Session 23 - Zagreus Rising

General Summary

A Night in the Hills

As the night deepened in the hills where the trio had set up camp, Theresa abruptly awoke to the sound of Candid rifling through her belongings in search of food. Startled yet always ready to lend a hand, Theresa employed her magical jug to conjure honey. After consuming half of it, Candid's hunger was appeased, but Theresa kept a vigilant eye open throughout the rest of the night. Meanwhile, Ischyrós, weakened by the effects of the rotten boar, slept undisturbed.

Morning Plans

The following morning, Theresa suggested that the party seek out Zagreus' assistance in removing the curse that plagued her two companions. Candid harbored some uncertainty about this course of action, but he eventually agreed to follow Theresa's lead. Ischyros also concurred, and the three of them set out on their journey toward the city.

Nightfall and the Storm

As night descended, Xenobia and Pyro made their way towards Ormos, oblivious to the fact that many cities closed their gates at night. To their dismay, they found the gates barred upon their arrival. After a brief discussion, they decided to spend the night in the hills, where Pyro suggested they seek shelter beneath the trees. During the night, a storm raged, and as the temperature dropped, a falling tree branch struck Xenobia. As morning neared, the storm subsided, and they made their way to the city gates. Xenobia paid for both of them to enter.

The First to Arrive

Upon their arrival Xenobia and Pyro were shocked to discover that the rest of the party was missing. Zagreus seemed to have left Abraxas' body, and Abraxas had disembarked a day prior. The other three had not returned since leaving the ship two days prior. Polydoros questioned Xenobia and Pyro with a hint of suspicion, concerned that they might have been followed. Though they claimed they had been, they managed to lose their pursuers during the night. However, Polydoros remained unconvinced, and they retired below deck.

Reunion at the Dock

Sometime later, Theresa, Candid, and Ischyros returned to the boat. Theresa inquired about the fate of her companions and mentioned Eurymachos' commitment to Polydoros' cause. Polydoros informed her that Abraxas had left the ship. He asked if they had been followed, suspecting that Xenobia and Pyro might have been trailed. Just as he voiced his doubts, the two wanderers cheerfully greeted them from below deck.

Recounting Recent Events

Reunited, albeit without Abraxas, the party began discussing the events that had transpired. Theresa revealed that both Candid and Ischyros had fallen victim to a curse. Xenobia and Pyro explained their capture by King Pentheus. They also shared the discovery of Zagreus's tomb, which confirmed the suspicions of the other three. While catching up, Abraxas arrived on board the boat, seemingly once again possessed by the spirit of Zagreus. The party decided to venture to the tomb to reunite Zagreus with his body.

Journey to the Tomb

Disembarking from the ship once more, the party made their way through the city toward the graveyard. Theresa, displaying her magical talents, disguised herself, a feat that Pyro replicated in amazement. Guards were stationed throughout the city, keeping a close watch on this peculiar group of travelers. Theresa, wishing to divert attention from herself, did not walk with the party.

Confrontation at the Tomb

Upon reaching the tomb, they were confronted by a captain and several guards, as well as a formidable cyclops. Without hesitation, the captain ordered the arrest of the party, and the arresting party advanced. Theresa, always ready for battle, prepared herself, as did Xenobia and Candid. Ischyros, wielding his sling, struck the Cyclops, who became enraged by the attack. Pyro asked what the Cyclops feared, then pondered the question.
As the guards approached, a sphere of energy seemed to push some of them to the ground while Theresa chanted incantations. The cyclops moved closer, and Candid engaged him, landing the first blow. Xenobia followed suit, attacking with her hooves, and Ischyros struck again with his sling. Another burst of energy enveloped the guards, causing many to fall prone under the force. Pyro reassured Xenobia not to be afraid, then transformed into a snake. Only one guard and the captain remained, who struck Pyro, causing the snake to disappear and Pyro to fall to the ground.
The Cyclops struck Xenobia forcefully, but she and Candid retaliated with their own attacks, spear and axe working in tandem against the giant creature. Ischyros directed his attention to the guards near him and Pyro. Pyro stood up and struck the guard with his thyrsus. The tide of battle turned, and the party managed to overcome their assailants, with the Cyclops falling in defeat. Realizing the situation was unwinnable, the captain ordered his remaining men to flee. One soldier managed to escape, but Xenobia pursued him and brought him back.
The party disarmed the guards, with Candid taking particular interest in the captain's shield. Ischyros claimed the bronze short sword, while Theresa disarmed the others, stabilizing any wounded soldiers as she did so. Candid attempted to move a large boulder, but in doing so, he dislodged some rocks, causing them to fall on him.

Reuniting Zagreus with His Body

"Zabraxas," as Pyro and Xenobia affectionately called him, approached a nearby cave, glowing ever more brightly. All except Theresa followed him into the cave, where Zagreus was reunited with his body. A blinding light emanated from within, causing everyone to cower and go blind, except for Candid. Abraxas fell lifeless to the ground, and Zagreus, now radiant, walked out of the cave, ignoring Candid's call for assistance.
Outside, Theresa tended to the wounded, momentarily affected by the blinding light of Zagreus's glowing form, but like Candid, she seemed unaffected by its radiance. Candid emerged, carrying Abraxas's lifeless body on her back, and Theresa began to attend to him. Meanwhile, a dejected cyclops got up and continued to walk away, but was felled again by Theresa's bee swarm.

Decisions and Uncertainties

Once Abraxas was stabilized, the party deliberated on their next course of action. The curse remained in place, and Zagreus provided no assistance. The Golden Fleece and the dissenters aboard the boat, led by Polydoros, also weighed on their minds. With no clear solution to the curse, Candid lamented the whims of the gods. Theresa, taking the ever-hungry hero with her, guided him toward the boat. The others debated their options, with Pyro suggesting they search for the Golden Fleece, while others contemplated rejoining Polydoros on the boat. Pyro harbored doubts about their reception in the city after the recent attack but did not press the matter, and followed the rest back to Ormos. As they approached the gate, an errant arrow struck nearby from a tower, and the gates appeared to be barred.

Missions/Quests Completed

• Zagreus' shade is returned to his body

Report Date

05 Dec 2023

Primary Location

Ormos