The Best Show Starring the Worst DnDPlayers

Ritora, Nesgrim, and Ethir sit inside the Quiet Night discussing the city with Eliza. Felix returns, knowing that Jerky was executed for an unknown crime. Ritora explains her accidental selection that has brought her to Oshuamp. Eliza shares information on the difficulties of the winter, the unknown nature of the curious change in weather at the conclusion of Dumar, and questions Ritora about her home. She explains that she is from the Avaeth Woods, and briefly spent time in the city Fhaorn. Something is causing an unnatural destruction within the woods, but Ritora is tightly lipped about it.

Felix tells the crew that Jerky was hanged in the Gallows. Eliza is dismayed as she was a helpful courier in the city and would investigate the proposed crime. The entire crew is offered a bland meal and they are told it is created by magic from the Brothers of Ostador, and that the people receive small daily amounts to keep them satiated. Merchants, like Eliza, are given additional amounts.

They spend the night, and Eliza reminds them that she will be busier tomorrow and will need payment from them in advance. In the morning, she provides a small breakfast and the group sets out for Beggar’s Market to find the Board, a large wooden plank that is nailed into one of the vacant stalls where merchants and other citizens can make requests for work.

They arrive and take a page each for an optional quest, and then journey towards the Tattered Tomes. En route, they are stopped by a small, poor boy, who offers them a copy of the Daily Oshuamp, the source of news within the city. Ethir reads rumors of Peculiar travelers entering Oshuamp during the Estver, another murder committed by someone named “The Jackal”, a failed expedition for firewood, and then the major story, called The Chronicle, that dictates the execution of Jerky, the use of some curious magic that attempted to rescue her, and the swift serving of Justice.

At the Tattered Tomes, they meet Katie, a small Gnome woman who is quite eccentric and aloof. She is delighted by patrons interested in her books and excited to know they have accepted her request to deliver books to Sister Madeleine’s in Slums North. She shares her knowledge of things she has read, and is uncertain when Nesgrim asks her about “aasimar” and other “celestial” creatures. She is aware of aasimar, but has never read or heard of the word “celestial.” Confused and dismayed, they accept her work and take the wooden crate out into the snow.

They traverse through the increasing heights of heavy snow, and Felix briefly stops to purchase a wolf-fur lined cloak at the Reliable Bag from a gnome woman named Beatrice. They reach the edge of Slums West and head north towards the Gateway passing into Slums North. Ethir greets the guard, Eli, and the crew present their passes. He warns them to be extremely careful, as the first day of Elsyth is very dangerous in Slums North. 

They traverse, slowly and carefully, passing by the Pawnman, an enormous Gallows, and a massive cemetery and mausoleum. They arrive at an enormous stone building and are welcomed inside by Sister Lauren, who is elated at the sight of new books for the children. Within, the group realizes this is an orphanage that provides safe shelter for the displaced young ones within Oshuamp. Ethir meets a young dwarf boy named Grimdar who is struck in the head with a ball and yells at a girl named Nina. Grimdar is excited for his friend Bran to continue to teach him to read. 

As he finishes reading the short story, a heavyset woman with a finer robe enters, and introduces herself to everyone as Sister Madeleine. While shaking hands with each of the adventurers, a small bloodstone set into her bracelet begins to glow. When they ask her about it, she says she does not see any glowing and is confused.

The conversation with Sister Madeleine continues and the group questions if she has marked the crew with magic or through some other method to cause her bloodstone to glow when touching her. She is noticeably confused by their remarks and confirms that she has no magical abilities, nor do the other Sisters in her service.

When the group prepares to leave, she fearfully holds them back, warning them that the First of Elsyth is an exceptionally bloody and treacherous day in Slums North, as the poorfolk displaced here through robbery and other means awaken in a hungover rage and commit terrible crimes. The Orphanage itself has been broken into and robbed because it is known throughout North Slums that they receive gifts from shopkeepers and other citizens throughout Oshuamp as a way of growing their reputation in the City. A little girl tugs on Ritora’s cloak and asks her to protect her and not let her be taken like her good friend, Abigail, was the year prior.

Reluctantly, everyone agrees to assist board up the Orphanage. Sister Lauren takes them on a tour of the Orphanage, showing them where the younger and older children sleep, the Kitchen, the Chapel, Sister Madeleine’s office, the Storage Room, and the Sister’s Quarters. They board up the Elder Girls’ Dormitory, and return downstairs, laughing as Little Orphan Grimdar is playing hide-and-seek with his friends and pulls a blanket over his head, sitting in the corner by the Chapel. He says that he wants to hide in the Chapel, and Ritora investigates the padlock that seemingly kept it shut. To her dismay, the lock was picked and placed back to appear locked, but was not.

The stained-glass window within is shattered as the crew opens the doors. A group of leather clad, fur cloaked bandits began climbing in through the frame, preparing to plunder whatever possible. The party valiantly defends the Chapel against the invaders as Ritora discovers Little Orphan Bran hiding inside the bottom drawer of the Pulpit in front of the Statue of Ostador at the back of the Chapel. Gravely injured, the crew flees and barricades the door as the remaining bandits thrust their bodies against it.

Ritora and Ethir hurry upstairs, finding Sister Freya leading the children, confused and enraged. They advise her to barricade themselves within the Nursery. Ritora checks on Sister Madeleine in her office, and sees her immobile on the floor. She ignores her and hurries to the large bell near her windows, and notices that they are slightly open and two grappling hooks are caught into the window frame and taut rope descends to the snow.

In a panic, she returns to the door, continuing to ignore Sister Madeleine, and notices wet boot prints leaving the room, trailing snow towards the Storage Room. She hurries back downstairs after Ethir, as the bandits break through the Chapel door. Felix and Nesgrim are overwhelmed, but fight back, killing two of the remaining four bandits. As Nesgrim pulls his longsword from the chest of the halberd warrior, the two living bandits drive their daggers at his side – one rings truly and critically strikes him in the side, plunging deeply. He begins bleeding heavily and falls to the ground, dying.

Felix, Ritora, and Ethir dispatch of the remaining bandits and stabilize Nesgrim. Ritora informs the others that there are two additional bandits upstairs and are possibly ransacking the storage room. She and Felix ascend the stairs as Ethir watches over Nesgrim and begins to carve out the skull of a dead bandit. Upstairs, a pair of voices echo out from the Storage Room; Felix and Ritora prepare to ambush the bandits. They do successfully and kill the first and the other surrenders, confessing he is unarmed and only here to make money and take some food for himself because he is completely poor.

Their intimidating interrogation reveals that he and his friend were hired by an unknown man to look for an “entrance” somewhere within the Orphanage. The bandit is terrified of leaving empty handed because he believes he will be murdered for his failure, but he is also afraid of being caught and hanged at the Gallows. Felix and Ritora contemplate his capture, and offer to help him escape as long as he atones for his crimes and becomes a moral citizen and hides. They take him through Sister Madeleine’s office and, while she is distracted on the floor from her injury, assist him back out of the window. He thanks them and runs off into the snow. Felix finds a note on the body of the other dead bandit, offering payment for each “signature” and a massive sum for the “entrance.”

Ethir has a vision of the man whose skull he gathers, as he places it and some herbs into a brazier and lights it. Within his vision, he communicates to the spirit of the man and asks him why they assaulted the Orphanage. The man tells him that they weren’t supposed to be in the Orphanage. Ethir briefly sees a gnarled, calloused hand outstretch, and the bandit grumbles the word “payment.” The vision fades away. Nesgrim regains consciousness and the pair find Felix and Ritora upstairs.

They ensure the children and Sisters are safe and secure, after finding Nina hiding in the toy chest downstairs, and Sister Lauren having panicked during hide-and-seek and barricading herself in the kitchen. They assist Sister Madeleine in her recuperation and she confesses that she was distracted by a vision of Sister Sabrina, the founder of the Orphanage, out in the store, and was confused because Sister Sabrina has been dead for over 50 years. A knocking at the door drew her attention away from the open window, and the two bandits entered her office and knocked her unconscious.

Ritora summons her owl back and apologizes; she had only meant to have Sister Madeleine ring the alarm bell to alert the guards to the break-in. Felix is permitted to read a book on Sister Sabrina in Sister Madeleine’s office. He learns that she was an Elf who worked in Slums East but had a vision of St. Ostador that called her to service in Slums North – she sold her store and used the funds to open an orphanage and begin caring for the displaced children of the Slums. The Cathedral saw the good in her deed and supported her, venerating her and assisting in the additional constructions added to the Orphanage. After decades of service and sacrifice, Sister Sabrina was accepted into the Inner Sanctum, and she gave direction of the Orphanage to Sister Isabel. 

Sister Sabrina was known as The Sacred, because her hair had a red aura when she was “invigorated with righteous justice.”

Sister Lauren helps Sister Madeleine to her quarters, and the crew return downstairs to check on the children. They find Bran in the Chapel, and he leaves when prompted, and agrees not to return. Terrified of some ill fate concerning Sister Madeleine when they believe her life could be in danger, they hurry upstairs to the Sisters Quarters after retrieving a key from Sister Alicia in the kitchen.

Inside, Ritora sees and disturbs an Eladrin woman, named Sister Desielle, who they were told would be the one to care for Sister Madeleine’s injuries. She demands that they leave because it is inappropriate to disturb the sleeping sisters, and that Sister Madeleine will be properly cared for. As they leave, Ritora bumps into the night stand and shatters a tea cup.

As they return downstairs, they find Bran once more in the chapel. After a brief argument with Nesgrim, he rushes to the doors to leave, pausing in front of the remaining three. He asks why Felix looks the way he does, and Ethir says, “He is cursed.” Felix jabs him in the side, but Bran’s eyes light up when he hears this.

He asks if that means they can read “cursed” writing, and when they assure him that they can, he offers Felix a note he found on the body of one of the men before they were removed by the Guards, in exchange for a promise that they never tell the sisters that he pocketed one of the men’s coin purses. They agree, and he gives them the paper before scurrying off.

The note bears a harrowing message of crimes against isolate Peculiars within the Slums, and secret meetings of whatever group is performing them. The author of the note wonders if the absence of bodies for the victim means they are being hidden... or being eaten.

Felix cannot read the writing, but recognizes from his extensive studies that it is Infernal.

After discussing the note, the crew takes a short rest. Felix leaves mysteriously as they sleep. They gather together and meet in the Cafeteria to eat their lunches; Ethir casts Purify Food and Drink out of caution. After their meals, they step out into the Hallway to assist in the Common Area and hear a knocking on the front door. Fearfully, they gather and open it. Outside in the biting snow, the frame of a young man stands amidst the gales. He informs the group that he has brought what timber could be gathered from the logging expedition, and they contemplate for a moment before permitting him inside, encouraged by their weapons and his full hands.

He introduces himself as Yahlumlo, a logger who survived the recent accident but was left behind by his companions as he was trapped and unreachable. Sister Lauren overhears the conversation and emerges from the Common Area, thanking him for his gift, and escorts him to the Cafeteria for a hot meal and promises him payment when Sister Madeleine arrives.

Yahlumlo delivers the timber to Sister Alicia in the Kitchen and takes a bowl of stew from her. He takes a sit in the cafeteria and waits to eat, as he realizes the other party members are watching him intently. Ethir sits across from him and has a brief conversation about Yahlumlo’s history and life in the city, and the nature of the accident. Ritora attempts to Detect Magic in the area, concerned that this man may emanate a magic aura, but she discovers nothing from the people around her, or from the food in their presence.

After the meal, they consider their options for the remainder of the day, and, still concerned from the events earlier and the dangers of the First of Elsyth, agree that it is in their best interest to stay put and protect the Orphanage, and themselves.

The desperation for more firewood presses the Sisters to request that the party traverse carefully out towards The Pawnman, a local tradesman who would still have a supply of timber that could provide a few more days of comfort. As the day has progressed towards the afternoon, they are told that the violence typically settles as the Gallows become more active.

With great caution, they set out through the front door, into the blizzard and high snows, to the Southwest area of Slums North. They pass several burnt homes, with dissected pieces of rotten wood poking out through the height of the snow. A line of manacled criminals stands at the base of the Black Steps, awaiting their execution. A gathered crowd cheers on their deaths.

Further through the snow, they encounter more burnt and broken homes, finding the North Slums mostly empty in the afternoon. Yahlumlo leads them safely to the Pawnman, and introduces them to the owner, Clark, a young human man who is working on affixing fur and wool lining to clothing and boots. He offers them a deal on the request timber, extending his sympathy to the orphans and the Sisters. The crew purchases items that are lined with fur and wool, providing themselves better protection against the biting frost.

As Ritora exchanges her shorter cape for a better winter cloak, the magical color fades, and Clark asks if it was magical. She denies it, and the party rushes out. Clark stops Yahlumlo, and asks the name of the girl – which Yahlumlo provides. He is thanked, and Clark pays him a silver, promising that those who need to know will be told.

Outside, Ethir calls out to Malo, who arrives, and squawks at a patch of snow, in the center of a burnt and broken home. Fearfully, Ethir follows Malo over, and inspects the area which he has illuminated with a Light imbued stone. He kicks through some upturned earth, and discovers a severed, frost bitten hand, clinging to the dirt. As he elevates it and turns over the palm, he sees runic symbols branded into the flesh.

They hurry back to the Orphanage, passing the Gallows, now empty. As they arrive back at the doors, Sister Honey opens them and they shut them in a hurry, as a small band of men in black cloaks gained on them. Unaware of who they were, or their intentions, they kept the door sealed and move inside.

The crew learns that Infernal is commonly used by a group within the city that uses it to hide their communications among the members. It is unknown if it is a band of bandits, or criminals, or a cult or something alike. The runic language was also depicted on several homes that were destroyed and burned by the Guards in the Slum Riots twelve years ago. Conspirators were held up inside their rowhomes and the Guards chose to burn the homes with the people inside instead of breaking through and apprehending them.

Returning to the kitchen once more, they collect dinner and begin to eat together, sitting with the awkward teenagers. Ritora notices that Sister Desielle continues to glare at her whenever she is within sight. Anthony confesses that he writes poetry about Marybelle, and that he despises Sister Desielle, considering her mean, overbearing, and strange. He tells them that he notices she often stares at different empty things around the Orphanage, silently, and that Sister Madeleine does something similar, but she talks to whatever she sees. He doesn’t usually hear her, because it is often a whisper.

They converse briefly with Sister Desielle, and realize that she is pained by the breaking of the teacup because it was a gift from her brother. She is offended when Nesgrim uses the word peculiar.

They collect heavy garments from the Storage Room and seal the door frames of the Chapel to dispel the draft that was pushing through. As they finish, they begin to walk back towards the Common Area, and are startled when they see a woman who looks like Sister Madeleine ascending the spiral staircase near the kitchen, humming a loud tune to herself.

Following the image of Sister Madeleine, the party watches as she walks dreamily towards her office. They hear the lullaby echoing from inside, and open the door – to their surprise they see Desielle sitting in her chair, sipping a cup of tea from a broken, but reformed teacup.

She halts her humming as she greets them and offers them seats and tea. They question what she is doing in Madeleine’s office, and she informs them that the orphans who will be brought as a result of the First of Elsyth will need assistance, placement, and support in the morning. As Madeleine is still recuperating from her injury, she, as second in charge, must make sure all things are in order to receive the new orphans.

Desielle offers tea to Nesgrim and Ritora, the two individuals that she despises and has been offended by. They accept, and Ritora takes small sips because she witnessed a suspicious earthly sludge descend from the teapot into her cup. Desielle reminds herself aloud that she must brew a fresh pot for Madeleine soon.

Nesgrim drinks the entirety after a brief internal deliberation, and consumes the dirt.

Desielle reminds them that they are friends, and that Ritora will still pay for the broken teacup.

They leave and prepare to rest for the evening; as they do, they hear a baby crying once more from behind the desk, and question what Desielle is doing. She answers their questions with poise and calm, leaving them with the fear of what the truth is. 

Nesgrim notices he is desperately thirsty, and cannot satisfy his thirst. He begins to spit up small pieces of rubble and dirty soil. Ritora, after being pressed by Yahlumlo and Ethir, confesses that she is familiar with this desecrated earth, and that it is indeed from her home woods, the Avaeth, and that the plague prevented life from growing anymore. She believes that Desielle’s brother, may have learned Ritora travelled to Oshuamp, and that this is a message, a threat, to her.

While they rest, Ethir watches over Ritora, and then the pair return to the boys’ dormitory, pausing at the Office as they hear Desielle singing to the crying babe. Ethir attempts to look through the keyhole, and is horrified by the bloodshot eye looking back at him.

Ritora sits outside in the hallway, her back against the door, protecting her friends. Nesgrim awakens multiple times to spit up more dirt and finds it is difficult to breathe, and compulsively has been reaching for his waterskin.

In the morning, Nesgrim succumbs to the dehydration and charm, and begins walking towards the office as he hears the voice of Desielle emanating in his mind: “hush, child, don’t say a word.”

After discussion and deliberation, they permit Nesgrim to walk and follow him closely, gathering his belongings. He approaches the office and attempts to enter, but they stop him. Desielle sings from within as the cries from the baby grow louder, and she chides the group for their unwillingness to enter. She promises them information, but they refuse. Ethir Detects Magic and discerns there is Abjuration emanating from within, and a horrifying purple mist pours out through the keyhole.

Nesgrim, Ethir, and Ritora fall to the ground, and Desielle breaks through the door, pushing Yahlumlo to the side. As she appears before them, the illusory visage fades, and a horrifying creature stands above them, with pale green hair, dull green skin, brown robes, calloused and leathery skin, a necklace of small skulls, and an engorged eye.

Desielle utilizes her various magical items to unleash hazardous and catastrophic magic onto the party as they desperately fight her off. Ritora is knocked down twice as she is targeted specifically for her prior insults. As they land the final blows, she falls, cackling with laughter. Ethir begins to crush her skull with his boot, fracturing the skull and watches as black ichor and dirt pour out from her body and clothes.

As the skull breaks, the engorged eye spins and turns towards Ethir, catching his gaze.

Yahlumlo destroys the enlarged eye as it stares at Ethir, who carefully removes the other eye from the skull of Desielle, and utilizes his Channel Divinity to witness her last memory.

Ethir watches as she rushes amidst the darkness, weaving between objects that he cannot see. She looks frantically around her, pausing briefly as she rubs her hands on her neck, and Ethir watches as the same black desecrated soil smears over her skin. She falls to her knees as she hears the cry of a baby, and a shrill voice echoes the word “bargain.” The soil crumbles between her fingers, falling to the ground, as Desielle kneels, staring heart brokenly at Ethir.

Ritora wild shapes into a Cat, and leaps onto the desk, investigating the faint cries still echoing out from behind the desk. She sees Madeleine, in a fetal position, in a nightgown, crying like a baby. The crew enters and assists her back to the Sisters Quarters to get rest. Yahlumlo digs through the dirt and discovers a note amidst the belongings of Desielle, and realizes that the script is akin to Elvish. He is able to discern the symbols, and consults with the others about his suspicions of involvement of other Sisters of the Orphanage, and the possibility of an approaching transformation for one of the children within the next tenday.

They choose to hide the dirt, bones and clothes of Desielle in drawers and cabinets in the office. They collect themselves and take a short rest, and consult with Anthony as he awakens in the morning. He speaks of his opinions of the Sisters, and of Marybelle’s 13^th birthday, that occurs in 9 days. The crew hurries to check on Sister Madeleine, who acts deranged, confused, and consumed with thirst for the tea. She refuses to accompany them anywhere, and instead elects to rest more in the Sister’s Quarters.

At breakfast, they find Lauren, and confess to the killing of Desielle, and reveal the letter discovered on her remains. They take her to Madeleine’s office, and display the dirt and bones. Horrified, but alone, Lauren permits them to explain, and rushes to Madeleine’s bed. Inside, they find her rummaging through her trunk, desperately searching for more tea leaves.

They are able to convince her to rest instead, and promise to find more of the special leaves for her. Lauren tells them that there is a Doctor in the City who could possibly assist her, but it will be difficult for the crew to persuade him to assist Madeleine. Hopeless, but without alternative, the crew prepares to rescue Madeleine however they can, and prepare to return to Slum’s West and find this man, Corin.

The crew consults with Lauren about the history of Corin, his previous service in the Orphanage, and his departure. Since he predates her time at the Orphange, she only knows the information that has been shared to her by the elder members, and recommends that they speak with Freya. Yahlumlo asks about Madeleine’s locket, but Lauren does not know much of it. She recalls that she gained it several years ago, and does not part with it. They collect their payment, choosing to only take half, instead of sapping most of the funds of the Orphanage.

