"Why Didn't You Lead With That?"

**"Why Didn't You Lead With That?"** is the thirty seventh episode of *Another Bad Side Quest.* The party makes their way around Krak and follow various leads, gaining answers and even more questions.

## "Why Didn't You Lead With That?"

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

No ads today as we are making a switch in the show format! Starting next week the advertisements will be a pre-roll that happen before the episode begins and at the end of the show. The start time will also be pushed up to 6:30PM PST with the goal of ending at 8:30 PM PST to help those of the cast and audience in the later time zones!

### **Part One**

Flamecannon asked if the party thought Galatea would be okay, as she rode out of *Krak* back to her home in *Rillashje*, and Quincy assured him Gal was a badass and would figure it out. Bo said she had watched him drive enough, but when RX gave his concern that the horses were going two different speeds Sterling revealed he had already dropped the *Haste* spell. Sterling quickly asked Quincy if there were nuts in the ship’s biscuits and when Quincy said there was if they were the fancy kind Flamecannon noted they were. Sterling admitted he was allergic to them and attempted to wave off any concern as Flamecannon told them there was an infirmary on board the ship with medical supplies.

Flamecannon also took out a large manila folder, handed it off to RX and explained it was paperwork from the Admiral. RX opened it and found ten circular pins with the two sun symbols, known to be used throughout the Skorian Empire for official business, along with the deed to the boat and paperwork, which recognized the Order of Restoration as a proper guild and allowed them to take on work and travel as a group. Quincy took a pin and affixed it just below the one Tabernacle handed out to the group previously, but when Yashani reminded that the group may be doing things they might not want associated with the Skorian Empire, with Bo noting the burning down of *Kra’Kash* as an example and Yashani dismissed as neither here nor there, quickly removed the pin and placed on the inside of their lapel and out of sight.

Sterling reminded that they had errands to run and Quincy said the ship would need provisions and suggested the *Port Harbor House* would be a good place to find such things before they leave. Sterling recalled their desire to go to *Vayilcor* and wondered how long they would stay in *Krak* and Quincy noted Yashani had reason to go back into the tundra so at least long enough for that. Yashani said the group did not need to come along, Sterling asked if her trip would give pertinent information and Yashani said that finding the monks would give *her* pertinent information. Bo added that whatever Alixndir Kelingd had to tell him might keep them in the city as well and imagined whatever leads he was given would revolve around the area. Sterling said he was happy to stay as this was the most comfortable he had been since meeting the group, but noted along with the recent complications in his family he would have no access to his family’s money and that gold would be a priority to them. Sterling handed Quincy 150 gold and when they asked what the money was from said it was from selling some of his recent finds to Montie and figured it was more helpful as money, than as small things for him to study. Quincy asked RX to add the gold to the party’s inventory and when Alaerith asked if that money was to be split the way they did last time or apart from that RX said they would see what was left after they bought provisions, Quincy noted they could help with some of their savings they took from *The Misty Moon,* but would have to be careful.

Sterling said if RX and Quincy were going to the *Port Harbor House*, he would go back to Montie’s and buy the trinket he saw, the one that would turn him into a rooster, and said it would be interesting to turn into something that could not hit terminal velocity. Yashani asked if Sterling intended to hurl himself off the mountainsides, but Sterling reassured her that he intended to survive the fall with that ring. After brief conversation the party split in two groups, with Quincy, RX and Alaerith heading to *Port Harbor House* while Bo and Yashani joined Sterling when he headed to *Montie’s Finds,* then to Alixndir’s house afterwards. After agreeing to regroup at the ship in time for lunch the two groups split ways.

Yashani, seeing Nubbi was not with them, told Bo that Nubbi was already trapped in fox form and Bo replied she would stay there until he needed her. Yashani commented that treating a person as an animal was disturbing and Sterling noted that the fey were untrustworthy. They arrived at *Montie’s Finds* and after purchasing the rooster engraved ring Bo and Yashani heavily encouraged Sterling to try it out. Sterling seemed concerned that he might not be able to turn back or if he died as a rooster he would die in real life, but Bo and Yashani continued to encourage him. Sterling wondering how it worked put the ring on, which instantly *Polymorphed* him into a rooster, and when Yashani inspected the newly turned rooster found while he looked fairly normal he did have a crown along his feathered head that matched his human hair color. Bo looked down at the rooster and muttered about the price, but Yashani smiled and said it was worth every coin. Bo, realizing Sterling was incapable of giving directions as a rooster, tried to coerce him to lead the way to Kelingd's, but found corralling a rooster to do anything helpful was not easy.

The scene shifted to Alaerith, Quincy and RX outside the *Port Harbor House*, not too far from where their ship is docked, and arrived at the large stone warehouse and saw people in motion all around as they went about the work day. They noticed the warehouse was built over the water, with places for smaller boats to enter the building and docks for larger ships to tie off, unload or be loaded with shipments. The trio stepped inside and found the building filled with barrels and crates, with everything from textiles to the pixie blood salt from the *Qho'sovo Salt Mine*. They spotted a large minotaur man, with small, round spectacles, a clipboard, directing people around the warehouse and approached him as he looked to be in charge. RX asked Quincy what fish oil tasted like and Quincy warned it would make him burp a fishy taste for hours and did not recommend it. RX led them to the minotaur, introduced himself before he turned to Quincy, asked them to take the lead as they were proficient with ships and Quincy asked for provisions for a crew of nine for a few weeks*.* Alaerith activated *Ob’s Charm* to ask if the pseudodragons needed provisions as well, which prompted Quincy to panic a bit and added Luntz’s pets to the roster, to the minotaur's confusion, while RX handed over the ship’s paperwork when requested. RX also asked for one crew member’s provisions to be crossed off as he was not required to eat and the minotaur suggested they take this conversation to his office.

