Session 56 Wake of Disaster
While the Six of Steel debate their next move, Arti and Gomruss follow Daniel to his workshop. After rummaging through several mounds of clutter, Daniel pulls out his old pair of high jump boots which he offers to Arti as a gift. Guy asks for a copy of the map. Instead, Daniel suggests they borrow DAV3 so they might have a live projection of Anchorheart’s movements through Killigrew Mor. DAV3 seems bewildered when Bantonio places a hat atop its ovoid head.
The Marley
Elyse paces as she summarises the Six of Steel’s options. They could follow the Umberlee’s Wrath’s elemental wake, but she dare not risk the Marley in an engagement with Anchorheart’s flotilla—not without support. They could visit Anchora and appeal to Vice Admiral Kilik, or perhaps his Church attaché, Andry Faithweaver, but this would mean spending three days sailing in the opposite direction.
Guy remains hesitant to contact his father, though he might be able to marshal CSCA support given time and incentive. Finally, Elyse suggests Guy lure Anchorheart to a remote island with the promise of handing over the triple-barrelled gemlock rifle. This way, they could set the terms of engagement. However, there was little chance Anchorheart would abide by those terms.
Firien strokes their chin. Perhaps the Church could provide support. They cast sending to Chaplain Durzus and report their progress, subtly revealing their knowledge of the basilisk venom. Though taken aback, Durzus reveals that only he and the chaplains were informed of Prefect Jeremias Blackflight’s precautionary purchase. Evidently, the prefect expected a Mallian incursion but did not want to spread alarm.
With this new information, Firien suggests Elyse drop the Six of Steel off at Sullivanwick, intent on securing the prefect’s support. The Marley could then set sail for Anchora without them. The Marley sets sail north-west and Firien returns to their quarters to cast another sending. Spiro scoffs at the mention of Blackflight and warns of his parsimony. According to the Grand Paladin, Blackflight is a distant relation of the Sol Orbis family. Firien might persuade him by wounding his pride.
Blythe signals the approach of a curious merchant ship. The paddle steamer appears to be driven by a tortle sat at a pipe organ. Coloured smoke belches from the smokestacks as he plays. The ship’s name is painted on its bow—the Pompous Piper. Elyse agrees to a gam in order to resupply the Marley.
The Pompous Piper
The tortle plays a welcoming melody as the Six of Steel come aboard. A tall, blue firbolg introduces himself as Fenton Craghopper, peddler of adventuring gear. With incorrigible enthusiasm, Gomruss asks if Beilar sells magical items. The firbolg taps his nose and shows Gomruss and Firien to Morxalim’s tent. Meanwhile, Arti and Bantonio meet Dworic, a shirtless dwarf beast handler. Under his guidance, they are allowed to feed and pet his Antiquan smilodon, Bessica.
Beilar explains that Morxalim is a somewhat eccentric tiefling originally from Xor. Hence, they prefer to conduct their divinations in candlelight. Entering the tent, Gomruss and Firien are greeted by the kaleidoscopic glow of a thousand magical trinkets on paternoster shelves. Morxalim sits at an ornate table, shuffling a tarot deck. Their deep blue complexion is freckled with stars and their snow white hair is woven into the branches of their extensive antler-like horns.
“Hello! My name is Gomruss-“
“Yardos Bandorul. Quickly, did you have bacon for breakfast?”
“What? No! I had porridge.”
“Oh thank goodness, then there was never any danger…”
Gomruss greets Morxalim.
Before studying the items on sale, Gomruss sits opposite Morxalim, fascinated by their uncanny ability. Firien keeps a close eye on the tiefling as they deal Gomruss’ fortune. Gomruss gulps when Morxalim alludes to his buried past, but is intrigued by opportunities in his future. Bantonio arrives in time to witness the divination and asks after his lover, Queen Carina. Morxalim studies the cards. It seems though she resents her duties, her resolve has hardened in the wake of Rodrigo’s death. Furthermore, she is suspicious of someone close to her.
While Gomruss examines the shelves, Firien notices inconsistencies in Morxalim’s behaviour and asks after their wellbeing. According to them, they sometimes struggle to parse invasive memories from different timelines where alternative decisions have been made, altering the chain of events. Fortunately, the mention of chronurgy distracts Gomruss from a tempting cursed spear and he begins a complex lecture.
Glancing at the shelves, Bantonio discovers a curious puzzle cube decorated with Primal Antiquan script. Morxalim believes the item is a Daern’s Instant Fortress. However, they were never told its command word. Gomruss offers to identify the cube in exchange for a generous discount on the item. Morxalim agrees and Gomruss beckons Guy inside to tell him about their 3000 gold purchase. Before they leave, Morxalim warns Bantonio of a reunion that awaits him at Sullivanwick.