Session 25 Prep

Set Expectations

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

• First session indoors
• Lunch
• Bare with my whilst we get into the next section, might be a few looser session as the pace gets established and you all get comfortable with the new locations
• A surprise or two are possible today

Recap & Re-Familiarize

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

Last we left off… you were all teleported by Davison Theros to the Feywild - before being rudely interrupted by mysterious green blasts of energy, followed by ethereal crackling tendrils that seemed to rip Davison into and through the walls of the Warp spell. You were helpless to watch as your trajectory was thrown off course before your crash landed somewhere entirely unexpected. A largely empty, and frigid environment captured your senses as you grappled to make sense of what happened. SHAI wandered off; suffering from Warp Sickness and determined to return to his home - following the call of the Feywild he felt from a rune on a nearby mountain pass. It took the rest of you to convince him that the best course right now - to avoid freezing to death - was to head for the well-lit cabin that was further off in the distance. You stayed a night in this seemingly Magical cabin - where you enjoyed roasting meats, hot cocoa - and a well decorated pine tree with present that seemed perfectly picked for each of you. You discussed your course of action before heading to bed.

The following morning you awoke to much calmer weather as SHAI rushed to explore the Fey rune outside. The rest of you tried to make sense of where you were - and with some astrological assistance and sense of deduction; you worked out you were most likely on the Southernmost continent of Saeylis. SHAI and Axton determined that the rune created a one-way barrier up the mountain - meaning walking through it would prevent you returning via this path. Eventually you made your way up the pass before finding yourself at a stone ruins - with eight chiselled pillars around a large recession in the ground. A rough stone spire - seemingly bound with an Arcane rune of sealing seemed to holding something inside it. The rune also seemed to be suppressing the means by which you could continue to the Feywild - an ancient technology not seen in thousands of years known as a Fey Runegate. After a short investigation; your spellcasters launched a barrage of spells at the rune in hopes to destroy it - as red mist spilled from the crumbling spire. Out of mist a a withered man in odd spellcaster’s robes - but no shoes - appeared and began assaulting you with spells.

A battle ensued against a Lich known as Saint Necromanta - who leveraged fallen spirits to avoid your suppressants whilst torches atop the pillars progressively lit. When all 8 torches alit - you realized that Saint Necromanta had not a standard Lich; as he attained a full transformation that seemed unwanted. Unable to control the power - he continued to batter you with spells as you worked together as team to overcome the great foe. It was Morgyn who landed the final hit - as you watching the Lich corpse fall to the ground and melt into similar red mist.

You caught your breath and made sense of what just happened - as some of your troupe searched for loot. It was SHAI and Axton that found an Orb of Arcane Potential - which the latter recognized could be useful with the right tools; but otherwise would fetch a pretty sum of gold if sold. As you prepared your next steps - you noticed the Fey Runegate alight; no longer supressed by the sealing spell; before a Solar appeared behind you - introducing himself as Saint Nicholas. You learned he was once a mortal who lived in these lands - before joining the armies of Icaron, The Break Of Dawn during The Cataclysm.

You took a night’s shelter in the cabin - noticing it’s Magical properties now absent - before returning to the Fey Runegate the following morning - unsure where you will land or what to expect.

And that’s where we’ll pick up from… you all climbed to the top of the mountain in Saeylis where the battle with Saint Necromanta took place - as you stand near the glowing Fey Runegate.

The current day is unknown to you all - it has been a number of days at this point since your arrest in the city of Roan. It is has been a calm - but chilly day so far, the sun is still low in the sky.

Immediate Event

The immediate action for the Party to deal with.

To The Feywild

• Give them a chance to yap for a bit; encourage some discussion about the possibilities

When they go through the portal have them enter a large room with stars for the floor; as they walk through the long chamber they’ll see a lithe man in a long black coat. Pale skin Large pointed ears - longer than any Elf - with a small nose. His large eyes apparent from the black sclera and white iris as he stares at you.

The Gatekeeper will make his introduction: “Oh my… wha- I did not even know that gate still worked? It has been an AYGEEE since we’ve had guests… OH pardon me - where are my manners??? I can see the look on all your faces - I have been quite rude and you must be terribly confused. I am The Gatekeeper - it has been my job for oh the past few millennia at least to act as the doorman for the Realm of Fey, and as a guide for those lucky enough to granted sanctuary. Does that sound appealing to you all?”

Wing this section

Eventually - he’ll approve their entry to the Feywild - before counting their numbers and saying

“oh my - apologies are in order. I am so rusty I forgot to check that we would all fit! Ah what to do!

You all see a book appear in his hands as he flicks through at an unnatural pace trying to find how to handle this situation

“Ah yes a SIDECAR - that’s perfect! Let’s see… I’ll need two of your troupe to volunteer to ride along side us for this next part. Any takers?”

