Session 68: Back in a Flash (Act I: Before)

## Key Plot Developments

The group is deep in thought, contemplating how to bring Trix back to life. Glyn quickly sends a message to Grazilaxx for advice, and the answer they receive is shocking: they must first kill Trix's body and then resurrect him. The group debates over who should be the one to end Trix's life, but Pyrite takes matters into her own hands, seizing the opportunity to end Trix's life with a fireball.

Glyn demands a diamond to resurrect Trix, but the DM reveals the daunting conditions for his resurrection. It's the most challenging skill test they have ever faced, and the stakes are incredibly high. They travel to Blingdenstone, where Priest Gunrik awaits them. Glyn kneels beside Trix's lifeless body, with the diamond between them, a light enveloping him. Tremble stands behind Trix, ready to assist in any way possible, while Pyrite washes her hands in a small pool, haunted by a moment of guilt.

Pix recollects all their adventures together in Blingdenstone and begins speaking in bits of poetic prose, weaving a tale that is both unsettling and captivating, like an anti-lullaby, inviting Trix back to life.

##### FLASHBACK #1: Pix and Pyrite

The group is transported to Amoria, Elysium, where they find themselves in a peaceful, untroubled place. The bridge to heaven leads them to a city that moves and works seamlessly. Pyrite makes her way to the busiest area, and soon they come across Misu, who is completing her internship/purgatory in heaven.

As they continue on their journey, they spot the most beautiful solar angels they've ever seen, sparkling and shining in all their glory. Pyrite, in awe, asks for one of their swords, but she is denied, given a kind word instead.

Pix and Misu chat and spar with Misu's dad, who appears with some cocoa. Misu offers her help to the group, but wants something in return. As they part ways, everyone is occupied with their own thoughts and tasks.

##### FLASHBACK #2: Tremble

We zoom in on Tremble, who is lurking in the shadows, only one room away from Wilenet. Her coughing piques his interest, and he decides to speak with her after finishing his conversation with Vizeran. The two discuss the importance of Menzzoberanan as the location for the upcoming ritual and come to an agreement. Tremble suddenly realizes his highest calling, and Vizeran gives him his solid approval--they both want to destroy the City of Spiders.

Tremble confides in Wilenet about his plans for Menzoberranzan. She shares her own grief over her family's loss and expresses a desire to be a hero like Tremble. But he insists on keeping her safe.

##### FLASHBACK #3: Pyrite and Trix

As Pyrite contemplates their journey, she remembers their visit to Gauntlgrym, where they meet the formidable King Bruenor Stormbringer, clad in plate armor and wielding a massive greataxe. Trix is unsure of how to act in his presence - should he kneel or dance for his life? But the king is uninterested in goblins and wants their meeting to end quickly. Despite this, they implore him for aid, revealing that they have a little bit of Droop in them.

The king sighs, recognizing them and apologizing for his inability to help with the demon lord situation. He informs them of a malevolent tree to the north, which most people have their eyes on. Bruenor is not known for his diplomacy skills, but he warns them of the danger that lies ahead. The evil tree has already caused chaos and destruction, and he must divert his main resource towards stopping it on the surface. Still, he trusts them with keeping the Underdark--including his trading partners in Blingdenstone--safe.

Pyrite and Trix are returning empty-handed from their meeting with King Bruenor. Murky Waters, a dwarven cleric of Pelor who joined the Knitting-Club Heroes, however, follows them out the door, desperate for redemption. They discuss the whereabouts of the other members of the KCH--Grampus is dead, Maerad is part of the destroyed grove, and Daisy is a circus performer. While Grampus was unrepentant, and Maerad was ignorant of the harm they caused, Murky is focused on her own redemption and feelings of guilt above the goblins’ real pain.

##### FLASHBACK #4: Glyn and Bogtooth

Glyn arrives at the city of Durlong, but the sight that greets him is grim. Crystals are scattered everywhere, forming eerie circles that hint at the destruction that has taken place. Nicholas Ice Cream's actions have brought ruin to multiple cities, and Glyn can see the signs of his handiwork all around him. He spots Rufus’s crystalline statue, and it's clear that he's already beyond saving. Despite the tragedy, Glyn's humming takes on an almost joyful quality as he spots the treasure within a nearby church. He enters and loots everything he can, stuffing his pockets with all manner of valuable items. But before he leaves, he takes out his anger by smashing every crystal he can find, shattering the eerie silence of the once-bustling city.

