At Unexpected Corners

**At Unexpected Corners** is the fifty first episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The party mourns the lost of a friend and discover new places through the doors of the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse*.

## At Unexpected Corners

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* Ian has been working hard on a brand new mini-series. Lighthearted and jam packed with all your favorite mini-series characters, the first episode of the *Well Versed* is premiering this Friday! Prepare yourself for seven weekly episodes of action and comedy!

### **Part One**

As Bo’s corporeal form faded from view entirely Seren finished casting *Revivify* on Nubbi and when her revived body began to breathe again Seren placed her unconscious body in his satchel like a small cradle. Seren then stood up, turned to the others noted that there was another one lost and would miss him, even if he did not know him well. Quincy, having helped Kaz up with a supportive shoulder, asked if there was anything left of Bo and Sterling revealed some of his worldly possessions remained but his body was gone, likely to whatever strange place he already had one foot in while he was alive. Sterling, very exhausted, said they should rest and as some of the party regrouped in the hag’s lair laid out Bo’s items, then ritually cast *Tiny Hut* causing the dome to form and push away the two remaining hags’ bodies.

Quincy asked if anyone could help take Esmeria’s body to the furnace and RX attempted to stand, but as his body nearly collapsed in his attempt from the damage and exhaustion, Quincy told him to rest. Kaz offered to do so stead and the pair begin to drag Esmeria out. Meanwhile, Seren went around the group to heal those he could and cast *Cure Wounds* on RX, then on Kaz and offered a *Goodberry*. Seren, while holding his nose, pointed out that he hadn't met the sand worm and Kaz apologized for his smell before introducing him as Boris and that she sent him away the last time she was with the group. Seren gave his hope he would get used to the smell and Kaz noted, far as she knew, Quincy claimed they hadn't been able to smell him for a while. As Seren started to move away from the smell Sterling, still in the middle of his cast, called for his aid and Seren cast *Cure Wounds* on him as well.

Seren made his way to Yashani and noticed she was still holding tightly to Alaerith unsuccessfully trying to calm him down from his state as the lightning continued to flare off his body and his roars, though slightly quietened down, still continued. Seren asked if he could help and Yashani asked if he had anything to help him rest. Seeing Alaerith was unresponsive to words Seren suggested they sit and after a moment of struggle Yashani held Alaerith on to her lap. Yashani told Seren that Alaerith was not well, that she failed him and had promised that this wouldn't happen. Seren said he did not know what was happening and when Yashani told him to look in his eyes noticed the slit shape of both eyes. Seren told Alaerith he wished to help, that he couldn't do so if he fought him and asked him to relax as he activated *Metamagic : Subtle Spell* to cast *Calm Emotions* on both of them and while Yashani allowed the magic to relieve any painful emotions without a fight Alaerith failed to resist the magic as his eyes turned back, the lightning stopped flaring off him and the roars came to a stop.

When Alaerith was more himself, Seren asked was with him and what ailed him, but Alaerith, confused by the question, replied that he didn't know and that he saw lost it when he saw Bo go down. Alaerith noticed his placement on Yashani's lap and the scorch marks on Yashani’s coat from his lightning before his eyes widened and pulled away from her grasp without a fight from Yashani. Alaerith quietly apologized to her, stood up and when Seren requested for him to stay and to let him help him insisted he was fine and needed to check something before he walked away. Seren replied as he wished while Yashani kept her eye on Alaerith as he went. Seren got her attention again, told her that he was unsure what she meant that she failed him before backtracking a bit to ask if she knew what was going on. Yashani said she didn't know, but said there was something in Alaerith that was not him, at least she didn't think it was. that she saw it before when they fought the Reaper and recognized as it was something like herself. Seren asked what she meant and Yashani revealed something was also inside her as well, something she thought and was led to believe was a monster, that she had recently learned was not true for her, but didn't know if it was the same case with Alaerith that had a beast ready to take over at any time. She added that Alaerith was gentle and kind, that whatever this was was not, that it seemed to show up when his emotions were heightened, was distressed or threatened like an animal and that she didn't know how to help him. Seren took this in, told her playing the age card was something he didn't often use, but that as someone older the only failure she could do would be to stop trying. Seren added that he wouldn't be around forever, that he didn't know what her fate was either, that a friend like herself stuck by those most in need and in the same way she confronted her inner turmoil, perhaps Alaerith needed someone to help him face his own. They grimly joked Alaerith would likely not find a visage of his mother in a coffin Seren told her to go to him to be present. Yashani said she didn't know if that was what he needed and Seren retorted that he didn't he did know what he needed before adding it was her call.

