New Members, Gallahan, Visions, Quest Completed, and Kalana

2024-11-14 - Session Notes

Characters

Harold - Collom Golgrim - Barbarian/Bladesinger / Goliath

Alex - Holmgir Tribemember Mukate Chieftain of Nakanathi Tribe

Holden - Manson Black – Warlock/Sorcerer / Human

Jocelyn - Ahna - Wizard (Divination) / Thri Kreen

Dan - Glub - Rogue / Kobold

Session Notes

The next morning we were invited back to the Nestov mansion for breakfast and to talk more about Gallahan’s offer to Pluck and Manson. Both want to accept, but Pluck has to go back to Kalana to talk with her Father and show him his grandchildren. Manson has to complete the quests for Amanifus before they could accept his offer.

Gallahan’s potential deal with Manson gives us the use of an airship while we are doing duties for him. It was a good thing that I learned more about how to pilot one while I was with Pierre, as I am the only trained pilot in the group. It is called the Red Wing and is a good ship that I will enjoy flying. Though we agreed Manson will be the Captain, there can only be one Captain.

Then Gallahan asked us to take care of a small issue for him in Gardenia. A small clan of Goliaths showed up at the gates after Ymir’s escape and destruction yesterday. They were asking to be admitted and once we got there and got things sorted out, they were following a “rede” and were against Ymir’s return as well. The clan’s chieftain was Holmgir Tribemember Mukate, who reminded me so much of my father. He was calm, patient, honorable and seemed very wise. Though he didn’t seem that much older than me. Holmgir does strike me as a formidable warrior.

During our conversations with Holmgir, Glub became a royal pain in the arse, but the Goliath Chieftain showed remarkable patience with him. I think that it will be in my best interests to listen more than I talk and watch how Holmgir adjusts to this new world that he is stepping into. Perhaps his efforts will show me a different way of how to maintain my roots, while at the same time thriving in this new world that I am still adapting to. The so-called civilized world often has mystifying methods to their madness, but so far things have worked out well for me, even though my naivete does come through at the oddest moments.

Though we did get a bit of the flavor our new employer might have, out of the sending stone that Gallahan gave to Ahna to communicate with him. It was a rather crude thing that did make her quite unhappy. When we got back, Gallahan sort of apologized, but not really and gave her one that was more shall we say professional in the terms of the civilized world.

We negotiated for the Goliaths to stay in Gardenia and they will work to help repair the damage done to the city by Ymir when she escaped, yes they will be paid for their work. Gallahan approved the negotiations and talked with the guard Captain. Who provided an escort for the Goliaths to where Gallahan would approve of them being for now. Gallahan asked us to bring the Chieftain back to discuss any other questions he might have and to sign the necessary paperwork that always goes along with this kind of stuff.

Returning to the Nestav Estate

Holmgir tells us of his quest as we returned to the Nestav Estate and that he would like to join us as members of the party once he gets his Goliath tribe taken care of fairly. When we arrived we saw Pluck leaving in the airship and I thought that I saw Pierre in the pilot house talking with her? Manson talks with her via the Sending Stones.

The rest of us continue to speak with Holmgir while we are walking back into the mansion to talk with Gallahan and realize that his last name is very similar to Pluck’s family name. Once we get inside we see Gallahan’s daughter and Manson comments that he’d like to try the drink that Gallahan had when he first met him. She tells him that he needs to wait until after meeting her father, because it will mess him up too much to be much good to talk with him. He laughed and agreed that was probably a good idea.

Meeting with Gallahan

We go in and meet with Gallahan and Holmgir and he negotiates for a while to ensure the safety and future of his people in Gardenia. They eventually come to an agreement and Holmgir signs a treaty or agreement with Gallahan. I’m not sure what it is called in the civilized world, but our people consider agreements such as this as a treaty to be honored over time.

Then we discussed Holmgir’s last name and Gallahan told us of a tale of a band of Goliath’s that did cross over to Kalana and that he might be somehow related to those people. He told Manson that he had made arrangements for him to see Guillermo’s body, so he could complete his quest, but only under the condition that no body parts of Guillermo would leave the room.

