LAST SESSION

02/28/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 26, 1304

Arties accepts the invitation from the green visitor, who turns out to be an envoy from Zhar. She and her family have been invited to a celebration in one month's time for his eldest son (1yo), who has displayed an as-yet-unknown feat of strength. Hotaru and Teoric have an altercation when Teoric arrives at Hotaru's home to call upon Esryx, as he has shown interest in her. Hotaru takes it poorly and punches Teoric in the face. They manage to smooth things over without the law getting involved.

Tariq rewards the group who saved him with unique, advanced beast bonds. All are fascinated by these new little creatures, who show so much intelligence. Ssi'katha returns with the Heart Tree core of her realm, leading her people into Goodberry, as the world she came from is dying. Arties turns the core over to Zechri, who will install it at midnight. Velanna returns, bringing the Pirate Captain of the World with her to visit Arties and Tingle. The children are overjoyed to have a real pirate battle in the inland sea, where Liddy defeats Tingle in combat.

At midnight, the protective bubble over Haven goes down, and magic is temporarily cut off. Liddy dies as her soul is ripped apart, and Tingle runs outside to curse the Heavens, causing him to be struck by tribulation lightning. Sana reveals the old core had snapped in half when it was removed from Haven's matrix. Eventually, the bubble returns better than before, and it is revealed that Liddy has returned to true life, as have others who have died—Melcrayte, Alicroa, Thomas, Mirena, Joram, Gorran, and others. Salia's vampirism has also been cured. The following days will bring more surprises, as the full effects of the new core continue to be uncovered.

The party makes a plan to get Tariq and Ordek out of jail before they are executed. They capture two rapists and murderers from the docks of Uir and have Nokko change them into the best versions of Ordek and Tariq he can. After this, Hotaru dispatches both in ways that could be viewed as suicide. The party parkours their way across Uir to the hidden prison with the help of what appears to be a prince from a distant land, who agrees to assist them in exchange for a favor in the future. The prisoner exchange is completed, and Tariq and Ordek are whisked away to safety. The next morning, Arties awakens to a mysterious green-skinned visitor with an invitation...

02/21/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 22, 1304

Hotaru awakens to breakfast being cooked by Esyrx and a very angry Lio, who is having trouble adjusting to the new life around her. Arties and her family awaken to a strange, indescribable energy in the house. On their way to the estate, Hotaru and Esyrx encounter Teoric, who appears to be quite taken with her, much to Hotaru's chagrin. Teoric has his final review with Arties, who officially appoints him the full-time town chronicler. Hotaru goes to Xaneborr and has him brand her hand with the same mark that was given to Esyrx, as a way to share the pain, the burden, and as a reminder of her struggle. Playtime that evening is ruined when Lio lashes out at all of the children, Esyrx, Hotaru, and even Xaneborr, striking the latter.

Aroha returns with her findings about the river and the planet in general. She has found that the planet itself is alive, but is not hostile and is not rejecting the presence of Haven. Guards are also reporting that Goodberry citizens are describing feelings of being watched. Later that evening, everyone retires to their homes. Esyrx waits until everyone is asleep and builds a makeshift tent out of dresses in the rain. There is a moment when Lio realizes what she had said and done to Esyrx and asks Hotaru to bring her back into the embassy.

The next day, the party, along with Alexis, heads into Uir to help get Tariq. Following up on leads, they are able to find out that the vizier is actually the one in charge of Uir, and Tariq was his enemy. Due to Haven's rejection of the imperial slavery legalization, the alliance between the two is null and void.

02/15/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 20, 1304

The party began by recruiting Ungar and Janiva before turning to the mystery of Tariq’s disappearance. A meeting with Nokko armed them with vital information and fine clothing to move unnoticed among the powerful. In Uir, they found Esyrx, a demonkin woman being sold in chains. Hotaru intervened, signing a contract to secure her freedom—though not before she was branded. Once clothed and fed, she was brought back to Goodberry, where Merrial revealed the contract’s cruel binding: six months of enforced servitude, her life forfeit if broken. Worse still, slavery had been legalized by imperial decree.

Panic spread swiftly. Arties ordered immediate protection for every child and woman, but several had already been taken. Homes were ransacked; citizens were missing. After speaking with a distraught Lio, Hotaru and Karthos rushed to the jail and found the Geodgazer children confronting Abdula. Karthos attempted diplomacy, but when Abdula revealed that Linya and Ilyra had been taken, Tingle erupted in rage and attacked him. Sana intervened to restrain Tingle, sustaining an injury in the struggle. Tingle soon collapsed, overcome, and Sana forced the truth from Abdula’s mind before he succumbed to his wounds.

The party stormed the market to reclaim their captured friends, finding barricaded streets and rising tension. The Shark appeared, demanding Abdula in exchange for the prisoners. Realizing Abdula was already dead, he offered a grim bargain: Abdula’s head for the prisoners and safe passage from Haven. Yarra delivered the proof. As storm clouds gathered and violence threatened to erupt, Alexis descended and struck down the slavers, ending the standoff. The return home was heavy. Xaneborr confirmed the emperor’s decree was real, and darker forces were moving beneath it.

02/07/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 19, 1304

The session opens on the day of Sana's 14th birthday. She requests a somewhat small family party for her day, but more people attend than anticipated. This doesn't seem to bother her too much, as she realizes these people have come to show her their love and appreciation. She receives an onslaught of gifts from her loved ones and extra attendees, including Raya, Varon and Aelindra, Puq and the minis, Prof. Quillsworth, and Spark. She surprises everyone by thanking them with freely given hugs.

On the road, Hotaru and Lio are accosted by the Collector's minions. As they begin to make their move, Lio goes into extreme distress and collapses. Feeling for a pulse, Hotaru realizes she has died, unable to cope with the stress in her fragile state. With no use for a dead child, the minions disperse and leave. Hotaru rushes back to Haven after reviving her, meeting Xaneborr in Er'Amon. Arties is summoned, and she and Dr. Vasilios work on Lio, who has once again passed away. Realizing more help is needed, Arties calls for Jordan, who lends his much-needed life essence. In the process, he goes blind and is severely weakened.

Thinking perhaps Nira could help Jordan, Xaneborr contacts her through the mirror, fills her in, and requests her aid. Nira rudely rejects the offer to help, and the call is ended. Lio stabilizes after returning to Goodberry. The idea comes to use the Shadow Feast to find a cure for Jordan, but that requires Tariq's presence. Xaneborr then shares that Tariq has not been heard from for roughly a month after heading into his home city of Uir. Realizing there is a problem, the group decides to follow in Tariq's footsteps to the city of Uir to find him. Their first stop will be Unger's house to recruit his help.

02/01/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 16, 1304

Jude celebrates his first birthday and receives presents from his family. The next day at the dig site, curious gravitic pebbles are discovered alongside an impossibly large bone that would take years to excavate. Arties visits the Crystalleaf household with the aboleth remains, hoping they may help Puq. Later that day, the portal house is emptied, and the Geodegazer children embark on their journey to the tidal mystic realm. The women spend a relaxing day at the tavern, enjoying each other’s company, while the warrior children emerge victorious, though worse for wear. Lio suffers a meltdown and storms off into town.

Xaneborr suggests that Lio’s pacifism can only be cured by experiencing battle firsthand, and that she will join the next group to go. Hotaru agrees and runs off to find his daughter. When he catches up with her, they discuss the nature of good and evil, as well as action versus inaction. They later head to dinner at the estate, where the children recount their battle. Xaneborr announces that a new group of children will be assembled to enter the pocket dungeon, including Lio. Hotaru then announces that he will take three weeks to bring Lio to Greenbrook for instruction. After several days on the road, they encounter highwaymen.

In the marketplace, Tingle witnesses a merchant about to whip some children and steps in to take the blow. The merchant realizes his error and attempts to smooth things over. Tingle reports the incident to Karthos and swears him to secrecy. Karthos informs the guard of the incident but does not reveal Tingle’s involvement. Arties learns the truth and goes to assist the children. Salia, acting as one of the Queens of Haven, is tasked with dispensing justice. While speaking with the children, Arties learns of a possible slave ring taking root in Goodberry.

01/31/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 10, 1304

The scene opens on the Geodegazer household as they prepare for the day. Jude and Sana’s birthdays are approaching. In the market, Attriti runs into a strange visitor: Bolo the traveler. Sana is absolutely taken with the most knowledgeable man in the multiverse coming to visit her home. Across town, Hotaru speaks to Raya about his marital troubles and realizes that he and Nira are not right for each other. Later that day, Karthos takes a party out to the dig site, where they discover a ley-line.

Karthos goes to the bathhouse and meets Unger’s sister, Yvette. The two witness a group of malicious men, who disappear, leaving only a puff of smoke and the smell of burning corpses. When Xaneborr comes home, he sees Bolo and greets him with a warm hug. As everyone becomes reacquainted, Bolo assesses the party as being Heaven's Chosen, with the role of protecting the children. He reveals that the men in the bathhouse were scouts from an entity known as the Collector, who intends to take the children. A sleepover is held at the Geode-gazer estate, where Bolo blesses everyone with the items needed to stabilize Haven and cultivation fruits. The next morning, everyone hears it: Jude starts talking.

01/24/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 8, 1304

Karthos checks in with Hotaru and Arties regarding the children, after which Hotaru travels to the bazaar to sell goods recovered from the church, securing fair coin and learning that some unsold components may yet serve PUQ. Arties performs the ritual to stabilize Liddy, uncertain whether the magic will truly endure. Karthos ensures Alexis and Casey are safe and welcomed in Raukura, and with Peter’s approval grants them purpose among the scouts at Aroha’s suggestion. Hotaru’s later visit to the Crystalleaf Estate ends poorly after a sharp accusation, and Arties returns to her family, burdened by what could not be undone.

The following day, Hotaru speaks at length with Nira about their shared pasts, Xaneborr’s nature, and the uncertain road ahead. He then brings Lio to Goodberry for her ritual, a long vigil that ends in success as Lio is restored as a true child once more. That evening, Arties and Xaneborr quietly watch Liddy gaze out over Goodberry, sadness still lingering in her eyes and Xaneborr speaks of a grand contest meant to unite the cities of Xeres. Later, Hotaru and his family find comfort sharing a meal at the Firmament, where Lio begins to understand her own identity.

In the days that follow, proof emerges that Arties’ ritual has indeed stabilized Liddy. Xaneborr gathers the dukes and duchesses and formally announces the games funded from his own coffers, but demanding Goodberry’s full restoration. Declaring Nexora long neglected, he orders deeper exploration Nira and a chosen group are sent to learn of the planet through her people, Aroha leads an expedition to explore the river, and Karthos is tasked with digging as deep as possible into the earth. Tensions erupt after Xaneborr makes a crude remark toward Nira. as she departs Nira on her task she speaks openly of seceding from Haven, the threat of fracture becomes real and immediate. as the remaining groups depart on their assignments, the realm is left uneasy, the future uncertain. The chapter closes with Karthos in Raukura, teaching the Geodgazer children the skills they will need before they step into the portal to the Tidal Shallows.

01/03/2026

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 8, 1304

It's the day of Casey's birth and Arties travels to Rokoura to check up on her and present her with a small gift. Alexis and Casey seem to be well, adjusting to beach life. While there, Arties is approached by Iris, who is overjoyed to see her. Going to her home, Arties picks up on an undercurrent of loneliness and distress in her friend. Baby Rowan is fussy and hard to soothe. While changing her diaper, Arties notices a strangely shaped mark on the baby's abdomen that looks irritated and angry. Putting some soothing cream on it, Arties leaves the beach with instructions for Iris on how to apply the ointment regularly to ease the girl's pain.

Having decided to undertake the journey to Pyramid Lake, the party travels to the location with Jordan and Unger. Sinking deep into the lake the group is accosted by an enormous aboleth. After a vicious fight, during which Arties is nearly killed, they emerge triumphant. Finally entering the church, The Shrine of Whispered Promises, they learn it fell into the lake 1000 years ago. The Order of the Final Vigil gave their lives to protect the shrine and Heaven's Heart, until a promised group worthy of such a gift, rediscovered the Shrine.

Inside the group undergoes many emotional trials to prove their worthiness. Personal offerings were given to gain access to the inner sanctum where they found numerous records, diaries, medical supplies, and instructions on how to perform the ritual to turn spirit into flesh as well as how to stabilize a ghost to prevent it from fading from existence. Deep inside, they enter the chamber where the heart is kept and meet face to face with the head priestess. They are heartbroken to hear that only one heart remains, the second having been used by the priestess herself to save her own daughter. Jordan volunteers his life to support the chosen child. Arties takes the heart, and the group returns home, their hearts heavy with knowledge.

At home, Arties and Hotaru fill their spouses in on what occurred in the Shrine. Unable to come to a decision, Xaneborr enlists the help of an impartial mediator. After much discussion, the mediator comes to the conclusion that Lio should get the Heart and become real, while Liddy remains a stable ghost - until another possible solution can be found. Salia, Arties, and Xaneborr are left heartbroken. Xaneborr lashes out in rage, throwing a chair through the wall of the estate and storming out. Nira and Hotaru leave, their hearts gladdened that their daughter will live a real life, though also burdened knowing their friends are devastated and an equally deserving child will go without.

12/21/2025

In-Game Date: Stormhowl 1, 1304

Stormhowl descended upon Haven with the electrifying Thunderdance festivities. Quessan and fellow shamans led the opening ritual, but a surprise guest—Casey—joined the circle, unleashing a cataclysmic surge of lightning that ravaged Goodberry Park and hurled revelers to the ground. When the smoke cleared, a massive rift tore through Haven's sky, creating a portal to the Xeresian sky. Arties and Xaneborr realized the Heavens had stripped Casey of her powers, returning them to the world and banishing the plague of hazy yellow skies for a restored brilliant blue. Undeterred, the storm raged on as dancers and merrymakers pressed the celebrations into the night.

The following dawn, Hotaru journeyed to Stoneharbor to survey Xeres, finding the world's curses mending: Casey's blaze had scorched away pollen, insects, and the rotting blight. Returning with samples, he shared his discoveries, spurring the group to prioritize Haven's- and by proxy the "dreamy girls"- survival by fully restoring Duraz'kul. Needing volcanic glass, untainted copper ore, and lantern oil from a forgotten temple, Arties struck a deal with Elara in Bannon for the ore and was assisted by Geoduck in it's acquisition. The next day, Hotaru, Nira, and Arties ventured to the Maegra for the sunstone, the volcanic glass, while Karthos and Aroha sought Mace and Kelara at Tidecaller's Rest.

Their quests bore fruit: the Maegra trio returned triumphant with a boulder of volcanic glass, and Karthos's group were successful in asking Kelara and her sister to scout Pyramid Lake's hidden cathedral, where they will find a Heart of Heaven and hopefully the vital oil. The next day brought Morvian Dros, Echo's husband, who tested Arties' resolve with philosophical trials during a town tour while introducing Hotaru to his one-year-old daughter, Galafina—whom the Wyrmwhispers cherished in a warm family hour. With the world healing, Arties canceled the coalition meeting, steeling the group for perils ahead.

12/21/2025

In-Game Date: Mistfall 10, 1304

Sana arrives at dawn, exhausted, and leads the party to the Crystalleaf Estate. Beneath the estate, where unstable energy hums through the stone, she warns them that PUQ has changed and asks that Arties be the first to see him if he awakens. In the laboratory, Zechri reveals a newly crafted humanoid body, and Arties installs PUQ’s core. PUQ awakens diminished, lacking the warmth he once carried, and admits he cannot remember creating the minis or his former role as their father. The party later secures a home for PUQ and the minis to help him begin again.

The following evening, Hotaru tells the party that Lio has been receiving messages from spirits, including a grim warning that Emeline will die when she leaves to become the queen of the drow. As this is shared, a deep, unfamiliar voice speaks through Lio, offering knowledge in exchange for being set free. Sana agrees to release it, and Hotaru steps forward, choosing himself to receive and interpret the message. After sharing its knowledge, the spirit departs, leaving behind a fractured and difficult message that Hotaru and the party struggle to fully understand, and leaving Lio shaken.

Apple Night brings celebration and fierce competition, ending with Hotaru and Shadowstep facing Madrov and Breezewillow, who emerge victorious. Tension rises when Sana confronts Casey over her past and urges her to keep her distance. Later, Arties speaks privately with Casey, who expresses remorse for a past she does not wish to remember and considers taking a trip away from Goodberry for a time until emotions settle. Arties returns to the Geodegazer Estate, where Sana is eventually calmed, and in the days that follow, Salia’s birthday passes quietly. As the weeks pass, Merriel and Briar are wed in a small ceremony.

12/13/2025

In-Game Date: Harvestide 15, 1304

The session opens at the Geodegazer Estate, where Teoric stands before Arties, Salia, and Xaneborr, requesting a job. After some small talk and getting to know each other, Arties offers him PUQ’s old role as town crier and chronicler. Meanwhile, Sana works diligently with the Crystalleaf family to repair PUQ. Xaneborr calls a town meeting to present the Goodberry Express: three flying machines that drastically cut travel time between Goodberry and its outlying zones.

While speaking with their daughter Lio, Hotaru and Nira learn that the spirits have continued to talk to the little girl. They warn that Emeline will die by being stabbed in the back, and that the “Lightning Twins” will have a massive fight, causing a huge storm. Lio also tells Nira that a daughter of hers, once thought dead, is still out there. Arties and Emeline spend the day shopping in Stoneharbor for Salia’s upcoming birthday, during which Arties teaches her about the “birds and the bees.”

The day of Xaneborr’s birthday arrives. The party starts off well, with happy guests, plenty of food, and wonderful gifts. Hana and Aroha begin to show signs of extreme drunkenness. The party continues until everyone blacks out and wakes up the next morning. Hana wakes up in Arties’, Xaneborr’s, and Salia’s room, where they discover they have been intimate. Durgath awakens in the estate’s gym with a female satyr. The group then discovers that satyrs crashed the party, poisoned the food and drink, and created pure chaos. Some egos may be a little bruised, but overall, no permanent repercussions are felt.

12/06/2025

In-Game Date: Harvestide 11, 1304

Tension is high as the Geodegazer and Wyrmwhisper families approach the school. The darkened sky and Clay's terrified face are both dark omens. The Puq minis break away from the larger group and enter the school. They join hands and begin shining and singing, saying they must help “The Bright One.” The Grey Lady appears and immediately begins to drain Lio. The minis are able to trap her, but tell everyone they do not meet the requirements to complete the ritual needed to remove the problem. The minis also speak of a mysterious watcher that will come for them.

