Kingdom Divided "Bell Lands" (Sword Chronicle)

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.

The group arrives at the Jade Isles aboard Seraphina Drakefang's ship and takes a smaller vessel to the shore. As they approach, they notice the local fishermen working with nets, startled by the swells in the sea. Under El Rashi’s command, the crew begins to bury their rowboat inland, while the villagers eye them warily. The locals, hardened by life near the ocean, are cautious but hospitable, offering fresh fish despite their limited resources. The pierced emissary, Kaimana, explains that they believe the group’s arrival may be linked to their fate, driven by the tides and overseen by the mysterious figure known as the Trawler Man.Kaimana shares local myths, including the Saltblood origin story, where their people arose from the blood of gods and were nurtured by the Trawler Man. As the party interacts with the villagers, they notice divisions between those with facial piercings, who seem to hold a higher status, and the rest of the community. El Rashi and Deva accept the offered fish, while Siobhan navigates the complex social dynamics. Kaimana later directs them to a wrecked ship where they can seek shelter. Upon investigation, the crew uncovers military secrets in the ship’s log, revealing strategic ambush points used against rival nations.As Deva explores, she uncovers evidence of an ancient struggle between gods. A strange lichen, representing a minor god’s influence, threatens the local deities connected to the Estin people. Deva uses fire to purge the lichen, hearing its anguished cries as it burns. The group continues their journey, passing sacrificial sites where the villagers offer people to the Trawler Man as part of their spiritual customs. Kaimana explains that these sacrifices are made to maintain balance and protect the village from divine retribution.Eventually, the party reaches a sacred tree, where the lichen has been sapping the life from a "grandmother" figure for centuries. They realize the lichen is tied to the power of the Kanya, an ancient people who have been manipulating these forces. Deva performs a solemn ritual to release the grandmother’s spirit, setting the tree and lichen ablaze in an act of mercy. As the ashes rise, the group reflects on the cycle of life and death that binds the Jade Isles, feeling the weight of the old gods' presence and the island's uncertain future.

Siobhan requests a private meeting with Autumn Walsh, who arrives by palanquin to Windbreak to discuss recent developments surrounding Whitestar. Post-Saffron Wars, Imperial troops have encircled Bridgevale under the guise of being wounded, though their true purpose is monitoring Whitestar. Smaller clans are moving into Silveroak, and while Imperial forces haven’t occupied the Imperial Bank, they’ve set up customs checks.Autumn informs Siobhan that Ammon Henge left Ashmore over 25 days ago, after attending Orii’s funeral at Windbreak. Siobhan reveals that Ammon is being implicated in an assassination attempt on the King of Bells and Duchess of Pearstone. Siobhan fears Endi may have captured or killed him, and keeping Ammon alive might turn the Imperium against Silverridge.Regarding the successful transfer of Northerton, Autumn confirms that it was resolved within 60-90 days with minimal conflict. She also updates Siobhan on Timothy Whitestar, who is doing well and comforted by his nephew. People hope the nephew will abdicate in favor of an unborn heir from Siobhan’s lineage. To mislead potential enemies, Autumn suggests using a decoy departure by palanquin while Siobhan and her retinue leave by boat.Siobhan plans to send a message to her husband, warning him that their son, Tristian, is at risk of becoming a target due to Ammon’s actions. She suggests bringing Tristian along to the Jade Isles to keep him safe. Autumn estimates it will take a month to get Tristian out of Whitestar, and he can be smuggled via ship from Northernton.The pirates aiding the group, led by Al Rashi, negotiate terms—if they assist in taking the Jade Isles, they want safe harbor for pirating. Litila agrees to the compromise to complete the mission. The group secures two ships: Trident’s Wrath and Raven's Spear (Al Rashi's ship). They avoid flying Silverridge’s banner, using pirate ships instead.Before departure, a strange cosmic event occurs—a global boom, the sky turning red, and early nightfall without stars. The sailors navigate using glowing leyline creatures. El Rashi speculates this could be a gateway opening to another planet. Some view the event as a positive omen.As they sail on day four, El Rashi spots three approaching enemy ships. Leon Blackwood, an arch-nemesis, commands the fleet. Imperial troops launch an aggressive attack. Despite the assault, the party holds strong, with Deva’s archers wounding sailors on the Blood Wave.Peter connects to an avatar of an ancient god in the form of a massive whale, which attacks the enemy ships. The battle intensifies as Leon Blackwood boards their ship, critically injuring El Rashi, though the party strikes back. The whale flips the enemy ship, and Leon is dragged into the depths by the whale.As the battle concludes, reinforcements arrive in the form of Seraphina Drakefang’s fleet, led by a woman captain. They rescue the group and secure the enemy ship. After the battle, the party recovers and continues their journey to the Jade Isles.