The Visions

After our meeting with Gallahan, we went back out to talk with Gallahan’s daughter and Manson was going to take her up on her offer to make the same drink from her scorpion’s tail that she made for her father. As she is getting ready to pass the drink to Manson, Glub grabs it and downs it. He coughs and chokes, then claims he’s not feeling so good and passes out. She tells us that he’ll be fine but will have a helluva a headache when he wakes up and deserves what he got for grabbing something not meant for him. She makes up another drink for Manson and he downs it and quickly becomes very messed up. A potent drink that is for sure.

She offers one to Ahna who wisely declines or was she afraid of what she might "see".

Then she looked at Holmgir and he seemed to know more about what was going on than the rest of us and asked that she use her stinger directly on him. She smiled a knowing smile and agreed. It didn’t affect him like it did Manson or Glub and he told us about the visions that it had caused:

A man with masks all over him
A Ratfolk (Nezumi) (Pluck?) with a pointed at someone with Manson standing there
Ahna with another Mantid who was pale white
Glub or another Kobold in a fight in a Gladiator pit against another Kobold
Collom having a Frost Giant staring him down
A young girl whose appearance reminds him of Manson, but with an eye patch and small tube burning at the end in her mouth. She is covered in battle wounds. She had a black sword and said something to her father as he approached her while she was slumping sideways.
A vision of himself staring at a duplicate of himself with several tails behind it.
A swordsman pulling out a butterfly sword

Once Holmgir did that and told us about his visions I had to let whatever the girl had become sting me as well. I have been learning some divination techniques from Ahna and this corresponded with some of those lessons. So I asked the girl to sting me as well. Surprisingly, while it knocked me on my arse, my visions were much the same as Holmgir’s and it seems that Fate has some consistency in our futures or so it seems.

I saw a vision of Ymir sitting in front of a group of adventurers and leaned over and told them they did so well getting there.” I’m sorry they ended up sending you to do their job. It’s not fair to you.” I couldn’t see their faces, but Ymir looks angry, but not at them, she seems to pity them for what she must do to them. Ymir stands up and the ground opens up beneath them and she then closes the hole burying them deep within the earth. She looks sadly down at the disturbed earth and says that “they will not be able to find you, but know that I will remember you and your spirits.” Then she looked up and stared at me. She says, “You are not supposed to be here.” Ymir lifted her arm and the vision ended at that point and I was visibly shaken by what I had seen.

After Holmgir helped me to my feet, I shared the vision with the rest and Gallahan’s daughter said she would tell her father what I had “seen”.

We discussed the girl who looked like Manson with him and believed it was one of his daughters in the future and that she was dying from her wounds that day. He vowed to live to change this possible future and keep his family safe from the visions we were “seeing”.

Ending a Quest for Vegeance

After resting for a while from the effects of the girl’s drinks or stings, we were gathered up by Gallahan and departed for where they were keeping Guillermo’s body in Gardenia. When we arrived to the place, we were quickly escorted down to a room with several bodies and a jar with what looked like black ink within it.

Manson realized very quickly that this was what was left of Renalla and asked if he could have the jar, but to be honest I don’t remember if he took it or not with what happened afterwards. Then I spied Ta’winn and Maxwell’s bodies and started to put Ta’winn’s in my bag of holding and was told to stop. That Gallahan’s people would send the corpses to where I asked. So I told them that they were members of my team and that they should be sent to Gosper for death rites to be performed there alongside the other members of the team that had been killed during the assault on Guillermo’s tower. They told me it would be done and that Pierre would be informed or whoever was there to receive them.

Then Manson glared at Guillermo’s body and Gallahan proceeded to tell him that he could use his Oni blade on it to satisfy the pact he had made with it. When he did so the blade changed its appearance and accepted that he had completed the vengeance oath that he had made with it. Then things went to shit when Manson cut off Guillermo’s pinky finger and put it in his bag of holding. He told Gallahan that he wanted to place it on Raven’s wisteria tree in Kalana as an offering to his soul in the spirit realm. Gallahan got very pissed about that and severely punished Manson for having disobeyed his order. He damn near killed Manson there and then. However, he reluctantly let Manson keep the finger. I have a feeling that this finger will cause us nothing but woe going forward.

