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The group spends their evenings going about the house while waiting until morning to begin their journey. Fix spends some time in meditation and receives another vision of the volcano. He confers with Zybella who encourages him to go to Mencala Peak and that she would feel more at ease if he were not alone. Evangeline continues working on her nanites until the house is quiet, she then heads to Gavyn’s room where she takes a look around. She finds a homemade knife and a magical wolf figurine which she places in her pocket. Forsythe continues to study botany with Kosha until she falls asleep. He then carries her to bed and goes to bed himself. Kadath chats more with Erwin until he also goes to bed.
In the morning, Fix confesses to the group about his visions and his desire to go to Mencala Peak. The group agree to travel with him and they ask Joyve to teleport them. Though she had not been there herself, she knew enough about the area to get them to the side of the mountain. The group makes their way into the depths of the mountain, going through illusions, walking on air, avoiding acidic ooze, and passing through portals. Eventually they find themselves in an ancient forge where Fix immediately goes to work. About 4 hours later, he completes his armor, finding it has been blessed by Gond. The group then make their way through another portal and find themselves standing on the side of the mountain once more, the time lapse is at least 14 hours later. They begin to make their way westward, out of the Black Riage, and come upon a warded area. A few in the group get some eerie feelings about the abandoned fortress they find in the area. Evangeline, with her arcana knowledge, realizes that the ward that they found is to keep something in, not to keep others out. After a brief discussion they decide to do a quick observation of the area and begin to move through the ward toward the abandoned fortress.
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Kilmoc Bammu, the Amber Pope, asks to speak privately with Evangeline. She agrees and is escorted by Priest Rokdif to a portal that takes her directly to his office, out of range for the communication with the rest of the group. While meeting, the rest of the group is escorted by another priest, Helnin Willowlance, to the balcony to wait. Joyve was called upon to take Renio back to the Trentson estate to be held there, and Kadath notices the rest of the priests continue to converse quietly with three seemingly taking charge.
In the office, Evangeline learns some information from Kilmoc. He confirms that he agrees with many of Renio's ideas, but disagrees with his methods. He also shares that he is aware of the gods and to remain unbiased, he chooses not to follow any. When asked about the five, he shares that they do not work together although they may have the same goal. They each have influence over various governing bodies and those who oppose them tend to disappear. In regards to Strulduk, he sees him as having no ill will toward anyone and he seems a bit out of place with the other four. Kilmoc shares more specific information about Lady Gaera confirming where she lives, she is never alone, and knows her boundaries. He believes Gaera's removal would be beneficial but warns Evangeline as to where and how it is done. He then reveals his true form (a tiefling) to Evangeline asking her to keep this secret so he can continue his quest to restore the Order of Truth. He then gives her a locket that is warm to the touch in order for her to return to him when she needs to. Once she reconnects with the rest of the group, putting Fix back at ease, they return to the Trentson estate. Evangeline shares what was discussed with Kilmoc (except his true form) with the group. They decide that Strulduk would need to be visited. Evangeline, after touching base with Gavyn, notices her nanites seem to be multiplying without being in the pressure chamber. Forsythe visits the library with Kosha, looking through books about botany. Kosha finds a card that is quickly realized to be another for the group to complete, the Void card. After looking at the cards a bit closer, each shows a symbol of a god, the last being from Leira. Fix and Zybella search through the library and discover some animals have anti magic defenses found in the Caecilian Jungle. While awaiting the meeting at the Durkhal, Evangeline, with Fix’s aid, built more pressure chambers and continued testing the nanites. Some results were very successful while others not so much. She and Fix look over the ones used in the experiments to determine the variables among them. Fix also looks over his completed set of armor, but still feeling as though something is missing he puts it away.
