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World of Ae'oene Ep. 12: Why Is It Always A Blue Guy…?
50 Plays3 months ago
Our adventurers find themselves in Glori, the city that calls the World Union headquarters home, when Kaldin overhears a blue guy in the sewers discussing dastardly deeds… It’s always a blue guy…
How is the party reunited, who exactly is the blue guy plotting murder...and who is their intended victim?
This show is written with adult audiences in mind and contains content that may not be suitable for younger listeners.
This episode has the following content warnings: General Violence, Strong Language, Kidnapping, Harm to Children (Discussion of prior events only), Child Loss
We'd love to hear your feedback! What do you want to hear more of? Favorite moments? Any big theories yet? Leave a comment below!
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Our cast:
- Curtiss Woosley as The GM
- Rennie Armas as Kaldin
- Sapheara as Maeve Strongheart
- Jack Baldwin as Jellen Ykalle
- MJ Guenther as Thalira Grimstone Eku'Lanathi
Addtional Credits:
- Show graphics by Sentic GFX
- Show editing Rennie Armas and MJ Guenther
- Intro/Outro music composed by Ryan Muns, Owner/Operator of Eyes On The Moon Studios
Recommended
Transcript
Introduction and Content Warning
00:00:02
Speaker
Destabilizing Foundations Episode 12 The world of Aeon contains stories with mature themes. Content warnings are in the episode description.
ADHD Medication and Session Dynamics
00:00:22
Speaker
I forgot my ADHD meds. This'll be interesting. Oh
00:00:31
Speaker
Well, with that, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to what is this, episode 12? Episode 12 of the World of Aeon Stories of Legend. For us, I mean, for you guys, it's been about two weeks since last episode. For our characters, it's been a lot longer. And even for us as players, it's been at least a month.
Recap and Catch-up
00:00:50
Speaker
Speaking of players, guys, hey, hey but how is everybody doing? i I just had the opening warning of... um Are you ready? Strap in. Because we're going for a ride today. It's to be a fun one. Going be a fun one, ladies gentlemen. Either way, welcome back, guys. um Like I said, it's been different for us. It's been a month.
00:01:11
Speaker
Players, characters, it's been a longer time. We've been doing a lot in the background, though, in this month off. So it's not like we haven't gotten our fill of D&D. Just not been recording or doing in you know live sessions.
00:01:23
Speaker
But I'm pretty excited. This is going to be
Character Developments and Cryptic Clues
00:01:26
Speaker
fun. Speaking of which, as our opening today, we're actually going to give everybody a little sneak peek into what's been going on this past month. I'm sorry. It's probably going to give more questions than answers. For us, too, honestly.
00:01:38
Speaker
Yeah, honestly. We have no idea. Yeah, I'm so confused. But for our audience, you guys can look forward to this three year gap for our characters. We are going to be doing bonus episodes and things like that. That's going to delve into flashbacks into this three years to give you all even more content with the world that they own.
00:01:56
Speaker
But in the meantime, just to give you a little, just a little taste of it, we're going to go down the down the line. I want you guys to give our audience, just pick one thing that's happened in the three years that we've all discussed. Well, I guess all of us, but you guys have discussed with me or each other um and just give a real vague, just a clue.
00:02:13
Speaker
Almost as you know how we have done on social media or to each other in the past of like out of context gifts. Give just like an out of context clue of something that's happened in these three years. Jack, we're going to start with you.
00:02:26
Speaker
All right. Is right if I do like four words and that's it? Yeah. I mean, if if that's what you want to do, sure. All right. So for Yellen, this has been a journey of death, discovery, dragons and donkeys.
00:02:39
Speaker
Oh,
00:02:43
Speaker
I love it. Oh, man, I love it. I wish you guys could see the faces on the rest of the players because they have no idea what that means. We're going to jump over to i think we're going to jump to Talira.
00:02:57
Speaker
She found her voice. Fitting. I like that. I like that. Sephira, Maeve? Oh, um big ass parties. Big ass parties. All right.
00:03:11
Speaker
I feel like that could have couple meanings. Finishing out for us, Kalden. I'm going to go the Jack route. and Giant chickens, grumpy old men friends, and curses galore.
00:03:25
Speaker
Curses galore. That is, I just feel like that is misleading in some ways, in some ways not. Fantastic It's exactly everything
Druid Council Seat Controversy
00:03:35
Speaker
that's happened. Oh, and 360 no scopes.
00:03:38
Speaker
360 no scopes. Oh my gosh, you're right. I forgot about that for a second. That's crazy. That's absolutely crazy. Okay. but Well, on that note, audience, I know you guys can't wait. i know we definitely can't wait to get into this. so let's just do it.
00:04:09
Speaker
We're going to start the episode the day before the actual start with all of you. There would have been three of our four characters that of would have witnessed this speech as speaking down...
00:04:25
Speaker
from one of the balconies on the World Union Tower, one of the new constructions in the City of Glory, having become the center for the world over the past roughly four years since the Battle of Glory had taken place.
00:04:40
Speaker
And Glory being the location that a treaty between warring countries, a mediator, and now several other nations and peoples have come together to try to better the world.
00:04:55
Speaker
Today, the World Union accepts a new seat at its council and its subcouncils, mind you. The World Union has become essentially a council of seats for recognized nations and peoples.
00:05:15
Speaker
There are some accessory seats or different kinds that you could say exist here as well. The recognized nations being Botryage, Nitro Tare, Vior, and surprisingly Undor, the Dark City.
00:05:32
Speaker
What they've also accepted over these three years is a seat for the druids of Aeon, of the Kra'art. having a delegate from them considered what is a special seat at the council.
00:05:43
Speaker
Also, a divinity ambassador from the clerical conclave. Rothdare has an archivist here that's only allowed in its subcouncils as they, as a nation, have not agreed to have a member seat and be recognized.
00:05:57
Speaker
Tralf has an envoy here, non-voting, that is considered a guild council diplomat, but again does not want to be recognized as a member state. but is still here, almost you could say and in spirit.
00:06:11
Speaker
It's probably more than that considering the guilds of
Aether's Controversial Seat
00:06:13
Speaker
Trolf. And now on this very special day, a massive party has been thrown, festivals throughout the city as it's being been being rebuilt these past three years and still in the process in a lot of sectors of the city and a lot of its districts, but it's become just a hub for trade, for culture, and for peace.
00:06:30
Speaker
And to- today they announced the new seat which is a second Druidic seat, one recognizing the Aether in the primordial plane. The first seat, and this is fairly controversial throughout the city and throughout the world for those who are politically in the know, but to have a seat on the world union that is not of this world has divided some people.
00:06:52
Speaker
The seat has been awarded not only as a mediator, but also as a tie-breaking vote for procedural votes and access to be able to vote in subcouncils. And while not a full seat technically, as that might have divided people too much, it's still a big deal.
00:07:08
Speaker
And walking up to this balcony, overlooking a crowd amongst the city. At the right, the Lord of Glory and Anora Nighthall, hit one of his hands, having and being one of the mediators of this council and having been the start of bringing it all together.
00:07:24
Speaker
On the left being Khalzira Silverhair, the other druidic seat of the material plane. Payada Bhakti pulls up to this balcony, overlooking the city.
00:07:37
Speaker
Piyadabakti is a light ganasi, having almost like strands of hair that are like LEDs. It's it almost like ah dreads in a sense, and light seems to just pulse through them. It's incredibly mesmerizing.
00:07:52
Speaker
The eyes literally emanate golden light from them. Very dark-complected, fairly androgynous in presenting, so you don't know, are they feminine or masculine? It's somewhere in the middle.
00:08:03
Speaker
But she looks out across this group of people that Maeve, Calden, and Talira stand somewhere within. I want to thank everyone for allowing not only me, but my people to have a say here not only in the city but in the world.
00:08:22
Speaker
Our worlds are more united and connected than many of you know. My hope here, as I take this seat and begin to talk with the people of this world and your leaders, is that we come can become even more connected and more so just in the arcane ways and in the natural ways, but also in trade, also in finances, in industrial senses, in having merchants that communicate back and forth and allowing us to we find union even in our beliefs.
00:08:58
Speaker
Specifically, want to thank Calzia Silverhair here, the druids of the Kra'at, for being such a foundational part of getting us the seat here and allowing us to recognize the druidic nations of both of our worlds in an increasing manner.
00:09:14
Speaker
Over times, since the catastrophe over a thousand years ago, so many have turned to the new gods, and there is nothing wrong with that. But a lot of us have lost our ways and lost our connection with the world in which we live.
00:09:26
Speaker
And as many of you know, it has started to rear its ugly head as rifts across the world have begun to arrive and open, bringing elements that don't belong, bringing destruction and loss to many.
00:09:42
Speaker
As I end this speech, I want to invite all of the leaders of your nations that are already here today, as it has worked out, that there is a ball just tomorrow.
00:09:54
Speaker
And mind you, I did not have any plan of this. But by pure luck, we have a fundraiser for of a ball going on tomorrow that I hope you all attend to help those who have been affected by these rifts.
00:10:07
Speaker
She pauses looks out among the crowd at all the faces. Once again, I thank you and I hope to serve you all well, as well as the people of my home. For peace and a united world.
