Game 59

Episode List

Otto attempts to cast sending to his father, Martine. “Hi Dad. It’s Otto. I know it’s been some time. Cirrine is with me. I need some guidance.” As the spell is triggered, there is no response, but the sound of waves crashing. He strains to discern some other sound, but can not pick anything else out among the waves. He returns to camp.

Cirrine has another restless troubled night.

As the party returns to the Bastille, Bjorn and Rezza are there as if waiting for our return. Aieleen is there, injured on a stretcher. Rezza appears to be berating a sullen Bjorn.

Otto passes the reins off to Rowan and makes his way over to Eileen and asks if he can be of assistance. She tells him that he and his friends have caused enough trouble already and not to go near her. After Otto tells her that the Master of Dreams is with them, she seems to relent. Otto looks at her wounds and sees that they seem consistent with some of the shadow creatures they have fought. THere is also some disease coursing through her veins. He heals her, sealing up some of the wounds.

Aileen comes to. “We reached the other side. At first we were not sure until we saw the arches. Ruins all around and five stars in circle.”

Rezza: Who attacked you?

Aileen: Dark shapes. SHadows. Nightmares. At first we weren't sure. Our spears were useless against them. The other two fell. I fell unconscious. I saw....”

R: Be calm. What else did you see?

A: The ticking man.

Bjorn: *nods to himself*

O: I think she needs rest now.

R: I agree. I agree.

The party makes their way up the gravity well. But before they do, Bjorn goes to Otto and says “Don’t forget about our deal.” O: I have not. And with that Bjorn remains at the bottom as the rest of the group ascends.

Galadries: Your presence is most welcome Master Dreamer. I’m afraid I have some bad news… *catches him up on events. As she gets to the event where Titania is abducted…*

A: This Ticking Man. Do you know who he is?

G: We’ve been having trouble with him for some time. Just after you left, he seemed to show up with a new wave of nightmares.

A: The demons then. The demons of the past. I've only known one person in my time to have carried a ticking imprinted upon him. My friend, Merrick Zalatos.

G: You, know of this Ticking Man.

A: Im afraid so. He was a friend of mine a long time ago. *looks at Rowan* I will need some time to confer with my compatriots, but I assume you have a plan?

G: Well, I was hoping that maybe you could help us?

A: *tilts his head* I know. Go on.

G: *looks up at the exploded moon* The bridge. We need to cross it.

We all look up to see several large pieces of the exploded moon.

G: I had hoped that perhaps you the Master of dreams could lead the way. It seems that the source of the dreams comes from there. We’ve had no one pass through.

A: I suppose it could be done. *almost to himself* If anyone is crazy enough to try.

G: *smiles* I do remember a young bard once. Crazier than usual.

A: That was a long time ago. BUt if you say the source comes from the center, then give me some time. Ill see what I can whip up.

G: How much time do you need?

A: A day? An hour? I need to consult my companions. I don’t know how long I can hold the Valence open.

G: *nods* THe path of the Estelar.

A: IF this is the path, then it must be so.

G: Well good luck to you, old friend.

A: To you as well. When I open it, there will be a contingent of nightmares. How soon can the daughters be ready?

G: Could be a day. Could be within the hour.

A: Good. But first I need a drink.

Damian: Before we part. Not to broach a sore subject. But what of the Cerulean city and the succession.

Mire: The succession?

G: *facepalms*

D: When we left there was some attempt by forces to take the city. Could it not be helpful to send Mira to try to restore some order?

M: This is a lot to take in…

D: I don’t mean to hoist this burden on you.

G: *puts her hand up* While incredibly important, we are missing a door.

Mira: I don’t know if that’s something I can handle yet. I’m not my mother.

G: I understand that young one. BUt if the Master of Dreams is to open a way across the bridge, then the Master of Dreams will need a threshold. We need you here. Are you not a daughter before a princess?

D: Are we passing through the veil, so to speak?

A: That’s right boy. We have to go to the center of the source. It was one Carsus created. It leads to the other side of the Fey Wild. It leads to a darker place, a Shadow place.

D: No, no, no. Why? Why. Why do we always have to do this? I hate portals.