Jeeves informs Arties that the “Watchers” are a guild that serve as the arbiters of modronic law and aim to punish PUQ and the minis for violations, an event that is poised to happen in mere hours. At the same time, everyone begins to search for a solution to the Grey Lady problem. Hotabu provides notes and binders that show the Grey Lady was an ancient sentinel tied to Nexora and an order created by Verdanis, a previous incarnation of Hotaru. It is determined that Lio must sing an ancient lament to quell the spirit, and a choice must be made: Liddy will lead her through to the afterlife to rest, or they will renew her watch and turn her into a tree using a “heartseed,” a powerful item that Nira possesses that could save Xeres from the overgrowth curse it is now under. The hour of the Watchers’ arrival approaches, and Arties, Karthos, and Hotaru ride out to meet it on an open battlefield. They fight this formidable opponent and emerge victorious.

Everyone returns to solving the problem of the Grey Lady. No one is willing to sacrifice Liddy for this, and they choose to use the heartseed. The ritual must be performed on Nexora. Sana and Liddy take a reckless trip through the portal to Er’Amon to determine if the ghost children can leave Haven to even perform the ritual. They show it is possible, though only through great expenditure of mana and life force. Arties teleports Haven to Nexora. Nira and Hotaru search Virelai for the right place to plant the heartseed and discover the old willow where Lio once rested. Before returning, Nira finds a dark heartseed and entrusts it to Hotaru. With the help of many of the closest friends and family in Goodberry, Lio is able to reach the ritual site and complete the lament. In the morning, a massive tree stands in the oldest grove of Virelai.

11/29/2025

In-Game Date: Harvestide 10, 1304

The morning of the 10th began with preparations for Madrov to raise Dûraz-Khul as Hotaru, Karthos, and their families gathered at the estate. After catching up on recent events, the party traveled to Verdant Hold and witnessed the fortress rise from the depths to thunderous celebration. In the excitement, Durgath stated that Madrov would be returning home, which troubled Arties and cast a shadow over the triumphant moment. With the fortress restored, the group returned to Haven to prepare for a celebration in Madrov’s honor later that evening.

Later in the day, Karthos discovered that Tingle felt overlooked and insignificant among Xaneborr’s children, and after bringing this to Xaneborr’s attention, Xaneborr personally reassured him with a heartfelt reminder of his worth. As Madrov’s celebration began to die down, Durgath clarified that Madrov would only be traveling to Stoneharbor for his training and would still continue living in Haven, much to Arties’ relief. That night, Arties received a knock at her door and found Clay waiting silently nearby. Concerned by his sudden appearance, Hotaru and Karthos went to town hall to check on PUQ, only to find the building engulfed in flames. Hotaru forced his way inside, discovered PUQ destroyed, and uncovered three young Modrons, Artini, Hotabu, and Berrybite, children created by PUQ and left behind in the aftermath.

The children were brought to the estate, where Hotaru and Arties uncovered cryptic hints that someone had tampered with PUQ and that the Modrons were tied to something larger. During the night, the Modron children behaved strangely, organizing objects, tracing patterns, and acting with an odd sense of purpose. By morning, they were repeatedly insisting they needed to attend school, while Lio revealed she had been tormented by another entity on the school grounds. As Arties and Hotaru escorted the Modrons to investigate the growing mystery, the sky darkened and Clay was spotted nearby once more.

11/23/2025

In-Game Date: Harvestide 7, 1304

The session opens with the Geodegazer Estate receiving two unexpected visitors at bedtime. The first is Tenya, who reveals that Liddy and Lio are at risk of disappearing some time in the near future due to Arties' mana overwhelming them. She also reveals there is a fix - locating Heaven's Hearts, two extremely rare artifacts in the distant corners of Xeres. The second guest is Velanna Sycorax, an old friend and traveling companion of Xaneborr's. She meets briefly with Sana, who is not forthcoming.

The following day is the Masquerade of Mists, a delightful holiday where the citizens of Xeres throw parties, dress in costumes, play games, and enjoy food, dance, and each other's company. Arties wins the costume competition with Karthos coming in 2nd and Hotaru coming in 3rd. Danna meets Jordan briefly, and Karthos arranges a dinner to be held the following evening with her to discuss the unusual relationship between them all.

Nira and Hotaru discuss developing a cure for vampirism and her desire to purge the world of the affliction, as she views it as unnatural. The conversation makes Hotaru uneasy, as she is willing to take it as far as possibly forcing them to be cured against their will. The dinner between Karthos, Jordan, and Danna goes well, with the night ending with Danna and Jordan wandering the beach together to begin talks and getting to know each other.

11/16/2025

In-Game Date: Heatwave 1, 1304

Heatwave marked the beginning of Goodberry’s wave of newborns, and as Goldenleaf approached, the children conceived on the Night of Sowing neared their arrival just as the world outside spiraled into chaos. Ocean levels surged with rising temperatures. Roots tore out of the ground whenever primal magic was cast, while worked wood decayed in the hands of anyone who tried to use it. Insects grew to impossible sizes; food that touched the earth rotted within minutes; forests thickened into impenetrable tangles. Even a drifting “rot-storm”—a cloud of living decay—took shape. On one expedition, Hotaru and Nira watched in horror as a doe Nira summoned twisted into a mutation the instant it manifested, only to be devoured by a monstrous, warped bear. The laws of nature were unraveling.

When Goldenleaf arrived, the remaining expectant mothers of Goodberry gave birth, and the village’s population swelled further as refugees fled to what seemed to be one of the last safe havens. After a brief period of recovery, Harvestide came, and Arties convened her council. Hotaru and Nira presented their observations and grim projections: Xeres was in catastrophic decline, and Nira believed the world’s collapse was imminent. Worse, Haven—the Goodberry dimension—was no longer stable for the expected fifteen years; its remaining lifespan had shrunk to less than one. The four ancient treasures discussed in earlier councils were now essential to saving Haven itself. Discussions broadened to the unthinkable: abandoning Xeres entirely and using Haven as an ark to reach Nexora. Arties called for a coalition summit, while Xaneborr issued a decree forbidding any new Goodberry mother from traveling or taking action for three months.

After the council adjourned, Hotaru, Nira, Lio, and Sana visited the observatory to study Verdante. The moon was engulfed in rampant overgrowth and pulsed like a living creature. Nira and Sana realized that it was not just alive—it was being used, serving as a massive conduit that amplified primal magic. Troubling as this revelation was, nothing could be done immediately. The month continued with the community resting, families bonding with their newborns, and everyone preparing for the Masquerade of Mists, even as the world beyond their refuge continued to warp and decay.

11/08/2025

In-Game Date: Frostmoon 20, 1304

The Queen and the Dukes work to settle into life without conflict. Arties spends time with her family and helps the kingdom recover, Karthos introduces his tribe to the Tidal Expanse, and Hotaru, though not forgiven, earns Nira’s trust to make decisions together. After a long sleep, Madrov awakens and is joyfully reunited with his family, but soon Xaneborr reveals that his wound has worsened. He entrusts the Dukes with the protection of his family before entering a deep rest beneath the estate.

At school, an older boy named Haylen bullies Ilyra until Tingle steps in to defend her, losing control and nearly killing him before Ilyra’s voice breaks through and calms him. Afterward, Tingle is arrested and spends a night in jail; though his siblings and Moana attempt a jailbreak, he refuses, choosing to accept his punishment. The next day, he’s released. Eventually, Haylen returns to school humbled. When Salia pairs him and Tingle for a history project, they learn of each other’s struggles and, with Ilyra’s quiet help, finally make peace with each other.

Not long after, Nira begins to sense strange lunar energies, and unsettling dreams spread among the pregnant women of Xeres. Flowers bloom out of season, animals mutate, and the air grows thick with pollen—the first signs of Hotaru’s wish, which is filling the world with uncontrollable life. By Sunspeak, abundance turns to chaos, crops overgrow and rot, creatures become violent, and healers lose control of their powers. The heat rises, insects swarm, and famine begins. Nira warns that this is only the beginning. Soon after, Aroha goes into labor—the first of many yet to come.

11/01/2025

In Game Date: Frostmoon 4, 1304

Our session opens with Lio appearing at the Geodegazer Estate, unharmed by Sana's actions to send the lingering spirits onward. She joins her parents, who get into a small verbal spat about Nira refusing to apologize to Sana. Nira walks away from the conversation. Jordan seeks out Arties and her family, Hotaru and his family, and Karthos and the rest of his family to invite them to a dinner at Tariq's. Everyone accepts— a bit confused, but pleased.

Arties creates a playground for the children, and school starts back up for the first time since the war. On a trip to the Elderwood Grove, Hotaru confesses his role in the pregnancy boom to Nira, who is horrified and feels violated. Though she approves of the Grove, their marriage is in a precarious position. Karthos takes Aroha to the Tidal Expanse. She falls in love with it and sees a bright future ahead for her people.

That evening, at Tariq's restaurant, Jordan nervously introduces his pregnant fiancée Nazeera, a beautiful healer from Uir. She is accepted warmly into the fold, with Arties taking a particular liking to her due to her kindness and skill in healing supernatural individuals and ailments. The following day, Arties, Xaneborr, Ring, and the four dukes meet with Zhara, the ambassador from Aridun; Raggna, the new ambassador from Urakkis; and Amara, the new ambassador from Uir. The initial meeting goes well, with Aridun entering beginner trades with Goodberry. Later, much of Goodberry heads to Stoneharbor, where Queen Hana is honored for her birthday and as a war hero.

10/24/2025

In Game Date: Frostmoon 3, 1304

On the brink of war, Arties, Hotaru, and Karthos stayed close to family. Karthos joined Xaneborr at the war council, then watched Aroha win a druid duel with Hotaru on the beach. Arties spent time with her children and checked on Alexis, who was hearing names she did not recognize. Aelindra and Varon were wed, a calm before the storm.

Political and personal developments continue to unfold. Xaneborr holds a victory summit, during which Ssi'katha is officially made a duchess and Silumi is recognized as a Drow state. Hotaru visits Tenya on her birthday to help set up the celebration and later has a heartfelt conversation with Tingle, who decides to leave the Young Striders. Karthos informs his people that a new parcel of land will become their home, though Aroha expresses hesitation about the arrangement. The party also receives cultivation fruits to distribute among three individuals: Arties gives hers to Puff, Hotaru to Raya, and Karthos to Reggie. Hotaru learns that Liora has been having visions of ghosts and the future, and that Sana may represent a hole in reality, raising unease within the group.

Tenya’s birthday party brings both joy and tension. Karthos observes that Liora's vision of Sana marks her as a collector, guiding souls toward the afterlife. Terrified by what she sees, Liora dematerializes and vanishes from sight. With Tenya’s instruction, Sana begins to release the lingering souls, though it remains unclear whether Liora herself was caught in the process. Nira’s fear over her daughter’s disappearance turns quickly to anger, leading to tense moments between her and the rest of the group. Liddy promises to send a message to confirm whether Liora is still nearby, and that night, two stalks appear in Liora’s room—silent proof that she is safe, if not entirely present. The session closes with the group weary but relieved, resting and reflecting on what has been gained, lost, and left uncertain.

10/18/2025

In Game Date: Yearend 22, 1303

Echo arrived to have Galafina reshaped At Hotaru’s suggestion to cure the childs illness, Nokko transformed her into a Minotaur and the illness ended. To sever Nultero’s hold, Xaneborr sent tricked Aroha to enter Itgrit and sealed the portal. Allies arrived through the portals. in the dead of night the horns sounded.

Orcs and draconians slammed Verdant Hold. after downing a red dragon The floating fortress Duraz'Khul was brought down, Eden took dragon form, fled with Madrov, and Nultero forced her from the sky. Arties shielded civilians and rallied companies. Hotaru held the line with relentless volleys. Karthos drove the spear point with his greatsword. Dragon fire broke Goodberry’s ward. Melcrayte fell defending the estate as Tingle and Attriti stood over their family.

A ballista slew Br'Kor and cast Xaneborr down. He answered with a force that shattered ranks until Nultero captured him. The Council converged. Xaneborr invoked A bargain with Casey. Lightning ended Nultero, Tundra fled, Casey turned on the Council, and Zhar arrived to press the rout.

Chatterwind confirmed Goodberry was breached. The party cut back through the fallen. Arties healed Aelindra from the edge of death. Hotaru and Nira mended the wounded. To seal the accord, Karthos reopened Itgrit and brought Alexis. She and Casey clasped hands and a violet surge erased their memories but left a sisterly bond. Xaneborr named Karthos and Hotaru dukes, vowing to guide the realm before taking a long rest.

The cost was heavy, but on Frostmoon 1, 1304 the Council was defeated. Xeres stood scarred and unbroken, vows renewed to keep the peace won.

10/10/2025

In Game Date: Yearend 16, 1303

The session opens with the group and their spouses about to head through the portal to K-town to do some shopping. Arties gives Salia one of her wedding gifts early — a spell that Arties has learned that will protect Salia from the sun. Casting it on a grateful Salia, the group heads through and are soon recognized by Echo. She is engaged to be married to a minotaur diplomat and pregnant with quads. Hotaru gets to see his daughter for the first time, a wyvaran girl called Galafina.

Echo takes them to a fancy restaurant where they chat awkwardly. Upon leaving, the group is ported to a place where they come face to face with an old traveling companion of Xaneborr's, none other than the Emperor of Xeres, himself. After some aggressive flexing on both their parts, the group is allowed to return home where they then attend the sorrowful funeral of Mirena.

The next day, the children head into one of two cyclical mystic realms given to Arties by Aroha. The children are successful and emerge as a level one of their respective classes. Salia and Emeline go in after the main group and also gain a level. Tingle continues to struggle with the methods of the Heavens, even causing thunder to rumble with his aggressive words in their direction. It comes out that Briar and Merriel and Ring and Rorkshom are expecting a child. Xaneborr, Arties, and Salia marry in a beautiful, peaceful wedding.

9/23/2025

In Game Date: Frostnight 23, 1303

Arties received an urgent yet veiled message from Tariq, who wrote of a quaint little town named Alexis. He urged her to visit soon, though he offered no explanation for his urgency. Trusting his instincts, Arties set out at once and, after nearly two weeks, arrived at the quiet settlement. The townsfolk were simple and unremarkable, but they directed her toward a nearby horse farm, where a young breeder was said to live. To Arties’ astonishment, the farm’s mistress was none other than Alexis herself... the infamous Thunder Queen from cycles past, once responsible for untold destruction in another life, another reality. Yet this Alexis was unlike the tyrant of memory. She was gentle, warm, and blissfully unaware of her past identity. Knowing that Casey’s agents would not hesitate to hunt her down, Arties persuaded Alexis to return with her to Goodberry, determined to protect this incarnation of the fallen queen.

Meanwhile, Karthos and his tribe had begun to carve out a new home, a modest settlement meant to echo the ways of their Vaitafe ancestors. He was welcomed as their chieftain, guiding them with patience and strength. But peace proved short-lived. From the forests emerged a band of five red draconians; emissaries of Nultero’s cruel army. The clash was brutal and bloody. Though Karthos and his warriors prevailed, victory came at a terrible cost: Mirena, Goodberry’s trusted head farmer, fell beneath the draconian blades. In the aftermath, Karthos saw from his shore a far greater threat, the horizon choked with hundreds of warships and dragons in flight, all converging upon Verdant Hold. Without hesitation, he summoned his people through the portal back to Goodberry, abandoning their fledgling settlement in the face of annihilation.

The grim truth quickly set in. Arties gathered her war council, only to learn the full scope of the impending assault: the red dragon legion advancing from the southwest, the white dragon host pressing from the north, and the blue dragon army filling the eastern path. Every banner of the Chromatic Council was on the move, converging upon Verdant Hold in a unified strike. For the first time, Goodberry stood directly in the path of the Council’s complete and terrible power. The Heaven’s Chosen prepared for battle, knowing the odds were stacked against them and that survival itself was no longer guaranteed.

09/22/2025

In Game Date: Frostnight 22, 1303

Frostnight 22 marked the birthday of Hecks, Goodberry’s beloved apothecary and all-around “best friend.” Hotaru, ever thoughtful, approached him with an offer to buy anything he desired, up to five hundred gold in value. True to his nature, Hecks declined the generous gift. Instead, he asked for Hotaru’s help with a plan close to his heart. Hecks knew of Linya, a young widow in Goodberry who had been struggling to provide for herself and her daughter, Illyra, since losing her husband to a poltergeist months prior. His idea was to stage a scenario that would gently push Linya toward accepting work in the tavern, giving her both stability and purpose. Hotaru, however, suggested a different approach... one that led Hecks to seek Arties’ counsel.

Arties took the problem to heart and asked for time to speak with Linya directly. As she prepared to leave her home, Tingle stopped her, mentioning that his school friend Illyra always brought peanut butter sandwiches for lunch. He innocently suggested that perhaps Arties could ask Linya to ease off on the peanut butter. The offhand comment sparked an idea. Arties went to Briar, the confectioner who ran the local sweetshop, to ask if she might consider employing Linya. Briar admitted she might, provided Linya had a skill worth cultivating. Arties then visited Linya herself and discovered a hidden talent: the woman could craft over thirty distinct flavors of peanut butter. Armed with samples, Arties returned to Briar, who was delighted by the variety and agreed to take Linya on. In the end, Hecks’ wish was granted in a more genuine way... Linya secured meaningful work without any contrived theatrics.

While this unfolded, PUQ made his own unusual contribution to Hecks’ birthday. With boundless enthusiasm, he had uprooted and hand-carried an enormous tree from a nearby wooded area, proudly dragging it into the city to present as a gift. Hecks was overwhelmed by the gesture, thrilled by both the towering tree and the serendipitous timing. That very day, he announced even greater news to all of Goodberry: Raya, his wife, was pregnant again. Far from the bustle of town, Karthos and his family had chosen a different path, leaving urban life behind to begin restoring the tribal settlement of Vaitafe. Joined by a small group of half-Vaitafe citizens from Goodberry, they constructed primitive shelters along the beaches and set about rebuilding the community. Hotaru visited often through the portal system, helping them establish farmland. Eventually, he brought Mirena Stoneleaf, Goodberry’s head farmer, to inspect the fields. She soon committed herself to traveling out every morning to guide the crops’ growth, ensuring Vaitafe’s return to life would be sustained.

