Session 20 (The Pirates of Atlas)

 

"Session 20"
The Pirates of Atlas episode
Episode no.	Episode 20
Original air date	February 4, 2024 (2024-02-04)

"Session 20" is the twentieth session of the campaign The Pirates of Atlas.

Synopsis

Immediately following the events which transpired, Ryul Vidro (Kal'un) comes face-to-face with his own sister, Kaula. Kaula tells him that she was told that her own family was killed. She says however, there was only one way to know. Everyone notices that the veins on her body light up to a bright blue light. Flames emerge and Kal'un's veins also glow and he feels a relaxing warmth. Kaula's eyes begin to glow orange in the same manner as Kal'un has had. Kaula, upon sensing Kal'un's powers, tells him that he must be an anari and realizes he is indeed her brother. She then ponders if their parents are still alive. Kal'un says he is unsure still as he has only recently come to terms with his old memories and powers. He says whomever was his captors must have done something with their parents. Kaula says she wishes to bring him to her master who trained her. She says it is none other than their own grandfather.

Kal'un says he is an anari but at the same time not. He says that although he is biologically hundreds of years old, he remains young as he was suspended in age for many decades. Kaula tells her brother that she must bring him to her master to know more about their past and legacy. The rest of Kal'un follows behind him. As they walk through the forested area they were in, they see various refugee camps. They sense that the situation is dire and overwhelming as the soldiers keeping guard struggle to maintain order amongst the masses. It is only a matter of time before there is a total breakdown in the order because of the large number of refugees. As they push their way through the crowds, they reach towards a sandy beach where the crowds dissipate. As they venture further down the shore, they notice the waters bubbling with steam and they can see a much older-looking elven druid with lighted, flaming armor. Like Kal'un and Kaula, this man's eyes glow orange. He exits his meditative pose and stares at them as they approach him. He then speaks to them as they draw nearer.

He tells them to halt. He recognizes that Kal'un holds the blood of an anari but that he nonetheless has never seen him before. He says that Kal'un's flame has only recently been lit and concludes he must be the one missing, ergo his own grandson. Kal'un concurs. His grandfather asks him where he has been this entire time. Kal'un says that he was kidnapped at a young age and was trained by his captors. His grandfather says Kal'un's father was his firstborn who was obsessed with rituals. He says that his father wanted an anari to carry on their family's legacy but that his mother felt differently. Kal'un says he learned that he was perceived as a failure to his father. His grandfather assures him that he will now train him under his guidance and protection.

Kal'un says yesterday he was known as Ryul Vidro and today he now carries the seed of their people. He says that this fact now burdens him. Kal'un's grandfather says it is his duty and it is prophecy that he, as an anari, must carry on this responsibility. His grandfather says that the seed must be taken to the Dreamwell to grow and then burn. Its flames and embers will travel throughout the world and will be able to purge The Blight according to prophecy. If Kal'un is to fail, there will be another who shall succeed Kal'un's mission. Kal'un says it must be some prophecy to allow the chance of failure and says that this must mean they believe Kal'un will fail. Kal'un's grandfather reproaches him and says that he must learn. He admits that had he had his way, he would not see that Kal'un be an anari. He would rather have Kal'un's sister be the anari. However, according to the prophecy and the signs, he must nonetheless accept that for now, Kal'un is the one chosen, however much he may believe him to be a failure. Kal'un's grandfather says he does not believe in prophecies personally and if Kal'un so chooses, he can forfeit the seed now so he can give it to Kal'un's sister instead. Kal'un says that he made a promise to carry the seed to the tree. Kal'un's grandfather says the tree speaks to no one but Kal'un says the tree did very well speak to him, including the message that he must take the seed for their people.

Kal'un's grandfather says Kal'un has a choice now, whether to leave the seed or to take the seed. If Kal'un fails to stop The Blight with this seed, his grandfather warns everyone shall be cast into the darkness. For now, he will give them time to rest and to think. He sees the weariness in their eyes as they had recently finished combat not too long ago. His grandfather returns to meditation. Kaula then meets up with Kal'un and asks how the talk went. Kal'un confesses that he is now more confused and unsure than he was before talking to their grandfather. He says that he does not know either of them and cannot blame them, but feels that their grandfather does not like him. Kaula says that their grandfather is cold and has a hard time connecting to people. She says he only recently opened up to him two centuries ago.

