S01E27: The Rakdos Rescue and Ravnica's Raves

Just as Sageko blinked out of existence, a shimmering distortion resolved itself into familiar forms. Verin, Veldryn, Sam Sina, and Ning Raras materialized right there in Vi's lab, joining Yozora, who was already present. The Izzet scientist, Vi, wasted no time. "I'm from Eberron," she revealed, adding, "and I'm a friend of Helios. He's currently under the Selesnya Conclave's protection."

Despite the news, the party, swayed by Veldryn's desire for souvenirs, decided on a detour to a local tavern. Veldryn promptly acquired a Ravnica snow globe, already captivated by the new plane. They purchased food and potions, paying with currency from Faerûn. To their surprise, the Loxodon tavern keeper, a massive, jovial figure, readily accepted their "exquisite coin." He even challenged Sam Sina to an arm-wrestling match, which he lost, but was delighted to meet a "brother in muscle." The two flexed for a picture, a testament to their newfound camaraderie.

Veldryn, brimming with enthusiasm, then asked about the Rakdos Circus, a question that visibly surprised the barkeep. He informed them there was a show in three hours. After replenishing their supplies, the party set off towards the Selesnya Conclave.

Upon arriving at the serene Selesnya Conclave, Verin immediately inquired about Helios. The initiates, however, were in despair. They revealed that their revered Vitu-Ghazi Avatar, Merry Selesnya – a literal embodiment of their guild's collective consciousness – had been kidnapped by the Rakdos Cult! This was an unprecedented sacrilege. Even more critically for Verin, the initiates mentioned that a human bard, "a bright-souled one with golden hair," was also seen being dragged away with Merry. Their information pointed directly to the Blood-Pit Grand Circus, a notorious Rakdos spectacle in the Undercity, where urban sprawl blurred with wild zones.

Kanka is built by just the two of us. Support our quest and enjoy an ad-free experience for less than the cost of a fancy coffee. Become a member.

The Blood-Pit Circus and a Looming Threat

049-235.png?1543965327

The party quickly journeyed to the Undercity. The circus entrance was guarded by menacing Rakdos Cutthroats, but the party opted for the simplest approach: they simply paid the ticket fee. They arrived just as the "main act" was about to begin. In the center pit, a giant, hulking Rakdos Ringmaster bellowed to the bloodthirsty crowd.

Their hearts sank as they saw them: Merry Selesnya and Helios were strapped to a table on the stage, a massive, whirling sawblade slowly descending towards them. Helios was strung up, clearly battered but defiant, his golden hair disheveled.

The crowd roared, "Blood... Blood! BLOOD!"

The sight spurred them into action. Verin, fueled by desperate love and outrage, immediately hurled an alchemist's fire at the Ringmaster. Yozora was briefly caught by a Crown of Madness spell, but its influence quickly faded. Verin's desperation was palpable, while Ning Raras seethed with outrage at the desecration of nature. In stark contrast, Veldryn seemed somewhat excited by the brewing violence, a gleam in his eye.

Their enemies were formidable: the Rakdos Ringleader, two agile Rakdos Lampooners, and six fanatical Rakdos Cultists. Ning Raras wasted no time, casting Spike Growth to hinder their movements. Sam Sina, ever pragmatic, immediately grappled one of the cultists and proceeded to grind them against the newly formed spikes, a brutal display of force.

July 11th, 2025 July 11th, 2025

Unholy Chaos and a Whirling Blade

Just as the Bromocorah party engaged the Rakdos, a new, thunderous roar erupted from the stands: "GRUUL!" A savage Gruul Clan burst into the arena, led by an imposing Ogre Leader, accompanied by four frenzied Berserkers and a primal Druid. The crowd, far from being upset, merely cheered louder, chanting, "Blood... Blood! BLOOD!"

The Gruul wasted no time. They attacked everyone: the Rakdos, the terrified audience, and the Bromocorah party. The arena descended into utter pandemonium. Yozora, with quick thinking, aimed her attack at the massive, hanging sawblade above Merry and Helios. With a loud snap, the blade broke free, careening wildly towards the clustered Rakdos Cultists and Gruul Berserkers, carving a path of destruction. The Gruul Clan Leader then delivered a crushing blow, smashing the Rakdos Ringmaster into oblivion. The crowd continued to cheer, seemingly delighted by the multi-sided slaughter.

The battle became a glorious, chaotic ballet of violence, much to the unbridled pleasure of both Veldryn and Sam Sina. Amidst the carnage, Verin raced forward, desperately working to free Helios from his bindings. Veldryn, equally swift, moved to release Merry Selesnya.

July 11th, 2025 July 11th, 2025

Escape and the Essence of Selesnya

OIP.AtUVseFnGQwMPIhkTlLRWwAAAA?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain&o=7&rm=3

After numerous Rakdos and Gruul fell, a new commotion erupted from outside the arena. "OH NO, THE AZORIUS IS HERE!" yelled a terrified audience member. "RUN! OR WE FACE THEIR STUPID FORMS, QUESTIONING, AND ALL THAT BORING STUFF!" Indeed, outside, the forces of the Gruul were clashing with the Azorius, who in turn clashed with the Boros, and even the Selesnya forces, creating an unbelievably chaotic street brawl.

Seizing the opportune moment, Ning Raras quickly cast Pass Without Trace on the entire party, allowing them to disappear amidst the widespread confusion. They melted away from the blood-soaked arena, making their way back towards the relative calm of the Selesnya Conclave.

Upon their return, the Selesnyans were overjoyed. They profusely thanked the party for rescuing Merry Selesnya, their living embodiment. One Selesnya acolyte approached Merry, respectfully asking permission to pluck a strand of her hair—which, to the party's surprise, was a leafy green. He then rolled it up, lit it, and puffed out a cloud of smoke. "Ah, the life essence!" he sighed contentedly. It was at this moment the party truly understood why the Selesnyans seemed so incredibly chill.

Sam Sina, eager to try the "life essence" for himself, eagerly requested some of the leaves, followed by Veldryn and Ning Raras. Merry, embodying the generosity of her guild, happily granted her saviors' request.

July 11th, 2025

A Familiar Face and a Gauntlet's Gift

ajani-1920.jpg?q=80

While her friends indulged in the Selesnya's unique form of relaxation, Yozora encountered a familiar face: Anjani Goldmane, her senior from her monk studies. Anjani approached Yozora and, without ceremony but with a big proud smile, presented her with a gauntlet, a powerful artifact known as the "Will of Panthera." Yozora accepted the profound gift with remarkable calm, a quiet dignity that surprised her friends, who had been expecting a more dramatic reaction.

The party now found themselves with a temporary reprieve, a place of peace in the chaotic beauty of Ravnica. They had rescued Helios, gained invaluable allies, and Yozora had received a powerful artifact. Their journey for Helios was finally resolved, but the mysteries and opportunities of Ravnica were just beginning to unfold.