Session 46 – Why Did YOUR Marriage End?
General Summary
Wrapping Up in Grand Aetheria
Arkyn finds a note in his room inviting him to dinner. After searching for and failing to find Sayah, Arkyn goes to dinner and asks the server if he's seen Sayah, his girlfriend? The server then leads Arkyn to Sayah. Who else would you invite you to dinner? Sayah asks if Arkyn recognizes the music, and while it is vaguely familiar, it isn't something Arkyn recognizes. Sayah notes that she asked the Aetherians to play music from her Clan (as close as they could) and to prepare a soup her people make (without the meat, of course). A little taste of one aspect of Oshiv'Ran.
Milo dreams and waking in a anxious panic, runs to Teagan's room and wakes him with a completely innocent question: "Why did your marriage end?" Teagan is jolted awake as Milo makes himself at home and continues asking questions. Did you see it coming? Where did you go wrong? I might miss Marcus' first birthday! Teagan does his best to both soothe Milo by noting that he's done everything right so far... and he avoids answering any and all prying questions regarding his own marriage. How do I tell my wife that I died? After a bit of discussion, Teagan presents two options: (1) Omit it, spare her the pain now, and come clean later or (2) Tell her the truth, get it off your chest, but emphasize that you are fine now. With his heart rate slightly lowered, Milo apologizes for waking Teagan and heads back to his room.
Quill finds Cadence and brings her to the canopy of Grand Aetheria where the stars are clearly visible. He points to Auriga... his father with a stick up his ass the size of Diviner Two's tower. And then there is Andromeda, the first Greatwyrm of the Stars and his grandmother. Although Quill never met her, he seems to hold her in high regard. Quill asks Cadence about her parents and Cadence notes that while her father is willing to forgive, her mother is less so. Quill noes that he's gone against his parents wishes as well; He was supposed to be married, but that didn't work out. Ever met a blue dragon? So vain. Cadence mentions her caravan's tradition and stipulation for returning home. Quill notes that while some traditions have value, sometimes they must bend and break. When the "Rat" High Oracle took her position, her predecessor was still living. That's against tradition. Although Quill still holds Caliban in a less than reverent regard, he does note it is an honor to walk a path guided by him.
Cadence then goes to find Arkyn, asking him to send to her mother, reaffirming her decision to walk the path she's on. Later, she returns to the platform Qulil took her to and prays to Caliban. Is the caravan where she's meant to be? Or is it somethin else? The stars seem to move, depicting countless mortals who have made choices and taken action themselves. And a very faint voice whispered: "I may weave the thread, but mortals wield it."
Yenush takes this time and opportunity to start more directly learning the blacksmith trade from his older brother. He watches Yelkin struggle with how to work the Obsidian Forge and, even after figuring it out, Yelkin looks amateurish next to how Tenebris had worked the larger Obsidian Forge in Mal Korvian. Still, Yelkin is able – with Yenush's help – to produde an obsidian mirror. Aiaoue immediately tests it by scrying on one of Alcide's sisters. She catches some very petty gossip about very important pebble matters. At the edge of her vision, she catches sight of a figure passing through with the symbol of a Dark Sun affixed to their cloak. For now, everything seems relatively normal.
Into the Lands of Geryon
Stepping through the Root gate, the group finds a vast open expanse... and a field of bones. The skeleton of a huge creature is curled protectively around a smaller, humanoid skeleton. The skull of the creature is massive, easily large enough for a normal humanoid to walk into its mouth. The 4 eye sockets have gone dim... and the pocket dimension that could exist in the back of its mouth has long faded. A graveyard of Companions. Vendetta seems to approach with understanding, melancholy, and a sense of closure as he lingers near the bones of his ancestors.
Yenush and Arkyn take a moment to look at the Geryon side of the Root Gate. The remnants of a few, ancient magical scrolls can still be found with arcane runes that Arkyn can't exactly place, but they seem to be tied to stabilizing the Gate on this side. Yenush looks around for a path before remembering he's got to step into the miasma for that.
