Session Date: 06/01/2025
The Adventure Begins
We are in the last days of the Zarian Empire. It’s very cruel, very human-centric, and allowed to fester for such a long time because they guard magic very heavily. Soldos’s castle is outside of the empire’s sphere of influence, and he is retired. He feels he’s fought his battles, he’s gathered people around him, he only has one prisoner. He has a ward, Damaris, spending time in the nearby forests.
His friend Allegro, brought his son, Zimri here to train, along with Soldos’s daughter and Damaris are here to train. Zimri hasn’t seen his father in a few weeks, even when Soldos had to leave.
Nymnar
Nymnar is kept in relative comfort, for prison. It’s been quite some time since the last interrogation. I was not tortured, and I did not give much in the way of information, but it’s easy to imagine I did not know all that much to begin with.
I sit alone and Achille is not here at the moment. I am in my cell and a woman in a long black veil approaches, her face hard to see. This is the Seeress Nuvira - one of the most notable casters on the plane. I didn’t know that Soldos even knew her. She says that I will be presented with a choice very soon: an opportunity. She suggests that I take it, or I’ll never see the outside of a cell again.
Nymnar listens to what she has to say, but gives no response.
Damaris
Damaris is in the forest, somewhere near a river. It’s been a nice day, calm, no issues anywhere. Soldos has been rather kind with hunters in his forests, so she doesn’t worry about hunters, but bandits. The bandits have been pretty silent in recent months. There is a snapping of a branch, and Sylvaine - Soldos’s daughter - is there. She’s dressed as a forester, and is trying to join on her patrol. Damaris is startled, and tries not to make too much of a ruckus, but she did stand.
Sylvaine apologizes for waking her, and Damaris stutters, saying she wasn’t sleeping. Damaris doesn’t think she should be speaking to her, and Sylvaine dismisses the concern, as she has every week for twenty years. Damaris continues to stutter talking about how she’s older, and she thinks she’s correct, and Sylvaine should listen. Sylvaine says she’s more stubborn - it’s a family trait.
Damaris comments she shouldn’t be mean, but maybe she should be mean so that Sylvaine will listen to her. Sylvaine steps back and spreads her arms out, calling Damaris’s bluff. Damaris stutters, failing to manage to be mean at all, and starts stammering about how she doesn’t want to hurt Sylvaine, she feels she’s set her boundary, etc. Sylvaine explains she knows, and Damaris hasn’t hurt anyone in a while, and Damaris hasn’t hurt anyone, she clearly has a grip on it. Sylvaine acknowledges that there’s still a precarious teetering with the curse.
Sylvaine admits she’s restless as things are happening: Soldos is being secretive, guests are being kept to a minimum, that kind of thing. She got an invite, but she couldn’t get Damaris an invitation. Damaris asks why the hell would Sylvaine try, she’s not knowledgeable about anything and she’s not good at combat. She tries to say that she’s not family, and Sylvaine shuts that down immediately. Sylvaine admits she’d feel better if Damaris were there; Soldos would feel better if Damaris was there. They value her input.
Damaris says that she will be there is Sylvaine thinks about her. Sylvaine says yes, she’s always in her heart. She also says that she will always be in her heart if they have to leave, and if Damaris wishes to be adventurous, to stumble upon that meeting place in the specific wing, then… They’d have to let her be there, right? She could bring someone with her, if she wants… Maybe Zimri?
Damaris comments that Sylvaine was always meant to leave - she comments that Soldos disagrees - and stammers for entirely too long, eventually commenting that she might show up with someone maybe. Damaris finally admits that they are friends, but she thinks that Sylvaine deserves better friends. Sylvaine hugs Damaris (awkward). Sylvaine comments that the world does not deserve Damaris, but the world will have to cope.
She leaves before Damaris can stammer some objection.
Achille
When not guarding Nymnar, he often goes on patrol as well. While going down the path, he hears a prayer. It’s a man praying to Pelor. Achille tries to stealth approach. In a clearing there is a man kneeling. He is not stealthing: he took some time to pray and is asking for guidance in this time of need; what he’s supposed to do, etc. He’s clearly one of the guests, though Achille doesn’t realize that immediately.
Achille is entirely too close as the man finishes and stands, picking up his cudgel. They are incredibly close, nose to nose. Achille steps to the side and starts to circle the man, and Achille explains that he has a job to protect the people here. The man responds essentially asking who the hell Achille is, saying that Achille is not the lord of this castle. Achille asks who this man is, and he explains that he was invited, sent for - his input is needed on something, which is why he was praying.
The two are walking side by side, a little too close, both holding their weapons. They’re essentially both tense, wanting a reason to attack each other. Achille asks about Pelor, commenting he just wonders, and the man comments on Achille’s god Nusemnee. Neither of them have bad things to say.