00:10:19
Speaker
She steps away and the crowd erupts
Maeve's Unprepared Day
00:10:22
Speaker
into cheer and into applause. We skip to the next morning as leaving the bedchambers of her temporary room, mind you, because she is not from here, Maeve walks out of the door to be greeted by her attending Lionel.
00:10:42
Speaker
Maeve, can you describe what our audience sees as she walks out of the door of to her bedchamber, ready for business of the day, as this is the big day, the ah the day of your event, of your masquerade ball?
00:10:57
Speaker
If anyone had actually seen Maeve in that moment, they'd be quite concerned. She'd be very disheveled, not ready, not put together yet. Ink all over her hands, just needing a coffee and and wait, preparing for for Sally, her her new accompany to take over and attack her with makeup as soon as possible.
00:11:22
Speaker
Indeed. And as you walk with Lionel, as he begins to talk here in a moment, he's walking you towards the chambers that Sally is waiting for you at to help you kind of get ready for the day, as this is the big day. So it's it's not like you can just get ready on your own. This has to be this has to be professional. has to be done right. this is Everyone's going to be looking for you for guidance. And indeed, Lionel begins talking as he has a a scroll out and begins going down. In about an hour, you have a meeting with Nora Nighthall to make sure that the final preparations have been done. She's doing her part. um So that's going to be the first on your agenda today. Sally is waiting for you in the next room.
00:11:57
Speaker
And he just kind of continues down the line as you enter into the room room next, and Sally's waiting. Oh, finally! Why do you always seem to sleep in, even on the most important days? Sit down. I'm sitting.
00:12:10
Speaker
She's just very, very tired. Indeed, and as you groggily sit, she begins brushing your hair and getting you ready. Elsewhere in the city, Talira and Calden walk down into a lively tavern as glory is pretty lively in itself these past couple of years it's as it's been getting more and more attention, beginning more and more busy as so many more people have been moving here since it had lost so much of its population in that battle of glory so many years ago.
00:12:42
Speaker
And as you walk down into, give me one second, where is it? I have the name of this tavern. it's not important right now. As you guys walk down into this tavern, it is lively. There is a squared bar in the very center of the room.
00:13:01
Speaker
to be served on both sides. The back end is roped off and says reserved only seeming for more important people. And the other half with a little stage in the corner is just absolutely full of people. And even the reserve section is pretty full.
00:13:13
Speaker
And you can tell the separation between those who have money and those who do, those who are important and those who are just part of the city. And this is ah an interesting bar is and tavern as the the two meld, which in a lot of places don't tend to do.
00:13:29
Speaker
Oh, that's the name. As the Sleeping Dragon Inn welcomes all. And indeed, you know it's called the Sleeping Dragon Inn because indeed a wyvern nests on the roof of this place and keeps watch.
00:13:40
Speaker
A storm wyvern. As you walk down and approach the bar, the ah bartender who you've gotten to know the past two days that you've been in town finishing up a contract for a delivery of a letter greets you all.
00:13:53
Speaker
Ah, welcome! You guys are finally up! it's What a day this is! Good morning. Good morning. Where's your, uh, bear friend? Oh, she's sleeping upstairs.
00:14:06
Speaker
Ah, nah, I understand, understand. um Man, odd liveliness in town, it's been a while, it's been been a couple months since we've had this many people. This ball must be bigger than I thought it would be because there's everybody in town is lively and talking about it. even I mean, half these people aren't even going to be able to go.
00:14:20
Speaker
But parties are popping up at taverns all over the place. We weren't even expecting it. Now we've we're trying to prepare to do something tonight. Well, I'm glad business is booming. Absolutely. to um Yeah, are you do you all have any plans tonight or are you heading out?
00:14:36
Speaker
Tendin, what we came here to do, aren't we? Playing it by ear? We don't really have plans. Fair enough. Well, if you all want to stay stick around, we're going to have a hell of a party tonight. um But if you're also looking for other places, I can absolutely point you in the right direction, or hell, I mean, and I've i heard some people already talking about trying to sneak into the ball, so I mean, that could also be an option if you wanted.
00:14:58
Speaker
That sounds like a poor idea. don't think I can sneak anywhere. I'm kind of obvious. ah Yeah, he got a fair point. By the way, ah Beatrice went ahead and ah put some put some food for your your chicken out ah out in the stable.
00:15:16
Speaker
Thanks. I should actually probably go check on her. yeah Yeah, absolutely. Either way, um is it the same as usual food-wise? i'll get I'll go ahead and get it going for you guys. ah Yeah, same thing. That sounds great.
00:15:32
Speaker
Yep. So he goes and starts getting a drink together and getting getting the normal normal for you guys. Generally ah a steak that's medium rare and a steak that's not cooked. um It's blue. It's warmed up on the outside. It's warmed. that's It's warmed. That would be true.
00:15:50
Speaker
And now going jump to a different part of the city as just arriving into the east dock. Yellen gets off of the boat that he managed to hitch a ride on as they start unloading livestock and deliveries to the city.
Yellen's Disheveled Arrival
00:16:10
Speaker
And Yellen, as you look at the city from the East Dock, the East Dock is pretty close to the center of the city. um As the center of the city is is a hill with different altitude points, with the World Union being on the second, the Lord's the lord's Estate being at the very top. And there are lots of of tall buildings, everything here being just absolutely beautiful and gorgeous, a mix of traditional housing and new arcane-driven architecture.
00:16:34
Speaker
And you know, somewhere in this city, Maeve is here. And that was your whole reason for coming. Where would Yellen, and and actually, first of all, I forgot to do this with Kaladin and Talira, so we'll come back to that. ah But what does yellen what does Yellen look like after these three years for our audience? Well, Yellen has gone through a bit of a me metamorphosis, quite a bit more disheveled than before.
00:16:55
Speaker
He's got a thick beard with his... ah pieces of kyanite kind of like sticking out the horns that go along his chin. And ah he has a scar that peeks out just above it. And he's wearing different sorts of leathers, mostly like ah like lizard-y and scaly. And he's got a wrap that goes around his shoulder that pairs with his very large, wide-brimmed hat.
00:17:18
Speaker
And it's a they're kind of cap caked in different like clays and dusts and things. And one noticeable feature as well that has changed.
00:17:29
Speaker
is the horn on your head as one of his horns has sheared off. Although not at the not at the very bottom. It's like broken about halfway down his horn.
00:17:41
Speaker
as ken kellen As Yellen looks ah upon this city, what is what is Yellen's... What is Yellen's first steps? As this is a new city and he really doesn't know much about glory. Well, there is one thing he does know. The information he came here with, hoping that and it was happening soon.
World Union Ball Discovery
00:18:01
Speaker
um There's a ball happening. And he knows that Maeve is working at it, potentially. So that's... He's going to try to find the location.
00:18:13
Speaker
All right. And sure enough... With the passive perception that you have, it's it's not hard as it's a buzz around town about this fundraising event. And before long of just making your way into the city, trying to get a sense of where you're where you're at, what kind of people are here, you're able to eavesdrop on a couple of people extremely easily and learn that that ball is indeed this evening.
00:18:39
Speaker
And it is at the World Union Ballroom. All right, then that's where I'm headed. As you go around the city and try to find some information regarding the city where this would be located, you you're able to find them a merchant's merchant's table and you're able to purchase, given the small amount of money that you have left over, a map of the city.
00:19:06
Speaker
And one of the things that stands out to you, one, it shows you where the World Union where the world union is and its entire district, which is obviously going to, you can can you know infer that that's going to be where the ballroom is.
00:19:19
Speaker
But the other thing you immediately notice, given your past, is the district called the Sacred Springs and the Trisyncta Lighthouse. as Because as you look over,
00:19:33
Speaker
in that direction you see a massive lighthouse that overlooks both the east walk the west dock and the dock of ages hmm is that potentially on the way to the it is next it is the it's one of the districts next to the world union and the reason that it catches your attention so much is after being on this plane of existence now for two of a own months There are certain connections and things that have been forgotten or disregarded because of the past three years in your experiences, and looking to that lighthouse, you feel the presence of Isakun.
00:20:16
Speaker
Oh, boy.
00:20:23
Speaker
Yellen kind of, he looks towards it, and I can see kind of see the lighthouse from here, correct, where I am? oh Oh yeah, it overlooks majority of the city.
00:20:34
Speaker
Yeah, I look toward it and I look at the map, take a moment looking at the name, and then i look back up at it and just keep on my way, ah kind of almost avoiding it.
00:20:48
Speaker
One thing to note, both for our audience and for all four of you, One of the key features that has been built into the city during its rebuilding process is the Trisynctal Lighthouse and the Sacred Springs District.
00:21:02
Speaker
Because what had happened during the Battle of Glory that all that at least three of you probably would have learned by now is the Battle of Glory, about three and a half to four years ago at this point, there was cult that had broken off from the Mortifer Pactum.
00:21:19
Speaker
thinking that the Mortifer Pactum, which is the leading organization on assassin and overthrown of governments, they're one of the most, one of the worst like groups in the world type of thing. They believe they didn't go far enough. They had standards that they didn't agree with.
