Aftermath

 

Aftermath:

•  Party returns to Terra Malatia.  Still in the possession of a ship that can travel the Astral Sea.S
• Samm had joined with Jedwin and Trilos in freeing the Thinker’s prison once the anti-magic field fell.  Samm is now with the party in Fort Aralan.
• Captain Hurst got his ship repaired, and is now back to his treasure hunting life.
• The ancient city remains, but no longer ruled by the Thinker.  The collection of underdark creatures who dwell there are working out a new arrangement to govern their city. 
• The party is in possession of the anti-magic lantern.
• Jedwin has decided to remain with Trilos, at least temporarily. 

What Sihirbaz learned:

·         During his time of imprisonment, Si spent many hours talking to the Thinker, and learned much.       

•       The Thinker rebelled against his Elder Brain master, and stole the anti-magic lantern from him. 
•       He came to Ares to begin building up a power-base from which he could challenge his old master.  He did this by undermining existing societies in the Ares Underdark, and luring those that he could radicalize to his side.
•       The Thinkers prisoners were mostly for food.  When he eats brains they give him sustenance, but he also gains knowledge and memories. Some key prisoners were not on the menu.  Instead the Thinker sent time trying to persuade them to join his cause against the Elder Brain.  This is why Si was kept alive.
•       The Thinker has begun to expand his influence to the party’s homeworld too, reaching out to the Bahumati there.  The implications of this are unclear.  But it might mean that Terra Malatia has come on to the radar of the Elder Brain and the Giths.
•      Si had known for a long time that the Bahumati have built a large city far to the west of Fort Aralan where they are mustering their forces.  Their goal is likely to drive all non-reptiloids off the continent.  The Thinker was beginning to try to weave his spell of influence over this city.

Loose ends and threads for the next phase.

• There is a kobold named Vig among the Bahumati who had an alliance with the party.  He guided them to the ancient city, and in return Perra returned him to his home.
• The Party might choose to investigate the rising Bahumati city in the west.
• The Party might choose to join Trilos (and Jedwin) on a mission to bring down the Elder Brain.
• There will be conflict between the Githzerai settlers on Ares and the Githyanki assassin Trilos Dath.