Chapter 4: Voyage of the Ultros
“The merchants of Mytros and Aresia often make the trip across the Cerulean Gulf, dangerous though it may be. But to sail into the Forgotten Sea for any reason is to go willingly into the jaws of death.”
— Telorian, dockmaster of Mytros
Now that the heroes have recovered the Ultros, they must spend some time preparing for their journey. This time may be spent in any of the following ways:
- Resting at one of the city's inns.
- Seeking the services of the temples.
- Purchasing provisions and sacrificial animals.
- Purchasing wine for the ship's consecration.
The Embarkation
As soon as the heroes arrive back in Mytros, Kyrah will urge them to set sail as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and King Acastus may be plotting against the party. He hates that the party's fame is beginning to eclipse his own, and he wants them gone as soon as possible. It would be wise to move on quickly.
The King and Queen
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Word of your imminent departure has spread quickly: the provisioning of your legendary ship did not go unnoticed. A sizable crowd of onlookers has gathered to see you off, and two figures of note have also come to speak with you: the king and queen of the city.
King Acastus is mounted on the back of his silver dragon, watching you with narrowed eyes. "I wish you well on your journey. Take care that you do not invite new troubles upon my city."With that, the king spurs his dragon and flies away toward the palace.
Queen Vallus arrives in her chariot. She climbs down and glides toward you with divine poise, while her attendants run before her, laying several baskets at your feet. "Heroes of the Prophecy, I bring you gifts from the people of Mytros. And I have come to give you my blessing. But I must speak with you privately before you embark."
Gifts from Citizens
Vallus has brought many gifts from the people of Mytros. These include four goats and two white cows from some of Mytros's most respected farmers; a quiver of ten @UUID[Item.zzTfa98X2HHHusoO]{+1 arrows} from the city's centurions; and six @UUID[Item.CiZBbo5EAjO7IxPK]{potions of healing}, four @UUID[Item.qekU0Di1vko83dcV]{potions of climbing}, and four @UUID[Item.QRBuEctLzK4zcZfL]{potions of resistance} from the Academy.
The Antikythera
The greatest gift that Vallus gives to the heroes is the @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera}. This is a legendary magical device that will allow the heroes to navigate through the islands of the Cerulean Gulf and the Forgotten Sea.
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The Goddess of Wisdom hands you a strange device.
"As you know, the Cerulean Gulf and the Forgotten Sea are vast and harbor many dangers. Some of your destinations may even vanish and shift by the workings of capricious primal powers. The Antikythera is a cunning device. It utilizes both magic and mechanical ingenuity to chart a safe path across the oceans."
"Every island is attuned with a particular constellation in the night sky. By selecting a constellation on the device, you may chart a course to its associated island."
"Unfortunately, it seems that someone has stolen a gear from the device. Until the gear is replaced, you will not be able to navigate into the Forgotten Sea."
"I suspect that the Order of Sydon is responsible for this theft—in which case, Gaius almost certainly has the piece. He departed yesterday for the Order's headquarters on the island of Yonder."
Epic Paths: The Wisdom of Vallus
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Vallus has special advice to offer both the Gifted One and the Lost One before they set sail in the Ultros. Refer to the @UUID[JournalEntry.md72jqAz7B6wF4Hh.JournalEntryPage.0000000000000003#running-the-epic-paths]{Running the Epic Paths} section for details.
The Antikythera
Legendary Crew
Vallus tells the heroes that she sent out a call for those who would be willing to travel on the Ultros, and many have responded. She introduces them to the heroes:
Kyrah, Goddess of Music
Kyrah expresses her desire to continue traveling with the heroes, in order to record their epic journey for posterity. She will be gently amused if the heroes hadn't realized her identity before this point.
Pythor, God of Battle
Pythor has abdicated his throne in Estoria and handed power to his daughter Anora, so that he can join the heroes on their voyage. Despite his desire to help them in their quest, he has been drinking non-stop and is quite obviously hung over.
Versi, the Oracle
Versi has decided to defy her father and help the heroes on their quest. She has witnessed dark futures in her visions, and she will do anything to prevent these coming true. She also wishes to continue doting on her beautiful pet mortals—her 'Chosen Ones.'
