Appearing Characters: Aracyra, Arthak Saurfang, Azgadaan, Halno, Kroll Gravenight, Lantresor, Levia Blackflight, Loryx, Nyxxa, Rehgar Earthfury, Sadras, Viridius
Sometime In April Through June
Halno spent some time burying the dead in the areas around Gramgun’kur, including the dead elves. Levia had used speak with dead to try and get names from some of the dead so they could be included on a memorial wall. Ideally, there wouldn’t be a haunting problem.
Azgadaan, Levia, and Nyxxa had returned to the surface after leaving the skarvyn.
Nyxxa says: Actually, there was something I wanted to ask you. I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but why did you refer to yourself as Prince Azgadaan to them?
Azgadaan says: I haven’t thought of it. I just always say that.
Nyxxa says: I was just curious because I don’t think it mattered much to them. And I was wondering if you do, after everything, still consider yourself a prince of the Legion.
Azgadaan doesn’t look like he knows how to answer.
Nyxxa says: You don’t have to answer now.
Azgadaan says: Old habits die hard. That’s been my title since I was born.
Nyxxa says: That makes sense. Something to think about, then. Which, by the way, I told Levia, but I don’t think I told you. I gave myself a last name: Murkthorn.
Azgadaan says: Any meaning behind it?
Nyxxa says: I just like it! Elves have last names and I wanted one.
Azgadaan says: I don’t think I have one unless you count 'of House Jaraxxus'.
Nyxxa says: You can pick one if you want. Some people get titles too.
Levia Blackflight says: Arthak seems to be gathering a lot of those.
Azgadaan says: Yeah, he has beheaded a lot of chieftains.
Levia Blackflight says: Plus, Blackhand. Rather on the nose.
Nyxxa says: I mean, Levia…
She points to Levia’s wings, which are black.
Levia Blackflight says: ...What are you trying to say, Nyx?
Nyxxa says: Just that sometimes elves are on the nose too.
Levia smirks.
Levia Blackflight says: Yeah, you’re right. For what it’s worth, when I ran away from home, I took the name Wildflight too.
They return to Gramgun'kur and gather the gang together. Nyxxa quickly does a sweep of see invisibility before launching into an explanation.
Azgadaan also conjures Ini, who rapidly finds his way onto Nyxxa.
Nyxxa says: So. Some of the skarvyn have broken loose of Sinestra’s grasp.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hm. Interesting.
Nyxxa says: They have also regained some of their… sentience? Basically, the thing Rehgar recruited us for.
Arthak Saurfang says: They did on their own?
Nyxxa nods.
Nyxxa says: But they are currently being hounded by what sounds like the ooze we ran into in the manor. It’s changed, supposedly.
Nyxxa shows them the squishy tooth they had retrieved from the sewers.
Arthak Saurfang says: So I take it you mean to solve their problem?
Nyxxa says: Yes. If the ooze is going around petrifying anyone in the sewer, that’s a problem for everyone.
Arthak Saurfang says: So you seek to make allies of these free skarvyn?
Nyxxa says: Yes. Azgadaan and I had the intention of contacting Rehgar too, but I don’t know where he is right now.
Arthak Saurfang says: Most likely to the south with most of the other Frostwolves.
Azgadaan says: Which area do you think he’s in? Do you have a map?
Arthak produces a map and looks at it, having received a report earlier that day. He points it out to Azgadaan.
Azgadaan says: I can contact him now if we like?
Arthak Saurfang says: I doubt he’ll be able to get here. It’s worth a shot, but he’s likely busy.
Nyxxa says: We can at least keep him informed and act on his behalf.
Arthak Saurfang says: Beyond this… what do you intend to do with these skarvyn as allies? Are they allies for all of us or for your own efforts?
Nyxxa says: Ultimately, they can hopefully be allies for all of us.
Azgadaan says: They would prefer it if the orcs would stop attacking them and killing them.
Arthak Saurfang says: A formal alliance can be made then. I wasn’t sure if this was something you wanted to keep secret. If they want a cease fire, I can make that happen.
Nyxxa says: They are concerned about their own secrecy. But after this, we can iron out the details. They don’t want their roost made known.
Arthak Saurfang says: That will be tricky then. That’s why I’m asking. If you want this to be official, it will be difficult to get something like that without laying out their location.
Nyxxa says: I was worried about that. But ultimately we can figure it out later if we want to keep this secret or not. For now, we can deal with this problem.
Sadras says: At the very least, having allies that known the sewers will be useful, and they seem to be good about staying out of danger. Without the Resistance, the orcs haven’t had much reason to go into the sewers. I have a feeling we can trust Rehgar with this though. He’s an honorable man.
Nyxxa says: If they want to keep their base of operations secret, they could always relocate elsewhere and only visit that place. At the very least, I can say it’s important to them.
Arthak Saurfang says: Fair enough. I’m not shooting down the idea, but they are questions that need answered.
Nyxxa says: Regardless, given the vitriol they had for Sinestra, I don’t think they would be disbelieved if they explained that.
