13 Dec 2020 18:28
Setting
The group had found that Kallyr had invited in an item and something had to be done about it.
Plot was largely based on the adventures in Journey of the Heroes - the PCs there had faced the same problem in Nochet, and I was testing it here as a GM.
Summing up by Androranous, which may or may not be accurate:
Kallyr attempted the Short Lightbringers' Quest during Sacred Time. She needed a Lunar-tainted item, which had been provided by Varaema. Unfortunately, and unknown to Varaema, the taint was far vaster than it appeared. Additionally, Lord Eril had involved himself in the ritual, which was not part of it, and appears to have adversely affected it. Consequently, some form of Lunar demon was summoned in the middle of the ritual, causing devastation. Those affected were cursed, and not healable with normal magicks. Kallyr has placed some of the blame on Varaema, who had also been tainted by that item, with a greed curse, for the ritual's failure. Kallyr has told her to make the damage good, or accept exile. We are here to discover how to purge Varaema of that curse. When she is ready - she is presently Healing in the city - we will bring her to this Temple and consult your wisdom.
IC Play
The PCs decided that they had to go to Nochet to find out about Kallyr's curse. It was not a hugely eventful journey, although Varaema did get the chance to talk to Jaldis again, which pleased her. Saronil was not available. Inkala, cousin to Varaema and just as enthusiastic but rather more adventuous, met with the crew. Both of them had to leave their High Llamas behind. In Nochet, they found an inn, and Androranous went off to the Temple of Knowledge to see all of his friends and tell them - in great detail - about what they were doing and their mission. Within half a day, everyone of importance in the city knew, and assassins attacked the group.
They managed to capture an assassin - an archer - after cutting off one of her arms, while they were all separated as Androus was in a semi-impatient sulk over wanting to get information, and Kosa was very protective of Varaema. There were other attempts on them as they holed up in their room trying to question her. Varaema absolutely refused to allow her to be harmed and reassured her against threats.
Other Things
I was ASTOUNDED that Andros told everything to half a dozen of his friends, but on the other hand, that did make planning easier. Varaema protecting the assassin was massively on-brand. I didn't get to penalise apparently honourable people who wanted to commit acts of torture, but I had decided to if they did that. A pass on Honour would mean they had to damage their score just to start, and then damage inflicted would have meant extra losses.
Quotes and Notable Things:
Kosa attempts sign language, with an axe.
"Should we Scan?" - Kosa
"No?" - GM