The Four Cups

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.

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Watch Episode 49