The minotaur led them to a small office, by minotaur standards, invited them to sit and introduced himself as Kane Coaltario. Kane reviewed their ship’s paperwork, noting it was from the Admiral, before they requested their guild paperwork and started filling out paperwork of his own. Quincy activated *Ob’s Charm* and admitted that they have never done this themself, as it was always Kylan who did the talking, but RX considered that better than the knowledge he and Alaerith had. Kane asked for their intended destination and if they would make stops along the way and Quincy said it was *Vayilcor* and they would likely stop at the edge of the Puhan Trading Company and the *Maltrop Strip* before they headed north. Kane asked if they had sailed before and Quincy assured him they had sailed for a decade, which appeared to ease his mind. Kane commented on the 30 pseudodragons again and when RX asked if he knew what a pseudodragons consumed Kane said they were mostly omnivorous and would eat everything from fruits and vegetables to rats and mice, which pleased Quincy as they were concerned about the ship not having a cat for such things. Kane suggested he could supply them with provisions for a 24-man crew, to hopefully cover the boundaries with the pseudodragons. Kane quoted them *500 gold,* but when Quincy explained that was too far out of their price range, even when Alaerith offered his remaining *150 gold* winnings from Yashani’s bare knuckle boxing match along with Quincy's *60 gold* from their savings, instead offered provisions for an 18-man crew for *340 gold* which Quincy accepted, RX handed over the gold as Kane explained they could pick it up tomorrow if they brought their ship around and that he had made them a file for the warehouse to make it quicker in the future.

Quincy gave their thank yous before they asked about Zofia, noting she was a friend of their father, and if she still worked at *Port Harbor House*. Kane said she did, though she had taken a break recently and would likely be at home over the next week or so in *Green Park*. Quincy attempted to lead them out of the room, but RX quickly asked what the party might expect in *Vayilcor*. Kane said they were more streamlined there, but added it had been some time since he has gone to *Vayilcor* himself and RX said that was unfortunate and noted that he had tried to get there for some time as well. Kane asked why RX wanted to know and when RX said he believed he was made there Kane agreed that RX could only have come from *Vayilcor* or *Gravenfall,* but added that he didn't look like the bronze works that came from the *Gileshian* city and none of them were sentient. Quincy asked if Kane knew of anyone who might know more about *Vayilcor* and Kane said there was a person who lived beyond the walls of *Krak,* in a house entirely made of metal, with a massive smoke stack that burned purple smoke. He added that he did not know their name or much else about them, but knew they came from *Vayilcor* and RX thanked him for the information. Kane added it would be terrible not to know who you were or where you came from and RX agreed and noted he had been dealing with the dilemma for a month. Kane commented the length of his dilemma was sad and asked him to not get himself hurt and Alaerith silently noted Kane's kindness to a construct was likely for a different reason. Quincy and RX began to leave and Alaerith stayed briefly, quietly thanked Kane, noting that RX really needed that, and Kane replied that he knew the person in the house would be able to help him. The trio then decided to make their way back to the ship.

Meanwhile, Bo and Yashani stood over rooster Sterling, who had taken to puffing his chest and spreading his wings at anything that moved. Yashani wondered what would happen if they kicked him a little and Bo warned that as weak as Sterling was as a human, he was probably far weaker as a rooster. Yashani said if she knew Sterling he would call it an experiment and she was willing to participate, clarifiing not because she liked kicking roosters, but because this rooster was Sterling and Bo had no idea how badly she has wanted to ring his neck. Bo said if she would like to kick Sterling he would wait to track him if he ran. Yashani looked down at the rooster, gave a solid kick, though not nearly as hard of a kick as she typically would, and Sterling soon reappeared, in a puff of rooster feathers, and skidded across the ground about a foot as the rooster’s hitpoints were exceeded and the excess force carried over. Yashani activated *Hand of Healing* to heal Sterling while he exclaimed that that he could feel his ribs crack and puncture his little lungs just before he returned to his human body. Sterling muttered that it was the calmest his mind had ever been and noted the ring had lost it’s glimmer as the spell had been expended, while Bo tried to get Sterling to lead him to Alixndir’s house. Sterling commented that he now knew that he wouldn't die if the rooster died before asking Yashani why she had to kick him and Yashani explained that she was conducting an experiment. Sterling asked if they took notes and Yashani explained the hypothesis was kicking the rooster would turn him back to Sterling and that it was clearly a success. Tollanessa told Sterling that she recorded everything from the experience, that it was wonderful, recalled being uncaring of everything, asked if they could do it more and Sterling agreed they would conduct more research on it.

