[Horde] Chapter Five: Session Forty-One

Appearing Characters: Altruis Shadowsong, Arthak Saurfang, Driana, Elfbane, Kel'danath, Levia Blackflight, Nethrandamus, Nyxxa Murkthorn, Rak'Symma, Sol'chi, Thalyssra Dusklily, Theryn, Velameestra Windrunner (Simulacrum), Volpin, Zar'Kaa

November 30th

Arthak brought Elfbane back to the area that had been serving as their rendezvous point. Arthak said he had some questions for him, and asked questions about an elf that matched Kel’danath’s description. It was obvious Elfbane was not smart, but Arthak was able to simplify some of the descriptions.

One of the heads said that he thought the elf was around. He used scary magics to scare them away sometimes, but they had chased him. One time they had wrecked his house because the elf hit them with magic. Arthak asked where the house was, but the ettin said they didn’t remember. They argued about which direction the house might have been.

Elfbane stopped and looked at him and said they thought it might have been in the middle.

Meanwhile, Rak’Symma was trying to pick up Kel’danath’s trail from the area she had found his flask. She used [Wild Cunning], and a strange, horned rabbit with small wings had appeared to help guide her to some sites of interest. It seemed that the tracks she had found was in the same direction that Elfbane was guiding Arthak and the others. A few very young, baby faerie dragons had also manifested to help Rak’Symma, though they were bringing her things like nice sticks.

Nyxxa had arrived with Volpin, who was thanking her for her intervention and rescue. Nyxxa explained they were gathering people that were interested in chasing the roving nightborne out, and she asked if he was interested in helping.

Nyxxa thanked him and called him an honored spirit before bowing, but Volpin corrected he was no spirit, he was a denizen of the woods like she was, but he thanked her for her kindness. Nyxxa explained they were also looking for Kel’danath, and Volpin confirmed he knew of him. He originally watched him to ensure he treated the ruins with respect.

Nyxxa asked if Volpin could help them locate Kel’danath, and Volpin said he could take them to where Kel’danath once nested. However, Nyxxa got the sense there was not really any good news waiting at the end of the trail.

Sol had decided to help Arthak triangulate where Elfbane was leading them. He managed to find two more working arcane wards that Kel’danath had created to keep the withered away. They also found one last note pinned under one of the wards.

As the groups fully joined up, the various sources led them to Koralune Manor. They drew their weapons and cautiously stepped through the ruins of the home. They entered what was once an atrium or study, but now it was crumbled from time and damage from Elfbane. They saw smashed glass with piles of arcane dust and torn up and burned notes. Huddled in the corner, hissing, was a withered with long, silky white hair that had been thinned and torn away. He was wearing torn remnants of an outfit that was once perhaps well made. He was clutching something in its claws, and it was growling almost defensively. Behind him was another withered that was just standing and watching them. There was a cord bracelet with a small metal tag on his wrist.

Nyxxa winced, and nodded.

Sol looked around and found some intact notes that appeared to have been crudely attached to the wall in plain view. It appeared to be a last note.

It was written in an actively shaking hand.

Nyxxa asked if there was a feasible way to bring them back with them, and Sol suggested a demiplane or coaxing them onto his ship. Altruis pointed out that the notes mentioned a spellstone, and that was perhaps what Kel’danath was clutching to and it could be used to calm him.

Sol held out his hand toward Kel’danath and conjured some magic to try and coax him forward so he could try and slip the spellstone away from him. For a brief moment, Kel’danath’s instinct to protect the other withered faltered, and he lunged for the magic. With Nyxxa’s help, they were able to free the spellstone from Kel’danath’s grip.

Sol looked at the spellstone, and Kel’danath lunged for him again. Altruis intervened, giving Sol the chance to examine the item more closely. It appeared to work like a [Soothe] spell for withered. Sol activated it, and the object lit up.

Kel’danath stopped struggling against Altruis. He was still defensive of the other withered, but it seemed he had become more docile.

Sol produced the coin Thalyssra had given them, and Kel’danath hesitantly approached and snatched the coin from his hand. He looked at it, then held it to his chest tightly, and then looked at Sol again. Kel’danath walked over to the other withered and grabbed the other withered by the arm to nudge him back towards the group. He was still clutching the coin.

Sol reached out a hand, and Kel’danath flinched, but he didn’t back off any further. Arthak informed Elfbane they were going on a trip, and the group fanned out to find anything useful that remained in the manor. They found several spell scrolls, and Nyxxa asked Levia to inform Thalyssra they were returning with Kel’danath as well as one other withered. Thalyssra replied that she was glad they found him, one way or another, and she would find some place to keep them.