A: Up there. THe path of the Estelar.

D: Are we going up there? That’s a long way to fall. *several Daughters snicker*

G: We have ways in the Fey WIld to move between the astroids. I will help you myself.

T: *to Rowan* You have returned our lady Mira. I have a gift. We offer you this, Kileh Valoren’s mantle. *she presents a cloak. It has a silver lining with trim. As she presents it.

T: This cloak may help cross. *the cloak lets him fly.*

Rowan: I don’t know what to say.

Damian: Thank you is generally accepted.

Rowan: Thank you.

Aeidun: RIght! I’m ready for that drink.

Tanden leads us toward the middle of the tower. There are some holding chambers that we are let into. Guest beds made up. Looking out the window there is a black mountain with a white lit stream cascading down its face.

Damian casts sending to Bjorkas “Hello big man. Im checking to see you;re ok. We’re about to cross into the Eilianar shadow lands. Do you wish us to wait for you?”

“Im fine. I was summoned away. I thought I told one of you. Don’t wait up.”

2nd sending: “ I don’t know where well be when this business is through. I will try and check back in with you once we are safe on the other side. Take care. Be safe.”

“Be safe. Ill be in Icewind Dale killing things for the Earth Mother.”

Damian to the rest of the group relays Bjorkas’ message.

Tanden walks up to Rowan who is examining the cloak.

T: It’s a good look for you.

Cirrine watches this exchange with a sour look on her face.

Mira: I don’t know what to say. Tanden told me you have all have come this way to help me. I will serve in whatever way I can. I just want to say thanks.

R: You should really thank Tanden more than some of us. *Tanden shrinks back bashfully.*

M: I know. I could never repay what she has done for me.

Tanden: It is know problem. It is my duty to serve. *she self consciously pulls her hood tighter over her head.*

R: We will do what we can to return your mother.

M: Thank you. I am grateful. I just want you to know that. Im going to go up to the priestess’ chamber to meditate. *As she goes, Tanden waits on the threshold and pauses to nod at Rowan, before following along.

In his chambers, Otto begins to tinker around with the family song. He takes the wooden ring off that masks emotions in the Fey Wild. Part way through, Cirrine joins him.

Meanwhile, David goes to try to procure a grappling hook. He meets a quartermaster who is an Eladrin with huge pointy ears and a mess of curly hair. Her name is Rashelle. (which apparently is a dirty word in Eladrin).

Aziola attempts to commune with the earth. As she closes her eyes and sinks into the weave. She sees herself above and starting to trace the roots of the trees. She feels them winding and twisting and she feels the familiar slick oily presence of the corruption. Teetering over the edge of this dark wood with little light, she hears in her mind the same voice. “What’s your name.” Echoing over and over again from the depths below. The word Prison also echos over to her. “A bargain! I will tell you my name if you will tell me yours.”

A: I don’t make bargains.

Speaker: *Guttural growl and goosebumps play across her skin.*

A: I wanted to see how much stronger you’d gotten. Your stuck here, aren't you? But, you’re being fed. No. I wont do a bargain with you. As long as your here, it means you possibly wont be able to do anything else. Im a lot more optimistic these days.

S: *The silence is almost tangible*

A: I need to give you a message. We’re coming for you.

S: DO NOT THINK ME SO WEAK! *The voice seems to blast out of the hole itself. It is pushing and winding toward her. As the breath kicks through, she feels a wall of wind hit her.*

S: A STORM IS COMING! *At this, she snaps out of it and there is a huge gust of wind in the Fey around her. She looks up and from the center of the exploded moon, is a dark shape with figures pouring out of it.

Meanwhile, Damian makes his way to the chapel. As he lands, he finds it empty. He sees a figure in the center. It is resting its head in prayer. The images around the chapel tell a familiar story. A series of stained glass images, each one with a flame inlay above it. Each of the great houses possessing a flame. Throughout, a raging war culminates with each figure from each of the great houses comes together as the war is solved. A central figure is brokering the peace. At first, a woman in white going to each house and crying, her head in her hands. As the story continues to progress, each house by force or of their own volition, as they are unified under the Cillian concord. As they come to the bottom of the images, there are three figures 1)The King of the Nethralese 2) A robed figure 3) A figure in armor. Additionally, there is a second robed figure.

