Session 22 – So Many Sendings
General Summary
Time in Grand Aetheria
As the group awaits the arrival of the Iron Arrow, Aiaoue heads to school, Arkyn helps with Root re-activation, Teagan and Yenush hit up the Bennu, and Cadence catches up with Aria before joining Milo in a research montage. Aiaoue learns to integrate her weaving and carving skills in a slightly new way as she begins to learn how the Aetherians create their equivalent of spell scrolls. Arkyn assists Fannar and Mya in the stabilization and reactivation of the Root runes leading to the borderlands of Malachor, Eresh, Mevetés, and Thana. Yenush flags down Aura and asks her to cast Fireball on him (who is she to deny such a delightful request?). Yenush dodges the entirety of it. Cadence catches up with Aria. She seems content to remain in Grand Aetheria for the time, but may consider going back to Legacy when the group does next.
Once Milo has gained some basic understanding of the swamps of death they plan to visit, the group debates whether or not that's the BEST course of action and what they might need to be prepared. Aiaoue is less concerned as she is particularly resilient against swamp things (e.g. poison, acid). Arkyn casts Divination regarding their current plans. He receives a silent vision of a wasteland covered in miasma with no swamp in sight, but then it morphs to a fog-covered swamp land. Stone markers line a path forward. Arkyn notes that his arm is different and covered in lichen.
Aiaoue swings through the Park and gardens. She inquires about soil and the possibility of finding plants in the miasma. The local Aetherian druid notes that any plant still alive in the Mind Blight would have to have magical properties. The most likely to have survived would be an Aetheria seed. Regarding the soil, the druid would regard it as some of the most soil (though they note they really haven't lived anywhere else) and would be happy to donate some as a show of gratitude for Aiaoue (& co.) returning Spring.
As the Root begins to open, the group finds Mya, Sylvatis, and Aura gathered while Fannar sits and continues with his acorn calculus nearby. Fannar explains that, on their side, the Root and its runes are up and running. The status of the Gate on the other side now remains the primary obstacle. As Sylvatis is relegated to the back of the room, Aura prepares to go through alone, but Yenush insists on accompanying her. Through the Gate, Yenush and Aura find the miasma waiting and it quickly attempts to worm its way into both body and mind, but they both resist. The Root leads to a stone gate that is precariously still together. Yenush notes a sheer stone wall to his left... and a sheer drop to the right. The path is just wide enough for the Iron Arrow. There would be no room for error.
As the Root shudders and closes, the casters on the other side work to reopen it. Meanwhile, Yenush follows the bath of rune construction Aura forges and finesses the details. For a moment, he hallucinates that the stone gate is pristine, arcane sigils glowing with radiant white light. There is a sheer drop into a chasm to his right and buildings up ahead. When the Root reopens, Teagan physically holds it open before stepping through to help with the gate reconstruction. The trio are able to get the Gate crudely back into position and, after returning to the Hall of Sprawling Roots, find that – although flickering – the Root gate is now open.
Arkyn considers constructing a gift for Sayah upon her arrival. Aiaoue notes that any gift from Alcide was a good one; She shares the pebble he gave her from the place they met. Arkyn feels a surge of emotions when touching the pebble, most notably love. Together, Aiaoue and Arkyn work on carving a book and a trio of birds for Sayah. Milo inquires about getting his ring from Eight re-enchanted for something else. Cadence talks to Fannar about spell components and he is able to produce a small diamond from the vaults of Grand Aetheria. Yenush works on the next gift on his list and makes some progress.
Teagan finds Sylvatis in the Watering Grove. The Autumn Eladrin seems oddly sober, though he does nurse a single drink. Teagan notes that clearly something is up between him and Aura and that Mya seems caught in the middle of it. Sylvatis mentions that, despite their arranged marriage, it wasn't always like this. After the death of Aura's father, Sylvatis sought to create a haven within Grand Aetheria; a place of joy for his daughter. Aura became hellbent on fighting back against the Mind Blight. It had seemed pointless... until now. Sylvatis admits that he's been wrong... for over a century. What help has he been? Teagan consoles him: isn't that what you're supposed to do as an Autumn? Also, have you had this talk with AURA?? Sylvatis doesn't feel he has the right to in many ways, but seems ultimately encouraged to do so. When asked about himself, Teagan notes that some things are hard to put behind you. A drink then?
