Sx47 — The Likeness of Athena

***The Likeness of Athena*** is the 47th session of the campaign*.* It is preceded by Sx46 — How Do You Solve a Problem like Sofia?, and followed by Sx48 — Stuck Between a Rock and a Mouth Place.

This session takes place over a period of three days, from the 12th to the 14th of Oine. Notable moments of this session include Adrasteia discovering that her grandmother is Gaia and she is a demi-god and entering Athens for the first time.

## Athmonon

Adrasteia takes time alone to speak to the tree in her family garden in Athmonon, reaching out to whatever spirit inhabits it, but it does not speak. A single piece of ash floats down and lands in Adrasteia's hand. A second passes and it begins to drift towards her home.

Inside, Leoven apologies to Adrasteia, reaffirming their affection and friendship for one another. They speak of each returning home and Adrasteia reminisces about how she wanted to get home and check on her father, Alexios, but didn't. Leoven discloses how she has never really been close to anyone — not on the level she is with the rest of the group — and it's why she's not particularly forthcoming. Adrasteia ends the conversation by mentioning a man who taught her about nature.

Ghost talks to Sofia about whether or not the Vallotis would help in the war against the Myth Enders. Cyaro then talks to Ghost about him biting his thumb.

> **Cyaro [*to Ghost*]:** *"You need help."*
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Khantos teleports back to Dexicos to retrieve Leoven's new retractable shield from Ilben. They talk, likely about confidential Twelve business. He returns after roughly 30 mins.

## Day Trip to Athens

The group head to Athens to collect supplies for Adrasteia's lycanthrope transformation on the full moon (15th). Their first call is a blacksmith, then a bookshop named The Owl's Quill, owned by a burly Owlin man. Adrasteia finds a book detailing the destruction of Flamouria and its nature spirits, while Cyaro purchases a book on the Chthonic Gods, and Ghost purchases some spell scrolls. After, Adrasteia goes to the Temple of Dionysus to honour Oto and Ghost enters the Temple of Artemis.

Inside the Temple of Artemis, Ghost hears the disembodied voice again. It speaks, *"You will be more than a hunter by the end."* After an insight check on the voice, Ghost deciphers that it belongs to no mortal, nor to flesh.

Cyaro and Khantos discuss worship and why they worship. Khantos reveals his healed hand to Cyaro, the first time he has revealed it to anyone.

Ghost, Cyaro, Leoven, and Sofia head to a bathouse named the Dove's Tear. During these few hours of relaxation, Leoven and Sofia's intense burn scars from the Vallotis-Faen War across their feet and shins from fireballs are revealed to the group. Sofia sports several scares on her body from the last few months of Vallotis service. Ghost and Cyaro see a long, straight surgical scar going down Leoven's spine — though she does not tell the story of its origin.

Khantos and Adrasteia head to The Half-Mile Inn, run by a halfling man, to book rooms for the night. The Inn marks a significant turning point of a marathon that runs through the city. Here, the pair talk about Leoven and Adrasteia says she is unsure how to proceed with the issue in Dexicos. Khantos says he plans to go to Aegyphirian with Leoven and Sofia. After this, they briefly discuss family; Adrasteia says her mother is buried under the tree in Athmonon and Khantos doesn't believe his parents are good people.

### Athena's Dream

Khantos, Adrasteia, and Leoven find themselves dreaming of the Athena Parthenon that night, though there is no clear Owl & Spear iconography. The giant statue of Athena animates and leans over them. Upon being asked about Quintus' relationship with her, Athena says it is "wise to fear that other servant [Quintus]" and that he knows how to play the frontlines of battle. Athena remarks that only Leoven has experience of battles in wars.

* **Athena:** *"I fear he will not lose."*
* **Leoven:** "You fear?"
* **Athena:** *"For you."*

Athena goes on to say that they must each be willing to give everything for the battle.

> **Athena:** *"The cogs underneath Dexicos are beginning to move."*
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## Return to Athmonon

The next morning, they return to Athmonon and, as they travel, Cyaro asks Ghost about the source of his magic. He details that magic comes from balancing elements and that his is independent from Hecate. It is here that Ghost calls himself a witch for the first time in the campaign.

Leoven shares her reservations about why Lycas was allowed to walk free from the Faen trails following the end of the Vallotis-Faen War and theorises that he may have returned from death via the Darkest Flood. His current behaviour, as described by Sofia, doesn't match Leoven's prior descriptions and understanding of him. It is here that Sofia says she had seen Lycas before the Darkest Flood — further confusing Leoven. She further mentions an influx of new Vallotis recruits and how pre-existing members have been talking to people from Dexicos' Old Town district and persuading them to join. The current Vallotis forces are therefore far higher than previously suspected.

Upon returning to the house, Ghost confides in Adrasteia and tells her about his dream. They then discuss the meaning of family and Adrasteia voices her concerns about the Loup Garou curse.

Cyaro initiates an attempt to contact the force that dragged them underground in Dexicos with Adrasteia and they are dragged below the tree in the garden.