Summary

Restless at night in a damp, dim prison, the party wonder why they were arrested. Taria, a pacing guard, questions them, but soon leaves them to sleep. She doubted Helka and was insistent in the arrests. Helka was told that her and her fellow prisoners had committed an atrocious act, though none can recall any such.

A mysterious figure teleports around the rooms in the form of seemingly purple smoke. A robed man appeared – Terrin - telling them that he can get them out. After some magical antics and getting Wisteria's name origin wrong, he sets them up with his friend on a merchant (Milo’s) ship before parting.

Whilst taking respite in the night, they get attacked. The man identified himself as Burd . The two mermfolk left to the ocean, leaving Burd to fend for himself. After defeating him and tying up Rru, Milo, shaken from the experience, leads the ship again, taking advantage of Wisteria's flight.

Things of note

⬥ Falmirr found a blank parchment in the bricks in his cell. He later gave the parchment to Terrin after he requested it. The party noticed he pulled out a quill, yet had no ink to write their names.

⬥ Wisteria took the golden necklaces Captain. Burd had. Falmirr found out one resonanted in conjuration magic.

⬥ Helka's book upong being returned from the breakout had been vanadlised. Various passages had been altered or scribbled out entirely. Notes and drawings had been added in languages unkown.

⬥ Falkos' father had difficulty reaching and communicating him for reasons unknown.

Summary

Landing in a quant fisherman village, the party explored doing various things. They found out in the neighbouring city (one known to them), Gilam, housed people who may be able to tell them what ails them.

After much mishap (Falmirr showing his mark on his leg to priestesses, swindling fishermen), the party took a carriage to Gilam. A traveler got on the carriage as well at a later time, to which the party scrutinised.

A sudden stop forced the party to take part in a fight. According to the plump carriage driver, attacks had started to frequent the paths of late.

The creature appeared to be a black almost abyss with swirling tentacles with no features. After Helka convincing the traveler to help, Falkos finished it off in a spectacular blast, catching the eye of the stranger. Helka asked for a name, to which he replied that it was Thomas, though Helka felt this was off.

Upon arriving at Gilam, Thomas parted ways and the party attempted to follow.

The party, following Falkos' expert lead, pursued "Thomas" through Gilam to the merchant square. At this point, a woman clad in white robes with ginger plaits approached the party frantically. She warned them of a danger that they all held, something she had felt, and after their response, proceeded to use a yellow-tinged spell against them. After it dissipating, she fled.

The party at lost Thomas, but found their way to the Church of Eldath where the woman fled.

Uriel the father and priest of the church was informed by her. He informed the players that her name was

Lorrianne and that she had particularly strong powers in detecting magic compared to others under his pupillage.

After getting told to "brace" himself, Falkos and the others were told that their markings were of ill magics and so offered to conduct an investigation into them. He offered lodging and breakfast in exchange, and that it will take a few days.

Things of note

⬥The Priest offered free lodging and food, for as long as they participate in his research to see what ails them.

⬥Titan, the horse Wisteria rode, trotted back out the city after bowing to her.

⬥Falmirr and co. convinced the muscular fish monger to buy his two red vials, veiling them as fish attractors.

⬥Thomas was aware of the party following him.

⬥Wisteria was caught by the jeweler attempting to steal.

Summary

The party decided to find out more about the attacks around the roads at night. They were told that there had been quite a few attacks, and that they were similar to the party's. When asked if the guards were dealing with it, they responded that, to their knowledge, they were.

After tracking down a guard tower, they confronted a guard regarding this. The response was rigid - he responded the guards were aware, but that they weren't monsters. The party pesisted, and eventually got him to retrieve his commander - a man in vivid golden armour. He backed up his lesser comrade, and after a little spat, parted ways.

Jamr, a sickly looking man was found praying to a different and crude figure in the church. He made his presence known to the party before quickly parting.

The party then planned to catch what they saw as proof. The first night was unsuccessful, waiting hours in the dark. Though they found a wolf-looking creature and followed it to an abanoned small fort. When entered, they found no sign of it, but rather an elderly man who offered the contents of his chest. Falmirr attempted to open it and got promptly bit by the man whose head now was in the shape of a jackalware. After subduing him, he pleaded to spare him and revealed he needed the food. Helka deduced that the jackalware was Jamr, and he accepted this fact. Falmir found a letter in his desk and opened it, reading it whilst Jamr was entangled. Embarrassed and blackmailed, he agreed to the party's terms.

He led the party to the Duchess Vivienne disguised as a guard. The party followed suit well, and were granted an (illegal) audience with her. She recognised Falmirr briefly, saying he possibly went to a past noble ball. She denied existence of what the players saw and trusted her guards' reports, though considered the thought if the players provided evidence.

Father Uriel attempted to determine the origin of the markings each player has but advised them to stay longer so he can persist his trials. He revealed it's inconsistent in the results, and so needs more time.

The party rejuvenated at breakfast, though much to their dismay, Jamr had vanished from their company after being left to eat.

Things of note

⬥Priest Uriel conducted his first trials on the players, but advised them he needed more time and for them to return.

⬥Falkos found a piece of ripped silk upon hearing and seeing something past his window as he slept during the day.

⬥Jamr, a ill-looking peasant man approached the players and later was revealed to be behind the jackalwere (Helka deduced this). He managed to bite Falmirr before so.

⬥Falmirr opened a letter where Jamr lived and used it to blackmail him. He later read the letter out to Duchess Vivienne, who promptly ripped it up, unkowing that the knight before her penned it.

Summary

Using their nets and combined efforts, the party successfully managed to restrain a strange creature - one that oozed and had liquid-esque dark limbs that changed shape and form. After a final strike, it deformed into a puddle, which Helka scooped up in her waterskin.

Terrin ammassed in the same manner as when the party first met him. He questioned the party, telling them he felt a "surge of magic" which brought him there. He increasingly got frustrated, and Falkos in retaliation spoke. The two got uncomfortably close to each other, seething, at which point Talmirr decided to try and pickpocket Terrin; he got pushed back by a magical force, however. Falkos got thrown through unnatural lights and sensations until he fell to the ground in an unfamiliar land littered with volacanoes and firey skies. Helka demanded his return, being unimpressed with his joke regarding going places, to which Terrin succumbed.

Terrin's apologies did not impress Falkos. Helka and Wisteria decided to persuade Terrin from hereon to reveal some information to them, citing that Terrin had asked questions to them, so it was only fair that he would answer now to them. The information provided was mundane: where he was eating breakfast, that he holds enchanted ink etc. He also told the party that the odd towering woman might've been referencing a magus confinement institute, or to find a drow, though he was unsure. He gave them a map, set up a bonfire and told them that the Trilovian mountains where dwarves were housed was the nearest MGI. Upon their parting (at which only two bid farewell), the party made their way back to Gilam.

With this newfound evidence, they sought an audience, so attempted to find the guard captain from the previous day. Eager to prove them wrong, he eventually led the party to see the court wizard, Francel, a fraying red dragonborn.

