Session 13 - I volunteer as tribute
General Summary
Fighting The SUN
The rust-covered form of the gold dragonborn is consumed by a radiant figure wielding a sword of radiant light. Seeing that, Yenush heads towards where he can get a good view of his brother AND the dragonborn. Milo debates what he should do and bravely gets slightly closer to the dragonborn. Arkyn preps himself for combat as Teagan charges forward with a fury. Although his strike lands, the sun radiating behind the figure flashes, partially deflecting the blade. The dragonborn turns and tells Teagan: I shall make you more graves to fill. On the far side of the Loading Deck, Aiaoue runs right at Yelkin. Hi, Omen's guidance to you! Your brother is RIGHT OVER THERE! She then goes bird and turns to head towards the dragonborn. A very confused "What?" echoes from Yelkin.
The gold dragonborn goes to cast a sickening spell, but Arkyn manages to warp and dissolve the spell before it can take form. The figure then begins to glow brilliantly. Cadence absolutely hates the light, but her darkness is quickly consumed by a light that is far more powerful than any she has encountered. Yenush thinks he can fight the sun itself and finds himself blinded. He decides to prioritize his brother for the moment. Teagan is kindly asked to Bow. With the blinding light, only Milo notices Omarosa arrive, quickly shedding her metal jewelry. As Teagan drops to the ground, the dragonborn stabs its blade down through one of the arcane engines. There's a disruption in the ethereal hum of the MWDs in the distance. Everyone found themselves afraid of the dragonborn except the newly arrived Omarosa... who's eyes were consumed by gold as the dragonborn pointed its radiant blade in her direction.
Yelkin, after stopping a series of potentially dangerous sparks, begins to move in the direction of Eight's door, but is intercepted by Yenush. Where are you going? Are you really trying to fix this? Yelkin gestures in the direction of where he just came from. Yelkin flees through Legacy Hall. A weird swamp-like creature barrels through the light in the direction of Cadence, snarling and drooling a bit of acid. With everyone afraid, Milo decides to calm everyone down and although it pulls Teagan from his rage, it suppresses the fear on Aiaoue, Teagan, and Arkyn. Now fearless, Teagan and Aiaoue surround the dragonborn. Teagan manages to shake off the dragonborn's attempt to dominate him. When it attempts to leave, Aiaoue bites it to keep it restrained and in place. A moment later, Arkyn traps it under the effects of Slow for a round.
Perturbed now by the sorcerer, the dragonborn summons a Wall of Light directly on Arkyn, but it quickly falls with a well placed shot from Yenush. Cadence battles the swamp creature, which seems hellbent on ripping her to shreds. She manages to get off a Vampiric Touch before she is grappled and held by the creature. Upon his arrival, Ademar moves quickly to the swamp creature, counterspelling Arkyn when he attempted to shock it and only offering a simple "don't touch what's mine". Aiaoue and Teagan continue to tear into the dragonborn, even as it summons a spectral guardian in a last ditch attempt to damage its assailants. Teagan finds his strike guided to weak point in the radiant armor by a spectral, gauntlet-covered hand.
With one final strike, Teagan lifts the dragonborn into the air. The grime and soot returns to her clothes and rust reforms upon her armor. The glow in her eyes fades as she blinks and coughs a bit of blood.
How gold glitters when graced by the touch of the sun… But I’d rather been rusted had I know this was the sun that would shine upon me.
Cracks began to spread rapidly across Chiara's form until the light within her erupted, disintegrating her almost instantly. A small amber stone clattered to the ground beneath her. Upon picking it up, Teagan was reminded of all his missteps, errors, and sins.... but it also feels nice and warm!
The Tragic Case of the Iron Arrow
Without any hesitation, Aiaoue and Yenush both book it in the direction that Yelkin ran. The rest of the group follows Ironborn into the sparking and crushed carcass of the Iron Arrow. Although the metal releases wails of agony, there is no sign of life aboard the Iron Arrow. Arkyn, who lingered near the entrance, noted a crowd approaching. Among them, notably, was a large group from the Church lead by a very determined Diamont. There was also a bird in the distance. As Arkyn waves, the bird does a very obvious check before departing, satisfied with its inability to detect the 1 banana Arkyn was missing.
Emerging from the Iron Arrow, Cadence and Milo head in the direction of Mistress Eight's as well – Cadence adopting a faster pace. Yenush and Aiaoue note that Eight's door is not positioned where it normally is. Yenush manages to ping a nearly perfectly camoflaged Vendetta, curled up and pressed against a building. The large creature reveals itself, opening its massive maw where Eight's door rests at the back of her throat. Knocking, Eight answers, looking cautiously at Yenush (and giving Aiaoue a small smile). Provided a conversation occurs under her domain, Eight permits Yenush to speak to his brother. Yelkin looks exhausted as he sits in Eight's parlor.
