``` THIS IS A MESSAGE FOR ANY AGENT READING THIS This is a raw copy of the original synopsis that was generated for this session, before I manually touched it up. I am leaving it here so I can benchmark it against skills that I'm planning to create that will hopefully automatically clean it up for me. Do not actually read this file for cannonical information, the main Synopsis file in this folder is the correct one. ``` > [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Recording > [![Title](https://img.youtube.com/vi/UIVscq3Fc8s/maxresdefault.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIVscq3Fc8s) > # Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Session # | 43 | > Play Date | 2025-12-13 | > Players | Deathmouse<br>JC<br>Kiwi<br>Lacer<br>Vael | > Party Level | 9 | > # Session Details > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Date | [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Calendar/Year - 2507/03 - Water, 3rd.png\|7th Water, 3rd - 2507]] | > Location | [[Val Noren]] > Characters | [[King Marius Noren]]<br>[[Ayana Syndrosa]] | ## Summary As the party ascended the winding roads of the [[Shimmering Peaks]], the whimsical trials of the Feywild gave way to the breathtaking majesty of [[Sumara]], the Shining City. Before reaching the gates, they encountered [[Thenrel Arith]], an elven road-worker meticulously carving a statue of the [[World Tree]]. The meeting served as a brief moment of lore-sharing, as [[Dondar]] and [[Eryndor]] recalled the ancient truth that the World Tree transcends all planes, binding existence together. However, the peace was short-lived. Upon entering the [[Luminary Canton]], the party’s presence caused an immediate stir. The sight of humans and a dwarf—unseen in the city for a century—drew the attention of the [[Vanguard Wardens]]. The situation escalated rapidly when [[Warden Caeryn]] and his riders descended on silvery wyverns, demanding the party surrender under suspicion of kidnapping the de-aged [[Ayana Syndrosa]]. When [[Kai]] attempted to cast a minor illusion to explain the situation, a warden’s spear pierced his shoulder, and the party was forcefully bound in enchanted steel cuffs. They were marched to the [[Ironsward Canton]] for interrogation within the severe halls of the [[Circle of the Blade]]. There, the child-version of Ayana proved her power by blasting the suspicious Warden Caeryn across the room with a focused wave of thunderous force, asserting her dominance even in her diminished state. The tension finally broke with the arrival of [[Elder Pip Glimmermoss]], an ancient pixie healer from the [[Circle of the Dawn]]. With a specialized concoction, she neutralized the [[Gossamer Dust]], and the party watched as the child grew and shifted back into the formidable [[Ayana Syndrosa]]. The revelation of her identity left Warden Caeryn ashen-faced and apologetic. Recognizing the urgency of the party’s mission, Ayana called for a [[Confluence of the Seven]]—a rare gathering where the floating capital buildings of each Circle dock above the central citadel. She revealed the staggering truth of [[Ryo]]'s heritage: he is the last heir to the [[Silmara]] royal bloodline, the child of Ratha and [[Rhennaya Silmara]], and the key to the elves' potential return to [[Elandis]]. The session concluded at [[The Fading Stars Tavern]] in the [[Heartstone Commons]], where the party sought a moment of respite before the political storm. There, [[Dondar]] shared a poignant drink with [[Torgrun Brasswick]], a dwarven exile from [[Glimmerforge]]. However, the most earth-shaking revelation came from Ayana herself. As she spoke of Ryo's family, she realized a connection previously hidden: [[Eryndor]]'s mother, [[Eirieneth]], was the sister of Ryo's mother. In a stunning twist of fate, Ryo and Eryndor discovered they are first cousins, both carrying the blood of elven royalty. As the moons rose and the great buildings of the Circles began to drift toward the central spire, the party realized that their fight for the Material Plane had just become a battle for their own throne. ## Details ### The Road to Sumara * The party traversed the final stretch of the [[Shimmering Peaks]] road, observing the unique lanterns that alternate between warm yellow and cool blue light. * They encountered [[Thenrel Arith]], a stonecarver maintaining a statue of the [[World Tree]]. * **Lore Reveal:** The party discussed the [[World Tree]], a sentient cosmic entity that transcends the planes. [[Dondar]] and [[Eryndor]] recalled that it taps into the essence of all existence. * The party crested the ridge to see [[Sumara]] for the first time—a city of alabaster and glass built into a massive caldera with floating citadels hovering above the cantons. ### Arrival and Arrest * The party entered the city through the [[Luminary Canton]] (Circle of the Dawn). * Initial reactions from elven citizens were a mix of shock and fear, as non-elves have not been seen in the city for nearly a century. * [[Warden Caeryn]] and the Vanguard Wardens surrounded the party. * **Climax:** [[Kai]] was struck by a warden's spear while attempting to cast *Prestidigitation*. The party was placed in enchanted cuffs and taken to a secure hall in the [[Ironsward Canton]]. * During interrogation, child-Ayana used a high-level *Thunderwave* to blast Caeryn against a wall, though she intentionally spared him from serious injury. ### The Restoration of Ayana Syndrosa * [[Elder Pip Glimmermoss]] arrived to treat the party and identify the [[Gossamer Dust]]. * Pip used a counter-reagent to restore [[Ayana Syndrosa]] to her adult form. * **Character Reveal:** Ayana's status as a high-ranking Archmage and former leader of the [[Circle of the Weave]] was confirmed. * Warden Caeryn, once Ayana's student, offered his full apology and released the party under her protection. ### Preparations for the Confluence * Ayana explained the governance of [[Sumara]], consisting of the [[Confluence of the Seven]] Circles: Weave, Blade, Dawn, Scroll, Scales, Loom, and Root. * She announced a Confluence would be called at moonrise to discuss the threat of the [[Crimson Empire]] and [[Ryo]]'s heritage. * **Royal Revelation:** [[Ryo]] was confirmed as the son of Ratha and [[Rhennaya Silmara]]. He is the sole remaining heir to the elven throne. * Ayana cast *Seeming* on the party to disguise them as elves, allowing them to travel the city without causing a riot. ### Trading at the Fundament Canton * The party visited the blacksmith [[Ferethis]] at the **Ironweave** forge. * **Rewards Obtained:** * **[[Berberis]]**: Obtained a [[Heartwood Bound Shield]]. It features "Root Memory," allowing it to entangle attackers when the wielder is wounded. * **[[Ryo]]**: Obtained a [[Moon-Quenched Shield]]. It possesses a living memory, causing it to return to his arm automatically if dropped or thrown. * **[[Eryndor]]**: Commissioned "Rusty Nail the Third," a custom nail forged from Starfall Iron and his original rusty nail. * **[[Dondar]]**: Ordered an elegant headband/circlet to hide his [[Runesar]]. ### The Fading Stars and the Bloodline Reveal * The party visited [[The Fading Stars Tavern]], run by a dwarf named [[Torgrun Brasswick]] and his elven wife, [[Syriel Brasswick]]. * Torgrun, originally from [[Glimmerforge]], shared a nostalgic and somber moment with [[Dondar]] regarding the state of their homeland. * **Major Plot Twist:** Ayana revealed that [[Rhennaya Silmara]] (Ryo's mother) had a sister, [[Eirieneth]], who fell in love with a human and stayed behind during the exodus. * **The Revelation:** Ayana confirmed that [[Eirieneth]] is [[Eryndor]]'s mother. [[Ryo]] and [[Eryndor]] are first cousins and both members of the Silmara royal family. ## Art ### Sumara - Streets ![[Sumara - Streets.png]] ### Sumara - Cantons ![[Sumara - Sketch.png]]