Astris and Thea face their deepest anxieties as a battle for the freedom of the underground wages.
[Int- Bedroom. Thea, Astris, Oberon, DM]
DM:
Welcome back lovely listeners. Thea wakes after Astris has gone in search of breakfast with Kinkfloof. Eager to capitalize on this rare moment of quiet, our twilight tiefling pulls out her tome and begins writing to Oberon.
[SFX - writing/page scratch. Voice over echo]
Thea:
Dear diary, I miss you Oberon. I haven't seen the sky in almost a week, it's harder to feel you down here. I did have an amazing night with Feldspar, we played with all shapes and sizes of mushrooms. We even found a way to strap one on to me, which we both really enjoyed. I hope you felt it too, and that it will tide you over until we can be together again. Your aching plum, Thea.
[SFX - fairy attendant magic tinkle]
DM:
Thea's fairy attendants pantomime some of the acts from the previous night as she writes. She can feel Oberon's amusement roll through her.
[SFX - Oberon: chuckle]
[SFX - door, footsteps]
Astris:
Hey, morning Thea! I didn't expect you to be up so early. Guess Feldspar didn't -rock- your world? (dad joke chuckle)
[SFX - book shut]
Thea:
(laugh) Oh they did that and then some. Remember what you saw the magistrate and his wife doing in Haven? (smug) Much like that, but better because I was involved. Anyway, what about your night with Mica huh?
Astris:
(flustered) I um… what about Mica?
Thea:
I mean they're pretty clearly into you Astris. It's rather adorable actually.
Astris:
I mean, Mica's great, they're really sweet, and smart.
Thea:
Yes, but do you want to kiss their cute little face?
Astris:
(flustered) No? I mean maybe? I think for me it's best if I really know the person. I don't form attractions as quickly as you do Thea. Not that there's anything wrong with that! I just don't think that's my way.
Thea:
(grin) Ah, so that explains why kissing me was alright then. Have you told Francesca about that yet?
Astris:
Oh shit, I forgot we did that…I guess I should talk to Esca about this.
Thea:
(gasp) What do you mean you forgot? It was me, Astris! People don't forget being kissed by me!
Astris:
Oh sorry Thea, I didn't mean to forget! There was so much going on…
Thea:
Sure. A lot going on. Fine. I guess that's fine. (sigh) Listen, point of the matter is - you should talk about boundaries with Francesca.
Astris:
Is that what you and Rhox do? How do you two work it out? You love each other, right?
Thea:
Oh, I love Rhox in a way I don't love anybody else. Him and I have always had an understanding. When we're together, we're together. And when we're apart, we still love each other even if we bed down with other people. It's always worked for us, in part because we've talked about it. And like, between you and me, Astris, I'd be shocked if him and Khor weren't a thing. I mean, did you see those curved horns on Khor? I'm not saying Rhox has a type, buuuuut
Astris:
Oh wow…Yeah now that you mention it…
Thea:
And honestly? Good! I disappeared for like a decade. I would be sad if he hadn't found a way to be happy without me. I just didn't sleep with anyone in Haven because I prefer to avoid small town gossip. Though, I would have chanced it for Gilthaniel.
Astris:
You're right, I mean Francesa must have had dalliances since we last saw each other.
Thea:
Probably. I'd be shocked if she didn't. But right now that's a problem for future Astris. We have a small war to win first. Once we cleanse the node, we can send a message home and you and Francesca can have an embarrassingly public discussion about it.
Astris:
(chuckle) Good talk, Thea. Let's go win a war, shall we?
[Int: Underground tunnels. Thea, Astis, DM, Mica, Feldspar, Vivienne, Ryloth]
[SFX - chatter, movement, heavy objects]
DM:
Astris and Thea make their way to the Obsidian Gate. Outside, Ryloth and Azurite are directing their soldiers into different squads. It's busy, chaotic and loud. Orders are barked and people quickly carry them out. Large trebuchets are loaded with massive woven-web sacks, filled with Astris’ magic blood-tinged water. The air is tense with anticipation and hope - this is the day they take back their home from the Covenant of Purity. Mica and Feldspar approach them amidst the chaos.
Mica:
Oh excellent, I was just coming to get you two. How are you doing? Did you get enough sleep?
Astris:
I'd say we're as ready as we'll ever be.
Feldspar:
(teasing) I hope I didn't keep you out too late, Mistress Thea.
Thea:
(grin) Honestly, I probably could have stayed out later, but you had to be the responsible one.
Feldspar:
I must return to my station and prepare for battle, myself. Stay safe Mistress Thea.
Thea:
Please stay safe, Feldspar. I'll find you again when all this is done.
[Exit Feldspar]
[Ent. Vivienne]
Vivienne:
Ah, Ser Astris, Mistress Thea, we're so glad you are here. We're finishing preparations as we speak. Ryloth is talking to his battalion. Let's go listen to his plan.
[SFX - footsteps]
Ryloth:
Ah, our guests of honor have arrived. Welcome, today is a day that will go down in history. The Covenant has no idea what's coming, and that is our biggest strength. With the help of Ser Astris’ blood, blessed by the Lady of Chains, we can neutralize the mind-controlled citizens of Sedimenterra. This will at last allow us to get past the Covenant's most effective shield.