Sterling said they should head for Alixndir’s house, led them pass by the *Port Harbor House* on their way to *Green Park* from *Montie's Finds* in *Windway,* and spotted the other trio along the way. As they approached, Sterling coughed up feathers and explained he put on the ring expecting the transformation would be something he could activate later on, but instantly found he was just small and very angry. Quincy asked if he just looked like a rooster or a Sterling rooster and Yashani happily informed them he looked like a Sterling rooster. Sterling wondered if Yashani would become a green rooster, or Bo a transparent rooster and Yashani and Bo both refused to find out. RX asked if they would all be heading together to Alixndir’s home and Bo noted they were free to come if they wanted. Yashani assured those who hesitated to respond that Sterling couldn't turn into a rooster again today, which Quincy was disappointed by, though was told they could try again tomorrow. Quincy asked if the transformation didn't last very long as they were only gone for a little while and Sterling explained he was kicked by Yashani. Yashani claimed it was for research and while RX took that answer at face value and Alaerith bought into the half-truth, Quincy connected what really happened and laughed. Alaerith commented that animals minds were hard to get over when you became one and while Sterling noted a large gorilla was more useful then a rooster, did add there were possible uses of being a rooster.

As RX tried to herd the group in the direction of *Green Park,* Alaerith told the others they managed to buy some of the provisions they would need for the ship. Quincy explained the cost and that were now almost entirely broke and Bo replied that he had quite a bit of money, to the party's surprise, and shows a hefty sack of coins attached at his side beside his scabbard. Quincy wondered how he managed to get so much money if he had only been conscious in his memory for a few years and Bo explained he was very good at killing things and did a lot of that work in *Eveed*. Sterling said there had to be things around *Krak* they could be hired to kill and Bo replied they could discuss that later as wanted to get to Alixndir’s soon. The party all agreed to accompany him, while Sterling had RX’s help to talk accounting and looked over their new guild paperwork as they walked.

They took 10 minutes to arrive at Alixndir Kelingd’s house, a tudor style mansion, painted a very dark shade of purple, with black trim and a nice wrought iron fence. The group walked to the door and discussed what their plan was when the door opened and a shorter female Elf with a bright blond pixie cut, and heterochromia, making her eyes a mismatched blue and green, much like Alaerith’s though considerably less bright than his, wearing a dark purple robe much like the same color as her home appeared. Alixndir greeted Sterling with some measure of frustration before asking why Sterling was here and Sterling explained his friend Bo grew up in *Krak,* but now had amnesia and was curious about Ostence Bronte. Alixndir recalled that his house blew up several years ago before she ushered everyone inside, as she was cooking a stew and did not want to leave it to burn, and led them into a finely furnished home. The party saw a large painting of Alixndir, her wife and their three adopted children, a Half-Orc, a Tiefling and a Human, and the spacious kitchen built in black marble, with a large pot over the stove that bubbled and smelled like hickory and creamed mushrooms.

Alixndir asked Sterling to get to the point and when Sterling promptly asked Bo if he would like to speak Bo stepped forward. Alixndir asked why she could see through Bo but he told her it was a long story that was is not entirely aware of and suggested she just try to ignore it. Bo explains what Sterling said wasn’t altogether true, as he was unsure if he grew up in *Krak,* but did have amnesia and had recently had dreams of Ostence Bronte. Bo added that Sterling said his house exploded, that Alixndir worked with him and might know more and would be the best person to talk to and Alixndir said his house did indeed explode five years ago, but no one had asked very many questions since. Bo said it appeared he was approaching a dead end and was trying to see how he was connected to this man. He then asked asked if Ostence had ever been to the *Maltrop Strip* or more specifically *Eveed*. Alixndir recalled Ostence took trips to the *Maltrop* *Strip* often, that he wanted to see the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* and study why the magic was so strange there. She said that Ostence delved into books from Montie, learned some Chronomancy and Graviturgy, and between that and his obsession with the lighthouse, it was assumed his prodding at strange magic was what caused the explosion at his house. When Bo questioned it Alixndir commented it wasn't public knowledge before she said she took Ostence's position on the council, as she was his right hand, that he used to boast about what he magically messed with, that he picked up scrolls from Montie six years ago, spoke how there were things he didn't understand fully, that he became obsessed with it and one day his house exploded.

Sterling asked about the lighthouse Alixndir had mentioned and Alixndir explained the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* could be seen from the ocean in the *Maltrop Strip,* but was impossible to get to by sea as the cliffside was far too tall and treacherous, and the way by foot was not something anyone has come back from. Alixndir warned the area’s connection to the Æther was not stable there either, so teleporting there was impossible, and said the lighthouse was perplexing since no one could seem to get there, and that the light still shined even after hundreds, or possibly a thousand years. Bo asked if there was anyone else in *Krak* that he could talk to, such as any surviving family members, and Alixndir said Ostence lived alone, though she did have some of his old diaries and offered them to him. She warned that as the diaries went on they become incomprehensible, but Bo was still happy to take them if she was offering. Alixndir said she would get them from her office and offered stew to anyone who wanted some before she left the kitchen to head upstairs.

