Interlude V: The Crawling Chaos

"Interlude V: The Crawling Chaos" is episode 44 of SuperQuest Saga. Echo, Persephone, Primina, Sebastian, and the crew of The Brunhilde get a moment to decompress. Sebastian finally checks in with Captain Davarax and The Iron Legion, and then Archduke Ramazall checks in with him. Watt gives a PowerPoint Presentation. Persephone drinks some tea and has another vision of the Galactic Spirit. Echo finally calls home. The crew gathers to listen to some files recovered from Carter's computer.

A Transmission:
"This is Dalkon Tere, captain of The Cardinale, requesting immediate assistance. We are under assault by elven forces. Repeat! We are under assault by elven forces. Engines failed... Life support is critical... Descent towards Segojan and catastrophic impact are inevitable. Requesting assistance from any vessel in range. We are a civilian craft, there are over sixty working citizens of the U.F.S.S. onboard with their families. This is not a war vessel. Repeat! !his is not a war vessel! The elves are moving on Segojan... We need assistance, we need-"

Introduction

 * Will Stark shall be your chaotic dungeon master for this evening.
 * Josh Freeland is playing Sebastian Crenshaw, half-orc paladin
 * Your Special Guest Jake is playing Persephone Goldpetal the firbolg Druid
 * Brian is a wizard in space. Codename: Echo

Recap
The party had narrowly escaped local law enforcement on Outlaw’s Horizon after beating two of The Freelancers, The Mystic and The Fury, upon their return from a week-long venture into the Voidharrow. They made a jump on The Brunhilde and are on their way to Shardlar.

Per Article XII
In Sebastian’s quarters he is having a holo-conference with Captain Arvan Davarax, his commanding officer in The Iron Legion. Captain Davarax is relieved to hear from him, as Sebastian was supposed to be providing regular reports but due to recent circumstances was unable to check in until now. They exchange pleasantries and updates. Captain Davarax shares that the war is not going as well as The Iron Legion had hoped, the coalition between multiple nations is struggling to match the might of the Elven Empire. Sebastian provides a summary of his written report that he will submit per Article XII.

After leaving the Athenium the party headed to Manzecoor deep in Illithid space using the Aegis system The Iron Legion helped fund. On Manzecoor they did find The Sahandrian and found the bodies of its captain, Anaduir, and his crew. They also discovered a video of an illithid ship being attacked and going through some sort of portal. This ship resembled the craft that the party traveled on previously. They listened to Anaduir’s last recording before his death and it was revealed that Zahn betrayed the elves and gave the illithids classified information that would spell doom for us all. In this recording they learned of Egress Laboratory, Zahn’s workplace, and its location.

At Egress Laboratory the party found multiple experiments including a jet propulsion system using Pulsar Dragons, Sebastian managed to recover some of that information that he shared with Watt and will share with The Iron Legion as well. They also discovered numerous “Primina Prototypes,” vats of failed iterations of Primina. They found some clues left behind by Zahn that pointed to the world of Shardlar, and evidence that the elven Emperor was seeking a hidden power in the lost city of Kadath that would spell doom for the whole galaxy. There is evidence of an old god who also seeks to unlock this power.

As they left the laboratory they discovered a sleeper cell within their ranks, Carter. He joined a group of corrupted Illithids, Sebastian believes that Carter’s mind was also corrupted, and turned on the group. Davarax finds this news distressing. Sebastian reports they were able to fight their way out but Carter escaped. If Sebastian sees Carter again he swears it will end differently. The party was able to escape Manzecoor with the help of some different, seemingly uncorrupted illithids. Their parting words were that “The child of The Prime should leave and never return. A crawling chaos has taken too many and now has the keys to Kadath, that lost city.” And a warning that they should hide away. Sebastian still believes they have a chance to stop this impending doom.

