Session 81

02/08/2025

Quick Recap

Mack makes coffee for Orianna and checks in on her emotional state.
The group travels to Chloe’s house, where they learn about the Lute of Telemente. Chloe gives her journal to Aydriann, remarking that he “smells” due to his blood, like that of sulfur.
Aydriann tries to speak with Jaz, but gets nowhere. Ember also tries to help, but only manages to interact with Muvara’s essence.
The group discusses their next steps and decides to head to Seryna’s.
Upon arrival, the party splits up: some talk with Seryna while the rest investigate the house.
They discover that Seryna is using some kind of tech in an attempt to bring the dead back to life…something motivated by her father’s fate.
The group proposes a plan to take out Lyudvik. Seryna opposes this, warning that it would only add to the chaos and put many lives at risk.
Seryna says she only wants two things: for the group to leave, and for the sword to be dealt with. She suggests that Maeryn may be able to help with the sword.
Seryna offers to help acquire a magical compass to guide the party to the Dark Spire, where the Lute is kept. She gives the group two options for the heist: either she distracts Lyudvik while they steal the compass, or they create a diversion for her.
Seryna insists the plan must be executed carefully…otherwise, Lyudvik will notice, and the heist will fail.
The group is uneasy about dealing with Maeryn, rumored to be one of the most powerful entities in Umbrathorne. Lyza, also mentioned, is equally powerful…this is why there are only two Umbravex in the city.
When the party asks if simply killing Maeryn will resolve their problems with the sword, Seryna warns them against this course of action.

The Story

Best Foot Forward, Orianna A Melantha short snippet

Orianna stood beneath the chandeliers of the great hall. House Melantha had spared no expense with vaulted ceilings bearing heavy crimson banners that stirred slightly in the evening draft. The air had a scent of jasmine and myrrh, mingling with the richer scents of roasted pheasant and honeyed wine. This was meant to be a night of celebration, a night where Orianna was expected to dazzle.
Yet the whispers had begun before the first toast had even been raised.
She could feel their eyes on her, the weight of their hushed conversations, the sly curl of their lips when they thought she wouldn’t notice.
Garthos had arranged every detail of this evening, ensuring only the most powerful and influential gathered beneath their roof. But power was a beacon, and where it shone brightest, snakes always slithered. Not everyone had come to honor House Melantha. Some had come to watch it stumble, to cast doubt, to plant poison with carefully chosen words.
Garthos had made enemies, and enemies did not forget. If they could not strike at the man himself, they would strike at his daughter. And so, before Orianna could even raise her glass, the night had already been stained.
Garthos did not abide weakness, least of all within his own walls…when the scales tipped against him, he did not seek to steady them with patience or reason, but with blood. Balance, in his mind, was not restored with words, but with the bruised flesh and broken bones of those who dared to stand too near.
Sirius found her before the inevitable could unfold. Before their father could act.
“Best foot forward, Orianna,” he murmured, stepping into her path. His voice was low, edged with urgency. “You remember what I told you.”
Her hands curled at her sides. “I remember.”
Sirius exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Clearly, you don’t. Because now Father is angry.”
Orianna stiffened. “Sirius…”
“I already hear Ozdos scraping into his hiding hole.” His tone was flat, his gaze sharp as a skinning knife. “You need to try harder.”
“It’s not my fault.”
“Of course not,” Sirius said, voice bitter, “but that doesn’t matter, does it? This is how the game is played, little sister. You think it’s unfair? You think Father will rage at the ones who spread the rumors? No, he’ll turn his fury inward, to us. He’ll teach us the lesson instead.”
Orianna swallowed.
“Right,” she murmured, quieter this time. “Best foot forward.”
Sirius had already turned away, shoulders tight, thoughts elsewhere. He would need to disappear soon and slip into the shadows before his father’s wrath found him.
Bad News
The night would not end in victory. But then, victories were rare these days.
A rustle of paper caught everyone’s attention. A bat of dark parchment, folded and pressed, drifted between the golden candlelight. It landed on a counter where they all had been. A wax seal of a butterfly. Papillion Orianna thought.
The seal was broken and eyes scanned the ink.

Papillion and friends,
I will be at this location today. Find me when you are ready to discuss the plan. Travel will be difficult…the common road has fallen to the darkness. The runes no longer carry the moon’s protection. Lelune has turned her face from us. A plague in her name sweeps the land.
May the night shelter you,
Seryna

They all stared at the parchment, taking time to assess a plan before speak out loud. After the events that transpired yesterday, they needed to figure a way out of this situation with Orianna being hexed by the sword’s dark entity, Za’lonn.