Time comes to travel to the Durkhal and with the help of Joyve, all but Forsythe and Buckley travel invisibly. However, not being able to avoid all things, they are heard by a group ready to ambush them. They quickly realize that Renio is their target and Kadath gets him to safety while Kosha and Forsythe dispatch most of the others. However, one does get away after whispering into a stone. The group makes their way through the secret tunnel into the Durkhal, careful not to trigger any traps and avoiding a trip wire. Soon, they enter the great hall and are allowed entry by the priests and Leslyn, who await their arrival. Gathered for this meeting is Leslyn with five priests on either side and a 14” glass orb centered on a pedestal among them. Evangeline pulls out her book to record and see that four of the priests seem to recognize the artifact. Given the opportunity to test Renio’s truthfulness, it is revealed that the Amber Pope is actually Kilmoc Bammu, a name none of the party recognize. Through a series of questions, Renio informs the priests about Cyric, the four other major names, and the ultimate goal to return Velsharoon. The priests recognize Velsharoon and reveal their knowledge of the Matron of Ravens as well. The priests then share that their intentions with the numenera are to study and implement the knowledge for the betterment of society through defenses and development. They share that Kilmoc has been the Amber Pope for the past 6 years. He took the position when Duranet VI died unexpectedly. Kilmoc had been trained by the previous pope for four years prior to his death. Having learned of Renio’s deceptions, they state they have no further use of him. Evangeline looks into the orb and sees an older gentleman who is believed to be Kilmoc and asks, “Is this what you want the order to be, or do you want to make it better?” To this he replies, “That, my dear, is a loaded question.” Inside the Durkhal with guards quickly coming, Evangeline pulls out her book and looks for an additional spell to get out quickly; she comes across the dimension door spell. She, Fix, and Kadath grab Leslyn, Renio, and Forsythe respectively, and step through the spell’s door just outside the walls to the Durkhal. They quickly make their way to the underbelly of Qi where Forsythe guides them to Dornen Jenar, the leader of the underbelly. Doren, upon recognition that Fix is the new leader of the Jagged Dream, does what he can to accommodate any request made by the party.
Inside Dornen's meeting room, the group questions Renio. After getting only some questions answered and being unsure which are the truth, Fix turns to Philethis for some additional information and learns that Renio would most fear exposure. The party discusses some possible options and decides that they would ask Zybella to come to Qi and once she arrives, she compels Renio to speak only the truth for as long as the world exists. The group then integrates Renio further to discover that several gods are working toward the return of Velsharoon: Beshaba, Cyric, Leira, Gruumsh, and Auril, and each of the 5 serves one of those gods. Renio also discloses the other three followers of Cyric within the Order of Truth. As they finish interrogation, Evangeline asks about herself to find Renio saw her path was perfect, beyond any orchestration of the gods. The group then decided it was time to go to the Trentson Estate. Forsythe carried Renio in Eagle form while the rest made their way through the streets. On their way, Philethis contacted Fix. His mother had left the house and was attacked by Gidna. Vanneth was able to save her and she is now resting in the house. Fix asked Philethis what would make his serving the Jagged Dream more amicable and to that he did not have an answer. Forsythe found Devin outside of a tavern and gave him Evangeline’s description, then encouraged him to report it to the Order of Truth. Meanwhile, in the Trentson home,
Evangeline used sending to ask Brezin about the Forge family. He disclosed their locations within the Durkhal. Kosha, with Arias’ aid, worked to disguise Fix, Kadath, and herself prior to leaving. Kosha led the way to the secret tunnel connecting an outer storage shed to the dungeon level of the Durkhal. As they entered, they heard an explosion from the other side. Knowing this was the distraction provided by Arias, they quickly entered into the tunnel and began moving through. Kosha stepped on a pressure plate and held there while Evangeline, with Forsythe’s aid, disabled the trap prior to it triggering. Inside the Durkhal, they quickly made their way to the sleeping quarters on the lower level and found Evangeline’s three siblings. Kosha took the siblings back to the tunnel to get them to a safe place while the group continued toward the great hall. As they reached the stairs, they heard Gidna’s voice telling Renio “If you manage to succeed, contact my lady.” Fix, after becoming invisible, caught a glimpse of Gidna as she disappeared via a spell. While the group took down Renio, Leslyn was left scared and confused about her convictions. After Renio fell unconscious, Buckley was instructed to lead Evangeline’s parents to safety. As Forsythe healed Renio to wake him, Kadath heard commotion on the grounds of the Durkhal as Zhev guard and guards from the Order of Truth began to make their way to the building. The group spent the day individually gathering information from Deneir (through the book), Arias, and Kosha when she arrived.
