City of Light - Epilogue

Accompanied by the roaring cheers of her people, Nura el-Adara el-Arrasi is crowned as ruler of Ariya. As promised, her first edict as Lord-Prince will be to break the wheel. No more will rulership be denied to those that deserve it by right of blood. And so she will be the last paladin queen of the City of Light. 

It is time to return home for Vladimir, and to bring back the body of his cousin Tristan to his parents, that he may be buried according to the traditions of his people. As he waves goodbye to his friends, the young cleric believes his adventures in the sun will always keep him warm in the cold reaches of the North. 

His newfound powers still growing inside of him, Rhys understands there's still much he needs to learn. About himself, and about his family, and the blood that binds them all. 

So much blood shed, so much suffering. It is not yet time to leave for Estel. Even though Ariya has a new ruler, the mage understands that the real evil behind all that has happened is still at large. Still unchecked. Still unpunished. She'll be ready for it. 

Enough of politics, enough of intrigue and deception. Having performed his holy task of protecting the sun mages, Khalid returns to the desert, to his temple, to his ways as a silent warrior. For under the eternal light of the sun, lies are dissolved and peace is achieved. 

A destiny he never wanted, yet the blood of el-Arrasi flows strong in him. Tuarim has seen much, suffered much. He has been the pawn of his father for too long. Time to make his own way, to forge his own legend. As he rides through the desert, alone, the paladin looks ahead, to the future. For his past is only fire and ashes. 

The map of the Empire of Anuire hanging on his wall, Malik looks with rage at the brown lines painted on the vellum. One step forward, two backward. Vengeance, vengeance must be his. His dagger pierces the map, a perfect throw through the City of Anuire. Where the Emperor sits on his Iron Throne. For now.

Session 15

PCs (5th-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Tuarim, Vladimir

The PCs are finalizing their plans at Omadi's former house, when a unit of Palace Guards shows up at their gates to arrest them. Somehow the Prince must have discovered their plot. The PCs open the gate and confront the guards. The common folk gathered outside of the palace quickly takes side with the party, pelletting the guards with stones and rotten vegetables.

The guards try to make their way inside the palace, when Rhys loses his temper and his sorcerous blood explodes in a fireball that kills many soldiers. The remaining guards are intimidated into leaving. Not long after Nura arrives with a unit of Swords of Avani, informing the party that Omadi has betrayed them. She's now moving to the Palace to bring a rapid end to the Prince's attempts to quench the coup. The party joins Nura and her men, gathering a mob of angry citizens with them.

On the way to the Palace they're stopped by Admiral Hadan and a unit of Navy Mariners. Tuarim convinces the old friend to join forces with them. The assault at the Tower of Morning begins, with many losses from both sides. While the troops of both sides battle, the PCs manage to enter the inner buildings, and face the Lord-Prince.

When confronted with his sins, the Lord-Prince admits to be Nura's father, but denies any other accusations. But it's too late to go back now. Tuarim forces a confrontation. Vladimir befriends the two fierce lions guarding the Lord, while Khalid and Rhys destroy the animated clay warrior barring their advance. The young paladin pushes ahead, and stabs the ruler of Aryia in the chest with his bloodsilver dagger, stealing his bloodline.

Estel is horrified by this act, and accuses Tuarim to be nothing more than his father's pawn. Once again Rhys escalates the issue, and casts a fireball at Tuarim, almost killing him. This last spell also has the effect of setting the premises on fire. While the others escape the burning buildings, Tuarim decides to remain among the flames, hoping to escape at a later moment and fake his death. He's actually saved by a masked figure appearing on the scene, none other than his father, Malik.

Father and son leave the palace, then Malik congratulates Tuarim for a job well done. But Tuarim has no intention to rule Ariya, and informs his father he will leave the city. Frustrated, Malik can do nothing else than accept his son's decision, and review his plans for a unified Khinasi Empire under his family's control. Elsewhere, the party has reunited with the vizier Almira and with Nura. News of the death of the Prince spread rapidly. As the dust settles, it is decided that Nura shall inherit rulership of the city.

Session 14

PCs (4th-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Tuarim, Vladimir

The PCs organize a party on a ship, inviting a great number of people, among them their fellow conspirators. Before the party, Almira has a talk with Khalid, dropping a few hints of a possible "union" between their family and the Alamie's.