Arthak Saurfang says: Doubt is less of a concern than caring.
Nyxxa says: Also they like trees. So.
Nyxxa points in the direction of the large tree that had sprung from the Sunwell.
Arthak Saurfang says: ...useful information.
Sadras says: So who is going down to look for this Crimson?
Azgadaan says: I would suggest whoever would like to come, because I am definitely going.
Levia chuckles.
Nyxxa says: I would also like to help. And I think anyone that goes will get accolades with them. At least those that want to make a strong impression. That’s why I would like Rehgar to be there if he can.
Arthak Saurfang says: You can reach out.
Azgadaan opts to try and send Rehgar.
Azgadaan says [sending]: Found some skarvyn. They are amenable to being friendly. We will fight a creature and gain their trust. If you would like to come, let us know. You have 75ish words to respond, and we can dream you if you want to speak further.
Rehgar Earthfury says [sending]: Hah! You don’t say! That’s good news. I’m a bit busy right now, but in the next bit, I should be able to return with the rest of our little buddies. Don’t wait up for me, but I’ll be able to do what I can to help in the aftermath. Lok’tar! Good luck!
Azgadaan relays the message back to the group.
Nyxxa says: Good! It’ll be good to let them know we have some of their kin too. But sounds like we have a project. And it will be good practice. We may have gotten a bit rusty fighting with each other.
Sadras says: Speak for yourself.
Nyxxa says: I meant with each other! I know a lot of us have fought, but not necessarily side by side.
Sadras says: Well, if you think I can be of use, I’d be glad to tag along. I don’t have much experience tracking in a sewer, but it can’t be that much different than a tundra, right?
Nyxxa says: Well it’s basically a wet cave.
Arthak Saurfang says: I trust you’ll manage well.
Azgadaan says: Besides, it’s nice to have your cheery demeanor along, Sadras.
Sadras smiles.
Sadras says: Someone’s got to keep spirits up, right?
Azgadaan says: That’s right.
Nyxxa offers a thumbs up. Lantresor also nods.
Lantresor says: I’ll make sure things are taken care of here if you wish to accompany them, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’d appreciate that.
Lantresor says: Not a problem.
Nyxxa says: Oh! Before I forget, I made something for everyone. I thought it would be useful. At the very least, it was good practice!
They were small war map tokens.
Nyxxa says: That way if we are ever doing battlefield strategy, we have symbols of us.
Sadras is immediately enamored by the ones of her and Summerpaw, and she also grab’s Arthak’s and shoves it in his face.
Sadras says: Look! Kind of grumpy.
Arthak Saurfang says: True to life. They’re useful. And good craftsmanship.
Nyxxa points to the generic orc warriors and clan symbols.
Nyxxa says: These ones I mostly did for you, Arthak.
Arthak Saurfang says: I appreciate it.
Levia smirks at her’s and absently blows her bangs out of her face. Lantresor nods at his and then nods to Nyxxa.
Azgadaan says: These are great. Thanks Nyxxa.
Nyxxa says: Aracyra knew and she wanted to be included, whether we see her on the battlefield or not.
Nyxxa and Arthak get sendings simultaneously from Kroll.
Kroll Gravenight says [sending]: Greetings, friends! It is I! The disembodied tormented spirit of your old friend Kroll. Just kidding. I am tormented, but alive. I thought I would beseech your council. We have adapted since the destruction of Draenor, but not without loss and sacrifice. I thought I would be able to manage on my own, but one of those sacrifices included an orc by the name of… well it may be best if you come to see yourself. But Go’el is here and he is grieving the loss of his mate. And I find myself at a loss for what to do.
Nyxxa shoots a look at Arthak before he gives her a go ahead to respond.
Nyxxa says [sending]: Thank you for reaching out to us. We’re doing our best to get to Draenor, but we will be there as soon as we can. I’m sorry. I can’t imagine what he’s going through. We’ll find you and help you and figure something out.
Meanwhile, Arthak informs everyone else, and Sadras’s face drops.
Sadras says: Go’el… I didn’t even know he had a mate. We have to find a way to help him.
Arthak Saurfang says: We will. I will, ah… speak with the flesh-handler again. See if there’s any word to possible Protectorate passage to and from. I’ll make other inquiries as well.
Sadras says: What about the rest of my kin? Sorak and my mother and father, just to name a few.
There’s another sending.
Kroll Gravenight says [sending]: I’m glad to here it. We’re safe for now, as are the rest of the orcs that traveled with Go’el. But it’s all that we can do to keep his spirits high. Not even his children have been able to reach him. Once you make it back, reach out to me in Garadar. Perhaps we can speak further on how you can get here. Stay safe, you.
Arthak Saurfang says [sending]: Kroll, have you and the Frostwolf group… have you been in contact with some of my people? Before the destruction of Draenor I sent many of our noncombatants through the Dark Portal. Have you seen sign of them?
Kroll Gravenight says [sending]: Sorry Arthak, don’t have much left. Haven’t heard from them yet, but I’ll see what I can do.