Ryloth:
Our web engineers have created vessels that will break on impact, dousing those under mind-control with the paladin's curative blood. Captain Azurite will command the trebuchets, while I lead our ground forces against the Covenant soldiers.
Vivienne:
I will lead those with magical ability from the back. We'll shield you all as long as we can, Ryloth.
Astris:
How are Thea and I sneaking past a giant crowd in an enclosed tunnel? We need to make it to the Deep Heart.
Mica:
(grin) That's where I come in. No one knows these tunnels better than I do and I know exactly how to get us into position: *above* the Deep Heart.
[Ext: Outside Sedimenterra. DM, Ryloth, Eckhart, Azurite]
[SFX - boots, armor]
DM:
As Mica leads their team to infiltrate the Deep Heart, Ryloth leads the main force to pull the Covenant away from that chamber. Ryloth's forces are met outside the city of Sedimenterra by Covenant Commander Eckhart's soldiers. Eckhart is a large muscular human, with close-cropped white hair and a deep scar across his scowling face.
[SFX - rock on rock, shattering, grinding]
DM:
At the Commander's will, the enthralled citizens of Sedimenterra lumber toward the liberating army with thoughtless obedience. A rock slide of corrupted Sedimenterrans, caked in a black slime mold, shamble down out of buildings. They move at the cost of damaging themselves. All they know is they must go forward, some walking straight off of buildings or through windows. Stone body parts break off and shatter as they walk over each other to fulfill their orders: Stop the outsiders, at all costs.
Eckhart:
I was wondering when you'd reveal yourselves! Haven’t you learned yet that you can’t stop us?! Are you finally willing to destroy your own people?
Ryloth:
This is your end Eckhart! You won’t hurt the people of the underground any longer! You will make a fantastic blood-bag! Azurite, let them have it!
Azurite:
Ready the trebuchets! Free our bound people! Ready! Hold! And loose!
[SFX - trebuchet launch honk and chuck, sploosh]
Ryloth:
The webbed water bombs are working! The civilians are being slowed! Push through, but do not harm our stone friends.
[SFX - war]
Eckhart:
(aghast) What devilry is this!?
Azurite:
The Lady of Chains sends her regards! Again! Fire!
[SFX - trebuchet sounds, splash]
[Int: Other tunnels. Thea, Astris, DM, Mica, Spider Scout, Kinkfloof]
[SFX - quiet by comparison, footsteps, echo]
DM:
Meanwhile Mica and the Scout successfully lead their small infiltration party to the tunnel above the Deep Heart. The cavern is dark, no phosphorescent mushrooms grow here. Luckily none of the party needs full light to see, allowing them to move stealthily.
Mica:
This is the spot, we're right above the chamber of the Deep Heart. We have to clear an opening through the ground; I have blasting powders but Astris told me you once carved a hole through solid stone with magic, Thea.
Thea:
Ah, well you see that was a rather special circumstance. I was um… juiced up as it were, and magnificent as all the mushroom strapons were, they don't quite deliver the required reagents.
Mica:
What?
Thea:
You know what, never mind. It's fine, I can do it, it'll just take a little longer.
Mica:
Excellent! Our scout will create the webbing we need to lower the two of you into the chamber.
Spider Scout:
Rest assured, you are safe with my silk. It's very strong.
Thea:
Oh, wow how fresh. I bet it'll be nice and warm…
Astris:
(whispers) I believe in you Thea.
Thea:
(gritted teeth)
Thanks, Astris. That's great.
[SFX - draw on ground]
Mica:
Alright, this is the area you need to blast through, Thea. The battle should mostly cover the sound.
Thea:
Stand back, and cover your eyes. (under her breath) Daddy, if you can hear me… I could use some extra oomph.
[SFX - stone debris, blasting, Oberon's tone]
DM:
The idol between Thea's breasts warms ever so slightly as she centers her hands over the spot Mica marked out. Thea produces a burst of green energy that carves away the stone. Blast after blast, her magic chips away at the floor before finally opening up to the chamber beneath.
Thea:
(panting) Alright that looks big enough for me to fit through.
Spider Scout:
Perfect timing Mistress Thea! I've just finished producing the rope. I'm the best at making this kind of rope in all of the Silk Ring. It's not sticky enough to trap you, but it's grippy enough that you won't slide down it.
Mica:
I'll help belay you both down, and act as the anchor up here.
DM:
Thea looks down the hole into the dimly lit chamber below. Even though she'd seen a sketch of the chamber it still did not prepare her for the actual thing. Thick black tendrils of pulsing, fungal veins run along the floor, converging and plunging into the center of the sinkhole. A low thrum, like a heartbeat fills the silence.
Thea:
I've seen some gnarly orifices in my day, but ooo that's disgusting. (sigh) I'll go first, if I don't I'm afraid I won't do it.
Astris:
You've got this Thea. I'll help you mount the rope, then I'll be right behind you.
Thea:
Kinkfloof, little buddy, you shouldn't come with us on this node adventure. It looks more dangerous than normal and if we don't come out of there, you need to go to Lilith.
Kinkfloof:
Oh, don't worry. I wasn't planning on it. I'll wait up here with Mica, like you said — someone has to let Lilith know what happens here today.