Bo asked Quincy if it would be too far out of the way to stop in *Eveed* on their way to *Vayilcor* and Quincy said they would need to go around the *Maltrop Strip* to head north, citing *Eveed* was fairly inland from the coast. Sterling wondered if *Eveed* might have a canal or anything they could travel, but Quincy told him *Eveed* is was small encampment and instead would need to dock along the shore and travel by foot, which Bo could lead them on. Bo said that it was alright if it was something they had to circle back to, but would like to at least try to investigate the lighthouse and say hello to those he left in *Eveed*. Quincy said the party had done a lot more for a lot less and they might also have reason to visit *Eveed,* but it could all be discussed in depth later. Sterling noted that he was interested in the lighthouse before he asked Bo if he thought the explosion at Ostence’s house might have caused Bo’s amnesia, but Bo didn't know and said it might be a precursor to his situation. Sterling thought he may to speak with to see Tollanessa and how she would fare in a place that made a mess of magic, considering magic was what kept her alive, but said it would be a wonderful research opportunity to visit the *Maltrop Strip* and possibly the lighthouse. Bo said trying to get to the lighthouse was off limits to the people living in *Eveed* because it was so dangerous, but Bo’s magic was particularly built for that area so it could be worth looking into.

On the topic of magic, Quincy pointed out the mention of what they assumed were two schools of magic, though Alaerith had not mentioned Chronomancy or Graviturgy to them. Alaerith commented they were not part of the major schools, but he had heard of magic revolving around time and gravity. Bo said, while he hadn't heard of Graviturgy, he was taught by Sync and Tank about Chronomancy, since he woke up with some magical ability that he had no idea how to use at the time, Alaerith connected the type of magic with Bo’s ability to teleport out of the way of danger like he did in the fight with Baron Vintorvas. Alaerith’s form flickered as he commented that is his ability sounded useful and Quincy pointed it out, but said they would put a pin in that conversation for later as they were in someone else’s home. Alaerith pushed his confusion on their topic aside and asked Bo who exactly this Ostence Bronte was, as he was not present for the explanation, and Bo gave the same recap he gave Alixndir as they heard shuffling and some thuds from above.

A moment later, Alixndir came back to the kitchen with 12 leather bound books, looking to be about 300 pages a piece, and placed them on the center island of the kitchen. Sterling reached out, though Bo smacked him away from touching, and insisting this was what he did best cast *Detect Magic* and the books did not come up as magical, though Alixndir’s spatula did and read as Evocation magic. Alixndir asked if she could help with anything else and as Sterling activated *Ob’s Charm* Quincy stepped forward to take a bowl of stew and asked about the recipe to distract from the party being oddly silent. Sterling asked over *Ob's Charm* if she was one of the people who voted against his mother’s attempt to usurp the Baron and if there is was anything the group wanted to do about that right now, while Bo began to skim through the first labelled journal. Yashani was confused as to what he meant, noting that not wanting to stage a coup against a rich and powerful man did not make this woman a bad person and Bo agreed, citing that even Sterling’s mother understood not standing against the Baron was a politically good move, even if it did not stand up morally. Sterling waved off the morality of it, reminded them that one of their highest political leaders also owned the most notorious brothel, and wondered if they wanted to ask Alixndir about her decision. Meanwhile, Quincy told Alixndir that Yashani was a wonderful cook and might appreciate the recipe and though Alixndir called the recipe simple, wrote it down for them. Alixndir asked again if there was anything else she could do and shooed them out of her house when Sterling said that was all they needed. As RX helped Bo carry the journals Alixndir told Sterling the next time he intended to visit she would like some warning ahead of time and when he agreed shut the door behind them.

As the group began to make their way to the ship Quincy handed off the soup recipe to Yashani. RX asked if they had any other errands to run and Sterling reminded them they still needed to figure out their money situation. Quincy remembered that the paperwork described them as a mercenary guild which should get them some work within the city, which Bo agreed could work, but reminded them *Eveed* was full of things in need of being hunted. Quincy told Bo he may need to sponsor the second leg of their journey if that was the plan, since at the moment the party should be able to make it to the *Maltrop* S*trip* but were low on funds. Bo asked how much more they would need to get the supplies to get all the way to *Vayilcor* and RX calculated they need another *300 gold*. Bo pulled out as much from his coin purse, handed it to Quincy who hurriedly handed it to RX to put in the *Bag of Holding* and asked Bo to never do that to them again as they marvelled at so much coin. The party headed to *Port Harbor House* to add the money to their total for their entire set of provisions discussed by Kane. On the way back to the ship they discussed the possibility of picking up work on their way to *Eveed* a shipment of some sort, and while Quincy knew their cargo hold was too small for much in the way of cargo, they might have an idea. With that, the party headed back to the ship to wait for nightfall.

### **Break!**

Changes on the way with how we run things so no ads for break!

### **Part Two**

Day turned to night as the two suns dropped behind the walls of *Krak* and the party made their way to *Moon Alley,* known to be the location of the less savory business ventures in the city. Bo wondered if they had a plan and RX pointed out that they were not sure if Jask remembered them. Bo suggested Sterling might take the lead as the only one Jask would know regularly outside of the events of *Nij’a,* but Yashani wondered how hard it would be to figure out if they met the real Jask, considering they could say to anyone in the brothel they heard Jask was away and they might reply that’s crazy since he never left. Sterling said they could just talk to Jask, going so far as to suggest mentioning their overthrowing of the Baron, but both Yashani and Quincy shot down the idea swiftly. They soon found themselves at the front doors of *Desires*, a three story Victorian style home, painted a deep crimson with black trim, quiet from the outside and almost unassuming to look at. Quincy said they didn't think Sterling should go alone, but knew going altogether might draw undue attention. RX offered to go with Sterling, citing his interest if Jask remembered him, and Yashani said she did not believe she belonged in a brothel. Quincy noticed Alaerith’s hesitance as the front door opened and a half-elf man stepped out, bringing a wave of heavily scented air with him. RX took this as an opening and beckoned Sterling to follow him while Bo agreed to stay with Alaerith and Yashani. Quincy followed after Sterling and RX while the trio outside headed to a nearby alleyway, where they could remain unseen, while maintaining the distance to contact with *Ob’s Charm*.

