dungeons-and-dragons/beyond-the-veil/episode/pt6-convergence.md

# Part 6: Convergence of the parties

## Episode 51: Convergence

A bright flash appears, Camilla stands before a ritual circle and Elana is shaking her head back and forth.
"I don't know how fun this is going to be..." Elana says.
Ozen from behind "The pain is only temporary, someone like you should be able to handle it, remember" she hands Camilla a bit for the pain.
Rachel approaches and gives a deep breath in preparation. Takes a look back at the group in the chamber: Ozen, herself, her eonwing, and Elana. "Alright, lets hope this works" -- she closes her eyes and begins a rythmic chant in the Valerian language.
As Camilla begins to feel an energy manifest around her, then within as silver flashes around as it builds. The chants climax and then she feels it, as if her very soul is being torn out from her chest her lungs and skull undergoing indescribable pain. A loud noise as the dial above the ritual begins to wind faster and faster until she ceases to feel it. A bright flash and her body falls onto the ground.
The dust begins to clear and in the receiving node four figures emerge from the darkness -- the four from back in time.

---

We awake from a deep sleep as our joints regain control and we see a familiar sighting. Elana's tower.

Ozen speaks up "I knew they weren't dead".

As we notice Camilla her arm (which contained the ring) is severed from the shoulder down.
There is someone we need to meet, a half frog with a human top half and bottom half frog/centaur legs. Named Peter.
Camilla looks notably older, around 10 years older.
140 years to go 14000 years back in time.

Rachel Renethal is a Kyrie, just like Styra Renethal. Passed through her generations this event was known to happen.
The Traveler, a minor deity in these times (it worked).

The figurine that Noxx had made of Babu, transformed into Taterthorn the Timeless from current year.

Recap on the war effort from Ozen's PoV.
The primary fronts of battle are focused between Dravenguard and Stonemarsh, then the city of Tidecrest so they can gain control of the sea. Everyone in the south is allied with the resistance except Amberglade who is staying neutral.
While Galescar has allied with the North, it hasn't offered much benefit beside oracalcum, something that is abundent everywhere in Daein.
Ferrick and the farlanders are expected back here in two days time, to meet outside of the shadow isles on neutral grounds, in roughly 5-6 days with Queen Olyncia, Ozen, and King Vezimir.

Camilla notes that Noxx's wife arrived safe. Ozen walks over to Noxx and takes a folded piece of paper and hands it to him. It has a room number at the Immovable mug where his wife resides.

Makuvia, a dwarf, who Camilla met when she returned to stonemarsh told Ozen we were dead then they discussed the situation.
Emperor Vyros The God Touched, is the current emperor of Valeria.

Ozen & Ulq meeting, Ozen asked for help, but ulq wants something in the north (artifact) in exchange.
Camilla did a solid for Ozen and Ozen exchanged the favor.
They went on a fun trip and bonded a lot with Makuvia, Ulq, and Caseus. Sol, gods rest his soul died.
They went to the Frostburn Depths - where the artifact was. They found it and Mannimarco -- who had a lot more tricks up his sleeve -- found them and messed Camilla up pretty bad. They found an artifact-creature, which is both an artifact and a creature, was killed by Ulq. Theory is that killing it deactivates the creature in a way.
While fighting Mannimarco was sending copies of himself that would fight and explode after destroyed.
After she got hit she was frozen. Similar to the one that attacked us in Noxx's bar that one time.
Mannimarco, knifed her when frozen and stole her arm. Why didn't she die? He had to have had some knowledge about how to separate the ring from him.
Sol died because they were in a mine of oracalcum and he got blown up.

> Ask Ky'Mytha about the specifics of the contract, and whether or not it counts that Mannimarco has the ring which is still technically on Camilla's finger.

Camilla wakes up in some ruins after Sol saves her. Unsure how much time has passed. The artifact creature was dead in front of her and Ulq got his artifact and swore allegiance to Ozen's cause.
Afterwards Camilla just kinda partied and hung out with her new crew.

#### Date: 16th of Heimdalas

> Something big is going to happen in 1.5 months.

Elana Indigo is holding the sphere (slipgate) that group gave her before they left.
She made a contraption to auto-unlock the sphere.
Elana explains that they can cause explosions at the site of the teleportation.

> The artifact-creature was an Emissary, and the dude we met Emissary was one too.

This one looked like a Lizard though and our guy looked like Ornn.
We approach the Marble Chalice.

We enter the high end bar club place, and Camilla introduces us to Ulq.

We enter the penthouse floor and we see a dwarf bathing.
"You aren't too relaxed for some drinking are you?" Camilla says.