Sol discussed the logistics of bringing an ettin back to Shal’aran, as they couldn’t get directly into the safe haven and Elfbane was very large. Arthak said he wanted to speak with Elfbane more, but decided he could just talk to him now as they had time waiting for Zar’Kaa.

The other head countered that nothing stopped Arthak.

The ettin looked at Arthak, confused.

Arthak fetched a scale from one of Kel’danath’s work tables and placed a big rock on one side. He put a bunch of smaller rocks on the other side.

Elfbane still seemed confused.

Arthak gestured to the scale.

Arthak throws more rocks on the big side of the scale.

The other head countered he was talking about something else but demanded to know what the rocks were supposed to be.

The two heads looked at each other.

The other head nodded.

The other head said those were stupid.

Arthak offered to give them a name, and the ettin suddenly got bashful because he wasn’t sure if it was right for them to give themselves names.

Elfbane was completely flabbergasted that they were allowed to give themselves a name without their parents assigning them one. Sol suggested the Kneecapper, the Throngler, Big and Small… Arthak said they had time to think about it. Elfbane said they would after they slept because the thinking tired them out.

Elfbane started to discuss between their heads how Arthak was going to find them as they started to wander away, arguing who was going to become sneaky big first. Arthak looked somewhat wistful.

Nyxxa, meanwhile, was speaking to Volpin about their plans and the fact they were planning on traveling a fair distance away. She gave a landmark, and he acknowledged it was far from his hunting grounds, but he still knew the lands well and he was willing to accompany them if needed.

Nyxxa asked if he was perhaps able to find the Valewalker and give him a message to go to Shal’Aran. Volpin nodded and said he could do so. He had a debt to her, and he would repay it. Ultimately he learned a valuable lesson, as the outsiders were wiley and strong with strange abilities. He knew now he couldn’t stop them alone. He wasn’t used to hunting in a pack, but nature must adapt. At Sol’s urging, Nyxxa also asked if Volpin had seen a man named Chen, and she described a pandaren. Sol shifted into a pandaren, and Volpin said such a man passed through many moons ago. He had been interested in collecting fruits, but he moved through the area and he didn’t know where he went.

Volpin took off, and at that moment, Zar’Kaa returned, having successfully lost the nightborne that had been trailing him. He was quickly apprised of what had happened while he caught his breath.

Zar’Kaa said it was good they had a path forward, and Levia said she was glad Zar’Kaa didn’t get caught because it would have been a pain in the ass to bust him out. Zar’Kaa commented he would say something witty, but he was too tired.

Sol used [Teleport] and whisked the entire group plus the withered back to the outskirts of Shal’Aran. They headed back inside and Thalyssra met them. She approached Kel’danath and put a hand on the side of his face.

Kel’danath looked up at her with an aimless glowing stare. Thalyssa looked at the other withered.

It appeared Kel’danath was a bit jumpy of the area as it repelled withered, but Theryn was completely unaffected. However as Theryn and the spellstone were brought closer to him, it seemed that he calmed down again. The group filled Thalyssra in on what had happened as they headed down to the cavern she had mentioned.

Sol mentioned that Nyxxa had been able to get arcwine from one of the raiding parties, and Nyxxa pulled it out.

Nyxxa blushed and Thalyssra chuckled.

Thalyssra chuckled.

As they entered the cavern, they could smell natural air filtering in. There were a number of small pools and moss-like grass around. It seemed to have been some sort of watershed, but most interestingly there was a carved stone that appeared to be a very old version of a kaldorei standing stone. There was some amount of ancient, ambient magic in the area. The pools were probably not even a fraction of the power as the ones Senegos bathed in, but the ambient magic was at least a good safe place for the withered.

Rak’Symma had seen similar standing stones on the Broken Isles on the borders of elven lands. Sol was able to assess the stone definitely predated any of the villages around the area, and it seemed to definitely have some sort of religious importance. As Arthak brushed his hand on the stone, he heard the sound of water. He believed more water was in the chamber a long time ago. The chamber may have once been a larger reservoir a very long time ago.