Bogtooth is on edge, still worried about their elusive foe--Nicholas Ice Cream. Glyn is determined to save a goblin soul--Trix’s--but they both recognize that they need a new ingredient for the ritual. Bogtooth shares that he finished the book Glyn gave him, and they discuss how grateful they are to have Glyn back with them. Before Dulcinea's death, he attempts to get through to Glyn.

##### THE PRESENT DAY

As night falls, the group begins to feel the weight of their mission. The ritual to bring Trix back to life looms over them, with the added pressure of finding a way to stop the demon lords and save the world.

Glyn's heart races as he brings Trix back from the astral plane. Within the astral, Trix’s spirit senses a divine presence. A figure emerges from the light, radiant and powerful. It's Pelor, the god of the sun! Trix is awestruck as he watches the god approach. As Pelor leans down to speak, the god touches Trix's face and feels the warmth of life returning to him. Suddenly, a searing pain rips through Trix’'s chest (Pyrite’s fireball), and Pelor is cut off mid-sentence as Trix is violently killed.

In the material, Glyn uses all his power to revive Trix. He focuses his mind and channels his magic, pouring every ounce of energy he has into his friend's lifeless body. After what feels like an eternity, Trix's eyes snap open, and he gasps for air. Glyn collapses to the ground, exhausted but relieved.

## New NPCs

1. King Bruenor Stormbringer, ruler of Gauntlgrym
2. Murky Waters, dwarven cleric of the Knitting Club Heroes
3. Pelor, God of the Sun

## Memorable Quotes

##### THE PRESENT DAY

* **Pyrite:** We shouldn’t have two tries! We can’t let the other one be lost forever!
* **Tremble:** Could we maybe ask someone else? I feel like if we said that to Bro, it would give him a lot of anxiety.

##### FLASHBACK #1: Pix and Pyrite

* **Pix:** See, it’s kinda like a weird cake. The top layer is like the frosting, the good stuff—
* **Pyrite:** What’s a cake?
* **Pix:** You've never had a cake before?
* **Pyrite:** No, I haven’t…
* **Pix:** I gotta take you to Tappy’s. After all this is over, we’ll go. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?
* **Pyrite**: It’s…better…could use a little battling.

* **Pyrite:** I can do that! I just need a cool sword like theirs.
* **Pix:** You can ask them for one.
* **Pyrite**: HEY! Can I have one of your swords?
* **Angel:** Now, I appreciate your love for martial weaponry, but I'm afraid that this is mine. If you serve your community, do good deeds, and play by the rules, one day a sword like this can be yours.

* **Angel:** The universe loves you, and everything’s gonna turn out alright.
* **Pyrite:** Loves her?
* **Pix:** Loves her?
* **Angel:** Yes, to both.

* **Misu:** Pix?
* **Pix:** Wait, wait…Misu?
* **Misu:** Are you dead?
* **Pix:** What are YOU doing here?
* **Misu:** …stuff…
* **Pix:** Are you okay? Are you…?
* **Misu:** Emotionally? Could be better. Physically? Feeling pretty good. Spiritually? Feeling tested.
* **Pix:** Death really is like a vacation.
* **Misu:** It’s not a vacation, it’s the main course! That’s when things really start getting going!
* **Pyrite:** THIS is who you replaced me with???

* **Pix:** It's been a journey there and back again.
* **Misu:** You were here? In this... nightmare?

**Misu:** I think it's best that I'm not there anymore. I'm at a stage in my life where I can wait and let the results produce themselves.

* **Pix:** I'd like to revisit our little training session from... the very deep past. Watch and learn, bucko.
* **Misu:** Sure! You wanna fight Beze?
* **Pix:** Beze's here too?!
* **Misu:** I wouldn't go anywhere without him!

