Session 24-B: A Cold Day in Hell

Key Plot Developments
Misu, facing the possibilities of capture and death at the hands of derro cultists of the Demogorgon, blasts magical fire at their obelisk. In a blast of light, she is transported out of the Whorlstone tunnels. She finds herself in a volcanic field; looking around, she realizes she's situated to the West of Gracklstugh. Bezekira has been left behind.

Misu tries to understand how she was relocated. As she gathers clues, a beautiful, fierce devil appears before her: Tilphousia the Erinyes, her mother, glowers down. Misu is frightened and envious of her mother's power and status. Tilphousia, who only visits Misu once per month, demands Misu explain her use of chronomancy.

Misu discusses her teleportation with her mother; they realize Misu traveled back in time five minutes due to the obelisk's magic. Tilphousia indicates the devils are monitoring the use of chronomancy in the Underdark; they're on the lookout for artifacts called Time Gates. She asks Misu for updates on the situation in Gracklstugh, which she sees as important to devils' interests; the Deepking has a deal with the King of the Devils. Misu supplies her mother with context about the demonic cultists, the various factions, the vrock they ran from, Glyn's odd use of crystals and references to the Dark Prince, and the strange 'sweet, creamy, liquid goo' Shuushar and Trix have mentioned.

Tilphousia begins to explain but is interrupted by the aforementioned vrock, which swoops down from Gracklstugh to attack. The erinyes easily beats away the vulture demon, but it summons a partner, which emerges from the cracks in the volcano. The mother devil and daughter tiefling face down the demons.

Misu is still weakened and disoriented from the encounter with the derro and falls. Tilphousia summons 11 spine devils to protect and tend to her as she stabs, lassos, and banishes one of the vrocks. She captures the second, ripping off its wings and limbs to prevent it from leaving.

The mother and daughter work together, torturing the remaining vrock. Finally, it vomits ice cream and melts into the volcano. Tilphousia indicates how concerning this revelation is. She explains they are encountering the machinations of the demon lord of deception--well known for his use of vrocks and references to ice cream. The lord of deception only appears once every few centuries to spread discord and befuddle his foes. While his true name is unknown, he most recently called himself 'Nicholas Ice Cream.' In Tilphousia's view, he chose an intentionally silly name to undermine how seriously any investigations into his behavior would be taken. He's wanted by the devils for a time when he impersonated greater devils to break into their Akashic Records and destroy their precious data.

Misu explains her view that Glyn is being deceived by Nicholas Ice Cream. Tilphousia claims Glyn is doomed; by the time Nicholas Ice Cream's plans are known, it's too late. She intends to return to the Nine Hells and inform them of Nicholas Ice Cream's reappearance. Before she leaves, Misu asks about Trix's soul and Ichabod; Tilphousia confirms Ichabod is suing Trix for damages. Misu asks if her mother can delay the trial. Tilphousia will prioritize handling Nicholas Ice Cream, who is a substantial threat to Hell's operations, but will also look into Trix's trial.

Misu rushes back into the city. She wants to meet with the Deepking and warn him about Glyn and Nicholas Ice Cream. On the way; she's nearly downed by fire snakes, but avoids them. She finds a drow at Gracklstugh's Western gates: Asha Vandree, one of the goblins' captors from Velkynvelve! Asha imperiously declares herself a matron mother of a drow house (which is a lie). She promises gold and status if Misu presents her with information about escaped slaves--Glyn and Trix--and indicates the drow have the city surrounded to handle the goblins when they try to leave. Misu, disoriented, agrees. She also gives Asha a lot of her hair for a 50 gold to ease their scrying and communication.

Misu reenters Gracklstugh and travels to the Shattered Spire, an upper-class bar. She tinkers with her glasses, which now release the sounds of screaming souls when they're pushed up on her nose. Two dwarves get into a bar fight; she intimidates them into silence.

Misu makes her way towards the Deepking's hold. On the way, she speaks with Lemon. She offers him more frostbite cantrips if he agrees to a deal: if Glyn acts rashly, Lemon will engulf and restrain him. Lemon asks for more blood (Misu doesn't object). Then, he processes Misu's request and expresses his concern for Glyn's well-being. He blames himself for not focusing enough on Glyn's safety. The little ooze struggles to imagine harming Glyn but resolves to do what's best for his friend.

Misu arrives at the Hold of the Deepking. She journeyed to Gracklstugh to root out demonic corruption and preserve the devils' grasp on one of the Underdark's great cities. She will not let a goblin child stand in her way.

Memorable Quotations
Tilphousia (her lip curling with delight): I'll have to do some paperwork.

Tilphousia (emotionless): Forgive my outpouring of emotion.

Tilphousia: You remember the time I gave you some water, and inside the water, I had put some poison?


 * Misu: Do you know of any higher powers associated with sweet, creamy goo?
 * Tilphosia (punching a Vrock): TELL ME! This sweet cream--did you see it?

Tilphousia: Kid, it's been a while since you've seen me battle. Please don't think less of how much I enjoy my job. This is the best.

Tilphousia (mid-battle): So the kuo-toan touched a gem? Wait, one moment. SUFFER AND DIE!

Tilphousia: Come on, kid. Bare your fangs. Take off the training bra.

Tilphousia: Keep your ugly paws off my SPAWN!


 * Misu: I'm underestimating my opponents.
 * Tilphousia: You're overestimating yourself.

Tilphousia: He goes by many names. A new one pops up every couple centuries. He was once known as Old Scratch. Then he was Lucifer. Then, the Dark One. Last time, he called himself Nicholas Ice Cream.

Tilphousia: If Glyn is under his thrall, it's too late for him. He needs to be destroyed.

Tilphousia: Things are moving fast with Ichabod's case. He's suing your goblin for damages.


 * Tilphousia: Your combat skills leave much to be desired. But your information-gathering has proven useful. Misupheles?
 * Misu: Yes?
 * Tilphousia: You're adequate.
 * Misu: Thank you.

Lemon: I've been getting a little toned! After you gave me blood. I think it was good for my consti--my constibu--my constipatug--my conspatooton--my--


 * Misu: You might be all that's left of Glyn.
 * Lemon: What? No! I would hate that! I'll try to help, 'cause I really love Glyn! I'll try harder than anything! I'll try so hard. You have to tell him how hard I'm gonna try! We're like blood brothers!

Lemon: Um, I think I hear Bag the Bat calling me. I gotta go. We're gonna...play a game.