As they stepped into *Desires* they saw the ebony flooring and dark crimson curtains that lined the walls, which reminded Quincy of the Baron’s private office, and as they walked down the front hallway they were soon greeted by a water genasi woman, with long silvery hair kept up in several braids contained in a ponytail and wearing a sheer silver dress. As she asked how she could help, Quincy stepped up to slip an arm into Sterling's and Sterling stumbles over his words before he gently elbowed Quincy and cast *Enhance Ability : Eagle’s Splendor.* Quincy quickly covered and asked to see Mr. Helcrow and Sterling said that he hoped to discuss business with ideas for new attractions to the brothel before he looked to RX and mouthed ‘I’m sorry. The woman directed them to the lounge, said she would go check with Mr. Helcrow and opened a curtain to reveal a room with several chaise lounges and a fireplace, as well as a number of people of all races and genders that she told them were willing to entertain them while they waited. RX looked around and found people in all manner of dress, and lack there of, as well as an assortment of leather harnesses and other such things that lend to *Desires* “fetish” repertoire.

Quincy activated *Ob's Charm* to tell Sterling he needed to chill out and, as the trio outside were within range to hear as well, Bo added that Sterling would be alright. Sterling asked how he was supposed to do that when a man nearby has nipple zippers. RX asked what exactly Sterling has signed him up for and Sterling admitted he didn't entirely know. RX tried to press for more answers but Quincy interrupted to ask if Sterling would prefer if they took the lead from here, which Sterling agreed to. The water genasi woman returned, said that Mr. Helcrow was interested to hear from them, then turned around to lead them back into the hallway and to a set of stairs. As they went to leave the room, Sterling felt a hand along his backside grab at him and he jolted a bit as they moved. Quincy, connecting the dots to Sterling’s jumpiness, turned to look at the man who still had a hand outstretched and winked as they wrapped an arm possessively around Sterling’s waist to hopefully ward off any more wandering hands. Sterling thanked them as the three were lead up to the third floor, to a main door that was opened and revealed a warm, wealthy office and found the familiar face of Jask Helcrow, sitting behind a large oak desk. Jask said it was interesting to see Sterling back and asked if Sterling wasn't supposed to be gone for longer. Sterling, though confused, said he thought he might herald his arrival back into the city with a visit, then introduced Quincy and said they had questions. Quincy asked Jask where Sterling had snuck off too, claiming Sterling had been secretive about it, but Jask seems frustrated trying to answer. Quincy asked if anything was wrong and when Jask said his mind was blank hurriedly assured him they were only joking and they didn't have to think about it.

As Jask held his forehead, Sterling asked if he was alright and Jask admitted his memory had been off recently, but thought his age might be getting to him. Sterling activated *Ob's Charm* to ask if, considering this odd memory issue, it would be bad to ask Jask about what happened with the Baron. Quincy replied it might be dangerous, attempted to call for Bo, but found no reply as they were out of range from the third floor. Sterling cast *Sending* to ask Bo to find a way upstairs for his magic dispelling abilities and Bo agreed to come inside. Bo let Yashani and Alaerith know and the two opted to remain outside and wait. Bo commented he would not like to be the person who tried to grab at Yashani, who agreed and replied that no one would be able to grab Bo, before he made his way inside. Back in Jask’s office, Sterling attempted to talk about ‘sour news’, but Quincy cut him off to say they would talk business first and explained they had an associate on his way upstairs to help with a demonstration. Sterling, catching on to the charade, leaned forward, placed his hand on Jask’s from the opposite side of the desk, activated *Metamagic :* *Subtle Spell*, along with *Awakened Spellbook* to ritual cast *Identify* on him in an instant and learned he was under very a high level *Modify Memory* to alter his memory of the last week. Sterling activated *Ob's Charm* and told those in range, now including Bo, of his finding and Bo said he may be able to help. Quincy noted the magic required to lift the curse was not available to them and they may have to outsource. The group agreed they wouldd need to be able to play off whatever they did in case Bo couldn't fix it and Quincy told Bo he would need to find a subtle reason to touch Jask.

