07-02-2025: Illumé, a new world

The session started in the Keep. The members of the Order of Adamant were having breakfast while Mind checked up on Alban Farrow at the forge. He found Alban still lost in his work. Alban made lots of detailed experiments, schematics and notes about repairing Tacton. He told Mind that he's planning on melting Arundur into an alloy. This will serve as a containment room, because the gem is so incredibly powerful. Alban appeared to have worked the entire night with some coffee to sustain him. However, coffee could only do so much, so Alban eventually headed to bed and left Drajag with some tasks he can do in meantime.   During Mind's visit to the forge. Jaina decided to get some fresh and cold air together with Kiwi. During their short walk, Kiwi asked Jaina about Ieghi. He hadn't seen her since last night and was wondering where she was. Jaina was deliberately vague about Ieghi's whereabouts but made it clear to Kiwi that she wouldn’t be seeing her anytime soon.   At the dining table, Gotrick and Mae were having a conversation. Gotrick was interested in her armor and knew it had some magical properties. Mae told him she that it was gifted to her to contain and control her lightning powers. Gotrick seemed amazed at this fact and asked if she could help him with a problem. He wanted to be able to quickly switch from his two handed warhammer to a small hammer and shield. The way Gotrick's armor was right now, simply didn't allow it. Mae promised to take a look at his weapon and try and figure something out.   The Order received some letters back from Gundren, Lady Aenysiel and Jhazar, of course delivered by their trusty Barrick. Everyone sat around the living room and read the letters to each other aloud.
  Mind began with Gundren's letter. Gundren informed the Order that the Spectator which resided in the Rockseeker Mine has been dealt with. The researchers of Cyriil could tell him that beings like Spectators are not likely to work with Mind Flayers like Zenatosh. Rather, they would be more likely to see each other as rivals. They deem the chances very low for them to be working together. This particular Spectator was bound to the Mine long ago by a mage to defend it. He probably perished before he could banish it again, hence why it was still guarding the area. This eased the minds of everyone—it is one less danger in this world.   Jaina read Mot'Jhazar's letter aloud. He let the Order know to be saddened by the news of Iyerea's death. He raises a glass of his finest skooma to honor her memory. He loves to plan a moment to drink with the Order once again, but must decline to do so in Illume. His presence in the city is apparantly not welcomed. He even advises them not to mention his name under the sunlight. He also hints there is something below the city, where the use of his name would be fine ... This made the group look at each other, first in a moment of silence. Before Mind could open his mouth, they figured that they would probably get in to Arnotar during their stay at Illumé, so they might meet up With Jhazar there.   Lastly, it was Aerith's turn to read. Lady Aenysiel sent a letter to confirm that most of the Order won't encounter any problems during their visit to Illume. Mind, however, would probably not be well-received at court. So the Order should be mindfull about who attends certain gatherings and visits certain areas. The same would be through for Aerith as a Tiefling, but Lady Aenysiel has registered her as an elf to avoid haressment and complications. In her letter she informs them that will need to go through customs at arrival in the city, where Lorice will pick them up and guide them to her mansion. Mind turned up his nose at this news, but everyone knew, including him that this was to be expected. The letter also included all of their visas.   With this new information, they prepared to leave the Keep. Using the Magic Circle in Thalaniel, they quickly arrived just outside of Illume. There they immediatly were brought to customs, which took quite some time looking through, and asking about, the possessions of Mind. The discrimination within the city became immediatly apparent. Aerith, to her surprise, was adressed as 'Lady Aerith'. The Customs clerk informed them to always have the access passes on their persons, as they have to show them everytime they want to travel from one district to another.   Eventually, Lorice arrived and introduced herself to the party. She had a quick word with the Customs clerk so the group could take their leave. She led them through a section of the Golden Archway district. This district is the first entry most visitors of the city will gawk at. It is an incredible city with very distinct tall buildings. Millions of people live within it, the tall buildings allow lots of people to be housed. Buildings are efficiently designed and have a regal look to them. Making their way through the district, they headed north to the Radiant Quarter. This district is where the nobles reside and where Lady Aenysiel's mansion can be found. Before entering this district, the Order noticed how the different districts are guarded. Every district is protected by a wall. To go to another district, one has to pass through a gate with the Dawn Wardens protecting it. They have to show their access passes to prove they are allowed to enter. Lorice made the entire process go by swiftly and explained on the way a bit about the city.   Firstly, she told them that if one has a good reason, a visit to another district that is not on their visas is possible. You can get a day pass for this. Aerith also had a specific question about the Dawn Ward. She wondered who was allowed in that district and Lorice told her that only militairy, the houses, members of the Luminous Concord and Warforged was allowed.   