Ragnorra Session 34

Start: 7 pm, Wednesday, Flamerule (July) 21, 1396

Ronja and Cassius question Saveta. Saveta confesses to knowledge some of the schemes her organization has and had in kidnapping the girls. However, she did not have specific involvement, or intimate knowledge of the machinations of her superiors. She was just following orders. Ronja found her to be telling the truth, for almost all of the statements she made. During this cross examination, they clearly learned that Lloyd is compromised somehow, or somehow beholden to Saveta's employers, who she did not name.

The party concluded their questioning, but made the decision they could no longer continue to travel with Saveta. They let her go peacefully. Saveta departed, and the party was back to three.

It was at this point Cassius realized a letter had subtly been placed in his pocket. Curious, he broke its wax seal and read it. He was a bit dumbfounded, and passed it to Vix, who read it aloud for the entire room to hear. It read as follows.

"Dearest little lamb,

I heartfully regret my intrusions have been so brief, but - I haven't been able to shake thoughts of you since our first meeting. Your face was the first thing I saw when I woke from the tank. I haven't been able to shake thoughts of you since.

It isn't like me to cut to the chase like this, but I must have you. Surely you must be curious too. Meet me friday at midnight on the northern edge of Ardeep forest.

I would prefer you come alone - but if your friends want to bear witness to the spectacle, they are welcome to attend. I know you're just as curious about me as I am of you.

- Kisses, Yeshelné"

The girls were confused and uncomfortable, but amused. Cassius made the informed decision to think about this indecent proposal.

After this, Ronja, Vix, and Cassius had a conversation about cultivators, mortality, and religion. Notably, Vix theorized a female ancestor in Ronja's line may have made a pact with Demon Princess of Shadow, Rhyxali. This would explain the connection to shadow her powers seem to stem from. If this were true, there is an unpleasant implication that Ronja and the women with the powers she shares have abyss-bound souls.

Ronja, Cassius, and Vix had a quick shopping trip. Cassius dropped off the Apparatus of the Crab and the fabricated daggers at the Tattenberry and Cross Auction House. He was told to return in an estimated 3-7 days. (sat-wed)

They spoke with Keesa and about her home. The party decided to return her home, and asked her to describe it. Using the staff of teleportation, they teleported to the temple of Ubtao in Mezro, in Chult. Keesa seemed glad to be home. She thanked the party and led them to her father's house.

Contrary to Keesa's humble description, her father's house was practically a decadent palace against the backdrop of the rest of the city. The leveled stones and intricate columns lit with the glint of gold was a far cry from semi permanent thatched shacks. Her father, a man named Jaleel, thanked the party profusely.

He welcomed them in, and conversed - pointedly with Cassius - about what happened to his daughter, after he briskly dismissed his wife and daughter. Transparently, with how he treated his wife and daughter, how he dismissed Ronja when she spoke, and how he assumed the several women surrounding Cassius were his concubines, he seemed to be a huge chauvinist borne of a foreign culture.

Smoothly glossing over this fact, Cassius made sure to inform him of the circumstances of womens disappearances and who they were, and restorative measures to reverse the ability drain and decursing to combat the cult-tainted waters. Additionally, he described the powerful wizard, spirit, or force that is "Vane" to the best of his ability. He went on to describe the encounters with the agents of the red wizards and their kidnappings and kidnapping attempt on his daughter.

Jaleel seemed disquieted but grateful at all of this. He distinctly mentioned how Keesa is his only heir - for now - and how important she is to him. He then invited the party to stay a night as his guests of honor, and ordered his eunuch servants to give them the purse he had been saving for the ransom. It contained 500 platinum coins. He gave them each a room which contained some basic supplies.

While in a room, they discussed briefly what to do next. Cassius mentioned the possibility of dropping off Aziza next, because he wanted to be rid of her and her morbid and deviant fascinations. They asked Zira what her abilities are and which equipment she would require to assist them in battle. She directly responded that she would be "in front of you", and requires a heavy shield and sword.

They decided to call it a night and rested, waking up early.

Omen and Montgomery must feed in 57 hours.

489 xp

End: 6 am, Thursday, Flamerule (July) 22, 1396