Post by Thorn on Aug 24, 2020 5:11:12 GMT -5
Session 40 Recap: Family Dinner
(tagging Thundy and Breakingchains since they missed last session.)
As always, feel free to correct me on any mistakes!!
Key Points:
Recap Proper:
(tagging Thundy and Breakingchains since they missed last session.)
As always, feel free to correct me on any mistakes!!
Key Points:
*Ovinrei and Vaan visit the party house, Vaan reveals his past connection to the Circle Enshadowed.
*Usavias agrees to play up the party's Heroic Efforts in an effort at persuading the refinery to give said party etherlium for free (or at least heavily discounted.)
*Khamet meets with Damira in a pretty garden (garden meeting #1!!)
*Aviina marks some vessels with magic sigils which will allow them to safely contain iridilith. The party can collect these before they head underground.
*With the aid of Tally, Meallan temporarily prevents Malka from listening in.
*Meallan confesses to Asariel his connection with Malka.
*Tally and Khamet tackle Amani, while Meallan steals their ring.
*Peace appears.
*Usavias agrees to play up the party's Heroic Efforts in an effort at persuading the refinery to give said party etherlium for free (or at least heavily discounted.)
*Khamet meets with Damira in a pretty garden (garden meeting #1!!)
*Aviina marks some vessels with magic sigils which will allow them to safely contain iridilith. The party can collect these before they head underground.
*With the aid of Tally, Meallan temporarily prevents Malka from listening in.
*Meallan confesses to Asariel his connection with Malka.
*Tally and Khamet tackle Amani, while Meallan steals their ring.
*Peace appears.
Recap Proper:
Amani explains Asariel’s offer to accompany the party to Lustross. Meallan suggests inviting Amani’s family over for dinner, as he will be cooking for the whole party anyway. The decision on whether or not to invite said family is ultimately left to Amani. The topic turns to Lustross, and Tally admits a reluctance to go there. They...have never left Eaine before, and there is just so much ocean. And what if the party gets sidetracked? While members of the party reassure Tally that it would be difficult to get sidetracked from their goal of Archfiend Destruction, there are three timid knocks at the door.
As it happens, the Everqueen has sent the former bandit Vaan (with Ovinrei as support) to speak with the party. Vaan (now a cleric of the Everqueen) was born into the Circle Enshadowed, as was his brother Volan. Volan told Vaan things weren't so bad when he was growing up, but during Vaan’s childhood there was a general air of fear and unease about his home. Vaan also knows that the drow man the party encountered is called Auzynros, and that he was the Circle Enshadowed’s founder. Vaan does not remember a drow woman, and does not have any idea where the Circle might have gone now as he only ever knew them to dwell beneath the Everqueen's temple in Cai Shaan.
The Circle Enshadowed revere the Shadow Queen (as the Goddess Betrayed) and Everqueen (as the Goddess Deceived.) Their names refer to the belief that the Everqueen was deceived into betraying her sister, and seeks to make amends for it; while the Shadow Queen was betrayed both by her sister and by elven society.
Meallan makes coffee for anyone who wants it, and although they are wary of him Ovinrei and Vaan stay a little while before returning to Evertemple. After confirming with the party that they are looking nice and presentable Tally, determined to sort out this dang Lustross thing, leaves to find Usavias and hopefully convince them to import etherlium for the party.
After speaking to a very rude/awkward guard (one or both?) who is enjoying the harborside sun, and subsequently speaking to Usavias’ secretary at the suggestion of a more useful guard, Tally is able to go and...do some more speaking...with the Master of Trade! Who rather unhelpfully informs them that importing etherlium would a) be expensive, and b) take up to four weeks. Tally is less than impressed, as they know full well that the party could travel to Lustross and get the substance themselves in half that time. Usavias does at least agree to write the party a letter as An Attempt to get them the etherlium for free (or at least, at a dramatically reduced cost), by playing up how close Usavias came to death on account of the sea monster and how amazing the party were in saving them! And also the city! Very heroically!
Having kind-of-sort-of-not-really achieved their goal, Tally heads across town to the Institute of the Third Eye.
(But first, taking directions from Usavias, they track down Gale and give him the name the party chose for his ship: The Lonely Island. He is very impressed with it! He and Tally stand opposite each other, throwing their arms into the air and cheering the name at each other repeatedly.)