As The Brunhilde fled Manzecoor they were intercepted and held captive by the Elven Empire on a ship belonging to one of the Six Justice Saints. Davarax asks how they managed to escape. Sebastian reveals they met someone working on the inside, Echo, an elf that more resembled Old World elves than the others they’ve encountered. Echo freed them and helped lead the search for Primina, but by the time they located her cell she was already gone. Sebastian asks Davarax if he is familiar with Lord Saturos, Davarax knows him by reputation but has not met him. Sebastian explains that previously on Outlaw’s Horizon Lord Saturos gave Primina a business card that she could use to call a favor from him, and they deduced that’s what she had done before they arrived. Davarax is impressed that Saturos’s magic was able to penetrate the wards on the elven vessel.

Sebastian reports that once they were free of the elven vessel they returned to Outlaw’s Horizon and met Mr. Xaserbane Night at the Virus Bright Casino. Lord Saturos was nowhere to be found but Mr. Night informed them that he was probably at his palace in Kaebooros. Davarax’s eyes widen but he doesn’t say anything. At this point the party asked for Mr. Night’s assistance in saving Primina, and he agreed to escort them through The Voidharrow. After traveling through hell the party arrived at the palace and Lord Saturos was not there, but there was evidence Primina was inside. They were able to get inside and discovered Lord Saturos was trying to make Primina his bride against her will. While they tried to escape through a portal, Lord Saturos appeared and they did battle but before the battle concluded Archduke Ramazall appeared to stop the confrontation.

At this point he spoke to Lord Saturos and ordered him to let Primina go because she would bring doom to all of hell if she stayed. Sebastian believes that whatever powers are searching for Primina has hell scared as well. Lord Ramazall allowed the party to live and return to Outlaw’s Horizon. Sebastian confesses that the chaos at Hawking Harbor was the party. Davarax figures as much, and he understands they did what they had to do to escape. Sebastian concludes by reporting they are en route to Shardlar to see what kind of mysteries they can unfold and what Zahn was working on there. He hopes they can make it there before Carter and the Illithids, since Carter has the same information they do.

Doom Starts Playing
Davarax tells Sebastian that since they heard no reports from him they believed he had gone underground or was captured, but he was not expecting this much activity. He asks for confirmation that Carter, the human, betrayed the party and now serves the illithids. Sebastian believes that whatever corrupted the illithids has corrupted Carter as well. Davarax asks if he believes it is tied to the power the Emperor is searching for or the old god that was mentioned in Zahn’s reports. Sebastian thinks the old god is the one corrupting them and using them as pawns to unlock the power to get to Kadath. Davarax reveals that for the last couple months all illithid activity has ceased and all reports along the border have gone silent. Though the illithids are presumed to be neutral, Davarax asks if Sebastian thinks the illithids can be expected to take advantage of the situation with the war. Sebastian thinks they may take an opening if one is presented.

Davarax has heard reports that confirm Sebastian’s account, The Amlath' Hana was forced to retreat after a battle. He finds their expedition into Kaebooros to be the most disturbing part of the tale. Through his time in the church Davarax has heard of this place, and he asks how they survived. Sebastian asks himself the same thing, he’s not sure. Davarax presses about Ramazall just letting them leave. Sebastian attempts to obscure the truth, stating that after some conversation Ramazall let them leave with their lives. Davarax stares at Sebastian for a moment and his eye begins to narrow.

He says: “Corporal Crenshaw, this is an exceedingly grim and serious matter. I need you to tell me now and to tell me truthfully. Are you still a free and faithful follower of Dominion and The Legion? Or have you consigned your fealty to some other foul power.”

Sebastian responds that just like many others that follow Dominion he searches for more power. At this point the only way for them to end this conflict is for Sebastian to gain more power. By doing so he’s here to serve The Iron Legion still, but with this additional power, to protect all those around him and end this threat of this Crawling Chaos. Davarax rebukes him, calling him a fool. Sebastian has exchanged his potential for ambition and mastery to nothing but slavery to a power he cannot define or control. Sebastian has turned his back on the Legion. Sebastian asserts that he is doing this to help the Legion. Davarax is forced to report this to the officers above him, it is out of his hands. He has nothing more to say, and ends the call.

Sebastian goes to meditate, to take in and process everything that he’s experienced recently and taken upon himself. He’s doing what he thinks is best for everybody, and will continue to convince himself that this is the correct path to take to save Primina and save the world, maybe even find a way home.

