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Runtime Break start
4h 39m 2h 10m

Episode 95: Gathering of Needs

Bell’s Hells, after returning from Ruidus (and reuniting with their old friend, Dorian Storm), are in the final throes of gathering what information, power and allies they (and the rest of Exandria) can before trying to stop Ludinas Da’leth and the Ruby Vanguard through their alliance with the entities that control Kreviris on the surface of Ruidus from releasing Predathos, the god eater.
As such, you’ve learned a little bit of information about Ludinus not being on Ruidus at the moment, and it seems he’s had some dealings with an ancient ruin of one of the many fallen cities from the realm of history known as the Age of Arcanum, particularly a place called Aeor.
Some of you may have heard this a little bit in passing history, but more information can be gleaned. What you do know is it apparently contains some ancient magical technology (that is both dangerous as it’s being understood and is seemingly being funneled and repurposed through a lot of what the Ruby Vanguard is doing both here on Exandria and on the moon above. So, Ludinus is apparently present and having dealings within these ruins, last you heard.
After speaking with Keyleth and the Exandrian Accord (the alliance of all those who ae wanting to stop those who are wanting to stop those responsible for this) you were given, through a series of connections, an escort who had some experience with these ruins. A mage of somewhat schlubby persona, but seemed to be somewhat knowledgeable in their connection with the Cobalt Soul. They had a lead on someone who is a member of the Cerberus Assembly who might know exactly where in these ruins (or at least lead you in the direction of these ruins) where Ludinus might be.
Then, you headed towards the city, through teleportation, the city of Zadash in the Dwendalian Empire. These streets seemed to have sustained some recent damage and there was a sense of tension in the air of some recent dangers that seemed to have swept through.
As you plug through the streets, getting to the exterior of an interesting little bookshop and a trinket shop known as Chastity’s Nook, selling all sorts of knickknacks, decor, and very wonderful smutty romantic books. You were led to the back room, where one of the more recently-hired employees, Erma, had been sitting and reading a book. As this escort mage had spoke a phrase that
“Bren sends his regards,”
immediately tension in the room built into what seemed to be a rapid-paced wizard battle, all of you rushing in and throwing whatever you can to subdue this figure. In the midst of this fray, your escort, this mage, threw down an anti-magic shell, which dispelled the illusion on your target and themself, revealing themself to be a dark elf mage of some esteem, and your target being an individual known as Astrid Becke, a member of the Cerberus Assembly and the Archmage of Civil Influence. Here in this tense moment, as you hold the Archmage back, and this dark elf (who named themselves Essek Thelyss, an enemy of Ludinus Da’leth) you are in the right place to commence an interrogation and discover where you are to tread next.
Here as Astrid is held somewhat tense (and realizing in the moment) at your disposal. Essek looks amongst the people in the room around him.
“Well, friends, what do we need to know beyond where he may be doing his dealings? Astrid, do you know where Ludinus is? Do you know what he’s up to? Do you know how we can find him?”
As she sits there, held at bay by a number of you, she grits her teeth for a bit.
“I know Ludinus and his cohorts have been working on something in private, reallocating resources and dealing directly with foreign factions in secret. Now, I kept my nose mostly clean of the entire affair and would never have expected his plotting to be so universally disastrous. Knowing the world’s sight now falls squarely upon the Assembly following the Solstice, that is why I went into hiding. I am not in league with him. I am not part of his plan. I just do not wish to be imprisoned for something I was not a part of. So, it seems I now join you living as a fugitive, am I not?”
Essek just clenches his jaw for a moment.
“I will ask you again. What do you know of Ludinus’ plot and where his dealings are within the ruins?”
She eyes across all of you.
“I was not part of his plan, so I do not know specifically, but I know his research is burrowed deep within Eiselcross. Imperial control of the side has been nearly absolute as of late, causing tensions with the Dynasty, and those relations go sour once again. But it seems little care was given when compared to the scope of his plot. My place within the Assembly allowed me a little clearance to inquire to his work, but I do know that he had spent the better part of the last five years within and around the Genesis Ward and beyond. I managed to get a name once from an associate who took a shine to me within his project’s outskirts. He mentioned something called the Occultus Thalamus. I am uncertain what that means directly. This individual seemed spooked he had even let it slip. If you’re going to look for him (or those that work with him) that might be the place to start.”

Previous Episode: “Where the Red Fearne Glows”

Bonus Glasses pics (click)