During the party the PCs surreptitiously gather inside the extradimensional space of the magic tapestry together with their "allies", and plot the events to come. After some discussion, it is agreed that the best person to inherit the throne is Tuarim. Almira is no paladin, and Nuara is a child of sin. Tuarim, even though born out of marriage, has a purer bloodline, and is an anointed paladin. 

Nuara requests fair punishment for the Prince, and Almira will only offer her support if Tuarim promises to change the Laws of Succession, so that a non-paladin may rule Ariya in the future. Tuarim agrees to both.

During the meeting Estel uses magic to read the surface thoughts of Almira, but the vizier catches her in the act, and reprimands her. Estel also suspects foul play from a third party using magic (or subterfuge) to take on the Lord Prince's appearances.

The meeting concludes with the decision to publicly accuse the Prince of his sin related to Nuara's birth during the next official hearing at court, in a few days time. Then the Swords of Avani will sieze him and arrest him. 

During a private discussion, Malik congratulates Tuarim for his success, at the same time delivering a cryptic message. Once the Lord-Prince falls, he needs to leave the Tower of Morning with all haste, as the place "will not be safe".

The day after Estel and Almira have a private talk, where they reconcile their differences, and return on friendly terms. 

Session 13

PCs (4th-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Tuarim

Following the latest revelations about the Lord Prince, the PCs begin to hatch a plot to remove him from his throne. Before they act, they speak privately with the regents of the city.

Omadi. The guildmaster is surprised by this turn of events, and wishes to speak with the Lord Prince to give him a chance to defend himself. His friendship with the the ruler of Ariya makes it difficult for him to blindly trust the party's words.

Nura. The marshal of the Swords of Avani wants the truth to be revealed, and punishment for the Lord Prince. As natural daughter of the sovereign, she's willing and ready to sit on the throne if the PCs and the other regents will support her.

Jairo. The patriarch confesses that he has createdd the magical amulet used by Alchemist, but he did not know what it would be used for. He delivered it to the Lord Prince, unaware of his connection with the alchemist. If the PCs will keep his reputation intact, he's willing to support them in removing the Lord Prince from power.

Almira. The grand vizier counsels the PCs to be absolutely sure of their accusations, since they're going to cause great upheaval in the city of Ariya. At the same time, she wants to put a stop to the tradition stating that only a Paladin of Avani can be the ruler of Ariya. As a member of the el-Arrasi family, and a powerful regent, she's willing to sit on the throne if the PCs will support her.

Malik. Tuarim's father keeps his cards close to the chest, and his half-answers are cause of more concerns for the PCs. He makes a gift to Tuarim, a bloodsilver dagger. Something that may come in handy when the Lord Prince is deposed.

Session 12

PCs (4th-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Tuarim, Vladimir

The day after one more victim falls prey to the hidden assassin, this time the cook's cat. With all pets of the household now dead, the next targets of the assassin should be human beings.

Omadi suggests to move his family somewhere else, but the PCs prefer to keep everyone home in order to protect them better. Omadi himself is forced to leave due to previous engagements.

With the guildmaster out of the picture, the PCs press Halima for answers. It's clear she's keeping something secret, but Rhys' insinuations about infidelity only provoke her anger.

While keeping an eye on the surrounding streets, Khalid spots a figure apparently interested in the house. When the monk confronts her, she reveals herself to be Nura el-Adara, marshal of the Swords of Avani.

At the insistence of the party, she enters the house. At this point, Halima and Nura confess to be mother and daughter. Nura does not know who her father is, but when Tuarim boldly asks Halima if the father is the Lord Prince, the woman breaks into tears and admits to it. 

Nura is shocked by the revelation, and her shock quickly turns into anger against the man that has abandoned her when she wasn't even born. The marshal decides to take her mother with her to better protect her. At the same time, she tells the party that one way or another "justice" must come for the Lord Prince.

Left alone in the house, the PCs spend the night there. During his watch Khalid is confronted by a veiled man wielding a magical spear. The holy assassin faces Khalid in combat, but when things turn sour he makes his escape.