The guard captain recognised Wisteria as possibly being the one who attempted to steal from a jewelery store (to which she did). After some talk, he vowed he would return after seeing the paperwork again, and asked her to stay put.

Francel identified the ooze as likely being sourced from the drow. He was unsure what exactly it was or how it came into being. He pled to the Duchess (after her frustration at the impromptu calling) to see the party. She bargained with them, telling the party that they would get a sack of 20 gold to share for their silence. Wisteria insisted on 100, and through verbal fight, the party ended up with 100 gold to share and the possibility of guards looking the other way from the party.

The party's next move was to the mountains as suggested earlier. They took a carriage and stopped b a clearing where a large stone statue sat. It was in the shape of a dragon - Bahamut, and this was recognised by the older carriage driver. He mused on how Bahamut was summoned to stop a war.

Things of note

⬥Talmirr asked for Terrin to return the parchment he gave to him. After a mishap, he returned it. Talmirr also gave his deck from the jackalwere to him; after seeing his hasty response, he bargained with him to provide a new crossbow, which Terrin agreed to.

⬥Wisteria was recognised by the guard captain to possibly be the one behind an attempted robbery.

⬥Francel identified the ooze gathered as having drow origin.

Summary

After musing with the carriage driver, the party proceeded to travel until it halted once more. This time, a ginger-haired dwarf clad in brass armour, later known to be called Jess, was trying to get their attention to come over.

Upon inspection, there was a cart with goods and two other dwarves which Helka deducted were deceased. Jess thanked the party for their help, as it was not her station, and mentioned she was out to investigate them as the two were merchants for the Triliovian city.

After Falkos faking an illness and words exchanged, Jess proceeded to pull the cart herself and told the group she could not help them enter the Trilovian mountains due to them being outsiders, though she let them walk beside her. THe party chose to return to the carriage and successfully managed to make the driver feel worrysome due to the nature of their talk of the cart and bodies.

The party became stumped upon reaching the entrance. The mountain was secure, but the two colossal doors for the entrance at the top showed images, possibly a story. Upon much talk of hiding, waiting for Jess, and using a lockpick to check for mechanisms, the party decided to use a gem - much like the dwarf in the carving on the door.

The entrance was unguarded, and the first thing the group did was to visit a tavern. A black-bearded dwarf teased the party, but was eventually somewhat one over by Talmirr's drinks (called "Friday juice" by the bartender, Tacky).

Juura, the female dwarf at a potions shop spoke of her sheltered life briefly and asked the party for an artifact from outside. Preferring no plants due to them perishing, she settled on a book from Helka and exchanged whereabouts of drow slaves.

The party navigated their way to such a place, and knowingly went there knowing about the rumour that Tac spoke about (footsteps and being followed, but with no one there). While expecting an abush, they presented their weapons, but after a while, they asked the voice questions. It replied to certain ones with "I'm just trying to get through!" in a light, childlike voice. After some deliberation, Talmirr offered to step aside, to which the voice thanked him and walked past the party until the footsteps were no more.

Upon going further into an increasingly dingy corrider, the party, at the end, were approached by a dwarf named Moloch Gravelbain. After talking about their situation, Moloch offered his assistance, but required somnething in return. He revealed his brother was in a mage gaol, and wished to retrieve a dwarven artifact from the crpyts which he believed existed. He gave them a talking head stone to keep in contact, but told them they should not use it in public or around dead magic zones.

Things of note

⬥1The carriage driver broke the stem of the flower Wisteria had.

⬥Jess believedin Falkos' condition.

⬥Moloch noted Billy Crystal, Falkos' alias, had a dwarf surname.

Summary

Seeking guidance, the party contacted Moloch via the talking head gifted to them. Taking his advice to not let anyone see them use a magical object, they took refuge in Tacky's tavern in the restrooms where it was quieter. While Falkos made unsettling noises to cover up the audio, Wisteria and Helka talked to Moloch, who replied that he was awaiting his team. Meanwhile, Falmirr spotted the blackbearded dwarf and his friends, he Talmirr told them a lie why the party oddly went into the restrooms together - because they couldn't handle the "Friday juice". Humoured, he gifted Talmirr a letter opener and asked him if he was going to the talent show in the malachite district.

The talent contest was hosted by what seemed to be a well-known and clean-shaven dwarf, Caesar. With a bustling venue and a long line of contestants, ranging from off-pitch singers to hefty bodybuilders, the two performed a jump in the air with petals obtained from Falkos. Unfortunately, Wisteria scuffed her execution, but made up for an inventive and involving display by flying around and dropping the remaining petals in the audience. Upong winning, the pair obtained a potion, later identified by Juura (whose display in the contest ended up as potions being blasted in her face), to be a potion of cold resistance to which she commented that the organisers were cheapskates using her potions for prizes. They also obtained 4 gold coins, and a letter of recommendation which acts as a would-be coupon for dwarven shops.

The gilded Caesar spoke of a trivia quiz a few hours later, which the party distinctly answered 3 questions correctly. One of those questions being what district they were currently in. They left empty-handed and mentioned Moloch's name to an inn keeper, who expressed hidden disgust at the name. When prompted, she told them that rumours say he felt he had the rightful claim to the throne.

Moloch's party and the group made their way to the crypts, thanks to Moloch's position. After scouring the coffins of ancient dwarves, the party were hard-pressed to find anything even resembling a scripture. After being informed by Tir and Moloch, Talmirr shone a magical light onto an engraved wall which led to a coffin largely better decorated than the others and sitting atop steps. The party read the stone engravings, and attempted to place nearby transluscent gems (coloured in light) into their respective places, and in doing so, triggered the undead to come walking, attacking anyone nearby.

Things of note

⬥Falmirr was gifted a letter opener by the blackbearded dwarf.

⬥Talmirr and Falkos were entered into the talent contest.

⬥Helka and Wisteria came 2nd in the talent contest.

⬥Helka finished reading her wizard book, and the drow book readers read in-depth about Lolth, the spider queen deity of the drow.

Summary

The undeads were dispatched one by one - one by a flaming cloth courtesy of Helka. Unfortunately, Talmirr found the ire of one particularly large and grotesque vessel of decaying flesh. It repeatedly pummelled him, one forcing him to the ground. His magicks were faulting during this, though luckily, though heavily wounded, Helka healed his wounds a tad and Wisteria dispatched it before it could do further harm.

Tir, the elderly dwarf, used Helka's (effortlessly ripped) garment to bundle Talmirr's wounds before Moloch discussed moving the gems on the tomb, to which they did. A combined effort opened the tomb, and inside Moloch picked the parchment whilst Wisteria grabbed the silver shortsword Iri was about to take. Upong their request, the party read the contents of the parchment, revealing it to be a scripture with a warning and a ritual to summon a deity at the bottom along with an unkown sentence. Talmirr used his magic to reveal the meaning to be "Do as you are ordered and live." and passed this on to the group (Helka and Wisteria did the same for the the rest of the Dwarven parchment) and pointed this out to Moloch and Tir.