Gallahan might act like a foppish noble, but I have a feeling that he is a very intelligent and powerful person, who is bored more than a little by the mundane tasks that he has to perform as a leader in Tiberias. He puts on an act to have people underestimate him. After that performance, he is not someone that I would willingly cross for no good reason and looking back I don’t believe that this was a good enough reason, but Manson’s sense of loyalty to a friend made him believe it was worth it. Manson might have survived this time, but if he does something like this again, I have a feeling that he won’t be so lucky the next time, if there is a next time.

However, this little exhibition did teach us a valuable lesson. Don’t fuck with Gallahan. Though Manson seemed to think it was worth it for Raven’s memory.

Manson told us that Pluck made it safely to Kalana and that Kokoro would be returning with her and possibly a few others for the marriage ceremony that Gallahan has planned for the two of them. While she is in Kalana, we decided that it would be a good opportunity to go ahead and knock out one of the obligations that Manson has for Amanifus in Abaris. Since Kalana is on the way, we will probably stop at the Mukade estate and that way Manson can pay his respects to Kokoro.

Holmgir's Rede

While on our way there Holmgir tells Ahna of the “rede” he is following and asks if it means anything to her. I listen in to continue learning more about divination.

When iron wings take flight

Falls the tower born of night

Stone pierces earthen womb

Will be the fathers final tomb

Glory to our Father Glory to our Sister

Glory to our Selves

Rise again, O Great Ymir

The end is nigh thou misbegotten

Take your children and bring them near

That they may not be forgotten

Hammer hits anvil

And forges anew

Snuffed like a candle

And cleanses untrue

Glory to our Father

Glory to our Sister

Glory to our Selves

While I might never become a true divination wizard, I do believe that knowing how to contact the spirit realm and maybe “see” what the fates have in store for us is not a bad thing to have experience with. Though what this rede means, escapes me and it did Ahna as well.

We talked about how dangerous Ymir is and needs to be stopped. The way our current history is written she is a terror, but if she and the giants were to win, I and others wondered how she would then be viewed? It is true that throughout the ages, history is written by the victors, no matter the truth of what actually happened.

Kalana

We made it to Kalana and I failed the fear test that Manson laughed about by the gate with the Oni, much to the hit to my ego. Then the Oni told Manson that he almost got us killed when he drew his sword, which in their world is a silent sign for them to kill all those who are with the wielder. We were lucky that the Oni knew that he was ignorant of their ways.

I have a feeling that if Manson is going to be a part of this family that he needs to learn their customs and ways. Otherwise he might accidentally get himself or friends killed without knowing how or why they were until it is too late. Perhaps Pluck needs to teach him and Manson needs to ask her more questions about what he needs to know to keep everyone safe when within the Mukade estate.

Glub's First Mistake

While the Oni was explaining that to Manson, Glub attempted to steal the Oni’s sword - I only have one word for that - Stupid, but that is what I’ve come to know with Glub – Do, Think, Reconsider. Not the best way to do things especially to a Demon from the Abyss. After almost getting killed immediately, the Oni decided to not cut his hand cut off as a sign of a thief in Kalanese culture. Instead he gave the choice to lose the hand or bring back a freshly cut off head of a T-Rex. Glub looked at us and we nodded that we’d help him. Then he realized that he was missing his knives and bag. The Oni laughed and told him they were hidden throughout the estate and he was going to have to go look for them.

We all just shook our heads and started to proceed towards the mansion. On the way there we saw lots of trainees and different races, but a couple of Kobolds caught Glub’s attention and he went and spoke with them. They introduced themselves as: Hinata Mukade - the pinkish albino and Kobold Miser Mauler - The red and blue swirled Kobold. They spoke for a short while Glub, but the male quickly made it apparent that he didn’t approve of Glub and they got away from him and us as soon as it was polite to do so. Though we did learn they were from Abaris and that the female was adopted into the Mukade Clan.

Glub went back to looking for his stuff while the rest of us headed for the mansion and were led to Kokoro’s room by a huge Oni.