Makuvia looks at Locke and says "You're the one like us".
"Bit thin for an Aroncar don'tya think?"

Ulq can read minds. Same fasion as Eldric Moonbrooke.

Makuvia suggests drinks, and mentioned that Cassius may come at some point tonight.
There is a private bar, there are a few Aroncar that are stationed at this penthouse.

> Blake Blackfoot, Stillbane was working under Lockes father, stillborn had allegiances elsewhere to a Valerian Aroncar, he went missing the day that his fathers eyes got slashed.

Noxx and Neil go to meet up with Noxx's wife, known as My Wife. Everyone is very happy to see each other.
Noxx wrote letters to her for every day they were gone. Noxx asks the big questions and asks about Doug.
She is unaware if Doug is alive. She heads to the library with them as Noxx catches his wife up.
They make it to the 24 hour library and Neil explains he needs to research two things: an accounting of someone who escaped or changed their fate, and an understanding of how and when Bren made the veil, and was that fated or not.

> My Wife is spelt Mi Wif.

Back to the group in the penthouse. We are conversing with Makuvia.
Camilla and Makuvia are drunk at this point. And Camilla goes to grab Ulq and Cassius.
As she goes to do that Makuvia, gets a bit concerned and warns Camilla about barging into his office.
Cassius and Ulq were in a heated argument about something before Camilla walked down to get the two.

Ulq complains to Camilla about Cassius being arrogant, and unwise being human afterall.
She tries to invite Ulq to drink with us and he is against it. Ulq asks about the ritual.

Cassius walks out and is a hulking 6ft 8in man shreadded with muscle. He looks pissed as he begins to yell at Makuvia until he notices the guests.

Locke and Cassius joust for fun.

Ulq, reads Bits mind and sees that I am Eldric's protege, sees everything.
Ulq and ELdric are aquantences. Bit brings up his heritage and Ulq seems like he doesn't want to talk about the past then sends everyone that isn't myself and Locke out.
As they leave Ulq shuts all the doors in the room at once with his magic.

"Now that we are alone, unmasked" Ulq's visage begins to change and reveal a man in his early 30s as he begins to reverse the aging process. "Ask your questions, for I have mine".

## Episode 52: Truth and Lies

We begin where we left off in the library and Miwyfe, Neil and Nox are there.

Miwyfe finds a book regarding the veil, and attempts to breach it were abandonded around 500 years after. A connection to Bren was made since it seems everyone knew who was responsible for the creation of the veil, however there is no reasoning.
In recent years, within a 100, the Arcanum has made efforts to spark curiocity regarding the veil, the Author is Audric Dessanen explains the many different reactions about when the veil lifted. Many were fearful, and blamed farlanders for the political disasters.
The apparent ascendency of a mortal to godhood, Titus warborn, has been given up in Tellius. Many do not support the ascencion. Mistral is the 4th continent in this world.

Neil has a book about someone escaping their fate. A boy named Severn -- he rised to great renoun but died by fire in his 30th year by prophecy. His parents kept him from all fire however fire seemed to find him. He caught flame at 12, house struck by lightning when younger. He wanted to beat the destiny and spoke with many scolars about it, and found that phphecy is a chain, so he decided to master fire instead of fear it. On the eve of his 30th birthday a cabal of warlocks led him to a cursed flame and Severn walked through it due to his mastery of the fire. From then on no sear dared name his fate, for Severn the unbroken proved that destiny can be defied.

Ulq seems to be really interesed in Neil. He deems him very important.
The king of Daein is fearful of the power he holds drying up on him.
The espada are the ones that hold true power. Power that kills kings, topples kingdoms.
Ulq is the last Espada left. He has spent years traveling around trying to find others.

Eldric has been working with him for the last 40-50 years.
Ulq founded the spellbinder society, to gain a position of leverage against the oracalcum exchange.
They rely on the society more than they let on, should Eldric sever ties, he doesn't care if the org exists.
They are only there to make sure the money goes where we need it.

The goddess of time, is who Ulq hates most. He pulls out the small dial and the compass opens within his grasp. What appears to just be a compass holds more value than we could possibly know.
He wants to return it to its full potential.
He plans to take Tillia back from the time goddess.
There was a great lie told to everyone, the throne of eternity conflict was a tragedy, a grab for power.
But the things Ulq saw when in the time realm. He has seen the throne of eternity, and has seen it empty.
Whatever god sat there, hasn't for thousands of years perhaps longer. Imperious was the dog that wanted to ascend to godhood.
There is someone else trying to make a grab at the throne, someone who has been doing it for a long time and trying to cover it up. Someone who knows will happen in the future. The goddess of time.
Ulq resents all deities and wishes to be rid of all of them, but understands the consequences are not the best with that outcome.

