#etharia recap

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 11 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page]

this session the party have a meeting with the royal family, catch them up on what they have been doing, and discuss what to do about this Raaz Khor

In the aftermath of the party’s fight with Lady Martagn and the cleric, Melliana ran over to Hazerik to make sure she was ok. He fussed over her and she just kissed him and pulled him into a hug. Hazerik said she was sorry (implying everything that happened with his mother). Melliana just solemnly nodded in silence.

Melliana told everyone he was glad they came for him. Rory healed Nic and Hazerik, who had been hurt the most during the fight. Hazerik said that they needed to talk to her parents and Vellias about everything. Everyone agreed.

Vianca offered to stay behind and deal with stuff at the manor while everyone else went to the palace (he’ll catch up later). Everyone took the underground tunnels and entered the Martagn Manor. Hazerik announced to the staff that Lady Martagn had been charged with treason and was now dead. Melliana got all of his belongings back that his mother had taken from him.

Hazerik lead the way and everyone made it to the palace and to the throne room. Queen Aerikoth was there fully armored with her large bronze greatsword strapped to her back. She was talking to two people near the throne. The Queen was happy to see the party back and introduced them to who she was speaking with.

Andress Kordrik, the Captain of the Guard [a human man in his late forties. He has fair skin and brown hair and eyes. He was wearing silver plate mail with a light blue side cape, signifying his rank in the City Guard] and Lady Viola Lyrens [a half-elf woman in her late sixties. She has copper skin, bright blue eyes, and curly blonde hair up in a bun. She was wearing a dark blue dress with golden trim. Very fancy!].

The Queen dismissed the Captain and Lady Lyrens saying she would help them with their problems as they had discussed. Both of them bowed, saying, ���Your Majesty” before leaving. Hazerik told her mother they needed to talk and everyone gathered in the royal meeting room (which is warded against divination magic).

The King was very happy to see the party again and gave them all hugs. The Queen asked for the party to tell them everything that had happened since they left the capital a month ago. The party told their story: They had dealt with the Elemental Portals, gathering the keys and closing the portals. They first headed for the Tarmen Islands (where Miranda is originally from). On the way there they ran into Captain Emberlin Brimstone [a fire genasi man] when he hijacked their ship. The party disliked his arrogant attitude and pulled lots of pranks on him which he thought were hilarious. He turned out to be an ally and the party found out he was an agent of the High Leader (the immortal and benign dictator of the islands). Brimstone took them to the islands and to the High Leader [a high elven man].

Speaking with the High Leader, the party learned that he was the demi-god son of Arys, the Goddess of Love and Community. During their short time in the islands, the party also met Deirdrik Coraas (half-elf man; one of the Five Heroes). With the High Leader’s help the party teleported to the desert country of Kyrelin across the Etharin Sea from the islands. While there they looked into leads to find the Water Key.

Eviel and Vianca split from the party to follow a lead on the whereabouts of Cloudstrider (the last known person to have the Air Key). Vesper ran into her sister-in-law, Elaine Greylock. After a sweet reunion, Elaine told Vesper how she felt her brother’s death was her fault. She was the reason he looked into the corrupt knight and he turned up dead soon after. She had left Vordia after his funeral and stayed away afraid whoever killed him would be after her too.

The party also ran into the prince of Vordia, Targanys, while in Kyrelin. He had become a ranger since moving to Kyrelin and he helped the party travel through the desert and retrieve the Water Key from a valley full of dinosaurs. After that the party had a moment to relax and attended a festival of Deark in the city called Thunder Feast with Elaine.

The party then headed out into the desert with Targanys to look for the Earth Portal. According to Targanys there had been reports of blue dragons roaming farther south than usual, which may have been related. While in the desert they ran into Terahs (the earth avatar; earth genasi woman). She explained to them that the Earth Portal was inside Lam’Sharal (an ancient library that Terahs herself created before being banished to the earth plane two thousand years ago). Lam’Sharal was currently being lorded over by the blue dragons.

Targanys took the party to see his grandfather, Rujan [a high elven man], in the hopes of getting in contact with his grandmother, Kaizhanas, as she was a blue dragon and would probably know what was going on. The party met Rujan who lived in a magical oasis in the middle of the desert. It is a Sanctuary, which is a place of safety created by the World Mother. The magical barrier keeps out anything that means ill will or harm to those inside it.

The party met Kaizhanas and learned from her that the dragon, Dothrakiir, had taken over the tribe and replaced Kaizhanas as leader. Kaizhanas proposed a plan for the party to help her beat Dothrakiir in a duel and win the tribe back. They were successful and easily so due to Rory convincing Dothrakiir to let her cast Haste on him. She then dropped the spell causing him to be stunned for the entire fight.

The party closed the Earth Portal and Lam’Sharal was given back to Terahs. The party took a lot of the treasure hoard that Dothrakiir had kept in the mostly buried library. They also found a flying carpet and a potion of supreme healing (which they have yet to use) among the gold and gems.

The party got word from the High Leader that the islands were in imminent danger of being attacked by the Onakai (violent water genasi from the water plane). With Terahs’s help the party teleported to the islands quickly. They met up with Brimstone and Salazar (the fire avatar; fire genasi man). They also met Karina the demi-god daughter of Narae, the Goddess of Sea and Travel.  

Karina told the party she had organized a meeting to talk with Mardak (the water avatar; water genasi man) as he apparently wasn’t leading this invasion of Onakai. Salazar and Mardak talked and settled their differences from two thousand years ago. Mardak told the party that the leader of the Onakai, Nakoa, had some magical charm on her warriors that made them enraged and bloodthirsty. The Onakai attacked and the party helped defend the islands from the invasion. They killed their leader stopping the charm she had over the Onakai causing them to retreat back to the plane of water.

After saving the islands, Brimstone took the party to the Water Portal (Karina had found its location while the party were in Kyrelin). The party closed the portal after fighting some armored water elementals. They got word from Eviel and Vianca that their lead on Cloudstrider had taken them to an abandoned mining town called Blackthorne in Vordia.

Brimstone took them to the small coastal town of Tymis in Vordia. The party planned on meeting up with Vianca and Eviel in Blackthorne, but learned they were in trouble when Rory couldn’t message Eviel. The party raced to Blackthorne and ran into Vianca. They broke Eviel out and fought the three figures that were holding him prisoner.

They know them now to be the Generals of Mozarth; Mythra Tenebris, Slade Ravenlock, and Verdith Everys. They had tortured him a bit and Eviel told them about Rory and her prophecies with the Undying Light. During the fight with the Generals, Vianca recognized Verdith and called out her name. Verdith called for retreat and the Generals fled into the night. Exploring the abandoned town the party discovered they were holding explosives, adamantine, and magic weapons there and had moved them elsewhere.

The party continued the lead on Cloudstrider and went to the small island off the coast where he had been staying this whole time. The old air genasi man handed over the Air Key and took them all to Ivryspire [the ancient aasimar sky city where Eviel is from and where the Air Portal is located] through the trees (he’s a druid so transport via plants YO).

The party rushed to the Air Portal as it opened. They fought and killed Kyzaeah (the air avatar; air genasi woman; now crazed and bent on murder). They then closed the Air Portal. Rory, Miranda, and Vesper received boons from the elemental spirits as they had brought balance to the four elements. Immediately after this, the party were confronted by the corrupt Elders of Ivryspire [now this is the point where I started making recaps so if you’ve been reading you know what’s happened after that and up until this point].

At this point Melliana told everyone what had happened to him. He had been detained because he was in possession of the missing pearl. Two men showed up, their names were Slade and Kiros. Melliana went with them thinking his mother was in trouble with devil cultists. He understands it was a stupid decision. Melliana was upset that his mother turned out to not be in danger and was in fact crazed and evil.

His mother had framed him and had him kidnapped to try to force him to join her in some new world order she was talking about. Apparently, she had done all of this in an attempt to join the Raaz Khor. She made a deal with them to get the pearl for them if they helped get Melliana to her.

This plan did not work however because when Slade and Kiros dropped Melliana off Slade told Lady Martagn that her goddess was a genocidal racist bitch and the Raaz Khor wasn’t having anything to do with her. She was furious and attacked them. Melliana had tried to stop them from getting away with the pearl but Slade teleported himself and Kiros out.

Melliana was upset about the entire situation but especially the fact that because of his mother this Raaz Khor now has the super powerful pearl that seems important to whatever it is they are doing. Melliana also told the party that Slade teleported them from the jailhouse to a teleportation circle that seemed to be in the basement of a noble house. He doesn’t know which one exactly because they very quickly went into the tunnels and didn’t talk to or see anyone. A noble family may be involved with the Raaz Khor.

During the party’s telling of their adventures the royal family had some reactions; the King thanked the party for helping his mother, Kaizhanas. He was glad they got the chance to meet his parents. Both the Queen and King asked after their son, Targanys, and were glad he was able to help the party on their quest.

Vellias was glad that Eviel is ok after having been kidnapped and is safe back home now. She also nerded out about the discovery of the ancient library, Lam’Sharal. She asked to see the book Vesper had gotten from Slade’s things in Blackthorne. Vesper had gotten a Tome of Clear Thought. Vellias was fascinated realizing what it was. She told the party it is one of a collection of magical books created by the Chantris, Arcana. She did plenty of good with the arcane before she went mad with power. Vellias said she can try to look into leads on the other books for the party.

The King told Rory he is happy she found her father and he’s glad the Elders got what they deserved. Once the party started talking about the Raaz Khor, Nic made a comment about them seriously calling themselves “Perfect World”. Rory was like “You speak Infernal? Did I know that?” Nic: “I guess not, but yeah I do.”

The Queen congratulated the party on killing the vampire matron and capturing Rycroft. She believes Ivryspire is the perfect place for him to be kept. The Queen was visibly angry at any mention of corruption, especially the corrupt knight the party know is involved in the death of vesper’s husband. Hazerik grabbed Vesper’s hand and told her they would find this knight and bring her to justice.

The King got very excited to hear the party found the Tree of Light. He is happy Rory got a chance to speak with it. The party brought up what the Light said, “Heed the will of the Champion (the King).” He didn’t understand what that meant but said they might realize the meaning in the moment. The King said he believes that bringing balance makes sense and they should try to find this Avatar of Darkness.

The Queen, King, and Vellias all congratulated the party on stopping the elemental threat. They are all concerned about this new fiendish cult but are ready to help deal with it. At this point in the meeting Vianca joined them. The King went over and gave him a hug. He clearly sent Vianca a message, but Vianca just shook his head and said, “Later” out loud. As Vianca joined the group at the table, Rory messaged the King, “What was that about?” He just responded, “I’m talking to him later. You heard what he said.” Rory is just like “You’re so weird.”

Vianca filled everyone in on what he had been doing. He had secured the temple and it’s currently being guarded. He did a sweep of the manor and the property. He didn’t find any traps, devils, or anything obviously weird. He had sealed important rooms of the manor for people to go through stuff later and the household was being interviewed. He made sure word was sent to Martrella (Melliana’s older sister) for her to return. She is currently out at sea and she is the Lady of the family now.

The Queen went into what has been going on in the capital. For the past two weeks they have been dealing with a mysterious group of criminals who have been vandalizing and burgling businesses and homes. They’ve been leaving behind black hand prints at the scenes of their crimes, which is why people are calling them the Black Hand. After some tests they’ve found out the hand prints are made of undead blood. Also, a few people have been mugged in the streets at night and a couple City Guard have gone missing, which might be possibly related.

They have established a curfew and are searching and patrolling the streets heavily but still have no leads on these criminals. Similar inklings of this kind of activity have been heard in other cities but not to the same scale as here in the capital.

The Queen has put together a task force of Knights to personally investigate the Black Hand. The task force members: Tindri Whitecliff [Halfling woman in her early forties], Verika Van’Hain [Human woman in her late forties], and Ariella Stokerik [Human woman in her early forties]. Vesper knows them all at least a little bit. Tindri was in the same class as Vesper and trained to be an Arcane Knight. She wasn’t as close with Tindri as with Hazerik and Melliana. They would often go out to bars and such and Tindri would stay back studying.

Vesper only knew Ser Verika by reputation having not worked with her personally. She is known to be a very serious rule follower and comes off as grumpy most of the time. Vesper has worked with Ser Ariella a handful of times. She’s laid back and a real sweetheart.

The Queen told the party that she was speaking with Captain Kordrik and Lady Lyrens about what happened last night. Another one of Kordrik’s guards went missing last night. The missing guards are: Quen Venmoore [Halfling man in his fifties] who has been missing for a week. Rory knows him vaguely as Sera Venmoore’s brother. She knows Sera because she works with Nic at his bar. The other missing guard is, Matthew Revira [Half-Elf man] who went missing last night. Nobody in the party knows him.

Last night the Lyrens Manor was broken into by the Black Hand. No one was killed, but some things were broken and stolen and the guards were roughed up. The King told the party all the places attacked by the Black Hand so far. A couple merchants' houses had vandalized along with some shops. The one’s that stood out to the party:

Eluvaan’s glassware shop (Rory knows Eluvaan; he was the previous owner of the Brawlin’ Bar; he handed it over to Nic; he’s a really old high elf guy) and Vesper's mother-in-law’s jewelry shop.

Vellias back tracked a bit and told the party what she learned about this pearl. Using magic, she found out it was an ancient relic and a very powerful amplifier called, the Pearl of Might. Relics are remnants of the World Mother and there are many scattered throughout the world. One of the most famous: Hallowed Chalice. The party know the Hallowed Chalice is safe currently in Ivryspire.

Vellias also told the party she had done research on the hells in the past. The hell portal in the Direwood that she had closed forty-five years ago led to Stygia, the 5th layer of hell. From what she’s read, Mozarth, the Frigid Doom, was the Archduke of Stygia. He was the patron of martial and magical prowess. He’s a fucking powerhouse that other Archdevils didn’t dare challenge. So yeah, Mozarth having the pearl is Not Good™.

Vellias also informed the party that while they were off rescuing Melliana, Arcanist Charles Tarkoth came to her. He apparently had been charmed and told to steal the pearl from Vellias by a water genasi woman [the description matched with the cleric the party fought]. The enchantment broke and he had gone directly to Vellias to confess. The timing made sense because the party killing the cleric would have broken the enchantment. Melliana said he didn’t think much of it then, but he did run into Charles right before he left for the Gateways. That could have been when he slipped the pearl into his stuff.

Hazerik pondered out loud if the Black Hand and the Raaz Khor are the same thing. Everyone pretty much agreed that seemed to be the case. Nic spoke up and confirmed it, saying that he ran into what was a Black Hang thug the night before and it turned out to be a devil. Nic killed it. That’s where he got his new adamantine sword and magical cloak and ring from.

Nic explained that he and his friends had been trying to help with the problem in the city. They had technically broken curfew to go out last night and investigate when they got attacked by this devil. Rory was peeved with Nic for not having told her any of this. He apologized. The Queen said she was impressed with Nic’s initiative and she appreciated the help.

The Queen told the party she wants them to investigate and deal with rooting out the corruption in the city. The threat of this Raaz Khor seemed to be everywhere so they have to be careful who to trust. The Queen believes they need to take care of the spies among them before moving forward with dealing with this cult. They know they will get help from Ivryspire and possibly the Twilight Druids when they need it.

Vellias told the party she believes they are ready for part two if this destiny stuff. She explains that there were more hints at prophecy besides the elemental stuff she had found originally. It was vaguer this time. There were mentions of three heroes gathering allies and fighting against the Blight. The Blight was mentioned in the prophecy the King had gotten from the Light before. The King was like “We are really in the shit now apparently.”

As the meeting wrapped up, Nic told the party that his friends were meeting again in the morning and they could come if they wanted to get their help as well. Rory was like, “Yeah, we can go to your vigilante meeting.” Vellias asked the party if there was anyone in particular they wanted her to scry on before they left. Rory brought up Maven even though she felt there was a possibility it wouldn’t work (he could be warded). Vellias wanted to try anyway just in case. Rory used prestidigitation to make an image of Maven and handed over Maven’s dagger to Vellias to use in the scry.

Vellias got out her mirror and everyone gathered around to watch as she scryed on Maven Tenebris. He failed his saving throw and the scry faded in around Maven. He did look a bit different from the image Rory had presented. He had pale skin and light blue eyes, but his has was black now instead of brown and he had very visible scars on his face (long nasty looking claw marks) that he did not have before. He was wearing all white clothes with silver accents. He had a cape the whole outfit was very uniform like.

Maven was walking with purpose down a hallway made of black stone. The walls shimmered and twinkled like stars in the light of blue flamed torches. He passed two armored figures standing sentinel along the walls. They were wearing dark plate mail armor with a silver starburst on the chest plate and full helmets. The figures nodded at Maven as he passed them and approached a stairway.

The stairs extended into what seems like darkness as they no longer had walls on either side. It seemed like a large cavern type space. Fractured blue light was cast down from above and reflected off of the stairs. It was beautiful. Maven trekked up the stairs for few minutes. He eventually reached the top, which was a leveled out platform in the middle of a large cavern. The glow from the gem in the ceiling directly above lit the area. The rocky ceiling looked like a night sky full of stars.

On this platform there was a circular stone table at the center surrounded by large chairs. Two figures were standing in front of the table seemingly mid-discussion. One was a dark elf man [he had dark grey skin and short white hair. He was wearing dark leathers and a cloak. He had weapons strapped to his sides and back. The party hadn’t really seen them before. Vesper knew they were called guns, which are a weapon favored by the distant Empire of Retha. Vordia never attempted to replicate the technology of the firearms or the explosives the Empire also used.]

The other figure was….Verdith [she is a wood elf with light brown skin and dark brown hair, which was currently up is an elegant braid. She was wearing a stunning dark blue dress with a high collar and star designs throughout. She also was wearing a shimmering silver starburst crown and was holding white staff with pale blue gem at the top].

Maven approached slowly as Verdith turned to him. She had a small smile as she said, “Defender….this is a surprise.” Maven knelt in front of Verdith saying, “Star Queen…I apologize for arriving unannounced, but I need to speak with you.” Verdith gestured to the table, “Of course. Come, sit down.”

Maven stood and looked at the dark elf, nodding, “Xerik.” The elf nodded in return before Maven followed Verdith. She sat down and leaned her staff against her chair. Xerik remained standing nearby as Maven found a seat next to Verdith. Verdith asked, “Why have you come all this way to speak with me?”

Maven paused for a second before saying, “You’re one of the only people who will give me straight answers.” Verdith smirked, “Maybe so.” Maven: “I know something is going on. You left Xarlathon….” Verdith: “There was a potential lead on aasimar. It was discovered by Slade, and I wanted to make sure he didn’t….” Maven: “Fuck it up?” Verdith nodded.

Verdith sighed, “Unfortunately, our prisoner was freed before we could glean anything of relevance.” Maven: “If there is a threat to the security of my city I need to know about it.” Verdith waved her hand, “You don’t need to worry about it. There is no threat.” Maven narrowed his eyes as Verdith continued, “These are the same people who killed Rycroft. As far as we know they were just after him…”

Verdith trailed off noticing Maven frowning. Verdith sat up and continued, her voice stern, “You heard what Mozarth said. They were justified, we are leaving them be for now.” Maven nodded; “Yes, I know….I actually agree with him.” Verdith sat back in her chair and said, “Let’s hope your sister feels the same way and doesn’t do anything…rash.” Maven muttered, “Doubtful.”

Verdith shook her head saying, “Her and Rycroft both continue to cross the line. Wretched, the both of them.” Maven nodded emphatically, “Yes….but you think she would disobey a direct order from Mozarth?” Verdith: “More and more of what she’s done keeps coming to light…” Verdith trailed off seemingly lost in thought for a second.

Maven asked, “Have you told Mozarth?” Verdith replied, “Oh, yes he knows…He is not pleased. You missed the scolding of the century. She’s on a very short leash now.” Maven: “And you are still worried?” Verdith: “She is a….cunning woman. Who knows what else she has gotten away with over the years and what she can do in the future.”

Maven nodded, frowning. Verdith sat up and asked, “How is your niece by the way? I heard she arrived safely in Vundernyt.” Maven looked taken back by the question. He replied, “She’s….I was glad to see her. It’s been years….she blames herself for what happened.” Verdith nodded, “Poor girl...I may not hold much fondness for her father, but I do feel for her. At least we are close to our end goal now.”

Maven sat up straight and said, “Yes…..thank you for…speaking with me. I do have a favor to ask of you?” Verdith raised an eyebrow, “Do tell.” Maven said, “I would ask that you get me into this meeting tonight. I’ve more than proven myself. My powers have only gotten stronger. I am ready.”

Verdith smiled and stood up. Maven stood up in response. Verdith said, “I will see what I can do. Do you require anything else of me?” Maven shook his head, “Not at present. Thank you again, your majesty.” He bowed his head slightly. He turned to Xerik and nodded at him. Maven turned and headed for the stairs.

Verdith called out, “Maven.” He stopped and waited as Verdith continued, “I know it is tempting….but do try to not let the ice take hold of your heart.” Maven glanced back over his shoulder and gave the faintest nod, his face solemn. He descended down the stairs without a word, leaving Verdith and Xerik behind him. He walked down the stairs and then through the dark halls in silence before the scry faded away.

