Chapter 12

General Summary

Part 1: Hasten Neuroses


Chapter Twelve: Safest Peak


Chapter 11 Recap:
Last time, you completed our first dungeon crawl, right here on the island of Nasus! There were lots of T-9 style keypads and lots of signs that only spoke Leet. You walked through a room of chains that only attacked Rika, fought a construct of a Mothman made out of tiny moths, which Rhizel recognized the craftsman of, went into a room with two pressure plates that required Rika to stand on one and the rest of the group to stand on the other, Thad was forced to admit to the bust of a wild boar that he was the only one out of all his friends without any i's in his name, and then finally you entered a room that you discerned to be illusory in nature, where you all passed a solo challenge.
Rhizel cast three more spells than he usually is capable of casting, Spickle essentially made a minecraft splash potion, Komi breathed under water, Thad used a crystal ball without expending any arcane energy, and solved a cipher that told him to open the door with the key-phrase, 'thespy', Imari knew the artist to an ancient song that NO ONE knows the artist to, and Rika lived through a fight with her ex-boyfriend, where she discovered that she could tell he was lying through his teeth. Finally, after emerging from their solitary challenges, you worked together to open the last door with an anagram; the phrase 'Hasten Neuroses' transposed to 'The Seer on Nasus.' You opened the door, and were face to face with a Goddess of Light, who introduced herself as Susan, to which Thad responded with, "Hi! I'm Thad," and that's where we'll pick up, but FIRST I'm gonna remind everyone of their active conditions, which is obviously the most fun part of the campaign.
Everyone has a headache and is nauseous.
Rhizel has a fear of drowning in shallow puddles, and believes the floor is lava.
Komi has consumed a mystery drug, but exudes no symptoms as of now.


Reqi, 25 Pereundei, 253 E.W
4:19 pm


The entrance door opens into the center of the front wall of this room. The room is moderately large in size for a single room, about 30ftx30ft. The center of the room is largely empty, just a stone floor with a glaze. On the wall to your left, there's a stairwell leading down, with an ornate black handrail. At the back wall is a desk with one chair and a crystal ball, it looks just like the desk where Thad sat earlier, except there's not a pen and paper. On the walls are several star maps, a few maps of the world, and of other worlds. Off to the back right corner of the room is a reading nook with high wing-back chairs—the old fashioned fancy kind with the deep buttons in the cushions—a couple corner tables, and a couple bookshelves filled with hardcover books. In the right corner of the room is a wide Tatami-esque mat, and a black bostaff mounted on the wall, with etchings of gold. There are several candelabra scattered about, all of which are lit.
Before the party, in roughly the center of the room, stood the goddess Susan, with a floating book and pen next to her.
Susan responded to Thad's greeting, telling them all that she knows their names; she was able to witness their journey through what remains of her temple. She told them there are many she wouldn't allow past her sentry—the mothman construct—but their group was intriguing, and she had to meet them for herself.
I haven't ever seen anything like your group... This many Blessed, Mortal-Born in one place. All of you meeting by chance, because one dragonborn made a rash decision. Do you realize... Some of you may already know, some of you may not... but you have all been in some sort of contact with one of us. One of the gods.
— Susan
She spoke to each of them, listing the things she was able to discern by reading their magical imprints as they passed every one of her challenges, and offered to heal each of them, and restore expended spell slots, if applicable.


I know exactly who you are, Quo Rhizel. Firstborn, and under the Sundial's Sun, Hailing from Denbeigh, Elour. Mills and Vermin extend their gratitude. He came to visit me shortly after you freed him. He's the only one of us that I'm still... in contact with. He's trustworthy. You have my word. And you have my thanks. I didn't even know this until today, but in addition to your free favor, The One of Chaos also granted you his classic magical maneuvers, taking and imposing chaotic risks to crank out an extra spell or two while you're tired.