Inside the nursery, they speak with Freya, who tells them that Corin was a very handsome, tall man, and wonderful with the children. She tells them that he is most likely dead, as was his wife, Karolyn, because she became gravely ill from the Well Poisoning about 12 years ago. She believes he left to quarantine her himself and attempt to care for her. The only lead she has is a particular ale that he cared for in Slums West, from the Growlers Tavern.

After collecting the crate to return to Clark, they leave through Slums North and see the heads of some of the executed criminals, affixed to pikes in front of the Gallows. They speak with Clark and return the crate to him, and he continues to take interest in Ritora’s appearance. They ask him about Corin, and he tells them that he considers him a great man, and a helpful doctor. He shows them a withered section of his chest that looks partially decomposed, and tells them that he suffered from the Rot as well, but was saved by Corin. He has not seen him for over a decade, and asks that they thank him if they do find him.

They return to Katie and collect their payment, and she tells them the location of the Growlers tavern, and recommends that they use her name when they approach the owner, Luna. They safely pass through the streets and arrive at Growlers, and hurry inside, ordering ales, and meeting a large, clay colored Goliath man named Buck.

He speaks quite shortly and secretively about his past, only giving minor details of his hunts and expeditions. The barmaid, Luna, aggressively greets them, and they willingly overpay her to gain her favor. She refuses to give genuine information about Corin, instead offering sporadic and inconsistent information. Ritora requests a meal, and Luna disappears into the kitchen behind her.

Nesgrim speaks with a patron, a beautiful elf woman, who introduces herself as Naivara, the local gemcutter and jeweler, and owner of the Cursed Eye. She smooth talks him for a moment and asks that he visit her later to “browse her wares.”

As Luna is inside the kitchen, a woman slides up to them, introducing herself as Lyn, a tradeswoman of sorts, who brokers information and deals. She offers information on Corin, for a price, that escalates as they take too long deliberating. Eventually, Yahlumlo extends the coin, and she tells them “one hour”, and begins to leave. Nesgrim follows her, and is told to beware the man in white, and she hurries to her next sale.

The crew waits for an additional hour, and then a trio of heavy knocks resonate from the front door. Luna loudly kicks everyone out of the tavern, claiming she needs to set up for the evening. As they depart, they split up to gain better vantage points of the entrance to the tavern.

Outside, a pack mule is being held by a figure extending into an adjacent alley. Yahlumlo passes the alley, and speaks telepathically to the figure, a hulking, broad shouldered man with a great white robe.

The man says he no longer uses the name Corin, but he can offer them healing if they do require it. He leads them further into the alley, and lowers his hood, revealing a handsome, chiseled face, with black eyes, black hair, black beard, and pale, cracked, white skin, and very calloused hands.

They follow him to a doorway at the back of the alley, attached to the corner of Growlers. Ritora wild shapes into a rat to stay hidden, but the man stomps the rat, calling it a vile creature, a spreader of disease, and accuses her of being part of a Cult. She nervously denies it, and he touches her face, and then puts her down.

Nesgrim uses Divine Sense, and detects an Undead presence emanating from the man. However, he does not inform the group, and they follow him willingly down the stairs, underground, into a hidden room. Inside the room, adorning the walls, are scribbles of engraved Infernal words, etched into the stone. The ground is the decrepit earth that they dread, and a casket lies in the corner.

Corin kneels down to the decrepit earth, and blossoms a flower, that withers in his hand. Ritora kneels and does the same, and he parts the earth to reveal the spreading white roots and vines the crawl below. 

He tells her it is called Widow’s Wail, and it marks locations where many people have died, like this one.

Widow’s Wail is a parasitic plant that drains the life of the earth around it, and is primarily found in places where mass death has occurred. Ritora is confused because her home was a peaceful place and she does not know of anything like this; Nesgrim makes the connection to the mysterious death of his father in the woods near his hometown, Hrayek. His father was also quarantined and he was not permitted to visit him on his deathbed.

Ethir and Corin discuss the afterlife and how Ethir attempts to ferry lost souls across a river in his visions, or banishes those who he believes are wicked and do not deserve a chance at life. He also tells Corin of his ability to witness the last memories of a person by performing a ritual with their skull – Corin brings Ethir a skull of a man he says was cruel and wicked. Ethir enacts his ceremony, and sees a man fighting off small creatures as they feast on his face, concluding as one crawls into the open mouth, killing the man, who he tells them was named Bartholomew, and connected to the issues in North Slums.

On the walls of Corin’s room are phrases and names in Infernal script, a pair of symbols, and a poetic verse. He tells them that he is the man who hired mercenaries to break into the Orphanage because he believes there is something sinister occurring inside, and he is searching for the “entrance” and “names”. Yahlumlo is able to discern the script on the walls and a note that Corin found in a mausoleum at the Sight of Justice. They read his harrowing notes of overheard discussions, and learn the names: Grief, Agony, Despair, Torment, and Livid. The occurrences describe mounds of bodies, markings carved into flesh, and the fear of invocations. He also finds the initials S.o.S. They discern the last word Vermin accompanied by Filth.

They ask of the history of the Well Poisoning of 8,051 A.R., and he details the return of an expedition from the Mines. A crew of Dwarves was hired by the Cathedral to procure a lost holy relic that was stolen by a Brother who forsake his position and fled north of the city. Corin was pulled from his work at the Orphanage and tasked with caring for the diseased Dwarves, but he was unable to save them. To keep the existence of the Dwarves a secret from the rest of the city, a conspiracy was hatched that blamed a poisoned well for the spreading of a disease in North Slums.

In their delirium, some of the surviving dwarves spoke manically of a withered, rotten creature, elevated against a cave wall by roots and vines that extended into the black earth. Some of them walked towards the figure in a daze, and their flesh was flayed from their bodies, and the vines gripped it and covered the rotten creature with it.

His wife, Karoyln, unfortunately contracted the Rot and he abandoned his work to care exclusively for her. They hid in an abandoned home in North Slums. She deteriorated and her flesh began to rot, but was visited by Sister Isabel and the deterioration halted. He remembers that her skin grew pale and she began to stare at shadows in the house, whispering to them. Brothers, called “Awakened” were sent from the Cathedral to remove her and place her into quarantine in the Cathedral, ignoring Corin’s protests.

He reveals that he openly blasphemed against the Cathedral’s ordinances, and was charged with heresy. The people of North Slums gathered to peacefully protest his conviction, and clamored as he was hanged. Protestors present at the hanging were gathered up and executed, and those who fled were burned alive in their homes. He remarks remorsefully that he feels guilty for the death of so many people, his wife, and the father of Clark, the Pawn Man.

As they ask for help with Madeleine, they share the note from Desielle and confess their fears of a transformation for one of the young girls as her 13th birthday approaches. When they use the name Marybelle, he becomes extremely upset, and hurries to the door – he explains that Marybelle was the name Karolyn had chosen for their daughter, and she was pregnant when he was taken from her by the Awakened. He was led to believe that his child did not survive.

They follow him out towards the Orphanage, and he warns them to close their eyes if bloodshed begins. He knocks on the door and Lauren opens it slightly, and the crew announce that they brought the doctor to help Madeleine, so she invites them all inside, leading them up to the Sister’s Quarters. They ask her to collect Marybelle and she agrees, hurrying over to the Nursery to collect her. He enters the Quarters alone, and they anxiously await outside.

Marybelle and Lauren walk back, and he exits the Quarters, and Charms Lauren, telling her that he would like to take Marybelle with him. She understands and bids her goodbye, and stares at the walls. Marybelle is confused, and Corin’s eyes glisten with tears, seeing his daughter as the spitting image of his wife. He turns to leave, fearful of raising a child as he is now, but they convince him that she is safer with him than anywhere else. She embraces him, and he thanks them for their assistance and descends the stairs. Yahlumlo communicates with him telepathically once more, warning him of the potential future for Marybelle, and he mournfully says he understands, and would do what needs to be done, and simply wants to spend the eight days with his daughter that he can.

They enter the Quarters to check on Madeleine, and find her sitting in her bed. She is confused by the withered, scarred flesh on her chest, and clutches the locket on her neck. They ask her about her visions, and realize that she is the person who had the vision of the holy relic, and its location inside the Mines that lured the Dwarves to the hideous creature. Yahlumlo requests a closer look at the locket, and she reluctantly offers it to him; inside, he sees the infernal markings of S.o.S.

She feverishly tells of strange memories with Isabel and Sabrina, visiting her together, and lurches forward for the locket, murmuring to herself: “like fire, she is.” Her hands grasp at her head and she becomes confused, and asks for her coronet, and corrects herself, saying it is Sabrina’s. It is lined with orange and red jewels. Nesgrim and Yahlumlo ignite a torch, and hold the locket towards it. Madeleine tells them it is okay to open the seal. As the locket bathes in fire, the engravings bleed out, extending in a diagonal pattern, forming the words:

“Sisters of Sorrow.”

A Sister’s eyes are buried

A Sister’s eyes are closed

A Sister’s eyes will open

When Sabrina calls her Home.

Madeline lurches for the locket, but they assuage her compulsion. Desperate to answer the call, she tilts her head down towards the floor when Yahlumlo asks where Sabrina wants her to go. Terrified, but determined to protect Madeleine and discover what is happening with the Sisters of Sorrow, the party marches resolute towards the staircase, following her into the Chapel below.

She passes the pulpit and places her hands on the Statue of Ostador, turning and requesting the lit torch from Nesgrim, who abides. She places the torch into a depression in the palms, and the face is illuminated by the flame. Cracks separate and split the statute vertically, revealing an opening and a descending spiral staircase. The wrought iron bars of the railing and handles change as they descend into darkness and dirt, uncovering a natural stone cavern, before coming to a break in the path that opens to an ornate stone structure, comprised of Dwarven architecture, sunken into the stone.

Madeleine leads them into the Antechamber, and they pause in awe at the ornate decorations and ask if she has ever been here before. She confesses that her visions have shown her a place like this, but she has never physically been. Ethir detects magic, but discerns nothing from the Antechamber. They ascend the small stone steps and follow Madeleine through the door into a grand Cathedral, beautifully carved and decorated, but covered in dust and in a ruinous state.

Madeleine approaches a mosaic on the wall that heralds of a great battle between Dwarves and Orcs, and recoils at the touch of gold on the frame. Beneath the mosaic, in orcish, hastily carved are the words “Oshuai Wampu.” Ethir’s detect magic does not discover anything in the area, and they follow a thin trail of blood that passes through the central aisle between two paths of cracked wooden pews.

Madeleine glides forward beyond a broken section of ceiling, and the others move towards a staircase that ascends to a decorated balcony, overlooking the central area of the Cathedral floor. As they walk, a fire erupts on an altar in the sanctuary, the back area of the Cathedral, illuminating a tall statue of a woman with flaming red hair, bearing a pair of swords above her as she straddles a horse.

Nesgrim and Ritora hurry after Madeleine as she walks obsessively towards the flames. As they halt her just before the altar, a spattering of dust and rubble falls, striking Nesgrim and Ritora on their shoulders and head, and Ritora takes cover below his raised shield. Amidst the debris, a woman, in a red flowing dress descends, attacking them quickly from behind.

Yahlumlo strikes first, utilizing force energy from his palm to first mark her back and burst into her. The woman shrieks and smiles before grabbing Nesgrim by the chain mail bundled by his neck, and bites into his throat. Ritora transforms into a white bear and launches a flurry of bites and claws. Ethir crushes her resistances, making her vulnerable to Nesgrim’s blade as he slashes into her arm. Buck, confused by the companions he has just made, assists in the protection.

The battle intensifies as a massive burst of energy from Yahlumlo pulses around her, bloodying her and sending into a fevered rage that is concentrated on her primary victim, the bloodied Nesgrim. He flees deeper into the sanctuary, taking solace in the protection of his friends, only to be horrified as she leaps over the banister, grabbing him once more and sinking her fangs in again. The party watches in horror as the life looks to leave Nesgrim’s eyes, but he is saved multiple times by Ethir’s magics.

Still unconscious, she lifts Nesgrim’s limp body and carries him towards a reservoir filled with fresh blood at the base of the statue, and throws Nesgrim inside, preparing to leap in herself. Ritora rushes over and grabs Nesgrim by the boots and pulls him onto the safety of solid ground, standing over him with the entirety of her body, desperate to protect him.

Yahlumlo, Buck and Ethir press on the assault, striking with blades and magical energies, weakening her greatly. Ritora carries Nesgrim away to safety as the woman leaps into the reservoir alone, bathing in blood before their eyes and then disappears below the surface. Convinced that she is preparing herself for something diabolical, they plunge their weapons into the pool, striking her more, before Yahlumlo pierces her chest with his longsword, catching her deeply by her breast. He uses his strength to elevate her, revealing that he has punctured deep into her body. Blood matted hair clings to her face and cheeks, and they see tears begin to fill her eyes, as she swells with fear and anger. In desperation she tries to pull herself from the blade, but grips too heavily, slicing through her own fingers that fall into the pool of blood, disappearing below the surface.

Yahlumlo’s longsword glows pale blue, and Ethir notices engravings honed into the side of the blade by the hilt, and realizes the writing is infernal. As he keeps her suspended, Buck plunges his short sword into her side, and Ethir once more uses magic to resonate in her mind. Madeleine, confused and afraid, approaches with a torch from the ground and extends it towards her, dropping it into the pool. The flames spread along the surface.

 She shakes violently on Yahlumlo’s blade, and they watch in horror as her body is severed from the wounds, dispatching her entrails into the pool, and she her shoulders become limp and her eyes close. As the begins to topple sideways, Yahlumlo reaches out to catch her body, pulling the eviscerated torso onto the ground at their feet.

Madeleine kneels at her side, clutching her face in her eyes, staining her fingers with blood. She weeps despondently over her, confused at the fate that befell her friend, Amber, and wondering what could have led her to this when she was chosen to follow Sabrina.

Behind the cistern, the statue of Sabrina begins to quake and rumble, as rock particles and dust plummet to the floor.

The statute of Sabrina quakes against the lid of the podium as Ethir and Yahlumlo tell Buck to remove Madeleine from the scene. Engravings on the base of the stone appear, forming the names of the Sisters of Sorrow, and the infernal script of Woe cracks and falls as rubble onto the stone floor. Along the back wall of the Cathedral, Ethir notices a mosaic of the city of Oshaump from an elevated perspective that has been gashed and damaged. Beneath the mosaic are a group of large skeletons in rusted armor, brandishing cracked polearms.

Ethir hurries over, collects a pair of skulls, some additional bones, and finds bags with items amidst their belongings. Ritora carries Nesgrim away from the Cathedral, and Buck picks up Madeleine and rushes after them. Ethir and Yahlumlo notice that below the infernal script of the signatures of the Sisters, an Elvish script appears and recites the message of a harrowing poetic ode to Mother Misery. As he concludes the poem, the Statute begins to break away from the lid of podium, and the two gather the remains of Amber and run to the entrance of the Cathedral.

Despite the fear of the slow approaching animated Statute, Ethir performs his ritual on the skull of Amber, and speaks to her spirit. She confesses that she is afraid someone is looking for her, and that Isabel promised to hide her to keep her safe. When Ethir asks her the year, she tells him that it is 8,052 A.R., and is confused as to why he would question it. He gathers his brazier inside his vision and attempts to perform the ritual within it, but she becomes terrified at the presence of a “spirit guide”. She grabs something that Ethir is unable to see, and offers it to Ethir, who refuses it – when he does, she turns it towards herself, claiming it is the Gift that she was given, and plunges it into her chest, falling in front of him to the ground. He attempts to touch whatever it was that she used on herself, and recoils at the touch of a chilling metal that resonates through his arm.

Back in the Chapel of the Orphanage, Nesgrim stabilizes and returns to consciousness. Buck heals him, as does Ritora, and they watch as Madeleine stares at the shattered window of Sabrina. She confesses she is exhausted and heads to bed. Buck and Ethir flee from the approaching echoes of the Statue as it marches towards them, and join their friends in the Chapel. They close the doorway in the statue of Ostador, and decide to get Nesgrim help by visiting Corrin.

As they leave the Orphanage, they see Madeleine standing in the snow, searching through the framework of one of the burnt homes. She claims that Karoyln is calling to her, that she is her new partner, and must join her in rest. Ethir and Yahlumlo recall that this is the area where Corrin said he heard a conversation from one of the Sisters and the infernal script of “Grief.” They offer to get her some of the tea from Desielle and lead her to the Pawnman.

Clark bargains with them for “protection” for Madeleine, and accepts their payment in exchange for hiding her in his cellar below his storage room. They tell him that they found Corrin and that he wanted to apologize to Clark, who accepts it somberly, announcing that he knows it was never the Doctor’s fault. Yahlumlo offers an additional gold to care for an extra day for Madeleine in case they are not able to return to collect her tomorrow. They exit the Pawnman and head to the Westgate.

They meet a rather wiry young guard who formerly was an entertainer in Endamar before coming to Oshuamp, who attempts to perform her juggling act in exchange for coin. In their rush, they refused and instead request to return, but she becomes insulted and dismissive, hurrying them along. At the Westgate’s other end, they encounter an elderly drunken guard who is quite forgetful and idiotic, and delays them quite a bit. He agrees to meet Buck at midnight at Growlers for a drink, and then sits in the snow with his back against the wall, struggling with the lever.

They arrive at Corrin’s, briefly laughing at Marybelle’s efforts to redecorate, and inform him of all their discoveries, including the poem, and names of all the Sisters of Sorrow. He offers his assistance to save Nesgrim, and buries him in the dirt and instructs Ritora to place some of the maggots on his wound, as they will consume the necrotic flesh, and prevent the spread. Ethir retrieves the head of Amber from his bag, and shows it to him. He once more uses his ritual to speak to her form again, and she appears in a grave panic.

Corrin is dismayed at the fate of Amber, and tells them that she was an orphan who was cared for by his wife, Madeleine, and Isabel. She was a kind child, and knew nothing of her true family. When they tell him more of the Sisters, they confess that his wife, Karoyln, is Sister Grief, and, knowing her location, he apologizes and goes to retrieve her. He asks that they look after Marybelle for him.

Before going to sleep, Ethir distributes the bags to Yahlumlo, who passes them out to the party, discovering their magic items inside. Ethir uses his ritual once more to witness the memories of the enlarged skulls he had taken from the Cathedral, and is horrified to see the enormous figures of Orcs, in beleaguered, exhausted states, clutching gold in their hands. As they drop it, they repeat the phrase, “Oshuai Wampu”.

They rest successfully for the night, but are awoken suddenly in the early hours of the morning as Corrin crashes through the door, clutching a deep puncture wound near his sternum, and a trio of gashes on his face. Ritora and Ethir leap to his aid and hold him upright, asking him what happened. He sputters out that they are coming, and that he is so sorry for failing them.

He goes limp in their arms.

Nesgrim uses Lay on Hands to restore some health to Corrin as they assist him to the corner of upturned earth. Unwilling to abandon him in his grievously injured state, they make preparations to defend him against whatever threat looms. 

They hear hushed voices and soft footsteps in the snow as they prepare a trap in the hallway, and are horrified as the door opens, revealing a black cloud that rolls down the stairs towards them. They rush back inside, barring the door, and Buck sets a snare trap on the landing. As they conclude their final defensive spells and Ritora transforms into a bear once more, the door creaks opening, and the sight of the looming sphere of darkness occupies the entire space of the door frame, and spills inside. 

Unable to see their foe, the group attacks the darkness itself, failing to make contact. The shadow seemingly steps forward in a blink, dodging Buck’s trap, and appearing within the crowd, striking Ritora with an illustrious silver crescent moon blade held in the man’s hand. As Ethir attempts to cast a spell, he realizes he is unable to hear anything, and unable to complete his spell.

The battle grows vicious as the pair of shadowy figures utilize their silver blades and fists, stunning Yahlumlo and Ritora, and preventing the party from relying on their magic or their sight. Nesgrim is knocked unconscious, and Ethir is able to sufficiently wound the hooded figure to conclude the Silence in the area, permitting him to use Healing Word to restore Nesgrim. The first enemy is defeated in a flurry of attacks, and the lone enemy prepares to strike and flee.

Nesgrim, though bloodied, seeks to defend his comparatively injured friends, and uses Compelled Duel, and the silver spoked moon strikes into his throat, twisting and spilling the contents of his throat onto the ground. Ritora furiously swipes again, enraged at the sight of her dead friend.

As the hooded figure falls, the crew gathers around their comrade, beginning to mourn the courage of Nesgrim. Corrin begins to stir as they weep, and offers to help them, in the only way he believes he can. Ritora panics as she contemplates if this transformation may be something Nesgrim would even want, or if he would prefer to stay dead.