Immediately after the scry Rory left the room without saying anything. Nic followed her. Vesper messaged Rory but did not get a response. She let it go knowing Nic was with her. Everyone cast a concerned look at Vianca. He said he still doesn’t know what to think about his sister and doesn’t want to talk about it right now.

Nic followed Rory outside the palace and gave her a hug. She kissed him. She told him, "I meant what I said. And I'm sorry I was so scared for so long, you deserved better than that.” She talked about seeing Maven again after two years. “It wasn't real and I know now that doesn't matter. I didn't really know what romantic love really was, but I do now. I meant what I said. I love you."

Nic smiled and said he loved her too and hugged her again. He said, “I’m sorry if I freaked you out earlier by saying it. I’ve realized how much I care about you. It slipped out because it felt so natural to me.” He also told her he missed her. Rory missed him too. Nic told her he is not leaving her side. Rory told him that she has a lot of money now and could help cover the bar if they needed to leave the city.

Nic was happy about it and thanked her, but explained he technically didn’t need it for the bar as it’s not his main source of income. He was trying to imply they could use the money for other things but Rory felt hurt that she couldn’t do something for him. Nic realized he should have let it happen and kept his mouth shut.

Rory was amazed how he is so much better at being a put together person than her. Rory, “You deserve better than me. I’m a shitty person…and you’re a good person.” Nic insisted she wasn’t a shitty person. “You care. You care a lot. I see it. Maybe other people don’t but I do.” Rory kissed him. Nic told her he had a birthday present for back at his place and they walked there.

Nic gave Rory her gift, which was a magical rod.

Rod of Power Rod, Very Rare (requires attunement by a sorcerer, warlock, or wizard)

While holding this rod, you gain a +1 bonus to armor class, saving throws, and spell attack rolls and whenever you succeed on a saving throw against a spell you regain hit points equal to twice the spell’s level. Additionally, you can use the rod to cast the Telekinesis spell as an action. This property of the rod can’t be used again until the next dawn.

Rory thanked him for the gift and took his hands. She said, “Let’s get married, fuck it! I love you and you were the first person who I've thought of as family since my mother died and I....I just want you with me.” Nic, “Yes! I say yes!” Rory pulled him into the bed and we fade to black ;p

Meanwhile, back at the meeting room, Vianca suggested they get dinner and relax for the rest of the evening. Vianca, Vesper, and Miranda went out to dinner with Hazerik, Melliana, and Gawain. It was basically fantasy outback steakhouse (the dire wolf was very happy lol).

During dinner, Vesper messaged Miranda saying she can stay with Vianca for the night if she wants. Vesper can say she has to clean her house before guests can come over (which was kind of true). Miranda did not respond and ignored her. Miranda asked where Vianca’s house is genuinely curious because they still didn’t know after traveling with him for so long. He told her and it turns out he lives in the same neighborhood as Vesper and her parents. Miranda and Gawain stayed at Vesper’s house for the night.

After everyone was in bed, Vesper went to her husband’s crypt. She had been collecting things for him during their travels. She placed them around his tomb. A few gems and remains of things they’ve killed (feathers, teeth, etc.). She talked to him and told him all about the adventures she had been on with her friends.

While Vesper was gone, Miranda went to some bars. She had a lot of wine and flirted with cute people before taking a walk and ending up at Vianca’s place drunk in middle of the night. Vianca was very concerned and lead her to his couch. She was like, “Why don’t you live with the King?” He responded, “Well, we aren’t married like some people think.” in a teasing tone which went over Miranda’s head. Miranda, “But he’s married to the Queen? Why would people think that?” Vianca, “People are weird. I think you need to sleep.” Miranda said, “Vesper is weird. She sent me a message saying I should stay here tonight.” before passing out on the couch. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 13 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page]

this session the party take some down time to do various errands and prepare for Rory and Nic’s wedding....they have a beautiful ceremony and discover a surprise guest 👀

The party spent their evening getting information from the knight task force and investigating the underground tunnels of the city. They spoke with Tindri Whitecliff the leader of the task force. The halfling woman was clearly stressed but gave them all the info she had about the situation.

The two missing guards have seemed to have disappeared in different parts of the city and on different nights. One was patrolling the business district while the other was patrolling around the merchant neighborhood. Neither of them reported back in. The city guard usually patrol in pairs but to get more coverage of the city the Captain of the Guard has had several guards patrol sections of the streets alone. The guards most likely went missing during those times.

There have been no signs of a struggle and no bodies have been found. The task force has poked around in the underground tunnels but have found nothing yet. They have been patrolling the streets looking for any signs of the Black Hand. They’ve come up with nothing so far. Tindri was glad that Vesper checked in. The party said the guards patrolling alone needed to stop. Tindri agreed and said she’d talk to Captain of the Guard about it.

--

Later that evening the party located an entrance to the underground tunnels in the business district with Chrys’s help. It was in the back of an abandoned bookstore in the basement. The tunnels were unlit and dusty. Looking around there were signs of disturbances in the dust on the floor. They followed the footprints. The tunnels stretched on for blocks and there were several twists and turns. Some of the passageways were blocked with locked gates. The footprints lead up to a four way crossroad that was lit up with torches. The tunnels in this crossroad were clean and there were no footprints to follow at this point. It was impossible to tell which direction these footprints went or came from.

They split up in the three directions. Vesper asked Chrys to go with her while Nic went with Rory and Vianca went with Miranda. Vianca and Miranda took the right path and found a ladder that resurfaced in a maintenance shed in Vendrik Park (the large park in the center of city). Nic and Rory took the straight path. They ended up inside a back room in a warehouse (in the south part of the city by the docks). They opened a crate (not so quietly) but only discovered some fancy clothes. They scrambled out of there after a light turned on deeper inside the warehouse.

Vesper and Chrys took the left path and ended up in an alley in the merchant neighborhood (on the east side of the city). Vesper knew the manor closest to this tunnel entrance belonged to March Velbin. Everyone met back up and shared what they found. Miranda suggested having the entrances they found guarded. They decided to inform the task force about them and they arranged for the tunnel entrances to be guarded and watched.

--

The next day Miranda, Vesper, and Rory went to speak with the Captain of the Guard. Miranda, upset with the situation of the missing guards, yelled at Captain Kordrik. She said he was either an agent of the Black Hand and knowingly putting guards at risk or personal members of his guard were involved in the Black Hand and he was too stupid to realize that. Miranda didn’t roll very well on her intimidation so Rory jumped. She said that he needed to tell them what was going on or they would tell the Queen that he was working with the bad guys.

Rory was very intimidating. Captain Kordrik apologized saying he hadn’t thought of the Black Hand being in his ranks as an option before. He admitted his fault in the missing guards and thanked the party for informing him. He was no longer going to have the guards patrol alone. Miranda asked for the personal files of the guards that are missing. He told her he gave them to the task force already.

The party then spent the next several days accomplishing random errands and preparing for Rory and Nic’s wedding. As the nights went by there were no break-ins or muggings by the Black Hand reported and no more city guard went missing. However, graffiti started popping up around the city. On buildings, streets, statues, any outdoor surface…a single phrase (each occurrence written in a different language with the same black undead blood as the hand prints from before): “Where heaven and hell have failed.” Besides this there were no signs of the Black Hand in the days leading up to the wedding.

--

During the days; Rory spoke to Vellias about potentially doing some magic to make her ring of feather falling not require attunement. With the second ring the party stole from Rycroft (and possibly also using the Air Key) Vellias started this project. Vesper got word from her father. He had looked into the name that was given to Melliana and Hazerik. The two had gotten an anonymous tip of a Finnegan Finch who lived in Erodan who was supposedly a client of Rycroft’s. Vesper’s father had found that it was a dead end. No one with that name was recorded living in Erodan. It could have been a false lead or the name is fake.

Vellias was unable to find a spell scroll of True Seeing. However, she knew the spell and could cast it on Rory. Rory’s plan was to have the spell cast on her just before the wedding ceremony. The next day, Vellias had gotten word back from Constantine and gathered the party to tell what she had learned. Constantine had captured Poddrik Bowsen. All the information he had gotten from him was that he was spying for and reporting to Samir Rycroft. Poddrik had admitted to telling the Raaz Khor about the meeting in which an assassination attempt was made on Constantine.

Vellias had told Constantine that the party had already dealt with Rycroft and he was imprisoned. Vellias told the party that they could trust Constantine. He can get info for them in relation to them being “The Destined”. Miranda asked for Vellias and the others to stop calling them that. Vellias agreed to that.

--

Miranda spent days learning “how to wedding”. She talked to clerics and practiced the ceremony on people like Vesper and Vianca. Rory tagged along for some of the temple trips wanting to learn about this stuff as well. Rory thanked Miranda for doing this. “We aren’t the closest people but I appreciate it.” She admires her as a person. “That’s why I am so stand-offish around you. Because you don’t have to try to be good. You just are good and I admire that about you.”

Miranda said, “Firstly, we are very close so smack that out of here.” She said there is no other way to get close to people than camping in the jungle. “Secondly, I am beyond honored that you asked me to officiate regardless of me not knowing what the fuck I am doing.” Rory admitted she doesn’t know what the fuck she is doing either. Miranda continued, “Thirdly, it is nice of you say I’m a good person. I try to be. I definitely have to try. There have been points during all of this it’s been hard.”

Rory asked, “What do you do?” Miranda, “I made a vow to guard….light. Protect it and nurture it in all the things that make life bright and worth living. My vow is not vengeance as much I wish it was sometimes.” Rory, “I am not good at letting go of vengeance” Miranda, “That is your right.” Rory, “I feel like that makes me a bad person.”

--

Miranda said, “I think it’s more complicated than that.” She said that they’re doing bad things to bad people. “Somethings are black and white and some things aren’t. Like fiends…they are always going to be evil. It’s more complicated with us.” Rory, “True.” Miranda said that the both of them had very different upbringings. It was easier for Miranda to start out “good” living in paradise in the islands. “Circumstances matter in who people are but their choices matter in who they become.”

Rory, “If you are trying it doesn’t look like it. You don’t show it and I envy that a bit. I try really hard and fail a lot of the time. I’m just gonna stare at you like a strange person to figure out how that works.” Miranda, “And I will rely on you to intimidate captains of the guard.” Rory said she feels their relationship is like a sibling rivalry thing. “You’re like a sister to me.” Miranda, “I like that idea. I haven’t had any sisters.” Rory, “Me either.” Miranda hugged her 😊

--

During the days leading up the wedding, the party went shopping. Miranda commissioned a +1 enchantment on her shield (which would take 2 weeks) and a glamour enchantment on her armor (which would take 7 weeks). Rory bought two magic wands. The Wand of Wilderness Survival and the Wand of Immolation. Vesper had her mother-in-law craft a necklace out of a star sapphire she found while adventuring to give to her mother.

Two days before the wedding, Nic’s mother, Leorik Berkoth, arrived in town [she is an older half-elf woman with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes. She was wearing fancy and well put together leathers with a reddish brown cloak. She had a longbow and a quiver of arrows on her back.] She was very happy to see Nic giving him a hug and ruffling his hair. She was excited to meet Rory giving her a hug as well. “I’m so glad to finally meet you, sweetheart! If you ever need anything just let me know and you’ll have it.”

The morning of the wedding, Sariel and Eviel arrived in town from Ivryspire. Both were wearing nice white and gold outfits not hiding the fact that they had wings. Sariel gave Rory a hug. “I’m so happy for you.” Eviel gave everyone a hug and congratulated Rory and Nic. Rory introduced Nic to Sariel. They shook hands. Sariel said, “It’s good to meet you. I’m glad my daughter found someone who makes her happy. Just stick together and take care of each other and you’ll be fine.” Nic, “Yes, sir.” Sariel laughed saying, “You don’t need to call me that” and gave him a pat on the shoulder.

--

Over the course of the days there were the wedding preparations. Everyone had been invited. Areas of Vendrik Park had been reserved for both the ceremony and the reception. The band and caterers had been hired. Outfits had been acquired. Eluvaan, Keesho, and Sera had volunteered to help with the reception and get it set up. Leorik and Sariel had made the Unity Flowers. Vesper and Soaryn had prepared their speeches for the reception. Miranda had prepared to officiate the wedding. Nic and Rory had been organizing and preparing for their big day.

The party (plus Nic, Vianca, Leorik, Sariel, and Eviel) got invited to have breakfast with the royal family. Vellias was teleporting Soaryn in that morning as she was to be Nic’s “best person”. [Soaryn is a 6’5 tiefling woman with snow white skin, jet black hair, and blood red eyes. She has grey horns that twist back over her ears like ram horns. She is very built and wears dark clothes with an emblem of Athinas on her shoulder. She has a black great axe strapped to her back.]

Nic told Soaryn that it meant a lot that she came. She said of course and gave him a pat on the shoulder. Nic introduced Rory to Soaryn, who shook her hand. “Glad to meet you. I’ve heard quite a bit about you from Vellias.” Soaryn gave the king a huge bear hug and lifted him off the ground. She also gave the queen a quick hug before settling down for breakfast. Other introductions were made and everyone enjoyed a pleasant meal together.

--

The day was spent setting up the wedding and preparing for the ceremony. In the middle of the massive park within the city, several chairs were lined up to face a large tree covered in lights. Just before the ceremony, Vellias came to Rory to cast True Seeing on her. Rory eyes were awakened as she gained true sight. She, seeing into the ethereal plane, saw wisps of semi-translucent glittering grey energy move around her vision.

Miranda stood in front of the tree holding the unity flowers. As the music started, Sariel escorted Rory in from the left while at the same time Leorik escorted Nic in from the right. They met in the middle in front of Miranda. Sariel and Leorik took the flowers, twisted the loop, and placed them around Rory and Nic’s necks. Sariel and Leorik then stepped off to the side. Rory and Nic faced each other and held hands.

Miranda addressed the guests, “Good evening and welcome everyone. It is my great honor today to be presiding over the wedding of Aurora Dawn and Nicolas Berkoth. Let us start this ceremony by each of us blessing the rings they will exchange so that our love and hopes for these two may nurture and support them as they grow in their marriage.”

--

Music started again as Vesper and Soaryn conducted the passing and blessing of the rings, where each guest holds the rings for a moment and imbues them with good will and blessings for the couple. Vesper and Soaryn then processed up the middle aisle with the rings and presented them to Miranda. They then moved to stand behind their respective people.

Miranda blessed the rings and then addressed the couple, “Rory. Nic. I am so proud to be standing here with you today and beyond honored that you have entrusted me to guide you through this ceremony. In the time that I’ve known you, we have all been through a lot. But Rory, I have been able to watch as the love you have for Nic has shaped you into both a stronger and more generous person and I know that it is the same for him.

Those who know me, know that I am no minister. I think I have practice married half of the people here in preparation for today. Some of them may have even been official — not telling who. Deark, also, is not exactly known as a god of love and marriage. But he is a god of Life, in all its wild and often unpredictable forms. Sometimes, love hits like a lightning bolt and sometimes it grows from a carefully tended seed. Either way, we are forever changed as a result. And so I think it is appropriate today to also seek his blessing on this marriage as two lives are bound together into one.”

--

Miranda then said a prayer.

“The strength of the oak around you

Protection of rowan surround you

The wisdom of hazel within you

And the joy of birch, be yours.

 The wind and the rain will bless you

The light of the moon caress you

The gold of the sun shine within you

And the joy of peace, be yours.

 The arms of your lover will hold you

The green of the forest enfold you

The living waters will heal you

And the song of love, be yours.”

After she finished there was a low rumble of thunder in the distance.

--

Miranda then invited Nic to say his vows. “Rory, I’ve spent my life running, leaving when things got hard, looking for something better, searching for my purpose, seeking true happiness. I was always running until I ran into you. You stopped me dead in my tracks. Your beauty and intensity were a light in the darkness. But the thing that drew me to you was your heart. You care so deeply. Your passion for life burns as bright as the sun. Your bravery and determination inspire me. And yet, when I look into your eyes, all that falls away and it’s just us. Two best friends who always listen, always understand, and will always be there for each other.

I love you with everything I am. I cannot imagine my life without you in it. After I met you everything made sense. You are the joy that was missing from my life. You are my anchor in the storm, my hope as each new dawn breaks.

As your husband, I vow to love you unconditionally. I promise to stand by your side and support you through everything. Through days filled with laughter and days when the world is falling down around us. I pledge myself to you and to our family as we begin this amazing journey. I promise this all to you until I am no more.”

--

Miranda then invited Rory to say her vows. “Nic, you came into my life at exactly the right time: when I wasn't ready, and yet, when I needed your love the most. In the past year, you've experienced the best and the worst of me and...you stayed. Even while I was running from you, you stayed and believed that I’d come back to you. You have faith in me. You are my rock and my safety. You are a good, kind man and so much better than you give yourself credit for. I am amazed by your strength, your tenderness and by your patience. These last few months have separated us and have pushed the boundaries of what we thought we could endure. I’ve missed you and I know now that I never want to leave your side, for it is there that I am most myself. Where I feel more strongly connected with you in a resolve to keep going. To get up and try again. To shine.

You have stuck by me through my mess and its dangers. You have held me through my nightmares, and loved all that I am. You are my light in the darkness. My North Star and each day you help me grow even more into the woman I want to be. I didn’t expect you. I never expected any of this, this happiness. So much of my life has been determined by destiny and fate, but not you. We’re not written in the stars. We were never destined for each other. The Gods and Forces of the Planes hold no power over us. I’m here because you are who I choose. I love you, my love, and it’s the greatest choice I’ve ever gotten to make. And together, we'll make our own destiny.

As your wife, I promise to love you with the same determination and confidence you've given me. I vow to support you through more ups and downs. I pledge to commit myself to our family and the good I know will grow from it. I promise this all to you until I am no more."

--

Miranda presented them with each other’s rings. She turned to Nic saying, “Do you, Nicolas Rian Emrik Berkoth-Arroviere, take Aurora Elidi Dawn to be your wife?” Nic, “I do.” Miranda turned to Rory, “Do you, Aurora Elidi Dawn, take Nicolas Rian Emrik Berkoth-Arroviere to be your husband?” Rory, “I do.” Miranda splashed them with sea water (and powdered silver for the Ceremony spell) and said, “I pronounce you wife and husband. Now kiss!”

Rory and Nic kissed and everyone cheered 💖 Guests were then asked to make their way over to the reception elsewhere in the park. The wedding party stayed behind to pose for pictures. They then headed over to the reception. A line of several tables had lights strung over them, glowing in the night. The guests had gathered and watched as the wedding party walked in to music. Rory, taking in all the happy faces of her wedding guests, noticed a disturbance around Keesho (who had not been present at the ceremony along with Eluvaan and Sera). She still had True Seeing and saw through the magic changing Keesho’s shape.

Rory’s vision rippled and a semi-translucent form appeared around Keesho. It extended up beyond her height and Rory had to glance up at the nearly 20 foot tall form of a devil. The skin was purple that faded into blue…neon blue glowing arcane runes covered the body. Dark clothes. Massive horns that curved back over the head surrounded by dark shortly cut hair. Huge wings folded back and a large tail currently curved around the legs. It was disorienting for Rory seeing this fiendish form transfixed above the form of Keesho. She was smiling and clapping for Rory. As was everyone in the crowd as Rory and Nic walked toward the tables of the reception.

--

Rory internally panicked. She rolled deception to try to compose herself and act like she’d didn’t see anything (she got a 19). Rory hugged the first person she reached which was the Queen. She rolled sleight of hand to try to discretely message her, “Keesho is a devil! Possibly an archdevil…fuck!” She got a 19 again. At this point, Keesho held her hands up and walked out awat from the crowd. Rory pointed at her and shouted “BIG BAD DEVIL!” Keesho said, “It seems I have been found out. I do not wish to fight. I am not your enemy.”

Vesper slowly started walking over to get weapons and magic items they had hid under the tables earlier. Keesho continued, “I feel it is best I show my true form and talk with you all openly and honestly.” Keesho’s form faded away and was replaced with the form of the Archdevil. “I am Mozarth Ravenlock.”

Rory said, “This is my wedding this is rude!” Mozarth replied, “I was invited? I am here as a guest of your wedding. Nothing more.....I owe you a grave apology. My people have caused you all great pain. They have taken your loved ones. They were my responsibility and I failed. I apologize for this and want to make it up to you.

I can hand over Mythra Tenebris, the one guilty of killing Vesper’s husband and destroying Miranda’s village, to you. Her atrocities have recently come to my attention and I planned on punishing her anyway. You already took your revenge on Rycroft and you were valid in that action.”

--

Mozarth continued, “Ultimately, I can bring your lost loved ones back to life if you wish. They were never meant to die. I can fix this I promise you.” Rory felt like he was telling the truth and he didn’t seem deceptive in his offer with her insight check of 18. 

Miranda laughed and said, “You make a lot of offers. What do you want?” Mozarth said, “I only wish to make things right. I want to help and make things better for everyone. When I achieve my greater power I can raise those lost to us and shape this world for the better.”

The queen stepped forward, furious, “You have done nothing but terrorize my country and my citizens! Do you have a perfectly innocent reason for that?!” Mozarth replied, “I apologize, your majesty, for my crude tests of your government system. But I think I’ve learnt enough already. I am here to help. We could make a better world together.”