Kaula says that if he does not believe he is worthy of carrying the seed, he can hand it to another. However, she says this will rest in the decision of Kal'un and his crew.

Durgl and his abomination pet play in the shore.

Kal'un and Kaula continue philosophizing about the burden that rests on their shoulders and their duty to help save the world. Kal'un says what is the purpose of his life if he is fated to only be an anari. Kaula says that their species' longevity is not without purpose. It is because they are the guardians of life and that they live by this gift to sustain life with their magic. Kal'un says he needs time to speak with his friends about this. Kaula then excuses herself.

The crew then hears the sound of trumpets in the distance. Since they are far off in the beach, they cannot see what is going on. They then decide to investigate the source of the sound.

They return back to the city where they see a great crowd of elven conversing amongst themselves. They see a large selection of guards in a black-and-red tavern who stand surrounding an esteemed man on the stage. The man, sword in hand, announces his welcome to everyone. He says that his father, Lord Damien of Apolis has come to protect everyone. He says that everyone should spread the good name of his master, of the most noble house. Jué Zosteif, in a panic, slinks away and hides. She changes into her appearance as Ben Dover. She then walks back to her crew and Durgl, fondly remembering Ben Dover, is starstruck.

Damien's servant then gives everyone a written notice, in both Common and Elvish, of a hiring campaign into his noble house. By decree of Lord Damien, those with qualified skills, can take part. Kal'un immediately burns the notice and says he refuses to work for Damien. Ben Dover inquisitively asks why they take such offense to Damien. Kal'un suddenly sticks out a bag of gold in his hand and suddenly a bird swoops in and grabs the bag away. They discuss amongst themselves about whether they should work for Damien or not.

Durgl starts playing music, banging away on his drums in an attempt to hypnotize some people. Vidro overhears some of the elven discuss their thoughts on Damien, as well as where the masses can relocate. Some are skeptical, others are prospective towards working for Damien. Some do not want to move away from their home and others are excited for their new lives abroad. Vidro and Durgl senses that the crowd is divided.

Ben Dover proposes they bring people to Swiftwind or Elytra out of harm's way from Damien because he heard that Damien was dangerous. Vidro says they possibly could, given they also have business to attend in Elytra with the Ruby Queen. Vidro publicly announces that they are willing to help relocate those who are interested in going to Elytra.

Ben Dover offers monetary compensation for those who wish to relocate. Few take the offer. They continue to devise a plan to attract people to come along with them.

They later see a familiar old face, Ren. He presents them again his sword he wishes for someone to open it.

Vidro and Pravuil decide to meet the elven leaders while Durgl and "Dover" decide to teleport to Elytra to meet with the Ruby Queen. The latter communicate to Reyen to be teleported. Reyen asks where they are and Durgl tells him that they are in Parakis. Reyen says he will make preparations to cast them.

Vidro and Pravuil head towards the elders. One of them appears quite distinguished, bespectacled, and well-suited. Another is a middle-aged, robed man. The third one they notice is a large-framed, dwarven paladin. They hear these elders and others debate amongst themselves regarding the situation in Parakis and whether they should leave their home. There is talk of relocating to other worlds where they can restart their lives. They then take notice of Vidro and Pravuil.

Vidro introduces themselves as members of the Willem's Willies and of their goals being aligned. One of the elder introduces himself as Professor Thomas from the University of Atlas. He says he believe druid magic is worthy of deep study and that he is currently conducting research on it. He proposes that Atlas explore the underworld caves surrounding them, which may provide insight and secrets to elven druid magic. He says he wishes to build an academic institute dedicated to druidic magic and his desire to use it for the force of good. The next elder speaks and says his name is Captain Bersk. He says he served on the frontlines against The Blight and that the elven race can be saved if their capable, able-bodied men take up the helm in the defense. He wishes to institute compulsory military service for all healthy male elven. The gruff paladin elder disagrees with Captain Bersk and says Parakis is too small of a land where people cannot be forced into military service, or religious devotion for that matter. He says that those who wish to join their religious order, they are welcome but admits that it may be difficult for others to convert. They also discuss about potential places to relocate, and of multiple choices for people to choose to move.

