Session 17 - Sad Boy Eras
General Summary
The Void Maiden and The Seasons
Once a holy place, the Hall of Seasons now feels more like a tomb. The open roof has been covered by intricate, delicate, and detailed Aetherian weaving, reflecting swirling patterns on the floor. Most of the floor and all the walls have been overcome by dark, blighted vine. Thick tendrils rise through the ceiling, curling around to the exterior. Four large masses of blighted vine have accumulated on a raised dais in the back of the room. Here, within each mass, a barely visible figure has been encased in a “cocoon” of Blight.
- Eden – Curled into the fetal position
- Chasca – One arm reaching towards Eden, lower arm exposed. Cracks along her form are visible. her hand distorted as if attempting to shift and change.
- Saffra – Appears as if she fell sprawled without a care.
- Vale – Prepared for death with arms crossed.
Arkyn and Yenush note that in 3 of the piles of vine a skull is present. Each is different, but all are more animalistic than humanoid. One pile, however, is devoid of a skull and instead rests comfortably on Aura's hip. Cadence, Milo, and Yenush – as they watch the vines – note that they almost seem to be breathing... shallowly. As if they're on last legs.
And in the center of the room, a small gnomish woman kneels. Her robes and amulet indicate divine service to Caliban. One of her eyes is vibrant green, but the other has turned violet with blackened veins stretching across one half of her face. One of her hands is interwoven with a frail, pale hand with pronounced black veins. The Void Maiden is mostly a blackened mass, devoid now of most of her mortal flesh. Vibrant, violet eyes lock with everyone. A sense of otherworldly power surges... yet the Void Maiden can hardly lift her head.
Cadence is relieved upon finally finding and seeing Aria. The gnomish woman responds with a smile before her attention is drawn towards the Void Maiden. Yenush tracks as Fannar moves to the tall goat lady who fire balled them (who looks incredibly annoyed by the drunken Eladrin with her). As Fannar speaks, her raging annoyance shifts to a more calculated and militant focus. Yenush warns Arkyn and Teagan before she arrives. You carry items touched by Evil? Arkyn assures her he's no harm as Teagan mentions that they've been incredibly helpful! Aura rounds on Teagan: helpful? Oh, it's helpful? Teagan notes that, yeah, maybe he feels a bit judgemental, but otherwise nothing wrong. Judgmental is how it starts.
Aura relents as The Void Maiden speaks through Aria. When she speaks, Aria's voice and the Void Maiden's voice are heard at once. Cadence, Milo, and Yenush note a third voice buried and hidden within the mix... the voice that is the source of the otherworldly power that pulls on one's sense of being. The Void Maiden explains that she is destruction. Wait, then why is SHE allowed in HERE? Why are we being threatened over little boons and DESTRUCTION is in here? Aura notes that she is contained for now... and the Void Maiden is a risk she is willing to take. It was the Void Maiden who offered her help. The Void Maiden has spent a century trying to destroy that which threatens the people of this world: the miasma. Her nature is to destroy, but perhaps she has gone about it the wrong way. She believes she may be able to eradicate that which controls and corrupts the Evads, the Life Spirits. However, as things currently stand, she cannot do so without risking destroying the Evad as well. The source of their affliction, their corruption, must be drawn out.
Mya, Aura, Sylvatis, and Fannar introduce everyone to the current state of the Evads, bound in stasis by the Seasonal Blights and trapped within their dreams where they experience the same day: The Seasonal Convergence. In the past, they had sent brave Aetherians into the Evad's dreams – through a ritual – but they did not return. Aura and Fannar suspect that their inability to return stemmed from their close ties to Grand Aetheria and to the Evads. Aura notes that the group is not from here and has no ties to this place... and she is willing to "sacrifice" them for this purpose to save her people. We might die? There is that risk, it seems. The four Eladrin leaders leave the choice of which Evad they would like to attempt to save: Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter?
Fannar invites the group to the Archives in the morning before shuffling off. Mya leads her drunk father off as Aura looks on with annoyance. When the group is ready to leave, Aura goes to escort them to their chambers, but note that they would like to bring the Iron Arrow here. The what? Aura seems horrified that anyone would build something out of metal. However, she doesn't seem to like the idea of leaving anyone out in the Mind Blight. Perhaps in exchange for the group's help, Aura offers to bring the "metal box" to Grand Aetheria. And how would you do that? Once the dimensions are given, Aura notes that the metal box will fit through the roots just fine; they will merely need to weave it an entry point. Can we see these roots?