Epic Paths: Versi's Vision
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Versi is particularly possessive of the Vanished One and cannot bear the thought of being parted from them. She has also had a vision concerning the location of a @UUID[Item.YD6FaLDVbUfHa35k]{dragon egg} that the Vanished One might claim. Refer to the @UUID[JournalEntry.md72jqAz7B6wF4Hh.JournalEntryPage.0000000000000003#running-the-epic-paths]{Running the Epic Paths} section for details.
Loreus, the Satyr
Loreus will step forward if the heroes previously met him at the @UUID[JournalEntry.md72jqAz7B6wF4Hh.JournalEntryPage.0000000000000005#the-mossy-temple]{Mossy Temple}. He has been following the heroes' exploits and wants to be a part of their quest. He will present one hero (the one that he loves) with a garland of white flowers, and pledge himself to him or her with an @reward[oath of protection|ArcanumWorldsOdysseyoftheDragonlords].
The Ghost of Estor
The ghost of Estor Arkelander still haunts the ship at night. Once the journey is underway, he may appear from time to time to offer bitter advice to the heroes.
Epic Paths: Estor's Bargain
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If the Lost One is aboard the ship, Estor will eventually reveal the location of the lost treasure of the Dragonlords. Refer to the @UUID[JournalEntry.md72jqAz7B6wF4Hh.JournalEntryPage.0000000000000003#running-the-epic-paths]{Running the Epic Paths} section for details.
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“When you cross the oceans with an army, surrounded on all sides by death, with no end to your journey in sight, you soon learn the value of loyalty.”
— Rizon Phobas, Dragonlord (63 CE)
100 intrepid sailors
One hundred brave Mytrosians and Estorians (CG @creature[Pirate|MM|pirates]), fiercely loyal men and women, have volunteered to join the heroes. They may not be demi-gods, or even great warriors—but they are honest and true. Fifty of them at least will be needed to row the ship.
Additional Crew
The heroes may have befriended the minotaur, Bullbug, or made a deal with Moxena, the Lady of Coins. If so, then they will be ready to join as crew members.
Roleplaying the Crew
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The NPC crew of the Ultros are not additional party members. They generally remain on the ship. Between islands, the NPCs provide roleplaying opportunities and information. They can teach about the history of Thylea, or describe the constellations associated with each island.
For certain adventures, it might make sense to have an NPC tag along. For example, Moxena wishes to accompany the heroes on to the island of Themis. If the heroes are wiped out in a combat encounter, several NPCs might band together and rescue them.
The Dragon Egg
Before the heroes set sail Vallus speaks privately with Kyrah, her sister. She gives Kyrah a locked bronze casket, carved with protective magical runes.
The contents of this casket should remain secret until Kyrah decides the heroes need to be told. It contains a single @UUID[Item.YD6FaLDVbUfHa35k]{dragon egg}—the last of the eggs that Sydon gave to Acastus. Vallus has entrusted this last dragon egg to her sister, hoping to keep it out of the hands of any who would use the egg for evil purposes.
Time is Running Out
Finally, Vallus warns the heroes that the Oath of Peace is truly coming to an end. The five-hundred year-old oath will remain in effect for another sixty days, but no longer. After that, the Titans will be free to wage war upon the mortals of Thylea once more. It's impossible to say what will happen after that, so the heroes must make haste:
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"You have but two short months before the Oath of Peace comes to an end: sixty days to confront Sydon in his tower at Praxys, and Lutheria on her throne in the Nether Sea. If you cannot renew the Oath of Peace in that time, then I fear to think of what will befall this city. The armies of the Titans will slaughter the people of Mytros and soak the land in blood."
"The Titans are weaker now than they were in the First War. You would be wise to gather what power you can on your journey. With the right weapons and knowledge, perhaps you could even challenge the Titans directly, and destroy them for good."
You will need to keep track of how much time passes during the voyage of the Ultros. Traveling between islands usually takes 3 days, and the players may spend any number of days on each island.
When the 60 days have passed, the Oath of Peace will end, and the Titans will make their move. At that point, refer to the @UUID[JournalEntry.md72jqAz7B6wF4Hh.JournalEntryPage.0000000000000012]{Battle of Mytros} chapter to determine what happens next.
Departing Mytros
Once the heroes have finished making their preparations, they can board the ship and set sail into the Cerulean Gulf.