The vast expanse becomes a park filled with life. Gnomes in light and colorful garments sit beneath the shade of a tree, locked in discussion as they partake in fruits and flatbread. A group of Keresello attempt to push a massive hippo from its napping spot as it appears to have blocked canal traffic. Two tabaxi mothers lounge nearby, occasionally yelling something to the 4 young tabaxi playfully brawling in a shallow pool. Throughout the park, you see gnomes, halflings, goblins, keresello, tabaxi, and leonine. Most notably, however, you see Vendetta. Or rather, multiple hulking Companions lunging in the sun or sitting half submerged in a nearby canal or in one of the lakes. And then the atmosphere shifts as multiple women clad in orange armor – Menseya – pass through, a vaguely familiar Yuan-Ti woman between them... as they head North.
The first day of travel passes without major event. The group moves clear of the ruins of Ethicos, following road fragments to the north. On the following morning, Vendetta stops at the edge of a large amphitheater dug into the ground. Remnants of buildings and mosaic floors remain, arranged at different levels of the amphitheater. And a pocket of miasma awaits:
The fractured stairs reform and the mosaic floors are obscured by vibrantly colored pod-like buildings. At the bottom of the massive ampitheater is an open courtyard with curated plants and a small fountain of water. A group of tabaxi sit in the courtyard seemingly locked in a heated discussion as they craft beaded jewelry and tan hides. Another group of tabaxi, perched on a set of stairs, seem to be boisterously re-enacting the events of their last hunt. "...And so, we pursued. I could smell the blood in the air... and then the sun vanished. A Colossus. Anita'Telop*. The force of her step nearly dismounted me. I ain't no son of Pyrus, but neither am I an idiot. Clearest omen I've ever seen. I turned the ol' girl around and made to head hom and- ah, bless Anita'Telop. Biggest, ugliest, fiercest Pani-babboon I've ever seen set right in my path. Once the jeweler's done with its skull, I'm gonna propose to my girl!" The Great Antelope
Before Arkyn can get a response to "what is a pani-babboon", the miasma returns. In the afternoon, as Vendetta approached the ruins of a small town, a pocket of miasma approached.
The miasma thickens and surges over you. Drums beat in time with the footfalls of large creatures. All around, a crowd of tabaxi, Leonin, and various other humanoids cheer and smile as a small parade passes through. At the front, two winged Menseya – their orange-hued armor glowing in the sun – ride atop rhinos adorned in flexible armor. Then tabaxi and Leonin dancers follow, moving in perfect sync with the drummers that walk behind them. Surrounded by leonin men and women is another rhino, decorated in additional strings of bronze and beads. Atop it is a Leonin woman, her shoulders pulled back with pride. She presses a kiss to her newborn’s forehead before hoisting her into the air. The crowd cheers as the drums amplify. The infant is oblivious, but her wings flutter behind her. While the crowd and the procession are overwhelmed by joy, a single figure seems… less enthusiastic. A winged leonin man walks at the end of the procession, relying upon the support of a cane. His lips move constantly, as if muttering to himself as he scans the crowd, the sky, and the distant horizon. "Ill omens, ill tidings. Seeds of chaos on the horizon. Snakes lurking in the grass."
While the child has wings, the mother does not. Yenush notes it could mean Pyrus' is involved. Damn him and that promiscuity. Milo sends to his wife, doesn't hear back immediately, and panics again. Am I a bad husband if I don't tell her I died?!?! Teagan notes that if it's bothering him like this, he should tell her... maybe write it out first. And explain that while you died, you are alive now and better than you were before! On the next shift, another pocket of miasma approaches and no one notices. Yenush, Ademar, Qull, and Aiaoue all attempt to attack one another or the MWDs, but little damage is generally dealt.
A herd of antelope graze beneath the protective shadow of a colossal antelope. Upon closer inspection, there is rigging attached to its left front leg and mutliple figures seem to be moving up and down... vanishing into the Colossus. Aiaoue notes that the figures carry bags with an orange material in it... matching the orange material that has appeared in Yenush's arm.
A Menseya's Doubts
As the ruins of the outskirts of another city approach, a pocket of miasma appears. In the past, a group of Menseya make camp on the outskirts of Moralis. Teagan and Milo shrink as they adopt the form of gnomes. Yenush is once again a Menseya and can confirm he has boobs in that orange-hued armor. Aiaoue, Arkyn, and Cadence all grow fur and claws as they seem to be a bit more cat-like.