Realizing how much there is that Nesgrim wanted to accomplish, she begs Corrin for help. He instructs her to search through the casket near the bottom for a small crown. She feverishly tosses skulls aside and discovers a tiny tiara laid with diamonds, and returns it to him. He sorrowfully confesses that this was to be the first gift that he and Karoyln would have given to Marybelle at her birth. Aware that the party has given him a chance to spend time with his daughter is more valuable than the memory the trinket conveys, Corrin cracks it in his hand, laying the diamond and its dust on Nesgrim’s chest, restoring him to life and consuming the precious diamond.

Among the possessions of the two dead figures, is a note addressed to a Beloved Brother, from Lauren, asking for a few days away from the Library to assist with the reception of new orphaned children. Corrin warns them that there may be more who were informed by these two, and he must abandon his home, fleeing somewhere with Marybelle, before venturing into the Felwood to search for the Hags, to bargain for his daughter’s life in exchange for his own eternal servitude.

As they bid him farewell, Yahlumlo offers to keep pursuing his good work and discover what they can for him, should he return. He asks Corrin for his journals that held his research, musings, and discoveries, and he thanks them for all they have done to help him and his daughter find peace.

He swoops her into his great white cloak, and ascends into the City. As they gather the weapons of the Awakened, a magical item, and some maggots from the desecrated earth, the vines that were fed skulls and blood suddenly grasp at the ankle of Ritora.

Utilizing the silver blade of the chakram, Ritora frees herself from the vine, and watches in horror as it hooks downward, parting the black earth and recoiling below. They spend a few moments discussing their options and where they should meet again, knowing that safety in numbers is their best bet for survival.

Yahlumlo heads towards the Toasted Lady, and plans to return to Logger’s Hall and check in with his companions and friends. Ethir and the others return to the Quiet Night. Yahlumlo, inside the tavern, meets with Alice, who says that she kept his room, but is surprised to see him, as rumors had begun to spread of his death out in the woods. She has learned that the Logging Guild has discussed dissolution because of the catastrophe, and says that she will find a new way for their deal to continue. Yahlumlo thanks her, ascends the stairs, and rests for the night.

Ethir and the others find the small boy, Timothy Poster, who sells the Daily Oshuamp. They purchase the news from today and the previous, and are terrified by the contents. At the Quiet Night, they pay Eliza for a trio of rooms and begin their rest. While he sleeps, Nesgrim is plagued by a horrific nightmare. A guttural language, the cracking of a whip, a warmth and a chill, a sensation within his chest that feels like his blood is boiling, preparing to break through his flesh. He looks down, seeing a transparent floor, and recoils at the sight of dozens of ethereal, pale faces, thin strands of hair captured motionless in a vacuum of space. Their faces caught in a state of agony, hands pressing against the threshold at Nesgrim’s feet. His gaze wanders upward to a luminous, almost blinding ray of space, pouring down to him, bathing him in a warmth. As his eyes return to his front, he is met by the face of his father, parted a black surface that clings to his cheeks and neck, and tells him to beware “The White Bone.”

In the morning, Yahlumlo has his breakfast and comes back to meet the rest of the crew at the Quiet Night. While weighing their options, they engage in a tense conversation with Benjamin as he is entranced by Ritora’s flowers changing as she offers one from her floral crown. Ethir uses his Helm of Telepathy to Detect Thoughts on him when he is hesitant to answer questions, and he discerns that Benjamin is traumatized by the death of his father, as he recoils in horror when Ethir offers him a skeletal fragment, and Benjamin calls it the “White Bone.” Eliza becomes upset when they continue to press Benjamin, and the party apologizes and leaves.

As they make their way to Beggar’s Market, they briefly encounter a young couple, operating the only stand in the snow, and purchase some toys for Benjamin as a way of making amends. They press onward towards Logger’s Hall so Yahlumlo can check in with his companions, but are interrupted by a wealthy looking man, dressed in purple silks. He concludes his conversation with the guards and hurries over to them, inquiring if they require homes in the city as they look like some unfamiliar faces to him. 

He questions them about their business in the city, and connects the faces to the rumors of Ethir and Yahlumlo, and gains the names of Ritora and Nesgrim. He introduces himself as Arthur, the man who owns many of the vacant homes in Slums West. Beyond land ownership, he offers workers or laborers who would be supplied to them for a fee made to him. Claiming that they are busy with personal issues, they excuse themselves for now, and when asking how they can find him afterwards should they need him eventually; he tells them to ask for the “Architect.” He points towards the northwest corner of Slums West, at a tall standing cobblestone building, and says the guards will permit them by should they use that moniker. 

They arrive at Logger’s Hall, and are dismayed that it is dark inside, and the doors barred. Yahlumlo heads onward towards his friend’s home up the street, and is permitted inside after knocking. Seamus is hurriedly packing, claiming that the Logging Guild is dissolving out of fear for what happened in the woods, and is shocked to see Yahlumlo alive. He reveals a harrowing tale of a creeping creature that descended from the trees over the body of Yahlumlo after he was pulled by a sudden gust of bone chilling wind. Trees fell, and the other loggers began to flee, but the world grew dark around them, and Seamus turned back to help his friend, but watched paralyzed with fear, as the creature, pale as ice, descended the trunk of a tree, with long creeping fingers approaching his friend’s body. He fled amidst the screams of his companions, and apologizes to Yahlumlo for abandoning him. Yahlumlo accepts it and understands the fear of the situation. He instructs Seamus to head to Clark, and use his name, to attempt to gain salvation in being hidden, similar to Madeleine. Seamus embraces his friend and hurries outside towards Slums North.

The others, waiting outside, watch as a different man leaves the home, and enter to find Yahlumlo pouring through Seamus’ abandoned belongings, and question what happened. He informs them that the guards have threatened the Loggers with imprisonment or labor if they refuse their work. As Yahlumlo investigates the bags, he finds a burlap pouch that contains a small, 18” wooden figurine, with twisted, coiled twigs holding it together. In place of a face, a small flat piece of bark is strewn over, covering it, akin to a mask, and it is stained with a white pigment, smeared over it. Nesgrim cannot place exactly what this is, but is mortified by the visual, as he is reminded once more of the physical appearance of his father as he died back in Hrayek.

As Yahlumlo and his friends leave Seamus’ home, they are shocked to see Felix standing near the end of the street, heading southward. They hurry over to catch up with a lost friend, and inform him of the treacherous discoveries they have made. Upon learning that Felix has been assisting Clark in the care of Madeleine and requires more ale from Growlers, they choose to accompany him on his way. As they venture south, Yahlumlo briefly departs to check in on another member of the Logger’s Guild, a middle-aged family man named Willard.

En route to Growlers, Ritora, Ethir, and Nesgrim discuss with Felix their perceived threats within the city, and the potential plots they have uncovered. He promises that he has stayed safe through the last few days by his own wits and the protection of Clark. Yahlumlo approaches Willard’s home, and is happy to find that he is well. Willard is also shocked to see Yahlumlo alive, after the harrowing tale from Seamus. He details the discussions from Logger’s Hall about the potential dissolution, and informs Yahlumlo that he has accepted work from Arthur, because he has mouths at home to feed and cannot be without work. Despite his desire to assist his companions with reaffirming the Logger’s Guild, he is too afraid to attempt another expedition into the Felwood. He tells Yahlumlo that Ernest may still be interested in rebuilding, but they would require at least seven more men to do so safely. Yahlumlo pays Willard for his time, and forgives him, respecting that Willard has too much to risk and would not have asked Willard to save him during the catastrophe.

Inside Growlers, Luna continues to patronize the party, but gives Felix a small cask of ale for Clark. Nesgrim attempts to flirt with her to gain her favor.  They continue to press their luck and ask questions about Widow’s Wail and watches as she demonstrates some of the properties, discusses her use in the Ale, and the risk of abuse and over-consumption. She also tells them that the plant itself seems to vary based on the location that it grows, and that she recalls it being used in Fhaorn, near Ritora’s home. As they listen to her, Nesgrim recognizes that the bloom smells of Ambrosia, and makes the connection to the Awakened Ones. He confesses that the consumption of the tea from Desielle is what made him feel desperate to drink more, and that the rest he took in the earth in Corrin’s lair alleviated his pain.

Yahlumlo catches up, and the group agrees to communally discuss the notes they received from Corrin. It is comprised of a decade of fragmented memories from his transformation, and his subsequent discoveries and hunts. Their honesty and interest in assisting drives Luna to invite them to a formal dinner that evening, and promises to introduce them to a few more of her associations within the city. She directs them towards the herbalist at the end of the street, at the Brewed Wing, believing that the owner may know more of Widow’s Wail, but confesses that he does not care much for Luna because of who she is and where she is from.

At the Brewed Wing, they are callously greeted by an eccentric elf who dismisses them until they promise coin. He warns them not to touch any of the belongings on his shelves, and they are mortified to see decayed creatures contained in vials, suspended in various liquids. Ethir is incredibly interested and begins a more friendly communication with him because of comparable passions. Adrian comments on his more eccentric services and provisions, and Yahlumlo announces that Ethir sells bones. Ethir nods in agreement and displays several pieces of his bone jewelry and the bones they have recently procured from the Cathedral. Adrian smells them and revels in ecstasy, moaning about the stories that he can feel from within.

Ethir realizes that Adrian also can see beyond Death, and they converse about their respective sights. Adrian invites Ethir for a private service in his lower level, and Yahlumlo asks if one of them may accompany Ethir. Adrian refuses initially, because the others do not possess their special visions, but offers up Nesgrim, claiming that he has already died once. Adrian glides over to him, pulling Nesgrim towards the door, and the two follow Adrian down a short staircase behind the curtains.

Inside the secluded chamber, Adrian sits inside a large circle traced with chalk, and instructs Ethir to bring him a candle. Adrian places herbs similarly to Ethir into a large brazier, and asks Nesgrim to step into the circle with him. He offers Nesgrim a bone dagger and requests a drop of blood, and Nesgrim abides. As the blood strikes the herbs in the brazier, Adrian ignites the candle and begins to burn the ingredients, inhaling the smoke, just as Ethir does.

Nesgrim watches as Adrian’s face is shrouded in smoke, and is mortified as it transforms into the face of his dead father.

Nesgrim finds himself standing in the familiar woods of the Ogarpul, the forest near his home town of Hrayek. The smoke near his father dissipates around him, and Nesgrim can see that he is kneeling in front of a mound of dirt, and is holding a bouquet of white lilies. He looks fatigued, feeble, and distraught. Nesgrim realizes this is the spot where he and his father dug a memorial for his mother after her death, despite having burned her body when she died. His father lays the lilies over the mound of earth, and is horrified as his father whispers to the gravesite, and the dirt stirs near where his father’s hand is laid. The flowers wilt and separate from their stems, cascading over the mound, and the dirt splits slightly, as a black claw breaks through, grasping his father’s hand, talons sinking into his flesh near his wrist.

His father promises that Nesgrim is pure, and he won’t let Nesgrim become a thrall of the Defiled, instead serving in his place. He stands before Nesgrim, turning to face him, and a horrifying ethereal shadow looms behind him, tendrils stretching outward, clinging to his face, rending away the flesh. A final warning slips out in, warning Nesgrim of the cry of a Seraph.

Ethir watches as Nesgrim stands stationary, his palms sweating and slightly trembling. The brazier’s flames extinguish; Adrian shudders again in ecstasy, remarking how interesting Nesgrim is and the intense satisfaction he has from his visions. Adrian and Ethir discuss their thoughts on how their different visions functions. They posit that Ethir sees a soul as it stands in a liminal space between life and death; whereas Adrian is able to see a pinnacle moment in the life of the person, and why he usually sees the death of a family member, or close friend. 

Ethir fears that Nesgrim’s father made some sort of bargain, similar to Desielle. Adrian asks about Ethir’s perspectives and the “task” he feels he has been given with ferrying souls across the river. Ethir becomes upset with Adrian’s philosophy and remarks that it is inappropriate to use it to horrify people and is meant for helping the dead. They ascend the steps and rejoin their friends on the main floor of the shop, and the communication becomes more tense as Ethir’s opinion of Adrian fades rapidly. Yahlumlo, after staring intently at the eye in the jar, is interested in a vision, and says that he would accept the risk.

Ethir, Yahlumlo, Nesgrim, and Felix, follow Adrian into the basement and see a tattoo of a Black Claw on his back, watch as he performs the ritual once more for Yahlumlo. The others stand again, watching as Yahlumlo, inside the circle, stands motionless, staring at the smoke by Adrian’s face. 

Yahlumlo finds himself standing alone in the forests of the Hravawode, near his home, and feels an intense chill around his feet, and stares at a swirling vortex of snow blankets his feet, twisting around his body as it elevates. The snowfall appears to twist together, and looks similar to wisps of white hair, and Yahlumlo feels the frost bind his feet to the ground, and the cold pulls his hands in front of him, binding them together. The snow falls from his conjoined palms, forming a long, sharp icicle below. The swirling winds around his waist suddenly birth a set of eyes, and one engorges as Yahlumlo looks into it, and he hears a chilling, shrill laugh echo around him. The vision begins to fade, the icicle cracks and splinters, and the vortex sinks to his feet.

Yahlumlo chooses not to confide yet in his friends about his vision, and the group hurriedly return upstairs. Adrian continues to provoke Nesgrim and Ritora before they leave, offering mysterious hints as to their past and their current situation. Yahlumlo gives Adrian a few piececs of silver that are stained with his blood, and says he will return for more information. Ethir separates himself to return to his bone museum to mark and bury all the items he has so that Adrian does not abuse his power. The others head towards the Pawnman to check in with Clark, drop off the ale for Madeleine, and Yahlumo wants to ensure Seamus is alright.

Clark accepts the ale, pays Felix, and tells the party about his work with Luna and their efforts to protect the isolated peculiars in the city. He is concerned that not all of the children that were supposed to make it to the Orphanage did, and is afraid they may be peculiars and have been taken by the guards. They promise to return if he requires more assistance, and he thanks them for all their hard work.

They return to Ethir’s museum to find it empty and he conveys his hatred of Adrian, and his disgraceful philosophy. They discuss the vision of Nesgrim and make several connections to the words and visuals he describes. He informs them that he wasn’t born in Hrayek, but in Rarfli, and Felix knows the city is in the southeast part of the continent, far from Hrayek, and is an Orc city. Nesgrim is confused as to why he was born there, and is even more afraid when they tell him that Hrayek is Elvish for “Exiled.”

He tells Felix that he grew up with many exotic and peculiar people, and does not understand why Felix wasn’t raised there, too. Felix tells them he grew up in Yengema, which means “Hidden.” Realizing that it was growing late, they leave to return Luna’s tavern, and Ritora whistles for her owl. She sees it flying from the east, near the center part of the city, and has a small rodent in its mouth. Ritora recoils in horror as she sees the claws of the Owl have turned black.

Ritora’s owl, Juniper, descends towards the party, with a small rodent in her mouth, and her claws blackened by frostbite. A telekinetic power removes the portions of the rodent from her mouth, but pieces of sinew and intestine remain in Juniper’s mouth. Ethir notices that sections of the rat are patchy and the fur has fallen out, potentially indicating an illness. Ritora covers her hand and removes the remaining pieces from her mouth, and they recoil as maggots crawl out from within. Nesgrim stomps the fragments with his boot, and Ritora cleanses her hands in the snow.

They journey over to Growlers and watch as a disgruntled group leave, dismayed at being told the tavern is closed for the evening. After waiting until they left the street, they knocked and were permitted entranced by Luna, and chose seats a long trio of tables dragged together, nicely decorated and overflowing with a bountiful feast. Luna continues to provoke and jest with Nesgrim, and then calls for her friends from the back to join everyone.

A pair of eccentrically dressed and appearing women, an elf and a human, walk through the door behind the bar, and gracefully walk over. Luna yells at everyone for not standing before they are seated and the crew stands as the first pulls a chair at the head of the table for the other sit, before joining her at her side. The elf introduces herself as Fae, and calls the other Grace. The women thank everyone for taking the time for the meeting and offer them to enjoy the feast. She tells them that the food was specially created by Leo, and that he possesses a powerful method of creation for foods.

As the crew begins to eat, they ask Fae of her knowledge of Widow’s Wail, her relationship with Corrin, and the experiences she has had in the city. She details her research on Widow’s Wail and her understanding of its various functions. Corrin collected the blooms of Widow’s Wail from the Mausoleum in Slums North because of the individuals who died in that area, as many of them are Peculiars.

Their conversation includes details about Adrian, and his life before he owned a shop in Slums West. He previously worked in the Etarast, the elite area in the center of the city, and was involved in herbalism and apothecary work. However, he was dismissed from his position because of his fanatical obsession with the Occult. Fae confesses that her family is a wealthy one, and operates a business with Herbs in the Etarast, and she, during her studies at the Academy in the Inner Sanctum, may have accidentally divulged information to Adrian that motivated his obsession.

Her family is invested in the ritualistic uses of Widow’s Wail, and has discovered that its effects are directly correlated to the individuals who died in the area, and that it requires more than just blood, or flesh. Ethir posits that it could be leeching the soul from the recently deceased. As he discusses his rituals, Fae makes the connection to the similar actions of Adrian, and his nihilistic perspective on life and death. When Ethir removes his vial that possesses the herbs he uses, she informs him of their names, and of their uses. Ethir realizes that he has been using substances, that though his Shamans taught him, are potentially dangerous. Adrian utilizes similar herbs and flowers, but some of them are unfamiliar to the crew. She warns them of the dangers of their use. As they discuss the use of the Widow’s Wail, she reveals that there are individuals who abuse the potential that may be brought based on the person who imbues the Widow’s Wail with their essence. When the party asks who may be doing this, she asks only, “Can you think of no one?”

Their conversation about Corrin reveals that he is a Paladin, and that Oath was what permitted him to heal people, and that his essence imbued the mound of earth in the basement, and why it was able to restore Nesgrim safely after the vampiric bite. Neither she nor Corrin were able to discern why his powers were able to be imbued into the Widow’s Wail, because he has already died and does not have a soul any longer. Ethir believes it may be because of that, and the possibility that his unique state gives him the ability to manipulate the forces of life and death. Fae proposes that it may also be because fragments of his soul linger in his body. Yahlumlo recognizes that Adrian’s frequent use of the word “transaction” is beginning to feel more appropriate based on the information they are learning.

Adrian, while still in the Etarast, concentrated his work on his rituals, and attempted to find like-minded souls. His research and studies became focused on discovering more about the Defiled, and he came to consider himself a prophet of it. As Nesgrim detailed his recollections of his two visions from his near-death and death experiences, she informs them that all she knows of the Defiled is that it was rumored to be an ancient monster that plagued the areas near Oshuamp. Some scholars believe that Ostador’s crusade was as much against the Orcs as it was against the desecrated earth. The Reclamation of Ostador resulted in the City of Oshuamp being retaken from the Orcs, but the city that the crew resides in is not actually Oshuamp, but a city built on top of its ruined grounds and uses the name.

Ethir opens up about their experiences in the areas below the Orphanage, making the connection that the Cathedral they explored must have been a ruin from Oshuamp. As they talk about their adventure and the statue in the Chapel of Ostador that opened to the staircase, Fae wipes her brow and removes the magical illusion that hides her own marking of an O, signifying her own time at the Orphanage and her banishment for behavior. Her time at the Orphanage was at the conclusion of Sabrina’s service, and tells the crew that she looked up to Sabrina greatly and believed her to be a kind and loving woman. As Fae worked to assist with the younger children, Sabrina came to trust her and behave more as a Mother, and was very affectionate. Fae confided in her about her parents’ ritualistic performances, and her concerns with the abuse of Widow’s Wail and the hunting of children that possessed an affinity for magic, or Peculiar bloodlines. Sabrina, distraught over the possibility of a connection to the Inner Sanctum based on Fae’s story and her parents’ connections, promised Fae that she would go to speak with Officials at the Cathedral.

Sabrina never returned to the Orphanage, and Isabel took over Directory, having been temporarily placed in power by Sabrina before she left. They convey their fears that Sabrina is connected to the woman they fought that had striking sinister features like Corrin, and Fae tells them that they are called Vampires. Nesgrim shows the puncture wounds, Yahlumlo procures the locket from his pocket, and Fae is distressed that Sabrina, missing for so many years, is possibly connected to this Vampiric group. After telling her that they slew Sister Amber in the Cathedral, they are hesitant to reveal the writing on the Statue, but tell her that the appearance of the Statue was similar to the visual of Sabrina that they know. Fae is further upset by this, and Ethir changes the subject of the conversation.

