Session 10: The Devil's Interpreter (part 2)

4,760 XP

 

      Following their unexpected teleportation 200 miles south into the depths of the Haukburian jungle after breaking through the mysterious "fourth wall" in the Temple of Vex'thor, the Feinting GOATs found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Using divination magic and astronomical observations, the party confirmed their location while the party made camp for the night.
     As dawn broke through the dense jungle canopy, the party soon encountered a hunting party of Unthlatu – dragon-blooded humanoids with fine scales covering their bodies.Their leader, a tall, imposing figure named Ssasska, initially approached with weapons drawn. The Unthlatu had mistaken Cut-Cut and Elyndra (who had transformed into a thri-kreen form to avoid jungle insects) for scouts from a nearby thri-kreen encampment. After the misunderstanding was clarified, Ssasska offered the party safe passage through their territory on one condition: they must investigate the "cursed lands" where something was sniping them with arrows and sending undead attackers – "zuvembie" – into Unthlatu hunting grounds.
       By midday, the party reached the perimeter of the cursed lands, noting the eerie absence of insects. As they ventured deeper, the ecological disruption intensified, creating a gradient that allowed them to triangulate the likely source. The group discovered zombie-like tracks diverging from the direction of the insect-killing source and faced a decision: continue toward the epicenter of the insect deaths or follow the tracks. They chose to pursue the tracks, which led them to a small clearing where a lone zuvembie stood swaying. Several more zuvembie emerged from the underbrush and arrows began raining down from the canopy. The ensuing battle tested the party's tactical coordination as they faced not only the zuvembie but also a baykok – an undead archer with translucent skin stretched over a skeleton – firing bone arrows from the treetops. While most of the undead were destroyed, Elyndra managed to assert control over one remaining zuvembie using her book of necromancy. With their captured zuvembie in tow, the party returned to the Unthlatu settlement where they learned that the nearby thri-kreen tribe had learned of Cut-Cut's presence and were insistent on meeting her.
       The journey to the thri-kreen encampment revealed a settlement of expertly woven natural materials that blended seamlessly with the jungle. A delegation of older thri-kreen approached, their exoskeletons bearing elaborate patterns unknown to Cut-Cut. The lead elder, Tra-Dasik, recognized her as carrying the "scent of Riik-kek blood" – a bloodline they believed eradicated a generation ago. What followed was a series of ritualistic tests to determine Cut-Cut's subspecies and evaluate her understanding of thri-kreen ways. The elders shared fundamental concepts she had never known: the meaning of clutch (gítok), the formation of packs (tek), and the nature of tokchak (clutch-mind) and tikchak (hunt-mind). As night fell, the tribe's chakak (psionicist) performed a sacred ritual, revealing that Cut-Cut's Riik-kek bloodline possessed a unique venom that, according to prophecy, could destroy thri-kreen racial memory. Meanwhile, the rest of the party that was talking with the other thri-kreen discovered that the "curse" killing insects was actually a leaking poison canister from a downed spelljammer ship from the same battle that had orphaned Cut-Cut.
