Epilogue for December 2025

In a clear and decisive moment, Zoren was destroyed by the Heroes of Travance. The radiance of the sun and light cut through the dense miasma that Zoren had blanketed the village of Thistlepine Hollow in. In this victory, Travance made one thing abundantly clear: it was already hard enough to live on this side of the Great Rift; the Heroes would not allow a creature to enslave and kill the commoners who made their life here. Travance would not allow such a monster to take root, as long as they could intervene.

However, the Heroes demonstrated that heroics lie not only in defeating monsters. Travance showed its might in areas where it often forgets it excels. They worked together to collect supplies. They collaborated in rebuilding. They demonstrated their creativity to ensure the Village of Thistlepine Hollow was left in a better condition than when they entered it. They showed kindness to refugees and ensured that they stood with the commoners, not just over them. The Town did not reclaim Thistlepine Hollow for its own ego; they did it for the residents who now rode in wagons as they finally returned home.

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The sounds and sights of wagons, carrying those who were evacuated from Thistlepine Hollow, were astounding. Through the organization of the Nobility, anyone who had needed shelter during this time had one. Not only were they provided respite all over the lands of the Barony, but they were also provided supplies and food to bring back, ensuring that their storehouse would be filled again without issue. No one would go hungry in their reclaimed Village.

The wagons traveled in a single line. For Locke, Averlae, and Merin, that line went as far as their eyes could see. They watched people reunite. Protected by a rebuilt and improved palisade, as well as a strange but welcome ice, ensuring extra defense. The earliest to return were militia members, who were already present because of their assistance in rebuilding. Despite the labor they had done, they seemed refreshed and taken care of.

The families of Thistlepine Hollow began to assess what of their small homes they had left and were surprised to find that in many cases their homes were in better repair than they had been before the maladies had taken hold. The number of thanks whispered to Travance could not be heard by the Heroes in full, though the wind carried as many as it could.

The large reunion did not mean the Village stopped, however. That evening, prayer was still held within the mission house. Restored, reconsecrated, and reinvigorated to uphold Valos’ ideals as the villagers trickled in. Some had fear and hesitation as they entered.

“What if the awful things start happening again?”

Merin met the fear openly and with kindness. It was understandable to be afraid; the village had experienced tragedy together, but together they would heal. Merin told stories of the Heroes of Travance, the times they protected them and the others, the monsters they faced. Merin invited Locke to talk, who told them of the ways they taught them to heal, how to use scrolls, and bolstered them in the face of cruelty and horror.

Averlae did not speak in the mission house, nor did Merin make her. It would be in quiet moments after prayer that Averlae would ask for help. It was not the whole town, but some chose to reach into the darkness, to sit with her and show her that she could let go of fears and anxieties. It was not an easy task, and it would not be something that would see resolution in one weekend. For now, tea with Merin while they talked would be a good first step.

The next morning, the small village bustled with more vitality than it had seen in nearly half a year. The forgemaster found the forge to work with an ease that reminded him of younger days when his body was more forgiving. Smoke billowed from the smithy as he worked, allowing the inspiration that may have come from Brazen himself to flow through him. Even the ideas that seemed reckless were tested that day. Following his instinct, he got to work in his bout of creation. 

It was a gathering to watch the first one to collect water from the well at first daylight. The cheers that erupted when crystal clear, almost glimmering water was pumped through a new manual pump. The crisp water itself seemed renewed as if it could heal maladies on its own, thanks to the purification of the area. 

However, water itself, while a giver of life, could not replace the need for the infirmary. Locke thought the act of taking note of what was stocked here would be easy; however, they returned to bursting drawers and shelves. No want for bandages, herbal tonics, and even scrolls would ensure that what they did not know how to do as a healer, they would be able to do as a physician. There was loneliness in this moment; it wasn’t the same without Isolde. However, Locke was emboldened and hopeful thanks to Travance. The town had taught them confidence. To know that they did not need to do this alone. That help was always available.

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A Warning about Asuang, as told by Solarians

Within the rainforests dwells Asuang, the Mother of the Unfit. Corrupted long ago from her duties, it is said she has had a hand in the creation of many monsters within our land. All who hide their nature in the day to show their true selves at night.  From her spawn creatures of the Soil, Air, and Sea. Her defiance of Naesala is to accept the destruction of the community. It is why it is important to know your neighbors. Hold them close. Care for your people and strive to improve together. Otherwise, should you find yourself in the rainforest at night, Asuang will bring out the reflection of the monstrous within us to send us back to harm that which we love.