* **Misu's Dad:** I have been allowed extra time by my darling to spend more time with you! Let us do more father-daughter time! And throw balls!
* **Misu:** Pix, Pyrite, this is Fior-Ghlan the Pure.
* **Misu's Dad:** Well! Pat pat! You've met my lovely daughter! I see she's engaged in fisticuffs with you! One must remain active!
* **Pix:** Misu, is that your pops?!
* **Misu:** He is the one who... yes.

* **Misu:** APPLE!!
* **Random Fish:** Here you go!
* **Misu:** You wanted to play ball?
* **Misu's Dad:** We're connecting!!! Go long!! Ah yes! A chance to use my limbs!!!
* **Misu**: I apologize for his behavior.
* Pix: I think he’s perfect. Give him a fair shot. Fair throw. Surprisingly enough, family’s good to have around. Even when they’re infuriating.
* **Misu:** That could be true. He’s…fine.

* **Misu:** Tremble is still tinkering?
* **Pix:** Oh yeah. Misu, you’d be so proud!
* **Misu:** Good on him!
* **Misu:** You, Tremble and Trix are gonna make something—
* **Misu’s Dad:** My daughter!! I got the apple!
* **Misu:** Sigh.
* **Misu’s Dad:** And I just thought about making this apple into apple cider, and then it was!
* **Pix:** I love your dad.
* **Misu:** Apple cider is…suitable.
* **Misu’s Dad:** My daughter! You overwhelm me with your praise.
* **Misu:** ….sure….

* **Misu’s Dad:** You should listen to her. She’s good at making deals.
* **Pix:** Oh, I’m aware.
* **Misu: I**t would be extremely good for my mental health to experience something other than this place of eternal bliss. Good luck and uh, may the devils be victorious against their foes. And goblins, too.
* **Misu’s Dad:** Come my daughter. Let’s get those father-daughter massages with sweaters and very warm socks!
* **Misu:** I have the flames of hell inside me. I am perfectly warm.
* **Misu’s Dad:** Ah yes, I have experienced the flames of hell myself in my time.
* **Misu:** They’re beautiful.
* **Misu’s Dad:** Yes, your mother is!

##### FLASHBACK #2: Tremble

* **Tremble:** Mr. Vizeran, I have something I’d like to discuss with you. It’s about the ritual. Well…right now, everyone wants to figure out a plan so the ritual doesn’t go off in Menzzoberanzan…but I think that’s wrong…I think that’s where it should happen.
* **Vizeran:** Why Tremble! Where did you get the courage to stand against incorrect opinions?
* **Tremble:** I kind of came to a realization about people. I thought before, because we had met some drow that had been really kind to us, that well…some of them were bad. But some were still good people so they were all worth it. I don’t know about drow all over the world…I know that everything that happens in that city is evil. And everything good in that city is gonna be destroyed. 'Cause that’s all that’s allowed there. It smothers anything that has any hope of being different. So that nothing ever changes.
* **Vizeran:** You are exactly right, Tremble. What is your highest good? I’ll give you mine. It’s the pursuit of knowledge. We all need to feel empowered, to be psychologically well. That’s the reason that life matters. The more we’re here, the more we can learn. The drow society would smother that. They would allow a society that would allow oil to fester, and evil alone. We can’t let that happen. What’s your highest good?
* **Tremble:** My highest good is freedom. That people can live their lives without having to worry about being betrayed by their own society. Or going to war with their own kind. Or having to fight against their own family. The freedom to live and not worry about all sorts of things that don’t really involve them.
* **Vizeran:** That’s where Sarith got it wrong. He gave up his freedom. If you see him, put him down.
* **Tremble:** That was the plan.