09/21/2025

In Game Date: Frostnight 16, 1303

As Candle Vigil drew near, the first consequences of Hotaru’s reckless wish began to ripple through Goodberry. More and more townsfolk found themselves struck by sudden morning sickness, bewildered at the wave of pregnancies spreading like wildfire. Among the most shocked were Arties and Salia, both of whom discovered they were with child despite relying on preventative measures. The unnatural timing of it all unsettled Xaneborr and Arties, who began to suspect that something beyond the natural order had played a hand in their conception. Feeling the weight of his secret, Hotaru confessed the truth of his wish to Arties and Salia, though he still struggled to grasp the scope of its impact beyond his own small circle.

Meanwhile, tensions flared between Aroha and Nira as they clashed over how to restore the scarred lands of the Vaitafe. Aroha, desperate to see her ancestral home healed, urged Nira and Hotaru to wield their nature magic against the lingering Oraean corruption. Nira, however, stood her ground, insisting that nature must recover in its own time, unshaped by magical interference, even if that meant centuries would pass before the land thrived again. To Aroha, this delay was unbearable. Frustrated and heartbroken, she turned to Hotaru for support, only to hear him gently echo his wife’s philosophy. Feeling abandoned and consumed by anger, Aroha called out to Jing for aid. The trickster answered, and soon the dreaded deck arrived at her door.

Presented with its perilous power, Aroha was granted two wishes. Jing made the rules clear: a selfless first wish would be honored without malice, while the second would be twisted beyond her intent. For her first wish, Aroha asked that the lands of her people be restored to how they were “before.” Jing honored the words, but in his sly judgment found selfishness in her phrasing. He restored the lands, yes... but to a time before her people had ever lived upon them, erasing their history and eradicating their presence from the Vaitafe. When her second wish came, Aroha heeded her husband’s counsel and asked that Nultero be granted a long life. Jing granted this too, though in his cruelty he bound Nultero’s fate to her own: their lifeforces now entwined, so that should one fall, so too would the other.

09/20/2025

In Game Date: Stormhowl 19, 1303

The morning after the liberation of Oraeus, the party tried to settle into a much-needed rest. Yet respite was short-lived; the infamous deck returned, shimmering into their midst and demanding another draw. The rules remained the same, but fortune did not. One by one, the heroes pulled cards steeped in misfortune, each more disastrous than the last. Only Arties managed to seize a glimmer of hope, a Wish. Without hesitation, she used it to erase the ordeal, wishing that she had never drawn from the deck at all. The wish was honored, but at a terrible cost: every boon and bane was undone, and the deck required them to redraw for both days. Six cards each, with doubled twists, punishment for daring to challenge Jing’s will.

The process spiraled into chaos. A Fates card was invoked to cancel certain calamities, which only triggered further redraws. Hours passed in a relentless cycle of chance and consequence, as the deck continued to bend destiny around the group. At last, Hotaru’s hand revealed a Wish as well. His desire was simple and deeply personal: that he, Nira, Arties, and her husband would conceive at their next unions. But the careless wording carried cataclysmic results... the magic rippled across Xeres, ensuring that anything capable of reproduction would find itself fertile that night. People, beasts, monsters, even insects, all swept into the tide of unintended consequence. Goodberry awoke the next morning to stunned confusion and an impossible number of pregnancies, despite precautions many thought would shield them.

The ordeal left the party drained, and immediately upon the final draws, all three players collapsed into unconsciousness. Each underwent a transformation; Arties’ race ascended to a higher grade, Hotaru’s soul deepened in power, and Karthos’ bloodline surged with newfound strength. A month passed before they awoke, irrevocably changed, and their lives resumed in the strange new world their choices had shaped. That evening, the Geodegazer estate glowed with warmth and laughter as friends and family gathered to celebrate Sana’s birthday. Yet the night ended in spectacle: her bloodline erupted with radiant force, the awakening so powerful it hurled everyone nearby to the floor. The celebration became a testament to the unpredictable weight of destiny, and a reminder that even in moments of joy, power has a will of its own.

09/19/2025

In Game Date: Mistfall 18, 1303

Life in Goodberry moved with a deceptive calm as Arties and her companions prepared for the battles to come. Xaneborr slipped away in the gray light of dawn, bound for Tully with the promise of freeing its people from Oraeus’ grip. Within the town itself, the children were given an unexpected reprieve from their lessons, a chance to find joy and reassurance before the drums of war drowned out their laughter. Hotaru seized the moment to lead his troop of Young Striders to Lake Trugold, where fishing lines and patience were tested against the glittering waters. Pride filled the air when Tingle and three other children earned their fishing badges, a small but meaningful triumph in uncertain times. Soon after, Arties gathered her strike team; Hotaru, Karthos, Yarra, Thurn, and herself, to enact a daring plan: Blisterwing would dive upon Oraeus, drop the party into the heart of danger, and there Arties would tear open a portal for thousands of green draconians to march through and claim the city.

Before that plan could unfold, however, Goodberry was overtaken by the bizarre arrival of a circus-like procession. Dozens of strange performers lined the path to the party, their appearance marked by trumpets and fanfare. At their center walked a colorfully clad man bearing a wooden box, his grin mischievous as he presented it on behalf of Jing, the enigmatic figure the party knew from last cycle. Inside rested not the standard Deck of Many Things but a Xeresian variant, twisted and cruel in its own way. The rules of the game were simple yet perilous: each player would draw three cards, eliminate one, then bind themselves to the fate of another. Some found blessings, others curses, and all understood the chilling truth; the deck demanded another draw once the White City was taken, should they live long enough to see it.

With farewells spoken, the strike team mounted Blisterwing for a five-day flight into the storm. From above, the once-proud Oraeus revealed its corruption... tentacles strangled its towers, a malignant mist crept across its streets, and eldritch artillery surged upward like writhing squid limbs to strike at the dragon. Brought down in a violent crash, the party survived and formed a desperate circle around Arties as she worked to anchor the portal. Whitecoats and abominations surged against them, only to be met with steel, spell, and fury. Daren Frosthelm, the embodiment of Whitecoat brutality, arrived to enforce his master’s will, but though empowered by alien strength, he fell beneath the combined might of the strike team. In the chaos Hotaru fell, his life snuffed out, but Arties’ divine magic returned him to the fight. With the portal secured and Goodberry’s soldiers pouring through, the tide turned. The final confrontation came within Oraeus’ palace, where Verin Nightwhisper, cloaked in eldritch power, met his end at their hands. The White City, broken and scarred, was freed at last.

09/14/2025

In Game Date: Mistfall 17, 1303

The children of Goodberry get out of school and seem to be gathered around Tingle. Tingle got a book called Dice and Destiny, a book for tabletop roleplaying. All of the kids are going to play with their parents as dungeon masters. Meanwhile, Karthos changes his bloodline and appearance to Vaitafe via Nokko's skills. Hotaru and Hecks make dice for all of the children.

Arties runs the children through a scenario of fey trying to play with townspeople, but they end up causing bad dreams. They investigate and get to the bottom of the mystery and resolve it without conflict, much to Tingle's chagrin. Hotaru takes over for the next portion and leads the children on an adventure with a destroyed merchant cart. The children investigate and find that it was destroyed by an ankheg! They react quickly and are able to rescue the merchant and drive the ankheg away with some violence, to Lio's dismay. Finally Karthos takes over to finish the children's night of adventuring. In his mission, the children were caught in a time loop where they had to solve a puzzle. They got to the inner chamber where Lio proceeded to "solve" all of the riddles to the best of her abilities.

The evening ends with the families returning to their respective homes, children tuckered out from the day of play. The upcoming assault on Oreaus looms over the adults more and more with each passing hour.

09/06/2025

In Game Date: Mistfall 15, 1303

The day before Salia's birthday dawns peacefully over Goodberry. Arties, Salia, and Xaneborr head to the lake for a picnic, having been lovingly nudged out of the house by the children so they can work on their gifts for the party the following day. The trio settles in for a wonderful relaxing time. As the morning moves into lunch, Karthos and Hotaru arrive with their families to enjoy the water and fine weather. Hotaru works on teaching Nira how to swim with new flippers he procured in Kristofferson. It doesn't go well, but she resolves herself to try harder until she is proficient.

Aroha works on her water surfing magic and takes Arties and Salia along for a spin. While at the lake Hotaru receives a message for himself and Arties to attend Tenya as she has succeeded in creating a spell that will render Liora and Liddy corporeal for a limited time. Arties' specialization allows her to learn the spell and she casts it on both girls, allowing Liora to feel her parents touch for the first time in ages, and for Liddy to finally touch her new family members and play properly with her siblings. The experience sways Nira's heart and she finally decides she and Hotaru can try for a child.

The following day, a new nanny (Cordelia) introduces herself to Karthos' family and proves entirely capable of handling the wild speeds of Moana. A new advanced learning teacher also arrives in Goodberry to take her position and Arties gives her a grand tour of the city. Later, Salia arrives home from work to a party lovingly thrown by the Geodegazer family. All the book club members have arrived with their families and Salia is showered with gifts, appreciation, and acceptance.

08/31/2025

In Game Date: Mistfall 7, 1303

After recovering from the previous day’s horrors, the party sought stability. Karthos and his family tried to comfort Aelindra, but she was not at home. Hoping Arties might know, he sought her out, and together they stopped at the infirmary to visit Attritti. There, through heartfelt words from Tingle, Attritti's mind was restored and their bond reforged. Hotaru later gathered his troop, reminding them that Apple Night was meant for playful rivalry and laughter, and showed them how to enjoy the games in good spirit. At Tariq’s urging, Arties sought out Nokko to change Varon’s form. Transformed into an aasimar, Varon returned repentant, apologized to Aelindra, and upon learning of her pregnancy, proposed marriage. She accepted with tears of joy.

The party then turned to the bewitched girallon. Xaneborr subdued the beast in the arena and force-fed it, advising its release into the Forgotten Forest. Arties refused to give up and, with Calyra and Thesskai, performed rituals until the curse finally broke. The girallon’s true form emerged as a Vanara. Naming herself Blaro, she swore gratitude and departed through portals with Varon to find home. After stepping into Kristofferson, she discovered her place in the nearby Ellespi Woods.

At last, Goodberry gathered for Apple Night. The games were fierce yet joyous, carried by the spirit of playful rivalry. Hotaru’s team fell first, having shown mercy against Liddy’s team. Karthos was defeated by Hecks, and Arties fought bravely before also falling to him. In the end, Liddy’s team claimed victory, and the town celebrated deep into the night. Though the party did not triumph, the festival filled the air with cheer and strengthened the bonds that carried them forward.

08/30/2025

In Game Date: Mistfall 3, 1303

Late at night, the Anice portal opened and Kelara and Neirah arrived with grim tidings: their home had been destroyed by the undead, who were now pushing north. Two days later, the group turned their focus to rescuing Attriti from the Darkheart slaver's guild in K-Town. A plan was set in motion, Arties would enter the city under a false identity while the others stood ready for a raid if necessary. Inside the Darkheart's warehouse, Arties discovered both Attriti and the blue dragon from the previous cycle, and through careful negotiation she secured their release in exchange for dwarven steel bars.

The party convened to decide how to proceed, ultimately agreeing that Arties would pay for and free the slaves. Once the deal was struck, she and her followers tended to the freed captives, mending their wounds and restoring their strength. In the aftermath, Aelindra revealed that several townsfolk, including Wuffle, had chosen to adopt children from among the rescued, and she herself confessed that she was ready to marry Varon.

But Varon’s fury at the cruelty of the slavers drove him to act alone. He stormed into K-Town and slaughtered the slavers in cold anger. Hotaru tracked him down too late, finding only the aftermath of his vengeance. With grim resolve, Varon resigned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind a bewildered and pregnant Aelindra, standing in tears as her future unraveled.

08/23/2025

In Game Date: Mistfall 2, 1303

The session opens in Kristofferson with the group speaking with the former right hand of Elpis, a half-minotaur woman. She informs us on the fiery new Emperor who now rules the city with a much firmer hand. More than that, she does not know, as the Emperor is a private man. Arties inquires into Attritti's whereabouts. That is also unknown. Tariq is turned loose to work his magic in making underground connections within the sprawling city and find out what he can about Attritti. The group splits to search for the boy. A man from the shadows calls over to Arties and tells her that a guild of slavers called "The Dark Heart" has Attritti and that they operate out of the eastern portion of Kristofferson. The group is forced to leave the city without him as gathering intel takes time.

The following day is Xaneborr's birthday! Arties and the city of Goodberry throws him a grand party complete with food, drink, music, and an arena tournament. Reggie shines in the brawls. Though his combat is clumsy, his ability to regenerate faster than his opponents can wound him pushes him into the final round where he faces off with the formidable Moerangi. She overwhelms him and emerges the victor. During the party, Liddy is officially adopted into the Shadowbane-Geodegazer family and begins her new life with her siblings, parents, her own room, and school.

Arties attends a meeting with Peppermint and Thesskai, the new delegates from the Itgrit and the Ssi-theska. Hotaru spends time with Nira, and has tender conversations about the future. Nira puts herself out there and begins to make friends with Aroha. Karthos trains with his new paladin recruits. Much later that night after everyone is in bed, the portal to Anice wobbles and two figures enter Goodberry. Varon sends a runner to summon Arties immediately, leaving more questions than answers.

08/16/2025

In Game Date: Harvestide 8, 1303

Tingle collapsed from exhaustion, his sleepless nights and paranoia finally breaking him. Xaneborr called upon Sana to sit with him, and she shared the story of her own suffering in her home town, of the pain she endured before being saved, and how she found the strength to endure and carry on. Her words gave Tingle a mirror of resilience and the first steps toward healing. Meanwhile, Arties honored Hana and Durgath with a heartfelt gift, binding Stoneharbor closer to Goodberry’s yet a solemn reminder of the sacrifices already made and those still to come.

That same day, Goodberry welcomed new allies. Baler Stormbrand pledged himself to Karthos, Lula Firegleam to Hotaru, and Calyra Nocthaven to Arties. Their arrival marked a turning point, as Goodberry’s strength grew not only from its leaders but from those who believed in their cause. Lady Sophia, the Queenmaker, also arrived, declaring she would guide Emaline toward her destiny as Queen of the Drow.

Before the opening of the Kristofferson portal, Tariq invited the companions to the Shadowfeast. There the aliases of hidden assassins were revealed, along with the secret of the Coronet of the Unbroken Throne. With new allies at their side, and heavy revelations before them, the party crossed into Kristofferson, a city vast and radiant, its scale humbling them to mere motes within its brilliance, where marvel and possibility stretched farther than the eye could see.

08/09/2025

In Game Date: Harvestide 1, 1303

Arties traveled to Bannon to seek Isema’s psychic guidance regarding Emeline’s future betrothal and rise to the drow throne. Isema revealed that Emeline was fated to become queen of the drow, though the path to that destiny was still unknown. Upon returning home, Arties shared the news with her children, leading to disagreement from Sana. The Kesswicks were reunited, and Samael joined the investigation into the spiritual presence haunting them. Karthos uncovered a buried box containing a malevolent entity, which the party investigated. In the ensuing confrontation with a dark spirit, Joram, the family’s father, was killed, but the spirit was destroyed by the party’s ally, Yarra.

Meanwhile, Eden and Puq developed a mana transfer device to allow Liddy and Liora to manifest for longer by drawing on mana from living individuals. All attendees of a meeting contributed their excess mana to power the device. Later, Arties met with Melcrayte, but they were ambushed by black draconians. Arties and Tingle were captured, and Melcrayte appeared mortally wounded. Xanaborr departed with Blisterwing, while Karthos and Hotaru mobilized in response. Hotaru requested that Duraz'Khul to be brought to Xeres again, and Karthos led a party to Isema in search of Arties.

Due to time dilation, Taxin had several days to torture Arties and Tingle. After killing them both, Taxin was confronted by Sana, who revived them and destroyed the black draconian forces. Taxin survived the initial blast but was finished by Arties. Sana, who appeared dead, survived her final act due to the mysterious “passenger” she carried. In the aftermath, Arties declared herself Queen of the Verdant March, and the girls marked the occasion with a birthday celebration.

07/26/2025

In Game Date: Goldenleaf 25, 1303

At dawn, Tingle arrives at Hotaru’s door with a list of 42 children recruited for the Young Striders, with Reggie quietly watching over him. Back at the estate, Arties promotes Ghazmara to Official Personal Bodyguard, a role Mara accepts with heartfelt enthusiasm. Their morning is interrupted by the surprising appearance of Liddy, the young ghost girl, who formally introduces herself to the other children and is warmly welcomed. As Arties senses the porting of Goodberry, Xaneborr and his army arrive, bringing joy, gifts for the children, and a long-awaited reunion with his family.

Xaneborr introduces a towering Draconian named Barker, whom Arties recognizes as Blisterwing, the dragon from the previous cycle. The family shares a brief moment of peace over dinner, but it is short-lived. Nira, after examining Sana, grimly concludes the girl is dying. Xaneborr brings devastating news: Ahorangi, Tully, the Vaitafe, and many beloved allies have been annihilated by the horrors of Oraeus. The shock deepens with confirmation that Emperor Elpis of Xeres was assassinated. Overcome with grief, Eden transforms into her dragon form and sets part of the house ablaze before collapsing into catatonia. Karthos delivers the tragedy to Aroha, Peter, and Iris, breaking their hearts.

As tensions rise, Arties calls a Coalition meeting. It’s revealed that the vampires from the ball are tied to Nultero, who now declares war on Uir. Melcratye reappears, using baby Celeste as leverage to present the Coalition an ultimatum: they must join the Coalition, retain Sillumi as a Drow city, and crown Emeline as queen on her eighteenth birthday to secure their lineage in exchange for joining the battle against Oraeus. After handing Celeste to Hana, he vanishes, leaving Arties and Xaneborr reeling from yet another impossible decision. Meanwhile, the investigation into the Kesswick family quietly presses on in the background.

07/26/2025

In Game Date: Goldenleaf 22, 1303

After a long and taxing day, the party returned home to rest. Arties shared a quiet night with Xaneborr before his departure, while Karthos confided in Jordan that he had found his mother, and Hotaru discussed the future with Nira. The next morning, Arties awoke to a strange chill, muddy footprints, and scattered wheat stalks before being alerted to the presence of Liddy, now able to enter the estate thanks to Goodberry’s growing mana. Later, Karthos accidentally started a grease fire while attempting breakfast, prompting a trip to Stoneharbor with Aroha. Meanwhile, Hotaru pleaded for Arties’ help to retrieve the spirit of his daughter, Liora’thehl, from Nexora and bring her to Goodberry before their departure. The heavens agreed to assist but bound Arties to a sacred geas, and with the spirit’s consent, the party traveled to her grave. After a small ritual, Sana collapsed, vomiting blood as a hidden chamber opened at the tree’s roots, revealing the child’s remains. As Sana fell, the eleventh feather landed at her side, signaling that once the next falls, she will die. The child was returned to Goodberry and buried beneath the swamp. That night, the families gathered for a heartfelt meal, and the next morning, the spirits of Liddy and Liora’thehl were seen playing together, finally no longer alone.

