A Question of Freedom - Aftermath

Thanks to everyone who took part in the finale of the Arcana Evolved campaign, A Question of Freedom. I had a great time running this game and a great group of players are at the heart of any successful role playing campaign. Below are notes on the fate of the Unity and several key NPCs, just for posterity.

I made a mistake... Evan was NOT killed with all the others, and was crowned king of New Axia at Taim's last command. His mark disappeared (burned away, along with his hand when he slew the Seeker). You now have a magical artificial hand, courtesy of Cadge and Zeke. The question is, do you want to accept the throne? Taira will not contest it, but she clearly has a vision for the combined nations of Verdune and Thartholan that is appealing. She makes it clear that she will not stand in your way, unless you start to screw things up, and she'll serve as your advisor (whether you want her to or not) to see that that doesn't happen. Your call, Mac.

The populace loves Evan, and he is the spritual soul of New Axia. Regardless of temporal responsibilities, many have come here seeking to follow Evan in the worship of the Trinity. Just as importantly, Lycette has no desire to leave her new home. Ever. Worship of Erixalimar almost immediately overtakes worship of the Trinity as the national religion, as soon as it is learned that their beloved king is now a part of the dragon god. The worship of the Trinity still thrives and grows, however, and nearly all citzens pay very sincere homage to both, along with the burgeoning worship of the returned Lords of Denatholan.

All of the Unity is viewed in much the way Rune Children were previously, only far more so. Your fame spreads far and wide.

Foxglove quickly acquires the title "Mother of the Gods", and the story of her, Barlowe, and Chiarra presiding over their "rebirth" runs rampant. The Tale of the Horn takes on legendary, mythic, and somewhat sexual overtones with an inexorable swiftness that is highly suspicious.

Unknown to most of the world, Dengyo's sacrifce to lift the Curse of the Verrik takes an almost Christ-like place in Verrik society, and many religions spring up among the formerly secular people based in personal sacrifice and service to society, with Dengyo at the heart of all of them.

Barlowe and Oceryn are accepted back into the service of the Queen, if they so choose. Barlowe as Sol-Cabre's protoge and eventual replacement. Oceryn as an ambassador to Pallembor for the Diamond Throne. Loc and Oceryn are much sought after as Taim's stalwart companions that rode with him into battle and into Nithogar's Teeth. The tale has already taken on a life of its own by the time you return from the dead, and both of you are seen as having been hurled back into the land of the living as Taim dragged Nithogar through the gates of hell, but only after a furious battle which could not have been won without you. True enough, but it sounds far more mythic than when you experienced it.

Shirra is asked to be the ambassador from New Axia to Pallembor, which is something of a relief as her feats of sorcerous talent during the battle have left her with a fearsome reputation in the city and with the dragons. Though She is credited with saving many lives by blunting the attack of the dragons, she is clearly feared as much as she's revered in new Axia. That last serves her much better in Pallembor.

Taira has asked (or advised Evan to ask) that Chiarra and Barlowe (if he does not return to the service of the Hu-Charad) take positions in Serathis with the newly formed Council of Serathis. The Council will be responsible for exploring the city and insuring no more threats emerge unlooked for from it's hidden depths. Chiarra's presence and leadership is also sought by the Elder's Council of the Faen, but I presume she tells them to get lost.

Loc's brother thrives as the Chief of Chiefs of the Western Litorans, and his Grandfather has ceased to bring up the issue of his intransigence. Loc finds himself somewhat at loose ends, and melancholy at his separation from Erixalimar and his paradise. This sorrow is eased greatly by Fa, who spend increasing amounts of time with him and always seems to remind him of those things he'd have been missing in paradise. An unlikely romance grows, seemingly with the aid of a city wide conspiracy, along with a rivalry with the son of the Gold Dragon magister which seems to stem from a desire for her attentions.

Caolle returns to New Axia to find his liege (Taim) dead. He has the Mantis with him (in more than one sense) and was clearly responsible for placing her where she could put an end to Warsong once he made an appearance. Despite his friendship and respect for Even, he (and Lycette) think its best that he take Talia far from New Axia. Their actions in slaying Warsong make it possible for the Queen to reveal his part in tampering with the Observance and to clear all the victims of worng doing, as well as revealing the reasons behind Caolle's actions and pardoning him. He and the Mantis take service with the Queen under Sol-Cabre.