Session 24: Building a Raft, Traversing the Swamp and Attack of the Death Blossoms!
General Summary
Building a Raft (4AM)
The session began with some concern raised by NAD regarding potential dangers in the stagnant waters that surround you in this swamp. Their concerns stemmed primarily from the newfound knowledge of Ticks which had afflicted Kaswink and Namina already. NAD suggested that a raft be built to traverse this land and prevent any contact with the suspicious waters. NAD devised the blueprints with their engineering abilities and helped gather wood for the project along with Kaswink and Frode. Kaswink also searched for any waterproof moss to hopefully protect the raft from too much water damage and some bugs to prevent pockets from being empty while Agave searched for some extratough vines to bind the raft together. He was also interested in any local unusual flora that could be discovered. Namina spent her time relaxing, examining herself for any potential illness from the ticks and eventually partially opening Logren's Gift. Hysteria, meanwhile, enjoyed something called a "mai tai" and watched the rest of you build this essential project. The raft's construction was an overwhelming success, everyone doing just great at their respective tasks, and it was put together remarkably quickly. The vines used were strong, though moss collection was unfortunately less than enough. Despite this, Kaswink took what moss she could and would likely use it for another project some other day. She also found a great deal of creepy crawlies, ideal for looking at and perhaps consuming should the need be high enough. Agave also found some success in his side project and located an unusual mushroom: Traveler's Shiitake. This mushroom had some details along with a drawing on its Field Guide entry, Traveler's Shiitake. Meanwhile, as Namina took her vitals and looked over her blood, she saw something unusual. While her heart rate was bad enough, along with the aching bones and general unwellness, she also discovered that her blood seemed to change at different rates. Some parts fading from existence entirely too quickly, others not changing at all, and so on. It was determined that she seems to have come down with a case of Hemochronosis, and that Kaswink likely had the same illness as well.Additionally, Namina read over the note attached to the gift given by Logren, The Mantis Knight. "I don’t know what this is…well, that’s not true, I know what it is I Just don’t know why you had something like it in a jar. It was with your things when you were arrested. The rest of the court wanted to keep it and learn more about it, but it’s yours now.. I think these things are important to the Mothlings…be careful where you open it, don’t go showing this jar around to just anyone.” This note created a great deal of worry for Namina, though she peaked inside the gift despite that. It was still dark out as it was early morning, probably around 4AM when you all departed Thera Relovut, and with the rain clouds overhead it was increasingly difficult to perceive much within the parcel. That being said, she did see the lid of a jar before peeling back more of the butcher paper and discovering the outline of an unmoving moth within the glass confines of some average sized mason jar. She hurriedly rewrapped the jar in its butcher paper, retied the twine, and began dissociating for a good bit of time as the raft continued its construction. During this interval she refrained from further assistance even as Kaswink requested some assistance with locating some special moss, this must clearly be some advanced levels of anxiety provided by whatever was inside the gift. All she said to Kaswink about it was that it might be Tympi; a guess formulated by some clues gathered within the note. If it was with your things, and it has a moth in it then it was likely the very same jar that Ilven was holding, right?