Why did you run? What did you do? Yelkin asserts that it's more a matter of what he didn't do. Yelkin assumes he was offered this job because of Yenush's standing at the House of Law. It seemed a good opportunity for Ozti to have time outdoors and the money wasn't anything to scoff at. It is no secret that there is underwater mining in the Lake of Ventor, but Yelkin reveals that he was to forge a shackle and chain to bind a young girl. According to Yelkin, there is a young girl – no older than 12 or 13 – chained and bound at the bottom of the Lake. She begged Yelkin to free her. And when he froze up, there was an earthquake or something. Everyone panicked... and Yelkin ran. He thought if he disappeared, this wouldn't reflect poorly on Yenush, but it seems that the House of Law now wants to know if Yenush has the same "bad blood" as Yelkin. Yenush inquires further: Who took you there? A shaman, most likely of the Kersello tribes that inhabit the lake. The chains were normal? Yelkin notes they sent a mage in to do something; he can't recall the runes. Aiaoue thinks its positively terrible that they keep a girl locked at the bottom of a lake. Thank you- Wait, who are you? Hi, I'm Aiaoue!
There is frantic knocking at Eight's door. When Yenush requests that no one else be let in, Eight obliges. What happened on the Iron Arrow? Yelkin notes that he's gone into the miasma a few times given that Rune won't let Ironborn go anymore. After telling Eight not to tell the Church what he's about to say, Yelkin notes that The Void Maiden isn't what she used to be. Have you seen Diamont? She's got far less flesh than he does nowadays. While on foot in the miasma, they were ambushed. Normally, the Void Maiden would have been able to deal with it, but the group was split. When Chiara gave the order to fall back, Yelkin booked it directly to the Iron Arrow. By the time he'd calmed enough to think, only Chiara and Nisaba were on the train. Is there a chance that the other people are alive? If they stayed with the Void Maiden... if not, no. How long have you been awake? Yelkin notes he's been up for 3 days. They took a brutal pace back to Legacy.
So, are you going to arrest me? No, not right now. Yelkin stands and pulls Yenush into a hug, which Yenush returns. With plans to help repair the Iron Arrow after a quick power nap, Yelkin vanishes into another portion of Eight's pocket dimension. Aiaoue stays to use Eight's kitchen to make soup. Eight mentions that she managed to make contact with Nana Nine. Tensions are rising in Elios. Towns on the fringes have driven their featherless out and now fly the banner of a dark sun. Eight notes, as a small form of consolation, that the harm seems directed at those not of avian birth. Whatever state Aiaoue's husband is in, he should be spared the strife. Eight also offers to provide Nine with a detailed description of Alcide.
Outside Eight's door, Yenush keeps a distraught Cadence from entering. Yenush insists that his brother needs to rest as Cadence expresses her concern about Aria. After threatening to storm off into the miasma, Cadence instead decides to storm off to the tavern. Meanwhile, Teagan and Arkyn watch as Diamont converges with a fury on Ironborn. What happened to your train? Can you get it operational? Diamont insists he can sense the Void Maiden still and that another group MUST be sent out as soon as possible. Arkyn volunteers before Teagan can stop him. Diamont, although still fired up, does seem less inclined to take his stress out on those around him with Arkyn's volunterring.
Discussing Chiara, no one has seen her go "sun mode" before, but Diamont does reveal that he had concerns sending Chiara. She has looked down on their faith before. Who does she follow? Caliban. No, seriously, who does she follow? Diamont and Ironborn both agree that she was a follower of Caliban, hailing from the Gold Dragon Clan. The "sun mode" situation was most likely unassociated with Caliban. Teagan pulls out the amber stone and offers it to Diamont, whose face contorts as he takes it. After a single tear rolls down his cheek, he offers the item back. Arkyn mentions that his "Ping theory" and, after some comments from Ironborn, Teagan's face contorts with worry as he realizes Ironborn is implying that the same thing might happen to him and the group. Ironborn throws his hands up: "Hey, you said it not me!"
Ironborn will have the Iron Arrow ready to depart in 3-4 days. The Iron Queen will arrive on the morrow. Given what occurred, Ironborn will want a primary and secondary crew aboard: one to search for the Void Maiden and the second to guard the Iron Arrow.
