Unsure on how to proceed, the party shared words discussing what to do next, going over some of the following: the runes, Oberon's rushed and muddy call, Terrin's interpretation of the mysterious figure, and the threat of being on the run. A night passes, and on the break of morn Falkos comes across a noise to which he investigates. Accompanied by his patron's magic, he witnesses a humanoid dressed in a garish blue robe adorned with giant yellow stars all over with a wizard hat to top it all off.

Now alterted and wake, they approached the man (and almost tripped him and the horse), to which the wizard slid off and introduced himself as Zandathar.

He showcased the potions that were strapped to his horse, presenting them each with a generous description and a price tag of 5 gold. He made large claims of their prowess, and when shown the rest of the party, he told excitedly too. Admist the wild claims, one potion he stated would defer the Headless Horseman that has been reigning over on moonless nights around the area. Intrigued, the party inquired before asking about who he sold to.

After the mentioning of a drow, the party pressed further, and Zandathar stated he made some reliable customers in Gilam who were of the race. Wisteria took the opportunity to talk to the horse, who replied drearily that he did not have a name, not friends.

Upon requesting this information and after Falkos purchasing one of his wares, he galloped off. Falkos was able to catch up, and after some shenanigans, Zandathar ended up in the practical hands of Helka. Their plan: to meet this Headless Horseman.

Just as Zandathar claimed, under dark skies its rider sat upon a steed of jet black with clothes equally as dark. The dullahan raised its hand to reveal its head, now laughing at the party. Falkos attempted to communicate, giving it a thumbs up, to which the Dullahan copied...but then turned it downwards. After debating what to do, the party chose to stay, and it was at this the rider pointed at Falkos, marking him and causing him to feel a whirlwind of feelings all at once. To this, the dullahan rode towards the party, effortlessly assaulting them until they fled. Upon the sight, the dark rider held his head and let out a final burst of laughter.