Vidro says that they are familiar with various parts of the world and can offer insight on where people could relocate to. Vidro tells the elders that it is safe to relocate to some of the locations such as Shark Fin Isle. One of the other elders say that following the Stormlord's fall, there has been a power vacuum in some of the areas he once reigned, it is risky to relocate to such places.

Vidro says that he is an anari and carries the seed of the fruit-bearing tree of their people. If he goes to the Dreamwell, he can purge The Blight and be able to cultivate a new land with new life. This new land can be the home of the people. Captain Bersk scoffs and says that venturing to the Dreamwell is impossible to get to and that there is a reason that it is under lockdown from the Navy because it is a suicide mission. The other elder says that the seed can be planted elsewhere rather than going off into the Dreamwell. The other elder agrees that this would be suicidal to consider otherwise. The two elders express skepticism of Vidro but the other elder defends Vidro, reminding them that Vidro is an apparent anari. They then inquire of Vidro's plan and proposal in greater depth.

Vidro says that following the defeat of the Stormlord, many have now been displaced, but that he, with his connections to the Grand Admiral and Elytra, can help relocate refugees elsewhere to various locations in the world, if not simply as temporary homes. He says he has the resources and means to assist and would happily oblige in returning a favor to his people. He says however, he remains committed to going to the Dreamwell and believes in confidence they have a viable path to the Dreamwell as the permanent solution to their people's displacement.

One of the elder says that some of the places Vidro proposes are independent city-states which could be quite hostile to elvenkind and quite foreign to the elven themselves. The other concurs and says some of the city-states have housing issues themselves and would be weary to open their doors to a sudden influx of immigrants and refugees.

One of the elder says that Atlas is too overfilled and Apolis is too xenophobic and elitist. However, Flairwind, in his opinion, is a good candidate. Its only major downside is that it is crime-ridden. However, if they are able to speak with Flairwind's criminal underworld leader, the Butcher for protection, it could be a good candidate. Likewise, if someone is able to convince the Ruby Queen, Elytra would be a great pick. Lastly, Shark Fin Isle sounds promising, however it is quite distant and remote.

The leading elder, the chieftain, putting his full faith in Vidro and his crew, says they will work out the logistics and met out the fuller details of the plan and operations that is to come. Should all else fail, they will resort to the astral elven elder's proposal of teleporting the elvenkind to a distant world via a portal instead. The leading elder asks if everyone is in agreement. Vidro tells them that some of his crewmates are already on their way to talk to the Ruby Queen, their captain can speak with the Butcher, and that the professor, if his word is true, can speak with the leaders of Atlas on the grand refugee plan.

Vidro and Pravuil then leave.

Durgl and Dover meanwhile, wait for Reyen to arrive. Reyen finally arrives, visibly frustrated over the miscommunication between them as he was lost for a while trying to locate them. Reyen informs Durgl that the Ruby Queen is currently in Atlas and not in Elytra. Reyen introduces himself to Ben Dover and asks where Willem, Akula, and Zosteif is. Durgl tells him what he knows about their whereabouts. Vidro and Pravuil reunite with the rest of the crew, and Vidro delivers the full news of their plan to Reyen. Vidro says they will be acting as emissaries for the people of Parakis and the elvenkind. Reyen says that with the Ruby Queen not being too far off, they will not have to travel too far to meet up with her. Vidro says they can go to her and they can hold off meeting with the Butcher until Willem returns. Reyen says the timing is rather urgent and asks if anyone else has connections with the criminal underworld. Dover says "he" does and knows someone in Winestead. He says that he knows of a gang known as the Midnight Syndicate and that he knows someone named Rose. They might be able to locate her by talking to street urchins there.