Seren asked if anyone else needed him and looked around at those remaining and seeing Sterling attempting to get his attention moved very slowly, compared to his speed in battle, asked what Sterling needed and Sterling asked him to step in his *Tiny Hut* as he couldn't leave it and had things to ask him. After coming inside Sterling noted that he knew not everyone would be looking to the next step, asked how Alaerith and Yashani were and when Seren said there was much to be seen but impossible to tell for now. Sterling commented as long as Alaerith was not a danger to himself or the others they could proceed, and noted Quincy had Kaz to help them and RX was RX as both saw him making and failing jolting attempts to screw bits of himself together. Seren asked if there was anything else and Sterling said he wished Seren to help determine what they should focus on as they attempt to rest, noting they killed a member of the Order of Ruin, lost a friend who was the reason they came to this place, found another book and there were also other Order of Ruin members wandering the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* with them. Seren nodded, said they should focus on leaving this place and Sterling agreed. Sterling added he could do some work on that before asking if they should look at the book or leave it and Seren suggested to leave that decision until the others could help make the choice in a sound mind. Sterling commented why the party spoke so highly of their time with Seren and Seren commented that he questioned that fact as he patted his shoulder and made his way to RX to help RX put himself back together.

Meanwhile, Kaz and Quincy dragged Esmeria’s body through the cold room, back to the room with the furnace. Quincy efficiently patted Esmeria down for anything valuable and found *300 gold* and an *odd dagger*. Kaz helped Quincy toss her body into the furnace before Quincy sat on the floor and watched the body burn, slowly but surely melting away. Kaz interrupted the quiet to note Quincy knew Esmeria, that there was a history and other adventures Kaz hadn’t heard about. Quincy said Kaz would have to forgive them for watering down their tales and Kaz replied that she thought they had before admitting they weren't the only one. Quincy doubted there was much to water down with how little she told them, hurriedly adding they didn't blame her, and Kaz explained it was a matter of safety and was easier to not get attached if you always moved. Quincy looked away from the furnace to Kaz, told them they were sorry and when Kaz asked for what said they wondered how much less sorrow would have found her if they had been more careful. Kaz said this had nothing to do with them, but Quincy countered that the fire did. Kaz wondered if Esmeria would have found her, even without the fire, and noted that she had been running a long time, though she didn’t always know from what, though she now wished it stayed that way.

Kaz then asked what Esmeria wanted from Quincy and the group, what she or they wanted from them and Quincy explained they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, that the Order of Ruin found them interesting and it damned them. Kaz pointed out Seren's statement that it wasn’t the first loss they sustained, that there were others she remembered, the "strange one" and Quincy’s "pretty boy" were not here and was sorry. Quincy admitted they didn’t expect to be so attached, that they had lost crew members they knew for years and yet losing these people hurt just as much and Kaz reiterated they loved Quincy’s story about *Krapjess* because it was about their family, wondered if Quincy had found a second here and that was why it hurts the way it did. Kaz suggested they be with their family while they mourn and Quincy replied Kaz was foolish if she believed she wasn’t someone Quincy considered, at the least, family and didn't believe her to be. Kaz said she didn't know what she believed since Quincy was the one who left, noting it wasn't even a proper goodbye. Quincy winced and commented, knowing it wasn't an excuse, but they were a coward and Kaz retorted they were brave and just not very direct. The two laughed as they remembered their date not too long ago before Kaz said, all things considered, she was glad to see them again. Quincy said they wouldn't leave again and Kaz warned them not to make promises they couldn't keep, but understood the sentiment and thanked them. Kaz restated they should be with their family before the two made their way back.