Upon their ascent from the way they came, the party heard water trickling and then streams of water. Noticing something was amiss, the party collectively decided alongside Moloch & co. to proceed, not knowing what else to do. Upon entering, the party witnessed a large cavern with a towering waterfall reflecting in its ripples magnificant hues being reflected from the gems surrounding.

Seeing the only exit was the other side of the dilapidated bridge, Wisteria partially repaired it using Mend. As they were crossing, Wisteria got pulled into the the water by a peculiar water tendril outlined with dark blue coming from the lake far below. She struggled continuously with its grapple, fighting the battle for air in the process.

Talmirr repeatedly hit the cavern ceiling above, once dropping pebbles on Wisteria and the 3rd time pulling the top into the water. Meanwhile, Helka tried all sorts, throwing her javelin and her net, to no avail. Falkos created an illusion to distract, then combined a torch to his traded fishing pole, which a water tendril seemingly went for it, but failed to reach.

Things of note

⬥Silver Shortsword was taken by Wisteria, only for it to be flung and lay oddly on the surface of the lake.

⬥Talmirr was able to recognise the phrase on the parchement's end, which caught the attention of Moloch and Tir.

⬥Party levelled up to 3, but will take place after the waterfall scenario.

Summary

Wisteria eventually managed to leap out to fly, only to be healed (very lightly) by Tir, who seemed disappointed in himself judging by the sigh. Talmirr casted to change his physicality so that he could swim and breathe under water. Swimming further down and noticing the calmer waters the more downward he got, he ended up casting a light on his dagger that was being pulled. Above the surface however, Falkos caused the creature to erupt in a fit of confusion with his respective cast. Moloch expressed disdain when Wisteria and Falkos combined were next to him at one point talking, casuing him to lose focus. Tir, the scholar, continued to heal Wisteria whilst saying how it was a mistake to bring the party. The creature persisted in its relentless assault and Helka managed to dodge such tentacles, though Talmirr unluckily got struck on the way back up, causing him to drift, though not go underwater.

Moloch finished his cast, leaving him weary but causing the creature to return in the depths whence it came from. Wisteria slapped Talmirr's face to awake him (which succeeded)! From here, the party wearily walked to the nearest infirmary with Moloch & co.

Jen, a white coated nurse led the party and Moloch (after parting) to a room in the west wing and tended to them, asking Wisteria in particular questions about her race due to the limited bias knowledge in Dwarven medical books. She wrote down on a notepad such things, and gave out two heated blankets before introducing Runic, the clay rotund golem. She instructed the party to talk to it in Dwarven for commands if they needed further assistance. Being the height smaller than half a dwarf, it was hardly imposing and spoke in a monotone high pitched voice. Obeying the party's commands, it danced (which later was revealed by Jen that it has this programming for children in hospices). After some mishaps and some very literal answers, the party rests.

In the late morning, Moloch exchanged words with those awake. He spoke ill of the current monarch, Renakk the Gem Knight, claiming him to be illegitimate as an heir to the throne whose secret was whispered around the streets. He mused how the Orre family, his line - thet Gravelbains - have the rightful claim, and that he deserves it. The party exchanged words, suggesting how Moloch can gain allies to his side to help. In the end, the agreement was this: 50 gold pieces each.

Things of note

⬥ The silver shortsword bound to Talmirr, and now all can see reflections of ripples upon its surface.

⬥ Discovered Jen knits in her spare time, specifically hats and (to be) an apron for Runic. Also, that she wanted clothes for him, only described in her words as "fat dwarf baby clothes".

Summary wip

To be filled in later

- Came across a man putting away his stall: mentioned his wife and that pastried and toys have gone missing. Party took refuge in a cosy bed and breakfast run by a friendly and very proud couple, Ruby (tiefling) and Jas (half-orc). These women allowed the party to return continually - for the right fee. The next day, people excitedly put up their Stalls - a common tradition for Wintermas - and laid out their produce.

Things of note

⬥Father Winter is appreciative of the parties efforts to not only hinder Krampus, but in aiding his ward Hans Gunderson.

⬥Party each received on Wintermas a globe with the snowman they came across inside.

Summary

After getting recognised at an arms shop (for good and bad), the party bought some items before coming across a startling poster on the way out. A note was plastered against a pillar, written by the "Domus Politica" detailing the wanted arrests of outsiders, all humanoid bar one, an aaracockra. Tearing the poster down, they attempted to keep low and contact Moloch. A few dead tones later, and a message filled the air:

"This is the Domus Politica. We have obtained this channel for the unlawful use of magic and are pinpointing this location."

Flustered and with no time to waste, the party successfully made their way to near the upper crust without too much trouble. Unfortunately, six guards stood guarding the exit. Much discussion was had to formulate a plan, but with time against them, they sprung into action. Falkos casted a minor illusion to distract the guards, in the place a roaring dragon hatchling. Upon briskly walking past the guards during this, one demanded to see the necessary papers to leave. Being the only one to ask whilst the others were distracted, Wisteria charmed him to allow her and her friends to leave.

At this point, the party descended and waited until a traveler pulled up on the way. A dwarf they met a couple of days before, Jess, happened to see them and the lot exchanged pleasantries. However, Helka doubted her newfound help, and the party were on alert from being on the run. They agreed to sit on the path further down near to the thick, dense forest along the road.

Though wanting them to stay, Jess parted ways with the party. With the light drizzle of rain approaching and night creeping, a decision as made to make camp. Falkos attempted to call his father, but only his voicemail answered. Falkos expressed his distressed, and he was right to do so. Later on, Oberon attempted to call him back and got through; Falkos couldn't hear through how bad the connection was, but one thing was for certain, it was him and he sounded exasperated.

Wisterica talked to a nearby bluebird and agreed to give it a gold piece in exchange for help. With aid from the party (using ash and water for ink and Wisteria's own quill for a writing instrument) they wrote a letter asking for help from her parents.

Falkos made a makeshift shelter, and the party took turns keeping look out. Unfortunately, due to the rain and darkness, not much could be seen. As dusk approached, Helka sensed to see if anything desecrated was nearby as a precaution. She could detect a weird feeling from several trees nearby. Upon being relayed this, Talmirr confirmed this and found out it was Divination magic. Falkos also casted to help identify the cause, and found out that the etchings on the trees were the result of a warlock.

Things of note

⬥ The Domus Politica is on the search for the party.

⬥ Falkos, upon receiving a call from Oberon, now knows he's distressed and needs to contact him.

⬥ Wisteria contacted a bluebird to send a message to her parents on the plane of Air.

⬥ The trees were etched with warlock glyphs.

Summary

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.

Things of note

⬥ Wisteria is glowing in a 5ft radius due to a potion from Zandathar.

⬥ Dullahans are very powerful indeed.