The First Constellation
From the mainland, the @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera} can be used to navigate to any of the islands in the Cerulean Gulf. The heroes should choose one of the first 9 constellations and calibrate the @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera} for their destination.
It's not immediately clear which constellations lead to which islands, so it may require the heroes to guess. However, there are a few well-known islands that the sailors are familiar with and can identify the constellation that is associated with it. Some player backgrounds are also familiar with certain islands and should be able to identify the constellation that is associated with that island. Refer to the @UUID[RollTable.CDv9REb55AOH6hzx]{Table of Constellations} for details.
Islands of Thylea
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- Yonder
- Fire Island
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#the-golden-heart]{The Golden Heart}
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-chimera]{Island of the Chimera}
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-fates]{Island of the Fates}
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-exiles]{Island of the Exiles}
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#scorpion-island]{Scorpion Island}
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#indigo-island]{Indigo Island}
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-themis]{Themis}
- @UUID[.0000000000000008#titans-folly]{Titan's Folly}
- @UUID[.0000000000000009#island-of-the-dragon]{Island of the Dragon}
- @UUID[.0000000000000009#aerie-of-the-roc]{Aerie of the Roc}
- @UUID[.0000000000000009#typhon,-the-maw]{Typhon}
- @UUID[.0000000000000009#the-garden-of-helios]{Garden of Helios}
- @UUID[.0000000000000009#island-of-time]{Island of Time}
- @UUID[.0000000000000009#praxys,-tower-of-sydon]{Tower of Praxys}
- Charybdis
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As you raise the sail of the Ultros and begin to leave the harbor of Mytros, you are saluted by a roar of excited cheers from the gathered crowd. From the docks, admirers attempt to throw flowers and small trinkets onto the deck of your ship, all tokens of good luck. As you sail past the Colossus of Pythor and onward towards the horizon, a gentle breeze carries the sound of music from the city as songs of great deeds are sung and heartfelt prayers for the Heroes of the Prophecy are chanted. Your voyage has begun.
The Letter from Estoria
Aesop, the keeper of the Dragon Shrine (@UUID[.0000000000000005#e7.-the-dragon-shrine]{area E7}), has sent a siren messenger from Estoria. Within the first week of the party's departure, a siren lands on the deck of the Ultros and delivers a letter which reads:
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Hail to the Oracle's Chosen Ones!
As the keeper of the Dragon Shrine, I have a favor to ask of you. Many believe that all the dragons of Balmytria's brood were killed alongside her in the First War, five hundred years ago. However, my research indicates that the other four dragons may have been captured by the Titans. If this is true, then they must be found and rescued.
I beg you to be watchful on your journey. As the Oracle's chosen few, I believe that these dragons would serve you, so long as you hold to the ideals of their former masters. May the Fates guide you,
—Aesop, Keeper of the Dragon Shrine
Navigating the Oceans
The Cerulean Gulf and the Forgotten Sea are the domains of Sydon, Lord of Storms. He churns the oceans with his magic, making the waters treacherous for mortal sailors. Magical means are required to navigate these vast bodies of water.
Powerful ocean currents prevent ships from approaching the islands without knowing their exact whereabouts. This is why most merchant ships remain close to the coast. The only way to successfully navigate the oceans is to use the magical compass that Vallus gave to the party: the @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera}.
The Antikythera
This enchanted machine is a complex construct that serves as a magical compass. It attunes itself to the constellations in the night sky in order to provide accurate directions to the islands scattered around Thylea.
Choosing Destinations.
The @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera} must be used on dry land to determine a destination, as the constant movement of the ocean makes it impossible to calibrate the device properly. Every island is associated with a specific constellation. When the Antikythera is calibrated to the proper constellation, it will show the precise path that can be used to reach the island associated with that constellation.
Missing Gearwheel
There is a gear missing from the Antikythera that can be found in the Great Library (Y17) on the Island of Yonder. When this gear has been returned to the device, the islands in the Forgotten Sea will become available.
Travel Times and Encounters
The winds and waters of Thylea are strange and unpredictable. Once the party chooses a destination with the @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera}, it takes 3 days of sailing to get there. The standard travel time between any two islands is always 3 days, no matter how close they appear on the map. Returning to the mainland also requires 3 days.