00:21:30
Speaker
And they ravaged and legitimately see put siege under this, over the city of undead, killing half the population. So in the rebuild, after the Heroes of Glory had helped defeat them, specifically with the help of John the Wizard, which there is a massive statue in the center of town for John the Wizard, as he had given his life to cast an 11th level spell to wipe out the entire army of undead.
00:21:55
Speaker
In the rebuild, they had purposefully put defenses against the undead within as the Sacred Springs, which is a district specifically for all of the beliefs of the world that are welcome here.
00:22:06
Speaker
In the Tri-Sancta Lighthouse, built with Isakin, Ziva, and Mordmian in mind, there is a section of amazing divine arcane ability that is constantly creating water out of this lighthouse.
00:22:21
Speaker
And as it leaves the Sacred Springs, It becomes holy water. And there are aqueducts throughout the entire city that essentially are delivering and putting a wall of divine holiness around the entire city where undead simply would not be able to pass.
00:22:41
Speaker
Come to say this because the Sacred Springs is very important. And as we come back to Maeve, as you were finishing up getting ready, Lionel comes back. Uh, Maeve, um, I forgot, um, we managed to squeeze it in as I know this was important to you. You have a meeting with one of the high priests in the Trisancter lighthouse. We managed to fit it in directly after your meeting with Anora.
Ball Preparations and Proposal
00:23:04
Speaker
You, by the time you get there, you're only going to have about 15 minutes with them, but we were able to fit that in amongst the meetings. Okay, perfect.
00:23:12
Speaker
Thank you, Lionel. Um, have you also checked up on the food for tonight's event?
00:23:20
Speaker
Yes, food is taken care of. Absolutely. We have a a full full import of livestock as to help with what we've already gathered from the city. But that has been imported today. That way we have fresh meat. Should be getting delivered in roughly about half an hour. And it'll immediately be going to the to the butchers we've contracted. Amazing. Make sure Fenley doesn't sit next to any of the seafood. You know how he does not like, it doesn't do well for him.
00:23:47
Speaker
Oh, I know. I don't know why he keeps trying to eat it. Yes. sweet He says it tastes good and yet his stomach disagrees. We should um make sure the person setting the seats out seats them appropriately.
00:24:01
Speaker
Yes, absolutely. um Speaking of which, you have heard what he's been planning, right? Who? Finley, you have heard what he's been planning, right?
00:24:13
Speaker
I take the look on your face as a no. Well, just, i I hate to be the ruiner, but this is your big day. He, because it's such a special day for you, Can you, I'm on a time limit. He, he has a wristband. He has a what?
00:24:30
Speaker
He has a wristband. A wristband. He he's bought, he's bought a wrist ring. which you know is equivalent. he A wrist ring with your culture is equivalent to a wedding ring or an engagement ring.
00:24:45
Speaker
Oh, okay. um So if if that's not something you're interested in, he plans on doing that today. To who? Just for you to get ahead of it. I guess we can plan some time if if he has the lady come up on the stage or something, we can we'll have time to for that. He can he can do that.
00:25:04
Speaker
um Just get him to let me know what time he's planning to do that and we'll we'll organize something with the music for him. No, Fenlin is wanting to... It's for you, Maeve.
00:25:21
Speaker
I don't really have time for this conversation right now.
00:25:25
Speaker
ah Okay. Well, I've given you the information, so do it. that went You will. um Yes, let's get you to Anora. You are correct. We are going to be running late. Let's get you to Anora. Yeah, yeah. ASAP.
00:25:44
Speaker
Oh, my gosh. What the fuck has been happening? Oh, my Maeve, what have you been doing? Oh my God.
00:25:57
Speaker
Literally everything that is coming out of Woozie's mouth about Maeve. I'm like, what the fuck? I did not expect this to be a wedding episode. told y'all Maeve's been busy. No, this is going to be a ah rescue the bride. That's so funny.
00:26:18
Speaker
As we switch to another part of the city, we go back to Calden and Talira. And as you all are leaving the tavern, because I forgot to do this earlier, is there any changes? And what does Talira and Calden look like for our audience, if there's been any changes?
00:26:34
Speaker
Talira looks pretty much the same. She's very utilitarian. Her hair, essentially the same haircut, maybe... A little bit longer, probably braided at some point.
00:26:47
Speaker
Like, she just generally looks...
00:26:53
Speaker
happier, more confident. It's less about what her outward appearance looks like, because Talira's Talira. She's not really the most focused on outward appearances for herself, but there's something in her, how she carries herself, where she just seems more sure.
00:27:14
Speaker
Caldon physically looks exactly the same. Mm-hmm. But he smiles now. Nice. Less physical appearance changes for both of you and more body language and how you carry yourself.
00:27:28
Speaker
Yeah. He looks less like he's constantly looking over his shoulder now. Right. Okay, well, as down the main merchant street of glory for the everyday person, mind you, you have Lou by your side as the look of Lou and in her bare form is the same as she has been walking next to Talira.
00:27:52
Speaker
But on the other side of Talira is Calden, and on the other side of Calden is a new member. Calden, tell us about ah your new, i don't know if you'd call her a mount or a pet, but your vampire chicken.
00:28:04
Speaker
She's definitely not big enough to be mount yet. She'll get there. yet Now, if you're ah small, of the small size, you might be able to ride her She comes up to about Talira's thighs at this point.
00:28:23
Speaker
And that's like her back. Her neck obviously extends a little bit further. Mm-hmm. Yeah, she's a giant chicken. She's few years old, so she's still got a little tinges of the red around her head and and neck feathers, mostly as white, and has been Kelden's constant companion since she hatched.
00:28:46
Speaker
Indeed, and one also thing to note for the audience is the beak on this chicken is serrated. Yes, it is built for shredding. Indeed.
00:28:58
Speaker
So, as this this wild group of four walks down the the main shopping district for the everyday middle-class person of glory, all of a sudden, as you're walking, because of the high passive perception of some members of this group, you see a purse snatcher grab the bag out of this old lady's hand and dart off down an alleyway as ah this older woman... Hey, you...
00:29:26
Speaker
And before you know it, gone. Calden goes after it. i was going to say Talira. Talira looks over to Calden and is like, you got that? Calden's already gone. Calden's gone. I guess he does.
00:29:39
Speaker
Calden immediately going, catches up to him pretty quickly as you you find this hooded hooded figure, fairly small, looking to be maybe a gnome or a halfling, doesn't look beefy enough to be a dwarf. And you catch up to him pretty quick as he makes a makes a turn down this alleyway a bit and still between buildings as this this city has become very dense.
00:29:58
Speaker
And he notices you following him and catching up so quickly. You see his face for a moment, which looks gnomish. And you see go, oh oh, shit. And he just drops and keeps running. Drops drops the the bag and keeps running.
00:30:11
Speaker
All right. Grab the bag. Yeah, as you lean down to grab of the bag, and like out of the just barely audible, but out of a storm drain right next to where you are, you hear the word Zorilgog.
00:30:28
Speaker
And that rings some bells of a word you haven't heard in three and a half years. Gonna sidle on over, take a listen. Yeah, as you get a little closer to the storm drain, you kind of put an ear to it.
00:30:41
Speaker
It sounds like it's, like they're not right underneath. It's reverberating down the sewers of this spot. And you hear hear this high reverb conversation begin, or rather, i guess it's not beginning, but you beginning of hearing it for you.
00:30:57
Speaker
Yes, no, this Oral Gog is not going to stop us. We cannot let them have this place of power. It's going to happen tonight at the ball.
00:31:09
Speaker
you you can't The other person speaks a little softly. You can't quite hear them after a couple of seconds. No, we must keep civilian casualties as low as possible. Only target Piara.
00:31:23
Speaker
Yes, the money will be here for you when you complete half now, half later, as we discussed. All right. And then you hear some footsteps. Footsteps in the like wet splashing of water heading your way.
00:31:37
Speaker
Describe for me the alleyway that I'm in a little bit more. So the alleyway you're is right next to the T that you had rounded the corner and and this guy dropped the bag. If you look to your left, it goes out to a side road. If you look to your right, it goes out to the side road and where that T was goes out to the main road, which is where the where that shopping district is. There's a couple back doors to some buildings in here, but not right next to you. And then there's places where trash has been placed and things like that. But other than that, it's mainly just stone stone brick buildings.
00:32:11
Speaker
Most these buildings back-to-back and conjoining are anywhere from one to three stories tall. Okay. Kalden's going to pull up his hood and the, like, turtleneck he has. He's going to pull it over his mouth so basically only his eyes are seen. Classic rogue look, finally! Yes!
00:32:32
Speaker
Finally gets to pull it off. He's going to scale the wall so that he's, like, well above... To be clear, the footsteps you were hearing, you were you were hearing through a storm drain, so it's not a very big opening. And the footsteps you were hearing were down in the storm drain, like in the sewer.
00:32:49
Speaker
Right, but it sounded like they were coming to potentially... Oh, I guess you didn't mention a manhole for them to, like, leave. Yeah, no, it's just the drain. So they'd be walking by.
00:33:01
Speaker
ah well, then he's going to keep looking. Okay. He's still going to pull up everything so that if they look over and see him, there's not going to be a face to recognize, really.
