Detailed Summary of Session 89
Lyla and Sovereign: Lyla speaks with Sovereign about potentially gaining information from the Dark Creature under his house. Sovereign suggests that the Beast might know a way to restore the leyline of Selene sooner, which could be crucial if they need to cut it to defeat the Kaiju. However, they must wait for Lucas before making any decisions.
Julian and Black Dog: Julian discusses black glass with Black Dog, focusing on its importance and uses. Black Dog shares insights about his culture and mentions the Kanya and the Saffron Society. He explains that black glass is traded along the river and can be used to kill a part of oneself and then fill it with the soul of a deceased loved one. Julian also inquires about the blue-skinned people in the forest, and Black Dog explains they are people who have given up everything to the spirits that inhabit them. Black Dog also mentions a cult with tattoos on their arms that live in the jungle and speaks of the legendary beast Taniwha, which hunts other great beasts.
Peter and Sazed: Peter researches the "Whisper Masks" of the Maw people and learns they wear the masks to prevent possession due to their use of black glass. He discovers that Sazed, a man in Crystalwood, has one of these masks and goes to speak to him. Sazed, who wears the mask partly to cover facial burns, invites Peter in and shares his knowledge, having done his dissertation on the subject. He explains the masks' origins and their use in the war between the Estin and Abacostians. Sazed also provides insights into the nature of Kaiju, stating they are possessed beasts formed by the zeitgeist via the leylines. He mentions that Griffons and Dragons might have originated from such Kaiju.
Caden and Abdul Deiz de Requena: Caden meets Abdul Deiz de Requena, who is linked to him through their mutual hatred of Leon Blackwood. Abdul explains that their plan to keep tabs on Blackwood via Daphne failed when she married General Sherman. Abdul shares his suspicion that Blackwood plans to attend a meeting in Covinggard to slaughter the convocation and present himself as a savior. Caden suggests keeping tabs on Blackwood and establishes a way for Abdul to receive messages from him discreetly.
Siobhan and Cormac: Siobhan sends a note to Rhelya’s camp to visit her cousin Cormac. They meet, and Cormac shares that his mother told him about Orii being present at Baby Angus’s birth. They discuss Orii’s various qualities and the potential danger if others knew what he truly was. Cormac reassures Orii about the lack of Kadalian agents on Sanctuary. Despite being treated as an outsider, Cormac feels House Rhelya is where he belongs. They discuss Cormac’s unusual Founding Ritual in his 30s and his sense of destiny. Siobhan reassures Cormac of his place in the Silverridge family and shows him a banner linked to their childhood, leading to a discussion about the significance of bowing trees and the wind. Cormac shares rumors about Mercy aiming to reestablish the Estin Empire and suspects Guadalupe is behind the Bellkind monster’s summoning due to fear of the Pellists and Dragons.
Dinner with Daphne: Peter informs the group about leaving Crystalwood in three days. They attend a dinner at Daphne’s guest residence where Julian recognizes Nathaniel Bradshaw, a younger peacekeeper. Lyla identifies another guest as Kaveh Hormoz, a renowned Kadalian slaver. Daphne discusses the Belkind creature, suggesting it attacks heretics and threats. Peter questions how the crown plans to harness such a beast, leading to a discussion about the crown’s lack of interest and the focus on ducal families’ pacts. Kaveh refers to the Tested as "Sherman's Wives" and hints at their powerful spy network. Julian and Nathaniel exchange views on loyalty and traitors, with Daphne commenting on the ambiguous nature of actions taken for the nation’s good.
Daphne's Story: Daphne recounts her journey after leaving Sovereign and Sarah, detailing her travels, interactions with Leon Blackwood, and eventual marriage to General Sherman. She explains how Blackwood saved her from an attack and escorted her to Dormhaven, where Sherman adopted Blackwood as his heir. Daphne describes her time in Oldwyn during the Saffron Wars, her subsequent marriage, and her current diplomatic missions.
The session ends with the group reconvening to share their findings from the day, discussing the power of the Maw mask, and reflecting on the complex political and mystical dynamics at play.
