09 - The Empty Throne
General Summary
The party confronts the spectral sharks, all tethered to the chest of Awha the Storm Giant. They work frantically to bring down the sharks, while also keeping Awha safe from the assaults of the Revenants. With extra healing from Ylva and a renewed vigor from the storm giant, the final shark is brought down by the combined efforts of the combatants. With the revenants dissipating, it becomes clear that Awha is still too exhausted to move. He explains he too was struck by a bolt from the sky, and as he noticed his elemental powers growing out of control, he departed towards the Serpent's Spine both to keep Stormcrest safe, and to ask Kiwa for guidance. When asked about the giant's scroll, Awha responds saying it was once stored within his treasury before his departure.
Ylva decides to stay behind and help Awha recover as the party progresses further into the Serpent's Spine. Leading Squishy the Manta Whale further through the underwater canyon, they continue their journey through powerful tides that pull them along. The final leg of their journey leads the party through a darkened tunnel and a confusing maze of stonework, fighting the current to finally emerge above the water's surface once more. What lies before them is a wondrous throne, carved of immaculate seastone and decorated with multicolored coral. On all sides, stone walls extend upwards, obscuring the seemingly sacred grounds from prying eyes.
Gem sits upon the throne, feeling strangely nostalgic. Only then is she greeted by a bellowing voice, calling in Aquan from the depths. A luminous creature in the shape of a whale emerges from the tides, flying above the throne, its transparent body traced in starlight. It speaks to Gem, demanding to know her purpose upon the throne. Gem asks the whale to heal Awha and Kohatu, to which it refuses: "Many suffer and die every day, they are no different," it responds. The whale demands to know why Gem possesses the necklace, saying it belonged to someone else. Gem tells the whale its former owner died, to which the whale leaves the throne in a bout of anger.
Gem successfully enters the pendant, wishing to speak to the nameless druid. The woman tells Gem that she is the one who turned the whale into a starlit being many years past, to carry a heavy burden. She asks Gem to call him by his name, Bubbaloo, and offer her apologies for asking him to shoulder such an immense responsibility.
Gem leaves the pendant and summons Bubbaloo once more; she tells the whale she has spoken to the druid, and relays her message. Bubbaloo states simply that he can give the gift of healing to Gem, at the price of shouldering his burden. She accepts and reaches her hand to Bubbaloo. The whale makes contact with the eladrin and dissipates into a shower of stars, leaving behind what appears to be the Staff of Aquai, fully intact. Bubbaloo wishes the best of luck to Gem, an apology, and a thank you before fading into the morning light.
The party travel back through the Serpent's Spine, during which time Gem'ini meditates upon the staff. She receives a vision, as is typical of trancing, except her view is unlike anything she's seen before. She sits upon the throne of Aquai, surrounded by a blood red ocean, with an army of merrow and sahuagin bowing before her. Awha the Storm Giant also bends the knee towards her throne, and in her palm she holds the Staff of Aquai. She speaks first to Awha, who confirms his allegiance to her rulership, saying it has been many years since her talents healed him from the wounding light. A monstrous creature also sits before the throne, claiming Gem's talents brought him to life. From the staff she hears across the ocean countless voices calling, a mix of throes of celebration and cries of anguish.
Gem awakens from her trance as they arrive back at Awha's resting spot, the storm giant seemingly on his way towards recovery. Ylva is asleep nearby, resting after her efforts. Gem takes the staff and aims towards Awha's wounds, her Healing Waters reversing a great deal of damage. As she does so, however, the remaining traces of his Aquai magic are absorbed into the crystalline pendant. The party asks him to visit Kohatu at Grandfin, but Awha points out that the last of his paragon talents have been extinguished, lying now with Gem.
Awha follows the party back to Stormcrest, where he offers them food and board for as long as they require. The party choose to leave behind Squishy and travel back to the ship after Ylva does not hear a response from Ysgrid.
Rewards Granted
- Staff of Aquai (Gem)
- Elemental Essence: Awha (Gem)
Character(s) interacted with
Recurring Characters: Awha the Storm Giant, Nameless Druid
New Characters:
- Bubbaloo
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