Act I, Session 1

Super TL;DR     TL;DR    

Detailed Notes

 

Ext. The Fringe, Throne, The Varanic Empire - Night

  Molar, a Kinku, crept up to the walls of the Fringe. They easily got inside the walls as most of the security was psychological and aimed at the prisoners.  

Int. Interior Hallways, The Fringe - Continuous

  Molar evaded the few sentry posts, blue-grey eyes floating on pillers. They ingeniously crafted a flashbang which distracted one of the guards and their wargs as they patrolled the hallway. They were able to teleport past a few of the other guards and into a room off of the main hallway.   They teleported into the room to find five Kinku guards sitting around a table playing cards. Molar attempted to convince them to join their cause and liberate themselves from the Empire’s control. The other Kinku immediately raised the alarm which alerted the other prison guards. Molar tried to convince the Kinku that they were there to help. When that failed, they tried to run out of the room but immediately ran into two of the jailers, a lanky half-Elven man and a rotund Halfling. They cornered Molar and placed a burlap bag over their head.  

Int. Another Hallway, The Fringe - About 16 Hours Later

  The guards drug Molar, hood still over their head, through a long hallway. They passed an odd assortment of inmates including a creepy set of Elf twins, an Arachnie and a Human man obsessed with rats. The guards sat Muler in a chair in front of a middle-aged, half-Goliath man. and a Firbolg man who sat behind the half-Goliath. Molar claimed this was a misunderstanding and that the prison had birds that were owned by their queen; the half-Goliath man laughed at that suggestion. Molar cast Hex on the Goliath man. The Goliath produced a large billy club and tried to strike Molar but missed. However, this distracted Molar long enough for someone to slip a silver collar around their neck which removed their magical abilities.   With Molar now restrained, the Goliath turned Mullar’s chair to face the rest of the block wardens who would determine where Moler would be held. After going down the line of wardens, it became quickly apparent that Molar would go to Cell Block E with all of the other odds and ends housed in the prison. The Block E warden, the half-Elf named Walt, escorted Molar into Block E.  

Cell Block E, The Fringe - Continuous

Walt unlocked a large barred door and showed Molar into a large, open area with several openings in the floor that seemed to lead into nothingness below. Along the edges of the room, there were alcoves with beds and a few assorted items. The other prisoners seemed to be milling about, free to live within the conflines of the block.   Walt introduced Molar to Lottie, Abeni/Ekundayo, Rattigan and Percy who were nearest to the newcomer. Soon: a pair of thin Elven twins approached Molar and introduced themselves as Lan (the male Elf, short for Lanethal) and Lanery (the female elf.) Next, Grayson a grizzled late-middle-aged half-Elf joked about Molar getting killed on the first job; Molar took offense to that and intimidated him with her red eye. Zilch, the male goblin missing one leg, begrudgingly came over and asked the newbie why they were in there. Molar responded with her plan to liberate the Kinku and return them to their true purpose, serving the Raven Queen.   Lan let Molar know the sleeping arrangements in the cell, who had dibs on which alcove and which ones were free. It was quickly clear that the disheveled and filth-covered bunk was already claimed by Rattigan. Grayson and Zilch also claimed the only alcove with an actual bed as opposed to a cot. Even though they don’t sleep Lanery advised Molar to pick out an alcove for comfort and to have a place of their own.   As Molar surveyed the alcove situation, the block doors opened again and a battered group of inmates entered. A half-Orc man named Trink let the group into the cell, followed by Sampson the Dwarf, a gothy Tiefling woman named Ginger and an adult Arachne woman named Mae. Trink said that they lost Roston, Yanda and Lev on their mission. It was a particularly hard loss for the block as Roston, a large Minotaur woman, was the motherly figure of the block.   After a bit Trink pulled Persephone aside and told her the true nature of their mission. Apparently there was an attempted escape by some of the prisoners and they used Trink’s detachment to slow them down. A Dwarf and a Drow managed to get their collars off and rise havoc around one of the other blocks. The Drow transformed into a horrible and seemed unstoppable. Rostin was able to push the Drow in ogre form over the cliff but it took Rostin with them. The people in Cell Block E continued to mourn for their fallen in their own way and got acquainted with Molar over the next few hours.  