Arthak Saurfang says [sending]: Alright. Thank you. Tell Go’el I’m sorry, and that we’re coming.
Arthak then reassures Sadras her people are alright, and also mentions Go’el’s kids.
Sadras says: He has children?
Arthak Saurfang says: Apparently.
Sadras says: And now they’re without their mother…
Arthak Saurfang says: ...yes.
Sadras balls her hands into fists.
Sadras says: Alright. Well if I wasn’t going before, I’m definitely going with you now.
Arthak Saurfang says: For the best.
Sadras says: Leave it to Go’el to settle down and have kids without telling anyone. He has always been private. But for now, we have other things to focus on.
Nyxxa says: And if Rehgar is coming back, we can inform him as well.
Arthak Saurfang says: Good idea. He can get word to Nazgrel and the others so they know where things stand.
The group then goes to speak with Viridius about transport to Outland and the other things they were looking for purchasing, and his base of operations has seemingly grown since the last time they spoke with him. Many new contraptions of ethereal or other design are present, and there is a large series of circles with rings that have energy running between them.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: Ah, my friends!
Arthak Saurfang says: Any developments of what we discussed?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: Ah, yes! To for both of you. Arthak, in a spot of good news, it took a bit of resources and some coordination, but I was able to get my translocation device up and running.
He gestures to the large circular contraption.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: It’s a bit of a rush job and it will not work perfectly, but as long as it is attuned, it will work where necessary. Likewise, it can be used as an anchor to any of you that have access to translocation magic.
He looks at Azgadaan.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: If you are able to attune to this device, you can return here, but it can also be used with direct translocation with similar units. This means I could use it as a direct connection for another device, potentially one in another dimension.
Arthak Saurfang says: Such as Outland?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: Such as Outland. But there are other… risks. To move across worlds is one thing, but to go tot he Twisting Nether is another. It requires magical reserves, and I suppose a continuing offer to you. As long as our arrangement continues and I am able to keep this translocation item powered, you are free to use it. But I can only keep it operation for about six rotations of this worlds moons. Months, if you will. If you on your travels find anything I can use to continue fueling this, I can keep it up for longer.
Azgadaan says: What would be acceptable?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: Sources of energy. Crystals infused with power, or various types of elementally attuned items. Cores of storm elementals eventually. But most things can find a use, and if they cannot, I can trade them for other power sources. Much Draenic and Naaru technology is compatible or can be made to be so. If you can find something of use, please, it will benefit us both.
Azgadaan says: Would a water elemental mote work?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: I cannot say for certain, but I can say I can trade it. If there are rare materials you wish to donate to the operation of this device, it will be mutually beneficial.
Azgadaan says: Good to know.
Arthak Saurfang says: So at present, you could establish and hold a connection for about six months in Azeroth’s time?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: I can establish and hold a connection to receive a connection. When it comes to transferring you to another world, I can make this happen, but it would drain between one and three rotations to do so, and I would need to receive clearance from the translocation device on the other side. Which leads me to an offer. I have already prepared to get you this clearance. The Protectorate has a device in a place called the Netherstorm in the shattered world. What remains of the shattered land once known as Farahlon. You recall speaking to Commander Ameer, yes? He has established this forward operating camp. You see the Etherium has… built a substantial mining operation with what remains. The exact specifications I don’t have, but he has requested that in return for permanent access to his translocation device and future assistance that you assist him in counteracting the Etherium’s operations in the Netherstorm.
Arthak Saurfang says: I see. If we agree to take care of this mining operation, then you provide us with permanent access to this camp?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: Yes. Obviously, using the portal will consume additional resources, but that can be handled in the future.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hrmm… interesting.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: In the future, I can freely offer this device as long as our partnership continues.
Arthak Saurfang says: Glad to hear. Then, a very interesting offer, Viridius. I will need to take some time to consider it and alternatives, but if you could relay this to your commander, should we find ourselves in Outland by other means, I would still be interested in assisting with this operation, both as a means of assuring our return home, and a continued sign of our partnership.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: He will be happy to hear it. If he is as concerned with this as he seems to be, the fabric of existence could be on the line. Not to raise the stakes, I have all faith that Ameer will be able to pull it together, but the grasp of the Void is an ever-present threat. I will inform him next I make contact.
Arthak Saurfang says: Glad to hear it.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: As far as your inquiries…
He looks at Nyxxa and Azgadaan.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: I was able to find a seller in the Consortium, a conglomerate of traders. The trader is not willing to reveal his identity without a confirmed sale, but I can facilitate such transactions.
He reveals the items of interest.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: I told him some rudimentary bits of information, and he offered these items to trade. Types of currency is less important, but I have their approximate value if you would like to secure a purchase or make a counter offer. Meeting members of the Consortium can be… um… how do you say, reserved?
Nyxxa and Azgadaan both offer to put some money forward to the portable hole, as does Arthak.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: Excellent! Would you like me to handle this trade as an intermediary, or do you want to speak in person? If you have interest in any of the scrolls, they would likely be pleased to speak with you in person.
