Session 6 Part 1 - Crypts

Coada’s eyes shot open as she sprang to her feet, drawing her weapon and freezing in place. Her breath hitched as she scanned the room, the warm fire sputtering before her, dusty bookshelves lining the walls. She turned to her seat. Ovar sat quietly, eyes wide, his book now closed in his hands. He watched her, giving a questioning nod as she calmed herself and plopped back down beside him.

She dropped her weapon with a thud and buried her face in her hands, trying to catch her breath. Ovar stood quietly and hurried out of the room, returning moments later with a decanter full of fire whiskey and two glasses. He poured one and handed it to her, sitting back down to wait for her to speak. Coada smiled softly at him.

"Thanks," she whispered, taking the glass from his hand and drinking deeply before continuing.

“I had a dream…” Coada hesitated, “No… That’s not it. I think I had a vision.”

Ovar raised an eyebrow. "How so?"

“It was a message from Arcea, I think. A warning.”

Ovar leaned in with intense focus. "What did you see?"

“I was looking over the city of Ysora,” Coada continued, “and there was an army of twisted creatures fighting our forces. Neither side was winning.”

Coada paused, staring into the fire. “I think it’s time,” she whispered.

“For?” Ovar asked.

“Time to get the kids—and you—out of Ysora. If this is a vision, I don’t want any of you here for what’s coming.” Her eyes were sharp with certainty.

Ovar nodded. “I can do that. When dawn comes, we’ll leave. You’ll handle things here?”

Coada nodded.

“Want me to send a message to Wora? She should know.”

Coada shook her head. “I’ll go to her.”

Ovar pulled her into a tight hug. “Just promise you won’t get yourself killed.”

Coada laughed softly, returning the hug. “Promise,” she said with a softened smile. “Get the kids out, and I’ll be sure to visit.”

“It’s a deal,” he said, standing. “I’ll start packing their things.”

Coada stood, mouthing a quiet "Thank you" as he left the room.

She turned back to the fire, her eyes fixed on the smoldering blaze. The low hum of the flames seemed to grow louder, the inferno twisting into the shape of that crimson moon, filling her vision. Coada stumbled back into her seat, her vision returning to the fireplace, now calm and familiar. She shook her head, picking up her weapon and sheathing it before leaving the room.

Ovar locked eyes with her as he passed by with a handful of bags, offering a reassuring nod. She responded in kind before stepping out into the crisp morning air.

Gnash startled awake to the sound of knocking at his door. He glanced out the window to see the dark sky tinged with the faintest pinkish dawn. Another frantic knock. “Coming!” he groaned as he rolled out of bed and stumbled down the stairs.

He opened the door cautiously. A dwarven man stood before him, tense and urgent. “Boss,” the man said, “You need to come see this. Quickly.”

Gnash nodded, shutting the door behind him, rushing upstairs to dress. Moments later, he stepped out onto the street, cigar freshly lit, and followed the dwarven man through the familiar Hilltop streets.

“This has to stop,” the dwarven man muttered. “There are too many of us are sufferin’, and the guards aren’t doin’ shit about it.”

“Another disappearance?” Gnash asked, staying close behind.

“Worse,” the man replied, stopping before a small cottage along a canal.

Gnash looked past the man as he paused the quiet street. A window on the first floor was shattered inward, and a trail of blood led into the waterway. Gnash placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and shifted his conciousness into Raphael’s form. The man, recognizing his movement, placed his hand on Gnash’s, leading them into a side street. Gnash jumped down and scurried through the broken window.

The room inside was dark and disheveled. Tables and chairs were overturned, dishes shattered, and small blood spatters led out of the room and up the stairs. Gnash followed the trail to a small bedroom, where the door had been shattered. Inside, more puddles of crimson were scattered around, and a dark trail led out the window.

Gnash returned to his own form and waited quietly for Raphael’s return.

“Well?” the man asked expectantly.

“This thing is getting bold,” Gnash hesitated. “Or desperate. Do you know how many?”

“At least three—Raina ‘n Jhouran Stremhald… and their son, Veroun.”

“Shit,” Gnash exhaled. “I’ll up the reward. Start spreading the word around town.”

The man nodded and hurried out of the alley. Gnash sighed deeply before following him. A guard had noticed the scene and had begun barking orders, calling out for other guards to assist him, and a small crowd was gathering as the pink sky lit the gore-streaked building. Gnash shook his head and sighed again before heading back towards the North Corner.

