Chapter 20: Honor and Betrayal

General Summary

The party lingered at the hot springs for a while longer, looking for answers. What happened here? How does it continue to warp the area?
Jill believes that there's a lack of Divine aspected aether in the balance, causing Corruption to linger far longer than any other aspect. Luanshi was able to make out the signs of Teshi and Kaye's fighting style, leaving the remaining aether to be placed at the hands of Vihd.
With some scientific analysis, Samantha is able to reverse the corruption by employing copious amounts of Divine aether. Yet the undoing of the corruption caused lingering memories stemming from Psionic Aether to escape. The party was able to witness what happened to the General. Da Vihd challenging him to a duel, fighting a protracted battle, and ultimately losing, only for Da Kaye and Teshi to interfere. Banding together to end the General's life. The General was defeated, and scarred with corruption. The last vision showed the General being dragged off by the owner of the Riverside Resort, Kai Shin.
The apparent lack of honor showcased by the Da Clan caused quite a stir in the ideology of justice for the Medians present. Does might truly make right? Is there no better way?
After more traveling, the party encountered a mirror-like mirage in the distance, reflecting their surroundings and selves back at them. After some poking and prodding the party stepped through the illusion. The party collided with a maintenance worker, named Fay. She didn't seem to mind tourists walking right on through, and the party went on to the city.
The Hidden City of Dongtu was far grander than one could imagine for a place this far out from the Empire. Though it seemed exactly because of its non-existent relation to the Empire, it was able to thrive. With the government organizing everything, there appears to be no need for currency in Dongtu.
While eating, Jill seemed to spot someone in familiar garb and called him over. Turning out to be her predecessor, Royal Guardian of Prince Aran, he disclosed the occurances of a few years back that saw him cut off from the Empire and the Prince, resulting in him retiring to Dongtu, far away from his former occupation.
After some talk, the party made their way to the Owl's Nest, where the Warhawks recognized Luanshi, and he finally remembered his own name: Miri Lu, child of Tori no Machi.
They were allowed inside to meet Caerean, the Owl Spirit. The conversation that followed was tense, as Caerean had already gone through one failed evacuation from a planet, having little hope for another attempt. And yet somehow, presented with new information and a fervent desire to do -something- about the matter, she changed her mind. She advised to take that which the Empire hoards, so that they may be able to evacuate everyone quickly. A clash that must happen if the people are to survive.

Report Date

15 May 2022