Thea:
Good. Stay safe little buddy. (sigh) Alright, I’ve got my foothold, here goes nothing…
[SFX - rope creak]
[SFX - echo]
Astris:
(mindspeak)
Okay you’re about 20 feet down. Do you see anything Thea? Is it clear? Should I keep lowering you?
[SFX - echo]
Thea:
(mindspeak)
If I could stop spinning on this rope for a fucking second I’d let you know! I mean, I don’t see anything ye– [scream]
DM:
A spider scout infected with the black fungus clings to the ceiling next to Thea. Its eyes and mouth are home to clusters of ripe spores. Thea is so startled she loses her grip on the rope. The foot loop catches around her ankle, dangling her upside down, eye to eye, next to it.
[SFX - death rattle alarm, like that kid from the grudge]
Astris:
Thea! What happened? Hold on, I'm coming!
Thea:
Fuck! My ankle! Astris there's a fucking spider husk and I’m stuck upside down! Gonna try to vine whip my way upright!
[SFX - Thea: panic breathing]
[SFX - magic whip, rope snap]
[plummeting screams]
Thea:
Astris:
Shit! Thea! I'm coming!
[SFX: sand hit, sand suck whoomph]
DM:
Astris swan dives through the hole after Thea. She sees Thea hit the sand screaming, before it sucks her in. Astris has just enough time to brace for impact before she too is sucked into the realm of the Deep Heart.
[Int: Orphanage. Thea, Astris, DM, Rhox, Oberon, Smiler Avatar, Mother Jizzelle]
[SFX - bad sounds, spooky fungal wet squish]
DM:
There's only darkness, wet and thick as Thea floats to consciousness. Then with a sudden snap, Thea is in the Covenant run orphanage in Dawnslight. It feels like a bad dream — a memory she can never outrun. She stands in a familiar office, at an important crossroad of her life. She holds a small crossbow in her hands, it's aimed at someone.
DM:
Mother Jizzelle stands before her — sharp, cold eyes glare at her. The Covenant Mother is dressed head-to-toe in white. The silver crescent of her habit seems to grin down at Thea with malicious satisfaction. Thea's head throbs as she struggles to maintain her thoughts amongst the murmuring in her head.
Thea:
Mother Jizzelle… Wha what the fuck? Why are you here? You're not supposed to be here…
Mother Jizzelle:
(condescending)
Watch your mouth, young lady! Put that crossbow away. You're in enough trouble already.
Thea:
What? You… You're dead. This isn’t right… I shouldn’t be here…
Mother Jizzelle:
You're right. You're not supposed to be here. Put the crossbow down Miss Quinn.
[SFX - rasp file, key jingle.]
Smiler Avatar:
(gleeful, menacing)
Oh but you didn't. You lost your temper didn't you? The jingling of those keys and that filthy rasp she carved grooves into your horns with — it made you relive all that humiliation, all that anger. It was just too much to listen to.
Thea:
No! Don't fucking move! I'll shoot damn it!
Smiler Avatar:
You know killing her now means you're killing your friends. You'll tell them she was reaching for the alarm bell, but was she really? Did her hand even move? The dragonborn will believe you no matter what you tell him, he always believes you. Even when you lie.
DM:
Time seems to stand still with Thea and Mother Jizzelle locked in a stalemate. Thea tries to ignore the nagging voice in her head. But this is preordained — it's a dream, and a memory. She can't change it — Thea has to shoot.
Smiler Avatar:
Pull the trigger Thea… You want to soooo badly.
Mother Jizzelle:
Now listen here you filthy little tiefling brat- (shot in chest gasp) (Effort: death gurgle)
[SFX - crossbow bolt, blood, ugh dying]
Thea:
(hyperventilating)
Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck
[SFX - Rhox footsteps, door open]
Rhox:
(panicked, but trying to play it cool)
Q what the fuck?! No one was supposed to be here! No one was supposed to die!
Thea:
(upset, panicked)
She was going to ring the bell! She was going to alarm everyone! I had to Rhox!
[SFX - muffled, fading]
Rhox:
Fuck… it's alright Q. We'll figure this out, we always do. But we've gotta go, now. The others are in the hall.
[SFX - barking, growling, howling, screaming, crying, blood, rain, thunder]
DM:
The time and space around Thea shifts in an unnatural way. Where a moment ago she was in Mother Jizzelle’s office, she's now up a tree in the dark with Rhox. The sound of howling and growling is all around them, as she reaches down to try and pull one of their friends into the tree.
[SFX: almost in the background of the DM’s lines]
Thea:
Come on Brook! You're almost there! Jump!
DM:
Thea's hands are closed around Brook’s as she struggles to pull the smaller tiefling up into the branches. Rhox is behind her helping another of their group up into the tree. Massive sharp. gnawing teeth snatch Brook by the legs and pull him violently back to the ground. Rhox manages to grab Thea and pull her back right before she falls.
[SFX Thea: “Brook! Nooooo!”]
Rhox:
(panting)
Q! I've got you… I've got you…
Smiler Avatar:
This is your fault, little miss Quinn. These kids looked up to you, and look where that got them. Dead. Eaten alive by creatures of the night. While you hide in the arms of your dragonborn and cry useless tears. You're not a leader. Death follows you always.
Misc child voices:
You killed us! We’d be alive if you hadn’t murdered Mother Jizzelle!