        This revelation ignited a heated debate within the tribe regarding Cut-Cut's presence. Some warriors called for her immediate execution to avert the prophecy's ominous fate. However, the elder forbade any violence against her, deeming Cut-Cut still a child—having neither chosen an adult name nor completed the coming-of-age rituals. To resolve the situation, the tribe entrusted Cut-Cut with a Chak'dasl (Memory Crystal), a rare psionic artifact. This would enable her to uncover her heritage without remaining among them while also guiding her through her long-overdue rite of passage.
       The following day's travel led the party into Nagudra territory—home to elusive snake-men. These enigmatic beings offered to guide the party through underground waterways that promised to drastically shorten their journey to Vex'thor. Despite the paths being both subterranean and partially submerged, the party accepted the offer and managed to cut at least a day from their travels.
      Upon arriving near Professor Thaddeus's camp, the party discovered it had been ransacked. They found the professor hiding nearby, injured. He revealed that the Dowelloft Trading Company, supported by Mupalan military forces, had seized his research materials along with several historically significant artifacts. To recover these, the party formulated a plan to re-enter the temple via a skylight they had discovered earlier, skillfully avoiding a direct clash with the guards stationed at the known entrances.
      Inside the temple, they broke through the final ouroboros-marked wall to reveal a chamber dominated by a massive serpent that immediately attacked. The battle against this titanic guardian was one of their most challenging yet, requiring perfect coordination of their diverse abilities. Beyond this chamber lay a vast underground space where distinctive blue-green crystals grew naturally, emitting a soft, pulsing light.
     At the heart of this crystal garden, they found the chamber's sole inhabitant – a Crystal Naga, her serpentine body partially merged with the surrounding crystals. Unlike the aggressive guardian they had just defeated, she made no move to attack, though it was clear from her labored breathing and the dull luster of her scales that she was gravely ill or dying. The party learned she was the last of her kind, as the other Crystal Nagas had "moved on" (ascending to another plane of existence and leaving behind only crystalline formations). Weakened by the temple's breach which had disrupted the delicate balance that sustained her, she recognized Adrian's celestial bloodline as an Aasimar. She presented him with the Amulet of Saa-Thoth, asking him to deliver it to someone who would use it wisely. Adrian, feeling a connection to the artifact, decided that he himself was that someone and accepted the amulet. When he placed it around his neck, the central crystal began to glow with an inner light, permanently bonding with him and granting him new knowledge and abilities connected to Saa-Thoth. As the   Crystal Naga's form morphed into yet another crystal, Adrian discovered he had gained the knowledge to shift the temple to another plane, which he activated with a 30-minute timer to allow for their escape. Before departing, he also recovered a giant snake egg from a chamber the party had discovered in the previous session.
     Upon returning to the Pantheon with their discoveries, the party related their findings, though the group kept the amulet's true nature secret. The priests decided that on the next full moon, approximately a week away, they would move the Clockwork Citadel to Sakhmehet Village in an attempt to stabilize the increasingly tense region. With both Cut-Cut and Adrian processing profound personal revelations about their destinies, the Feinting GOATs prepared for whatever challenges would come next in their quest to understand the connection between Saa-Thoth and the diabolic manuscript that had led them on this extraordinary journey.