There are three Neth cities depicted. Each comes to speak to the figure in white. In one of the final panels, there is a purple robed figure who was embracing the figure in white. There is a silver elf in black armor whispering to the King. As Damian follows the windows, he comes to the image of a figure in white. Above her is the moon itself, whole. Each of the great houses there are three cities being risen from the earth. Further back, is a king holding a broken crown, offering it to the figure in white. The purple robed figure is also standing there with the broken crown. Finally, there is a dark circle in the sky. The figure in white with both hands raised, there are two broken cities that appear to be like with tendrils of black. The 3rd city is not in the image itself. The figure, offering its hands up, and there are tendrils of blue magic coming out and enclosing this black circle.

Colors of the Flames

Red

Green

Blue

Magenta

Yellow

Cyan

Orange

As Damian moves closer to the central figure, he realizes it is a statue. Below it is a plack that says “in memory of Kileh Valoren.” Behind him, there are soft footfalls as Mira comes up and takes off her hood. Damian bows, and she nods.

MIra: Its a lot to live up to. But if my Mothers wish was to stand in between the gap of the dark and the light, then it is my duty to oblige and take up the mantle of the priestess of the moon.

D: I don't presume to give advice in this matter. I will trust in this instance you know best what to do for your people. I can only offer my empathy and loyalty. I understand that the burden of those who came before us can weigh heavy on us. If you ever find need of it, Id be happy to lend what aid I can.

M: *She is very young. Not that much older than Damian. As she looks up at the statue* I know the burden of leadership can be overwhelming. I saw it take its toll on my mother every day. And I always wondered what my father would want for me. They shared in the dream together. I don't know what he would have wished for me. Or if its what I want. But a Daughters duty comes first and foremost to serve.

D: Forgive my ignorance. Im not familiar with your father. Can you tell me more about him?

M: I wish I could. Only vague memories.

D: They coi?

M: Yes.

D: Do you have anything he gave you?

M: Afraid not. It appears he disappeared without a trace.

D: Do you know his name?

M: *shakes her head* Not his real name.

D: What do you mean by that.

M: He was, not from here. My mother told me that he used a pseudonym. A moniker. What was this pseudonym. Kelevmoor.

D: Interesting. I've heard tales of this Kelevmoor.

M: Im not sure I want to hear more at this time. Ive made my peace a long time ago that he didn't come back in my life.

D: I didn't mean to impose. If you wish me to ever tell you more, let me know. But I don't mean to cause you pain.

M: No its fine. By the way… what is your name?

D: I have several. You may call me Marius.

M: How do you know Rowan?

D: Its a long story. He is an enigmatic one, isn't he? A bit rough around the edges.

M: He is that. How is he taking to the Fey Wild?

D: He seems to know a bit about it. But he seems to to like it here.

M: Well, sorry to interrupt your thoughts.

D: A welcome interruption. Feel free to call on me if you need anything.

M: Thank you, Marius.

Damian exits as Mira begins to meditate, looking up at the face of her mother.

Outside, there is a flurry of activity and wind flapping on flags. Daughters of the Moon shouting. “Quickly! Get back up to the top!

Down below, Aziola and Damian attempt to fix the cart but it goes poorly. They abandon the attempt.

…

We arrive at the top of the tower. Galadrius hits her staff on the ground and we are sent rocketing up…

As the fight ends, we make our way through the portal. After passing through, AIden begins to play, and as he does he is wreathed in Blue flame. Springing from his form are many points of light as he mutters incantations.

There are black obelisks surrounding a white lake. Color itself here seems inert. At the center of the lake is what appears to be a half submerged Nethralese city. Above the lake itself are the black obelisks. Perfectly polished glass. Like the obelisks we have seen in our travels.

A: I have not crossed this path in some time.

D: Did you say Shadowfell?

A: I did.

D: Is it the same here as in Faerun.

A: There are many paths to the Shadowfell, but it itself is a fragmentation of the Fey Wild.

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