Evangeline spent some time in her room with the book, learning how to recall information, asking questions, and scribing a spell. Through her inquiries, she learned that the "5" do not have direct connection, but will work together for mutual gains, though it does not always come out equally mutual. When questioning about her own qualifications, it informed her she had intelligence beyond her upbringing, that which could not be learned. She also read that the Order of Truth sees something within her as well. She also asked about Philethis and discovered that he serves Leira, but is bound to serve the Jagged Dream (acquired through a shrewd business deal). Fix spoke with his mother, Arias, who confirms that Renio did set the ward around the office, but she believed he added something additional to it. Kadath and Evangeline confirmed this and were able to see it was tracking blood tattoos that would pass through the barrier and Fix was able to dispel this ward. Arias also told Fix that she had a contact for information within the Order of Truth named Brezin Silverspell, but his loyalty is fickle. Arriving disheveled, Kosha shares that she and Elijah had been in Auspur tracking down some information about an item that was taken from him. They were targets of an ambush and in the chaos, Elijah told her to split and they would meet back up at the order. She was able to flee and cast a spell that Tatra had prepared for her which brought her to the Trentson Estate. After Forsythe heals her a bit, she is informed about the plans to infiltrate Castle Aventur and the Durkhal. She agrees to aid them in both endeavors. With a plan to go to the Durkhal at dusk, Arias contacts some to aid in a distraction and Forsythe goes out to find Devin. In the library at Qi, Deneir takes time to answer questions and provide encouragement to Evangeline. He explains that the path seen in Evangeline’s life was perfect for the next Keeper of Knowledge. He also shares that the Order of Truth does see something with her and fears losing that possible power. After explaining to Evangeline what his book and quill do, he excuses himself and leaves the room, disappearing before exiting the library. Kadath fills in Professor Tomelson with the cards. He confirms that with the power of the gods increasing, the power within the Order of Truth will decrease as they will begin to lose the ear of the governing authorities. He also offers sanctuary to the group should they find themselves in need. Fix and Forsythe, in their own ways, discover the Order of Truth has hired additional help in patrolling the upper area of Qi, specifically between Durkhal and the Trentson Estate. Later that evening, Evangeline contacts Gavyn who confirms leaving Boreg upon Brumand’s request. Meanwhile, Fix and Kadath take a trip to Far Brohn to visit Corinni and Shallow (the blink cat). Upon request of the enchantment Fix wishes to have applied to the newly forged pendants, Shallow reveals herself to be a young elven girl. She implies this has been done for other pendants and offers her assistance. A deal is struck and work begins. As Shallow and Corinni work on the enchantments, Fix and Kadath decide to make introductions to the four members that drew Fix’s attention. After meeting with these four, and informing them to stay on guard should Gidna return, Fix and Kadath return to the shop and pick up the completed pendants, giving one to Kadath immediately. Once they return to Qi, Fix calls on Evangeline and Forsythe, giving them pendants as well. The next morning, Philethis wakes Fix as he reports in, “It has begun, Brumand serves you well,” but seems taken back when Fix responds. As they all begin to wake, Evangeline is given a letter from Edaric with a coded message, “Do not come they will not let you leave.”  The group decides to go to Giselle’s as Kadath’s request. There, Kadath gets a reading, revealing his path as judgment, lies from one within his circle, and a future spiritual transformation. Evangeline also takes notice of Giselle’s crystal ball, learning that she could also use it to see possible futures by looking into Gavyn’s future. Giselle is asked about the future endeavors and reveals that the future is shrouded by higher magic. However, when shown the most recent card, she confirms that the book and quill are in a library room accessible by the professors.
Seeing the struggle within Evangeline, Fix convinces her to spread out the evil items she carries. Evangeline passes the orb to Fix and the shards to Kadath, keeping the soul stone hidden away. They then decide to go to the library and ask for Professor Tomelson. The professor leads them to the small room and shares the book and quill were donated to the library by the previous headmaster and has been in the case since. After he leaves the room, the group focuses on the case to retrieve the items. When touched, shadow guards begin attacking, focusing on Evangeline once she tries to leave with these items. The final guard is dispersed as Tomelson opens the door and recognizes Evangeline. Taking them to a study room, he allows Evangeline to examine the book and quill as Fix heads out of the library. Fix, however, comes across an older man who seemed familiar. This man enters the library as if known, yet when questioned, the librarian did not seem to know him. The man goes to Evangeline and announces himself as Deneir and he has given these to her as she is the next keeper of knowledge. While talking with Shay Marsk at the circus, the group learns a bit more about the ages. The 2nd age saw the first seven cities destroyed while the other nine got their shields running. A few months after the shields were up Shaji disappeared causing the shields to fail in the other cities. During the 3rd age, those remaining eight cities were also destroyed. They also learned that the shields contained an orrery and sigils for location, this allowed them to be used as teleportation locations. Shay provides the sigil for Dagan because he once cared for the shield at that location.
