Syltra will continue to rain down lightning and force damage on any survivors, unless they fully surrender. “SURRENDER, OR YOU WILL ALL PAY FOR YOUR ARROGANCE!” She bellows over the storm she has created.
"Syltra, you can return! We've won!" Carrhae stands at the prow of the ship and addresses the Ugly Salty Barnacle. "You have tried to assail our ship and rob us of our hard-earned treasure. The loss of life and damage that you've suffered are your just rewards for such aggression. But unlike you, we are not merciless thieves. Surrender and we'll notify the people of Saltmarsh so that they can deal with you. Continue fighting, and we'll send your ship down to the bottom of the sea where it can collect the barnacles it's named after. Choose wisely, there's worse places to be than prison." Once the enemies have surrendered and Syltra returns, Carrhae tells Chandor to plot a course for Saltmarsh. "We've taken damage in this fight. Misha and Wolf, I'll need you two to start working on repairing the Belle once we've returned to Saltmarsh, and if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could your contacts in Acheron get us another one of those cannons? Erriviel, start counting the loot and splitting it up for everyone. Once the work is finished, maybe we can take a break. Just a little one. Be proud of yourselves everyone. We've defended our lives, our home, and our pride. And we're all the richer for it."
Carrhae heads up to Kali. "So, did my offer to blow off steam interest you at all?" She says, smirking flirtatiously.
As the battle commenced, Kali could be seen with a smile from ear to ear, even when the cannon blew up straight in their face. The pain was numbed by the pure adrenaline pumping in her veins to a point where she wasn't entirely sure why Carrhae had came over to touch her, but she didn't think too much on it and instead focused on Misha's call outs. With the final shots and the enemy ship looking dilapidated, the hybrid pulled away from the cannon with a proud holler. As the captain took care of the enemy ship, Kali, with her blood pumping, pulls Misha from wherever she is and plants a passionate kiss on the others lips, pulling away with an exhilarated smile. "We did it!"
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Misha wiped the last remaining soot off of her face and was feeling better thanks to Carrhae's lay on hands.
They had won.
She turned to Kali and laughed, holding her hand. She kissed her cheek. They did it. She accepted Kali's kiss eagerly. "We DID it!!"
She slowly got up and limped over to the broken cannon. It was completely in pieces. She kneeled down, wincing, and held her head down low. She said a small blessing.
"Dazhe vse nematerial'nyye veshchi sluzhat tseli. Spasibo za to, chto udostoili nas svoyey rabotoy, vy proslavili nas svoim sluzheniyem i znayete, chto perestali deystvovat' vo imya Beyna."
She opened her eyes, and smiled. She gave a large piece of the cannon a pat, and stood. "Good job, everyone." she said to the crew. "Sana, nice shooting, my love." She winced and put her hand on her side, her hand glowing red and her broken ribs mended nicely. She took in a very deep breath, the damage done to her from the cannon explosion washed away. "Much better." She went over to Kali and stayed next to her, making sure she was ok.
She wrapped her arms around her and didn't move for a long time.
Acheronian Command was pleased with Misha and her comrades killing the wanted Tharizdunian heretics. They were rewarded well. In addition, with the Abbey secure, and the pirate ship disabled, the Mariner's Guild was overjoyed once the Belle returned to Saltmarsh and reported the news. It Included Carrhae explaining how the Belle eliminated the remaining cultists, and the pirates they encountered at the end. The pirates were apprehended. The Isle of the Abbey was now safe for colonization and once again, the Belle was able to complete yet another assignment. Thus ended the exploration and liberation of..
As they sailed back, Carrhae felt stronger than ever. She looked toward Misha and smiled, knowing that her friend was proud of her for how strong she had become. Carrhae also looked at Kali, confident that she had tempted the blue beauty with promises of 'blowing off steam'
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
In the course of the journey back, Syltra lays the contents of the bag of holding, with all the treasure, out for Carrhae. “Our haul from the abbey,” she says. “For you to distribute as you like, cap’n!”
The total comes out to 4,520, which is enough for everyone to get 565 gold, except Misha who insists that honor is enough. Carrhae still gives her a big hug and a peck on the forehead. "Sana told me how you took on three cultists who snuck onto the Belle when we were away at the Abbey. I appreciate that." She takes one Potion of Healing and gives Kali the other. "In case someone needs a potion and I'm not there to give them one. Or if I need it and am too unconscious to give myself one. Or if you need it after taking too much punishment." And the bag of holding. "You seemed to take a liking to it and I'd imagine that you'd put it to good use. And look! It didn't even cost you any of your pay."