In front of the confused eyes of the party, he enters a magical tapestry hanging in the hall. The tapestry contains an extra-dimensional space where the assassin and his pets have been hiding all along. The PCs also enter the tapestry, and after a dangerous fight they kill the assassin.

Session 11

PCs (4th-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Vladimir

The PCs seek counsel from the Grand Vizier Almira. When she realizes they're about to accuse the most important leaders of Ariya of heinous acts, she suggests they gather hard evidence to support their claim. At the same time, she confirms she's on their side, and she will help them as best she can.

The party investigates the College of Astronomy, knowing that Jairo the patriarch frequents the place regularly. Apart from confirming that the priest has been preoccupied of late, they don't find anything to incriminate him further. While studying astral charts, Estel receives a vision of a "traveler" coming from a vast void.

Next they visit the Guildmaster Omadi, who is impressed with their interest in the welfare of the Prince, and invites them for dinner in one of his houses. When the PCs arrive at his home, they're introduced the favourite of his wives, Halima, and their daughter Tala.

After a pleasant dinner, tragedy strikes. A knock at the door reveals a gruesome sight. Someone has nailed Tala's parakeet to the front door with a knife! Attached to the knife there is a note, reading:

The very walls reek of shame 

And ignorance is no excuse for sinners 

This is the first death in this house for the next 7 days. 

The last shall be thine.

The note bears the symbol of a scoprion, something that Khalid identifies as the mark of an order of "holy" assassins of Avani living in the desert. It is a mystery how such a pious man as Omadi has attracted their attention. The whole family is confused and distressed by this event, and the PCs offer to investigate the issue, and spend the night there to protect them. 

Intrigued by Halima's reaction to the events, Estel surreptitiously uses her magic to read her thoughts, and she receives a vision of Halima receiving a prayer book with a romantic dedication from a man. The half-elf believes it to be quite strange that she would have such thoughts at that very moment.

The party rapidly investigates the house, finding nothing of interest, except for a tapestry Omadi recently acquired at the market. Rhys bribes one of the servant into revealing some that a "military woman" has been visiting the Halima in secret in the past.

Still fearful, most of the household goes to sleep, while the PCs take turns to guard the premises. While Rhys is making a round of the house, he's attacked by deadly scorpions! The sorcerer kills the nasty beasts, but one thing seems sure... the assassin is still in the house!

Session 10

PCs (3rd-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Vladimir

The party uses guerrilla tactics to silently and rapidly eliminate more of the pirates. Eventually they come into contact with an acolyte of Eirat, capable of performing miracles in the name of the evil creature.

The fight becomes quite deadly, as the fortress is on alert, and more of the cultists join the fray. The PCs do not give up, and manage to defeat all the villains remaining in the keep. 

In the nearby dock, a ship is about to set sail, captianed by Shoalar, the water-genasi chief mate, now the only remaining leader of the cultists. The PCs make an attempt to stop him, but Shoalar summons a gigantic tidal wave that almost kills the whole party. Shoalar makes his escape, promising revenge.

Having completed their mission, the PCs return home to rest, and then visit Thuriya in the temple of Nasri. Recognizing their valor, the priestess petitions her deity on the party's behalf, and receives a vision. In front of the eyes of those inside the temple, a scene from the pasts unfolds.

Jairo, Patriarch of the Aryian temple of Avani, handing the Alchemist's amulet to the Lord-Prince himself. Their involvement in the events of the last few days now clear, the PCs ponder on what to do next.

Session 9

PCs (3rd-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Tuarim, Vladimir

Tuarim swears his Oath in front of the Lord-Prince and several high-ranking members of the Swords of Avani and the Golden Navy. The Lord-Prince makes him a gift, a magical armor that will protect him against life-draining attacks.

Silanah the pahari contacts the PCs again, and recounts the legend of Eirat, el-Arrasi's evil brother, and a traitor. The archmage turned him into a giant turtle, and a cult of wicked men and women worship him as a divinity. These are the pirates that are harrassing the pahari.

The party investigates any records related to the keep the pirates have taken control of, and learn of the existence of a secret passage that should bring them from an underground sea entrance straight to the central building of the keep.