Thea:
(sobbing)
This is my fault, Rhox! Everyone is dead because of me!
[SFX - muffled, fading]
Rhox:
(scared but consoling)
Q - it's not your fault, you had to do it. It's okay, baby…
DM:
Suddenly Thea is alone in a vast, dark, empty space. Her only light – a sickly beam of moonlight in the shape of a crescent — in the shape of a smile.
Thea:
Rhox?! Where are you? Don't leave me!
[SFX: Thea: heavy breathing / freaking out]
Smiler Avatar:
Alone. All alone, just like you deserve to be. You've fooled so many people into thinking you're a leader, you've almost started believing it yourself. But you know, deep inside that you're useless. Dead weight. A burden to those around you. A burden to Astris.
Thea:
Astris… I don't want to get her killed too.
[SFX - fading in, echo, small muffle]
Oberon:
Thea… Do not listen… the people need you… I need you…
Thea:
Oberon? Oberon! I hear you!
Oberon:
There are so many people who love you. Do not forget that. Look!
Astris:
Thea!
DM:
Far off through the haze, Thea can see Astris running towards her, but not getting any closer.
Thea:
Astris?!
Astris:
Thea!
Oberon:
You are in control, Thea. And you are never alone, I am with you always.
Smiler Avatar:
Stop! No!
Oberon:
Fly to Astris.
[SFX: magic shit, music swell]
DM:
Thea pulls herself up from the ground. It's harder, the gravity feels heavier. Once on her feet she runs to Astris but it still feels heavy, like running through water. At Oberon's suggestion, spectral wings of rainbow fire flare from Thea's back. She feels the heaviness lessen as she floats above the ground, lifted by the words of those who love her.
Thea:
Astris!
Smiler Avatar:
No! She shouldn't be here!
Astris:
Thea! Come on!
Oberon:
You are radiant, my love.
Rhox:
You've got this Q!
DM:
Thea flies, arms outstretched towards the image of Astris. Tears stream from her eyes as she soars towards the brightest spot in her life.
[Astris dream space. DM, Astris, Francesca, Smiler Avatar, Ser. Maryam, Mother Nadia, Lilith, Thea]
DM:
Astris opens her eyes to find herself in a familiar place — the medical wing of the Monastery. She's still a squire, her arm broken and in a sling. The larger-than-life figure of Ser Maryam stands at the foot of the bed — her long brown-grey hair tied back in a tight bun.
Ser Maryam:
Astris. You saved my life today.
(begrudging bc feelings are gross)
I want to......... thank you.
Astris:
(startled for a moment)
Ser Maryam!? Oh I… um…You're welcome. It was nothing.
Ser Maryam:
Rest well my squire. When you're healed we will have much work to do.
[exit Ser Maryam]
[enter Francesca]
[SFX - door opens and closes, footsteps fade out and footsteps fade in]
Francesca:
Astris. Of course only you would find a way to break your arm during what everyone claimed was a routine mission.
Astris:
(off her ass on meds)
Yeah but it was kinda cool being out on a real mission. Oh also I saved Ser Maryam, I don't know if you heard.
Francesca:
(playful)
Oh yes, I know. I heard the other squires talking about it. They're jealous, Astris.
Astris:
Oh wow really? They're talking about me? (wince) Oof my arm…
Francesca:
You're the belle of the ball Astris. Now let me do my job and treat your injury.
Astris:
(chuckles) Yes, ma'am.
Francesca:
So I've learned a new healing spell, since you last grievously injured yourself. I do have to touch you for it to work, so I'll need your permission...
Astris:
Oh, yeah sure, touch me wherever! I'm always happy to help you practice Francesca.
[Astris: SFX kiss]
[Francesca: SFX kiss]
[SFX door slams open]
Ser Maryam:
Astris! How dare you! Mother Nadia! In here, now!
[SFX - hurried footsteps]
Mother Nadia:
Yes, Ser, Maryam? (gasp) How disappointing! Both of you!
Ser Maryam:
(disappointed)
We had such high hopes for you but you were a deviant laying in wait. Such a waste, Astris. (sigh) You are hereby stripped of all rank and expelled from our order.
Mother Nadia:
I blame her elf blood, Ser Maryam. I'd always suspected she was from that women's Lilithite sex cult. We should have expected this, but I know how much you try to see the good in people. You’re coming with me, Francesca.
Smiler Avatar:
You know they're right. You knew it then just like you know it now. You were never pure enough to squire for one of my paladins. And you were never good enough to deserve the love of a human woman. Watch Astris. Watch them drag her away. Again.
[SFX - scuffling feet, dragged boots]
Francesca:
(struggling against being dragged away by the hair)
Astris!!!!
Mother Nadia:
See what you've done? You've gone and ruined her too. She was going to be a great healer, but now you've made her impure.
Astris:
No… Please! It wasn't her, it was me! It was my fault. I did it, please don't punish her!
Smiler Avatar:
You did do it. It was your fault. And now you've ruined the life of the only person who's ever loved you. Because there's something wrong with you, Astris. You've always known you weren't like the others, that you were defective, rash, and untrustworthy.
[SFX - thunder]
DM:
The walls of the infirmary fall apart in flashes of thunder and lightning before being swallowed by darkness. With a final flash Astris is standing outside the armory in Haven. She's wearing stolen paladin armor - armor that was meant for Ser Maryam.