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Carrhae has Chandor return to Saltmarsh. "Let's keep it simple. There's plenty of things that we can do in town and I imagine that we'll want to spend our new gold shopping." Before Carrhae leaves, she gives Syltra 500 gold to help cover the costs for Hallowing the ship. In the markets, she spends another 500 on a diamond, before buying herself a Mantle of Spell Resistance. And then she purchases some eye shadow, some oils and perfumes, a pair of earrings, and some new clothing. Once all that is finished, Carrhae sits back on the deck of the Belle in a bikini and starts sipping on mimosas.
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
As their latest assignment at Saltmarsh was over, Carrhae decided it was need for another vacation. This time they would stay at Saltmarsh. Misha spent time with Kali - growing more fond of her as the days went on. As they grew close, she didn't want to work out alone anymore, so offered to exercise with Kali as often as she could. They were competitive with each other, watching each other's form, pushing themselves harder, trying out new exercises and routines, and inspecting the progress of their work - usually in a sexy manner, much to Misha's happiness.
One morning, Acheronian Command contacted her. They had requested her presence back home yet again, and she had to return to give an update, as was their way. Misha looked up and gave Kali a sly grin. "Do you want to see my home? Come with me?" she nearly begged, the affection in her eyes, hoping she'd say yes. Kali did. Misha took her to her room, armored up, and activated the teleportation rune on the ground. Hugging Kali close, Misha hit a button on her armor. In a brilliant flash of red light, they were gone, and traveled to a place far, far away.
ACHERON
The first thing Kali felt was the wave of heat that struck her like a blow. This place was heavy, hot, and looking around, war torn. Misha allowed her a moment to look around, surely, this place was new to her, and stood patiently as Kali looked around. The land was mostly flat, the sky was red like a constant angry dawn. Overhead, debris and meteors gently scorched the sky as they passed, some of them impacting on the ground causing devastation. The sound of fighting and war was a low rumble, like white noise in the back of her head.
Beyond the red angry sky was a cosmos of stars and astronomical beauty, and for a moment Kali was breathless. Up in the sky were massive cube worlds slowly turning. Truly, they were someplace far away. Off in the distance, was a massive red star - mad, frustrated, and hot. Three Acheronian guards stood at attention by the teleportation sigil, and saluted when Misha turned to acknowledge them. Off in the distance was Banehold, capital of Acheron and Throne of The Lord General and Tyrant, Supreme Emperor and Commander Bane, the God of War. It was the most massive structure on the cube, and as Kali looked around, everything she saw was new - and Misha smiled, for at one time, it was the same feeling she felt on Kali's homeworld.
COMMAND
Misha took Kali by the hand and gave her an encouraging nod. "Come." she said, and led her to Acheronian Command. "My peeple may not accept you, nor will they speak een words you will understand. Stay close to me, and I weel do the talking. Do not get frustrated. We do not trust outsiders and my society is about domination and conquering. They weel look at you with curiosity and distrust. Remain calm, and do not show that you are annoyed or offended."
Acheronian Command was a massive military compound of soldiers, officers, readouts, and equipment. The walls were all black smooth stone. Acheronians came in all shapes and sizes, carrying mighty weapons and wearing armor that defied technology where Kali was from. A few times she saw men and woman thunder by, wearing what appeared to be power armor, three times their size, powered by technology and magic. Titanic war machines and countless Acheronian soldiers were about, as if at any moment ready to do battle. Never had Kali seen so much people and machines congregated in one spot, each with their commands, each with their function. As they walked inside, security systems scanned them, and the Acheronians would stare at both of them - Misha simply took the stares. Very few people would dare challenge or question a Prime, and Misha knew this - they were more concerned with the person she was with. All of Acheron knew and respected the Primes - created from the very soul of a God.
GENESIS
Misha guided Kali to a special area that was heavily protected. The guards, Praetorians, acknowledged Misha as she walked into a massive room with enormous organic breeding chambers. Most of them had some form of life inside them, and medical officers and technicians busied themselves with orders and commands. Large arcane readouts displayed health and other organic information, and the chambers seemed to go on for miles. A screaming newborn could be hear off in the distance. Kali had never seen anything like this, and looked around and with a face of curiosity and wonder.