Summary

With Zandathar in such a retreat, Helka and Talmirr apprehended the old man after some rough-housing. After interrogating his potential for brewing health potions, they took his word that earlier there was a traveller's rest by the road. The party made sure to roll apples to get his horse back, making sure to avoid the faint laughter in the distance.

At the traveller's rest, a red-skinned tiefling with a rhythmically moving pointed tail sparked conversation. Being an owner, he discounted the room after receiving Wisteria's compliments.

Talmirr took this opportunity to play a trick on Zandathar, as well as Wisteria squawking to wake up Falkos. Upon their rest and dismissal of Zandathar, they returned to the city of Gilam safely.

The party's next plan of action was to go to the local post office right next to the owlery. A deep-green skinned orc woman answered their calls, Lu'ra, complete in a navy uniform and cap with an owl emblem embroided on it. She notified them of the cost to deliver the letter as well as providing ink and a parchment. After the exchange, she asked the party to write a recommendation for her service next door. She stated that every month whomever gets the most gets a cash prize. The party agreed, and sent off 4 individual recommendations.

After returning to the church, Father uriel greeted the party, somewhat disappointed after not receiving the materials to proceed with his investigations of their marks. He also gave Helka a letter, one that he was given by a tiefling woman addressed to Helka with her description.

After breaking their fast, a group of bronze-plated dwarves, without a doubt affiliated with the Triolovian mountains, barged their way past acolytes to tell the party they were under arrest for the tresspass of the royal crypts. Shortly after and out of breath, the Knight Commander in his golden armour demanded that he take Wisteria due to her stealing jewelery days ago.

Things of note

⬥ Party sent 4 recommendations of Lu'ra.

⬥ Sent a letter to Moloch via raven.

⬥ Father Uriel presented Helka with a letter from an unknown tiefling woman.

⬥ Party is apprehended.

⬥ "Thomas" after being seen in the crowd watching the party get arrested acknowledged the party.

Summary

The party was arrested, despite disaproval of the Knight Commander. Wisteria's gag puzzled two dwarven guards, and in the end they put a sack with rope around her beak. Bound and gagged, the party were forced to march between the dwarves throughout the city. In the crowd, one or two of the party spotted Thomas, small in stature but forward enough in the gathering crowd to be noticed. Falkos gave a short wave, to which Thomas nodded in acknowledgement. After one of the guards that arrested them approached a group of Gilam guards, some words were thought to be shared until ultimately they were let through.

In interrogation, the party revealed that they had a connection to Moloch Gravelbain, and were thrown into a gaol together. After some deliberation, the party decided to not use the lockpick Talmirr smuggled in. At a later time, Talmirr spotted a female tiefling clothed in beige and leather approach the gaol crouching. She teased him, and upon telling the rest of his travelers, she let them out and told them which way to go - exchanging playful words as she did so, but also mentioned a friend of hers Ivin who was apparently in the gaol a week prior. After this release, she yelled to the guards, prompting the party to run.

With a chase, some scuffling with dwarves and panic, behind Falkos appeared a silver-skinned orc, elegantly dressed in black with a silver rapier by his side and a rat in his left hand. During the fight going on in front of them, Talmirr and Falkos found out that this orc was affiliated with the female tiefling who let them out.

After retrieving their items, the party made their way to the exit, looting some curiously knocked out guard bodies on the way. Upon seeing no posters of their faces in the vicinity, the party took the opportunity to look for the red berly gem that Uriel mentioned he needed. They entered an opulent gem cutting & crafting store in the Opal district. They learnt from the shop owner, handman as he was in a crafting apron, that they grow the gems and that specific gems only grow in certain conditions.

The party showed the coupon they won from the talent contest, only for the shop owner to accept it but recall that these were the outsiders wanted. Wanting nothing to do with this, he accepted the coupon and asked them to leave.

Things of note

⬥ Party were interrogated and shared they were linked to Moloch.

⬥ Bought a red beryl, one of the items needed for the investigation by Father Uriel.

Summary

I forgot to write this one now I don't remember it well oops

- Party got approached by two individuals that they met previously - Ivin, and Riani. Talmirr recognised the organisation they were from - The Spinning Compass - as ones that had ties to his capture and more. Staying quiet, he decided not to mention this to anyone.

In the end, the party signed the contract, though not under their names. Their agreement was that they would aid the criminal duo in their quest to find a drow instead, one that was mentioned earlier and that the party immediately noted.

- Party solved a puzzle, only to find Riani and Ivin gone once they returned. Upon searching, they entered even further into a dungeon. After some investigating, the party enters a room filled with webs, and upon touching a thread, a twing echoes and a giant spider emerges from the darkness.

Things of note

⬥ Party are in an agreement with Ivin & Riani

⬥ Entered a dungeon!

Summary

A deep dwarven spider with clusters of crystals attacked the party. Admist the fight, Helka got paralyzed and posioned, with Talmirr also being poisoned from a smaller spider. Helka valiantly slide under the spider and hit its exposed belly, but upon the second time ended up underneath and therefore a prime target for the deep spider. After dispatching it and with one last little spider remaining, Falkos swatted it with his hand. The party harvested the deep spider's clusters to varying success.

- Falkos cooked the mushrooms he collected whilst taking his turn taking watch. He burnt the mushroom skewers he made from chopping the nearby bedframes....

- Wisteria, after putting on a mask along the wall (which was found to be demonic in nature and used to ward off spirits), noticed a piano in the corner. Upon playing and meeting a deathly figure who asked her to "play dead", she played it on the piano and obtained a key to doors the party later opened.

- Helka detected a spirit, and after being horrified by the sight, she showed her divine symbol to deter it...for a time.

- Talmirr pushed a keg he found around the entire dungeon, but ultimately the ladder proved final to that plan. A good attempt to resell, however.

- Party remained uncharmed after using the joy mask and the skeletal pointer to open the passage. The Jabberwocky stood in an obsidian statue in its gangly, imposing prison. It spoke to the party, but also to Riani and Ivin after expressing displeasure they were there to apprehend a drow that he was protecting. It recognised something afoul on Helka, and though she did not state what it was, he warned her of choosing the side of Beshaba. After words were exchanged, the Jabberwocky asked 3 questions:

• What makes you happy?
• What gives you hope?
• What have you done to do good in the world?

In addition, he asked whether the party (after hearing the disdain) sought the "dwarves' destruction". The party answered that they did not, which pleased the Jabberwocky, citing that they are "smarter than most."

Appeased with, according to he, at least one answer from each of the party, the Jabberwocky agreed to answer 4 questions from the party. He also gifted them with 4 magical gifts.

Things of note

⬥ Mined a deep dwarven spider with a hammer and a glaive, harvesting its minerals and venom

⬥ Received 4 gifts from the Jabberwocky for amusing its musings.

