Session 28 – It's Just Smagic

General Summary

Fleeing the Swamp

As the ground of the dried Shadow Pool continues to tremble and shake, the group makes it back to Vendetta & co. Cadence pats Quill on the arm, suppressing his curse, and explaining absolutely nothing (for the moment). Jeff gives Teagan a few gentle kneecaps of support. Yelkin notes that Yenush is fine and promptly goes to rev the MWDs just in case of pursuit. Sayah attempts to approach Arkyn, but is promptly stopped by a mage hand to the chest. Sayah does not look pleased with the lack of expalnation, but acquieses to joining Yelkin, Quill, and Jeff on Vendetta for the night shift.

Arkyn and Yenush plan to let the ladies have a bath first, but Milo and Teagan don't seem to get that memo. Arkyn informs Yenush of the deal he struck in order to come back, while the others - now in the bath - discuss whether or not they should just... leave Eresh like that. There is a broader discussion of what exactly happened. Did Hyperion kill Hadúr? Why?? What gift did Eresh give to the Abyssal Lord? When Quill and Jeff join the group, Quill notes that the scales from Vil'Ashri are not of a Blue Dragon. Sure, the Blue Maw is notorious for being vain, but their scales aren't crystalline like this. Quill asks for clarification on what Cadence meant and she explains that his curse is suppressed. Quill immediately tries to rip the choker off, but is unable to. Teagan proposes that he punch Quill again to see if he goes all lightning again or not. Aiaoue, needed to de-stress post fight, goes to sit underwater for the next 10 minutes.

Arkyn then explains that, he died and, in order to come back, made a deal with Kesar'Arrat. While it's still possible to briefly touch him (for, say, Cure Wounds), he's not able to have any further contact with anyone he loves or cares about. Teagan chucks a rope at Arkyn; the rope obviously doesn't care about Arkyn so nothing triggers. Good information to know. How should Arkyn tell Sayah? Everyone very much emphasizes that he should tell her the truth. Do you think she loves me? ASK HER. What if she gets angry? Then he'll wake up with Sayah holding a knife over him. And that's hot. WHAT. Arkyn is realizing he has a type.

As the rest of the group prepares to rest, Arkyn goes to talk with Sayah. He informs her that he died and of the deal he made. When you made this deal, did you WAIT to hear the offfers or did you PROPOSE an offer? Sayah already knows the answer. Arkyn is a bit confused as to why Sayah isn't mad. Sayah would be angry if she was leaving with Arkyn's corpse so, despite how displeased she is with circumstances, anger isn't going to resolve it. Arkyn notes that he's second in the queue to get things resolved (Sayah will insist that it remains that way). So you're not done with me? Sayah notes that she still loves her mother despite her mother's distance and limited touch. Do you love me? Sayah notes she has strong feelings, but she's not one to simply or quickly fall in love.

And as the group rests, Milo dreams and wakes up with his heart racing, while Cadence also dreams.

Returning to Grand Aetheria

In the morning, Aiaoue poses a question to the group: in the event of anyone's untimely death, what are their final wishes? Arkyn notes that he'd like to be returned home, back to his mom specifically. Cadence would like her body burned and her bones returned to the caravan. Yenush would like to also be returned home; absolutely do NOT burn him and do not freeze him. Then how are we going to transport you? With smagic. Aiaoue would like her corpse released into the ocean so she may sink to the ocean floor to feed Omen's creatures. Milo would request the rites of Tel'Rhea (he's pretty sure his wife has everything arranged so Marcus won't have to). Teagan would like to be buried next to any tree and then inform his family. Teagan notes that there are rumors of a forge beneath the Coliseum. They take the souls of the fallen and put them into weapons. It aint much, but it's an afterlife.

Milo spends much of his time writing, while Yenush continues to tinker with various gifts. Cadence manages to commune with the memory of Eresh. When Cadence asks about Hadúr's death, she is ovewhelmed by the flood of possessive love. It is clear that Eresh regarded Hadúr as hers, in some way. There is the sensation of knowing when the connection was violently severed, but Eresh herself does not seem to know the details. Arkyn finds that polymorph is not the solution to his problems, but he does use it to inform the birds of the distuation. They demand cheese. Arkyn asks if Aiaoue will prepare a meal for the birds. Seated at Eight's table, the birds feast. They reveal no information despite their agreement. Feathers might have been crossed.

Aiaoue wakes one morning to find that the Spring's Boon feels different. The Boon radiates a new glow. Although faint, the sensation of spring is strong: the first rain, the blossoming of flowers, the spring breeze and the sun on one’s face amidst a meadow. Beneath it all… is a veil of sorrow. The feeling of a child who lost their best friend and has only now realized the permanent loss before them. Aiaoue attempts to send comfort through the boon.