Back in the room, Sterling sat with his spellbook, a number of scrolls and seemingly endless loose paper on the floor around him, called on Tollanessa in the hopes the paper would help her with the interference they had fought against, and found she was more solid that she had been of late, though was still small in stature. Sterling asked if they could talk, lamenting their lack of time to converse lately and how he missed their talks, noted so much had happened that there had been little time for anything but survival and that one thing that had kept him moving, his motivation to find the greatest artifact he had ever encountered, to restore it hopefully restore a friend to her former glory and felt like he had done nothing but take several steps backwards and felt in over his head. Tollanessa agreed it wasn't out of context for him to feel like that and noted she felt the same. Sterling said he missed being lucid and able to think, like a constant fog surrounded him and that he was stuck with a lack of any new spells or information to save her or his mother and, at the mention of Lysandra, Tollanessa recalled when they first arrived and she was taken she felt the presence of her sapphire, as well as Lysandra inside it. Sterling perked up at that and ruminated on the possibilities that could come with retrieving the stone before he leaned forward for a hug, forgetting Tollanessa was less able to solidify nowadays with so much of her book lost. Sterling noted, before anything else, they had to find a way out of the *Dusterburyan* *Lighthouse,* ask where Tollanessa felt the stone but Tollanessa noted all she knew was it was one someone's person as it moved. Sterling suggested they get some rest as they would need to mentioned it to the group before he fell asleep in his pile of papers.

As everyone started to slowly return to the room and the *Tiny Hut*, with Alaerith returning the components he borrowed from Sterling on some of his papers, Seren followed RX’s mechanical guidance while healing a much as he could in the process. As they did, RX admitted he wanted to retire as he was not enjoying their current predicament and Seren said he would do anything to see them all safely out and once out he could do so. RX noted he had a job waiting for him, suggesting he should meet Jask and when Seren wondered who that was and Quincy said it was a long story, but a good one. Seren welcomed them back before Quincy announced Esmeria was gone and tossed the bag of gold to RX to hold onto, forgetting he wasn't capable of catching it just yet, and apologized when it hit him in the face. Quincy showed the dagger and noted that they had a bad history of Esmeria and daggers before placing it next to the sleeping Sterling to *Identify* later. Seren suggested the group should rest and as they did Quincy took Kaz over to lay next to Sterling and situated themself between the two as they slept. Yashani, after everyone retired for the night, rested a hand over Bo’s items and recited her prayer in Celestial, familiar to several of them, before she retreated for her meditation near to Alaerith, while not being next to him, and rested for the night.

Alaerith, having taken his usual position to trance, sat and waited with closed eyes until the rest of the party was asleep and once sure they were all asleep, looked to the group, focusing especially on the scorch marks on Yashani again. Alaerith then took off his wooden clogs, left the protection of the *Tiny Hut*, went to the hallway near to the pit, heaved over the side of it quietly and after steeling himself returned to the room. Alaerith saw the *Tiny Hut,* looked to where Bo had fallen to the hag, looked to the bloody spot Esmeria fell and accepting he was no longer good for them headed to the secret room with the book and pedestal. Alaerith ruminated on the thoughts of having caused someone else that was important to him to die again and how long it might take for him before he becomes like Esmeria. Alaerith closed his eyes and started to *Trance*, but felt a tap on his shoulder and opened his eyes to find Kalistock in front of him. Kalistock greeted him and Alaerith remained seated when Kalistock told him to remain. Kalistock noted it wasn't wise to spend his time outside of something meant to protect him and Alaerith replied it was good advice before asking if there was something he could help him with. Kalistock said possibly, depending on his choices, and explained Alaerith’s friend would like to talk to him causing him to breathe heavily. Kalistock watched Alaerith’s reaction with his hand under his own chin, revealing a large sapphire on a chain wrapped around his palm causing Alaerith to turn at the sight. Kalistock said they were willing to make a deal with him to see her again, noting he didn't need to agree to anything and just have a conversation. As Alaerith hesitated Kalistock noted he knew how he felt of what happened, addressing him as *“Dragon”* as he did causing some confusion to Alaerith, noted that his friend had told him stories and was curious if they were true and what power Alaerith held. Kalistock told him to think it over before telling him to go to sleep and as Alaerith felt a push of magical force saw as Kalistock vanished within a blink, similar to when he had done so in *Kra’Kash*. Alaerith flashed back to the last time he saw his friend, Darie, and the state her body was in and after some time of confusion managed to *Trance* and rest along with the others.