Nyxxa asks Viridius if the scroll of gate could power his translocator, and Viridus is astounded for a second, but then confirms he could likely power it indefinitely with one.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: But do not think you need to acquire it solely for that! But if you are trepidatious about the price, you could try to meet with him and come to an understanding. Members of the Consortium are willing to negotiate with favors or payment plans, depending on your approach. But I am simply a middle man.
Nyxxa says: How much time do we have to consider this?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: I cannot say for certain. Traders such as this individual are difficult to predict. I suppose the offer will be present until someone else gives him a better offer or he sells it.
The group opts to hold off on the scroll of gate for the time being to see if it’s in the cards once Shaspira returns with the rest of the payment. However, Azgadaan asks for the name of the trader.
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: A man by the name of Bo’lin. A rather secretive man. I dare not say much else for fear that I invoke his ire.
Arthak gets the sense the man in question may not be an ethereal, but that’s the best guess he could have.
Azgadaan says: Actually, do you have anything that could counteract petrification? Actually, do you have to worry about that?
Flesh-Handler Viridius says: No. Such things stopped being a concern when we lost our physical forms. A convenience, I suppose. But, you mistake me. I am a middle man, my prince, not a salesman. There are such goods I could look into, but it would take me some time to do so.
Over the next few days, Azgadaan tries to scry on the Crimson using its jelly tooth. He sees no light as he peers through the crystal glass, and he just sees an entirely dark room with just a sliver of blood red light. It seems to be inside some sort of stone building, and attached to the wall and area is a huge conglomeration of blood red ooze. The ooze is pulsing, and there seems to be heartbeat-like noises. He can see something inside it which almost seems to spasm with each pulse.
The figure looks sort of like a shark, but it has spikes protruding from it. The shark shudders, and then its eyes open and look directly at the scrying sensor with bright, burning red eyes.
Azgadaan shows Nyxxa and Levia through the glass.
Levia Blackflight says: What the fuck is that?
Azgadaan says: I think that’s the shark.
As they continue to watch, the shark’s head splits into two, and then it splits into two separate sharks that slam back into a single shark.
Levia Blackflight says: Maybe it is best that we’re trying to take care of that thing.
Sadras furrows her brow as she looks through the crystal glass.
Sadras says: If you ask me, it sort of looks like it’s… a cocoon? Of some kind? Like it’s trying to undergo some sort of change. Like a caterpillar or something. I dunno. It may be good to get down there quick. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it’s going to become.
Azgadaan tries to get Aracyra to come with them, but he fails hard at convincing her because he showed her what it looked like, and that it was in the sewers, and she placed a hard no on that situation.
The night before entering the sewers, Nyxxa had a quick dream conversation with Arthak courtesy of Azgadaan. Her dreamscape is the tower that Arthak had said would be their place to talk, but instead it’s all green, and after a certain point, it just ends--as if being seen through her eyes.
Arthak Saurfang says: So. You wished to talk?
Nyxxa says: Yeah. Well. To start things off, Levia did the divination on Remnii.
Arthak Saurfang says: Oh. And?
Nyxxa says: Inconclusive. One way or another, we weren’t able to find anything really.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hm. Very well.
Nyxxa says: But there were other things as well. I guess I wondered, given everything, how you have been lately?
Arthak Saurfang says: Busy, mostly. But. The clan carries on. That’s what matters.
Nyxxa says: You’ve gathered together quite the incredibly bunch.
Arthak Saurfang says: Those not stranded in another world and those not dead with plague, but yes. They’re strong.
Nyxxa nods.
Nyxxa says: You still… you still more or less feel the same as you did a couple months back? I noticed you’ve been spending time with the tree as well.
Arthak Saurfang says: I have.
Nyxxa says: It brought me peace. I hope it brought you peace as well.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s a pleasant place to think.
Nyxxa says: That is good. But… that said, I had a couple questions for you.
Arthak Saurfang says: I’m listening.
Nyxxa says: I’ve been thinking on our past conversations. First I wanted to apologize… for how rough I was.
Arthak Saurfang says: You don’t need to. We didn’t know each other, and we had no reason to trust each other. Your demeanor was understandable.
Nyxxa says: As was yours. But I thought an apology was in order. I can be a bit condescending. I suppose if any of the other highborne descended are anything to go by, that tends to run with my people. If I do that again, let me know. But I know I’ve been a bit dodgy in the information I’ve been giving you, and I suppose I wanted to recontextualize it. Instead of saying… instead of just saying I didn’t trust you, would you trust yourself with information I could give you?
Arthak Saurfang says: No.
Nyxxa says: Ah. Well. That’s good. Well, it’s not good, but I’m trying… I want to be able to help you as best I can, and I suppose.... Thinking on the type of person is your patron…
Arthak Saurfang says: Which one?
Nyxxa gestures to the big picture.