"This is where I was created." Misha said softly. "Look." One of the chambers had a number of doctors and technicians around it, tending to a newborn that had been recently ejected. The hum of technology and magic was abundant in this massive subsection. At other chambers, technicians were inputting or changing data on readouts to exact specifications as small fetuses were grown inside the chambers. "Not many outsiders get to see this meeracle. We can create life! Bane truly is capable of such amazing wonders." A technician approached them, and gave Kali a look over, obvious, and unashamed. "vpechatlyayushchaya myshechnaya forma. Poteryal glaz. My mozhem eto ispravit'?" Misha laughed out loud and shoo'ed the technician away, who promptly returned back to work. She looked at Kali and rolled her eyes, as if what the technician said was just plain silly, and led her to another subsection.
PROMOTION
Taetanicus, the Legion Commander of the Primes. When he spoke, the room rumbled. He approached Misha and Kali, and Misha immediately fell to the floor in a low kneel and hung her head low. Misha tugged on Kali's pants and prayed she would follow her lead, unlike Carrhae did weeks ago. Thankfully, Kali did her best to copy Misha, and Misha nearly breathed audibly a sigh of relief. He stood towering over them for a long minute before he spoke.
"Praskovya, Kto eto?"Taetanicus, Lord of the Primes, demanded to know. Misha kept her head down, her voice low, with respect. "Eto moye zhelaniye, Komanduyushchiy." Taetanicus lifted Kali's chin up. Looked at her. Examined her. "Mischa, pochemu ty privel yeye syuda? My ne prinimayem postoronnikh. Vy znayete, chto eto protivorechit pravilam." "Ona pomogla mne prodvinut' tvoyu volyu, moy Gospod'. Ona smelaya i sil'naya, otlichnyy boyets. khotya ona ne asheronyanin, ya zhelayu yeye. Moye serdtse v ogne dlya neye. YA khotel pokazat' yey moy dom." Misha explained humbly. Taetanicus half turned, and gave her a warning. "Ne pozvolyayte svoim chuvstvam meshat' vypolneniyu vashikh obyazannostey. Priyti. Togda ona pomozhet nam s vashim vozneseniyem." Misha nodded and rose. "Moya zhizn' dlya Beyna. Tvoya volya - moya dusha."
Misha gave Kali a swift look of relief and took her by the arm and followed Taetanicus. They were taken to a black circular room where other massive armored people formed a circle around Taetanicus, Kali, and Misha. In the center was a black onyx table. Misha laid on it. She gave Kali a warm smile and nodded. A servant brought a strange canister with oils and incense and lit it. Smoke rapidly rose and filled the room. Misha closed her eyes as Taetanicus took his thumb and pressed it on Misha's forehead. A mark remained, and glowed bright red, as if trying to burn into her mind, her soul. The smoke was thick, heavy. Misha breathed violently inward, accepted the smoke to enter her lungs. Taetanicus looked down at Kali, and nodded to do the same.
"S etogo momenta vy budete izvestny kak Imperator. Gordites' v etot den' vashego vozneseniya na komandovaniye. Teper', kogda vy videli, kak proshlo dva desyatiletiya ognya, vy uzhe ne rebenok. Dyshite glubzhe ot sna, kurite i slushayte. V etoy vashey pervoy poyezdke v budushcheye soldata ya podelyus' s vami bol'shoy zagadkoy nashego naroda, chtoby vy mogli v dal'neyshem uznat' svoye mesto vo vselennoy."
Misha and Kali had a vision. A vision of what was, a vision of what is, and a vision of what was to come. It was like drinking water from a running hose, and Kali could only stand there and reel as a deep, dark historical lesson in the form of a dream crashed and waved into her mind. She nearly stumbled from the dream, but Taetanicus kept her steady. He placed one hand on Misha's shoulder, and took Kali's hand and placed it on her other shoulder. As Taetanicus touched her temples, he spoke once more.
"Praksiya Mateyev idet. YA videl eto moi mechty, v moikh videniyakh. Vy dolzhny byt' gotovy. Primite videniye, i teper' primite silu, chtoby pobedit' nashikh vragov. Vy teper' Imperator."
RETURN
In a brilliant flash of light, Misha and Kali were returned to Toril. It was such a violent magical transport, Kali lurched in Misha's room as if she had tripped and caught herself. Her mind was hazy, filled with visions fading fast, like waking up and trying to remember a dream.