Jask said he did not think Sterling would be interested in *Desires* considering his family’s standing within the PTC and Sterling stumbled in his words before saying Quincy could go on about it for ages. Jask agreed he had been in a situation, where one person had the desires and the other was more of a business mind. Quincy then asked about *Desires* and how Jask had managed it, considering its issues in the past, and Jask began to speak to that before a knock came to the door and Bo was let into the office by the same water genasi woman. Bo stood stiffly at the door, looked to the others before he told Jask he had a fetish for brains and asked to touch Jask’s. Jask looked concerned as Quincy attempted to cover by saying Bo was their “third” and simply shy. Jask went on to say he was going to ask his assistant if Bo was a big spender and simply joking before he invited Bo to sit and called his joke very humorous. Quincy activated *Ob's Charm* to ask Bo to find a reason to touch Jask without scaring him and when Bo said they only had a way to do it that would definitely scare him Sterling warned Jask has powerful fire powers. Jask started to ask why the three were touching their ears when RX interrupted to ask if Jask did not remember him. Jacks said he believed he would remember if he had met someone like RX before as “someone from his home”. RX pressed on, but Jask began to rub his head and Quincy activated *Ob's Charm* to warn they might break him if they weren’t careful. Bo took this as his moment, activated *Translucence* to become temporarily invisible, moved behind Jask and grabbing his head as he activated *Anti-Magic Strike*. At that moment, as Jask had been recalling RX and coincided with the pulse of Bo’s *Anti-Magic Strike,* Jask looked up to the group as he remembered and asked if they weren’t somewhere else before he clutched his head and screamed in pain. Everyone in the room froze as Jask eventually looked up, rubs at his head and apologized as he had a migraine. Quincy quickly assured him it was alright and offered to talk business another time when he felt better. Quincy, Sterling and RX stand and began to move out as Jask offered anything to them on the house as they headed out. RX stopped at the door to the office for a moment, said he hoped Jask felt better and muttered to himself as he said he really wanted that job.

The group left, with Bo passing through the walls, down the stairs and out the front of the building and when outside Sterling gave a summary of events to Yashani and Alaerith. RX asked if they knew anyone who could remove the curse and Sterling recalled a church in *Krak*, a temple to the Rakhind Forefathers, specifically Denok, of the *Rartu Badlands*, and a particular priest named Belknock, near the Skorian Empire Ministry near the docks. Bo wondered if the cleric's help would cost them, but Sterling said he wouldn't and that if they brought Jask to him he would helpe him or possibly brought Belknock to *Desires* to do the same. Sterling questioned if it would be harder to bring a priest to a brothel or a brothel owner to a church. Bo thought getting the priest to *Desires* was easier but Yashani pointed out that if memory loss caused him pain, people would go where they were told they could find relief, citing her own experiences as a healer. Yashani said Sterling might be able to go back up to Jask, suggest he see a healer for the pain and offer to take him to the church for help. Sterling agreed, but said it might be safer to have Jask healed in his own office so they could do damage control in case they needed to do damage control once Jask had his memories again. RX said someone in need could be what a cleric found *desirable*, making Quincy and Bo wonder if RX tried to tell a joke, but both were disappointed when it appeared RX was unaware of what he was doing yet again.

The party followed Sterling out of *Moon Alley,* to *Windy Way* as they continued to talk. Sterling wondered if they should just walk in and tell the priest Jask was cursed or if they would need proof and offered that he could show Belknock a memory strand of Sterling’s cast of *Identify*. Yashani offered something less flamboyant and they could simply tell the priest that Jask no longer remembered things they all experienced. At that point they arrived at a large yellow stone building, rectangular and simple, and when they stepped inside through the double doors, found much of the same, with basic wooden pews and small alcoves with plain glass windows. At the front they saw an alter where a half-orc man, with dark hair that went down to his mid-back and started to gray near the scalp and thick and furrowed eyebrows, sitting on the floor reading. He turned to face them asked if he could help them and Sterling was pushed forward and said hello to Belknock before telling him one of their friends, and a leader in the PTC, had been cursed which affected his memory believed the priest was the only one able to help. The man asked who and when Sterling replied Jask Helcrow stood , standing as tall as Yashani with even broader shoulders, revealing the dark brown robes with simple dark blue embroidery he wore and said he had to get his things. Belknock excused himself to collect his things, grabbed a satchel and a staff that was shaped like a snake wrapping around a tree, topped with a glass orb filled with floating green gems, and asked to be directed to Mr. Helcrow. Quincy asked if he was really coming before they apologized citing things never seemed to go this easily for them and Belknock explained that Mr. Helcrow was the reason the Rahkind Forefathers could exist in the *Puhan Trading Company* and had done them all a service.

As they walked back to *Desires* together, Quincy asked how exactly Jask helped them and Belknock explained Mr. Helcrow came from *Vayilcor,* where the people are far more accepting of magic and various religions, unlike the Skorian Empire who pushed Belknock’s religion to the *Badlands* when they brought about the Aj’Snaga Pantheon. He added that when Jask came to the PTC and became powerful, he brought the Forefathers with him as he was a believer in them as well, and now they were allowed to have a temple and worship within the PTC. Belknock noted that now Jask owned a brothel and when Yashani wondered if that was a new development Belknock said he was only making a statement. Sterling said he liked the decor of the temple better, with Bo teasing him as a kiss ass even as Quincy told him not to be mean, and Belknock said he believed in an aspect of simplicity to his belief. When Belknock arrived at the front of *Desires* he entered without hesitation, with most of the party following quickly behind him, in the wide berth the patrons gave the priest. Yashani stayed behind as Alaerith hesitated at the doors and the two remained there, while the others headed upstairs.