Nyxxa says: I suppose it’s safe here. Gul’dan. Shaspira. I believe that the way they operate is that they would mean to isolate you. And I guess I couldn’t help but notice signs of you beginning to isolate yourself from the things they made you do.
Arthak Saurfang says: How so?
Nyxxa says: Well, we haven’t really talked about it since… but… back with the Red Mist, you seemed to blame yourself for it entirely.
Arthak Saurfang says: Not entirely, but I do have my fair share of blame.
Nyxxa says: Indeed. I guess looking back on that conversation, it felt like you were taking more responsibility than… I just wanted to bring you my concern. It’s… the more I thought about it, the more it had me worried. I know we could talk to each other about these things, but there’s one thing I wanted to ask now that I thought about it. I might preface this with… again, this might come across as a bit condescending but I don’t know how else to say it. When we spoke before you said that we’re responsible for our own actions regardless of the dire situations that we are put in that makes it seem like we are forced to make them. Am I correct in remembering?
Arthak Saurfang says: More or less.
Nyxxa says: I suppose what I might ask then… do you not like considering yourself a victim of your circumstances?
Arthak grunts.
Arthak Saurfang says: I guess I just don’t have too much of a feeling on it one way or the other. Raging against a position or status I cannot control is something I outgrew in my youth. At cost.
Nyxxa says: I see. I guess ultimately, until recently, I wasn’t done raging against my own circumstances. So at the time I didn’t quite understand. I think as far as things are concerned, you and I don’t see eye to eye, but I just wanted to understand. I hope you aren’t offended.
Arthak Saurfang says: Why are you always so nervous talking with me?
Nyxxa says: Um…
Nyxxa runs her hands through her hair.
Nyxxa says: Well, during one of our first conversations, I guess I bared my soul to you and you just walked away, so I guess I’m afraid of that happening again. I don’t want to push you away. I guess I’m afraid of pushing people away again.
Arthak grunts again.
Nyxxa says: I guess in a lot ways, there’s a lot of things about you I don’t understand. And you have enough to worry about, and I don’t want to… I guess I might be afraid of you for one reason or another. I’m working on it. I’m trying. All of that. I guess when it comes down to it, you’re one of my first friends, which is weird because I’m over 10,000 years old, but you, Remnii, Azgadaan, Go’el… you’re some of the first people I actually remember.
Arthak Saurfang says: Do you feel better having said that?
Nyxxa says: Yeah. I like being able to speak my mind, but sometimes when I do, I say stupid things and it makes people not like me. And there’s certain deeper things about that that I shouldn’t say because Halno said that would probably be bad for me.
Arthak Saurfang says: He’s probably right.
Nyxxa says: I want to tell you everything someday, I just…
Nyxxa sighs and sits on the edge of the tower.
Nyxxa says: I’m just trying to figure out how to do interpersonal relationships again.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hrm. I am too. Still. Let me nail down a few things for you then, if it will help. I am hard to offend. I prefer being straightforward, but given everything I don’t expect honesty or transparency. And I can’t fathom why you would be afraid of me, but ultimately, I can’t fix that for you. I might remind you that of the two of us, if I die, I stay dead, if that’s a comfort.
Nyxxa says: Uh. In concept, yes. In delivery, um, not really. But I see. I guess given everything, what I became when I was under the influence of the curse and fel magics, because I’m afraid of what I became, I became afraid of you because you seemed to be seeking that out. I don’t think I’m afraid of you as you are now, I’m afraid of what you could become, knowing fully of the person I became. I had to do some messed up things to fix it. I don’t know if that’s changed since we spoke about it last.
Arthak Saurfang says: Well, we did talk to Jorin, so I didn’t need to be corrupted to chase Frostmourne.
Nyxxa says: But, if something like that were to happen again… that’s ultimately unresolved.
Arthak Saurfang says: I would have to weigh the odds. Though I do find it strange that you approach corruption with such finality with yourself and all the demons you’ve befriended.
Nyxxa says: I can understand where you’re coming from, but you have not seen me at my worst. Though with this…
She gestures to the dream.
Nyxxa says: I could show you, but I don’t know what would happen. I, to be frank, um… losing my eyes wasn’t intentional. But…
Arthak Saurfang says: I would have wondered if it was.
Nyxxa says: The ritual I went through was to bring myself under control. I was, in many ways… when I let myself go, I am a monster. You may have seen glimpses of that in the forge and I suddenly have to leave. It comes out from time to time, so it’s managed, but it’s not… dealt with. If you want context, I could show you, but it may be dangerous. Not something to do on the spur of the moment, honestly.
Arthak Saurfang says: Well. I do have only one eye. So… would there be a benefit to me seeing?
Nyxxa says: Understand what corruption does. What the Legion does. The worst that the fel has to offer. And what I had to overcome to regain control of myself. It’s up to you.
Arthak Saurfang says: Did I ever tell you I already had fel corruption?
Nyxxa says: Yes.
Arthak Saurfang says: About the time I disemboweled myself?
Nyxxa says: ...no. So you might know better than I thought. Apologies.