Research in the Archives
Blood-Soaked Plains. To the East, there is a region known as the Blood-Soaked Plains, the land of Vahlair Victoria. The people there are mostly nomadic. Although rarely exported, the region is known for its horses... and "horses". Most of the horses depicted are those bred for war; there are few details provided on the "horses" and their origin. Milo recognizes some of the "added" horse features (horns, reptilian tail, wings), though no specific image matches the "horse" he recalls charging at him in his dreams. Within the Blood-Soaked Plains, there is one permanent settlement: Tor Valoris.
Gyésanti Swamps. Among memos and records of the comings and goings to Grand Aetheria, there are mentions of the Gyésar. There is a notable tone shift from neutral to negative with fears of disease, plague, and rot cited. There are two notable swamps: the swamps of Mevetés and the swamps of Eresh. Those of Eresh were believed to be inhospitable to all but one (or 2) groups of humanoid life. A perpetual fog hung over the lands of Eresh. The details of the swamp seem to come from letters and correspondences rather than official sources. Many of the records claim that all the water in the swamp is actually acid, the air is unbreathable and carrying with it all manner of pox and pestilence, and the swamp is difficult to navigate. There are stories that claim people drowned in bottomless pools of water or were choked. Beside the Gyésar, there were rumors of another group of people – the Mushroom Folk – that lived within the Swamp. There are documented records of conflict with Mevetés people and Eresh. There was, supposedly, one settlement within the Swamp: The Kel'Nok Mire. The most recent record: ~450 YAR.
The Stonelands. Regarded as one region, the area was formally two regions: the Eastern Stonelands (Malachor) and the Western Stonelands (Thana). There is little documented on Thana's lands, particularly in comparison to the wealth of documentation on the Western Stonelands. The records do not the location of a single shrine (not a formal temple) dedicated to her within her region. Within the Stonelands, there are three main groups of people: the Earthen Dhara (drow/earth genasi) who reside in the West, the Earthen Drow who reside in the East, and the Airborn/Angels. A subset of the Angels served at Thana's shrine and were referred to as Angels of Death. Among the Earthen Drow, there were 3 royal families and 4 cities. the Root gate arrives in Mal Vrammyr. The remaining two families (and cities): Mal Kerrym, Mal Mavkazan. The capital was Mal Korvian, which does not align with any of the three royal families. Roads and routes were better documented in the East as compared to the West.
The Book of the Dead. The sparse trail of history in the Archives begins with the Obsidian Company. There were once 4 Royal Drow families. The family of Mal Korvian supposedly created the book, which had the power to control the Obsidian Company. Mal Korvian does not appear in the records afterwards, but the Book does show up intermittently. It's path is unclear. The Book itself is regarded as a religious artifact containing the knowledge, secrets, and power of the dead. The Obisidian Company was a religious order under the control of Tamasvi.
Hyperion & the Storm Wars. Hadúr, the Divine Assassin, held island territory to the West, sharing territory with Hyperion, a god of storms. Hyperion was also known as the Father of Dragons and depictions of him had many draconic features, though he himself was not a dragon. Hyperion's Beloved was known as the First of Draconic Ascension. Although Cadence doesn't recognize her depiction, Milo does. No larger than modern young dragon, Drakonya was the calm before the storm and the rainbow that followed. With Hyperion, she had 15 children: 5 metallic, 5 chromatic, and 5 gem. How Drakonya ascended is not well documented, but she is the conduit through which dragons arrived in the world. She is also depicted in humanoid form. There is substantial speculation in the Archive's records about her death, but an increase in the number of dragons and their ferocity in battles within the Storm Wars is believed to correspond to her death.
The Pantheons of Jalasar.
- Kesar'Arrat is mostly associated with Otsana Daciana and does not share particularly strong connections with Izarba Zoryon or Dashi'Imon.
- Avahilthe was a somewhat reclusive goddess who was known to clash with Faust over their shared domain of Yuan-Ti. She herself is depicted as Yuan-Ti.
- There are ample records of Hindilyahni's people visiting Grand Aetheria as they were talented herbalists. Hindilyahni was depicted as a firbolg.