On the floor laying down on her back was Misha in the same position she was just in. She was peacefully sleeping.
From her comfy position on the top deck, Carrhae heard a muffled boom and a slight thud. Sounds like Misha got back from Acheron. Moments later, Carrhae sees Kali stumbling up to the top of the deck with a very apparent What-The-****-Did-I-Just-Witness expression. She smiles and pours a glass for her bewildered first mate. "I take it that Misha allowed you to accompany her to Acheron and you saw things that you couldn't comprehend. Want to talk about them in the company of someone who won't dismiss it as something you saw while under the influence?"
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Kali didn’t know what to expect during the trip to Acheron. She knew what Misha had told her about the plane, but actually being there was completely different than what she had imagined it to be. The hybrid did stay close to the native, listening to her advise and ultimately fell silent during their trip, even when she was observed by the scientist. Reminds me of the Sismic Project, she thought to herself bitterly before she cocked an eyebrow at the technician speaking words she didn’t understand. She’d inquire about it later, if given the chance.
She hadn’t anticipated in meeting one of the big wigs though. It was clear she wasn’t welcome here by the way he looked at her, assuming their conversation had been about her presence. Guess coming over for the holidays is out of the question, she quipped inwardly, do they even celebrate holidays? Wait, what are we doing—?
Kali was very much confused at everything going on but the least she could do was obey. Whatever he had asked of her she did readily with no hesitation, she only hoped it didn’t hurt Misha (which thankfully it didn’t look like it did). From how official it sounded she had to guess it was some sort of promotion? Jeesh. Would it kill these people to speak common?
When all was said and done and they were returned back to the plane Kali knew well, the barbarian rose from the ground with a forced smile. “Haha, what the **** just happened? ... Misha?” She turned and looked over the resting Acheronian, giving her a gentle nudge before leaning down to press a soft kiss on the red heads lips. “Up, sleeping beauty, let’s see what the others are up to.”
The duo emerged from Misha’s quarters soon after, Kali still trying to process what happened until she heard Carrhae speak to her. “Uh...” She glanced over to Misha. “What did happen, red?”
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Misha's eyes slowly fluttered open. Her smile remained. Her eyes moved from Kali to the room, and she slowly sat up - looking up at her lovingly. "Hope you enjoyed treep. Always good to go back home. But, there ees steel work to be done. But for now, yes, let's go see others, ya?" She changed into her black half shirt and booty shorts and had a mighty stretch, her cut muscles popping out and flexing hard. With a pleased sigh, she followed Kali outside to see Carrhae. As always, she was looking in top physical form and was beautiful in her swimsuit.
"Hard to explain what heppened, chernika." Misha said, leaning against the deckrail. "You were part of ceremony of promotion. Surprised Taetanicus let you join, to be honest. Spiritual part of Acheronian society is only for Acheronians - no outside veeseetors. Even when Kapitan was on Acheron, had very streeck rules as to what she could do, could see. What you saw in the veesion is for you, and for you only. A dream of Acheronian past, present, and future. Some people Acheronians, like Taetanicus, as part of promotion, will grant us sight of his visions, so that we can understand what was, what ees, and what weel be. Most likely we saw the same theeng, and if that is true, Taetanicus was..concerned." Misha was lost in thought for a moment. Then, she snapped back to reality. "Well, ees ok."
"Congratulations on getting promoted! It's like I told you, you'd win glory in no time at all." She says, genuinely happy for her friend. "Yes, Acheron is very strict. Among other things, they denied me bikinis, and mimosas. Gods, how I missed mimosas." She says smiling, before noticing Misha's expression and growing serious. "Concerned? Is there a new issue? Something with the Suel Imperium?"
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Misha coughed up a little blood and wiped her face, helping a healed Kali aim at the ballista. "Come on..just a few more shots..!"
Acheronian **** Shit Upper Attack: 15 Damage: 9
She pumped her arm as the bolt impacted upon the weapon. "YES!" she said. "Ow.." she grimaced.
Round six Syltra calls lightning down once again on the ballista!
14 lighting, DC 15 for half, 5-foot splash
Spiritual Weapon attack on ballista if it’s still up, or anyone nearby if not, Attack: 15 Damage: 8
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Sana narrows her eyes and fires again at the ballista.
