===== Genesis - Session 13 Recap ===== The party continued their investigation aboard the train to St. Petersgrad, navigating moral dilemmas and high-stakes gambling before arriving in the industrial heart of the region. During the journey, Viktor experienced a transformative encounter with raw magical energy, and the group uncovered the true, lethal nature of their delivery mission. ==== Shardisite Energy Encounter ==== Viktor experienced a powerful encounter with shardisite energy emanating from the volatile cube in the armored railcar. Utilizing his **Angelic Favor** and his amulet, he successfully pushed back against the overwhelming force to prevent Viroc from weaponizing it. The encounter left Viktor with visions of the ruined manor and a burning sensation on his palm. Following this event, the cube disappeared into an unstable, temporary location, effectively cutting off Viroc's access to the artifact and causing a localized disruption in gravity. ==== The Assassination Package and Ethical Dilemmas ==== As the arcane disturbance from the cube faded, the glamour concealing Minerva’s parcel failed, revealing it to be an assassination device designed specifically for Harold Drekanov. The group engaged in a heated debate regarding the ethics of the delivery: * **The Pawns:** They questioned if Minerva had intentionally placed them in the crossfire of a corporate execution. * **The Plan:** After considering drastic measures—such as amputating Harold's hand to prevent him from opening the box—the team decided to proceed with the delivery but vowed to warn Harold of the danger, presenting themselves as hired professionals who had discovered a threat. ==== High-Stakes D&D Poker ==== To pass the remaining hours in the casino car, the party engaged in a unique game of poker. André introduced custom mechanics where Charisma and Intimidation checks allowed players to manipulate dice rolls (D6, D12, and D20s) to simulate hands. While Carl suffered significant losses at the roulette tables, Viktor dominated the poker game, winning a massive pot of gold and leaving the NPC opponents dejected. ==== Train Status and Arrival ==== The Captain of the train reported smooth progress despite worsening weather, though he noted a growing security concern regarding three missing guards and the breach of the armored car. Viktor spent the final hours of the trip communing with the newly born force of good, strengthening his resolve against the corruption of the world. After 18 hours of travel, the train pulled into the smoke-choked skyline of **St. Petersgrad**. ==== Exploring St. Petersgrad ==== Upon arrival, the group observed the city’s industrial atmosphere, characterized by magical neon signs and a permanent layer of smog. They navigated the two-tiered streets—businesses on the bottom, apartments above—and visited a tattoo parlor. There, a woman named Anya recognized Lusat and began work on a magical tattoo for Viktor. ==== Discoveries in Lusat’s Office ==== The session concluded in Lusat’s office near the docks, where the party found several pieces of correspondence: * **The Paycheck:** A $500 payment from Viroc Fiscal Affairs for the original contract with Anton. * **The Denial:** A formal rejection from Viroc Internal Oversight regarding their previous information requests. * **The Lead:** A handwritten letter from **Marta Skelland** seeking a discreet investigator for a private matter. From the second-floor window, the party observed the cold, smog-filled docks, noting the absence of any Viroc ships as they awaited Harold’s arrival.