I need you to understand this, and look into my eyes when I tell you this. The floor is not lava. Also, it seems you've been concerned about drowning in small puddles for the last few minutes. That shouldn't be a problem anymore, either. Also, I'm not sure if you know this, but you accidentally turned one of the trees in the wood outside my temple invisible. I also fixed that. Vermin's magic can be... unpredictable. But it's still a gift worth utilizing.
— Susan

Imari Orvir. Firstborn, and under the Raven's Sun, Hailing from South Irin. You were the easiest to discern. I don't know how you're connected to Arcil, but for some reason, your soul has latched onto his... and he is desperate to hear from you. He's been going on and on about you for fifteen thousand years... a length of time which... you've definitely not been around for. Give me your hand, please; I must read your soul directly.
Imari offered her hand, and Susan took it, continuing as she studied Imari's soul.

He's taken lengthy sabbaticals, some lasting thousands of years, to learn more about you, to connect with you, to hear from you. He and I haven't been in regular contact since before the planar gates were shut, and we were completely out of touch through the war of the gods. I don't know if anyone knows where he is... but disappearing is strangely like him to do. I don't think it's anything to worry about. but I'm sure you're just as anxious to hear from him.
Susan released Imari's hand.
Okay, well. You're not undead. You've never been True Resurrected. You've never fully died, but your lifeline has more scars than most warriors I've seen. you've... you've come dangerously close to death... more often than I would have expected of someone with your age and lifestyle. I may know of another way you can contact Arcil, without trying your luck against reapers. I'd like to tell you about it. But first, I would like to attend to your comrades.

Spickle Durf Bigteef. Tenthborn, and under the Timepiece's Sun, Hailing from the Morranian Capital. Quite a life you've led. You turned the tides of the War. As a cleric, the god you serve must be honored to have you. They elude me, though. The power you wield reminds me of Nyha and Callorn. This grounded, rugged sort of magic. I don't recognize it... because I would recognize Nyha anywhere. And more than that, she's been... dead for several centuries now. You may be a cleric to Junie's church but... you don't wield her power. You wield that of a Nycteronian. A Dark God. In fact, all of you are connected to a dark god, except you...

Rika Arabella Potcheese. Firstborn, and under the Twins' Sun, Hailing from The Wykmiri Capital. You're the only one who has been touched by One of Light. Wykmir. He's the youngest of us. He's best known for being the God of Poetry and Song, but if you've read up on your Sylvan Legends, you'll know that he is almost impossible to lie to. He gave you his gift of discerning truth. This is an incredible, powerful blessing, but it can become a burden. I've seen Wykmir obsess over his skills of discerning the, for lack of a better word, veritas of others. But it's important always to lead with gentle understanding. Sometimes, someone is lying because they are afraid of the truth, and they do not always mean it with ill intent. Sometimes, people lie without even thinking about it. So, when reasonable, always begin with kindness. Know when to speak, and when to listen; know when to interrogate, and when to lose the battle so you may win the war.

Komi Confidant. Firstborn, and under the Tree's Sun, hailing from... from... huh. I don't know where that is... where were you born?

Komi was the only one that Susan seemingly got wrong. She told Susan that she was the secondborn, having an older sister, and that she was born in Elour. And when Susan told her that her magical ability is immense, but unused, Komi told her she didn't have any magic at all. At least, she hadn't for a very long time.
Susan took her hand, like she took Imari's, and showed the room the visual representation of Komi's magical imprint. "All humans have magical abilities," Susan said, "and I would know, because I'm one of two of us that made humans." Susan pointed out a few different places. "This is the place that indicates you're the first child of the person who carried you. That doesn't mean your elder sister isn't your sister. It just means you weren't carried by the same person. She could easily be your half sister. If it's important to you, I would ask your family about it." When Komi didn't say anything, she went on. "This indicates that you're born in the month of Custor, under the Tree's Sun. This spot tells me where you're born, but... it shows you in the middle of the sea, and—"
"Am I a mermaid?" Komi interrupted. "If I'm a mermaid, you have to tell me, right?"
Susan seemed surprised by the question. "No. Look right here," she pointed to another place. "This right here—this indicates your humanity."
Privately, Komi was still not convinced.
Susan continued on.