Yenush approaches the Menseya standing off to the side of the camp overlooking the great city of Moralis in the distance. Tiaret greets Yenush as "little sister". She has taken hundreds of Yuan-Ti to trial and while she fully believes Diamond is guilty of the crimes she is charged with (soliciting, theft, gambling, etc.), Yenush detects a hint of uncertainty in her tone. When asked, Tiaret attempts to brush it off at first with a poorly placed jest, but notes that the wisdom of Geryon will surely ease her worries. Yenush notes that such unease should not be left bottled up. Ah, look at you with that wisdom. Perhaps you should have been born a boy! Regardless, Tiaret seems to appreciate the offer.
Meanwhile, Aiaoue hops around and asks if anyone needs messages deliver. The gnomish figures appreciate it but note that they've already made use of "sending posts". Aiaoue does overhear a discussion amongst some Tabaxi; there seems to be strife along the Eastern border of the Pridelands. Milo approaches one of the Menseya who notes that Diamond is to see trial in Moralis. The Menseya notes that they will make it promptly and with little issue from any of Faust's agents or the protestors. Protestors? There are people exercising their rights outside the walls of Moralis. Good for them.
Teagan approaches Diamond who seems... not all there. She insists that she'll behave. She'll be good, she promises. Are you seeing things, lass? Diamond notes that she senses them... the snakes all around. The Loan Snakes are coming for her. When asked about Faust, Diamond notes that she was his diamond once. Maybe he loved her once... but she doesn't want to go back to him. Do you still hear him? Diamond nervously glances at the Menseya before she whispers that she doesn't. Speaking of diamonds, Teagan clocks that the diamond she currently wears around her neck is bigger than the Revivify diamond Cadence has. Noted. Before Teagan can ask additional questions, Diamond seems to shift, leaning forward to ask if he wants to gamble. The Menseya step in, but Teagan asks they treat her better - as well as a prisoner can be at least. The Menseya seems to defer to his request.
As the camp fades back into the miasma, the group continues North... towards the ancient city of Moralis.
A Menseya's Treachery
Soon the hollow remnants of Moralis appear. The group traverses through streets of bone, through worn paint and crumbled walls. The only structure that remains intact are the walls and the Temple at the city's core. The miasma winds and weaves, leading to a set of stairs exposed by a collasped tower... leading down into darkness.
Cadence takes a moment to chat with Eresh's head first. A memory of a caravan attacked by snakes in the night appears first. The image is then blurry, as if the memory attempted to spy on the serpent god as he rules his domain like a kingpin, a different woman or man on his arm every night. And then Faust's head seems to shift and the vision violently ends. Cadence decides she won't do that again.
Yenush connects with his arm and asks for an opportunity to intercede in a trial. After a moment of silence, Pyrus' voice respond: You will have a chance to try.
Leaving Vendetta, Teagan hefts an MWD backpack on again as the group descends. Passing through a wall, the vision shifts. The same group of Menseya stand clustered around Tiaret with Diamond tucked in a cell nearby. Tiarat greets them, though her unease is apparent. When asked, Tiaret notes that she attended the trial - as her right as a member of the Great Assembly. While Diamond herself admitted to the crimes, Tiaret notes the trial took a turn when Geryon himself was invoked and the Principles Concerning the Mortal and the Divine were invoked.
A PIECE OF GERYON'S LAW Concerning trials where divine influence is suspected, the judge must verify – by arcane means and/or compiled evidence – which of the following definitions applies to the accused.Independent – No evidence exists of divine interference; the accused SHALL be tried as if acting wholly upon their own accord.Conduit – Evidence of divine interference exists. The accused circumstantially or unknowingly utilized gifts, powers, and abilities from a divine source. The accused SHALL be tried as if acting wholly upon their own accord. The accused shall further be charged with negligence (divine) and subject to divine/arcane suppressors for the duration of their sentencing.Aspect – Evidence of divine interference exists. The accused consented to receiving gifts, powers, and abilities from a divine source and actively drew upon the divine source in the pursuit of the charges. The accused SHALL be tried as an active extension of the associated divine source. The presiding judge, jury, and collective court must assess severity of punishment considering both the charges and the divine source.