- There is little on Tsov Karst as he, and his people, were believed to be reclusive. He was depicted as an elf.
- Melina Lia, as a goddess of healing, was often contrasted with Eresh. She was depicted as a halfling.
- Agni's people were often responsible for sending messages (e.g. a Courier service). He was often in conflict with Baharini'Hali, who would intervere with his peoples' travel. He was depicted as a Fish Folk.
Sendings, Sendings, and More Sendings
Responses on the 25th
Arkyn: "So, we found a big tree, that Iron Arrow could fit in roots. Do you want to come to the big tree? Angry Goat Lady."Sayah : “Arkyn, do not call me that. If that’s a joke, it’s a very poor one… (*sigh*) If that’s the truth, do you need to ask?”
Responses on the 26th
| Sent | Response |
|---|---|
| Arkyn: "To help fix Nefeli, I will be Auntie. Found out Otsana was the Full Moon Goddess, deceased now. Not all Jalasar Gods are gone apparently." | Auntie: “Dead means unhelpful and irrelevant. Do not let your focus waver. All others are extraneous. Prioritize that which afflicts you.” |
| Milo: "Professor Dunebrook, we reached a settlement. We have learned more about the pantheon. I am eager to speak with you at length. Milo." | Dunebrook: “Settlement? Can you describe the ruins? Symbols? Relics? Specifics on the pantheon? Sending is not a preferred communication method, but it will suffice for now.” |
| Arkyn: “Void Maiden is gone, helped bring back a Life God. Will have way to travel further into the continent. Down 5 fuels cells right now.” | Ironborn: “Have to travel? No, you don’t get to frolic forth. I will not have my Iron Arrow destroyed for no reason. There is no replacement.” |
| Arkyn: “Can bring back a god, got a Life God though lost the Void Maiden. There are three others here we could bring back. Your progress?” | Khalil: “You resurrected a dead god? If so, did the Void Maiden do so in her dying moments? If so, how unfortunate. Her time was wasted.” |
| Arkyn: “Vendetta and a group are coming to bring ya to Tree through Roots. Should be faster and safer. Can’t wait to have you by me.” | Sayah: “’A group’? Of angry goat ladies? I’ll pass on that forecast to the others. I do leave an impression. Shall I expect a personal welcome?” |
| Yenush: "Howdy Viren message from Yenush, still kickin! Bad news, going deeper into miasma. Good news, we’re safe, stayin with locals. I’ll make up lost time when I return. Missin ya!" | Viren: “H-Hi. Bad news? W-why??? LOCALS?... (there is an awkwardly long pause). P-please remember I am a logical being. Y-your bad news negates your good news. B-but… I am glad y-you aren’t dead and I don’t t-think I’m dreaming… (there is another awkwardly long pause). Miss-you-too.” |
Responses on the 27th
| Sent | Response |
|---|---|
| Arkyn: "Helped bring back a Life god here, Void Maiden is gone, got a void shard from her, something isn’t right, something is wrong. Ummmm.” | Auntie: “The Void Maiden? Curious. A Void Shard could be useful if wielded with precision and resolve. There is much wrong with the world, Arkyn.” |
| Arkyn: “Diamont, how are you and the Church doing? I’m sorry for the Void Madema’s passing. She did help bring back a God of Life, don’t think it make a difference.” | Diamont: “Your concern is appreciated. To the important matters. How did she pass? Did she say anything of import? Or did you find her corpse? Does anything of her remain?” |
| Cadence: “Hi, Quill, it’s Cadence! I’m alive, we fought a life god! I found Arya, she’s alive and well! Also a tree village! See you soon!" | Quill: “Hello, I’ve heard in passing from Sayah. Glad to hear from you directly. See, it all worked out! As fate intended, it seems.” |
| Aiaoue: 2 general sendings to Eight. | Eight: Thank you. That information is worth more than any treasure. There is a change. A shift. This bar will still be here when Jin returns. |
| Aiaoue: Hi we’re safe hope your doing well. Staying out here a bit longer. Curses? Any information or item you or Omarosa would like? | Viren: “Hi, I-I’m well. D-do you know how much longer? I-it’s empty without you and… item? I-I don’t know. I’ll ask Oma. P-please stay safe.” |