Summary

You get bullet points as I have 0 time for this (also the word of Billy Crystal is spreading pretty well lmao)

• - Met a drow called Yurial and gathered some answers
• - Helka put the bottled creature into the pool of water. It swam around akin to a fish
• - Some party members took the healing water
• - Escaped and are now travelling

Things of note

⬥ Unfortunately, no other exit was revealed to the party in the mountains

⬥ Parents of the post office worker appreciated the commendations for their orc (adopted) daughter, Lu'ra. They gave a discount on the ink required

Summary

It's been 2 months but here we are again!

A curious red dragon beat its wings at the players' carriage, forcing the driver to flee. She presented herself with pride and displayed her prowess effortlessly. The dragon, who revealed her name to be Aesir, flicked her tongue at Helka and Wistera (as the other two had retreated to behind them). After seeing the two were not phased, Aesir offered a proposal: if the Party could make her famous, she would reward them with her hoard treasure. After bargaining with her, the party got a ride to Diril - the capital of Halendal and the city of water.

The party spent a few days purchasing new items (including Falkos' swanky cloak) and residing at the local shrine for Savras. They ate well at The Yawning Ogre and handed a menu by a balding orc with unusually small tusks. Falkos noticed the red dragon mentioned on the menu and bought all the red items on the menu. This prompted the orc to ask if he was part of that "group", to which Falkos lied. The orc then said "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" but ended up pulling a compass out after being prompted. After Falkos failed to show any compass, possibly linked to The Spinning Compass, the orc acted as if the talk never took place.

After some interesting drinks (Wisteria drinking a drink akin to if rust was sweet, Falkos getting flashbacks to the Trilovian mountains when drinking his mountain beer etc), a raggedy-looking human loomed over the party accusing them of being a "dirty wizard" and more. He was lonesome, but kept his guard up after confronting them.

The shrine of Savras generously provided lodging and food for the party; they also provided fortune cookies, a common tradition honouring her.

The fortune cookies read as follows:

• Wisteria: Fortune favors the brave.
• Helka: A stranger is a friend you have not spoken to yet.
• Fakos: Everyone agrees. You are the best.
• Talmirr: A dream you have will come true.

At the shrine, Talmirr received a letter stating: "Diril @ 17 Homing Street". The party immediately depart to try and find it, and on the way Oberon calls Falkos. He tells him he needs as much as his font of power as possible and requests Falkos to come back at once. At the end of the phonecall, Titania could be heart shouting.

Things of note

⬥At the shrine, Talmirr received a letter stating "Diril @ 17 Homing Street"

⬥ Aesir the red dragon is giving the party a month to make her famous

⬥ There's a secretive "group" and the bald orc @ the Yawning Ogre knows of it

⬥ Oberon desperately wants Falkos to return to the Feywilds

⬥ Wisteria's parents will probably be waiting a while

Summary

Party investigated Talmirr's letter, leading to a very paranoid Gerome Twinhaven, Talmirr's uncle, who trusted his nephew to enter at first but only after Talmirr slid a note under the door stating who he was. Talmirr treaded lightly and was informed how enemies of his noble house have between looking for him and their family. He also relayed that his mother and father want a letter from Talmirr, and that they do care despite their actions for him. In addition, Gerome's wife has her own estate and is providing for Gerome whilst he is keeping low. After much conversation (mostly unheard from the window the party were listening from), he agreed to let the party in and gave them a special knock so he knows who are at the door next time.

He was wary of Talmirr's "friends". At dinner Gerome sat silently, but grew in confidence when the party asked about his hobbies, namely chess. The party asked if a dragon could partake in his chess club which caught Gerome off-guard. The following morn, he offered his home as a place to stay, even laying out breakfast for the party.

The party took a carriage to the Opal forest in the hopes of entering the Fey realm with Falkos' aid. The carriage driver dropped them off before a forest, angrily telling them how no driver goes further than he there. Upon avoiding a mother owlbear and her cubs thanks to great stealth (lol), the party eventually came across a dilapidated cabin in the woods. They saw a rusting bronze suit of armour outside, wilted crops and a locked door. They unpicked it and explored, finding rotting food, some spoils and a dead guy upstairs on the bed. Oof. He had lots of crusted blood around him. A spectre, small and glowing with small round eyes, sprouted out of the body. Talmirr identified this and how they learn language at a fast rate/are a blank slate and impressionable. The spectre asked "You want bed?" Wisteria replied, and it asked again. Falkos reached out and it flew into his body, separating his corporeal form and his ethereal, and it took him through the roof and way above the cabin. It let him hover there so he could see the sepctre's form and a sort of arrow in the direction of a beautiful glowing forest in the distance - The Opal Forest.

The spectre released Falkos who then plummeted to his own body, leaving the spectre to make way to the armour outside (as detected by Helka). Upon [idk who] reaching out their hand, the visor slammed shut and the spectre hid inside [I forgot].

A purple swirling mass suddenly appears above the armour…in a second the mass falls down, crushing the suit below it instantly in a symphony of horrible clanging, leaving only a bloodied mess and crumpled metal on the floor. "Oh dear." A firm, feminine voice calls out from above. Whispers of hisses spill in the air and tendrils spill from in front of you all, spurring a blackened, hooded figure. The woman wears a mask with a fierce face, gold in colour. She is garbed in a dark overcoat which covers most of her body. The patterns lining her garb dance around her clothes. You recognise her mask from the battle with the odd fluid shadows on the way to Gilam.

The woman enquired on how much the party unearthed about drow history, with Wisteria and Helka mentioning the Jabberwocky among the battle of Umbra from their studies. Remaining somewhat unimpressed, she expressed her want to "update" the party...

Things of note

⬥ Talmirr's uncle (Gerome Twinhaven) has offered a safe spot for the party at his estate: Diril @ 17 Homing Street

⬥ Gerome may ask the chessboard chairmain to accept a dragon as a member, as requested by the party.

⬥ The towering woman that appeared many moons ago has reappeared...

Summary

To be finished later

Things of note

⬥ .

Summary

After the events of Wintermas, the party continued to their newly marked destination: Stanford town. With light snow littering the area, the dim light of public torches lit the way. The party's first stop was the jewelry store, an modest shop adorned with sparkling displays and intricate showcases. As they entered, the jeweler, a lanky, gaunt woman greeted them. Helka after the appraisals attempted to intimidate Elara into buying her wizard books, but quickly left after seeing her usual tactics were ineffective against Elara's resolve.

On the next stop, an elderly couple named Mrs and Mr Wiggins (unnamed to party) urged Helka to pursue wizardry. They earnestly encouraged Helka to join the local wizard club, emphasising that there were few wizards left in the area and expressing a strong desire to pass on their knowledge and traditions to the next generation.

Talmirr, tapping into his draconic bloodline, subtly invoked his draconic heritage to a dragonborn female named Marcie and successfully sold his goods for excellent prices.

The party then patiently waited until nightfall before making their way through the streets to the Jubilee tavern, a renowned establishment known for its lively atmosphere and warm hearth. An old friend (or annoyance, depending), Terrin, awaited them there.

