Session 34 Prep

Set Expectations

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

Last session you all levelled up, if you haven’t rolled HP- now is the time to do it.
- I know that Jon and Aaron were impatient and couldn’t wait. Idk about the rest of you.
Next session dates;
- Sunday 23rd has the most votes rn, but we’d be without Jon
- Sat 22nd theoretically could have more but need people to confirm if they have more availabilities.
- Father’s day weekend is a write-off already but I’m taking the opp to go on another ski trip for the weekend.
This session:
- I think this session will provide some of the answers from last session and wrap up this little Azriel section nicely.
- Some downtime to digest the above and make some space for smaller moments that might be ready to surface
- Leads us into the next dungeon which I believe is Drasiyl’s Path. I don’t believe we’ll start the dungeon today; but it’s highly likely that you’ll arrive there and

Recap & Re-Familiarize

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

Last we left off…

The Fated Eight repelled an incursion by a pack of Vanisher Beasts; a cousin of the Displacer Beasts you’d encountered a few days prior. It took a bit; and there was certainly some lessons learned from the fight; but it ended as only one Vanisher Beast managed to escape alive.
You correctly solved the puzzle with the three roses, which revealed both an exit from the dining room and a
searching a hallway with multiple doors. Each door revealing disparate clues about the happenings in this space.
- One room revealed a journal entry of a man that had been rescued from a fatal encounter by a figured named Zarsh. The description of his weapon and the means by which he rescued the author vaguely recalled similarities to Azriel.
- Another revealed notes of alchemical experiments that recorded a breakthrough in the development of whatever the author was attempting to synthesize. The author suggested the use of Gyi’Gantos bone to further stabilize the solution. Here you also managed to find and coax three Displacer Beast kittens; one of which was injured, to follow along with you. One of which seemed friendly with Azriel.
- There was also a door that led to a bloodied and grimy jail cell; with barely legible, sylvan phrases written on the wall in dirty blood, and a goblet containing alchemical residue. The blood here revealed to Ryujin a vison of a pregnant woman drinking from a goblet and then keeling over in pain; before being trapped in a cell.
- The last door led down to a rickety wooden room with two corpses garishly displayed in the centre; one a humanoid woman with insectoid wings, and the other a small feline corpse with 6 legs and 2 additional tails. Inspection of the corpses revealed that the feline creature had likely burst from the torso of the humanoid. Underneath the humanoid’s hand were the words “Zarsh Lies” in plain common written with blood.
a loud roar caused the kittens to scatter and jump down a hole in the planks of the floor; revealing the dark cavern beneath you. At this time a key; seized in the humanoid woman’s hand, flew up and towards a doorway; revealing a path through magical darkness for your troupe to navigate.
Arriving at the end of the darkness; you realised you were approaching the mouth of a cave clearing. Here; you all noticed the starscape sky before the gigantic feline creature slumbering on the other side of the cave from you began to stir; and Azriel without warning began to rush towards it.
A battle ensued as 4 Vanisher beasts appeared between Azriel and the rest of your troupe; seemingly focused on keeping him as far from the feline creature as possible. With the aid of The Fated Eight; Azriel was able to make his way atop the head of Cindrethrax to plunge his sword into it’s head.
The wound left by Aeternus Falx first leaked silvery blood before black ichor began to boil from it; turning into tiny winged insects as it did. These insects eventually coalesced into a towering Archfey that Azriel sourced his powers from.
The flamboyant and vain Zarkadyne The Thorn revelled in his freedom and introduced himself to you all; avoiding the gaze of Azriel the entire time as he blinked from each of you wondering if there was a possible deal to be made.
When Azriel saw an opening - he lunged at Zarkadyne The Thorn with Aeternus Falx hoping to fatally wound his patron. Zarkadyne The Thorn was prepared however and reflected Azriel’s attack back at him using an enchanted hand mirror; instantly killing the Human Warlock.
Zarkadyne The Thorn vanished with a glee as you rushed to revive your compatriot; as the chamber started to collapse in on itself - as Cindrethrax; the large Feline creature, began to die as well. A team effort brought Azriel back to life, and he quickly grabbed Aeternus Falx. He offered it up Cindrethrax in hopes of stabilizing it’s life.