Meallan goes out to post a letter, as well as purchase beef and vegetables for a nice hearty stew. He is completely out of money after this, but surely it’ll be worth it if the result is a nice evening with his friends!
Amani heads across town to invite their family to dinner. The sorcerer asks Asariel why they want to join the party in visiting Lustross. Asariel reiterates that it is to help Amani, especially when it comes to the party’s archfiend problem. Amani points out how well they’ve done so far, and insists they can look after themself! But Asariel isn’t convinced. Ultimately, Asariel and Naila agree to come to dinner with the party. Isra is currently out enjoying the city, but Asariel says that once she returns they’ll ask if she wants to attend.
Khamet meets with Damira in a small garden, with a central water feature that would be beautiful if not for being half overgrown by a large ambitious plant. An overly amorous human couple seated nearby makes things awkward, and Khamet asks if he should convince the couple to move. Damira says no, because these people are a fabulous distraction as their very public display of affection means that people aren’t paying attention to her and Khamet.
After some small talk, Damira explains that she left her homeland and came to Cai Shaan because she couldn’t deal with her community’s cruelty any longer. Khamet professes that he is proud of her, and that he always knew she was a good person. He proceeds to tell Damira several tales of Mankarah.
Khamet also tells her about the god-forger, although he claims it is ‘just randomly gone’ and ended up in the hands of an archfiend. Damira is concerned by this, and correctly guesses that the party intend to do something about it.
Before they part ways, Damira initiates a super awkward hug, and Khamet walks her around the garden and to the exit.
At the Institute, Tally speaks with Aviina. The latter is working with others to render iridilith harmless, using the sample retrieved from the chain whip the Disaster Party handed over to the palace guards. Aviina says that they’re not there yet, but have made good progress over the past day or so! Tally also mentions they intend on returning underground to hunt out the rest of the Circle, and arranges for Aviina to mark several vessels with arcane sigils which will enable iridilith to be safely carried within, should they find a store in the Circle’s lair. Tally and the party are free to pick these up when they are ready to Descend!
Meallan has been diligently preparing dinner for the party, but with Amani now stirring the stew as needed (with prestidigitation!) he asks Tally to teach him to meditate. They take him into a side room for instruction. As he is simmering on being Mindfully Mindless, Meallan gets a message from Solstriana informing him that she has found a wizard for their quest. Meallan says he is busy now but will be there as soon as he can, and then focusses on his connection to Malka.
He can sense her actively listening in, and Malka compliments him on his clever trick. Meallan attempts to push her away and, while she resists at first, the moment he makes some progress that resistance drops entirely and she is gone. Meallan talks to Tally about what he has experienced and, after some time, returns to the rest of the party to share the details.
Amani’s family arrive! A lovely dinner is had, in which Isra takes a particular interest in Khamet and they talk a lot about her Varentari hometown of Dragon’s Rest, as well as Isra’s magical studies. She mentions that some call her ‘Mistcaller’, and that Khamet can call her this if he wants!!
After dinner Meallan, Tally, Khamet and Asariel go upstairs to the balcony. Amani notices, but doesn’t act on this, and stays behind with their mother and sister. As Meallan asks Asariel questions they have already answered for Khamet, the archmage...starts to realise that this party are not exactly a unified force. Finally things are straightened out and everyone on the balcony knows that Amani is surrounded by a strong aura of enchantment magic, and that Asariel (while not an enchantment specialist) believes that, based on the aura’s persistence over time, it is most likely some kind of charm. The trio resolve to cast identify on Amani’s ring, around which Meallan recalls the aura of enchantment was strongest.
But first, Meallan has a confession to make. He hands Asariel his rod of the pact keeper, and asks if they know what it is. After examining it closely, they have some idea. Meallan then informs Asariel of his connection to Malka, emphasising that he knows he made a mistake, and that he wants to make amends. Asariel reflexively casts mage armour on themself, and takes two steps back from the balcony before holding their ground. They are now insistent on going to Lustross with the party, as they don’t want Meallan to be around Amani unsupervised. Meallan accepts this, and says that if Asariel has any future questions regarding what was discussed, the archmage can ask him.