With the help of Silanah, they find the underground pier. The waters are haunted by several undead, but Vladimir's divine powers sends them on the run. The party infiltrates the keep, and surprises the leaders of the pirates, among them the awnshegh Grimjaw, a monstrosity looking like a humanoid shark.

The PCs fight a few more pirates, and liberate a group of prisoners forced into servitude. They barricade themselves in the central keep, and take a breather to recover their strenghts.

Silanah

Pahari

Silanah is a pahari, a fey creature similar to a merfolk, capable of turning into a brightly colored fish. She was saved by the PCs from captivity, and has taken a liking to them.

Her kiss can grant the ability to breath underwater for a limited time, and she has made mention several time of her "sisters".

Session 8

PCs (3rd-level): Estel, Khalid, Rhys, Tuarim, Vladimir

Estel returns from her studies, and learns of the fate that has befallen of Tristan and Bernard. She discusses the matter with the Grand Vizier, and they agree to not inform the respective families until the mystery surrounding the attacks is solved.

Khalid listens to the conversation from the shadows. When Estel leaves, his mother makes it clear to him that the newfound sun mage must be protected at all costs. the monk, having trained for this task all his life, readily accepts.

Sir Riegon, Tristan's mentor, demands to leave Ariya with Tristan's body, so that he might receive proper burial in his lands. Malik opposes the decision, and tensions rise. Estel intervenes and Riegon accepts to wait, but only because of the respect he harbors for Estel's sister, lady Niobhe.

Hadan el-Djefer, admiral of the Golden Navy, visits the PCs palace, to inform Tuarim of the upcoming ceremony where he will officially take his Oath of loyalty to the Prince. The ceremony is scheduled for the next day.

The party takes some time to go back to the Alchemist's laboratory, looking for clues. Vladimir uses magic to communicate with the weird creature swimming in the alchemist fire's vat, and finds out the Alchemist had an accomplish, most probably a woman.

Following up on the holy symbol found in the Alchemist's possession, the PCs visit the Temple of Nasri, where they meet the sea-priestess Thuriya. She's known to be an oracle, and may shed some light on the matter. At the same time, she does not feel she can trust the party, as they seem to have many attachments to the Church of Avani.

The pahari Silanah makes her presence known, coming our of the sea-water pool of the temple. She recognizes the PCs, and may be willing to help. Rhys uses his charms with the fey creatures, and she grants him a kiss, and with it the gift of being able to breath underwater for a limited time. She also agrees to put a good word with Thuriya, if the PCs will perform a task for her. She and her sisters have an issue with some pirates off the coast of Ariya, and she wants the party to take care of the situation.

Thuriya Oceansong (646 MR)

Priestess of Nasri

Thuriya is of masetian descent, and has heard the call of the ocean when she was just a little girl. At the age of twelve she was already a skilled sailor, taking to the seas by herself, for the exasperation of her parents.

During one of her escapades at sea, she received her first vision from the waves. She recounted to her grandmother that the sea "sung" to her. Recognizing her connection to the seas and to the goddess Nasri, she joined the clergy soon after. 

Hadan el-Djefer (629 MR)

Admiral of the Golden Navy

Hadan entered service as an under-captain when he was 16 years old. He gained honor in many battles against pirates and rose through the ranks by hard work. 

As admiral, Hadan has kept the fleet in good repair, and its sailors well-trained, and now seems content to relax. He occupies himself with his three wives and with playing the zither. He has developed an admirable musical technique and diverts himself composing hymns to Avani.

Khalid el-Zisef (647 MR)

Human Monk (Sun Soul)

Acolyte

Calm and quite, meditate in the sun to find the right path. But the sun is not only calm, it is also fire and we followers of it must be the tongues of fire that burn those who have left the light for darkness.

Ideals. The calm sunlight will guide us. Self-control and meditation are the way to reach enlightenment.

Bonds. Zikalan Church of Avani; El-Zisef family.

Flaws. His calm makes him lack spirit of initiative. Not very flexible.

Parents. Almira el-Arrasi, Grand Vizier of Ariya, and Khalil el-Zisef, noble of Zikala 

Siblings. Jaheira el-Zisef

Maedhros "Rhys" (636 MR)

Scourge Aasimar* Sorcerer (Draconic)**

Far Traveller

Character Sheet

Maedhros is the son of Queen Niobhe and Ashan, the guardian angel of the Alamie famly. The two had a relationship while Ashan was protecting Niobhe under the guise of Haeming the Skald.