Zar’Kaa, meanwhile, was watching Theryn and Kel’danath. However, he couldn’t get a solid reading on their surface level thoughts, largely because it appeared they were no longer particularly intelligent. Theryn, however, likely had no surface thoughts anyway. Kel’danath only seemed to be worried about Theryn, his spellstone, and mana. Theryn eventually went and sat in one of the pools, and Kel’danath started to wander a bit, but always went back to check on Theryn. Thalyssa erected an [Alarm] spell, but it didn’t seem the withered had any desire to leave. She then went to pour over Kel’danath’s notes. Nyxxa and Sol accompanied her to help.

A lot of them appeared to be various methods Kel’danath attempted to communicate with the withered. He had tried telepathy, sending spells, messages, or anything of the like. The page Nyxxa was looking over referenced something called oneiromancy, specifically the magic of sleep and dreams. He had apparently tried to communicate with them via dreams, but the attempt ended up being dangerous and did not work well. It was all dangerous and chaotic, and having Theryn be a messenger into his dream nearly cost him his life.

However, there were bits and pieces of oneiromancy that were used by the highborne that he had been trying to adapt to be used to interpret a messenger’s dreams. It was clear to him that some echo of the withered’s memories remained, but their mental synapses had been damaged. He had wondered if he could figure out the source of whatever Theryn had interacted with to give him clarity.

Sol mused they could maybe get the help of a green dragon, and Nyxxa agreed there was one on the island. Thalyssra was astounded they were friends with a green dragon, but Nyxxa clarified they weren’t friends, they just knew there was one present. Sol explained that green dragons had domain over the world of dreams, and Thalyssra was continually baffled by the revelations, but she was happy to explore any options they had, as it seemed that Kel’danath was on the right path. Nyxxa further explained that the kaldorei druids after the Sundering had delved further into the Emerald Dream, and they could possibly also help, as they had a standing invitation to speak with the druids on the island.

Nyxxa put a hand on Thalyssra’s shoulder and it was clear the woman had a lot of complex feelings on the matter.

Thalyssra nodded.

She explained lighter shades were royalty, elegance, spirituality, while darker shades were new beginnings. Nyxxa said it was fitting for a lily to lead those changes then. Nyxxa asked Thalyssra if she could go over her notes when they had more time, and Thalyssra said she was happy to do so.

Nyxxa went to collect Zar’Kaa after their next plans were decided and Velameestra mentioned she had a couple theories to present about the curse of Nar’thalas, as that was their next step.

She approached the troll with some papers in hand and explained they were going over Kel’danath’s notes, and she wanted to ensure their findings got back to him. Zar’Kaa nodded and took the notes to look over. He was intrigued by the dream approach, and Nyxxa explained they had decided to try and speak with the druids and the green dragon that they knew had reconvened with them.

Zar’Kaa tapped his fingers together, clearly trying to focus.

Zar’Kaa gave her a knowing look.

Nyxxa nodded.

Zar’Kaa looked at Kel’danath and Theryn as he collected his thoughts.

Zar’Kaa nodded.

He gave Nyxxa an incredulous look.

Zar’Kaa shrugged.

Zar’Kaa closed his eyes and exhaled.

Zar’Kaa gave a silent nod of agreement.

They started to head back towards the group and Zar’Kaa gave Nyxxa a pat on the back. Nyxxa smiled at him and wagged her tail.

The group gathered together to talk about the curse and Velameestra’s theories regarding it as they were planning on heading to Nar’thalas the next day. She explained that she wanted to preface her theories with an understanding that she was coming forward with a lot of theoreticals as she had not seen Nar’thalas directly, but they were ultimately musings based on further analysis of the wording of the curse, but she wanted to break down what hypotheses she had come to.

The matter of the souls mentioned in the curse seemed to be direct nods to Captain Moonfang, otherwise known as Vaerux—whose fulfillment of the resolution of the curse likely was made more difficult by the fact he became a satyr—Delas and Daleera as the two souls spared, and the two souls bound seemed to reference Captain Moonfang in becoming a satyr, and Farondis, who was tied to the tragedy of his city by Captain Moonfang’s actions.

Vel then asked for clarification that the hatred the ghosts had for Farondis was uncharacteristic of the situation in life. Nyxxa and Thalyssra both confirmed that he had previously been quite beloved.

Vel said that it was possible the emotions of the dead were therefore twisted to be directed at Farondis as they were convinced he was somehow at fault, which in turn would then trap Farondis in an unlife of failure where he would then be tormented by the perception he had failed his people in every possible way. It created a cycle that would keep both groups trapped.