| Milo: I’ve learned much from a living settlement that forwards your research, and my story. I hope that we can share information in the near future. | Dunebrook: A living settlement? Fascinating. When you return, I’d like to accompany you back. History would be my suggested focus in your research. Stay in touch. |
Responses on the 28th
| Sent | Response |
|---|---|
| Arkyn: “Kesar'Arrat is the God who cursed me, another Night God who killed his sister Otsana. I can’t understand why but will keep looking into it” | Auntie: “Prioritize finding a weakness. The gods possess tremendous power, but they are not infallible.” |
| Arkyn: “Pings are connected to gods, I am connected to a moon god. Cause of kinship, do you feel more connected to sun or moon god” | Delilah: “That’s lovely. I’ve never seen the sun or moon, nor have I ever worshipped Elis or Caliban. So, neither? Or perhaps I’ve misunderstood your inquiry.” |
| Arkyn: “I don’t know your love language, what is it? I’ve known mine was quality time but now I’m worried it might be touch as well.” | Sayah: “The birds taught me to value gifts. I’d say acts of service, but I’m far too independent to always accept them… I suppose I’m complicated.” |
| Aiaoue: "Hi Evandra, people coming in Vendetta. Remember that SEED? It’s apparently REAL special round these parts. Make sure it’s tucked in real nice. You’re welcome." | Evandra: "Hi. Yes, people arrived. Some damage; one casualty. Eladrin? Yes, the seed; I’ll check and ensure it is safe. It certainly seemed special." |
| Yenush: "Bad cuz might be a bit til we're back locals. Locals within miasma same as legacy. Not dreaming we'll be back in no time. (smooching noise) Kisses." | Viren: "L-locals? H-How? In the miasma? H-how do they survive? Are they resistant? I c-could help the people here? A-ah. Um. (mumbled) Wish that was real." |
| Aiaoue: "Sorry, don’t know how much longer. If you need us, contact, well any of us and we’ll return ASAP. Leave this open til you need." | Viren: "D-Don’t apologize. Y-yes, I’m f-familiar with this spell. I-I will. T-Things are… d-different? Oma doesn’t need anything. S-she’s been with Ademar a lot." |
| Teagan: "Hey Ironborn, we saw group of tracks heading towards Legacy during our journey. Probably about 2 days out via Iron Arrow. Might wanna keep watch." | Ironborn: “Tipsy Smiles and Mer-Butt are on patrols. They will detect any approaching threat. I appreciate the warning. Do not let my Iron Arrow be harmed.” |
Responses on the 29th
| Sent | Response |
|---|---|
| Milo: "Hello Mrs. Milo, it’s Arkyn and Milo. We left Legacy for a time. Unsure when we will return. Will keep in touch. I love you." | Chloe: “Hello… Left Legacy? I was under the impression there was nowhere else to go? Hun, a few more details would be appreciated. Love you too.” |
| Cadence: "Hello Cadence’s father. Hi Dad! found Arya alive and well, but might not return to caravan. Heading across the continent, sending only communication. send soon!" | Demi (Cadence's Dad): “Cadence, Hi. I saw your letter. You found Aria? That’s wonderful. Across Dremora? A sending spell is better than nothing. Stay safe. Proud of you!” |
| Arkyn: “Wanted to check in on you. How are you doing? Sorry about the Void Maiden’s passing. Do you feel her presence is no longer here?” | Valora: "Hello, I am well. I appreciate your concern. Her presence has dwindled, but our Void Shards remain. We shall persevere! Don’t worry about us!" |
| Arkyn: “How is she really doing? Seriously. How are you and everyone doing back at Legacy? Sorry about the Void Maiden’s passing.” | Qik’Luk: "She is fine; Valora is unshakeable. Her Void Shard remains and so does the Church." |
| Yenush: "Are you alive? Who died? If not you? (pause) What? FUCK? Vendetta okay? (pause) How are fuel cells? Jeff okay? Jin okay? Thanks." | Yelkin: "…Yes. An… Aetherian? Dead on arrival. Vendetta is fine. MWD blown. Down some fuel on Vendetta. Jeff fine. Same with Jin. You’re welcome?" |
Report Date
07 Mar 2025
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