None know what happens when you sit on the throne of eternity. Accessing it is hard, it sits outside of anywhere even the gods can touch. He does not plan to trade Neil for Tillia.
Ulq eats the emissaries because of their power. It is insurmountable. He shows us his arm, where we see multiple dials running up to his shoulder. He has consumed 26 creatures. They contain spells that have been long dead to the world. Abilities that will aide him in his quests.
He told us all this because of the boy, because he trusts us. If he can no longer trust us he will kill us.

He requests that we summon the boy to our meeting area at this time.

I contact Noxx and he is an idiot that does not know how to respond to a sending message.
Neil notices someone following them as they travel to the meeting spot.

They confront him and ask for Sebastian's last name.

Ulq shows that he has been near death multiple times. His torso is mutilated.
Ulq shows Neil his compass, and Neil shows him his. When brought together they help you find and locate the time disturbances.
When you are in the realm of the gods, when they are brought together they direct you to the doorway to the throne.

Ulq has looked into the disturbances and he thinks they go to another realm: the astral sea.
The Fate-weaver might know about what Neil is to be used for.

I ask Ulq about 'When Death Marches'.
He is not too fond of Gods, however he does have an issue with one in particular, the one that took his sister Tillia.

> Justin Tucker is the one that gave the message to the king, this message led to Locke's father losing his eyes apparently.

Ulq is not the happiest with whatever happened with us in the chamber.
Locke requests a private conversation.

Ulq tells Neil not to let the compass into the wrong hands, not even his own if he were to ask for it.

Locke and Ulq talk a bit in private: The boy won't choose victory over the preservation of life.
Ulq knows there is a good in him, due to his youth.
He shakes hands with Ulq, and Locke has never felt raw strength like his before. He feels as if he could rip his hand from his arm easily.

Locke needs to talk to Ozen in the morning.

## Episode 53: Kings and Pawns

> Joe (Noxx) has quit D&D. So we will find some way to dispose of him.

Ulq wants us to back his position in the coming war meeting. He wants to use the bombs the farlanders have to end the war as soon as possible. Ozen will likely be against it because its her homeland.

Neil left a not behind with the intent that he ran away.

> [!NOTE] Craig, Issac, Brad, and Doug are some of the Dravenguard we know.

Neil sees Ozen, and her face appears puffy as if she had just finished crying.

Neil comes with important news for Ozen, and requesting advice.

Ozen gives her understanding of 'would we have won the war without the demon of duskar.'
She claims he saved many lives technically, however the war iteslf left many people that were just in the wrong place at the wrong time dead. She has no remorse for the soldiers, the ones that volunteered for this fate, but the ones that had no say are the real victims.

Without the Demon and Ferricks wrath we may have lost, I am not sure. I am no longer sure it was a war worth winning. Look what became of it, what became of us.

If that is the case, would you rather have lost? Neil asks.

Ozen turns to Neil and responsds, Why your sudden curiosity Neil?

Neil "Because loyalty is really important to me, and if it were the end all be all, wouldn't we still be helping the Daein King. At what point do you stop being loyal and do the right thing?"

In hindsight Ozen would have left the war and all of it behind, but she is too far in now. She has found herself deeper into it than she had ever imagined.

Neil is questioning his loyalty to Theos and the Rebellion in general. He was told by Theos that he was on a path that was carved out for him, so he did some research and it turns out that the carved path although the easiest, may not be what he wants to do. He is pondering the decisions in front of him and trying to decern the decisions that are carved out for him from those that he makes himself.

Ozen "I wish I could tell you something to make you feel better, but I would be lying. You already know everything you need to. I'm sure I can guide you here."

Ozen questions why he came, Neil brings up a way of being able to defeat the king. Convincing her is not his place.

### The next day

Locke jolts awake and takes Neil by the shoulders and says "Destin isn't controlling the threads of fate!".

Destin seems to be bound by someone in Locke's dream. He also saw the Demon of Duskar there. There is a theory that Destin is being held against his will.

---

We make it to the meeting.

We are on a boat to be transported to the meeting location.

Ozen takes Locke aside and tells him about a refugee that stopped by Stonemarsh, stopped by a few days before our re-arrival.
They are locked up in the dungeons, their name of Tormund Braum.
He is one of the apprentices of the tinkerer Oswald of the king. Torumd was being groomed to succeed his master in the firearms department. He defected from the king.

> Nick coughed and threw off the vibe of the whole day.