Nesgrim believes that little Nina, at the Orphanage, may be different, and is an Aasimar as far as he has perceived. Fae further admits details about her parents’ employment, and that Nesgrim himself, as an Aasimar, would have been pursued treat to develop into a powerful poultice. Adrian, while still in the Etarast, would procure herbs to assist Fae’s family in creating the potions, and the Peculiars who were brought to them were delivered by an unknown source. She assumes it may be related to the Guards.

They also inquire about her time in the Orphanage and what other Sisters she may have known, and only Desielle is a familiar name. She also tells them that the children who were to be delivered to the Orphanage are typically held by the Guards at their respective Guardhouse.

Nesgrim asks more about the visions of Adrian and if they are reliable and trustworthy. During her youth, some of her studies included Shamans who performed similar rituals and she believes they may be true experiences. Ethir relates his visions to Adrian’s and Fae discusses the other herbs that Adrian uses. They are horrified by the sounds and connections of their names, and the danger of their use. The herbs are in potentially dangerous locations, and they are opposed to talking to Adrian to buy them from him.

As Nesgrim talks more of his visions, the mention of a Seraph causes Fae to warn Nesgrim of its meaning, and his connection as a blessed creature himself. In an effort to replicate the guttural language he heard in his nightmarish recollection of his death, Fae is mortified to equate the sounds to Abyssal, a language used by Fiends and other Demonic creatures. The Defiled was speculated to be a creature of that origin, and fearfully informs them that the Defiled’s true name and appearance has been long lost, the only remaining fragment being the Black Claw. When they ask if they could meet with someone who could translate the sounds in Abyssal, Fae tells them that only Adrian, and possibly some scholars in the Inner Sanctum may be able to. Worship in Oshaump, and in most other parts of the world, is practiced carefully as the Faith in the Nameless, because it empowers the recipient of the Worship.

Nesgrim is terrified because of the Black Claw that burst through the dirt of his mother’s burial mound. Adrian considers himself to be a Prophet of the Defiled. Ethir talks of his visions from the Orc skeletons in the Cathedral, and tells Fae of the golden coins in their shaking hands. Fae believes the Orcs may have been from the era in which they controlled Oshuamp before Ostador’s Crusade, and Ethir tells her the phrase he found on the walls, “Oshuai Wampu.” 

She tells everyone that was the name Orcs used for the City, and that the Reclamation simply shortened the name for convenience. Ethir fears that it may be the true name of the Defiled, but Fae disagrees, saying it does not mean something that would be akin to a name. When Ritora asks what the phrase does mean, Fae tells her: 

“Haunted Gold.”

The crew is petrified by the meaning of the name, and inquire as to how the Gold would be haunted. Fae is uncertain, and says that the merchants who hire adventurers keep this knowledge secret. The returned gold is handled by third parties, and ensured to be safe. Nesgrim asks if any other locations have also been reclaimed similar to Oshuamp, and she tells him that the city of Hrayek was once sacked, and reclaimed. She is unaware of the what Orcish name was during its occupation. He asks about his birth village, Rarfli, and she tells him it means “Sacrifice on the Sand.” There were other raids that went south and east of the Felrast, but is unaware if any of the other cities were similarly occupied. She mentions an assault on the City of Endamar approximately a thousand years ago, but does not believe the city was conquered.

Their continued interests in the use of the Widow’s Wail and the other ingredients used in Adrian’s rituals leads Luna to stomp her boot heavily on the ground, and a man enters from the kitchen. He is of an average height and muscular build, heavily clad with a thick cloak, enlarged eyes, and a more defined snout-like nose. Fae introduces this man as Vorst, a dear friend who has worked for a few years after his tribe in the Woods of Nerenter was slaughtered by an Orcish warband. Vorst is well-trained with survival and tracking, and works as a guard for the Guild. His physical gifts, prowess, and familiarity with the woods make him an ideal candidate to assist them with their interests. Felix recognizes similarities in Vorst’s appearance to other species he has studied. Nesgrim does not recall anyone from Hrayek looking like this man.

Ritora introduces herself and the remaining individuals follow suit. Due to the shortness of his time in Oshaump, and his seclusion, few individuals know of Vorst. After the assault on his tribe, he fled from the Woods and was directed to Growlers by Clark. Vorst knows the location of a few of the herbs and berries required for Adrian’s rituals. The herbs themselves are remarkably valuable, and the crew does not have sufficient funds, and must weigh their other options. Luna is running low on the herbs that she requires for the Alement and tells them that she only has about a ten-day supply remaining. They inform the women of the issue with Ritora’s owl Juniper, and leave to retrieve Juniper so that they may tend to her.

As they leave, they discuss their options to make money before setting out for the forest. Yahlumlo and Felix remain with Vorst to learn of his history, his tribe in the Woods of Nerenter, and the assaults of Orc warbands. The tribe was able to survive in seclusion and secrecy, and protect themselves against the small forces that found them, until three years ago, when a horned Orc, with spiked arms and a barbed tail, led a ravenous force and gluttonously devoured the tribe. Vorst believes himself to be the only survivor, after having been separated from his friends and family. Fae instructs them to avoid this spiked Orc at all costs, and to traverse through the woods with great care.

Fae has investigated details of Vorst’s visions, and inform the few that the northern woods, beyond what he lived in, are the probable location of the berries and herbs. Now knowing that the journey would be more treacherous and further, into the forbidden forests known as the Korggoj. Yahlumlo connects this to a brief story from Buck, whose people wanted to make this place a potential home, but fled in terror as they approached. The bark is utilized in the production of magical items. She is fearful that Adrian would not part with any of the required items without sufficient payment. Despite the danger, she and the others offer their support in the travel and in the fencing of any goods returned.

Nesgrim, Ritora and Ethir return to collect Juniper from Ethir’s tent. As they pass by the Quiet Night, they see Elisa standing on the landing, looking distraught. Despite their best efforts to console and speak to her, she rebukes them, stating that she is alright and that everything is fine with Benjamin, and it was simply another day. Ethir catches a pair of tracks in the alley adjacent to the Inn, and Ritora follows them as a Cat, seeing that they lead into the northwest corners of Slums West, onto the cobblestone streets. Unable to follow them any further, she inhales deeply, discerning fresh flowers and ambrosia.

Respecting Elisa’s request for solitude, they collect Juniper and return to Growlers. They discuss the locket from Sabrina, and the crew discusses the hallucinations of Madeleine, and the potential implications of her sanity and certainty. Unsure as to what they can believe or trust from her, they begin to connect pieces to Sister Amber, and the conclusions to their services.  Ethir theorizes that the dirt may manifest in hallucinations of those who have died, similar to his ritualistic experiences. Yahlumlo calls forth the notes and the names of Sisters of Sorrow. Fae’s reading connects several pieces of information, including the mention of clay and Nesgrim's vision.

After Sabrina’s disappearance, there was a ceremonial burial for her during a pilgrimage of the Brothers, a few years later. The announcement proclaimed that she had died from a terrible illness contracted after her service in the Inner Sanctum began, but the public was not privy to seeing the body. Ethir questions the presence of wild flowers that grow in the area, because of his concern with the aroma near the Quiet Night. As they posit reasons, Fae connects it to stories she read as a child, for either love or loss.

Ritora opens up more about her time back at home and her efforts to protect the Avaeth Woods from the progression of a degenerative plague that stripped the life from the plants. The earth visually is blackened, as though scorched, and Nesgrim recounts the poem from the lower Cathedral. Ritora’s parents disliked that she attempted to correct the flow of nature and protect the forest, instructing her to abandon her task. She instead left her home, and moved to a nearby city, Fhaorn, and met a man, Deluin, a powerful magician who worked with her for almost 20 years to cleanse the land together. However, he betrayed her, as she discovered that he was leeching the life from the ground himself, bottling it and selling it. When she confronted him, he struck her, and hurried back to Fhaorn, placing a bounty on her head, claiming that she was the one who desecrated the forest. 

Deluin was once a Professor at the Academy in the Inner Sanctum, the brother of Desielle, and the man who taught Adrian.

Oshuamp’s back and it’s better than ever, for the Estver this year, Mister Nesgrim’s here!

The crew concludes their conversation with Fae, Luna, Grace and Leo as they ask their final questions about Adrian, the herbs he uses, and various historical events within the City. 

Leo reveals that he was gifted a special Topaz gem that permits him to conjure delicious food three times per day. Luna looks over him by permitting him to “run” his own shop and teach him how to be independent.

Ethir confesses that he began his work as a Revia after a close family member died tragically, and he devoted himself to his honorable path. Fae recognizes this path is what has gifted him his honorific last name, Revia, meaning Wanderer. 

Vorst reveals more about the poisons used by the Orc Warbands that plagued his people. Fae is curious to know why the Orcs would do this, but have left the injured alive. 

Everyone contemplates the dangers of choosing to adventure out into the woods north of the City, and weigh their fears of returning to Adrian to barter for the herbs required for these particular visions.

Nesgrim asks about the Monastery of Acceptance and Fae tells him that it is an educational institution that attempts to prepare exotic and peculiar people who require guardianship and services to integrate them into society and repress any wickedness or barbarism that may consume them.

They return to Adrian’s shop, and find him sitting on his counter, counting blood-stained silver coins. Yahlumlo requests the information he paid for with the silver, and is told that Adrian is quite confused by the perspective of his vision for Yahlumlo, as he only witnesses the death or dangers of a close loved one, and does not understand why he would see Yahlumlo directly. He posits that he is not “one, but two” and Yahlumlo agrees, later privately confiding in his friends about his Ikhoram, his Spirit Guardian that guides his people. The Ikhoram that he holds is divided between him, and his brother back in his home in the Hravawode. Yahlumlo’s brother was to be exiled, but took the sentence in his place.

Adrian goads the crew as they attempt to barter with coin and other options in exchange for knowledge about the herbs he uses for his special ritual. Nesgrim mournfully offers himself in another Wandering, knowing that it tempts Adrian. When Nesgrim requests a companion to accompany him, Adrian refuses, saying that this is for just the two of them. Ritora confesses that she is a fellow student of Deluin, and Adrian inhales deeply in her presence, stating that he can smell Deluin’s presence. He goads the others further, and places his hand on the jar with the dissected, engorged eye. As he does, Ritora and Nesgrim hear him mutter ominously to it, promising something, and his right palm is marked with a black void in the palm. The trio disappear behind the curtain, and he attaches his palm to the door, opening it once more, revealing a decrepit hallway that descends down to his chamber. The coat rack at the base of the stairs has been replaced with severed black claws that extend out. He rejoices once more, saying it is good to have Nesgrim home at last. Nesgrim is confused, and says this isn’t his home, and never has been. Adrian remarks that he is “still just a babe, as you are.” Adrian removes his cloak and shirt, revealing dozens of small black voids in his flesh, as though his physical form is being torn asunder.

Within the chamber, they prepare for the ritual, and Ritora holds a candle close to her chest as she enters the Magic Circle as well. As the vision begins, Ritora sees an infant Nesgrim, reaching desperately towards his mother. She kneels before him, sobbing, clutching at his cheeks as sand falls from her fingers. He pinches back at her cheeks and she and winces in fear as guttural voices echo around them, and a whip cracks. Infant Nesgrim unleashes a horrifying cry, and white, bony wings burst from his back, his eyes turn black, and claws burst through his palms. His mother promises to care for him, warns him to never cry, and swears that she will cry in his stead. She coddles him near her chest, and he bites into her neck as their vision concludes.

An exasperated Adrian chides them once more, mocking their ignorance and naivety. He calls Ritora his sister, and asks if she would like to assume the title that was also give to Deluin, to Ethir, and to him – Revia, a Wanderer. She rebukes him, and he offers a dagger to Nesgrim instead, begging him to “free” him from this clay. Nesgrim finally understands that clay metaphorically represents flesh. Overwhelmed, confused, and afraid, Ritora and Nesgrim pause momentarily, unsure of what to do. They reach towards the edge of the Magic Circle and are petrified to realize they are within its barrier, and cannot escape. Adrian calls Nesgrim his Master, and begs him to cry once more, telling Nesgrim that he will grow with Ritora’s help. When they ask what Nesgrim’s purpose could be, he warns them that not all seeds are born from the earth, and that some grow within us. He denies Nesgrim being a host for the Defiled, and repeats the beginning of the poem from the Sisters of Sorrow, “In the age of Black Earth and White Bone”, pointing towards Ritora when he says Black earth, and Nesgrim with White Bone. Ritora sobs, desperate to “fix” this; Adrian promises that doing this is the only way fix it. When they ask how they will procure the herbs from him if they kill him, he gestures towards his own chest and stomach, telling them once more that not all seeds are born from the earth.

Nesgrim hesitates, and Adrian shudders, growing weaker; Ritora, in a fit of desperation, pulls the bone dagger, and plunges it into the side of Adrian’s throat. He smiles widely, goading her one last time, telling her “well nurtured, darling.” He pulls the dagger through more of his throat, and goes limp. Nesgrim removes his head, and the pair watch in horror as the Bloodberries burst through his decapitated throat, and the other herbs break through his navel. They collect them, the other items from his desk, and burn his body as vines burst through the floor, as the Widow’s Wail begins to entangle his legs, pulling him into the desecrated earth. They flee up the stairs to their friends.

In the shop up above, after conversing about Yahlumlo’s history, they contemplate their options and express their fears for Ritora and Nesgrim. The two reappear from below, covered in Adrian’s blood, holding his severed head wrapped in his shirt. As they inform the group of what happened in the chamber, Yahlumlo breaks the glass jar with the eye, and destroys it as he did Desielle’s. They give Ethir the head of Adrian, and he begins to prepare it for his own ritual. 

As he places Adrian’s skull in his brazier and ignites it, he sees a teenage Adrian, gleefully reaching up towards an invisible figure that tightly grips his forearm, puncturing into his wrists, similarly to Nesgrim’s father. 

Adrian swears to serve his beloved master, promising to do whatever is asked of him, including to ferry all the lost souls to his Master’s River.

Within his vision, Ethir is taunted by Adrian who offers him an opportunity to follow him on his path to knowledge and enlightenment. Adrian unveils more of the details of this shadow realm to Ethir, including a small mahogany Harbor that rests at the edge of the River. Unflinchingly, Ethir rebukes Adrian’s temptation, telling Adrian that he believes he lost his way, and deserves whatever is coming to him. As shadow begins to consume Adrian’s body, wreathing around his limbs, waist, and face, the skin parts and descends into darkness. Ethir’s Raven, Malo, flutters over to him, and lands comfortably on his shoulder, and Ethir hears a female voice echo in his mind, warning him not to follow Adrian, and to deliver Adrian. A younger visage overtakes Adrian’s face, and tears well in the corners of his eyes, and he warns Ethir that “they cannot save them, they can’t save anyone.”

Back in Adrian’s shop on the Material Plane, Ethir convulses and shadow emerges from the skull in the brazier. The other members of the party prepare to protect themselves and Ethir, and are assaulted by a vortex of shadow that appears in a humanoid shape, stemming from the brazier. The figure becomes Bonded to Ritora as it stabilizes in this world, and the party assail it aggressively, Ethir leading them. However, the damage dealt to it is shared with Ritora, and shadows stem from the figure, attempting to bridge to the Brand in her palm.

Ethir, before dealing the final blow, kneels down and once more contacts the skull, re-entering his vision to communicate with Adrian. Within this space, Adrian goads Ethir and offers him knowledge once more, telling him that their purpose is directed by the Defiled, and that there is no alternative. Malo once more comes to Ethir’s aid, and Adrian is distracted, shouting threats at it. Ethir lunges forward, pushing Adrian into the River behind him. Adrian’s lingering human form floats on the height of the water, and ethereal forms of ghastly silver faces and arms stem out from below, flaying the last of his flesh, pulling him beneath. As he disappears, he whimpers out to his Master that it is “finally done.”

As the shadow figure begins to disperse in the Material Plane, Ritora’s body is pulled towards the brazier as Ethir shatters the skull. She is able to resist the possession and pull herself away from the Brazier. Felix recalls that a creature of this type is something undead or ethereal that is able to manifest its presence or will within the Material Plane. However, this type of creature is only considered to be a theoretical possibility. This one, in particular, was assumed to be the manifestation of some intense passion or burden that needs to be completed.

Yahlumlo descends to the basement, reminding them of the importance of his burning questions. The others hesitate, contemplating the singular use of their herbs. Felix follows Yahlumlo, and Ethir eventually acquiesces to the need of his friend and follows into the basement. Inside, Yahlumlo prepares the ritual, and removes his gloves for the first time, revealing blackened hands ravaged by frostbite. He uses his manifested blade to slice through his palm, holding a brilliant turquoise stone in his hand, permitting the blood to drain over it, into the brazier.

Felix joins Ethir in the performance of the Ritual. Within, they find themselves standing in the snow, in the familiar (to Ethir) area of the Felwood, over the motionless body of Yahlumlo, blood staining his head and face from some blunt force injury at his eye. They notice he is not breathing, and are petrified by a figure in the woods at the edge of the clearing that emerges and steps towards Yahlumlo’s body. The creature looks hulking, with pale leathery skin, a distended opaque eye, and pristine clothing.

It promises a bargain to be made, and monologues aloud of the importance of this man before her, kneeling and mounting over his body. She places his hands on her cheeks, and gifts him the turquoise stone. As she leaves, she does something to Yahlumlo’s longsword, staining it with her blood, and throws it back to his body.

Yahlumlo begins to stir, finding himself in a patched area of desecrated earth, and stands, confused. He gathers his sword, and pockets the stone, and begins to walk back towards Oshuamp.

As the vision ends, he thanks Ethir for bearing this burden, calls him his Brother, and offers his bloody hand. Ethir shakes it, and agrees to keep this a secret for now, but it may be something that the others could assist with. Yahlumlo maintains his reservations about the importance of this revelation, and the fear of who may know too much about him.

They return to the floor of the shop, joining their friends. As they contemplate their next decision, and how to handle Adrian’s belongings, the curtains begin to flutter, and a trio of knocks echoes out from the front door.

Nesgrim and Ritora hide themselves at the height of the steps to the basement as Yahlumlo opens the door, welcoming the outsider. A well-dressed woman in smooth ivory robes, with an alabaster mask, enters the shop. She remarks on her surprise at other visitors being present in Adrian’s shop, especially when her appointment was scheduled. She introduces herself as the Lady Heartwood, a prominent figure in Slums West, and the wife of a celebrated man. Despite their reservations with her, they attempt to communicate to prevent her reporting their crime.

Their discussion reveals that she has established a transaction with Adrian, as she is searching for her missing son. She utilizes Adrian’s visions to ensure her son is still alive, and he receives people who are dying that serve as a source of fertilizer for his herbs. As they inquire about her son, she reveals that Arthur is her husband, and that he made his riches from a successful expedition into the Mines many years ago. He now uses his position to elevate individuals in the West Slums, but was far too preoccupied with his work, and didn’t pay much attention to her, or their son, Benjamin.

She details a day, a few years ago, in which Benjamin escaped from the house, avoiding their servants, and they were unable to find him. Her frustrations with Arthur led her to alcohol, and she frequented a tavern in Slums North, called Drunkard’s Last Hope. One evening, she shared drinks with a Dwarf who told her of his harrowing journey into the Mine several years ago, how he was hired to find some kind of Crown or something. She grew ill shortly after, and said she began to “change”.

They ask her about her son’s appearance, she tells them that Arthur always described him as lovely. When they ask how she is able to see, as her face is completely obscured by the mask, she reveals a small white rat with opaque eyes that wiggles through the folds of her robe, and rests on her shoulder. She informs them that Adrian taught her to utilize a Familiar, and to see through it. Vorst returns, and Yahlumlo opens the basement door so that Ritora and Nesgrim enter.

Vorst recognizes her scent being reminiscent of death, stale earth, and fresh lilies. She calls him “sick too.” Ethir and Felix glance through a pair of books on Adrian’s desk, finding a listing of his inventory and purchase orders. In the second book, they notice suspicious runes related to the somatic components and instructions for magic from the schools of transmutation and divination. However, they are unaware as to what spells these are used for.

They share that the Benjamin they have met may indeed be her son, as Ethir never saw Eliza pregnant, and he appeared suddenly after he returned from the Felwood. She describes him as a typical child, playing with imaginary friends, and how he was exceedingly insightful, brave and adventurous like his father, and they are confused, as this does not match the incredibly timid boy they know now. When they remark on his new behavior, she asks if he still had his Guardian, a stuffed Bear that gave him his confidence and courage. They tell them that he did not have anything of this sort. They correlate this Bear to the one that Nina possesses back in the Orphanage, as she admitted that it was not her own, but something she found.

Ethir is suspicious that Arthur is so well informed in Slums West, and how Eliza could have kept Benjamin hidden from him. He posits that Arthur could be doing this intentionally, or something else may be going on. However, he is uncertain. Yahlumlo and Ethir offer their assistance in the end for Lady Heartwood, as she claims she is exhausted, in fact, tormented.

