Campaign 2 - Silver Dreams

After Sabre had been repaired, the group continued their mission to escort it across the border into Unknown, Their objective was to have it inspected by a researcher at the Arcane Academy, located just outside of Greenfield in Rivermond. Prior to their departure, they approached Keira Everron and requested if she could accompany them. Keira agreed, understanding that it would result in less violence and that her presence would become the party's responsibility. After gathering her belongings, she joined the group.

En route to the border, traveling alongside the dwarven caravan that had previously aided them in crossing, they all noticed some movement coming from one of the carts. To their surprise, they discovered a small cat-person who had clandestinely hitched a ride with them from the Knight's Rest. She introduced herself as Aislinne and expressed a strong desire to travel while also uncovering the mysteries of her dragon lineage. Recognizing that she posed no threat to their current mission, the party welcomed her to join them.

As they approached the Rivermond side of the border, they stumbled upon a newly constructed encampment. It was populated by soldiers from the local Bellmond region as well as soldiers from the Rivermond Capital. They concealed themselves within the caravan as the dwarves led them through the encampment. However, their progress was momentarily halted by Captain Fredrik Von Vulcain, who sought to inspect their goods. Before he could uncover the presence of the hidden party members, a Knight approached, addressing the dwarf leading the caravan, Floki Bjornson. This Knight, known as Za'Halid Nasi, vouched for them and urged the Captain to allow them to pass, indicating a previous acquaintance with Floki.

Upon successfully crossing the border and reaching Rivermond safely, they continued their journey and eventually stumbled upon an inn named the Lioness Inn, They spent the night there, and the following morning, as the dwarves prepared to resume their travels, the party expressed their gratitude and parted ways with the caravan, as their paths diverged from that point onward.

They were introduced to a small and distinguished group of Knights, led by Lucas Kardean, who was the commander of the encampment and next in line to become the Baron of Bellmond. By his side stood Rosemond Wilds, Jeremy Castle, Reinar Quinn, Felisha Riverrun, and Kurion. Despite some reservations among his companions, Lucas decided to admit the group of adventurers and assigned them a task as they passed through the city of Bellmond: to convey a message to Aron Tarvon, who served as the Weapons Master at the local Blacksmith and was a loyalist to Lucas.

Upon meeting Aron Tarvon and delivering the message, they discovered that one of the Knight Lords of Bellmond, Isaac Forester, was missing. His loyalty to Baron Lucas Kardean was well-known, and it was essential for Lucas to have him on his side. Aron shared more information than intended, revealing concerns about an imminent attempt to oust Kyle Kardean from his position as Baron. According to Aron, many residents of Bellmond, including a majority of the Knight Lords, and the common folk were worried that the current Baron had descended into madness.

Next, their mission was to locate Lord Isaac Forester, who was somewhere outside the city, in pursuit of rebel forces. The party, who were privy to the planned coup, initially believed that Lord Forester was hunting Lucas' followers. They managed to track him down, but before encountering him, they stumbled upon a young woman who was hunting game. She cautiously trained her bow on the strangers, prompting the party to introduce themselves. In a refined manner, she did the same. Her name was Amanda Forester, Isaac Forester's daughter. She guided them to a makeshift camp where they found a handful of soldiers, and amidst them, the imposing figure of the half-giant himself, wearing a confident smile. Isaac was eager and prepared to take on the rebels they had tracked down. Uncertain about their next steps, the party refrained from warning Isaac or disclosing their discussions with Lucas, only revealing that they had met him. They attempted to gauge Isaac's stance on the Baron but found him seemingly as loyal as ever.

The party stayed in the background as Isaac and his men moved to engage the rebel camp deeper in the woods. Eventually, the party stealthily followed, only to realize that the rebels they were fighting were not part of Lucas' faction. They swiftly joined the fray to assist Isaac, who seemed to relish the chaos. When the battle was over, Isaac wasted no time and informed the party that they could have a more in-depth conversation in Bellmond before departing. His men looted everything from the defeated rebels, and they all headed back home.

The group eventually returned to Bellmond, where they had a few pressing matters to address. Their first order of business was a conversation with Aron Tarvon, concerning the search for Isaac Forester and the assessment of his loyalty. However, before delving into these matters, they sought clarification on the rumored "Rebels" from Aron. He explained that rebels were indeed active in the Bellmond region, composed of family members of those who had lost their lives in the attack against the Dynasty. These rebels harbored a deep-seated grudge against their Baron, holding him responsible for the tragedy and desiring his execution. It became evident that Lucas did not wish to form an alliance with these rebels due to their reputation for violence.

The party eventually located Isaac in one of Bellmond's taverns, where he was in the company of his comrades, indulging in drinks. Through their interaction, they determined that Isaac's loyalty was steadfastly with the Family, with no distinction between Lucas and Kyle in his affections. This information was shared with Aron, though the specifics of the outcome were left largely unspoken, as the group had to soon depart from Bellmond and make their way towards Greenfield.

Outside the inn, they encountered two mysterious travelers. One was a tall, cloaked figure, and the other was a portly man. When the party approached them for conversation, it became evident that the travelers were in a great hurry to depart. Amelia and Varis couldn't help but be intrigued by the concealed cart in their possession. While the rest of the group entered the inn to secure rooms, Amelia and Varis waited for an opportunity to investigate the cart further. Eventually, Amelia managed to sneak a peek inside and discreetly pocketed a few items.

Meanwhile, the chubby man entered the inn, and not long after, a small group of armored soldiers arrived outside, clearly on the lookout for the man. An imposing Orc led the soldiers and diligently checked each room. He reached Keira's room and informed her that the chubby man was not there. Shortly thereafter, the sounds of a scuffle could be heard from the adjacent room. Keira later witnessed the Orc forcibly removing the man from the inn, marking their first encounter with the Dominus Chain, a formidable faction of the Dominion Church.

As the party outside observed the soldiers and the Orc departing with the chubby man, they also noticed the hooded figure who had been with the man making a quick exit in the opposite direction with the cart. What they had taken from the cart turned out to be various items associated with dark alchemy, a detail that didn't particularly stand out to Amelia.

They spent the night at the Inn without any issues and got ready to leave early in the morning.

The following day, the group continued their journey toward the Capital. Along the way, they stumbled upon the quaint harbor village of Baymount, where they decided to make a brief stop for necessary supplies.

In Baymount, they crossed paths with Meleni Allorey, a skilled artificer and the owner of Allorey's Alluring Anvil. Meleni had a proposition for them as they were en route to the Capital: the task of delivering a small box of valuable goods to the blacksmith at Heavy Metal Works in the Coin District of the Capital. Interestingly, this district happened to be the very same area where Varis had established his residence. The group agreed to take on the job and also gathered additional provisions before resuming their journey.

After traveling most of the day, they established a campsite next to a serene creek, preparing to rest for the night. Unexpectedly, they found themselves in the company of an enigmatic hooded figure, the same individual from whom Amelia had previously purloined some belongings. The figure had tracked them down and demanded the return of the stolen items, to which Amelia adamantly refused.

Subsequently, the hooded figure, who initially appeared to be human-sized, revealed a surprising transformation, morphing into a feline humanoid with razor-sharp claws and a bony tail. He launched an assault on their camp and the entire group, initiating a skirmish. It was during this intense battle that Amelia unveiled her own ability to assume an alternate form. Ultimately, the fight concluded swiftly, leaving the party with more inquiries than resolutions.

The day after, they resumed their journey and reached Sungard, the final stop before their arrival at the Capital. Once there, they restocked on supplies and decided to split up.

Amelia boldly strolled through the front yard of the Lord's estate, making her way to a serene river located behind the mansion. Her unconventional approach left the bewildered guards in her wake. Bartimaeus, on the other hand, followed her and engaged in a conversation with the guards and Zarra Veedis, Sungard's Lady and ruler. He introduced himself, and as soon as they heard his name, the guards and Lady Zarra welcomed him in. To Bartimaeus's surprise, Kitt Veedis, Zarra's husband, was a historian on the side. He had collected valuable information about the Order of the Grail Knights and eagerly shared a book filled with his notes, assisting Bartimaeus in recovering some of his forgotten memories.

Meanwhile, Varis and Aislinne decided to explore the town together. During their exploration, they stumbled upon a small fighting pit. Varis, filled with enthusiasm, expressed his desire to participate. He informed the guild overseeing the pit that he had friends who would stand by his side, but not everyone got the message. Varis ended up facing the challenge alone, with only Sabre as his companion. Keira, on the other hand, was in the crowd, placing bets on the fights. Varis and Sabre displayed exceptional prowess in the pit, triumphing over their opponents and making a decent sum of gold before departing.

While in Sungard, the group encountered a stray dog named Archibald, who soon became their newest member. It was apparent that the dog had been taken by a local merchant, but the party either didn't dwell on it or were too captivated by the dog's charm to act otherwise. Regrouping, the party prepared to continue their quest to reach Greenfield.

They embarked on a journey down the southern road, with a detour planned to take them through the Capital city. During their visit, they made a pit stop in the Coin district, where Varis had his very own home.

The group took a well-deserved break in the bustling city, restocked their supplies, and fulfilled their task of delivering a mysterious box acquired in Baymount. At the Heavy Metal Works, they encountered a dwarf by the name of Ulfnir Rockmane, an old comrade of Bartimaeus.

Meanwhile, Varis experienced a peculiar encounter at his homestead when enigmatic owl spirits delivered a cryptic message regarding recent developments at the Arcane Academy and within the confines of Greenfield.

Evidence of previous travelers became evident when they stumbled upon a wrecked carriage, which, upon closer examination, was identified as belonging to two hunters who had ventured into the woods in search of game. The party also skillfully avoided attracting the attention of a massive giant beast, responsible for the damaged carriage they discovered.

They came across a small encampment with two hunters who was looking for game, not far from their camp the group stumbled upon an ancient grave, the resting place of "Sir Nicholas Umeren Denova," a Grail Knights from nearly three centuries ago.

A mysterious gust of wind stirred Bartimaeus' curiosity, prompting him to venture into opening the sarcophagus. His companions offered assistance, and together, they revealed the remains of Bartimaeus' old comrade and brother in arms. Within the sarcophagus, they found a magical necklace and a peculiar stone seal, which they carefully retrieved before sealing the tomb once more.

As the wind subsided, the sky darkened, and the party decided to join the hunters at their modest camp for the night. With the arrival of nightfall, an unusual buzzing sound emanated from the vicinity of the encampment. This piqued Varis's interest, leading him to venture closer to investigate. He discovered small, dragon-like creatures buzzing in the moonlight. After a while, these creatures eventually departed, and the night progressed uneventfully as members took their respective shifts.

With the arrival of morning, Varis relayed his encounter with the strange creatures to the hunters. In response, they advised him to steer clear of them and provided him with a vial of holy water "just in case they sting," without offering further explanation.

The group gathered their belongings and resumed their journey. They had been traveling for what felt like hours when they began to suspect they were going in circles. The ever-changing woods made it hard to keep their bearings. Eventually, they stumbled upon a new path and realized they were close to their entry point into the forest. Ignoring the temptation to return, they pressed forward and came upon an ancient ruin.

As they approached the ruin, a powerful gust of wind suddenly pushed them away. A mysterious, ethereal figure materialized before them—an imposing elf woman wearing a mask, perched atop a majestic elk. She issued a stern warning, recounting how her kind had deceived travelers before and that entering the ruin would be perilous.

Despite the ominous warning, the party ventured into the ruins, finding themselves at the heart of the Stormwoods. They encountered a dilapidated bridge and, with Keiras resourcefulness, rigged a rope to aid their crossing.

Their first challenge came in the form of a massive Flayer Rose, which ensnared Amelia and Varis in its roots while the rest of the group grappled with the menacing plant.

Further exploration led them to a sealed vault. Varis and Aislinne inspected the chamber, discovering a pile of bones near the entrance. Inside, they found a skeleton with a handwritten note that conveyed a chilling tale: "He deceived me, clouded my mind with false promises of greatness. I succumbed to these lies like a thirsty wolf near a pool of tar. I swear it wasn't me. He manipulated me, the voices... They took over. It wasn't me. I won't let him cause more harm. I'm so sorry. Maybe, with your grace, I'll finally find peace. Forgive me."

After some time, the party continued on their journey. Keira and Amelia, from a distance, practiced their archery skills on a distant plant target. As they moved forward, they neared another ruined archway, only to be abruptly halted by a hail of arrows and a command to stop. The words were spoken in Sylvan, a language that Keira understood. The voices fell silent when Keira attempted to ask questions, so the group decided to proceed. Beyond the archway, they discovered themselves in a small village. As they reached the center, armed elves confronted them, once again demanding that they leave. The party managed to initiate a dialogue, and it was revealed that the elves were led by a young girl named Nelvana Umeren, who extended a gesture of goodwill by preparing a powerful soup for them. Everyone partook in the meal, except for Kiera.

In the village, they encountered a statue of an elf-like woman, distinct from the rest of the inhabitants, with all the plants surrounding her wilted and dead. Nelvana explained that their connection and protection from their Queen had been lost about 2-3 months ago. During the same period, a human male and his group had visited the village, leading to chaos and the exodus of the villagers from the forest. A foreboding stone gate had been sealed with something malevolent inside.

Curious about the gate, the party approached it, only to be confronted by the same elven woman they had seen as a spectral figure before, this time in the flesh. She warned them to leave, but when Amelia introduced herself with her full name and her father's name, the woman recognized her surname and promptly threw a spear, piercing Amelia's chest. She revealed that the "Despoiler" the elves spoke of was none other than Amelia's father, accusing her of sharing in his crimes.