In Game #92, the adventuring party faces escalating political tensions and dangers as they navigate a web of deceit, betrayal, and impending conflict. The session begins with the group taking paid boats to their next destination, leaving behind Sovereign, Layla, and Julien for various personal and protective reasons. Upon arrival at the docks, they spot Lady Sassy Hands (Jessica Vander Hoven) alongside an older man directing people, signaling the presence of familiar but potentially hostile forces. Caden also notices Philip Montague, squire to Leon Blackwood, suspiciously leaving with a large trunk, raising further concerns.The group is soon approached by a nervous member of the Imperial Guard, who recognizes them as nobles but fails to identify Siobhan as the Duchess of Whitestar. Despite this, the guard escorts them to Mistwick Castle, where they are housed in "middle-class" accommodations. As they settle in, they encounter a servant girl who is confused by Audry's introduction of the group as “and party.” Siobhan attempts to bluff her identity as "Haley," Caden's cousin, which initially falters but is saved through sheer force of will, convincing the servant she is actually "Masey Freehold."With two hours to spare before a formal dinner, the group thoroughly searches their rooms for secret passages or listening devices, finding none. They decide to keep a low profile, taking baths and preparing for the evening's events. The dinner is hosted by Duchess Olivia Pearstone and includes several notable figures such as Endilusias, Olivia's cousin Grace, and her husband Peter Upperton. The mood quickly shifts when El Rashi, a chained guest, loudly addresses Siobhan as "Princess," drawing unwanted attention. Endilusias, who has been keeping tabs on the group, quickly rearranges the seating to include them, hinting at his awareness of their movements, including Caden's adventures.The dinner conversation becomes a battleground of wits and subtle threats. Endilusias questions the group's associations, including their potential ties to the Maw and Siobhan's dual heritage, subtly undermining her status. The situation escalates as Endilusias and Peter exchange increasingly hostile barbs, culminating in a heated argument that touches on Siobhan's family history, Peter's lineage, and even El Rashi's origins.Just as tensions reach a peak, a sudden attack disrupts the gathering. A firebomb, thrown by a figure resembling Ammon Henge, ignites the table, severely injuring Olivia Pearstone and Peter Upperton. The party quickly intervenes, managing to put out the flames, but Peter suffers life-threatening injuries. Amid the chaos, a guard claims the attacker was Ammon Henge, but Peter, through agonized breaths, insists it was a disguise, likely worn by Philippe Montague. Realizing the attack was a setup to implicate Whitestar, the party makes a hasty retreat as the crowd's mood turns from confusion to accusation.El Rashi suggests they escape by boat, and Deva Vasic prepares her cadre of soldiers for a potential battle. As they arm themselves with hidden weapons, they make their way to the docks, where they are confronted by a group of Imperial knights. Peter manages to deceive the knights, claiming that Endilusias ordered him to escort the ladies to safety. Deva’s soldiers commandeer a boat, engaging in a brief skirmish with the Imperial troops before the party escapes. As they sail away, they witness an explosion—likely the destruction of the Tested headquarters—caused by Leanden gunpowder. The flames from Pearstone rise ominously as they make their way up the river towards Butterhall and Green Marble, reflecting on the grim turn of events.During the journey, Peter identifies the attacker as Philippe Montague, confirming their suspicions. Siobhan is deeply troubled, realizing that Endilusias orchestrated the attack to spark a war, using Whitestar as the scapegoat. She reflects on the gravity of the situation, lamenting that all her efforts to maintain peace have been undone by this calculated move. It becomes clear that Endilusias' plan