Their mutual interest, and potentially compromising situation, leads the party to bargain with the Lady Heartwood, with each party offering discretion, and the promise of information and assistance in the future. She thanks them for their time, but indicates she has people waiting for her and business she must attend to. Before she exits, she warns them not to take anything from Adrian’s shop other than the herbs they have already procured, as these items are of value to others, and the building will be purchased.

Vorst opens the door and escorts her out, making a recommendation for additional flora for her “arrangements” and tells him that she would value his loyalty as a husband, and finds him remarkable. He watches as she walks in the night back towards the center of Slums West.

Nesgrim professes his fear that she may be one of the Sisters of Sorrow, as he informs his friends that he used Divine Sense in her presence, and detected Undead. They leave in smaller groups, and Felix takes the second journal from Adrian’s desk.

Yahlumlo catches Vorst up with the information from Corrin, recalling that the note associated with the name Torment resides near the Gallows in Slums North. Felix begins to search Ethir’s body for a Brand, but doesn’t find anything. Nesgrim casts Protection from Good and Evil on Ritora, but the spell rebounds, affecting him, and he shudders against the effect, his shoulders lurching forward and once more, Adrian’s voice echoes out from Nesgrim, thanking him. Ritora hears Adrian inside her mind, telling her that He is still here.

Felix strikes their hands with his quarterstaff, and they pull away from each other. The Brand in Ritora’s palm grows slightly, with grey lines illuminating near the edges, tracing it wider.

The crew contemplates if they ever truly knew Adrian, and discuss the vision Ethir had, sharing the horrifying shadows that ripped Adrian apart, and Ethir’s denial of Adrian’s offer.

Nesgrim recalls more of his upbringing and relates the Sisters of Acceptance, and the other Exotic races he grew up with. All were afraid of him, including the few Tieflings he knew.

They settle in for the evening, Vorst distributing keys to each of them for their individual rooms; Felix offers Nesgrim a page from his notebook to detail anything else he may recall during the night.

As they begin to ascend the stairs, Ethir hears Malo outside and opens the window, retrieving a small piece of paper from her mouth.

It is a letter of gratitude and appreciation from Lady Heartwood (I totally said Blackwood and misspoke), and an invitation to a Feast on the last evening of Elsyth.

As everyone enters their small rooms to rest, Felix opens the journal from Adrian and begins to further inspect the contents.

Felix investigates the information in the journal, learning that the bloodberries have specific properties that manifest based on the individual who grows them. Carriers have necrotic markings that appear on the body, and he associates them with the Brand on Ritora. A mysterious entity communicates to him, and he is psychically assaulted by it, succumbing to an overwhelming power and loses his ability to speak, or comprehend languages. He hurries over to his bed and rests.

In the morning, everyone gathers for breakfast and are afraid as Felix steps down, unable to understand his friends. As they communicate telepathically with him, they learn of the dangers of Adrian’s journal, and he consumes the last of the Alement given to them, restoring his mind to him. 

Nesgrim shares the other facets of his life story, the diseased Orcs that he and his father encountered before he became ill. Their skin appeared to be stained with chalk. Nesgrim recalls that this matches his father’s appearance as he died. He correlates this to the visuals of those afflicted with the Rot.

Yahlumlo retrieves the wooden figurine that he retrieved from Seamus’ home that has a face stained with chalk. Felix equates this with small toys that children in the Balan Woods made to honor the spirits of the forest. Vorst joins them and prepares breakfast. Ethir posits that Felix’s understanding of Nesgrim during his madness could be an indication that whatever is possessing Nesgrim could be filtering the dialogue to deceive him. Yahlumlo shows that the conversation among them is not being restricted.

Felix recalls that something associated with death is a necessary component in the production of the herbs, but is uncertain if it is a killing, or a natural death, or something done to the dying. With the murder of Adrian, the party wonders if bloodberries have now been planted into Ritora.

Felix and Yahlumlo review the poem from the Desecrated Cathedral. Ethir talks about the legends and lore of the city that he knows and is now realizing may be connected to what is going on with the party. He mentions an unholy ritual, a stolen artifact, and other terrifying pieces of history.

Nesgrim recalls a memory of a child being bullied in front of him, and his mind goes blank as he cries. His change in appearance reminds others of the change described in Sabrina during her righteous vigor. Felix proposes the idea that Nesgrim cry to see what happens.

Ethir wonders if Nesgrim’s connection to the Defiled persisted through his death, and Nesgrim becomes concerned he may also be a host of bloodberries. As they inspect his body, they do not discover any marks.

Nesgrim posits that the mark may react to magic in general and asks that someone cast a spell targeting Ritora’s hand, but Yahlumlo and Ethir demonstrate that it is exclusively connected to Nesgrim. Believing that Adrian was manipulative and deceitful, Yahlulmlo and Felix recommend again that Nesgrim attempt to cry in the safety of his friends, to finally see what does happen.

They descend into Vorst’s room into the basement, and tie up Nesgrim, as Felix manifests his psychic energy to hold onto him. Nesgrim thinks back to the death of his father, seeing him on his death bed. He hears his mother sobbing, and he lurches forward as bones burst through his back, spreading out like wings, and shadow wreathes around his hands.

As Nesgrim sobs hysterically, a voice echoes out from inside of him, calling out “A Fallen King shall reclaim his Throne.”

Ritora feels driven to console Nesgrim, and goes to reach out to him, but recognizes the danger and pulls back from him. She turns to look at her hand, and sees snow falling, as though she is staring into a snow globe. Inside the vision of snowfall, she hears Nesgrim’s mother call out for her to help Negrim, to save him. Her friends still only see a black void in her palm.

Within the snow, Ritora sees a small boy walking amidst trees, who shouts out at an unknown group of children, telling them to stop. He falls to his knees, and skeletal wings burst forth from his back, and he crawls forward, outside of Ritora’s sight. Felix says he cannot hold Nesgrim much longer. Nesgrim recognizes he maintains control over himself.

Yahlumlo investigates the source of the wings on Nesgrim’s back, and sees that shadows extend over Nesgrim’s hands, forming black claws over his fingers. Yahlumlo recalls pieces of lore about a Fallen King being the name of an Ikhoram, and the presentation being associated with silver hair. It is a spirit that houses a royal figure that has performed honorable deeds at the Dawn of Man.

Ethir inspects Nesgrim’s shadow to determine if it completely reflects how his body appears now. Ritora stares, fixated on her palm as she hears the calls of his mother, pleading for help. Vorst places his hand over the void to obscure it from her sight. Yahlumlo points out that the poem indicates a Throne, and is the only one they have encountered so far. Nesgrim responds that he may in fact be the Throne, and was Grasped by Felix. They discuss it further, believing that the Throne may be something more symbolic. Yahlumlo proposes it could be a manifestation.

As he speaks, he feels a writhing, hot pain in his hand, and ungloves it, revealing his frostbitten hands and a turquoise gem. He backs away from Nesgrim, and the pain subsides. The runes on his blade swirl with a blue flame, emanating out, and it dissipates as he moves away.

Nesgrim’s heritage and origin are discussed further, and the existence of his parents and their placement in Hrayek. Yahlulmo offers Nesgrim his Blade, and the flames illuminate on the runes again. Nesgrim is overwhelmed by some feeling within him that tells him there is something “wrong” about Yahlumlo’s Blade. Within him, Yahlulmo hears a faint, distant whisper carries out the word “Wicked.”

Yahlulmo covers his hand and leaves the room. Ritora moves her hand away from Vorst, and steps towards Nesgrim. Ethir and Vorst step between them. Nesgrim asks to see the hand with the Brand, and she elevates her arm, exposing the palm.

Within the void, Nesgrim sees Ritora’s face, sunken, pale, withered, emaciated, a staining hand print of chalk marking face of her face. She wears a decrepit, gnarled circlet formed of rotting twigs. Her eyes have no iris or pupil, completely black. She grins in his direction, calling him “My King, welcome Home.” He rebukes her, claiming he is not her King, and she smiles, pulling her other hand over her face, lining the other half with a chalk handprint. He asks her who is she is.

She grins and says: “A Queen.”

Nesgrim’s vision of a distorted Ritora asks for his love, and tells him they are destined to rule over all Man together. She is visiting from the approaching Autumn, and instructs him to protect the current Ritora, allowing her to grow, and eventually Ascend. She warns him that their friends are “still good spirited” but have changed, and each in turn will betray the two of them. 

The Brand begins to crack, spreading out along the lines of her palm closer to the edges of her hand. Vorst separates Ritora from Nesgrim, fearful that their proximity is causing this. Felix continues to draw the changes in Nesgrim. Ethir expresses his concern that Nesgrim is possessed, but Nesgrim believes it is Ritora that is the problem. Felix knows little of Aasimar, as they are an incredibly rare presence. They theorize the connection began with the events in the Magic Circle in Adrian’s basement.

They consider their options for evaluating their information and intend to pursue Fae for more answers and guidance, as they are concerned with Lady Heartwood’s involvement at Drunkard’s Last Hope, the presence of Rats throughout the city, and a growing fear of the Sight of Justice, the mass graveyard in Slums North.

Vorst escorts Ritora out of the basement into the main lobby, and meets Yahlumlo, who recommends that they retrieve the Dagger from Adrian’s shop. They discreetly return to the Shop, and obscure Vorst as he picks the lock and they enter together. Nothing appears different, and they approach the basement door, and check it for smoke. When they are comfortable, they descend once more over the fractured, ashy wood that seems to only have survived because of the wet state of decay it was previously in.

As Ritora imbues her staff with magic, Vorst notices a rotting smell emanating out from her Shillelagh. Within the basement, they find the writing desk destroyed and burnt, with a singular burnt sketch of a horrifying face. It is adorned by a pair of split masks, the lower half the skull structure of a large canine creature, chipped and cracked, with protruding fangs. The height, from the center of the nose up, appears to be rotten flesh sewn into the skin, with small spiked protrusions at the height and edges of the hairline, framing the face.

Ritora recoils as she inspects it, and hears a distant whisper: “I see you; can you see me?” 

She resolves herself against this foreign voice, but feels some deeply subconscious familiarity and attachment to this visage. She discerns a sense of confusion, desperation, and a twinge of fear in the voice.

They inspect the rest of the room, and find everything else has been destroyed – Yahlumlo collects some of the charred earth where the vines had protruded, and Ritora collects the dagger by wrapping it in some cloth, and puts the drawing and dagger away. Yahlumlo’s gem pulsates in the presence of the image.

Ritora casts Detect Magic, and senses pockets of residual Abjuration magic from the drawing, and an ancient magic from the dagger... and Yahlumlo’s stone and blade. The dagger exudes a malevolent cruelty, and Yahlumlo’s possession emit a calming, peaceful wave; as though the magics have comparable origin, but different impressions.

Yahlulmo tells Ritora and Vorst the truth of his accident in the Woods, and the gifted gem that restored him to life by a Hag. He is uncertain of the details of the bargain, but is happy to be alive and have the chance to help people. Vorst and Ritora see a flash of the blue light in the scar on Yahlulmo’s face.

They ascend the stairs and return to Growlers. Inside, a few scattered patrons have gathered for breakfast, and Luna is chasing Leo around for the bread. They join the others in Vorst’s room.

Yahulmlo again summons his blade and gives it to Nesgrim, who does not feel the hostility. Yahlumlo posits that Ritora’s connection to the Defiled is the source of the discomfort, and that the Fallen King, as an Ikhoram, is actually an ally, and was hostile towards the presence of the Defiled. 

Felix examines the Dagger closely, rotating it in front of his face, and notices that the handle is made of bound, tanned flesh that appears sewn to the handle. Vorst recognizes the shape and size of the bone is akin to those of the White Orcs in the North. Ritora describes the magic that imbues it as “Hungry.”

Felix, Ethir, and Nesgrim are horrified by the image of the mask, and as Ritora repeats what she heard, Nesgrim blinks and sees a flash of this face before him, as though inches from him, with withered white skin beneath the mask, windswept silver hair, and the mossy green eyes of Ritora.

Nesgrim yells, and tells his friends what he saw, and equates it to the Ritora he saw in the vision in her hand. Yahlumlo takes Ritora’s hand, and summons the Blade on the spot of the Brand. She begins to shake violently, in psychic agony; she hears Nesgrim’s mother screaming, begging her to get this thing away, that He plans to kill Nesgrim. Yahlumlo hears Kubalo, telling him “unholy, corrupted, defiled. Tainted spirit. Sundered.”

Ritora attempts to pull away, but Yahlumlo holds her tightly. The voice continues in her mind, pleading that Nesgrim is still pure, that it isn’t his fault. He dismisses the Blade, and Ritora struggles against him, breaking his grasp. She attempts to flee, and tells Nesgrim that they need to leave together. Ethir hears Malo at the Raven, and opens the window; Malo rushes at Ritora, pecking at her head and hair.

Vorst evokes his bestial form, and growls at the party, telling them to stop. Everyone pauses, and moments later Vorst hears footsteps ascending, and smells a familiar scent that reminds him of a library. Malo returns to Ethir, and he becomes fearful that Malo senses something similar to the presence of Adrian now growing in Ritora.

Ritora accuses whatever presence is inside of Yahlumlo’s Blade as intending to kill Nesgrim. He tells everyone that he was born with a split Ikhoram, and that the other half manifested in his younger Brother years later. His brother was to be exiled for an undisclosed reason, and Yahlumlo instead took his punishment. He recalls the accident in the Woods that resulted in his death, resurrection, and the gift of this gem. 

Ritora laments the voice of Nesgrim’s fearful mother. She expresses her issues with trust after her experiences with Deluin, and the crew attempts to solidify their bond as friends.

Yahlulmo informs Nesgrim that Ikhoram are not attached to traditional humans, and that it is strange Nesgrim would have an Ikhoram. He tells them of the name of his people, the Uphupha and those who carry an Ikhoram are known as Ezininso. Yahlumlo tells him that most have some kind of physical manifestation.

Vorst opens the door and excuses himself into the hallway, speaking briefly to Iris, an older female Elf. She says that Fae has requested her assistance in clarifying some details for this new group, and that her expertise is sorely needed.

He invites her into the room and introduces her; she takes a chair into the center of the room, pulls out a small journal and quill, and begins her lesson.

She is surprised by the appearances of many of the party members. Felix pulls the Dagger out and levitates it towards Iris, who remarks that his ability is magic, but not magic, and that he is possessed and a rare one. She says that she would never want to touch the dagger, and calls it horrible.

When she announces that she knows why he is green, Felix announces he has chosen not to inform anyone. As she sketches the dagger, she informs them of her fear that it is the Dagger of Plagueborn, the name of the White Orcs that reside in the north of the Woods of Nerenter. She says they are called “Thorns of the Plagueborn”.

This one in particular seems to be Cursed by some magic, and is terrified when they inform her of the death caused by Ritora with the use of the Dagger. She says doing so constitutes a Contract with a Demonic entity. When they tell her that Ritora killed Adrian, she smiles and says that he was indeed deserving, and a very frustrating co-worker.

When they are surprised by her profession and ask if she worked with him as an herbalist, she remarks that she is a retired Pedagogue, a Professor, and attempted to keep an eye on him, but he was too descended into his madness for her to help. She is unsure how he would have come into possession of a Thorn, and proposes that he either traded for it, or hired someone to retrieve it.

Felix announces that the killing was done in a circle of runes, and Iris tells Ritora that she was not bound to such a circle, only an individual like Nesgrim would have been. Ritora says she would not have abandoned him, and did this to protect him. She says that this constitutes an unholy ritual that has bonded the three of them for eternity.

Nesgrim asks if the Demon is capable of contacting them directly and she confirms that it is able to manifest or project itself. She laughs when Nesgrim says that the entity said he is destined to be a Ruler over Man, and asks if it is actually some kind of joke by a Jester.

When Nesgrim says he is fearful that it is the Defiled, her demeanor changes. Yahlumlo gives her the sketch, and she recoils in horror again. She tells them that she retired from her position as a Professor to keep an eye on Fae and the others, and offer them guidance in their efforts.

She tells them to never wear the Mask in the sketch. Nesgrim shares his experience with the visualization, and Ritora recalls when it spoke in her mind. When she calls Nesgrim and Ritora “Chosen”, Yahlumlo has Ethir show her their copy of the poem from the Desecrated Cathedral.

After pausing for a moment, she closes her book and says that the lesson is much harsher than expected. She contemplates where to begin, and Nesgrim recommends “at the beginning.” She remarks that is thousands of years ago, and that Ostador was a thousand years ago, and that “didn’t go so well.”

She tells Nesgrim and Ritora that they are to be slain and reborn. They share that Nesgrim has already died, and was killed by the Awakened Brothers in the basement, and that his throat was pulled out by a Chakram. He pulls one from his bag and shows her.

She compulsively rubs her own neck and theorizes aloud her curiosity as to why Ritora and Nesgrim were chosen. She calls the Defiled a “Matriarch of Young Gods”, and the party is shocked to hear that the Defiled is a woman.

Some Matriarchs do not perform the typical birth of a new disciple, but instead progress through an Ascension. She calls Nesgrim the White Bone, and Ritora the Black Earth, and says that the prophecy is indeed linked to them.

Yahlumlo asks how she knows this, and Ethir follows up asking if she knows who wrote the poem.

She tils her head curiously at them and replies, “What do you mean who wrote the poem? I wrote the poem.”

Ethir informs Iris of the Desecrated Cathedral, the living statue inside, and their efforts to save Madeleine. Iris explains her perspective of possession and various forms of enchantment, and the common use in the City. She also says she cannot confirm that “souls” exist because she has not experienced them directly, and considers them to be purely conjecture. 

She explains that the Prophecy was dictated to her over 30 years ago, and she was the Scribe. Each “failure” results in addendums or continuations in a later dictation. Nesgrim asks about the Sisters of Acceptance, and Iris tells them they are a service that harbors and raises Peculiars and Exotics, who are then “ordered and delivered.”

When Ostador arrived at Oshuamp, the City was already sacked and unoccupied. She informs them the Prophecy unfortunately includes a betrayal, and that Ostador was betrayed by Camilla, the woman who was the White Bone. Instead of staying with her lover, she went to the Woods of Nerenter to settle her Tribe. Ostador remained behind to oversee Oshuamp.

Nesgrim dictates his history to Iris, who is terrified by his unnatural existence, and reminds him he is a Bastard, because he was born “impure, with something inside of him.” She is baffled that the Orcs in Rarfli did not kill Nesgrim, and theorizes that something of his nature may have terrified the Orcs. There is some worship in Rarfli that demands sacrifices in a blood ritual, but she does not know what their trinkets are, or what they do worship.

She recommends that no one else touch the Dagger, but that the contract seemingly has already been manifested, and probably cannot be assigned to anyone else. The details of the contract are still unrevealed. She theorizes that maybe it would be the death of Nesgrim, but he has already died, and does not know what other result. Nesgrim says that he was told to “ascend”. The unholy ritual in Adrian’s basement seems to have been the beginning of their ascensions. 

The group before Ostador was sent to explore Haastdrukar, a Dwarven City that was lost in the woods to the north. They died horrifically in the woods; a memorial exists up north. Iris says that the Seers are hunted, and their identity needs to remain protected. The Grasping Vine is usually a Protector. Greed and Malice are not individuals. The Coronet of Wrath is an Artifact, Elsyth is the Chosen, and the Bountiful is Tersi. Elsyth and Tersi are both of the Calendar, and are Dawn Heroes.

The lines about Mother Misery are not actual pieces of the Prophecy. Camilla did not kill Ostador, but he died of a “broken heart.” Iris shares the other pieces of the Prophecy that she had added, and the party attempts to dissect the information.

The group equates Ethir with Sanctuary, for his belief in harboring souls, and he recalls that he found Malo a year ago, around the first of Elsyth. Little history exists about the Dawn Heroes. The year, 8063 A.R. is related to the conclusion of the Dawn War, and the beginning of civilization.

Iris asks about the visions of Ritora and Nesgrim. Yahlumlo confesses his testing with Ritora’s hand may have caused her unintended harm and he may have gone too far. Adrian’s behavior became more erratic after Deluin left, and saw the true face of the Defiled without the Mask. He called her the “Winter Wolf” and begged to be consumed so that he could rise again.

The lands north of the Felrast is called the Voraut, meaning “Stand in the North.” Ethir recalls the Days of the White Howl and the assault on his hometown over a thousand years ago. Kol and Korva were two of the Dawn Heroes, the Frozen Fang and Cold One, respectively.

