The party, led by Deva, spots a ship similar to the one they arrived on and signals it for assistance. After a brief negotiation with a sailor named Akira Takashi, the group secures passage across a bay to the city of Benu, where they find a more cosmopolitan environment filled with diverse cultures and a robust trade system. After settling into an inn, they explore the city and its surroundings.
The adventure continues as the group arrives at an ancient garden surrounded by massive sandstone walls, where they encounter a mysterious man with vines under his skin. He warns them that the knowledge they seek within the garden comes at a cost, as entering it leaves people forever changed. Peter and Caden choose to enter the garden, while Siobhan and Deva stay behind. Inside, they discover that the statues in the garden are actually people infected by its magic, hearing whispers and secrets from around the world.
Peter learns that the infected are caught between two worlds and are driven mad by the overwhelming knowledge they receive. His mother, who is also affected, is trapped within this state. To free her, Peter must eat a poison that will rid her of her dark memories—but at the cost of erasing any memories of Peter. Despite the risk, Peter takes the poison, clearing his mother’s mind and stopping her descent into madness. Caden helps by ripping away the infected parts, sharing a moment of insight into their past.
The group also uncovers important secrets while in the garden, including an impending plague in the city of Thuon and the siege of Oldwyne. Upon leaving the garden, they plan to bring medical supplies to Thuon and occupy the city to prevent the plague from spreading. The group returns to Benu, sells their boat, and makes preparations to continue their journey.
Epilogue: Civil War The session ends with a recap of the ongoing civil war. Mercy's troops, under a false imprisonment guise, head north to Oldwyne, defeating Imperial troops along the way. Meanwhile, Rory and Connor sabotage enemy forces in Icehaven, while Lyla and Sovereign work with Casimir to take down General Sherman, securing victory for their alliance. The empire of the Rivers is shattered, with regions like Covingard, Gratzi, and North Rivers solidifying their independence. The tested elite flee to another planet, leaving their people in hiding, while the Coalition of Isles solidifies a new bloodless alliance.
