Session 23 Prep

Set Expectations

Set the expectations for the session and communicate any above table information FIRST before starting the session…

• This session will hopefully follow a 3 Act session - as opposed to our usual 2 Act structure.
• There will be some free form sessions - before some railroaded sections to maintain pacing.
• I appreciate that this session will cover a lot - I will advise you all to take notes on your phone or on some paper (i can provide if you need)
• We’ll organize lunch at 11ish and take our first break when it arrives.

Recap & Re-Familiarize

Recap the previous session events with brevity, then reintroduce them to the world.

Last we left off… you all made your way out of the Hollow Crypt - a Dwarvish burial ground that was of some significance to both ancient Dwarves and a Demonic entity named Cae’Saren. You regrouped with Varg’s Valiants who had left earlier before discussing the best path forward. As you did this - Keith Sail read a note that had fallen from his jacket pocket; before handing it to Lady.

The letter revealed that Caesar Plight had been in contact with an individual by the name of ‘Snake’, and another by the name of ‘Ether’. He was being asked to bring ‘The Phoenix’; safely presumed to be Lady herself, to him in return for a donation. A figure named ‘Strings’ would be the middle-man. Caesar Plight was warned that failure was not an option or Carmen Flint might learn ‘the truth’. Providing more questions than answers, the letter called Carmen Flint’s trustworthiness into question for a short while.

As night fell SHAI and GRAY separated from the joint party to gaze at the stars - revealing further insights about the constellations their civilization reveres. It was interrupted however by an urgent & distressing message from their mutual friend BLUE, who conveyed that he was on the run. SHAI was told to “follow the Huskerdust” around the Fortune Markets. You returned to your group to discuss this news further.

Carmen Flint returned as well and revealed that Varg had reached out to her - granting a one 1 trip back to Roan for those who wanted it. With all 12 adventurers in agreement - a portal was opened via tree and you all arrived in The Ratways. The Fated Eight + GRAY quickly said their goodbyes before following after BLUE’s trail.

The trail of Huskerdust eventually led to a block of buildings where BLUE could be seen attempting to scale the wall. Two cloaked figures appeared of thin air and grabbed the Changeling by the arms - whilst a third prepared to intercept any resistance. Despite a good effort by SHAI and the rest of The Fated Eight - the mysterious figures were able to disappear with BLUE in hand. A solemn night was had - as you all came to accept the highs and lows of being adventurers. Whilst you all slept, Jin had a short discussion with Dae’hya about who these people were and how it could have happened under the watch of The Storm Corps. Dae’hya agreed to provide any info he could - although suggesting that information might be readily available if Jin followed up the lead he had been given a few days earlier.

A gloomy day came as you all returned to Thelnyron Dose for your reward - 9000 gold pieces as well as an enchanted stopwatch for SHAI - before the High Arcanist had to depart for classes. Jin and Morgyn both revealed they had business in The Ratways as you all made your way there.

You ordered drinks, and those of you with business attended to it. Morgyn, Jin, SHAI, and GRAY were taken downstairs and underground to a tavern built into an expansive cave system. The Hidden Eye - as you were made aware of it - proved to be an information broker organized by someone with status within the Vaena Kingdom. Morgyn was approached by Sir Layton Riddle whilst Jin was taken to see Vincent Stone.

The Hidden Eye provided information to each of you including:

• Dannick Vaena was suspected by Layton of being involved, or even behind a conspiracy.
• Vincent Stone had raised & trained Commander Dae’hya when he was a boy. He also later revealed that he recognized Lady Snowblood.
• Davison Theros had healed from his wounds, before revealing that his Sister Niara Theros had been kidnapped by 3 figures - similar to those who took BLUE.

With information in hand - you left The Hidden Eye and made way for the Roan Chapel; hoping to speak with the Amensic Halfling Woman you had helped previously. However, upon arriving, you learned that she had awoken earlier and bolted without so much as word. She had only left behind a coin purse and a letter with a poorly drawn Tiefling on it; revealing her name to be Liana.

And that’s where we’ll pick up from…

The current day is Tormark, the 30th of Vaelorn, 920 PD. You are all ready and glammed up for the ball; and are making your way toward Castletown now. It is around 730 at night.