Mozarth made eye contact with Vesper who was still going over to the tables. She kept going, ignoring Mozarth staring at her. The queen replied, “I think not. I do not and never will consort with fiends.” Mozarth shook his head, “So quick to judge. The universe isn’t so black and white I assure you.”

--

Sariel stepped up and said, “Sorry if we are loathe to trust the words of an Archdevil. The gods protect and watch over this land. They foster trust and goodness in the hearts of their people. We have no need for your wickedness.” Mozarth, “Well…sorry if I do not trust the pantheon who got themselves banned from this plane for creating demons.” Sariel froze and frowned but collected himself quickly saying, “Regardless of their mistakes, the gods are good at their core unlike you. Evil rots in your soul and leaves no room for anything else.”

Mozarth crossed his arms, “Evil isn’t born it is made. You all are lucky to live in a plane that does not alter your morality. The hells and the heavens produce evil and good and their governments foster it in their inhabitants. The hells is a corrupt system that is built on greed and the oppression of the weak. The heavens aren’t full of pure and perfect individuals. It is because of celestials that the spawn of pure chaotic evil exists in the multi-verse. And yet they do nothing about it. It is the devils who fights back that tide of destruction. The only good thing to come from the hells....they both have failed, heaven and hell. I aim to do better. We can have peace and equality and security. It is possible.”

Vesper spoke up, “I would love to know…why are all of your people so fucked up? And you apparently have no control over them and they are wreaking havoc in people’s lives?” Mozarth said they unfortunately have encountered his two worst people. He gave Rycroft and General Tenebris the benefit of the doubt too many times. He made a mistake giving them too many chances. He should have done something about them sooner. He is punishing his people who take things too far. Rory asked, “What about Maven?” Mozarth, “What about him?” Rory, “What about his crimes?” Mozarth said Maven had already paid for his one crime. Rory then asked if Keesho was ever real. He said Keesho and him are one and the same.

--

Miranda asked about his generals kidnapping one of their own (Eviel) and torturing him. She asked Mozarth what he was going to do with that information. Mozarth said he was looking for Ivryspire to get the Hallowed Chalice. However, he doesn’t need the chalice anymore so he’s fine with Ivryspire being left alone. Miranda wanted him to offer up the pearl. He said he needed it for his plans. She said if he wanted to show good faith he would hand over the pearl. He agreed to hand over the pearl and Mythra Tenebris if they wished.

Vesper came back with her sword and gave Miranda her shield. Nic spoke up at this point saying to Mozarth, “This has been great, but can you kindly fucking leave?” Miranda was like “Yeah!” and used her channel divinity to turn the faithless on Mozarth. He rolled a natural 1 but used a legendary resistance to succeed.

Mozarth raised his hands and said, “There’s no need for that. I will take my leave.” Mozarth turned to Nic and Rory, “I am sincerely happy for you both.” then to everyone. “And I hope you all will listen and consider what I have said. I only mean the best for all of you.” Mozarth then bowed and a swirling portal of frost and ice ripped open behind him. He stepped backward through the portal into the frozen landscape before it snapped shut. Everyone was left in silence. And that is where we ended!

The party have now leveled up to level 10!

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 12 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page]

this session the party meet with Nic’s “vigilante” friends and start planning their next moves (investigating the Raaz Khor and preparing for a wedding ;p)

In the morning, Rory woke up to find Nic making her breakfast. They briefly discussed rings and decided to get all new rings instead of using the ring Rory’s father had given to her mother. Nic apologized again for not telling her about the “vigilante” stuff. He said he wanted to make sure everything was out in the open between them. “I haven’t talked much about my past mostly because….you say I’m put together but I haven’t been for most of my life and even then I don’t really feel like I have my shit together now. It’s…a work in progress I guess.”

Nic told Rory the highlights of his life story; Nic was born in Athinas [elven city-state in Vordia] and was pretty privileged growing up. His mother’s family was rich and is father was a prince. Nic had heard his grandmother had passed away a couple years ago. So, his father is the Crown of Athinas now. Nic said he’d never really talked about his father because he is irrelevant to him.

Nic had spent some time growing up with his mother in Kentena [a fort city in Vordia]. He had returned to Athinas when he was 18 to live with his father. He had trained to be a Warden [the Wardens are a group of skilled warriors tasked with protecting Athinas and the surrounding jungle]. Soaryn was his mentor [Soaryn is one of the fives heroes and is close with the Queen and King of Vordia. The past few decades she has been serving as a Warden in Athinas trying to make thing better for her kind (tieflings) there]. Soaryn and Nic were pretty close.

Nic said looking back at his younger years he knows he was kinda a piece of shit. He had only been concerned with himself and his training. His entitlement had gotten to him and he was a dick to people, if unintentionally. Nic’s father was elitist and racist but Nic hadn’t fully realized how bad it was until it had affected him and his friends. His father had not approved of his company (Soaryn and his other tiefling friends). Nic and his father had had a fight and Nic, tired of the city and his father, had left Athinas.

Soaryn had been disappointed and had called Nic a coward when he left. Nic felt she was right. They were now on better terms, having seen each other a couple times since then. He still felt terrible having let her down. He hopes he can fix that now.

After leaving Athinas, Nic had gone to his mother in Kentena. His mother had insisted he go to Nykala and figure out was he was doing with his life. She had understood his reason for leaving Athinas, but also that he was just running from his problems. He needed to find purpose, what made him happy in life.

Nic had taken her advice and went to the capital. He had quickly fallen in with the thieves’ guild. He had caught the attention of the guild’s leader, Verrick Constantine [half-elf man], who had taken Nic under his wing. [Rory has met Constantine once. She had a drink with him so he could meet her when she started working within the thieves’ guild. He seemed enthusiastic about Rory and said he had “a great feeling” about her]. Constantine had become sort of a father figure to Nic. Nic had enjoyed his time with the guild. He had been good at his job. But something hadn’t been quite right? Something was missing?

Nic had ended up leaving the guild though. He told Rory what had happened between him and Chrys [Chrysantha De’Rina is Rory’s contact within the thieves’ guild. Chrys found Rory after she escaped being tortured by Rycroft and helped her get back on her feet]. Chrys had had a young protégée and one day she had sent him on a mission alone. Nic had told her he needed a bodyguard because it was too dangerous. Chrys had not listened, thinking her ward would be fine and it was a chance for him to prove himself. She hadn’t stopped Nic from going, so he did. The mission had gone to shit and the boy had gotten killed. Nic hadn’t been able to save him.

Nic had left the guild after that. He had been lost and had spent his nights at the Brawlin’ Bar fighting and drinking because that’s all he could do. Eluvaan Krest had given him a job and eventually the entire bar. Nic had slowly found his footing making drinks, serving people, and fighting…it was something to do but still something was missing.

Nic hadn’t realized this is what he wanted…he wanted to help, he wanted to support, he wanted to make things better and not just for himself but for others too. He hadn’t realized until he was able to be there for Rory. Now he’s realized, looking back at his life, that his reaction to things going bad is to run. He’s been a coward and someone who avoids his problems since day one. But his only instinct when he met Rory was to stay. Because of her he’s realized what he needs to do. “I need to stay and fight for what I love no matter what.”

Rory got up and sat on his lap. She held his face in her hands and said, “So you’re going to stay?” Nic replied, “Yes”. Rory told him that he had met her at her absolute worst and he is a big reason why she’s gotten any better. “You are the best person I know….wait! Miranda does exist.” Nic laughed, “No, that’s fair.” Rory, “She’s so good it’s just?! Frustrating! BUT in real people standards you are the best person I know and not a single thing of what you just told me changes that.”

Rory then said, “But, side note….did you just say your dad is a king?!” Nic explained while yes his father is the monarch of Athinas, Nic himself is not considered the heir to the throne. “I’m gonna die of old age centuries before they even need an heir” (with Nic being a half-elf and his father an elf). Nic told Rory that everything she and her friended have done so far is fucking inspiring. “I’m so happy to have met you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Rory, “It’s a good thing I already proposed. We should go pick out things before your meeting.” Nic and Rory went to Vesper’s mother-in-law’s jewelry shop to buy rings before the meeting.

Miranda woke up on Vianca’s couch to the smell of coffee. Miranda slid off the couch with a groan. Vianca walked in the room and he was actually not wearing his armor for once. He had a black lace up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and waist high breeches (looking hot ;p). He handed her a cup of coffee. She apologized for last night. Vianca said, “It’s fine.” Miranda said, “I had a traceable thought pattern that led me here.” She thought he might need a drink as well. She felt he had been weird at dinner last night and was avoiding a certain conversation with the king. She’s sorry she showed up too drunk to drink with him. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep on his couch.

Vianca said, “Thank you for thinking of me I guess.” Miranda replied, “Thanks for answering your door.” Vianca said they had like an hour before they needed to be at this meeting. Miranda had a dilemma of either showing up to the meeting wearing the same clothes from yesterday or going back to Vesper’s place to change clothes. Vianca agreed it was a predicament.

Miranda admitted she felt off kilter in the capital. Vianca said it took him a while to adjust to the city after living in the Direwood his whole life. Miranda talked about how Nykala was home for everyone else and it throws her off. She talked about how the Queen and King are prophesied heroes as well. “And now they are just the Queen and the King. They have their palace and everything. They did their shit and that’s that. But I’m going to die in this fight. Or the next one, or the one after that. I don’t think when this is all done I will buy a house or join the guard or something. I’m a paladin. I’m going to the next fight.”

Vianca agreed that might just be the paladin’s path. He said as long as he is by her side he’s not going to let her die. Miranda said, “That’s my job.” Vianca said, “I was literally hired to protect you all. It is my job.” Miranda said, “Technically, you were hired to protect Rory.” He just sighed and shook his head. Miranda, “Thank you for saying it though”. Miranda then went to Vesper’s house to change. Vianca was going to meet them at the bar for the meeting.

Vesper woke up to find that Miranda was gone. She went to make breakfast and fed her pet bird and Gawain. Miranda came over to change and had some of Vesper’s fruit spread. Gawain talked to Miranda about going out last night. He mentioned Vesper leaving and coming back in the night as well. “Apparently we aren’t listening to this curfew.”

There was a knock at the door. Vesper answered it. It was Hazerik. She explained to Vesper that she and Melliana wouldn’t be at this “vigilante meeting”. Hazerik was going to help Melliana with family stuff. There was a lot to deal with in the aftermath of what had happened. The party could catch them up if anything important happened at the meeting. Hazerik also told Vesper to make sure to visit her mother when she got the chance because she asked after her a couple times while she was gone. Hazerik said goodbye to everyone and left.  

Nic and Rory arrived at the bar for the meeting first. They set up in one of the back rooms early in the morning before it opened. Rory waited to talk to Vesper and when she arrived dragged her to a janitor’s closet while Miranda and Vianca went into the bar. Rory asked if Vesper remembered when they found the Tree of Light. Vesper was like yeah. Rory told Vesper that The Light told her that Rory could bring her mother back when she’s powerful enough. Rory was thinking, if it’s not a one-time thing, if Vesper would like her to bring her husband back. Vesper froze trying to process this.

Vesper, “You can do that?” Rory said she hopes she can. “I will say…if you want this and I survive this… you will have it. If you want it. I would never do it without your permission.” Vesper, “Of Course! He was…it was not right for him to be killed. He had a lot of life to live. I would do almost anything to have him alive again.” Rory, “Then…if it is within my power…I will do it.” Vesper gave her a hug. Vesper said thank you to Rory before leaving. Rory stayed in the closest for a moment thinking about what she just agreed to do.

The party met Nic’s friends as they arrived at the meeting; Sera Venmoore [halfling woman in her early 30s; she has golden blonde hair, fair freckled skin, and brown eyes; she occasionally works at the bar as a medic to help patch people up after fights]. Eluvaan Krest [high elven man in his 500-600s; he has slightly greying blonde hair, copper skin, and grey eyes; he was the previous owner of the bar and now is a glassmaker]. Keesho Tanarik [human woman in her late 40s; she has deep brown hair, skin, and eyes; she is a caravan rider and regularly makes deliveries to the bar].

The party had actually met Keesho before. She was the caravan rider of the caravan they had all met on months ago. Shortly after introductions there was a knock at the door. It was Chrys. Nic was surprised by this. Sera said she had invited Chrys because they needed all the help they could get. Chrys said Sera was right. Chrys told Nic, “I am here to listen.” Rory rolled insight on Chrys and saw immense guilt and nervousness in her eyes. Nic nodded and suggested they all sit down and start this meeting.

Rory messaged Chrys asking if everything was ok. Chrys, “Not in my world, no.” Rory said, “Not now?” Chrys, “I’m going to talk about it now actually.” Rory was like “oh ok!” and gave her a pat on the arm. Chrys told everyone that the thieves’ guild was hit by the Black Hand the night before. An assassination attempt on their leader, Constantine, had been made. Chrys had been there. Constantine had called her and a couple others to him. He had told them about this devil threat he had run into. They had been attacked and Constantine had fought off the devils. Chrys said, “He apparently has holy powers behind him.”

Chrys said the fact that the devils had gotten close to him meant someone at this meeting had helped the attackers. Constantine had essentially declared a “Code Red” and was now in hiding. The guild had ceased activity and were laying low until the crisis is resolved. Constantine had told Chrys to make sure to help Nic and his friends. He also told her he would return to help “when the time was right.” Nic said it definitely sounded like Constantine. He is known to be cryptic and vague. Nic did say that Constantine had a reverence for Kune [God of Trickery and Mischief] so it sort of made sense that he’s apparently getting powers from him.

Before the party had left the capital to go on their quest to close the elemental portals, they had asked Chrys to help them look into the murder of Vesper’s husband. Particularly to get leads on one Gothrik Vanquo, a young noble who Vesper’s husband was apparently investigating before he was killed. Chrys had talked to her half-sister, Kothreene Bellios, about Gothrik while the party was gone.

Kothreene knew Gothrik as they were both in the noble scene. Kothreene had told Chrys of rumors around Gothrik and Chrys told the party. Two years ago, there was a scandal wherein Gothrik “sacrificed” animals in a ritualistic manner. The stories of what happened varied. Some said she bathed herself in blood while others said she hung the animals from trees and danced among them. Kothreene had actually been there and had interrupted Gothrik writing sigils in blood [seemingly animal]. Kothreene had scolded her for trying to contact demons from the abyss. It did however seem Gothrik had been just copying something from a book and hadn’t really seemed to know what she was doing. Gothrik had stated something about devils. Apparently she had gotten things confused between demons and devils. The gossip of what had happened spread and became quite the scandal within the noble ward. They had not been too surprised by these antics as Gothrik’s mother was the black sheep of the Vanquo family already. A few weeks later Gothrik had been sent home to her mother in Kentena.

Chrys also told the party that the thieves’ guild member she sent to Kentena to spy on Gothrik would be back in about a week. Chrys will let the party know when she gets a hold of him and she can set up them talking to him about what he has discovered. Rory brought up her eventual favor she owed the guild now for this spy. Chrys said they might be able to arrange something to do with dealing with the Black Hand.

The party explained to Nic’s friends that this was all more than just the Black Hand and the vandalism. There was an archdevil on this plane and he had a lot of followers. Rory asked if anyone had heard about the city, Vundernyt. No one had heard of it, even Eluvaan with his centuries of experience. Rory asked about Xarlathon. Eluvaan had heard of that but only in myths from the Rethan Empire. It’s an ancient elven city that people debated if it had ever even existed.

Nic told the party details about his encounter with the devil he fought and killed. Nic and his friends had gone out after curfew to investigate the streets. They had spotted what they assumed to be one of these Black Hand members. Nic had engaged in a fight with the cloaked figure, hoping to apprehend and maybe interrogate them. It had quickly become apparent that they had underestimated this figure. They were a skilled fighter who moved fast and was hard to hit. During the fight, their form had changed into that of a devil after getting wounded by Nic. They had blue skin and a tail and wings. The devil also had magic as well (mainly ice magic but it also creating a spectral floating weapon).

It had been a close fight between Nic and the devil. Chrys had snuck up and took a shot at the devil wounding it greatly. Nic had managed to kill the devil even though he was badly hurt himself. Nic had taken the devil’s belongings and his friends took Nic to a cleric (to heal him and make sure nothing weird or fiendish happened to him). It was during this that Sera had invited Chrys to the meeting.

Miranda asked Sera about her brother, as he is one of the missing city guards. Sera’s brother had been on patrol one night and had never reported back in. She doesn’t know exactly where he was when he went missing. Miranda suggested they touch base with the task force of knights. They needed to look into the missing guards. Miranda, “They need to be somewhere. City guards don’t seem like the type to join devils.” The task force might have some leads.

Rory pondered out loud, wondering what their enemy’s end game was. Vesper theorized that maybe they want to get more devils into this plane. Maybe they were trying to open a gateway to the hells? After having rolled an arcana check, Vesper told everyone about how it was easy to close existing portals to other planes but creating new ones was pretty hard. She recalled that Vellias had linked the portal that went to the 5th layer of hell in the Direwood to Zhonai’s Comet that passes by the planet every one thousand years. It’s passing of the planet seemed to open this portal.

The talk of demons versus devils came up. Vesper rolled to know about the difference between demons and devils. She knew demons were from the Abyss and devils were from the Hells. Devils were lawful and had a code, while demons were chaotic and were more likely to destroy everything in their path. Demons were a tainted force, affecting other beings and corrupting them. Demons were thankfully contained in the Abyss, but were trying to escape. The devils were currently holding back the tide and are locked in a constant battle with the demons hordes escaping into the first layer of hell.

Rory brought up Mozarth. “He’s in rebellion right now. He’s trying to take over this plane but he’s also telling Asmodeus to fuck off.” Rory theorized that they were trying to open a portal, just not to the hells. Rory was like “What if he is allying with the demons?” Miranda, “There is no chance demons would work with a devil.”

Rory, going back to what Chrys had told them earlier, asked Chrys who else was at the thieves’ guild meeting. Chrys told her the members present, including Poddrik Bowsen (who the party know is a spy for the Raaz Khor). Rory told Chrys that Poddrik was definitely the mole. Chrys was surprised by this. She didn’t know where he was currently. Miranda asked if Constantine could call another meeting to try to draw Poddrik out. Rory suggested praying to Kune to tell Constantine that they have info and have a plan, but she quickly had the idea to just have Vellias attempt to message Constantine for them instead.

Rory asked if anyone had heard anything about March Felldane [the party know she was working with Rycroft. They had investigated her house trying to find leads on him. The manor was abandoned but they did find evidence of her holding explosives in her basement. She also had spined devils in her basement which was the first time the party had encountered devils together. Before they left Rory had set fire to the manor in anger].

Keesho said Felldane was still missing after her estate mysterious burnt down. Rory said they should have Vellias scry on Felldane. Everyone talked about checking out the underground tunnels in the city. The Black Hand could be using them to get around. There is one tunnel the thieves’ guild uses that leads to the business district of the city (which is where a lot of Black Hand activity has been happening).

As the meeting wrapped the party decided; Eluvaan and Sera will mostly be look-outs/back up. Keesho and Chrys are going to talk to their respective contacts to try to get leads on the Black Hand’s movements. Everyone else will talk to the task force, talk to Vellias, and look into the underground tunnels. Rory decided to make Gems of True Light for people. She’s going to make seven of them (for Vianca, Chrys, Keesho, Eluvaan, Sera, Vellias, and Hazerik). Now they will be able to all message each other no matter where they are.

Nic started making lunch for everybody before the bar opened. Miranda talked to Rory and was glad she was ok after last night, having not seen her since the scry on Maven. She’s glad Rory had Nic. Rory said she was fine and Nic actually gave her a gift. She showed the rod to Miranda, “That’s impressive!”

Keesho pointed at Rory’s ring, subtly saying “That’s new.” Vesper said, “Yeah, she just said she got a gift?” Miranda was like “Rory?” giving her a look. Rory asked Keesho how she knew it was new. Keesho apologized for prying. She just hadn’t noticed a ring last time they had seen each other. Vesper exploded, “You got engaged!” She grabbed Rory’s hand to look at the ring before excitedly running over to grab Nic’s hand.  

Vesper ran back over and gave Rory a big hug. Miranda gave a hug too. Rory asked Miranda if she would marry them. Nic gave a thumbs up, “I approve!” Miranda was like I guess I could yeah! Rory asked Vesper to be her “best person”. Vesper, “Of course!” Rory was like “I have to tell my dad!” Miranda asked about their time table. Rory and Nic said they want to get married soon cause things are about to get crazy. They were currently looking at a week? And maybe a few more days so Nic’s mother can come.

Eluvaan got out champagne and poured everyone a glass. Keesho toasted to the new couple and everyone congratulated Nic and Rory. Chrys said, “If anyone can plan a wedding during all of this it’s you (Nic and Rory).” Vesper was like “We need to go dress shopping!” Vesper said they could talk to her mother [Katya Petrov] as she could help with the dress. Since Vesper wanted to talk to her mother today anyway, they decided to also try to get Rory fitted for a dress.