00:33:12
Speaker
Yeah, absolutely. as As you keep looking, you see a shrouded figure approach and go by, and just a little bit of light going through the storm drain, you catch just the glimpse of some skin and a glisten off of horns.
00:33:30
Speaker
They're blue in color, and the way the light shines off as the horns, you can tell they're kyanite, just like Yellen's. Yellen, what the fuck are you doing? um It doesn't sound like yelling though. so
00:33:48
Speaker
Okay. I'm going to head back to Talira. Did Yana follow me? Or did she stay with Talira? She'd probably follow you. She follows you like, like, like she looks at Yana looks to you basically as her mother.
00:34:04
Speaker
Like she is next to you at all times. And unless, unless you give her the command to stay, like she is going to be following you. Okay. Then I i take Yana and i back to Talira.
00:34:17
Speaker
Actually back to the old lady and give her back her bag. Oh, oh my gosh. Thank you. I thought i'm he took it. I thought it was gone forever. I didn't even see you go after him. Oh, and I've removed the hood and the thing before I got back to her, so it's not as weird. Yeah, I figured. I assumed. um what's What's your name, honey? um i I must thank you.
00:34:41
Speaker
Oh, I'm Kelden. i'm I'm so glad I was able to get your bag back. yeah Thank you so much. It's very thankful. this This would have been the third one this month. This month?
00:34:53
Speaker
Yes, the expansion of the city has just been... it's It's just happened so quick. It's so hard for the City Watch to keep up with the increase in crime. I'm sure though'll i'm sure they'll get a handle on it. It's just all so sudden and so quick, you know?
00:35:06
Speaker
Well, you know, there are places you can hide your money, so it's at least more difficult for them to target you. oh I don't... I don't carry much on me. I'm just... I'm just an easy target is all.
00:35:20
Speaker
I can show you how to be less easy target, Talira says as she walks up. Giant. Well... She up at you. Well, I mean, if I was your size, i would be wouldn't be such an easy target to you. but Talira chuckles. In some ways, it makes her an easier target. Exactly. I can't hide.
00:35:44
Speaker
But, um... There are a few places. the The solar plexus is a big one, just the elbow right there. and o ah Well, I'll keep that in mind if I manage to be able to react fast enough. ah Also, keeping your money out here or in or inner pockets, it's at least harder for them to to grab and run.
00:36:09
Speaker
and That's true. And, you know, actually, i've I've tended to keep my more, my, just a few gold that I may need on me every day. and she like reaches in and pulls out of a bra, pulls a gold coin. like
Hiding Money from Crime
00:36:21
Speaker
Sweaty money. I just put a few in there, but I really only need like, ah you know, a couple of gold to get me through the day on an expensive day. they don't call it a wreck for nothing.
00:36:29
Speaker
i wouldn't flash that everywhere out here. Oh, that's a good point. That's good point. time She kind of like stuffs it back in. but You know, so before my friends knew that what I was doing, they they were wondering if I was being diseased because my my breast got so lumpy.
00:36:47
Speaker
your your Your friends often... touch your boobs you know what that's not that's not our business she like looks embarrassed du she looks embarrassed she's like i'm wearing she's like some i i put more in there at first i was i didn't think straight i put more in there than needed and it was obvious the e why are we talking about that i don't know this is a very awkward um It was so wonderful to meet you. I'm glad we got you your money back.
00:37:14
Speaker
um Have oh wonderful day, ma'am. You you too, yes, absolutely. it' safe. um Enjoy the festivities today. It's going to be a great day.
00:37:25
Speaker
For sure. Indeed.
00:37:33
Speaker
I don't know what Calden is sipping. He's sipping on something. yeah
00:37:39
Speaker
Wild interaction. Gin and juice.
00:37:46
Speaker
He's in a ah way better... He's in better spirits now because he's always drunk. Alcoholic.
00:37:56
Speaker
He's always just a little bit tipsy now. schmitch. Indeed. he's Australian. Rothdar. That's hilarious. About true. Do you do anything with the information you just learned, Kalten?
00:38:07
Speaker
Yeah. Um, T'neera? Yes, Keldin? Want to a accompany me somewhere less crowded?
00:38:20
Speaker
ob sure. Let's go. Wonderful. We go somewhere less crowded. Yeah, it's really easy to just like step into an alleyway or something like that. There's these, it's very dense, very dense city where a lot of these buildings have either been reconstructed from being, and actually in this in this district, this is all reconstructed homes and businesses. So you can you can actually see a lot of the times where some of the old construction blends into like newer brick and stone, but it's still, it's very dense and there's lots of alleyways you can kind of dip into.
00:38:51
Speaker
Okay, when i when I was going after the that lady's bag, I overheard a conversation in the sewers. ah there was There was a crystal tiefling. It looked like Yellen. What?
00:39:05
Speaker
it It wasn't Yellen, unless his voice has changed. but i guess i I suppose that's possible, maybe. i don't know if he was hiding it. Anyway, it was a crystal tiefling, like Yellen.
00:39:17
Speaker
ah he's in opposition to the Zorilgog, and they're gonna put a hit out on someone at the party tonight. Wait, the Zorilgog is putting a hit on somebody, or the person opposed to Zorilgog is a... I think the person opposed.
00:39:33
Speaker
There's, there's, like, a place of power or something that they want control of, and the Zorilgog want control of. And they're, they've put a hit out on someone.
00:39:43
Speaker
What was, what was the name of the person you said? Piata. It is the... You recognize the name as the the person who gave the speech yesterday. that That lady who did the the speech yesterday, announcing the whole party thing. They're gonna kill her.
00:40:01
Speaker
Well, we need to let them know. Who's gonna believe us? Well... Can we find somebody who can cast like a zone of truth? Is there a temple or somebody, we can bring a c cleric along and just toss them a couple gold?
00:40:22
Speaker
Boy, I sure miss Maeve. That would be useful, yes.
00:40:28
Speaker
She was nice to have around. She was. Anyway, um... ah We can try. and don't really know what else to do. We can try and go to guards, but I doubt they'll do anything about it.
00:40:42
Speaker
And my Well, you know- Limited ah experience with these sort of events and people. They're not one to listen to nobodies. I have a high ranking with the Adventurers Guild. We will use that.
00:40:59
Speaker
It gives a little credence there is some kind of badge. I don't know. Sure, for you. I never joined. Maybe they'll listen to me and I say I believe him.
00:41:13
Speaker
We have to try.
00:41:17
Speaker
i I... might have one idea. I don't know that it would work. I don't know how the invitations went out. What is your idea?
00:41:30
Speaker
Going as a guest. With? Whose guest? Um, that's not important. Yet.
00:41:44
Speaker
Probably. You would be mine.
00:41:50
Speaker
I don't think we'll sneak you in, that's for sure. no that's why I'm saying, like, i I cannot go unless I am invited or somebody's guest. I don't know who's going. So how do you have a name?
00:42:02
Speaker
I don't. I have an assumption of a name that would probably be on a list and probably also wouldn't attend. But I also don't know if they would be. Okay.
00:42:19
Speaker
Do you want to elaborate or do I not need- Is this a question I don't need to ask? yeah Uh... I mean, let's try your idea first.
00:42:32
Speaker
Okay.
00:42:35
Speaker
There were some ideas thrown. Which one? which one I think go up and go up and say, we overheard some really important information that you need to know. Who are you going to? Because I know you guys don't know the the layout of the city very well first. So who are you looking for?
00:42:50
Speaker
Just guards in general or a specific building? Probably going to the location where the ball is. Okay. So go to the World Union. Yeah. Yeah.
00:43:01
Speaker
Okay. That can be arranged. Do me a favor. Yellen and either Talira or Kalden, both of you roll me d100.
00:43:15
Speaker
Who wants this on their head? was my idea. I'll do it. I just need to pull up roll 20 because I got distracted and forgot. Oh, no. 49. 49. That's so close to half. That's crazy.
00:43:30
Speaker
forty nine that's so close to half that's crazy
00:43:35
Speaker
It's a good half. 27. 27 works. Yeah. ah Yeah. No, i was I was actually trying to see if you all would be within 25 of each other. Oh.
00:43:50
Speaker
Uh, yeah. So as you guys find your way to the world union, haven't you've been here a few days and you've been, you've gotten at least somewhat of layout of the city, at least know where some districts are and you know, where the world union is being halfway up the, the center hill of the city, um, with that like plateau area, having a couple different districts within it, but the big one being the world union.
00:44:11
Speaker
It is completely walled, as this is very important place full of important people, so it needs to be defended well. And as you walk up and around to the walled area going into going into Merchant Alley, where the entrance to the World Union, or at least the main entrance, lies, as you walk up to the guard station that's right outside the gate,
00:44:32
Speaker
you see a a man talking to the guards. And ah as they walk up, Yellen, what are you saying to the guard to try to get in?
00:44:44
Speaker
Okay, so at this point, Yellen, has kind he's kind of almost purposely made it so you wouldn't recognize him as as like kind of a like a surprise. I'm back. Oh, my God.
00:44:56
Speaker
ah But he you probably hear him. I'm here to see Maeve Strongheart. I'm here for the ball. um I'm to assist in setting up equipment tables.