Alaerith woke from his *Trance* later he soon saw a letter on the ground in front of him, addressed to him but with his original name on it. Alaerith checked to make sure the others were still asleep in the *Tiny Hut* before he picked it up and reads the contents written in Elvish -

*"To (Trajor Anterome), I didn't think I'd ever see you again, in this state or the next. I bear no grudge and I understand. I would like to talk to you, please. Whenever you want, just ask, just call. I would like to see my friend again.*

*Darie"*

Alaerith, unsure how to feel of the sight of his original name, thought back to when Ob gave him the dagger that belonged to his best friend Kalas and said that he still had friends in the world before he put the letter away. Alaerith spent the next few hours while the others asleep to look over the book on the pedestal to see what he could glean from it and determined the book was old, but well kept, refurbished once or twice and that the binding had been reinforced. Alaerith also saw a piece of black obsidian in the centre of the pages, with carvings written on it that he was unable to understand, but also saw the more he stared that it gave off an invisible vapourless aura. Alaerith looked at the books bindings he could see and noticing they were of black and red leather made the assumption it wasn't any of the books they had been hunting or Ob's spellbook either. Alaerith looked to the others, noticed that were starting to wake up and, thinking this was something he could do for them, flipped the book closed to look at the cover and felt his brain temporarily turn over and over in a loop for a few minutes. After it passed Alaerith inspected the cover, confirmed it wasn't Ob’s and saw, but instead saw an image of a cauldron and reflected from his own training of magic, that it may be related to witches but knew very little of their craft as it varied like other spell casters. Alaerith, feeling overwhelmed by so much and so early, decided to wait for the others to wake.

Sterling woke a few minutes later, saw Quincy was half draped over him and Kaz and cast *Mage Hand* to remove them from himself. Sterling saw Alaerith, noted he shouldn’t be outside of the protective force of the *Tiny Hut* and asked him to come back to the dome as he had something to discuss with everyone. As the party all woke to face the day, with RX needing a bit more prodding than usual as he was still *Exhausted,* Sterling explained that Tollanessa revealed his mother was inside in the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse,* which also meant the sapphire was there and might infer all the items that were once in the Baron's collection were here as well. Sterling noted they were in a moment of sadness and peril, with many things in front of them. that he was scared but wanted them to know this so that they could make decision together. Yashani wondered what decision Sterling was looking to make, if he wanted them to scour for the sapphire that had his mother, noting it was important but had no idea where to start, or if he meant a direction to travel. Sterling stated the sapphire was leaving with him, that he couldn't be this close to it and leave his mother there and Yashani questioned if he thought that was what she meant before apologizing that wasn't her intention. Sterling then reiterated that he didn't know which was why he told them as they had decisions to make and would be rash if they weren't on the same page, but added he might be able to find a way out, though it was a low chance.

Yashani asked about Tollanessa's words that the sapphire was in the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* and Sterling noted it was on someone's person. Quincy said it was not with Esmeria and Sterling added that they didn’t see it on Robert in the *Dead Room* as it was too big. Sterling noted it was between Ilvwinter and Kalistock and as Ilvinter was not primarily a spellcaster was more likely with Kalistock. Kaz asked about the sapphire and Quincy cast *Minor Illusion* to replicate it for her, as they and Sterling were the only ones to really see it. As Alaerith realized it was the same sapphire Kalistock had Kaz revealed that a half-orc man came to see her every day that she was here and held that particular gem, though she wasn’t sure he would return after the fight. Most of the party worried about Kalistock returning or listening in, but Sterling called it a secondary problem and reminded them he may have a way to get them out, though it was a flimsy hope, and explained obtaining the gem was useless if they didn't get out. RX recalled the only paths he remembered was the teleportation to the sky of islands and the door with no handle as paths.

As Quincy asked Seren where he went when Esmeria grabbed him the party saw Seren, no longer afflicted by the *Reconfiguring Curse,* had done his morning prayers to cast *Goodberry* from his staff, with Nubbi sleeping in front of him and cast *Find Familiar* causing an spectral copy of Nubbi to cover her and merge merged with her physical form making her his new familiar. Nubbi barked happily and Seren smiled as he fed her a *Goodberry* and stood up. Alaerith enquired about the worm in the group and, as Seren and Sterling failed to resist Boris's stench and were left *Poisoned*, Quincy picked him up happily and Kaz told Alaerith he was a sandworm. Sterling asked to hold Boris, even as he went more pale and green in the face, inspected the creature and eventually put him down. Boris burrowed under the ice and Kaz noted he was much faster this way.