Vesper, Rory, Miranda, and Vianca went to Vesper’s mother house. Nic stayed behind to open the bar. Rory squeezed his hand and slowly pulled away when she left. Chrys, Sera, Eluvaan, and Keesho said goodbye to them. Eluvaan asked Rory if they were all invited to their wedding. Rory said if they are still alive by then they’re invited. Keesho, “Good! I don’t plan on dying. Weddings are too much fun! This is a bright spot in all this insanity and I’m happy for both of you!”

Vesper, Rory, Miranda, and Vianca made it to Katya’s house. The door was actually not answered by Katya. It was answered by an old tiefling woman [she has blue and purple skin and black hair with silver streaks in it. She has a sword strapped to her back]. Vesper recognized her as, Analee Belikov. She was a friend of her parents, especially her mother.

Analee said, “Vesper! Good to see you!” and let everyone inside. Katya was glad to see Vesper gave her a big hug. She greeted her friends, happy to see them back safe after being gone so long. Katya went into hostess mode and wanted everyone to sit and get drinks etc. Analee told her to sit down and relax and talk to her daughter. Analee went to get alcohol. Rory insight checked Katya, feeling anxious. But Katya seemed genuine and not unlike the last time Rory had seen her though she looked a little sleep deprived now.

Katya asked the party to tell her about what they’d been up to. They told her the highlights leading up to this Black Hand business. Katya was worried about the Black Hand. She was worried about her home and her shop getting attacked. She didn’t feel safe, even during the day. Analee had been staying with her every other night so she wouldn’t be alone, but Analee couldn’t stay all the time because of her security job.

Rory asked Katya how she felt about big dogs. She loves dogs! Rory said they have a magic talking dog (who’s kinda her brother). She could ask him to stay with Katya. Katya loved this plan. Rory asked Katya for a favor. Vesper grabbed Rory’s hand and showed her the ring. Rory needed a dress. Katya was very excited and wanted to help with the dress.

Katya had presents for Vesper as she had missed Gold Feast and her birthday while she was gone. She had made a short cape for Vesper. It was dark purple and shimmered blue in the light. She also had gotten her a vintage book, The Origins of Arcane Magic. It was an old book, a couple centuries, and appeared to be a first edition. Vesper loved her presents and gave her mother a hug.

After visiting Katya, the party met back up with Nic and went to see Vellias. They asked her to cast sending on Constantine. Luckily, she knew him. Rory had her send this message, “Speaking on behalf of Nicolas Berkoth, Poddrik is your mole. Get in touch with Chrysantha. We need to flush him out.” Constantine replied, “Thank you for informing me, Royal Arcanist. I’ll let you know where I need Nic and his friends to be.”

They also asked Vellias to scry on March Felldane. She tried to but couldn’t connect with anything. Felldane is either on another plane of existence or she’s dead. Rory, “FUCK!” Rory was like “Shit! What if I accidentally killed HER!” Vianca said it was possible because they hadn’t checked the entire house before Rory burnt it down. Nic was like welp that’s a dead end….NO PUN INTENDED. Everyone was leaving Vellias’s tower but Rory ran back to Vellias. She asked if Vellias could give them something to help with seeing through illusions/shape changing magic. Vellias said she would look into getting a scroll of True Seeing for her if she could. She’d have to look for an existing one as crafting one would take weeks. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 10 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page]

this session the party arrive in Nykala and follow the trail after Ser Melliana Martagn

The party arrived on the other side of the teleportation circle in the Gateways of Nykala. It has been thirty-nine days since they left the capital city of Nykala to go on their elemental quest. They headed straight to see the Royal Arcanist, Leith Vellias. The party got let through the palace gates and walked through the garden to the Royal Arcanist Tower outside the palace.

Hazerik led the way up the tower and knocked on the door which opened a moment later. The party were met with a slightly frazzled Leith Vellias [halfling woman with red hair up in a bun; wearing a dark blue dress and cape]. Vellias was surprised to see the party and was glad they were back.

Rory immediately asked Vellias to scry on Melliana Martagn. Rory insisted they could explain everything later, but they needed to scry on him right now. Vellias said, “Of course.” and got out her platinum mirror. Everyone gathered around to watch as she scryed on Melliana.

The scry was a success and the party saw Melliana [water genasi with light green skin, dark green hair, and purple eyes]. There was a dull blue light illuminating the room made of green stone. The room expanded beyond the range of the spell’s vision. Melliana was sitting on a stone bench against a wall. He was in his official Arcane Knight armor, though there was no weapon or shield visibly on him. He was manipulating water in front of him into different shapes before freezing the water letting it shatter on the ground. The room was quiet besides the occasional muttered curse from Melliana. He seemed very focused on what he was doing and continued to manipulate water like this for several minutes.

Eventually, there was the sound of stone scraping, like a heavy door opening. Melliana stood up abruptly. After a moment, a water genasi woman walked over to him. She had dark green hair tied back and was wearing a simple purple dress. She was carrying a platter with food on it and put it down on the bench next to him.  

The woman turned to him and said, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what has gotten into my lady.” Melliana crossed his arms saying, “I didn’t think she could get any worse….and yet.” Woman, “Do you need anything?” Melliana looked behind her and lowered his voice, “Can you let the Knights know where I am?” The woman shook her head, “She has sealed the grounds. No one’s allowed in or out.” Melliana, “Do you know where my stuff got put?” The woman nodded. Melliana, “If it’s not too dangerous can you get me my arcane focus?” The woman nodded again, “I can try.” Melliana, “Thank you.”

The woman walked away and Melliana followed her to the other end of the room. There was an open doorway that led into a stone hallway. Just outside the doorway, in the hall, were two armored figures. Both wearing helmets and dark plate mail with designs of waves on them and wielding tridents.

The woman left the room and walked past the armored figures. They stared at Melliana as the stone door closed in front of him. After a beat of silence, Melliana shouted, “Fuck!” He marched to the other side of the room. He walked past a large circular pool of dark lapping water. He reached down and gathered water magically between his hands. He approached the opposite wall of the chamber and was faced with a large stoned carved statue made of dark green stone. The statue was of a woman with lobster claws and a lobster head. Melliana froze the ball of water between his hands and threw it at the statue. It shattered loudly. There were more curses from Melliana as the scry faded away.

The party recognized the statue as the evil sea goddess, Blibdoolpoolp. This room Melliana was in seemed to be a temple to her. Hazerik was relieved that Melliana was ok at least. It seemed that Melliana was being imprisoned by his mother, Lady Martagn? The armored figures were definitely Martagn Guards. Vesper wondered out loud if maybe Melliana went along with Slade in an attempt to get behind enemy lines. Hazerik agreed, saying he’d do something stupid like that.

Rory asked Vellias if she had any idea where Melliana was specifically. Vellias said she believed this place was somewhere in the underground tunnels beneath the noble ward. Hazerik agreed. There are multiple sets of underground tunnels throughout the city. Hazerik wanted to get into the tunnels and find this temple and get Melliana out. It had to be somewhere underneath the Martagn Manor.

The party agreed they should use the tunnels and try to find this temple. Knowing they would potentially be up for a fight, Rory messaged Nic and told him to meet her and her friends outside the noble ward. He said he’d be right there. The party left Vellias and she told them to come back and talk to her when they were done.

The party headed to the noble ward and waited for Nic to arrive. When he did the party noted his new cloak and double sword holster on his back. He froze seeing Rory (a little awestruck) before running to her. She was very happy to see him. She said, “I love you, but we’re busy.” She asked someone else to explain what was going on.

Vesper explained briefly what is going on about Melliana. Nic said to just lead the way as he’s here to help. Hazerik unlocked the entrance to the tunnels near the noble ward and the party descended the stone stairway into the magically lit passageways below. They traversed the tunnels with Hazerik leading the way.

They eventually made it to the gate that led to the tunnels underneath Martagn Manor. Rory picked the lock on the gate. The party headed down the stairs and were very stealthy thanks to Vianca casting Pass without Trace. After a few minutes, they came upon a large metal door in the wall that was currently open. Hazerik peeked in the doorway. She heard faint voices.

Rory went invisible and scouted ahead. Nic squeezed her hand and told her to be careful before she left. Rory entered the doorway and descended the stairs to the landing below. She walked up to the open doorway and the briny smell of the ocean hit her. Looking in, she saw the two guards from the scry in the room facing away from her. She saw the figure of an armored woman partially blocked by a guard. The voices were clearer now.

Rory heard Melliana say, “And what is your plan exactly? You’re just gonna go fight a fucking archdevil?” A woman’s voice replied, “They have started a war.” Melliana, “You need to stop! You do realize how messed up this is?! The devils told you to fuck off!” Rory snuck back up to the rest of the party and told them what she saw and heard.

Rory was like “Technically, this might be a third party situation.” Rory suggested talking this out and maybe treating this as an “enemy of my enemy” situation. The party decided to walk in to talk and be ready to fight if things turn sideways.

Hazerik walked down the stairs and entered the room. She said, “Lady Martagn, we need to talk.” Lady Martagn [water genasi with pale green skin, long dark green hair, and purple eyes; wearing dark grey plate armor with shimmering purple mantle] turned to face the princess, slowly getting out her giant maul as the party entered the room. Melliana, “Thank the gods!”

Lady Martagn said, “Your Highness…you and your friends are going to let my son and I leave.” Rory, “I don’t think he wants that.” Melliana, “No, I do not!” Hazerik crossed her arms saying, “That’s not gonna happen.” Lady Martagn, “Alright, then.” She jerked her head and the guards moved forward to attack. Rory said, “Wait! We are against the archdevil too!” Rory rolled persuasion. It didn’t seem to work as Lady Martagn ignored her looking crazed.

One of the guards tried to attack Hazerik but missed all of their attacks. The one attack that would have hit got blocked from Hazerik casting Shield. The pool of water in the center of the room suddenly swirled violently as the area filled with five feet of churning water. Lady Martagn marched up to Hazerik and cast a spell on her weapon. Rory used Counterspell to stop what was some kind of smite spell. Lady Martagn attacked Hazerik and got a natural 20. With blasts of radiant energy from the attack, Lady Martagn did almost a hundred points of damage to the princess. She knocked Hazerik unconscious with her second attack.

Vianca took damage from the swirling water and got pulled toward the center. He shot at Lady Martagn with his longbow and did some damage. He then backed up into the hall outside the water. Melliana tried to cast Hold Person on his mother, but she succeeded on her save. Vesper picked up Hazerik and gave her a healing potion. She then used her action surge to attack Lady Martagn.

Vesper hit her and got punched by magical water flying off of Lady Martagn’s armor (which apparently happened to anyone who hit her). Rory cast Spiritual Weapon and attacked Lady Martagn. Rory twinned Haste and cast it on Miranda and Nic. She then ducked back into the hallway to get out of the water. A water genasi woman (with bright orange eyes and patches of orange scales) came out of the pool. She was wearing half-plate armor and wielding a large nasty looking pike. The party recognized her as a cleric of Blibdoolpoolp they had heard about previously.

The cleric cast Spiritual Weapon and attacked Vesper. She then tried to cast Dispel Magic on Miranda to get rid of Haste, but Rory used Counterspell to stop her. The cleric then moved to the side to get out of Rory’s view. Hazerik drank a healing potion and disengaged, running to where Vianca and Rory were.

Miranda, now hasted, attacked Lady Martagn dealing lots of damage with her own divine smite abilities and dealt lightning damage to multiple enemies around her. Gawain raged and tried to attack one of the guards, but missed all of his attacks. Nic ran into the room ignoring the difficult terrain caused by the raging water. He attacked the cleric and managed to knock her prone (with Haste and his action surge he had six attacks). One of Nic’s longswords was made of shining black metal the party have seen before (same as Maven’s dagger and Mythra’s sword).

One of the guards went after Vesper and got a critical hit on her. Tendrils of water shot up and tried to grapple Nic and Melliana. Nic resisted it while Melliana did not. He got grappled and restrained by the water. Lady Martagn used lay on hands to heal herself quite a bit. Vianca tried to use Ensnaring Strike on her, but she succeeded on her save. He did manage to do some decent damage to her though.

Melliana took damage from the swirling water, but used his second wind to heal himself. He managed to break out of the grapple. Vesper cast Shatter on Lady Martagn, the cleric, and one of the guards. She ended up also hitting Gawain with it (it did help keep his rage up though). Rory moved to where she could see the cleric and used all the charges of her wand of magic missiles to hit her.

The cleric stood up and tried to cast Heal on herself, but Rory used Counterspell and stopped her. The cleric then tried to leap away into the water, but Nic hit her with an opportunity attack and killed her (she only had one hit point left). Hazerik used second wind to heal herself and moved up to attack Lady Martagn. She did extra fire damage with her elemental greatsword.

Miranda finally took down Lady Martagn. Once Lady Martagn fell the swirling water receded. Miranda used Blinding Smite on one of the guards and did a lot of damage and blinded them. Gawain quickly finished off that guard. Everyone then focused down on the last remaining guard (who had been relatively untouched during the fight) and Rory eventually killed them with a Guiding Bolt. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 9 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page]

this session the party speak to the Dire Empress and finally make it out of the Dire Wood and back to the city where they all first met

After saying goodbye to Sariel, the party followed Darius to the Twilight Citadel, the home of the druids of the Dire Wood. During the walk, Gawain asked Rory if she and her mother were close. She said yes. Gawain asked if her mother was happy and if she had a good life. Rory said her mother was a bit lonely and sad but they had each other. Gawain was glad that she wasn’t alone and had Rory. Rory asked how Gawain is able to talk. He said it is because of druid magic.

As the sunset, the party approached the large metal fortress with a dark mountain looming above it. The gate was opened for them. Rory suddenly had a realization and asked Darius if she has a title. Darius explained that Rory would have a title if he hadn’t been made heir after Floriana left. Rory is relieved. Darius walked the party through the city uphill toward the large imposing structure of the palace. It had large dark spires that rose up in front of the mountainside.

The party passed lots of people and animals alike moving around the city. They saw massive metal buildings with seemingly magically sustained plants growing between them. There were blacksmiths and taverns. It was very much a bustling city and not what one would expect from druids. Vesper asked Darius about druids usually not liking metal. She thought it blocked their magic or something. He explained that iron does block their magic sometimes. Most druids avoid metal all together but the twilight druids feel metal and gems are just as much a part of the earth and everything else natural. Vesper felt that it made sense.

While walking through the city, Miranda talked to her dad about how strange this place was. It’s big and would need trade to sustain itself. Rory thought the place was shady. Miranda asked if she had any idea of who they were trading with. Rory said maybe the vampires or maybe empire. Miranda asked Darius about the metal here and how it is mined. Darius told her there are local mines for metal and gems.

Rory asked how deep the mines went. Darius said some go as far as the Underdark but most don’t go down there as it is extremely dangerous. Rory asked how no one knows about the Twilight Citadel outside of the Dire Wood. Darius said they aren’t hidden from everyone as they occasionally trade with Athinas (the elven city-state south of the mountains). The reason they’ve kept to themselves has mostly been tradition.

The party entered the palace and Darius took them straight to the throne room. The party were faced with the Dire Empress, Aquila. [She is an older human woman with greying blonde hair. She wears silver half-plate armor with black brambles and feathers twisting around it and a black cape. She has black war paint on her face and a large blackened antler crown rising far above her head. She is holding a black staff with twisting thorns curling around a green gem.]

The Empress dismissed the elven archer she was speaking to and said, “Darius what have you brought me?” She took in the sight of the party and when her eyes landed on Rory she smiled in recognition. Darius said, “I bring news about the Raaz Khor. They are not who they say they are. The devils Floriana left to fight and the Raaz Khor are one and the same. They have killed Floriana.” The Empress said, Yes, I know.”

The party were surprised by this. Darius got angry, “And you are still making an alliance with them?!” The Empress explained, “I am not in a position to refuse their offer. I do not wish to offend an archdevil that resides on this plane and incur his wrath. Especially since he has the dragons in this service. This could mean the destruction of our people if I am not careful. And they did offer to bring Floriana back if that’s what has you so upset by this.”

Rory said, “Fuck you!” Empress replied, “It’s nice to meet you too.” Rory, “I do not share the pleasure.” The party asked the Empress to not side with the Raaz Khor. The Empress said she does not want to work for an archdevil but she needs to think about her people and her city. There are dozens of black dragons in the mountains that the Raaz Khor could send after the citadel. The Empress says she bought time by saying she would consider the alliance she doesn’t know how long though.

Miranda asked about the Raaz Khor emissaries who came to see the Empress. She described them and gave their names; a tiefling woman (Morana Ravenlock) and a dark elf man (Ajax Ravenlock). The party know Morana is Mozarth’s daughter and Slade’s mother. They haven’t heard of Ajax previously. Miranda asked the Empress if they showed up again if she could keep them here and let the party know. The Empress said sure. Rory rolled insight and could tell she seemed annoyed with the idea but didn’t seem like she was lying.

Darius spoke up and told the Empress that he was going to take the party through the mountains and was giving them a place to sleep for the night. The Empress was alright with that and excused them from her throne room wishing the party luck on their journey back home. The party left the room pissed at the Empress and not sure if they can trust her.

After leaving the throne room, Darius took the party to his wing of the palace. Once they were far enough away he told them; “I believe she means to wait and see which side will win before giving her support.” The party agreed with him. Darius told the party that he will keep an eye on her while the party is gone to make sure she doesn’t make the mistake of joining the Raaz Khor. One way or another they will be getting help from the druids when they need it.

The party asked who else was in charge besides the Empress. Darius said it is really just the Empress who is in charge. They asked if it came down to it how much of the city would support him versus the Empress. He said that’s hard to say but he does have people he can trust and if it was needed he could go to extreme lengths. Miranda clarified, “Staging a coup?” Darius said yes.

With Darius helping the party keep an eye on things, Rory asked if he had any quartz. Darius told them they have plenty of gems. The party ended up buying 6 diamonds (worth 300gp each) for Revivify [they did get a discount for 200gp each]. Rory also got 10 clear quartz so she could make more Gems of True Light.

After this conversation, Darius told the party that they could sleep here tonight and he offered to make them a late dinner. The party had dinner with Darius, his wife Rowena (a wood elf woman), and his daughter, Dove (half-elf; 8 years old). Gawain and Phaedra were there as well. Dove called Rory pretty and liked her immediately. Rory showed Dove her wings and the little girl got excited. It was adorable.

The party got rooms in Darius’s wing of the palace and had the nicest (and driest) sleep they have had in a long time. Rory took a short rest and enchanted her quartz gem to give to Darius later. She messaged Nic: “So my grandmother is a bitch. I have an uncle and aunt and a cousin.” Nic: “That’s a lot of family.” Rory: “Certainly more than I had yesterday.” Nic: “Is everything going ok?” Rory: “Perhaps we can open that cans of worms when I get back” Nic: “Fair enough.”

Miranda asked her dad about the conversation they had earlier about him wishing he did things differently. She asked what it was like for him growing up and doing everything with his parents. He said there was never a dull moment. There was a lot of fighting monsters. It was a lot like what they are doing now but now as high stakes. Galadran had tried something different with Miranda and her mother to keep them safe. She asked if he always traveled alone. He said yes. Miranda said she thought she would also travel alone but she met the party and hasn’t been alone since.

Galadran said they made a good team. Miranda said it didn’t start out that way. Galadran agreed, comparing The Five Heroes to them. The Queen and King detested each other at first. Miranda asked if Galadran was trying to imply setting her up with Rory because Rory has a boyfriend and like no. He said he didn’t know that and he wasn’t implying that at all. Miranda apologizes. She’s been dealing with Rory and Vesper’s shit. Miranda said goodnight to her dad and went to bed.

In the morning, Darius and Gawain took the party through the mountain pass. Once they reached the end, Gawain turned to Darius and said goodbye to him. Gawain said, “This was mother’s fight. I’m going to help finish it.” Darius nodded and gave him a hug goodbye. Rory slowly realized this meant her and Gawain were….siblings?

Rory gave Darius a Gem of True Light and told him to message her if anything shady happens. She’ll message him if he needs to know anything. She gave him a hug goodbye which was only slightly awkward. The party exited the mountain pass into a jungle. A regular bright and green and not cursed jungle. The party traveled west for the rest of the day and camped one last time. They reach the city of Erodan by noon the next day. The party haven’t been here in almost two months when they first met.

The party entered Erodan through the northern gate and headed for town center where the Gateway [hub of official teleportation circles between cities of Vordia] is located. As they entered the square Vesper noticed her best friend, Hazerik Rhyven (crown princess of Vordia and an Arcane Knight like Vesper). They hugged excitedly. Hazerik greeted the rest of the party and got introduced to Galadran and Gawain.

Hazerik asked how things were going. The party told her they fixed the elemental problem and now things are not great. There is a big devil cult and shit. Vesper started telling Hazerik about random shit they’ve done like meeting Hazerik’s dragon grandmother and going to “Vampire Vegas”. Right after saying that an explosion interrupted their conversation. Flames and smoke rose up in the direction of the southern gate. Everyone ran off in that direction immediately. The party ran toward the explosion and came upon the livery stables up in flames. There were sounds of horses panicking and shouts from inside. As the party approached they saw guards and a couple Knights approaching the scene as well. One of the Knights was Vesper’s dad, Evandrys Petrov [wood elf]. Evandrys went inside the stables after giving orders to the guards, who started evacuating nearby buildings and started a bucket chain.