Arties discovers that the Kesswick family is destitute and steps in to provide food, shelter, and clothing. She contacts her allies and enters the hidden chamber known as the Shadowfeast, where she tries to learn more about the Chromatic Council ritual. From Tariq, she learns that Nultero, once freed from her peace treaty, plans to invade Uir and will most likely blame an assassination on Goodberry. Tariq suggests they strike first and eliminate her before she can act. In the days that follow, Karthos trains new recruits to his guild, Hotaru helps Nira settle into her new life, and Arties arranges a coalition meeting. During the meeting, she shares her potential plans and possible moves against Nultero and Casey; the idea of liberating Oraeus is brought up, and a comment from Puq connects Alexis to a town of the same name, stirring forgotten memories. Later, Joram Kesswick reveals strange phenomena surrounding his daughter, and Arties agrees to look into it.

After the coalition meeting, Karthos meets with Varon and learns that the Kesswicks’ young daughter has bruises and may be suffering abuse from a parent. After speaking with her, he begins to suspect a poltergeist. Joined by Arties and Hotaru, they consult Father Samael, who brings the child some peace but cannot determine the source. Conversations with the parents suggest the mother may have unknowingly summoned the presence. Karthos lends them his ever-burning torch, and for the first time in months, the Kesswicks sleep soundly beneath a calm and quiet roof, the light of the torch keeping the spirit at bay.

07/19/2025

In Game Date: Goldenleaf 17, 1303

The party spends a day in Uir, where Arties receives a message from Tariq about their next mission: infiltrating Duchess Ranya’s masquerade ball to steal the Silent Lyre. Arties had previously requested a stealth-capable healer, and the group meets their contact, Janeva, at a shady bar in one of Uir’s seedier districts. Hotaru arranges to meet her again the next day before the ball to begin their infiltration. Upon returning home, Varon informs Arties that Echo has regained her memories. The next day, Echo decides to leave Goodberry. The heavens, it seems, have chosen to punish Hotaru for his betrayal by allowing Echo and their child to flourish far from him—a fate he finds quietly devastating. Arties chooses not to reveal where she has gone. The party then travels to Virelai to assist the Crystalleaf family, where they defeat a crystalline entity within a dimensional anomaly. Upon its defeat, the anomaly’s residual energy is transferred to Goodberry, unlocking latent mana access for all its citizens.

Preparations for the masquerade accelerate. Arties readies herself for the ball while Xanaborr informs her that he will be departing to Verdant Hold to retrieve the Green Army. Hotaru, meanwhile, formalizes his bond with Nira through the customs of her people after she proposes to him, and he files his divorce papers with Merriel Strone. On the eve of the ball, Hotaru brings Wuffle to meet Janeva at an abandoned bathhouse where their infiltration begins. Both groups—Arties with Karthos and Nokko, and Hotaru’s team—discover the entrance to the ball is actually a portal to another location. Arties’ group is allowed entry without issue, while Hotaru’s team breaks in by charming and subduing guards. Once inside, Arties and Karthos fall under a magical effect that causes them to relive memories from past lives—Arties experiencing fragments of Celeste’s, and Karthos glimpsing Teoric’s. A charm hides the identities of all guests, only breaking when a name is spoken. Unfortunately, Karthos mentions both Arties and Nokko by name, causing them to lose the masquerade game and drawing attention.

As the enchantment weakens, Count Prace—a figure from their past lives—recognizes Arties and becomes immediately intrigued. The ball reveals itself as a vampiric gathering. Velanna Sycorax, Celeste’s lover from a previous life, arrives and saves Arties from falling under Prace’s sway, though Velanna’s allure is not lost on her. Karthos, meanwhile, crosses paths with Dana Orville, Teoric’s former lover and the mother of Jordan. Simultaneously, Hotaru, Wuffle, and Jeneva break cover and face resistance as they breach the duchess’s quarters. The guards are violently dispatched—an outcome that deeply unsettles both Hotaru and Jeneva. Nevertheless, they secure the Silent Lyre and its accompanying song stone. As they flee, Hotaru notices Wuffle rigging explosives. The upper half of the duchess’s estate is obliterated in the ensuing blast as everyone escapes the ball. The next day is spent in recovery, though Hotaru is haunted by what unfolded. Karthos grapples with how to reveal Dana’s existence to Jordan, and Arties is reprimanded by Tariq for the excessive violence. Still, the information she sought is recovered: the council required a one-year ceasefire to summon a world-ending beast. As Xanaborr departs on his journey, it is determined that in five days, Goodberry will be summoned to the Verdant Hold. The party begins making preparations for the coming move.

07/12/2025

In Game Date: Goldenleaf 16, 1303

Karthos decides to pay Ghost and the Crystalleaf family a visit. While Ghost isn't home, Zechri immediately recruits Karthos and Arties for an expedition outside of Goodberry, as he has detected an anomaly. They take him outside where he ends up not having to go very far. The anomaly is in the tuning chamber underneath the ruins of what was once Hotaru's home in Virelai. He tells Arties and her friends to return in two days time to see what data they might have gathered.

Arties returns to Goodberry and heads through the portal to visit Tariq in Uir. She finds him troubled and needing to share his disturbing information. In the two weeks the group had been cut off from Xeres, a new intelligence faction called The Velvet Coil has formed in the city under the leadership of a woman named Duchess Ranya, who in turn takes orders from none other than Nultero of the Council. Nultero is also being prepared to take her place as Queen of the orcs after knocking General Zhar from his position.

Tariq gives the group a misson. Duchess Ranya is throwing a masquerade ball which they are to infiltrate and steal a lyre known as the Silent Instrument as well as the Duchess' personal song stone. The goal of this is to regain control of Uir and Tariq's information network. Arties carries this information back to Goodberry and holds a meeting where they discuss the mission and make plans to hopefully ensure a successful mission.

07/05/2025

In Game Date: Goldenleaf 11, 1303

The party spends time with loved ones before heading north to retrieve a mysterious flower that could save Aroha’s life. In a clearing surrounded by sorrowful blooms, they find their goal but also Nira, a strange woman drawn to Hotaru. As they speak, a deep connection forms, as thought of Minuet fade from Hotaru's mind. Nira allows them to take the flower and chooses to join their journey. That night, after a failed romantic advance and later reconciliation, Hotaru and Nira spend the night together. Though the group silently acknowledges what happened, they move on.

At the ruins, Hotaru is greeted by the spirit of a child who calls him “Father,” triggering thoughts of a past cycle. In a hidden chamber beneath his old home, they discover a golden feather like device that imparts ancient knowledge confirming they are on the planet Nexora. Returning to Goodberry, Arties reunites with family, Karthos brings Aroha to Ssi'katha for her cure, and Hotaru prepares to confess his actions. Minuet, devastated, attempts to take her own life but is saved by Arties and Zik. Overcome with guilt, Hotaru leaves town to distance himself from the pain he caused.

Aroha seemingly dies after taking the cure, but Karthos stays with her through the night, praying for her return. At sunrise, she awakens, the cure successful. Soon after, all but two portals activate, the Portal to Stoneharbor and Arrakis. Arties learns Queen Hana was assassinated and the king has cut all contact and Zhar overthrown by Nultero, future Queen of the Orcs. With Rosie’s help, she activates the portal to Stoneharbor and finds Hana alive but gravely wounded. Thanks to the town’s healers, her life is saved. Arties swears to King Durgath that from this day forward, things will be different.

06/28/2025

In Game Date: Goldenleaf 6, 1303

The party returns to Goodberry just in time for the Harvesthome Festival, something they’ve missed for many years due to their long road of adventure. This year, though, nothing stands in their way. As festivities begin, the villagers write their hopes and prayers on ribbons and tie them to trees, hoping the wind will carry them to heaven. Sana, full of gloomy energy, ties hers away from the crowd. When the wind snatches it too soon, black feathers fall in its place, an unsettling omen no one else sees.

The festival carries on with joyful competitions and moments of celebration. Storen wins the cooking contest, Puq dazzles the crowd in dance, and Baroness Arties blesses the first sheaf of the harvest. Arties saves a young girl from falling, who calls her Mom. As the festival is winding down, Arties sees the girl from before holding a stuffed rabbit. She then fades away and only the rabbit remain. The name "Liddy" was stitched into it's ear. Eden later reveals the child was a forgotten orphan who died years ago, and the revelation breaks something in Arties.

In the days that follow, the tone grows more urgent. Sana secretly uses her powers to uncover a lead on curing Aroha. Arties pushes for fortifying the portal site and securing Goodberry’s future. Hotaru brings Minuet to see Ssi’katha, a tense reunion that sparks a buried memory of her father, yet she does not recognize the name Hotaru gave her. At Our Home, Hecks finally enters the cultivation coma. At a quiet estate dinner, the group finally opens up. Through heartfelt conversation and shared vulnerability, the party rediscovers their purpose. For the first time in a long while, they are united.

06/22/2025

In Game Date: Heatwave 25, 1303

The trio plus Hecks and Robert returns to Goodberry after the resounding defeat in the crystal challenge. Overjoyed to be home, they spend quality time with their families to recover. Arties and Hotaru were both rewarded with a seed that will grade a person up by one level. Hotaru gives his to Echo/Minuet who eats hers. While she does upgrade, she doesn't regain her memories. Arties gives hers to Hecks, who takes it gratefully and returns home.

The group learns that Xaneborr has purchased the pocket dungeon, so the children and others in Goodberry may gain combat experience. Tingle is overjoyed and volunteers himself and his siblings to be the first to go in. Sana, Eden, Emeline, Tingle, and Madrov train with Xaneborr to prepare themselves. Finally feeling ready, they enter the dungeon. Several hours later they return, having successfully conquered the challenge, evidence of combat all over their bodies. Emeline is bothered, feeling like she wasn't much use to her family in the dungeon.

Later, there is a card game held in Our Home hosted by Puq. After multiple rounds of poker, Karthos emerges as the winner of the night. Puq is overjoyed to spend some quality time with his friends and plans for future game nights.

06/13/2025

In Game Date: Heatwave 24, 1303

A week has passed since the Xaneborr expedition set out to explore the strange, untamed world in which our heroes now find themselves. In that time, Nokko managed to repair superficial damage to Minuet and Aroha, though the loss of their limbs remains unresolved. In the interim, PUQ has fashioned temporary replacements until a permanent solution can be found. Aroha, now awake from her coma and aware her days are numbered due to spreading necrosis, has devoted herself to spending time with her family. The townsfolk, recognizing the gravity of their situation, suspended Goodberry Day deeming it ill suited for celebration while stranded on an alien world. The expedition’s return was heralded by blaring horns. With them came tales, relics, and field observations. At a grand feast, Xaneborr shared his discoveries, serving fanged rabbit, succulent turkey, and a peculiar cut of stag that overwhelmed the senses to the point of nausea. As they recovered, the truth settled in they now dwelled in a realm of beauty, danger, and unrestrained wildness.

As the evening deepened, Xaneborr spoke of forgotten ruins, sacred monuments that radiated serenity, and distant mountains more immense than any in Xeres. He warned of vast, empty wilderness and described erratic grades scattered throughout the region. The peace of the evening was broken by a knock at the door Ssi’Katha, uninvited and livid, demanded answers for her isolation and the malfunctioning portals. Arties calmed her with quiet assurance, explaining the situation and promising the portals would be operational again within twelve days.

At dawn, Hecks gathered the party for a new expedition, joined by Robert Del La Rosa. Soon after leaving the safety of Goodberry, they were met by a familiar feline cub that led them to a hidden cave. Inside, the ground gave way beneath their feet, plunging them into a cavernous chamber filled with the remains of a long dead beast. Amid the decay and darkness, Hotaru discovered a narrow passage buried in flesh. The party pressed on, eventually reaching a chamber centered around a crystal prism pulsing with energy. As Hotaru approached, questions from the crystal filled the air. “Accept,” he said and vanished. Karthos followed. Then Robert and finally Arties. Left alone in a cave not too different from the one Arties found him in so long ago, Hecks dropped to his knees, the void echoing around him, unsure where his companions had gone or if he’d ever see them again.

06/07/2025

In Game Date: Heatwave 16, 1303

The session begins with Echo waking from her coma. Unfortunately, she is left with no memories of her prior life. No longer sure she IS Echo, she decides to start calling herself Minuet. Hotaru is left deeply saddened by the situation, and in order to give her space, they begin sleeping apart. Aroha is declining, due to the necrosis within her body spreading and preventing healing. Arties and Vasilios perform a challenging operation on her and manage to buy her some time, but unable to provide a cure.

Xaneborr sets out for a scouting trip with several of his soldiers. Just before leaving, he decides to take Madrov and Tingle with him, sensing Tingle in particular needed the outing. While they are gone, Karthos is called to the graveyard where he and Varon watch as Jordan wrenches his grave open and climbs his way out. After a tense standoff, Jordan relents and heads home to clean himself and get a much-needed meal.

Nokko heads to Arties to procure living quarters. She accepts the burden of payment on her own shoulders and asks the man if he could come look at Emeline, who was grievously disfigured in the assassin attack. After defending her from some young bullies, he accepts the task. Per her wishes, he changes her into a lovely drow complete with purple skin and pointed ears. To Emeline's dismay, Sana is angered by her choice and storms off.

Later that night, Arties is summoned to the jail. Puff and Varon have managed to capture the last assassin, a black draconian who is unwilling to speak. Arties, unable to relax as long as he is alive and enraged upon the attack on her family and friends, orders his execution which Varon carries out.

05/30/2025

Session #41: Silence Achieved

In Game Date: Heatwave 11, 1303

As the party carried on with their routines in Goodberry and prepared for Madrov’s birthday, they received an unexpected invitation from Tholgrin to visit the dwarven citadel of Duraz'khul. Eager to witness the restoration efforts, Arties, Karthos, Sana, and Hotaru joined Madrov for a day trip. Upon arrival, they were ushered through awe-inspiring chambers to the citadel’s command center, a marvel of arcane and technological fusion. Tholgrin offered to test their potential as citadel engineers, a challenge only Sana passed. But the moment of curiosity was shattered when assassins teleported in and launched a brutal ambush. Madrov was felled, Sana was nearly killed, and the party barely survived the fight. As the final attacker detonated a suicide bomb, Tholgrin gave his life shielding Madrov from the blast.

The aftermath was grim. The assassins were revealed to be draconians and drow, their weapons marked with the chilling phrase “Achieve the silence.” When the group tried to return to Goodberry, they discovered Madrov was now tethered to the citadel, locking them inside. Duraz’khul, recognizing Madrov’s endangerment, launched itself into the Astral Realm. The party watched helplessly as Xeres vanished behind them, only for the citadel to crash violently onto a foreign world after running out of power mid-flight. Awakening in a vast, untamed wilderness, the group assessed their injuries and scouted the alien landscape. It was massive, wild, and untouched by civilization. After facing and subduing a powerful wildcat cub, they returned to the crash site and summoned their estate. What they found waiting was worse than they could have imagined.

Goodberry’s defenses had failed during simultaneous assassination attempts targeting Arties’ home, Hotaru’s and Karthos’ residences, and the portal network itself. Emeline was maimed, Chomp killed, Echo rendered comatose, and Aroha left on the brink of death with a lethal neck wound. Jordon and Kai’tiaki had fallen as well, and hundreds of refugees were now trapped inside Goodberry. With Vasilios’ help, Arties performed emergency surgery on Echo, while Karthos chose to delay risking Aroha’s life, hoping someone on this new world might hold the key to saving her. Stranded, shattered, and without a clear path forward, the party now faces a terrible truth: their enemies are striking with precision, and survival on this alien world may demand more than they have ever given before.

04/26/2025

Session #40: Revelations and Reunions

In Game Date: Sunspeak 9, 1303

Three months have passed since the last session. The children are slowly warming up to Xaneborr's presence in the house as a permanent fixture. The twins are now three months old. It is the day before Arties' and Xaneborr's wedding. The arrival of Xaneborr's young page causes a commotion in the estate. It is none other than a young Pumpafido! The group and Puq are overjoyed to see him again, knowing he will now reside in Goodberry.

The next day, Arties and Xaneborr are married in a beautiful ceremony officiated by Hecks. The reception afterwards is filled with fun, merriment, and love. Days pass, and the meeting day between Arties and Melcrayte arrives. In a private conversation, he reveals the Underdark has fallen to the undead, most of the Drow have been killed, and that Arties is the last living pure-Drow member of the ancient noble houses of her race. Melcrayte and his sister Alicroa Vrinn, from a different house, are already undead and cannot produce heirs.

He also reveals to Arties her true birthplace, what the Geodegazer's role was in Drow society, and the name and fate of her father, Dalanor. The two shake hands and go their separate ways with an understanding that they wish to fight side-by-side rather than against each other. As Arties turns to go, a black feather falls into her hand and a deep, masculine voice tells her "12 steps, 12 falls. Choose wisely, Mother." Deeply unnerved, Arties rushes home to check on Sana and finds the girl feeling unwell with her nose bleeding again.

Some time later, Echo and Hotaru are married in a lovely ceremony. A few days later, Chatterwind brings news of trouble in the Verdant Hold. Arties rushes to find Ring watching a blue kobold stumbling into town holding something in his hands. It's Durkham, carrying the severed heads of his wife and daughter.

04/20/2025

Session #39: New Dawn, New Beginnings

In Game Date: Thawbloom 1, 1302

Months begin to flyby as Arties awaits what she now knows to be her twins. News of Xanaborr and the green army flitters on the wind and comes on whispers and messenger seemingly every week. Unfortunately, he never seems to get any closer to arriving. The question of- "What do we do now"? Still hangs in the air between Arties, Karthos, and Hotaru. Arties does not know when her beloved will arrive or how many forces he brings with him. Karthos elects to spend time enjoying his life and preparing for his future, opening his new blacksmith shop "Thunderbuddy's". Hotaru, plagued with a loss of ideas, decides to call upon Sana go to the connecting towns to search for ideas.

The unlikely research pair, along with Mara as a guardian, spend the next month searching out leads in every corner of Stoneharbor, Uir, Verdant Hold, Er'Amon, and Bannon. Sana takes immaculate notes and comes up with many possible leads of hidden armies, mystic realms, and/or ancient magic that could give them an edge. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling whether they will be useful or are just dead-ends. However, there is certainly some good info and some truth amidst the myths and tall-tales. Upon arriving home, Hotaru, Karthos, and Arties discuss what the next course of action is, however they gain no ground with each other and cannot seem to come to a consensus on what the best course of action is.