Verina has blessed you... I would recognize her anywhere. She always leaves traces of herself. She's given you her gift of water breathing, and I believe she gave you the gift of magic as well, but... without reading your magical imprint, i can't say. how long have you been neglecting your power?
Komi didn't say.
She certainly gave you her charm. I would offer to heal you as well, but you seem to be in excellent shape. Surprisingly... very surprisingly good shape. Except for the fact that you're under the influence of Essence of Poijairan Gotacia. But... you're not casting any magic... so... you won't see any of its effects. Why did you take it? I'm not judging you for using, I'm genuinely just curious, is... there an effect I don't know about...?
Komi stammered, saying that she didn't know. Susan droppped the subject and moved on.

Thad. Firstborn, and under the Bear's Sun, hailing from Tori, Nim. You wield warlockian magic, but i don't recognize your patron. I know the gifts you wield hail from a dark god—I just don't know who. Does maybe... does your patron have a patron?
Thad was unsure.
Either way, you're a skilled divinator. I'm impressed by your natural knack. Seeing around corners and behind walls may be a simple trick, but the fact that you did that without expending any spellcasting energy was impressive. I believe this is part of your gift. Peoples of Milianuan descent used to pride themselves on being the most skilled divinators of Evren, but that was before the Gateway to Fate was moved. Your foremothers would be honored to know you are their descendant.


"But you didn't come here to meet me," she told them. "You came here for the bones of Jiro." She told them that she didn't have Jiro's bones at all—she had something better. She had bones that she would actually be willing to part with. "I... I want to explain the situation to you. I think you're worthy of knowing. Fate... Fate tells me it's best you know."
Susan cast an illusion spell, and showed them what happened in the last meeting she attended as part of the Council of Light, and how she learned to her immense relief that her dear friend Jiro is alive.



Susan led them downstairs and presented the preserved body of Xe. Fifty years past his death, and he simply looked like he was sleeping. His body didn't even appear wounded.
"So... how do you get the bones out?"
After a pause, Susan said, "Just tell me how many you need."
With an increcibly small amount of deliberation, Susan offered that they just take all of them, and return what they didn't use. With a wave of her hand, all of Xe's bones were magicked from his body and in the hands of the players. The bones were wet. It was fine.
Spickle, Komi, Imari, and Rika started upstairs, leaving Susan and Thad on their way to follow, when, curious what boneless god-flesh was like, Rhizel produced an unlit Glow Stick from his pocket and poked at Xe's grossly deflated vessel. Susan's blue complexion turned green, and she waved her hand and his body disappeared. "Let's go back upstairs," she told them.



Back in her reading nook, an entire God-Skeleton in tow, Imari gratefully accepted the scroll Susan gave her which contained the meditation technique that would calm her soul enough to contact Arcil without putting herself on the brink of death. Susan asked a few questions about how the contact was made, and discerned that because she was contacting his soul in the past, and because he had felt her more often than she had him, the contacts would continue without her being able to communicate with him, as disappointing that would be for both parties. The reality of the situation seemed to dawn on Susan in that moment, and she proclaimed,
Imari... You're not connected directly to Arcil, you're connected to Arcil, via Fate. That's the only way something like this could happen. I've never heard of it before, ever, but that's the only way I can figure that you would be able to go back in time like that. Well, you're not time traveling, you're time... viewing. And Fate is an archive of every single timeline, everywhere. You are somehow connected to Arcil IN FATE. And he's not connected to you, you're connected to him. How... how did you do it?
— Susan
Imari offered that Susan could read her memory, the same way she had shown them all what happened 30 years ago, by projecting an illusion of the events of that day. Everyone was able to see what happened that day. Susan was very disappointed to find that whatever magical anomaly caused Imari's tether to Fate was a fluke—one caused by the unpredictable nature of conjuration magic without open contact with other planes. She lamented that Isendrak began paying for closing the gates thousands of years before opening them. But she was still impressed that Imari was able to cast what she did.