Miranda went into the stable and used the Decanter of Endless Water to put out some of the fire. Vesper ran in after her dad and tried to help lift a beam that had fallen on a stable hand. She didn’t manage to move it though. Rory went in and grabbed the stuck stable hand and used Dimension Door to get him out. Galadran helped evacuate nearby buildings. Vianca helped with the bucket chain. A stable hand let some of the panicking horses out. The owner of the stable told them there was still somebody trapped in the burning office.

Evandrys tried to lift the beam with Gawain’s help but was not successful. Miranda handed the decanter to Vesper and lifted the beam easily, unblocking the way to the office. She told Zargar (her steed) to find the horses that got out and calm them down. Miranda went inside the flaming room. Vesper used the decanter to put out some of the fire in the room. Rory went back inside and grabbed the hand of a person trapped under a desk. The person didn’t respond. She used Cure Wounds. She healed them and they began coughing. The bucket chain made it and helped put out some of the fire in the office. Evandrys managed to lift the desk. Miranda picked up the Halfling man who had been trapped and carried him out. She healed him as Vesper put the rest of the fire.

As things calmed a bit Miranda asked the owner of the stable what happened. He told the party that he and the halfling man were talking during lunch like they always did and this man came in [the description of the man matched Slade]. He just placed something on the ground and said, “You should get the fuck out.” He lit the thing on fire and vanished in a cloud of magical energy. Both the owner and halfling had never seen this man before and had no idea why someone would target the stable with an attack.

The party were confused by this also and Rory was like, “What if it was a distraction?” Right after she said that a guard jogged up and said, “Ser Evandrys, we have a problem back at the jailhouse.” Immediately Hazerik was like “Shit!” and she bolted toward the jailhouse. The party followed and asked Evandrys who was at the jailhouse. He said Hazerik’s partner, Melliana.

Rory and Miranda got to the jailhouse first and went inside. There were two guards. A halfling woman standing next to a half-elf woman who was sitting in a chair. She looked fucked up and the other guard was seemingly patching her up. Her bruises pulsed with faint necrotic energy. Rory asked, “Are they gone?” One of the guards said, “Yes, he’s gone.” The rest of the party made it inside. Evandrys stopped to ask what happened as Hazerik bolted past him to the cells in the back room. She cursed and slammed the metal door as the cell was empty.

Rory flew out of the building and left to check the Gateway. She turned invisible and went inside. She freaked out the desk clerk by just appearing in front of him. She asked if anyone had come through recently. He said no. She went outside to look at the city from the sky but didn’t see anything suspicious.

Meanwhile, in the jailhouse, a knight came out of the side room and said: “The Pearl is gone too.” The party asked the injured guard what happened. Who did this? She explained that two men entered the building. A tiefling who matched the description of Slade and a cloaked man with dark skin and hair. She thinks he was human. She didn’t get a look at his ears or anything as it happened so fast and it was hard to see. The room got darker and he beat the shit out of her before she could do anything.

Vesper asked Hazerik, “What the hell is going on? Why was Melliana arrested?” [Context: Melliana Martagn is an Arcane Knight of Vordia and was in the same class as Vesper and Hazerik. The party know he is on the Rycroft case and was investigating his criminal activities. They previously ran into Melliana while trying to track down Rycroft and helped him investigate the home of March Felldane who was working with Rycroft. They found spined devils in her basement but she was nowhere to be found. It looked like she had been hiding explosives in her basement though.

They also have reason to believe Melliana may be connected to Blibdoolpoolp, an evil sea goddess. As for the pearl, Adina (Hazerik’s younger sister) had stolen it from the sunken treasure of Mardak (one of the elemental avatars). The pearl was given to Leith Vellias (the Royal Arcanist) to keep safe. The party know the large black pearl is an ancient artifact and an amplifier and it is probably something Blibdoolpoolp would want to get her hands on.]

Hazerik explained that she had joined Melliana on the Rycroft case and they came to Erodan to look into a possible lead connected to Rycroft. When they went through the Gateway they got searched. Something of import was reported stolen and it is the procedure to do searches on anybody who comes through the Gateway until it is resolved.

When the guards at the Gateway searched Melliana they found the pearl in his bag. Even though Melliana denied stealing it and said it was a setup, by procedure they temporarily locked him and the pearl up while they went to get knights in the capital to investigate the incident. Hazerik was trying to figure out what to do when she ran into the party.

Hazerik was adamant that Melliana didn’t do this and he was being set up. Something was going on. Evandrys was doubtful now that he was broken out of jail dramatically with an explosion as a distraction. He hoped Hazerik was right but it was not looking good for him. Rory returned and the party caught her up on everything.

Vesper brought up the fact that maybe Melliana did steal the pearl. Hazerik got upset saying that he didn’t do it. He wouldn’t do it. Vesper rolled insight on Hazerik and could tell that Hazerik really likes Melliana. Vianca brought up the fact that since Slade was behind this they could be anywhere. Also, there was the fact that if they teleported out Melliana would have to have been willing to go with them.

Rory asked Hazerik if Melliana had anyone he cared about (family members, etc.) They could be using something against him to make him go with them. Hazerik was sure they are using something against him. They could check on his family in Nykala but he doesn’t really get along with them well. The party decided they needed to get back to Nykala immediately in hopes of getting to Vellias quickly and having her attempt to scry on Melliana to figure out where he is. They also need to fill the Queen in on everything they have learned about the Raaz Khor and the threat they are facing.

Galadran told the party he will stay behind and help Evandrys hold down the fort in Erodan. Evandrys offered to look into the name Hazerik and Melliana got for them and get back to them. The name they got; Finnegan Finch (he apparently lives in Erodan and was a possible client of Rycroft’s). The party said goodbye to Evandrys and Galadran and headed to the Gateway. The three of them teleported to Nykala with Vianca, Hazerik, and Gawain. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 6 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page] 

we are finally back after our summer break! this session, the party fight their way out of the Deadlands and interrogate Rycroft

In the aftermath of their battle with Rycroft and the vampire Matron, the party took a short rest. They divided up Rycroft’s possessions. The Animated Shield went to Rory. The Boots of Elvenkind and the Amulet of Health went to Miranda. The amulet bumped her up to 100 hit points. The Ring of Feather Falling went to Vesper. They stashed Rycroft’s holy symbol in their bag of holding. During this rest, they also counted up the money they had stolen from the safe in Rycroft’s castle. They found out it was 7,000 platinum.

After the rest, they decided to leave and get as far out of the Deadlands as they could. They left the mansion through the secret exit with Rycroft’s dead body. They traveled through the dark tunnel eventually reaching a hatch that led above ground. They exited into a ruined part of the city, a fallen over stone wall in front of them.

As the party moved to leave the area they heard a bloodcurdling scream and saw an ethereal humanoid shape float through the rubble toward them. They all rolled saving throws against the banshee’s wail. Rory, Vesper, and Miranda all passed only taking some psychic damage. While Sariel, Vianca, and Galadran all failed and immediately dropped to zero hit points.

The party fought the banshee and the four specters that showed up during the fight. Rory cast Spirit Guardians and really did some work on the specters. Miranda healed the boys and slowly brought them all back up. After dealing with the threat, they healed each other up as much as they could, but they were still in bad shape. They decided to keep moving not wanting to stay in this place any longer.

The party travelled onward. They didn’t run into any more undead, though they did see specters floating by in the distance occasionally. After a few hours, they made it out of the eternal darkness of the Deadlands and were met with the evening sun. The party stopped to take a breath and talked about what to do next.

Galadran asked if the plan was to bring Rycroft back to life just to interrogate him. Rory said yes. He asked “Then what? Are we going to kill him again while he’s our prisoner?” Rory said they can’t kill him. The enemy’s plan is to bring people back to life and Rycroft will be a problem again later.

Galadran said they should try to get him back to the capital to face the Queen’s judgment. Rory asked Vesper what she thinks of the Queen’s judgment. Vesper has no problem just burning the body, but they do need information. She also thinks the whole “bringing people back to life” is just bullshit used to get people to do things for Mozarth. She did say she could be wrong about that and it might be safer to not kill him.

Miranda said if they imprison him in the capital the cult may just break him out. Rory brought up the fact of hiding Rycroft from scrying. The party came up with the plan of taking Rycroft to Ivryspire to be imprisoned as the entire city is warded from scrying. The party at least all agreed that they need to bring him back to life to interrogate him as he is their only lead. The wizard, Slade, could be anywhere and he keeps teleporting away when they do run into him.

Before Sariel performed the ritual to bring Rycroft back, Sariel talked to Rory. He told her he has no misgivings about killing Rycroft, but he wants Rory to be sure in her decision. He told her whatever she chooses he will be by her side.

Rory brought up the idea of killing Rycroft and bringing him back over and over again. Would Sariel be by her side then? Sariel said that may be a little extreme but yes. He took her hands and assured her everything would be fine.

The party set up in the fields outside the border of the Deadlands. Sariel sat down and placed a hand on Rycroft’s chest. He closed his eyes and spoke a chant in Celestial and began casting Raise Dead. During the ritual, that took an hour, the party also took a short rest. Rory enchanted her quartz crystal to make a Gem of True Light. She had made one for Nic before so she could talk to him from afar. The gem essentially lets you cast Sending unlimitedly but the target of the spell must also be attuned to a gem (or in Rory’s case she has Orby).

Sariel successfully brought Rycroft back to life. He immediately asked, “Where is my daughter?” Rory rolled insight and could tell he actually does care for Zari and is concerned about her. She taunted him saying he actually does care about something. She talked about how his daughter was cute and they have seen her. Rycroft wasn’t saying anything to this.

Rory implied her plan of killing him and bringing him back, because she knows he may not fear death. Rycroft said he didn’t care and Rory stabbed him mid-sentence in fury and kept stabbing until he was dead again. She cast Revivify and brought him back before everyone else could really react. She rolled very high intimidation and Rycroft said he would answer their questions if they leave his daughter alone and let her go.

Rory agreed to that. Rycroft said, “I want to hear the angel say it.” Sariel telepathically told Rory that he believes Rycroft thinks he cannot lie. She asked if that was true and he said no. Rory told him to say whatever he wanted. Sariel told Rycroft that if he answers their questions they will make sure his daughter is safe. Rycroft seemed happy with this and agreed to answer their questions.

Before the questions started Rycroft insisted the party not interfere any more than they have. As long as they are not the enemy of the Raaz Khor they will be included in the Perfect World when Mozarth and Arcana succeed. The party mostly ignored this and asked their questions.

It turned out he didn’t know the details of any upcoming plans. Apparently, there was to be a very big meeting between Mozarth and all the Generals/Lieutenants in a few days to discuss the Raaz Khor’s next move. They did learn some things from Rycroft though.

They asked where Mozarth was. He told them he was in Vundernyt. He explained that it is an underground city and Rycroft doesn’t know exactly where it is. He’s only ever been teleported there. Vundernyt is where this big meeting is going to happen.

Rory asked him about the constellation codes the party had found in Blackthorne. Rycroft explained that the constellations (Morgeau, Delphian, and Estrael) refer to the three divisions of the Raaz Khor.

Divisions: The aasimar in Vundernyt [Morgeau]. The spies in Vordia [Delphian]. The dark elves in Xarlathon [Estrael] (Xaralthon is another underground city; it means ‘City of Stars’ in Elvish).

They asked Rycroft about the spies he knows in Vordia. He gave them two names:

March Dinareath Felldane (who the party was already suspecting of working with Rycroft) and Poddrik Bowsen (who is apparently a spy for the Raaz Khor in the thieves’ guild). The rest of Rycroft’s criminal contacts were casino owners/art dealers. None of them were actually a part of the Raaz Khor. The party wanted the names anyway and he gave them. Rycroft said the Raaz Khor have spies everywhere but he doesn’t know them all.

Vianca asked Rycroft where to find Verdith (Vianca’s twin sister). Rycroft seemed confused the party knew who she was because she apparently never leaves Xarlathon. They asked about the Raaz Khor killing a knight (Vesper’s husband). Rycroft said his wife had dealt with a knight who had gotten too close to discovering one of the Raaz Khor’s spies in the capital. She apparently did it before any news of it got to Mozarth. They also got Rycroft’s wife’s first name: Mythra.

They asked about the destruction of Miranda’s village. Rycroft didn’t seem to know what they were talking about until Miranda’s father chimed in. He asked why Rycroft’s wife lured him to the Direwood and what he did to incur her wrath. Rycroft was like “Oh….you’re the paladin.”

He said that Galadran had interfered with her business and she was afraid he had information he shouldn’t. Also, as a paladin, he was a potential threat. It really pissed her off that she could not find Galadran, so she destroyed his village to draw him out. Galadran asked what business he interfered with. Rycroft didn’t know. The party questioned that and Rycroft said his wife doesn’t tell him the details of every single thing she does. He says he assumes the business had to do with her Dusk Wings [the party assume this to mean the Void Soul].

Rory asked why Slade took the pregnant woman with him when he fled The Matron’s mansion. The party assumed she was just a slave of The Matron. Rycroft explained that the woman had told Slade she would tell them the information they were looking for if they got her out of Daritzal. Rycroft and Slade decided it was a backup plan if things did not work out with The Matron. The information they were seeking was the location of an ancient magical relic. Arcana used to know the location of it but that knowledge now belonged to The Matron apparently.

Vesper asked Rycroft how to lure his wife out. Rycroft said if they keep interfering with the Raaz Khor’s plans they will get her attention and she will at least send people after them. Vesper said that wasn’t good enough she wanted Mythra to come to her herself. Vesper threatened to pull Rycroft’s daughter into this. Rycroft didn’t say anything but she got the impression the daughter was the answer to getting Mythra’s attention.

Rory finally asked where Cillian was. Rycroft said Vundernyt. He said Mozarth made Cillian the “Defender” of the city. He made a comment about Cillian being put in his place. Rory asked why that was necessary, “Because he didn’t get any information out of me?” Rycroft said that wasn’t Cillian’s fault. Rory didn’t know anything.

Rycroft said it was because he had to get involved and take over. Rory asked if it was about the torture. Rycroft kind of ignored that and muttered under his breath: “Why he sent that boy I will never understand.” Rory pressed him about it and Rycroft said, “If I hadn’t stepped in, he would have done something stupid like try to run away with you.”

Rory went back to what he said earlier and asked what Mozarth thought of Cillian since he made him Defender. Rycroft said that Mozarth thinks Cillian is special because he is the son of an angel. Sariel asked for the angel’s name and Rycroft said Raziel. Rycroft explained that he wasn’t there but knows that Mozarth had killed Raziel because the angel tried to kill him.

Rory messaged Miranda and Vesper, “Should we be like ‘haha your daughter is fine’ or should we knock him out and kidnap his daughter?” Vesper was down to kidnap Zari. Miranda was hesitant on the idea. Sariel telepathically asked Rory what the plan was. She said they were figuring it out.

Sariel knocked Rycroft unconscious (for 4 hours) while they discussed what to do. Rory said they need to get Zari. Vesper agreed saying it would draw out Mythra and it would be nice to get her daughter away from the cult. They decided to head toward Rycroft’s castle and at least check to see if Zari was still there. They were only a couple hours away and they had to pass by the castle anyway.

Along the way, they discussed what they would logistically do with Zari as they were already dealing with dragging Rycroft around with them. They still have to travel several days to get out of the Direwood. Sariel brought up the fact that they have to head toward the Twilight Citadel. Vianca was a little wary of the druids and Rory asked if the druids have a problem with Sariel.

Sariel said the druids don’t have a reason to hate him and insisted that the druids have the fastest and safest way through the mountains. Sariel also wants to let the druids know what became of Floriana. Her brother at least deserved to know. Sariel wants to at least get the party to the druids and through the mountains. Then he can take Rycroft to Ivryspire. Rory wants to get back to the capital so she can have Vellias scry on Cillian. Vesper said they should have her scry on Zari as well if she is not at the castle.

Shortly after sunset the party approached the castle. They stayed back and discussed what to do. The party realized that Zari may not even be at the castle anymore, but if she was there they will at least have to deal with her ice devil bodyguard. There was also the potential that her mother or Slade could be there. They ultimately decided to take a long rest outside the castle given how bad shape some of them were still in. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 8 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page]

this session the party have a stormy and dangerous fight and finally make it to the druids

The party rested through the stormy night sheltered by the stone building Vianca had led them to. The storm was still going strong in the morning when the party headed out. Vianca led them through the ruins of Ozaun in the midst of the heavy rain and wind. While weaving around stone ruins the party ran into a twenty-foot tall troll with multiple heads and arms.

The party fought the dire troll which dealt out quite a bit of damage throughout the fight. Both Sariel and Galadran at one point got very close to getting knocked unconscious. The party realized fire damage was keeping the troll from healing as much so Rory hit it with lots of fire. The troll, angered by this, unleashed all five attacks on her and knocked her out. Sariel did heal her back up pretty much immediately though.

During this fight, Miranda felt a sudden connection to the storm and focused to call it’s might down onto the troll. She now has Call Lightning as an oath spell. Vianca used Lightning Arrow for the first time during this fight. Vesper used the ability of her new magical spiked chain for the first time and got a crit (twice). Miranda ended up killing the troll with a natural 20 boosted by divine smite and blinding smite. It was a lot of damage alright.

Miranda ran over to heal Rory while Vesper went to inspect the troll. The troll suddenly got up having healed itself and attacked those near it again. Rory knocked it down again with a Fireball and Vesper killed it for good hitting it with a Fire Bolt while it was down. Miranda cut off all of its heads just to be sure it was dead. Vesper looted the body and took a lemur skull from its pocket. Everybody took a moment to heal up a bit.

The party continued traveling south and eventually the storm slowed to a light rain. They avoided danger until the sunset and they made camp. Vianca told the party they haven’t run into any people in the jungle which is strange. There are a lot of nomadic tribes and such that live here. They should have at least seen signs of them but Vianca has seen nothing. He does say he hasn’t been in the Direwood for decades but it is still disconcerting.

The party set up to take watches and Galadran asked to take watch with Vianca. Vesper stayed awake to eavesdrop on the two of them during their watch as she was curious to see if Galadran talked to Vianca about Miranda. She heard Galadran ask Vianca about his adventures with The Five Heroes. Vianca seemed to downplay his involvement but Galadran insisted that Vianca is very much a hero and The Five wouldn’t have succeeded without him. Galadran tells him that Vianca is still connected to destiny as he is here with destined people once again. Galadran thanked Vianca for looking out for the girls. The conversation turned into Galadran giving Vianca an inspirational speech about self-worth and destiny.

The night went by peacefully and the party headed out in the morning. The rain had stopped but water was still dripping from the thick jungle canopy throughout the day. By the time noon came around the party approached a river, which was raging at high-speed thanks to the recent storm. The party used their flying carpet and their flying/teleporting abilities to get across it easily. On the other side, the party came across a small barrier in front of them. A seven-foot-tall wall made of brambles and thorns with spear spikes with various skulls on them (humanoid and other creatures). The barrier was only ten feet long however and didn’t block the party’s path. They saw more of these barriers spaced out in a line.

Vesper asked Vianca if this was the nomadic tribes he was talking about earlier. He said this was the border of the druid’s territory. Vianca asked Sariel if he was sure about getting help from the druids. Sariel was confident and said he just needed to talk to Darius (Floriana’s brother/Rory’s uncle). The party continued into druid territory. They traveled until the sun went down without encountering anything dangerous.

The party made it through the night without any trouble though the night was full of strange sounds and it felt like they were being watched. In the morning, Vesper realized it was her birthday and was in a happy mood. As the party traveled they encountered lots of wildlife. Lots of birds and lemurs would come up to them seemingly curious. They would follow the party for a bit before leaving. Vesper approached a purple peacock looking bird and fed it. The bird kept following them around after that. Miranda cast Speak with Animals and talked to it. She asked about the weather ahead and such. Vesper asked Miranda to ask the bird if it liked Vesper. It said yes. Vesper is pretty and nice and feeds him. He could see himself sticking around.

It was getting close to sunset when the party saw a dire wolf approach them on the path. It had burgundy fur and large boney spikes protruding along its spine. It said, “Sariel? I thought that was you.” and walked toward the party. Sariel responded “Gawain?” Gawain took in the sight of everyone and asked what was going on and where Floriana was. Sariel sighed and got somber. Gawain asked what happened. Sariel explained that Floriana had been killed by Rycroft. Sariel was imprisoned by the elders in Ivryspire for 20 years so he wasn’t there.

Gawain wanted to know why Rycroft wasn’t dead. Sariel explained that this was all still the devils he and Floriana left to fight. The archdevil who leads them has a plan to bring his followers back to life. The party’s plan is to imprison Rycroft where his allies won’t be able to find him. Gawain was agreeable to this. Sariel told him that the party needs passage through the mountains and he wants to tell Darius all of this as well.

Gawain nodded and called out for “Phaedra.” A large bluish raven flew in and landed nearby. Gawain told her to get Darius and tell him to meet them in the jungle. Phaedra said alright and flew off. Gawain led the party to the meeting spot. On the way there, he asked about this devil threat and how bad it was. They filled him in on what they know.