Lord Ramazall sends Sebastian a vision in his dreams. Sebastian finds himself atop a hill amidst a battlefield of ancient medieval designs. Around him are strewn the bodies of the fallen, mangled, and bloodied. Smoke fills a blood red sky and the sound of marching boots fills the air. Below him at the foot of the hill stands an army of faceless soldiers, and they march against him. In unison they charge, spears and swords raised, coming to claim him. And within his chest Sebastian feels the swell of exhilaration, he reaches out his hand and summons forth a blade of smoke and fire. Alone, he charges down the hill hitting the frontline soldiers like a storm hitting a stack of papers. The soldiers scatter before him and with his infernal blade he sweeps and strikes, killing dozens on either side of him. As the sword passes through their bodies, like a hot knife on butter, their eyes burn out like black smoke. Those who stand in his ways are tinder and he is the flame. The bodies of the dead lay about him. The bodies of his enemies. Elves, men, Illithid, warforged, all with burnt out eyes. A voice from the sky is heard. “You will give me souls.” and he awakens in a cold sweat.

A SpaceNN Broadcast:
"''More on the conflict that is becoming known as The Great Galactic War. The Goblinoid Republic of Acheron has become involved in the hostilities as they have officially formed an alliance with The Draconic Star Sovereignty and declared war on The Cyber Federation, the Elven Empire’s historic and political ally. This is a move long predicted by stellar political experts as the Goblinoid Republic and Cyber Federation have had ongoing hostility over the last century. After the fall of major U.F.S.S. planet Segojan last week, the tactics of the Holy Elven Empire have become increasingly clear. By conquering Syllog, the historic breadbasket of non-Elven nations, and moving to Segojan it is speculated that Elven forces are aiming on cutting a dividing line through U.F.S.S. space towards the galaxy’s center. By seizing an indispensable resource planet while making transit between distant regions increasingly difficult, the Empire may be looking to starve the U.F.S.S. of manpower, food and transportation. The Star Sovereignty is currently working on assisting the U.F.S.S. with transportation of necessary resources, and rumors of a coordinated counter attack to push imperial forces out of U.F.S.S. territory is underway. Unconfirmed reports claim there have been sightings of one of the three Nova Kings leaving Neo-Arkhosian space. The current estimations of loss of life are not entirely reliable. Experts calculate between 1.5 and 2 million have been killed in action with 4 million wounded in the preceding months…"''

Small Talk
Persephone, Primina, and Watt have been going over the information and evidence the party has found on their journey and spend some time just chatting in Watt’s workshop. Watt has danced around the conversations on the bigger topics, sticking to small talk. Watt expresses happiness at having Primina back and safe, and he asks how she is and how she is holding up. Prim says about as well as one would expect from someone who is a galaxy-wanted criminal, may be the cause of galactic war, and has just come back from hell, but it is nice to be home. Percy is also good, she, too, is a wanted fugitive and a known killer of all things elf and otherwise but she’s worried about Prim and her powers. The patterns on Primina’s skin have changed, they are still symmetrical but it is like they’ve been rearranged. Watt has done a sketch but no one can make anything of it, and she can’t seem to transform. Prim feels fine, she is unsure why she can’t transform but is not too concerned since she never had great control over it anyway.

Primina is grateful for everything they did to get her back and will never be able to repay them. Percy says she’s part of the family so repayment is not necessary, they’re not just going to let some nasty devil guy trap her. Watt thought they had lost her, like they’ve lost so many in this lifetime. He confesses that it has been a lot, but constantly being on the run and being caught up in some universal mystery has kept him distracted. Losing Prim brought all those feelings of grief back. Watt thanks Percy and Sebastian for bringing her home. Primina’s return as well as seeing Dag and Dirk alive were nice spots of good news amid all the bad news.