You all see Jin step forward as he has many times and proudly speak

“Jin: Hello there Mr Gatekeeper Sir. My name is Jin and my compatriot here - Mr Axton - would be quite happy to ride in the sidecar”

“The Gatekeeper: Perfect! Thank you muchly Mr Jin and Mr Axton.”

You all see a wave of his hand as a giant Arcane bubble forms the five of you - and a separate one around Jin and Axton. You watch as he connects the two bubble with a chain that appears to be made of solid light; as prismatic refractions catch each of your eyes. The Gatekeeper hops into the bubble with the 5 of you and says “And we’re off! Please keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times - and make sure to enjoy the tour!”

The bubbles begin to levitate as a small hum fills the air… before accelerating at high speed through a doorway as your vision goes white.

Your vision returns as the bubbles are floating and flying nimbly through through the sky. “We’re making a small descent - please hold on.” as you suddenly feel yourselves drop through a large cloud. As you exit the other side - you all feel your bubble stabilise; as if it is now rolling on rails.
”Ladies & Gentlemen - I welcome you to… The Feywild” You all - from this height - see a number of mixed landscapes sandwiched between two vastly different regions; with a giant crescent shaped cliffs that almost seem reflective to the North, and large crimson red pools that seem to litter the southern edge of your vision. The Gatekeeper begins to speak:

“The Tour is now in session so please pay close attention whilst I bring you all up to speed on the Feywild - I kindly ask you save all your questions until the end where I will be more than happy to answer them…”

“From this height - I’m sure you can all see the Cliffs Of Lyxxis to the North and the Pools of Sanguish to the South. I would advise you to steer clear of these landmarks without good reason - those mark the boundary of the Seelie & Unseelie territory respectively. And trust me - everything between them is SOO MUCH MORE EXCITING! Let’s get a little bit closer shall we!”

You all feel the bubble accelerate downwards and off to the North Eastern quadrant - carefully following the curvature of the Cliffs Of Lyxxis. Arriving 500 feet above a beautiful Island Oasis; with water so clear and sand so perfect it makes any beach Otheria had to offer look dirty in comparison

“Beneath us are the Sands Of Sensuality - I don’t think I need say anything else, the name practically speaks for itself. Moving on!”

The bubble curves along the cliffs a bit further South West before slowing down above a beautiful plains with bright green grass, trees with fruits & pink leaves, and endless beds of flowers that cover the rainbow. It looks like it was ripped out of a child’s picture book.

“A beautiful sight - right? I know - we are now floating above the Bountiful Blooms; a personal favourite of mine. It’s just as beautiful as the day I met the love of my life here… But! the tour must go on!”

The bubble once again accelerates due East as you rush over a lush green forest…

“We’ve got a bit of time till we get to our next destination so I should probably get to know you all - <insert relevant small quip>

Riff for a bit BEFORE the bubble slows down over the boundary between two regions. On the Northern side; a large plateaued landscape with dark blue/green grass and giant ferrous metals poking out beneath them. Whilst on the southern side; a dusty expanse littered with rocks and stones. You can’t help but notice the multiple large crevices and ravines that decorate the bulk of the land - and the vague blue/purple glow that emanates from within.

“We are currently riding comfortably along the boundary of the Lycanic Planes to the North, and the Rynetear Wastes to the South. If you ask ME which I’d prefer to visit - I’d happily tell you neither. Were-people in one and talking rocks in the other - BAH! A dangerous waste of time if you ask me! But enough boring talk - Onwards and Upwards as I’ve always said!”

The bubble accelerates forwards at top speed as you think it’s going to crash into the gargantuan mountain in front of you - before sharply pulling upwards and narrowly dodging a collision.

“OH MY GOD! I forgot it did that!! My my that was an exhilarating way to introduce you to Mystveil Mountains. Home of the Terralpi people, and an excellent place to stay hidden if you ask me - second only to those gaudy Shifting Shades - but I digress. Here you will find some of the best food and drink you have ever; and I mean ever, tasted. The people are lovely and the views PHE…NOM…IN…AL!”

The bubble spends a few moments hanging inside a cloud of mist as you are given a moment to observe the large majority of the Feywild from 3500ft high.

DO NOT READ: GIVE LUCAS THE HEADS UP HERE

“I don’t normally do this but you’ve been such a lovely tour group - and I do genuinely mean that; I don’t just say it to everyone who comes through here - so take in the views and please ask any and ALL question you might have floating around in those adorable Mortal brains of yours!”

Wing this for a bit BEFORE the bubble takes off once more; flying Eastward at top speed and towards the lush green forest you flew past earlier. Slowing down as you approach a clearing - some of you notice something off in the distance.