Int. Cell Block E, The Fringe - A few Hours Later (Early Evening)

  The block door clanked open and Walt appeared with the night’s gruel. Rattagan rushed up to the pot, hit the others with a barrel stave that he had and took the first portion of the brown-gray soup. Walt smuggled in fresh bread which he distributed after the Kinku guards went back to their own business. He also passed around a little bottle of liquor to honor the memory of the three fallen cellmates. So the Block E crew and Walt shared a meal around some low tables in the block.   Walt and Persephone played a little game of question for question. Persephone got to know a little of Walt’s past in Cutlass (to the west.) In return, he told her about rumors of Dryders and a time before; he had a question about that but he couldn’t remember it. Instead he asked about Percy’s world and she told him what she could remember of it. Walt was very skeptical of its existence but seemed interested in it. She continued with stories of Exatri and the Palladium before it was time for Walt to wrap things up and return to his office.   Just as Walt opened the block doors, two gards appeared holding a badly battered woman. From the ensuing conversation it seemed that they beat the woman to get information out of her. Walt commanded the two guards to leave and helped Rose into the block. Abeni retrieved the few small pieces of herbs they kept under their bunk and crafted a healing poultice to help Rosie’s wounds.   After a litte more talking of other worlds and escaping prison, the cell doors opened and Heyman appeared. He pressed a button that cast Hold Person on every prisoner in the block. Now helpless, he grabbed Percy and drug her away from the cell. As Heyman did this, Percy defiantly yelled “the Raven Queen is real!”  

Int. A Dimly Lit Room, Elsewhere in The Fringe - Some Time Later

  Percy awoke tied to a char in a dimly lit room somewhere else within the Fringe. Vicarry stood in front of her with Heyman standing behind them, arms folded. Vicarry questioned Percy a bit, about her belief in the other worlds and her resistance to the Empire, slapping and physically torturing her a bit each time.   Eventually, Percy cut to the chase and asked to play ‘checkers’ with Vicarry. Vicarry obliged and used their demon powers to fiercely punch Percy in the stomach several times while yelling ‘king me!’ For twelve seconds, he landed a flury of blows into Percy that devastated her. When Vicarry was done with Percy, he cast her down and told Heyman to return her to E Block.  

Int. Cell Block E, The Fringe - Shortly Later

  The rest of Cell Block E anxiously waited for Percy’s return from her torture. About 45 minutes after they took her, Heyman threw Percy roughly back into the block. Heyman sternly warned the rest of the block that the Warden is watching and listening at all times. He warned against any further talk of other worlds.   Abeni sprung into action to help Percy. They produced tiny vials of pinkish liquid they produced from the very limited ingredients and funneled them into Percy’s mouth. After the health potions, Abeni cleaned up Percy’s wounds with some cold water and made sure any broken bones were properly set.   As Heyman turned to leave, Molar tried to pickpocket him. She was able to grab one pouch off of Heyman’s utility belt without him noticing what was going on. After noticing that some of Percy’s blood got on his sleve, Heyman hurried out of the block and left the inmates to their own devices once more.   As soon as he was gone, Molar threw the bag of items toward Abeni. Abeni went to their alcove and with Lottie’s help, they opened the pouch out of view of the security devices inside the block. Inside they found a healing potion and a crystal that they knew could produce a debilitating amount of sound and light for a short time (essentially a flashbang.) They also found ten silver coins which Abeni asked if they could grind up into powder for one of their spells. Abeni surreptitiously served Rose the healing potion as by this time was in worse shape than Persephone. Abeni and Ginger helped Percy back to their usual alcove as the eye centuries blinked rapidly for a moment then all light went out in the block as was the usual lights out procedure for the prison.   While the others tended to the wounded, Molar went over to one of the Moon Doors in the floor of the block. Molar yelled “wings” and “lies” into the darkened void. A few moments later a large Kinku flew into the Moon Door using its beautiful of black wings.. The Kinku told Moler that they should stop wich gave Moler some pause. When asked, Moler said they were trying to save the Kinku without wings and implied that the winged one was no friend of hers   As the other inmates settled in for the night, Lottie and Rattigan started to craft a batch of ink for Percy’s quill. They successfully crafted enough of a batch to fill a small vial. They carefully placed the vial next to Percy to find when she wakes up in the morning.   While this was going on, Molar approached Lonie and Lanery. Molar asked about the missions like the one the second team went on. Lonie said that every few weeks one of the guards will come by and tell one or more teams that they have a mission. The missions are low-level, usually annoying or super dangerous tasks that the military won’t do. They also explained the points system; they described how points were earned from missons, how they could be traded for comforts or even (with an astronomical number) for freedom. Lanery said that is how Grayson earned his bed that he now shares with Zilch while the rest use cots or hammocks. Apparently Roston had the most points and was saving them up to get out before they were killed.   Eventually, the conversation moved on to Lonie and Lanery themselves. They told Molar how they were political prisoners, taken when they were eight to ensure peace between their tribe and the Empire. They are somewhat important as their mother is a powerful leader and druid who talks with trees. Now soon to be seventeen, they have both spent nine years as captives (as ‘princes in the tower.’). They said that even if they were dead, the Empire would likely keep it from their mother so the guards view them as just as expendable as the other prisoners.   Soon the conversation turned to revolution but they adopted a double-speak code to make it seem like they were talking about the movements of the planets and stars, not a a violent revolt. The twins said that once a week when the block gets yard time, there is a prisoner in another block who might be helpful for Molar to get a message back to ‘Older Sister.’ They told Molar to look for a large, gray Tabaxi that they knew had some affiliation with ‘Older Sister.’ With that information, Molar thanked the twins and went to their alcove to rest. By that time everyone else bedded down for the night and the block was mostly quiet.  