The man gives Achille shit about judgement when worshipping the goddess of redemption. There’s some back and forth with the two of them insulting each other, and - upon entering the castle - Soldos greets Cuthbert. Achille apologizes to Cuthbert for testing him, and Cuthbert says not to worry, and tells Soldos he has a good man here.
Zimri
Zimri is trying to do some chores while his father speaks to him. Zimri asks if he’s here to do something, and his father says yes, there’s an important meeting. Depending on the meeting, Zimri may need to stay here while his father has to leave for something. Zimri is not at all disappointed about that, and his father comments that this place is pretty great, and Soldos is a great guy, the people here are pretty good. He comments that Zimri should stay away from the centaur woman - he’s heard some stories about her.
His father stands awkwardly, unable to connect with Zimri emotionally. Zimiri eventually stops and asks where his father is going, if he’s going somewhere, just curious. It’s clear his father knows he shouldn’t be telling Zimri this, and makes Zimri promise to secrecy. He comments that they’re waiting for important people: including the tribune from the empire. They are not a kind people, he’s tried to shelter Zimri from them for quite some time. It’s an evil place, and it’s time to do something about it. Zimri’s father’s last hurray, it’s too dangerous for Zimri. He’d like to do one last good thing - toppling an empire is a good story, worth a song and a half. People are suffering, he doesn’t like that. They just have to decide the approach: some people want peace, some want to wait, a small elite party could do real damage. There are a few things that need to happen for the whole thing to topple over.
His father advises again for Zimri to avoid the centaur woman, and when the tribune is here, do not approach them. Zimri nods his understanding.
Zimri’s father and Zimri aren’t sure how to deal with each other, and Zimri basically awkwardly tells his father good luck, of course he’ll come back safe, etc.
Silver
Silver had tried to pickpocket Soldos and he grabbed her wrist and said, “Oh, there you are,” and she wound up here: taken care of, with food, with clothes, and access to almost the entire place.
She explores and finds the dungeon. She tries to stealth and finds that the door to the dungeon is still cracked open. She realizes as she’s sneaking in the dungeon that someone is sneaking alongside her: a halfling swashbuckler man is there as well. He greets her: he has an eyepatch and the like. He comments that she has potential. He comments that she cannot just be silence moving through the night, but she also has to be part of the night: she was trying too hard to be quiet.
Silver is speechless, and he harasses her, keeping her too thrown off to really speak. He asks what she’s doing and he asks if she’s sneaking, and she says no, exploring. He comments that that’s a very good excuse: not far from what she’s actually doing. He comments that Soldos’s other daughter is a horse, so he asks what she’s doing, and she comments that she’s just curious.
She is carrying all of her belongings - which isn’t many - and the halfling asks if she’s considered being a pirate, and she says she hasn’t, but it does sound fun. She kinda waits for him to leave, and he tells her to show him her technique. She starts to walk in without trying to sneak, and he comments that - you know what? Fair. She slips inside and pulls the door closed, then tries to sneak and slip past him - which doesn’t work, but she can’t see where he is.
Nymnar is bothered with a chestnut hitting his head, and his gaze slowly turns to look at the odd pair before him. He notices the halfling, then his attention shifts to Silver. She has purpleish skin and her hair is done up in a net of silver. She has veins of silver curling up her arms and around her body, connecting up with black tattoos. They’re strangely beautiful. His attention focuses more on her, interested in a detached way as his shadow plays with the chestnut.
The halfling’s smile lessens, no longer having fun, and he comments that Silver had a great first attempt, and now it’s time to go. Silver senses the tone shift and absolutely listens to the halfling and leaves. The halfling turns to Nymnar before leaving, commenting that Soldos is far too kind, and that were it him? No mercy. Nymnar comments that it’s a good thing he’s under Soldos’s care, then, and goes back to reading.
The halfling talks to Silver and compliments her again, then comments not to go back to the dungeon, as the man in there is a bad man. Silver asks for a history listen, and he explains it’s far too soon, the memory too fresh. She awkwardly says okay. He tells her that Soldos is essentially his brother, and he won’t break Soldos’s word, but if he could have five minutes with Nymnar…
He introduces himself as Gentleman Bauto Swifte, and then disappears after Silver squeaks out her name. She walks out and “steals” a roll from the kitchen.
The Courtyard
Damaris recognizes a dwarven warrior wearing a magical mask that lets her function in the light: she wields an orgosh. This is the Duchess of Battles, Gwynnora Stonekeeper. She’s one of the most decorated generals in the history of the continent. She recognizes Bauto Swifte as well: THE pirate king, the man who’s organized the bandits and pirates against the empire. She also recognizes Cuthbert of the Cudgel, and Acrius Aquilius as well. The meeting that is going to happen will happen tonight. Everyone is here.