The simulacrum explained that it was her hypothesis that the resolution of the curse was one of genuine forgiveness and accountability, but it was set up in a way where Captain Moonfang and Farondis would not be able to ever pursue it: Captain Moonfang because he became a satyr, and Farondis because he was trapped in his state of undeath. It was theoretically possible that a similar situation to the curse’s conception would need to be set up, where again a selfless soul would need to be selfishly sacrificed. However, with the nature of curses there was a lot of open-endedness to such a thing, but she believed two things could be assumed about it given who had created the curse in the first place: the means to break it would be stacked against those that would want to, and it would involve a cost that wouldn’t easily be paid.

Thalyssa agreed that, given it was enacted by Xavius, that sounded correct. Nyxxa’s hand had raised over her mouth at the explanation, as the entire notion of the situation sounded completely awful. Vel acknowledged everything she was saying was a hypothesis, and she could entirely be wrong, but it was the scenario she had managed to assess from some of her prior experiences. Nyxxa said it sounded right, as much as she hated to believe it might be.

Zar’Kaa suggested that finding the origin of the cyclical nature of the undead was the means to breaking Farondis out of his stupor, and Vel clarified that it seemed the curse was more of sacrifice and forgiveness, and Nyxxa grew concerned that Vaerux wouldn’t even be able to play a part in it given she had consumed him.

Vel launched into a separate explanation about the metaphorical nature of curses that technically she and Zar’Kaa had dealt with concerning the troll Zalazane, as the key to undoing his hex was his mind, body, and soul, but they had been able to use different less literal representations as appropriate stand ins: namely, a weapon Zalazane had enchanted as his mind, and the presence of the first-born son of Zalazane’s blood brother as his body, while his soul was literally his manifested presence. If Captain Moonfang was still able to communicate in some manner, it didn’t necessarily preclude him from being able to aid in some capacity.

Zar’Kaa said they weren’t dealing with a malicious spirit like Zalazane, Farondis wanted to right a wrong. Vel said that the curse in question was ultimately undoing the maliciousness of Xavius, not Farondis. Farondis was a victim, and a core aspect was likely figuring out how to switch the narrative of the people that were trapped in Nar’thalas.

Nyxxa said that Fallen was adept at curse breaking and she could likely have some insights as well. She also gave up her soul to Azshara, though she was remiss to talk about it.

Vel acknowledged that the situation involving that matter could be invaluable in uncovering further clues. Nyxxa suggested it was wise to seek out Fallen first then, and Altruis provided that, from there, they could try to seek out Prince Farondis.

Nyxxa asked if Vel thought the spirits were aware any time had passed, and Vel said that, while they’d have to look at the situation to know for sure, if they were reliving the war it was likely they were probably locked in whatever time period they died in. Nyxxa said she had the idea they could approach disguised as people that were alive back during the war, or at least people that answered to them, and Vel agreed it could work well as spirits frequently had a strong tie to things that represented their lives. At minimum, it could cause the spirits to lower their guards, but in the best case the spirits could be willing to share insights they would not otherwise have spoken of.

Thalyssra suggested Altruis would likely be mistaken for Jarod, as he was a member of Duskwatch back then. Vel added that the genuine bloodline tie could further strengthen such an illusion. Thalyssra made an aside to inquire if Jarod was still alive, and she was delighted to hear that he was. Thalyssra then mused that, if the satyr they were going to meet was a former denizen of Nar’thalas, she could also likely help them get an audience with Farondis if she was willing to help.

Vel said that the important thing at the core was likely to ensure they didn’t disrupt the illusion of the haunting, as it was hard to say what ripple effects that would have. Zar’Kaa asked for clarification if she meant that could cause more ghosts to arise in the area, and Vel specified it was more a ghost realizing they were dead could have traumatic repercussions. Zar’Kaa mused that not all ghosts had the self-awareness that Zalazane did, and Vel replied that Zalazane had ultimately been a lich, so he was a different sort of entity entirely.

Sol asked about the relationship Nar’thalas had with tauren, as he was trying to sort out what disguise he could use, and Thalyssra said that tauren were ultimately a curiosity during the period before Nar’thalas’s destruction. So there really wasn’t much of a relationship, even though eventually the Resistance went on to ally with them. However, it seemed that, based on initial assessments, the full thoroughness of the illusion did not really matter if Sol was worried about his hooves and tail.

As the talk progressed to talking about those that were alive during the war they would likely be mistaken for, Arthak abruptly left, apparently having dealing with some feelings about Broxigar being the one he’d have the connection to, and how that would manifest.

Levia brought out her scrying sensor so she could try to scry Fallen, and they saw her walking back from the city with a pouch full of herbs and leaves. It was snowing, and she looked like a miserable dog stuck in a storm. She sneezed and looked back at the city before she continued walking up the hill.