The Dawn War left fragments of these Ancient Ones behind; Iris abruptly concludes the conversation when this topic arises and excuses herself. She warns Yahlumlo that these fragments cannot be discovered and Defiled. Nesgrim attempts to pay Iris for her time and she laughs at him before Vorst escorts her out. Felix says that he needs to give her something privately.

She informs Vorst that the Winter Wolf was Camilla Swiftstride, the Founder of his Tribe in the Woods of Nerenter. The Dawn Hero Dumar was the “last light” to go out. The Woods of Nerenter used to be called the “Kakodab”, meaning Bellowing Branches. She again recalls that Oshuamp was sacked, and that most of the buildings were destroyed, and that the Cathedral the other party members explored would have been one of these buildings. Iris is unsure why the Orcs willing abandoned the City.

He asks of Lady Heartwood, and she calls her Katherine, and confirms she is Arthur’s wife. When mentioning that she called him “sick”, Iris is befuddled, saying that there is nothing strange she can sense within him, but is curious why she said “sick” instead of ill, or diseased. Undead creatures are uncommon and unstudied. The inhabitants of the Inner Sanctum have become depraved, and heinously experimental. There are other Powers that are followed by individuals inside the Sanctum, and she is afraid their congregation is growing.

Iris instructs them to consult with Naivara to assist with the Cleansing of Ritora, but warns him that her memory is not always unbroken and says to use her name. She warns him that if Ritora is unable to be saved and begins to Ascend, that Vorst must do what is needed to halt this. Vorst expresses his fears of betraying the party, but Iris consoles him, believing that others within agree and understand that the action may be necessary.

Felix is called down to speak with Iris in the kitchen, and he offers Adrian’s journal. She tells him of her plan to burn it, and that the runes inside would have contacted an eldritch power from another plane of existence. She is unsure what creature this may be, but warns him against doing so in the future.

He asks about his heritage; and uses his psychic powers to prod her mind. She is bewildered as she looks around, and asks if this is the reason why he believes he is green. She asks him if he does not hear “it”, and says it is unorthodox, and tells him that there is a voice when he uses his psychic powers.

Iris informs him of the potential relations with the Spirits of the Balan Woods, and connects the river Cuive to his “Awakening” and existence as a water genasi. Iris’ tone becomes melancholier as he speaks of the death of his mother during childbirth, and says that when he does hear it and understand, that she pities the sadness he will feel. Water genasi are incredibly rare, and the last one was over a century ago, and was taken by the Inner Sanctum and never seen again.

He asks if she would bring him back some tomes from the Academy, and she says she will never again willingly step into it, and recommends he tread carefully if he ever finds himself there. When he does finally realize the truth, he will appreciate the opportunity to say “hello.”

The others discuss assisting Ritora and contemplate calling out to the Demon she is Bonded with, and ask to see it. Vorst is afraid as the others discuss this experimentation. He tells them of Iris’ recommendation to seek out Naivara, and the Cleansing Ritual. Before setting off to her, they journey to the “Enchanted” Forge to have Nesgrim’s armor repaired. They pass by the large granite statutes by the Gallows, and Ethir and Yahlumlo talk of the lore of the Watchers, a young Ostador in his armor with his weapon brandished and the robed figure of Rehaela, who visited him to call him forth to Oshaump.

Kristian, the blacksmith, seems to be mad, claiming that he has been mugged for over forty years, and that people have come in, throwing gold at him and taking things from his shelves. He proudly displays his crude, broken items, and he praises himself, and the esteemed schoolman who taught him. They offer to return and he claims his anxiety is the reason he isn’t crafting too well, that their presence is making him nervous. When Yahlumlo asks how he is able to afford to stay open, he confesses that Arthur pays him for his services.

Yahlumlo separates to go take care of personal business and the others head to the Cursed Eye to meet Naivara. They approach the large tent and enter, finding Naivara rocking in a chair, sipping from a large goblet. She does not seem to remember anyone from the party, and her demeanor is drastically different, appearing curious and startled that they know her.

She takes another gulp of a potently odorous wine, and asks about their visit. Ritora asks about her drink, and she remarks that the red is wonderful, and that it helps her when she has a bad night. She says a nice man brings it to her, and points at Nesgrim, remarking that they had a drink together.

Ethir asks again about who brings her the red, and she giggles, saying a “dragon.” She spreads her arms out above her, and the sleeves of her robes reveal sleeve tattoos of black scales ascending, and she roars faintly at the party. Naivara slumps back down and again remarks that the red is good.

He asks what she does well, or poorly at, and she again roars, whispering about dragons. Ethir asks if she tames dragons, or if she sees dragons. She recoils in horror, spilling the wine on her dress, muttering “no” repeatedly. Vorst notices that the shop is completely empty.

Ritora asks for the wine, and she offers it. Naivara stands, distraught that she has soiled her robe, and turns away from the party, beginning to clean the stains from her collar. She opens her robe, exposing tattoos of scales along her neck, and lowers it, revealing in the center of her back, an enormous black dragon wing, shredded and frayed, with skeletal structures exposed.

She stretches her arms out wide once more, and roars with laughter, giggling compulsively, saying “I’ve made a mess.” 

Naivara falls to the floor behind the counter, disappearing from their sight. Ethir begins to lean over...

Ethir and the others attempt to assist Naivara back to her feet as she flails on the floor. Amidst the madness of her flowing robes, Ethir sees multiple other tattoos along her body – a twisted tree, a skeletal hand holding a bejeweled coronet, and an ankh akin to Adrian’s, but with an open eye and black iris. As he attempts to steady her, she screams at his touch. Nesgrim briefly contemplates drinking the remaining gulp of the wine, but recalls the situation with Desielle.

Naivara recommends they pursue out Seraphina to inquire about the herbs needed for the Ritual. They are stunned by the expensive items needed, and believe it is out of their reach to consider it. Naivara says that the magical experiment is to sever the link between Ritora and the creature she has bonded herself to. The magical circle will house a Pentagram, and it requires five individuals to stand on each point, and sacrifice a fragment of their magic. Felix refuses to assist, saying that Ritora is far older than he is, and is unwilling to part with any of his power.

She tells them of the locations of the gemstones required, and that Seraphina would know more about the herbs needed. Ritora asks about speaking to the Demon, and Naivara tells them that she would not recommend it and makes a habit of no longer speaking to Demons. They consider alternatives, but leave forlorn and despondent.

They return to Ethir’s tent to discuss Ritora’s future, and experiment more with the use of her magic and the odor that Vorst detects. As she uses her magic, she hears a faint whisper and feels the breathing of the Defiled on her neck, and the Brand grows in her palm. Vorst asks her to surrender her spellcasting components and focus, and she acquiesces. She attempts to Wild Shape into a Cat, and the party is mortified as she begins to, and instead twists into a large white wolf. Nesgrim attempts to restrain her and she bites into his hand, greedily consuming his blood.

The crew harnesses Ritora to restrain her. Nesgrim proposes that the tattoos on Adrian, the Brothers, and Naivara may be connected, and may offer magical properties. They leave Ethir’s tent and journey towards Seraphina’s, pausing briefly to speak to a guard and a blacksmith en route. Ethir notices that the guard pays close attention to the other members of the party, and Vorst chooses to remain outside the forge, avoiding the half-orc blacksmith within. His clothing is quite tattered and he offers his best price for the work he can accommodate, but the crew cannot afford the price to repair Nesgrim’s armor.

They arrive at Seraphina’s and introduce themselves, and inquire about the herbs, telling her that Iris sent them. She connects herself to the guild and discusses the long nights she has spent with Naivara and the issues she struggles with – alcoholism, night terrors, and horrifically repressed memories. Seraphina confirms that Naivara is the Seer, and says she is still haunted, even by the lost thoughts that swell within her. When the Ritual is discussed, she confesses that she does not know the loss that would accompany it, but warns that the fewer who assist, the worse the penalty will be for those who do. Felix again refuses to assist in the Ritual.

Seraphina tells them the locations of the herbs they would require, and their amounts. She insists that they revisit Naivara and gives them a small vial to assist Naivara. As they prepare to leave, Ritora sees the image of the Defiled, standing behind Nesgrim as he speaks, turning the wolf jaws towards his skull.

Ritora leaps at the figure, grabbing the teeth with her hands, and disappears from the shop.

Ritora lands atop a muscular woman as she tightly holds the fangs of the Winter Wolf. Her eyes quickly dart around the area, realizing that she is once more inside an empty area, feels as though she is floating, and is surrounded by wisps of ethereal smoke. She turns back towards her, meeting the violent eyes behind the mask, and her nose is filled with decaying flesh emanating out from the sewn pieces on the height of the face.

The arms wrap around Ritora, hugging her tightly, remarking in resignation that she can finally feel Ritora. She confesses to being Camilla Swiftstride, an ancestral Shifter, a progenitor of Vorst’s clan, and is bound to this plane. Long ago, she and her companions encountered a diseased wolf in the Woods of Nerenter, and hunted it deep into the northern regions, chasing it into a cave that descended deep. When cornered, the wolf was flayed and consumed by a horrific figure embedded into the walls of the cavern. The rotting creature’s flesh fractured the weapons of her companions, and devoured them. Distraught and unarmed, Camilla manifested her wolf-nature and bit the creature, fratcturing most of the skull of the Winter Wolf. The creature’s power far exceeded her own, and she succumbed to the poisonous, rotting nature. As she lay dying, it severed her arms with rotting vines, replacing them with a regurgitated pair of black draconic claws, and peeled off a fragment of its own face, and sewed it over Camilla’s.

She concedes that is unsure where she is, what she is, and is unable to consistently control herself. The figure that has spoken to Nesgrim and Ritora is a manifestation of the Rotting One, still in possession of Camilla’s spirit. She apologizes for what she has done, and what she is yet to do, and begs Ritora to help cleanse her and restore her will. Ritora asks how she can do this, and Camilla tells her the first step is in reclaiming herself, and to complete the Ritual before it is too late. She protrudes her talons and scratches into Ritora’s Brand, and returns her to the basement in Seraphina’s shop.

Meanwhile, the others argue about how to best find and return Ritora, completely unsure of where she could be and how this happened. They inform Seraphina of their experiences so far and their association with the Guild. She talks further of Naivara’s fragmented memories and the discretion needed with discussing them. Nesgrim offers to assist with the production of Alement and she informs them of the herbs she requires in the Felwood. Yahlumlo enters the shop and descends the stairs, and the crew catches him up on their current conundrum.

Ritora reappears in the corner of the room, and as they ask her about what happened, Seraphina ushers them out. They return to Naivara to speak of the gemstones and provide the potion to assist her. She seems quite better and offers a list, and tells them their locations. Nesgrim stops briefly back in Seraphina’s shop and asks what specific variant of Widow’s Wail is used, and she is unsure. He hurries back to Naivara to catch up with his friends and flirts with Naivara once more. She convinces him to return with a beautiful Diamond Ring and he exclaims he is all too eager to.

They all rush back to Growlers and Ethir says hello to a vagrant named Barry outside. He drunkenly remarks that they are “always watching.” Ritora explains the experience with Camilla and the strange plane of existence she found herself in and compared it to the visions from Ethir and Adrian. Ethir expresses his concern that the figure is manipulating Ritora and convincing her to do things. He says it has offered her all the things that she could want, as it has done to Nesgrim and Adrian, by tempting with what their heart aches for. Yahlumlo says that the difference in behavior could indicate that there is some truth to this other form of Camilla, and is something they need to investigate further.

As they discuss the Ritual and the cost, Felix reaffirms to the group and to Yahlumlo that he will not participate and will not give up any of himself or his power. Believing that he could be a detriment, Yahlumlo recommends that Felix instead choose to remain behind in the City if he is unwilling to commit. Sensing discomfort, Ethir and Nesgrim profess that they are unsure if they would surrender anything if they were in Felix’s shoes and offer to pay further if needed. Yahlumlo tells Felix that he will not risk his own life to save Felix’s, and Felix returns the sentiment as the potential rift in the party grows.

They leave Growlers and head to the Enchanted Forge to use the coded phrase given to Yahlumlo to have a private meeting with him later. He continues to behave erratically and foolishly, but agrees to have a fun night of gambling and drinking later. After their brief visit, they travel to the northwest corner to find Arthur to ask him about a loan for their adventure north of the city.

En route, a guard briefly pauses them at the entrance to his courtyard, but they correctly use his title and are permitted entrance. Inside the courtyard, small garden beds stem with fresh white lilies. They knock on the door and are greeted by an elderly man who permits them entrance when they use the correct phrases. He leads them down a hallway, passing by an oil painting of Arthur, Katherine, and Benjamin to a study on the east wing and leaves to prepare tea, informing them not to touch any of Master Arthur’s belongings, chiding Felix’s manners when he asks to read his personal entries. Felix immediately investigates the journals in the bookcase and finds they are numbered books with different handwritings through sets.

Arthur arrives with a chuckle and sits at his desk, retrieving his ledger from his desk and begins discussing the expedition the crew is preparing for. He rips a page from his book and disintegrates the paper in his palm, claiming that their requests are being gathered. They offer to gather things for him to repay his generosity and he requests that they retrieve artisanal formulae from Felfarthen for Christian to learn from. He asks for something dark and mysterious from inside Felfarthen for himself that can be repurposed and says that when they are inside, they will know what he is speaking of.

They speak of his expedition into the Mines as a younger man, and he mournfully reminisces of the Dwarves and the others who died that day, claiming that he only survived because he was not strong enough to be wanted by the creature within. Ritora offers to trade information and Arthur chuckles at the opportunity to enjoy a good bargain. They speak of Benjamin and Katherine, and he warns them not to tell her of his safety. When discussing Benjamin’s Guardian, Ethir confesses that he believes this “Bearemy” is at the Orphanage with Nina. Arthur has Ethir promise to offer peace to Katherine when she is to be laid to rest.

Ritora recognizes that Arthur’s personal teacup is also porcelain, and speaks of Deluin. Arthur smiles and discreetly reveals that they were formerly associates, and laughs when Ritora says Deluin drove her out of town. Nesgrim also offers to bargain with Arthur, who pauses briefly and contemplates what he would want, and tells Nesgrim to stab Ritora for him. Nesgrim contemplates and says he wants to help her, and asks what Arthur would do for him in return. Arthur repeats himself, and Nesgrim justifies it as “killing it would effectively cure you.” Arthur says he did not tell Nesgrim to kill Ritora, and mocks him for being so gullible and doing whatever he is told and justifying the behavior.

Arthur warns them for permitting Nesgrim to be the one to protecting Ritora and says that the recommendation was more to see if the creature possessing Ritora would defend itself if the host is assaulted. Nesgrim immediately hits Ritora on the head with the hilt of his sword and believes his experiment is evidence. He is concerned though as Ritora briefly flashes a smirk of condescension.

Confused, Ritora looks into her palm once more and sees the arm of Nesgrim’s mother outstretched, gripping at snow, revealing a dagger that looks similar to the one from Adrian. She cries out in agony before fading away.

Arthur warns her of dreams and nightmares and how they persist within. He consoles her with his own pains, and asks them to find additional quantities of what they are looking for and that he will settle their debt entirely. Yahlumlo realizes his intention and asks if there is to be a second Ritual, for Arthur.

He mournfully shakes his head, and says that Benjamin does not have much time either.

Arthur reveals that he is the individual who paid to have Nesgrim and Ritora sent to the City, calling in a debt with Deluin to entice her into fleeing and driving her to Oshaump via Leriraine. When they inquire why, he tells them that they are integral to the potential resolution of this Prophecy as figures who meet some of the older requirements, and that the Guild could not pass up on this opportunity. Ritora is baffled that Deluin may not have been a truly evil man, and Arthur admits that Deluin is not the best man, but is trying to assist them in their research of the reach of the Black Earth. 

He is apologetic to Ritora and Nesgrim for dragging them into the situation, but believes both understand that the potential for the greatest good is here in Oshaump, and in the surrounding areas of the Voraut. Ritora is confused that the men who chased in on the First of Elsyth into the Orphanage are not Arthur’s men, and is uncertain if they were simple thieves or some other directive. Nesgrim asks about the porcelain teacup and he tells them directly that it was a gift from Deluin, and that Desielle was not always the way she was. He does not celebrate her death, but is also not perturbed by it, recognizing that she is not the same woman he knew as a younger man. The teacup to him is a symbol of the fragility of the will of an individual, reminding them that not all people are broken by their own vices, but sometimes external forces shatter the weak. He begins to repair the teacup, and shows the sharp edges that embedded into his palm, as the blood drips onto the table. Sometimes sacrifices must be made to repair these broken things.

The items and gear required for the expedition will be gathered and delivered discretely to Growlers, and the debt to Arthur can be settled in the future. He requests that they gather all they can to assist with Benjamin, and if possible, him as well. There are other individuals in the city who have been stained by Adrian because of the quantity of visions received, naming Katherine as one. They ask if they are permitted to give Katherine the peace of knowing that Benjamin is alive and well, but Arthur tells them not to, that he is afraid of how she will react, and that Benjamin is important. Vorst asks if Arthur has been sick for some time, if he brought something back from the Mines, and smells the intense perfumes that Katherine wore. Arthur strokes his silver hair and beard, and says he used to be much more handsome.

With a goal of breaking the cyclical nature of the Prophecy, the party leaves, with Yahlumlo requesting an item to put someone to Sleep if needed, and Ritora doing the same privately. Arthur gives Yahlumlo a gemstone with the spell imbued, and tells Ritora that he will contact Seraphina. She is distressed and frustrated with him, and he again apologizes for all he has put her through. Understanding the mutual suffering, Ritora bids him farewell, and tells him that she will prioritize Benjamin, and hopes that she does return.

Wembley leads the others out and Ritora joins them shortly after. The party briefly splits so Felix can return to Clark to inform him of his better understanding of the Well Poisoning. Clark realizes that the people in the Guild have known, and that his father most likely died in a terrible way in the Riots, and thanks Felix. Before leaving, Felix returns a portion of his advanced coin and offers his leather armor to assist Clark. He accepts graciously and says that it will protect one of the younger ones who has been able to grow up because of the Guild. Felix shakes his hand and bids him farewell, hoping that he will work for him more when he returns from the expedition. He rejoins Nesgrim and Ethir and head to Growlers.

Ritora, Vorst and Yahlumlo hurry back to Growlers and begin assisting with the dinner preparations and setting the table. Luna teases Leo, who tells the party to please call him Apollo as he would rather get to choose his name to separate himself from his painful past. Vorst requests a burnt roll and Apollo gives him a very dark crescent roll from his large basket.

Yahlumlo ascends the stairs and attempts to speak with the gemstone that he knows is from the Hag in the woods. He asks about its intentions, the existence of the Rotting one, and if it will continue to bless him with life and this new power. The figure informs him that it is Nameless but bears the will of a Queen, that she has another vessel here within his party, and that the Rotting One remains imprisoned but is growing, spreading. He asks if Kubalo is still a part of him, and it says he is sleeping, having been weakened by Yahlumlo’s death. Yahlumlo says he is willing to become another one of these Guardians, knowing that there are not enough, and understands their importance.

He descends the stairs to rejoin his friends as the others return from Clark’s. Everyone gathers at the large table as Vorst locks the door; Luna, Fae and Apollo prepare a meal as Vorst enters to request some additional items. He sees Apollo using the imbued Gem to manifest a delicious stew into an enormous cauldron, and upon asking for mashed potatoes, Apollo begins to spray them into the stew uncontrollably. Vorst panics and leaves, telling the others that the stew may be thicker than expected.

The crew enjoy a conversation before the meal is brought out to them. Nesgrim asks Apollo for stew and opens his mouth, holding Apollo over him who uncontrollably sprays him with hot stew, burning his face. Apollo creates a large Shephard’s pie for Nesgrim and takes the other requests for the party. Everyone eats peacefully as Vorst gobbles his food hastily. Fae, Apollo and Luna leave the group to discuss their expedition.

The crew laugh and share stories of their hopes and dreams if they are successful and their intentions when they return. They consider the things they would buy, places they would love to visit, and other goals that they know they still must meet, like the Feast with Lady Heartwood. Nesgrim also remembers that Corin said he was journeying out into the Woods and that they may have an opportunity to catch up with him, and to thank him and assist him with his journey to the Hag to rescue Marybelle’s soul.

Luna laughs when Ritora confesses that she has never attempted to speak to any animals, especially Juniper, who Luna says is very talkative and insightful. Juniper was sent by Arthur to further entice Ritora to come to Oshuamp. The group disperses to their rooms, and Yahlumlo asks Vorst if he will assist him with something.