The tavern is extraordinarily large with candles hanging from above lighting up the 2nd floor's tables that peer overhead a balcony. Many a person is drinking to their heart's content; you hear drunkards singing out of tune, the smell of cooked meats and lots and LOTS of chatter from these patrons.

Terrin's face lit up with a broad smile as he approached the party after chatting with Kava, the dragonborn innkeeper with shimmering green scales and a welcoming demeanor. They took their seats in front of ared dragon painting behind them that adorned the walls. As they ordered a feast of hearty dishes from Kava, the dragonborn innkeeper, the party settled into their seats, their conversation turning to the mysterious woman in the shadows named Parthus and her drow heritage.

Terrin proposed a friendly challenge to showcase everyone's abilities. Falko, seized the opportunity and conjured a stunning phantasmal image of a fearsome chimera. The illusion was so vivid and convincing that even Terrin took a startled second glance despite knowing it wasn't real. Helka effortlessly lifted Terrin with her physical prowess, hoisting him into the air before gracefully catching him in a damsel carry. Initially taken aback by the unexpected display of strength, Terrin couldn't help but chuckle in amusement as Helka lowered him back down with ease. Wisteria offered to play her horn, despite the lack of experience, she was eager. Kava arranged for this, and by the end of the meal, Wisteria stood up ready to perform. Though her skills were not flawless, the audience cheered her on...mostly. Talmirr enhanced the performance by lighting up the backdrop with a soft blue glow using his magic, while Falko added a spectacular touch by creating dazzling fireworks with his minor illusion at a peak moment in Wisteria's song. The collaborative efforts of the party transformed Wisteria's performance into a magical and memorable experience, filling the tavern with joy and excitement. Terrin then presented Wisteria with a letter he intercepted from Wisteria's concerned parents, stating they would like to see her next full moon.

Under the silvery glow of the moon, the party quietly departed from the Jubilee Tavern in the dead of night, the streets empty and shrouded in darkness. They converged beneath a stone archway where Terrin, after teleporting above to see who was briefly around, revealed a new quest: to retrieve an exceedingly rare plant known as liquid twilight from the depths of the Feywilds, and he needed it fresh.

Things of note

⬥ The elderly couple (Mrs & Mr Wiggins) offered a wizard if Helka returned as a wizard.

⬥ Terrin noticed Talmirrs's subtle look and gently scolded him for attempting to read his thoughts.

⬥ The party showcased their abilities exceedingly well to Terrin.

⬥ Wisteria's parents want to meet her at the next full moon (around 3-5 weeks away)

⬥ Terrin requested recompense in the form of freshly cut Liquid Twilight, a rare plant from the Feywilds.

Summary

The party, having gotten lost twice, finally made their way to the Opal Forest - a brilliant, blue-curtained woodland that appeared to be in perpetual night. Falkos then summoned Oberon, who, true to his mischievous nature, presented the party with a curious challenge: "The space between two trees where the sun gently burns your skin." Wisteria consulted a bird, while Falkos contemplated setting the area ablaze (which likely would have worked). Ultimately, Wisteria opted to hold up a lantern, illuminating a fantastical, everlasting twilight that filled the sky across a newly-formed magical bridge. The party then crossed the bridge and entered an odd, grassy mound.

Inside, the party navigated the rooms. The first "Don't not go right" caused some confusion, but the party revealed a hidden door and continued.

Just going to put bullet points here. I got 0 energy.

Things of note

⬥ Snuck past "Doris", a friend of the sprites

⬥ Party insulted the sprites saying the party was shit

⬥ Party tricked the sprites (gave them a favour), and the sprites tricked them back (offered flowers)

⬥Thwracker (passed out drunk due to party giving him drinks) Marwracker (served tiny drinks and food) Trwacker (instigator, led to pulling Talmirr's "knife" ears)

Summary

Drifting through the mystical chaos of the Feywilds, the adventurers found themselves in the company of a playful pseudodragon. It coiled around branches, its scales shimmering with mischief, as Wisteria stepped forward and coaxed it into conversation with the magic of Speak With Animals. The creature chattered excitedly, guiding them to a patch of enchanted mushrooms—whimsical fungi pulsing with fey magic. After cautious indulgence (ensuring they weren’t of the questionable variety), the adventurers felt an otherworldly shift—translucent, gossamer wings unfolded from their backs, lifting them effortlessly into the air. Meanwhile, across the planes, Oberon’s voice echoed in Falkos’ mind, their mental link surging stronger now that Falkos stood within the Feywilds. The exchange, tinged with both urgency and domestic practicality, carried Oberon’s reminder: Pick up eggs on the way back. We’re out. A discussion over breakfast was also promised—one that would delve into the ever-growing troubles within the Midsummer Court. Spurred by the reminder, the party set out in search of eggs, yet even Falkos, who had spent his childhood within these twisting lands, found himself hopelessly lost. The Feywilds were capricious, shifting and deceptive, and no amount of familiarity could grant certainty in their labyrinthine grasp. Giving up on conventional navigation, they ascended once more, soaring through the shimmering air until their eyes landed on a peculiar cabin, its exterior adorned with magical plants that writhed and whispered in the wind. Their first obstacle? The door—a sentient construct that refused to yield to their attempts at amusement. Jokes fell flat, wit was wasted, and then, in a moment of sheer desperation, someone offered up a juvenile fart joke. The door, much to their bewilderment, erupted in laughter and swung open. Inside, the cabin was a lived-in, cozy space, but its peculiarities were immediate. Two peach cobblers sat atop the central table, locked in an animated debate about which one was the superior dessert. Distracted but wary, the adventurers soon spotted their prize—five gleaming Starwing Jay eggs. And then the realization settled in. This was a hag’s cabin. The temptation to devour the peach cobblers was swiftly quashed—though Helka, ever the scholar, hypothesized that they were likely formed from the same peaches. A brief discussion of mending them ensued but was ultimately abandoned in favor of a quick departure. Unfortunately, their exit was met with yet another trial. The forest outside was no longer peaceful. Enchanted trees groaned to life, lashing out with vengeful intent. Battle erupted. Talmirr, thinking fast, cast Slow, forcing the foes into sluggish motion, but Wisteria was struck and locked in paralysis. Panic flickered across the group—until Talmirr reached for the restorative plant he had foraged earlier in the week. It worked. Wisteria stirred, the paralysis fading, and the fight turned in their favor. The adventurers prepared to press forward into whatever nonsense the Feywilds had yet to throw their way.

The presence of Beshaba was undeniable, even in dreams. Helka, ever composed, met the goddess’s warning with an air of quiet defiance. She would spread Beshaba’s influence—later. The response was calm, measured, but the Lady of Misfortune was not one to be dismissed so easily. True to her word, Beshaba came to Helka in the realm of sleep. The dream—no, nightmare—was immediate. The ground beneath Helka’s feet gave way without warning, plunging her into a terrifying freefall. Darkness swallowed her, the endless void stretching in all directions as she tumbled through space, powerless against the descent. No anchor, no escape. And then, just as the fear reached its peak, Beshaba’s voice curled through the abyss, velvety and cruel: You will know misfortune. There was no question, no room for negotiation. It was a promise. Helka woke with a start, the lingering sensation of weightlessness clinging to her skin. Whether she liked it or not, misfortune was coming—and Beshaba would make certain of that.