As they travel nightward towards Winestead, they notice a stony, decrepit tower with a bright light atop the spire. Everything else is void and dark. Vidro asks Reyen what the tower is. Reyen says it looks like a classic wizard tower but it is larger than the average tower. Reyen says that wizards are quite territorial. Reyen says he will stand guard outside to protect them from external forces. The main crew then ventures into the tower. They step inside and venture through.

The building appears quite desolate and void of any signs of life. As they go upstairs, they only are able to see the source of light emitting naturally from Kal'un. As they ascend, they eventually arrive quite close to the top. Zosteif, still under the guise of Dover and leading the way, notices a tripwire on the next set of stairs. She tells them to step over it. As they step over it, she sees steps with pressure plates. Vidro, noticing Dover's legs shaking out of fear, decides to take the lead. They then reach a fork with a sign that says the left side is safe and the right side is dangerous. Vidro casts a familiar spirit and sends it off to the safe path on the left. His vision is cast on the familiar which sees a light shining through the door. It is indeed safe. He then sends the familiar spirit into the right path before his familiar poofs away. They decide it is good to just go to the safe side. They begin to hear music playing from the door. It is the sound of a piano playing.

Vidro opens the door and the music sounds louder. They see a massive, circular room with bookshelves and various devices for measurements and rituals. There are skulls, skeletons, and live creatures. There is a large figure sitting in the center with a tome and wearing an expensive black coat. He is purely skeletonized, yet very much still alive.

The skeleton is shocked and baffled how they were able to get through his booby traps. He questions why they broke into his home. He tries to make an escape but they reassure him to stop. He says his name is Baron Bones and says he is a lich. He says he was once a prominent wizard who was quite a womanizer. He says he wanted to live the life forever and the only way to do that, he became a lich. Durgl asks more of the specifics of the lich while Dover steals from Bones. Bones does not notice as he becomes invested in telling his life story and years of promising youth.

Bones says after he eloped with a lovely woman, he fell in love with the woman's mother, and then the woman's grandmother: the triple streak he calls it. It was then he truly appreciated the meaning of life. Zosteif and Vidro manage to steal Bones' tomes. He is shocked when he sees them ransacking through his belongings. They ask him what is the meaning of his tome that they managed to swipe. They try to intimidate him into opening the tome for them to see, which he is insistent that they not look into as there are rather intimate details in it. He snaps his bony fingers and bring back the tome into his possession. He however will entertain their curiosity and says that because they were able to bypass his traps, they are people of great skill and deserve rewards. He gives them a copy of his private tome and they see quite obscene images of the triple streak.

He says his life went downhill and wizards went after him after he became a lich and ever since, he has kept up in the tower. Vidro and Pravuil notice a portrait to the side of his appearance before he became a lich. It is a portrait of a rather handsome man. It was somewhere between ten or eleven thousand years when he used to be living. They ask him if he knows about The Blight. He is clueless. They ask him if he ever goes outside and Bones says he can but he chooses not to. He says he still has feelings and thinks the world is cruel and mean. Durgl says there are plenty of female liches in the Shattered Skull. Durgl is able to convince him. Bones rushes to get out of the tower, on his way to see female liches, and says the tower can be theirs now. He grabs his broom and a firearm, he calls the "Boomstick". He checks if it is loaded and accidentally fires off a blank shot. Vidro, with his expertise, saws off half of the gun to enhance it. Durgl asks if Bones knows anyone from the Midnight Syndicate.

Before he goes, he sits down again and says he once heard of a bard, and how he wanted to live forever. He says he chose so for the greater good and is of a man of good moral character. He asks them, what if people could traverse the water with a vessel. Vidro tells him that he is describing a boat. Bones is shocked and curses. He decides to depart for the Shattered Skull. Dover asks him if he has gold lying around and Bones says he does, though confusedly, as he does not see any worth to them. He shows them twenty gold bars. He then flies off and the tower, the gold, and the rest of the possessions in the tower, are now theirs

Durgl picks up a cube which he initially mistakes for Pravuil's cousin but then peers inside and appears to be a miniature room inside. There are various items inside and suddenly, he feels a connection with the room. He is infilled with knowledge from it and realizes he can transport people into the cube, weekly, to turn a short rest into a long rest. He is able to control the enchanted cube and change the room setting. Vidro finds a draconic stone and finds a collection of necklaces with various designs that contain an eyeball-shaped amulet with a dragon crest. Each person can be bonded into the necklace and the necklace can be crushed for a one-time use for the dragon associated with the amulet for a minute.