> Bit askes the captain about how air ships work, and next session Bit will learn from the conversation. Since the DM is high and doesn't want to make that shit up on the spot.

We approach a colloseum where the meeting is to take place. We notice a ton of farlanders here. The vast majority of people are farlander nearing ~200 people. Most are setting up the event area, and delegating where people should gather.

Seated in a section is a pair of Valerians, where Ulq and Cassius are sitting, just among a large meeting table.

Another air ship connects to the island, as multiple Crimean's in yellow attire exit from the ship. Following suite, a 5 foot five woman with green hair that goes down to her mid back exits and is followed out by a court of pegassus riders with a plethora of miliary accolades.
Behind them a large blind orc, Ferrick Ironjaw, makes his way out.

They converse between eachother and then to Ferrick who gives a respectful nod and walkes over to Daein's side of the table.

>[!NOTE] Farlanders and Crimeans are in league with eachother.

As all the leaders populate the table, a few voices enter including Xavery, Brodan, and some of the deathless.
We are all waiting on King Vizimir at this point.

We make small talk with Xavery and Brodan as two voices make it up the stairs. Seemingly in a minor conflict as we see a man in brilliant ceremonial armor, with a massive shield and a spear behind him.
He has a large golden crown on his head, black streaked with gray hair shoulder length.
Behind him a titan of a man, covered in fur. As he bickers back with the king of the Farlands. He walks down the stairs and takes his seat as the behemouth (Aldur) stands to the side of Xavery.

King V: Sorry for being late to my own meeting, terribly sorry.
We have been talking via mail and other means for so long, I thought a formal meeting face to face would do good. I am high king of the Seven Realms.

Ozen: Ozen Vaas, the current head of the resistance in Daein.

Ulq: It is a pleasure to meet you I am Ulq Cypher, head advisor to the Emperor.

King V: Ah the emperor finds himself busy at this time... I jest.
    They shake hands for just a second too long before.
We know why we have all come, we should all speak freely. Trust should be earned but for this meeting I will try to be as honest as possible.

Lets identify the problem, the oracalcum exchance is needed in the Seven Realms. It has been insurmountable for the aftermath of the scourge wars. It was extremely limited in our lands.
I would be a liar if I said I didn't want the continued flow of this resource into my country. I am also aware that there is a situation with the King of Daein. I cannot say that I have ever liked the man, and after the stunt he pulled on my emissaries, he has brought this upon himself. I believe the problem starts and ends with the king being felled. And the crown being passed rightfully to Crimea. We have no other interested beside trade with your lands.

Ozen: I am for the continuation of trade.

Once the king is dead Ozen or whomever comes to power will honor the succession, Crimea will be awarded the years it had lost.

Ozen: That is to be voted at Imperia.

Ulq dumps an artifact on the table, claiming it to be an emissary band.

Ulq: Go ahead take a look.

They begin investigating the item. They place it back on the table. Asking why Ulq is interested in the item.

Ulq: I am a bit of a collector, I ensure that what I am after will not impact you lot at all.

King V: I don't like you. What game do you play. What is this.

Ulq: I am here to fulfil my debt to Ozen to deal with your crazed king in Daein. But I am also here to size up the Farlands. I am curious, you think you can come here and disguise yourself as a normal humble man. I have seen your deeds, breaker of chains slayer of gods. **Gestures at Aldur** now you walk with god killers, you know as well as I do, real power.

King V: Who the hell are you.

Ulq: I told you, and now I am going to tell you how you can win your war and make a valuable ally, or a dangerous enemy.

All the deathless are speachless and silently preparing for a fight.

Ulq: the king is a mad man and we all know it, the quicker this is dealt with the better. The sky opening up, that has been getting exceedingly larger, thwarts many of our attack plans. So, I propose a different approach.

King V: **laughs** do you think you were the first? That would come to me and ask what you're about to ask?

Ulq looks flustered for the first time.

King V: You know why I don't like you because you think yourself cleaver. I have met cleaver men, you are not one of them.

Ulq: The tales do not do you justice, you are even greater in person.

King V: So you want me to use the bombs on the capital, blow away your problems like that. You are not the first to suggest this, and it is men like you that make this power so volatile.

Ozen looks at Ulq with wide eyes.

Ozen: Ulq tell me did you always plan to turn to a rotten dog or were you just one from the start?

Ulq: Well then, it appears option A is off the table.

Elencia looks over at him.

Elencia: Remind me why we need the Valerians?

King V: Enough, we still need this conversations to be productive, there are many thoughts and ideologies here we need to consider. If you wish for our support, for an attack strategy on the capital, I can give you men, who will fight under my general.