Sethie woke just before dawn, rolling over to see her sister still fast asleep. She smiled and gently brushed Zhera’s hair back. Zhera grumbled and rolled over. Sethie smiled, stretching and letting out a long yawn as she sat up and began quietly dressing for the day. Her mother peeked in as Sethie picked up her pack and turned towards the door.

“Up early?” Orianna asked.

Sethie smiled. “Going to meet up with Coada and Sumayya. I should be back later today.”

Orianna smiled softly. “Well, have fun and stay safe.”

Sethie nodded, hugging her mother as she passed, then trotted down the stairs and out into the city. The air smelled cold and bit into her lungs. Sethie stifled a cough as she made her way toward the city center, the dark blue sky now fading to pink, dotted with clouds heavy with moisture.

It was a brisk walk, Sethie humming as she passed the old wall and entered the heart of the city. Soon, she reached the city center, where life was just beginning to stir. Her brow raised when she saw Coada and Sumayya already waiting by the fountain. “And here I thought I was early!” she called cheerfully.

Sumayya smiled softly, nodding hello beneath a heavy cloak. Coada gave a curt nod.

Sethie paused, narrowing her eyes. “Everything okay?” she asked.

Sumayya glanced at Coada. “I wondered the same thing,” she murmured.

“It’s fine,” Coada growled. “Let’s just get this job done, and we can talk after.”

Sumayya shrugged and stood, moving to Sethie’s side. Sethie squinted at Coada before relenting. “Sure,” she said softly. “After.”

Coada sighed in relief as she led the pair out of the Town Center and into Kings Run, a small area of tightly packed buildings far grander than other parts of the city with fine marble and ornate statues littering the area, leading to a large courtyard before the castle gates. To the south of the courtyard stood an old temple, expertly preserved and seemingly from a long-lost era, its grey marble columns detailed with spiraling vines carved deeply into the stone.

Coada led them around to the left side, into a covered walkway stretching out into a quiet courtyard surrounded by small cottages. She turned right, following the temple wall, and groaned at the sight of a young elven man with olive skin, short white hair, and ruby red eyes. He smirked viciously at the sight of her.

“Ah, the filth has come to visit us higher-ups, I see!” he sneered. “And they come in packs now, too.”

“Remuth, now is not the time,” Coada growled.

“Now, now,” he laughed as he passed her, surveying the trio. “I can always make time for you.”

Coada fumed but remained quiet, trying to avoid making a scene. Remuth smirked, eyeing Coada and then Sethie. His smile faltered as he saw Sumayya, and he hesitated, looking her up and down with confusion. Finally, he turned back to Coada.

“Anyways,” he muttered, “You’re not worth my time right now.” He stormed off.

“What was that about?” Sethie whispered.

Coada leaned in. “That was Remuth. He’s an awful person, and if I’m right, Sumayya’s half-brother.”

“Let’s hope you’re wrong,” Sumayya sighed. “I don’t want to be related to that.”

Coada nodded in agreement as she turned to continue around the back of the temple. Near the end of the walkway, Coada paused, turning to Sumayya and Sethie, gesturing to a small landing with a stairwell leading downward. “After you,” she said, looking toward Sumayya.

Sumayya nodded and descended the stairs, followed closely by Sethie and Coada. At the bottom of the stairs, the old stone doors glided open silently as Sumayya pressed through into a small burial chamber, lined with ancient tomb effigies, now severely faded by time. The three spread out to search the quiet crypt. Sumayya traced the walls down a small hallway, which looped back to the main chamber. Sethie and Coada searched the tombs carefully.

“Anything?” Sumayya asked as she circled back through the crypt. Coada and Sethie shook their heads.

Sumayya pondered for a moment before tracing her way back along the wall, looking for any sign of a hidden hatch. At the back of the crypt, she paused, noticing the slightest crack between the floor and a small section of the wall. She knelt, placing her wrist to the gap, feeling the faintest breeze. Sumayya smiled. “I’ve got something!” she called.

Sethie and Coada hurried over as Sumayya began fiddling with the wall. “I think this is some sort of door,” she muttered.

Sethie stepped beside her and began tracing the old carvings. With a click, the eye of one of the figures carved into the wall sunk in, and the stone shifted. The two women exchanged smiles before pushing the old stone door open. It groaned loudly, the centuries of neglect making their presence known as cold, stagnant air flooded the crypt.

“Well, well.” Sumayya hummed as she stepped into the narrow passage that stretched downward into darkness. Sethie and Coada stepped inside close behind, the air heavy with silence.