00:45:12
Speaker
but I'm sorry, sir. Your name is not on our list for the ball. We have a very specific guest list, and we are not allowed to let anyone else in. and i um Also, your attire is just... It's not to be...
00:45:25
Speaker
to be like that There are regulations for this. I'm not a guest. I'm working. and I understand that, sir, but we, I can't let you, if first of all, you're not on the list. You don't have proper registration nor papers to be able to even be allowed in this district of the city, let let alone the ball tonight.
00:45:47
Speaker
yeah Well, I mean, can't you just overlook it this time? They must have just forgotten my name. No, no, I cannot, sir. The the level and amount of important people here today, the the opportunity for an attack here on any number of the people here is good. No, I am. I cannot.
00:46:05
Speaker
Absolutely not. I don't even have any weapons. I am not that dumb.
00:46:13
Speaker
What a thing to say. I don't even have any weapons. In a world with, like, magic. And also a thing that someone who was hiding a bunch of weapons would super say. Yeah.
00:46:25
Speaker
I'm not even coming here to kill anyone. so i didn't even know someone was going to attack. That's crazy. but What are weapons? That is so funny.
00:46:38
Speaker
is Is this guard holding a list as he's talking ah to Yellen to tell him you're not on the list?
Yellen's Suspicious Ball Entry
00:46:47
Speaker
He's like within a booth.
00:46:48
Speaker
And as you can you could but as you're walking up, you especially Talira being as tall as she is, could see. like he's literally He has like a booklet, like ah ah ah a twine-bound parchment booklet that he's like looking through names and stuff.
00:47:01
Speaker
Okay. And we can see Yellen at this point? Yeah. I mean, I don't think you guys would recognize him, but you see you do see a kyanite crystal tiefling talking to the booth. That is definitely something you Yeah, that's what I'm thinking about. yeah Talira. Yeah.
00:47:16
Speaker
To there I look. Is that the one you saw? It's a crystal tiefling. Is that the one you saw? i and I didn't get to see the other side, so I don't know if its horn was broken or not, but... But it's absolutely a crystal tiefling.
00:47:30
Speaker
Shit. Okay. I'll, um... Go up and, uh... I mean, i i don't like... I'm going to look imposing on the crystal tiefling, not on the guard.
00:47:45
Speaker
I'm not worried about that. Although, if you can cause a distraction with that crystal tiefling, I can get a look at that list, maybe. But, more important, we should get a good look at that tiefling, because if if he's up to no good, if he's planning on killing someone, we need to know what he looks like. what i didn't get a good look at his face. I will... i will think of something.
00:48:07
Speaker
And, um... Oh, God. Shit!
00:48:16
Speaker
She's going to go up to the crystal tiefling. Okay. Not knowing that it's Yellen. And like tap him on the shoulder. Oh my god, it's been so long. I cannot believe.
00:48:37
Speaker
what? As she gets a look at him.
00:48:45
Speaker
Yellen kind of turns around any, uh... Oh, my God. How did you recognize me? didn't!
00:48:58
Speaker
Yellen?
00:49:01
Speaker
Hello. It's good to see you. Oh, my gods in heaven and the hell, I don't... You're alive. We thought you were dead.
00:49:15
Speaker
Why didn't you answer us? I thought you were to say, why didn't you die?
00:49:24
Speaker
Why didn't you die? We thought you were dead. Why?
00:49:31
Speaker
ah well i I just didn't hear you, I suppose. I answered once, but, you know. Well, it was shortly after that we lost track. what it's We tried to find you guys.
00:49:46
Speaker
you You wouldn't have found me here. Not my own.
00:49:51
Speaker
Okay, well, we are going to have to do a lot of talking a little bit later. We have a problem, and Talira turns to the guard. Um... Hello, how can I help you? I am Talira Grimstone, Echolenati of the Stonespeaker clan. My mother is their chieftain, and I am a member of the Adventurers Guild. We overheard some disturbing news, and Talira, ah she lowers her voice as she says it, like that last bit.
00:50:23
Speaker
We overheard word of an assassination attempt. Okay. Okay. Uh, he kind of, like, puts a hand on the on his, like, booklet.
00:50:34
Speaker
And who are you again? i am Talira Grimstoneicholunati of the Stonespeaker clan. My mother is their chieftain. i am probably not on this list.
00:50:46
Speaker
Talira, oh, oh, not on the list. Okay, um, an assassination attempt. That is why I am here. over... We... Well, he overheard it, and I'm like, well do they need to know this. This is kind of important.
00:51:03
Speaker
So, here we are. I see.
00:51:09
Speaker
and kind of looks you up and down, trying to get a sense of you and whether this is the truth. If you'd like to give me a persuasion check. Okay.
00:51:20
Speaker
That is not great. That's 13. Thirteen? Okay. Well, have you reported it to the guards yet? Oh, I thought that's what you were.
00:51:33
Speaker
Well, I am. Yes and no. But, okay, but I will write it down, and i will deliver it to the proper authorities within the wall.
00:51:45
Speaker
Do you have any details that I can give them, more than just that there is an assassination attempt? Um, Kalden.
00:51:55
Speaker
He left. Keldon left. Keldon walked out of sight, yeah.
Assassination Plot Overheard
00:52:01
Speaker
Um, well, it is. He mind links with Talira.
00:52:09
Speaker
It was a blue tea thing, and it's not this one. It's a blue guy. is it always a blue guy who's What is it with you and blue men?
00:52:21
Speaker
that I'm blue song. i don't know. Haunts us all. Okay. I'm blue, yellow, yellow, yellow,
00:52:30
Speaker
calden is going to include yellen in this and hope that he's fine with that because yellin needs to hear it
00:52:38
Speaker
it was ah it was a blue crystal tealing
00:52:44
Speaker
was always a blue guy
00:52:52
Speaker
Um, but they what obviously it wasn't you. I couldn't get a good look at his face. There, he's part of some of um group that opposes the Zorogog, which I don't know if this god would even be familiar with that name, but it is a blue crystal tiefling who sounded different than this one standing next to you, I guess is what I would say.
00:53:19
Speaker
By opposing the Zorogar, do you mean the Aethercrow? They are fighting for the same power source or location of power, or something like that. I didn't get to hear all of it.
00:53:34
Speaker
But they're here to kill, insert her name.
00:53:40
Speaker
Piara.
00:53:42
Speaker
I don't have details. It was only overheard, but it on Piara. on piaa ah Talira would say just, she doesn't have details, but it was about Piara out loud.
00:53:58
Speaker
He kind of looks, watches you and is like, and actually let me roll something real quick.
00:54:04
Speaker
Oh, that's a really bad roll. You're lucky. It's about Piara, the new druid seat. Yes. I see. Okay. Well, any any other details that I can give?
00:54:19
Speaker
Can I interject? Yeah. What did this what what does this booth look like size um doors windows anything. Yeah it's just a little wooden booth that has it's open on three sides and the back is like against the stone walling and it's just open on open like on three sides there's like two empty seats in there where there could be more people and it's just him sitting there with like a little table in front of him it's it's pretty basic.
00:54:46
Speaker
And where's this list that he was looking through. on the table directly in front of him. And there's like a stone with a rune on it that you could you could assume is ascending stone that's next to him that he uses essentially like a walkie-talkie.
00:54:59
Speaker
Okay. Continue. Okay.
00:55:06
Speaker
yeah Are there any other details you could give me besides just the assassination attempt is planned for PR from an unknown entity at an unknown time during the ball? was overheard. That's all I have.
00:55:21
Speaker
Okay. That's that's fine. I will deliver this information to my higher-ups and we'll see about them increasing security around her specifically. I mean, I can't tell you exactly what they'll do, but I'll give the information to those that can use it.
00:55:36
Speaker
Okay, while they're still talking, Keldon motioned... ah it Lou probably wouldn't be with us, is she? Probably Oh, no, she is. You described her as being with you. yeah she's Yeah, she's walking around.
00:55:50
Speaker
But she's in bear form, so. Calden gets Lou's attention and motions her over to him, like, while they're still in the middle of the conversation with this booth guard. Okay, yeah, she walks over.
00:56:03
Speaker
Okay, I have a really stupid idea. are you willing to be in on it with me?
00:56:11
Speaker
you mind link her in or not? No, because I'll have to reset the whole thing. It'll just be a yes or no. Then, yeah, she nods her, kind of nods her head at you, kind of looking excited, honestly, with her eyes. Okay.
00:56:26
Speaker
Can you make a commotion with Yana and, like, pretend to chase her around and Yana will run over to the booth and, like, try to get inside on the front? Okay.
00:56:39
Speaker
Yeah, she kind of looks over at Yana, knowing what Yana is capable of, and kind of, like, gives a wary look, like, am I going to get fucked up?
00:56:49
Speaker
It'll be fine. and Kind struck her shoulders, okay. Okay. As simply as he can to Yana, says, you're going to run around and jump on things and have fun over by that booth, okay?
00:57:05
Speaker
Over where Talia is, okay?