Arthak Saurfang says: I didn’t tell you, so why would you think?
Nyxxa says: I assumed your experience. But nevertheless, thank you for telling me.
Arthak Saurfang says: My point being. No matter how horrible it was, you pulled back. And in my own lesser circumstance, so did I. I don’t say this to make light of those risks. I’ve seen what I’ve become. One version out of many. Azgadaan was born to it and has pulled back. Levia. Spinyl.
Nyxxa says: Yet, in my case… a constant battle, which I am well aware that at some point I may lose. Hence why I gave you that warning.
Arthak Saurfang says: It’s different and not all that different from what any of us goes through. I don’t know what your version is like, but I have my own constant battle I may lose.
Nyxxa says: I guess in that case, it’s a fate I wouldn’t wish on anyway. Context really, and how we deal with our own demons. I think I talked your ear off enough, but I think it may be good to revisit from time to time. If you wish. It’s one of those things that’s hard to understand when it comes to how people view this sort of thing.
Arthak Saurfang says: If you want to have another conversation along these lines, I would be fine with it.
Nyxxa says: Thank you. Perhaps I won’t be so anxious around you.
Nyxxa offers a small smile.
Arthak Saurfang says: That is ultimately up to you.
Arthak lights a cigarette.
Nyxxa says: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me.
Arthak Saurfang says: Of course. Anytime.
Nyxxa says: And I look forward to fighting alongside you again.
Arthak Saurfang says: It should be interesting, if nothing else.
Nyxxa says: Also, if Azgadaan hasn’t shown you that thing yet, it’s suitably horrifying.
Arthak Saurfang says: Can I see?
Nyxxa purses her lips.
Nyxxa says: I guess I can do that.
She conjures an image of the horrifying, pulsating shark ooze.
Arthak Saurfang says: Hrm. That will do.
Nyxxa makes it go away.
Arthak Saurfang says: I look forward to killing that.
Nyxxa says: Me too.
Arthak Saurfang says: Anything else? I should probably wake up soon.
Nyxxa says: Yeah. And as far as me losing control of myself, Azgadaan informed me I could probably be knocked out and brought to my senses, so not as dire as I thought, but he knows magic and such, so…
Arthak Saurfang says: Well. Good to know.
Nyxxa says: It’s more temporary than I thought. Could be. At least. This particular thing. There are degrees, but I should be fine. Allegedly.
Arthak Saurfang says: Well. I guess that’s good to know.
Nyxxa says: Functionally, I might get possessed by another satyr. Not me. A different guy. He’s an asshole and doesn’t like any of you. So, if I start to act like a huge asshole and start bleating, then that’s that. If I’m acting out of sorts and it’s not that, then it’s something else and that’s worrisome.
Arthak Saurfang says: Also good to know. Does this guy have a name you can tell me?
Nyxxa says: Vaerux. He’s not here right now, but functionally out of the dream, he can hear it. Not that he can do anything about it unless he takes over. Apparently that might only be temporary, so that’s clarification I needed, and you may have needed.
Arthak Saurfang says: Will keep me from drawing the Gift on you.
Nyxxa says: Sadras and the rest know too.
Arthak Saurfang says: Very well.
Nyxxa says: Lantresor told me he knew I had inner demons but he didn’t think literally.
Arthak Saurfang says: Likewise.
Nyxxa says: But that’s all.
Arthak Saurfang says: Right. So knock you out, don’t kill you immediately until we can ascertain the permanency.
Nyxxa says: I don’t know what he’ll do, but he seems to hate everyone. I think he may pretend to be me for a bit, but I don’t know. But that’s it. I’m going to go. I hope you liked your figures. I tried to get the clans as best I could. I hope there wasn’t anyone I missed.
Arthak Saurfang says: They were all fine. I appreciate the gift.
Nyxxa says: I’m glad.
The dream ends.
The next morning, the group gathers their things and heads down into the sewers. They had alerted the skarvyn beforehand, and met them in a predefined meeting place. There are three skarvyn that meet them, including Loryx. He eyes up the three newcomers, and then looks to Nyxxa.
Loryx says [Draconic]: Your friends?
Nyxxa says [Draconic]: Yes. We won’t be able to handle the monster without them.
Loryx says [Draconic]: I hope you’ll be able to handle it with them. Come.
Loryx and the other two skarvyn turn to lead them deeper into the sewers. It seems there had been no new developments since the last time they were down. They travel for about an hour toward the middle of the city, and then they stop abruptly.
Loryx says [Draconic]: This is as far as we go. This was where the last attack was sighted.
He gestures deeper into the sewers, and they can see much of it had been collapsed, and it looks much older than the other architecture of the rest of the sewers.
Loryx says [Draconic]: You will find the Crimson here. Somewhere.
Arthak Saurfang says: Sadras, do you want to take lead? I can assist.
Sadras says: Yeah. That’ll be fine.
The skarvyn mutter a prayer to the Burnt Grove before leaving the group to the hunt.