* **Tremble:** If you betray us in any way, we will not walk away peacefully. It will not be amicable. It will not be kind. It will not be a neutral encounter. It will be very negative if you hurt any of my family.
* **Vizeran:** Of course, I won’t…

* **Tremble:** Now I don’t see any reason to move the ritual…
* **Wilenet:** This ritual you’re talking about… What does it do?
* **Tremble:** It’s gonna make all the demon lords fight each other. I don’t exactly know how it works, but it’s gonna bring them all together and make them all go.
* **Wilenet:** What does that mean for Menzoberranzan?
* **Tremble:** Well, the city’s probably gonna get destroyed.
* **Wilenet:** What will happen to the Baenres?
* **Tremble:** I guess they might get destroyed too? I can’t really guarantee that, but if they’re in the city when it happens……right? And if they’re not, well, the city that protects them will be destroyed, and then we can just take care of them the normal way.
* **Wilenet:** Tremble. When we first met and you saved me from that spiderweb, you told me you were looking for your family. When you first told me that you had no idea where they were, I felt so sad for you! Like, it must have been the worst pain in the world to be so far away from the people who loved you. I had no idea that it felt like….like THIS.
* **Tremble:** Yeah. It’s really hard. And you just keep thinking about what you could have done if it did happen in the first place…but I, um, well, there’s nothing we can do to change the past. So we need to do all we can do to change the future.
* **Wilenet:** I want you to do it. I want you to make them feel exactly what I’m feeling. Exactly what you felt when you didn’t know where any of your family was. I want you to tear that city to the ground. Please, Tremble?
* **Tremble:** Yeah…I’m gonna do all I can. Okay? I’m gonna do what I can to destroy that evil city.
* **Wilenet:** I know it won’t bring anyone back. Not matron, or papa, or my brothers, but it’s a start. And I want to help! I want to do whatever I can. Even just a little part. I can do a little magic! I can be a distraction! Whatever you want!
* **Tremble:** No, Wilenet, I don’t think you should be involved in this. This is really dangerous stuff! Something bad might happen to you!
* **Wilenet:** If I don’t, then what good am I?
* **Tremble:** You’re good all by yourself, Wilenet. You don’t have to get vengeance to be worthwhile or useful. I think you’re great just the way you are! You were great before and you’re still great now!
* **Wilenet:** You’re very sweet. I still wish there was something I could do. I don’t want to just sit here alone and be useless. I was supposed to be a great magic user. I was supposed to go to school and be a priestess of Lolth and…now I can’t do any of it! Now I just take up space!
* **Tremble:** Wilenet, I never…I didn’t really know how to use any magic at all until pretty recently. And for a really long time I just felt like I took up space. Like I was a burden to everyone. And like I wasn’t useful. But that’s not true. We’re not useful because we have power to do things for others. Or cause we have some ability we can use that might be helpful to someone. We’re just important because we ARE. We don’t have to be a pawn in a greater scheme or plot or anything. You just…be Wilenet, and that’s good enough.
* **Wilenet:** You’re great, Tremble. You know that? You’re a hero to this place. Everyone here knows your name. And you’re a hero to me too. I know what I can do. When it's all over, and when Menzzoberanzan is gone…I can help rebuild it. I can put up the next temple of Lolth! And perhaps I can teach there…when I’ve grown up a little bit and learned more magic. And then I can be like you. I can help people. That’s what I want.
* **Tremble:** That sounds really nice, Wilenet. I really like that.

##### FLASHBACK #3: Pyrite and Trix

* **Pyrite:** Your majesty, it’s actually Pyrite Demonbane.
* **Bruenor:** I couldn't care less. What can I do for you?
* **Trix:** We've been fighting the demon lords, and...
* **Bruenor:** You're gonna have to speak faster.
* **Pyrite:** We need supplies. You have them.
* **Trix:** And the dwarves in the underdark told me I should speak to you.
* **Bruenor:** You spoke to dwarves in the underdark, and they told you to speak to the king?

* **Trix:** It's you?
* **Murky:** Greetings, goblins. May Pelor's light shine upon you.
* **Bruenor:** You have to forgive the religious one. She's here on the Skybridge program. Not great timing there.

* **Trix:** You don't remember us?
* **Murky:** What is your name, little one?
* **Trix:** Trix... And that's Pyrite.

* **Murky:** Were you one of the goblins who we... uh...
* **Trix:** Yeah...
* **Murky:** Oh dear. Heavens to Pelor. I know nothing I say can make up for the atrocities that I committed against your people. But I was weak and influenced by people and was caught up in things that were bigger than I could understand. I'm so, so, so sorry.