And that’s where we’ll pick up from…

You are all standing nearby or within the heart of Cinder’s Den; as you all watch Azriel thrust the blade of his sword into the broken fang of Cindrethrax’s mouth. The rumbles that threaten to collapse the chamber quell as the large Feline creature grows in size, before slowly awaking.

Immediate Event

The immediate action for the Party to deal with.

Azriel is free of his pact with Zark. Ask Lucas to remove his Feywild Patron subclass.

Azriel Closure and Springboard

Cindrethrax Lore:

how long have you to been trapped here
- Time is mortal construct; I have never quite understood it. However, I believe around 2 thousand; maybe more, of your years have passed since I was trapped here. Few have visited me since Zarsh’s betrayal.
What was he doing here,
- Long before my imprisonment - I was unknowingly summoned to this world by the dance of a strange woman. She; like myself, was wounded - but she had strength to nurse me back to health, and taught me about this realm and it’s customs. In return; I helped her reconnect with her family - who had gone through some turmoil prior to my arrival. Before she and I parted ways; the dancer placed me into a deep slumber that would allow my wounds to heal completely should enough time pass.
- Unfortunately, I was awoken prematurely when a tribe of Fey stumbled into the den. My wounds had healed somewhat but I was afflicted by a paralysing hunger - survival meant bargaining with these Fey for food. Zarsh was the most generous of their tribe - so I made a deal with him out of what I thought at the time was mutual benefit.
- Centuries passed as our tribe whittled down; an increasing number of mysterious disappearances, but Zarsh reassured me he was doing all he could to cure my condition.
- Just as I started to lose faith in Zarsh’s abilities, his miracle cure was complete. I was astounded as I felt my long-suppressed power return, as I stood tall on this world for the first time. Moments later - I realized the mistake I had made empowering Zarsh; as I felt him begin to compel this power from within me and into him.
- With the power he stole from me; he was able to attain Archdom; becoming Zarkadyne The Thorn, and to break our pact, but not before I afflicted him with a curse and trapped him inside my gut whilst I succumbed to the slumbering effects of his poison.
what are is experiments
- Zarsh made sure to keep them hidden from me; but since our joint imprisonment within this den, I have gleamed that he sought to harness my power for his own ends; without the terms of our deal. He did this under the guise of studying my wounds in order to cure my ailments.
- The feline creatures you found earlier were his first… prototypes to use a mortal word.
Where would Zark go?
- I cannot say for sure, but his vanity leads me to suspect he will search for a means to cure the curse I afflicted him with. I could tell he was not pleased that your freeing of him did not undo it.
Are you two still connected as in does he have access to your power
- I do not believe so. Zarkadyne The Thorn’s poison was crafted to sever our connection after he had stolen the large majority of it.
Who and what are you (cinder)
- I am not of this world. I unfortunately do not remember much before my arrival here.
- Are you the descender that these pages talk about
  - During my second slumber; I recall a powerful, mortal mage searching the manor you came through for clues about a “Descender”
  - Some time later he return; albeit stronger and looking quite different. He requested to hide something of value with me, and in return cast the starscape illusion you see above to calm me.
  - From what he suggested to me; it sounds likely I am “The Descender” mentioned by that man, but I do not understand what it means beyond that.
What will u do now
- I have not given that much thought young Human. I had expected to spend the rest of my existence imprisoning that monster. I suppose I should seek out The Dancer at some stage. It is odd however, I do not sense her like I once did.
- At this time I will provide shelter for the various creatures affected by Zarsh’s experiments; starting with these 3 creatures. I do not believe that they will survive without my presence nearby.