Arties birthday comes and she is stunned by the arrival of an old friend. Puff returns to Goodberry! Only this time, he has his estranged sister in tow. Arties has a wonderful party with her friends and family. The days leading up to New Dawn are a blur. Everyone enjoys the closeness of family and New Dawn arrives. Everyone exchanges truly heartfelt gifts with one another and Echo announces to the family, including Hotaru, that she is expecting! The normally cold winter days still bring everyone in Goodberry and Verdant Hold together despite the always temperate - or sub-tropical- weather. Hana's birthday comes and it is found out that she and Durgath are also expecting. Arties is put on bed rest shortly after.

In early Thawbloom, a messenger brings news of a large army advancing into the Verdant Hold and Goodberry herself. The alarm is quickly silenced as it is found out to be Xaneborr. He is overjoyed to be reunited with Arties. Introductions are made the time of integration and bonding begins.

The next day brings the celebration everyone had been waiting months for, Karthos and Aroha's wedding. The ceremony is absolutely beautiful and is attended by the entire city. The party is grand and emotions run high. When they are alone and out of sight of everyone, Hotaru asks Echo to marry him, and she accepts.

As the sun rises and Arties begins her morning routine, she goes into labor. Celeste and Seylah are born into the world! Xaneborr presents his children to the city as Arties recovers. The entire family converges on the estate to congratulate the new parents. Hotaru and Xaneborr patch up their business from the council meeting and pledge to new beginnings. Arties and Hotaru share kind words as he finally goes to see her after the rest of the crowd has cleared out and she has time to rest.

1303 is the year that is bringing new beginnings for everyone despite Tundra trying to quell everyone into tying up loose ends to go silently into the cold, dark night.

04/19/2025

Session #38 - Hopes and Holidays

In Game Date: Frostnight 3, 1302

The session opens with news that Merriel Strone has decided to settle in Goodberry. Arties immediately gives him authority to travel to Bannon on her behalf and set up a portal. Meanwhile, Hotaru and Hecks travel to the Verdant Expanse to set up trade for a large amount of Semenod.

Events remain peaceful leading into Candle Vigil. There is still no sign of Xaneborr, his gift goes unopened. Elpis and Attritti come into Goodberry for an overnight visit, surprising everyone, particularly Arties and Eden. He gives all Arties' closest friends a single gold bar worth 5000g. For Arties, he gifts the soul of Seylah, having located her soul prism. Arties is now pregnant with twins. Tingle struggles, having lost his gold for gifts to a guard.

Sana is gifted with the opportunity to attend the magic school in Kristofferson, an offer never before extended to someone so young. Sana is hesitant, not wanting to leave her mother and siblings behind. Arties convinces her to at least speak with the dean of the college, a powerful wizard named Quastos. He tests her and deems her worthy of her place in the school. Tingle, Madrov, and Attritti become fast friends, enjoying sparring with each other. Aelindra and Varon finally make their feelings known to each other and start a relationship.

On the eve of Candle Vigil, Verec is found deceased in his office, having drunk himself to death. The following day is Hecks' birthday. Tingle confesses he lost his gold bar to the same man who took his original 62 gold coins, a guard named Harrison. An enraged Arties, Hotaru, Karthos, and Varon set out to find him. Varon and Karthos find him by the lake, where he is intimidated into returning Tingle's bar. Soon after, the man disappears in a strange alteration of time. Varon emerges and declares the issue is 'handled.'

04/12/2025

Session #37 - A Quiet Year?

In Game Date: Stormhowl 16, 1302

Each of our adventurers receives a personal message from their friend Karthos, inviting them to a celebration in the orchard. Around the same time, Arties receives the long-awaited missive she had been anticipating—the official summons to the Council’s Summit. The letter explains that when the time comes, the scroll itself will act as a portal, transporting them directly to the summit’s location. With this heavy future looming, the party sets aside their anxieties and continues with their daily lives until the time of Karthos’ gathering arrives.

When they attend the party, they quickly learn that the true purpose of the gathering is not just celebration, but revelation: Karthos announces his official union with Aroha. Their wedding was rather unceremonious and simple, so he planned to give her the celebration she deserved. There is music, dancing, laughter—true merriment, even with the distant cloud of the summit hanging on the horizon.

In the weeks that follow, the party discusses who will accompany Arties to the summit. After some deliberation, Karthos, Hotaru, Puq, Ghazmara and Tariq are chosen. When the day comes, the group is transported via the enchanted scroll to a majestic court hall hewn from solid ice—cold, vast, and ancient. Dignitaries from across the world of Xeres gather, and the purpose of the summit is finally revealed.

General Tundra himself addresses those present. He grants the world a rare and precious gift: a single year of peace. A quiet year. Tundra declares that the cycle of conflict must be broken, but it cannot be avoided forever. After this one year of calm, war will return—fiercer and more inevitable than ever before. The announcement leaves the chamber steeped in uneasy silence. The summit ends not with answers, but with a hundred new questions.

Afterward, the attending ambassadors and military leaders remain behind to make sense of what they’ve learned. Arties uses the opportunity to speak with Melcrayte and Casey, hoping to understand their motives and determine if either might become a future ally. Meanwhile, Hotaru attempts to discreetly pass encoded intelligence to Xanaborr on Arties’ behalf—though the effort is less successful than hoped.

Upon returning home, Puq and Tariq report their findings. Tariq suspects that Zhar may not be as trustworthy an ally as he claims. Intelligence gathering appears to be underway on all sides, with secrets and misinformation clouding every front. Puq, for his part, presents troubling footage: Nultero appears to be acting under an enchantment, her movements and intentions obscured by some illusion. Even more disturbingly, there are signs that an invisible dignitary may have been present during the summit, unnoticed by most.

With suspicions mounting and tensions high, Sana calls for a vote concerning the fate of Duraz Khul. This time, Arties and Hotaru are in agreement—Madrov, by birthright and by character, should take up the mantle of leadership. Madrov accepts and embarks on a journey with Tingle to reclaim the ancient dwarven fortress.

When he returns, he brings shocking news: Duraz Khul is not merely a fortress, but a relic of a past cycle—a flying fortress known as the Skystone Cradle. This revelation changes everything. Madrov offers Arties the opportunity to relocate Goodberry to the Skystone Cradle, but for now, the town will remain near Verdant Hold.

And so, without ceremony or fanfare, the quiet year begins.

04/06/2025

Session #36 - Duraz-Khûl

In Game Date: Mistfall 21, 1302

The session opens with the group learning that the stone disc that young Madrov owns is actually a compass that leads to an anicent dwarven citadel, long thought to be a myth. Hana excitedly explains that the legendary "Duraz-Khûl" was a seat of power for dwarves nearly 100,000 years ago and could prove to be a tremendous boon if they could locate it now! The next day starts with Hana and Durgath entering the estate bright and early in the morning. Durgath is as enchanted by the ancient disc as Hana had been. Deciding to set out for the journey ASAP, a group of Goodberry citizens, and Arties and her companions head through the portal to Urakkis. A mean sandstorm causes some temporary chaos along the way, but the journey to the suspected location is successful.

Finding the entrance, they descend far down into the structure. A series of challenging puzzles awaits them, which they manage to complete. Along the way, Sana is marked by a symbol referred to as the Eleventh. Its appearance is that of a ring and it comes with a serious warning. Ancient documents are found naming a Brammen Geodegazer. Arties has no idea who this person could be. Another document speaks of Xaneborr and his resonance with something called the Skyheart Forge.

The group finds a room full of gold, that is referred to as the inheritance of Arties. Just past that room, the group has to fight a large armored guardian. The fight was tough, but they won. A burning scroll is found. It is a letter of intent where whoever signs their name accepts the burden and ownership of the entire structure. Voting fails to nominate a winner and so the party must return in 30 days to try again. The group gathers their loot and returns home to Goodberry, this time much richer.

03/30/2025

Session #35 - Apples, Answers and New Beginning

In Game Date: Mistfall 11, 1302

The scene opens in the Vaitafe sister city, Ahorangi. Aroha has just given birth and is mandated by her people's customs to stay for five weeks. Knowing she cannot stay, Karthos elects to remain behind with Aroha and send Mai'a to Goodberry with Croakli and Hotaru in his stead. Karthos and Hotaru argue about this situation, but a conversation with Mai'a changes Hotaru's mind. That night, Hotaru makes his way to the lake where he asks Hine, the triton shaman of the lake, for wisdom about the gift of the heavens he took from Sana by mistake. Instructed by Hine that he would need to sacrifice something of great importance to the lake for the heavens and ancestors to listen, he wastes no time in offering his legendary headdress. Hotaru is granted knowledge of a ritual to transfer the gift to Sana.

In Eber and Goodberry, it is discussed what is to become of Eber now that it is liberated. This discussion culminates in the creation of a new territory. The historical name of the region is called the Verdant March. Arties elects to leave that name and claims the surrounding area of Eber as the Barony of Verdant March, with herself as the Baroness. Eden has a birthday in which she is gifted a horse and vanity possessions of her own. Hotaru and Croakli make their way back to Goodberry. News of each other's exploits is exchanged, and plans are made for Karthos' arrival in 5 weeks. During this time, Hotaru and Sana perform the ritual he was granted, with Arties as an assistant and witness. The strange creature Hotaru was harboring makes its way to Sana under the light and grace of the Heavens.

After Karthos returns with Aroha and their son Kaitoa, the village begins to prepare for Apple Night. A joyous Apple Night is had by all. As is tradition, Hotaru is the first to lose, with Karthos progressing to one of the last teams standing. He is beaten by Hecks' team, who is then beaten by Arties and Emeline, making them champions of Apple Night.

Shortly after Apple Night, the eve of Hana and Durgath's wedding arrives. Hotaru takes Durgath and a coterie of townsfolk out to Uir for a bachelor party. They go to the "Rolling Belly," an experience that is part gentleman's club, part fine dining, part carnival, and wholly a fever dream. Despite Durgath's staunch dwarven protests, he seems to have a memorable time. The day after, Hana and Durgath are wed, and she is crowned Queen of Stone Harbor.

03/26/2025

Session #34 - Rush to Eber

In Game Date: Heatwave 21, 1302

After her friends set out for Vaitafe, Arties traveled to Stoneharbor via portal and visited her friend, Hana. Hana agrees to take care of the children in Arties absence. Arties then sets out to Uir and travels east with her party; Sana, Ungar, Evenstar and Kel. Days later they arrive in the small desert city of Tysa'Ui. Feeling it would improper to move on without first talking to the local Ambassador, Arties reaches out Vex'ara, the Mul woman who represents the city abroad. They meet for a meal and conversation where Vex'ara says she would gladly sign on with the Coalition if Arties can find a way to relieve the cities need for water.

Afterwards, Arties and her team head north and ride for Aridun for six days. Just on the outskirts of the city, the group witnesses a pair of brutish orcs slaughter a dog in a violent stomping. Sana seems to lose control of her self, levitating with a purple smoke and turning the two offenders into a blood mist. She sits with the dying animal until it passes in her arms. Arties finds a strange red egg nearby and decides to hold on to it until she can have someone look at it more closely. In Aridun, Arties feels uneasy and opts to not enter the city proper, sending Kel in to get provisions instead before they hit the path towards Urakkis.

Three days later, Arties arrives in Urakkis and finds herself in a violent, untrusting Orc city filled with warriors and cutthroats. One of the first things she stumbles upon is a slave auction. While the act is deplorable to her, the people of Urakkis have made it a part of their day-to-day lives and trade in people as often as they trade in food, weapons or magic items. After the batch of slaves are mostly sold off, the Auctioneer seems to have trouble with one of them not being successfully sold because of her history of having killed all her previous owners, which were all men. Since nobody wanted to buy her, the auctioneer was about to make a very unpleasant example of her, but Arties intervened and bought her. Immediately after paying for her, Arties freed her but the woman refused to leave.

Meeting with Zhar went very well and a new portal was established between the city of Urakkis and Goodberry alongside several trade agreements. Arties returned home and celebrated Eden's birthday with her. Three days later she moved the house back to Eber and initiated an attack on the city with the combined arms of the Orc, Uir and Stoneharbor. Finally the city was liberated from the grasp of Oraeus' dark horrors.

03/18/2025

Session #33 - Rush to Vaitafe

In Game Date: Heatwave 21, 1302

In the late hours of the evening on Goodberry Day, Isema emerges from her isolation and calls the town's leadership together. There she tells them of the vision she had while searching for an answer to help young Sana. The vision indicated that the capital city of Oraeus was about to eradicate two cities within days of each other; Vaitafe and Eber. If Arties, Croakli, Hotaru and Karthos don't step in to save one of them, thousands of people will die.

The group decides that they cannot afford either one to happen. However, Eber and Vaitafe are far away from each other and there is only one way they could potentially save both ... splitting up! So, the following morning Croakli, Hotaru and Karthos take Aroha and Hecks and set out from Uir towards Vaitafe with a fleet of 5 warships at their command. The trip seems cursed almost immediately as they run into one of the largest hurricanes ever witnessed, almost as if the sea was urging them to turn back.

Weeks later, they arrived at Vaitafe and witnessed a massive tumor-like entity had taken over the lands near the village. Initially the brave and stoic people of the village refused to be evacuated, but when the tumor stood up hundreds of feet tall and swept away nearly half of the village in a single swing of its arm, they changed their mind. Warriors of the tribe fought the creature while the villagers fled to the nearby boats. Aroha was nearly killed, but survived and suffered through a premature and painful birth to her newest child... a boy they named Kaitoa.

Though they lost a quarter of their friends and family in the fight, the Vaitafe escaped off the island just in time to watch thier huts and personal belongings be destroyed by a pair of the rampaging beasts. Two short weeks later the boats arrive at the Vaitafe's sister city, Ahorangi. Hotaru, Hecks and Croakli immediately set out for Tully, bound towards Eber where they agreed to meet Arties. Karthos decides to stay behind and honor the Vaitafe's customs for a new mother to remain within the village for 30 days.

03/15/2025

Session #32 - Goodberry Day

In Game Date: Heatwave 19, 1302

The session opens the day before the scheduled Goodberry Day. The town's citizens scramble to finalize all preparations and apply finishing touches to their tasks to ensure the holiday will be a success. As Arties is passing by Sana, she notices black feathers appearing behind the girl as she walks. Gathering them up, Arties points them out to Sana who says they appear to be common raven feathers and they don't belong to her. Puzzled, Arties keeps a close eye on Sana the rest of the day.

The following morning, Arties awakens to a lively Goodberry, the population booming with guests from all over to attend the festivities. Arties meets Mr. Lyrian Duskveil, the previously unavailable charming leader of Er'Amon. A series of games commences, where participants are pitted against each other to show off various skills in weapon use, animal handling, strength, and dexterity.

During a melee combat tournament, Eden is facing Tingle. A strong lucky blow from Tingle bashes Eden in the mouth. Arties rushes forward to heal the wound, as she sees Eden's eyes change from the kind golden hue they usually have into the cold, calculating reptilian eyes of a dragon. Hiding her daughter's eyes with her own body, Arties only pulls away when Eden's eyes have returned to normal. Tingle is shocked, ashamed, and remorseful from harming his beloved sister and withdraws from the game, forfeiting his win.

The tournaments conclude with the final round, Arties vs. young Madrov. She makes him work for it and in the end, instead of landing the deciding blow, she lowers her weapon and declares Madrov the winner. The little lad clad in armor and wielding a heavy shield has surprised and impressed everyone at the festival, having come so far. Durgath and Hana, in disguise, appear before Madrov and sing his praises. Goodberry Day has been a resounding success. Later that night, Arties finds Tingle asleep at the foot of Eden's bed.

03/08/2025

Session #31 - Warm Hearts, Hot Food

In Game Date: Heatwave 13, 1302

The group spends some time shopping to find and purchase some gifts for young Madrov on his 9th birthday. The birthday celebration goes on without a hitch. Arties gives Madrov two presents; a dog that he names after his fallen brother, Torgin, and an exceptionally crafted padded shield designed for "Shieldball". Karthos gifts him hammer-shaped music box that plays the sounds of blacksmith hammers pinging off an anvil. Hotaru gives him a pocketwatch engraved with his family crest and family motto. Croakli gives him a piece of jewelry that can emulate the sounds of the ocean. Varon presents him with a sandstone dial that he found in the damaged landscape around Stoneharbor. Hana shows up and, along with Aelindra, present him the mithril hammer that belonged to his father, repaired and cleaned.

Two days later, it's time for the Feast of Flames to begin. The Spice Tolerance Trials mark the beginning of the event, with 23 people signing up for the grueling spicy-food-eating competition. While the experience was rough and punishing, Karthos emerges as the victor! Little Tingle takes 2nd place, though there was no official 2nd or 3rd place... but people are more than impressed with his performance for a 5 year old!

On day two of the event, Arties wowed nighttime crowds with a spontaneous dancing routine that invoked images of embers and flames.

All-in-all, the city of Goodberry enjoyed its first Feast of Flames that the founding members were present for. It was considered a great success, but now the various people scramble to get ready for Goodberry Day!

03/01/2025

Session #30 - Home

In Game Date: Heatwave 12, 1302

After the incident with the Oraen horror, the group returns to their peaceful daily lives in Goodberry. With Madrov's birthday upcoming, Arties and the kids prepare to visit Hana and purchase gifts in Stoneharbor. Aroha, in dire need of rest, allows Karthos to take care of Moana for the day, which inspires him to join Arties in her visit. Croakli and Hotaru find themselves unoccupied, and eventually make their way to the group as well.

The group shares a warm reunion with their friend Hana in Stoneharbor. The kids, accompanied by a guard, run amok the town as soon as they get there. The group takes advantage of this oppurtunity to purchase their gifts for Madrov. Karthos enters a toy store with Moana so she can pick out a toy for herself. Eventually she decides on a well-crafted doll, though toymaker Baldrek Ironvein informs Karthos that it is not for sale. It holds sentimental value to Baldrek, as it was in possession of his daughter who had died in the Battle of Stoneharbor. After a long moment, he finally decides that Moana can take care of the doll.

When the group returns to Goodberry, they are greeted by Isema, who was summoned by Arties via Rosie's abilities. Arties explains to Isema that Sana's abilities are threatening her life, and a solution is needed before they kill her. Listening closely, Isema agrees to stay for three days and wait for a vision, though she cannot guarantee she will receive one. Arties shows her the room she can use as the group anticipates a solution to Sana's fatal abilities.