* **Trix:** So... you knew about this? And you didn't do anything about it?
* **Murky:** You have to understand. There's a lot more going on than you understand. We were preoccupied.
* **Trix:** What's going on? Maybe we can help.
* **Pyrite:** [SLAP]

* **Trix:** We need help with the wedding...
* **Murky:** Oh! Do you need an officiant?
* **Pyrite**: No... we need to stop the wedding.

* **Murky:** We've heard of your heroic deeds in the underdark! We are so grateful for your services!
* **Bruenor:** How little goblins like you save dwarven warriors is beyond me.
* **Murky:** Bruenor! Remember the sensitivity training last week!

* **Pyrite:** I am the second strongest wizard I know! And you want me to COOK! In a kitchen!?
* **Trix:** You want us to save the world and then you want us to cook you LUNCH?
* **Bruenor:** There is magic needed in the kitchen too.

* **Murky:** Please, I'm so grateful to have met you today. Your life is a miracle. I think Pelor meant for us to meet. Tell me, do you know what happened to Maerad and her pet wolf?
* **Pyrite:** Last I heard, she was being turned into a nice picture to be hung on a wall.
* **Trix:** Yeah, she's in the Feywild now. You said Pelor wanted us to meet here. What does Pelor want?
* **Murky:** I believe Pelor wants redemption most of all. For our evils and sins. Any chance to bring two people together who have been torn asunder, to bring them together through love. Don't you feel it?
* **Trix:** You know, I'm a cleric too.
* **Murky:** Oh, lovely! So you do feel it!
* **Trix:** For a while, I also worshiped Pelor...and he gave me powers and stuff. But then he sort of disappeared.
* **Murky:** Were you praying hard enough?
* **Trix:** Yeah! I was actually praying really, really hard!
* **Murky**: I'm sure you'll find your way back.
* **Trix:** I'm curious. Why is Pelor not stopping any of this stuff from happening? Like why doesn't he kill a demon lord? Or at least the Demogorgon who's gonna destroy heaven!
* **Murky:** Pelor has a plan for everyone, even the non-believers.

* **Murky:** Before I forget, have you seen the traveling circus coming into town? Daisy the half-orc has a trapeze act!
* **Trix:** There's another one of you here?!?!

* **Murky**: I think we needed this.
* **Trix:** Alright, bye.

* **Pyrite:** Trix, why would anyone rely on getting power from someone who might have plans separate from your own?
* **Trix:** I think I was really alone and scared... and I wanted something to hold on to.

**Trix:** Are circuses flammable?

##### **FLASHBACK #4: Glyn and Bogtooth**

* **Glyn:** Can I have a diamond, please?
* **Bogtooth**: Uh, Merlot, I know we’re doing this because we have to, but maybe someone else can—
* **Pyrite:** Fireball!
* **Glyn:** We have six seconds! Diamond! NOW!

* **Bogtooth:** Have you been training with the centaurs, Merlot?
* **Glyn:** Yes.
* **Bogtooth**: Well, they seem to appreciate it...
* **Glyn:** Oh, they do.

* **Glyn:** There may be a way to make the ritual more powerful.
* **Bogtooth:** What's the caveat?
* **Glyn:** There are two things we need. An additional ingredient...and I'll have to be there. I left the ingredient with Vizeran before I died.
* **Bogtooth**: Right, right, right. The horn! What can we do to stop you from being fried?
* **Glyn:** Keep them off me. Bogtooth, I've also spoken with Dulcinea...once the ritual is concluded. If the two of us survive it. She'll bring me back, and I presume she'll bring you back. We just have to make it through.

* **Glyn:** What did you do, Bogtooth?
* **Bogtooth:** I mean, don't you remember all the times I hit you by accident? And all the items I didn't listen to you?
* **Glyn:** Bogtooth, since back then, I've been hit on purpose quite a few more times. And now look at us, having a conversation. And you're listening to me.
* **Bogtooth:** Even if it's by accident, I don't think you should ever hit family.
* **Glyn:** I agree. I forgive you, Bogtooth.
* **Bogtooth:** Thank you, G...Merlot.

**Glyn:** Look at them. Pathetic. Not ever again.