Azure Fang

If prompted, or if they try to leave without SHAI getting what he came for, the azure fang will be shown to SHAI
- A forearm sized, slightly curved fang made of a deep blue material that catches the light above. There is a note wrapped around the base.
- Comes with diary entry 809
The fang feels powerful and it’s aura reminds you of The Big Three. This is the first relic you were searching for.

Plots Points/Paths Forward

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

Long rest?

Morgyn Moment

Talk to Kezark
Talk to SHAI
Depending how much faith she restore; give back 1 or more cleric levels (no subclass)
- Tie in the idea that Morgyn is coming to some unique perspective blending faith with science, and that the maiden is the god closest to that given her former life as a Mage herself.
- If she tries to speak to the Maiden:
  - She’ll feel the Maiden’s presence, and a desire to speak; however that desire to speak is overridden by a caution of something external to you both.
  - You get the sense that she has something to say to you; but she has to be careful about how she delivers it.

Kezark Moment

Look at tattoo
- You recall that the Dragonborn woman who finished it for you; during your time in Dracossa, had tried to teach you some simple magic
Speak with SHAI/Axton about it
Riff on the moment, prompt him to describe his transformation

Check for other downtime activities

What are SHAI, Lady, Axton, Jin, Aurevald doing?

Azriel Sleep Moment

As sleep takes you; the first night of sleep without Zarkadyne The Thorn’s curse in so many years. It’s relieving at first, and then your mind begins to wander.

You vision is taken by a familiar room; your mother’s lodgings in The Ratways. You’re sitting in one corner of the room; diagonally across from the fireplace. It takes you a moment to realize you’re watching a memory of a night when you were young; maybe 3-4 years old when Deira Lust - your Mother’s boss and Matron of the brothel she worked at - enters from the hallway.

Deira Lust: “Lyla, Lord Ashblossom has arrived. He wishes to see you again.” Lyla Sorrow: “Um; ok Deira - let me just put Az to bed and then I’ll greet him.” Deira turns and leaves. Your Mother; who had been feeding you, quickly turns to put you to bed before stopping as she overhears a conversation in the hallway. Deira is talking to someone before a masculine voice interrupts her, and the figure responsible walks into the room.

A muscular man in his mid 30s walks through the door. White skin and sickly green eyes, with long blonde hair in a fashionable, high-class braid. He is wearing discreet but luxurious robes, and a hooded cloak. He takes off the cloak after closing the door. Resting on his back - you notice the hilt of a sword with a very familiar pommel. In one hand he has a luxurious leather pouch, and the other a bouquet of flowers; each with 6 cyan petals that curve outwards at their tips.

Lord Ashblossom: “Hello Lyla… I’m not here for your craft. I wanted to see you… and him.”

Lyla Sorrow: “Last you saw me you told me you wanted nothing to do with me… let alone him - why the change of heart? Has Lady Ashblossom caught wind of your little escapades, or something?”

Lord Ashblossom: “It’s good to see you aren’t harbouring feelings of ill will. You’re right - I don’t want anything to do with you or the boy; but he’s my blood and for my own reasons I can’t let him die. I don’t expect you to understand or accept my reasons; but I want to offer you gold and resources to keep him alive.” He places the leather pouch onto the table and pulls out a sack of gold and a black glass teapot. He takes one of the flowers and places it’s petals into the teapot; before filling it with water from a flask. He places it in near the fire as you watch it rapidly boil. Lord Ashblossom: “My one condition is that I ask you drink the tea of this lily every night; a full pot. I’ll make sure you have ample supply. This teapot is enchanted, so I will know if you have missed a night; or if you aren’t the one to drink it. So long as you drink the tea- I’ll have an aide deliver the gold directly to you; to avoid Deira’s cut.” You watch as he turns his attention from your Mother and towards your infant self. He takes a deep breath before you Mother speaks up.