Ext. The Prison Yard, The Fringe - A Few Days Later, About Midday

  After a few very repetitive days, the inmates of Block E finally had yard time where they could enjoy the outdoors for thirty minutes. Walt told the block that if they could scare the members of Block A (the temporary offenders) enough he would reward his block with a little bonus during their next meal. Lottie though the task was super fun as she climbed a tree and popped down on unsuspecting passers by. The Block A inmats seemed to be terrified of the Block E inmates very presence.   As Persephone tried to get some extra supplies from the other inmates, Molar approached them with a question. They wanted to know how Persephone got her supplies. In a low voice, Percy told Moler that Walt pitied her and smuggled what he could into the block. Molar said that she hoped there was another supplier who could be used to get items out of the prison but didn’t think Walt would do such a thing, especially with Molar’s Revolutionary intents.   Meanwhile, Rattigan sat next to a Human man from Block A. At first the man didn’t notice or pay any mind to Rattigan. Slowly, over time, one then several then dozens of rats climbed onto Rattigan until he was covered with rats. Out of the Human’s peripheral, he noticed them and turned to his horror to find Rattigan. It scared the life out of the Human and his companions who ran off to another part of the yard.   After about ten minutes of yard time, Dump (the Block A Warden) ushered his group inside. As they left Moler didn’t see the Tabaxi she had been looking for. Walt said that the next group out would be The Admiral and the political prisoners.   In between the exit of A Block and the entrance of C Block, Trink angrily approached Abeni and demanded to know why Rostin would choose to die over saving themselves. Abeni said that they spoke with Rostin’s spirit and she said she could not save them both, one had to die and she wanted it to be her. Abeni also told Trink that they had much more to do in this world and this was not how their path should end. It moved Trink to tears as Abeni comforted them. They said that remembering the dead and talking with them in their lonely travels as if they were still there is the best way to honor Rostin’s spirit. Trink agreed and went back to another part of the yard to talk with Rostin.   As he left, The Admiral marched Block C into the yard as if they were officer cadets ready for inspection. Molar spotted a large Leonin man who matched Lan’s description as they move in with the other political prisoners. When the Leonin sat beneath a tree, Molar immediately approached him and mentioned her ‘Older Sister.’ The Leonin produced a piece of chalk from his trousers and told Molar to make their ‘art’ with this as it can only be seen by those who are looking for it. Molar nodded and knew this was her way to contact ‘Older Sister.’ The Leonin also mentioned that there would be many ‘older sisters’ coming by for a visit soon and that they would see this art. Sensing that the conversation was up, Molar casually walked away from the Leonin and back into the center of the yard.   In another part of the yard, Persephone asked Walt some more questions about their life. Persephone didn’t see Walt as the prison guard type; he said that he felt that he belonged here and that he was doing something good for once. In return, Walt asked Percy who Othwin was; Percy tried to respond coyly at first but then had trouble explaining exactly who Othwin was to someone who didn’t know a thing about Sergaia. Walt wondered aloud if Percy might know something that would help understand the Calamity and the names and days that were lost. Walt told Percy about the sad myth he knew about that time, that the would was about to end but it was saved so some powerful being could find their soulmate once again.   When Percy begged for more yard time, Walt said he couldn’t do that. Instead he opted to play The Admiral in a game of tetherball where the winner would get either yard time if Walt won or sea salt if The Admiral won. To throw The Admiral off of his game Abeni tried to plant the Justice card on The Admiral for them to find but The Admiral caught Abeni; they said that justice was coming for them which seemed to get in The Admiral’s head a bit. The game itself was back and forth for a while. When it seemed that Walt was about to lose, he flexed his muscles and hammered the ball so hard that it immediately wrapped around the pole and gave him the game.   After the game, Percy rejoined her conversation with Walt. They were soon joined by Moler who asked how Walt got the ink for Percy into the prison. Walt said that he knew that Molar lied, that Squawk was not their real name and asked why they lied. Molar said that knowing someone’s true name gives someone power over them so that is why they lied.. Walt was less upset about the lie as he was curious as to why lie at all so he understood Molar’s perspective and forgave her. Percy slipped Walt the ten silvers Molar stole from Heyman and asked Walt to buy them all some real food for the next meal together to which Walt agreed.   When Walt checked his timetable, he noticed that Block D (the violent criminals) would be out soon and rounded up his block to take them inside. This was met by some obvious reluctance but everyone, except Lottie, eventually headed for the exit to the yard. Lottie wanted to stay and see her friends in Block D (who almost ripped her arms off in a game of tag) but Molar picked up Lottie and brought her in on her back.  