Belknock entered Mr. Helcrows office without warning and was met with a confused, but mostly unconcerned Jask, as they greeted each other, before Jask noticed the party behind. Belknock told Jask the group told him had been cursed and when Jask asked what indicated that, Sterling asked Jask if he remembered the last few days. Jask said he was working but when Quincy tried to press for details Jask clutched his head in pain. As the party spoke, Belknock pulled various components out of his bag, sprinkled some of them over his staff before he cut in to apologize, told Jask that this would be uncomfortable. Without waiting for a response Belknock smacked the end of his staff against Jask’s forehead causing a ring of red energy to appear around Jask’s head, which shattered and dissolved, threw him from his seat behind his desk and onto the floor where he lied unconscious. The party asked if Jask would be alright and Belknock assured them he would be, but he had just unbroke his mind and would need a moment before being woken up. Quincy asked Belknock and Sterling as magic users if whoever cast the spell would know it was broken, but Belknock believed it was more like a seed sown and left behind and the caster may be none the wiser. The party thanked Belknock for his help and as Sterling hoped they might meet again under less unfortunate circumstances Belknock assured him that was what he was there for before he left.

As Belknock left, RX helped sit Jask against a wall and Sterling joined him, cast *Identify* on Jask and found the curse was truly broken. Quincy went over to check his head and activated *Life Drain* using her Ruined Moon mark to help heal him, which caught Sterling's attention as Jask’s head wound healed as he felt the Necromantic magic. Jask quickly jolted awake, asked why they are in his office and Sterling asked if he remembered the members behind him. RX asked if Jask remembered him and Jask said he did and asked if he came for a job before he asked for a moment as his memories came back in swathes he had to reckon with. Jask exclaimed concern of Sterling’s mother and Sterling assured him he knew about her being trapped in sapphire. Jask said that the satyr was the one who trapped her in the sapphire and gave it to a half-drow woman. Sterling identified the woman was Esmeria, which left Bo confused by the name, and Quincy assured him they would catch him up on the boat before Jask continued that Morgana encased Ob in a ball before he disappeared. Jask also recalled Bolton was sent away and that he was almost like an afterthought for them as he was knocked out and apparently sent back home. Quincy hesitantly congratulated him on being alive and Bo reminded them it sounds like a majority of their friends were too and they just had to find them.

Jask said he had no idea how to explain Lysandra being missing other than saying she was on an extended trip to the Skorian Empire and said they might be able to pull that lie off for a few months if they say she was headed to *Krapjess* for a new boat. Sterling mentioned the party had acquired a galleon, and they he can say he and his mother returned to the city and left on that ship for a personal trip, which would also explain Sterling’s return to the city, then suddenly departed and buy them even more time. Sterling said they need to stop by and inform his father about it, but Jask said he was out on business for his last trip to say farewell to the PTC security forces, he had long commanded, before he retired and was in the Skorian Empire. Sterling noted that they may want to leave and Quincy asked if Jask remembered anything else how Ob disappeared, considering they at least would have a better time finding the sapphire knowing who it was with. Jask admitted there was a lot happening, but remembered Morgana said Ob would have to return to his original burial spot, which only confused Quincy and the others did not know Ob had died. Quincy asked Sterling if that was magic he recognized and Tollanessa came into the corner of Sterling’s eye, said she might be able to explain back in the boat.

Sterling turned to Jask, said it was best to consider this never happened and suggested not drawing attention to his restored memory. Jask agreed, though he was surprised he was left alive, and Sterling pointed out two council members disappearing would be too noticeable, especially after the vote against Vintorvas and his disappearance. Quincy warned Jask to be careful as it wouldn’t surprise them if the Order of Ruin had further plans for Jask and Jask assured them he would have Montie come back to give him added security. Sterling suggested Jask might ask Montie about investing in a thought strand, as it might be safer if he had no memory of certain things. Jask agreed that might be a good idea and asked the party to say thank you to “Hygmire”, clarifying Belknock Hygmire when they questioned the name. As Bo, Sterling and RX jovially chatted with Jask about how hard Belknock hit, Quincy began to hyperventilate as the memories of Esmeria killing them in the streets of *Quarry Hold* filled their mind and ran from his office and the others quickly headed after her.

Quincy headed out of the brothel and onto the street, gasping for breath, in sight of Alaerith and Yashani, and Yashani held her by her shoulders and tried to calm them down outside. When Bo, Sterling and RX made it outside to join them, Yashani asked what Quincy heard and RX said they needed to talk on the boat. Yashani asked why there and Bo assumed it was because of prying ears and from what he was aware there were things he needed to be told. Quincy shakily asked to go back to the boat and Alaerith offered his left hand to hold as the party returned back to the docks. Back on the boat, Alaerith said they saw the priest leave, that it looked liked it went well and asked what happened and Quincy said his last name was Hygmire, which Yashani connected to Kalistock's last name. At this point, seeing Bo look on in confusion, RX turned to Bo and gave a summary of the party’s tales involving the Order of Ruin. After the recap, Yashani wondered if they should talk with Belknock, but Bo pointed out Kalistock burnt down a city and it would be strange to talk to his potential father or sibling. Alaerith asked Yashani to turn Quincy away, and after Yashani relented, Alaerith turned to RX, cast *Disguise Self* to take Kalistock's form. The party agreed that their eyebrows looked similar and their age seemed close so a brother or cousin was likely. Sterling pointed out from what they had heard of the other Order members, this could be a brother or a great, great grandson and Bo agreed it sounded like the members could be deceptively old. Alaerith dropped *Disguise Self* as Quincy reminded them that Ilvwinter and Espex, the Vicar in *Krapjess*, were raised like siblings. Bo wondered if this was something they wanted to talk to Belknock about and Yashani recalled Espex was surprised, but grateful to hear Jonathan was alive, and while it may not be an easy conversation with Belknock, it could be helpful.