00:57:10
Speaker
And he shoes him off. I mean, ah i we're doing an auto podcast. Yeah, I'm nodding my head like the animal would be doing. He shoes him off. Yeah. um but but but but And Lou, as as you shoe her off, Lou lets out a ah bear roar and just tumbles after just out of nowhere. And the guard's like, what the fuck? what What? Are those your pets? They came with you. What are they doing?
00:57:40
Speaker
lo Yona, what are you doing? And Talira is like, oh, that's probably that commotion. And to... Oh, no! Oh, no! And...
00:57:56
Speaker
They like tumble in because this is Merchant Alley, right? So it's this is and this is the the busiest like roadway and it's fairly thin. It's behind two very large walls. It's right right between the Sacred Springs and the World Union area. So it's a fairly fairly thin area for a road. And there's just merchant tables high end of this is like the area of the city that has a lot of money. so of really high-end little shops and it's not like physical shops and this is where everything's outdoors mind you get a little further enough to the i guess it would be the west it opens up a little bit and there's actually some shops but right here it's all tables but very high-end stuff including some food and they tumble around and end up hitting like a full bucket of apples that they're not red they're blue even more blue yeah and they just tumble and start and this merchant's like what the fuck
00:58:44
Speaker
Get a hold your animals! As they were tumbling around, and now the guard has to get out of a shack, and... but What? Big woman! I don't know your name! I am Talia Grimstone Eccolanati! I said this already! Yeah!
00:58:57
Speaker
He just kind of looks at you like... Yeah! yeah And he's just like, not knowing what to do. Hands are in the air. at At the first reasonable-looking opportunity...
00:59:12
Speaker
Kalden is going to put his whole spiel back on and teleport into the booth.
00:59:22
Speaker
Okay. Yeah, you managed to do that. He's going to what now? He's going to teleport into the booth. Oh, okay. That's a thing he can do now. Oh, awesome. He just ah pops in.
00:59:37
Speaker
And he's going to take the list. Okay. Nice. Yeah. I mean, he's fully distracted. You teleported in. Are you teleporting back out? Does it look like I need to in order to get out unseen?
00:59:50
Speaker
Unseen by the guard? No. Yes. Okay. He's going to sneak back out. Okay. Yeah. Frankly, the distraction is well enough. I'm not going to say you need to roll ah a stealth check. Oh, but I can.
01:00:03
Speaker
You can if you want. See if maybe anybody else is watching.
01:00:09
Speaker
Uh, 23. Yeah, yeah, you sneak out. But a group of guards is coming running up as you as you've snuck in out at this point. group of guards is coming running up to try to, get like, make sense and help with the situation of this giant vampire chicken and this bear. And then... Tumbling around. Talira does the fingers in her mouth whistle.
01:00:29
Speaker
i cannot do it, and I'm also not going to do it into a microphone, even if I could. Right. And... does that to get Lou and Yana's attention.
01:00:41
Speaker
Like, all right, cut it out. Oh, yeah. As soon as you whistle, they both, like, freeze and, like, separate and just kind of, like, look over. And just look over, completely stopped, and the guards are like, what the fuck?
01:00:54
Speaker
You couldn't have done that a minute ago? I'm sorry. I was a little distracted to it. Hook me a second. Okay, sure. Yeah, I'm gonna need... Y'all...
01:01:06
Speaker
Yeah, can you... I'm gonna need you all to move along, please. ah yeah I don't know. None of you are on the list. You're not getting in. you know You don't look like you can get in. Just... I understand. The day's about to get busy for me. Can you please just... I i will. I will.
01:01:23
Speaker
Thank you. That's all I ask. And, yeah, we... Yes, we're going to switch to something that just happened because, the like, walking to that area would have taken you guys some time.
01:01:33
Speaker
We're gonna switch to a thing that would have just happened before this. As you walk in the double doors to this magnificent lighthouse beaming with divine energy, you are greeted by a high priest of the Anima Clarigi.
01:01:50
Speaker
In completely gray robes, skin is grayed out and is very plain. It is lovely that you took the time to speak with me. Yes, we've got your are your know message and...
01:02:05
Speaker
understand you've been having issues and trouble getting hold of our people. Yes, it seems that none of my letters had any response.
01:02:17
Speaker
um To my knowledge, I've sent... Well, those in the soul fields are... Those in the soul fields are very busy, mind you. I'm sure once someone sends at least, what was it, 520 letters, at least one response would be appropriate.
01:02:35
Speaker
Well, that may be the case, but unfortunately our duties do not have us responding to the royalty of Rothdare very often, as our deeds are with the dead and the souls, which is much more important.
01:02:54
Speaker
Sure. So... Back to the original point of this meeting is that you had ah a disciple, Yellen.
01:03:07
Speaker
have you Has he returned? is he Have you heard from him at all? Have you got any of my letters telling you that he was in danger? Yes, I saw Yellen's name in the letter you had sent.
01:03:19
Speaker
I looked into some of our records. And seems he was indeed soul keeper. But his connection to... to us and our ability to contact him seemed to have disappeared some years ago.
Maeve's Frustration with Anima Clergy
01:03:34
Speaker
I'm afraid we don't have much information for you. Well, had information for you. Not everybody sticks with the anima clarity. That's not what happened. I was there.
01:03:42
Speaker
Yes. Okay. And some people kidnapped one of your people, threw them into a portal, and you have ignored my letters for the past three years.
01:03:53
Speaker
Well, such is the way of the world. We gain members, we lose members, people come and people die. We cannot control destiny. So you do not care for your own enough to at least investigate what happened? Who took him?
01:04:09
Speaker
If he was meant to die, then he would pass on and we would have a place for him in the soul fields. Obviously you don't, but I see that my presence here is not yielding the fruit that I would desire, so I think we are done here.
01:04:29
Speaker
Thank you for your time. I'm sorry that we could not be of more help. Sure. May Balance find you.
01:04:38
Speaker
Yeah. Enjoy the party. And she leaves. She storms out, actually. Yeah, as you're making so little detail for you is, as I said, the district for the World Union and the Sacred of Springs is right next to each other with the merchant alley directly in between.
01:04:55
Speaker
It's not a very large area, large enough for shops and stuff to exist. It's not like an alley between buildings, but it's still not a huge area. And indeed, there is a skybridge between the two as the Dock of Aegis is directly in front of the Trisancta Lighthouse. And that is where important members of the World Union dock separate from the other ports.
01:05:14
Speaker
So that way is well or well guarded and they aren't ah attacked or like there's not press trying to get a hold of like they have. It's very private. So they are allowed to pass through the Sacred Springs over the sky bridge and into the World Union embassy.
01:05:28
Speaker
And so as you're taking that bridge back over, as you look down, you see a commotion of a vampire chicken and a bear tumbling around. You hear the whistle. from a large Goliath woman they immediately stop and you recognize Calden and Talira. Well, I mean, do you recognize Calden? He's got a hood up and his face covered.
01:05:49
Speaker
i think it... No, just you teleported out right before... like i would say you probably... yeah maybe i guess you maybe you don't recognize Calden, but you definitely recognize Talira. I think Mabel just...
01:06:00
Speaker
stand there and watch to be completely honest she can't really call out because if people see her making a bit more of a commotion than she already has it might look bad she she is dressed very proper with her uh her long golden hair like tied up pretty much almost ready for the ball so she can't really make too much of a scene so she'd probably just watch and see what the hell is happening just look down over the bridge okay while she's watching we'll return to that scene then as the guards are trying to shoo you away, basically.
01:06:35
Speaker
Yeah, Keldon has left the second he got out. I want to know how quickly he can read this list of invitees and then, like, surreptitiously put it in the mud outside the booth, like maybe it got blown out, you know?
01:06:46
Speaker
Right. Well, are you looking for a specific name are you just sifting through it? Oh, yeah. I'm looking for a specific name. Okay, it wouldn't take you long. It's alphabetically organized. Okay.
01:06:58
Speaker
It's near the end in the queues. You find it. Okay. Does he have like a ki quill and ink on him?
01:07:10
Speaker
that a thing that you would carry with you? i wouldn't think so. There are like ah like scribe services and things like that to be able to send letters and stuff in cities. So at those places, you can generally buy ink and parchment and things like that.
01:07:27
Speaker
think he won't worry about that. Yeah, ah again, the earliest availability, he's going to kind of try to surreptitiously put the list back, but, like, in the dirt outside the booth, like it got blown out in the commotion.
01:07:41
Speaker
Okay, yeah, he can throw it down pretty easily to make it look like it naturally fell and is disheveled, so not hard. calvin and er not calelvin sorry Talira and Yellen, do you all kind of, like, go try to find it? Like, what's what's your next steps?
01:07:55
Speaker
Talira would... She would go to the first, like, hidden place she could find, ah you know, duck into a back alleyway, wait for Calden to catch up sort of deal. She she and Calden have done this enough times at this point.
01:08:13
Speaker
Okay. Yeah, so as you all um head out of the merchant's alley and back into the city and not further into it, you easily can get back into that more traditional aspect of the city where it's the older homes that have been reconstructed. You can find your way into an alleyway within five to ten minutes pretty easily.
01:08:30
Speaker
Did you drag Yellen with you? Oh, yeah, absolutely. Okay. Maybe literally, like, grabbed him and dragged him? Yeah, yeah, yeah. good
01:08:40
Speaker
So wait, Yellen... I know we should wait for Calden, but... Where were you? I've been in the elemental plane... Um... For quite some time.