Int. Cell Block E, The Fringe - Shortly Afterword

  At the evening meal, Walt brought in two large barrels of food assisted by The Admiral. Walt thanked The Admiral for his help and then The Admiral left Walt with his block. When The Admiral was out of earshot, he opened the barrels to revel pretzels, mustard, cheese and a small but decent pot roast. When asked about the occasion, Walt said that all of this was because they would be heading out on a mission tomorrow so he thought it was fitting for everyone to have a good meal first. Everyone in the block feasted and enjoyed themselves. When it was all over Walt implored them to get a good night’s rest as they would needed it tomorrow.  

Int. Cell Block E, The Fringe - The Next Morning

  When day broke, Walt again entered the block, this time dressed in a suit of armor. He said that it was time for the ‘field trip’ and that the block would be broken up into two groups. The first group would be Trank, Ginger, Samson, Lan and Lanry; the second group would be the others (i.e. the Party proper.) Walt led everyone from the block to the staging room.  

Int. The Staging Room, Somewhere in the Fringe - Continuous

  In the staging room, the block found all of the equipment they were allowed to take out on missions (the daggers, shields and such that would be unacceptable inside the Fringe’s walls.) In the room there were teleportation runes which Molar studied and tried to burn into her brain for later use. Walt didn’t seem to notice this as he activated the portals. Once up, everyone ran through them as fast as possible to get to the other side.  

Ext. Somewhere Outside of Throne, The Varanic Empire - Continuous

  The Block found itself in an open field somewhere far from the Fringe and from Throne. The field quickly dipped down into a revine which a cart path ran through. All along the cart path were the bodies of dead travelers and burt carriages. Walt said that there wer Goblins rumored to be assisted by a fire mage raiding and pillaging the roadways. He directed Team 1 to cross the ravine and flank from the north while Team 2 followed on the south end of the ravine hoping to catch the bandits on the lower ground.   Walt then went around tapping the collars each inmate wore. One of the two lights went out and the wearer could again use their magical powers. He also took the gloves off of Lottie’s feet so she could climb up webs once more. As soon as Walt took off Rattigan’s magical limiter, Rattigan immediately delt damage to himself and cried out in pain. Soon afterword, a small army of rats flocked to Rattigan and seemed to obeyed his orders. When Abeni’s powers were restored, they immediately cast Aid on their team so they could gain five temporary hit points.   Now freed from some of the limitations and with weapons at the ready, Block E set out to end the goblin menace. That is where the session ended for the night.