Lyla Sorrow: “Please stop staring at him. It was bad enough you came and checked on him when he was a newborn; at least then I actually needed your help, he’s old enough now to remember this when he’s older. Have you ever stopped to think how hard it’s going to be for me to lie to him about your existence?” She turns you away from him and places you in your bed. She gives you your favourite stuffed animal; a knitted black cat, before sitting down in her tattered armchair and begrudgingly drinking a cup of the tea.

Lord Ashblossom: “You’re a good mother Lyla… you’ll cope.” He puts back on his cloak as he turns to exit. Stopping in the doorway to say one more thing. Lord Ashblossom: “Oh Lyla… I’m glad to see he has your eyes. Be good to yourself.”

The room goes still as you realize that your infant self has fallen asleep, and you’re watching your mother slowly doze off as she gradually makes her way through the pot of tea. You recall watching her brew it every night just before putting you to bed. About halfway through the pot - you see your infant self wake up in a cold-sweat; as she rushes to comfort you. You watch as she softly sings a comforting melody and your infant self falls asleep shortly after. 10 or so minutes late, she also falls asleep after the last sip.

You feel a sense of control come over you. This is no longer a memory.
He can free roam the room for a bit; riff and see if he comes up with anything.

If he tries to leave; or if he tries to speak to his Mother - she will wake up and speak to him.

“Who’s there? How did you get inside?”

She will recognize him eventually, even if he doesn’t reveal his name.
- She will be confused as to how she is speaking to him. “Are you from the future? ” riff the conversation - let him lead it. It’s the first time Azriel has spoken to his mother in nearly 25 years.

At the end of the conversation - she will give him a hug as she hums the comforting melody from earlier.

As the vision fades and you feel yourself returning to your corporeal form - you remember a couple times before you Mother died where you asked her why she always drank the tea. Her answer was always the same:

“A good man told me that so long as I drink this tea every night; that you’ll grow up to be big and strong like he was.”

Travel To Drasiyl’s Path

Foggy Bridge

Bridge is empty at first, attempting to cross it blindly requires a DEX 17 save as a large Fey Troll guards the bridge.
- Fail means being prone and blinded. 1d6 force damage.
- Success means just being pushed back from the bridge.
9’1” tall
He is armed with a wooden club topped with a giant, deep blue crystal. They will recognize this as Runestone. In total it is nearly as long as Azriel is tall.
Let THEM work out how to get across. Worst case they burn some spell slots or lose some HP trying.
- 2x +6 to hit (1d8 + 6) (DC16 STR. Fail == PRONE),
- 1x +7 (1d12 + 6) to hit,
- 15 AC, 275 HP.
- Cold resistance, fire resistance
If they get past him super fast; he’ll chase them for a bit or throw rocks at them.
Stationed there by The Eternal Mountain
He is dumb as bricks.

Cynthaea’s Grave

Following the jungle path; they notice a gap in the trees. Azriel will hear a feminine voice humming the melody his mother sang to him. Following it they will see a tree with a glowing rift at its base.

If they enter into the portal; they will arrive atop a grass knoll; exiting from the base of a large oak tree through a similar rift. The hill below them seems to be an endless grassy plain. (They are not in the Feywild) There does not seem to be any urgency of the rift they came through closing.

In this realm - they can all hear a feminine voice signing the melody that Azriel had heard before.

There is a grave stone with fragments of old Sylvan engraved into it.
- Translating it reveals the following words: Cynthaea, “beloved Companion of The Moon”, “felled in battle against…”
- Resting against next to grave is a plain and rusted blade; anyone with weapon’s knowledge would know this as Estoc.
  - If Azriel takes it; he can add a rapier to his inventory.

Arrival

The rest of the journey is surprisingly easy - and it dawns on them as they approach a familiar stone ruins; that the map leading them to Drasiyl’s Path has led them back to the Terralpi stronghold.

RIFF from here - see how we’re doing for time. End early if they speed running.