Arkyn manages to commune with higher powers twice. After debate on whether or not Eight qualified as a deity, Arkyn asked Eden if Legacy was in imminent danger. It is not. Later, he asks Oshozi if his parents miss him. They do.

Spring is Here to Stay

The Gate to Grand Aetheria seems to have been restored to a pristine state, with runes re-done and reinforced. Returning to Grand Aetheria, spring is in the air. And another Root Gate has been opened, leading to Idyllis. The Iron Arrow still rests in the middle of the Hall with some curious Aetherians looking at it from beyond the constructed vine fence. Aura moves to greet the group, pleased to see that they are not dead. Aura notes that, in their absence, Eden has woken. The god of spring is likely to be found in either the park or the Hall of Seasons.

Milo and Teagan head to the Watering Grove, but find Jin passed out. It seems the Aetherians have made him a comfortable alcove for when he passes out. Teagan offers to wake Jin up and, after a few shots and a bunch of Buzzbur cookies, he does just that. Jin is very confused as to why there is a cacophonous buzzing echoing from Teagan. Milo updates Jin on the plan and invites Jin to join them. Jin's happy to be the "on-the-go" bartender. When asked if he's had any other dreams in the meantime, Jin notes that he has: darkness, a city, people in white robes, people in dark armor, the constant sound of scratching on parchment... and then nothing. As Jin goes to making drinks, Milo settles down to write.

Arkyn heads over to find Evandra, letting her know that they're alive. Evandra notes that she has some Aetheria fruit. She's been experimenting with it and believes she has infused it with life-granting abilities. One might say, each fruit is the diamond equivalent of Revivify when used with Aetherian carving and weaving techniques. Aiaoue swings through the park and finds Mya and Sylvatis overseeing the harvest of 3 large spring fruits. Mya is elated to see Aiaoue and thanks her again for everything. Aiaoue asks after some plants that... are particularly hardy and resilient. Mya helps Aiaoue pick out the perfect plants for Viren and Omarosa, setting them aside for whenever the group returns to Legacy.

Cadence heads to the Hall of Seasons where she finds Aria and... Eden. Aria intercepts Cadence, asking how she is. When Cadence reveals that they got what they went for, Aria attempts to do something, but seems to fail. Aria suspects that they will need all pieces of the Void given to them before she can attempt to duplicate the ritual the Void Maiden and the Eladrin leaders did to return Eden. Cadence asks how Aria is doing. Although she's not ready to face her future, she has a purpose now. Her time with the Void Maiden has changed her perspective, but parsing out what that means exactly is for the future.

As the group gathers at the Watering Grove, Eden appears. The god of spring looks much like he did in the dream, but all visible skin is covered in a mosaic of thin, pink scars. He also looks slightly older. His shoulders are broader, his face a bit sharper, and his disposition filled with a hint if authority. In his family's absence, it falls to him now to carry the responsibility. Perhaps he shirked from it in the past, but he will carry it willingly and fully now. He thanks the party; where the divine failed, they have offered salvation. Eden has reconstructed the wards around Grand Aetheria and will continue to reinforce the bindings on his family for the next few days. Afterwards, he will return to rebuild his Court in Idyllis and to restore himself to his full divine strength.

Over drinks and dinner, the group asks Eden a myriad of questions:

• Why/how did this happen to you? Eden recalls conflict raging. He remembers his mother forcing him to withdraw... and how he gave into childish antics. We all have our faults... but the faults of the divine have led to the disruption of Courts, the loss of lives... perhaps more.
• Regarding the Storm Wars, Eden had always extended his protection to coastal towns against the Abyssal Lord. Supposedly, Hadúr was killed, though Eden is unsure of details. Eden recognizes Hadúr's head when it is produced. His mother, Chasca, forced him to withdraw as the dragons of Hyperion attacked the Abyssal Lord and the conflict began to spread.
• Eden is fond of "Vicky" (Vahlair Victoria) as they are part of, what Eden considers, "divine children". His mother was not found of the reckless bloodshed she often inspired and so, despite his desires to help her, he could not.
• Regarding conflicts on the continent, there was the Storm Wars, multiple conflicts in the central portion of the continent, the feud between Faust and Pyrus, the advance of Eshkan Barin, and more. Regarding dead gods, Eden knows that Dashi'Imon advanced from the north, killing Chelia, Hindilyahni, and potentially one more.
• Regarding Kesar'Arrat: Eden considers him to be a sorrowful man, but he did a great good. He thought he could take the burdens of an entire continent. When informed that Kesar'Arrat killed his sister, Eden is surprised. Something dire must have happened; the Kesar'Arrat Eden know would have laid down his own life far before he ever harmed his sister. Oh, and Prospera didn't just want Moonstones... she wanted the moon, she wanted Kesar'Arrat. She coveted the Silver path.
• Regarding Pyrus Fairmane: The lion god was well known to for being promiscuous. His Valkyries were as likely to be the "teeth and claws" of Geryon's law as he was. His feud with Faust was well known, but while Faust had no morals, Pyrus held himself to a high standard of honor... though Eden notes his enforcement of Geryon's law was getting harsher near the end. Why choose Yenush? Have you questioned authority? There were rumors that some Valkyries were losing faith in their father. Plus, Pyrus was known as the left hand of Geryon.
• Regarding Vahlair: Eden believes that, if she had it her way, Vahlair would not have had the image of a hooded rider calling forth bloodshed. She far preferred stories of heroics. Eden did NOT like her horse, Vanguard, but Vicky was almost never without him. Not even Eden knows WHAT Vanguard is. Why would Vahlair choose Milo? While Milo may not be the type of bard Vahlair kept in her Cavalries, she held them in high regard, for they sang the requiem for the fallen and told tales of heroes of old. Also, do you have any anxieties?
• Regarding Tamasvi: Is she bad? That depends. The domain of death was overseen by 5 death gods: Malachor to allocate souls to Courts, Ah'Shal to guard those Unclaimed, Eresh to dictate natural decay, Benon to escort souls that died a peaceful death... and Tamasvi to escort those who died violent deaths. In that sense, she was necessary, but stories of old also hold that she eradicated an entire group of people. Her Obsidian Company is composed of individuals who abandon all but their desire for vengeance. Why would she choose Teagan? Do you harbor guilt?
• Regarding Eresh: Eden firmly believes, that despite her reputation, Eresh loved her people. Why would she choose Cadence? Eresh did not get along well with a particular moon goddess. Although Eresh can no longer react in spite to said goddess, Eresh could pry another away from the moon more generally.
• Regarding Adore: The Matchmaker often sent matchmakers to Grand Aetheria (mostly for Chasca). Eden knows little of Adore, though she is believed to be the origin of the Kalashtar race (in some way), often had disputes with the Tritons, and had granted a mortal immortality (her lover and partner, Amore). Eden also notes that the many people would go to the islands to see the sky whales (Diovats). As far as Eden is aware, she hasn't committed any heinous acts.
• Regarding Faust: On a scale of Abyssal Lord to any normal deity, Faust is down by the Abyssal Lord... at least according to Eden. Faust was known to view his people as pawns or poker chips, gambling with them until he was bored (at which point he disposed of them). Yuan-Ti were his domain and although many tried, they could never truly escape Faust. Eden wishes he could have done more to protect them.
• After describing shadows and other details, Eden identifies that (1) Asmodon (god of bodily pleasure) may be cursing Viren, (2) Solva is likely cursing Delilah, and (3) Vera Imperia is likely cursing Marcia.
• In regards to bringing back a god, Eden knows he wasn't always divine, but he doesn't know how he ended up this way. Who would? The One. Eden doesn't know The One's design and The One isn't someone you can just ask.

The End of an Era

Before departing, Eden notes that they may wish to pay a visit to Idyllis. In the City of Spring, a meadow has sprung up, water has started to flow down the river again, and the crumbling statue of the Madargyo remains. Fannar sits peacefully atop a slight hill. He points to a spot slightly off in the distance. There used to be an Aetheria tree there with a Madargyo nest at the top. Was it Eden's Madargyo, who can say.

Fannar notes, plainly, that he is dying. A miracle, truly, that he made it this long. He watched many die before him. He can recall the stories of Orom'Rye's fall, lived through the fall of Idyllis, and lost his son to the Mind Blight. All of this is only possible... because of you. One of our gods is returned to us, Mya will not be the last, and I am returned to Idyllis in the end. Although Fannar cannot go to Vale's court, he is pleased to join Eden and help rebuild. Arkyn wonders who he'll ask questions to and Fannar notes you can still ask... he might just not answer. Aiaoue takes Fannar's hand and notes that people live on in the stories others tell. Perhaps one final story?

Fannarh reminisces fondly on his family as they were centuries ago. Aura was once enamored with Sylvatis. She used to braid his hair as he spouted awful poetry. Arranged, perhaps, but they both tried and found love there. Even now, after how it crumbled and fell apart, Fannar can still see it. With every freeze, the spring thaw will come and the flowers will bloom once more. Whatever burdens you carry, they will lighten. No matter how dire, you will find spring again. Albeit brief, I am glad to have known you.