Immediate Event

The immediate action for the Party to deal with.

Detail the city and lays some seeds

Plots Points/Paths Forward

Details about various plot threads that can be explored this session - with a subheading for each one.

Arrival:

• Thel will message Morgyn and say “Sir Riddle informed me your troupe are to stay inconspicuous. I hope you take no offense at the lack of an introduction.”

The beck family estate is a pure white marble building - with carved columns supporting a triple high overall ceiling; with offset sub-levels decorating the eyeline of the interior. There are jet black curtains and carpets adorning the windows and tiled floor respectively. It is a truly stunning piece of architecture.

The Ball, Act 1

GOALS:

• Fun in high society
  • “Please hand over your weapons and any magical items. We will store them securely and return them at the end of the evening…”
  • Announce important NPCs
  • Bit of free time
• Set up Douglas Beck, show off “the collection”
  • Weapons
    • Lyveltha’s Breath A large Glaive once wielded by a legendary knight of Vaelorys. It is said to have destructive powers when used by the righteous of heart.
    • A pair of daggers supposed once wielded by a champion of The Fate-Cloaked Maiden.
  • Magical artefacts
    • A red stone supposedly capable of turning any gem into any other gem.
  • “Statues” of rare races - all wearing white, button down shirts.
    • Winter Eladrin
    • Bugbear
    • Changeling
  • Artworks
    • An artwork of 7 figures falling from the skies titled The Descent; a fracture in Divinity.

Singing, Part 1

An androgynous Elf will appear on stage as the lights dim - as a spectral violin appears in their hands - and many of the attendants begin to dance in unison to the music. Play Once Upon a December on loop

DC15 History check to learn:

• This song is a famous song in Terick, especially amongst elites.
• Made popular by being the favourite song of Anastasia Vaena - a multiple time great grandmother to King Terick II and Prince Dannick Vaena.

Read the room and sing or fast forward this if time is bad

”Where Is He?”

The androgynous elf finishes their song before exiting the stage. Douglas Beck enters the stage and apologizes but their main entertainment is running a bit late. He should be here within the hour.

Graxious will hear Thel’s voice in his head “I sense you’ve got some musical talent. This might be a good way to get in his good books.” Nudge Graxious towards Douglas Beck

WING THIS PART - have Jon sit in the DM’s chair.

Singing, Part 2

Douglas Beck introduced Graxious and applauds him for being such a multifaceted individual:

Have Jon sit the DMs chair and prepare Evermore karaoke + recording

Backstage

A 6’5” man approaches Graxious behind the stage and applauds him for such a wonderful performance. The man is wearing a perfectly tailored burgundy shirt and white trousers; all adorned by a white blazer and flowing crimson cloak - with 5 white-gold stripes spaced evenly across it. His face is almost perfectly symmetrical - a truly beautiful olive skinned man with bright green eyes, and a goatee with not a hair out of place. His hands are both adorned with stacked rings, and accented with black fingernail polish. He speaks with poise as he addresses you:

“Oh hello good sir - I do hate to be rude, but you simply must tell me, where did you learn that song? I cannot say I’ve ever heard it before.” he’ll open before WING THE CONVO

Dialogue Notes:

• “Oh you’re a musician and an adventurer as well? You know what… when I was younger, I never thought Adventurers and mercenaries essential… They’re crude and unspeakably bloodthirsty. But since the war with Orsana - I’ve come to appreciate their usefulness; if aligned to my vision and brain…”
• “The only advice I can give you is that you must always Be Prepared…”
• “That’s my cue…” before turning with a flair of the cloak to head towards the stage.

The entire table will see/hear Douglas Beck finish speaking on the stage and announce the special guest from Zenytha… “The Beck Family are so pleased to announce this year’s special guest as none other than Archcaptain of our Military. Please welcome to the stage… Prince Dannick Vaena!

Dannick And Douglas Beck speak on stage - perception/insight check to get a gist of the topics. 15 for some, 20 for all.