Cadence and Milo remain in the Hall of Seasons. Cadence switches over to Gnomish to talk privately with Aria. According to Aria, Cadence's arrival was foretold by the Void Maiden. How do you like Legacy? Cadence notes that it's fine, but she's going quite stir crazy. Aria's happy that Cadence has found things to keep her occupied around Legacy. Both discuss their calls from Caliban. Aria knows she was called not to save the Void Maiden, but perhaps to simply be with her. Aria suspects that Cadence's purpose is not the same. Cadence tells Aria that her message from Caliban was interupted by Eresh, a goddess from this continent. Aria notes that the red thread can be tangled, but she's confident in Cadence's abilities to overcome what lies ahead.
Milo asks Aria what exactly happened. Aria notes that it was normal for them to reach the end of the tracks and go further on foot with the Void Maiden, driven by a vision. On their last outing, they were ambushed. Normally, that isn't unusual... but these seems more organized and tactical. Aria fled with The Void Maiden. It was a grueling few days and Aria was without food for days. When informed that at least Yelkin made it, Aria seemed incredibly relieved.
Aura leads the rest of the group to the Hall of Sprawling Roots. In the past, each root led somewhere around the continent. Aura knows that four of the roots led to the unique cities of the Evads: Idyllis, Orom'Rye, Chasanya, and the Frozen Vale. The group notes a familiar etching around one root... Tel'Rhea. As the group looks at the other etchings, a few stand out. One figure wears a mask twisted in a smile and a frown... reminiscent of Syrio's shadow. And a shady looking figure with a cane and deck of cards? Ademar. Arkyn is drawn to a root with a woman on one side (a wolf etched behind her) and a broad-shouldered man on the other. Who is this? Aura shrugs. Ask Fannar.
Aura leaves the group at their quarters: a relatively nice suite carved and woven from the Grand Aetheria Tree itself. Vendetta is there, waiting and lounging. Although distorted by the miasma, the sunset is actually visible here and so are the moon and stars.
A Day in Grand Aetheria
In the morning, Aura arrives with a group of trusted Aetherians. Aiaoue boosts a few of them and gives them a little enhancement for their trek. Given her excellent survival skills, she's able to give them good directions and a good time estimate. The Aetherians take Vendetta and set out after the "large metal box" using the "little metal boxes" on Vendetta.
The group then heads to the Archives, where they note a group of Aetherians lounging with a mermaid in the pool of water at the entrance. Arkyn does an awkward hello and wave to which the Aetherians return. Inside the Arhives, the group finds Fannar over a map of the continent. He points out the location of the Evad's domains and where Grand Aetheria is located. Aiaoue notes that they have seen approximately a 60 foot wide stretch of many, many miles. Fannar notes that's one approach to sight seeing. If they came from the West, Fannar notes the location of Idyllis - the most recent Evad city to fall to the Mind Blight. Upon being asked about the gods, Fannar provides them with a list. It is is divine duty as leader of Winter and servant of Vale to preserve knowledge. Fannar notes that he knows mostly names and domains; the records of Grand Aetheria are focused on the Evads and their lands. However, a listing of domains is all Milo needs to know. Only one of them is the goddess of horses.
During his lengthly listing of the gods. Fannar is able to offer a bit more information on Malachor. The Death Scribe was believed to be closely tied with Vale. When individuals were near the end, Vale was believed to pass the soull and that soul's knowledge into the hands of the Death Scribe, who would add to the records of the dead. Teagan thinks that sounds a lot like what Jin described. Regarding gods that had fallen and perished, Grand Aetheria has no record of any sea god falling, though Arkyn informs him that the ruins they have in Legacy would suggest otherwise. Cadence asks if he knows anything further about Eresh? Would she be mad at anyone? Fannar notes that Eresh's people occasionally came through Grand Aetheria. They were often believed to be plague bringers. Fannar mentions that Eresh was embroiled in the Storm Wars, which sparked with Hadúr's death at the hands of Hyperion (supposedly). When the Abyssal Lord claimed Hyperion's Beloved, war broke out.
