, after Toby both learns from his "little agents" that Valenthe appears to have left without trace (the party presumes this too is related to the growing effect of the Vortex), and gains supplies for the party, they take time to rest. After Wally has told the latest tales and Divone has made sure the party is left in peace, leaving Wally to finally play for himself and his companions, their mood and spirit soothes and elevates. They begin the evening acutely aware of being . . . not in the Feyrealm, that is, surrounded by the mortal norm of flat colors and sounds and sensations compared to the preternatural vibrancy that has been the days or weeks of relative time they spent in the Feyrealm. Each of them feels something of a loss, being back in the mortal realm, morose and sad even. But as Wally plays his enchanted bandore, singing in the styles he picked up while among the Fey, the party find solace of spirit in their way. And are reminded of beauty of home, and the reasons for doing what they have, and what they still have yet to do.
Malex takes the time to discuss concerns with Toby regarding Krovozhadnost, his increasingly problematic warhammer. He admits his uncertainty of being able to successfully sever the bond that has developed between him and the bloodlustful weapon, and asks for his aid in the morning in the attempt. Toby, ever naive in some ways, expresses confusion as to why his mentor does not just leave it behind, and Malex tries to explain the drive and desire to wield it best he can to his squire. Finally, arrangements are made, and eventually, the party retires to well-earned rest.
[[ level 16 ]]
Early the following morning, Malex the dragonborn cleric of Bahamut, and his earnest halfling squire Toby, walk out of The Last Breath while the night fog still clings to the ground and eddies around the corners of buildings. The stride through the quiet, waking town, amidst the smell of baking breads and the sounds of sailors and stevedores beginning their chores before the sun breaks above the eastern hills. They come to a quiet and secluded space outside of town and sit across each other and begin the prayers Malex will use to break the weapon's hold on him. Toby participates in sincerity and full-heartedly, which in turn bolsters Malex. His awareness turns inward, and finds the thread of connection between himself and Krovozhadnost, expecting to encounter an sentient awareness of the weapon -- surprisingly, he does not. He discovers instead, that the bloodlust he felt increasingly rise and take over his awareness of late, is not a separate personality imbued in the weapon, but is manifested in himself! A result of a curse upon the weapon that he has allowed by much use to grip his psyche. He struggles to break this curse, to overcome it, and nearly loses himself in the effort. The desire to use it, to kill, to destroy, grips is heart! Toby, before him, must be killed . . . and then Malex truly sees Toby, head bowed in supplicant prayer. His voice, earnest and true. His actions under Malex's guidance, in honor of Bahamut. And it gives him strength and courage to release himself from the weapon's thrall. It is done, he is free. He looks down at the cursed warhammer in his gripped hands, and understands this weapon must not fall into the hands of others -- it cannot simply be cast into the ocean. Carefully, he wraps it and then places it in the Bag of Seclusion which, in effect, hides it away in all ways, from the world. At least, until it can be properly dealt with. Malex and Toby return to The Last Breath as Wally and Penitence join them for a hearty breakfast.
When they have prepared themselves, Penitence holds out the black diamond and concentrates, and indeed, a portal much like they have seen previously, opens into a wintry land rich in detail. They step through . . . and find themselves on the balcony of a castle is dark and striking as the surrounding land is white and sparkling from snow and ice. Despite the cold, the snow, the chill wind blowing around them, they feel an odd sense of inner warmth. Like . . . the feeling of sitting by a fire at the deepest, darkest hour of night in the longest night of winter. It is a feeling more of nostalgia, perhaps longing, as opposed to anything grim or fearful. This is not The Gloaming, this is the Winterrealm of the Unseelie.


They turn and walk into the enormous, glittering and shining throne room, marked by high, sharp arches and columns. Sitting on a throne of black ice, a woman of stunningly cold beauty with raven black hair and white eyes. She rises and greets the party, and with a wave of an arm, creates large chairs and a table from the ice floor itself. Goblets of mulled wine appear before them and she urges them to drink, warm themselves, assuring them that no ill will befall them for drinking in her Hall. (Malex, however, thanks to his experience, remains skeptical and suspicious.)
Penitence, however, feels something particularly disturbing in the presence of Queen Mab. Something . . . that hakens to her childhood? Something akin to fear, even terror. Penitence, though, no stranger of the Dark, opens herself to this feeling. And in so doing, gains a mote of clarity. The Queen is in some way connected to a missing or displaced childhood memory. Something terrible and dark and terrifying. Something traumatic. Unfortunately, nothing more clear comes of it, but she at least does not fear the feeling or hidden memory.

Pleasantries complete, Queen Mab of the Unseelie eventually comes to the point of her invitation. She is, she admits, startled by the tiefling's reappearance, having been disappeared centuries ago. And now as a mortal. But most importantly, as First Daughter of Titania, First Queen of the Fey (and of Asmodeus). And because of that, Queen Mab asks Penitence to claim her birthright of the Throne of the Seelie Court, and then abdicate it to a regent of Queen Mab's choosing -- and in return, the Queen will grant Penitence literally any boon within her (not inconsiderable, as an archfey) power.