• Topics
  • The war in Orsana; Dannick hopes for it to be over by the end of the year.
  • Terickans should not live in fear of incursions any longer.
  • Is saddened by the loss of his brother, and whilst he appreciates the calls for him to take the throne - he is loyal to his brother. “He is my King, and I am truly optimistic for him and our great Kingdom”
• Gleams
  • He seems to check his pocket watch with frequency
  • He is taking oddly long glances at certain parts of the audience
  • He takes a moment to reconsider his answers and carefully deliver them.

Dinner is Served!

Food is served and the social networking part of the evening has come into full swing. The elites are playing the game as well as anyone ever has, or ever will.

• Social time
  • Hint at collusion amongst elites (DC15 perception checks, +1 each time)
  • “He’s too heroic, he cannot be trusted”
  • “These statues are so lifelike. I wonder how he gets them to look like that.”
  • “Del does not like people speaking of The Unseen so publicly - let us move outside where it is more private.
• Axton gets separated from the group as people are pulled in different directions.
  • Feel gun to his head, arm on his shoulder as an armoured hand covers his mouth. He knows that this gun will blow his head clean off if he is not careful.
  • Seriously warn Damon that non-compliance has a high chance of death.
  • “Follow me, quietly. Or you’ll end up just like Marco did…”

The Ball, Act 2

• Axton is kidnapped and dragged to a cellar. Highest perception check sees this…
• It is revealed that Ariella - one of Vito Moretti’s bastards - is now leading the Red Vultures.
  • Remind him who and what the Red Vultures are.
  • “Honestly… I should be thanking you. ‘Cause of what you did to Marco - I’m gonna be next in line when Dad’s dead…
  • “Because of that… I’m gonna give you a chance to keep you and your friends alive…”
  • She makes him a deal; “Tell us where the Orc went, or you and your friends are going on display…”
  • WING THIS - see if he’ll blab on Kezark or not…
• If Axton holds out - he’ll hear a familiar voice enter his mind. “When the smoke drops - run for it. Find your friends.
• A pellet will drop and immediately release a cloud of dark smoke - that Ariella can’t seemingly see through. Axton has a chance to run - an athletics check (DC17) to see how far he gets in the time she’s Blinded.
  • Succeeding means he’ll make it to The Fated Eight unharmed.
  • Failure is 2d12 Piercing damage as a bullet ricochets of the wall and hits him.
• Regrouping with The Fated Eight will cause Ariella to flee; vanishing with a whip of her cloak.

Regrouped:

Once regrouped - The Fated Eight will have to search around to find their gear. Aurevald can try to summon his axe but it will not come to him - nor will he feel it’s presence. After a few minutes of searching the underground chamber - they’ll come across a large vault door that has already been picked and left half open - with footprint leading further down the hallway away from them.

Entering the vault will reveal a long chamber with filing cabinets lining the walls. A decent investigation roll will show them this is sorted by party - and their drawer is within the 3rd cabinet; 2nd row + 4th column. (Little 3-2-4 on the invitation)

The drawers are enchanted as Bags of Holding and this one contains their belongings. They can take 10-15 minutes to get their normal gear equipment and stash their formal attire safely.

Bridge

They’ll hear a scream down the hallway as a woman says “help me i’m trapped down here they’re <MUFFLED> - SHAI will recognize that as a voice BLUE likes to use whenever he would muck up at school. Alarms will start blaring throughout the tunnels and from the interior of the Beck Family estate - it seems a state of emergency has been called. The faint sound of many pairs of footsteps all rushing towards an exit can be heard - even from down here.

Following a trail of blood will reveal a familiar looking woman with Jet-black hair, ending in crimson red tips dragging an unconscious blue behind her at top speed.

Chasing after the individuals will lead them to a wide and lightly damp room - the sound of running water is audible from the other side of the chamber - but is not visible. The room is made of a cobbled stone and in the centre are four carved pillars that seem to support the 10ft tall ceiling.

The trail of blood leads towards the other side of the room - where 6 silhouettes and the familiar figure will run towards a glowing green vortex on the opposite wall before it collapses in on itself. A DC 16 Perception or INT check will confirm that they are similar; if not identical in appearance, to each of The Fated Eight.

BLUE is unconscious but barely alive in the corner of the room. It otherwise seems empty.