A tense situation was defused as the party was informed about the nature of the seal. The elven woman explained that whatever was locked behind the gate was causing the land's deterioration. She didn't know how, but it had already twisted the minds of several villagers, suggesting a more significant influence. Regardless, she adamantly refused to allow the party to enter.

Meanwhile, Kiera managed to sneak closer to the sealed gate, but the black root-like tendrils surrounding it touched and injured her, marking her, according to the Elf woman. In a desperate bid to save Kiera, Bart offered to cleanse her, initiating a prayer. Miraculously, his prayer was blessed by some distant rivers, causing harm to Kiera but persuading the Elf to permit the party to take her along.

Seeking a safe passage out of the Stormwoods, the party was directed by the Elf to an elder horned owlbear, which would guide them back to the main road. They decided to spend the night in the village with Neleva to rest after a challenging day.

The group awoke after a brief night's rest in the serene elf village. Their stay was short-lived, as they soon embarked on a journey through the dense forest, led by an elderly horned owlbear. They eventually found themselves back on a familiar trail, leaving the woods behind. Upon their return to the waiting carriage, they were immediately met with a disheartening sight. 

Strewn across the ground were scattered papers, torn clothing, and broken crates. Their once-trusty horses were nowhere to be seen. Archibald, the loyal dog, lay amidst the chaos, bearing the marks of a brutal encounter. Surrounding this disarray were three distinct piles of sand, a sight familiar to some, though utterly perplexing to Mary Whispermouse. She couldn't help but notice that this sand was unlike the local variety; it possessed an unnaturally fine and smooth texture, reminiscent of ocean sand. As the group inspected the scene further, they discovered the telltale sign of human involvement - blood droplets, serving as a grim reminder that foul play had transpired.

Meanwhile, within the camp, Bartimaeus focused his attention on the commanding soldier and inquired about the apparent presence of soldiers in the camp who seemed more like armed peasants. In a bold move, he proposed a duel in exchange for a horse, prompting the Sergeant to summon one of these men, who went by the name Billy. Billy accepted the challenge, but Bartimaeus swiftly displayed his formidable swordsmanship skills. Honoring his word, the Sergeant promised Bartimaeus a horse, and as Billy rose to express his gratitude, tragedy struck when a crossbow bolt struck him in the eye, resulting in his immediate demise.

Chaos erupted in the camp as panic spread. The armed soldiers and the Sergeant swiftly formed a defensive battle line, while the rest of the party assumed defensive positions to confront the imminent threat. It became evident that a hostile company from the Dominus Chain was charging the camp. While the refugees sought safety by fleeing, the party and soldiers successfully held off the approaching enemy.

In the midst of the intense battle, one of the armed peasants broke ranks and fled, causing a momentary disruption in the defense line. The Sergeant joined Bartimaeus on the frontlines, while the others took careful aim from a distance. As the party systematically eliminated the Dominus soldiers one by one, a sudden wall of fire materialized, creating a barrier that obscured the vision of everyone present.

The sergeant gave orders for the Party to withdraw to protect the others, but Bartimaeus defied the command and insisted that the sergeant lead his men to safety. After some persuasion, the sergeant agreed and retreated with his soldiers. Meanwhile, an unfamiliar high elf lady approached their camp, seemingly focused on a specific target. However, her plans were disrupted when Mary, who had recently discovered her telekinetic powers, managed to knock her off her horse. While the rest of the party engaged the oncoming Dominus soldiers charging their camp, Bartimaeus charged at the Elf Commander with newfound determination.

Challenging her, Bartimaeus soon realized he was severely outmatched. Amelia transformed into her beastial form and joined the fray, biting the Elf Commander. Mary also rushed forward, but as the Party began to surround the Elf Commander, she revealed her divine power by enveloping herself in radiant fire. Mary was struck and fell unconscious, but Bartimaeus quickly healed her. Amelia picked her up and, in the blink of an eye, carried her to safety.

Bartimaeus held his position as the rest of the Dominus soldiers were dispatched by the Party. Varis rushed to assist Bartimaeus, and the gravity of the situation finally dawned on him. He urgently ordered everyone to retreat. Just then, one of the peasant soldiers who had previously fled returned, dropping his weapons and revealing an amulet from his chest, which he broke. This triggered the ground to split open, and a formidable magma elemental emerged in the soldier's place. The Elf Commander realized she had found what she was looking for, but Varis stood before her.

She struck at Varis with her sword, nearly taking him down, but he turned invisible in an attempt to escape to safety. Unbeknownst to him, she possessed keen senses and struck him as he made his way over to Bartimaeus. One by one, they managed to retreat to safety, with the Elf Commander's attention now firmly fixed on the "unholy" magma elemental. The Party fled and tended to their wounds as they headed down the road, the distant outline of Falktown on the horizon.

The group reached the quaint village of Falktown, their energy depleted from their recent skirmish. In their haste, they wasted no time in locating the closest inn, yearning for rest and rejuvenating hot baths. Simultaneously, a few members of their party were drawn to a nearby bulletin board, where a notice piqued their interest. It offered a reward for the capture of Bartimaeus, triggering a sense of urgency. The other announcement mentioned an ongoing inquiry into the enigmatic "Grail Knights." Bartimaeus couldn't help but entertain the notion that he might not be the sole survivor of his once numerous comrades. However, some members of the group humorously reminded him that perhaps his penchant for sharing tales had led to this turn of events.

In addition, they noticed a poster advertising an upcoming Top Hound Championship in a neighboring town, promising a lucrative reward. Despite this enticing opportunity and other job offers on the notice board, the group chose to explore the quaint little town and replenish their supplies.

It became apparent that this town was quite diminutive, with the focal point being the general store, managed by a group of dwarves. In their shopping spree, Amelia acquired healing potions and high-quality arrows, Keira selected some elegant attire, and Aislinne purchased a book on the Legends of Windelcrest to further her dragon studies. Varis made a peculiar purchase, acquiring basic makeup and a wig for Bartimaeus, but for himself, he inquired about the recently introduced black powder weapons. The dwarf shopkeeper made a note of Varis's request and assured him they would have it in stock soon.

Subsequently, the dwarf attempted to engage Varis in a covert deal to procure these new weapons, with a veiled implication of criminal involvement. The dwarf disclosed that the local Lord had recently acquired similar weapons and was training local soldiers to use them. He claimed he could obtain one for Varis, albeit at a substantial upfront cost due to the associated risks. Varis couldn't resist the allure of these weapons and eagerly looked forward to obtaining one.

Eventually, the party regrouped to inspect the stables. However, Bartimaeus had assumed a different appearance and went by the alias "Tom." The Knights guarding the stable entrance were initially skeptical of his identity. Yet, before they could unmask him, a familiar voice vouched for his association with the party. It was the Sergeant from the encampment, swiftly diffusing the Knights' suspicions and granting them access to retrieve their belongings. However, the Sergeant couldn't help but grow curious about Bartimaeus' peculiar disguise. The party reassured him that there was a valid reason, and they proceeded towards the stables.

Upon entering the stables, they encountered a small contingent of heavily armored knights, accompanied by a healer and a unique, wingless creature resembling a smaller Griffin. Varis promptly began sketching the creature, despite the Sergeant's warning not to disturb them. Varis made his intentions clear to the creature's owner, and he requested to view the finished artwork before departing. One of the knights waited for Varis to complete his work and then delivered it to the group's leader, who subsequently led the creature out of the stables.

The Sergeant showed Bartimaeus several of the horses in the stable and offered to help him acquire a second horse for the party, as he was indebted to them for saving his life. He also proposed taking the horse to the local Lord, whom they had just met with the Knights, a man named Nikolay Von Keiner. The Sergeant suggested that he could advocate for the party and seek a potential reward since they were running low on funds. Bartimaeus expressed his gratitude to the Sergeant and inquired about his name, which turned out to be Samuel Kortess. In return, Samuel proposed having a drink with Bartimaeus in the evening when he would share the information he had gathered.

While Varis was exploring the stables, he stumbled upon an unattended hammer, and decided to claim it for himself. As he ventured deeper into the stables, the sound of clanging metal plates reached his ears, leading him to spot a familiar face. In one of the stalls, a heavily armored orc, bearing the sigils of the Church, caught Varis's attention.

Varis approached the orc and mentioned that they had crossed paths before, though the orc appeared somewhat uncertain, not denying the possibility as he had encountered many during his travels. Curiosity piqued, Varis began to inquire about the orc's purpose in town and his involvement with the Church, eliciting some suspicion from the orc. However, the answers he received were either brief or deliberately vague.

It came to light that the orc had journeyed ahead of the company he currently accompanied, simply referred to as the "11th," and they were en route to Hillburg to establish a new stronghold. Varis also learned that the rest of the Church company would be passing through Falktown later in the evening. Grateful for the information, Varis thanked the orc for his time and hastily made his way to share this newfound knowledge with Bartimaeus and the rest of their group.

The party gathered to discuss their plans. Some suggested leaving town temporarily to complete one of the available jobs posted on the bulletin board and waiting until the Church's forces had moved through Falktown. Others felt that staying at the local inn would suffice. In the end, they decided to visit a nearby bar and playfully teased Bartimaeus about his "date" with Samuel.

At the bar, they ordered drinks to ease their anxiety about the impending events. Amelia, in particular, opted for strong beverages and ended up getting quite drunk at a separate table, while the rest of the group settled near the entertainment stage to discuss their options. They questioned Bartimaeus's proposal to act as "bait" for the bounty on his head to earn some quick gold. In the end, they utilized a magical orb to gain an advantage for future challenges.

Meanwhile, Samuel arrived, dressed casually, and shared a drink with Bartimaeus. He informed him that he had successfully negotiated a deal with another Knight for a secondary horse, which would cost him 80 gold. Bartimaeus found this price reasonable. Samuel also revealed that the group had been granted a private audience with the local Lord later in the evening.

As the party relaxed and enjoyed their free time, the evening began to descend over Falktown, setting the stage for a series of events that were about to unfold.

The party continued their evening at the tavern, where Amelia indulged in a potent drink and Bartimaeus was in the company of Samuel, nearing the end of his own beverage. Their night took an unexpected turn when a local soldier entered the tavern, urgently beckoning Samuel away from his drink. Duty called, as there had been reports of a robbery that required investigation.

Samuel suggested they mention their audience with the Lord to the other soldiers and knights to facilitate their passage. With preparations complete, they assembled and managed to smoothly navigate past the vigilant guards, thanks to Samuel's adept notice. Upon reaching the Manor grounds, they were introduced to recruits armed with new black powder weapons. Just as they were about to approach, a soldier guided them up to the Manor itself, where they were to meet the Lord.

Outside the Manor, they encountered Lord Nikolay Von Keiner, who welcomed them warmly but requested further conversation inside as he needed to change out of his armor. While they waited for Lord Nikolay to return in more casual attire, two strangers entered the Manor. An elderly man in a mechanized wheelchair and a dwarf engineer. Initially, the dwarf voiced suspicions about the party's involvement in the reported robbery, but the elderly man held a different perspective.

They explained that the robbery was connected to the new firearms and needed to be addressed. Keira, spotting the dwarf's weapon in his backpack, inquired if he was the manufacturer. The dwarf clarified that he wasn't the creator but rather someone who tinkered and improved upon the Lord's imports from the Vache Kingdom.

As Varis introduced himself to the two newcomers, the elderly man, Stefan Riverton, became intrigued, and their conversation revolved around the firearms. However, Varis noticed something peculiar about the man's wheelchair. The elderly man subtly indicated that they knew each other, though this was their first face-to-face encounter. He mentioned the "Network" casually, but Varis quickly hushed him, leading to an awkward exchange between them. They exchanged thanks, wished each other a good day, and went their separate ways.

As Stefan and the dwarf departed, Lord Nikolay returned in more refined attire. The party was surprised by his transformation now that they saw his unarmored face. Nevertheless, Lord Nikolay expressed his gratitude to the party for rescuing the refugees and Samuel.

As Nikolay prepared to discuss the reward, a resounding knock echoed through the door. Startled by the unexpected arrival, he quickly ushered the party into a concealed storage room adjacent to the hallway. After locking the door securely, he opened the front door to find a knight standing there, bearing news of the early arrival of the Church delegation.

Meanwhile, Mary strained to eavesdrop on the conversation and gleaned some understanding of the situation. The Elf Commander, whom they had encountered before, stormed into the hallway, interrogating Nikolay about the party. He feigned ignorance, attributing his preoccupation to a purported robbery. The Elf Commander, clearly dissatisfied, issued a warning to the Lord and informed him that her men would remain nearby before heading to Hillburg. She left the manor, and shortly after, Nikolay released the party from their hiding place.

The party questioned the Lord about the identity of the Elf Commander, revealed to be Ameena Summerwind, a persistent source of trouble for the Lord. Despite his reservations, he chose not to provoke her further. Bartimaeus shared his thoughts on the Church's actions and asked the Lord about his stance, to which the Lord remained non-committal, emphasizing his commitment to doing what he believed was right. Mary disclosed her affiliation with the Church but expressed her disapproval of their recent methods.

Curious about Mary's connection to the party, Nikolay inquired about her past. She explained her mission, entrusted to her by her Mother Superior, and mentioned an artifact called the "Tears of Enghilm." Initially skeptical, the Lord eventually warmed to the idea, thanks to Mary's persuasion, and expressed a willingness to support her quest for the artifact, believing it could benefit the realm.

Nikolay presented a generous reward in appreciation of their heroic act of rescuing refugees. Following this, he instructed one of his knights to ensure the travelers had the finest provisions for their journey. It was during this conversation that Bartimaeus inquired about the Von Kass lineage. Initially, Nikolay attempted to evade the question, but Bartimaeus eventually revealed his true identity, prompting Nikolay to connect the dots. He then disclosed that he was indeed a descendant of the Von Kass lineage, albeit not the same kind of knight as his ancestor, expressing a desire to maintain his family's new position in the realm.