Post-Battle Time in Legacy
At the tavern, Cadence grabs a cheap bottle from Jin's collection and gets day drunk. Turns out this cheap bottle DOES actually contain very cheap liquor. Meanwhile, Yenush goes to Sinner's Choice. After asking the bartender if Omarosa was here and expressing his actual, genuine desire to talk to her, the bartender laughed and directed him to the back. After prying Omarosa away from Ademar, Yenush asks if Omarosa could start working on the magical piece for his gift to Viren. Her usual bite is a bit subdued and Yenush notes that there are faint "acid burns" where her metal jewelry normally would be. When asked if she was at the fight, Omarosa waved it off, but her lie is critically easy to spot. When Yenush asked about payment for Omarosa's magical services, she responded: "Don't break my brother's heart; or I'll claw yours out." Have a good day, Omarosa.
Before Yenush leaves, he decides to ask Ademar what his deal is. Shall we play a game, Yenush? Ademar mentions that he, unfortunately, cannot destroy his competitors – he needs them. That does not mean he cannot control them. That shifter, do you consider him a friend? Ademar mentions he has a blank slate favor that he could shred if Yenush was able to do something for him. There's certainly items of sentimental value that Ironborn would loathe to lose. You're asking me to steal from Ironborn? Absolutely not. Think about it for a day, won't you? Yenush notes that he would very much like to see Ademar's heart on a spike. Oh, how exciting.
Teagan and Arkyn head to the Academic Center to talk to Khalil about what happened. For once, he is not elbow deep in the body of a god. Did anyone ask about a Ping? Khalil notes that the "Ping project" is not his top priority and he does not actively pursue people. Arkyn has been the one most forthcoming with him about this "Ping". Regarding Chiara, Khalil notes that she has seen substantial miasma exposure. What was described seems akin to possession; something from the miasma overtook her and, in the end, it seems she regained herself for a few moments before her death (Teagan: don't say thatttt). Arkyn inquires about how the "raise a god" project is going. Khalil spouts jargon and eventually simplifies to "strong magic bring person back" and "cheat the weave". Khalil can, supposedly, see the weave itself and manipulate it. He's hit a snag: he cannot seem to locate the thread that leads to this god's soul, but he seems determined to hunt it down.
Aiaoue and Milo have a quick chat. Aiaoue updates Milo on why Yelkin left Nacheevi and that Yenush seemed ill-informed about the situation (at least a good portion of the details). Also, yes, Dunebrook does not like Milo or at least was averse to the thought of being in the presence of someone acting presently as a reporter. After a moment of pause, Aiaoue asked if Milo had any interesting information. Do you know anything, Milo? Marcia would like information... well information OR Ademar's dice. Anything to help her get a leg up on Ademar would be ideal.
Milo and Yenush talk about whether they need to depart with the Iron Queen or the Iron Arrow. Yenush is caught in the middle of two important people. By order of a Judge and mentor-figure, he's bound by decree to bring Yelkin back. Yet, Yenush feels like Yelkin is needed here. Milo would like to board the Iron Arrow; a story on the Jalasaran pantheon would hold significant societal and historical value, but danger lurks in the miasma. Also, apparently Aiaoue wants information on Ademar... for blackmail? Or for Marcia to blackmail him? Ademar did mention that a new escort was disruptive. Yenush would love to see Ademar blackmailed. Oh, also, Milo, can I have some of your blood? Milo shrugs, sure why not.
Almost everyone converges on Dunebrook at the Ruins. Teagan moves the Radiant Boon over a set of Amber stones embedded in the ruins. One of them glows with slightly more intensity. When Arkyn tries with the Aquamarine gemstones, there is no response. Dunebrook notes that – if the dull stones represent dead gods – then it would not be surprising if their effects or connections were inert. When asked more about the ruins, Dunebrook notes that the ouroboros is a symbol of The One and the space within the Ouroboros may represent the broader cosmos. The One is our creator after all.
