Session 3: More Quiet Stitches

December 19 and 20, 113

Magical Transformation and Reconnaissance

The session opens with Gideon inadvertently getting caught in a magical water ritual conducted by Jasper. Despite initial frustration, Jasper accepts Gideon as “along for the ride.” Jasper then prepares a vial of blue, glowing mist, allowing Gideon to enter an out-of-body, ethereal state for reconnaissance. Gideon floats freely above his body, drifting through walls and into the town, observing unrest and tension among townsfolk following recent murders. While he finds no direct evidence regarding The Scalpel Man, his exploration provides a useful reconnaissance perspective.

Liam and the Cursed Book

Meanwhile, Liam investigates a dark, magical book that seems alive, attempting to merge with him and promising potential posthuman or immortal enhancements. Its pages writhe with grotesque, animated writing, and its influence gradually begins compelling Liam to read it continuously. The robot Art observes cautiously, noting the book’s dangerous magical properties. Attempts to remove the book from Liam lead to chaotic grappling and comedic tension, highlighting the artifact’s corruptive influence and resistance to containment.

“You can’t have her.”
— Referring to Nissa being owned by the sinister book, a terse, ominous line that captures the book’s dark influence.

Sewer and Underground Hospital Exploration

Gideon, still in spectral form, traces a trail from the library into The Sewers. He observes the tunnels, drainage infrastructure, and side passages, eventually encountering a door and vent that transition into a more structured facility resembling an underground hospital. Forced back into his corporeal form, Gideon experiences disorientation, prompting Jasper to check on him. Gideon recounts his observations, noting patient rooms, surgical equipment, and signs of ritualistic activity.

"Shaken Liam syndrome.”
— A hilarious coined phrase capturing the relentless shaking to make someone drop the book.

Supernatural Healing and Extraction

In a bizarre, supernatural moment, Gideon undergoes a healing process where Jasper removes a black, tentacled mass from his body. The creature is discarded casually, leaving Gideon restored but aware of lingering unnatural effects. This episode emphasizes the ongoing surreal and dangerous nature of their investigations.

Chaotic Chase and Book Conflict

The session features a high-intensity chase sequence involving multiple characters, including Lyall, Art, Gideon, Jasper, Liam, and Rom, all tangled in the cursed book’s influence. Lyall collides with obstacles while fleeing, revealing the book’s corruptive and reality-altering power. The chase mixes improvisational urban hazards, dice rolls, and environmental challenges, blending tension with dark humor. Characters work to stabilize Lyall and secure the book, which remains under Liam’s reluctant control.

"Liam run macro.”
— A funny in-joke referencing the player’s rapid movement and game mechanics.

Abandoned Hospital Exploration

The party continues their exploration of the abandoned hospital above and connected to the sewers. They navigate hallways, waiting areas, curtained exam rooms, and old surgical spaces, observing scattered lockers, vending machines, and dusty equipment. The recurring Ascendant Fold symbol and its motto, “creating the science of tomorrow,” appear frequently, linking the facility to prior experimental or medical operations. Footprints and old staff badges hint at intermittent occupation.

The group documents symbols, name tags, and medical records, debating whether Jasper should provide insights due to his expertise. Despite the presence of old equipment, much of the facility is long abandoned and powerless, emphasizing reliance on portable light sources. Poetic, fragmented guidance from an unseen entity adds an eerie, supernatural atmosphere.

The Ascendant Fold owns the hospital and desires the best possible health outcomes...

— Hospital AI