Shortly thereafter, Nikolay's fiancée joined them in the hallway, where they exchanged greetings. Despite the mistaken belief that she was a Von Keiner, they were to be wed, making her Lady Riverrun. While they engaged in conversation, a knock at the door caught Nikolay's attention. He opened it slightly to investigate and then fully to admit Samuel and an unfamiliar, slender woman with a long firearm strapped to her back. The woman appeared eager to recover her stolen goods, which had been taken during the robbery. Samuel and the woman conducted a brief search and concluded that the perpetrator was likely still in town.

Half of the party eagerly volunteered to assist in the search effort. Amelia's curiosity about the woman's firearm led to some discomfort, but she soon lost interest in the weapon and distanced herself. The woman, visibly irked by the situation, promptly left, while the remaining members of the group, along with Samuel, headed out to investigate.

Upon reaching the town center, where the tracks had been lost, Samuel and the party decided to split up and conduct independent searches. Mary, upon inspecting a pouch provided by the Lord, discovered it contained a substantial sum of platinum coins.

The party decided to return to the local Inn, preferring not to stay in the tavern where Church soldiers were present. They convinced Filip Tenner, the Innkeeper, to set up a table for them. While they discussed their plans and enjoyed some delicious cheese toast, Amelia brought up her recent experiments. She offered her new prototype to the group, and Varis and Aislinne volunteered to try it. Varis experienced immediate weakness and inexplicably took another one, which left him exhausted. Aislinne became sick and retired to her room. Amelia also tested the concoction but felt no effects, which puzzled her. She assisted Varis to his room, where he revealed he was expecting a special delivery from a certain Dwarf, a deal that had led to the robbery of Lord's goods.

Later, Amelia left the Inn at night to investigate the town discreetly. She encountered two drunk men between buildings, flirted with them, and then transformed into her wendigo form. She subdued them easily and administered her frightening chimera drug before leaving them to its effects. Meanwhile, Bartimaeus took a night walk to the stable and attempted to summon an old friend, Snow, a magical elk. A soldier entered the stables but, seeing the late hour, decided not to question the presence of such a creature and helped Bartimaeus.

Back at the Inn, Mary was awakened by heavy knocking on her door. She opened it to find a large Orc in Dominion armor. Though skeptical at first, the Orc presented a sigil confirming his affiliation with the Church. He informed her that the Lord Commander of the Dominus Chain himself had ordered her presence. Reluctantly, she gathered her belongings and left with the Orc. Kiera, who had overheard the conversation, decided to follow them, but they left Falktown in a hurry. Kiera returned to the Inn, where she rested and waited for the morning.

After a restful night, Kiera awoke to the jarring sound of gunfire echoing through the air. She hastily roused her companions at the Inn and set out to investigate the commotion. Bartimaeus swiftly joined her, and together they encountered a boisterous and enraged crowd of townsfolk at the town center, halted by a line of vigilant soldiers. Bartimaeus approached to inquire about the situation.

A familiar knight recognized Bartimaeus and offered some information. It appeared that mysterious creatures had attacked the townsfolk during the night, but the soldiers had managed to subdue them. The nature of these monsters and how to deal with them remained a puzzle.

Bartimaeus asked Kiera to gather the rest of their group, and she promptly returned to the Inn to relay the message. As the party reunited and reached the tumultuous scene, they were granted passage and discovered a gruesome sight – a large pool of blood surrounding a deceased chimera-like creature. Lord Keiner and the Gunner Captain were present, attempting to discern the nature of the threat and its origins.

Lord Keiner proposed a theory that these creatures might be connected to a recent robbery, though the motive behind targeting firearms and subsequently terrorizing civilians remained a perplexing mystery. The monsters bore grotesque features, with canine heads, patches of scales across their bodies, spiky arm protrusions, and menacing talons. Amelia persuaded Lord Keiner to incinerate the corpses as a precaution, as the Lord considered sending them to the Academy for study.

Amidst the chaos, Lord Keiner expressed his condolences, particularly for the loss of Samuel Kortess, who had likely encountered the monsters while searching for the robbers during the night. It remained uncertain whether Samuel had put up a fight or was ambushed.  The group recalled a notice they had seen on a nearby farm about a monster targeting livestock, suspecting it might be of the same kind. Lord Keiner agreed and tasked them with investigating the farm while he addressed the town's ongoing turmoil.

Though their concerns for Mary's whereabouts persisted, Kiera reiterated her earlier account of what she had witnessed. Uncertain whether Mary had been taken or had gone willingly, the group decided to prioritize addressing the current crisis before seeking her out.

The group volunteered to investigate the farm for additional clues or signs of the alleged goat thief. Upon arriving at the farm, a weathered man emerged to greet them. After introductions, the man smiled and invited them to follow him into the farm's courtyard. The dilapidated state of the place immediately caught their attention. The man led them further into the courtyard, and as they advanced cautiously, he suddenly vaulted over a low stone wall, shouting. Two young men with drawn bows sprang to their feet, targeting Varis. The old man brandished his club, instructing the group to stand still and avoid any unnecessary harm.

The two men claimed they were after the Brightheart, with a reward on Varis's head. The group briefly entertained the idea of sharing the bounty but were interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a squad of Church soldiers. A Knight inquired about the Brightheart, and Aislinne responded with a powerful blast of freezing arcane energy. The fight ensued, with the Knight engaging Bartimaeus while the rest of the group took on the soldiers. Bartimaeus called upon the river's aid to summon a wave, which knocked several soldiers away but accidentally hit Archibald, rendering him unconscious.

The group managed to keep the soldiers at bay using arrows, magical fire, and sheer force. Bartimaeus briefly fell unconscious but was revived by an elvish amulet. The duel between the Knight and Bartimaeus raged on while the party dispatched the remaining soldiers. Kiera disarmed the men who had deceived them, showing remarkable composure despite the wounded men lying nearby.

Varis unleashed the power of his Stormbound Gauntlets, creating a sphere of lightning that vaporized some of the soldiers. It seemed the group was gaining the upper hand until the Knight overpowered Bartimaeus once more. Just before the Knight could inflict further damage, Kiera struck him down. As a second group of soldiers arrived and aimed their crossbows at the party, Kiera bit into the Knight's neck, causing a momentary freeze among the soldiers.

Just as it appeared the soldiers were about to open fire, a mysterious sound of clashing and slashing filled the air, and the soldiers began to drop one by one. The party, now ready for anything, helped Bartimaeus and Archy back to their feet. Two figures approached them through the fallen soldiers, an older half-elf and a young woman with her bow trained on everyone.

Bartimaeus recognized the half-elf as his former Squire, Nathaniel, and introduced the bow-wielding woman as Vaylin Moss. A third individual, referred to as Twelvecut approached and impressed Varis with his skill in wielding three daggers. Kiera, however, was familiar with their kind. The group learned about the bounty on the Brightheart and realized that it was unclear who the wanted individual was, Varis or Bartimaeus. Kiera discovered the real "Lars" hanging in the barn, prompting the deceitful men to be called out. Veylien Moss swiftly dispatched them with arrows. Stunned by the revelation, the group decided to return to the other farm for breakfast and discussion.

When they returned to the farm, the farmer inquired about their search for Lars or any potential leads. They solemnly informed him that Lars had fallen victim. In a show of sympathy, the farmer invited them inside for a meal. Bartimaeus and Nathaniel took this opportunity to reminisce about the past and discuss current events. Nathaniel mentioned his employment under someone named Mel, expressing his preference for a more nomadic lifestyle over being a guard. Amelia then inquired about her father, William Vicarin. To her surprise, Nathaniel had been searching for him too, but for an entirely different reason – there was a bounty on William's head.

Bartimaeus inquired about his former comrades, but Nathaniel had little to share. He did, however, express concern about a peculiar dark knight in Whitechapel who seemed to have close ties to Lady Steinheart, the ruler of the city. Nathaniel suspected this knight might be a former Grail Knight, much like Bartimaeus. The two made plans to investigate Whitechapel, with Varis openly expressing his desire to participate in the wargames and blood sports within the city, a notion that Nathaniel found somewhat reckless. Nevertheless, Varis believed it could be an opportunity to approach Lady Steinheart and potentially seek his father's aid.

Nathaniel also mentioned rumors of hauntings in Highmarsh, the land once belonging to the Grail Knight Sir Asher Karlstain, whose family and estate had been destroyed. Bartimaeus thanked Nathaniel for the information and asked for a favor – to travel to Rivermond and watch over the Brightheart family, whose name was now prominently displayed on notice boards. Nathaniel agreed, driven by their history and the promise of gold.

As they departed, the group inquired about traps, and the farmer mentioned having a few small tripwire traps for catching small game. Kiera and Varis decided to set up some traps for the night, managing to create an explosive one. Meanwhile, the others prepared for the evening. Amelia remained reserved, Bartimaeus arranged a comfortable spot in the barn for himself and Archibald, and Varis and Kiera questioned the farmer's daughters about the mysterious monster. Unfortunately, the only detail they could gather was that one of them had heard an unusual humming sound.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the twin moons cast their gentle glow upon the night, the party readied themselves for whatever might come. Bartimaeus and Varis stood watch from the tower mill, vigilant in the tranquil evening. To pass the time, Varis started tinkering with one of Bartimaeus' swords, seeking to enhance its craftsmanship. Hours passed, and Bartimaeus received back his weapon, now meticulously tempered with a silvery sheen. As he inspected the blade, a subtle movement caught his eye in the fields below. It turned out to be a fox darting across the wheat field. However, shortly after, a sudden burst of light flared in the distance, accompanied by an eerie silence that ruled out thunder as its source.

Bartimaeus descended from the tower and hurried towards the farmstead to awaken the others. Kiera had already risen from her slumber and was keeping a watchful eye from the roof, also having witnessed the mysterious light. As Bartimaeus roused the rest of the party, Varis attempted to peer outside, though his poor eyesight left him with little insight. Eventually, the entire party gathered at the fields, where they began to discern a faint humming among the wheat. A figure, resembling a dwarf, emerged and began inspecting the harvested crops. Without hesitation, Amelia rushed towards the figure, prompting it to instinctively turn invisible. In a swift response, Kiera released an arrow.

A whimper and a thud marked the figure's fall as the arrow struck true. Amelia pounced on the now-visible creature, only to discover that it had transformed into a large, rotund being with horns and hooves. Startled, it pleaded for Amelia to release it, which she did as the rest of the party approached. The creature's name was Fugal, and he had come to retrieve a goat for his master, a dragon named Kazmidrax. It became apparent that the dragon was in a foul mood, harboring distrust towards others due to a previous attempt to steal its heart. Fugal, however, simply followed orders and provided goats to appease his master. While Amelia and Kiera were wary of the dragon, Bartimaeus and Aislinne expressed eagerness to meet it. Varis, too, was open to the idea. As they deliberated, Fugal repeatedly requested a goat.

Bartimaeus proposed a deal, offering two goats in exchange for an audience with the dragon. One goat now, and the other at dawn. Fugal was initially reluctant, as he was not accustomed to daylight and had a general aversion to people. However, he eventually acquiesced and awaited the delivery of the first goat. Bartimaeus promptly fetched it and returned, only for Fugal to jubilantly clap before rendering the goat unconscious with a swift slap. He slung the goat over his shoulder and produced a small urn, releasing a magical dust that enveloped him. Fugal promised to return for the second goat at dawn, and with a snap of his fingers, he vanished in a brilliant flash.

The party then retreated to the barn at the farmstead, settling in for the remainder of the night.

Varis chose to spend the night alone in the tower mill and was the first to awaken with the gentle touch of the morning sun seeping through the mill's windows. He readied himself for the day and descended the tower, while his companions gradually stirred from their slumber. Suddenly, their tranquility was shattered by the distressed cries of a farmer who had just discovered a missing goat from his herd. Bartimaeus stepped in to offer an explanation and pacify the irate farmer, who was fuming at the thought of them losing one of the goats they had been entrusted to protect. Bartimaeus then revealed their intention to take a second goat, which only further fueled the farmer's anger. However, he was eventually appeased when Bartimaeus handed over a substantial sum of gold in compensation for the goats.

Meanwhile, Varis and Aislinne waited near the expansive wheat fields, eager for the day's adventures to unfold. They could hear the farmer and his wife engaged in a heated argument within their home. Suddenly, their attention was drawn to Fugal, who materialized behind the mill, anxious to secure the second goat and teleport everyone to his master's location. Once Bartimaeus arrived with the second goat, Fugal created an intricate magical circle with dust before transporting them all to an unknown destination. They found themselves deep within a forest, standing before an overgrown cave entrance.

The party followed Fugal into the cave, where he gestured to a group of people and explained that they didn't talk much. However, the party soon realized that these miners were frozen in place. Varis approached to examine the crystals they had mined, noticing both permafrost crystals and Frostbite Gemstones. It appeared that one miner had dropped a gemstone, leading to the group's encasement in permafrost.

While Kiera and Amelia remained apprehensive, they continued deeper into the increasingly frigid cave. Eventually, they reached a narrow frost-covered entrance at the cave's end. Fugal awakened a goat and sent it inside before signaling for the party to enter.

Amelia decided to stay outside with Fugal, while the rest ventured into the ice-covered cave system. Aislinne's enthusiasm led her to call out in Draconic as they explored the cold tunnels. Kiera, still uneasy, followed behind the group. Further inside the frozen cave, they found a small opening in the wall containing two corpses. Bartimaeus inspected one of the bodies and discovered health potions and a ring with the Steinheart Bat sigil. They continued until they reached an underground lake, surrounded by floating ice and frozen walls. To their surprise, they spotted movement, which turned out to be a large white dragon slumbering on a frozen plateau.