Niobhe was led to believe that her son had died in childbirth, while Ashan returned with the infant child to the Heavenly Realm of Haelyn, for reasons unknown. 

It is possible that Haelyn did not approve of Ashan's deep involvement with Niobhe, and thus punished him by recalling him to Heaven, and ordering him to bring his son with him.

There Maedhros lived first with his father, and then with his great-grandfather Thalion, when the nobleman was forced to hide in Healyn's Realm, following the events that preceded the rise to power of the Exalt-Emperor.

When Thalion returned to the mortal world, Maedhros felt the moment was right, and he left the Heavens to look for his mother and the rest of his family.

He currently travels under the name of Rhys, pretending to be an high elf. Those who have experience with celestial beings could possibly recognize him as an aasimar.

Quirks

I begin or end my day with small traditional rituals that are unfamiliar to those around me. 

I have a strong code of honor that others don't comprehend. 

I express affection or contempt in ways that are unfamiliar to others.

Ideals. I have much to learn from the kindly folk I meet along my way. What is beautiful points us beyond itself toward what is true.

Bonds. I have a family, but I have no idea where they are. One day, I hope to see them again. 

I'm fascinated by the beauty and wonder of this new land. 

Flaws. I pretend not to understand the local language in order to avoid interactions I would rather not have. 

I am secretly convinced of the superiority of my own culture over that of this foreign land.

Parents. Niobhe Alamie & Haeming the Skald

Siblings. Nathanael II, Regall, Siobhan (half brothers and sister from mother's side)

(*) pretends to be an elf

(**) refluffed to Phoenix heritage

Session 7

PCs (2nd-level): Bernard, Tristan, Tuarim, Vladimir (Rhys and Khalid)

While Estel is segregated in the catacombs of the Source to better comprehend the mysteries of Sun Magic, the PCs are on their way to the House of Records, looking for more information related to the possible location of the Alchemist's Lair.

While they're going there, they're approached by a winged serpent. The creature drops a scroll tube at their feet, and flies away. Inside the tube there's a message from the Alchemist himself, and a little pulsating orange crystal. The message is unsettling: the pulsating crystal is an explosive device of sorts, that will detonate in a few moments. Around the city, other seven crystals are hidden; if the PCs don't find them within 2 hours, they will explode and kill many innocents. 

The party manages to throw the one crystal they found in the tube into the sea, and witness the power of its blast. The scroll contains riddles that will guide the party in the search of the other devices. To help them in the search, Nura el-Adara, Marshal of the Swords of Avani, offers the assistance of her men. 

A race against time begins, as the party deciphers the riddles one by one, and manages to detonate several devices without any loss of life. Until the fateful moment when Bernard tries to remove one of the crystals from the ceiling of the College of Astronomy, but botches the attempt. The crystal explodes, killing Bernard and Tristan, and severely wounding Tuarim and Vladimir. 

The two nobles awake a few days after, still bearing the scars of the explosion. But their efforts were not in vain, and thanks to their previous search the Swords of Avani, together with Malik's spies, have individuated a possible entrance to the Alchemist's lair, an abandoned tailor's shop near the docks. 

Two new members join the party: Khalid, son of the Grand Vizier and brother of Jaheira, a monk trained by the desert hermits of Avani in the use of martial arts; and Rhys, a mysterious elven sorcerer introduced to the party by Malik. Together with a strike team of Swords of Avani, the four infiltrate the lair, facing off the minions of the Alchemist, and eventually arriving in the laboratory of the mastermind himself. After a dangerous battle they succeed in killing the villain, and secure his laboratory.

Rahil the Falcon (587 MR)

Former Court Mage of Ariya, Almira's mentor

Rahil comes from a noble family in Djafra. He studied magic in his youth, as is typical in noble Khinasi families, and showed unusual talent.

After a long adventuring carreer, he arrived in Ariya and became the trusted vizier of the Prince-Lord, and he has served him faithfully until the old mage decided to retire a few years ago.