Attack: 14 Damage: 34
Attack: 19 Damage: 12
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Nice shot!" Carrhae hauls her pretty ass back to Misha and gives her 12 points of Lay on Hands. "See? Promised you." Then she runs back to Sana.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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ROUND SEVEN
BARNACLE
HULL: 263 (15 Threshold) AC:15
HELM: 50 AC:18
SAILS: INOPERATIVE
BALLISTA: INOPERATIVE
MANGONEL: INOPERATIVE
The Barnacle has been rendered subdued.
Syltra will continue to rain down lightning and force damage on any survivors, unless they fully surrender. “SURRENDER, OR YOU WILL ALL PAY FOR YOUR ARROGANCE!” She bellows over the storm she has created.
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Syltra, you can return! We've won!" Carrhae stands at the prow of the ship and addresses the
UglySalty Barnacle. "You have tried to assail our ship and rob us of our hard-earned treasure. The loss of life and damage that you've suffered are your just rewards for such aggression. But unlike you, we are not merciless thieves. Surrender and we'll notify the people of Saltmarsh so that they can deal with you. Continue fighting, and we'll send your ship down to the bottom of the sea where it can collect the barnacles it's named after. Choose wisely, there's worse places to be than prison." Once the enemies have surrendered and Syltra returns, Carrhae tells Chandor to plot a course for Saltmarsh. "We've taken damage in this fight. Misha and Wolf, I'll need you two to start working on repairing the Belle once we've returned to Saltmarsh, and if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could your contacts in Acheron get us another one of those cannons? Erriviel, start counting the loot and splitting it up for everyone. Once the work is finished, maybe we can take a break. Just a little one. Be proud of yourselves everyone. We've defended our lives, our home, and our pride. And we're all the richer for it."Carrhae heads up to Kali. "So, did my offer to blow off steam interest you at all?" She says, smirking flirtatiously.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Syltra doesn’t fire another bolt of lightning yet, but keeps it ready in case the crew doesn’t surrender peacefully.
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Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
As the battle commenced, Kali could be seen with a smile from ear to ear, even when the cannon blew up straight in their face. The pain was numbed by the pure adrenaline pumping in her veins to a point where she wasn't entirely sure why Carrhae had came over to touch her, but she didn't think too much on it and instead focused on Misha's call outs. With the final shots and the enemy ship looking dilapidated, the hybrid pulled away from the cannon with a proud holler. As the captain took care of the enemy ship, Kali, with her blood pumping, pulls Misha from wherever she is and plants a passionate kiss on the others lips, pulling away with an exhilarated smile. "We did it!"
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Misha wiped the last remaining soot off of her face and was feeling better thanks to Carrhae's lay on hands.
They had won.
She turned to Kali and laughed, holding her hand. She kissed her cheek. They did it. She accepted Kali's kiss eagerly. "We DID it!!"
She slowly got up and limped over to the broken cannon. It was completely in pieces. She kneeled down, wincing, and held her head down low. She said a small blessing.
"Dazhe vse nematerial'nyye veshchi sluzhat tseli. Spasibo za to, chto udostoili nas svoyey rabotoy, vy proslavili nas svoim sluzheniyem i znayete, chto perestali deystvovat' vo imya Beyna."
She opened her eyes, and smiled. She gave a large piece of the cannon a pat, and stood. "Good job, everyone." she said to the crew. "Sana, nice shooting, my love." She winced and put her hand on her side, her hand glowing red and her broken ribs mended nicely. She took in a very deep breath, the damage done to her from the cannon explosion washed away. "Much better." She went over to Kali and stayed next to her, making sure she was ok.
She wrapped her arms around her and didn't move for a long time.
EPILOGUE
Acheronian Command was pleased with Misha and her comrades killing the wanted Tharizdunian heretics. They were rewarded well. In addition, with the Abbey secure, and the pirate ship disabled, the Mariner's Guild was overjoyed once the Belle returned to Saltmarsh and reported the news. It Included Carrhae explaining how the Belle eliminated the remaining cultists, and the pirates they encountered at the end. The pirates were apprehended. The Isle of the Abbey was now safe for colonization and once again, the Belle was able to complete yet another assignment. Thus ended the exploration and liberation of..
THE ISLE OF THE ABBEY
As they sailed back, Carrhae felt stronger than ever. She looked toward Misha and smiled, knowing that her friend was proud of her for how strong she had become. Carrhae also looked at Kali, confident that she had tempted the blue beauty with promises of 'blowing off steam'
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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In the course of the journey back, Syltra lays the contents of the bag of holding, with all the treasure, out for Carrhae. “Our haul from the abbey,” she says. “For you to distribute as you like, cap’n!”