 Note: The following writings are from the character's perspective and are often private to the character. They are not considered "in-game" knowledge to the other characters, and any in-character reference to this information would be considered meta-gaming.

Dear Master,  
      Again, I will likely speak to you in person before this letter reaches you, so this will serve mainly as a memory aid and a means to organize my thoughts. First, to finish where I left off, we were able to make our way out of the jungle and complete our assignment. When we returned to the temple, we found that the presence of Mupalanese forces had increased, likely a direct result of our confrontation with the Dowelloft party, but we were able to use what we had learned of the layout previously to enter unnoticed and finish our exploration, successfully retrieving the requested artifact. We encountered a giant snake, which was decidedly hostile, but defeated it without much difficulty. The creature in the next chamber, while similar in appearance, was neither hostile, nor actually another giant snake. It was an ancient naga who wished to impart knowledge of the lost deity Saa-Thoth before diminishing into a crystal formation. Admittedly, there is probably much I don’t know about the life cycles of various species on this planet, but that strikes me as a unique type of metamorphosis. Adrian acquired a crystal pendant from the naga which has fused with his flesh, but it does not appear to be causing him any pain or distress. He is, apparently, now responsible for preserving the memory of Saa-Thoth in the naga’s stead, and has consequently been granted some new abilities. As for the temple and its other artifacts, we have shared what we found with Professor Thaddeus and taken steps to prevent further incursions or desecration. We were not, unfortunately, able offer similar protection to Sakhmehet Village, which was also experiencing increased troop movements and rising tension (again, likely a consequence of our actions, at least in part). However, after we made our report, it was decided that the Citadel would relocate to Sakhmehet in order to keep the peace. I’m sure our involvement will not end there, but that is a concern for another time.
       I am more eager to discuss what happened while we were making our way through the jungle. On the second day, we encountered a reptilian humanoid called an Unthlatu, who informed us that we were approaching his people’s territory. They do not welcome outsiders, but he was willing to negotiate with me (and, at the time, Elyn, who had rather disconcertingly transformed herself into my likeness in an effort to deter biting jungle insects). Through conversation, we learned that he was familiar with Thri-kreen due to the proximity of an entire village of them! He had assumed that I came from the village and was surprised that I did not know of it. We were able to negotiate passage through the Unthlatu territory in exchange for clearing out some problematic undead creatures in the “cursed lands,” and he agreed to take me to the Thri-kreen village afterward. The undead presented a greater challenge than expected; the leader of the group, which we learned later was something called a Baykok, was very fast (even I struggled to land blows) and preferred to remain in a tree, out of easy reach, while firing arrows coated with a paralyzing agent. Paralysis continues to be a recurring problem for the Feinting GOATs, but  I believe I’m beginning to develop some resistance to it. After defeating the Baykok and its minions, we were allowed into the Unthlatu village and able to rest and recuperate with wary but generous hospitality for the night.
      The following morning, we were taken to the Thri-kreen village, and I was informed that their elder, Tra-Dasik, wished to speak with me as a matter of some urgency. I suppose I imagined the Thri-kreen in the village were simply as excited as I was to find another of their kind. I did not have any particular expectations, except that I hoped to learn more about my people, but in the end I was left with more questions than answers. Upon inspection by the pack, it was determined that I am a member of a Thri-kreen subspecies known as the To’ksa, and that I carry the blood of Riik-kek. This revelation was met with mixed reactions and no small amount of hostility, which Tra-Dasik explained by sharing flashes of memories. On Athas, the Riik-kek were raiders, slaughtering other Thri-kreen until enough tribes rose up to oppose them and they were all but wiped out. Tra-Dasik also shared a disturbing prophecy: “Last of Riik-kek blood shall approach the Great One with poisoned offering, corrupting the memory-keeper of all kreen.” If I am the last of my kind, and the prophecy is to be believed, then I may somehow be a threat to the racial memories and entire way of life of my people. Finally, Tra-Dasik revealed that it was likely that his own people were responsible for leaving me orphaned and alone on the vessel where I was found.
      I did not then and still don’t quite know what to do with that information. It is a lot to process. I cannot truly mourn what I cannot remember; I can only feel the absence. I could treat these Thri-kreen as enemies because of what they have done, but my people are scarce and scattered, so separating myself from these would only increase the absence. I bear them no ill will and have no desire to be bound by a past in which I had no part. I also have very little interest in prophecies. Even if there is a path already laid out for me, I can still decide how to walk it. The To’ksa are known for their aggression, and I won’t deny that there is aggression in me. Lord Shimizu saw it, first as a potential tool, then as a potential threat. But you saw more in me, Master. You taught me to go beyond base instincts and control the aggression, turning it to useful purposes. I can fight, certainly, but that is not all I am meant for or all I have to offer. Tra-Dasik seemed to sense that as well, and he was able to quell most of the calls for my immediate execution by adopting me into his own clutch. I have also been invited to participate in a coming-of-age ritual, and if I perform well and prove myself, I may finally be accepted by the tribe. In the meantime, Tra-Dasik has provided me with a Chak-dasl (memory crystal) which can be used to access Thri-kreen racial memories.
     I have learned, among other things, that the number three holds cultural significance for Thri-kreen, and I am forced to wonder if it is somehow not coincidental that I find myself walking between three worlds. Tengai-no-mori is the place where I was raised and educated, so the monastery and Mupalan will always be my home. However, I have also readily adapted to the nomadic lifestyle of a wandering adventurer. The Feinting GOATs have traveled together, hunted together, fought together, and shared resources, struggles, and triumphs. I have grown accustomed to the presence of my party members to such an extent that they feel like a family, or to use a Thri-kreen term, a clutch. Now, I have stumbled upon an entire community of my own people and still I am treated like an outsider. At least I have grown accustomed to the feeling, and with time and effort, I hope I will be accepted by them as much as at Tengai-no-mori and among the Feinting GOATs. Until then, I look forward to spending some time in my first home. I believe some meditation and training, as well as your wisdom, Master, will help me focus my mind and determine a clear path forward.