02/08/2025

Session #29 - Dark Words in Dark Times

In Game Date: Heatwave 5, 1302

The party begins heading into the desert to retrieve the fallen star. On the way, Arties looks worse for wear. She tells them that over the night Sana had started bleeding and died. Sana was rushed to Hecks who was able to restore her, but at some undisclosed cost. His tattoos had faded.

At the Starfall site, the group encounters resistance in the form of marauders who beat them to it. Wasting no time, the party springs into action, waylaying the marauders. Only their whirling dervish managed to escape.

The sound of the Royal Uir Army can be heard as they assess how to move the massive fallen star that lied within the crater. They estimated they were about an hour away so they needed to move quickly. The star was much too large for a standard cosmosack. It was also too heavy to lift and it was unbearably hot to the touch. Looking around they found a cosmosack saddlebag that would do the trick, but they could still not move the star. It's base was buried deep within the earth.

Croakli touched the star and was contacted by an unknown entity looking to make a deal for it's freedom. Croakli asked for advice and assistance and the rest of the party touched the star to receive the same message. The entity seemed to promise life for freedom, at least that was a possible interpretation. Arties mentioned to Hotaru that this might be the answer to his growing concern of his own life running out faster than his family's. Impulsively, Hotaru blurted out "I will free you", without thinking things completely through, Arties having convinced him. The star cracked and a small egg as dark as the void sat in the center of the star. Hotaru touched it and it seemed to be absorbed. Without wasting time, the party gathered the remaining peices of the star and made their delivery, completing their quest.

Back at home, Arties has to deal with the fallout of Emeline in the beginning stages of becoming a woman and the swirling question all of the other children have around it.

Soon after, the trial for Aelindra starts. After a confusing and chaotic trial with Puq at both the defense and prosecution. Varon professes guilt for the crime after it appeared that Aelindra would be found guilty. The ensuing chaos summoned the horror entity that was the cause of the crime. Arties triggers the trap to catch it but it fails. She desperately presses the trigger again and the creature is captured. Arties approaches the creature, sword in hand to deliver the sentencing. It pleads by asking to "make a deal". Arties swings her sword and decapitates the creature, it's dying words were, "Oreaus knows..."

02/01/2025

Session #28 - A Face from the Past

In Game Date: Heatwave 3, 1302

The session opens on Heatwave 3 where Arties has called a meeting informing her closest confidants on what she has accomplished in her own time.

That evening the group with their plus ones, as well as the children, explore Uir and sit down to a fancy dinner. Not long into the meal, a young man walks in and makes his way to Karthos and Aroha. Recognizing him as Jordan, Teoric's son, he asks to see his father. When Karthos presents him with Moana and he sees that Aroha is not Alistraenya and his mother is nowhere to be found, he becomes irate, calling them trash and a mistake. He storms out, his were-form beginning to manifest. Taking Arties' advice, the party chooses not to track him down, knowing it would be too dangerous to do so.

Aroha, humiliated, demands an explanation. After one is given, she broods on it for the night and in a conversation with Karthos, angrily curses the heavens, which gets her struck by tribulation lightning. Hecks revives her and with Karthos, keeps the knowledge of what actually happened from her, saying she has simply slipped on rocks near the stream and fallen, hitting her head.

Meanwhile, Arties wakes to find Sana still in bed. Checking on her, she finds her daughter to be cold and unresponsive, with a very slow pulse. Rushing Sana into her room and putting every effort in to warm her, Arties summons Dr. Stormwind who explains that Sana's body is here, but her ethereal spirit has left. Salia suggests that perhaps Sana is 'dreamwalking' due to her abilities. Sana suddenly awakens and recovers quickly, with visions of a strange dream.

The group later attends Skyfire, a meteor shower that takes place in Uir. A strange light appears in the distance, seeming to linger. The following morning, Arties is summoned to meet a man in Uir who has a proposition for her and her group that will earn them a large sum of money.

01/25/2025

Session #27 - What a day!

In Game Date: Sunspeak 27, 1302

Robert and Mace finally return to Goodberry with Aelindra behind them. Upon seeing her once again, the group learns of the predicament that Eber is in. The Whitecoats have taken over the city, bringing in large squid-like horrors to scare the population into obedience. She was tortured and beaten nearly to death, but she was healed by Mayor Maypole, who was forced to remove Arties as ambassador of Eber. Varon makes his way to see Aelindra, then alerts Arties of someone jailed in the guardhouse.

Out of curiosity, Arties makes her way to the guardhouse to meet this person. It turns out to be a blue draconian woman named Ring X'alon'Marr, the former intelligence advisor for Casey. Ring explains that she is seeking asylum in Goodberry after abandoning her post. She tells the group that the reason she left was due to Casey returning from a mystic realm she was trapped in, only to find that the Chromatic Council remained dormant while she was away. This made her irate, and she executed 3,000 members of the army. She tells the party that Casey thinks of Goodberry as weak and gullible, but the group realizes that they have moved far too much to be well known. This makes them believe that Goodberry has a mole that is sending information to the Chromatic Council.

Before leaving to Er'Amon, Arties finds a letter from Puff notifying her of his trip to Anice by himself. The group finally arrives at Er'Amon that morning, where Arties moves to a temple to meet Xaneborr while the others explore the town. Later, Arties returns to the group and tells them that it went well, and Xaneborr had strangely seen her in dreams before though he did not know who she was. He is unhappy being in the Chromatic Council, but he is not currently in a position to leave. The group stays in the city no longer, as he leaves the next day for a mandatory meeting held by the furious Casey.

As the group returns to Goodberry, they are notified by a stressed Varon that Aelindra murdered one of Goodberry's scouts. Visiting her cell in the guardhouse, they find that she does not remember anything from the two years she has been guarding Goodberry. Arties inspects a spot on her shoulder that she had been unconsciously rubbing, and she discovers a purple snake wriggling underneath the skin on her shoulder. She gets a memory from Celeste that it is a Terrorworm, a dark being that amplifies someone's fear, which was used to increase the agony when being tortured. With careful surgery, Arties manages to remove the Terrorworm and save Aelindra's life, though a journal with the Oraen Seal and a list of guard hours shows that the party may have found the mole.

01/18/2025

Session #26 - Wings of Uncertainty

In Game Date: Sunspeak 12, 1302

The adventure begins with the party engaging in a friendly conversation with Kelerah and Neirah, two tritons recently separated from their tribe. Neirah asks the group to show them around Bannon, leading to a chance encounter with Isema, an amethyst dragon disguised as a tiefling. Arties, seeking assistance with understanding dragon forms for her draconic children, sends a message to Isema through Hotaru. Hotaru, in turn, convinces Isema to come to Goodberry by wagering that the party can impress her, a challenge Isema accepts. The group shows her the village of Goodberry, during which the young Sana catches Isema's attention, winning the party the bet. Alongside these events, the party interacts with various locals and their families, of note Croakli enjoys a fruit date with Zik.

The meet with Elara Dewleaf, with whom they strike deals regarding raw ore sales, As they converse, Arties and Hotaru learn of the growing unrest in the northern lands, where an army of black dragons, led by the ruthless Taksin, leaves a path of devastation. This news weighs heavily on the group, while Kelerah and Neirah decide to remain with the party until they reach the city of Anice. Along their travels in Bannon, the group meets two dwarves, Storen and Briar Himmelcake, who are eventually persuaded by Arties to join Goodberry. Isema also returns to speak with Arties about Sana's mysterious dark seed, a troubling development that raises more questions than answers. After a week of travel, the party arrives in Greenbrook, where they meet the powerful Elondra, who provides them a safe haven for the night.

The party then presses on for two more weeks, making their way to the sacred city of Er Amon. Their journey is marked by reflection on the challenges they face, including the looming threat of the black dragon army and the increasingly complex nature of Sana’s condition. As the group enters the ancient city, they are unsure of the trials that await them, particularly Arties who has a fateful decision hanging in the air.

01/11/2025

Session #25 - In Search of the Ones We Love

In Game Date: Greenrise 12, 1302

The group finally reaches Sillumi. Arties moves the estate and for that night, they get to sleep in proper beds for the first time in weeks. While there, Arties and Emeline have a conversation where Arties reveals that the estate is going to be inherited by Emeline. Emeline, while at first overwhelmed with the gift finally comes to realize her importance and value to her mother. She vows to learn all she can about being the mistress of the estate.

On the road to Hedgewick, the group is accosted by a band of bandits, led by none other than Black-Eyed Bill. As he gives the command to hold the group of slaves, he is shot and killed by Robert de la Rosa, a skilled gunslinger and bounty hunter. Having hunted down his mark, Robert joins the group on their travels to Hedgewick. Soon after arriving, Mace and the refugees of the bandit camp arrive after having nowhere else to go. A large portion decide to stay and settle in Hedgewick, while the rest choose to settle in Goodberry.

The group continues their journey to Tully. En route, Tingle gets hunting lessons from Hotaru. Once in Tully, they are found by Chatterwind and Jorvyn who tell them Aelindra let herself get captured so they could escape the Whitecoats. A plan is made, with the help of Sana, to send Robert and Mace to Eber to release Aelindra and make their way to Stoneharbor to they can return to Goodberry via the portal. Arties sends them off with good luck and well wishes.

Not wanting to stay in Tully longer than she has to, Arties decides to push on to Bannon. The journey there is uneventful. Outside the city gates, the party runs into two sisters, Kelara and Neirah and make their introductions.

Session #24 @ 01/04/2025

In Game Date: Frostmoon 26, 1302

After a long trip on the Uiran boats, the group finally sets their eyes upon the bustling city of Uir. Aziz Al-Rashid greets them and leads them to the selected area for portal placement, which Arties summons. After the deal has been fulfilled between the two ambassadors, the party explores the city further until the encounter the Temple of the Dusk Lord. Pushing old memories aside, they enter and meet High Priestess Amira Suntouched. She explains to us that the Dusk Lord, known in Uiran as Al-Shaffak, enforces the balance of the world.

After the group's learning experience within the Temple of the Dusk Lord, they return to Aziz to negotiate trade. They agree to trade Goodberry's raw iron for gold, which will go into the upkeep on the estate. The party returns to the estate and calls a meeting to address a grievance that Arties has been having. Arties fears that because Eber has fallen under the Oraen banner, she will be hunted down by the Whitecoats if she teleports the house there. Aelindra, Chatterwind, and Jorvyn Steelfinger decide to take the trip to Eber by boat to see for themselves.

The group brings all of their friends to the Itgrit while they wait to get a message back from the Eber expedition. When the message finally arrives, they are told that the Whitecoats are looking for Arties, and that they were planning to regroup with them in Tully. The party immediately sets out from Stoneharbor taking the path to Sillumi, when they suddenly encounter three large giants. With an excruciating battle, the group eventually finds themselves thankfully victorious, though they fear the future battles to come on this long trek.

Session #23 @ 12/28/2024

In Game Date: Frostmoon 10, 1302

Our session opens with the exchange of Hana and Madrov. The group says their goodbyes and 2 days later, the village of Goodberry and all its occupants port to Vaitafe for the next several weeks to await the ships that will take them to Uir. Hotaru immediately heads through the portal to the Verdant Expanse to fulfill his Geas of teaching them music and having a path built in exchange for the knowledge of iron, iron tools, and iron working as well as 2 months worth of food.

Arties has a small chat with Salia where the vampire reveals that Arties' children and a few children in Goodberry are special with hidden abilities. Word then gets to Arties about an anomaly found in the jungle close-by. The group take Hecks and discover another portal to a mystic realm, which opens out into cold caves full of crystals. Not too far in they are attacked by a strange creature also seemingly made from crystals.

Things look bleak until a figure swoops in and lands the killing blow. The figure is in fact, a small pink creature that claims her name is Peppermint. She explains that she is an Itgrit and her village isn't far away. After leading us there, the king requests our help to kill an "alpha" of the crystal monsters. The alpha turns out to be an amethyst wyrm. The group fells it and heads home. Soon after, the ships to Uir arrive and carry them on to the next leg of their journey to the far west of the continent.

Session #22 @ 12/20/2024

In Game Date: Yearend 28, 1301

As the group makes their way around Goodberry, PUQ calls for their attention. He tells them that he had recorded all of Candle Vigil while they were away so they could finally get to see it. After multiple recordings of him creating his gifts, they witness a wonderful night in Goodberry with the newest addition, Raya's daughter Maple. PUQ then brings us to Salia for her gift, for which he pushes her out of the schoolhouse directly out into the sun. After finding out that she can be outside when in the estate's bubble, Salia takes her first walk around Goodberry.

As Salia enjoys her walk, we notice that PUQ is without an arm. When asking him about it, he tells the group that he had to use materials and parts from his body to make his highly technological gifts for everybody. Arties purchases a mine for the estate so they can get the resources to build PUQ's arm back. Arties is alerted of visitors outside of the gates, and she introduces thirty new citizens of Goodberry.

The party is called to witness the coronation of Durgath and hear his speech. In his speech, he thanks the members of the Coalition for their assistance in battle, and promises to open the gates for anybody that comes in peace, ending the age of isolation for Stoneharbor. Arties invites Aziz, Zhar, and Durgath to Goodberry for dinner and any discussions that need to be held.

After dinner, Arties discusses funding for a portal that spans across the cities of Uir, Goodberry, and Stoneharbor. Everybody pitches in as much as they can and Aziz agrees to pay the rest. Durgath makes a deal with Arties in which Hana remains in Stoneharbor in exchange for Arties to care for an orphan named Madrov Bearfist. After taking it up with Hana, she agrees to stay as we say our goodbyes. Arties has agreed to rendezvous with Aziz' ships at Vaitafe so she can make her way to the city and create a portal.

The Battle of Stoneharbor

Session #21 @ 12/15/2024

In Game Date: Frostnight 17, 1301

Our session opens with Arties and her council creating laws for Goodberry and making official appointments for jobs necessary to keep the city running while she is out of town. Afterwards she ports the estate from Vaitafe to Eber, the closest location to Stoneharbor she has marked. After a painful and heartfelt good-bye to her children, the group plus Durgath and his men depart for the city of Sillumi. The journey is long but uneventful. Arriving in Sillumi, the group finds it much changed. Bridges are broken, the few trees that are left are either stumps or burned out husks. The city looks more like a logging town than an elegant elven sanctuary and it hurts Arties to the core to see what has been lost. Once more in the presence of Ambassador Dewdrop, they are treated to a beautiful meal. Over dinner discussions it is mentioned that 2 dragon energies have been detected recently.

The first was a man, covered by a hood, roughly 6 feet tall who made a hasty trek through the village, causing no issues and leaving as quickly as he arrived. The second is a smaller creature with chromatic wings who appears just outside the borders, described as perhaps looking for something. That night, Hotaru seeks out and finds the little creature, who turns out to be a fully grown fey dragon. Hotaru names it Glimmer and brings it back to town as his own.

That same night, as Arties is walking around town, mourning the way it once was, she hears a voice behind her shoulder and turns to see a lovely female Drow who has been sent as a messenger by Melcrayte to warn Arties and her people to leave as only death awaits them in Stoneharbor. Arties, sticking to her promise to Durgath thanks the Drow and Melcrayte for the warning. The messenger departs in a puff of feathers. Not even a full minute later, a blue Draconian approaches through the bushes and delivers Arties the same message, though from a different source that he will not reveal. As tempting as the choice is to leave and return to her children, Arties again declines, stating she must be true to herself and to her beliefs no matter how difficult the path may be. The Draconian then suggests joining the ranks of the Council. Arties is astonished by the offer, but she refuses. The Draconian melts away into the bushes. The night ends peacefully.

The next day, Arties is troubled by the messengers in the night. She shares her concerns with her group. Ambassador Dewdrop, having listened in, confesses that she is actively paying the Drow off with her own money to prevent them from sacking the city of Sillumi. While not proud of her actions, she will do what she must to keep the city safe. Through her words, she lets the group know that she will not betray Arties having met with both factions during the night. She wishes the group well on their journeys. Durgath and his men, as well as the Goodberry group then leave for the second half of their journey. They make it to Stoneharbor and are shocked by what they see. The city is in near ruins, the citizens are thin and starving. This is a city truly on its' last legs. After a brief meeting with the king, Arties and her friends immediately set to handing out what food they have brought to the children, who beg for their share. As the battle nears, dwarven horns start sounding every so often, announcing the arrival of much needed allies. The first to arrive is a caravan from Bannon, then another from Greenbrook, Eber, Hedgewick, Uir (in a spectacular entrance having destroyed the sea blockade), and Tully.

As soon as Arties hears that a caravan from Eber has arrived, her mother's intuition starts ringing like a bell. She narrows her eyes and begins searching for the stowaway she knows is there. Flipping back a blanket in an Eber wagon, she is somehow not surprised to see Tingle, wearing treebark armor held together with tree sap, wooden sword in hand and anxious to join the battle to kill 'dwagons.' While happy to see her wayward son, panic threatens to overwhelm her as his presence ramps the risk of this battle to impossible levels. He must survive. The children of Stoneharbor must survive. Ambassador Aziz of Uir suggests putting the children on one of his ships and sending them on to Sillumi. Agreeing with this plan, Arties suggests Tingle goes with them to "protect" the dwarven children. He consents and heads off climbing about the ship. It doesn't get far before undead hands and heads start climbing up out of the ground to attack. Hearing screaming from aboard the ship Arties is frantic to get to the children but cannot as she, Croakli, Puff, Karthos, and Hotaru are swarmed by ferocious undead horrors, meaty blue Draconians, and lithe drow in a 3 faction assault upon the city. Massively overwhelmed, the battle looks bleak for the heroes until the sounds of countless Orc drums fill the air. Ambassador Zhar and his army, thousands strong, sweep over the battlefield evening the score and causing the rest of the surviving enemies to flee.

Hours later, the Coalition cheers in hard won victory, as Arties, gravely hurt, scrambles to the ship to see if her son and the children still live. Once there, she finds terrified, but uninjured children except for Tingle, his arm broken and his leg damaged from slaying one zombie. He proclaims himself the "Zombie Slayer" and falls into his mother's arms. Arties immediately heals him, not thinking of herself, and carries him back to the rest of the group. They discover the King of Stoneharbor has not survived the battle. People begin to chant for Durgath to take the throne and be the new king. He reluctantly accepts the position and begins organizing the survivors into disposing of bodies, cleaning the refuse of war, and rebuilding their once great city. Arties, yearning for home, teleports the estate to the grounds and reunites Tingle and herself with their family. Hana, overjoyed that Tingle is alive soon shifts into rage and chases him around the yard.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, she loses herself in thought, taking note that Casey nor her dragon were present at the battle. She puzzles over the messengers in the night in Sillumi, wondering why they were sent to save her and her group. She also wonders who has been spreading rumors of the great General Artesia. Who is out there that has the memories? Realizing she has more questions than answers, she turns her attention back to her family and the repairs of Stoneharbor.

