Syzygy 007

Syzygy 007 - Old Friends, Old Enemies

> In which a friendship is reborn, cool artifacts are observed, and +1 privileges are flagrantly abused.
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The seventh episode in the Syzygy arc.

Previous Episode: Syzygy 006 - Under the Sea

Mike Latzgraff has invited the party to an employees only early showing at the unfinished museum, allowing them to each bring a +1. Nike brings Corus, who brings Nira, because 'We're pirates, what are rules'. Guin brings along Helpless, and Kodak brings Steadfast Wigglesworth.

On the way to the museum, Helpless reveals that he helped design the museum as an architect, to which the party reacts with disbelief.

Upon their arrival, Mike introduces the party to his brother Jake, who runs security for the museum. Guin immediately distrusts him due to his connection to Mike.

Guin first insists on seeing the shrine that Mike has built to Avani. Mike leads the party to an elevator, and up to the second floor. The shrine includes a statue of Avani, flanked by statues of Uros and Tuldir, who are a part of the same pantheon. While discussing the statues, Mike mentions that he consulted a former member of Guin's home village of Stone Henge, who now works in the gift shop, regarding Avani's statue. Guin is shocked by this and retreats to the elevator. Not knowing how to use the elevator, she presses a button at random and ends up on the incomplete third floor. She steals some chunks of sheetrock from the construction.

Guin returns to the elevator and gets to the first floor gift shop. She sneaks in, casting Pass Without Trace and steals a geode. Eventually, she finds and startles her old friend Remy Bramblehaus with a hug. They catch up, and Remy drops a hint that he may no longer believe in Guin's divinity, and that he's acquainted with Helpless. Guin brings Remy up to the rest of the group.

Meanwhile, Mike shows Nike, Corus, Nira, and Helpless around the second floor, most of which is dedicated to old gods and myths of the sea. Cases of magical artifacts are set up, one containing the Shield of a Forgotten God. The group spends some time perusing the artifacts.

On her return to the second floor, Guin leaves the geode and sheetrock that she stole with the statue of Avani. She introduces the party to Remy.

Kodak and Mike notice that the elevator is coming, just before a dryad woman steps out. Mike is instantly enamored with her. He goes over to talk with her, with the party listening in. Suddenly the wall is blown open, revealing Credence Dodd and four elven goons. Mike is knocked out by the blast. One elf throws a flashbang, and they scatter. Guin uses her monk ability to gain tremorsense, and follows two elves to the ground floor, bringing Remy with her. Jake follows them. They catch an elven wizard stealing the Aasimar's Amulet, who casts Fireball on them. Guin grapples the elf in a giant stone hand, but he casts an Acid Arrow at Remy, knocking him down to 1 HP. Jake puts out the remains of the fireball, and pulls Remy to safety. Guin finishes off the wizard, recovering the amulet, but the other elf escapes.

Next Episode: Syzygy 008 - 'Guys... Are We the Bad Guys?'

#### Fun Facts!

* Amber Griffin designed most of the magic items on the second floor.
* The artifacts include references to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Good Place, Avatar the Last Airbender, and the dramatic principle of Checkov's Gun.