Traversing the Swamp (5AM)
The First Few Hours, Uisge (6AM-9AM)
Additionally, while traveling during these first few hours you began to hear a strange sound. It almost felt like you were underwater but off in some other direction in the distance. Hysteria and Agave scouted ahead to see what was goin down, and they found that the terrain changed throughout this swamp with different hills, flat sections just above the water, just some respite from the knee-level water that they had been traveling on. However, as they journeyed toward the unusual noise, their ears continued to "fill with water" as it sounded like they were underwater somehow. They eventually arrived at a small clearing with a strange sight: hovering several feet above the water-covered ground were a collection of different-sized amorphous blobs of rainwater. Some were smaller, about "the size of a basketball", but they ranged in size all the way up to the largest which was about 20 feet in diameter and growing larger. This water was clearer than the swamp water it hovered above and appeared to just be collected rainwater floating without any sort of center or sentience. Agave and Hysteria both searched the area for any spellcasters but found no such culprits. Agave then decided to see what could be discovered by creating some artificial coyote sounds nearby. He utilized his druid magics to create these sounds, and the presence of magic appeared to enrage the blobs in front of them.Some of these blobs pursued the coyote noises, but most of them, including the largest of the blobs, approached Agave's location. The calm waters suddenly agitating, shaking violently, and a massive ring of light had appeared behind it while slowly rotating. The "underwater" feeling for everyone became a lot more aggressive, rather than a calm water surrounding your ears you all suddenly heard this violent thrashing. Kaswink began to sneak up to the being as well, and as she approached the away team with some tea, Agave was suddenly attacked by this rain spirit. The incredibly fast pellet of water launched at him dealt a small amount of damage and deafened him as a far louder and more aggressive sound like a torrent of water filled his ears. Kaswink arrived at the scene as Agave was recoiling from this attack to throw a tea packet at the spirit. Its color changed ever so slightly, but it was still angry and launched another attack at Kaswink which missed. Meanwhile, on the raft, NAD and Frode began debating whether or not they should leave the raft. Apparently leaving the raft is bad because all of their friends were in trouble, but as Agave yelled out to the spirit that he "means it no harm!" they jumped into action pushing the raft toward the location of the spirit. Namina also snapped out of her torpor in time to rush to the aid of her allies. She instructed Croak Chomsky to stay and watch the raft much to NAD's confusion. NAD and Frode worked together to get the raft near the group, and also plotted how best to help their friends.
Hysteria shot at the spirit with their fire bow. The arrow that was loosed flew threw the air and sizzled before impacting with the spirit and passing through seemingly without harming the creature. This attack caused the spirit to become even more agitated and violent. Namina arrived just as this occurred and spent her time meditating, thinking back to anything she might know about this spirit from her occultic knowledge. She recalled that Weather Spirits such as this seem to have a disdain for magic and calm down when offerings of Ore are presented. There was no mention of what kind of Ore might be preferred, but Namina decided to throw a fistfull of gold that she had on hand into the center of the largest blob. As Namina was throwing this gold, the spirit continued its assault on Agave and indeed began to approach while growing in size and rage. NAD quickly prepared a small performance utilizing their warpicks and some rope in an effort to pull Agave out of the way. The plan was successful as the spirit missed Agave, received the gold offering, and seemed to also enjoy NAD's performance. Kaswink, seeing the spirit calming as NAD continued juggling, made a makeshift drum and performed an ancestral song about the rain for the spirit. The combination of different rituals and such all seemed to work their magic on this being until it calmed down enough to let you move about your journey. It followed you for a short time until NAD and Kaswink stopped performing at which point it quickly lost interest.
The Next Few Hours, Conversation (10AM-1PM)
The next few hours were spent talking and occasionally foraging. The words of Kaswink's song were known by any that are familiar with the Goblin language, and it would appear that it was about a particularly stormy day when one of Kaswink's elders slayed a beast that was stealing children away in the middle of the night. This beast was also conspiring to destroy the leaders of the town and generally cause chaos. Namina explained what she had "discovered" inside the jar and elaborated on her previous assertation regarding Tympi. The working theory being that this is "Tympi from back then" when she was "just a moth". Perhaps afflicted by the same ticks, or maybe the darkness can somehow transform people into different states? One thing was for certain, that it shouldn't be shown to anybody. The conversation shifted briefly to the question of the up-and-coming permanent gate as proposed by your benefactor, Quince. Kaswink reveawled the Prison Cell Bar that she acquired from The Prison Beneath Thera Relovut, and explained that it might be able to prevent ingress from other worlds, particularly your own. Should it be affixed to the structure they hope to pass through, it might bar them from entering. She mentioned to Frode that "it might keep us locked in as well" and that he "should get out when he can." "Getting out", however, was a dubious concept to Frode. How do you even get out of here? Getting in was a trial, getting out on his own would be even more challenging.Conversation shifted back to the jar. Frode was confused why it was such a bad thing. After all, you found the jar, that's a victory, right? NAD backed this claim up, suggesting that the people that live in this realm would have some idea of how to take care of the situation? The goal was to find Tympi. Kaswink had concerns that seeing your parent or your guardian as a baby would be a bad thing, though this worry was countered with Frode and NAD suggesting that that involves using a different world's logic. Though, Kaswink was still convinced that telling the mothlings or Croak would lead to mass panic. Namina confirmed that telling anyone would be a bad idea, but Frode still felt that you all found somebody's leader and, as outsiders, you should tell them what you found. Keeping it from them might be a bad idea, they have a right to know what happened to their leader. The conversation shifted back to this ominous Darkness that you keep running in to. Namina suggested not telling people about it as informing them of something they shouldn't know could be dooming them. A valid concern having seen what knowledge can do.