They later descend the tower and meet up with Reyen. They tell him of the lich they encountered. He is bewildered that they were able to stay with a lich and asked how it did not kill them. They said he has feelings. Reyen, prejudiced, thought all liches were automatically evil. They then make their way to Winestead.

Once they arrive in Winestead, they notice the beautiful villas and idyllic life here. It is a close-knit community. It is all quite familiar to Zosteif as she grew up here. The aroma of pasta fills the air. Reyen tells them that he received a tip to find a bookstore in this town to find Rose. Dover tells them that he knows where the local bookstore is, Winestead Quills N' Eats. They smell parchment and warmly-scented candles. A cat approaches them and mews. It jumps up on a table. Suddenly, a female voice is heard. Zosteif recognizes her. It is Penny Wintail. Dover, forgetting that she is still in his disguise, says he knows her. Penny is startled and Dover asks her if he remembers Zosteif. Penny feels scared to speak and backs up, but Dover asks her if she has kept up with the Midnight Syndicate. Penny lets her guard down upon hearing this and says she will happily show them a book she has, speaking obviously in code. She leads them to a bookshelf, pulls it, which reveals a stairway down. As they make their way down, Zosteif sees a familiar face, as do Vidro and Pravuil, who recognize someone else from the Rebellion. Zosteif gets out of her disguise in time for Rose to see her. Rose says Zosteif is finally back. Vidro and Pravuil realize that the woman from the rebellion they fought alongside is Rose. Rose recognizes Vidro and asks where the paladin is, and Pravuil clarifies it is him. She is baffled to see his new appearance.

They all sit down together and catch up. The truth is finally revealed regarding Zosteif and her identity. They speak of Damien and Zosteif's connection to him. Rose says she tried to send various assassins to take down Damien but it has been fruitless. Lord Damien is a capable warlock who is quite powerful and has made a deal with the devil. After sacrificing his soul, he became quite powerful. Zosteif inquires more of Rose knows of Damien following the chaos that happened in Atlas. She asks what Zosteif wants to do with Damien. She asks whether she wishes to have Damien killed or ruined. Vidro reminds them that they were here because they were informed that she knows the Butcher. She asks them if they wish to take up a job to execute on her behalf. She needs someone small and draws her attention to Durgl. He asks he will do it if she promises to keep a promise. They then ask more about Damien but Rose says that this is story that this is Zosteif's call. Zosteif, still uncomfortable, allows Rose to speak on her behalf.

Rose then reveals what happened to Zosteif, how her parents were killed by Damien, her stepbrother, how Zosteif was framed, and how Midnight Syndicate took Zosteif under their care, and threatens to kill them if they ever lay a finger on Zosteif. She then says if they wish to kill Damien, that is easy, but if they wish to ruin him, it is more difficult. Zosteif says she remains true to her desire which is enacting revenge. Rose says Damien wishes for the respect from his fellow peers and that once they tarnish his reputation among his peers, he will cast to the side and will be driven to madness. Rose says they need to disrupt his operations, destroy his gold, and make him appear incompetent to the cabal he tries to mingle with. Zosteif asks if she has any updates on Damien's activities, and Rose says he happens to be in Flairwind, and has business to do with the Butcher. The coincidence is quite convenient however, Rose says the Butcher is rather elusive and simple. She says he is a fair man but the moment one loses his respect, he will, without hesitation, dispose of them.

She says she will give him four smoke bombs, three grappling hooks, two invisible daggers, and a set of explosives. Vidro asks if Rose is the leader of the Midnight Syndicate and she confirms that she is, and that was the reason she was one of the leaders during the Atlantean rebellion. Rose says she has business to attend to but before she leaves, she asks a favor from Zosteif, and says she understands that Zosteif has connections with the Ruby Queen, and that through this connection, if it is possible that Zosteif can convince the Ruby Queen to join forces with the "oni". Zosteif says she will see what she can do and they hug each other endearingly before they step out. They then make their way out of Parakis and journey towards Flairwind.