Together, they sit at a small table in Yahlumlo’s room, who pulls out the burnt sketch of Camilla Swiftstride, an ancestor of Vorst. Yahlumlo calls out to Camilla, asking if she can see him – a moment passes and nothing happens. He pushes the paper across the table to Vorst, and recommends that he attempt it. As Vorst speaks the same phrase aloud, he sees her standing behind Yahlumlo, her defiled claws resting on his shoulders. She responds in disbelief that she is seen by another, and reaches out towards Vorst. Seeing Vorst’s hand move, Yahlumlo moves his hand to his own shoulder at Vorst’s suggestion, and the two grab her claws simultaneously.

They descend into the Ethereal with her, and she kneels before them. Yahlumlo looks up at her, seeing the lining of the Winter Wolf skull resting against the lower line of her jaw as it extends over his head. She is confused that the two are able to see her as they are not Branded.

Camilla sniffs in Vorst’s direction and recognizes his heritage, calling him one of her line. He apologizes to Yahlumlo, and fully shifts into his Longtooth nature, becoming more canine, jaw extending, spine protruding, eyes becoming yellow.

Camilla pulls the Winter Wolf mask from her lower half, exposing her face, and she begins to mirror Vorst’s transformation.

Camilla completes her Shifter transformation, assuming a more canine appearance comparable to Vorst. He asks her to remove the upper portion of the mask, but remarks she is unable, and attempts to dig her claws into her own face, bleeding profusely. They ask of her intention with Ritora, and she shakes in rage and agony, clawing deeper into her own face, declaring that she wants nothing to do with Ritora, but the Rotting One seeks to claim her next, believing that Camilla is unable to gift it true physical form.

Yahlumlo runs his hand along her jawline and stains his hand with her blood, affirming the reality of this space, and of her body. She says she is in hiding in this Ethereal place, after having Shamans of her tribe commune together to bind her. Unsure of if she can be returned of her own volition, they offer to assist her if they find a way. During her service for the Rotting One, she was forced to commit various atrocities in the Woods against animals and other living creatures, ferrying their living bodies back to the Lair. The Plagueborn Orcs are a distinct tribe from the Spiked Creature that slaughtered Vorst’s people, and that she does not know of their appearance. 

They ask if she would prefer freedom, or to rest, and she chooses rest, but only when her tasks are completed as she knows she would not be at peace if she does not atone. She is unsure how often she can pull them into the Ethereal, and does not want to risk pulling them in too frequently, fearful they may become trapped. She laments her choice to leave Ostador, and wonders what life could have been if she had stayed with him. Briefly, she recounts their endeavor into the north, and the discovery of Oshuamp in ruins and abandoned. She says her people were, and are, called to the Woods, and no matter how far they go, the Howls are far reaching.

Her last advice to Vorst is to adorn his true nature, to wear it proudly, and not be afraid to lead a Pack. If “they see you, and know you, they will know not to touch you. You are born of Luck, Vorst.”

She dispels them, sending them back to the Material, landing inside of Yahlumlo’s chambers. The pair quietly agree to work together to do what is right and what is needed, using containers to store the blood of Camilla. Vorst again recalls the words of Lady Heartwood, telling him that he is “sick”, and is fearful of his future. Yahlumlo does not know what it means specifically, but offers to help his friend. Vorst adjourns to his Quarters, and the party takes their last safe long rest.

In the morning, the party gathers in the center of the Tavern, has a quick breakfast, and retrieves their deliveries, with a small attached thank you note from Mister Arthur & Wembley. Nesgrim finds his armor successfully repaired and a note from Christian that just says “fuck.” Everyone takes several moments to adorn their new winter garb to prepare themselves for the expedition out into the snow.

Luna steps out from the kitchen and hugs each member individually, wishing them luck and to stay safe, bestowing them with her blessing of temporary hit points. She beckons Apollo forward when he asks “is it time to do the thing?” and he hurries forward, gifting Nesgrim a small cap of Waterbreathing, telling him “Luna said you’ll need this because you’re so thirsty.”

Everyone chuckles, enjoying their moment, as Fae arrives to gift Yahlumlo a Driftglobe, and Vorst a Moon-touched Sword, telling them both that there will be a great need for light in the darkest parts of the world.

They bid their friends farewell and step out into the dawnlight, hurrying to retrieve the silver chakram from Ethir’s tent, and then head-out towards the portcullis to the North. En route, they speak with a trio of guards, and find themselves standing in the vast emptiness north of Oshuamp.

They pass through the Bones of the Ancient Ones, traversing through the several miles en route to the Felwood. The land is mostly flat, and a slight breeze is their only interruption. They recognize, for a moment, the enormity of the world again, now that they are out of the walls. As they enter the southwestern edge of the Felwood, they begin scouring for the herbs in the safest parts, slowly trekking northward. Ethir is able to harvest some Bowen’s Flower and Teardrop, and continue north as Vorst warns them of the smell of blood a few hundred feet ahead in the distance. It is only about a day old, and they debate pursuing it, but make the democratic decision to investigate.

They find a small area with felled trees, and three dead men with large lacerations and puncture wounds, surrounded by broken weapons and tools. As they investigate closer, they find Slums West passes on each of them, and prepare to take the heads for Ethir to perform his Ritual. Ritora attempts to cover some of the blood with snow, as Vorst warns the group that these injuries typically indicate the assault of an Owlbear. Ethir glimpses into the mind of the man before he died and hears their petrified screams and the rushing of a large creature with the face of an Owl.

They quickly eat as they gather the last of the remaining valuables from the dead, and Vorst smells blood from the east. The party hurries southward, back in the direction they came, but Nesgrim stumbles slightly in the snow, his foot catching on a branch.

He unsheathes his longsword and sweeps through the snow, slashing through the wood and stares in awe at the beautiful cascading snow and twigs as they arc downward back to the ground.

As the snow falls, he sees about 35 feet away running very rapidly toward him is the face of an Owlbear.

Nesgrim successfully flees from the Owlbear, hurrying southwest and hiding amidst the trees and boulders. His companions prepare for the battle and assault the Owlbear as it leaps towards them, landing in front of Vorst. The party groups and then scatters, confusing the creature, who is swiftly bloodied by the assault. It unleashes a piercing screech in the direction of Yahlumlo and Ethir, the latter who is unfortunately stunned as he fails the saving throw.

The Owlbear plunges both claws into Ethir’s stomach and chest, elevating him in its grasp, and begins to flee northeast, hurrying back in the direction of its lair, with Ethir dying in its arms. Everyone chases, Ritora utilizing Entangle to slow its progress, and it is tripped as it attempts to escape, with Vorst leaping onto the back of the creature and plunging his teeth into the beast’s neck. As the last breath of life escapes the Owlbear, he grips tightly one last time on Ethir, sinking deeply into him once more, bringing him to the brink of death. Vorst leaps off the creature and cradles his dying friend, begging the others for help, as he is unable to restore him.

Ritora concludes her wild shape as Nesgrim arrives despite a force from Ritora attempting to pull him away from Ethir, and he uses Lay on Hands as the group assists Ethir by bandaging his grave wounds. Ritora again is briefly overtaken by an urge within her and clenches too tightly around Ethir’s injuries, who winces at her touch. Remorseful and frustrated, she isolates herself.

They begin to harvest what they can from the Owlbear, but realize they are making noise and the smell of blood is travelling. It begins to attract a pack of creatures that howl in the distance; in a moment of desperation, they abandon their harvest, and flee eastward quickly, ensuring that Ritora keeps her distance from the injured Ethir.

They gather more herbs as they pass swiftly, avoiding injury from the treacherous snows that fall from breaking branches, and only encounter a few minor difficulties until Vorst catches the smell of fresh water from the north. After communicating with his friends and a brief deliberation, they choose to approach carefully and split into groups. Nesgrim recalls that there is an herb that is found near frozen lakes and suggest they prepare to dig.

The party splits into two groups, one to dig, and one to scour the surrounding area and ensure the treeline is safe from other threats. The howling of the creatures has faded and they believe there is safety in this clearing. As the members of the digging party pursue their task with a pair of shovels, Vorst notices an Elk in the trees, and whispers with his companions about hunting the creature, or attempting to pacify it to give Ritora a gift to comfort her.

The Elk notices the group as they deliberate, and does not flee, instead scrapping a hoof along the dirt beneath the snow, challenging Vorst. He acquiesces and taunts the Elk, threatening it, and beckoning it forward. In their brief animalistic duel, Vorst twists and contorts the Elk as the antlers bash off his shield, and he wrestles it to the ground, successfully grappling it and elevates the legs for Nesgrim to tie off.

As he tightens his grip around the neck of the Elk, it transforms in front of him, concluding the wild shape of an elderly Winter Eladrin who chuckles in Vorst’s arms.

Vorst releases the elderly man who continues to laugh as Ritora, Yahlumlo, and Ethir make their way over. They ask him his name and about his life here in the Woods, and are bewildered by the man’s attitude and perspective on life. Nesgrim is confused by the wild shaping into an Elk, and Vorst tells him that just because Ritora hasn’t chosen an Elk doesn’t mean it is strange.

He explains his view on the circle of life and then is startled to see Ritora is also an Eladrin. She is concerned when he talks to the trees and says they have great conversations and the trees are wonderful listeners. Ethir asks if he has seen many other people passing through recently and he speaks of a big man and a small girl hidden in his cloak; he tries to confirm their direction with a tree but argues with it bitterly. He says they were going north and that the girl was cold, so he offered them berries.

They discuss their intentions in the Woods and the items that they require, and he prepares to leave to find his wife. Ethir asks if they can at least sleep outside his cabin and Melethel is confused. Nesgrim asks if he could retrieve some of the frost diamonds from the lake, and he refuses, asking what he could do for him, and if Nesgrim has a wife.  Felix removes his hood and Melethel is baffled that a fishman has escaped the lake.

Ethir discusses his use for the herbs that grow here in the woods and Melethel calls him a pervert for peeking into the lives of other people, that they are private. To comfort him, Ethir offers to help his cross the River when he dies, and Melethel says he doesn’t need it, that he is to be a star when he dies because he has a star inside him.

Yahlumlo brings up Corin’s intentions with finding a hag and asks if Melethel knows of any hags in the area. He says hags are bad and that he has seen some but has always flown away; they don’t bother him because he is so old and has nothing to offer.

Felix speaks about his heritage and his development from birth. Melethel knows nothing of what a fish man is and doesn't understand if neither of Felix’s parents were fish, why he is this way. Melethel has never seen Orcs before either, and questions what makes something a “monster” at all. Ritora offers the feather of the Owlbear instead of exchanging seeds for the frost diamonds.

Melethel takes Ritora over the ice and tells her to become a fish – when she says she isn’t able to, he tells her to believe in herself, and she becomes a large tuna after she contemplates. He becomes a white beaver and leaps in after her, following her down to the base of this lake, finding a small pocket of frost diamonds. He utilizes his tail to beat them out of the rocks, and the others grab them as they float to the surface. Ritora and Melethel return to the surface and she concludes her wild shape, surprised that she was able to become a fish, as she has never before.

Vorst points out the arctic fox that he believes is Melethel’s wife, and she playfully bounds over, teasing him briefly before concluding her wild shape. She says they have been hiding in the forest for centuries together. The party asks about other creatures in the area, and monsters that they may need to look out for. Melisse seems confused by what a “monster” could be, and Vorst explains the troubles of his past.

They consider venturing north to find Corin to assist him. Before venturing out the next day, they invite Melisse and Melethel to join them for dinner, and the lovers leave to retrieve drinks and herbs for the evening. The party continues digging near the lake for Bloodpurge, gathers some Sunset mushrooms, construct an igloo and prepare their tents. Ethir begins to settle in making a fish broth from the bones of fresh fish that Ritora has caught from the lake.

Ritora approaches the tree that Melethel said was mean, and is consumed by her need to fix the desecrated earth that she finds at the trunk of the tree. She separates more of the snow, and a vine protrudes, quickly wrapping around her neck, pulling her face first into the ground. Yahlumlo steps over to check on her, seeing healthy soil against the snow veil, a bruise forming on her jaw, and the impressions of her own fingers against the side of her neck. She explains that the tree is sick, but Yahlumlo sees a healthy tree and soil.

Believing that the possession is manipulating her mind, Yahlumlo tries to settle her and return her to the party. As people complete their tasks, Ritora sits in the snow and builds a small owl, trying to restore some sense of peace to herself. Fearful of the presence of dangerous things in the area, she begins to ritual cast Detect Magic, tracing the patterns in the air in front of her for the somatic components. She begins incoherently uttering druidic words, casting something that she does not know.

Ritora fights against this urge to continue casting the spell, but is unable to halt. Vorst smells the heightened rot from her hand and hurries over to halt her. He grabs her arms as they go limp, before they suddenly dart towards Vorst’s throat, but he grapples them away as the fingers touch his neck briefly. She apologizes, fearfully, as she continues to stare forward at the trees, unaware of what she is doing to Vorst. At the base of the tree she approached before, the dirt splits and the vines dance in the night, inviting her back. She attempts to stand, but Vorst keeps her steady.

She argues with him, wild shaping into a Winter Wolf again, her belongings falling to the ground. Vorst pleads for Camilla’s intervention, and it inhales deeply, then nuzzles against his neck. She says to Ritora in her mind, “sleep.” When she questions what Camilla means, the voice changes slightly as it whispers “it is not sleeping now.”

Vorst again harnesses the Winter Wolf, Ritora pulls the Draught from her bag and places it in front of him. As he prepares to administer it, the Wolf struggles against him, shaking its head, growling softly. He corks the vial again and the Wolf settles. As Nesgrim and Felix approach, the Wolf remains calm, and Vorst believes that Camilla has taken control.

Felix communicates with Ritora, asking if she can revert her form and she tilts her head. Vorst asks Camilla what she needs him to do, and the Wolf turns slightly toward the snow angel that Nesgrim made. He gestures at Nesgrim and the Wolf stares at him. Nesgrim refuses to approach Ritora, and turns back towards camp to retrieve Yahlumlo. The Wolf stands as Nesgrim moves away. Vorst notices that the eyes of the Wolf are a brilliant violet color and he is reminded more of Camilla.

Yahlumlo tells Ethir that Ritora cannot take any watches. Vorst informs Yahlumlo of what is happening, and does not know how to handle the situation, as he cannot understand what Camilla is indicating with Ritora’s body. He knows that Ritora offered him a vial, and he cannot tell if he should or should not administer it.

Yahlumlo establishes a connection with the mind of the Wolf, and Ritora hears the voice of her friend, telling him “It’s me.” However, Yahlumlo hears a hoarse, disjointed voice repeating her words. He asks what it wants, and she says that the potion in the vial should put her to sleep. She recognizes she is dangerous and tried to hurt Vorst. Yahlumlo continues to hear the undertone repeating her exact words.

Ritora tells him that she knows Camilla is here, and Yahlumlo asks if she is helping. Ritora responds “yes”, and the voice speaks outside of repetition, groaning “Ca-milla”. Yahlumlo recognizes the danger she presents at the moment and tells her that the potion will be used if it is absolutely necessary and he will keep it. He severs the connection to the Wolf and the creature says “Don’t go.”

Within Vorst’s mind, Yahlumlo informs him of what just occurred and that he will keep the potion.

Ritora begins to shift and shake as the Wild Shape mutates and transforms. The large creature in front of them begins to shrink, becoming a charcoal grey. Yahlumlo tells Felix to hold her and he utilizes his psionic ability to try to Grasp her, grappling her in place.

A light green energy encases the Wolf, but pockets of smoke emanate out from the fur by the neck, breaking through the hold.

They watch in horror as it continues to shift and twist in smoke before it bellows out “Release me.”

The creature manifests as a Death Dog, a two-headed charcoal grey monstrosity and attacks the party, utilizing a noxious breath weapon that emits from both mouths and leaves a toxic cloud choking everyone inside. Everyone assaults the beast but remembers that their friend is contained within, and do so with the hope of freeing her from the possession if the Wild Shape concludes. As Felix lands the final attack with psychic energy, the shadows enveloping the creature disperse and a noxious cloud is released from the open wounds and sores on the flesh of the Death Dog, knocking Nesgrim unconscious, and surround Ritora’s unconscious body in fume.

Yahlumlo carries Ritora out of danger and Ethir hurries over to restore Nesgrim, helping him out of the cloud as it disperses. Fearful of their surroundings, everyone returns to the tent and Ethir finishes cooking dinner as the others discuss how to handle Ritora when she awakes. They settle on not binding her or restraining her, recognizing that whatever is happening is not her fault, and that they want to concentrate on her faith in them as friends.

She awakes an hour later as everyone enjoys the fish stew prepared by Ethir, who discusses his hopes with finding his Uncle’s soul that has been lost at sea. Yahlumlo recommends that Ethir search within his visions instead.

 Ritora apologizes for what she did and explains her intentions of helping to ensure the safety of the group, and they all reassure her of their commitment and devotion to protecting her and retrieving enough of the materials for her Ritual.

Melethel returns and is visibly stoned, inviting himself in their tent as he huddles near the party. He packs the pipe once more as he opens a parcel from his wife, who has now embodied a small arctic mouse on his shoulder, and offers it to Ethir. Everyone takes turn smoking the herbs from Melethel, and finally relaxes comfortably, joking and teasing each other as they become delirious.

Melethel laughs with the party and offers his star map, a series of dimples and lines tooled into the tanned hide of a snowy owlbear, to Ritora. She stares at it in her stupor and is baffled by the man’s ability to read the constellations. He manifests his starry appearance, become mostly incorporeal, translucent, but coated in the night sky, comprised of constellations and bright stars. He chuckles at their surprise and tells them that he has been able to do this for a long time, and the stars have always kept Melisse and him safe.

He tells them that the herbs will give each of them incredible dreams, and that they should all spend the night together in this tent. People slowly start drifting off to sleep, and Vorst asks more about the herbs because of their connection to the Shamans of his tribe. Melethel says he hasn’t seen anyone like him in a long, long time, and Vorst describes Camilla. Melethel says he hasn’t seen her in forever, but remembers she was very pretty and remembers that Ostador was a kind young man.

Melethel also detects something is off about Ritora, and that she has some kind of devil or something inside her, and he is able to sense it. He doesn’t know what it is, but he says it’s bad. Felix asks how he is able to do any of the things he can, and then tries to scare Melethel again by speaking into his mind.

Melethel is confused, and asks why Felix has some weird lady scolding him within his mind.

Felix attempts to utilize his psionic powers and is unable to amidst his delirium. He resides to sleep it off as Melethel suggests, and the party enters a shared vision, beginning with Ritora and Deluin working together in the Avaeth Woods. He congratulates her on the hard work and celebrates their efforts in preventing the spread of the desecrated earth. They share a moment of comfort and contentment, until Deluin is despondent upon receiving a letter from Arthur requesting Ritora be driven towards Oshaump as she has the potential to assist with the dire situation in the north. Reluctant to let his companion and adopted daughter go, he crumples the note and hurries over to Ritora’s home, shouting at her parents for their neglect and neutrality, blaming them for the mess that she will soon find herself in. Forlorn, Deluin accepts the task, passes a vial of plain earth to a group of men sent by Arthur, and strikes Ritora. She flees as designed.

The vision switches to a young woman leaving a forest of great redwood trees that Yahlumlo recognizes as the Hravawode. She stands before a crowd at the edge of the forest, and bids farewell to her people and kin, declaring that her journey is just beginning and she will be the Voice for them all. The vision flashes forward to her arriving at the city of Ulm, being welcomed into the Library and returning to her work as a Librarian, before a young professor arrives and offers her a cup of coffee and asks to join. She smiles and accepts, inviting the shy man into her office. Another skip to the birth of Felix Grey, an infant boy who looks much more normal with only slight aquatic features, and a fatigued Anna struggling through the delivery. She sighs intensely as Felix is placed into Michael’s arms, who then passes Felix to his mother. Cradling him close to her neck, she whispers softly into his ear, “I will always be with you.” As her arms go limp, she passes before Michael’s eyes, and catches Felix as he slides down her chest.

The perspective switches to Vorst, sitting with his back against a tree, clutching his sword and shield, unable to move, as the monstrous Orcish creature behind him slaughters his people. He shudders in horror as the creature snorts, devouring the last of the Shamans. Vorst whispers to himself to try to start moving, but is paralyzed with fear. A pair of hands grip his shoulders, and he looks up to the face of his good friend Rhirda, who lifts him to his feet and tells Vorst that they must run, that no one else is alive. They sprint eastward towards the edge of the woods, but are attacked by a small band of Orcs from the warband, and Rhirda is almost slain. Vorst stabs the Orc from behind, and picks Rhirda up, only to be pushed southward as Rhirda rushes north, drawing the attention of the other Orcs. Vorst finally reaches the edge of the Woods of Nerenter, and stands, stained with blood beneath the full moon as the snow falls around him. Alone, cold, and hungry, he begins his trek to Oshuamp.