Namina apparently had a particular entry from a Mysterious Journal on her mind. "In our persuit of knowledge we were blinded. The enemies we faced were both unknown and unknowable. Retreat only meant we knew of them, and that was more damming than any battle." Though the conversation quickly shifted back to the discussion of what to do about Tympi. Is she even alive in the jar? Does she have any memories? What would happen if the wisest person in the village suddenly knew nothing at all? How long do ordinary moths like this even live for? NAD, ever the ...juggler, asked again about the darkness, however. "How are we supposed to defeat something that isn't physical? The chains, as Kaswink said, could've been defeated with a clear mind. But how do we defeat darkness?" Frode suggested asking the Cleric, and Namina seemed to have the answer: Agave's moonlight? Which Kaswink summarized as fighting the Unknowable Dark with Blinding Light. Perhaps prayer would help.
Prayer
Through some convincing mostly on Frode's part, Namina eventually agreed to try praying despite a great deal of apprehension and confidence that there would be any answer at all. Namina began planning out this prayer, perhaps some deeper water, some fog, something to appease her god. She pulled out her censer, some stone tablets with the writing she was able to recover before running away, and she began humming the prayer she learned which is apparently in Sea Elvish, a dialect that is similar to though distinct from Here Elvish. "I feel lost, I feel like I'm straying from the path that you wish for me to (swim) upon. Am I doing what is asked of me? Is the darkness your enemy? This darkness that eats all life and rots, is this your enemy?" When she mentioned being on the right path, less anything to do with what is desired of her or what is expected or anything, just whether or not she is on the right path to where she needs to be, she heard what wasn't really a voice, but something that sounds and moves the way the ocean would. It sounded incredibly far away, deep under the ocean, it was very muffled like it was under a great deal of pressure, something leveled and reason-filled was behind it, and it was something that Namina had heard very rarely though something that stuck in her mind. It doesn't give a straight-forward answer, but when paths were spoken of, she saw a partial eclipse where the ring of sunlight that would normally be completely covered by the moon is just barely exposed but just a portion of that golden circle is covered. She felt her feet go numb as if she would not be able to walk on them. She got the feeling that maybe the path that would be tred is not one that could be walked upon, and that it has something to do with a broken circle. When she mentioned the darkness, she heard the same wave-like voice, but it actually tried to communicate words. It wasn't very clear, incredibly hard to hear. "The Darkness that surrounds the depthsdoes not compare to what you have found
The depths that feed its darkness
Do not compare to what I am. The Circle is at risk
Their lives will not be renewed." It didn't mention anything about "rot", but she felt her lungs fill with warm, gentle water. Her body almost floated as if something was hopeful or eager for her to continue down the direction she was already going. Namina summarized that "we are doing okay, and we are on the right path." Frode had some questions about Namina's prayer, and particularly wanted to know how she felt about the path going forward. She stated that you all are on the right path, and that you're doing okay. Frode jested that it "would've been really bad if your god said that the end of the world is coming!" To which Namina chuckled and awkwardly agreed. uh-oh.