Goodberry Grows

Session #20 @ 12/08/2024

In Game Date: Stormhowl 20, 1301

As it is snowing outside, the children of Eber find entertainment within the bubble of the Geodegazer Estate. As Arties watches her children frolic, she is suddenly interrupted by Varon, telling her that they have visitors outside the estate walls. As Arties gives the signal to allow them in, an onslaught of ninety-four people across Xeres looking to live within the bubble enter. They hand Arties money for new houses as she greets them to the newly founded Goodberry.

Three weeks later, as the new citizens of Goodberry settle, Ambassador Durgath Ironbreaker of Stoneharbor arrives, determined to speak with Arties. He makes an urgent request for assistance from her and the newly formed coalition against the Drow incursion and the Chromatic Council's blue legion coming from Grafton. To spread this message to the rest of the coalition quickly, she transports the estate near the Vaitafe village in order to access the magic inkwell that sends liquid raven messengers. After gaining permission from Māia to enter the village, the group makes their way to the Inkwell and a lovestruck Hanabyrn shows Durgath around.

Arties regroups with Durgath and Hanabyrn to show him the magic of the Inkwell. After sending a message to each member of the coalition, she approaches Māia with the idea of having a celebration at the estate so they can meet PUQ outside of their sacred land. Though apprehensive, he asks the tribal council on the matter, who decide that encountering technology outside the sacred grounds would not offend the spirits. The party returns to the estate make preparations for the upcoming feast.

In making preparations for the celebration, Hotaru meets the new Kobold family Pip, Skitter, and their daughter Trinket, who agree to help him with making a goat roast. Moments before the feast occurs, PUQ suddenly goes missing. In a panic, Arties looks for him in the fish pond after seeing a spherical dent mark in the water's edge. Dipping her head in the water looking for him, she is chomped in the skull by a mossback turtle. She is able to remove the turtle and use magic to heal her wounds, but her pride is not so easily mended.

After running inside to clean herself off, Arties returns to see PUQ covered in mud jumping off of the roof onto the ground. He does a strange improvised dance that entertains the Vaitafe enough that they start following his movements. After the strange dance, an arm wrestling competition occurs at the end of the night. Croakli makes two new Grippli friends within the city, including the rope-obsessed Zik'Tal.

With the fun activities of the night at end, the ground spends the next two days recovering and preparing for their next move. Once their magical, transporting mansion is charged up, Arties activates it and teleports back to Eber. The group packs up their needs as they get ready to hit the road with Durgath and travel to Stoneharbor.

The Peace Accord

Session #19 @ 10/27/2024

In Game Date: Stormhowl 18, 1301

Ambassador Arties and her group arrive in Brackenwall for day 1 of the Peace Accord called by the orcs. Delegates from many cities are there, including Melcrayte and Nultero from the Council. As the talks are going on, Hotaru senses something going amiss back at the estate. Everyone but Arties and Puff go to investigate. Arties wants to leave the meeting, but was convinced by Karthos and Puff to stay. The group rushes home and finds the home under attack by sickly looking vines, a few vine monsters, and fire. Hotaru finds a shrine in the woods that he knocks over. The vines seem to be originating from it. The monsters are killed by Croakli, Karthos, Hotaru, Varon, and Aelindra and the fires are put out by everyone else. Meanwhile, at the accord Arties plays mind games when talking to Nultero, verbal chess with Melcrayte, and perhaps strikes up some small accord with King Verin of Oraeus.

Day 2 of the accord, all the delegates give speeches regarding their morals, what they are looking to get out of this meeting, and early indications on who they may side with. During Melcrayte's speech, a choking sound is heard. The sound is coming from Ambassador John Farthing, the mayor of Tully. As everyone watches, sickly green and purple veins creep up his throat and he seems to bloat a little before suddenly falling over dead. Right as this happens, an orc assassin drops down from the ceiling rafters, blade pointed down to run Melcrayte through. At the last second, Arties pushes Melcrayte out of the way. He takes a wound to the neck and shoulder, but it is not lethal. He reaches out for the would-be assassin, grabbing him and turning him into a pink mist. With that done, he regards the orcs with even more hatred than before and claims them to be treacherous. Afterwards, Arties questions Zhar, the orc ambassador of Urrakis. He does not recognize the orc, claiming the assassin was not one of his. Nultero then gives a scathing speech, exposing the secrets of every delegate there, causing them all to look at each other with distrust.

Day 3 begins with a much more somber tone, everyone seems to be on edge due to the events of the day before. Arties decides to speak with Rowan Greenmist of Greenbrook. He looks unwell, sweating and pale. He reveals that a filthy messenger, supposedly from herself, arrived with a signed letter requesting a tonic to help the crops on the estate grow. Arties immediately calls this messenger and the letter fraud, knowing she penned no such letter. He begins to describe the messenger when his condition suddenly worsens and he literally explodes, after showing the same green/purple veins as Mayor Farthing and bloating to an impossible size. Hecks recognizes it as a death from poison derived from cursed druidic magic. It is voting day. Nultero and Melcrayte didn't bother to show up for day 3. Several people decide not to vote at all. Others vote to stand behind the orcs. Arties votes for a coalition instead of all uniting under one banner. To her surprise, quite a few others also vote for a coalition and nominate her as the head! The vote is tallied and it comes out in favor of a coalition with Arties as the head. The meeting disperses and Puff, Hecks, and Arties all return home, her mind burdened with this new heavy task.

At the estate, Arties questions everyone about the events of day 1. Tingle is the only one to pipe up with information. He says he saw a man in his room who smelled like poop. Arties asks for a description of how he looked and Sana speaks up, requesting she be allowed to handle this. Intrigue from Arties turns to horror as Sana puts her forehead to Tingle's, closes her eyes, screams out the name Thalorn, vomits and passes out on the floor. Sana is rushed to her bed and checked over closely by Hecks and Arties. Other than being unconscious, she appears to be healthy. Arties takes up vigil by Sana's bedside and waits for her to regain her senses. The boys run into Tingle's room and look for evidence. They see a disgusting trail leading from the floor to the open window and out into the yard. Karthos and Puff hop out the window to follow the trail. At the treeline, Puff goes on alone, saying he will move quieter and faster by himself. At the house, Sana wakes up and tells her mother she learned to do that from the book Salia gave her quite some time ago. She had done this a few times, but on this occasion the side effects were much worse. Puff returns and the group follows him into the woods to the location where this man resides. In a disgusting environment of filth, he is killed after a tough fight. Returning home covered in filth, the group stumbles into the house, finding that Sana's 11th birthday party is underway.

Forever They Marched

Session #18 @ 10/12-13/2024

In Game Date: Stormhowl 1, 1301

It is a peacful day in the Geodegazer Estate when suddenly the group hears a knock on the door. Arties answers to see Mayor Maypole of Eber in front of her with an important request. He informs her of a peace accord in Brackenwall between many peoples across the South of Xeres Prime, and that he would like to apoint her as the delegate for Eber in this meeting. After accepting, Arties signs a contract supervised by Merriel Strone that officially makes her an employee of Eber. She invites them both to dinner and the night is calm as the group prepares to leave for Tully, the first stop on their travel.

Having purchased a carriage and horses for faster travel, the group sets off to Tully. Suddenly, the ground below the carriage bursts and the party is violently ejected outwards. A massive demon crawls out of the newly formed crevice in the ground when it is suddenly stopped by a pale drow man with red markings named Melcrayte. Though simply asking for the location of the peace accord, Arties' unwillingness to answer brought him to threaten the life of an unconscious Tingle. Arties finally cracks and the man disappears into the bushes, allowing her to tend to her children.

Though the children had taken some severe damage, Arties heals them properly and the group finally make their way to Tully. She speaks to the mayor of the city to buy the plot of land that Goodberry had sat on, and he said that it had already been purchased by someone named Prince Umbert. The party is told how to reach the prince and they make their way to the gates of his estate. After being put on hold, the person who answers the party is the notorious yellow modron, PUQ.

Immediately PUQ says that Arties reminds him of someone he was looking for named Celeste. After Arties explains that she is the mother of who he was looking for, he tells the group that he would wait with them until some of the party procreates and brings the passengers back to Xeres. Not only that, he meets some new friends that the party brought with them. The group has a pleasant night with the new addition and they get plenty of rest for the remaining journey ahead.

The group sets off again without the kids after the disaster in Tully. almost at the end of their travels, they are stopped by an abrupt tornado that forms above them. Karthos, Puff, and Hotaru are swept away by the storm and leave Arties unable to heal them so far away. Hotaru transforms into a dimorphodon at the last second, picks up Karthos and Puff, and makes it out of the tornado though they had all taken fatal blows. After the tornado ceasaed, Arties uses all of her magic and just barely revives them all. Immediately, she summons the house and escorts the injured members of the party to their beds. The last parts of this journey will have to be without them.

The remainder of the journey is thankfully peaceful as the group sets foot into the murky city of Brackenwall. They make their way to the Wanderer's Camp with the intentions of alerting the delegates of Melcrayte's presence. Arties approaches the tent Zhar the Unbreakable of Urakkis, who informs Arties that the drow forces have already made themselves known here, and that the orcs had already been in conflict with them for a long time. The two delegates bid farewell and wish good luck for each other in the peace accord that happens the next morning.

Session #17 @ 10/06/2024

In Game Date: Mistfall 19, 1301

The adventurers set off towards a towering structure in the jungle. After three sweltering days, Hotaru loses their way, leaving them bug-bitten, dehydrated, and covered in slugs. Despite the ordeal, they eventually encounter a group of snake people who lead them to wash and then to their village. They are introduced to Ssi'katha, the high priestess, and learn about their reverence for a beast named Kal'Rxpan and the sacred pyramid Xibalba'kaan. After resting, they gain knowledge from the local medicine man and Hotaru makes a pact to share his musical knowledge as payment for healing their wounds.

Refreshed, the party climbs the stairs to the Emerald Temple, facing a spiritual assault that leaves Hotaru unable to continue. Inspired by Karthos, Arties manages to push on, and the party works together to reach the top. They descend into the temple only to fall when the ladder becomes dislodged, landing in a chamber with a massive hydra. In a fierce battle, Croakli delivers the decisive blows, defeating the beast. They are rewarded with treasure and the "Heart of the Jungle".

Returning home, the adventurers rest and report their success to Mayor Maypole. They find the manor unchanged and the tavern "Our Home" ready for its grand opening. The residents celebrate with a lively and somewhat bawdy gathering, christening the tavern in style.

Session #16 @ 10/05/2024

In Game Date: Mistfall 16, 1301

The happy household wakes up excited to greet the new day. Hecks and Raya come for breakfast, bringing various food items with them. After the meal, Arties and Hotaru show them the newly built apothecary and tavern and nervously ask them if they will move in. To their great joy Hecks and Raya accept and immediately begin the move in process! Salia's birthday party goes off without a hitch.

The following day, the group attends a meeting requested by the mayor of Eber regarding disturbances in the forest that have been reported by quite a few villagers. Accepting his terms, the party begins their investigation by heading to the very outskirts of the city and speaking to several witnesses who have seen the activity first hand. Arties decides to stay put and wait at Myra's house while the other 3 head south to check out the other spots of concern. While they are gone, Arties sees lights explode from the nearby forest and moves closer to investigate. What she sees is an image of a lush, thick jungle showing through a large portal! She waits for her party members to rejoin her rather than going in alone. Hotaru gets sucked in and out, slamming against trees both times and getting quite injured. Arties decides to call it and head home for the day. Sana educates everyone on mystic realms.

The following morning the party heads back to the forest. Puff has come along for this excursion. They go back through the portal, much more safely this time, and end up in the thick jungle they saw. Picking a random direction they set off, hoping to find something, anything. Instead, a large and angry manticore finds them and begins to circle the group aggressively. A few members notice a wound on one of its back legs. Arties heals it and the creature allows them to pass. In the distance they see a structure rising out of the canopy and decide to head that way.

Session #15 @ 09/15/2024

In Game Date: Mistfall 13, 1301

Emeline is shocked at the voice coming from behind her. Her father Stephen Cavanaugh was alive, and had been looking for his daughter all this time. He thanks Arties for caring for Emeline this whole time, and asks to enter the Jolly Kobold with the group so Emeline can tell him of her adventures. After a long story, he asks the kids to play outside so he can talk to Arties about who will take her.

Stephen claims that the group's adventures make them unfit to be parents for Emeline, and says that he plans to leave with her, which Arties objects to. He offers to give Emeline back for 20,000 gold, and he promises to never approach her again as long as it is paid. Arties pays as if it was an adoption fee, which is overseen by Merriel Strone. As he is saying goodbye to Emeline, Sana suddenly kills him.

Sana is apprehended, and Arties visits her soon after. Sana tells her that he was one of the people that abused her, and she did not want the same to happen to Emeline. A court case is held to determine her sentence, where it is learned that Stephen Cavanaugh was a known slave trader, and that there was an active bounty on him. Sana is thankfully released, and the group plays Apple Night the next day, which Croakli and Emeline win. The next day, Hecks and Raya have a beautiful wedding.

Session #14 @ 09/14/2024

In Game Date: Harvestide 20, 1301

After nine months in Vaitafe, the group prepares to leave for Eber on their newly crafted boat. Hana reminds them that bringing the babies along may not be good for their health, so they go see the Tohunga (medicine man) of the village. He gives them pouches of herbs for certain problems that the babies may have and they go on their way. Right as they are about to leave, they feel something incredibly strange.

The group feels a bizarre urge to enter the jungle, where they find that the source of the pulling comes from the sacred Potomi Fruit bestowed on the jungle by the heavens. Karthos eats the glowing fruit and falls unconscious due to the sheer power brought to him by it. When he wakes up, he feels much different as he has officially increased his grade. The party now sets sail to the quaint town of Eber.

Though the group does face a magical disease, the trip across the sea is rather uneventful and they finally reach the mainland of Xeres. They visit Hecks to see how everything has been, and he tells them that him and Raya are getting married the day after Apple Night. Hotaru informs him that he has lost his passenger because Raya is pregnant, which makes Hecks decide that he will cook a large feast for everybody. When the party leaves the tavern, Emeline hears the voice of her father behind her.

Session #13 @ 09/10/2024

In Game Date: Frostnight 11, 1300

The group races to the swaying palm with Hotaru's unconscious body looking to hide. Arties knowing full well that Salia may be in danger due to association, rushes to warn her and finds to, her horror, that Daren works for Varin. Varin had just been told where they intending to hide. Salia rushes to pack her things while arties go to gather the party and Iris to the estate where Arties has hatched a plan. She and Karthos will take the canoe and paddle away as far as possible, then teleport the house to that location. After 16 exhausting hours Arties and Karthos finally find a place to settle just in time, as the white coats prepared to attack.

After some time Arties decides to go with Croakli to Vaitafe and request permission to place the estate in order to get further away from the white cloaks. She also requests a ship to eber, after speaking with the elder the chief gets the approval to build a large sailing vessel, though it will take months.

Its not long after the estate has found its location that both Aroha and Arties begin to show signs of pregnancy. Later as the makeshift family sit for a well deserved dinner, the sky darkens more than a normal storm as the group gazes upon the sky a bolt of lightning strikes Hotaru. In his mind he hears the name 'George', a warning that he is failing his Geas. Months later on Harvestide 5 Aroha gives birth to Moana Artissia Kiwa. The next day Arties births Elodie Geodegazer. Both were long and painful births.

On the morning of Harvestide 8 Hotaru wakes up feeling different. It is here that he realizes that his passanger is no longer with him.

Session #12 @ 09/08/2024

In Game Date: Frostnight 10, 1300

The session opens with Arties, Aroha, Hecks, and the children in Puff's room, where the brave Catfolk rests. Realizing she can't stay idle until he awakens, Arties takes the group to Seize the Quill, to question Salia on the rumors. Salia offers what info she can, though at times the info is vague. During the conversation, Arties and Sana both notice vials of blood near an apothecary set. Intense questioning reveals that Salia is a pacifist vampire who means the group no harm. The blood is purchased through underground means. Arties vows to keep her secret as long as Salia means them no harm.

The group meets up with Hotaru and Karthos in the evening and they all escort the children home for the night. Returning to Oraeus, they decide to head to The Bound Mermaid, a tavern rumored to have strange occurrences surrounding it. Inside they meet the owner, one Lyria Wavesong, a beautiful elf girl who dances and sings as she attends to customers.

Not long after they enter, a man walks into the tavern. He is Verin Nightwhisper, a picky and complaining gentleman who is obsessed with cleanliness and shutting down The Bound Mermaid. His gripes with the establishment stem from a single incident where he found a hair in his drink. Arties manages to ingratiate herself into Verin's good graces, and offers her group's services in helping him investigate the tavern. He offers a chance for them to prove themselves, requesting they get any info they can out of Lyria about what she may be "hiding." The group accepts the offer, and begins a cursory investigation of the tavern.

After early searching turns up nothing, Hotaru decides to go to the beach, despite being warned by Arties not to travel at night. Karthos follows Hotaru as backup. Along the way, the pair are accosted by none other than Daren Frosthelm and 5 of his cronies. The situation turns ugly as Hotaru snaps and is disrespectful to Daren, which sparks a violent and brutal encounter in which Karthos is injured and Hotaru is laid low and stripped of all his clothes, money, and possessions. Verin, having witnessed this assault, dashes back to the tavern and beckons Arties, Croakli, and Hecks to follow. They find Hotaru on the street, being beaten by the remaining White Coats. Seeing them, the soldiers run away into the night. The crew rush forward, knowing their time in Oraeus has come to a dangerous and dramatic end.

Session #11 @ 09/07/2024

In Game Date: Frostnight 04, 1300

Our intrepid adventurers awaken after a night of partying. Karthos is suprised to find out that his ordeal with the beautiful young woman was not something that the Vaitafe take lightly. They have been joined in marriage. Her name is Aroha and she decides to go with them back to their home.

Hecks find himself in an emotional crisis with the loss of his wife and children from the previous life weighing heavily on him. The realization that he may never have them in this life has led him to thinking of himself as a murderer.

That night Hotaru buries effigies of the original Goodberryns on the grounds. Sana sees him do this and asks about them. Hotaru explains the past and the weight it has had on him. In the end, he finds himself finally being accepted as her friend, much to his relief.