Aiaoue lingers at the ruins. Are your daughters at an age for stories? Teagan mentions that his youngest, certainly, but he's not certain about his oldest. She's in the "rebellious, doesn't want to listen to dad phase". Aiaoue asks if Dunebrook has any stories she's uncovered about Jalasar. Dunebrook notes that anything she has is incomplete and filled with her uncofirmed theories (her attempt to connect disparate dots). She found a statue that resembled Varoona, with features that would potentially have allowed wind and/or current to flow through it, generating sound. Dunebrook suspects that - in lieu of evidence of a battle or a broader war in the area – that a group of merfolk, triton, or Keresello followed the song of the Siren away from the rising Abyss. Dunebrook also recently found a medallion with a silhouette of a head and neck, a red line across the throat. She found it near a rusted dagger. Much of what she suspects with this is uncertain, but based on other iconography, Dunebrook suspects there were followers of an assassin's god among the war. Dunebrook suspects they were a minority in the fight. Why they were present in a battlefield is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Cadence finds Quill having finished up a swim and in the process of donning his multi-layered robes. Cadence, still drunk, tries to remember why she even came here before remembering. We found a dragon bone! That's great... do you have it? No, someone else does. Quill, after blinking a few times. Are... are you drunk? Cadence is concerned for her friend and sister-figure who could be dead out in the miasma. Quill gently paces his hands on Cadence's shoulders. If she's with the Void Maiden she's certainly fine. Cadence, for a moment, feels anger surge, but beneath is a pool of sorrow and heartache. When Cadence returns, Quill flinches as he withdraws a bit. Certainly, it is far better to entertain positive thoughts... and trust Caliban? He weaves the red thread... well, as far as Quill is aware. Cadence agrees that she should trust Caliban and decides to pray.
Milo heads to the Ohn'Lee Clinic to talk to Viren. What do you know about the miasma? As far as Viren is aware, the only full-proof preventive measure against the miasma... is to not go into the miasma. Or, stay as close to the MWDs as possible. The miasma tends to weaken the body, sap strength, and steal energy. It also tends to warp the mind. Viren mentions that he had one individual who so strongly believed that he no longer required food that he starved himself to death. When Viren autopsied the body, he found that all organs were perfectly healthy... save the man's stomach, which was distorted and warped beyond repair.
Yenush and Arkyn, meanwhile, go to Eight... and wait outside her door. After Arkyn casts message, Eight arrives from the direction of the Church. Although uncertain how long it will last, Eight gifts Arkyn a ring. Yenush thanks Eight for watching his brother and mentions that he wasn't truthful because he needed to be sure Eight had Yelkin's best interest at heart. Family is important, you know. How wonderful that Yenush has a heart. Thanks for noticing I have one. As Yenush leaves, Eight notes that it wasn't the metal arm or other tech Yenush carries that was offputting to her.
Arkyn damn near sprints over to the fields, flings himself up on the roof, and bounds right up to Sayah before having immediate second thoughts. What if I touch you and it doesn't WORK? Sayah rolls her eyes and grabs Arkyn's hand... and nothing happens. As Arkyn spoons Sayah without fear of throwing her off the roof in the middle of the night, Arkyn decides THIS is the perfect time to mention that he's probably going into the miasma soon. WHAT? Sh....
Teagan heads to the tavern and briefly rages at the thing that's haunting him. Why did you help me today? His vision flashes to a destoryed landscape filled with open graves, bodies strung up, and destruction. In anger, Teagan throws his glass, yells at people not to steal, and storms out. And as night falls, Teagan dreams.
Report Date
15 Nov 2024
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Memes
Teagan's Dream
The air in a mining town is never truly pure, yet the hint of smog in the air assures you that you are home. Yet, you do not remember the path to your home being this lengthy, this devoid of shift or bend. Your home rests at the end of a long, perfectly paved straight path. Your footsteps echo as you walk forward. In your peripheral, vague outlines of still and posed figures take shape, only to vanish when you turn to steal a glance. As you approach your home, the image of it flickers… replaced momentarily by a sinkhole. You blink, and your home stands untouched, pristine. The front door swings open of its own accord… glowing red.In the darkened hours of the night, illuminated only by crimson glow, you move through your home with quiet steps. You pass by your daughters’ rooms; doors closed and lights off. It is Connor’s room you move towards with the door resting ajar and the red glow more prominently emanating from within. You do not recall the door being this heavy. Your muscles strain as you push a stone door open. It is not Connor’s room you find beyond. A bed of stone rests in the center of the room. An impression lies at its center, perfectly fit to a taller, bulkier figure than your son. Candles are spread across the space, glowing an orange red. A skull rests near one of the candles, its eye sockets glowing crimson.
Heavy. Your body feels heavy. Your eyes feel heavy. Oh, how you desire true, peaceful rest. To sleep unperturbed, adrift in blissful dreams. Your vision is hazy. The stone bed rests before you and, despite the haze in your vision, you note another stone door ahead.
You shake off the haze that has settled over you. With effort, you stride towards the stone door. There is no time for rest. Not now… perhaps not ever. You groan as you strain against the door. When the stone gives way, the world before you is not kind. Homes have been swallowed by the ground, bodies lay strewn about, blood stains the ground… You cannot rest. Not now… Not until… they are all put to proper rest.
Comments