She got to the crest of the hill and she cast [Tiny Hut]. She was surrounded by trees. Levia opted to take the next half hour scrying locations that were incrementally further away so they could access an area that was not in the midst of Fallen’s camp. Vel watched her and just chuffed at the ridiculousness, and Levia countered Vel laughed, so she knew it was working.

Nethrandamus returned with a dead crocolisk he had hunted, and Zar’Kaa set about cooking it up. Thalyssra didn’t handle the spice of the crocolisk well even though she thought it was good, and she promptly started to drink water. Vel told her not to do that, and Thalyssra realized the water was making the spice worse, so Zar’Kaa gave her some herbal leaves to chew on instead. Sol opted to cook up a fish that Vel had killed for her own meal for Thalyssra to eat.

Sol and Nyxxa brought Arthak some food and asked if he was going to be alright because he had just abruptly left from the curse discussion. They had found him back at the cavern with the withered. Arthak thanked them for the food, as he had meant to get something later.

They asked if Arthak was going to be okay with the situation at Nar’thalas given the only orc the elves would have experienced was Broxigar.

Sol expressed that he hoped they could get the situation done with quickly, and Nyxxa said she could take the lead. Arthak said that his relation with Broxigar was going to come up on the Broken Isles regardless, and Nyxxa told him that they loved him and just wanted to ensure he was okay.

They decided to stay with Arthak for a bit, and Sol mused about his disguise. He suggested a tauren, or a night elf… or the son of Broxigar, Arthak Saurfang. He then turned into a smaller Arthak. Nyxxa lightly punched Sol.

Arthak shoved him into the water.

Up above, Altruis approached Rak’Symma and handed her a small pouch. He said he had found them outside for her in case she got peckish. Neth had noticed she didn’t eat a lot at supper and got worried, so Altruis opted to get her some lighter fare in case she wasn’t used to the food. He also handed her a fresh water skin.

Rak’Symmaa took the pouch and waterskin but shook her head.

She shook her head again.

Altruis offered a sincere smile with profound sadness behind it.

Rak’Symma opened the pouch when Altruis was gone, and inside was a collection of seeds and berries, though some of them appeared to have been from Highmountain. Rak’Symma wandered over to Neth and sat next to him to make a show of eating the goodies. Neth smiled at her.

Rak’Symma suggested some for him to try.

As Nyxxa returned from sitting with Arthak and appeared to be looking for Altruis, Rak’Symma approached her. She looked around, but then smiled at Nyxxa. She explained that she didn’t craft things like Nyxxa did, but she still made something for her.

Nyxxa flicked her tail curiously, and Rak’Symma said she wanted to give it to her in private, and they ducked into a cleared domicile. She explained it was related to the talk they had before, and she wasn’t sure if it would do her any good, but it had been on her mind for the last day.

Rak’Symma turned around so she could at least not watch Nyxxa’s expression, but she started to sing a song to her.

Nyxxa covered her mouth and started to tear up. She then started to cry audibly as the song continued. Rak’Symma turned around apologetically as she finished the song, but Nyxxa assured her it was beautiful.

Rak’Symma’s feathers bristled.

Nyxxa gave Rak’Symma a quick, light hug.

Rak’Symma offered a sad smile.

Rak’Symma nodded.

Rak’Symma looked at the little pouch on top of her big pouch.

Nyxxa said she was glad they found her, and she was glad Rak’Symma was there as a friend. Rak’Symma tried a hug in return, and wrapped her wings around Nyxxa.

That evening, Thalyssra approached Arthak. She said she had gotten curious after Arthak disappeared during the curse conversation. She sat down next to him, and Arthak apologized as it was rude.

Thalyssra chuckled and produced parchment.

Thalyssra started to laugh.

She held out the poem.

Thalyssra got to her feet, but Arthak asked one last question.

Thalyssra nodded and headed off.

She passed by Zar’Kaa, who was still watching the withered, and she overheard him asking if they still wanted or yearned or dream, because he did, but he didn’t have many to talk about it. The nice thing about the withered was that they didn’t say anything in return, but he wanted to know what they would say.

He tugged on one of his braids.

He gestured to Kel’danath and Theryn.

She gestured to the withered.

Zar’Kaa furrowed his brow.

Zar’Kaa tugged at his braid.

He offered a smart-ass smile.

This page was last edited on June 15, 2024, at 09:09 PM

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