At some point they are visited by Emperor Elpis Basajuan, the ruler of all Xeres. He presents Arties with Attriti, the young boy whom it was requested that he save. The quiet boy has already proven his mettle to the Emporer and is destined to be the greatest warrior Xeres has ever known.

After some more tense moments, Elpis asks to see Eden. Arties has the golden child come out and is shocked that she is still in that form, as it is a prison. He uses his incredible power to release her and the family is reunited as Eden's true form of a beatuiful young girl is revealed.

After dinner, Elpis and Arties talk. He wants Eden to come with him, but Arties says that Eden herself should have a say. Eden explains that she has had several lives and eternities with Elpis and she wants to spend time getting to know her mother, so she will stay. Elpis chooses to accept this arrangement. The children leave and begin to settle into their new sibling dynamic. Elpis and Arties talk and find themselves retiring to the same room that evening.

Hotaru goes to Hecks and finds him still in the middle of an emotional breakdown. He goes to him to comfort him, letting the kobold know that he is not a murderer and says that "Hotaru Goodberryn" is safe and waiting patiently for a time that he can be born. Hotaru also tells him that it was Arties not being present was always the only way he would find himself with Raya, so he will have to make a choice, but that choice is more nuanced than simply "one or the other".

The adventurers journey into Oreaus to find that the guard presence is even heavier and the city somehow seems on edge. They receive a message in the form of a young boy advetising business for the Swaying Palm. They arrive at the swaying palm to be led to Puff by Iris. Puff looks worse for wear; exhausted, half mad, bedraggled, and anxious. He shows weeks worth of work that is nothing but blank parchment but full of information according to him. There are strange happening all over Oreaus, something sinister and cult like. He falls asleep after hastily dumping information on everyone. Arties and Croakli elect to stay behind to watch over Puff as Hotaru and Karthos inspect the lighthouse.

The keeper of the lighthouse, Old Salt, is a surly and cantankerous old man who is content to just shout at the tide and the creatures it brings in. With a little bit of gold he is plied for some information, though not all of it is entirely useful, though he says, the true dark lord lies in the castle...

Session #10 @ 08/31/2024

In Game Date: Stormhowl 20, 1300

Arties finds herself taking the kids on the group's journey to Vaitafe, no matter how dangerous it gets. On the journey through the jungle, the group is encountered by a crocodile that was infected and supersized by a parasitic fungus. After getting damaged by the party and almost taking one of the members with it, the reptile retreats into an underwater cave where it died soon after.

The rest of the party's journey is thankfully merciful after the encounter, and they finally reach the village of Vaitafe. They are allowed in by the tribe chieftan Māia after bringing the crocodile teeth from their last battle as a gift. That night, the village celebrates the news from their sister tribe of no storms incoming. A Limbo tournament is held, and Karthos earns his title of the Champion of Limbo.

After some time in Vaitafe, the party tries to get accepted as a member of the tribe by communing with the spirits. Arties and Karthos get their spirits and matching tattoos, and a nervous Hecks ends up collecting two for himself. That day, Arties sends her message to Elpis Basajuan asking him to find Attriti in the streets of Kristofferson.

The night is spent celebrating once again, this time for their new tribe members. In a drunken state, Karthos does something that changes fate forever. The following morning, he feels the soul of his passenger leave his body, and realizes it may be due to the sleeping woman next to him...

Session #9 @ 08/25/2024

In Game Date: Stormhowl 19, 1300

The group awakens on Stormhowl 19 to a day planned with festivities to celebrate the 9th birthday of Sana. Taking a look at their harvest, they are able to utilize some of the first bits of their home-grown crops for the coming feast. Going into the city, they are able to grab some more ingredients and indulge in a little more downtime for a shopping spree.

Realizing she needs to make some preperations for her upcoming trip, Arties visits a local legal clerk with Hanabyrn. She has a Heaven’s-sponsored contract drawn up with her that states if Arties is ever out of contact for more than 6 months, control of the Geodegazer Estate will fall to Hana until Emeline has turned 18. At that time she will become the official owner of the estate. Arties follows this up by renting a section of land that is about 30 minutes walk from town for a month, where she summons the estate facing a beautiful beach.

Then the group heads to the house and prepares a big celebratory meal for Sana and they enjoy a wonderful night together. Sana is surprised to see that so many people have remembered and bought her a gift.

Afterwards, Arties visits the Swaying Palm and convinces Samael to come stay at the estate. The group then decides to investigate the “Vaitafe” city, so Arties has to make arrangements for her daughters and Tingle to stay with Hana and Samael. Emeline does not take it well.

As the group sets out, Arties hears the pitter-patter of feet and turns to see Tingle running to her crying and with arms extended. She bends down and scoops him up to hold him tight. Then she makes a dangerous decision...

Session #8 @ 08/17/2024

In Game Date: Stormhowl 15, 1300

The group has already spent a week scouring the city looking for their long lost friend, Puff, to no avail. They have, however, been invited to a special educational session by Salia, the bookstore owner. Once a week she hosts a meeting where she teaches people how to read and/or how the government works. Today she wants to meet Sana.

After a four-hour session, Salia releases her crowd of adults and focuses her attention on Sana. She realizes that Sana is hyper-intelligent, but encourages her to remember to be a child as well. Sana is confused by this, feeling her intelligence is better spent in books instead of stories. Following up on that, Salia gives her a book designed to help her heal after emotional trauma.

Arties accidentally stumbles upon the man she knows as “Father Samael” in the streets of Oraeus. He has been beaten unconscious and urinated upon. She carries him to the bookstore owned by Salia and asks for her help as some Whitecoats are on their trail. Homelessness is a capital offense, after all. Salia agrees and the group learns that she is a member of a thieves guild called “The Shadowed Flame.” When Samael wakes up, Sana begins to slip into PTSD. Arties takes her into a backroom to embrace her adopted daughter as the weight of the last few months becomes too much for the soon-to-be 9-year old to bear as she emotionally collapses for the first time.

Salia arranges for the group to meet with a representative from the Shadowed Flame. In the morning they are surprised to be greeted by the Shadowed Flame guide … Puff Puddlefoot. He has no memory of them from the previous cycle and seems to be focused on helping them solve the riddle of Samael’s disappearing homeless friends.

Hotaru spends some time in the market at night to see who is stealing food. To his surprise, he finds an orphaned baby Tabaxi who is living out of a storm drain. The child’s name is “Tingle.”

Session #7 @ 08/10/2024

In Game Date: Mistfall 25, 1300

The group continues to attempt to cultivate for a few days more before deciding they can no longer put off their trip to Oraeus any more. They book a ticket on the passenger liner that frequents the waters between Eber and Oraeus, understanding the trip is to be two weeks long. Once on board they meet the captain and begin to feel a bit more secure about the trip.

Hecks surprises everyone by bringing Raya along with them. She loves the city of Oraeus, usually going twice a year for vacation. This time she is going early so that she can experience “apple night” with him.

During the long hours of the voyage, the group members finally manage to break through and cultivate a handful of times. They realize how amazing they feel after a long session and start to understand how this could help them over time. Hotaru makes good headway on the chess set he has been whittling for weeks.

Once in Oraeus the group finds an affordable inn run by Iris Panalli and become fast friends with her before having a “girls night” out on the town. The next few days they spend scouring the city (which is now largely foreign to them compared to the last time they were here) for their long lost friend, Puff.

A week passes and they have not found him. They begin to wonder if they will find him at this point.

Session #6 @ 08/04/2024

In Game Date: Mistfall 15, 1300

In the morning the group reports back to offices of Merriel Strone, who promptly pays them the other half of their promised gold for completing the job. Additionally, Sir Uvitus Voren has approved the payout of their bonus for finding information about the fate of his, now essentially ‘long lost’, sister. To cap this all off, the estate is unloaded to the players as Voren did not want to spend any more time in Eber. In a crazy display of nature magic, the group watches as the estate transforms into a beautiful one-story mansion of whites and golds, a final gift from the previous inhabiting spirit.

Now that the group has a place to live they finally meet up with Emeline who cries tears of incredible happiness to learn her family is still alive. The group learns that Emeline has, in fact, been living with Hana and selling flowers during the day to help make ends meet. She has also changed her last name to that of adopted mother. Later they meet up with Hana and bring them both back to Highgarden Estate to live with the group now. Since the mansion has 8 bedrooms and basement space for Hecks and Hotaru (who prefer the ‘earthy’ nature of it) there is plenty of space for everyone.

After a few days of rest the group heads into town to spend some coin. They buy furniture, instruments, clothes, blankets, beauty supplies and a large order of wine before returning to the house. There, they spend the next week trying to learn how to do this “cultivate” thing everyone is talking about. A week passes before the group realizes that they have more people they must find and decide on a boat trip to Oraeus, where they hope to find Puff.

Session #5 @ 07/27/2024

In Game Date: Greenrise 15, 1300

The group continued the investigation of the Highgarden Estate. They found a book that seemed to deep dive into the family history and covered all the deaths that have happened in the last couple of centuries. With a bit more reading, they discover that the original owner of the house, one Matthias Highgarden made a deal with a powerful forest entity to grand the grounds a powerful enchantment in return for a living sacrifice every 33 years.

They learn that many of the Highgardens have tried to break the curse on their family and all have failed. Digging deeper, they find some ancient magics and instructions on how to break the curse. After a few hours they find the missing sister, Lady Eveline Voren, trapped by some odd plant monster. A brief fight later they free her of her bindings and begin talking with her about what had happened.

Though her brother indicated she’d been missing for weeks, Eveline assures them she only just got here a half hour ago. The group puts together a plan to try to break the curse with Eveline, who has revealed that her great grandmother was the last resident of Highgarden Estate and that she is the last living Highgarden.

Following the ritual they believe is the right course, the group succeeds in breaking the curse on the estate, and they watch as Eveline is turned into a spirit that melds with the same forest entity that initially blessed the estate. Immediately all the vines and plants in the house recede and allow the group to exit into a light snowstorm.

Sir Voren arrives just as they exit and listens to their tale. He explains that they’ve been presumed dead since they entered the house six months ago. The party is distraught, but immediately make a beeline toward the Jolly Kobold.

There they find Raya. Hecks immediately professes his love for her but when she tells him that she doesn’t know him his spirit is crushed, sending him to leave the tavern. Later that night Raya knocks on his inn room door. It seems there may be something there after all.

Session #4 @ 07/21/2024

In Game Date: Greenrise 14, 1300

The group heads to their meetup with the local lawmaker, Merriel Strone. In this meeting Merriel explains that his client, one Sir Uvetus Voren, has hired him to find a group of brave adventurers to visit a potentially dangerous landmark site to locate his sister, Lady Eveline Voren, who recently purchased the house.

The house is called “The Highgarden Estate” … a strange bit of synchronicity since Arties had recently happened to purchase a book called about the Highgarden family for young Sana. For this reason, when the group sets out towards the haunted house they take Sana with them, as she has proven to be a wellspring of knowledge on the subject.

Hana and Emeline agree to stay behind another night in the tavern. Emeline calls Arties 'mom' seemingly by accident. Or was it?

Even as the group approaches the estate, they can tell something is truly wrong with the area. It is overrun by nature seemingly trying to reclaim the land it sits on. Shortly after arrival the group is attacked by some carnivorous plants and a dryad protector of the area.

After dispatching their foes the group heads in and discovers a once lavish household now in a state of disrepair. Whispering sounds and phantom breezes seem be saying that house is anything but empty.

Now the group must learn the secrets of the Highgarden estate or find Lady Eveline as quick as possible.

Session #3 @ 07/13/2024

In Game Date: Greenrise 11, 1300

The group spends the night waiting to see if Hecks is able to save the two young girls injured by the Owlbear. Come morning, both girls are exhausted and sore, but alive and healed.

Four days later everyone arrives at the city of Eber. Hecks is super eager to see Raya again but is dismayed to learn that the Jolly Kobold has been closed for renovation after a nasty bar fight nearly burned the place to the foundation. To give them time to figure out their next move, they grab a room at another local tavern and sit down to a real meal together for the first time in a week.

Tension is building between the two young girls as their personalities begin to clash against one another. Emeline is feminine, happy and delights in bright colors and flowers while Sana is hyper-intelligent, reserved and delights in books. The group is forced to spend the night speaking with both girls about the importance of sticking together, but discover that each girl needs to be handled a certain way to get through to them.

The following morning it looks like the girls have agreed to stop fighting … for now.

The group is approached by a courier who delivers a meeting request with one Merriel Strone Esq in the morning. Apparently he has some work for them. The group seems to have vague memories of this happening the last time they rode through Eber and believe the task to be related to a haunted house.

Session #2 @ 05/22/2024

In Game Date: Greenrise 08, 1300

After a refreshing time with Hecks catching up, the green kobold asks if the group would be willing to head to Eber with him. He believes that Raya is still there and would like to recruit her to their group as soon as possible. The group agrees that they'd like to assemble as many of their friends and family as possible for the coming challenges ahead.

Once Raya has been claimed, they want to head to Tully and see about procuring the land for Goodberry again, as the mayor of the city should still hold it.

Along the way, the group is forced to run away from a wild Owlbear and only just narrowly avoid it. But a day later they are terrified to discover the beast has tracked them down and a fight of life and death begins.

Sensing the weakness of the youngest people in the group (Emeline, the girl Karthos saved in Grafton, and Sana, the girl that Hotaru saved in Hedgewick), the beast focuses on them first. The party watches in horror as the enormous beast tramples Emeline, forcing Hecks to throw himself in harm's way to save her. Seconds later Sana is gored and rag-dolled several feet away, forcing Hecks to split his attention.

Even as the group slays the beast they know its a crapshoot if either child will survive the night. Both Arties and Hotaru come to personal conclusions: things have to change!

Hotaru decides that his dark deeds in Hedgewick will haunt him for the rest of his life, but he wants to change to prevent it from happening again. He is glad to spend the rest of his life to atone for what he's done and seeks his fathers help in a personal transition.

Arties decides that she's done fighting from the distance with arrows and spells. She discards the bow and finds a suit of heavy armor, deciding that the only way she can stop her friends and family from getting hurt is to take the hurt for them.

As Hecks fights for the lives of both girls, the party is forced to wait overnight in camp.

Session #1 @ 05/21/2024

In Game Date: Rainsong 08, 1300

Waking up from the ice prison that over took them, the group notices a mass in the ocean and believe it to be the dragon, Krakstrike, searching for them. Silently as possible the group makes their way towards the nearest town, Stoneharbor.

Upon arrival, the group discovers an unexpected coldness towards Arties. Further investigation and discussion with the local ruler tells a tale vastly different than the group expected ... Xeres Prime is at war again, but not in the same way as before.

There are now 5 armies fighting for the land instead of one army with 5 branches. The armies are: Drow Elves, Minotaur, Undead, Orcs and the Draconians. Some of these armies already have claim over some territory. The minotaur faction controls the northwest lands surrounding Kristofferson (K-Town) while the Orcs hold the area to the southwest. There have been no land grabs by any of the other groups, but the group theorizes that the Draconians have just done so with the sacking of Grafton.

Leaving Stone Harbor, the party makes their way to Sillumi, the elven town where they initially would eventually meet Hecks and Huntmaster Galinas. They do, indeed, meet Galinas but receive the news that Hecks was seen in the outskirts of the forest nearly a week ago. Finding no additional need to stay here, the party heads towards Hedgewick, believing that Hecks would most likely gravitate towards the location of Goodberry during the last cycle.

Arriving at Hedgewick, the group firmly cements in their mind that events that took place here must not be allowed to happen again. Confirming that Father Samael is not in town, they are greeted by another priest, Father Tanner, who explains that the village is made up of only 31 more people. The group heads directly to the windmill and finds a secret hatch leading underground. There they find a young girl in a very compromising position, a victim of substantial abuse.

When Father Tanner arrives to question the group, combat quickly begins where Tanner reveals himself to be some sort of boar-headed demon. Though the group is triumphant in the melee, it is not without cost as both Croakli and Hana have taken nasty wounds that threaten their lives.

As the majority of the group scrambles to save Hana's life, an angry Hotaru looks down at the rescued girl and ask's if she wants him to punish the rest of the townspeople. "Kill them all" is all she says, sending Hotaru into a murderous trance.

He sweeps through the town, killing anyone that dare walk in the open and setting fire to the homes of families too busy or too afraid to face him openly. The night is filled with the screams of Hedgewick citizens as they burn to death in their homes. Hotaru's friends and travel partners watch the carnage with growing levels of doubt and guilt.

In the morning Father Samael arrives and scolds Hotaru (and to some level the rest of the group) for their wanton slaughter and takes his leave with some survivors found in the bowels of the church.

Continuing on, the group does, indeed, find Hecks where Goodberry used to be. A tearful and light hearted reunion takes place as they camp out for the night and share stories and memories.

Meanwhile, a storm of doubt, dismay and guilt flood Hotaru for his unexplained action.

Session #0 @ 05/20/2024

In Game Date: Frostmoon 01, 1300

Old life is breathed into new bodies. The souls of the lost are paired with souls of the recently found and purpose is reborn.

Each of the group members (Arties the Drow Noble, Hotaru the Kitsune, Karthos the Saurian and Croakli the Grippli) find conscious given to their body after what feels like forever. They experience a bit of sickness as the knowledge of their former selves is slammed into their cerebellum all at once, but there can be no doubt ... they have been given one final chance to stop the demon.

The Heavens had warned them that Oggrishanx is shooting to become the strongest being in creation, even stronger than the Heavens themselves. If that happens he will twist all existence around his corrupted little finger. The group is told that "The Fearless" were meant to be it's chosen heroes and that they will only have this one last chance to make things right.

Motivated, the group escapes the mine and heads to a long ship that is moored to a nearby tree and set sail to the west. As expected, they are beset by a curse that causes them to freeze solid. When they awake they hear their boat start to fracture and fall into the ocean.

Moments before they sink, a friendly hand extends out and pulls them up to the dock. The group is elated to see their friend Hanabyrn...alive and well.

Hana helps the group find food and lodging that day, then helps them find work for the following week. Along the way, a skeletal knight arrives in the late evening and presents Arties with a golden egg before disintegrating. The group realizes with heavy hearts that this figure is, in fact, Oben as he finishes his final moments of existence.

The egg opens and reveals the golden baby Eden. The next day the group discovers some blue draconians checking out the city and follow them to the outskirts. There they discover not Alexis, but Casey with an evil scowl and glowing blue eyes. At this moment the blue dragon army attacks and destroys the city of Grafton just like they did the first time.

During their escape with Hana, Karthos saves a child from the destructive wave that washes through the city. As chunks of ice begin to form on the group, they are forced to camp deep in the woods before the same freezing curse takes them once again.