Neil interjects and brings up the threat of Kyros, the Fateweaver.

King V: Aldur would you like to speak up?

Aldur: Where did you hear that boy?

Neil: Well when the king took the life of the prince of Crimea, his soul went somewhere else. We know that Kyros is in possession of one of our comrads Oscar -- retrieving him could be valuable to know what he has learned. The more important thin is that the King has a deal with Kyros, if him or his people kill the kills go to the well of souls.

Creed: Another important thing to point out is that not only does the king have a deal with Kyros, the king may also be a puppet to Kyros.

King V: I've heard of Kyros before. Well our knowledge is not as extensive we are aware of the pacts and boons he offers for his own gain. If you believe this infinite well as you called it, is tied into this it could be something worth looking into. Especially if it would weaken his armies if dealth with.

Ozen: As far as a timeline, whether we decide to attack the capital first, or try to deal with Kyros first. There is still the glaring fact that we don't have an easy way to get to the Fey Realm. We do not have a way at least.

Xavery: Since the veil fell it has been hard to cross plains on our end, it would take some.

Ulq: I can send you there.

Elencia: Oh now you're useful.

Ulq: Merely seeing my place here at the table. I had misjudged all of you.

King V: And how would you send us there?

Ulq: Simple, I would take you back to Valeria, and there I have the means at my homestead.

>[!NOTE] this is suspicious as fuck no? he would have easy talking with Kyros the whole time.

## Episode 54: Plan & Action

There are 3 major options.

1. Go north, to investigate and attack the Red Balance and retrieve Noxx's son. Could also get to Metamarco while north and retrieve Camilla's ring.
2. Valeria and then to the Fey Realm via Ulq suspicious personal portal.
3. Attend the front lines.
4. Attempt to get to the Fey Realm without Ulq's method.

We agree to do the first option.

We now want to min max the other options and are trying to figure out.
Cassius joins us on our trek to the north.

As we decide the leaders are privately making some decision.
When Ozen comes out we return to our airship and begin to return to Daein from this island.

## Episode 55: Northern Voyage

Air-ships are traditional sea-faring vessels refitted with arcane technology, lifted aloft by powerful enchantments rather than sails alone. At their heart lies a bound elemental or core crystal, often drawing on air or aether magic to generate buoyancy and propulsion. Runes and sigils carved into the hull channel this energy, keeping the ship suspended and stable, while sails or wing-like constructs catch and redirect currents of magical wind to maneuver through the skies. Skilled artificers and mages must maintain the delicate balance of these enchantments, as a destabilized core could mean a sudden and catastrophic fall.
While they resemble pirate ships in structure—complete with rigging, cannons, and planks—their function in the sky is both tactical and perilous. The crew relies on navigators attuned to ley lines and storm currents, since natural weather and magical disturbances can disrupt the ship’s lift.

As we take out last night in Stonemarsh.
Camilla purchases 3 health potions. Neil and Bit swap magical items, `Ring of Spell Storing` went to Bit, and the `Cloak of Protection` went to Neil.

### 19th of Heimdalas, Wendegos (Wednesday)

We head down to the tavern where Noxx, Miwyfe, and Cassius are talking and packing for the journey to come.

> The temperature is measured in Freyenheight

Our first day of travel is going well, it slowly goes gray -- eventually turning dark. A steady snowfall comes as a result, it does not hinder movement at this point.

We arm wrestle in our free time and Bit destroys Camilla.

Camilla and Neil go off looking for flowers. They find a cart, and when they approach they hear a chewing noise.
As we approach the cart, Neil sees something in the cart with antlers. Camilla throws a dart at the deer.

The face of the deer cracks down the middle as it gets hit. A tenticle grows from its leg and supports its weight.
We fight a mangled monster of a deer, successful after Camilla lands the killing blow. This deer had a lifesteal concept.

> The party (minus Camilla) levels up to 9. Camilla was already level 9.

Investigating the beast's body the inside of it was decaying. The outside held its appearance like it was infested. Small bits of a tenticle are wrapped around the veins and arteries of the animal. A yellow hue to these paracites.

Inside the cart Bit sees a man that was eaten by the beast. The hands are tiefling, likely dead for a few days.
There is also another human against the back of the cart with a visible wound across the chest.
There is also a sack and a piece of paper in back ones hands.

Camilla finds a ring, inscribed in infernal. The inscription reads: 'Although the blood of the infernal runs through my veins I will not let it define me.'
I grab the paper, it is a poorly drawn picture of a tall figure with long hair, a woman, with two smaller figures. The text reads: 'So you do not forget what we look like'