Faster Travel
Travel times can be shortened by one day through by using a @UUID[Item.ouELOSxkyCDRMHrw]{control weather} spell, or by sacrificing 100 gp worth of livestock to Sydon to ensure strong, favorable winds. @UUID[Item.V015OPpBQs1Rw3Uh]{Gust of wind} can also be used for this purpose, but the caster must maintain the spell for an entire day and this causes one level of &Reference[condition=exhaustion]. Travel times cannot be reduced to less than 2 days.
Fifty Oarsmen
The Ultros requires at least fifty oarsmen to move at its normal pace. If the crew roster of the ship falls below fifty oarsmen, then the travel time between landmasses is increased by one day.
Sea Encounters
Each time the party sets sail for a new island, roll on the table of @table[Table of Random Sea Encounters|ArcanumWorldsOdysseyoftheDragonlords|random sea encounters] in the @UUID[JournalEntry.md72jqAz7B6wF4Hh.JournalEntryPage.0000000000000021]{Encounters} appendix. Once an encounter has been resolved, the heroes should have smooth sailing until they arrive at the next island. Sea encounters should not be repeated.
Commanding the Ultros
You should give your players printed maps of the upper and lower decks of the Ultros for reference.
Ultros Statistics
The Ultros has the following statistics.
| Loading @item[The Ultros|ArcanumWorldsOdysseyoftheDragonlords]... |
Equipment: Four Ballistae
The ship features two ballistae on its fore and two on its aft. Firing a ballita requires three actions; one action to load, one action to aim, and one action to fire.
Since the ballistae are operated by three crew members, they can be fired once per turn. If the ship is being attacked by something truly terrifying, the ballista may require one of the heroes to be amongst the crew in order to keep the other sailors from fleeing.
Ballistae
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Ballista Bolt.
Ranged Weapon Attack: [[/r 1d20+6]]{+6} to hit ([[/r 1d20+7]]{+7} if one of the heroes is manning the ballista), range 120/480 ft., one target. Hit: 16 ([[/damage 3d10 type=piercing]]) damage.
Equipment: Two Rowboats
These have the following statistics:
| Loading @item[Rowboat (Ultros)|ArcanumWorldsOdysseyoftheDragonlords]... |
The Constellations
There are seventeen major constellations that are visible on most clear nights in Thylea. Each of these constellations serves as a guide to one of the islands in the Cerulean Gulf and the Forgotten Sea.
Stories of the Stars
Every island has narration text that describes its associated constellation. Whenever the heroes choose one of the constellations with the @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera}, Kyrah delivers the appropriate narration. If Kyrah is not present, then the narration should come from another character who is familiar with Thylean lore.
Gears of the Antikythera
Each of the constellations has an associated numeral on the @UUID[Item.yu2yBFrBwvmUEEgr]{Antikythera}. To navigate using a constellation, one of the heroes must calibrate the device and align its gears to the appropriate numeral.
Table of Constellations
Use the table on the following page to determine which constellations are associated with each island.
0. Constellation of the Bear
This constellation leads to the mainland of Thylea. On clear nights it is always visible.
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"See the Great Bear? She is always there in the sky, hunting to feed her cubs. Unlike the other stars, she never touches the ocean."
"At the dawn of time, the Titans created many birds and beasts to live in the lands of Thylea but all the waters of the oceans remained empty. Only the Great Bear swam in the rivers and lakes. The Mother Goddess came to her and said, 'Great Bear, you are the wisest of the land-walkers, so I will grant you a boon. I will fill the oceans with creatures, strange and colorful, and you will have dominion over them. Would this please you?'"
"The Great Bear was quiet for some time until the Goddess prompted her to speak. Finally, the Bear said, 'Mother Goddess, I am humbled by your generosity. The creatures you speak of sound marvelous, but I love the lands and rivers and lakes too much to leave them for the seas.'"