Smiler Avatar:
You just couldn't help taking it, could you? Never one to think about how your actions affect those around you. Kissing Francesca ruined her life, whose life will you ruin now?
DM:
Astris mounts the horse tied outside the armory. When they turn to leave the horse nearly bolts at the sight of a roaring fire that is suddenly consuming the armory and Haven.
[SFX - horse sounds, tack jingle, big fire]
Astris:
The town! (gasp) Thea!
[SFX Astris: panting]
[SFX - horse gallop, blaze, screaming, alarm bells]
Haven Citizen:
(coughing/choking on smoke) Paladin! Help us!
Smiler Avatar:
This town trusted you. You made yourself invaluable to them; taking on so much work the guard could barely function without you. And now you lie to them - abandon them in their hour of need.
Astris:
I.. I just have to get to Thea! She'll know what to do!
[SFX horse galloping, skidding to stop, inferno]
Astris:
(gasp) No… her house! She's still inside! THEA!
[SFX - fire, window pound]
Thea:
(coughing) Astris! Astris, get me out of here!
[muted, behind window]
Astris:
Thea! Thea I'm coming!
[SFX - reins jingle, armor thud, armored running, armor against door]
Astris:
The door won't open! Thea hold on!
Thea:
(gasping) Astris! I - I can't breathe!
Smiler Avatar:
You started this fire Astris. You lit the match that's destroying this town - that's killing your only friend. You pretend to be a paladin, but you've never saved anyone.
Thea:
Astris please! Please don't leave me!
Astris:
(distraught) Thea! Thea I'm sorry!
[SFX - static, blood, chains, echo]
Lilith:
Astris! Do not let your mind be twisted, you are my paladin. You are my chosen, my daughter. No door can stop you.
Smiler Avatar:
No! Don't listen, Astris! She is the mother of lies!
Lilith:
The only lies here are yours! Release my daughter!
[SFX - magic thrum]
Francesca:
(far off, faded) I kissed you Astris, remember? I have no regrets, and neither should you.
Thea:
(gasping) Astris… I need you.
Lilith:
The blood Astris, use your blood! The flame will not hurt a daughter of Lilith.
Astris:
Thea! Thea hold on!
[SFX - Astris: pained hiss, door efforts]
[SFX - palm cut, hiss sizzle, door ram, door crash open]
Astris:
Come on magic blood, do your thing.
[Int: node chamber]
[SFX hard landing, running sand]
[SFX Thea: Astris: oof]
DM:
Free from their respective nightmares, Astris and Thea fall from the ceiling of shifting sand. They land hard on the stone floor. It smells damp, mildewy and vaguely of rot – like a tomb. In the center of the room is a clay egg with strange writing scrawled on it. The Deep Heart. The node. Carmilla.
Astris:
Hey! Thea you're okay!
Thea:
Fuuuuck. Is it possible for us to get to one of these nodes without being heavily traumatized beforehand?
Astris:
I really doubt it.
[Int: Cave. Meanwhile. Ryloth, Vivienne, Azurite, Feldspar, Eckhart, Mind Controlled Citizen]
[SFX - battle sounds]
DM:
As Astris and Thea finally make it to the Deep Heart, Ryloth and his forces have been successfully pushing back Eckhart and his legion. The water blessed with Astris’ blood is beginning to take effect. The mind controlled citizens of Sedimenterra begin to awaken.
Mind Controlled Citizen:
(confused, as if waking from a nightmare)
Wha- wha- where am I? What's happening?
Feldspar:
(out of breath, heat of battle)
Get to the back line we've got mystics with water blessed by Lilith to help you. Help get others who are waking out of the fray! Hurry!
Vivienne:
Over here! Get behind us!
Ryloth:
The civilians are clearing! Push forward now! To Eckhart! This is our chance!
[Ryloth: battle efforts]
[SFX battle surge, roars, metal clang]
Eckhart:
No! No!!! Don’t you dare run! Push forward you cowards!
DM:
Ryloth leaps over the pile of bodies in front of Eckhart, causing the human to stumble backwards. Ryloth impales him to the ground with his long sword.
x
Ryloth:
I've been waiting for this moment, Eckhart.
Eckhart:
(choking, sputtering)
No, I won't go down like this, not to you. Not like this!
[SFX Eckhart: gulping, unhinged laughter]
[SFX wet body, magical suction, soldiers crying out]
DM:
Eckhart begins to transform. Black goo leeches from his pores and begins adding bodies of the fallen to his own. He becomes a goliath of body parts, moving and roiling as he knocks Ryloth and his ranks back.
Ryloth:
(hard landing)
Rally, to me! We need to put this monster down!
Azurite:
Focus on the monstrosity! Don't let Eckhart take an inch!
Vivienne:
Mystics! Help me freeze him in place!
(to herself)
Astris, Thea… please hurry…
[Int: Node. Meanwhile. DM, Astris, Thea, Smiler Avatar, Lilith, Oberon]
[SFX - gloopy like a lavalamp, damp drip]
Thea:
Ew, it smells, I hate it here, what the fuck, godsdammit. I'm not sure if this is better or worse than last time!
Astris:
Well at least there's no giant gross Avatar of the Smiler trying to kill us this time.