Aislinne, not deterred by her small size, approached the dragon's head and called out. The dragon, Kazmidrax, opened one eye and focused on her. Everyone else froze as Kazmidrax awoke, revealing his immense size. Without warning, he swiped his claws at Aislinne, sending her flying from the ice plateau. Bartimaeus rushed to her side just as Kazmidrax extended his wings and roared.

Ice shattered throughout the cave, and fear gripped everyone except Aislinne. They scrambled to retreat as Kazmidrax prepared to take flight. Aislinne attempted to rejoin the party but was caught in Kazmidrax's icy breath, leaving her frozen and lifeless on the ground. Varis and Bartimaeus quickly grabbed her, with Bartimaeus carrying her as Kazmidrax roared and pursued the others into a narrow tunnel. Amelia, shifting into a faster form, sprinted out of the cave to safety.

Kazmidrax was unable to pursue them further in the narrow corridor, forcing him to turn and circle around the cave to intercept them on the other side. Just as he almost reached them, the party narrowly escaped the icy corridor. They reached Aislinne's lifeless, frozen body and prayed for her, preventing further decay and allowing them time to devise a plan to revive their friend.

As they continued along the road, they came across a fortified farm and an old acquaintance, Thomas Von Belthazar, who was still actively engaged in trading and selling various goods. The party inquired if he had any items that could aid their "deceased" companion. Thomas, however, informed them that he didn't dabble in the market for the deceased. Their friend had been deceased for long enough for it to be near impossible for them to bring them back to the living. 

Nonetheless, Thomas offered them a favorable deal on a pair of teleport scrolls, one for group use and another for a single individual. While they were engrossed in this transaction, he unveiled other items that might catch their interest. Varis decided to purchase a dwarven belt, while Kiera opted for a dark cape adorned with a bat sigil embroidery on the collar.

The group joined forces to purchase two uncut diamonds at a favorable price, fully aware that Mary might require them for emergencies, however they needed to find Mary again. In hushed tones, Thomas and Amelia engaged in a discreet conversation regarding her father. Thomas recounted rumors of a bounty on his head, but also mentioned his newfound status as an esteemed guest of Lady Steinheart. When Amelia inquired about the elusive manor she sought, Thomas could only share vague accounts of a sprawling, overgrown estate near Bekvik that matched her description. With their discussion concluded, they bid each other farewell, and the party collectively resolved to embark on a journey to Hillburg in hopes of reuniting with Mary, recognizing her invaluable skills as a cleric were urgently needed.

The party arrived in the small hamlet of Hillburg, and they were immediately met with cautious glances from the local residents. Varis and Amelia decided to inquire about the Church presence and were guided to a large wooden fort on the other side of the river that ran by the hamlet. They were also shown a local tavern where they gathered to discuss their next steps. Each member had their own ideas about what would be the most effective approach. As they sat down, Amelia decided to take a more direct approach. She crossed the bridge and approached the guards, with one of them stopping her. She began asking about Mary and inquiring about the whereabouts of the Orc paladin who had taken her.

The guard passed on her questions and instructed her to wait, which she did. Meanwhile, Varis came across an old, weathered ballista on a wooden platform and began inspecting it. Bartimaeus walked down to the river to offer a prayer, while Amelia returned to the bridge to observe Varis's activities.

Shortly thereafter, the party heard the thundering sound of approaching horse hooves emanating from the fort. A small group of mounted Knights emerged from the fort, raced across the bridge, and through Hillburg. Varis keenly noticed that Commander Ameena Summerwind was leading this group.

With the Commander away from the fort, Kiera began making her way across the river and searched for a way to breach the high walls. She found an opportune moment to disguise herself as the Commander, keeping to the shadows and guard's blind spots. Eventually, she reached the walls of one of the structures and began climbing towards an open window.

Inside the structure, Mary was confined to a small cell, engaging in a one-sided conversation with a nearby guard who remained reticent. Captain Katrina Gutter, who Mary had encountered on the road, had recently visited her, seeking answers to the Lord Commander's intentions. However, Mary was as clueless as ever. Gutter left, promising to find the answers before departing empty-handed.

Shortly after Gutter's departure, Kiera managed to enter through the window and landed in one of the cells. As she contemplated her next move, the imposing Orc Paladin, Daviok Beastbane, walked down the hallway toward Mary's cell. He was preoccupied and did not notice Kiera in the adjacent cell. He questioned Mary similarly to how Gutter had but received no more answers.

Beastbane declared his authority in Commander Summerwind's absence and examined Mary's belongings. He believed Mary's claim but couldn't determine the reason for her imprisonment. He mentioned that one of Mary's friends had inquired about her but that he was not permitted to release her. He assured Mary he would speak with them but instructed her to await the Commander's return before leaving the cells.

Subsequently, Kiera overheard Mary's voice and realized she was in the right location. After some quick thinking, she devised a plan to distract the guard watching the cells. She pretended to be sick, vomiting and spitting, and then feigned collapse, prompting the guard to come closer. Annoyed by the situation, he unlocked the cell and looked around for a solution. During this brief moment, Kiera quietly pilfered a key ring from him. As he left to seek assistance, Kiera seized the opportunity to approach Mary's cell and inform her that the party had come to rescue her. With time running out, Kiera returned to her cell and lay down.

The cell guard later returned with another off-duty guard to discuss their course of action. The off-duty guard suggested discarding the body into the river under the cover of night, away from prying eyes. The cell guard agreed, and they both returned to their duties.

Meanwhile in Hillburg, Varis had loaded the ancient ballista with a Molten Gemstone, all the while under Amelia's watchful gaze. As they focused on their task, the fort gates unexpectedly swung open, and Beastbane emerged onto the bridge. Amelia approached him and exchanged greetings, inquiring about Mary. Beastbane reassured her that Mary was within the fort and doing well but couldn't leave just yet. He requested her patience, and although Amelia refrained from pressing further, she expressed her gratitude for his willingness to talk.

Within the confines of their cells, Kiera seized an opportunity. She scribbled a note and managed to propel it out of the window, miraculously hitting the wooden platform where Varis and Amelia were stationed. Varis found the note and read it aloud, instructing everyone not to fire the ballista. However, Amelia misheard and inadvertently launched the ballista, embedding it in the roof of the central tower building, causing flames to break out in the vicinity.

Pandemonium ensued as the guards scrambled to assess the situation, inadvertently creating an opening for Kiera and Mary. Kiera cleverly escaped her cell and freed Mary. Together, they clambered out through the window Kiera had used for entry. Kiera disguised herself as a guard, keeping Mary close. Beastbane, who was overseeing the chaos, spotted Mary with the supposed guard and ordered her to remain put while the fire situation was addressed.

Seizing the moment, Kiera sneaked into a nearby building to locate Mary's belongings. She stumbled into the Commander's private quarters, rifling through the rooms. Eventually, she pilfered some documents and retrieved Mary's bag. Returning to Mary, they witnessed a strange, colorful dust cloud envelop some of the guards, leading them to scream and act erratically, seemingly under the influence of an illusion. Seizing the opportunity presented by the chaos, Kiera and Mary made their escape from the tumultuous fort.

Meanwhile, Amelia, who had unintentionally caused the ballista mishap, and Varis had retreated into the nearby woods. As they hid, Bartimaeus emerged from his riverside prayers and stealthily approached the fort, capitalizing on the ongoing chaos. He infiltrated the Commander's quarters, combing through every room in search of Mary, all the while remaining in the dark about the others' progress. Bartimaeus even broke into storage rooms and the Commander's personal bedroom in his determined quest to locate Mary.

In Hillburg, a group of deranged Dominion guards had unleashed chaos upon the innocent civilians after the attack on their fort. Bartimaeus and Kiera, having successfully crossed the river, bore witness to the horrifying massacre unfolding before their eyes. Kiera swiftly released a flurry of arrows at the rampaging guards, while Bartimaeus courageously confronted and subdued several of them. In due course, the scattered survivors regrouped on the road outside Hillburg, carrying the burden of their fallen comrade.

Despite the tragic loss of their friend, Mary solemnly admitted that there was nothing she could do to aid Aislinne in her current condition. Unexpectedly, a powerful gust of wind swept behind them, heralding the arrival of a peculiar, scaly elf. He made a simple offer to assist in reviving their fallen friend, sparking a division within the party. Moments later, a resolute voice from the opposite side of the road beckoned their attention, as three enigmatic druids emerged. These druids, their presence a mystery, warned the party not to trust the enigmatic elf.

With confusion and uncertainty hanging in the air, one of the druids approached and cast a revealing spell, unveiling the true form of the elf—a colossal elder wyvern named Nauzzagin. Disappointed, the wyvern took flight and departed, leaving the party to contemplate their next steps. The druids attentively observed the group, led by a heavily bearded goliath, who kindly offered to give Aislinne a proper burial.

Before parting with Aislinne's earthly possessions, the party noticed a book among her belongings. One of the druids expressed interest in the book and asked if she could examine it. The druids disclosed their own quest: they were on a journey toward Windelcrest to seek an audience with the ancient dragons in hopes of unraveling the mysteries behind the realm's current turmoil.

One of the druids, named Rayenne, expressed a desire to accompany the party on their adventure, a pilgrimage and mission from her druidic circle. The goliath, Tark, consented to her joining the party as they continued their journey. The group ventured into a serene glade, and Rayenne quickly set up her tents as everyone prepared for the approaching night.

Amelia took it upon herself to subdue the soldier, ensuring he remained securely bound. The soldier, identified as Mark, turned out to be an ordinary soldier who revealed important information. He shared that Lord William Karlstain was held captive in his mansion by Lord Ivon Eisenhorn, a Redmond leader, while awaiting the arrival of Baron Rocks of Redmond.

Swiftly, the party devised a plan to don Mark's armor as a disguise while using a disguise self spell to further blend in. This approach worked reasonably well until they encountered a pair of High Guards who subjected them to questioning. Skillfully presenting false evidence, the party managed to pass, only for the High Guards to meet a grim fate at the hands of a mysterious black sword that came flying.

The wielder of the sword, a hooded figure armed with two identical black swords and clad in silver armor, was identified as a Silver Dominion Paladin. He had already dispatched countless Redmond soldiers, leading to a perilous confrontation. The hooded figure seemed otherworldly at times, his armor emitting smoky tendrils. Eventually, he revealed wings and made a furious charge towards Varis during the intense battle.

The struggle was grueling, but as the party's disguises began to unravel, the angelic hooded figure attempted an escape using a teleportation scroll. Quick thinking from Varis led to a counterspell, preventing the escape. Fueled by anger, the Angel persisted in the fight, only to be eventually defeated. In a radiant display, he transformed into light and ascended to the heavens, leaving behind no trace except for two ethereal Divine Feathers.

The group advanced deeper into the heart of Riverend, navigating their way to the heavily guarded Karlstain estate. In a strategic move, Amelia took on the role of diversion, allowing her companions to stealthily infiltrate the estate. She burst into the camp in her formidable beast form, creating chaos and drawing the attention of the guards. In due course, the party managed to breach the estate's defenses and were met by a group of knights, as well as Lord Ivon Eisenhorn. A battle ensued, which, in comparison to their previous encounter with the Angel, proved to be less challenging. Varis used his powers to freeze the knights in their tracks using a Frostbite Gemstone.

Amid the ongoing battle, a mysterious noise emanated from an adjacent room. Varis ventured inside and discovered that a Dragonborn and a woman were stepping into a teleportation circle. The Dragonborn was no stranger to Varis; he recognized him as Tyranoth Redgast, the commander of the 13th Company and a secret traitor to the church. Varis referring to him as a Librarian.

After the Dragonborn and the woman had departed, Varis rejoined his party. They had successfully defeated Lord Eisenhorn but chose to spare his life. During a brief discussion, it was revealed that Karlstein had formed an brief alliance with Redmond and had ordered his people to relocate to south to the capital of Rivermond. This turn of events was a clever ruse intended to mislead the forces of the Silver Dominion. Eventually, the party and Lord Eisenhorn realized they were actually on the same side in the fight against the Silver Dominion. They decided to unite  against the common enemy at a future date. With that agreement in place, Lord Eisenhorn departed with his troops, leaving Varis and his party, now known as the Travellers, in possession of an entire, vacant town, at least until the Silver Dominion made their inevitable appearance.

After finding shelter at the Lord's manor, the group began searching nearby buildings for supplies and intriguing items. Amelia scoured a few houses and salvaged some abandoned rations. Meanwhile, Bartimaeus ventured out to locate Archibald, who had been exploring the city. He eventually returned, having been called back by the group.

Amelia stumbled upon a pillaged magic shop, where she uncovered parchments and scrolls, including a valuable Scroll of Scrying. In the shop, she also spotted a hidden door behind a shelf, along with a note that read, "Rufus is watching my stuff." She pushed the shelf aside and forced her way through the door, revealing a storage room. Inside, she rummaged through chests and discovered a trove of healing potions. However, as she attempted to lockpick the second chest, it unexpectedly transformed into a mimic, which clamped its mouth onto Amelia's hand. She hesitated, briefly contemplating keeping the mimic as a curiosity but ultimately decided to attack it to free her hand. Shifting into her beast form, she used ropes to restrain the mimic's chest form, then dragged it outside where Bartimaeus was waiting.

Varis and Reyanne arrived, witnessing Amelia's unusual encounter. She decided to test what the mimic would consume by offering it a corpse and a magical potion. The mimic devoured both items and lashed out at Amelia once more, this time latching onto her head. Kiera arrived and promptly attacked the mimic, while Varis fired his ranged attacks at it. The mimic spat out Amelia's head and disgorged various debris, including a leather bag it had previously ingested, before succumbing to its injuries. Varis was given the leather bag, which contained three concealed scrolls: Scroll of Radiant Protection, Scroll of Frost Nova, and Scroll of Trebuchet Strike.