The group return to the living room. Asariel tells Amani that Meallan would like to look at their ring. Amani curls their hand to show off the ring in a 'look but don't touch' gesture. It’s a blur from there as Aytal tries to distract Amani while Tally unsuccessfully attempts to stun the sorcerer, until finally Aytal is able to snatch the ring from Amani’s finger. Amani yells at Meallan to give it back. Tally and Khamet tackle Amani and sit on them to prevent them retrieving their ring. Isra demands that Khamet explain what’s going on, and he does, if only vaguely. Naila attempts to reassure Amani it’s okay, at the same time as Asariel is filling her in and reassuring Naila.
Amani attempts to misty step away, but Meallan counterspells them. He tells them not to try that again, as he can just repeat the same course of action. Amani retorts by pointing out that they can...cast their spell again! He doesn’t frighten Amani!
As all this is going on, someone does manage to misty step into the room. Standing by the exit is a six-foot tall elven figure with a dark cloak, long silver hair tumbling over their shoulders in glowing tresses, with similarly shiny eyes of solid silver. With hands clasped in front of them, they speak.
“I am Peace,” the newcomer says.
As it happens, the Everqueen has sent the former bandit Vaan (with Ovinrei as support) to speak with the party. Vaan (now a cleric of the Everqueen) was born into the Circle Enshadowed, as was his brother Volan. Volan told Vaan things weren't so bad when he was growing up, but during Vaan’s childhood there was a general air of fear and unease about his home. Vaan also knows that the drow man the party encountered is called Auzynros, and that he was the Circle Enshadowed’s founder. Vaan does not remember a drow woman, and does not have any idea where the Circle might have gone now as he only ever knew them to dwell beneath the Everqueen's temple in Cai Shaan.
The Circle Enshadowed revere the Shadow Queen (as the Goddess Betrayed) and Everqueen (as the Goddess Deceived.) Their names refer to the belief that the Everqueen was deceived into betraying her sister, and seeks to make amends for it; while the Shadow Queen was betrayed both by her sister and by elven society.
Meallan makes coffee for anyone who wants it, and although they are wary of him Ovinrei and Vaan stay a little while before returning to Evertemple. After confirming with the party that they are looking nice and presentable Tally, determined to sort out this dang Lustross thing, leaves to find Usavias and hopefully convince them to import etherlium for the party.
After speaking to a very rude/awkward guard (one or both?) who is enjoying the harborside sun, and subsequently speaking to Usavias’ secretary at the suggestion of a more useful guard, Tally is able to go and...do some more speaking...with the Master of Trade! Who rather unhelpfully informs them that importing etherlium would a) be expensive, and b) take up to four weeks. Tally is less than impressed, as they know full well that the party could travel to Lustross and get the substance themselves in half that time. Usavias does at least agree to write the party a letter as An Attempt to get them the etherlium for free (or at least, at a dramatically reduced cost), by playing up how close Usavias came to death on account of the sea monster and how amazing the party were in saving them! And also the city! Very heroically!
Having kind-of-sort-of-not-really achieved their goal, Tally heads across town to the Institute of the Third Eye.
(But first, taking directions from Usavias, they track down Gale and give him the name the party chose for his ship: The Lonely Island. He is very impressed with it! He and Tally stand opposite each other, throwing their arms into the air and cheering the name at each other repeatedly.)
Meallan goes out to post a letter, as well as purchase beef and vegetables for a nice hearty stew. He is completely out of money after this, but surely it’ll be worth it if the result is a nice evening with his friends!
Amani heads across town to invite their family to dinner. The sorcerer asks Asariel why they want to join the party in visiting Lustross. Asariel reiterates that it is to help Amani, especially when it comes to the party’s archfiend problem. Amani points out how well they’ve done so far, and insists they can look after themself! But Asariel isn’t convinced. Ultimately, Asariel and Naila agree to come to dinner with the party. Isra is currently out enjoying the city, but Asariel says that once she returns they’ll ask if she wants to attend.
Khamet meets with Damira in a small garden, with a central water feature that would be beautiful if not for being half overgrown by a large ambitious plant. An overly amorous human couple seated nearby makes things awkward, and Khamet asks if he should convince the couple to move. Damira says no, because these people are a fabulous distraction as their very public display of affection means that people aren’t paying attention to her and Khamet.