At a moment when the party seem distracted… have the heavy iron door to this chamber shut with a loud bang. They cannot see anyone else in the chamber…

Wing this part it’s late…

Combat

Stat Block	Strategy
	Can see in magical darkness created by Unseen. Targets creatures it can get sneak attack on.
	Can see in magical darkness created by Unseen. Deals damage were appropriate,
	Can see in magical darkness created by Unseen. Tries to deal as much damage as possible - even at it’s own expense.

The Figures Melt

At any time when an Unseen dies - they melt in a pile of black ooze and melt into the floor. Looking at the ooze for too long seems to cause a familiar but unplaceable headache…

Catching A Breath

A silence will come over the chamber after the last Unseen is repelled or killed.

The chamber is empty but a light search will reveal a hidden switch - as a pocket dimension opens between the four pillars. Entering it takes them to a robust and quiet study. There are cabinets and display cases; similar to the ones around the Beck Family estate during The Ball, just haphazardly organized to provide a walkway. On a desk nearby are accounting ledgers, journals, and loose leaf letters - it’s clear from a quick glance that this is Douglas Beck’s personal study.

Graxious’ red eye will pulse with pain nearby two of the display cases - but the labels are dirty or worn. DC16 Investigation from anyone will reveal that they read:

• “Leonin: native to the jungles of The Paradisian Coast, it is believed this man was a feared warrior for the hidden city of Elysia…”
• “Eriana’s Vow: a legendary blade originally crafted for a champion of Seedara - it was last recorded as being kept safe in the hidden city of Elysia…”

They can also fight 300 platinum and a Diamond worth 300 gold pieces in a drawer nearby. They’ll also see out of a window and realize that they’re not in Roan anymore - Morgyn will recall this as Zenytha. It looks; at a glance, that something serious is happening in the city as the Royal Guard are being mobilize across the entire city and are surrounding the Castle. Thelnyron will message one of them and ask:

• “Did you all escape? I didn’t have time to find you all when the alarms sounded. Something serious has happened - but I cannot gleam what…”
• WAIT FOR RESPONSE
• “I am being kept unusually distant from the Vaena Family which has me concerned. Please return to your abode and I will update you at dawn.

One Final Night

Graxious will have a searing pain in his red eye - and suffer a nightmare. First of his death at the hands of Caesar Plight - then flashes of visions:

1. Two men discussing a golden blade. One speaks “Take this blade and soil it with blood. He’s cost me 5 good men with it alone - his family deserves to be cursed for all I care. I guess it is the cost of doing business; this one will make a good addition to my collection…”
2. “A snowy mountain scape where Graxious watches himself freeze to death… Over and over again.”
3. Graxious feels a warmth come over him… as he sees his mother Sarara Longwood. Her words are calming - “come home my Son… I’ve already lost my Husband, I can’t bare to lose you either.”

leave it up to Jon what he does

The Ball, Act 3

Consequences, the next morning

Summons

Thelnyron will rise them early and inform them of summons by Castle Roan. Thel is cheerful and believes that they are being honoured for their services to the city - reassures Morgyn that he has covered for her.

Castle Roan

Castle Roan is a truly huge structure. A central structure is flanked by two 15 story tall wings that house the attendants, councillors, visitors and the like that are constantly present in the once-capital city. The exterior is paint a deep red colour - contrasting the overtly green grass found in nearby the central water source of the city.

You are escorted through the central structure which leads towards a wide and tall; almost cylindrical chamber. This is the once-Throne room of Roan.

The floor is a solid piece of polished obsidian that is delicately painted to separate it into 8 equal sections. Opposing that - the ceiling is purely made of marble where 11 triangular panels meet in the centre creating a 11 pointed star shape.

DC14 Religon check: Roan was a religious city before it was part of the Vaena Kingdom - it’s religous ties are still strong to this day. When Castle Roan was built; it was built to acknowledge the Divinity of the Archons over the Illchors - who are represented by the 11 and 8 on the ceiling and floor respectively.

The interior of the room is largely clad in marble or decorative dark wood. Flanking either side of the walkway are large stalls of seats - originally used for the Monarch’s court - they now serve as seating for the various members of High Governor Hellum Finsk’s city council.

Members of The Court…

Thelnyron gestures for you all to step down into the central chamber with a genuine smile, before making his way to his usual seat in the council stalls.