The party gathered their belongings and decided to assemble a makeshift wagon from the remnants of other destroyed wagons and carts. Just in the nick of time, they left the city of Riverend upon hearing the distant horns of an approaching force on the opposite side of the city. The group headed south toward the Riverwoods to evade detection by the Church, avoiding the main roads.

As the night enveloped the sky, the party remained vigilant while the others slumbered. Varis, during his watch, received a magical missive from his parents, informing him of their departure from Rivermond's capital city to stay with his mother's sister near Seacliff in the Barony of Bellmond. This news did not deter him from his duty. The night passed without significant incidents, offering a peaceful respite.

When morning broke, the party gathered their belongings and continued their journey south in their makeshift wagon. They hadn't traveled far before encountering a familiar Ogre blocking their path, demanding payment to pass. Tempers flared among some party members, but Bartimaeus attempted to negotiate and deceive the Ogre. Eventually, the Ogre relented and departed, albeit irritated.

Further along the road, they stumbled upon what appeared to be a tavern. Upon entering, they found the place eerily deserted, save for a tall woman behind the counter engrossed in reading. She cordially welcomed them and invited them to take a seat before taking their orders. The party ventured inside, noting the tavern's walls adorned with numerous shelves stacked with books. Varis eagerly perused the volumes, while Amelia, suspicious of foul play, discreetly checked for traps. The tavern lady accidentally spilled some tea she was serving, but the party assisted in cleaning up the mess.

As the tavern owner returned with their meals, she mentioned that they were the first patrons of the day, primarily serving regulars and occasional travelers. Despite her friendly demeanor, Amelia remained convinced that something was amiss.

Shortly thereafter, Beastbane and Amelia ventured outside, where they encountered two Dominion knights traveling down the road. The knights inquired about their identities, and Beastbane provided a satisfactory explanation while Amelia informed them about the Ogre's extortion attempts. The Knights expressed their gratitude and hurried in the direction of the Ogre.

Back inside the tavern, Varis had discovered a collection of novels while the rest of the party savored their meals. The tavern's proprietor, Theresa Malina, expressed her gratitude for their visit, despite the minor disruption they had caused.

The group reconvened and continued their journey, rejuvenated and anticipating the day ahead. Before long, they stumbled upon what appeared to be the entrance to a small mine.

Intrigued by the prospect, a portion of the party decided to investigate, while others opted to remain outside. Bartimaeus ventured inside with Keira. Within the abandoned mine, they encountered collapsed tunnels and stumbled upon several Onyx gemstones. Their explorations took an unexpected turn as massive stone elementals came to life before them. These elemental beings summoned two more allies to flank the group. One by one, the remaining members rushed to their aid.

The ensuing battle was challenging but not insurmountable, as the party had faced such threats in the past. They eventually overcame the elementals, and Varis managed to extract some elemental essence from one of the defeated creatures. With no major injuries, the group departed from the mine and set their sights on the expansive Riverwoods, visible in the distance. They quickened their pace, soon reaching the outskirts of the forest

As the party ventured into the dense Riverwoods, it didn't take long before they caught the distant cries for help. The urgent voice belonged to a man in search of his missing wife. The party swiftly moved to investigate the source of the calls and found themselves standing before an ancient, overgrown ruin.

The man paced anxiously near the ruin, calling out for his wife, who was an avid explorer. She had led them to this mysterious location, but now she had mysteriously disappeared. In the heart of the ruin lay a peculiar sight - a sinister black stone circle adorned with intricate abyssal symbols. The man explained that his wife had been responsible for inscribing these symbols, and it slowly dawned on the party that she had unwittingly defiled an ancient teleportation circle.

Varis, a member of the group, felt a strange vibration emanating from his obsidian sphere while standing on the circle. As he retrieved it, the man pointed out that his wife possessed a similar sphere. With determination, the entire party stepped onto the circle, and Varis extended his sphere, causing it to begin spinning. In that moment, the party found themselves transported to a realm shrouded in darkness and frigid cold. Following events: Intruding Nightmare

The group found themselves back in the heart of Riverwoods, but this time they were not amidst the ruins; instead, they stood deep within the forest, having emerged from a Sungate. As they advanced into the woods, the trees themselves stirred, and various tree-like figures emerged from the vegetation. Amidst these creatures, a towering tree-man brandishing a massive stone hammer approached, his gaze fixating on Rayenne. Without a word, he gestured for them to follow, and they complied.

As the party followed the tree-man down a narrow woodland path, he engaged Rayenne in conversation, inquiring about her path as a Druid and her loyalty to the forest. Rayenne affirmed her devotion to her Druidic ways. When asked for his name, the tree-man cryptically referred to himself as "Birch." He led the party deeper into the woods, eventually reaching another set of ruins. There, they encountered three stone corridors, and Birch instructed Rayenne to pass through them, undergoing a trial meant to test her path.

Bartimaeus settled by a stone pillar, allowing Rayenne to face her trial alone. Meanwhile, Amelia sat down and prepared her pipe for a smoke, Daviok remained contemplative and reserved, and Varis and Keira chose to accompany Rayenne.

The first corridor led Rayenne into a chamber adorned with ancient trees, one of which transformed into what appeared to be a wooden wyvern. The tree spirit questioned her presence, and she explained her circumstances. The spirit presented her with a simple task: to pluck a rare blossom nearby. Rayenne, drawing on her Druidic knowledge, recognized the flower's significance and refused to take it. The spirit rephrased its request, claiming it was ill and needed the flower, but Rayenne stood her ground. The spirit acknowledged her resolve and reverted to its tree-like form.

Reemerging from the hallway, Birch expressed slight surprise but satisfaction. He gestured towards the other corridors, and the party proceeded to explore further. The second corridor led them to a serene glade with a massive blue crystal at its center, positioned on a stone altar alongside a smaller blue crystal. Two enigmatic creatures, with lion-like bodies and tree-crown heads, stood next to the altar. Their unwavering gaze intensified as Rayenne approached the crystal, enhancing her physical and magical powers. Despite the temptation, she resisted and stepped back. They returned to Birch, who approved of her decision with a nod.

The final corridor led them to a chamber with three stone gates, each bearing Druidic symbols: "Past," "Present," and "Future." As they approached, the ground shook, and tiny stone beings emerged. Among them was a small stone figure with a crown, who greeted Rayenne and offered some vague insight about the choices before her. She walked up to the "Present" gate, a decision that the stone figures applauded before vanishing into the ground. The party then retraced their steps, receiving a nod of approval from Birch, who gestured for them to continue following him.

The party delved deeper into the forest, eventually arriving at the heart of a colossal ring of ancient, weathered pillars. The tree man stepped forward and initiated a summoning ritual. Soon, three figures materialized before them. Among them was the familiar face of Lupricall Maximus, who approached the tree man and acknowledged the party with a nod. Alongside him was the enigmatic Nadrivana, surrounded by her deepwood fairies, making it clear that she was not pleased by the party's presence. Lastly, a grand and majestic figure named Aleyna emerged from the foliage, greeting everyone through telepathy. All of them seemed to be expecting someone else who, unfortunately, did not appear. Nadrivana didn't linger and left without delay. Inquisitive, the party inquired about the missing person. "Birch" explained they were awaiting someone small and occasionally wise. Maximus chuckled and informed the party that they were hoping for the druid known as Satix to join them. He summoned a small bird, whispered instructions, and sent it on its way to Satix's homestead. He then asked the party to follow the bird.

The party obediently followed the bird's lead through the forest, ultimately arriving outside a hidden homestead. They cautiously entered and noticed that no one was present. Taking a chance, they explored the interior, perusing shelves and discovering a collection of fanfiction and somewhat embellished accounts of Satix's adventures from the previous year. While they waited for Satix to return home, they helped themselves to a pot of vegan soup. As hours passed, rain began to fall outside, and shortly thereafter, Satix returned to find the party in his home. He swiftly questioned their presence, and one by one, they introduced themselves. Satix reciprocated by sharing information about himself and his knowledge of the situation. The party explained that they had been sent to find him by "Birch" and Maximus. Satix went on to inform them about the tribunal he had been summoned to, revealing that it revolved around whether the Riverwoods would support the Barony of Bellmond in the upcoming wars.

Late in the evening, the party settled down for the night at Satix's homestead. Satix, however, began by mentioning his unique trial for Rayenne before quickly retreating to his bed. This left the rest of the group pondering the mysterious task he had in store for them as they made themselves comfortable on the floor of the druid's dwelling.

The following morning, after a well-deserved rest at Satix's homestead, the group was roused and guided outdoors. Satix initiated his magical teleportation, whisking the party away to a secluded pocket dimension within the forest. There, he subjected them to a formidable challenge by transforming into a powerful adult brass dragon.

Bartimaeus and Daviok bravely charged the dragon, while the others sought cover, alarmed by the dragon's deafening roar, which struck fear into Varis's heart. Despite their fear, they rallied, with Amelia transforming into her beastly form and biting down on the dragon's tail. The dragon retaliated by growing in size and releasing a corrosive breath that incapacitated Bartimaeus temporarily, though Varis swiftly revived him with his healing sphere. Rayenne countered with a moonbeam, and then deployed a protective dome. Keira assumed a strategic position atop a pillar, raining arrows upon the dragon, even managing to pierce its eye.

Suddenly, the dragon disappeared and reappeared behind the party, unleashing an arcane breath that slowed some of them. The party desperately attempted to reach the protective dome as the dragon flew off to regain its strength, only to return in the form of a silver dragon. The majority of the party remained sheltered within the magical dome, while Varis, recalling the method Satix used to transform, stepped out and dispelled the magic. A massive magical cloud dissipated, revealing the diminutive druid gnome Satix, catching his breath and applauding the party for overcoming his magical challenge.

Satix returned the party to his homestead, where he began distributing tools and gifts from his adventuring days. However, their respite was interrupted when a forest troll named Doma arrived, searching for Satix and inquiring if he was ready to join the tribunal. The party agreed to follow Doma, with half of them walking and the others transforming into ravens and flying ahead. They eventually reunited and approached the tribunal grounds, where Lupricall, Birch, Aleyna, and Nadrivana awaited their arrival.

While Lupricall and Birch welcomed Satix despite his tardiness, Nadrivana displayed displeasure, especially upon seeing the party again. Satix explained his intentions and declared the party's worthiness, confusing and irritating Nadrivana. She revealed the encampment of Bellmond people outside the forest and expressed her desire to drive them away, while the party saw this as an opportunity to present their verdict. Satix proposed that the party represent the Riverwoods, a suggestion Nadrivana disapproved of. While Lupricall acknowledged their potential worth, he remained skeptical of their ability to resolve the situation. Birch, now known as the Tree King, approached Rayenne and handed her a Sacred Treaty of the Living Forests, signifying the forest's support, leaving the party uncertain about their role.

After their discussions, Varis heard a rustling in the bushes and discovered that Archibald had made his way back to the group, looking disheveled with twigs and leaves sticking to his fur. Later, Satix transported the party back to their wagon and teleported them to the edge of the forest near the Bellmond encampment, bidding farewell to the Riverwoods.

Inside, they were guided to a spacious tent nestled within the camp's confines. There, they encountered familiar faces, including Isaac Forester, who stood at a table studying a map of Rivermond. By his side were Jeremy Castle and Rosemond Wilds, accompanied by a mysterious wolfman. Isaac warmly welcomed the party, recognizing them from previous encounters. However, his attention was drawn to Daviok's presence, prompting Varis to assert that Daviok was part of their group. Daviok remained silent but nodded in agreement.

Rayenne brought up concerns regarding the forest, but Isaac seemed nonchalant, assuring them that they wouldn't continue chopping down trees.

Isaac cautioned the party against traveling to the city of Bellmond, where members of the church and the Dominus Chain were congregated to oversee the legality and ceremony of Lucas Kardean's ascent to the position of Baron. Heeding his advice, the party decided to alter their course, heading toward Seacliff instead. They mentioned their ultimate destination was Greenfield, which drew a chuckle from Isaac, considering it a considerable distance. They asked Isaac to convey their meeting to Lucas and hoped for him to reach out to them.

Isaac expressed skepticism about Lucas making the journey, but he introduced Felisha Riverrun, who was present in the camp. She served as Lucas's bodyguard but had been assigned to assist Isaac in fortifying the encampment. She agreed to travel to Greenfield upon hearing from Lucas. It was revealed that the party had encountered her sister, Alexandra Riverrun, who was engaged to Nikolay Von Keiner of Falktown.

With the plan in place, Isaac had Jeremy gather provisions for the party's journey.

The party decided to take a break at their camp, finding a quiet spot where they dozed off until evening. When night fell, they quietly left their encampment and began their journey southward through the barony.

As they traveled down the road, Bartimaeus kept a vigilant watch for any signs of trouble, but his aging eyes failed to notice a pair of lurking eyes. Keira, however, spotted the hidden watcher and quickly signaled Bartimaeus to halt, drawing an arrow in readiness. From the underbrush, a hunched werewolf emerged and made its way toward Bartimaeus' trusty mount, Snow. Varis produced "Marcus' Head" and attempted to communicate with the beast. Rayenne leaped off the wagon and cautiously approached the creature, attempting to engage it in conversation. The party tossed rations to the creature, which it initially ignored but eventually consumed. The werewolf then slowly retreated, allowing the party to cautiously and swiftly continue down the road. However, they soon noticed a group of other werewolves hiding behind the bushes.