"The Mother Goddess understood. She smiled, and with a wave of her hands, all the rivers and lakes of Thylea were filled with glittering fish, so that the Great Bear would never want for food. To this day, she loves to swim the rivers, catching fish. But she has never touched the ocean."
| Chosen Destination | Requires Constellation of... | Region | Requires missing gear? | Island is familiar to... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland | @UUID[.0000000000000007#0.-constellation-of-the-bear]{0. The Bear} | — | — | — |
| Island of Yonder | @UUID[.0000000000000007#i.-constellation-of-the-gygan]{I. The Gygan} | Cerulean Gulf | No | — |
| Fire Island | @UUID[.0000000000000007#ii.-constellation-of-the-prisoner]{II. The Prisoner} | Cerulean Gulf | No | Sailors |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#the-golden-heart]{The Golden Heart} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#iii.-constellation-of-the-heart]{III. The Heart} | Cerulean Gulf | No | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-chimera]{Island of the Chimera} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#iv.-constellation-of-the-trickster]{IV. The Trickster} | Cerulean Gulf | No | Sailors |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-fates]{Island of the Fates} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#v.-constellation-of-the-bard]{V. The Bard} | Cerulean Gulf | No | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-exiles]{Island of the Exiles} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#vi.-constellation-of-the-warrior]{VI. The Warrior} | Cerulean Gulf | No | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#scorpion-island]{Scorpion Island} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#vii.-constellation-of-the-centaur]{VII. The Centaur} | Cerulean Gulf | No | Monk class |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#indigo-island]{Indigo Island} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#viii.-constellation-of-the-queen]{VIII. The Queen} | Cerulean Gulf | No | Barbarian class |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-themis]{Themis} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#ix.-constellation-of-the-twins]{IX. The Twins} | Cerulean Gulf | No | Barbarian class, Moxena |
| @UUID[.0000000000000008#titans-folly]{Titan's Folly} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#x.-constellation-of-the-ant]{X. The Ant} | Cerulean Gulf | No | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000009#island-of-the-dragon]{Island of the Dragon} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#xi.-constellation-of-the-dragon]{XI. The Dragon} | Forgotten Sea | Yes | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000009#aerie-of-the-roc]{Aerie of the Roc} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#xii.-constellation-of-the-nymph]{XII. The Nymph} | Forgotten Sea | Yes | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000009#typhon,-the-maw]{Typhon} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#xiii.-constellation-of-the-spear]{XIII. The Spear} | Forgotten Sea | Yes | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000009#the-garden-of-helios]{Garden of Helios} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#xiv.-constellation-of-the-chariot]{XIV. The Chariot} | Forgotten Sea | Yes | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000009#island-of-time]{Island of Time} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#xv.-constellation-of-the-blacksmith]{XV. The Blacksmith} | Forgotten Sea | Yes | — |
| @UUID[.0000000000000009#praxys,-tower-of-sydon]{Tower of Praxys} | @UUID[.0000000000000007#xvi.-constellation-of-the-titan]{XVI. The Titan} | Forgotten Sea | Yes | — |
| Charybdis | @UUID[.0000000000000007#xvii.-constellation-of-the-dreamer]{XVII. The Dreamer} | Forgotten Sea | Yes | — |
I. Constellation of The Gygan
This constellation leads to the Island of Yonder in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"In the stars to the east you can see the figure of a six-armed, one-eyed giant: the Gygan."
"When the Dragonlords first arrived, there was much strife between the newcomers and the native races of Thylea. Blood was spilled, but none reveled in the slaughter of warfare as much as Estor Arkelander, who was the general of the Dragonlord armies. In one brutal battle, he wiped out every gygan warrior to the last."
"After the massacre, the children of the gygans prayed to Sydon and Lutheria for protection. Moved by their plight, the great Titans rallied the centaurs, the nymphs, all the native races. They attacked the settlements of the Dragonlords across the islands in retaliation for Estor Arkelander's crimes. The First War had begun."
II. Constellation of The Prisoner
This constellation leads to Fire Island, in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"Chalcia, the Goddess of Swiftness, was the only god to escape when her siblings, Sydon and Lutheria, decided to destroy their brothers and sisters. She escaped to an island of fire, pursued by Sydon's storm of wrath. She hid deep in the island and waited for the storm to abate. You can see her cowering in those seven bright stars."
"But Sydon and Lutheria did not leave. Instead, the Twins reached deep into the roots of the island, shifting rock and stone to trap their sister in a tiny chamber at the island's fiery heart. Look! You can see the red star beneath Chalcia. It represents the everlasting torment she suffers, trapped at the island's center."