01:08:56
Speaker
Well... Glad to know at least it wasn't the, um... The other option. When descending, we tried scrying and it failed.
01:09:11
Speaker
So we...
01:09:14
Speaker
Yeah. I don't believe scrying works across realms. It doesn't. i yeah I sent out a few messages, or sendings, and i don't think ah I don't think those can cross either.
01:09:31
Speaker
But I'm also glad not to be dead, even though i got close a few times. We're also glad you're not dead. Kelden, where did you come from?
01:09:44
Speaker
He walked up.
01:09:48
Speaker
He just walked up.
01:09:52
Speaker
Oh.
01:09:54
Speaker
You're... you're okay? Mostly. The main reason I'm here is to make sure that Maeve is alright. What happened to Maeve? Yeah, we didn't leave. She's here.
01:10:07
Speaker
Yes, she's in the bowl house. I don't know what it's called. i know That's a relief, hopefully, of an an ally that i don't know, needs one more voice that can... don't know.
01:10:23
Speaker
um Taneira, I think I i can get in and I might be able to get you two in as well. If I'm very good. And I'm often very good.
01:10:39
Speaker
Yes, you are. That's why we're a good team. So? I follow your lead. What do we need to do? Well, we're going to need clothes.
01:10:54
Speaker
And obviously there is not time to have custom-made gear, so we're going to need to go shopping and find a very good tailor for you, who's very fast.
01:11:06
Speaker
Well, I'm already wearing clothes, so... Not for a... not for a ball. Can I be a bodyguard I wear the the same thing? Possibly.
01:11:17
Speaker
Yellen, you're going to need different clothes. We're going to need to spruce you up. All right. But I keep the donkey hair. It's important. You notice he has like a braid of donkey, like tail hair, like ah around his like bicep.
01:11:33
Speaker
Does it have to be on top? No. Okay. Then yeah, that's not a problem. Do you have money? ah I can make fresh drinking water.
01:11:47
Speaker
I thought he was going to say can money. don't really use money in the elemental plane.
01:12:04
Speaker
That was great. Oh my gosh.
01:12:08
Speaker
I was going to say you can like chip off a part of him and be like, I can sell this. Of course. There's a crystal girly around here somewhere.
01:12:19
Speaker
um As you guys are talking and have left, what did Maeve do as she watches Talira, bear which you can assume is Lou, a vampire chicken that you've never seen before, and I probably don't even know what is what it is, to be fair, just a giant chicken, and some random person that has one horn and is blue-skinned be dragged away. I'm i'm pretty sure Maeve... Wait, is it Yellen got the hood up and...
01:12:42
Speaker
Yeah, he's got his big old hat on. He's got everything up. Oh, his big hat, yeah. She would not see because she's looking down. She would just assume it's Kalden. Right, right. That's true. I kind of forgot about the perspective. You got a good point.
01:12:54
Speaker
Yeah, because Kalden... yeah, what what would Maeve do after that? um Yeah, no. Maeve would kind of put two and two together that maybe something's happening and just... She'd ah call Sally over and say...
01:13:10
Speaker
um Yes, ma'am. What can I do for you? Make sure you have two extra seats ready. We may have some intruders tonight, but they'll be guests. Are you expecting guests? ah Yes.
01:13:23
Speaker
Can you put Talira on the list with a plus one? Make sure the seat is big enough. um Yes, Talira. I believe you've mentioned her name before, but yes, no, absolutely. I can do that.
01:13:39
Speaker
that'll That'll be all. Is everything else ready? Yes. Yes, absolutely. um i'll be I'll be back. I'll go let the let the preparations manager know to set out some extra seats with some name tags. But Lionel should be able to help you to the rest of your schedule.
01:13:55
Speaker
Amazing. Thank you. Yes, no problem. As she scurries off.
01:14:01
Speaker
And maybe we'll just start walking to her next appointment. Indeed. Next on your list is to meet with Orlos Yutizath. ah He's one of the rep reps that represent Nitrotare, who actually is probably one of the more noticeable or notable reps that you've had more contact with because Nevoa is within his his ah country because Nevoa is part of Nitrotare. So he's probably the ones that you've had more contact with regarding
01:14:33
Speaker
planning of this and he's probably been on your side to help gain donators towards perfect she'll go off to attend her meetings the plethora of meetings she has trying to calm down i guess she's she's more a little bit amused now that she's uh she's spotted talira a friend uh so she's a little bit more excited a lot more calm which helps because she definitely was angry after leaving the animal clergy
01:15:03
Speaker
I am sure. i am sure. So we'll come back to you. Specifically, we'll have a lot to do at the beginning of next episode with you, but we'll still come back to you here in a minute. I want to come back to our other group.
01:15:14
Speaker
As you all had just discussed, having to get some clothes for the ball tonight. That's going to fit a little more. What are you guys next steps on that? Are you just going to kind of go to go to the merchant's alley? You're going to go find places that you might be able to buy something.
01:15:25
Speaker
Do you have the money to do so? So I know we didn't necessarily discuss how much money you would have, but you all did just but complete a contract. Right. We did just get paid. So you would have, you did, you did just get paid. So you'd probably have some gold to work with. Yellen, on the other hand, is not as
Masquerade Ball Outfit Plans
01:15:42
Speaker
fortunate. He don't have much to his name right now. So.
01:15:45
Speaker
So the good news is I think we either wouldn't need to get clothes at all for Keldon or he would just need a skirt and then the rest would be fine.
01:15:58
Speaker
So we mostly just need some nice clothes for Yellen. And I think Talir is a lost cause this short notice.
01:16:11
Speaker
Yeah, probably. We could say, I mean, you guys could probably, we can we can skip the shop scene if you guys want. You could find that. Not the easiest, and it depends on how how really nice you want the clothes. You can go to Merchant's Alley.
01:16:24
Speaker
You can find some really nice wares. But if you go back to the where your tavern, where the Sleeping Dragon Inn was, there are, like I said, that's like the middle class Merchant area, and you can find some stuff that would that would do in a pinch.
01:16:39
Speaker
I think that's more what we're looking for, do in a pinch. Okay, okay, absolutely. Yeah, you're able to find some clothes that would that would work. If you guys want to describe those for us, you can, or you can wait for next episode for the ball to actually be underway. It's up to you.
01:16:53
Speaker
That'll be up to you, Yellen. who Oh, it's a it's a masquerade. Do we also need to purchase masks? That is generally needed for masquerades.
01:17:06
Speaker
Is there a theme for the masquerade masks? Fancy, I guess. Okay, then we also get masks. Okay, well, with the event in town, all the other events around town are kind of matching the ball.
01:17:19
Speaker
There's events in different districts to match like the income level. But they're all going to match like this is a fundraising and amidst masquerade ball and everyone else's that can't get into that ball, they're going to throw their own. So finding a mask, and they're all over the shops.
01:17:33
Speaker
You can find um ah a variety of different, you can find ones that are animalistic, ones that that are more like natural and giving giving back to like the natural ways, ones that are like elemental in nature and things like that. You can find the ones that are faux pas, or not faux pas, but like faux fancy, right? So ones that are gemstones. Definitely not faux pas then.
01:17:55
Speaker
Yeah, no, not faux pas, but faux fancy. Yeah, exactly. Things that aren't, look like gold, but aren't gold, you know, things like that. So you've got a variety of different kind of masks to choose from. I think next episode would be good for yeah for describing our masks and whatever outfits we have are. Sounds good to me.
01:18:15
Speaker
Sounds like a plan. So yeah, as you all you're able to find find your outfits that you're going to be needing to get in and things like that, is there anything else that you all wish to do?
01:18:27
Speaker
with the middle part of the stay as the ball generally is going to start late afternoon in the evening at least for most of the ball ah attendees well i guess some things will start a little early for so for people like Maeve well I guess if I am the bodyguard I should have nice and shining armor so um hang on while I polish this up so I can be your knight
01:18:57
Speaker
Oh, Talira, you're always my knight in shining armor. I know. And she does a fake hair flip because she's got the sides of her head shaved. love it.
01:19:11
Speaker
That's hilarious. I love that. Okay, so Talira does that while Calden drags Yellen around to go shopping and is...
01:19:24
Speaker
weirdly informed about what's going to look good and fit in, and wants to catch up with what happened.
01:19:38
Speaker
Are you sure this green goes with my horns? Uh, this shade is fine, but I think we can find something better. Alright. Uh, so you have a giant chicken now.
01:19:52
Speaker
Yes, her name is Yorna. We met this really weird man who was obsessed with studying vampire chickens. And um I guess I got on with one of his more tamed ones. So he literally forced me to take an egg with me to raise a chicken and report on it.
01:20:16
Speaker
If I'm being totally up front, I completely thought you were lying about giant vampire chickens. I tell the truth surprisingly often.
01:20:27
Speaker
I know, I just, this sounded a bit out of this world. But, I guess... We have, like, dragons and shit in this world. Blood-sucking chickens? You literally went to another plane of existence. that No, that is a misnomer.