After evading this eerie encounter, they continued their journey and encountered a familiar face on the road. Thomas Von Belthazar was taking a break on his way to Bellmond. He warmly greeted the party and offered to showcase his merchandise, some of which the party was interested in trading for.

He displayed an array of bottles and potions, including the intriguing Booster Flask, which caught Varis's attention. Varis, curious and impulsive, took a sip from it, immediately feeling the effects of Haste, causing time to slow down for him as he became hyperactive. This upset Thomas, who demanded payment, which Varis eventually provided. Keira purchased an Amulet of Runic Healing and an Amulet of Manoeuvre from him. Rayenne traded her Amulet of Manoeuvre with Keira. Varis, on the other hand, inspected the Tonic of Resilience but decided not to purchase it. Instead, he took note of its ingredients and shared the details with Amelia.

Varis also sought to sell various gemstones that he and the party had been carrying. He managed to sell a handful of Onyx and Quartz, nearly emptying Thomas's purse in the process. Thomas believed he could turn a profit once he reached Bellmond.

The party noticed a golden medal hanging from Thomas's dog, Ruthas's collar, and learned that he had won the Top Hound Championship in Honeyfair.

The group continued their journey throughout the night, foregoing rest until, a couple of hours later, they found themselves on the outskirts of Seacliff. Their path led them through vineyards, and they noticed an estate along the road, fortified with makeshift defenses. Two guards stood atop the entrance to the estate, their fatigue evident. Bartimaeus extended a greeting, and the guards inquired about his identity. Bartimaeus, revealing his real name, prompted the guards to exchange whispers. One of them asked, "Bartimaeus who?" to which he replied with a nonsensical surname. The guards shrugged and wished him a pleasant day before Bartimaeus proceeded on the road into Seacliff.

Upon entering Seacliff, the group decided to visit the Cliffside Bar, where they each ordered a meal. Daviok Beastbane made a stop at the local blacksmith, while the others found outdoor seating overlooking the coast. When their meals arrived, they were initially served alcohol-free cider, but upon request, the bartender provided them with the expensive White Rose wine, a local variety produced at a nearby vineyard. After finishing their meals, they split up to search for a captain who could transport them across the sea to Edgewater Port in the Barony of Greenfield.

Varis and Bartimaeus made their way to the blacksmith, Garrett Morduk, who allowed Varis to work in his forge, as it was a slow day with little work. Amelia explored the city's sights and discovered a tannery and a bow shop, where a man supervised his apprentice. Amelia purchased regular arrows and requested the creation of armor-piercing arrows, which would take a day to complete. She also arranged for some of her clothes to be repaired.

Keira headed directly to the Seacliff docks, where she observed several ships displaying flags from the Khein Dynasty and Vache Kingdom. One smaller ship had recently docked, but there were no people in sight. She located the dock master and asked for assistance in finding someone to take them to Edgewater Port. He informed her that most of the ships were preparing to set sail, but he pointed out a lone ship, suggesting that if she could pay the dock master's fee, the captain might be willing to help. Keira instructed him to inform the captain that she was looking for him.

Amelia continued her exploration of Seacliff and entered an inn, where she witnessed a dispute between two individuals. One of them left as she approached, while the other, a burly man with a mechanical cannon for an arm, remained. It was challenging to determine if he was a large man or an ogre. This imposing figure, named Renshaw, turned out to be a ship captain, albeit reluctant to share many details. Nevertheless, he agreed to sail to Edgewater Port and inquired about their financial capability. Amelia assured him that they had the necessary gold.

Rayenne and Daviok lingered at the tavern, savoring their meals. When the tavern keeper presented the bill, Daviok was taken aback by the cost but ultimately paid for everyone's meals. The group reconvened and decided to spend some time in Seacliff. Keira sat down to read one of her books, while Varis worked at the forge. Amelia visited a general store in Seacliff, purchasing a handful of health potions and a Molten Gemstone, which she later handed to Varis at the forge. Varis, fortunate with his craftsmanship, managed to create two bundles of Explosive Gem Arrow.

Later at the party, they decided to take a trip to a vineyard just outside of Seacliff. Upon arriving, they introduced themselves to the guards who granted them entry. They were then ushered inside the vineyard and had the pleasure of meeting Varis' mother, Fabella Gemshard Brightheart, and her sister, Thessalia Gemshard. Thessalia examined Varis closely before warmly welcoming the group to her vineyard. She offered them food and instructed her house servant, Emily, to prepare a meal for them.

Fabella informed Varis that his father was resting upstairs, so Varis and Bartimaeus went to see him. Upon entering the room, they were surprised to find an unfamiliar man near the bed. Varis quickly interrupted the man, who introduced himself as Tywill Diamon, Thessalia's fiancé. Tywill was new to Rivermond and its customs but extended a warm welcome to the Brighthearts before leaving them to speak with Laurence Brightheart. Laurence was resting, but Varis woke him gently to find his father bedridden.

Laurence initially thought he had passed away, but he was relieved to see his son earlier than expected. He inquired about Varis' well-being and the potential for a wife, even suggesting some of Varis' companions. Laurence mentioned having a binder with information and informed Varis that Fabella had it. As Varis and Bartimaeus observed, they noticed a magical ward on the bed, which Varis recognized as a form of a Death Ward. They allowed Laurence to rest and made their way back downstairs to rejoin the others.

While waiting for their meals, some of the group explored the vineyard, with Varis and Amelia stumbling upon a large wooden barrel. Varis attempted to lift it, but it proved too heavy. They continued to explore the vineyard until they noticed inclement weather approaching, prompting their return to the main house.

As they all gathered for their meal, Emily emerged from the kitchen with fresh meat pies for everyone and a special pie for Keira. While they enjoyed their meal, a storm passed over the vineyard, with dark clouds and thunder. Unexpectedly, a series of knocks on the door caught everyone by surprise. Thessalia came out and inquired about the knocking, and the group confirmed hearing it. She wasn't expecting any visitors but went to open the door. To her astonishment, she found a young man in a black leather coat with a crooked smile, who greeted her. She asked who he was, and he simply asked for an invitation.

Suddenly, Bartimaeus sensed an undead presence outside the door and acted swiftly, he took Varis' gun, firing a shot at the man, who stumbled back, bleeding. The injured man revealed himself as Anton Herzberg. He had been there to deliver a message. Keira rushed forward and used a health potion to heal him. The wounded man recovered, and from his shadow emerged another man, slender and gaunt, who expressed annoyance and cursed at the party. When questioned about his identity, he introduced himself as Krasmir Kisling and delivered a message from Keira's father, Jonathan Everron.

Krasmir relayed that Jonathan had received Keira's letter but hadn't personally responded for unknown reasons. He informed Keira that her father was sending people to Rivermond, and he had been tasked with delivering this news. Krasmir then asked if he could pursue Bartimaeus, but Keira advised against it, and he obediently left with his human companion, Anton.

The party gathered their belongings, and Keira secured a room at the Seacliff Inn. Varis received the binder from his mother, promising to review its contents, though it proved thicker than expected. They all made their way to the inn, with Daviok Beastbane again left to settle the bill.

The morning began with the party awakening in the cozy confines of Seacliff Inn, well-rested from a peaceful night's sleep. Eager to start the day, they gathered in the nearby tavern for a hearty breakfast. However, there was one notable absence—Keira was nowhere to be found.

Shortly after the others had begun their meal, Daviok arrived and quietly informed Varis that a soldier awaited him outside the inn, next to a barrel. Varis, sensing the urgency, rushed over to speak with the soldier. He arranged for the soldier to watch over the barrel for a little while longer, allowing the party to finish their breakfast without any major disruptions.

The absence of Keira did raise some eyebrows among the group, but they continued to enjoy their breakfast. Rayenne, concerned about her missing friend, decided to investigate. She made her way to Keira's room, knocked on the door, and found it unlocked. Upon entering, she was met with a gruesome scene—several lifeless bodies lying in a corner, and blood staining the room's floors and walls. Rayenne retreated from the room in shock and hurriedly rejoined the party in the tavern. Her shocking discovery left the party with little appetite, and they devoured their meals in a hurry.

Determined to uncover the truth, the group returned to Keira's room. They attempted to communicate with the deceased but struggled to obtain useful information due to their inexperience in such matters. Meanwhile, Amelia descended the inn's stairs to inquire with the innkeeper, who had noticed Keira leaving the night before but hadn't seen her return. The innkeeper mentioned that Keira had headed in the direction of the docks.

Once the party regrouped, they encountered the captain they intended to hire. After a friendly greeting, he requested 250 gold to secure his ship's services. Amelia promptly paid the fee, and the party, accompanied by Beastbane carrying the wine barrel, set off for the docks.

Varis strolled to the ship's railing, gazing out at the vast sea. Suddenly, a monstrous creature surged from the depths, attempting to pull him overboard, but he stood his ground. Before anyone could react, another one emerged on the opposite side of the ship, seizing Bartimaeus. With swift reflexes, Bartimaeus sliced the creature as it clawed at him. They engaged the creatures, which turned out to be a pair of Sea Harpies.

Amelia emerged from the lower deck to investigate the commotion and joined the battle. Though nimble, the Sea Harpies proved manageable for the group and were dispatched without much difficulty. However, two more appeared shortly after. One of them lunged at Varis, targeting his gold, and managed to snatch some coins from him with its slash. The group swiftly struck it down before it could escape into the sea with the stolen gold. Varis reclaimed his coin, and Beastbane tossed the creature overboard.

Meanwhile, Beastbane was feeling queasy, unaccustomed to the rocking sea. At the same time, Varis perused a bundle of letters provided by his mother, which contained proposals from various potential suitors. He sought the opinions of Rayenne and Amelia, but their insights didn't seem to help his decision-making.

They continued their journey, when out of nowhere, the ship found itself surrounded by a flock of seagulls. Captain Renshaw anxiously scanned the waters from the deck, urgently signaling the party to prepare for an unexpected encounter. Just as the ship lurched to one side, four colossal tentacles emerged, encircling their vessel.

In a swift response, everyone sprang into action, defending themselves as the tentacles explored the ship's sides and deck. The party engaged the tentacles, despite some of them being struck in the process. Tragically, one of the tentacles slammed down on the deck, fatally injuring Archibald, their faithful dog. Filled with determination, Varis rushed to Archibald's side, attempting to resurrect their loyal companion, while the others continued to battle the relentless tentacles. Suddenly, the ship was jolted from below, causing Keira to fall over.

Amid the ongoing fight, Archibald was successfully revived and guided below deck, while the rest of the party continued to confront the remaining tentacles. After sustaining significant damage, the four tentacles were either severed or retreated beneath the water, leaving a brief respite.

As the party braced for what might come next, the ship was once again struck, causing Amelia and Keira to lose their footing. They watched in dread as two massive tentacles shot out from the sea on either side of the ship, heralding the arrival of a monstrous Dormond Sea Devil. Though they had initially thought it to be a Kraken, it was, in fact, a different and equally formidable adversary.

Undeterred, the party fought off the colossal tentacles that lashed the ship's deck, despite taking their fair share of blows. Captain Renshaw fired his cannon several times before helping Keira regain her footing and stabilize the ship. Daviok sustained significant injuries but managed to assist Amelia and heal Varis.

As the others battled the tentacles, Keira set the monster's head on fire with her arrows, while Varis continuously fired his handgun. The sea monster submerged its head to extinguish the flames. The party concentrated their efforts on the large tentacles until they withdrew into the depths. The sea monster resurfaced in front of the ship, creating a massive wave that washed over the deck before suddenly lunging toward the ship's side.

Amelia unleashed explosive arrows onto the monster's face, causing it to explode into chunks of flesh across the deck and sea surface. Captain Renshaw wasted no time and navigated the ship away from danger. Finally, a moment of peace settled upon the crew. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Edgewater Port's lights came into view.

In the calmness of the evening, Amelia, eager to fish but lacking a proper rod, received a makeshift fishing rod from Varis. She cast her line and waited. It didn't take long before she felt a tug on her line. With Varis's help, she reeled in a sizable tuna fish, which they quickly prepared by gutting and filleting it. As the sun set on the horizon, the lights of Edgewater Port twinkled in the distance.

While the others retired to their rooms for some rest, Varis and Bart were intrigued by the lively sounds of music and laughter emanating from the second floor of the inn. They decided to venture upstairs to investigate. The partially open door granted them easy access, and upon entering, they discovered a group of merrymakers, clearly intoxicated and reveling in the moment.

Spotting a dwarf at a nearby table, seemingly on the brink of finishing his drink, Varis cautiously approached him, engaging in a conversation to learn more about the festivities. The inebriated dwarf appeared somewhat uncertain of Varis's identity and questioned whether they had met before. Varis, quick on his feet, replied affirmatively and introduced himself as "Jeff." The dwarf, in his befuddled state, didn't second-guess the encounter and began to share some information. He disclosed that they were also adventurers, hired by a certain Lady Elenora Hamilton of Edgewater Port. Varis continued to inquire further, offering the dwarf another drink. The dwarf revealed that their mission involved clearing out an old, abandoned manor plagued by multiple sightings of ratfolk, which had been causing distress among the local populace in Bekvik. People and soldiers sent on this mission had mysteriously gone missing. However, before he could provide more details, the dwarf passed out from his intoxication. Varis and Bart discreetly exited the room and returned to their own quarters, seeking much-needed rest.

As dawn approached, Varis awoke unusually early and prepared himself to share the information they had obtained with the rest of the party. Bart readied himself as well, while Varis left to awaken their companions. Beastbane sprang to his feet swiftly, with Rayenne trailing behind him. Amelia and Keira proved more challenging to rouse. When Keira finally woke, she requested a moment.