Rahil's nickname comes from the silver falcon embroidered on his robes, a family emblem. His sharp insight and ruthless combat tactics inspire thoughts of falcons as well, and he raises falcons as a hobby.

Session 6

PCs (2nd-level): Bernard, Estel, Tristan, Tuarim, Vladimir

The party enters the catacombs beneath the source, where they must face several magical traps, and the undead creatures still performing their duties as guardians.

While exploring the crypt, they discover a statue of El-Arrasi, patron of the Khinasi. When she approaches, Estel connects with the mystical energies surrounding the statue, and receives a vision from the great wizard. During the vision she accepts the gift of Sun Magic.

Further ahead they discover a book on alchemy, apparently left behind by someone in a hurry. The book belongs to the library of Ariya. Hoping to find some info there, the party leaves the catacombs. Outside the grand vizier Almira is waiting for them, and, being a Sun Mage herself, recognizes the newfound powers of Estel.

The party visits the library, where they meet Rahil the Falcon, Almira's former master. Rahil is helpful, and uses the book the PCs are returning to scry on its previous owner. From his spell the PCs learn of the approximate location of the underground lair of the Alchemist. More concerning, during the vision they can peek inside the lair of the Alchemist, where they spot a gigantic vat of alchemist fire.

Session 5

PCs (2nd-level): Bernard, Estel, Tristan, Vladimir

The PCs follow up on the deal they made with Omadi: to free his bath-house from the silat Kadiga. They visit the place that Omadi has provided to welcome the silat, a small hut in the Beggars' quarter. Fearing that the silat would not appreciate the change, they decide to look for alternatives.

They take a rowing boat and explore the coast of Ariya. They find a small sea cave adjacent to a cozy beach inhabited by giant crabs. Vladimir manages to befirend the beasts, and the PCs have access to the cave. Inside they find a sleeping co, and a chest containing two daggers, two vials of poison, and an iron mask. The PCs empty the cave, and go back to the city to accompany Kadiga to the cave. The silat seems satisfied of her new home, and bids the party farewell.

The day after the PCs receive a visit at Malik's palace. Nula el-Adara, Marshal of the Swords of Avani, has a few more questions for them concerning the events transpired at the Prince's Guildhall. The discussion is quite tense, and Nura leaves on unfriendly terms, but she can find no evidence to detain the party.

Later the PCs visit the Tower of Morning, where they are received by the Grand Vizier. Almira has a pleasant conversation with the party, also introducing her political idea of a realm of Ariya free from the influence of the clergy. The PCs ask her about the Alchemist, and Almira suggests to visit the Source of Ariya. It is possible that the Alchemist ha tried to access the mafical power of the Source to grant additional power to his alchemical fire.

The party visits the Source, where Almira introduces Estel to the mysteries of the Sun Mages. While communing with the Source, the mages receive a vision of a man accessing the catacombs beneath the Source with the help of an amulet charged with Divine magic. In order to learn more about this intruder, the party summons the spirits of the Source, and are tested by them. When the spirits are satisfied, they grant the PCs access to the catacombs.

Nura el-Adara (644 MR)

Sultana of the Khinasi people

Nura is of low-birth, her mother a former servant at the Tower of Morning. She never met her father. Since a very young age she was possessed of a strong sense of duty.

The clergy of the temple saw potential in her, and she was trained first as a temple guard, where she excelled in all tasks assigned to her, and then as a paladin and a Sword of Avani.

She's risen through the ranks of the Swords and become Marshal. Her loyalty to the Lord-Prince and to the city of Ariya is unquestionable and unwavering.

Kadiga

Silat Witch

Kadiga appears to be an eccentric old woman, contentedly humming unintelligible phrases to herself. She speaks and understands only words spoken backward. 

Silats are a race of female, shapeshifting hags that roam both the wilderness and cities of Khinasi in magical disguise, searching for food. 

In their true form, a silat appears to be a giant female humanoid with pale green or blue skin and curved ram's horns curling from each side of her head. The hair is usually the same color as the skin, but of a darker hue. Their teeth and nails look like yellowed ivory, but are harder and sharper than obsidian. In both their polymorphed and their natural shape, silats wear rags that barely cover their bent and wrinkled forms.