Episode 24

Episode 24: The Depths Descending.

With the Bell Viper defeated, the path to Ker Jarra begins. After some long rests, the Borokai and Ajax escort the Shepherd party to the entrance to the tunnels, keeping them clear and safe from any monsters in their path. Ajax leaves to go back to Valdore, leaving the Shepherd crew by themselves to descend into Ker Jarra.

Underground, the party explores a vast tunnel system in search of the champion, but are instead met with some annoying and relentless monsters that slow them down, including some cave squids that descend on them from the cave ceilings. Gemevieve urges the party to not kill any of them, but is unsuccessful in her pleas. The party eventually finds another creature that is somewhat familiar to them: the large rodent creature owned by Rasmesus has made its way into Ker Jarra, after being left in Zeti all those days ago, and is incredibly lost and hungry. It seems to be attacking some small mushroom folk in an attempt to eat them. Wood uses his performative skill to get its attention and save the mushroom people, Gem feeds it the food she doesn’t need, and Onyx uses some spells to help stabilize it. Callisto, having been the only one here to have gotten to really see it before, helps comfort it.

However, the danger and stress of Ker Jarra throughout the day affects everyone, and it takes its hold before the end of the night. Callisto, after being hounded by her all day, snaps at Gemevieve, confronting her on her pacifism and desire to control his and everyone else’s actions regarding killing monsters. Gem responds emotionally, defending her feelings and how she’s been conditioned her entire life. The two argue vehemently and angrily before storming off, promising to never speak to each other again, ending the night on a very sour note for everyone. Party tensions are higher than they’ve ever been.