Amelia eventually emerged, and they arranged for breakfast and supplies for their upcoming journey. Beastbane reminded them about the fish fillets and hinted at his culinary skills, despite their doubts. They insisted he would be the one cooking, and Beastbane, in a quiet agreement, waited for the party to finish their preparations.

Bartimaeus ventured to Keira's room, gently urging her to hasten her preparations. Eventually, Keira emerged, well-groomed and ready for the journey, although she seemed displeased with Bartimaeus. As the entire party gathered, Varis relayed the information they had learned the previous night. Amelia expressed confusion about why they were heading to "her" manor and what exactly was happening there. Without further ado, she headed outside, and the rest of the party followed suit.

The leisurely stroll from the city port into the countryside unfolded with serenity, eventually leading them to the quaint village of Bekvik just before noon. This cozy hamlet was already bustling with activity. As they approached, their attention was drawn to a tall kenku who vociferously shouted at a woman while brandishing a document issued by Lady Hamilton, detailing the assignment to clear Tergeron Manor. Swiftly, Amelia snatched the document from the Kenku and tore it into shreds. The Kenku retreated momentarily but promptly produced a copy of the deed from another scroll before departing.

Amelia then approached the woman and inquired about the person in charge in the village. The woman directed her to seek out Karver. The group ventured deeper into the village and made inquiries until they located him. Karver was surrounded by a group of villagers, none of whom seemed pleased to see the newcomers. They questioned the purpose of their arrival, and the villagers explained that several groups of adventurers had previously passed through the village on their way to address the issues at Tergeron Manor, but none had returned. Additionally, soldiers had been dispatched to the manor, causing further disruptions in the village.

Consequently, people were avoiding the area, and the village was suffering from a decline in trade. When Amelia confessed that the manor was hers, it incited the villagers, and they began to accuse her of being the root of the problem. In response, Varis stepped forward to clarify the situation by inquiring about how long it had been since Amelia last visited the manor. While the memory was somewhat hazy, she admitted that it had been several years.

The group departed from the scene and headed towards the manor located on the outskirts of the village. As they drew nearer, they noticed a significant swath of trees had been cleared, and upon approaching the manor's grounds, they observed several ratfolk patrolling the area. Keria recognized them as native to the Vache Kingdom and attempted to communicate with them in Undercommon.

They decided not to sneak in and instead made their presence known, prompting the ratfolk to approach them. Although Keria could understand them, the ratfolk responded with threats. Another ratfolk, alerted by the commotion, brandished a whip and ordered the rats to attack the party. A shot was fired from an unknown source, narrowly missing Keria. Acting swiftly, she used her vampiric speed to intercept the Ratfolk Slavemaster before he could reach the manor, unaware of the two rat ogres guarding the manor's entrance.

The situation escalated, and the party initiated an attack. Varis hurled one of his Frostbite Gemstones, freezing half of the enemies in the courtyard solid. The Slavemaster attempted to break free from Keria's vine restraint, but she held him fast. Amelia charged in, dealing with those who survived the icy onslaught and tearing them apart with her claws. Meanwhile, Varis found himself pinned down by Ratfolk Hunters in one of the towers.

He endured some attacks while Beastbane rushed to his aid. Bartimaeus joined Keria in facing the Rat Ogres, struggling against their overwhelming strength. Nevertheless, the party prevailed, defeating the Ratfolk and the Rat Ogres. Amelia ascended the tower and eliminated the Hunters before discarding their bodies. As the chaos subsided, Varis investigated the fallen Ratfolk Hunters, recovering a Stormfire Repeater.

The group caught their breath and prepared to enter the manor, which was covered in massive thorn vines with dark veins resembling the abyssal roots they had encountered before. As they ventured inside, they discovered more vines creeping along the walls and ceilings. They explored the rooms, finding them deserted until Rayenne noticed a large crate perched atop something. Amelia attempted to move the crate without success, but Rayenne effortlessly flipped it over, revealing a hidden hatch beneath. Keira decided to scout ahead, descending to a lower floor where she encountered a room entwined with large cobwebs. Inside the webs, she found people wrapped in silk. Varis carefully opened one of the cocoons, revealing a deceased adventurer. He looted a pouch from the corpse, leaving it otherwise undisturbed.

The party continued further, avoiding the cobwebs. Keira proceeded ahead, while the group examined a massive gate in the corridor with two peculiar stone faces that required keys. Deciding to postpone this puzzle, they moved on. Growls echoed, and an old, rusty cell door came into view, revealing a pack of Wolf Rats. Rayenne heated the cell door's metal to seal it shut. In the adjacent room, Keira explored what seemed to be an old dining area, with Ratfolk and a massive Ironclad Rat Ogre present. Using distractions, the party sneaked past into the next room without being detected.

The next room emanated the stench of old and fresh blood, containing iron cages with human prisoners chained inside some of them. The group cautiously traversed the room, reaching one cage where Keria's vampiric instincts got the best of her, and she attempted to feed on a prisoner. Varis intervened, and Rayenne noticed movement across the room. A Ratfolk Artificer roamed the area, and Amelia dispatched him with an arrow. As he fell, an unnatural transformation occurred within the prisoners, turning them into twisted Abominations.

Concerned for the unfolding situation, Varis attempted to decipher the Cursekeeper Sphere he had taken from the Artificer, which had triggered the curse on the prisoners. Meanwhile, Amelia eliminated those prisoners who had not yet transformed into Abominations. However, the cursed ones remained unresponsive. Varis finally unraveled the sphere's curse, but it was too late for the prisoners, as they had either perished or transformed. Ratfolk from the previous room arrived to find the Abominations. While they engaged, the party moved into the next room, with Beastbane waking up Keria.

The next room held a large chain connected to the portcullis, sealing them off from the Ratfolk. Amelia scouted further and discovered more Ratfolk. When the party resumed their advance, they found the Ratfolk had vanished.

In the next room, they disarmed a large bear trap and reached a spacious chamber with four pyres in the center. The Ratfolk awaited them, but Varis once again deployed his Frostbite Gemstone, freezing half of them. Amelia swiftly engaged and eliminated some while the others approached. However, they soon noticed a significant threat on the opposite side of the chamber – a massive mechanical Ratfolk Dreadnought accompanied by two Ratfolk Alchemists. Amelia charged in without hesitation, and Bartimaeus confronted one of the Alchemists. Meanwhile, two metal walls began closing in from both sides of the chamber.

The Dreadnought assaulted Amelia with its arcane-powered claws and drill, inflicting serious damage. Bartimaeus initially challenged the Dreadnought to one-on-one combat, but he lost concentration due to the threat from the closing walls, prompting the group to attack the Dreadnought together. The fight raged on until the Dreadnought's steam engine gave way and exploded, releasing a cloud of scalding steam that harmed those nearby.

After the battle concluded, silence once again enveloped the scene. Before them lay two gates, one of which had its portcullis down. The party settled down to strategize, assessing their options with the resources they had left.

Taking a moment to catch their breath, they approached the substantial wooden gate. To their surprise, it was unlocked, and they cautiously entered the next room. Inside, they discovered a chamber adorned with bookshelves covering the walls from floor to ceiling, the ground buried beneath towering stacks of books and scattered notes. In the center of the room stood three ratfolk individuals—an Alchemist, an Artificer, and a Chieftain, all prepared to confront the party. However, as they entered, they once again heard a mysterious voice in their heads. Despite their suspicion, it wasn't emanating from any of the ratfolk before them.

With their patience for warnings running thin, a man at the back of the room rose from his chair. Instead of drawing weapons, he attempted to negotiate, asking them to leave. Amelia, standing her ground, revealed her claim to the manor through the deed she possessed. The man, Alekzander, appeared indifferent but agreed to finish his work and leave their way. Keira, curious if he might be undead due to his unusual eyes, realized he was very much alive, albeit with reptilian eyes. The party introduced themselves, and Amelia mentioned her father, William Vicarin. Much to her surprise, Alekzander revealed himself as her brother, mocking her in the process.

The party inquired about Alekzander's work, and he mentioned a missing "key," a book stolen from him, which they had unknowingly locked away—the Volkrag's Book of Greed. They presented the book to him, and he quickly discovered that the page he sought was missing. Handing the book back, he asked them to retrieve the missing page in exchange for leaving the manor. Amelia mentioned an old key she possessed from her father, and Alekzander pointed out a secret passage behind one of the bookshelves.

The party took a moment to explore the chamber. Amelia and Rayenne searched for valuable items among the books. Varis discovered a large book affixed to the wall, and despite it being securely fastened, his greed overcame him as he skillfully replaced it with the Book of Shadows. Amelia then used her key to reveal a concealed door behind one of the bookshelves. The party assembled and entered, only to find it led them outside the manor.

Returning inside, they decided to explore the manor's crypt. They reached a gate with the portcullis down and, driven by curiosity, attempted to lift it. Amelia and Daviok succeeded, allowing the others to unlock the gate. As they crawled beneath the portcullis, it suddenly slammed shut behind them, trapping them in a new room. Before them lay another chamber with a peculiar star-shaped pattern on the floor, radiating with green arcane magic. Surrounding it were hooded statues, and at its center rested a metallic sphere.

In front of the star pattern, an altar held a figure shrouded in cloth and adorned with various seals. They examined the mummy closely but refrained from touching it, as they detected magical wards upon it. Puzzled, they tried to discern the missing element. Varis asked Rayenne to scry for the supposed key, and as the magical eye appeared, it stared back at them. It dawned on Varis that he had a leather patch with text from the missing page. Using this text as a key, they attempted to solve the puzzle by manipulating the rotating statues, causing the floor to radiate with green arcane energy channeled into the central sphere.

However, their actions did not go unnoticed, as Alekzander entered with his ratfolk companions, clearly agitated. He drew his sword and demanded once again that they leave. Despite his anger, the party tried to convince him of their intent to help. They had found the last key. Alekzander approached the sphere and initiated a ritual, drawing magic from it and channeling it through Keira, who had experience with the abyssal roots similar to those covering the mummified figure. The ritual successfully freed the woman from the cloth, revealing a young lady in an ancient, tattered dress, previously afflicted by dark veins akin to abyssal roots.

Bartimaeus attempted to use his paladin powers but encountered resistance, resulting in a backlash of psychic harm. Keira offered her assistance, allowing Alekzander to channel the remaining magic through her, purging the lady's dark affliction with radiant light. This was at the cost of Keira taking the brunt of the radiant energy. Alekzander revealed the lady was his mother, further confusing Amelia, who wondered if she too might be related. Unable to provide answers, Amelia approached the lady, who hugged her briefly before stepping back. Alekzander thanked the party and told them one of his ratfolk to retrieve something. Alekzander announced his departure from the manor, uncertain of his destination. The ratfolk were concerned about their sanctuary, but Keira offered them refuge at the Iron Isles, which they declined due to the presence of vampire rulers. Amelia granted them permission to stay at the manor, provided they stopped harming innocent people. Though they were reluctant, they agreed.

The ratfolk warlock returned with a pile of books, a gift from Alekzander, including the Codex of Arcane Insights, Book of Elemental Essences, Book of Curses and Counter-curses, and a Scroll of Fey Familiar. Alekzander left with his mother, and the ratfolk turned to Amelia before resuming their activities in the manor. The party gathered their belongings, still trying to comprehend the extraordinary events that had just unfolded.

The group retraced their steps to Edgewater Port, where they spent the evening at a local inn before paying a visit to Lady Elenora Hamilton. While at the inn, they decided to take hot baths, and during this time, Amelia Vicarin shared her past with the party, including her father's obsession with a mysterious book and an otherworldly entity.

After their baths, Rayenne approached Varis to express her disapproval of the prisoners' killing at the manor crypt. Varis didn't shoulder the responsibility but showed some understanding. Rayenne then brought out a barrel of fine wine they had brought and indulged, revealing her lightweight tolerance. Later, Varis quietly left the inn to investigate a tall tower nearby. He broke into the tower, ascended its long spiral staircase to the top, and discovered an old brazier. Opting to light a small fire and rest there for the night, he was rudely awakened by guards who had spotted the fire and climbed the tower. To escape, Varis jumped off the tower but used a feather fall spell to land safely, then quickly transformed himself into a small Otterfolk.

The following morning, the rest of the party was awakened by a knock on their door as local guards sought them out due to their actions at the manor. They got ready and noticed Varis was missing. Nonetheless, they proceeded without him and were escorted to the Hamilton estate. Unbeknownst to them, Varis followed them while remaining invisible. Inside the estate, they met Lady Elenora Hamilton, who was engaged in a conversation with some unidentified individuals but made time for the party. Bartimaeus provided a brief account of their recent activities, and when Lady Elenora inquired about the prisoners they encountered, Amelia explained they had no choice in the matter. Lady Elenora expressed her sadness but upheld her contract, rewarding them for their services. She also offered one of her carriages to facilitate their journey to Greenfield.

As they prepared to depart in the carriage, Varis reappeared and took the reins. They set out of Edgewater Port. During their journey, they were ambushed by a group of goblins mounted on wolves. Arrows were fired at the party, one of which struck Varis in the shoulder. Amelia took control of the reins to urge the horses to go faster, while the rest of the group retaliated with arrows and magic. They eventually reached a substantial stone bridge on the other side of which were imposing wooden fortifications manned by soldiers and knights wearing green attire. They rushed through the gate, leaving the goblins behind as they noticed the fort. Most notably, they encountered a colossal knight in full armor, a remarkable sight.

Varis hailed one of the knights at the fort to inquire about the situation and whether they had encountered any Dominion patrols. The knight confirmed that a small company had passed through and verified that they were led by Ameena Summerwind, as Varis had suspected.