III. Constellation of The Heart
This constellation leads to @UUID[.0000000000000008#the-golden-heart]{The Golden Heart} in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"The brightest star in the night sky is called the Golden Heart. You can see it high above us on any clear night. It represents the tree that sprang up when Thylea, the Great Mother, sacrificed herself to create our land. If you look closely, you can see a cluster of fainter stars scattered around the Golden Heart; these represent all the islands that sprung up from her roots."
"And if you look slightly to the west, you'll notice a single red star watching over the Golden Heart and the islands: Kentimane, Thylea's husband, who honors his vow to protect his lover with an endless vigil."
IV. Constellation of The Trickster
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-chimera]{Island of the Chimera} in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"See those stars that are shaped like a flower? That's the constellation of the Trickster. There once was a nobleman who took great pride in the vast rose gardens that bloomed on his estate. Eventually, these roses attracted the attention of the great trickster goddess, whose name has been forgotten."
"The goddess admired the nobleman's beautiful flowers, but she mocked his boasts: it was his servants who deserved the credit, for they tended his gardens. So the nobleman made the goddess a wager—if he could grow a field of red roses without the aid of his servants, then she must agree to marry him."
"She agreed, and for a year the nobleman tended a plot in his garden with his own two hands: planting the seeds, cultivating the soil, watering and weeding every day. It was humbling, back-breaking work for the vain nobleman, but the seeds eventually took root and grew. But when the bushes finally flowered, the petals were not red, but white—the goddess had switched the seeds to teach the braggart a lesson!"
V. Constellation of The Bard
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-fates]{Island of the Fates} in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"During the First War, Pellenia, a famous bard, was captured by Lutheria, the Goddess of Dreams and Death. Terrified as to her fate, Pellenia sang songs of dark humor that made light of the First War's atrocities, won Lutheria over, and so won her freedom."
"But as she departed, Pellenia grew overbold and tried to steal Lutheria's treasures. She was captured again and taken to the Island of Oathbreakers. There, Lutheria made her an offer: if Pellenia could make her laugh with one last song, then all would be forgiven. Before Pellenia could take up her lute, Lutheria reached out with her claws and ripped out the bard's tongue, forever silencing her beautiful voice."
"The five stars in the constellation of the Bard remind us of Pellenia's tale. The two brightest are the singer herself; the next two symbolize her lute; the small, flickering star between them all is her severed tongue."
VI. Constellation of The Warrior
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-the-exiles]{Island of the Exiles} in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"You see that cluster of stars to the south? That's the Warrior, which the people of Mytros call 'Pythor, the God of Conquest.' In this case, his conquests came in the bedroom rather than the battlefield. One night, he is said to have entertained five beautiful sisters, one after the other—and then all of them at once!"
"Tales of this legendary deed reached the ears of the green dragon Hexia, a former lover that Pythor had abandoned. Fueled by her jealousy, Hexia captured the sisters, turned them to stone, and placed the statues on her island as a warning of what would happen to any of Pythor's future conquests."
"Each of the stars is one of the sisters, a reminder of Hexia's jealousy. Even so, Pythor still seeks out new romantic conquests. Perhaps he seeks to add new stars to his constellation."
VII. Constellation of The Centaur
This constellation leads to @UUID[.0000000000000008#scorpion-island]{Scorpion Island} in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"These two groups of stars are sometimes called the Centaur and the Scorpion, after a very old tale."
"A centaur came across a scorpion stuck in a puddle of mud. The scorpion begged for help, but the centaur was afraid of getting stung, and so he trotted away and left her to die."
"A gust of wind blew a branch into the puddle, and the scorpion was able to scramble along it and escape. She then followed the centaur's hoof prints, seeking revenge on the selfish beast that had refused to help her. She found the centaur sleeping in a shady glen and stung him in the throat."
"As the lethal venom coursed through his veins, the centaur thrashed about until one of his hooves landed on the scorpion, crushing her. 'If you hadn't sought revenge, we'd both be alive!' the centaur lamented with his dying breath. 'If you had helped me, I wouldn't have sought revenge!' the scorpion replied."
VIII. Constellation of The Queen
This constellation leads to @UUID[.0000000000000008#indigo-island]{Indigo Island} in the Cerulean Gulf.