Sterling halted the conversation to point out that that made three people within the Order of Ruin with connections to churches. Bo said it was a good connection to notice but while Yashani did agree there was a pattern, she did not like the implication all churches were corrupted. Bo said no, but did offer that Minnie was a priestess in a temple, explaining that she was the guide that he and Gal had met, whose corpse was taken by Lunala. The party heard a whistle from down the hallway as Charles came in to lean in the doorway and reminded the group that the majority of people with magic within the Skorian Empire were recruited into the Aj’Snaga Holy Enclave. Quincy commented they were recruited or sent out of the empire and when Charles replied he just figured to fill in the gaps Yashani and Bo noted that Charles seemed to be lying about casually wanting to help. As he went to leave the room Bo asked why Charles was butting into their conversation and Charles said he could hear them down the hall. The party lamented that they should have been using *Ob’s Charm* for the entire conversation as Charles returned to the room, asked if they wanted to know why, and on a yes explained he didn't want anyone to suffer anymore, asked if they knew what it was like to be hunted by the Holy Enclave to be used and why he was there. Bo said this, as well as the connection they had already made, might be good to use in warning off any future interactions they had with churches, seeing as how even if they were not directly connected to the Order of Ruin, they might be a target. Yashani said that might cause needless panic, as there were far more churches than Order members, and she felt talking to Belknock was worth it, seeing as how from what they learned from Ob, Kalistock had no direct relation to Ilvwinter and Esmeria.

A loud sound of an apple being eaten was heard from the doorway where Charles still leaned in the doorway. As Bo told him to leave as Quincy stared at Charles, pressed a finger to *Ob’s Charm* as Yashani continued to talk through her's as well that it may be worth the potential risk as they knew the least about Kalistock. Charles whistled a discordant tune and Quincy resisted as they felt a magic press on their mind that caused a small headache and not hesitating grabbed *Panache*. Bo told Charles to be quiet as Sterling recognized the magic and failed to cast *Hold Person* who resisted. Quincy asked Charles if he tried to cast magic on them as Bo pulled out *Passus* and in one swift motion Charles pulled out a metal longbow that glowed faintly. He repeated that they talked loudly, that if they didn’t want people to hear they should be more careful, that they could use his help, but if they wanted to be smart about it he didn't have to. Alaerith asked what was happening and Quincy told him Charles used magic against them and was now trying to play nice. Bo didn't think he was making nice by pulling out a bow and Charles retorted that he pulled out his sword. RX stood in the middle and was joined by Alaerith as he attempted to calm everyone down. Luntz wandered through the lot of them and commented Charles was a bit of a hot head as he continued on and into another room.

RX used the moment of silent confusion to ask everyone put down their weapons. Yashani said to not draw weapons on crew members and Bo added not to cast spells on them either. Charles complained Quincy was staring at him like a smart ass, but Yashani continued that if he wanted to be a part of the conversation, he could simply ask. Charles eventually released the bow string, causing a a small musical note to chime that bolstered everyone with healing magic. Quincy told him that he gained brownie points for dealing with Flamecannon’s “bullshittery”, but was losing them quickly, though Charles pointed out it was hard to deal with without going a little crazy.

Bo asked again for an explanation and Charles reintroduced himself with a bow, tacked on that he was once a member of the Aj’Snaga Holy Enclave and that the people they had been talking about he had seen die. Yashani pointed out he could have lead with that and Charles complained that they talk loudly. He continued with his frustration of being asked by Leslie to come down for seemingly nothing and Sterling, frustrated, lashed out before insisting they would speak on *Ob's Charm* from now on. RX interrupted that it did not seem they would be getting anywhere tonight and suggested they go to bed. Quincy asked if RX was sending them to their rooms and when RX agreed and prepared to argue Quincy and Bo said they would follow directions, but just found it odd. Sterling asked if he and Bo might go over Ostence’s diaries together, but Bo said he would let Sterling know if he found anything interesting and headed down to the brig. Quincy followed Bo out of the room, first stopping beside Charles to give him a small nod of respect and Charles apologized for the magic. Charles tacked on that Quincy had a stare that could kill a horse and Quincy gleefully said Kylan taught them well before they headed off to bed. Charles asked the rest if he could leave and RX encouraged him to go and Charles was gone a moment later. Luntz returns and said he told them Charles was a hot head before he quickly left as well, followed by RX who left to his quarters. Sterling noted they had reason to remain in *Krak* for a while and Alaerith commented that RX also had reason, but could discuss that later on. Sterling asked if there was another means for them to make money, that he might do some accounting for the night and Yashani reasoned they should talk more on that in the morning and all split off to their rooms. Once in his, Alaerith took his shirt and coat off, cast *Mending* on them till they were repaired and put them back afterwards, while Bo fed Nubbi and read Ostence's diaries in the brig before he fell asleep.

1. ↑ -

Zach was having a mild allergic reaction while streaming and decided to use it as a character moment. Don't worry, he is alright!
2. ↑ The crew pins he had given each party member in *Quarry Hold* in "The Spider Dragon"
3. ↑ Ring of Rooster
4. ↑ Quincy having learned from Flamecannon and sharing with the party that Tabernacle's daughter Abigail was sent to *Eveed* to escape the Skorian Empire's persecution of magic users
5. ↑ Using *Encode Thoughts*