was to eliminate Olivia Pearstone and install Jessica Vander Hoven as a puppet ruler, but Siobhan’s unexpected presence disrupted his scheme, forcing him to adapt and escalate the conflict.The ship eventually ports at Windbreak, where El Rashi recognizes some familiar faces among the dockworkers—fellow pirates from his past. Siobhan inquires about the current residents, learning that most of the women and young people have been sent to the Saffron Isles for safety, leaving Hans, Conner, and Kincaid in charge. Wanda remains the captain of the guard. Siobhan, maintaining her role as the Duchess of Whitestar, requests an audience with her uncle, securing safe passage for Deva and El Rashi.In the great hall of Windbreak, the group meets with Conner and his associates, recounting their recent harrowing adventures. Conner reveals a memorial to Orii, adding a somber note to the gathering. Siobhan withholds details of the assassination attempt during dinner due to the presence of a member of the Tested, but once the guests depart, she confides in Conner about the events at Mistwick. Conner, recognizing the speed and ruthlessness of Endilusias, discusses possible next moves. He suggests allying with Sofia Rameriz on the shores of the Saffron Isles to secure nautical support for taking the Jade Isles on behalf of the Almerin.Conner also reveals his plan to lead mercenary troops to Iceholm to launch raids on Imperial forces around Whitestar, under the guise of visiting his son on the Saffron Isles. He discloses a secret method to destabilize Covengguard’s security, hinting that the Blood Prince might not be Tidus' legitimate son—information acquired by Rory from the Odd Fellows. The session ends with Conner asking who will protect the Silverridge honor now that Orii is gone. Siobhan suggests Carrick, but Conner insists it must be them who take up the mantle.As the evening closes, Conner shares his intention to check on Peter's mother to ensure her safety before any fighting begins. He also expresses a desire to target the Griffins of the Rivers during his raids. Siobhan, still reeling from the night’s events, explains that Casimir returned to Penelope after an incident at the House of Fire. The session concludes with the group planning their next moves: Siobhan intends to speak with Autumn Walsh, Caden will commune with the star gods for guidance and weapons, El Rashi will deal with the pirates, and Deva will coordinate with her troops regarding the pirate threat. The game leaves the party on the brink of further perilous adventures, with the fate of Whitestar and their honor hanging in the balance.

The group returns to Crystal Wood, a city in celebration after defeating a kaiju. With reduced security, they find themselves less scrutinized. Julien, a central figure, reveals during lunch his plan to oppose Endalusias due to his corrupt actions and seeks allies among other Peacekeepers. He warns of the additional danger this brings and reassures his commitment to the cause. Julien plans to strategically stall the prosecution of Mercy, believing her forces essential in the fight against Endalusias.Lyla and Siobhan raise concerns about the risks and complexities of Julien's plan, including the need for more Peacekeeper support and the potential for political fallout. Julien remains confident in gaining enough Peacekeepers' backing to challenge Endalusias effectively.The discussion shifts to the political situation involving the Almerin and their debts, suggesting the Jade Isles as a strategic target. They contemplate various tactics, including assassination, naval blockades, or feigned invasions, to secure the Isles. The group debates the feasibility of these plans and the implications of Mercy's involvement.Peter's espionage uncovers Mercy's covert operations, complicating their strategy. Despite Julien's suggestion to delay Mercy, it becomes clear she has her own agenda. The session concludes with the group planning their expedition to the Jade Isles, considering the intricate web of alliances and enmities they must navigate.