During the conversation, many hints and oblique references to the tiefling's origins, childhood, parentage are brought up, and finally, Penitence asks the Queen to enlighten her and tell as much as she knows regarding Penitence's origins:

"I was there, for much of it, although much I know only having been told myself by others. But what I am certain of is this... Many mortal centuries ago, the coming of what you call the Old Ones through the Far Realms, was foretold but largely ignored. First by the mortals themselves. But then, as the mortal realm began to twist and fall to the perverse power of the Old Ones, the multiverse itself was threatened. And it was only then that the greatest Powers among us gathered and worked together to create a veil sealed with five locks of a sort, to seal the Far Realms away from all other planes of existence.
This ritual, devised by all the greatest archons of what you think of as Good and Evil, Law and Chaos, would require the sacrifice of several of these paragons, Asmodeus, Lord of the Nine Hells and Titania, Queen of all Fey, among them. Asmodeus, however, a devious genius, devised a way he believed he could both sacrifice himself and remain. He required the help of Titania to give life to a being that would be part him and part her -- their child. And within this child would be a shard of his own spirit, or soul, if you will. Such as we beings have one. The creation complete, the child -- you, my dear Penitence, born, Titania (who did not know the true intent of Asmodeus and was convinced by the archdevil that you were created instead to take his place as Lord of the Nine Hells in his stead) withdrew to a distant plane where time passed far quicker so that you could mature as much as possible before the ritual of the Glochrim was to be performed. And in that time, she performed the Creation again to birth Rhiannon, whom she intended to have take her place on the Throne of the Feyrealm. Alas, only a year could pass in this distant nursery while only a day could be spared in the Prime Material. No more time could be spared, and you were brought back to be Asmodeus' proxy.
He planned at the key moment to instantaneous swap himself out for you, child. But he was himself betrayed by someone close to him. And in fact, he was sacrificed to the ritual as intended, as was Bahamut, Tiamat, Titania, and others, but you remained. Child of both fiend and fey, immortal, and destined for power. The first tiefling. Given to a human woman whose name I do not know, in the remnants of what the banished Old Ones left of the mortal realm, to be raised.
But then, something happened. I cannot say what, but some human years later, your immortality was ripped from you, the shard of Asmodeus as well it seems, tearing you from existence. And so it was believed you were lost, gone forever. Until, it appears you reappeared centuries later, to be found and again adopted and raised by a mortal man. To make your way finally here, standing before me so many years later. Daughter, first daughter, of my sister.
And so we come to it, why I have asked you here. For certain, when you made your presence known when you stepped into the Seelie Court before Rhiannon, you created quite the stir! She knew immediately who and what you were, and the threat you posed. But she thought the closing of passage between the mortal realm and Feyrealm would be enough to keep you away, but you and your friends proved to be very persistent and tenacious. Rhiannon, I do not know if you are aware, set The Huntsman after you. The price for your head? Quite considerable.
I will be plain with you, my niece, I would have you do me the favor of claiming your birthright. You have the right to claim the throne of the Seelie Court! Though, while you have the right, you do not have the power. As a mortal, you cannot actually rule. The will of the Feyrealm will not respond to you, as a mortal. So, I would have you go to the Life Tree, Yggdrasil, claim it from Rhiannon, the pretender, and then abdicate it to my servant, Solonor here. Solonor, please, come welcome our guests.
Ah, naturally, your decision must be well-considered. You all will be my guests as you consider accepting, and what you would ask of me in return. One last thing, however, as a token, I have arranged to have you regain your name if you so wish...."

The Queen has a cage dragged in over the ice, and within is a miserable Zinthniril the treespider. Penitence is told that Zinthniril is "graciously agreed" to her back her name, if offered something of value in exchange. After some thought, Penitence offers her Book of Shadows, a tome given to her by her Patron containing secrets and spells. Zinthniril eagerly agrees, and Penitence arranges for Queen Mab to serve as a go-between, to avoid any underhanded machinations. The exchange completed, Irina regains her name, and the party is shown very comfortable appointments in the palace to rest and consider.

Character(s) interacted with

• Gargroak -- leader of the soldiers and new king of the Bullywugs
• Princess Siobhan Alastai and Antonius -- rulers of the Aigéansidhe
• Mierueal -- emissary to the Queen of the Unseelie
• Kuo-toa kidnap victims: kids Elma and Oddo, and a woman, Sally, from Portville; father and son Klaus and Jacob, and Lucia from Crescent
• Divone -- tavernkeep of The Last Breath
• Archmage Varius (via Sending)
• Kathra (via Sending) -- Wally's friend and Tilldale tavernkeep
• Queen Mab, Queen of the Unseelie, Queen of Night and Shadow, Queen of the Winterrealm
• Lord Solonor -- Queen Mab's chosen regent for the Throne of the Seelie Court
• Zinthniril -- a spiderent from The Gloaming

Report Date

12 Jan 2021