Azgadaan summons Ini to help Sadras try to start tracking the creature, and she manages to find some skeletons that have been picked clean as well as some sort of trail. Meanwhile, Arthak and Azgadaan look for signs of the creature’s passing and behavior. It seems they are old, but they seem to be isolated in one area.
Halno then contributes with the mapping spell that Azgadaan had created, and he is able to locate some areas deeper in that almost look like caves.
Finally, after a few hours, the group makes their way to some of those cave formations. Though dilapidated by misuse, there appears to be a chamber that leads into a carved location that seems to be made of the older architecture--likely ancient catacombs that once belonged to the trolls. They realize pretty quickly they were in the right place upon seeing the area is covered in a blood red slime.
Sadras says: Well I think we found this thing’s hideout.
Nyxxa unsheathes her glaives.
As they enter, they can already hear the pulsating heart-beat. The room seems to be some sort of burial chamber, which has been absolutely desecrated. The first thing they see is a sarcophagus made of stone. The lid is on, but there is a blood red ichor seeping out of it.
Azgadaan blows his horn of valhalla, and summons a bunch of warriors to help them fan out to help investigate as they make their way deeper in.
As they round a few corners, the pulsating heartbeat seems to get loader, and then they see the bed of jiggling ooze. The heartbeat seems to be quickening. The shark inside it splits into two, its red eyes boring into the prey that just arrived.
They hear stone begin to move all around them. Nyxxa prepares to attack whatever is moving the closest stone.
The berserkers start to charge the massive ooze, and as soon as one of them gets in range, the shark in the Crimson leaps out and attacks the warrior, who shouts in fury and pain.
Sadras follows the assault, swinging in with her warclub, but then a spray of ichor splashes back on her.
Sadras says: Careful! This thing is tricky!
In front of Nyxxa, the lid of the sarcophagus melts off as something claws out. It’s a troll skeleton covered in bright red ooze. Nyxxa slashes into it, and its ichor splashes on her, beginning to burn at her flesh. The flames of her glaives doesn’t seem to have done anything, though the weapons themselves did.
The heartbeat quickens, and the group feels their blood almost seem to reverse in direction. Nyxxa, Azgadaan, and several of the berserkers feel like their blood is boiling, and those that could be, are poisoned.
Another skeleton emerges from a sarcophagus, the lid also melting off.
Halno hurls a cold chromatic orb at the skeleton. Parts of the ooze freeze and slough off, only for more to bubble up to replace it.
Levia raises her hand and a jagged, jet black scimitar appears and hurls over to Nyxxa to attack the emerging skeleton. The spiritual weapon slashes into it with fury. She then looks to Arthak.
Levia Blackflight says: Can you get a good shot on that thing?
Arthak Saurfang says: Yeah.
Levia’s eyes turn jet black, shadowy flames start to wreathe around her.
Levia Blackflight says: I’m ready when you are.
Azgadaan attempts to use hold monster on the Crimson, and he is able to grasp ahold of it with his magic. However, at the last second, the creature’s eyes pulse, and it uses its legendary resistance to pass the save.
One of the berserkers runs for the skeleton that had just emerged, his axe ready, but the skeleton seems to be resistant to the damage. He curses angrily as another skeleton emerges.
Another berserker runs to the new skeleton, ichor splashing in his face as he slashes down with his weapon. They can hear more stone falling elsewhere in the chamber.
The Crimson starts to move forward, trying to engulf Sadras and the warriors before them. Sadras is able to narrowly get out of the way, but the two warriors are engulfed. The shark-like entity splits into two once more, and they start to rend into the warriors as they begin to dissolve in the ooze.
Arthak runs up to the ooze, kiting around to its side. As he gets ready to swing, Levia speaks a word of power, and the black energy coats around the Crimson--giving it vulnerability to the next damage type it takes. The creature seems to be resistant to slashing damage, but the weight of the sword carries through along with the magical aid. Ichor is flying into his face. As Arthak continues to wail on it, he’s now coated in red ooze, and parts of the Crimson are flayed across the floor. He then retreats, trying to taunt the ooze to follow him.
The berserkers continue to work on the skeletons as more emerge. One of the warriors tries to pull one of his buddies from the ooze as he hacks into the Crimson, but is unable to get him free.
The Crimson bites at Sadras, who is now heavily wounded. However, it freezes suddenly as Azgadaan once again uses hold monster on it.
Sadras says: Lets go for it now while it’s still slowed!
The ooze’s body starts to leak across the floor, and it seems like the ooze in the area starts to become thicker and more sticky. However, as it struggles, it manages to break free of the hold person.
One of the female warriors slams into a skeleton and ichor splashes into her face. She licks it off and shouts to her fellows, who look surprised for a second. Arthak could have sworn he made out the term for “drink”.
More skeletons emerge.
Nyxxa casts hunter’s mark on the skeleton before her, slashing into it with her glaives in a mess of ichor.
Meanwhile, the berserker warriors continue to occupy as many skeletons as possible.
The ooze bites at Sadras, but she is able to evade the shark’s chomp--narrowly avoiding the teeth.
