Session 8: Rest and Positioning Report

The party was understandably horrified to see what transformation had overtaken Othyrus- they gathered close, questioning him. Othyrus explained that he sought means in the depths to save the fort, and achieved it. The beasts wandered around them as living proof. Xeyesh was furious in opposition, saying that it was unnatural and cruel to lure these creatures from their domain. Yaza intoned that they appeared to like it up here- perhaps there was no issue with it. Thelastor was just interested in what pacts and terrible ramifications therein should be expected. Worse, Xeyesh revealed the situation wherein Othyrus cast Viiryne upon him, causing his feral Elivas nature to be unleashed, nearly destroying everyone in the fort if enough went amiss. Thelastor was naturally disgusted. The problem was that nobody knew how to settle the issue. What could be done? Othryus was stronger now, and would surely no die without a fight.

Rhomod departed to go seek Arelastod in the viod’s depths, dead or alive. Xeyesh cast a final series of warnings and curses upon Othyrus. Oradyol went to the basement to check on Getas, whether he was alive or dead, and to bring him back up. Thelsator, Yaza, and Othryus settled to clearing the bodies, Duyor and friendly alike, for burial alongside extinguishing the flames. Qeturkis retired indoors for rest.

Xeyesh plunged into the depths, but was immediately stopped upon the stairs by a large number of the creatures making their way up into the viod. He stopped among them, spoke with them. He explained to them that they were led here by a deceiver- one who made them lesser, halted them from growing, if they understood his meaning. One took particular interest, grabbed Xeyesh’s arm, and dragged him down and down to the same western chamber wherein contact was first made. Therein three disgusting piles of oily black slag were arranged on the ground. The creature turned to Xeyesh and asked if this was what it was to not grow- to be a deceiver. Xeyesh realized this was probably caused by the Viiryne being in the depths for any amount of time, and nodded his head silently. He asked to see this Rhokun, who explain everthing which was happening there, and the creature brought him through the shaded corridors.

Meanwhile, Rhomod searched the depths for Arelastod, calling his name over and over as the Vojunic smoke grew thicker. It didn’t take long. Around halfway down the steps, the feared tenor of Arelastod’s voice rang out, asking if everything was over. Rhomod went to it and saw Arelastod tucked into a corner beside some old smith’s furnances. A surprise, but perhaps not by much. Rhomod attempted to explain to Arelastod that his actions were cowardly, and that hiding would have been worthless if they had all died. Arelastod learned nothing, but instead pointed out that they DIDN’T die and that everything worked out just as well as hoped. Whatever. Rhomod guided him back up to the surface, where Thelastor chastised the youth badly, but that also made no difference at all. Arelastod took it all in stride, departed to the fort, gathered some food, ate, then tucked into bed for some much needed rest.

Up and back alive, Getas sought out Thelastor. He asked to speak, and the pair travelled to the upper level of the Viod’s sole tower. He asked Thelastor if he knew what was happening- Thelastor replied that he did not, and asked the same. Getas shook his head. This situation was beyond control, but there was a silver lining- the Vojun; that amount of power would be extremely useful for the Tressars and their masters back in Medus, and more than enough to make them rich if they survived. Thelastor nodded and said that he would write a letter to be sent back- detailing everything, the Eshan and the smoke and the beasts. Getas would bring it by boat, and then reinforcements would arrive. All Thelastor had to do was survive until he returned, then he would be wealthy and well-respected. Thelastor agreed, and Getas gathered the rest of his surviving sailors, two days of rations, and departed.

What followed was a torrent of interested inquiries and conversations aimed at Thelastor, whose role as the de jure master of the Viod and personal ability made him a tantalizing target for the growing interest groups. First Yaza sought him out to make some agreement upon their shared Eshanic alignment- Acolitus alongside Artem and Marasi. Thelastor agreed, though admitted that he was not necessarily that close with the Eshan in any case, but he would be attentive that matters did not spiral out of control. After, Othyrus sought him, and spoke to him about the nature of this power beneath the Viod, and whether he should want to use it or not. Thelastor said that the power was useful but not in quite the way Othyrus had made use of it. They spoke back and forth, revealing various truths such as Othyrus’ many masters (or potential masters) but came to something of a passive understanding. This was a difficult situation, and it was only going to get worse.

Down in the depths, the creature successfully guided Xeyesh to a chamber deep in the bowels of this pillar city, where the smoke grew more dense. The creatures halted there, not coming closer but motioning for Xeyesh to continue. Xeyesh nodded, and asked the creature if it had a name- which is hestitated on the meaning. Xeyesh decided to give the thing a name- Kesh Rhokun, as one who dwelled in this land of Rhokun but with a given name. The creature accepted the name eagerly, and watched Xeyesh as he disappeared into the thick smoke, waiting to see if he would return again.

Xeyesh moved forward at a brisk pace, until a dark shape took form above him. It appeared as a corrupted mass of flesh, once humanoid-ish but now laden with additional weight that the skin sagged over whatever ancient Odyrzid relic was once present. Thick crusted areas of dark Vojunic power coat the stone ground. They spoke for quite some time, saying many things which are too lengthy to recount word for word here. Rhokun explained himself as the first born of the smoke, and that he was interesting the in coming of the Vozukri, for some among his people were not growing since the time they arrived, and that was never previously a danger. Xeyesh explained that this was because there were deceivers among the Vozukri, bring those who wanted to make them lesser, use them for their own power. The same being came down to receive the power (Othyrus) was one of these deceivers, and he sought nothing but their downfall. Rhokun was upset by this, and asked if there was anything Xeyesh could do as the Way to remedy this betrayal. Xeyesh explained that he would deal with the deceiver, because they were FRIENDS, a word meaning those who wished for them to grow. In time, Xeyesh would lead Rhokun to Vozukri, but the precise time was uncertain. Now Xeyesh returned with the assistance of Kesh, reentering the Viod.