Meeting Kokoro Mukade

Introductions were made and Manson is talked to by Kokoro about Glub’s attempted theft of the Oni’s sword. Kokoro admonished him that he had allowed a member of his party to dishonor him like that. Manson explained how Glub had joined the party less than nine hours before and Kokoro cut him off saying that if he is a member of your party you and your reputation are affected by those you associate your name with. I could see Manson fuming, but he simply nodded. Kokoro ends with a terse warning, “Choose your team members carefully.”

Kokoro also told us that the one that took Glub’s stuff has been suitably disciplined and will be returning Glub’s stuff to him shortly.

After that Holmgir and Kokoro introduced one another and discussed the similarity of the names and Kokoro and he exchanged gifts and discussed the past more. It seems that a Goliath by the name of Thorin Soulfire Mukate may have been the leader of the Goliath’s who came to Kalana.

Pluck's Ritual

Then Kokoro tells Manson you have gifted me with beautiful grandchildren and my daughter is performing a ritual and has need of the ring on your finger to complete it. May I have it? Manson gives it too him and he holds it up and a hand appears from nowhere to take it from him and disappears.

He suggests we continue our conversations down in the room where Pluck and others are finishing up the ceremony. We move there and see Pluck and others with their arms in a black goo, struggling to perform something inside of it. Eventually, we see Pluck pull out a black and red sword that matched the other two that were already sitting out on a table. She smiled a tired smile at Manson…

Glub's Second and Very Costly Mistake

Suddenly, we hear a commotion outside and Kokoro goes silent and then he tells us to stay where we are and be silent. Then we see Glub being dragged inside before Kokoro.

It seemed that the one who took Glub’s stuff was one of Kokoro’s grandsons. As a result of the grandson’s actions and embarrassing a guest, the punishment was the loss of a pinky and ring finger from his left hand and he was to present those to Glub as an apology. Then when Glub made an offer to have the kid help him kill the T-Rex, the kid refused and Glub called him a coward. I know a little of this kind of culture that resulted in a duel because of the insult and the kid was getting ready to kill Glub, when Glub surrendered and the kid let him live.

After learning what happened, Kokoro believed that killing or torturing Glub served no purpose and was beneath his house taking his life. He even canceled the debt Glub owed the Oni. He would be thrown on the streets of Kanea and left to fend for himself among the thieves and cutthroats that would be after him once word was given to what he had done.

Glub attempted to explain that he didn’t know what was going on and that he didn’t understand the kid and had called him a coward out of frustration. Kokoro glared at Manson and told him that he needed to choose who he had to accompany him.

He said in a voice that scared the hell out of me, that Glub was one without honor and if Manson chose to keep him in the party it would reflect poorly upon him as well by saying, "The Kobold you have helped bring into our estate has dishonored my grandson's legacy and has collected quite the heavy burden upon his name as well as some staining to your own. I hope you understand that while I appreciate you for gifting me with beautiful grandchildren. Of which whose talents speak volumes in their futures. I cannot simply allow that to happen again. Be safer on who you permit with good faith into this estate. I will not be so merciful a second time."

At that point Manson had no choice but to simply nod and tell Kokoro that Glub was no longer a part of our group and to expel him from the compound.

Then Kokoro looked at Manson and told him that he had something on him that he was worried about and he should have asked before deciding to bring it to this estate. That he would not allow it to be hung or placed anywhere on the compound unless it was sanctified first and even then he was uneasy with it being here at all.

Manson said that he understood and would work to get it sanctified.

A LOT happened over the course of a short time to say the least. Not all of it good. Glub was a pain, but seemed willing to listen to Holmgir, but made too many mistakes in a place where ignorance of their ways and the mistakes he made would have cost anyone else their life without a second thought by any of the Mukade. He was lucky to have walked out of there alive, though I doubt he will last long in Kanea once word of what happened within the Mukade compound is shared. Holmgir seemed to be someone that Glub started to listen to, but it wasn’t enough to keep him in the party.