Upon entering Flairwind, they encounter something quite dangerous in a particular tavern. They are in the "wealthy" section of Flairwind. Cigars and alcohol are available for them for free. Durgl inspects one of the cigars. They loiter before they are approached by a well-suited bugbear as he expertly flips through a shaver between his claws. He scoffs at them as rookies but Durgl convinces him they are not as he takes a fat blunk. He says he is the Barber but can take them to the Butcher. They head through the rainy alleyways of Flairwind and find themselves in a well-guard fortress. They are met by a tall and bellicose bouncer with a bat. He pats them down and lets them in.

They step inside which appears thick in smoke. It has the appearance of a nightclub. They see a well-suited, white-dressed man in shades. He tells the Butcher to give them special kinds of cigars. They are then led downstairs. They see a gargantuan-sized man named Big Bob who says he will take them to the "Boss Man". Each step he takes violently rumbles the room.

They enter into a high-end office. There are no bodyguards. There is only one man in the center and a band of performers. There is a chef making the final touches to the meal. The band has a cellist who plays the cello masterfully. The man, who reads a newspaper, notices them and gestures for his servants to give them a seat.

After they sit down, the man says he heard from Rose that they work with Willem. He asks where Willem is and Vidro tells him he is busy at the time. The Butcher says he is willing to help them because they know both Rose and Willem. Vidro tells him of the situation which is going on in Parakis, and say they wish for protection under the Butcher's word. The Butcher says that there is no law in Flairwind and thus, there is no such thing as crime here. He says he gives the unfortunate a chance to live by offering orphans a home, a place to eat, and a place to sleep. He says he does that yet he is labeled as a criminal. He says he sets an example as a leader and that is why he took Willem in. He says Willem's mother was a deadbeat and he will never respect anyone who abandons their own children. He says he heard that refugees wish to come. He says it needs to be made known that when they come to Flairwind, they listen to him because he is the leader of the pride, and anyone who comes into his territory and tries to make the rules, he does not take it kindly. This was why when the Stormlord's goons were sent to attack Willem and his crew then, he did not appreciate such acts and retaliated accordingly. He then asks for Big Bob to fetch him a captured man in the holding cell next door. Big Bob brings the man out who is gagged and bounded. The Butcher says this man was sent to kill Zosteif and that he is an underling for Damien. He then asks why they call him the Butcher. He said he used to be an actual butcher before he turned to crime. He said eighty percent of his meat had to go to the government. He then says he took matters to his own hands. He says he still pays his tax. Now however, he chooses what cut he sends back to the government. He then takes out his cutlass and slams it into the man. The Butcher says this man was one of the few assassins who were there that fateful night when her parents were slain. He tells her if she wants to make it quick, he understands, but if she wants to take her time with the man, he will respect such.

The Butcher says he is unfazed by Damien and is just a kid. He says that just because Flairwind is of lower socioeconomic status, Damien thinks they are unsophisticated and inferior. However, he would be mistaken. Vidro explains that while Damien may pose no threat to the Butcher, he is to them. The Butcher says while he can easily dispose of Damien, he cannot afford to provide an army and go to war with Apolis. He says however that he will consider taking in refugees in Flairwind but says that the law prevents them to. He says he does not break laws because he wants to but because he has to. He says as the unofficial mayor of Flairwind, he will do what he can in a system so corrupt and rigged by the higher powers that be. He says that his boys are not trained assassins. They are simply boys who have mouths to feed. He says they do not act as mercenaries but they are highly capable. However, he is willing to take a hit against the mayor of Apolis, which can help unravel the order in Apolis. He says all they need is a sniper, a sharpshooter. He asks who amongst them is such. Everyone looks awkwardly at Vidro, who then says that he was that sniper who once was. The Butcher reassures him that this is fine. He says the mayor is a woman. They agree to take up on the mission. Before he dismisses them, he says he has an adopted daughter who looks at them favorfully. Her name is Alessia and he shows them a portrait of her. Vidro recognizes her as one of the women who partook in the rebellion. He says it has always been her dream to go to the Labyrinth. They say can do it but Vidro says it is quite dangerous. Vidro says if they help his daughter, will the Butcher take in the refugees. The Butcher assures Vidro that there will be no refugees. All those who come to Flairwind will be welcomed as citizens. They are in agreement and the Butcher says he will make plans to make this all possible. Vidro then asks if the Butcher has more details on Damien.

