Scene 1: Bumps in the Night
Our heroes have returned to the ship of dreams to recuperate from the battle with the Hydra. Chiniko has emerged from his cabin (the plyer was back for this session) but now Assamber has fallen ill (his player was away). Retiring to their bunks the group achieves some well earned rest. As he sleeps Azhanti finds his soul wandering in the Dreamlands where it is snared by Tamus, High Priestess of Venemus.
She draws him into her realm to speak with him about what he intends to do with the Heart and the spirit of the Dragon God which is trapped within. She seems interested in him, stressing the similarities between them. Both hold high positions in their churches, both hold their gods in contempt and both desire immortality and to shape the future of the Dragonborn. She urges him to bring the Heart to her and together they will deal with the wayward spirit. Waking in a cold sweat Azhanti considers his options. He wants to become Tarock, the clanless warrior who will herald change for his race.
Scene 2: Throwing caution to the wind
Deciding to reject Tamus's offer he seeks his best source of information. He draws out the Heart, imprisons it in a magic circle and tests himself against the spirit of Venemus. It is only as his ritual completes that he understands that his soul is no match for that of the maddened Dragon. As the group burst into the room to try and discover what is happening Venemus slips from his bindings and imprisons Azhanti in the Heart!Azhanti/Venemus reassures the group that all is well but that they must turn away from Bha'al and seek out Tamus. With some grumbling the ship turns and night falls.
Scene 3: The Worm Turns
As they make headway south towards Pythia Artemis is surprised by a figure, human in shape but containing something monstrous within lurking in the rigging. It demands to speak with the ships master. As the group gathers insults are thrown and the creature delivers its message. Sheol, Master of the Cult of Panath would speak with them about the Heart. Azhanti/Venemous proclaims that they should ignore the creature and move on but the group decides otherwise. He is confused by their failure to obey his orders immediately but fortunately for him the Oracle Chiniko is too busy trading insults with the demon to notice his unusual behaviour. The group meet Sheol at an ancient tower not far from where they were, long abandoned and invaded by the jungle.
He brings them an offer, the Emperor will remove the spirit of Venemus and then return the Heart to them. He has forgiven their previous trespasses against him and supports their current goal, to confront Sopias. Sopias is a risk to his ambitions and if others deal with him all the better.
There is some brief discussion but the outcome is clear, the Heart is Azhanti's burden and he must decide. Smiling Azhanti/Venemus rids himself of the soul of the meddlesome priest. Sheol also leaves them with a warning, the gathering of the four Hearts, the soul of Venemous, Vinga's Axe and various other powers is creating a convergenece. Power draws power and immortals are homing in on the group sensing the opportunities presented by a Gods soul being placed at risk. He advises them to make for Bha'als ruined city as it once housed a gate to the Labyrinth and few immortals will dare its precincts. Confidant of being able to deal with such obstacles Azhanti/Venemus sees a chance to revenge himself on his wayward child.
Scene 4: The Gauntlet
Abandoning the ship the group head out on foot to avoid easy detection. They make good time through the swamps but are assailed, the Furies of Vinga demand the return of her axe (they left it on the ship) and Lord Dust, a lich in service to the former Giant Emperor Amaan raises the dead against them. They escape from their pursuers and make it to the edge of the City only finally to fall prey to Ernalda, one time fertility Goddess of this region who was raped and violated by Venemus.
They have accidentally stumbled into her sacred grove and some of her power still lingers here. Fortunately for them they possess silver tongued rogues aplenty. Chiniko charms and flirts with the Goddess, diverting her while Artemis reminds her of the beauty that can still be found in nature. Morn mostly keeps his mouth shut while Azhanti/Venemus melds into the background to avoid being exposed. Soothed by their kind words the Goddess blesses them and allows them on their way.
Entering the ancient ruins they are greeted by Shakir who takes Azhanti/Venemus into the caves leaving the others behind. The secret rites of the Dragonborn are not for the eyes of softskins. The rest of the group bed down for the night but can gain no real rest. As dawn breaks in the east Sheol returns to reveal the deception. Azhanti's soul is trapped in the gem and Venemus is loose. They must reach the ritual chamber, rescue Azhanti, defeat Bha'al and deal with Venemus, a tall order even for heroes such as these!
*cut scene*
In the depths of the caverns of the Lost City Azhanti/Venemus steps onto the podium with his clutch brothers to prepare for the Ritual of the Tarrock. Bha'al shifts uneasily on the damp stone his bulk dwarfing the smaller Dragonborn. "It is time to begin..." he hisses, "Yes, it is" replies Azhanti/Venemus his eyes alighting with green flame.
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