Pluck and the Swords

Then a bit later after things had calmed down a LOT…I got this vision of…

Pluck tenderly held the Shiranui weapons, feeling the warmth of their lost lover within the blades. She could feel herself slipping into a scape that was reminiscent of the village once Manson and Renalla called home. A place now Pluck could remember as a home as well.

Seeing Renalla there smiling at her with that tender warmth. Pluck couldn't hold back her tears as she sobbed holding the three swords. Each bearing the rings of the lover’s trio now within the guards. She went to reach out and feel Renalla as the attunement to one of the blades completed. The other two didn't belong to Pluck... but... it was hard to let go of them.

"I meant to say this for a long time now and I thought I wouldn't get a chance but... I never got to say to you that I love you.. I love you and I love him so fucking much. I don't know how this feeling can make me so happy and could hurt me so fucking bad but. I don't ever want to lose you again, you and Manson saw how shitty of a person I could be and still chose to make things work.. I don't wanna lose him either... This ensures you'd be able to be there with us and for our children cause I knew with how your soul was we would've never seen you again when it was our time to go. Rose, Cassia, Hazel, Chika.

They deserve to have a chance to have you by their sides when it's time to pass the torch. I'll be making my own amends, and I know a sliver of you is still here with me. To make sure our girls and any future children will be watched over by the three of us down the road. I promise you we three will be together again in the end." Renalla gently placed her hand on Plucks cheek within the scape. Gently wiping away tears "I know Hun, you and Manson meant the world to me. I made my choice because he still had his life to live. I was already on borrowed time. Take part of the set to Manson, and the final piece I want you to give to Rose and Cassia. I want to see them again, to let them know I'm here and to apologize."

Pluck nodded as she felt herself slipping from the scape. "You'll be there as part of the ceremony. I promise you that. I've never experienced a wedding before and now we've got ours and Olin’s to go through within the same month." Renalla chuckled "You'll be alright, I'm sure Manson's gonna cry more than either of us would. Remember to snag that dress we talked about in the dreamscape." Pluck nodded, getting up now and starting to walk over with the blades, Grabbing some specialized sheaths made from the trees on the estate alongside several important items found only in Kalana and placing the blades within. One for Manson, one for Pluck, and one for the girls. She intended to present one to her husband. Once he was done speaking with her father.

And then it was quiet again, I don’t think that I’ll share that private moment of Pluck’s with the others, that is only for her and Renalla.

Raven and Terentus Survived

Then as I was sitting and relaxing I got another vision, one that was welcome and I had to go share with the others. “Hey Manson and Pluck, I've got great news for you now that I've started playing around with this divination stuff, I got a vision today. Both Terentus and Raven survived, they are in Rusariat and seem to be doing well there. Here is what I "saw".

Raven was found by an Elezen woman whilst wandering the harbor in Ziatmas. It didn't take long for her to find some healing salves and start working on the massive hole in his hip. Calling out for her adventuring group to help pick him and Terentus up. Who both had passed out.
Terentus was taken in by a male Vierra, who tended to his weakened state.
Whilst Raven was picked up by who he quickly found was a member of house Harosh.
Terentus was given offers for employment, a form of high end civil work given his current standing and lack of anyone to lean on.
Raven was offered a position within the house once his sword skills were shown. Both within the week of being sent here seem to have found a place to stay for as long as they remain there. House Harosh was kind to Raven, giving him the necessary tools to eventually begin to make the start of a name for himself here. Even the affections of one of the Elezen that watched him from afar.
The Vierra Marco, was a member of a high prestige adventuring guild within Ziatmas and wanted a member from another realm on his team for quite some time. Eager to get Terentus into the fray of their work. He took him to the bars, enjoyed drinks and games. Even some passive flirting here and there with the Garlean eventually culminating in one particularly saucy night. Before eventually finding the kryptonite that would get Terentus involved in his group.

I told Manson, that we might want to seriously think about destroying that pinky finger of Guillermo’s. Maybe we should ask Kokoro to have one of his wizards Disintegrate it or else I can use my magic to destroy the damn thing too. But it seems to bring us nothing but problems and I think we'd be better off ensuring that it is gone completely.

Yeah, it was a long day.

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