The party reached the meeting spot, which was a small clearing with the ruins of an old well in the center of it. After a few minutes, a giant black eagle swooped down from the canopy and transformed into a man in a swirl of druidic magic and black feathers. Darius was a blonde human man in his late 30s. He was wearing intricately designed half-plate armor with a dark cloak. He had black war paint on his face and wore a small wreath of blackened antlers on his head.

Darius took everyone one in intently. He stared at Rory a little longer than the rest before turning to Sariel and asking what happened to his sister. Sariel again explained what had happened. Darius just like Gawain asked why Rycroft was still alive. They explained their reason for keeping him alive, but Vesper said they have killed him twice technically.

Sariel explained to Darius the threat they were fighting. When he said the words Raaz Khor Darius reacted. Rory asked if he had run into them before. Darius said, “I’ve heard of them. They sent emissaries to talk to my mother. She needs to know who these people really are. There is no way she would be considering this alliance if she knew what they’ve done.” The party agreed.

Darius said this was a serious threat and he wanted to help however he can. Sariel brought up passage through the mountains. Darius said he could do that easily, but if the party wanted to keep Rycroft alive then they shouldn’t bring him into the citadel as the Empress will want him executed on sight. Sariel said that was fine as he technically doesn’t need to enter the citadel anyway. He needs to head north with Rycroft.

Rory gave her father a hug and gave him a gem of true light she enchanted so they can communicate with each other while apart. Sariel reaffirmed that he will get the aasimar of Ivryspire ready and they will join the party when they need them. Everyone said their goodbye’s to Sariel. He gave Rory one last tight hug before returning the way the party came with Rycroft. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 7 Recap

[previous recap] | [character page]

this session, the party continue their trek through the Direwood and Rory encounters The Undying Light in a way she never has before

The party set up camp outside of Rycroft’s castle, deciding to take a long rest before doing anything else. Galadran and Miranda took watch together. Galadran had apologized to her feeling he had been a terrible father to her. He said he was never there for her the way he should have been. He has always done his work as a paladin alone not wanting anyone to get killed like his parents. “I tried to keep you and your mother completely out of it. But you got hurt anyway and your mother died and it was my fault.”

Miranda insisted that it was not his fault. There was a time she felt the destruction of her village was her fault, but the fault belongs to the ones who attacked their village. She also insisted that she doesn’t think he is a terrible father. She loved it when he came to visit. She understands why he tried to keep her and her mother out of it.

Galadran admits that running into Miranda and her friends has made him realize he cannot do this alone anymore. He brought up the fact that they need to go after General Tenebris together when the time is right. He asked Miranda to tell him about everything she knew about the general. After hearing about the general’s shadow powers, he recalled running into similar magic before. A few years ago he had encountered people with shadow magic while he was helping some Knights investigate strange criminal activity. He had killed one of them, which may be why General Tenebris had it out for him.

Miranda told Galadran she feels kidnapping Zari is not a good idea and that they needed to get to Nykala as quickly as possible. Galadran agreed. They need to get more assistance to fight against the Raaz Khor. Before going to sleep, Miranda prayed to Deark for guidance on the Zari situation (mainly a way to convince the others that it was a bad idea) and the mysterious cities they recently learned about from Rycroft. She got a response from Deark: While he did not know the locations of the cities he did look into the castle for her and saw that it was empty and Zari was not there.

While on watch with Vianca, Vesper asked about his love life saying she felt she knew so little about him. Vianca confirmed he wasn’t currently seeing anyone. Vesper indicated Miranda expressing she thought it was a good idea. Vianca refused to talk about it further saying they should focus on keeping watch.

During Rory and Vianca’s watch, Rory tried to use the Bracers of True Darkness to message Cillian. It did not work; either something was blocking it or he was not attuned to a similar item. Vianca asked her, “Are you trying to contact our dearly detested general?” She said no. She was trying to message somebody else but she couldn’t reach him. She tried again and still got nothing. She threw the bracers to the side in anger. As their watch ended, they watched the sun rise. It was definitely significantly brighter than it was the day before. The sun shine was intense and golden. Rory quickly figured out what day it was and started drinking from her flask.

It was Valindra 1st, Gold Feast, the brightest day of the year. It is a holiday where people have large feasts with family and friends. It is customary to invite anyone who doesn’t have people to celebrate with. It is a time to reflect on the good events of the previous year and the spread of happiness. People will often go out and hand out gold and sweets to those in need. This day also happens to be Rory’s birthday and the anniversary of her mother’s death.

Miranda told the party that Deark discovered the castle is empty and Zari is no longer there. The party discussed whether or not to search the castle further than they had before. Rory woke up Rycroft and asked him if there were any secret chambers in his castle. He said no. Rory also asked him about Cillian. She wanted to know if that was his real name because Rycroft made a face last time she brought him up. They learned that Cillian’s real name is Maven Tenebris. They asked how he was related to Rycroft’s wife, Mythra Tenebris. Maven is her half-brother.

Rory also asked for Maven’s mother’s name. It is Diantha Tenebris. Rory asked if Diantha was in Vundernyt. Rycroft said she is dead. Vesper: “But not for long, right?” Rycroft clarified that Diantha is no longer on the list. She was caught trying to betray Mozarth and got killed for it. Mozarth is not going to bring her back to life.

After questioning Rycroft they knocked him out again. The party decided to just start heading south and not investigate the castle. The plan is to get to the Twilight Citadel where the druids live. They have the fastest and safest way through the mountains. From there they can get to Erodan and use the Gateways to teleport to Nykala.

The party entered into the thick jungle with Vianca helping to lead the way. The sunshine still made it through the canopy quite a bit. It was a lot brighter than it was traveling through this jungle the days before. While walking, Rory got a message from Nic: “Happy Birthday. I know today’s going to be rough and I wanted you to know I’m thinking about you. I wish I was there.” She replied: “Thank you. I wish you were here too.”

During their hike, Vesper kept making eye contact with Vianca and then looking at Miranda indicating the conversation they had the night before. Noticing this, Miranda walked up to Vianca and asked if Vesper had put the moves on him last night during their watch. This caught him off guard and he very much denied it. He said Vesper thought Vianca and Miranda were a thing. Miranda was like “ooooook” taken aback by this and backed up to walk next to someone else.

After a bit of travel, the party took a break to rest. Rory had finished her flask and was looking for more alcohol. Sariel checked in on her to see if she was alright. He told her he was glad to be here with her. He knows it was not his fault but he was sorry he had missed all her other birthdays. Rory shared that her mother’s death coincided with her birthday. Sariel gave her a hug. He said they would stop this threat together for Floriana. Rory appreciated his optimism.  

Sariel shared with everyone that he spoke to Vynair the night before. He asked her about Raziel (Maven’s angelic father). “Apparently, Raziel was sent by Vynair to find and help the fallen aasimar of Ivryspire after the Darkness was freed of its corruption.”

While they were discussing Raziel, the party noticed a beam of bright golden light coming through the trees. Orby floated toward it. Rory followed after Orby and the party was close behind her. They found a clearing with a large glowing tree at the center. The area was bright and looked like day time.

There were glittering lights floating around it. The light at the base of the tree was almost blinding. Orby floated over to the tree and became one with the light. Rory approached the tree and she saw nothing but The Light. It surrounded her and it was warm and comforting as she entered the Plane of Light.

Rory heard a voice echo around her. It sounded like her mother’s voice but she instinctively knew it was The Light speaking to her. It said: “Hail, Aurora Dawn, my Avatar. On this blessed day of the Light Zenith, I have the power to speak to you directly. To give you counsel and warning and answer what questions I am able. Firstly, to bring balance, you must find the other and together free The Everliving Darkness. And a warning; you and your friends are needed in Nykala. Enemies gather, hiding in plain sight. Heed the will of the Champion.”

Rory asked if the Avatar of Darkness is who she thinks it is (Maven). The Light did not know. Rory asked if it knew of any more spies in Nykala or about the corrupt knight involved in Vesper’s husband’s death. The Light said it could ask Vesper’s husband about it. The Light asked Vesper’s husband about the knight and relayed to Rory that he did not learn the identity of the knight before he was murdered.

Rory asked if The Light chose her because she was destined or was she destined because The Light chose her. The Light responded, “I chose you because of who you are. You and I are connected. We have been since your birth. Our power invites destiny. Your existence will shape the world.” Rory asked, "How can you know who I am? I don't even know who I am." The Light, “I know who you could be; a world-changing force. You are who you choose to be. We may be tied together, but it is your choice what do with your power. To bring life or destruction. Perhaps both.” Rory: "Can we succeed? Do you know of anything more that could help us?" The Light: “I believe in our power. I believe you are the one to bring balance. With the Light and the Darkness working together there is nothing that can stand in our way. Moving forward, trust in your allies and be vigilant for enemies.”

Rory said she knew The Light was just using her mother’s voice, but she asked if she could talk to her mother for real. The Light said it could make that possible for a short period of time. Her mother appeared in front of her and Rory hugged her and started crying. Her mother told Rory that she was the strongest person she knows. She said, “You and your friends are going to kick all these mother fucker’s asses.” She told Rory that she would be watching. She gave Rory a kiss on the forehead saying she loved her before fading away.

The Light spoke to Rory again and said, “There is hope for your future. After balance is restored and you have grown in strength and wisdom, you can gain the power to resurrect the fallen as my Light does.” Rory asked if she could bring back her mother. The Light said yes. There was a flash of golden light and Rory’s vision returned and she was back in the clearing facing the party.

From the party’s perspective they watched Rory walk into the golden light. A few seconds later she was facing them all and the golden light faded until the tree appeared to be a normal tree. Rory had a glowing halo over her head.

A moment later Orby appeared above her head and flared with a warm golden light. Everyone got a layer of shimmering gold around them and they felt a wave of vitality. It faded after a minute. Orby now has a new ability! Rory can now use an action to have Orby give herself and allies temporary hit points mid-battle (also Rory can pick True Resurrection as a spell when she is able to take a 9th level spell).

Rory immediately was like “We have to get back to Nykala”. Vianca asked what else The Light said. She told them The Light said she needed to find the Avatar of Darkness and free the Darkness because apparently it is trapped somehow. Rory messaged Sariel telling him that she can bring her mother back eventually. Sariel gave her a hug. Miranda squeezed Rory’s hand encouragingly as they headed off into the jungle.

The party traveled until the bright sun started to go down and they set up camp. Nothing much happened during the night. Strange monstrous sounds could be heard in the distance and there was movement from nearby animals but nothing attacked the camp. Vesper took watch with Vianca again. Vesper brought up Miranda and said he should just talk to her. He joked, “That’s going to be difficult given Miranda thinks you and I are fucking.” Vesper was like “What?!” Vianca told her to stop making eyes at him. Vesper insisted that now is the time for Vianca to talk to Miranda because it’s “the end of the world” and all that.

Rory then took watch with Vianca. She talked to him about what The Light said and realized it was talking about the King when it said to “Heed the will of The Champion.” This concerned her remembering the prophecy The Light had given the King before: “When the Dawn comes, when she who will bring balance to the light and the dark appears, steel yourself for the impending battle, be steadfast, lest the blight consume all.”

Rory messed with her halo and said she felt she needed to earn it and be a better person. She then brought up Miranda saying she was a good person and looked pointedly at Vianca. During their watch, she kept bringing up Miranda and eventually Vianca called her out for not being very subtle. Rory admitted she wasn’t trying to be subtle. Vianca mentioned that Vesper was less subtle and Rory was shocked that someone else talked to him about Miranda. Rory told Vianca that he should listen to Vesper. He gave her a look and Rory stopped talking to him.

The party woke up to cloudy and rainy weather. Though with the rain Rory had rainbows reflected around her head from the halo. It was beautiful. The party traveled onward with Vianca scouting ahead frequently helping them avoid dangers. Rory walked beside Miranda and kept staring at her. Miranda was like “Is everything alright?” Rory was like “Yeah”. Rory then messaged Miranda: “Vianca looks particular good today.” Miranda did not respond telepathically and instead asked out loud “Ok, what is going on?”

Rory said, “You’re a really good person I’m just trying to follow your example.” Miranda clarified that she was talking about the Vianca business. Vesper joined in the conversation. Rory and Vesper asked Miranda how she felt about Vianca. Miranda thinks he is a good friend and someone they can trust. Miranda was confused about why they are doing this now as they have been traveling with Vianca for almost two months now. Rory admitted she tried to hit on Vianca for her a month ago. Vesper said she talked to Vianca the other night. Rory asked if she did the “now or never” speech. Vesper nodded. Miranda to both Vesper and Rory, “Thank you, but no thank you.”

Rory insisted her and Vesper just see the potential. Vesper asked if Miranda liked him. Miranda just sighed and was like “Not right now.” Vesper asked, “Why not now?” Miranda said, “Because it’s my life and I said so!” Miranda stormed off to join up with Sariel and Galadran. Miranda then vented to them about all of this. Vesper and Rory messaged each other to figure out a plan to potentially set them up. Though Rory did say they might be moving too fast.

As the sun started going down the weather got worse and a storm was fast approaching. Vianca told the party they were getting close to getting to some cover. The party approached a clearing filled with large ancient stone ruins covered in vines. Vianca stopped for a second seemingly collecting himself before entering the clearing. Rory asked where they were. Vianca said it was Ozaun (where he used to live).

Vianca lead them to a still mostly standing stone building with a fallen tree leaning against it. The front door to this building was no longer there it was just a wall of vines. The party huddled inside to shelter from the rain. The ceiling was high and held up with intricately designed pillars. The place was still beautiful even through the layers of dirt. With the light of Orby, the party noticed a very large mural on the back wall.

The mural depicted three figures. There was script in Elvish around the mural that spoke about remembering the fallen heroes and honoring those who still live and protect the world. Galadran read the script out loud as the party took in the images of the three figures. First, a man with grey skin and black horns that curved back over his head. He was clad in silver armor and had a glaive in his hands. The text beneath this image read: “The infernal warrior, The Sentinel. Grigori Agathon. His courage knows no bounds.”

Second, a woman with deep brown skin, golden freckles, and short blonde hair. She was wielding flames in her hands and white feathered wings extended from behind her. The text beneath this image read: “The celestial sorceress, The Champion. Seraphina Ryndaar. Her sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Finally, the silhouette of an elven man with a storm cloud behind him. Hovering in front of this figure was a sword surrounded by lightning (the image of this sword was identical to the sword Miranda now wields, Stormbringer). The text beneath this image read: “The holy storm, The Tempest. Torin Stormstruck. His death shakes the heavens forevermore.”

Galadran was very excited about this mural. His family had stories about Torin and being descendants of Deark but nothing was ever technically confirmed. He was excited to actually be at the place where this battle took place. Miranda asked exactly what happened here.

Vianca shared the story of what happened here roughly 1,000 years ago: The Sentinel and The Champion with the help of the wood elves and the demi-gods (especially Torin) battled Arcana and her monstrosities. They had lured her to the hell portal and Seraphina used great magic to bind Arcana and her monsters. She sent them through the portal against their will all at once. This act killed Seraphina, but the portal was closed and the threat was gone. Torin was however killed by Arcana in this fight before she was banished.

Vianca told the party that his ancestors were a part of this battle and his family had lived here in Ozaun for centuries afterward to watch the area that held the portal to hell. Even so, they were not prepared when it opened again 45 years ago. Ozaun was destroyed by the hordes of monstrosities that exited the portal. Vianca was the lone survivor (at least he thought he was until recently discovering his twin sister is alive). After sharing this story, Vianca went back to sitting by himself.

The party brought up the fact that the figures in the mural parallel themselves greatly. Rory was mildly concerned about dying like Seraphina. Sariel said that destiny is full of patterns, but it doesn’t necessarily mean things are going to go the same way every time. He brought up the fact that the Queen and King of Vordia are the Sentinel and the Champion reincarnated and neither of them died when they fought Arcana.

Sariel said the Gods’ plan of banishing Arcana may not have been the best. The Gods have done it a lot in the past and it has only made things worse. The Five Heroes did kill Arcana and free The Everliving Darkness from her corruption, but now she seems to still be powerful enough to grant divine power to individuals and is helping Mozarth. Sariel said that will have to kill Mozarth twice and go to hell to do it. He promised to be there when they do.

The party set up camp for the night. Miranda made dinner and everyone sat around sheltered from the storm raging outside. Rory said the food was delicious. “Don’t you think so Vianca?” Vianca just grunted seemingly distracted. Vesper messaged Rory saying they should cool it for now.

After eating, Miranda went over to Vianca. She said they make him do a lot normally with the watches. She said he doesn’t have to take watch tonight he can just sleep. He said thank you. Miranda gave him dessert and left him alone. Rory handed Vianca a bottle of wine. He took it. Everyone set up to sleep for the night, Vianca finishing the bottle of wine before falling asleep. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 5 Recap

[previous recap] 

this session, the party finally have their showdown with Rycroft 

The party took a short rest after having defeated some will-o’-wisps. During the rest, Miranda asked her father if it was a mistake to leave the devil in the castle alive. Galadran said he hoped it wasn’t a mistake. Galadran also apologized to Miranda for abruptly leaving her with the druids after she had taken her paladin oaths. He admitted that he was used to going at this alone and realized he should have said goodbye in person. Miranda said she understood why he left and she felt like she would have relied on him too much if he hadn’t.

Rory asked Orby if she was a bad person. Orby said no. Rory asked if she would be if she killed Rycroft. Orby said no again. Vesper checked in on Rory. Rory was not doing well being in a land of eternal night and on top of that, she was there to fight her greatest enemy.

Vesper said she had been thinking about Rycroft’s daughter, Zari, a lot. Rory said if they kill Rycroft, Zari would probably just come after them next. Vesper agreed that it felt like they were in a never-ending cycle.

The party continued north and came upon a winding stone road surrounded by clusters of leafless trees. They noticed the flickering light of a lantern approaching and attempted to hide behind some trees. They watched as the figure of a man [half-elf; blonde hair; fair skin; long dark coat; with a sword and shield on his person] walked down the road. He stopped, scanning the tree line before calling out to the party.

The man said he wished to speak and he meant them no harm. He also insisted that he wasn’t dead. The party walked out onto the road to speak with him. He introduced himself as Peter Quell. He told them that he had been sent to speak with them by his Lady [Laurencia Nazara]. She had a task they might be able to help her with and, if she was right in assuming why they were there, she might be able to help them as well. She was apparently guessing they had come to Daritzal after the emissaries of the Raaz Khor.

The party confirmed with Peter that they were after Rycroft. Peter explained the basics of the situation. Laurencia’s son, Fabian, was currently magically under the control of the wizard, Slade. She needed to get Fabian back without angering The Matron [the mad vampire queen of Daritzal] or the Raaz Khor.

Peter explained that Laurencia and The Matron currently had a tenuous truce. The party also learned from Peter that The Matron was Laurencia’s sister. Apparently, there were multiple factions within Daritzal and The Matron ruled over them all only because no one has been able to take her down. Peter described her as being basically indestructible.

Peter told them that Laurencia’s forces had discovered that the negotiations between the Raaz Khor and The Matron were not going well. There was a high chance of Rycroft and Slade getting chased out and she feared they would take her son with them if that happened. Time was of the essence.

Peter explained Laurencia’s plan to the party. Laurencia would get them into the city. Without her, they were a bunch of living newcomers without a master, which would end very badly in the city full of undead. She would take the party to The Matron’s manor to interrupt today’s meeting. There was a one-way escape tunnel out of the manor that led into the ruins outside the city. The Matron’s staff were off for the day, so the manor would be empty aside from those attending the meeting.

Laurencia would go into the manor with them disguised and would try to get to her son and teleport out, while the party dealt with Rycroft. The party would then use the escape tunnel to get out of the city quickly and safely. After Peter explained everything, he asked that the party come and talk to Lady Laurencia outside the city. The party agreed to speak with her, not having any better plans to get to Rycroft.

The party followed Peter down the road a bit and he picked up his skeletal warhorse. They walked off the road into a small clearing and the party saw, leaning against a tree, a high elven woman [she had long blonde hair and a long red coat with a high collar and black rose designs on it. She had knee high black boots and a black hat with large red plumage. Her eyes were red and she had a rapier at her side]. She smiled at the party as they approached, not hiding her fangs. She was very much a vampire.

Laurencia bowed saying, “Welcome friends to the Midnight Coast.” Rory interrupted her to say they were not friends. Laurencia said alright but continued to introduce herself, “I am Laurencia Nazara. Lady of Daritzal and Captain of the Setting Sun.” She told the party she thought that they could help each other.

The party talked with Laurencia a bit and got more details on the plan. Laurencia explained the layout of the manor and that the balcony where the meeting was likely taking place faced the ocean. So no one would witness the fight that was sure to break out. Rory rolled high enough insight on her to tell she was being legit about this plan and about this secret tunnel escape. Rory could tell she was truly worried and anxious and assumed it was because of her son.

At one point the party mentioned Rycroft’s name. Laurencia asked “And which one is he? The wizard or the cleric?” The party was confused by the realization that Rycroft was a cleric. Laurencia said that word had gotten around Daritzal quick that he was a cleric of Arcana [aka the Darkling].