Watt's Conspiracy Theory PowerPoint
While everyone was away, Watt compiled all the information they had and started trying to connect the dots. As one would expect this all begins with Primina, Watt is fairly certain her name is a reference to The Prime itself, which is, as far as he knows, the progenative world from which all life stems, likely the world from which Percy and Sebastian came from. They know Prim is an artificially created being, created by the scientist Archimedes Zahn with the technology and support of three governments at his beck and call. The Elven Empire, The Cyber Federation, and The Illithid Empire. Now this is a remarkable event as the illithids are openly hostile to all other nations and historically so towards the elves. Meanwhile the Holy Empire is a tyrannical military magical powerhouse with little benevolent intent behind any of their known actions. What could bring these two to a common cause is a question that needs to be answered regardless of the fact that we know the arrangement did not work between the two.

Now they do have a likely motive behind Dr Zahn’s involvement in Primina’s creation. Madame Malidala provided them with his research paper “The Quintessential Theory of Genetic Apotheosis.” Percy puts up her bracer jack to Spoogle (Space Google) it really quickly. Watt explains it is the achievement of the highest developmental stage of any one thing. In philosophical literature it is commonly used to refer to the process of becoming a deity. Zahn was obsessed with the concept since his youth and his theory speculates that eight species of humanoid alive today carry the remnants of divine genetic code from pre-Prime deities; Human, Tiefling, Aasimar, Genasi, Dwarf, Elf, Dragon, and Goblin. The proper manipulation of such genomes could be the secret to immortality and even true divinity. Apparently the Elven Empire believed Zahn was on to something. Based on blood tests conducted on Prim, results show that she has eight times the amount of genetic code as the average humanoid and that her code is sixteen unstable helixes kept from cascading failure by nanotech more advanced than anything Watt has seen before. They also know that there are eight species with divine bloodlines Zahn was interested in, the same eight he entered the Black Ziggurat on Namulith with, where the ninth bloodline was discovered; Orcs.

The orcs were wiped out so long ago most do not remember they ever were. Watt proposes that Primina and her predecessors were Zahn’s attempt at creating a being close to something resembling a god, and finding out he was missing an important piece of the puzzle drove him to create the nanotech to stabilize the eight genomes as a replacement for the missing ninth. Primina is a successful result. She gives off readings very similar to Aetherium. Watt asks if they know the ancient word for Aetherium, what it was once called long ago. Their blank stares tell him they don’t. Once long ago it was called Godstone, he is not sure what the connection is but he doubts it is a coincidence.

This brings them to the next question. Why would the Elven Empire spend all this money and work with state enemies to fund a scientist’s ridiculed theory? Elves already have biological immortality, their ruler has power unto a god himself and the people truly believe him to be divine. For this Watt turns to The Legend of the Prime and the Source, the nursery tale that Zahn recited to Primina in her youth. The story of the nine monarchs that leave behind a treasure of unsurpassed value.

Zahn claimed in his message on Manzecoor that this story was true, albeit misrepresented. The monarchs in the tale refer to deities, likely the nine tied to these sacred bloodlines, and the treasure they left behind was their power. Zahn mentions the lost city of Kadath, Watt has found no information on this city or anything under this moniker. According to the tale the only way to claim the lost treasure, city, power, is by the return of the nine bloodlines to the place they hid it. The nine bloodlines no longer exist, there are only eight. Primina was probably created as an artificial key to attempt to trick the gate, door, portal, or whatever it is, into opening. But without the ninth bloodline it failed.

So the illitihids built a time machine, despite scientific evidence that this should be impossible, using Primina as a power source. In Anaduir, son of Jiandar’s last message this is the point where the illithid/elven relationship sundered. The Emperor wanted the orcs to stay extinct at all costs, perhaps out of fear. Why did the illithids assist the elves in their endeavor to claim some unknown power in the first place? Zahn’s final message claims there is some dark and ancient force beyond the stories at play here. Watt suggests it is possible the illithids and elves were united in their fear of said entity, but they need more information to be sure. There is definitely something unsettling about how certain events have played out.

According to Primina, the time traveling mission was a complete failure; the ship crash-landed killing all but herself and putting her in a deep stasis. Yet a member of the ninth bloodline happened to wander right onto the ship and awaken her. And one of the three individuals to travel back into the future with her, individuals who for all intents and purposes had no ties or knowledge of this future universe, is suddenly secret allies with the illithids, whom he has never theoretically met, and betrays the party after they had just been lured as far from safety as possible. Watt is convinced it is not a coincidence that they knew The Brunhilde would be there, even with the Aegis hiding their location. Something is still missing, so now they head to Shardlar to find the answers.