Everyone but Nymnar is around, in proximity. They all watch and notice that there’s something between Acrius and Sylvaine, which Soldos acknowledges and allows them to have space. He goes up to Damaris, asking how she is doing. Damaris stutters and stammers. Achille waves in the background.
Damaris comments that it is going. She stammers and asks how Soldos is, if he’s stressed. He says you could say that: his war days are over but this is important, and he’s glad to do it. This is important, he says, and he’s glad he can facilitate it. Glad for one last hurrah, that he gets to see his friends off. Damaris admits she tries not to get in his affairs, and she hopes it goes well, and if he needs her help, she’s available. Soldos admits there might be something for her, but it’s too early to tell yet.
Soldos sees Silver and Zimri and says hello to them. Silver is momentarily frightened at Soldos seeing her, but tries to play it off with a small hello. Zimri comments and says hello, calling Soldos his uncle. Soldos asks how he’s enjoying the castle and Zimri eagerly tells him how nice the library is, and how he is having a good time. He asks how bad things are with the meeting and what is going on. Soldos comments that the best way to keep Zimri’s father from babbling, is to not tell him in the first place. Zimri chuckles nervously, then comments that he knows it’s best he doesn’t get involved, but he is happy to help if there’s anything he can do. Soldos says he may take him up on that.
Damaris butts in to say she’s sure that he can be helpful. Silver is 110% interested in what’s going on, and she wants to know what is happening, but she has no clue what is going on and is doing her best to play it cool. Soldos tells everyone to stay out of trouble, he’ll see them tomorrow. Damaris says she tries to stay out of trouble, and he comments that she’s perfect and has never given him grief.
Soldos comments he must organize a meeting that too many people know about. Damaris pretends to not know about it, which Soldos thanks her for. She says she’s sure it’ll go great if he does it. Soldos leaves.
Achille is listening in nearby, and the other three are left standing there, awkwardly. Zimri holds his out to Damaris, introducing himself to her. She stammers and comments she has been here a while, yes, and she knows about him. She says that Soldos is kinda like her dad, and awkwardly shakes his hand, fast.
Silver is standing just outside of the group, watching everything going on. Achille walks straight to her. Achille asks her if they’ve met, muttering (under his breath): this time. Silver says that she doesn’t believe so, commenting she’s pretty sure she’s easy to recognize, showing off her arms. She has a sudden memory of motion, and her neck breaking. She rubs the back of her neck, a silver line running along, particularly strange compared to the others: it’s almost as if something sticking out of her neck would have left a scar like that.
Achille visibly is uncomfortable as he sees the line, glancing away, putting his hand out to shake her hand. She awkwardly shakes his hand - she’s never done a handshake before. Achille introduces himself, and Silver herself. Achille cannot look her in the eye as he comments it’s nice to meet her. It’s so fucking awkward, fam. Zimri comments that this is why they weren’t invited to the meeting. Achille flushes a little about this, everyone able to tell he’s a little mad he wasn’t invited to the meeting.
Silver awkwardly turns to walk away, Achille saying nope. Nuh-uh. No escaping this time, sit down. Damaris says not to tell her what to do, and Achille is annoyed and lets it go, telling her to go run off and do something. Achille clearly knows she’s going to try to sneak off and do something stupid. Damaris tries to grab her hand stammers about how she has a life here now. Silver says this is really random, but okay, Soldos is nice. Damaris looks into Silver’s eyes and comments that she doesn’t know who she is, but Soldos cares about Silver, so try not to do anything bad. Achille speaks up and says not to get into any trouble. Damaris can tell that Silver does not trust any of this at all.
Zimri asks if uncle Soldos brought her in off the streets. Damaris stutters and explains that you know about her, and Silver comments that he dragged her in off the street. Zimri says that definitely happens, and Achille agrees, welcoming her to lost and found. Silver’s train of thought is lost as she glances at Damaris, and she can remember water filling her lungs. Damaris awkwardly rubs her chest as she remembers that. She’s backing up from the group and Damaris comments that Silver never ever has to talk to her again if she doesn’t want to, and Silver tries to say it’s not that, this is all great, it’s really great, for real, and stammers.
Achille asks Zimri what he’s in for, and Zimri says that uncle Soldos is friends with his dad. Achille notes the uncle, and then asks if Zimri who his dad is. Zimri stutters and Achille admits he was just asking to be polite, he doesn’t really care. Damaris comments that this is very rude for him to say, you can’t do that, and Achille says he thought that honesty was something we liked! Achille realizes that Zimri’s father is actually important. This all gives Silver a chance to get away.
Achille decides to back out, apologizing, as he has a job to do.
Zimri turns to Damaris and asks if she wants to go get food. She stutters and says she can show him where food is, awkwardly.