The following day, under Eden's guidance, an Aetheria tree is planted over Fannar's final resting place in Idyllis. Four Aetherians will rise again as Eladrin. Spring has come to Grand Aetheria again; a new era heralded in by the first victory against the Mind Blight since it began.

Report Date

16 May 2025

Primary Location

Grand Aetheria

Secondary Location

The Gyésanti Swamps

Related Characters

• Aura Augustia
• Eden
• Evandra
• Fannar Februah
• Jeff Ur'Cissa
• Jinoah
• Mya Marchion
• Quill
• Sayah
• Yelkin

Cadence's Dream

You stand in a Void. A darkened expanse with seemingly no end. Ahead of you, the shadowy Void peels away to reveal a blurry figure, restrained, bound… weak. Waterfalls of half-dead hair obscure the gaunt face that lurks beneath. Repulsion, disgust, and rage simmer and grow within you. She believes she could command you. The darkness answers to you now as you drive it through her rotted heart. Her flesh crumples into a pitiful pile of moss and vine. And Eresh is no more.

The vast expanse of darkness is suddenly filled with millions of silver specks, stars shining bright. You feel recognition, respect, and gratitude radiating from the moon that rests in its bed of stars. The sounds of a lute accompanying a familiar singing voice drifts across the wind. By the glow of firelight, you see the caravan; drakes resting nearby. You take your partner’s hand and walk forward. It’s time to return home.

Milo's Dreams

(After so long of skirting around them, Milo has three).

You recognize the door to your home. A surge of joy passes through you as you envision your reunion with wife and child. That joy quickly sours as you enter to find Chloe together with another man as they help Marcus to walk, cheering and smiling with utter joy.
Upon noticing you, Chloe frowns, almost pulling Marcus protectively towards her… away from you. She looks lovingly at the man beside her before scowling at you.
“He’s a better father than you could ever be. At least he is HERE.”

You see Chloe sitting near one of the windows in her home, reading a story to Marcus. She is disrupted by a knock at the door. With Marcus on her hip, she moves to answer. A courier hands her a note. Confused, she opens it… a hand flies to her mouth as she gasps and drops the note. Tears fall freely and a choked sob escapes her. Marcus babbles, unaware and unknowing.
Your vision cuts to a miasma-filled wasteland. You see yourself. Your body. You don’t make it back. You abandon them.

You are home, yet it seems to have changed. Portraits on the wall suggest that time has passed… most of them are devoid of your presence. You see various portraits of Chloe and Marcus as your son ages from the 6-month old you last remember to a boy of perhaps 10. You drop a bag to the ground; after years, you have returned home.
When Chloe appears, she looks relieves and moves to embrace you. When you draw back, you see Marcus. He looks so much like you… yet when you meet his gaze, there is no love or familiarity in his eyes. Your son regards you as a stranger. He is uncaring, apathetic, glancing with concern at his mother… as if assessing your threat to her.
You are not his father. Nothing more than a stranger invading his home.

Sendings

Sent	Response
Arkyn: “Don’t tell Auntie, can tell Haythem. I got a girlfriend, her name is Sayah and I really really like her. She is my first kiss.”	Mila: “SO SHE’S REAL. And like… OFFICIAL. Nice. Hm, nooooooo, I won’t tell Haythem; then I’d OWE HIM. So count your totally-believed-you secret safe with me!”
Arkyn: “Yes, Auntie. Using this to see what happens to her curse while confronting the Death goddess she is connected to. If it helps or worsens.”	No Response
Arkyn: “Legacy will remain in miasma cause dead Sea God domain. Land to the East will open up, cause a Life God has been brought back.”	No Response
Arkyn: “What kind of complications? What if research shifted to helping the other three life gods? Instead of resurrection, focus on removing corruption that effects them.”	Khalil: “You possess our sole means of transportation. Regardless, it wouldn’t remove miasma from Legacy, our current connection to Dremora.” Khalil: “If the reason for your continued travel is your afflictions, as I suspect, I’ll inform Ironborn. For research-related questions, you may return to Legacy.”
Milo: “Hi love. Thinking of you after a near-death experience. Grateful for you and Marcus. Hoping to be home soon, but will likely be a while. Miss and love you lots.”	Chloe: “Love, I hope the near-death experience is the “skiff moving too fast” kind. Stay as safe as you can. Marcus and I miss you dearly.”
Arkyn: “Faced Death God, fine now but curse has progressed. Couldn’t kill her but able to take a piece of her in void shard. How’s Nefeli?”	Auntie: “Take care to not pass the point of no return. Find a way to strike a killing blow. She’s as well as she can be.”