Aiaoue asks if there was a goddess who lost her love and was so mad about it that she decided no one else was allowed to love again? Fannar notes that Adore was often considered a "Twinned" goddess, though not in any actual sense. Of the pair, Adore was the goddess, but her immortal partner was, based on fragmented records, supposedly murdered. The event occurred right before the root to that area closed so there is little information beyond that. Teagan asks if there is any god that was really MAD and associated with lethargy. Fannar jovially counters that ANY god could be angry. Well, what about the lethargy? Fannar notes that Thana was believed to be kept in slumber. When she rose as vengeance incarnate, she was known to don full armor. Yenush, getting the sense that Faust feels kind of like a "snake in the grass", asks if there were any gods that disliked Faust? Fannar notes that Pyrus was supposedly eternally hunting Faust, determined to deliver retribution. The records of Grand Aetheria do not know if he succeeded.
Arkyn asks how Fannar would feel about any of these names being dead or perhaps dying. Fannar remarks that they are mere names to him for the most part. They have little to no sentimental value to him (at least personally). Arkyn orates some of what he has heard in his dreams, but Fannar has little insight to offer. Perhaps, however, should the group succeed with aiding an Evad, they can perhaps lend aid in return.
As the group disperses throughout Grand Aetheria, Aiaoue remains in the Archives in search of stories. Fannar is very happy to provide a favorite of his and one he remembers from his childhood: how Eden came to be associated with the Madargyo, a Winged Serpent.
Arkyn heads out in search of Mya and finds her in the Moss Park. Arkyn inquires about books and Mya notes that she doesn't have books here. As Arkyn begins to explain the summary of his smut book, Mya notes that as much as she'd love to dedicate time to stories, she really must focus on the history and stories of her people, which are at risk of being destroyed. When Arkyn notes that Mya doesn't seem as chipper as she once was, Mya sighs and notes that her parents can be... a lot. Her father ignores the problems, while her mother won't let her HELP with the problems. Arkyn offers his carved deer allowing Mya to Commune. She does so and notes that she is neither reassured or dismayed by the outcome. What did you ask? If I would be the last.
Yenush heads to The Bennu (the Sparring Hall) and observes a woman absolutely decimating her opponent. A nearby bestial Aetherian informs Yenush that he's welcome to spar: Would you prefer Summer or Spring? As Kauwela wraps up her fight, she saunters over. She's warmed up now and wouldn't mind another spar. Yenush, using sword swords, is able to dodge her as she teleports behind him and swings down her blade. Although used to fighting with guns, Yenush holds his own noting that Kauwela fights with reckless abandon... as if she would normally have someone covering her.
Teagan heads up to the Hall of Seasons. Aria greets him and warns him that The Void Maiden is not all there. Teagan attempts to ask about the god the Void Maiden supposedly killed and where the body would be. The Void Maiden responded about feeling guilty about killing him. How she betrayed him and brought their wrath down upon him. He said he loved me. Aria apologies for the lack of answer and also thanks Teagan for looking after Cadence. Teagan shrugs and notes that he's attacked Cadence and Cadence has attacked him, but it's ALL in the spirit of comraderie. Are you okay? Yeah, for the most part. Teagan notes that he's on a downward spiral. Aria shrugs, is going down a bad thing? Caliban must descend his mountain. It's never too late to find faith. Teagan assures Aria they'll looking out for Cadence (in one one or another). Teagan sympathesizes with Aria, though the gnome notes that the time comes where you have to let them go. Huh.
Milo and Cadence descend to the base of the tree where they find a shrine covered in an aura of near silence. It is clearly the graveyard for Grand Aetheria with graves clearly and meticulously marked with care and love. In the center is a shrine that, after some investigation, seems to be dedicated to all those who did not make it to Grand Aetheria during the fall of Idyllis. Cadence recalls the vision aboard the Iron Arrow of the string of people seemingly fleeeing. Both Milo and Cadence offer a prayer at the altar.
Aiaoue swings around to the Hall of Seasons. The Void Maiden is distant as she remarks about not wanting to go. Directed to talk to a Kalashtar and wanting to know more about connecting to what is attached to her (but also not quite attached to her), she attempts to ask the Void Maiden... who gives a somewhat cryptic answer. If you have the chance to change your nature, embrace it... and you might find a connection established. It will come to pass in one way or form. As the Void Maiden's eyes unfocus, Aiaoue turns to Aria. Did Cadence always stab people when she told no or angry? SHE DID WHAT? As Aiaoue offers more detail, Aria notes that Cadence had mentioned an "Eresh" and suspects that the anger, the stabbing, and the darkness would be connected to that... though Aria doesn't remember any of that from Cadence's youth. Perhaps Aria should have stayed a bit longer; Cadence perhaps needed that influence. Aiaoue is confused as she tries to process the age situation. Aria explains that a ten year old for a human is capable of doing things, but you wouldn't TRUST them to do a lot of things. Seeing Aiaoue's confusion, Aria asks how long she'll live. Aria's a gnome, she'll live a couple centuries hopefully. Aiaoue decides she needs to go cook.