The Dungeon - Nymnar & Achille
Achille goes down to check on Nymnar and deliver a book that he had requested. Achille says hello and there is some silted conversation between the two of them - there is a clear working relationship between the two of them. Nymnar comments that there were two that visited earlier: a halfling man and a little girl. Achille asks about the little girl, and Nymnar comments that it’s not one of Soldos’s daughters, someone new. Achille asks if she had silver, and Nymnar confirms.
Achille sighs and comments of course, and then asks if Nymnar needs anything. He asks that Achille take the chestnut away and his shadow bats it toward the edge of the cell so that Achille can take it. Achille asks where it came from and he explains that the halfling with the eyepatch - Swifte - threw it at him, wanting to get under his skin. Achille finds the event funny, but doesn’t look forward to talking to Swifte about it.
They have some back and forth and Nymnar asks Achille what is going on. Achille hesitates for a moment and then explains there is a meeting going on upstairs. Nymnar comments that this is interesting, and it’s clear that Nymnar is thinking about what all is going on, trying to put the pieces together.
Achille comments that he brought something for Nymnar, and that finally gets Nymnar’s attention, looking up from his book and glancing toward Achille. Achille pulls a book out of his bag and offers it to Nymnar, and he comes over to take it politely, glancing inside: the next in his romance series he’s been reading. Nymnar thanks him, surprised it came in so quickly, but pleased. Achille tells him it’s absolutely no problem.
There’s a little bit of back and forth, and Nymnar returns to his area with the book. Achille turns to leave.
The Meeting
There is a large gathering with the council, Soldos at the head of the table as people eat and drink. The empire has gotten worse, and the emperor is entirely cut off and isolated so he no longer knows how the world is working anymore. The emperor has started calling himself a god and has been ordering people to worship him, to make bloody sacrifices in his name. Everyone at the table - one by one - agrees that something has to be done. A group must be sent to the palace to slay the mad emperor.
The general idea is to destroy the emperor and let the empire fall apart - countries will rise afterward eventually to govern themselves.
Silver is in the rafters above, listening to everything going on. This is all news to her. Nuvira’s head tilts and she looks up at Silver. People talk, and Acrius finally speaks up, saying a party must be put together and dispatched immediately. He says he will take Nuvira, Swifte, Gwyonnora, Sylvaine - they’ll go, and it’ll be the only way.
Nuvira says that two groups must be dispatched, as she stares up at Silver. Silver’s expression shifts to panic. Soldos asks her what she means, and she comments that one is missing upon their number, but one must be sent for. He’s not on this plane, and so a second group must be dispatched. She’s seen it. She says that they must talk to Soldos’s prisoner, and the warden friend will have to join the group.
Soldos hides his face and greets Silver. Silver stands and struts along the rafter, trying to play it cool. Silver is part of this group. Soldos asks who else, and Nuvira smiles, saying it’s better if that’s a surprise. Soldos sighs and says there’s another clandestine meeting to attend to today, and he calls for Silver to come along, then Nuvira as well.
Nuvira stands and says of course, there is much to be done. The group of them go to the dungeon. Damaris and Zimri come along, with Achille there. Coming down the stairs comes Soldos and Nuvira, and Silver. Achille tells Nymnar that they’re coming, and Nymnar sets his book down.
Nuvira explains that a man must be informed, and he’s in the feywild. Nuvira explains that there is one quest to be had, and if I accept I can feel the sun on my skin again. If we succeed, perhaps I can have a chance at redemption. Nymnar comments that he has no choice, does he? Nuvira is glad he sees it this way. Soldos pinches the bridge of his nose, asking if anyone else is going, and she says perhaps if there are volunteers.
Damaris and Zimri walk up and Soldos is upset about the prophecy. Nuvira comments that it’s not a prophecy, just a little vision. Damaris asks what’s going on, and Silver explains that shit is fucked and that there is a guy in the feywild that we need to retrieve. There’s some back and forth as it’s said that Silver reincarnates, but she refuses to hear it. Damaris asks to go as long as Achille comes along.
Soldos will pen a letter and explains that we are to meet with Salvor Bajj. He is to be trusted, we are allowed to tell him anything. Soldos lets it slip that the other party is going to assassinate the emperor, and Damaris realizes this is what Sylvaine is going to do, and she leaves, upset. Nuvira assures us that it is necessary.
Damaris’ Room
Damaris retires to her room and the curse laughs, asking if she remembers her. Damaris asks about Silver, and she dunks her head under water. Curse comments it’ll be interesting to see how she develops over the course of this adventure. The curse says she can’t just stay here, they’re counting on her.
She looks up into the mirror and says that if she is going to go on an adventure against her will, she will make sure she comes back without the curse. The curse laughs, and tells her to try it, and then leaves.
Next session: open with Nymnar and Silver having a middle of the night conversation about reincarnation.