## [[Cub]]'s Memory Recovery The session opened with [[Cub]] in [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]]'s divine realm. The Mistress of Illusions offered him his final choice to recover his memories. Despite knowing [[Eshuall|Zotia]] might be angry, [[Cub]] confirmed he needed the truth about his forgotten guilt. Divine energy flooded into [[Cub]] as pressure built in his skull. Purple flames exploded from [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]]'s eyes, draperies whipped in invisible wind, and the star pattern beneath his feet shifted from white to black and red. The divine realm shattered like glass. [[Cub]] suddenly experienced a memory firsthand. He was younger with dark gray hair, wearing green and gold robes in a beautiful forest grove. Around him, a dozen druids tended saplings and chanted prayers to [[Eshuall|Zotia]]. A female elf named Naelis stood beside him—his mentor, friend, and chosen sister. This was home. The scene shifted to night. [[Cub]] stood before a massive ancient tree holding a crystalline seed glowing with soft white light. The druidic circle watched proudly. Naelis questioned whether they'd ever attempted a dream seed of this magnitude. His younger self smiled with arrogant confidence, believing the goddess had blessed him with this vision. The seed would heal the dark lands, spread dreams across Solare, and end the nightmare plague. He planted the seed at the tree's base, pouring his magic into it. For a moment it glowed brilliantly, then something went wrong. The white light flickered, a hairline crack appeared, and black ooze seeped out. The ancient tree's bark began to wither. [[Cub]]'s awareness split—he watched himself continue the ritual, too focused to see the corruption. But Naelis saw it and screamed for him to stop. Present-day [[Cub]] chose to continue the memory, needing to know the truth. [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]] warned this would require saving throws. **Wisdom Save: 25** - Success The seed erupted. Black and red tendrils exploded from the earth, wrapping around the ancient tree. The druids tried to run but the tendrils were faster. They wrapped around Naelis first as she reached for [[Cub]] in terror. His younger self tried every spell he knew, but the nightmare seed was too strong—his own magic twisted and corrupted. One by one, the druids fell, drained by the tendrils, their bodies becoming mulch for the nightmare tree. The ancient tree collapsed into rot. Twelve corpses. Naelis's hand turned to ash. A voice whispered about delicious despair and how [[Cub]]'s arrogance had fed them well. **Constitution Save: 18** - Success Darkness spiraled, but the memory wasn't finished. [[Cub]] sensed something hidden—possibly [[Eshuall|Zotia]] herself, a lock she had placed. In his mind he walked through pure darkness and saw a door with a lock, roots merging into it. He called out to [[Eshuall|Zotia]], asking for the key, promising he could handle the truth. **Wisdom Save: 20** - Success Burning pressure emanated from his head. **Constitution Save: 10** - Failure The pain intensified throughout his body. **Persuasion Check: 11** - Failure [[Cub]] took **64 psychic damage** as the pressure attacked his mind with a piercing white headache. The symbolic chains and roots around the doors remained locked. He could force through with another wisdom save at disadvantage, risking more damage. [[Cub]] wanted to give up but thought of his companions—even [[Tarnik]]'s scowl that would call him weak. [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]]'s voice warned that if something happened to his mind, there may be no coming back. **Wisdom Save with Disadvantage: 23** - Success The lock broke. Chains shattered. Doors opened to darkness. [[Cub]] stepped through. Fragments of his own voice echoed—screams of pain like torture. The first scream was from childhood—eyes watching him in the night. Something crawled through his mind, eating his memories. He saw himself in an alien room with creatures poking and prodding while he screamed. Then he saw memories of Duergar across generations, all experimented on, somehow pushed into his mind. He saw a skull with flaming pupils—a creature manipulating his mind. He was commanded to spread corruption involving elves, a viral plague that couldn't be stopped. He saw Duergar moving through root tunnels throughout Solare, saw a great tree in a forest, saw [[Lialandra (Continent)|Lialandra]] with a sleeping elven queen, saw himself and other Duergar releasing disease on the city. The scene changed to a large battle—ships with orc clan symbols invading [[Lialandra (Continent)|Lialandra]]. The disease made elves fall and die despite all divine magic. He saw himself being manipulated, saw the withered skull-like creature giving orders. The disease was inside him. He was one of those spreading it. Everything exploded. Fear and knowledge hit him directly. [[Cub]] woke in his room screaming from immense pain as memories flooded in. He'd been hypnotized and commanded to go to a great elder tree, but he'd forgotten. He made friends and thought himself good. The druids accepted him, not knowing the disease inside him. His dream seed was corrupted by the evil spreading from his mind, killing everyone in that druidic circle. He was a corruptor meant to spread disease throughout Solare. Other Duergar worked in secret, searching for the tree. ## [[Cub]]'s Breakdown [[Cub]] screamed and panicked, destroying his room at the [[The Naked Maiden's Tavern & The Naked Maidens Network|Naked Maidens Tavern]]. He threw everything around, punched walls and ground. Nothing made sense—why was