Cadence returns to the Hall of Seasons and is immediately accosted by Aria. You STABBED someone? Cadence explains that it was Eresh. Aria softens slightly. If that's the case, then surely there is a way to control it? Cadence assures her that she's been trying. Aria firmly believes that Cadence is strong enough to hold it back... until a solution is found. Aria promises to talk to Fannar when they are here for the ritual. He seems knowledgable.
Milo stands in the entryway of the Anyasat, sighing as he stares at all the families, newborns, and toddlers running around. As he wallows in the feeling of missing Chloe and Marcus, an Aetherian woman stops in front of him. Can I help you? Milo explains that he's missing his family and so the woman puts him to work. Keeping busy is a distraction, is it not? The same woman goes back through the entryway to see Teagan standing there, sighing. And she puts Teagan to work.
Yenush decides to head to the baths, but gets side tracked when he hears a party going on. Once inside the main building, he notices Sylvatis essentially doing a keg stand. At the bar, Yenush is given a shot of what looks like moonshine. One second, Yenush is sober. The next second, Yenush is at the perfect level of happy drunk... for the first time ever. What's the harm in having a little party? A few hours later, when he leaves, Yenush isn't sure why everyone's complaining about hangovers. He feels fine.
Arkyn seeks out Aura and finds her in the middle of preparing for her ritual absence. Can you remove this? Aura is thrilled to. She leads Arkyn back to the Archives, gathers Fannar, and sticks Arkyn within a Ring of Fire (in case you have an... adverse reaction). Arkyn feels faint tendrils trying to dig into his sense of self, but is able to will them to release. As the attunement and curse ends, Arkyn feels nausea rise up in him. Aura is quick to snatch the item. Arkyn asks if he can keep it... to trade? Fannar nods: There are no dumb questions. THAT WAS A DUMB QUESTION. Aura informs Arkyn he cannot keep this item of evil and Arkyn does not protest. But what about Teagan?
Teagan turns the corner and finds himself face to face with Aura. WOAH. After stepping out of the Anyasat, Aura asks if he would like the vile thing he carries removed. After hemming and hawing, Teagan settles on keeping it. Aura seems displeased with the choice. She promises Teagan that all of her warriors will know to aim for his heart and that if he does anything to put her daughter in harms way... a mother's wrath is a terrible thing. Teagan sighs, I know; I had a wife. Aura narrows her eyes and says one word: "had" before leaving.
The group once more gathers in the Hall of Seasons, resolved to save Eden.
Report Date
10 Jan 2025
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
The Jalasaran Pantheons
See the Full List Here: The Jalasaran PantheonsEden and the Madargyo
As told by Fannar, the only resident of Grand Aetheria still alive who remembers Idyllis, city of Eden.Long ago, when the world was still young, a single Aetheria tree marked the location of where Idyllis would come to be. Within the tree, a winged serpent lived. Eden desired the area on the river for a settlement, but the winged serpent refused to leave the Aetheria tree. The serpent hissed and snapped, driving Eden and his people away. Possessing one of his followers, Eden resolved to drive the serpent away, yet once in its den, he hesitated. For the serpent was coiled around eggs, many broken and shattered. Only one intact. Eden recalled the fires of his own mother and took pity upon the serpent. With wards, Eden allowed the serpent to strike until she had exhausted herself, coiling around her egg. Eden offered an accord: If she would permit his people to settle here, her offspring would know his protection. Her children would be honored and revered companions, elevated and extoled. Having witnessed the power of Eden’s wards, the serpent agreed. Over time, the serpent – the first Madargyo – become the first and foremost companion of Eden and the symbol of Idyllis. When she finally passed, Eden carved her likeness across Idyllis. Many believe that Eden can now take the form of a Madargyo as his spirit was united with the mother serpent in the afterlife.Fannar notes that up until the fall of Idyllis, the Madargyo were important companions to Spring Aetherians there. A few survived the fall by fleeing with refugees, but they did not take well to Grand Aetheria and have since gone extinct.
Sending from Sayah
"Oh nothing? I wish I could say the same here. Of course it isn’t, I leave an impression. You? Cheesy? You’ll make the birds jealous.”
Sparring at The Bennu
Haru, a Spring Aetherian
Kauwela, a Summer Aetherian
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