• Perception check to see what’s happening in the clearing between the lush green forest you’re currently floating over and the messy jungle to the East of it.
  • DC15 you see a number of dark furred creatures leaping and pouncing like they’re chasing after some prey.
  • DC18 you notice a younger man - maybe late 20s - doing his best to fend of these feline creatures. He manages to retaliate at one before repositioning in the blink of an eye.

The Gatekeeper either doesn’t see or care about this and continues the tour as the bubble begins drifting over the lush green forest and towards the clearing you saw the man running towards

“Well it has been fun but we have reached our final part of this tour… beneath you are is the perfectly ordinary Veradean Forest and to the East is The Unbearable Shifting Shades! This looks like a safe place to land so let me just plop us down right over there.

You all notice The Gatekeeper fumble with some complex runes on the outer wall of the bubble before gathering that he is getting frustrated with something not working as he expected. Before you get a chance to say anything you all feel the bubble lurch forward and you are nearly swept off your feet as the bubble accelerates wildly and begins flying out of control.

“JUST A MOMENT - I HAVEN’T DONE THIS IN OH A COUPLE THOUSAND YEARS I’M SURE I’LL GET IT. AHA - THIS ONE!”

You see him slap a glowing red rune with confidence; only to hear what sounds like glass breaking - before seeing the beam connecting your bubble to the one Axton and Jin were in break. Their bubble begins to veer off out of control as you see your friends vanish above the clouds.

“Oh my - that’s what I get for reading it upside down! This one should do it.

The bubble slows down and begins controllable descending to it’s expected destination… DC16 con saves or vomit

The bubble softly squelches as it touches down in the narrow clearing - as you realize it is raining outside. WAIT FOR LUCAS TO CONFIRM HE’S HERE

A gap appears in the bubble and you are gestured to make your exit. As step out into the clearing - you all rapidly hear the sounds of an exhausted Human man fending off multiple Feline creatures with multiple tails. The Gatekeeper takes one look at them and his typical gleeful expression is swapped with that of pure fear. He waves a hand (and pushes anyone still in the bubble out) before closing the bubble and flying off. “I’M GOING TO FIND YOUR FRIENDS…” you hear him say as his voice fades away rapidly..

Small Quips

Make it clearer and clearer that he has not spoken to a Mortal since The Arcanic Age (when they invented proper magic to travel to the Feywild more naturally)

• Is anyone here a devotee of one of the Archons? I’ve heard they stand quite tall wandering around Vaelorys.
• Oh you’re from Terick you say? Strange - I can’t say I’ve ever heard of that place? Is it new; what continent is it on - Vylderica, or perhaps Colum’Tylas.
  • DC 17 History Check (Aurevald++): Colum’Tylas was the name for Otheria following The Fracture
  • DC 22: when a number of Gnomes and Druid folk immigrated there to help rebuild societies and repair the lands from the damage dealt quelling the Primordial Titans.
• I heard not that long ago that the Elves of Kaelethys managed to create artificial life - can you believe that? Machines that can think and act for themselves? Fascinating! I can’t imagine the Archons are too happy about that!
• Whymselon and Selenephoe have been quite absent in the past few years. I can’t imagine what could have happened to lead to that?

Plots Points/Paths Forward

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

The Unfamiliar Human

When Lucas gives the signal that he’s hear. Play around with the notes and music for a bit before faking a phone call and saying “oh sorry guys just gotta take this.” “hey dude - you’re here; ok I’ll come to the door one sec” LUCAS INTRO

Azriel - 5 years ago you were an unwilling agent of the Vaena Kingdom before you were captured by Stahni spys exiting the ruins known as Caer Vaelys. Today - you are prey for a pack of Displacer Beasts looking for their next meal.

Despite managing to take down one of them yourself - you’re running out of spells and you can’t shake them. As the thoughts of doubt eek into your mind - you hear a rowdy troupe make a less than elegant landing in the clearing nearby. Get the party to describe what Azriel sees when he notices The Fated Eight

You attention was distracted a moment too long as a Displacer Beast lunges for you.

I need you all to roll initiative

Displacer Beast Fight

4x displacer beasts; 1-2 more if it feels TOO easy.

Wing it after the vibe - end on high energy

LOOSE IDEAS

Dridge

• Terralpi male, 60s. Aussie bogan.
• He’s been a blacksmith and a tool maker for decades; but his toolshop is back in Mystveil Mountains and he can’t go back there anymore.
• Thanks you for taking out the Displacer Beast
• Recognizes the name Galenda Gruggon - her mother was friends with his mother supposedly.
• He’s out looking for his kids - they went out to play and never came home
  • “Probably playing a stupid prank on me - they didn’t like that we had to leave home. They’re too young to understand”