The Burning Sun Returns

major Active Sessions 11–12

Old gods awakening, cults resurgent, past catching up, loyalty tested, unintended consequences of revolution

story arc

Description

The prison break succeeds beyond intended scope, releasing Trophis the Burning Sun—a towering cult leader whose chest illuminates with flame and who commands power tied to 'the Father.' Vixia confronts her former leader, forced to play loyal follower while concealing her betrayal. Trophis speaks of reuniting with other survivors and continuing 'our father's work,' suggesting an organized fire cult with revolutionary goals. His freedom represents a catastrophic escalation: an ancient power loose in the capital with followers, ambition, and divine fire at his command.

Timeline

Session 11 "Masks fall and blood rises as secrets older than the crown threaten to drown them all."

Fire and Flood

Vixia discovers Trophis caged in the prison. He recognizes her, speaks of survivors and their father's power. She must pretend loyalty while freeing him, knowing she's unleashed something terrible. He escapes first, breath weapon incinerating guards.

Session 12 "When the prison breaks, so do the chains of fate—and what emerges from the dark may burn the world."

The Prophet's Shadow

Trophis confronts Vixia at her farmstead, demonstrating the terrifying power and contempt that made him a cult leader. He reveals his plan to return to Raven Rest where 'the seed of the sun' slumbers—some dragon or ancient power the cult tried to awaken with fire years ago. The burning that killed Caelum's family was meant to be sacrifice, and it failed to consume everything. Now Trophis will finish what he started, giving Vixia until summer's end to confirm whether the Cadirs are still 'worthy' sacrifices. Heat drains from the room with his departure, leaving Vixia to bite her sleeve and scream.