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"That circle of stars? It's the constellation of the Queen, Mytros, the Goddess of Dawn. Some say those stars form a crown, signifying her status as Queen of the Five Gods. Others believe the stars represent the walls of a fortress, or the outline of a shield, for Mytros protects us from the ravages of the Titans."
"It was said she first appeared to the original settlers in their hour of need as a pale woman with kind eyes and silver hair. Soft-spoken, kind-hearted, she fought valiantly to protect them during the founding of the great city that proudly bears her name. She heralded the dawn of civilization on these shores, and that is why she is the Goddess of Dawn."
"But it has been many centuries since anyone other than her priests have seen her. Though she is silent, she has not abandoned us. She watches over us still, and that is what the stars truly signify: not a crown, or a shield, but the eternal vigil of the silent goddess."
IX. Constellation of The Twins
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000008#island-of-themis]{Themis} in the Cerulean Gulf.
p134
"The two stars directly above us are the Twins, named for Sydon and Lutheria. One day, the Great Tree (from which all Thylea was born) blossomed with seven shimmering fruits. Seeing this luscious bounty, Kentimane reached from the ocean and devoured the fruit, casting the spike-covered pits aside."
"The pits floated on the water, taunting Kentimane. In his anger, he smashed them to the bottom of the sea, pricking his hands on the thorns and leaving a wash of blood in the waves. The next morning the seven pits floated back to the surface and split open, and the Titans, the children of Kentimane and Thylea, burst forth, fully formed."
"But one of the seven pits gave birth to a pair of Titans, Sydon and Lutheria. The youngest of Kentimane's children, they would eventually overthrow their siblings and conquer all of Thylea in their lust for power."
X. Constellation of The Ant
This constellation leads to @UUID[.0000000000000008#titans-folly]{Titan's Folly} in the Cerulean Gulf.
p134
"If you use your imagination, you can see how the stars of Titan's Folly resemble an ant. This is a reminder of the punishment of Talieus, first-born child of Thylea and Kentimane. Talieus was the God of Crafting, vain and prideful. In the end, hubris—overwhelming pride—was his downfall. He created something which has been lost to time, something that cannot be named."
"For this terrible crime, Kentimane stripped his eldest son of all his power and gave it to his brother Sydon, while Talieus himself was enslaved by his sister Lutheria. She severed his arms, blinded him, and sewed his lips shut. She forced him to pull her throne across the endless waters of the Nether Sea, with a great chain wrapped around his neck. He toiled endlessly, blindly, for the benefit of his queen, just like an ant..."
XI. Constellation of The Dragon
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000009#island-of-the-dragon]{Island of the Dragon} in the Forgotten Sea.
p135
"The greatest constellation in the night sky is the group of bright stars called the Dragon."
"In the beginning, this land was populated only by the fey creatures: nymphs, centaurs, gygans, and satyrs. The first of the civilized races to arrive on Thylea's shores were refugees and castaways, survivors of ships buffeted by the storms and whirlpools that protect these islands. They carved out a meager existence, living in tiny villages on the coast while the children of the Titans dominated the rest of the realm."
"But then everything changed. The Dragonlords, astride their legendary winged mounts, discovered this land. With the power of the dragons, the native races were pushed back into the forests and steppes, and Thylea was claimed for the mortal settlers."
"The constellation of the Dragon is a tribute to the victories of the Dragonlords, and a reminder that we are living in Thylea's Golden Age."
XII. Constellation of The Nymph
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000009#aerie-of-the-roc]{Aerie of the Roc} in the Forgotten Sea.
p135
"See those stars that look like a tree? That's the Nymph, and her story is tragic. While out on a hunt, King Lacanus of Pythoria stumbled upon a small grove with a single silver tree growing in the center. There he found the most beautiful creature he had ever seen—a dryad with silver eyes. He instantly fell in love."
"The dryad was smitten with Lacanus as well, and she agreed to marry him, even though it meant leaving her birth tree behind. But on the long journey to his palace, she grew feverish and ill. Within a week, she withered and died."
"Heartbroken, Lacanus ordered his soldiers to chop down the silver tree so it could be used to build a suitable coffin. As the first axe struck its trunk, Lacanus screamed out in pain and fell dead. By marrying the dryad, he had bound his spirit to her birth tree—and so by felling the tree, he joined his wife in death."