After some small talk, Damira explains that she left her homeland and came to Cai Shaan because she couldn’t deal with her community’s cruelty any longer. Khamet professes that he is proud of her, and that he always knew she was a good person. He proceeds to tell Damira several tales of Mankarah.
Khamet also tells her about the god-forger, although he claims it is ‘just randomly gone’ and ended up in the hands of an archfiend. Damira is concerned by this, and correctly guesses that the party intend to do something about it.
Before they part ways, Damira initiates a super awkward hug, and Khamet walks her around the garden and to the exit.
At the Institute, Tally speaks with Aviina. The latter is working with others to render iridilith harmless, using the sample retrieved from the chain whip the Disaster Party handed over to the palace guards. Aviina says that they’re not there yet, but have made good progress over the past day or so! Tally also mentions they intend on returning underground to hunt out the rest of the Circle, and arranges for Aviina to mark several vessels with arcane sigils which will enable iridilith to be safely carried within, should they find a store in the Circle’s lair. Tally and the party are free to pick these up when they are ready to Descend!
Meallan has been diligently preparing dinner for the party, but with Amani now stirring the stew as needed (with prestidigitation!) he asks Tally to teach him to meditate. They take him into a side room for instruction. As he is simmering on being Mindfully Mindless, Meallan gets a message from Solstriana informing him that she has found a wizard for their quest. Meallan says he is busy now but will be there as soon as he can, and then focusses on his connection to Malka.
He can sense her actively listening in, and Malka compliments him on his clever trick. Meallan attempts to push her away and, while she resists at first, the moment he makes some progress that resistance drops entirely and she is gone. Meallan talks to Tally about what he has experienced and, after some time, returns to the rest of the party to share the details.
Amani’s family arrive! A lovely dinner is had, in which Isra takes a particular interest in Khamet and they talk a lot about her Varentari hometown of Dragon’s Rest, as well as Isra’s magical studies. She mentions that some call her ‘Mistcaller’, and that Khamet can call her this if he wants!!
After dinner Meallan, Tally, Khamet and Asariel go upstairs to the balcony. Amani notices, but doesn’t act on this, and stays behind with their mother and sister. As Meallan asks Asariel questions they have already answered for Khamet, the archmage...starts to realise that this party are not exactly a unified force. Finally things are straightened out and everyone on the balcony knows that Amani is surrounded by a strong aura of enchantment magic, and that Asariel (while not an enchantment specialist) believes that, based on the aura’s persistence over time, it is most likely some kind of charm. The trio resolve to cast identify on Amani’s ring, around which Meallan recalls the aura of enchantment was strongest.
But first, Meallan has a confession to make. He hands Asariel his rod of the pact keeper, and asks if they know what it is. After examining it closely, they have some idea. Meallan then informs Asariel of his connection to Malka, emphasising that he knows he made a mistake, and that he wants to make amends. Asariel reflexively casts mage armour on themself, and takes two steps back from the balcony before holding their ground. They are now insistent on going to Lustross with the party, as they don’t want Meallan to be around Amani unsupervised. Meallan accepts this, and says that if Asariel has any future questions regarding what was discussed, the archmage can ask him.
The group return to the living room. Asariel tells Amani that Meallan would like to look at their ring. Amani curls their hand to show off the ring in a 'look but don't touch' gesture. It’s a blur from there as Aytal tries to distract Amani while Tally unsuccessfully attempts to stun the sorcerer, until finally Aytal is able to snatch the ring from Amani’s finger. Amani yells at Meallan to give it back. Tally and Khamet tackle Amani and sit on them to prevent them retrieving their ring. Isra demands that Khamet explain what’s going on, and he does, if only vaguely. Naila attempts to reassure Amani it’s okay, at the same time as Asariel is filling her in and reassuring Naila.
Amani attempts to misty step away, but Meallan counterspells them. He tells them not to try that again, as he can just repeat the same course of action. Amani retorts by pointing out that they can...cast their spell again! He doesn’t frighten Amani!
As all this is going on, someone does manage to misty step into the room. Standing by the exit is a six-foot tall elven figure with a dark cloak, long silver hair tumbling over their shoulders in glowing tresses, with similarly shiny eyes of solid silver. With hands clasped in front of them, they speak.
“I am Peace,” the newcomer says.