The issue, Tiaret notes, is in Geryon's ruling... that Diamond be tried as an Aspect. She will be executed in the morning. Yenush immediately asks if there is anything to be done. When the gods are wrong, little sister, who is responsible for standing up to them? For standing between the msiguided and the wrongfully accused? If Pyrus will not return, Tiaret notes that she must speak to Geryon, who seemed off. Tiaret describes Geryon as being unwilling to hear arguments and too quickly stubborn in his stance.
With all the authority of a Menseya commander, Tiaret turns and explains what is going to happen. She hands a scroll to Yenush. You and the friends you have gathered will take Diamond outside the city. Use this scroll at a sending post to return to the Pride Halls. Once there, speak to Nandi. Diamond will see another trial there. Tiaret notes that she, and the rest of the Menseya, will speak with Geryon. If she is successful, the removal of a prisoner will be forgiven and if she is not...
We go now little sister. And go with a final blessing from a sister who is honored to have known you.
Tudas Expo = "tuba sax god"
Report Date
28 Oct 2025
Primary Location
Secondary Location
Related Characters
Sendings
| Sent | Response |
|---|---|
| Cadence: "Mom, we fought another God! Milo died, but Aiaoue brought him back. Fights are really dangerous now. Hope everything is OK at home. Love you." | Allegra: “Cadence Starborn. Why in the world are you fighting gods? Who died? If these gods are dangerous, why are you courting them? I’m forbidding you-“ |
| Arkyn: "Mila! I got a date with Sayah! Like THE BIG DATE!! Gonna have music, and dancing, and food and…and…and things from my books! I’m excited and scared and worried but excited more than anything!" | Mila: “YES. Did you also tell Haytham? If you didn’t, I’m going to drop the most SUBTLE hints that I know something. Big date, big FEELINGS; sounds like there’s a lot of BIG things happening. *wink*” |
| Teagan: “Hey pumpkin, how're you doin' lately? Hear anything about the goings on at Ferrum Hill? Also, you think my fashion sense is fine, right?” | Ashlyn: “Like besides the small festivities for Hos’Fohos’Dalis? Don’t think anyone died trying to play at warrior. Fashion? For you, dad, yeah… it’s… uh… fine.” |
| Teagan: “Hey pumpkin, how're you doin' lately? Hear anything about the goings on at Ferrum Hill? Also, you think my fashion sense is fine, right?” | Holly: “I found a cool worm by the river! If he’s still alive, I want to build it a little worm palace when we go back! |
| Arkyn: "Nope, wanted to tell you first! Have fun dropping the hints! It was an amazing date and the best freaking night ever! Apparently, I’m having a moment of self-reflection when it comes to the future." | Mila: “AH HECK YES I’M THE FAVORITE. Not gonna be subtle about THAT ONE. So like… how would you rate yourself on performance? Romance? Live up to your bookly expectations? You, reflecting? On what??” |
| Arkyn: “Hello Mrs. Starborn. This is Arkyn. Cadence’s friend. Cadence says she’s sorry, but she is in the path of Caliban. She hopes you understand.” | Allegra: “Arkyn, please tell my daughter I’d prefer she walk a path that does not hold such potential for her harm and death. A mother worries.” |
| Aiaoue: “I just want to let you know, dealing with Yenush, then Milo, then me. So, maybe curse free in like less than a season? Bless." | Omen: “It is pleasing to hear from you. While I believe you should prioritize yourself, I trust your judgment. Show no mercy and take care, child.” |
Milo's Dream
You can see the tension in Chloe’s shoulders. Marcus has finally gone to sleep. She rounds on you with a fire in her eyes… yet you see the bags under her eyes and how her hands shake slightly as she points an accusatory finger at you.
All you care about is finding your grand story! And in turn you've neglected OUR story!
Her arm falls as she curls in on herself.
I can't do this anymore... I deserve more. Marcus deserves more.