The old stone sloped gently downward before opening into a large room. Sumayya paused, surveying the dark space ahead, littered with rubble and massive spider webs. A heavy silence fell over the party. Suddenly, something large moved in the left corner. Sumayya took a deep breath, drawing her weapons quietly. She pressed her thumb against the main blade until her blood began to flow, dancing along the cold steel, imbuing it with her crimson rites. Darkness enveloped her, and in the blink of an eye, she was gone—now standing before the dark shape, her blades mid-swing.

An awful screech rang through the crypt as Sumayya’s blades sliced through the side of her target. Her blood now burned like flame along the blade. The dim light revealed a giant spider. She readied another strike just as the spider lunged, missing her by mere inches. A sharp pain flooded Sumayya’s back as another giant spider dropped from above, sinking its fangs into her spine. Coada charged forward, drawing her blade as a dozen younger spiders burst from the webs, beginning to swarm Sumayya.

Sethie called out, drawing her instrument and casting words of healing to Sumayya, who continued to be battered from all sides. Sumayya swung again, striking the first spider with deadly precision, but the spider retaliated, piercing her arm as she pulled away. Sumayya gasped in pain as the poison coursed through her arm and back. The second spider lunged again, but she was ready, ducking to the side of its attack.

Coada fought her way through the smaller spiders, cutting them down. Sethie followed, casting a bolt of fire from her instrument, striking the second spider. Sumayya swung again, striking true through the first spider's head, causing it to fall to the ground with a sickening splatter. The second spider charged once more, catching her leg as she jumped backward. The poison flooded her system. Coada continued cutting through the remaining spiders, and Sethie ran forward, her voice battling the poison in Sumayya's veins.

Sumayya staggered briefly before charging at the creature, piercing deep into its side as the edges of her vision began to darken. Coada lunged between them, slicing through the spider’s abdomen with brutal strength. Her blade crashed into the ground as the spider stumbled back, collapsing lifelessly. Sumayya staggered forward, her vision fading, when a wave of healing energy washed over her. Sethie hummed gently as she caught Sumayya and steadied her. Coada positioned herself protectively between them as they waited.

Silence.

The three exhaled in relief as Sumayya gathered herself. Sethie softly sang in the darkened room, chasing the poison from Sumayya's veins. “Thank you,” Sumayya whispered.

Sethie nodded, continuing her work as Coada began to explore the old room. It was far older than the rest of the crypt, with broken benches scattered around and a small altar against the far wall. There were no relics of note in sight. Coada looked down a small hall branching off to the left of the altar, where more tombs lined the walls and a tight corridor led deeper. She looked back at Sumayya and Sethie. The pair nodded in response and began to follow Coada cautiously down the corridor.

The cold stone was old and heavily worn by time. The faint echoes of carvings could be felt on the dusty walls, but their meanings had long been lost. The path stretched about 20 feet before opening into a small room with a large ornate tomb and a heavily faded effigy resting atop it. Sumayya and Coada approached the tomb cautiously.

“Maybe there’s something here,” Coada whispered.

Sumayya nodded and leaned on the tomb’s top, while Coada followed suit. They gingerly cracked the tomb open with a low grinding sound. Inside, there was only dust, fragments of clothing, and a strange pendant. Sumayya reached in, carefully retrieving the small stone piece. It was square with faded writing, now unreadable, carved along the edge. In the center, three spirals were etched deeply into the stone, meeting in the middle.

Coada and Sethie watched as Sumayya studied the pendant. After a moment, she looked up at them, shrugged, and pocketed the stone. “Shall we?” Sumayya asked, gesturing down the hallway.

“Sounds good,” Sethie smiled, beginning to walk back down the corridor and out of the crypt. Coada's eyes narrowed as she focused on Sumayya. Sumayya shrugged and followed Sethie out. Coada waited for a moment, bowed her head to the open tomb, and gently slid it shut before joining her party.

Sethie and Sumayya waited patiently outside as Coada ascended the steps.

“So, about this morning?” Sethie inquired with a smile.

Coada shook her head. “Not just yet. Follow me.”

Sumayya and Sethie followed quietly as Coada led them around the small courtyard, stopping at each cottage to read the plaques beside each door. About halfway through, she breathed a sigh of relief and knocked on a door. A long silence caused Coada's chest to tighten, but then the door clicked open, and Wora peeked out.

Sethie and Sumayya exchanged glances, now understanding. Coada began, “Sorry for the surprise visit. Do you have a moment?”

