Session 73
The six, bound by fate’s twisted threads, a fellowship born of unlikely unions. The paths that had brought them to this precipice were not chance, but the workings of destiny’s relentless hand. The gods themselves trembled in their wake, their laughter silenced by the weight of mortal hearts bound to an unyielding purpose. Yet, to speak of purpose was folly; survival alone filled their thoughts in a world cruel and unforgiving. Whether they would save it or let it fall to ruin…such matters lay beyond mortal understanding.
For what cursed reason they were chosen, none could say. Only time, that fickle phantom, waited to reveal its hand, or perhaps to vanish in the moment of need, as it so often did. An illusion, crafted by the beholder, taunting those who sought its truth.
The bedroom Dax entered bore no sign of chaos or abandonment. It was pristine, a sanctuary untouched by the world’s decay. The soft, inviting scent of lilac hung in the air, weaving memories of a gentler time. Aether-powered lamps cast a golden glow, their light steady and serene, a fragile mockery of the turmoil beyond. Silence ruled here, thick and unbroken, save for the faint whisper of Dax’s steps on the wooden floor. It was quiet, achingly so.
Dax spoke with Fungar, telling him he might not see him in the coming days, as he had to make a difficult choice regarding Gar. Dax began forming a plan to reach Stillrock so that Fungar could receive his apples.
The group traveled to Kaicrumao in search of supplies and answers. Ember, Orianna, Mack, and Dax ventured to the Veil’s Vault in Mythlight to gather provisions, while Peach and Aydriann headed toward Runespire. After acquiring Leyveil Pigments for Aqol na Laru, the group arranged for him to paint a portal that would allow Dax to travel to Stillrock and fulfill his promise to Fungar. The process would take time, but Aqol immediately set to work.
While preparations were underway, Ember spoke with several merchants and purchased healing potions. Orianna encountered a merchant who claimed poverty, insisting that the last item he possessed was a pair of white-sanded animated ballerinas. The sand gave the illusion that the two figures danced together. When Orianna asked the price, the merchant replied by asking what they were worth to her. She initially offered five gold pieces, then reconsidered and offered fifty. The merchant was delighted, and the ballerinas sprang to life, dancing gracefully. A voice…Ozana’s…spoke to Orianna, telling her she was pleased with her choice and her willingness to help those in need.
Meanwhile, Aydriann and Peach were denied entry into the Runespire archive due to Aydriann’s essence of Jaz. Six strange creatures appeared around them, bombarding the pair with questions. One of them, Xyrell, realized they were connected to Ember and knew of the weapon Sol. Though he could not grant them access to the archive, he dismissed the others and asked what questions they sought answered.
Xyrell spoke of the Dark World, revealing that a portal existed within Umbra Grove, a region tied to the House of Darkbloom. He explained that Dorumon Varesh would know how to help them further. He also described the two kinds of cities found within the Dark World: those of Chaos and those of Order, each divided by vast fields of magical darkness. Before departing, Xyrell warned them that the gods were not what they seemed…and that, in truth, they were monsters.