ToA: Session 21

## Cults and Therapy

This session saw the party 1 man short, as Daedalus was out of action. As a result of being without their fearless leader, the party immediately split up, with Bucket wandering off to speak with Magestone, while Fargus and Neb dragged a semi comatose Daedalus along to see Ekku.

### Two warforged walk into a bar

Bucket agreed to meet Magestone in a pub down on the docks. Right from the get go things get a bit awkward, with Magestone casually mentioning how much he hates House Cannith. Bucket talks about how they may still need House Cannith, since he wants not just a nation for the warforged, but also the ability to make more. he continues on, talking about the Warfroged we found in the jungle. Magestone had heard rumors of warforged in the jungle, and the presence of a creation forge there. Therefore he believed that cooperation with House Cannith was unnecessary, and lamented the fact that many warforged believed they owed the house a debt for their creation.

Bucket talks about potential allies in Xen'drik that could help in creating a nation for the warforged, but this makes Magestone tense up. He has heard rumors of Buckets involvement with Syndra, though he is somewhat relieved when Bucket tells him his motivation for helping Syndra is purely for money and influence. See, Magestone considers her to be and enemy of all warforged. She apparently attempted to prevent the liberation of warforged in the Treaty of Thronehold, and has since attempted to hamper warforged efforts, though she denies these allegations.

Magestone attempts to learn more about what mission they are doing for Syndra, but Bucket is not exactly forthcoming with information, only saying that the are searching for a cure for the plague. Magestone believes this, as it seems plausible, and seems genuinely happy that meatlings are dieing by the dozen. He does offer a word of warning; Do not trust Syndra. She is clever, and any arcane knowledge she obtains would be used to hinder the warforged cause. Bucket probably manages to hide the fact that we served Syndra everything we learned in the jungle to her on a silver platter.

Finally, Magestone asks about Buckets relationship with Daedalus, which he finds rather perplexing. Why would he work so closely with a member of House Cannith? Buckets states that while he is useful, he is also treated as an equal, something few others would. Magestone bitterly recounts his own experiences, him self being considered an equal among meatlings in an adventuring party. One day this was no longer convenient, and he was left to die, a fate he only narrowly escaped. Hoping that Buckets loyalty does not run to deep, he suggests that if and when Daedalus and Alard coem to blows, they both keep out of it. Bucket claims that Daedalus has the moral high ground, and sort of refuses the offer. This kills the conversation, and Bucket leaves for home.

### The Charm Offensive Continues

Fargus, Neb and Daedalus make their way to Ekku's shop, passing the usual bustle of the city, along with the preparations for the semi annual dino races. Reaching the shop, the party finds it to be buisier than last time, filled mainly with foreign customers. One of these is a Karnathi dragonborn, who gives us a wide berth, before complaining incessantly about the lack of good cheese on the continent. We get the young woman tending the store, Lyan, to fetch Ekku for us. Before she returns, Ekku's heron pokes it's head out, giving us the once over. Before long, Ekku comes to greet us, noticing that we had recently returned from the jungle.

Leading us out back, Neb notices the crazy arcane symbols all over the murals once more. Sitting down, Ekku asks us how Nangalore was. Turns out she is the only other person to have made it back form Nangolare alive, and wonders what of her peoples secret we have sold. Having bought a house in the city doesn't exactly ease her worries, and despite our protests she is still suspicious of our motives. Giving us the once over, she remarks that Neb has shown some positive growth since last time, before noticing that Fargus is just as broken as before, just in new and interesting ways.

She confirms that she is indeed on the council, and notes that it has been a long time since the last meeting. She says that the party should worry about the more traditional members of the council, and Fargus astutely concludes she is talking about herself. Before we have to explain ourselves, talk falls back upon Nangalore, and we bring up Zalkorés timely demise. While a bit surprised by the news, she approves of us laying Zalkoré to rest.

We tell her that we seek a non-violent solution, and that we are willing to make reparations towards the goliath and the snake god, whom we learn was named Rurete. She asks why we slayed the snake, and clearly disapproves when we as usual don't really take responsibility. Prodding Fargus a bit, he states that past experiences, and the wrong lessons learned from them, was what forced his hand. Unlike theothers, he seems somewhat remorseful with his actions. She notes that Fargus is in a unique position, as he more then anyone would know what the goliath is going through. We are both broken, unable to be truly fixed.

She then tells of more of the snake, that it was ancient, and that it meant something different to different people. Some would say that one less spirit would mean one less river, while others would likely agree it was an menace. This fact makes judgement hard to pass. Ekku recommends that we take responsibility, whether it all be an honest and terrible mistake, or just plain foolishness. She does suggest we emphasize that no malice was intended. She does however commend us for coming to her and acknowledging we made mistakes.

Before she sends us on our way, Ekku says she will beseech the spirits aid in the matter, which prompts Neb to tell her we met Benevar on our return to the city. You know, as one does. This worries her, and she shows us a number of pictures, asking us to identify Benevar. We do this with ease, and as we do so, the arcane symbols start humming. Soon they start straining, something which is felt across the city, even by Bucket! Inside Ekksu shop a voice booms out, and as the sigils crack, a familiar golden monkey man steps in. Introducing himself as Zaremu, he states that the killing of Rarete was justified, as it had lost it's way. Fargus, Son of Xen'drik, saved the snake god, and as such Zaremu will vouch for us at the council meeting!

**Will Bucket join the cult of The Lord of Blades? And will Fargus ever figure out how the hell he's supposed to feel about all this? Find out next time on Desolation Squad!**