Things of note

⬥ Players obtained 5 Starwing Jay eggs for Oberon, who said they'll be eating them the morn they arrive.

⬥ Helka has spurred Beshaba's wrath.

⬥ Players decided to not eat the talking peach cobblers, much to their dismay.

⬥ Talmirr and Falkos had a lot of fun on the mushroom trampolines.

Summary

In the twilight-spun chaos of the Feywild, the adventurers’ night was far from restful. Just as dreams began to take hold, the party found themselves beset by violet fungi and sentient shrubbery—magical flora twisted by the wild magic of the realm. The ambush forced them to reset their rest entirely, leaving them weary and wary.

Still determined, they pressed on through the mist-soaked night until sky veils parted to reveal a radiant golden arch, half-hidden in the fog, and spotted by Wisteria's flight. Falkos confirmed it: the entrance to the Midsummer Court. Crossing its threshold, the party stepped into an eternal summer—petal-lined streets, endless waterfalls, and walkways that glowed gently beneath their feet.

In Oberon’s canopy spires, the group reunited with Vaelrin. Formality was quickly discarded for a warm, sincere reunion between fey kin (kinda). Vaelrin brought the party up to speed on the state of the court, but before they could meet Oberon, they overheard him in mid-rant—muttering into his rose-petal phone about bureaucratic nonsense.

Once inside, Oberon greeted Falkos with a blend of flair and affection. The starwing jay eggs were promptly collected—Oberon’s delight barely veiled by his declaration of needing a bath and finishing some tedious government things. He invited them all to breakfast the next morning.

Their accommodations were the Toadstool Suite, where animated fungal furniture did little to settle nerves frayed by hostile greenery the night before. Beds whispered, mushrooms traded secrets, and a suspicious worm insulted Helka. Helka, unamused, successfully shut it down until it disappeared into the doorframe in fear.

Morning came with sunshine filtering through ivy-laced windows and the gentle song of leaves. The breakfast spread was spectacular: moonberry tarts, petal pancakes, sunfruit slices, and honeyed tea. Oberon arrived barefoot and be-robed, dressed in elegance with the effort of someone who clearly was at home. He sipped tea and teased the party about their lateness, but assured them the eggs were still on the way.

Talmirr, still visibly unsettled by a jam-thieving accusation from a tiny toadstool, voiced concerns about the erratic nature of the court. Oberon, with a lazy smile, warned them: "Be careful when you bite the bread. It might bite back." (He was probably joking.)

But the tone shifted when Oberon turned to Falkos and spoke candidly: something is wrong in the Feywild. The land feels unstable, flickering between dreams and fractures in its very fabric. Titania has called a grand assembly to unify the Fey realm and likely impose structure upon it.

Oberon, ever the champion of wild freedom, fears that her order may strangle the Feywild’s magic. He believes the party could tip the scales. He asked them to serve as his voice and eyes at the upcoming courtly gathering, to stand against Titania’s vision of harmony if it means muting the Feywild’s heart. Before sending them off, he pointed them toward the Moonflow Archives - the mystical repository of Midsummer Court’s long, tangled history.

Things of note

⬥ Party reached the Midsummer Court, a golden-arched gateway to Oberon’s realm of eternal summer.

⬥ Oberon welcomed Falkos, received the starwing jay eggs, and invited the party to breakfast, where he later shared his concerns about Titania’s tightening control.

⬥ Oberon asked the players to represent him in the upcoming assembly and directed them to the Moonflow Archives.

Summary

In the tangled glade of the Feywild, the party faced off against shadowthorn tricksters—nimble, deceptive foes cloaked in illusion. Falkos countered with Mirror Image, turning their own tricks against them. Helka’s magic restored Talmirr to perfect health after the skirmish, earning the gratitude of nearby water nymphs and toads.

But peace was short-lived. The fey creatures, startled by Talmirr’s Disguise Self mimicking the towering lady they once saw, fled in panic. Their cries echoed through the grove, unsettling the party. It took Wisteria’s song and Talmirr’s dancing lights to soothe the frightened fey, leading to a brief, joyful dance shared beneath glowing petals.

In thanks, the nymphs revealed a truth hidden in the main pool—centered around a stone Falkos had been warned not to interpret. Bound by rope, Falkos resisted the pool’s pull and glimpsed a vision: the towering lady, shadowed by a three-headed beast, deep in a cave lit only by fey flora. Oberon was there too, walking away in quiet disappointment. Falkos found this... odd.

Upon returning, the party attempted to lie about what they saw, but Oberon saw through the deception. Though disappointed, he accepted gifts—a Trilovian knife from Tacky and a Wintermas jumper—and sent them to rest before the Grand Fey Assembly.

The next day, golden light flooded the Court of Eternal Balance. Fey nobles perched on floating platforms, their whispers carried by enchanted winds. At the centre stood Oberon, radiant and amused, and Titania, solemn and resplendent. Their debate was fierce: Titania called the creature a wound upon the realm; Oberon, a force of nature. The court was divided.

Oberon turned to the adventurers, inviting them to walk the path toward the creature’s prison. Titania warned them: their choice would shape the realm. As the rulers joined their magic, a portal bloomed—woven from roots and radiant light, pulsing with ancient power. Oberon and Titania stood side by side, their harmony fleeting but real.

With a final glance, they sent the party forward. The Feywilds held its breath. The tale was far from over.

Things of note

⬥ Falkos used Mirror Image to outwit shadowthorn tricksters; Helka healed Talmirr to full strength.

⬥ Fey creatures fled in fear of Talmirr’s disguise; Wisteria and Talmirr calmed them with music and light.

⬥ Falkos resisted the pool’s pull and saw a vision of the towering lady and a three-headed beast.

⬥ Oberon saw through the party’s lie, accepted gifts, and sent them to rest before the Grand Fey Assembly.

⬥ Titania and Oberon debated the creature’s nature; the party was tasked with walking the path to its prison.

⬥ A portal was opened by both rulers—chaos and order entwined—and the adventurers stepped into the unknown.

Summary

The battle began the moment the party stepped into the portal. The chimera, swollen with Feywild magic and feeding greedily upon it, turned its three heads toward them. Talmirr acted first. With a sharp gesture and a whispered incantation, he cast Slow. The spell washed over the creature and dragged at its movements, buying the group precious time before the full fury of the beast could be unleashed.

Helka and Wisteria charged forward as Falkos prepared his arcane defences. Spells crackled through the air while steel rang against hide. The lion’s maw snapped and roared, only to be met by Helka’s relentless strikes. Blood matted its fur as she hammered blow after blow into its jaw. The serpent tail lashed out at Wisteria and sank its fangs deep, flooding her veins with poison. She staggered, but Helka was already at her side, calling upon her magic to purge the venom and knit flesh back together.