Wora smiled warmly. “For you? Always.” She swung the door open, ushering the party into the small kitchen, where they took their seats.

“So,” Wora began, “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Sumayya leaned back into her seat, looking expectantly at Coada, while Sethie laughed. “I think we’re all eager to know at this point.”

Coada placed her elbows on the table, leaning forward with somber intensity. “I had a vision last night. From Arcea.”

Wora snorted. “You’re joking. No one has received direct communication from the gods in over a thousand years.”

Coada’s gaze darkened. “I’m well aware,” she replied.

Wora’s smile faded.

“It’s war. It’s coming to Ysora. Dark and twisted creatures fighting against our holy warriors,” Coada continued.

“How soon?” Sumayya asked.

“Not sure, but it felt urgent.”

“I need to get my family out then,” Sethie added.

Coada nodded. “We’ll go there after, make sure they get out safely.”

“Also,” Coada added, “There was a moon. Lauthrious had a moon.”

“A moon?” Sethie snorted. Sumayya’s brows raised.

“You need to tell Umeran,” Wora said firmly.

Coada shook her head. “I don’t know. It’s not something I should—”

Wora cut in. “Coada, this is huge. You need to speak to the high priest.”

“Well, why me?” Coada growled. “Look at me. I’m a lower priestess of the church and a yuan-ti. Why would they even believe me?”

“All I see is one of Arcea’s most loyal servants, who has fought to serve her against all odds and was rewarded for her dedication by becoming her chosen messenger.” Wora smiled.

Coada wrinkled her nose, mocking her. “You know I’m telling the truth,” Wora continued.

“I just don’t want that. I don’t want to be known as anything,” Coada argued.

“Not your choice to make.” Wora barked.

“I’ll think about it, okay?”

“Deal.” Wora smiled, then looked to Sumayya and Sethie. “While I have you, I have some tickets to the Winter Tournaments. Would you two like to join me?”

Sethie and Sumayya exchanged confused looks. “Oh, don’t worry about Coada. I know when she needs to blow off steam. I’ll see if I can pull some strings to get her in the novice fight, and we can watch!” Wora winked.

Sethie smiled. “That would be lovely. Thank you!”

Sumayya nodded in agreement.

“That’s settled, then! I’ll meet you at the arena tomorrow! Coada knows the time and place!”

Coada smirked. “I look forward to it.”

Wora laughed. “Oh, I know you do,” she jested. “Now, I do need to ask that you excuse me—I do have a job after all.”

Coada smiled and stood, pulling Wora into a tight hug. Wora returned in kind, pulling Sumayya and Sethie into the embrace as well. They said their goodbyes and returned to the city streets.

“Let’s go let your family know as soon as possible,” Coada urged as they stepped into the bustling streets. Sethie nodded.

“You all go ahead,” Sumayya responded. “I need to drop this off.”

Coada and Sethie nodded, Sumayya as she continued south into the merchant district. She passed the Iron Wall, turning west toward the docks.

“You do quick work,” a familiar breathy voice called from an alley as she passed.

Sumayya stopped, looking disinterestedly down the alley. “Fairs, wasn’t it?”

“The very same.” Fairs stepped out of the alley, her skin a rich chestnut with short dark hair, brown eyes, and sharp elven features.

“Neat trick,” Sumayya responded flatly.

“Hm,” Fairs smiled. “Any luck with your little fetch quest?”

Sumayya pulled the pendant from her pouch and tossed it to Fairs, who began inspecting it closely. “I must say,” Fairs said after a moment, “You actually didn’t disappoint. This is pre-coalescence. It’ll fetch a nice price.”

Fairs pocketed the pendant and tossed a small pouch into Sumayya’s hands. “Your fee,” she mumbled, turning back down the alley behind a small shop. Sumayya pocketed the pouch and waited a moment before turning to rejoin her party.

Sethie hurried toward her home with Coada close behind, cutting through the bustling crowds and tight streets into the North Corner. Coada followed closely, glancing around as they passed. Soon, they arrived at Orianna’s. Sethie paused at the door, taking a deep breath before entering.

The storefront was empty. Sethie hesitated, a brief panic flashing behind her eyes, until she heard a familiar voice from upstairs, followed by Orianna’s laugh. “Mom?” She called.

“Oh, welcome back,” Orianna called from above. “Come on up, Sethie.”

Sethie looked at Coada briefly, who shrugged in confusion. Sethie laughed. “Come on, looks like we have someone for you to meet. You guys are going to love each other.” she whispered with a tinge of sarcasm.