[SFX - sand falling, rocks grinding]
Smiler Avatar:
(laughter)
Thea:
You just had to say it Astris! The fucking walls are closing in!
[SFX: wet magic shit]
[SFX: Astris: slicey effort]
DM:
Astris cuts her hand and flings blood at Thea. It shimmers and begins spinning around her like a protective ward. The Avatar of the Smiler laughs as two long arms, dripping with putrescence, descend from the churning sand ceiling. The Smiler's underground avatar appears in the sand above them. A giant skull with glowing yellow orbs in its hollow eye sockets follows the arms. The dripping black ichor falls back up into the ceiling as the avatar laughs down at them. The shifting sand above swirls with the black rot of the Smiler, emphasizing his control over this realm-space.
Smiler Avatar:
(laughter) Hello ladies, did you think you'd escaped from me?
Thea:
Fuuuuuck not this again! Alright, Astris I'm gonna try something possibly stupid. Go and bleed on that node, and get Carmilla out!
Astris:
Okay… stay safe Thea. I'll bleed as fast as I can!
Thea:
Hey! You big ugly fuck! You don't really know how it works around here, but I tend to get what I want. And I want you to stay still!
[SFX - lute strum, grinding rock]
DM:
Thea strums her Harp Lute and produces two large spectral green hands to close around the Smiler's Avatar. It thrashes against the hold, roaring in rage. The walls of this realm-space continue to close in around them.
[SFX Smiler Avatar: roaring, efforts]
[SFX echo]
Thea:
(message)
Quickly, please Astris! I don't know how long I can hold this thing.
[SFX echo]
Astris:
(message)
You can do it Thea. I'm bleeding as fast as I can! (pause) I need to get more blood on the node! Hang tight Thea!
[SFX echo]
Thea:
(groans) Faster Astris!
DM:
The Smiler's Avatar struggles in the green-fingered bonds of Thea. He opens his skeletal mouth and rot pours out over the floor, making Thea jump back and forth to avoid stepping in it. She struggles to avoid the sludgy black pools with her injured ankle. Astris scrambles up the side of the node. She plants her hand on the top of the egg-shaped structure and lets her blood run down the sides, over the scrawled writing.
[SFX Thea: yucked sounds]
[SFX: toxic exhale]
Smiler Avatar:
Enough games little bard! I have no time for another whore of the Green God!
[SFX Smiler Avatar: effort, freeing himself from Thea's spell]
DM:
The Avatar breaks free and bears down on Thea. She manages to cast the spell that armors her in gleaming malachite armor just before the Smiler's Avatar can pin her to the ground. The armor and Astris’ shielding spell are the only things keeping her from being drowned by the black bile dripping from his hanging jaw.
[SFX: instrument clang, string pop sad, drip]
Thea:
(cries out) No! My Harp Lute! Astris!
Smiler Avatar:
I have you now, little plaything. You will be such a wondrous tool once I’ve purified you. I already marked that precious face of yours last time; Lilith's blood won't protect you forever.
[SFX: smashing]
Astris:
Thea! Don't you fucking touch her!
(smashing on the node)
Carmilla! Wake! Up!
[SFX: Astris: efforts]
DM:
Astris slams her mace into the clay node again. Cracks of red light begin to form across the node's surface. Pieces begin to fall away, as the room begins to rumble and shake as the walls grind to a halt. Thea's malachite armor explodes against the Avatar of the Smiler, sending him recoiling back up against the ceiling.
DM:
Thea scrambles, most undignified, to the side of the node. She cuts her hand and adds her blood to Astris’. As their blood mingles, the node begins to shake violently, more and more pieces falling away. This realm-space is beginning to falter, the Smiler’s hold broken. The corruption is violently sucked back into the node. The Avatar claws at the walls as he too is sucked back into the node.
Smiler Avatar:
(roars in pain) No! That was supposed to be unbreakable!
Thea:
Yeah, well Astris is really fucking strong — and when we're together, we're unstoppable!
Oberon:
(Chuckle)
Lilith:
(Cackle)
Astris:
This is our house now motherfucker!
Smiler Avatar:
(fade out while being sucked)
You haven’t seen the last of me!
[SFX: magic suck, sonic boom]
[Int: Cave battle. DM, Astris, Thea, Eckhart, Ryloth, Azurite, Mica, Feldspar, Kinkfloof]
[SFX - battle, arrows]
Eckhart:
(laughter) That's right! Push these impure monsters back to the hole they crawled out of!
Ryloth:
(Growls) Pull back! Shore up our lines and hold them!
[Ryloth: eye injury effort]
Vivienne:
Ryloth!
DM:
General Ryloth yells in pain as shrapnel penetrates one of his eyes. He pulls his people back behind the magical shields Vivienne and the Mystics are generating. Things are looking dire as the Covenant forces push back the combined armies of the Silk Ring and Sedimenterra. Commander Eckhart's monstrous form leads the assault, crushing all in his way. They crash against the wall of force, causing the shimmering blue shield to flicker uncomfortably.
Azurite:
Archers! Don't stop firing until you're out of arrows! Secure the Mystics! This is our last stand!
[Enter Mica]
Mica:
Vivienne! Astris and Thea fell into the Deep Heart! They haven't come out! It's been hours!