The group decides to go to Umdera to return the crystal ball before doing anything else and Theon provides the means. Upon arrival they find themselves in a field with knee-high grass that is teaming with wildlife. They see the city that seems to be a few hours away and slowly begin moving that direction. Once they make it to the city, they ascend to the platform noticing they are self-sufficient with farms, livestock, and any other needs that may be required to live. The people take notice of them, however, do not seem concerned at their arrival. After being directed to follow the red ribbon signs, they find Alazarus’ abode. At Alazarus’, the group learns he allowed the crystal ball to be taken from him to hide in exile during the 5th age and when asked about Gidna, Alazarus shares about golden beetles. These creatures were prevalent in ages past, but are now nearly extinct. Only three exist in captivity by Gaera, Strulduk, and Isabella. Once the beetle bonds with a master it obeys them. The beetle can be placed into a host which will then cause the host to also obey the master. Any way to remove the beetle comes with the risk of killing the host. When asked about the Forge family, he shares that they are safe and guarded at Durkhal, and catching a possible change of the future, warns Evangeline about taking drastic actions. After this, he takes hold of the ball and disappears as two ethereal beings (who Evangeline had seen prior) begin taking form. Edwina and Rowina are celestial, their job is to take over Alazarus’ work in his absence, and offer to teleport the group to Qi. Arriving in Qi, they make their way to the Trentson estate and immediately notice Philethis is not present. Fix starts heading to the office but Vanneth stops him, giving him an intercepted communication between Dolren and their mother. Fix reads the message that states “Mercenaries and crates from Auspur to Wyrfall.” Once in the office, Fix and Arias have some conversation where Arias shares that Gaera is after Fix but also is involved in something bigger. She also shared that Gaera is one of five powerful people the Jagged Dream leave alone, the other four are Strulduk, Isabella, Renio, and Jenik. She shares she is being watched and threatened that both Gidna and Fix would die if she continued to dig for more information. When asked, she shares that Philethis is currently in Nihliesh and she believes he serves someone else who has commanded him to serve the Jagged Dream. Arias also tells the party that it is best not to trust him fully. Fix asks for her assistance when they come against Gaera and after some deliberation, she agrees. Knowing Philethis should not go any time without anyone to report to, Arias transfers leadership of the business to Fix. Evangeline asks about her family and Arias confirms there was noise about that. She gives Evangeline a note from Leslyn confirming the Order of Truth has the Forge family and commands the Evangeline check in. As Fix informs his father of taking leadership, Evangeline searches her belongings. After organizing her things, she realizes that a sentimental figurine of a unicorn is missing. Fix asks Vanneth about visitors and finds out that High Priest Renio had been a dinner guest and was left alone for a time. At Ossam's Traveling Menagerie, the group spotted the red tent for Dollen Bada and entered with confidence, intimidating him in their presence. Sitting on his table is the crystal ball that was shown on the card. Through some interrogation and Dollen's use of the ball, the group discovers he gave information regarding a group of travelers coming from Rarmon to Orrila and taking a rest at the homestead of the Sunheart's farm, to a man by the name of Bensen. They also learn that Alazarus is the one depicted as fate on the card.
Through the orb, though he did not see them directly, he searched out Gidna and Gaera and found both to be near Castle Aventur north of Wyrfall. Evangeline also uses the crystal ball to search out her brother, ending in Qi at the Durkhal before being pushed out. Fix attempts to locate his mother and is stopped by a boundary around her office. Kadath uses his blood to use the ball to locate Erwin's bag. With the help of the Raven Queen to push through some of the boundaries, he finds himself below Castle Aventur. He confirms the bag, boomerang, and pendant are all laid out on a table. Looking around, wincing from psychic pain, he spots several spines displayed like artwork and a cell where he finds Gidna seemingly asleep, before being pushed out forcibly. Evangeline leaves the tent and speaks with Theon. Sending a message to Gavyn about her brother, she learns that her mother and father, along with two brothers and a sister, were taken from Thriest. She then disappears for a bit, rejoining the group once the sun is set. The rest of the group take the crystal ball, tuck it away safely, and head to the big tent where Theon is to perform shortly. They talk with Theon after his show and learn he is quite old, and has come to the circus to perform simple magic for the enjoyment of others, however, he is getting tired of doing this job. He shares a bit of information about Curtaris, formerly known as Ziga, and admits he was born in the 5th age. Forsythe dives in his thoughts and finds several images of lands and people that are unfamiliar, as well as a gentleman whose movement is not fluid. Eventually, Theon decides to introduce them to the ringmaster, Shay Marsk. Shay shares that the circus has aided the Trenson family before with travel and information, and shares with the group that he is an android from a time before Shaji had disappeared, claiming to have been in Dagon at that time. He hinted at connections between other androids. After securing Theon for teleportation in the morning, the group begins to retire to the tent Shay designated for them to rest. |
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May 2025
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