The ram’s head began to gather power, its horns glowing with Feywild energy. Falkos reacted instantly. His Counterspell cut through the forming magic and silenced the creature’s attempt. When the chimera tried again later, after two of its heads had already fallen, he was not able to stop the final spell. Even so, his earlier intervention had spared the party from devastation.

The fight grew more desperate as the chimera thrashed in fury. Both Helka and Wisteria suffered terrible wounds. Talmirr and Falkos soon found themselves next in the creature’s sights. The ground itself betrayed them as the Feywild surged. At one point, magic erupted beneath Falkos and vines clawed up from the earth, trying to drag him down. He tore himself free and, seeing his companions on the brink of death, pushed his abilities to their limit. He used Misty Step again and again until the strain left him drained, but he managed to reach both Helka and Wisteria in time to stabilise them.

The chimera fought on, but the party refused to yield. Helka, bloodied and exhausted, delivered the final decisive cut. She severed the serpent tail from the body, ending the creature’s last threat. At last, the clearing fell silent.

As they gathered the remains, the air above the pond shimmered. Magic twisted into a spiralling form, dark tendrils curling outward. A figure appeared upon the rocky platform. The golden mask she wore gleamed with intricate filigree, and her black talon shaped gauntlets clicked softly as she moved. The party recognised her from the Moonflow memories. Parthus.

She regarded the chimera’s corpse with mild surprise and admitted she had forgotten about the creature entirely. Her tone made it clear this was not unusual for her. With a casual gesture, she revealed the chimera’s eggs and crushed them in her gauntleted hand. The party watched in silence, unsure whether to feel relieved.

Parthus studied them with interest and remarked that she had expected them to die much sooner. Conversation followed, strange and tense. When she asked for a tale of great valour, Talmirr stepped forward with confidence and offered her his copy of Dwarf Tales 5. Amused, she accepted and in return gave him a campfire charm that would produce smoke no matter how high the flames rose.

Turning to Wisteria, Parthus examined the magical items the group carried, particularly the lion’s eye. She explained that she could help unlock its potential, but only if Wisteria allowed it to be grafted directly into her skin. The procedure had to be done immediately. Wisteria agreed. Parthus worked with swift, precise movements, cutting and grafting the eye into Wisteria’s chest while the others watched. Before this, she had offered to move the strange markings each of them bore, but none accepted.

When her work was done, Parthus stepped back. Without ceremony, she vanished in a swirl of magic, leaving the party alone once more with the battered remains of the chimera and the quiet that followed.

Things of note

⬥ The chimera was empowered by the Feywild and proved extremely dangerous, nearly killing multiple party members.

⬥ Parthus appeared after the battle, confirming her connection to the chimera and the Moonflow memories.

⬥ Wisteria accepted the grafting of the lion’s eye, performed immediately by Parthus.

⬥ Talmirr earned a unique campfire charm by offering Parthus a tale of valour.

Summary

The period after the battle with the chimera carried a strange sort of triumph. The party had carved the beast apart, roasting and eating pieces of it with the reckless curiosity that adventurers often mistake for bravery. The effects arrived soon after. Talmirr found his senses tangled; the others fared worse. Their mouths had swapped between them in a bizarre magical mishap. When one spoke, the voice came from whoever currently bore their mouth. Wisteria’s beak perched on the half elf’s face like a misplaced ornament.

They lied to Oberon about the chimera, insisting all was well and that Parthus had killed it. Oberon was not fond of this news. He said it was a creature of magic forever lost to the Feywilds. He understood Titania’s view that it needed to be removed to restore order, but he still saw the potential it once held. He checked on them through the rat phone, the tiny creature beeping and blinking colours to signal it was on loud speaker.

When they returned to the Summer Court, a small celebratory gathering awaited them. Lanterns glowed with warm light and Oberon stood at the centre, Titania at his side. Thwracker, Marwracker and Trwacker were also present, eager to see the party again before they departed. Their smiles were wide and genuine as they spoke fondly of the earlier celebration, reminding the group how much fun they had dancing together. Oberon listened with amusement, though there was a tension beneath his own smile. After a few pleasantries, he and Titania mentioned they needed to speak in private. The party took the hint and retired early, leaving the trio of fey to say their goodbyes with Oberon.

Talmirr, ever curious, disguised himself as a servant. Falkos followed, determined to help him spy. Talmirr stole a sheet from the laundry room and entered the royal chamber, pretending to change the bed. His noble upbringing betrayed him. He had never changed a sheet in his life and the result was a loud, clumsy struggle with fabric that refused to cooperate. Between the rustling and muttering, he caught only a fragment of the conversation. Titania said that Falkos was ready to hear it. Oberon disagreed. Before Talmirr could hear more, Oberon, irritated by the commotion, ordered the fake servant to leave.

Meanwhile, Helka and Wisteria retired to their room. Helka drifted into sleep, only to find herself standing in a cold, dim space. Beshaba appeared before her, the air around her heavy with misfortune. She berated Helka for failing to further her doom, scolding her for ignoring the path laid out for her. If she did not act, her friends would suffer. Helka listened, expression unreadable. Beshaba demanded she desecrate sacred objects and places as atonement. Helka agreed, her voice steady, neither defiant nor fearful.

Morning arrived with soft golden light pouring through the towering windows of the great hall. Foliage climbed the walls, catching the glow. The table was set with fey delicacies. Cinnamon buns dusted with shimmering sugar, berry tarts and much more. The party continued their lie, insisting everything was fine.

Oberon asked Falkos to walk with him. Away from the others, he spoke quietly. He told Falkos that on the day he adopted him, it had not been only because he saw himself in the boy. The mischief, the pity, the spark. There had been more to it, but he would explain in time. He placed a hand on Falkos’s shoulder and asked if they were good. Falkos answered with uncertainty, but honesty. Oberon gave him his old dining coat before they parted. He mentioned that Titania had left on urgent business, though he did not say what.

Oberon then gathered the party once more, joined by Thwracker, Marwracker and Trwacker. The trio were delighted to see them again before they left, insisting they wanted to dance with them once more someday. Oberon agreed warmly. He declared that the party deserved a holiday, a proper break from danger and duty.

A holiday in a strange fey park awaited them, one filled with autumn colours and eerie delights. A perfect place for whatever came next. Continued in Halloween one shot 26!

Things of note

⬥ Talmirr tried to change a bed sheet for the first time in his life and nearly blew his cover doing it.

⬥ Helka agreed to desecrate sacred objects after being scolded by Beshaba in her sleep.

⬥ Oberon hinted at a deeper reason for adopting Falkos, but refused to explain it yet.

⬥ Titania left on urgent business, without explaining the nature of it.

⬥ Oberon was quietly upset that the chimera had died, believing it was a creature of magic forever lost to the Feywilds, even though the party lied and said Parthus killed it.