The Butcher says they must cut off his shipping exports. He says his prized ship is the Golden Eagle. Once the exports are taken out, his source of revenue will dwindle. He also says that Damien is in love with someone. He says that Damien sees his future with this woman. He says if they take out the woman he is in love with, it will mess with him and cause him to make more mistakes. She is here in Flairwind. A noblewoman. Once she is eliminated, he, being heartbroken, will slip up. Either way, he will see death's door, whether his fate will lead him to them or to his own cabal. The Butcher asks Zosteif if she wants to take out Damien now or later. She says they have business to attend with the Ruby Queen first, and he agrees, saying that the mayor will not return to Apolis for another three weeks, and that the next time, they should come with Willem. Until then, they make attend to their own business. He bids them farewell and they are led away by Big Bob. They see Big Bob still eating the torso of the captive prisoner who was alive only just earlier.

They leave the Butcher's place and make their way to Atlas to meet up with the Ruby Queen. It takes a half a day to journey to Atlas. They then find where the Ruby Queen has taken lodging at the Elytrean embassy and are greeted by one of her guards. She sees them and sighs. She says she wonders where they were at the meeting and were disappointed to not see them. She says things have been pressing and she grows tired of all the meetings she must attend. Vidro then explains why they have finally come to meet the Ruby Queen and tells her of what has happened to his people's homeland in the Wildlands and the refugee crisis in Parakis. He tells her that they witnessed the horror of Scorpius. He asks her if Elytra can serve as a temporary place of refuge for those in Parakis. There are approximately two hundred fifty thousand refugees according to Vidro's estimations. He tells her they are currently in talks with various leaders. He says he is asking the Ruby Queen to take in about a third of these refugees and says that they can provide her a source of workforce. She says she can immediately take on fifty thousand refugees and says she will then send her forces to retake the lands in the Wildlands and restore order there. She says she is not a fan of bringing her ships close to Apolis and asks if it is possible the refugees can be transported a bit closer to Elytra to make the logistical arrangements all the more easier. She says if they were in Atlas, it would be quite easy. Vidro says he can use his druidic powers to transport them. She says she will take up the fifty thousand youngest refugees to her city. She says that with the current state of affairs, she and others must save face in the face of the threat of Mechagon, which has begun its campaign of world domination. She says she has lost thousands of lives at the hands of Mechagon and she is enraged not just at Mechagon, but at Atlas for failing to warn her government in time of Mechagon's impending threat. She says she will take up on Vidro's offer and then asks if they can excuse her as she has business to attend to.

As they head out, they see Grand Admiral Akore making their way into the same building. He asks what the Willem's Willies are doing here, stating that he himself has come to see the Ruby Queen. He asks what her mood is. They say that she seems tired and he says he has bad news. Grand Akore says that Scorpius has breached the Atlantean frontlines and that his right-hand man, Haru, has been taken captive by Scorpius's forces. He says he is preparing a rescue expeditionary force to save Haru. Grand Admiral Akore says he is growing unsure as his men become cannon fodder. Vidro reassures him that there is hope, now that he knows he is the destined anari to save not just elvenkind, but the whole world. Grand Admiral Akore says they need the morale boost because following Haru's capture, the troops have begun to lose faith.

They discuss how they should prioritize their various objectives. They decide to take the Butcher's daughter to the Labyrinth of Madness as they have the keys to open the gates there.

Featured characters

Player characters

• Anradeem Pravuil
• Durgl
• Jué Zosteif
• Ryul Vidro
• Maren (absent)
• Willem (absent)