Milo's Research
When did Pyrus' descent happen and when did he go mad? Did he become more erratic to others?
- There are no records of Pyrus going mad, but there is a general note that Pyrus' sons were either born with wisdom or madness.
- There would be some general documentation that the Menseya – an extension of Pyrus' will – were stretched thin as conflicts erupted across the continent and were pulled more and more towards the border with Faust's domain.
- Prior to losing the root gate, there are a few records (mostly speculativee) about the fall of Ira Xand... specifically, there are rumors that Menseya perished there.
Why did the Valkyries start defecting? Are those rumors true?
- If any of the Menseya defected, there are no records in the Archives. Most information on them extols their honor, level-headedness, and loyalty to Geryon's Law, to the people they served, and to each other.
- There are multiple records of the Menseya passing through Grand Aetheria.
Information about the terrain and any notable landmarks.
- The Pridelands were composed of mostly grasslands (formally a savanna biome). It was generally flat. There were lakes to the South and West of the region and mountains to the North and East.
- Notable Landmarks: Moralis (the city of Geryon), Ethicos (city by the Gate), and The Pride Halls ("City" of the Menseya)
General characterization or rumors about the conflict between Pyrus and Faust.
- Pyrus and Faust have been feuding since the beginning.
- Most myths, stories, and records of conflicts between them saw Faust invading the Pridelands. There are multiple instances of reported poaching, smuggling of illicit goods, and even temporary sieges of towns by Faust's people.
- There are no formally documented cases where Pyrus encroached on Faust's lands... at least before the records end.
- There are multiple instances of Menseya pursuing Yuan-Ti to Grand Aetheria. The last documented case is Diamond.
Pridelands Roles
Aiaoue:Half of you desires to take a nap, while the other half desperately screams for you to run… and to run fast. You’d far prefer choosing one or the other over this awkward and slow walking. You roll your shoulders back, hop from paw to paw, and your tail twitches anxiously behind you as you remain stuck in a middle ground you dislike. Spotted fur covers your entire body and your hands now feature claws. In your heart, Moralis is the center point around which you oscillate. There are people who need you… those messages aren’t going to deliver themselves!
Arkyn:
The hunt never called to you the way it beckoned your kin. Still, your eyes are sharp, and your senses constantly alerted to signs of danger. Your muscles broaden and harden; partially obscured beneath well-fitted leather armor. Your entire body is covered in patterned fur and, as you move, you take note of your claws, sharp and potentially lethal. Your tail swishes and twitches, forever alert and on guard. In your heart, Moralis is as much your home as your birthplace in the Pridelands. You will guard the principles and ideals of Moralis until your dying breath.
Cadence:
Despite the decades that have passed, the hunt still calls to you – a gentle whisper on the wind. However, you have contented yourself with offering guidance and encouragement to the next generation. The aches and pains from countless past injuries are a constant you have grown used to. Still, you take great pride in maintaining your form. When the time comes for your final hunt, your claws are still sharp, your muscles still strong, and your pounce still fierce. In your heart, the hunters and gatherers of your hometown are the heart of the Pridelands. Your actions do not merely reflect yourself, but all of those who have supported you.
Milo:
An understanding of abjuration floods your mind. It has taken years for you to grasp every delicate arcane detail that underlies the defensive structure of the great city of Moralis. As your understanding expands, you shrink. Your garments are well-fitted and patterned in blues and greens. From your waist, a belt with various pouches and components hangs. A series of arcane runes are tattooed across your hands and knuckles. In your heart, you are the wall that guards the people of Moralis; the defender of order, balance, and Geryon’s Law. Even when a shadow falls across the land, you will stand firm and resolved.
Teagan:
Flashes of images cross your mind at incredible speed: records, numbers, counts, and arcane runes. With meticulous care, your mind curates all information in a neatly organized fashion. As your mind expands, you shrink. Light and loose off-white robes embellished with intricate patterns in yellow, orange, greens, and blues adorn your body. A brooch – a symbol of your authority – is pinned above your heart, two hands crossed. In your heart, all will turn to you as a reflection of Geryon. It is your honor and responsibility to uphold philosophical pursuits and the delicate balance of Geryon’s Law.
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