A guard flanks either side of you - as you all see familiar faces like Cynthia Glint, Commander Dae’hya, & Douglas Beck take their seats amongst many unfamiliar council people. It seems a great number of people have been summoned at this early hour.

As everyone arrive and settles down… the familiar appearance of a man wearing a deep crimson cloak with white-gold stripes enters your vision as he strides confidently but carefully towards the throne. Multiple guards flank him on either side and file to protect any axis of threat against him.

Morgyn gets the sense this is excessive even for the Prince…

Prince Dannick Vaena calls everyone to attention as they rise and perform a standard royal salute. Dannick Vaena sits down and address the court in full

“Dear members of the court… I come to you all today to address the matters of the past 24 hours that are of concern to our Kingdom’s safety.” he says before pausing for a moment.

“Our intelligence networks have been operating at maximum capacity for months because of the increased war efforts - and this has come at great cost to us all.” he continues as a bead begins to form in his right eye…

“Our Kingdom - I truly believe this - is the greatest in all of Vaelorys. We have made this land what it is today and I am so proud of all who call Terick their home for contributing to that.” He says before breathing, and taking a sip of water whilst the council applauds.

“However - it is not to say that we have a perfect populace; no where does. There are those who would like to sow the seeds of discord and chaos, from even the highest balconies we have to offer. Those wolves who wish to hide in the clothing of sheep have no place in our beautiful country!” he decrees with another pause for a rousing endorsement from the councilors.

“My Father believed this, my Brother believed this… and so do I.” he continues as that bead falls and runs down his cheek before merging with his perfectly groomed goatee.

At this moment - I need everyone to make either a Perception, Insight, or Arcana check.

• Perception, 16 gets 1, 20 gets 2:
  1. More guards have been slowly entering the chamber and there is now at least 50 guards blocking any path to Dannick Vaena or the exit of the Throne Room.
  2. You didn’t catch it before but Davison Theros is standing on the opposite side of the chamber to Thelnyron; he is seemingly trying to stay hidden.
• Insight, 15 gets one, 20 gets 2:
  1. Dannick Vaena seems genuinely upset by something and is just very good at hiding it.
  2. Thelnyron is keeping a very good poker face; this is the most serious you’ve seen him. OR Dae’hya seems a little uncomfortable with the number of Royal Guards in the chamber.
• Arcana, 17 gets one, 21 gets 2, 25, gets 3:
  1. There is an glyph that has been obscured by the obsidian floor and you are standing on it. It has not started to activate.
  2. It is a multiplicative glyph - containing multiple connected spells. It would take time to parse them all.
  3. The rune on the right is a high level Abjuration spell - and the middle is a school of magic you don’t recognize.

Dannick Vaena wipes his tear and continues to speak:

“Members of the court of Roan, it is with a pit in my stomach, and a hole in my heart that I announce to you that our King - my BROTHER - IS DEAD!” speaking softly at first before screaming at the end. Murmurs, rumour, and discourse take over the room.

“Please everyone, this is hard enough for us all as is - let us not stoop their level and speak the tongue of deceivers. I would not have brought this to you all so soon if there was doubt over who was responsible for this heinous crime. Please remain seated as we play you the recording of the King’s chambers following the midway point of last night’s ball.”

He gestures to a Mage nearby him and the Arcane glyph beneath you alights - as the rune on the left activates as the lights in the room dim. Glowing green lights extend from a crystal the in the mage’s hands before an image comes into focus in front of you.

You witness seven figures - three humans Human with a large staff and robes, another in soldiers armour, and one with a hooded robe; flanked by a muscular Half-Elf with jet black hair, a male Tiefling with a mechanical device in hand, a tall Leonin figure wielding two blades, an even taller Goliath wielding an ornate battleaxe. The figures each pull out an ornate dagger and rush an middle aged man in a very luxurious bedroom. The image fades as the spectral outlines of the assassins is placed opposite yourselves.

SHAI - Do you want to take a moment to look at either of the other two runes OR look up at the sky and see if the stars provide some support OR look at Dannick Vaena?

The rest of you - where are you looking? Where are your minds at right now? if any of them try to move - they’ll hear the sound of crossbows cocking.