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Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
The total comes out to 4,520, which is enough for everyone to get 565 gold, except Misha who insists that honor is enough. Carrhae still gives her a big hug and a peck on the forehead. "Sana told me how you took on three cultists who snuck onto the Belle when we were away at the Abbey. I appreciate that." She takes one Potion of Healing and gives Kali the other. "In case someone needs a potion and I'm not there to give them one. Or if I need it and am too unconscious to give myself one. Or if you need it after taking too much punishment." And the bag of holding. "You seemed to take a liking to it and I'd imagine that you'd put it to good use. And look! It didn't even cost you any of your pay."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Carrhae has Chandor return to Saltmarsh. "Let's keep it simple. There's plenty of things that we can do in town and I imagine that we'll want to spend our new gold shopping." Before Carrhae leaves, she gives Syltra 500 gold to help cover the costs for Hallowing the ship. In the markets, she spends another 500 on a diamond, before buying herself a Mantle of Spell Resistance. And then she purchases some eye shadow, some oils and perfumes, a pair of earrings, and some new clothing. Once all that is finished, Carrhae sits back on the deck of the Belle in a bikini and starts sipping on mimosas.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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BELLE
As their latest assignment at Saltmarsh was over, Carrhae decided it was need for another vacation. This time they would stay at Saltmarsh. Misha spent time with Kali - growing more fond of her as the days went on. As they grew close, she didn't want to work out alone anymore, so offered to exercise with Kali as often as she could. They were competitive with each other, watching each other's form, pushing themselves harder, trying out new exercises and routines, and inspecting the progress of their work - usually in a sexy manner, much to Misha's happiness.
One morning, Acheronian Command contacted her. They had requested her presence back home yet again, and she had to return to give an update, as was their way. Misha looked up and gave Kali a sly grin. "Do you want to see my home? Come with me?" she nearly begged, the affection in her eyes, hoping she'd say yes. Kali did. Misha took her to her room, armored up, and activated the teleportation rune on the ground. Hugging Kali close, Misha hit a button on her armor. In a brilliant flash of red light, they were gone, and traveled to a place far, far away.
ACHERON
The first thing Kali felt was the wave of heat that struck her like a blow. This place was heavy, hot, and looking around, war torn. Misha allowed her a moment to look around, surely, this place was new to her, and stood patiently as Kali looked around. The land was mostly flat, the sky was red like a constant angry dawn. Overhead, debris and meteors gently scorched the sky as they passed, some of them impacting on the ground causing devastation. The sound of fighting and war was a low rumble, like white noise in the back of her head.
Beyond the red angry sky was a cosmos of stars and astronomical beauty, and for a moment Kali was breathless. Up in the sky were massive cube worlds slowly turning. Truly, they were someplace far away. Off in the distance, was a massive red star - mad, frustrated, and hot. Three Acheronian guards stood at attention by the teleportation sigil, and saluted when Misha turned to acknowledge them. Off in the distance was Banehold, capital of Acheron and Throne of The Lord General and Tyrant, Supreme Emperor and Commander Bane, the God of War. It was the most massive structure on the cube, and as Kali looked around, everything she saw was new - and Misha smiled, for at one time, it was the same feeling she felt on Kali's homeworld.
COMMAND
Misha took Kali by the hand and gave her an encouraging nod. "Come." she said, and led her to Acheronian Command. "My peeple may not accept you, nor will they speak een words you will understand. Stay close to me, and I weel do the talking. Do not get frustrated. We do not trust outsiders and my society is about domination and conquering. They weel look at you with curiosity and distrust. Remain calm, and do not show that you are annoyed or offended."
Acheronian Command was a massive military compound of soldiers, officers, readouts, and equipment. The walls were all black smooth stone. Acheronians came in all shapes and sizes, carrying mighty weapons and wearing armor that defied technology where Kali was from. A few times she saw men and woman thunder by, wearing what appeared to be power armor, three times their size, powered by technology and magic. Titanic war machines and countless Acheronian soldiers were about, as if at any moment ready to do battle. Never had Kali seen so much people and machines congregated in one spot, each with their commands, each with their function. As they walked inside, security systems scanned them, and the Acheronians would stare at both of them - Misha simply took the stares. Very few people would dare challenge or question a Prime, and Misha knew this - they were more concerned with the person she was with. All of Acheron knew and respected the Primes - created from the very soul of a God.