Vivienne:
(strained from magical effort, to Mica)
We can only trust that they are fighting their battle as we are fighting ours. Have faith Mica. It's all we have.
(to army)
The shield is cracking! It won't hold much longer! Prepare yourselves!
[SFX sonic boom, rolling/falling/avalanche sand]
DM:
A sonic boom rings throughout the underground. A tidal wave of sand cascades through the streets of the city. Astris can be seen riding a large shard of clay, Carmilla in her arms and Thea at her feet. Eckhart's form begins to slough off and fall away, body parts dropping to the ground.
Eckhart:
(crying out)
My beautiful body! No! No! Not now! We were so close!
Ryloth:
Eckhart's form is falling apart! Everyone! Push now! Give it everything you've got!
[SFX: thump of head landing]
DM:
Ryloth is the first out of the Mystics' barrier; he moves on Eckhart with a speed that could only be powered by pure rage. He leaps on to the shambling figure, quickly removing Eckhart's head from his body. There are no dramatics, no fanfare — just a promise fulfilled. A life ended.
Ryloth:
(panting, smug, satisfied)
I told you I would be the one to end you.
[SFX - victorious cheers]
DM:
The lingering Covenant are rounded up, encased in web and carted off. The wounded people of the underground are tended to, and the casualties counted, as Thea and Astris limp their way to their friends.
Vivienne:
Ryloth, your eye! Lady of Chains, what am I going to do with you? (exasperated sigh)
Ryloth:
(amused, kind)
Don't be so worried Lady Vivienne, I have seven more.
Thea:
Hey sorry we're late. Did we miss anything? You all seem to have taken care of everything here.
Astris:
Not to interrupt the welcome party, but Carmilla needs medical attention. And for that matter, so does Thea. Oof and I lost a lot of blood, feeling a little dizzy.
Feldspar:
Thea!
Thea:
Feldspar! You're alright!
Vivienne:
Mica, Feldspar, will you escort the saviors of the underground back to the Hollow for some well deserved rest?
Feldspar:
It would be my pleasure.
(carries Thea, effort sound)
You had us all worried there for a minute, Mistress Thea.
Thea:
Well, I do love a dramatic entrance.
Mica:
You two had me worried sick! I thought you were dead!
Astris:Thea:
Sorry Mica.
Kinkfloof:
(scoffs) I believed in them the whole time.
[The Hollow. Int Astris and Thea's room. Thea, Astris, Kinkfloof, Feldspar, Carmilla]
Feldspar:
Thea, you need to rest tonight. Mica will be back with your meal shortly. Until then, get some sleep. We always have tomorrow,
(quieter, conspiratorily)
and besides I have to get working on that item you commissioned for Astris.
Thea:
(pout)
Hmpf. Fiiiine, I'll rest. But I plan on keeping you up all night tomorrow.
Feldspar:
(chuckles, teasing)
It must truly take a god to keep up with your appetites, Mistress Thea.
Thea:
Well, Oberon certainly didn't choose me for my battle prowess.
Astris:
Sorry love birds, but could you keep it down a little. Carmilla is still sleeping.
Thea:
(quieter)
Oh shit, sorry Astris.
Feldspar:
(quieter)
Apologies Ser Astris. I need to get back to my forge anyway. I've been tasked with constructing a prosthetic leg for the honored concubine of Lilith. (cheeky) Until tomorrow, Thea.
[Exit Feldspar]
Thea:
How's Camilla looking, Astris?
Astris:
Alright? I guess? It's hard to tell…
Kinkfloof:
Maybe she needs some blood. Particularly blood blessed by Lilith. She is a vampire after all.
Thea:
I don't know Kinkfloof, Astris has bled a lot today.
Astris:
Yeah but I can bleed a little more if it will help Carmilla.
[SFX: Astris: owchie]
[SFX - hand cut, blood drip]
Carmilla:
(groggy)
(groan) Wha… where am I? Astris, Thea… is that you? We must run… the Covenant…
Astris:
Carmilla! Hey, yeah it's us. It's okay. You're safe.
Thea:
You have no idea how happy we are to see you.
Carmilla:
Safe… yes. Thank you…
Astris:
Rest now Carmilla. It's all okay now.
Thea:
I think she's sleeping again. Good, I'm sure she's exhausted. If she was being tormented the same way Rhox was, she'll need all the sleep she can get. Shit, I wasn’t even trapped in the node and I feel like I could sleep for a year.
Astris:
It was bad for you too huh? It… it made me relive the day Francesca and I got separated. It was awful…
Thea:
That's terrible Astris, I'm sorry. Mine was the night my crew fled Dawnslight. I killed Revered Mother Jizzelle that night… When the six of us fled the city, only three of us made it out. Worst night of my life…
Astris:
Thea, I'm sorry. The Smiler really gut punched us this time. But he can't stop us.
Thea:
Nothing can stop us, Astris.
[Int: Node room. Next day. Thea, Astris, DM, Gurt, Francesa, Queen Ostrava, Khor, Rhox, Lilith, Oberon, Feldspar]
DM:
After a night of well-deserved rest, Thea and Astris are escorted to the chamber of the Deep Heart. Overnight the Sedimenterrans began clearing the room of sand, and debris — as well as the black tendrils of slime mold, though some still remain. Queen Ostrava waits for them near the elemental node of stone. The crystal looks inert, like it's not yet activated.