A young Ethir sits on a wet log at the edge of the western coast, staring out at the sea. Next to him on the log is an elderly elven woman covered in tribal tattoos, with long white hair. The overcast weather turns dramatically darker and tumultuous, as a tempest rages over the sea, consuming a small fishing vessel. In terror, Ethir rushes towards the edge of the water, preparing to swim out to rescue his Uncle Vaeril. She stops him just before he leaps, and tells him that it is too late. After Ethir leaves Haltauno, the old woman returns to the rocks and wades out into the water, pausing as a whirlpool in the distance erupts, pulling the shipping vessel up from the sea, still intact.

A massive redwood sits on a small island of green grass, surrounded by silver-blue pool of water. The peaceful scene is only disturbed by the fluttering wings of a raven that descends from the tree, pausing at the edge of the water. It stares adoringly at the absence of its own reflection, and then plunges its beak beneath the surface, pulling up an ethereal silver strand, holding it closely. It flutters once more as it takes flight, gliding over to a crowd of people, pausing above an infant held closely to his mother’s chest. The raven lands on the elder’s hand, turning over and dropping the silver thread on the nose of the child, who giggles at the cool feeling, before swallowing it. The baby smiles happily at the people, and the elderly woman pulls her hand away, cheerfully announcing to the crowd, “He is to be Yahlumlo.”

A young Melethel and Melisse stand together at the edge of the Felwood, watching on as Ostador and Camilla lead their crusade to reclaim Oshuamp. They discuss warning them of the dangers of the areas, particularly as intruders that don’t belong, but recall that their job is to stay as Watchers, and to avoid involving themselves in the affairs of others. As they turn to leave, a horrifying noise is heard in the distance, as a pillar shatters in the abandoned city, falling endlessly into a great pit at the center. Melethel and Melisse disappear into the woods as the echo fades.

Nesgrim attempts to visit his father at the infirmary within the Monastery of Acceptance but is rebuked, being told that they still do not understand his father’s illness and it is unwise to risk him. The three Sisters discuss their additional options, having exhausted all local efforts to heal Adimus. Believing that the only choice left is the Cathedral in Oshaump, they send letter to a Brother named Leavold, asking for assistance.  Months later, his response is to keep the body if Adimus dies and not to burn him, and to send a sample of his blood to Oshuamp, saying it is necessary to develop an appropriate Cleansing Ritual. The sisters carefully cut along his shoulder and collect the black blood into a vial, and give it to a courier for delivery. After another time skip, Adimus has passed, and Sisters Ana and Tabitha walk through the underground Catacombs beneath the Monastery, exploring the quiet, dark halls. Illuminated only by the small candles in their handles, they creep towards the end of the tunnel, finding the gated crypt at the conclusion, and the tomb of Adimus Kristok, with the lid slid open.

Once awake again, everyone somberly talks over breakfast of the difficult moments, especially for Felix and Ritora. Felix and Yahlumlo connect the visions of the great redwoods to the Hravawode and the linking of their heritage. They contemplate their next decisions, and the possibility of finding Corrin to the north, as Melethel and Melisse confirm the existence of a frost hag that is missing one eye in the swamp, and that Desielle had visited her. They also discuss the existence of desecrated earth in various locations slowly spreading to the north, and the corruption of the woods outside the Mines, relating it to approximately a thousand years ago. Believing they are only half a day or so behind, they prepare to journey northward. 

The group says farewell to Melethel and Melisse as they venture out again. As they consider and weigh their options and the risk of heading further north to rescue Corin, they contemplate as well the location of the magical domain beneath Adrian’s shop, and if it is connected to the Hag’s home. After their conversation, they prepare breakfast, pack-up camp, and leave northward to save Corin and Marybelle. 

Ethir recognizes the potential connection to Yahlumlo’s vision and the distribution of an Ikhoram at birth to a child in the Hravawode. Vorst discerns Corin’s trail five miles to the north, and the group continue to gather and observe herbs and the general fauna as they trek through the snow. 

The presence of wildlife continues to dissipate as they head further north, and Vorst catches the scent of marshes, the fetid stagnant waters and warns the group that they draw close. Ritora safely utilizes her magic to determine the weather. Eventually they find Corin struggling to carry Marybelle in the snow, as intense steam drifts out from his neck and face. They find his skin withering further, and he explains his plan to offer his soul to the Hag in exchange for Marybelle’s life. 

When they offer to assist with defeating the Hag, he is uncertain if it will sever the magic binding Marybelle, and does not know if anyone back in the City would be aware either. Ritora shows the stain in her hand and the group explains their struggles over the last few days, and Corin offers to aid them if he survives the affair with the Hag. 

Pressing north, the group finds the marshes filled with fetid pools of murky water, and Ethir sees the severed, emaciated limbs and pieces of humans sunken into the muck. They follow a dangerous winding path laid with treacherous mud, but Yahlumlo keeps his footing and avoids the acidity of the pools. 

They arrive at a narrowing tunnel of twisted, gnarled trees, and find the Bheur Hag currently stirring an enormous cauldron. She welcomes them, claiming that the time has almost come and that they are all invited to dine with her. The crew watches as Corin cuts to the chase, offering his eternal servitude in exchange for the return of Marybelle’s soul and mortality, but the Hag rebukes him, stating that the completion of her Coven is far more important. 

The party attempts to dissuade her as they remind the Hag that Desielle is dead, and that she is more alone than she thinks. She chuckles at their audacity, and when they attempt to bargain with her instead of Corin, she rebukes each advance, denying the value of each of them, and their trinkets. Yahlumlo attempts to persuade her with his connection to the higher power that drove the Hag to kill him and bind him as a Warlock, but the Hag claims that her end was already upheld and she is no longer bound to that contract.  

She mocks them and retreats to the side of her hut and returns, pushing a small cart with a tarp draped over it which obscures the mortal coil of Desielle. The group is confused as to how the Hag could have collected her body after they killed her back in the Orphanage. The hag laughs shrilly once more as she elevates the cart, tipping the body of Desielle into the oozing liquid of the cauldron. 

They attempt one final time to intimidate the Hag out of her decision, and Ritora asks Yahlumlo for the sleeping draught which she adds into the brew. The Hag laughs at her once more, claiming that she will enjoy her nap after finishing with them. 

Tempestuous winds from the Cauldron pull the party towards the open doors of the Hut, and the group begins their varied assault on the Hag as she attempts to further split them from each other utilizing a Wall of Ice. As they begin to overwhelm her in melee combat, she magically steps away, placing herself against her Cauldron and Ice Wall, attempting to prevent them from flanking her. Once more they press their efforts forward as she encases Nesgrim in ice, freezing him temporarily in place. 

She devours the corpse of Desielle and climbs up the Ice Wall, attempting to find safety at the height of the difficult and dangerous terrain. Ritora bravely ascends as a bear and swipes at the Hag’s legs, knocking her off the wall to the ground below, before hurrying down after. The group gathers once more as the Hag unleashes a breath of ice in the face of several members, but they remain unrelenting until Vorst claims the head of the Hag from behind after Yahlumlo halts her desperate movement towards Marybelle with Sentinel. 

Vorst begins collecting the teeth from the Hag and flaying the flesh as Ethir casts Prayer of Healing. Corin cares for Marybelle and the group prepare to investigate the house and the crates adjacent. Nesgrim opens them and finds various rotting body parts and collects Yahlumlo and Vorst and head to the open Hut. Felix and Ritora watch over Ethir as he performs his ritual. 

He finds himself staring at a young Eladrin girl with beautiful white hair and aquamarine eyes, resting her hand adoringly on a Silverbark tree. She strides towards a figure that Ethir cannot see, and lovingly bids her farewell, giving her a small golden ring coated with frost waves, and warns her to never wear it, no matter what. He hears her call this younger child “Emeria” but does not recognize the name. 

As he repeats his vision to his friends, they warn him of offering the Hag a chance for redemption or banishment, as the previous attempts for other nefarious people have threatened Ethir’s safety. Finding his courage and wanting to know more, he re-enters his trance and finds himself standing on the dock, staring at the clear silver water below. A hand rests suddenly on his shoulder and he turns the wrong way. The small girl giggles at him, and he turns to find the same young Eladrin girl. She is playful at first, but then confused and saddened as she does not know where she is, and or what happened to her. 

He assists her in finding fragments of her memory as he comforts her on the Dock, before promising her that he will help her return home. He convinces her to sit at the edge of the Dock with him, and her feet barely touch the water. She giggles happily, saying that the chill reminds her of home, and begins to impulsively hum. As she descends into the water, she whispers the word “Harmony”, having remembered her name. 

Ethir watches as she fades away into the water, thanking him as she disappears. He returns and once more shares his moment with his friends, and what he has learned, and the tragedy of the little girl. The others speculate the meaning of this ring, and the names used within the vision, but remain uncertain. After a moment of contemplation, they turn to join their friends as they enter the Hut. 

Vorst, Yahlumlo, and Nesgrim stand at the entryway and peer inside, illuminating with Light. Various small terrariums litter the shelves, and Vorst catches the distinct fragrances of cinnamon and vanilla, and remembers the same incense coming from Naivara’s shop. 

Yahlumlo, Vorst, and Nesgrim step inside and are welcomed by a pale woman with ginger hair. She thanks them for their assistance with the Hag outside, who she admits was causing issues and was frustrating. After a brief conversation, Ethir, Felix, and Ritora also join them inside and the group accepts the tea that she offers. 

She introduces herself as Laverna, the Night Mother, and a figure of higher authority and power within the Hag society and that she is open to a bargain for the soul of Marybelle. After several offers are made, denied, and modified, she eventually requests that, upon his death, the soul of Ethir so that she may utilize his ability to interact with souls, as she herself trades in the souls of the dead. She discusses the morality of the task, and the ambiguity of the after-life, and the pervasive fear of death for those who know these truths. 

Ethir agrees to the terms and signs the contract with his blood, and Laverna thanks them, briefly attempting to gain additional pieces of information about the party, and the individuals inside the city that they know. They excuse themselves, after Vorst contemplates the opportunity offered to see his friend Rhirda if they stay in the area for the night, and collect Marybelle, watching as her soul is restored to her from a horrific bag of stitched flesh. 

Denying the accommodations, they group head out with Corin, who thanks Ethir for his sacrfice and promises to find the group in Felfarthen in a few days after he ferries Marybelle home. He summons a white horse and rides southward.  

The party heads southward and contemplates their trajectory towards Felfarthen. As they escape the swamp, they turn eastward to follow Ritora’s divination magic that leads them to more Teardrop. As they press onward, they find an area ahead that has strange mounds of conical snow rising from the terrain. They choose to continue onward, approaching the area carefully, and Vorst catches the odor from the terror that slaughtered his people – ash, and death. 

The crew carefully approaches the mounds of snow, discovering that they are the tracks and imprints of the large creature that attacked Vorst’s tribe. Felix recognizes that the monster attempts to be deft on its feet to manage its size, while still hunting expertly. They recommend fleeing, but the movements forward unfortunately exude a loud clanging from Nesgrim that alert the individuals ahead who begin to flank the party. As they recognize their predicament, the group decide to flee back the way they came, but are eventually run down by the small warband of Orc warriors. 

The battle is a bloody mess of tactics and strategy, as the Orcs assault relentlessly but the crew maintain their composure and courage, eventually overcoming the several warriors, Chief, and archer.  

As Ritora strikes the last one down with the use of her Primal Savagery, biting into its face, she unknowingly lets out an ominous moan, reminding her friends of the voice of the Rotting One. In horror, the Orc asks as his face melts away from the bones of his skull, “What are you?” 

Everyone gathers around Ritora at the conclusion of the battle, as she once more recoils in horror. Yahlumlo begins to clean the blood from himself and then his companions. The group contemplates exploring the camp the Orcs left behind but choose to forgo any plunder, fearful of the danger of the larger creature’s tracks. Ethir begins to heal, and the group gathers what they can from the bodies of the Orcs and head eastward towards the mountains. 

After camping for the evening and keeping watch, they awaken to the comforting sight of a pair of deer that Ritora recognizes as Melethel and Melisse. She beckons them over and everyone enjoys their company. The conversation turns sorrowful as they discuss their experience with Harmony, the Night Mother Laverna and Ethir’s visions. Melisse confesses her servitude as the Keeper of the Ring of Winter, and shares her fear of death and the inevitable loss of Melethel.  

They ask who is to guard the Ring when she does accept her natural conclusion, and she confesses she does not have anyone who she trusts to watch it now. Ethir offers to provide what peace and comfort he can to her and Melethel. She fears that their proximity to the Ring has tainted their souls and is uncertain where they will go when they die. Ethir comforts her by recalling his journey with Harmony as a young girl, and calls her Emeria. She laughs at the cruel irony of forgetting her own name, and Melethel’s. 

They ask if they would be able to take it beyond the Felrast, and she speaks of a whisper that calls her back, preventing her from leaving. Auglatha, her home, is not safe either, as the ruins of the once beautiful city are now what people plunder, calling it simply the Mine. When asked what happened to Harmony, and who gave her the ring, she says she is uncertain, but believes it was her Mother, and that someone needed to be freed from the Ring. 

They contemplate how to destroy the Ring and consider using Kristian, after assisting him in the mastery of his craft, and resolve themselves to discover what lost knowledge they can of the smithing practices of the Frost Dwarves. The group promises to do everything they can to comfort and provide rest for the elderly Druids. She offers to gather what she can within the Felwood, and put Melethel to work. She warns them of the Crystal Tower near Auglatha, and tells them to hug the mountains, and not to enter the decrepit woods north of the Felwood. 

The group bid them farewell, and press eastward, continuing to gather what herbs they encounter as they travel. Felix creates an ascending staircase of clouds, and climbs with Yahlumlo to get a better vantage point. They take in the expanse of the north, and catch a glimpse of stone ruins among the peaks of mountains to the east. 

As they press onward, Vorst once more catches the scent of his companion Rhirda, the man who saved his life when the Orcs raised his home. The crew offer their assistance, telling Vorst that they cannot ask him to abandon his friend, and are willing to do all they can.  

They slightly trail northward to follow the scent, and find a small den constructed out of loose branches. Vorst hones in on the smell amidst the smoke, and approaches the opening. He throws in his tinderbox and a familiar voice uncertainly calls out, asking who is there. Vorst mocks him, muttering “did no one teach you how to make a fire properly?” 

The man inside chuckles out, “you fucker.” 

Vorst finally reunites with his lost friend Rhirda, and introduces his new companions. The reunion is mired by the fear of his changed appearance due to ritualistic experimentation by his captures in an area to the west that he calls the Black Citadel, at the hands of elderly Orc shamans. He confesses that his memories are hazy, limited, and conflicted as the days of torture and darkness blended together. Nesgrim detects that there is a Fiendish presence exuding from Rhirda, and the party assumes that the experimentation was to make some sort of transformation within him. 

They discuss the things he overheard from the shamans and make connections to the dialogues from Adrian, who Rhirda says he recognizes the name of. They realize that the cursed dagger Adrian received was in exchange for his assistance with the use of herbs and magic circles, and that the dagger was to be used to kill someone in Oshuamp. 

After convincing Rhirda to leave with them, they prepare for their journey eastward towards Felfarthen. They contemplate the visions with Melethel and the visuals of Oshaump, and ponder the stone quality described by the Black Citadel and the city of Oshaump, compared to the descriptions of the old city that does not match.  

Before leaving, they gather their courage to explore the hole where Rhirda sleeps as he speaks of the absence of light inside. They crawl within and Nesgrim attempts to utilize the spell Light on his shield, and the others watch in horror as black smoke stretch out from the darkness around them, consuming the light. 

Within, they retrace the symbol to contact Camilla, and disappear into a liminal space, finding her standing beside them once more, in an area comprised of darkness, wisping smoke, and distant wails. She apologizes for fearfully fleeing, but they console and comfort her. As they talk, the conversation turns to Ostador, and she continues to grieve what she believes is the fate of Ostador, and the wails she still hears from within Oshuamp. They bid farewell and thanks, and she bestows the aspect of the Winter Wolf to Vorst, who hugs her before they are returned. 

Nesgrim and Ethir stay outside to guard the hovel, and are horrified when the others return from their excursion, knowing that they once more left this world. As they share the knowledge from Camilla, and their goal of saving Ostador from whatever misery he lay with beneath Oshuamp, they recall the original folktale of Ostador being visited by a redheaded woman named Rehaela, the Sacred Fire, who is represented by the faceless Watcher statue by the Gallows within the City. 

Ethir is confused how they were able to light the fire within the hole, as Rhirda is an experienced survivalist and has never been able to. The individuals within realize that the fire erupted on its own after the symbols were traced into the ground. They contemplate what it means that the light that Nesgrim casted on his shield was devoured. Rhirda answers their questions about the natural hovel that he found when he fled. 

The group decides to again experiment within the hole, sending a different group in this time, after Nesgrim again utilizes Divine Sense and recognizes that the ground within is affected by the Hallow spell. He again casts Light within, and strange shadows pass through his armors, extinguishing the light and chilling his flesh. 

Ritora and Felix reach in and retrieve him. Ritora remains confused that the curious soil here is not pestilent or rotting, but is in some way wicked, or corrupted. She lights a branch, throws it into the hole and watches it descend successfully, before extinguishing naturally. 

Ethir recalls a rumor from Oshuamp of a Brother of the Cathedral who stole a relic, and fled into the Woods of Nerenter and performed an unholy ritual with it. 

Ethir, Felix, and Nesgrim descend into the hole, and Felix retraces the runes in the dirt, and Nesgrim once more tries to create Light, but a shadow stretches out from his own shadow, consuming the light. Ethir also attempts to create magical Light, and a similar effect occurs. 

Ethir collects his brazier and performs a ritual, leaving his brazier lit as their bodies transport into an ethereal plane. The chill of the area rushes away, and an intense heat replaces it.  

In the dark, they look as though they stand on glass in the dark, akin to Nesgrim’s vision. They smell brimstone, ash, searing flesh and hear the distant cracking of flails, whips, and screams. As they contemplate how to escape or what to do with their light, their hear the ringing of hammers striking iron, and a wail of agony. 

Nesgrim unleashes his necrotic shroud, and is bathed in charcoal smoke that moves distorted around his body, birthing skeletal wings out from its form, and extend arms around his chest, embracing him, hot air wreathing around his neck.  

It coughs out a greeting to Nesgrim, who recognizes his Mother, who asks him why he would have chosen to come here after they made sure he would be safe. They panic as the shadow dissipates, Nesgrim cuts Ethir’s hand desperate to escape. He begins to bleed but they remain trapped. 

Ethir hurriedly strikes to light his brazier, and Nesgrim’s mother tells them that light is not the key to escaping. Nesgrim panics and attempts to Divine Sense again, detecting the overwhelming presence of Fiends all around that begin to cackle. His mother tells him to dig, and he begins to frantically claw above. 

The others outside see the hands of their friends burst through the snow and assist them out of the demi plane that leaves no trace behind as they escape from below the snow. 

They share their experience and theorize about why the different group arrived in a different place, and Ritora detects evocation magic from within the hole. Afraid of wasting further time, they decide to continue towards Felfarthen and theorize en route. 

They talk with Rhirda and Vorst about the shamans' experiences with spirit walking and rituals.  While moving, they continue to gather the herbs and make their way towards the forest edge. 

Nesgrim and Ritora think of their first night in Oshuamp, the Last Light of Dumar, and the sky that seems to lose all the stars, but Rhirda and Vorst have no idea what they are talking about. 

To Lawrence, 

It’s been a few years since I have written a thank you to a player. Since Fal ended, in fact. To a player who has now, with all the good will and appreciation, entered into a sphere that I thought was lost to me. A sphere that has lived in the collective memory of a dwindling few; a candle I cannot relent to extinguish. But with your help, that candle flickers brighter to me now that it has in a long time. While I always intended to establish a direct connection between these spheres, it was your literary knowledge and experience that served as an invaluable source of conversation and advice. I cannot thank you enough. 

As Yahlumlo, you stood before the darkness, unafraid. From the first day you sat in the chair for Oshaump, you always demonstrated that you have faith in me. As a friend, as an author, as a person. I hope that all my labors have shown that I will never forget the value of that.  

I hope that the catharsis of Yahlumlo once again forging into an unknown world to serve as a missionary is a true, sincere reflection of the man I know you are – a kind soul who would go to any lengths to find someone stranded, that you might extend your hand from the bow to raise them up, to join you on this journey.  

To sail onward, against the current, with courage for our friends aboard, and for those still lost abroad. 

Though I may be docked here, I will always keep the light on, that you may find your way back. 

Cheers.