he made to corrupt the world yet somehow his life turned around and now he was saving it? He huddled in a corner crying. He'd killed the druid grove that showed him peace. **Wisdom Save: 15** Unable to feel sane in the destroyed room, [[Cub]] grabbed a blanket and ran to the forest near the college where he'd partied, finding the lake. There he screamed and cried, letting all the recovered memories hit him while trying to regain his sanity. ## Morning - The Companions Gather The next morning, [[Grumthar]] woke with [[Ayshra]]'s tail wrapped around him. For the first time since he was young, he felt true comfort. [[Ayshra]] opened her eyes and smiled, curling closer. She traced a finger on his chest, asking how he slept after the strange sensation she'd felt. [[Grumthar]] said this was perhaps the most relaxed he'd been in a very long time. [[Ayshra]] was concerned for him, glad he finally had rest. She offered to remain all day if needed, mentioning [[Krynvia]] had told her to take very good care of him. [[Grumthar]] expressed gratitude and said he might call upon her services again as the clarity she brought might be welcome as their adventures continued. After [[Ayshra]] left, [[Grumthar]] went through his ritualistic morning routine, then went downstairs to wait for his team. Only a few succubi remained in the tavern, and one danced on stage as magical music played. [[Nyxalia]] approached and asked if [[Ayshra]] had been to his liking. [[Grumthar]] confirmed she'd satisfied all his needs. [[Grumthar]] made an unusual request: he asked if [[Nyxalia]] could help [[Ayshra]] find him a mate—someone suitable for his clan who would be willing. [[Nyxalia]] found this interesting and said she'd speak with [[Ayshra]] and their male incubus Bosara. She warned it would take time to seem real, then asked about [[Grumthar]]'s experience in these matters. [[Grumthar]] admitted he had little experience in relationships. He'd spent much time in war and battle. He'd had one female relationship but words were left unspoken—a mutual bond never expressed aloud. He suspected [[Ayshra]] might know him better than he knew himself at this point. Meanwhile, [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] came downstairs and sat at [[Grumthar]]'s table despite being disgusted by the dancing succubus. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] asked how [[Grumthar]]'s evening was and mentioned not looking forward to expected events—reminding [[Grumthar]] that two of their kind had tried to stab him yesterday. [[Grumthar]] raised an eyebrow and clarified he trusted [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] and hadn't felt betrayal, though being recognized as an ally of their enemy was disconcerting. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] looked around, then explained that truth is a weapon. When confronted with devils who recognized [[Serpari]], [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] played the part because that's what [[Serpari]] do. Their truth could be weaponized. If appearing to be the bad guy was necessary, that was just the weapon used in the moment. [[Grumthar]] leaned in tensely, looking [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] seriously in the eye. He warned that if he felt betrayed, he would not hesitate to destroy [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] completely. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]]'s claws cut into the table. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] explained that [[Grumthar]] was the first to open up and tell of where he came from and who he chose to be now. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] asked not to be judged by who they were, but by who they're trying to be. [[Grumthar]] said [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]]'s truth was what he saw on their shared path. He was willing to let the past be behind and judge [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] for what he saw walking beside him. But he couldn't speak for the others. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] walked in during this conversation, glaring at [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] before sitting at another table. ## Gathering the Team [[Tarnik]] and Narzag arrived from the Sad Dog Tavern. [[Tarnik]] had left his weapon with a blacksmith to be melted down and reforged as a scalpel—clean and sharp, not a jagged butchering tool. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] found [[Cub]] by the lake at dawn. He was swatting the water angrily with his staff, then staring at his reflection. When she approached, [[Cub]] simply said he remembered now. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] was confused. As they walked back, [[Cub]] stopped and told [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] not to bottle her feelings and emotions, as it wasn't good for her. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] was completely confused by this new personality and kept giving him side eyes. By the time they arrived at the Naked Maidens, [[Cub]] would have accepted [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]]'s blessing. He felt power originating from his inner core—more at ease, learned, knowledgeable. ## [[Tarnik]]'s Speech Everyone gathered at an outdoor table. Saraphina brought drinks. [[Tarnik]] stood and explained he'd had a visit from [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]], the Mistress of Illusions, a goddess who peeled away illusions and gave him renewed purpose. He addressed each companion: He told [[Grumthar]] that giving him leadership wasn't a test of [[Grumthar]], but of himself. He believed in [[Grumthar]] to do the right thing. [[Grumthar]] was more mature, had seen more of the world, which is why [[Tarnik]] chose him to lead. He told Narzag that though he may be strange from spending too much time alone, he now had a clan and didn't need to be alone with his bird anymore. He told [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] that as soon as [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] became a member of this clan, he had [[Tarnik]]'s trust. He shouldn't break that trust. [[Tarnik]] saw great things for [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]] with Clan Bazgoth. He told [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] she did more than most people would understand. Her ability to sneak into shadows and see what's happening without being seen was invaluable. He told [[Cub]] that he knew [[Cub]] had been struggling with the name "Chosen of [[Gonosh]]." Since that time, [[Tarnik]] learned they weren't chosen by [[Gonosh]] but by destiny. He wouldn't introduce them as the chosen of [[Gonosh]] anymore. He would introduce [[Cub]] as the heart of their clan. He turned back to [[Grumthar]], calling him a true orc—strong, dependable, loyal, a shining example of what an orc can be. He only fought with honor, fought for a cause, for his clan. [[Tarnik]] wanted [[Grumthar]] to continue leading this clan and being the shining example for all orcs. They were the vanguard, chosen by destiny. They must come together as equals with their gifts and abilities. [[Grumthar]] must be willing to learn and listen to be a true leader. [[Tarnik]] wouldn't challenge him for leadership but would keep him in check. [[Tarnik]] raised his breakfast ale, toasting Clan Bazgoth as a new beginning, new world, new life. He drained the ale. **Everyone gained 16 temporary hit points** from the inspiring speech. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] stood silent, pondering, then stepped into the tree's shadow, quiet, seeming to hold emotions in. ## [[Cub]]'s Revelation [[Cub]] raised his glass and joked that [[Tarnik]] was an idiot for taking all the good moments, but since the speech was so moving, he'd go ahead with what he needed to say. [[Cub]] revealed he'd recovered his memories. He was a slave under [[Anam]], one of his corruptors, helping plague the lands with disease. The things he saw were memories of working under [[Anam]]'s possession and control. But one mission led him to a druid circle in [[Eshuall|Zotia]]'s domain. He worked under them with no memory, became a druid, and his life was changed until the ceremony. [[Grumthar]] asked what [[Cub]] was now and if he'd walk with them, since they'd seen nothing of that person since traveling together. [[Cub]] explained that [[Eshuall|Zotia]] saved him. He put his hand on [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]]'s shoulder and said he was no longer a pawn of [[Anam]] corrupting the lands. He was himself, and himself was telling him to cleanse the world from [[Anam]]. [[Cub]] felt [[Eshuall|Zotia]]'s presence—warmth, ease, calmness. Her whispered voice explained that someone was in his mind and it was never his fault. He was simply used. At the last moment, she allowed the flood of memories. She was trying to protect him, make sure he was strong enough to understand. [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]] was right to push for it to happen now when fate aligned. This wasn't his fault—he was used. But now he was complete, knew who he was, and had chosen this path. [[Anam]]'s evil lingered in him, but she believed [[Cub]] was strong enough to eventually destroy it. If he chose to seek out the elder tree, she would know and guide him. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] returned, having found [[Cub]]. She was confused by his new personality and kept her distance. ## The Session Concludes [[Grumthar]] said they should share this information with [[Krynvia]] to see if she could add intelligence and give them better tactical advantage. [[Tarnik]] agreed they should also talk to [[The Talismanic Nine]]. The more information the better. [[Seraphina]] approached and mentioned [[Krynvia]] had information for them. She was in their underground chambers and had done very good at getting it. The party prepared to enter the Naked Maidens' underground chambers. Narzag chose to stay outside with his bird—he didn't like that place. [[Saszotah Sseth'kaar (Sasz)|Sasz]], despite being powerless every time entering the building, wanted all the information [[Krynvia]] had gathered and followed immediately. [[Volza Redhand|Volza]] looked at [[Cub]] and Narzag, commented she didn't have any companions out here and maybe should get a dog, then decided she'd have to go in. [[Cub]] thought to himself that this was nice and he felt complete now. He followed behind them. The session ended with the party descending to meet [[Krynvia]] and learn what she'd discovered from interrogating the devil. --- **End of Session 48** **Key Events Summary:** - [[Cub]] recovered his full memories through [[Veilra, Mistress of Illusions|Veilra]]'s power, discovering he was a Duergar corruptor used by [[Anam]] to spread disease - He learned he destroyed his own druid circle through a corrupted dream seed - [[Cub]] accepted this truth and committed to cleansing the world from [[Anam]]'s influence - [[Grumthar]] spent a comforting night with [[Ayshra]] and requested help finding a mate - [[Tarnik]] gave an inspiring speech establishing Clan Bazgoth's new identity - The party prepared to meet [[Krynvia]] for intelligence about the captured devil