Plant Discoveries on the Bayou! (1PM-7PM)
Over the next few hours, Namina took a nap. While you all had rested not too long ago, she decided to force some sleep for necessary preparation. She apparently dreamed of a girl version of the character in The Trellis to My Heart coming to rescue her. The first few hours of her rest were incredibly uneventful. The afternoon was growing later and later, and Agave was keeping an eye out for some tasty teas or other unusual plants. In particular, he discovered a source of Societea, a peculiar tea with off-white tea leaves trimmed with lace similar to a doily. The smell was delightful, perhaps a useful ingredient when hoping to have social gatherings such as with fae or spirits. Agave harvested several of the leaves while also causing the tea plants to overgrow thus giving back to whatever farmer might have planted the unusually straight rows of tea. He managed to acquire enough to make one gallon.More time passed, and as the raft moved along at its constant pace through this swamp water you all passed by a large tree with unusual marbled bark and spade-like leaves. The shape of it all reminded some of you of a Mothlight Tree, though it was hard to see the glowing leaves there was enough cloud coverage and gloom to allow the very dim light to be visible. Some discussion was had as to how to proceed with this discovery. You could take some rest inside the village if the tree lets you in, but the map to The Night City of Dorchar from your Traveler's Guide suggests that you are rather close to the city already. Agave still used his magic to speak with the tree, and asked it some questions. Agave: "Do you have a portal that leads into a world inside of you? A town? Any visitors?" "I have felt others like me, the light that opens and brings travelers within my bough, visitors are always coming and going as long as my connection to them is unsevered." Agave: "Do you know how they do that? To come and to go?" "It is not my business to know. I don't know how it started, I just know it was pretty neat." Agave: "Have you seen any strange spirits traveling through here recently?" "You are pretty odd looking spirits." Agave: "Do you think we should spend the day in here? Some of us are getting tired, it would be safe." Agave: "Can you take us to another Mothlight tree? Are you all connected somehow?" "Yes, I can feel them all. Our connection is unbroken at this time." Kaswink: "Can it take us somewhere closer to the city?" *consults map, almost there, no reason* Agave: "Oh, mothlight tree, is it true that when you have visitors do they all share the same home, even though they are at different mothlight trees? Or do each of you have your own area that was created for you?" "I am unfamiliar with the realm between us, but any time one of them opens I do as well." Agave: "Is there anything that's ailing you that we can help you with?" *The tree closed its eyes and pondered this for a moment, its leaves glowed brighter and rustled in the wind as the rain poured down, it almost seemed to be communing with the other trees* "We miss her. For now that is our only ailment. Do you know where she is?" Agave acknowledged that you are working on finding her, but he glanced at Namina suggesting perhaps some apprehension? The mothlight tree was left to its devices as you all continued on your bayou adventure. It did not get to see the moth that may or may not be Tympi.
Attack of the Death Blossoms! (7PM)
Namina awoke from her 6 hour nap just in time for the raft to come to a halt in the middle of this standing water. Something was preventing further progress regardless of how much pressure was put on the raft. A moment of consideration was given to you before the raft suddenly flipped over, throwing you all into the mud and stagnant swamp water. Kaswink acted quickly, pushing NAD to safety while sacrificing her own chance of getting out of the way. Hysteria, Agave and NAD were all able to land on their feet while Namina, Frode and Kaswink unfortunately found themselves under the raft and under a small, 2 foot deep, bit of water. While in this state and attempting to recover, they began to be grabbed by vines. Kaswink easily broke free, but Namina and Frode were being wrapped in these vines. Namina's struggles kept her from being pulled down the river, but Frode was getting dragged away to some unknown part of the woods. Kaswink quickly swam after Frode using her blessing from some weird Muckfish spirit. Agave helped her cut Frode from the vine bindings, and Namina was meanwhile trapped underneath this raft getting wrapped in vines. Frode was rescued, and Hysteria noticed the absent Namina and was quick to cut her free. However, as Hysteria rescued Namina they felt a vine grab their own legs and quickly drag them into the forest. Namina held on, in the midst of being rescued, and was dragged away with them.You all ran (or swam) after your friends and eventually came across a new area of the swamp. The pungent smells that had filled this landscape were compounded in this area along with the fact you were all now drenched in this unpleasant filth as well. You came upon a scene of Namina being lifted up into the air along with Hysteria and attempting to pull them back down. The villain had been revealed, and it looked to be a group of seemingly mundane flower buds.
In-Game Date:
Nurend 16, 308
Discovered Spirits
Uisge
Diagnosed Illnesses
Hemochronosis
Investigated Items
Logren's Gift
Discovered Plants
Waterproof Moss
Traveler's Shiitake
Societea
Death Blossoms
Nurend 16, 308
Report Date
11 Apr 2022
Primary Location
Related Plots
Uisge
Diagnosed Illnesses
Hemochronosis
Investigated Items
Logren's Gift
Discovered Plants
Waterproof Moss
Traveler's Shiitake
Societea
Death Blossoms
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