XIII. Constellation of The Spear
This constellation leads to @UUID[.0000000000000009#typhon,-the-maw]{Typhon} in the Forgotten Sea.
p135
"In the western sky at dusk you can see the Spear of Sydon. It reminds me of the tale of Galimus, a soldier who broke his oath to serve the King of Estoria."
"Galimus was a lazy, brutish coward who preyed upon the weak. Recognizing this, his officers banished him from the army. Bitter and resentful, Galimus prayed to Sydon. If the Lord of Storms would transform him into the greatest warrior in Thylea, then he would kill the very king that he had vowed to serve."
"In answer to his prayer, Galimus was transformed into a powerful minotaur. Reckless with power, he rampaged throughout the king's palace, trampling and killing all who crossed his path. Eventually the king rallied his men against the monster. They stabbed him a thousand times with their spears until he lay dead."
"Because of Galimus, the people of Estoria and Mytros regard minotaurs as untrustworthy brutes, even to this day—but Galimus was a monster long before he became a minotaur."
XIV. Constellation of The Chariot
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000009#the-garden-of-helios]{Garden of Helios} in the Forgotten Sea.
p136
"Look at those stars, scattered across the zenith of the sky. That's the constellation of the Chariot, which represents Vallus, the Goddess of Wisdom."
"There was once a young priest who travelled all the lands of Thylea, seeking out tomes and texts to bring back to the great library in the Temple of the Five in the city of Mytros. He spent decades on his quest until, on one of his journeys, he met a beautiful sorceress."
"The sorceress made him an offer: marry her, and she would use her power to summon every book ever written onto the shelves of his library. The young man refused her. The journey to obtain knowledge, he said, was just as important as the knowledge itself."
"The sorceress revealed herself as Vallus. She placed her hands upon the priest's eyes, and forever afterwards, he could read books in every language—even those long forgotten. This was a most beautiful gift from the goddess to her most loyal servant."
XV. Constellation of The Blacksmith
This constellation leads to the @UUID[.0000000000000009#island-of-time]{Island of Time} in the Forgotten Sea.
p136
"Look! The Blacksmith. It represents Volkan, the God of the Forge. See how the constellation is shaped like a hammer? There's a legend that tells of an old blacksmith who, in his prime, had been the master of his craft. In all his long years, he never found a worthy apprentice and, fearing all his knowledge and expertise would be lost, he prayed to Volkan for help."
"The God of the Forge took pity on the old man, and in his own forge he created a golem, a lifeless figure of iron that would follow the old smith's every command perfectly. Volkan then transferred the spirit of the smith into the empty golem, and whisked it away to his secret workshop beneath the mountains of Thylea."
"They say the old smith works there still, whistling and hammering away, joyfully crafting tributes to the Forge God, his skills untarnished by time."
XVI. Constellation of The Titan
This constellation leads to @UUID[.0000000000000009#praxys,-tower-of-sydon]{Tower of Praxys} in the Forgotten Sea.
p136
"That line of stars to the west is called the Tower of Praxys. This constellation brings to mind the Titan Hergeron, and his unfortunate fate. Once the Lord of Battle, Hergeron challenged Sydon, the Lord of Storms, to a duel. Sydon had stolen his power from their eldest brother Talieus, and Hergeron sought revenge."
"But though Hergeron was unmatched in strength and valor, he had no mind for strategy. He greatly underestimated his younger sibling's newfound strength, and Sydon dealt him a crushing defeat."
"As punishment for his failure, Hergeron was cast down and imprisoned in the foundations of Sydon's newly-erected stronghold—the Tower of Praxys. Hergeron carries the full weight of the tower on his shoulders, and he will continue to do so for all eternity."
XVII. Constellation of The Dreamer
This constellation leads to the great whirlpool of Charybdis in the Forgotten Sea.
p136
"That black patch of sky... don't stare at it for too long."
"There was once a beautiful wheel of stars there, but they were swallowed by the ravening mouth of the Dreamer. You can see her just below, cresting the horizon. She sleepwalks through all the sky, harvesting the other stars one by one, in preparation for the Great Feast at the end of time."
"There have always been two kinds of sailors in Thylea. Some who grow old and wise, and some who sail toward the Dreamer. I would not advise going that way, unless we have no other choice."