The group continued their journey and eventually arrived at the heavily guarded Arcane Academy, where massive constructs and owl guards stood watch. Upon entering the academy's halls, they immediately sensed a shift in the surroundings. Rooms had changed positions, and hallways now led to unexpected places. Undeterred, they explored different rooms, eventually stumbling into a class taught by the strict Master Emilia Weathers. As she attempted to use a gust of wind to force them out of the room, Varis skillfully countered her spell. Unfazed, Emilia confronted him, and things took an unexpected turn when Amelia made an inappropriate comment about her appearance. Varis quickly suggested they leave the room, as Emilia's magical fury was building.

Moving on, they reached another door and encountered a familiar face – Zetra Wildshade's bodyguard. Inquiring if Zetra was available, the guard instructed them to wait. Shortly afterward, Zetra invited them inside, where she was casually standing by some shelves, puffing on a pipe. Varis broached the topic of Whitechapel, the dangerous game they had been investigating, and mentioned Keira as a possible champion. However, Zetra remained unimpressed. Varis introduced Zetra as a skilled conjurer, and Keira attempted to demonstrate her abilities by conjuring an elk from a magical bag of tricks, leaving everyone momentarily stunned. Zetra's reaction was more one of surprise than admiration.

The conversation then turned to their presence in Riverend, which had not been mentioned until now. Varis hesitated, attempting to avoid revealing their prior visit, but Amelia quickly confirmed that they had been there. Zetra acknowledged that she already knew and expressed curiosity about their purpose. Varis began to piece together the clues, realizing that Zetra had been keeping tabs on them, including sending the crows and ravens that dissolved into sand when captured. She was particularly interested in the dangerous item they had been tasked with retrieving for Grandmaster Lupricall Maximus, though its nature remained undisclosed. Zetra hinted that multiple parties were searching for it.

Turning the conversation to the Lord of Riverend, William Karlstain, Varis assured her that he was safe with the people of Redmond. Zetra hinted that they might possess something of his, prompting Varis to reveal the Karlstain Diary. Zetra examined it, noting that her written spell remained intact. She entrusted the diary to Varis and offered her help, suggesting that if they ever needed it, he should recite the elvish sentence within the book.

The party expressed their gratitude to her before moving forward. Their escapades continued as they stealthily entered various classrooms. Varis managed to persuade the group that it was a customary practice. Amelia made multiple attempts at picking locks without success, while Keira effortlessly navigated the locks. In one room, they stumbled upon a sealed Crystal Alchemical Cauldron brimming with a healing elixir. Rather than filling vials and bottles, Rayenne audaciously stashed the entire cauldron in her bag. They also discovered five blank spell scrolls but chose to leave them untouched.

Their journey through the academy led them to the artificer workshop, where they encountered Igast Longstrider and Matthius Highstool. Varis spotted Sabre in a corner of the workshop. Matthius informed him that Sabre had remained dormant since their last parting but that he had repaired some of his damaged components. Varis requested everyone to step aside, preparing to reawaken Sabre with his electrifying glove. As Sabre sprung to life and reconnected with Varis, they exchanged waves and renewed their acquaintance. Amelia noticed a mobile lantern on a table and inquired if she could purchase it from Matthius. After exchanging some platinum, she acquired the Automaton Lantern.

They then ventured into another unused workshop, where they discovered a sizable Cloud Crystal. Varis decided to extract a fragment using his tools. In addition, they encountered a locked chest, which Keira effortlessly unlocked, revealing a couple of Dragon Scales and an Obsidian Rock. They collected these valuable finds and departed from the workshop.

Their exploration eventually brought them to the dormitories and cafeteria within the academy. They helped themselves to some fruits when someone called out for Varis. Swiftly, Varis cloaked himself in invisibility. A young man entered the room with a drawn sword, inquiring about Varis. Keira, giving him a mischievous look, teased him while attempting to discern his identity. The young man explained that his girlfriend frequently spoke of Varis and wished to meet him. Since Varis remained concealed, the man departed. However, Keira secretly followed him and discovered him conversing with Alara Croft. She then playfully interrupted their conversation, teasing and taunting them, as they were eager to meet Varis. Upon realizing that Keira was not divulging any information, they eventually left.

The party eventually found their way to the chamber of Grand Master Lupricall Maximus. There, they shared their achievements and managed to persuade the Grand Master to grant them access to the vault containing dangerous artifacts within the Academy. They were strictly forbidden from touching anything within. As they entered, they encountered a spacious chamber with numerous cells sealed behind warded gates.

Among the artifacts, they noticed a dimmed mirror that had once been used for interdimensional travel but had lost its power over the years. Nearby, they saw a cracked urn believed to imprison a maleficent djinn. Further down, a massive black sapphire held the abyssal fiend Nirsyrum captive. Despite their attempts to communicate with Nirsyrum about the events in the Stormwoods, the fiend had been imprisoned for countless years and could offer no answers.

In another cell, an old tombstone adorned with infernal carvings drew their attention. The Grand Master revealed that a demon had been interred there, refusing to return to its infernal realm. Those who touched the tombstone had met a gruesome fate. Bartimaeus Brightheart attempted to commune with it, seeking answers, but the Grand Master intervened as the infernal and psychic power surged, preventing Bartimaeus from meeting his doom.

Moving deeper into the chamber, they discovered a small, unremarkable chest containing the remains of a wizard, a close friend of the Grand Master. The wizard's remains were believed to be dangerously possessed. Varis inquired about the wizard's demise, and the Grand Master cryptically implied that curiosity had led to his untimely death, hinting at Varis' own inquisitive nature.

They then encountered a heavily chained and padlocked black chest that emitted violent energy when approached. The Grand Master adamantly prohibited access to this cell.

While the rest of the party continued their tour, Keira Everron lingered near another cell and heard a whisper from within. To her astonishment, it was the voice of Mary Whispermouse, who explained that she had been captured on her way to her church and desired to be freed. Keira attempted to bypass the magical ward on the cell but was unable to. She enlisted Varis for assistance, who was both surprised and suspicious upon seeing Mary. After dispelling the illusion, the fiend behind it was revealed.

They encountered a cell housing three bookshelves filled with forbidden texts on divination magic that had been banned by the Church. Varis begged to enter and was granted access, with the strict warning not to take anything. Rayenne searched for information on dragons or angels, but the texts only contained limited references to the angels of the Silver Prince. Bartimaeus hoped to find information about the Order of the Grail Knights but discovered a mention of a surviving knight, Sir Asher Karlstain, who was later killed by the Church in the city of Vindrik, which was subsequently destroyed.

They realized that the location of Vindrik was now known as Highmarsh, a significant revelation. After perusing the books, Varis mentioned the voice he had heard, prompting the Grand Master to caution against heeding its words. The voice was an ancient draconic entity trapped within an obelisk. Varis attempted to learn its name and inquired about Nauzzagin, receiving minimal information.

In a seemingly empty cell, Varis used enchanted sight to uncover a tiny fairy figure hidden in the corner. The fairy revealed that it was imprisoned for playing pranks. Despite the Grand Master's warnings, Varis engaged in a conversation with the fairy, eventually earning its trust and learning its name, Eywhin. Varis secured the fairy's release but, before doing so, the Grand Master transformed Eywhin into a grotesque bat creature, limiting its magical abilities. Varis placed the creature in his bag of holding.

The party concluded their tour, expressing gratitude to the Grand Master. Keira returned to the artificer workshop to collect her enchanted armor from Matthius Highstool, who awkwardly averted his gaze during her changing. When Varis inquired about his bullets, Matthius directed him to the workshop but inadvertently walked in on Keira changing, prompting her to react with anger. Bartimaeus also witnessed this and retreated. Keira noticed her new armor's lightness, enhancing her agility, but kept this discovery to herself.

Once they left the workshop, they found that the elk Keira had summoned earlier was blocking their exit. Bartimaeus summoned his own elk steed, which helped them create enough space to slip through the gate. They then decided to rest in the dorms before departing the Academy.

After a night spent at the Academy, the group slowly began to stir. Keira was the first to awaken, and she promptly readied herself before making her way to the Academy's main library. Her goal was to research books related to the Dominion faith and the hierarchy associated with the enigmatic Silver Prince.

Not long after, Varis also woke up and noticed that some of their companions were still sound asleep. He decided to take matters into his own hands by setting up a magical alarm spell on his own bed. When activated, it jolted the rest of the group awake, except for Rayenne, who remained stubbornly in bed. Bartimaeus, in his own unique way, resolved to get her out of bed. He grabbed a glass jar from a nearby shelf and hurled it against the window, shattering the glass. The loud crash did the trick, and Rayenne begrudgingly rose from her bed.

Not to be outdone, Bartimaeus then produced a handgun and fired a warning shot into the room. The gunshot startled Rayenne further, and Varis quickly used his magical prowess to mend the broken window. This unexpected commotion drew the attention of two Academy guardians, who cast stern gazes in Bartimaeus's direction. Varis handed them a piece of paper, and after a brief exchange, the guardians left. The group then hurriedly prepared to depart, with Bartimaeus going outside to check on Archibald, who had spent the night in the carriage with Beastbane just outside the Academy's boundaries.

After breakfast and getting their things in order, the party regrouped in the library, where they found Keira engrossed in her research. The group discovered references to the Silver Prince and his offspring in the books they perused, but these figures were deemed heretical and abominable by the Church.

Varis approached Jane Strongpage, who was working in the library. She noticed his presence and realized something was amiss when she saw Rayenne with him. Varis introduced Rayenne to Jane and asked if she had the books he had previously requested. Jane dispatched an elemental automaton to retrieve the requested books. It returned with a binder containing four books on the history of Highmarsh and the enigmatic Word (Silver Prince)

As they continued to explore the Academy, Rayenne stumbled upon a statue positioned in front of a concealed door. She brought this discovery to Varis's attention, and they commenced attempting to manipulate the statue. Though the statue appeared to be fixed to the floor, signs indicated that it could move sideways. Their initial attempts to unlock its mechanisms proved unsuccessful, but they were soon interrupted by Master Zetra Wildshade.

Master Zetra questioned their activities and explained that only students or individuals working directly with Headmaster Ixon Mond were permitted to pass through. However, he did not disclose the specific method for doing so. Keira approached Zetra and discreetly shared the password phrase, "Shielded in stone, wisdom's home," which she had learned. But before she could use it, Varis used his arcane abilities to manipulate the statue and gain access.

They continued their exploration of the academy, and while they were wandering through the halls, Rayenne made an intriguing discovery – a statue that appeared to conceal a hidden door. She promptly alerted Varis to the statue's suspicious location, leading them to ponder how to manipulate it. Despite the statue being firmly fixed to the floor, they detected subtle signs of lateral movement. After their initial attempts to unlock its mechanisms failed, their actions drew the attention of Master Zetra. He inquired about their activities and clarified that only students or individuals associated with Headmaster Ixon Mond could proceed beyond that point, without revealing the exact method. Keira discreetly approached Zetra and whispered the secret passphrase to access the area: "Shielded in stone, wisdom's home." However, before she could put it to use, Varis used his arcane expertise to shift the statue, revealing a staircase leading to another level.

Upon ascending the stairs, they encountered two doors. Rayenne tried to open one, but it was locked. Keira stepped forward and effortlessly unlocked it, but their actions were witnessed by Alara Croft. She questioned their motives and expressed curiosity about Varis's presence since he was no longer a student. Varis tried to explain that he had an appointment with his favorite former teacher, but Alara remained skeptical. To avoid further scrutiny, Varis knocked on the door himself, and Keira recited the passphrase given to her by Zetra. There was a moment of silence before the door unlocked, and a voice invited them inside.

Upon entering the chamber, they discovered Master Ixon Mond engrossed in his work with a large Scarlet Gemstone. He turned to face them, initially expecting Alara. Surprised by their presence, he greeted Varis and inquired about their visit. Although they inquired about the Scarlet Gemstone, Ixon offered minimal information but sternly cautioned them not to touch it. Varis asked for assistance against nightmares, prompting further inquiries from Keira to clarify their situation. Ixon retrieved scrolls and even inscribed some on the spot. Alara entered the chamber, her gaze fixed on Varis. Keira caught a glimpse of Alara's notes, which pertained to the Scarlet Gemstone, but couldn't discern the details. She handed the notes to Ixon.

As they remained in the chamber, Bartimaeus and Sabre stood outside, engaging in a staring contest with Alara's elemental automaton. In a mischievous moment, Bartimaeus cast dispel magic on Alara's companion. The resulting loud crash drew the attention of the others as they rushed outside to see the automaton in pieces on the floor. Although Alara was furious and saddened by the sight, she maintained her composure. She silently blamed Bartimaeus and attempted to probe his thoughts, but her efforts were in vain. Bartimaeus noticed her attempt and pointed it out. Varis contacted Matthius Highstool, who arrived promptly to assess the situation. Together with Alara, they collected the pieces of her automaton and departed for the workshop.

As Alara and Matthius left, the party decided to investigate the room from which Alara had emerged earlier. They unlocked the door and found an empty room. However, Bartimaeus sensed the presence of magic within the room. They realized that the door itself was enchanted, and Bartimaeus employed dispel magic once more. This time, a much louder crash echoed, and when they tried to open the door, they discovered a pile of furniture and items that had been forcefully pushed against it, preventing it from fully opening. Frustrated by their inability to access the room, they decided to walk away, believing they had merely disturbed Alara's private quarters.

They prepared to depart from the Academy, but Varis had one final matter to attend to. He and Rayenne visited Master Imorn Ironbeard's chamber to retrieve Varis's gun. The Master had completed his notes on the weapon and returned it to Varis. They also introduced Rayenne to the Master, and after a friendly exchange, they mentioned her quest for dragons. The Master chuckled and informed them that there were no dragons in the academy at that time, unless they were extremely well-hidden. Varis expressed his gratitude and retrieved his weapon before bidding the Master farewell as they left the Academy.