The conversation turned to Denali, and they told her about the Geas. She told them she would certainly be able to remove it, but she warned them that anyone capable of modifying a Geas spell is likely capable of finding them again, and certainly capable of noticing you're no longer under it. Rhizel volunteered to have the Geas lifted. He told her everything. She told the group that while she wasn't certain she could do anything to help them now, they should feel free to contact her in the future, when they might be strong enough to resist.
She studied Rhizel, free from Denali's Geas, and seemed unsatisfied. She then told the group that their experiences were incompatible with their physical ability, and their problem wasn't the Geas; it was something that had been holding them back for their entire lives. She told them she would be able to remove it, but without knowing what was causing it, she couldn't prevent it from happening again. She urged them to be cautious, and keep it from happening again. They consented to having this mysterious condition lifted.

Many things happened, all at once.
Imagine the feeling of taking off a backpack full of stones—a backpack you had no idea that you were wearing, but had been for your entire life. Spickle was the only one who had felt this light before, but it had been decades—they were just out of college the last time they felt this light on their feet.
In addition to the lightness, the headaches and nausea that all of them had been feeling were gone instantly. And there was a power circulating in all of them. Power that they had felt before... but never at this level.

Pun intended.

All of this, however, was overshadowed by a strong chime in the tune of 1371.5 Hz. And then another. And then another. And with each chime, Susan's expression of surprise grew in intensity.
"It's Fate," she whispered. "They want to speak to you. They... they must not have known you were here until after I released... whatever it is you have going on. I don't know how, but this is... significant."
She stood and moved toward her crystal ball, where the chimes seemed to be eminating from. On the ninth and final chime, a small, oddly shaped glowing 'thing' emerged, and began spinning and shaking rapidly.
"Okay," she told them, "I'm going to stabilize the cell, and once I do, Fate will speak through me. When Fate calls your name, step forward, and touch my hand. Fate will take it from there."
Susan held up her left hand and angled it so that her thumb and forefinger were positioned on either side of the cell—as Susan called it—and as she did, the cell slowly stopped its erratic spinning and whistling, and it eased into a slow, gentle rotation, and then, after a few revolutions, to a complete stop. As it stopped, thin white tendrils began to emerge from its corners, and they wrapped around Susan's thumb and forefinger, and then they wrapped around her hand, her arm, crept up her shoulder, across her chest—they overtook the whole of her body, creating a pattern of enneagrams. Once she was completely enveloped, she lifted a few inches off of the ground, and held out her right hand.
With the Light Goddess Susan as a vessel, Fate calls each of them by name, and speaks a unique prophecy to all six of them. When each touched Susan's hand, the tendrils wrapping around her also began to wrap around their own hand, traveling up their arms in the same way it had Susan's, leaving the same pattern of enneagrams, and all of their surroundings faded away, leaving only Susan, themself, and the cell, standing in the middle of empty space. When the prophecy ended, they would feel their feet against the floor, and the rest of their senses would follow, as the tendrils slowly released them, and then Fate, through Susan, would call the next name.

Once all six of them had been spoken to, the tendrils began to release Susan, and as they did, she slowly sank to the floor, almost seeming to melt into it. When she was released fully, she collapsed. From her hands and knees, and in a voice that quivered, she asked for her bostaff, and Komi retreived it as Thad helped her get to her feet. She put almost all of her weight onto her staff. The blue was almost completely drained from her face, and there were tears in her eyes.
And then a presence appeared in everyone's collective periphery. A figure, enshrouded in a navy cloak, facing away from them. They slowly turned to face the group...

~ End of Part 1: Hasten Neuroses ~



Go back to Chapter 11

Silly Little Quotes

 
Is this gonna be a slur
— Jacey

If I'm a mermaid, you have to tell me, right?
— Komi


Thad. Kill me.
— Imari
Okay. Eldritch Blast
— Thad
It didn't kill me, try again.
— Imari

Roll a history check on Fate.
— Sierra

Details

Previous Sessions

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11