Not too long after entering the Radiant District, the Order arrived at the Mansion of House Celebren. It was truly a sight to behold. The building was mostly made out of a dark marble and the building had gold accents all over. The garden was beautifully decorated with flowers and plants. Lorice told the group that Lady Aenysiel has been living here for decades. This building and the others in this district told them one story: people with wealth and power were living here in great luxery. They were guided to a side building of the Mansion, because it is huge in size. Lorice told the party how Lady Aenysiel has not been in the Mansion for quite some time. It mostly is empty—they prepared this wing of the building especially for their arrival.   They entered the wing of the mansion and were introduced to the staff. Lorice is the House Misstress of the Celebren Residence. She is tasked with making sure their stay will be as comfortable as possible. She was one of Lady Aenysiel's personal maidens. Seline Mardant, a Pallet Elf, is the house servant. She is a sweet girl that will attend to all the direct needs of the party. Seline informed the party that if anyone needs anything, each rooms has been provided with a bell that can be rung. Lastly they met the Chef who will cook all the meals during their stay. Gordon Remsey is one of the best chefs in the city and shows he is very passionate about his food. However, don't disturb his work or kitchen, because he will tell you, in his words exactly, 'to fuck off'. The Order were informed they won't be the only ones staying at the Mansion. Two others, who still need to arrive would also be staying there with them. Lorice asked them to get comfortable in the residence and relax until the others arrive.   Since dinner was at 7, everyone decided to go to their appointed rooms. Gotrick, Mind, Mae and Leo slept on the second floor, while the rooms of Aerith and Jaina were located on the third floor which they shared with the new guests. The rooms were spacious and even resting places for all of the Order's pets were accounted for. One thing that was different about Aerith's room was that her closet was filled with lavish dresses and all kinds of jewelry. Really wanting to wash her own clothes she put on a simple dress. Both Aerith and Jaina requested to wash their clothes since it has been a while since that was done.   After everyone done inspecting their rooms, they all went downstairs for lunch. Gordon has prepared some spectacular food, but was upset about there being one missing guest which was supposed to be Ieghi. To veer off this conversation, the group asked Gordon to tell something about himself. Apparently, Gordon used to own some restaurants in Illumé and he was a well known cook. Because of his bad behaviour he eventually lost his restaurants and Lady Aenysiel gave him another chance, by hiring him. After lunch, the group idled around waiting for the guests to arrive.   Finally, the guests had arrived. One of them was Lord Aegaelion, which they can refer to as Gael. He is a High Elf, has shoulder length hair and golden eyes. He has a fit physique and wears a pendant with the emblem of House Celebren. He told them that he will aid them with their quest here in Illumé. The other guest was Cole. Cole they already met, as he was one of Lady Aenysiel's personal bodyguards when they first met her in Cyriil. Gael asked Aerith to have a chat in his room, as he had something to discuss with her, which was only meant for her. Aerith, Cole and Gael went upstairs, where Cole remained at the door outside of the room.   Gael disclosed to Aerith that Lady Aenysiel has given Gael a letter meant for her and Aerith read it in silence right in front of him. Lady Aensyiel has arranged for Aerith to be her representive of House Celebren. As the representative, she could attend meetings to help better the city. She believes playing politics can help Aerith in her quest to find Zharrus. Gael will be their to assist her, as he also will be attending the meetings. These meetings need to be attend by atleast two people of each House. With Gael there as other representative, Aerith can play the political game. Her next gathering will be the next day and it will be about an exhibition in the Velvet Promenade. The three most promising houses to pursue are House Quoroniel, House Sylvaris, and House Aeryndor, as they are the most likely to provide valuable information on Zharrus' whereabouts. Additionally, Gael informed Aerith that she could appoint a bodyguard, with Jaina and Mae being the strongest candidates for the role.   The meeting is about setting up a Hall of Craft and Industry. It will be a grand exhibition hall where artisans, smiths and laborers can showcase their work by various means. The goal of the iniative is to showcase the great things at work in Illume. It is a stepping stone for the people to show their worth. It is also a great way to generate revenue by having guests from all over the world come and attend. Apart from House Celebren, three Houses of the Luminous Concord will attend this meeting, as they consider it a small matter. The following Houses will attend, along with a small summary of how they feel about the matter:

• Myralithe: They are concerned that this event will cost the city more money, than it will generate. They therefore see it as a needless activity.
• Varynthiel: They argue that this event could inspire people to proof their worth. They believe new generations will improve the city with their innovations and skills. It also gives the common folk a place to shine.
• Lytharion: They have not yet shown any strong feeling towards any standpoint. This House usually shows interest in new things happening with the city and weighs out the potential.