GENESIS
Misha guided Kali to a special area that was heavily protected. The guards, Praetorians, acknowledged Misha as she walked into a massive room with enormous organic breeding chambers. Most of them had some form of life inside them, and medical officers and technicians busied themselves with orders and commands. Large arcane readouts displayed health and other organic information, and the chambers seemed to go on for miles. A screaming newborn could be hear off in the distance. Kali had never seen anything like this, and looked around and with a face of curiosity and wonder.
"This is where I was created." Misha said softly. "Look." One of the chambers had a number of doctors and technicians around it, tending to a newborn that had been recently ejected. The hum of technology and magic was abundant in this massive subsection. At other chambers, technicians were inputting or changing data on readouts to exact specifications as small fetuses were grown inside the chambers. "Not many outsiders get to see this meeracle. We can create life! Bane truly is capable of such amazing wonders." A technician approached them, and gave Kali a look over, obvious, and unashamed. "vpechatlyayushchaya myshechnaya forma. Poteryal glaz. My mozhem eto ispravit'?" Misha laughed out loud and shoo'ed the technician away, who promptly returned back to work. She looked at Kali and rolled her eyes, as if what the technician said was just plain silly, and led her to another subsection.
PROMOTION
Taetanicus, the Legion Commander of the Primes. When he spoke, the room rumbled. He approached Misha and Kali, and Misha immediately fell to the floor in a low kneel and hung her head low. Misha tugged on Kali's pants and prayed she would follow her lead, unlike Carrhae did weeks ago. Thankfully, Kali did her best to copy Misha, and Misha nearly breathed audibly a sigh of relief. He stood towering over them for a long minute before he spoke.
"Praskovya, Kto eto?" Taetanicus, Lord of the Primes, demanded to know.
Misha kept her head down, her voice low, with respect. "Eto moye zhelaniye, Komanduyushchiy."
Taetanicus lifted Kali's chin up. Looked at her. Examined her. "Mischa, pochemu ty privel yeye syuda? My ne prinimayem postoronnikh. Vy znayete, chto eto protivorechit pravilam."
"Ona pomogla mne prodvinut' tvoyu volyu, moy Gospod'. Ona smelaya i sil'naya, otlichnyy boyets. khotya ona ne asheronyanin, ya zhelayu yeye. Moye serdtse v ogne dlya neye. YA khotel pokazat' yey moy dom." Misha explained humbly.
Taetanicus half turned, and gave her a warning. "Ne pozvolyayte svoim chuvstvam meshat' vypolneniyu vashikh obyazannostey. Priyti. Togda ona pomozhet nam s vashim vozneseniyem."
Misha nodded and rose. "Moya zhizn' dlya Beyna. Tvoya volya - moya dusha."
Misha gave Kali a swift look of relief and took her by the arm and followed Taetanicus. They were taken to a black circular room where other massive armored people formed a circle around Taetanicus, Kali, and Misha. In the center was a black onyx table. Misha laid on it. She gave Kali a warm smile and nodded. A servant brought a strange canister with oils and incense and lit it. Smoke rapidly rose and filled the room. Misha closed her eyes as Taetanicus took his thumb and pressed it on Misha's forehead. A mark remained, and glowed bright red, as if trying to burn into her mind, her soul. The smoke was thick, heavy. Misha breathed violently inward, accepted the smoke to enter her lungs. Taetanicus looked down at Kali, and nodded to do the same.
"S etogo momenta vy budete izvestny kak Imperator. Gordites' v etot den' vashego vozneseniya na komandovaniye. Teper', kogda vy videli, kak proshlo dva desyatiletiya ognya, vy uzhe ne rebenok. Dyshite glubzhe ot sna, kurite i slushayte. V etoy vashey pervoy poyezdke v budushcheye soldata ya podelyus' s vami bol'shoy zagadkoy nashego naroda, chtoby vy mogli v dal'neyshem uznat' svoye mesto vo vselennoy."
Misha and Kali had a vision. A vision of what was, a vision of what is, and a vision of what was to come. It was like drinking water from a running hose, and Kali could only stand there and reel as a deep, dark historical lesson in the form of a dream crashed and waved into her mind. She nearly stumbled from the dream, but Taetanicus kept her steady. He placed one hand on Misha's shoulder, and took Kali's hand and placed it on her other shoulder. As Taetanicus touched her temples, he spoke once more.