Watt apologizes for his lengthy presentation, but since so much has happened he thought it would be helpful to put the pieces together. Persephone admits that once it is all laid out she can see there is some shifty stuff happening. She mentions the murals they found in the Black Ziggurat depicting images of the dark entity the orcs worshiped and notes the dark figure, crawling chaos, keeps recurring. She reveals she had a vision from the Galactic Spirit of the giant darkness swallowing stars and millions of people dying. Watt agrees the vision ties very neatly in with all the other information they received. He notes it is disturbing to see the murals with the orcs worshiping some dark entity, perhaps this is the same entity Carter betrayed the party for and that the illithids were with. He finds it hard to discern what is truth and what is a lie. Persephone assumes this entity has remained nameless because it does not want to be known. Watt agrees that based on Zahn’s recording it seems this being has been hidden for at least 100,000 years. He hopes that whatever Zahn left Primina on Shardlar can help connect the dots. Watt decides it is enough talk of this and suggests they all get a drink. Persephone hugs Primina and lets her know that the party is on her side, they will kill anyone they have to to keep her safe. Primina is thankful but feels there has been more than enough death already, she just wants to stay focused so they can reach the end of this, whatever that may be. Percy assures her that they have her back, and Primina returns the sentiment.

Tea Time
Persephone gathers some of her mushrooms and blends it with her special tea, she burns some sage in her room and prepares to enter her spiritual sphere.

She awakens on the surface of her spiritual spear, the wide ocean and open sky lit by stars with the galaxy above. She is left with her thoughts for quite some time so she sits down to enjoy the peace and reflect. After about an hour or so Persephone hears the call of the Galactic Spirit as she sails down to Persephone’s spiritual sphere. The Galactic Spirit is so massive she takes up the whole horizon with her form. This time instead of kneeling down or landing beside Persephone, the Galactic Spirit lands behind her looking up at the stars above as she lets out a cry. The skies begin to shift and the stars stream past as they move outward until Persephone has a view of the entire galaxy. She watches as lights begin to go out, she has seen this before, representing the war. The Galactic Spirit cries in pain and looks up, Persephone looks up with her.

There is a roiling, bubbling darkness, more massive than the galaxy as a whole, descending down and wrapping its tendril-like extensions down to grab the galaxy. Then there is a shining beacon of light from above the galaxy on the very outskirts between it and the darkness. The light shines brighter than any star Persephone has seen in her life. The darkness reels back as it comes up against this bright light. It moves forward again, pressing against this barrier that seems to come from this one shining light and extends around the entire galaxy. The Galactic Spirit cries again and Persephone’s vision zooms all the way into the light so she can see a shining, sprawling city of crystal and light. Suddenly she is sucked back into her original position and the light goes out. The barrier cracks and, when it does, not just the barrier cracks but it seems the reality holding the stars and space together begins to crack, and then it shatters. As it shatters Persephone is descended into darkness and she awakes in a cold sweat.

A Broadcast:
"''As the war continues to ravage the galaxy more and more victims and onlookers ask themselves one question: Why? What really sparked the conflict that has now embroiled so many nations into galactic war? Was this fight truly an inevitable clash of super powers unable to coexist peacefully? Was the terrorist incident involving the infamous Primina and Sebastian Crenshaw a fabrication like the D.S.S claims? Or is there a deeper conspiracy concealed beneath this story. Little information about either alleged criminal can be found through any legitimate avenues and for all intents and purposes these two now galaxy-famous individuals seem to have materialized from thin air. No previous records of their birth, life, education, criminal records, or citizenship have been provided by every single inquiry. If not for the countless sightings, and reports, and video footage of certain incidents involving the duo and their cohorts one would begin to believe that they were a complete fabrication altogether. Now get this, the two have been spotted in various locations through the galaxy accompanied by an albino, female firbolg, or singer, and a male human. Since their initial departure from Outlaw’s Horizon they have become involved in the Blood Gala Tournament on Nomog-1’s Starworm City which they won and fled with the 100,000 credit prize. Now I’ve heard unconfirmed rumors reported that they were spotted on Zovra a short time later, and though there is no hard evidence, the bounty hunter group, The Black Scale Crushers, were found murdered at a local harbor. The Crushers were known to be actively hunting this group. Then we have reliable reports of sightings on Syllog and again in Outlaw’s Horizon of the group fighting, and get this, the legendary bounty hunting guild, The Freelancers. The freakin’ Freelancers are after these guys! Whether the crimes of this group are a fabrication or not, someone, somewhere, wants their capture at all costs. Who are these guys and what is it they know, or have done to justify the start of the most terrible war seen in over 1,000 years? And with the refusal of Primina, Sebastian Crenshaw, and their group to turn themselves in, one must ask if the blood of millions is on their hands."''