Cut-Cut

As another week slides into memory, the moon’s pull grows ever more potent—a silvery thread weaving through the fabric of my days. My shifting abilities, both a blessing and a burden, remain central to my being. Though I cherish this gift, each transformation brings its own trials. Take, for instance, the time I morphed into a hag to infiltrate the ancient snake temple. Hardly a glamorous choice, but necessity has little patience for vanity. The temple itself was as treacherous as it was mesmerizing—a labyrinth of clever traps and formidable enchantments guarding its secrets. As if that wasn’t enough, the Dowelloft Trading Company emerged as unwelcome competitors, their presence a thorn in our side. Though the clash was fierce, we once again triumphed. Still, I couldn’t help but pine for a form that inspired awe, not avoidance. The hag’s grotesquery drew far too much unwanted attention. [ ] The temple’s challenges came in many guises. At one point, a game of “Red Light, Green Light” nearly spelled our doom, but Cutcut, with their monk grace, leapt past dangers that left us mere mortals frozen in our tracks. Korloth’s alchemical prowess proved invaluable as well—his concoctions bypassed barriers that might otherwise have halted our progress entirely. My own well-honed skills in lock-picking and trap-disarming played their part, while Akemi and Bao Bao’s healing hands kept us on our feet. In truth, recklessness is a shared flaw among us, one that often leaves us battered but, somehow, still standing. Our journey took an unexpected detour when Adrian’s insatiable curiosity lured him into the shadowed forest beyond the temple. He vanished into its depths, and loyalty bound us to follow. Guided by Cutcut, we ventured 200 miles into an unfamiliar tropical wilderness. To navigate this terrain, I adopted the form of a Thri-kreen—a creature akin to a walking, talking praying mantis. Functional? Absolutely. Flattering? Not in the slightest. As we pressed on, we encountered potential adversaries, but diplomacy won the day. In exchange for safe passage, we took on yet another task—investigating mysterious deaths marked by peculiar arrows. As members of The Fainting GOATs, we’ve a knack for borrowing others’ problems. The trail led us to disturbed ecosystems and eerie footprints, culminating in a clash with a horde of undead. Poison immobilized me for a time—a humbling experience I hope never to repeat. Once free, I turned the tide with my necromantic tome, claiming both victory and a macabre souvenir. I now command a zombie and a skeleton; my necromancer’s repertoire expands with each encounter. Returning to the Dragon Blood group, we found rumors of a Thri-kreen wanderer spreading. No longer wishing to maintain the guise, I shed the form, declaring its “death” with practiced nonchalance. Our favor fulfilled, we earned the freedom to explore. A camp of Thri-kreen found us, seeking Cutcut. Their revelations unearthed long-buried family history, forging new bonds and enmities alike. As for my own family, I used to crave revenge, but now, I yearn for answers. Why was I cast aside while my sister remained? What secrets lie beneath my shifting abilities? Someday, I will find the truth. Guided by newfound allies, we shaved a day from our journey back to camp, only to find it ransacked, its people scattered or wounded. The man who first led us into the temple pointed us toward a hidden passage. Reclaiming the temple from the Mupalan and Dowelloft factions, we unearthed a secret chamber and its serpentine guardian. The snake spoke, naming Adrian the successor of the Crystal Naga’s legacy. With this transformation, he gained cleric-like powers, though the weight of his new role remains to be seen. Exhausted and battered, we are left to regroup, heal, and chart our next move. One thing is certain—the Dowelloft Trading Company is not to be trifled with.