"Praksiya Mateyev idet. YA videl eto moi mechty, v moikh videniyakh. Vy dolzhny byt' gotovy. Primite videniye, i teper' primite silu, chtoby pobedit' nashikh vragov. Vy teper' Imperator."
RETURN
In a brilliant flash of light, Misha and Kali were returned to Toril. It was such a violent magical transport, Kali lurched in Misha's room as if she had tripped and caught herself. Her mind was hazy, filled with visions fading fast, like waking up and trying to remember a dream.
On the floor laying down on her back was Misha in the same position she was just in. She was peacefully sleeping.
She had a smile on her face.
From her comfy position on the top deck, Carrhae heard a muffled boom and a slight thud. Sounds like Misha got back from Acheron. Moments later, Carrhae sees Kali stumbling up to the top of the deck with a very apparent What-The-****-Did-I-Just-Witness expression. She smiles and pours a glass for her bewildered first mate. "I take it that Misha allowed you to accompany her to Acheron and you saw things that you couldn't comprehend. Want to talk about them in the company of someone who won't dismiss it as something you saw while under the influence?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Kali didn’t know what to expect during the trip to Acheron. She knew what Misha had told her about the plane, but actually being there was completely different than what she had imagined it to be. The hybrid did stay close to the native, listening to her advise and ultimately fell silent during their trip, even when she was observed by the scientist. Reminds me of the Sismic Project, she thought to herself bitterly before she cocked an eyebrow at the technician speaking words she didn’t understand. She’d inquire about it later, if given the chance.
She hadn’t anticipated in meeting one of the big wigs though. It was clear she wasn’t welcome here by the way he looked at her, assuming their conversation had been about her presence. Guess coming over for the holidays is out of the question, she quipped inwardly, do they even celebrate holidays? Wait, what are we doing—?
Kali was very much confused at everything going on but the least she could do was obey. Whatever he had asked of her she did readily with no hesitation, she only hoped it didn’t hurt Misha (which thankfully it didn’t look like it did). From how official it sounded she had to guess it was some sort of promotion? Jeesh. Would it kill these people to speak common?
When all was said and done and they were returned back to the plane Kali knew well, the barbarian rose from the ground with a forced smile. “Haha, what the **** just happened? ... Misha?” She turned and looked over the resting Acheronian, giving her a gentle nudge before leaning down to press a soft kiss on the red heads lips. “Up, sleeping beauty, let’s see what the others are up to.”
The duo emerged from Misha’s quarters soon after, Kali still trying to process what happened until she heard Carrhae speak to her. “Uh...” She glanced over to Misha. “What did happen, red?”
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Misha's eyes slowly fluttered open. Her smile remained. Her eyes moved from Kali to the room, and she slowly sat up - looking up at her lovingly. "Hope you enjoyed treep. Always good to go back home. But, there ees steel work to be done. But for now, yes, let's go see others, ya?" She changed into her black half shirt and booty shorts and had a mighty stretch, her cut muscles popping out and flexing hard. With a pleased sigh, she followed Kali outside to see Carrhae. As always, she was looking in top physical form and was beautiful in her swimsuit.
"Hard to explain what heppened, chernika." Misha said, leaning against the deckrail. "You were part of ceremony of promotion. Surprised Taetanicus let you join, to be honest. Spiritual part of Acheronian society is only for Acheronians - no outside veeseetors. Even when Kapitan was on Acheron, had very streeck rules as to what she could do, could see. What you saw in the veesion is for you, and for you only. A dream of Acheronian past, present, and future. Some people Acheronians, like Taetanicus, as part of promotion, will grant us sight of his visions, so that we can understand what was, what ees, and what weel be. Most likely we saw the same theeng, and if that is true, Taetanicus was..concerned." Misha was lost in thought for a moment. Then, she snapped back to reality. "Well, ees ok."
"Congratulations on getting promoted! It's like I told you, you'd win glory in no time at all." She says, genuinely happy for her friend. "Yes, Acheron is very strict. Among other things, they denied me bikinis, and mimosas. Gods, how I missed mimosas." She says smiling, before noticing Misha's expression and growing serious. "Concerned? Is there a new issue? Something with the Suel Imperium?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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