We are Angels and You Know This!
Echo takes some time to sort out the situation and his new companions. Persephone and Sebastian are from the past, Watt and Victoria are from the now, Primina is from a laboratory, and there is a big blob thing eating the stars, so they’re going to Shardlar to follow Dr. Zahn. It’s all very scary. He asks Persephone to repeat that last bit about the light. Persephone tells him the Galactic Spirit showed her some shining beacon at the edge of the galaxy holding this blob thing back, and then it stopped holding it back, and then everything went to shit. Echo says, mostly to himself, he knew there was a Galactic Spirit. Victoria confirms they’ve been through a lot. Echo believes it since he’s seen a lot in just the short time he’s been with them. Persephone isn’t sure if the shining beacon is Kadath or not, they’ll have to find out. Echo has done research and knows what the news reports say about them, what their bounties are, which is concerning, but hearing their side of the story helps things add up. Persephone and Sebastian assert that all the news reports are exaggerated and propaganda. Persephone insists that Echo knows them and should see that they are angels.

Echo notes that they are all a family and they are very accepting, something he appreciates since he has not experienced that sort of social bond in quite some time. Primina asks if he has friends. Echo has relationships with those that he considers associates, the relationship is valued by how much use they are to each other. Bounty hunters, mechanics, people that will maintain his secrecy and safety in certain places. There is a smuggler’s code that doesn’t promote this kind of social interaction. Maybe they would get drinks once in a while but everyone wants to stay on the down low. His time with The Brunhilde has made him realize how lonely things can be. To have something to fight for makes him feel complete again. To have some purpose, something to drive, and achieve, and to quest! They’re having a good time fighting for the recovery of a damsel who is somewhat in distress. It reminds him of a fairy tale, but he sees that there is a lot more to this mission than was on the surface. It’s a lot to take in.

Victoria tells Echo he’s done so much for them. They’d be more than happy to have them along for the ride, but they’ve shared their secrets and it would be nice to get to know someone they’re welcoming aboard the ship a little better as well. Who is he really and why is he so different than the other elves? Echo is uncomfortable. Persephone offers a hug, Echo is not a hugger, but she insists he will get one anyway.

A Smuggler's Life for Me
It’s been ten years since Echo has spoken to anyone really in any sort of meaningful way. His mother and father are like the other elves; they have this divinity inside of them, this biological immortality. If they are not struck down in battle it is assumed they will live forever. They escaped, they fled their planet and their people, they sought to start society anew in a way that matched their ideals. They thought very deeply about these things and these matters, and they’ve passed those ideals onto Echo, who embodies them.

They reinvented a form of combat, of sorcery, the Bladesong. What they feel is unique and when they use their abilities that power is felt among all who know its secrets. They all feel it together. Echo had not used his abilities for ten years, until they made it into the Voidharrow and he was forced to use it. The Bladesong is not just a tool for combat, it is a reliable way to reestablish mental fortitude and see things for what they truly are. Activating it dredged up some old memories and things he did not want to think about again. But it made him realize, truly, that he was running from his past, that he had rejected everything that made him who he is. In those ten years he learned new ways of fighting, new ways of survival and he attempted to continue the mission given to him by his people; to hinder the Elven Empire and to keep their homeland safe. He’s been infiltrating supply lines and turning in false bounties as he practices his thieving and smuggling skills.