Queen Ostrava:
Mistress Thea, Ser Astris - our champions, welcome. The Deep Heart has been liberated; we owe you both a great debt of gratitude.
Feldspar:
We offer you these gifts, on behalf of the Silk Ring and Sedimenterra.
Queen Ostrava:
For the Mistress Cacophony, we have silk lute strings. These are guaranteed to never break and allow you to cast a stored spell upon the playing of a chord of your choosing.
Thea:
Thank you Queen Ostrava, this is amazing. I will use them well.
Feldspar:
And for the Pale Knight we have crafted a gauntlet of shielding. With a flick of your wrist it can go from the size of a buckler all the way to a tower shield.
(cheeky at Thea)
You have your work cut out for you keeping this one safe.
Thea:
Hey!
Feldspar:
(quiet, to Astris)
Mistress Thea also placed a special request for you. Open it someplace private.
Astris:
Wow… that's amazing! I won't have to carry my shield on my back any more! This'll make carrying the backpack so much easier! Thank you!
Queen Ostrava:
Please use these gifts well in your battle against the Smiler and his hoard.
Thea:
Thank you, I promise we will. And with your leave, we'll examine and activate the apex node of the underground. About time we get this party started.
[SFX footsteps]
(To Astris)
Alright Astris how the fuck did we do this before?
Astris:
I don't know. Gurt did most of it I think. Maybe I gotta bleed on it.
Thea:
Alright that's enough bleeding for you. Let's try touching it first shall we?
[SFX - rumble heartbeat, magic pew pew]
DM:
Thea and Astris approach the node and lay their hands on the smooth surface. It feels warm beneath their palms, and they begin to feel a rumble like a heartbeat. It grows louder and faster in their ears. And when it seems like it can accelerate no further, it shoots a beam of light to the high ceiling of the chamber.
Thea:
We reclaim these magics in the name of Oberon and
Astris:
In the name of Lilith.
[SFX - plant growth, bats]
DM:
The beam of light shifts between red and green, with just the faintest flash of blue. Mycelia grows from the node's facets and bats fly out from deep tunnels. The presence of Oberon and Lilith can be felt throughout the chamber.
Lilith:
(chuckle)
Oberon:
(chuckle)
Thea:
(giggle) Mmmm, I missed you daddy.
[SFX: echo]
Oberon:
My sparkling diamond, you have done so well.
Astris:
Lilith, we did it! We found Carmilla!
[SFX: echo]
Lilith:
Well done my paladin. Bring her to me, with haste. I eagerly await your arrival to the Ribbon, Astris. Don't keep me waiting.
[SFX distortion feedback]
Gurt:
Astris! Thea! Can you hear me?
[SFX: distortion clears]
I know you're there!
Thea:
Gurt! We miss you!
Gurt:
Astris! Thea! I summoned everyone as soon as I felt the node awaken. They should be here any moment.
Astris:
You're the best Gurt.
[SFX: (radio-like) door open, footsteps]
Francesca:
Gurt, you felt an activation? You have them on the line? Astris? Can you hear me?
Astris:
Esca! Oh Esca, I missed you!
(quiet)
Um stick around so we can talk later?
Francesca:
(with a smile)
I think I have enough time. I missed you too, Astris. I'm assuming that if you're calling, your mission was successful.
Thea:
You bet that uptight ass of yours, Franny. Miss me?
Francesca:
Oh good, it seems the Mistress Cacophony is safe.
[SFX door, two sets of footsteps]
Rhox:
(excited)
Sweets! Is that you!?
Khor:
Lady Thea? Ser Astris? You've secured the next node?
Thea:
Hey Khor! Rhox! Oh baby, I miss you so much. How's it going up there?
Rhox:
I'm so glad you're okay Q. Covenant wise - it's been mostly quiet, which honestly has us worried. We think they're pulling back to make a larger more concerted attack. It's just a matter of when.
Rhox:
But on the bright side, we've had refugees flocking to the city. The first Covenant-free city the land has seen in years. Word is spreading, our army has had more people enlisting than we have weapons or armor to outfit them with.
Francesca:
We've also seen a remarkable number of converted Covenant. They felt stifled and trapped within the rules of the Covenant, and like me, want to live freely. It is heartening, to say the least.
Gurt:
And we've been gaining underground allies! I've been in contact with the Slime Queens. They are keeping a strong hold on the upper tunnels of the underground. They take many Covenant men to their hives. They are pleased.
Khor:
We've also been in contact with the minotaur village. They are working with us and the Slime Queens to more securely hold the underground from the Covenant. Miss Lisa also sent up a few representatives to make sure we're all eating well enough. Things are going well.
Thea:
Awww, that sounds like Miss Lisa.
Astris:
That's amazing news!
[SFX - footsteps stone and spider]
Queen Ostrava:
And we proudly add ourselves to your growing list of allies. I am Queen Ostrava of the Silk Ring, and I am interested in joining your network.
Feldspar:
And I am High-Smith Feldspar, leader of Sedimenterra. I couldn't help but overhear about your weapon and armor shortage. My people are the greatest metal workers in the underground, send us a list of what you need. My forge is yours.
Khor:
(pleased) Well, it seems we have much to talk about.