Humorous Creatures Discussion
01:20:46
Speaker
Let's be clear, they don't suck blood, they eat eggs.
01:20:50
Speaker
You're not here. You're polishing armor. Oh, that's right. I am. Mute me. Mute me in yeah She feels a disturbance in the forest while she's polishing. She's like, they don't fucking drink blood.
01:21:08
Speaker
That's so great. that's so great They eat eggs. They eat the yolk of eggs. Oh. Light over easy. Raw. Yeah. Hmm. Well, i is it nice?
01:21:23
Speaker
My chicken? Yonah? Yeah. To me... She's not like a tamed pet. She just trusts me. and They bond to the first thing that they see. It's usually their mother. So she just thinks I'm her mother.
01:21:39
Speaker
oh all right. Talira gets some psychic damage as she just thinks, but Calden is not the mother. Who's its daddy?
01:21:51
Speaker
Calden takes psychic damage out of nowhere.
01:21:56
Speaker
What
Ball Attire and Gatekeeping
01:21:57
Speaker
do you think about this? The black on this look alright? Uh, yes. I think that one looks nice. I think we should go with that one. Alright, it works then. What's price on that one? Eww.
01:22:09
Speaker
I don't- I have seven gold. And that's it. oh Um, we can probably make something work. It'll be fine.
01:22:21
Speaker
So they they walk out with ah whatever Yelena's going to wear and also a nice skirt that is the right length for Kalden to wear. Okay. Indeed you do.
01:22:33
Speaker
As Talira gets her armor polished and you all go to finish up your day preparing for this ball, is there any any kind of tips that Calden would give the other two?
01:22:46
Speaker
As you all are, and we're going to say we're skipping ahead and this is like on the way oh back to the World Union.
01:22:54
Speaker
Oh, right. Because Calden would know.
01:22:59
Speaker
Okay. Not necessarily. You seem to have the most knowledge of the three. So you're the one kind of leading the charge here. And we all know Talira is going to stand out. but Talira also knows that this is not her world. And so she's going to stay quiet unless directly spoken to. And she is going to use Kalden as like she's going to mimic what Kalden does, do what Kalden does.
01:23:26
Speaker
Right. Kalden is
Social Interaction Advice for the Ball
01:23:28
Speaker
kind of leading the charge here and seems to have some sort of insight into maybe cultures or traditions here. is there i I'm basically trying to stand on what kind of conversations are you guys going having on the way back to the World Union?
01:23:43
Speaker
While we're all dressed up. Yes. Okay. Okay, so here's the thing. um These sorts of things can be kind of snooty. they A lot of people would prefer you not talk to them unless you're introduced.
01:23:57
Speaker
And ah if you're asked to dance and you don't know how, there is a correct way to say no without coming off as rude. Usually something about being... ah holding ah a place for someone or you have a place card, anything like that.
01:24:18
Speaker
Um, yeah, I think mostly just wait for anyone to talk to you and we'll try to find Maeve. And I think that'll be our best course of action and look out for any other blue men group members.
01:24:36
Speaker
ah
01:24:46
Speaker
Okay. So if we don't want to dance, we should say we have a place card? ah Yes. Okay. and And you'll put their name on it, and then you try to never see them again. That works sometimes.
01:25:04
Speaker
We should have cards with us. It's like a mentalist. Oh, okay. Okay.
01:25:13
Speaker
Just
Strategic Seating for Political Nuance
01:25:14
Speaker
want to want to jump back in. Maeve also puts the anima clergy right at the end, at the back in the back corner. The worst seat possible for this part. Moves moved their area after that experience. It's like, yeah Sally, one more thing. Yeah, yeah. No, literally. so just just ah Sally, before you go. um Yeah, anima clergy. To that table.
01:25:40
Speaker
i are Are you sure the the The delegate from the clerical conclave is is a member of the anima clergy. Yes. They can sit at the back.
01:25:55
Speaker
Oh, okay. you do understand the the ramifications of putting the divinity ambassador in the back of the room, correct? that it's a it's a round table they will be sitting still next to very high ups it'll just be how the seating arrangement was seated and and that's unfortunately it's just a table um i'm gonna get a drink before i deliver that information but i'll see it done i'll see it done Oh, we also clean Yellen's whole head situation.
01:26:31
Speaker
angle grind That's fantastic. He looks downright presentable by the time Calden is done with him.
01:26:44
Speaker
That is fantastic. i' love a Miracle worker. feel like I don't look too bad, actually. Excellent work.
World Union Pre-Party Atmosphere
01:26:51
Speaker
Thank you. Thank you. As you all get back to the same area in the Merchant Alley ah to the main entrance to the World Union, as you don't see anybody terribly important at like the highest level, like members of the council and such, because they don't enter through this entrance.
01:27:07
Speaker
But you do see a bunch of finely dressed men, women, people of all races and species, all kind of gathered here and there's almost like there's lights that have been strung out since earlier in the day. There's booths, there's music playing in further down the merchant alley. There's even more music playing and it's kind of they've kind of turned this alleyway into like a pre party almost like you can consider it similar to ah like a tailgate party.
01:27:31
Speaker
So as people are slowly being let in, They, yeah, they're just, there's a big party out here. there's You can tell there's also people here that aren't going to get in. Maybe they don't quite look like they have the same money. Frankly, they look kind of similarly dressed to you.
01:27:42
Speaker
Not quite as high end, but you can tell they have, they know people, but they weren't quite enough to get on the list type of thing. But you, as you're walking up, you can see the gate opens slightly and people are called for to become let in.
01:27:56
Speaker
And you can kind of make an assumption. You go to the guard to let them know you're here. Like you check in, but you're not let in until they call for you. I assume you all go up to the guard shack? Yeah. The guard, like, yeah little booth again? ye oh Yeah.
01:28:09
Speaker
yeah As you approach, it's the same guard from earlier. We're going to extend a shift. And as you you kind of get in a line with you know five or six people maybe in front of you, and as you as you get up, the guard looks up from his list and goes he goes, name, and then looks up and goes, oh, not not you again. Hello.
Tense Encounter with Count Veeroth Drosgar
01:28:27
Speaker
um We're here for Talara Q. Doram. Talara Kudorum. Um, let me look on the list, but, uh, before that, to- Funny enough, actually, I don't know how you did it.
01:28:43
Speaker
Talira, your name is on the list now. Ah. I have a Talira Grimstone and a plus one. Well, that would was delivered to me shortly after you left. I don't know what you did.
01:28:54
Speaker
As I told you- Moving up in the world. We are here for good reason. I guess so. And I'm sorry, what did you say your name was? Tilara Kudorum.
01:29:06
Speaker
Let me look. look Well, your name is here. You weren't expected to show up, though. Glad you did. Welcome. All right, well, I have you all checked in.
01:29:17
Speaker
So ah join the festivities, and they'll call your name whenever it's your moment. Thank you. Have a good night. Absolutely. My pleasure. And then, as you turn around, you get, or as you go to turn around, you feel a sharp nail as if it's like a claw kind of tap you on the shoulder, Keldon.
01:29:38
Speaker
And as you turn around, you hear a voice you haven't heard in quite some years. Well, I never expected to see you here, especially without your betrothed.
01:29:53
Speaker
As you turn around and you see Count Veeroth Drosgar in a lavish kimono as he is a red-colored dragonborn standing around six foot three looking down at you.
01:30:11
Speaker
I'm afraid you must have me confused with someone else, my lord.
01:30:21
Speaker
That's where we're stopping.
Episode Conclusion and Thanks
01:30:23
Speaker
Oh my gosh. Yeah. Oh Shit.
01:30:33
Speaker
Good little, ah good cliffhanger to end this episode. my God. So happy you could you be back with us in your two week break, but for our three and a half year break for our characters and month break for us, it's been great.
01:30:46
Speaker
three and a half year break in real life, it felt like. Yes. Yeah, no kidding. you Oh my gosh. What a wild episode. I know there was a lot to take in and there's even more to take in next episode. We'll be starting with a lot of Maeve next episode. you So everybody can kind of get a ah sense of what she's been up to, what ah with the ramifications of truly the depth of this event that's going on.
01:31:05
Speaker
And to give you guys little more backstory, lore going on here. But don't know about you guys. I've got a lot of questions and I know all of or Players here have some too.
01:31:17
Speaker
ah
01:31:22
Speaker
I have questions about what you guys are going to do. oh oh Oh my gosh. Crazy. hope you enjoyed. I have to say before we end, I wish you all could see Reddy's smirk right now. be yes It is so badass.
01:31:42
Speaker
Murder. It was gone now. It was funny. It was so funny. I was going to try not to grimace. It was great. Yeah, so. Hope you guys enjoyed. We'll see you next time.
01:31:57
Speaker
We would like to thank our cast, myself, Curtis Woosley as the GM, MJ Gunther as Talira Grimstone Echelunathi, Saphira as Maeve Strongheart, Renny Armas as Kalden, and Jack Baldwin as Yelen Yacol.
01:32:09
Speaker
Additional thanks to Scentic GFX for our graphics, to MJ and Renny here for our show editing, and our intro and outro music composed by Ryan Moons, owner and operator of Eyes on the Moon Studios.
01:32:32
Speaker
Thank you.