The party agreed to the plan and temporarily allied themselves with the vampire woman, even though it was clear she was using the party to keep blame from falling on herself. Laurencia said they needed to fix Sariel’s appearance. He polymorphed into an elven man. Laurencia, satisfied, led them toward the city.

As the party approached the city Rory messaged Nic, “I will see you again. I promise.” He responded, “You better.” The entrance to Daritzal was a towering archway of stone that was half fallen over. This first part of the city was full of crumbled stone and tall, half-standing towers. However, a lot of the buildings looked like they’d been semi-repaired over the years. There were dim street lights that bounced off of the low fog in the city streets.

The party could see quite a few figures walking around. There were several groups of armored undead walking the streets. They, at one point, saw a shadowy wraith with a giant scythe eerily hovering through the alleyways. The party got a few looks because they were a rather large group but when people’s eyes landed on Laurencia, they seemed to lose interest.

After about thirty minutes, they approached a large metal gate surrounded by stone pillars which led deeper into the city. They were stopped by an armored undead who addressed Laurencia as “My Lady.” They were let in the gate without any trouble but they did have a slight moment of panic as the gate closed behind them.

In this part of the city, there were several large buildings that had been fully restored. There were bright lights and the sounds of cheering and celebration echoing through the streets. The party passed by some bars and seeming casinos. There were more people walking around who just seemed to be common citizens. Various kinds of undead and living humanoids [mostly humans, elves, and tieflings but even some half-orcs and dwarves, which are a rare sight in Vordia]. There were still the undead armored guards around, seemingly on watch. This area definitely had a Vegas Strip vibe happening.

Laurencia walked them through the city toward the docks. As they approached they saw a fancy looking neighborhood on the cliffs to their right that overlooked the docks. They saw several large scary looking ships in the bay [black sails; definitely pirate ships]. The Matron’s manor was up on the cliff across from the docks off by itself.

At this point Laurencia told Peter to head to “The Setting Sun” [her ship]. He parted ways with the party, heading for the docks. Laurencia led the party into a small garden area off of the manor. She cast Disguise Self and made herself look like a plainer vampire citizen. The party followed her to the back of the manor to the servant’s entrance. It led into a large kitchen area that was currently empty.

Laurencia showed the party the secret entrance to the escape tunnel, which was in the living room just off of the kitchen [it was accessed through the fire place]. She then led them up the spiral staircase that led to the grand hall and the balcony. The party, now in a dark hallway with a doorway to the balcony and doorways to the grand hall before them briefly discussed what to do.

Assuming the meeting was happening in the grand hall they had a plan to try to draw some of them out onto the balcony. Vesper would disguise herself as Rycroft’s daughter with Rory walking her onto the balcony as a hostage. Miranda and Sariel waited by the door with the rest of the party close behind them.

As Rory and Vesper walked out onto the balcony they saw the elegant stone balcony with carved banisters. There were several lampposts giving off soft white light. The balcony overlooked the ocean and they could see a storm approaching with flashes of lightning and low rumbles of thunder in the distance. The wind and light rain seemed to be hitting an invisible barrier over the balcony.

They saw multiple figures on the balcony with them. Two heavily armored humanoids [silver plate armor with helmets]. There was another figure who looked like a vampire man wearing dark leather armor [this was Laurencia’s son].  

And leaning against the banister, arms crossed, looking straight ahead toward the grand hall, was Rycroft himself [tiefling man; red skin; white hair; long curved horns; wings; eye patch; full black plate armor; red cape; greatsword on his back and a shield at his side].

Rycroft turned to see Rory walking out with a disguised Vesper. Rory rolled well enough deception to fool Rycroft for the moment. The armored vampire guards drew their swords and moved toward Rory. Rycroft shouted for them to wait. Miranda, hearing this, cast Bless [on herself, Rory, and Vesper] which she had been holding. One of the guards shouted for The Matron.

Rory turned to Rycroft saying, “Did you think I wouldn’t find you?” Rycroft held up his hands, asking Rory to “Let her go.” Rory responded, “Like you let me go? Like you let my mother go?” At this point, The Matron walked out onto the balcony [blonde elven woman in a deep red dress wielding a shield and a scary looking spiked chain]. When this happened Rory cast Hypnotic Pattern on the balcony. However, everyone passed their saving throws.

Rycroft activated his magical, hovering shield and started to cast a spell. Rory tried to Counterspell it, but her spell was countered by the wizard, Slade. Rycroft got his spell off and surrounded himself in shadowy flames [all attacks against him had disadvantage; he had resistance to radiant damage; people took necrotic damage when they hit him]. He then attacked Rory twice with his greatsword, dealing a lot of damage. Most of it necrotic damage, which normally Rory would resist as an aasimar, but Rycroft apparently ignored necrotic resistance. She was brought to 0 at one point, but was brought back to 1 as she had cast Deathward on herself earlier that day.

Vesper, giving up on the ruse, joined the fight still disguised as Zari. The Matron and her guards joined the fight. Slade teleported out with a pregnant elven woman that appeared to have been a slave of The Matron. Laurencia managed to get to her son pretty quickly and cast Dimension Door to get both of them out of there.

Several enemies focused on Vesper as she was one of the only people on the balcony early on in the battle. She drank a Potion of Invulnerability, giving herself resistance to all damage for 1 minute. After Sariel healed Rory [bringing her back from unconsciousness] she used Dimension Door to take herself and Vesper to the other side of the balcony because they were getting surrounded.

Rycroft chased after her and cast Blight on her, reducing her to 1 hit point again. Though Rycroft had got hit several times during the fight he managed to maintain concentration on his spell. Vianca attempted Ensnaring Strike on Rycroft again even though Rycroft had succeeded the last time he tried it during the fight. This time, however, Rycroft failed the saving throw and was restrained by the magical vines. This happened while he was flying, so he fell onto the balcony, now prone and restrained.

Sariel took this opportunity to make his attacks on Rycroft. Rory got the final blow on Rycroft with her Wand of Magic Missiles, using all of the charges. The shadowy flames finally faded away to reveal an unconscious Rycroft still covered in magical vines with his plate armor severely dented inward from the amount of force damage he took. Rory moved over to his body shouting for Vesper to get out her anti-magic handcuffs. Vesper tossed them over to her as she joined the fight against the vampires who were still attacking the party.

At the start of his turn, Rycroft took damage from the vines, failing a death saving throw and then he rolled a natural 1 on his death save, dying. Rory had an internal crisis mid-battle about whether or not to cast Revivify on Rycroft, as they still needed information from him. She looked up at her father, crying, saying she didn’t know what to do. Sariel hugged her and healed her.

Even with Rycroft dead the party still had to fight off The Matron and her two vampire guards. Rory earlier in the battle tried to blind several enemies with Orby but only ended up blinding one of the guards [this still helped a lot as he couldn’t manage to hit anything for the rest of fight]. Miranda had cast Moonbeam to make sure the vampires took radiant damage and wouldn’t heal at the start of their turns. Galadran tried to tank the vampires but was quickly surrounded. The Matron kept using her legendary actions to grapple and bite Galadran and ended up reducing him to zero hit points with a bite. This killed him instantly.

Rory ran over and cast Revivify on Galadran, brought him back, and healed him before running back over to Rycroft’s body. The party were trying to decide whether or not to run, but The Matron was crazed and bloodthirsty. She seemed intent on killing Galadran again. Miranda tried to persuade The Matron to let them leave, as they were only here for Rycroft, but her plea fell on deaf ears. The party managed to kill the vampire guards but were still dealing with the raging vampire queen. She had been resisting all of their damage and was only just now beginning to look majorly wounded.

Rory took out the party’s Decanter of Endless Water and tried to intimidate The Matron into letting them leave which also failed. Rory handed the decanter to Miranda who then blasted the Matron with the geyser of water. The vampire was furious and grappled Miranda. Rory flew up and hit The Matron with a Guiding Bolt reducing her to 0 hit points. Since this happened while The Matron was in running water she died instantly.

With all the enemies gone, Rory dashed over to Rycroft’s body, putting the anti-magic handcuffs on him, and taking out her diamond for Revivify. Sariel asked if she was sure about bringing Rycroft back to life. She said there was an evil cult and he knew things they needed to know. She believed interrogating him was too important. Sariel told her to not waste her diamond as he could bring Rycroft back. He just needed some time to perform the ritual. The party took a moment to recover from the battle as they looted the remains of The Matron and Rycroft.

During this time, Rory gouged out Rycroft’s good eye with her dagger. Vesper took The Matron’s magical spiked chain. The party took all of Rycroft’s belongings and decided to divide them up later. Rycroft had: an Animated Shield, an Amulet of Health, a Ring of Feather Falling, Boots of Elvenkind, a +2 greatsword, some gold, and a necklace with the symbol of an open book with a human skull atop it.

After this fight, the party all leveled up to level nine. We end this session with them taking a breath in the wake of one of the most intense battles they’ve had, with the plan to raise Rycroft from the dead to see if they can learn anything of the Raaz Khor and their plans.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 4 Recap

[previous recap]

this session, revelations are had and the party find themselves having to go somewhere even worse than the Direwood

After the party triggered a magical trap in Rycroft’s castle, two animated suits of armor entered the room and attempted to grapple Sariel and Miranda. The suits of armor were easily dealt with, but the party realized if they stayed in the magical light emanating from the symbol on the floor they would have to keep making saves against being stunned.

Rory ended up getting stunned along with Vesper and Galadran. The rest of the party managed to drag the stunned members around the corner and out of the light. They paused a moment waiting for the magic on their stunned friends to wear off. During this time, they noticed the music that had been playing in the castle had stopped.

Sariel led the party into the next room, everyone ready for a fight. When they entered, it appeared to be an empty dining hall, but Sariel still had Detect Evil and Good up and sensed an invisible fiend in the room. Miranda, noticing Sariel’s reaction used Divine Sense and also became aware of the fiend. Before anyone could do anything, they heard a female voice call out for them to stop.

Two figures materialized in front of the party. First, they noticed an eight-foot-tall, imposing ice devil [it had blue skin; its horns were like curved ice sickles and there were shards of ice coming off of its long tail; It essentially looked like it was wearing plate armor made of ice]. The ice devil stood behind a teenage tiefling girl [she had red skin and long brown hair with bangs; she was wearing a black dress and combat boots].

The girl held her hands up to the party saying “I’ll tell you whatever you want just don’t hurt either of us.” The party quickly realized this girl was Rycroft’s daughter. They got her name, Zari, and the name of the devil, Markyrion, who was apparently her bodyguard and best friend. Zari told them that neither of her parents were home.

Zari said that they had been expecting a paladin [meaning Galadran] and that they were lucky her mother wasn’t here because they had walked right into her trap. Galadran was confused, still not knowing what he had done to anger her mother [General Tenebris]. Zari said he had probably interfered with things and had been seen as a threat.

The party had a tense conversation with Zari and learned a bit about their enemies. During this conversation, Vesper messaged Rory asking her what she wanted to do. Vesper said she’d back her up whatever she decided. Vesper even suggested taking Zari with them as a potential bargaining chip to use against Rycroft, though they would never actually do anything to hurt her. Rory said she needed a minute to figure out what she wanted to do. Markyrion noticed them messaging each other and told them to stop.

They learned that the followers of Mozarth are called the Raaz Khor, which is Infernal for “Perfect World”. They asked Zari about the Generals [who they had briefly run into before]. Zari told them the three Generals were her mother, Verdith, and Slade. Zari said her mother did a lot of top secret stuff with Mozarth and the aasimar. She mostly took out threats to the Raaz Khor.

Verdith [who the party knows is Vianca’s twin sister] was in charge of the dark elves. Zari explained that the dark elves had once had an extreme classist society where a lot of the people were slaves, including Verdith. Mozarth had come, freed the slaves, and helped them take down their oppressors. According to Zari, the dark elves all thought Mozarth was hot shit.

Slade Ravenlock was in charge of all of the Raaz Khor’s criminal enterprises. Rycroft was his lieutenant. Slade had been made a General by his mother, Morana, to teach him some responsibility. Rycroft doesn’t like working under Slade as he thinks of him as a spoiled brat. Slade was also apparently Mozarth’s grandson.

Zari told them about how Mozarth used to be the Archduke of Stygia [a couple hundred years ago] but he’s not anymore because he wasn’t keeping up his quota of souls. He was too distracted with his elven lover, Sabina, so Asmodeus demoted him and kept him in hell apart from her.

At various points in this entire conversation, Vesper tried to get Zari to see how messed up this whole situation was. She said Zari was old enough to know better and do something about it. But Zari just kept defending the Raaz Khor saying anything bad that happened could be fixed when Mozarth succeeded. He would be powerful enough to bring back those who have fallen. He started with the goal of bringing Sabina back [she was dead by the time Mozarth got to the material plane forty-five years ago] but he was now promising to do the same for everyone as well [including the party].

The party questioned this plan, especially the part about getting Sabina’s soul back from Asmodeus. They brought up the fact that this would probably piss off Asmodeus and he would retaliate. Zari said he most likely wouldn’t care and if he did Mozarth would be powerful enough by then to protect them. The party did not believe this.

The party did learn from Zari that Rycroft had just recently left the castle with Slade. They had gone to Daritzal to talk to The Matron and attempt to make an alliance with the vampires. Rory was very confused by this, having just recently learned about Daritzal and how her mother had sacrificed Rycroft’s sister to the vampires.

Rory asked Zari how her dad felt about siding with the people who had killed his sister. Zari said that he was very much not happy about it, but he had not wanted to leave the negotiations solely up to Slade.

Vesper asked Zari if she realized how ridiculous this all sounded. Zari agreed that it was fucked up, but insisted that her dad was going to make sure that no more children got handed over to the vampires. Vesper didn’t believe that, saying “He can’t care about children if he is sowing this much chaos. It is children and innocent people that will get killed in this mess.”

As they wrapped up their questions, Vesper asked if Zari knew anything about an abishai [the kind of devil that killed her husband]. Zari said her mother had summoned one to work for her. Zari said that this devil seemed to be working just for her mom and wasn’t technically a part of the Raaz Khor meaning Mozarth didn’t know about it. Zari didn’t know the devil’s name or what exactly it did for her mom though.

Miranda asked Markyrion if his soul would be brought back in this grand plan. He said he had been like this for too long that there was nothing to bring back. Miranda also asked him if he really cared about Zari. He said, “I do.” They all rolled high enough insight to realize he was sincere and truly did care about Zari.

The party, after a frustrating conversation, decided to just leave the two be. Vesper told them to “Have fun fighting Asmodeus” as they left the room and went upstairs. They heard Zari go back to playing the piano and the party decided to search Rycroft’s study before leaving and discussing their next move.

In the study, they found ledgers that kept track of funds seemingly coming from various casino and art deal operations. They also found a forgery kit which Miranda took. After thoroughly searching the room and not finding anything else Rory threw books around in anger. Vesper put an expensive looking book in the fireplace and both she and Rory shot a firebolt at it and burned it.

The party also searched the master bedroom. Vesper found a safe under the rug. Sariel and Vesper helped Rory crack the safe. All that was in it was a large sack of money. They took it, though they didn’t count it [they just know it is a shit ton of platinum]. Vesper and Rory left notes in Infernal and Celestial that said “fuck you” in the safe before they left the castle.

The party walked away from the castle and talked about what to do. Vianca told them that his mother had once gone to Daritzal and returned. She had told Vianca about the place saying it was an undead city of eternal night. The party did not like the idea of going up against an entire city of the undead. Rory, especially, was concerned about encountering undead. Vianca did say that there were living people who live in the city, so there was potential to sneak in.

Not really having any other options, they decided to at least head toward Daritzal and potentially catch Rycroft and Slade on the way out of the city. The party headed north and reached the edge of the Deadlands [as Zari referred to it] in only a couple hours. As they approached the wall of black that marked the border of the land of eternal night, Rory became frozen in fear. Sariel took her hand.

Miranda asked what caused this eternal night. Sariel told her that Arcana caused it when she had corrupted the Darkness. She had cursed the land around Daritzal and had created the Direwood. Even though the Darkness was no longer corrupted the eternal night around the city had stayed.

The party know Arcana as The Darkling. She is an ancient villainous figure who previous heroes have stopped. The party earlier learned that when The Five Heroes killed The Darkling forty-five years ago the Everliving Darkness was freed from its corruption [which the Darkling had caused a thousand years before].

Arcana is also known as the Mother of Magic and arcane magic is named after her. Until forty-five years ago people did not know that Arcana and The Darkling were the same person. That historical revelation caused some discourse in arcane circles, but the practice of arcane magic hasn’t changed much in Vordia overall.

Vianca walked through the border into the Deadlands first, letting the others know it was safe. Sariel assured Rory she would be alright and he would never leave her side. Rory closed her eyes and Sariel held her hand and walked her through the darkness.

The landscape was the same in front of them, though it was now nighttime. Looking up they saw a hazy blue light source through the trees. It was like the night of a full moon. Rory was close to having a panic attack, but Sariel stayed with her, holding her hand.

As the party walked through the eerie land, a light mist grew in between the sparse trees and bushes. The only sounds were the wind and the occasional distant moan. After about an hour, Vesper noticed a bat in a tree nearby watching them. It flew away when she looked at it. Vesper freaked out, saying it was probably a vampire.

After about another hour, the party saw a soft white light bobbing in the wind ahead of them. Miranda asked what it was. Vesper said it might be an undead soul, while Rory said it was probably a trap. The party were indeed ambushed by a large group of will-o’-wisps. It was a slightly difficult fight as both sides kept missing each other, but eventually, the party dealt with this undead threat. They then took a moment to breathe and had a short rest. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 3 Recap

[previous recap]

this session, the party continues their trek through the Direwood and ends up in a….very not good situation lol

After defeating the hydra, the party continued on through the marshlands in the Direwood. They eventually made it to higher ground and back to the thick jungle they had experienced when they first arrived. As they traveled they noticed the local wildlife all seemed to have strange spike-like bone protrusions. The animals here were apparently just as warped as the forest.

The party made it to a river and started following it toward Rycroft’s castle. Along the way, they heard voices nearby in the trees. Vesper and Sariel recognized the language being spoken as Infernal. Vianca cast Pass Without Trace and he walked toward the voices with Vesper and Sariel. Miranda and Rory stayed back a few feet ready to be back up if needed.

The three snuck forward and came upon a small clearing and saw three spined devils. One was stuck in a rope net trap hanging from a tree, while one was trying to cut the net and another was flying nearby watching the trees. The devils were arguing with each other as they approached.

Even with the bonus from Pass Without Trace, one of the devils noticed them coming and a fight started. Vesper cast Shatter on all three of the devils. This alerted Miranda and Rory that a fight had broken out. The two devils outside the net attacked Vesper with tail spines, but only one of them hit. Then the two of them flew away into the jungle.

Vianca and Sariel chased after them and killed them. Miranda ran in and asked Vesper what was going on. Vesper said that two devils had flown away but the guys had gone after them. Miranda went in that direction. She found them cleaning their weapons, having already killed the devils. She said they should question the one in the net.

Everyone gathered around the net and interrogated the devil. It was easily intimidated by the party into answering their questions. They learned that this devil and others like it worked for a General Tenebris. The devils were apparently tasked with scouting the jungle, mainly looking out for people who weren’t supposed to be there. They received their orders from Tenebris on the roof of the castle. Rory asked about Rycroft and the devil said he was sometimes there with Tenebris.

The party recognized the name Tenebris. When they had read the journal about the Void Soul that described the monasteries descent into madness a thousand years ago, they had learned that the name of the Headmaster of the Void Soul was Varkan Tenebris. After getting a description of General Tenebris from the devil, the party decided she was most likely Rycroft’s wife, who they had briefly encountered before. After they asked their questions, Miranda killed the devil, running it through with her sword [spined devils were the particular kind of devil that destroyed her village].

After this, Rory got out the pair of bracers she had taken from the Void Soul monastery. Rory told everyone she wanted to get confirmation that Rycroft’s wife was Tenebris. Everyone took a short rest while Rory attuned to the bracers. Rory used the bracers to cast Sending on Rycroft’s wife:

“Are you Tenebris?”

“Yes, I am. Who's asking? I mean, I can guess.”

“I just needed confirmation.”

“Glad I could help. Hope to see you soon, Aurora Dawn.”

“I’m glad to have a name. I’ve just been calling you bitch for the last few weeks.”

“That is alright with me, sparkles, you call me whatever you want.”

Rory relayed to everyone that Rycroft’s wife and Tenebris were, in fact, the same person.

After their rest, they pressed on along the river for another few hours. Along the way, Vesper finished reading the Tome of Clear Thought and her intelligence score went up by two. It was getting close to nightfall when they noticed an elk wander out from the trees. It stood there and stared right at Miranda. She recognized it as her father’s summoned steed, Aragorn. Miranda asked him where her father was. The elk snorted and jerked his head in the direction he had come from. Miranda mounted Aragorn and rode him in that direction. Everyone followed behind.

Aragorn led them into the jungle to a collection of stone ruins. There were three stone walls half fallen over. Bushes and trees covered the tops of the walls and the roof. It was almost like being inside. There was a small tent and a smoldering fire within the walls. After a moment, they noticed someone enter from the other side of the camp. Miranda immediately recognized him as her father, Galadran Stormstruck [high elf – silver plate armor and dark green cloak; he is a paladin of Deark same as Miranda].

