The exploration forces establish themselves on the surface of the City of Scholars, building a first outpost to recover from the Storhvit trials
They launch expeditions into the City, which takes the form of a sprawling underground labyrinth stretching across multiple levels and plunging hundreds of meters deep
Atsadi defeats the Eidolon of Fiore dei Liberi in single combat
July
The new substance found in Caer Nilam seems to have been used in large quantities by the City’s former inhabitants in nearly every aspect of daily life (as an energy source, fertilizer, food, etc.)
It is named Sap, as it comes from the intensive exploitation of the Nilam. The Asgarthans begin to use it after confirming its harmlessness: the Axioms convert their equipment to counter the Kelon shortage, and Sap is even incorporated into cooking
Like the Asgarthans, the City’s residents also mastered the use of Aerolith
Unexpected arrival of the Wayfarer, Lyra Sahanka of Clan Tisdhera.
August
More and more explorers are struck by a strange affliction that steals away their memories
Some claim to have been targeted by a strange entity, soon called the Hunger. It preys above all on the Sap reserves unearthed by the prospectors
The writings collected within the City of Scholars suggest that Avalon, far to the northwest, may hold further clues to the location of the Source of the Tumult
September
The Exalts confront the Hunger and prevail: the entity—revealed to be Sofia, the original incarnation of the City’s soul—is destroyed. It was Sap that had given her life, and when deprived of it, she could only ease her hunger by devouring memories—until madness consumed her
At her death, she releases a signal in the form of a column of light
In response, another pillar of light rises on the horizon
The decision is made to take a detour southwest to investigate the origin of the signal
