Session 93

* Juliden's Keep

**Previously...**

## And Now...

### A Dragon? In a Dungeon? Well, I Never!

In good news, within the vaulted depths of a vast, cathedral-sized cavern, our heroes have managed to discover the massive form of the Heart Artefact, a six foot long, crystalline heart which is the source of Juliden's powers. In bad news, our heroes have been discovered discovering the Heart Artefact by Thrax, Juliden's loyal servant and monstrous, undead Dragon. Also, a whole mess of attendant guards.

It would, the words of the sage, appear to be on, like unto Donkey Kong.

### Round One. Fight!

Kakeru conjures up an immense flock of crows which dive and swoop amongst the guards. Gar unlimbers Fluffy and charges headlong at Thrax. Alongside Thorn, Azrah moves forward carefully, from stalagmite to stalagmite until within range of the Dragon. She fires her bow once at the dragon before switching to blades in order to engage with the guards. Leshrac invokes the power of the ancient Elven Blade and summons a phalanx of Ancient Elven Spirit Soldiers to attack the Dragon. Paramour, his face a feral mask of rage launches himself at Thrax. Dandy, trying to evade notice, sneaks around the perimeter, keeping to cover and trying to get to a tactical position.

### Deals and Deceptions.

At some point, Juliden herself had appeared and been trapped inside an obsidian cage (no relation) by Leshrac. Seeing this, Dandy sneaks closer, casting a minor enchantment to dry and figure out what of Juliden's various accoutrements is magical in nature. The circlet she's wearing appears to be protective in nature, her wand is used for focusing and directing offensive spells, but most importantly, she wears a ring. This allows her to tap energy from the Heart itself, enabling Juliden to heal any injury in a matter of moments, no matter how devastating. It even enables her to restore her physical form after an otherwise fatal injury or series of injuries.

However, before anything else can happen, Juliden spots Dandy. The two continue their conversation from earlier and Juliden once more puts on a convivial front. Despite all the evidence, Dandy still hopes that she can somehow pull some sort of weird fairytale ending out of this mess of obsession, torture and hatred, but is beginning to suspect that Juliden's monomaniacal need to evade death is stronger than any other impulse within her. This is confirmed when, in response to Dandy's pleas, Juliden does what she always does... suggests a deal. Grimly, Dandy accepts. Juliden's desperation has undone her and the wording of the deal is in no way binding.

When Dandy suggests they shake on it, she uses sleight-of-hand to palm Juliden's ring.

### The Post-Punch-Up Parley.

While these negotiations are happening, the battle against Juliden's guard and Thrax continues. The party are able to dispose of the guards and Paramour, with aid from the crew, is able to overcome Thrax.

In the aftermath, Paramour demands Dandy return Juliden's ring before she withers and dies. There's a brief discussion wherein Dandy admonishes the couple. Despite all their power and grandeur, both are leading unhappy, wretched lives, driven by hatred and desperation. Maybe instead, if they just tried being nice to one another, and kind to others, they might find the satisfaction and joy which all their magic and majesty has failed to provide them with. She returns the ring to Juliden and wanders off, leaving Leshrac and the others to hash out the details of whatever bargain they've struck.

Paramour transforms his one-time consort into a gemstone and pockets it before turning to the heroes. He casts a mighty conjuration and, as agreed, when the spell's effect passes, the group finds themselves on the far side of the Mistlands, within walking distance of Bilehall.