Galadran was surprised but glad to see his daughter. Miranda introduced everyone to her father before they discussed business. The party explained they were after Rycroft and how he worked for an archdevil and killed Rory’s mother. Galadran had been trying to track down the one behind attacking his village. He hadn’t found much and had mostly been following the trail of spined devils to this castle.

With the help of Galadran’s scouting of the castle, the party planned how and when to break in. The party eventually decided to attack just before dawn and to use the flying carpet to get everyone to the roof and try to enter the castle that way. If there was no roof access they could always drop down onto one of the balconies.

The party camped out for the night, waiting for dawn to come. Miranda spent time catching her father up on her and the party’s adventures. Galadran said he was proud of how far Miranda had come. He took out his sword, handed it over to Miranda, and said, “It is time for Stormbringer to be in your hands.” Miranda accepted the sword that had been in her family for generations.

During the night, Rory asked Sariel if he or her mother had done something to offend Rycroft in any way. The party had learned earlier from scrying on Rycroft that he apparently had a personal vendetta against Rory’s mother. This was news to Rory as she did not know her mother had known Rycroft at all before he showed up and killed her.

Sariel said both him and Floriana had interfered with Rycroft’s plans when they had run into him twenty years ago. However, Floriana had a history with Rycroft from before then. After Sariel and Floriana had encountered Rycroft, she had told Sariel what she did. It was before they had met when she was younger. Floriana had been a member of the Twilight Druids. She vaguely knew who Rycroft was, as the druids were aware of his family’s castle in the jungle.

The druids at some point had angered the vampires of Daritzal [from what Rory knows Daritzal is an ancient city left over from the far off empire’s attempt at colonizing the northern coasts of Vordia nearly one thousand years ago] and to avoid their wrath the druids were given a simple task: hand over one child to the vampires and the debt would be paid. Floriana’s mother, in an effort to give her daughter a lesson in leadership, made the decision of which child to hand over Floriana’s responsibility.

Floriana, not wanting to sacrifice one of her own people, or incur the wrath of the vampires, made a hard decision. The child she chose was Rycroft’s younger sister. She went to Rycroft claiming to need shelter in his home and he let her stay. She left in the night with the young girl and handed her over to the vampires paying the debt and saving her people. Floriana felt immensely guilty about it and it was one of the main reasons she wanted to leave the druids and the Direwood.

Rory was taken aback by this revelation. She asked why her mother hadn’t just left before doing this. Sariel said that life with the druids was all she had known. He explained that he only knew the basics of what had happened. Floriana hadn’t gone into great detail about it. She had just wanted to explain to Sariel why Rycroft had been so angry to see her when she and Sariel had run into him. Rory was like, “Yeah, he was very angry when he ran into us.” Rory went to sleep after this not quite sure what to think.

Just before dawn, the party approached the castle and successfully landed on the roof, seemingly having not alerted anyone within. There was a trap door on the roof with a padlock on it. Rory pulled out her mystery key [this magic key has a 5% chance to unlock any lock but once successful it becomes a useless key; basically you have to roll a natural 20] and used it on the lock. It worked! The trap door led into a spiral staircase that curved downward. The party followed it to the second floor.

The party explored part of the second floor. They had Sariel listen to a door before he entered and cast Detect Evil and Good. He motioned for everyone to come in, not seeing anything. The room had a bed in one corner, a collection of various instruments on the walls, and shelves full of gemstones and trinkets. There were several pieces of art on the walls and an easel in one corner with a half-finished painting of a flower on it.  

The party moved on exiting this room through a different door and went into a dark hallway. They checked a couple doors but just found some plain guest bedrooms. Vesper went to the end of the hall and listened to a door. She didn’t hear anything inside the room but heard the muffled sound of music below them. Vesper messaged everyone, telling them about the music. They decided to backtrack to the stairs and head down to the first floor, having not found much on the second floor so far.

The party headed down the stairs with Miranda and Sariel in the front, Vesper and Rory in the middle, and Galadran and Vianca in the back. As they took the stairs down the music got steadily louder. They kept an eye out for traps but didn’t notice any on the steps.

As they approached the first floor landing, Miranda and Sariel noticed a glowing purple light from around the corner. The light quickly spread, filling the room and traveling up and down the stairwell. They had triggered some sort of magical trap and everyone needed to make a wisdom saving throw. The shimmery purple glitter in the light seemed to cling to Galadran and Vesper. Both of them are now stunned for 1 minute. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 2 Recap

[previous recap] 

We had some great conversations and monster fights this session y’all

Before the party headed to the war meeting, Rory pulled Sariel aside and asked if the Elders had tortured him at all when they had him imprisoned. He said that he never saw the Elders after they locked him up. Rory also asked if he knew how the Elders kept themselves young all these years. Sariel told her that they had been using the Hallowed Chalice, an ancient relic that predated the celestial gods. The chalice was an amplifier and it enhanced any magical liquid that was put into it. It was left behind by the gods to be used in case of an emergency. However, the Elders abused its power and kept it for themselves.

Everyone gathered at the temple to discuss the fiendish threat they were facing and what their first moves would be. Sariel shared what he knew [most of which he had shared with the party already]; there was an Archdevil on this plane, Mozarth. He had been there for forty-five years and had had all that time to plan and accomplish whatever he was up to. Samir Rycroft worked for Mozarth and had been a part of the fiend activity in the Direwood [the dangerous and dark jungle in the northern parts of Vordia] twenty-something years ago. Sariel also brought up the fact that it was currently unknown whether this was a scheme involving all of hell or if Mozarth was striking out on his own.

The party shared what they knew; Rycroft was a part of a terrorist organization. He was married to a member of the Void Soul. They were moving weapons and explosives through the country [the party’s first meeting was as witnesses to an explosion that blocked a prominent trading pass in Vordia].

It was decided that getting information was the priority. They needed to know more about their enemies before they could begin to strategize. Sariel said he would help Ivryspire rebuild their government and prepare them for the fight ahead, but first, he needed to help deal with Rycroft and get information. Sariel asked Tabris and Eviel to remain in charge of Ivryspire while he was gone. They both accepted.

Sariel knew of Rycroft’s castle in the Direwood and the party worked out the logistics of getting there. Cloudstrider could transport them through the trees and get them fairly close to the castle and Vianca could guide them through the jungle as he used to live there.

Before the meeting was over, Aerah [air genasi woman; the one who sent Eviel to the surface to find a way to close the air portal, Eviel’s stepmom essentially] gave the party some magic items to help them in the fight ahead. They each got a Bracelet of Arcane Enhancement [which gives them proficiency in the arcana skill (doubled if they already had it) and an extra attunement slot].

At this point, Headmaster of the Radiant Soul, Tahlia Auralon [aasimar woman], spoke up asking Rory about her connection to the Undying Light. Rory shared that the Light had brought her back to life and she had a part of it with her in her companion, Orby [a magical orb of light which contains some of the sentient energy of the Undying Light].

Auralon spoke to everyone saying that killing all of their adversaries is not the only goal in this fight. She said they needed to help the Void Soul. They have been lorded over by dark forces. They traded the corrupted Darkness for this fiend. Auralon knew that there would be Void Soul who were too far gone, but they needed to try to help as many as possible, especially any who had any small misgivings about what side they were on.

Auralon brought up the idea of bringing balance to the Prime Elements. She turned to Rory and told her that the Light brought her back to life and it is not at full power. The Light won’t be at full power until there is balance. Auralon suggested bringing balance before engaging with this Archdevil as the increase of power might turn the tide in the impending battle.

Auralon said she did not know how to accomplish bringing balance exactly. She knew helping the Void Soul would be a part of it and Rory was important to it because she was apparently the Light’s Avatar. Rory had a little bit of an internal freak out as she had received a prophecy of her bringing balance to the Light and the Darkness already.

It got brought up that if there was an Avatar of the Light would that mean that there was an Avatar of the Darkness? Auralon said that it was highly likely that there was. She knew from her studies that the Light and the Darkness are stronger when they work together.

The meeting was called to a close at this point and everyone went their separate ways for the night. Vesper went to continue working on reading her Tome of Clear Thought. Miranda talked to Eviel, knowing he was staying behind in the city and not coming with them. Rory pulled Sariel aside after the meeting and asked him about the prophecy he had mentioned earlier. He told her it was about her and two others stopping this Archdevil. Rory, being connected to three different prophecies now, was completely done. “Fuck prophecies!”

That night Miranda was visited by her god, Deark, in her dreams. He congratulated her on helping bring balance to the four elements and said he was proud of her. She asked if he knew who was responsible for sending the fiends to destroy her village. He did not [as the gods are unable to detect or predict fiends while they are on the material plane; they use their followers for that], but he did say that Miranda’s father was currently tracking that information down. He told her that they are on the same path now and would likely meet up soon.

Rory got woken up early by Sariel, who asked if she would fly with him. She accepted and had a beautiful moment flying over the city with her father. Rory had never flown just for fun before this. The two of them watched the sunrise from one of the tall spires in the city. Sariel told her that her mother once told him that she would climb the highest tree to see the sunrise every morning. She said it was the only moment of true peace she had growing up in the Direwood. It was why she gave herself the last name dawn when she left it behind.

Sariel told Rory he wanted them to have a moment of peace before they headed into this fight. Rory apologized for thinking of him the way she had [she had been angry with him for leaving and blamed him for her mother’s death because he hadn’t been there] and for her being the way she was. Sariel said it wasn’t her fault and he didn’t blame her for thinking that way. He also said she was nothing but who she was supposed to be. Rory was like, “You really don’t know me.”

Sariel said he knew that the pressure of knowing about your destiny was a lot to deal with. However, these prophecies just meant that Rory and her friends were the best possible chance they all had of succeeding. They would have done these things anyway. He said they were not doing this because a prophecy said they would. They were getting retribution for all they had lost and stopping this threat so the fiends could not hurt anyone else.

Everyone gathered together to have breakfast and finished up some random errands before leaving the city. Rory walked with Miranda to pick up a new weapon for her [she had been using a flame tongue sword but now that they were going up against fiends she wanted a better option]. 

On the way, Rory asked Miranda about the vision they all had had after defeating the air goddess. This vision came along with them all receiving boons from the elemental spirits. In this vision, they were all reminded of the people they had lost and were shown the threats and enemies in their way. Miranda saw an unknown figure [the one behind her village being attacked by fiends], Vesper saw the devil who killed her husband and the unknown figure of a Vordian knight who was involved with his murder, and Rory saw Rycroft.

Rory asked Miranda about what she saw. Miranda said she had never thought about someone being behind the attack on her village before the vision. It was not a comfort and just made her angrier. Rory said they would find whoever it was. Miranda said she was trying to not make it about vengeance for someone she didn’t even have a face for.

Rory told Miranda she was concerned about Cillian not being in the vision along with Rycroft [Cillian was someone Rory had been in love with, but he betrayed her trust and she blames him for what happened to her mother and her]. Rory said she thought Cillian might be the Avatar of Darkness and they might have to work with him in the future. Miranda asked how she felt about that. Rory was like, “Awful!”

Everyone gathered at the large tree they had arrived in the city through. The party had an emotional goodbye with Eviel that included a group hug before they traveled through the tree with Sariel and Vianca. The party was now at the edge of the Direwood and completely drenched with rain upon arrival. The jungle there was different than the forests the party had encountered before. The plants were darker and were shades of purple and red. The tree trunks were black. The further they traveled, the more twisted the trees and bushes became. Even during the day, the sunlight became dim with how thick the canopy was.

While they were traveling through the jungle, Vesper continued to work on reading her Tome of Clear Thought while riding on Zargar [Miranda’s horse summoned from the Find Steed spell]. During the first day, a giant snake fell from the trees above and attacked Rory. They took care of it quickly and discovered that Sariel could take damage for people, as he did for Rory when she got bitten by the snake.

As the sun went down, various plants started glowing bright blue and purple, lighting up the night. During the night, those on watch [Sariel and Vianca] failed to notice the rumbling in the ground and were surprised when a bulette burrowed its way into the middle of their camp. Everyone woke up and dealt with it before continuing their rest. Vesper took quite a hit, but Sariel healed her. By noon the next day, the jungle gave way to marshland. While traveling through the marsh, they encountered a hydra and killed it without much trouble. And that is where we ended.

[for those who are curious, Vesper is currently at 39 out of the 48 hours needed on her book she is very close to that intelligence score improvement ;p]

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc I Recap 

We are very close to starting the second arc of this campaign and I want to start posting summaries of the sessions when we do. Mostly because I’d love to share more of the game with my followers on here. So I am also posting this quick and very basic recap of the first arc so y’all can have at least some context.

Our heroes met seemingly by chance, but soon they discovered they were destined to bring balance to the elements and close the elemental portals that had opened after being sealed for more than a thousand years. They were befriended by the royal family of Vordia who have helped them in their quest. As they shared their histories, they discovered that they all had loved ones who had been killed by fiends. This lead to the realization that they will have more work to do even after the portals have been closed.

The final portal was located in Ivryspire, the hidden, sky city of the aasimar. After defeating the genocidal air goddess and closing the portal, they were confronted by the Elders of Ivryspire, who they know are not to be trusted.

The Party

Aurora “Rory” Dawn [Aasimar – Undying Light Sorcerer – Chaotic Neutral]

Rory was brought back to life by the Undying Light after being tortured by people connected to the fiends who also killed her mother. She never knew her father and suspects he may be an angel.

Miranda Stormstruck [Half-Elf – Oath of Ancients Paladin – Chaotic Good]

Miranda’s entire village was killed by fiends. She was chosen as a Paladin of Deark, the god of storms and nature, and trained by her father who is also a paladin.

Vesper Greylock [Tiefling – Eldritch Knight Fighter – Lawful Neutral]

Vesper is an Arcane Knight of Vordia and is friends with members of the royal family. Her husband was murdered by a fiend while investigating a political conspiracy.

Friends and Enemies

Eviel Solairys [Aasimar – Sun Soul Monk – Chaotic Good]

Eviel came from Ivryspire searching for a way to close the air portal. He is a member of the Radiant Soul, an order of monks who channel the Undying Light. He ran into the party shortly after they arrived in the capital of Vordia and has accompanied them on their adventures.

Vianca Everys [Wood Elf – Gloomstalker Ranger – Lawful Neutral]

Vianca is a Kingsguard and close friends with the royal family of Vordia. He was assigned to help the party on their quest.

Samir Rycroft [Tiefling]

Rycroft’s name has come up in connection with criminal activity including terrorist attacks. He was the one who tortured Rory and killed her mother. The party is pretty sure he is involved in whatever is going on with the fiend problem.

The Generals

Three ominous, high-level bad guys who kidnapped Eviel and tried to get information out of him. The party briefly fought them while rescuing Eviel. They know one of them is Rycroft’s wife and another is apparently Vianca’s twin sister who he thought was dead.

[aceofwonders]

Etharia Arc II - Session 1 Recap 

[previous recap] 

I’m so excited to be back in this world and with these characters! This session had lots of information to process, but we are laying the groundwork for this juicy arc ;p

Our party Rory, Miranda, and Vesper along with Eviel and Vianca were confronted with the Elders of Ivryspire just after exiting the chamber where the Air Portal was located. They knew they would have to deal with the Elders after closing the portal, as they were told by Cloudstrider [air genasi man; druid; from Ivryspire; the one who brought them to the city] how the Elders had been using some strange magic to make themselves never age. There was a whole conspiracy, apparently.

The party watched from behind some armored guards as Cloudstrider called out the Elders in front of a small crowd that had gathered. Cloudstrider told everyone the Elders had killed Eviel’s father for discovering their secrets. Then, he revealed their biggest secret. They had an angel unjustly imprisoned beneath the city.

The Elders insisted that Cloudstrider was lying and that the party were a threat to the city. This stopped when the angel entered the crowd. The angel let the crowd know how the Elders had abused their power. He had come to them to warn them and to ask for help. But they had locked him away in response. The angel also dropped that there was an archdevil on this plane. He was just all around pissed at the Elders.

The Elders were about to be arrested when one of them slammed her staff onto the ground. A magical spell erupted from it. However, the energy from the spell didn’t impact anyone and instead funneled up into the clouds. There was a loud crack of thunder as a golden beam of light slammed down onto the elder. She was petrified into a marble statue. The rest of the Elders dropped their staffs and surrendered.

Everyone was in shock after this. Tabris [aasimar woman – referred to as “Paladin” by the Elders; she was not believing their lies earlier] said, “Well, the Gods have made their opinion known!” She then had her guards apprehend the Elders. They were taken to be imprisoned where they had locked up the angel.

There were a few moments of people processing what the hell had just happened. During this, Rory made eye contact with the angel. He walked over to her saying, “Aurora?” Turns out the angel was her dad [Sariel]! She punched him, then hugged him. The realization that her father did not abandon her and her mother, like it seemed, but was in fact imprisoned for her entire life, was a lot to process. The reunion was very emotional.

The party all gathered to talk everything out. Sariel told them his story. He had been sent to the material plane to look for fiends that may have gotten through a hell portal. During his search, he had met Rory’s mother, Floriana. She helped him on his mission and they discovered there was an archdevil on this plane. Sariel told Coraas [Goddess of Life and Harmony] and she said thank you and that his job was done. Sariel was confused by this, but by this point Floriana was pregnant and they needed to hide from the archdevil’s followers who were after them.

After the birth of their daughter, Sariel, still not content with Coraas’s words, spoke to Vynair [Goddess of Death and Destiny]. She told him the main reason he was sent to this plane was to make sure Rory was born. Vynair said Aurora was prophesied as a destined hero to stop this threat along with two others. Sariel and Floriana didn’t know how long they could hide. So, Sariel left to go to Ivryspire to warn the aasimar of the archdevil. He also planned to ask for shelter in the city when Rory was a little older and could make the trip. Of course, that did not end well, as the Elders tricked Sariel and locked him up. He was trapped and powerless for over twenty years.

After his story, Sariel asked Rory to tell him what had happened to her mother. Though it was difficult, Rory told her father how her mother was killed and how she was captured by Rycroft. Sariel was furious. He knew Rycroft’s name. Sariel told them he was one of the archdevil’s followers. Sariel said they were going to finish this fight and the first thing they were going to do was deal with Rycroft.

In talking with Sariel some more, the party learned that this archdevil was named Mozarth and he was the Archduke of Stygia. Besides that, it appeared both the party and Sariel did not know much about their enemies. Getting information was a top priority moving forward. Tabris met up with the party and told them that she was having a public meeting at the temple in the morning. She wanted to get as many people in the city together to hear from the Elders themselves what they had done. She asked Sariel to be there and he agreed. Tabris also invited Sariel and the party to a war meeting the following evening to discuss their plans to deal with this archdevil.

In the morning, Sariel went to the public meeting. Eviel suggested the party visit the Void Soul Monastery, as they had recently discovered some of their enemies were apparently from the mysterious order of monks that had disappeared one thousand years ago.

A little bit of background history: Over a thousand years ago, in Ivryspire, there were two orders of monks. One dedicated to The Undying Light, the Radiant Soul, and one dedicated to The Everliving Darkness, the Void Soul. The Light and Darkness are planes of existence and powerful sources of magic that are somewhat sentient. They are referred to as the Prime Elements. The orders and the elements were in balance, until a thousand years ago, when things went wrong. The party had discovered that the Darkness was corrupted and that is most likely the reason the Void Soul “went evil” all those years ago. The order has not been seen or heard of until now. Rycroft’s wife was revealed to be a member of the Void Soul when the party briefly ran into her.  

The party investigated the abandoned monastery. Inside they found many ancient skeletons of monks, their iconic magical bracers still intact. The party took some of the bracers. The only other thing they found inside was a single journal intentionally left behind. It was a first-person account of the members of the Void Soul slowly going mad and attacking their own city. Some were killed, but most fled Ivryspire.

The party were disturbed by this, especially Eviel. They knew the Darkness had not been cured of its corruption until forty-five years ago, which meant the Void Soul had been affected like this for a thousand years. Eviel had the idea of using the Void Soul bracers to message Rycroft’s wife [the bracers allow the user to cast the Sending spell but the target also has to be attuned to a set of bracers]. Eviel messaged her, asking to know more about the Void Soul. She basically told him her people had been fucked over repeatedly over the centuries and they were doing what they had to (working with the archdevil).

The party spent the rest of the day killing time. Vesper spent most of the day working on reading her Tome of Clear Thought [she got nine hours done it was impressive!], while everyone else was given a tour of the city by Eviel. While walking around the city they heard people talking about them. Word of the newcomers saving the city from the evil air goddess had spread. People were also talking about the Elders and it seemed most people were appalled that they had been lied to for over a thousand years.

The party all gathered together that evening for dinner and caught each other up on their day. The next thing they will do is go to this war meeting put on by Tabris. And that is where we ended.

[aceofwonders]

we’re a few sessions away from finishing this mini-arc of etharia and then I’m gonna take a break to prep the next arc and I’m hoping during that time I can write up a general recap to cover the sessions I missed recaps for 👌

[aceofwonders]

I have no idea if anyone actually reads/follows the etharia recaps?! I love writing them though