Arthak looks around to the warriors and shouts something in giant. There seems to be a bit of recognition among them, and they raise their weapons to the air with a battle cry. Arthak joins in with his own battle cry as he uses giant’s might and grows in size, slamming his sword down on the Crimson. His fire rune then flares to life, fiery chains erupting around it, but they seem to simmer into its body.
Halno tries to escape from the crimson skeleton at his side, and it wraps around him for a second, but he is able to slip away. Cold energy crackles in his hands and he hurls a chromatic orb at the Crimson, which explodes on its oozey surface.
Levia Blackflight says: That worked well. I think you can enhance your magic Halno, can you do that again?
Halno nods.
The warriors inside of the ooze struggle to get free, but between the bites and acid, one of the warriors dissolves into nothing. The second one is also eaten alive and consumed.
The skeletons start to swarm upon the group, one of the warriors standing their ground to take the brunt of as much damage as possible.
Arthak continues to slam into the Crimson, and it is still holding together, but hunks of are beginning to slough to the ground.
Suddenly the ooze on the walls starts to undulate and twist, lashing out and ensnaring Nyxxa and several of her allies.
Levia, getting a clue that Sadras is about to attack, releases her path to the grave ability once more. As she slams into it with her warclub, she plants the mace over and over again into the ooze, and it steadily loses its consistency. The shark discorporates, and she wipes the ooze off her face.
Sadras says: It does taste like alcohol… what the fuck!
But the fight isn’t over, as the skeletons are still lurching about. Nyxxa cleaves through the skeleton she was focusing on, and it starts to fall apart.
Azgadaan swings his weapon around, webs of ice erupting around several of the skeletons.
Levia smacks into a skeleton with her spiritual weapon and then swings around to Nyxxa.
Levia Blackflight says: Hey Nyxxa, wanna try a trick I’ve been playing with?
Nyxxa says: Uh, sure?
Shadows pass from her arm onto Nyxxa as she casts greater invisibility on her--not realizing the skeleton oozes probably have blindsight.
More cold energy crackles within Halno’s fingers as he hurls another chromatic orb at the straggling skeleton that just emerged.
Despite the skeleton charging at Arthak, Arthak scoops up a sample of ooze.
Nyxxa slashes through another skeleton, and it gloops to the ground. She then flips around to aid one of the berserker warriors, her hunter’s mark honing in on a new target.
Halno fires another chromatic orb.
Levia uses a mass flash of light to top off the front liners.
Azgadaan casts ice barrier on himself and then runs into melee range, purposely provoking attacks of opportunity, but the two skeletons that lunge at him fail to connect.
Azgadaan says: Ah! You’re terrible.
He then tries to provoke some others, but only one succeeds in connecting, blasting the skeleton with cold damage.
Watching this scene, several of the berserkers look baffled until the cold damage goes off, and then they and Levia start to laugh.
Levia Blackflight says: Some strategy!
Azgadaan says: Too bad they’re too shit at swinging!
A skeleton finally gets Arthak’s attention, and Sadras runs to take care of it.
The berserkers continue to spar with the crimson skeletons, and Arthak cleaves through the skeleton that was on him. However, he is starting to feel the acid burns at this point.
He shrinks down from his giant form and deals with the overflow before stoppering the bottle and pocketing it.
Halno backs off of a crimson skeleton.
Halno says: This is too good to pass up. Do we know how lightning works on these things?
Everyone shakes their head.
Halno says: We’re about to find out.
Lightning crackles between his fingers and surges through the three in a line. It seems to be exceptionally effective.
Halno’s eyebrows raise.
Halno says: Lightning works very well.
The battle seems to be starting to wrap up. Another berserker falls, but Levia uses toll the dead on one of the injured skeletons, and causes it to crumble to the ground.
Nyxxa almost finishes off another, but a berserker claims the killing blow. Azgadaan slams his weapon into another skeleton, and it is obliterated in a splash of arcane gore.
He then backs up, and cold damage blasts one of the skeletons in the face.
Nyxxa almost takes out another ooze, a whirl of slashing fury while still invisible. The same berserker that finished off Nyxxa’s prior skeleton kills this one as well.
More lightning crackles between Halno’s fingers as he hurls a lightning chromatic orb at one of the last skeletons, and it explodes.
Levia finishes off the final skeleton with a toll the dead. The three remaining berserkers let out a cheer and start to scoop up some of the ooze into a drinking horn.
The room falls to silence, and Levia drops the greater invisibility on Nyxxa as the group starts to heal up and gather up some samples from the remnants of the Crimson and its minions.
At that moment, Azgadaan gets a message from Rehgar.
Rehgar Earthfury says [sending]: Alright, I’m back home with the others! You still need my help?
Azgadaan says [sending]: It just died like 20 seconds ago.
Rehgar Earthfury says [sending]: What? You’ve gotta be kidding me! Alright, I’ll meet you on the mainland. It’ll be a bit for me to get across the water.
There is some laughter as the group continues harvesting.