• Thelnyron is stay calm in the face but has a clenched fist that’s turning red fast.
• Davison Theros is nowhere to be seen.
• Dae’hya and Cynthia are both aghast and keep looking around for a exit

The right side rune alights as you all feel any magical items, abilities, and traits go numb. SHAI you gleam that this is an Antimagic Field.

Dannick continues as the lights return solely on him.

“It seems to me - members of my court - that our assassins are none other than the ‘heroes’ standing in front of you all.” he says sternly; fighting back more tears. “Can anyone come to their defence??”

You all see Thelnyron rise and take the stand.

“Mr Dose. How wonderful of you to speak up?” Dannick says as a grin curls over his face.

“Can you describe the means by which these seven assassins arrived in Zenytha last night?” Dannick questions loudly.

“It looks to be by teleportation of sorts, your Highness…” Thelnyron Dose responds, sheepishly.

“And who in attendance of last night’s ball - because I will attest to their attendance last night up to a point - would have been capable of teleporting 7 individuals from Roan to Zenytha and back in such a short time span.” Dannick Vaena inquired, pushing Thel for an answer.

“Your Highness, I was the only one in attendance who could accomplish such a feat but…” Thel attempted to answer before Dannick Vaena spoke up again

“But what? You wish to defend these assassins but you can’t even defend yourself. Not only were you the only plausible means for them to accomplish such a feat - you were late to your duties as High Arcanist - luckily young Davison was prepared to step in.” Dannick Vaena says - as he gestures for Davison Theros to stand by his side.

Dannick continues “It was brought to my attention by Davison that you have been operating an information network out of The Creeks and harbouring fugitives and criminals. Is that correct, Mr Dose?”

Thel ignores the question as he scans the room - looking at each of you with a pained look in his face. He mutters to himself before beginning an incantation. The guards immediately step in and prepare multiple, simultaneous Counterspells which bounce off before Thelnyron begins to vanish. Just as he’s about to disappear a blur darts from where Davison was to where Thel was standing. You all see the young mage with his hand around Thelnyron’s throat as the smell of burning flesh wafts through the chamber; followed by the pained cries of the elderly mage.

“Members of the court - please remain seated. I do apologize for the violence - I had wished he’d been more compliant; but criminal manners like this must be taken with the utmost caution. GUARDS! Seize these criminals and send them and the wretched mage to the dungeons. The only fitting punishment for their crimes is death - does anyone here disagree?”

The mages, royal guard, and Davison Theros are all staring at you. Your magical items and abilities are nullified and you have been marked criminals by the King of Terick… What do you guys do?

Let them squirm if they want. Too much resistance will mean death here and now.

In The Dungeons

You are knocked unconscious and feel yourselves being dragged over cold stones before a large iron door is slammed shut.

You awake an unknown amount of time in a dimly lit dungeon chamber. The 7 of you are sharing a much too small prison chamber - barely enough space for 3 of you to look out the iron bars. Across the hallway you see the elderly and beaten body of Thelnyron Dose as he is suspended from the ceiling by ethereal green chains.

Wing this section After enough time - Thelnyron will chuckle and say “well that went fucking brilliantly now didn’t it?” seemingly directed at them before he’ll say “the coast is clear now - you may show yourself”

Davison Theros will appear carrying a small chest in his arms.

Wing this again - the chest will expand when he drops it on the floor - opening it reveals their belongings and items.

“I don’t have much time - get out of there fast and get your stuff. I’ll explain the rest when I’ve gotten Master Dose free…”

Whilst The Fated Eight get their gear sorted/bearings - Davison Theros will attend to Thelnyron before trying to break the chains suspending him.

After a few attempts to break the chains suspending his arms - Davison Theros attempts to release the central chain running into Thel’s back. Doing so causes Thel immense pain as he lets out a screaming cry, before an alarm begins to blare through the entire floor. “You’ve got no time and I don’t think I’d survive the stress. Get them safe Thel says to Davison.

Davison refuses for a few second before reluctantly agreeing. Turning towards The Fated Eight

“You’re not safe anywhere in Terick - we need to leave. There’s not a lot of places I can take you but you need to pick fast. I can take you to Stahn, or the Paradisian Coast, or to the Feywild…”

Wing the end of the session.