Without a doubt his people know that he still lives at this point, they have certainly felt his presence. Victoria asks if his people know his whereabouts. Echo assures her they just know that he is alive, the Bladesong connects their spirits so they know when he uses it. Watt says Echo’s story means there is an entire society of elves that are not biologically immortal like those in the Elven Empire. Echo confirms there is a whole planet. Watt ensures they will keep his secret.

In embodying the ideals of his parents he was given a codename, Codename: Echo. His name is Arcadion Galanthur, son of Arcadia, son of Archeon, the Second Child of The Bladesong. Victoria remarks their name traditions are similar to their imperial counterparts but it is a beautiful name. Echo thanks her and looks uncomfortable again. Sebastian walks toward Echo and admits he has been standoffish because he was unsure if he could trust him. However, Echo has proven himself so Sebastian welcomes him to the family and shakes his hand. Persephone comes up from behind and hugs them both. Primina runs in and gives them all a hug as well. Persephone asks Echo about his parents, wondering if they are still on his home planet. Echo assumes they are, and he thinks it’s time to call home since it’s been some time.

Message to Home
''Later that evening, Echo returns to The Starling. He fires up the ship’s communicator, inputting a sequence of codes to establish a two-way line between himself and his home world.'' ''"Mom, Dad, it's been a while hasn't it."  "Codename Echo, we feared you had abandoned rank. Status report."  " Enough of that Arcadia, our son calls. We have not heard him speak in ages. It is good to hear your voice child."'' "I share this sentiment. I apologize. You are sorely missed, my son. Tell me, how do you fare? We have not felt our song from you." "Until recently…" "Heh. There has been excessive need for it." "Our people..." "No. No, but I fear they will come soon enough. I’ve recently made some very curious friends, I think it would be a wonderful idea for you to meet them" "Then I take it the weight of this matter is most pertinent, yes?" "We’ll begin making preparations. Assuming you’ll be home soon, Arcadion." "There are things that must be done before I am able to return but, I promise, I will see you both soon." "We pray for your safe return child. Now tell me. What did you see beyond the shadows?" "I saw… I saw truth." "I see. There will be time enough for counsel later. Let us light our path Arcadion." "Heh. Of course."

In response to these words Echo activates his Bladesong and begins to chant alongside his father.

"When shadows cast upon my heart, the light of mind remains. My spirit summons forth our song, united once again. And with our power comes the call to forge the world anew. Ignite our mighty spirit and remind us of our truth."

"Now speak your truth, my child."

"I am Arcadion Galanthur, son of Arcadia, son of Archeon, the Second Child of Haven and The Bladesong. I am an elf born free from the bondage of our ancestors. I am sworn to use our song to carve a path towards a future in which we are free."

One Last Message
Echo wants to follow up on the Huttenburg situation. He and Persephone have discussed it and done a little digging, but they’re looking for a lead. There were some leftover things in Carter’s room that haven’t been messed with too much. Watt has been working on accessing Carter’s computer, and he’s figured out a way to playback some of the audio files that he found in the corrupted and protected data. He invites the party in to Carter’s room as he jacks into the computer and presses play...

The Party

 * Sebastian Crenshaw: A level 10 Oathbreaker paladin, level 1 Hexblade warlock. Good at convincing himself.
 * Persephone Goldpetal: A level 11 firbolg druid. The best at giving hugs.
 * Codename: Echo: A level 8 Bladesinger, level 2 fighter, level 1 rogue. Has an actual name now.

NPCS

 * Captain Arvan Davarax: A black dragonborn man. Sebastian's commanding officer at the Iron Legion.
 * Watt: A male gnome. Connecting all the dots.
 * Primina: The loveable MacGuffin.
 * The Galactic Spirit: A glorious space bird.
 * Victoria: A female tiefling. Captain of The Brunhilde and so sick of this shit.

Music

 * SuperQuest Saga Theme - by Brian
 * Message to Home (Echo's Theme) - by Brian

Out of Character

 * The staff Persephone looted from The Mystic is a +1 Staff of Programmed Illusion.
 * Echo upgrades his carbine to be Soulbound.