Sterling got back on track, asked Tollanessa if she could point them to the exit and Tollanessa appeared at Sterling’s shoulder, as Alaerith turned from the sight of her, pointed to the cauldron, revealed what was inside was a magical de-icer that had magic dispelling properties, led them to the nearby hall, pointed to the wall of green ice and said melting the ice with the substance would allow them to get out before she vanished again. RX finished the last of the oil in his flask, filled it with some of the the thick substance, slowly made his way to the ice wall as his joints creaked and slowly poured it over causing the ice to melt and reveal a single wooden door. RX refilled the flask with dispelling liquid followed by Sterling who filled a number of his vials and small flasks he kept in his bag. Alaerith wondered if the substance would work on the odd patch of purple ice they found in the room with the broken wagon, but after following RX to that room found pouring onto the patch caused nothing to happens. The party returned to the previous room and after RX refilled his flask again the group made their way to the wooden door again.

RX pulled open the door revealing a long hallway and as the sound of rushing water was heard in the distance Yashani recognized it immediately as the monastery. The group, minus Alaerith and Sterling, soon picked up the smell of hollow earth, rock, flowers and water which Yashani knew smelled like home. Yashani inspected the otherside of the door and recognized it as one of the doors near where the quarters were and that were unused as the monks of Sanguis dwindled in number. Yashani said she didn’t expect one of these doors to lead there and when Quincy asked where *"there"* was quietly admitted this was her home, noting that it was connected to the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* and didn't understand why. Alaerith started to ask if there was a connection and Sterling, picking up that he referred to a connection between Sanguis and the Rakhind Forefathers, said it didn't make sense, but admitted the climate changing rooms and other oddities there didn't make sense either.

Sterling asked Yashani if there was any part sure that was her home instead of some kind of reproduction and Yashani said if it was then it was quite convincing as it smelled the same and looked the same. She went on to say if she went down the hall she would find stairs cut into the stone and past them she would smell food. Sterling asked if she knew the fate of Sanguis after the Age of Varimathias and Yashani recalled from her time in the library there were a number of books that might answer that question and noted Sterling would likely like them. Sterling suggested he could have RX look at them to remember, but Yashani noted the group would not be welcome here as outsiders. She added she was not sure if she herself would be welcome after leaving, but several of the party noted anything was an improvement of their current situation. Quincy told Yashani this was entirely her decision if she didn't want to, but Yashani said it was not that she does not want to go more that she was worried leaving the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* meant losing any hope of stopping the Order of Ruin’s plans. Quincy reminded her that the Reaper said that the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* had doors into the real world and this was probably just another step along the path and would likely stumble back into the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* from here. Quincy also added Yashani was carrying a very interesting book to add to the collection there and if she worried about their welcome the group could always wait at the threshold. Yashani waved that off, citing that the rooms down there were rarely used anyway as the monks of Sanguis weren't what they used to be and were less in number. She suggested she should feel the situation before she revealed a long while ago she had a dream or premonition and feeling something had changed and needed to find what it was. Sterling noted it would likely not be the last time they saw Kalistock and Yashani expressed her hopes she wouldn't see him in her home fearing it might no longer exist. As Yashani stepped past RX and into her home Alaerith brought up the book in the room and after noting there was something magical about it Sterling agreed to grab it, *Identify* it later and if it was dangerous would then drop it. Quincy requested he look at the dagger they found on Esmeria and after Sterling went to the book, used his *Eldritch Scarf* to lift it up and into the extradimensional space and returned, the rest followed after Yashani.

They stepped out into the hall, following her to the stairs she had mentioned before, walked past what was her old room and smelled bread being baked along with whistling, which Yashani recognized as the cooking and whistle of her old friend Phaust. Yashani, with tears in her eyes and a smile on her face, listened to the sound as she opened the door and the older male shifter turned, hearing the door open, and seeing her called her by name. Yashani greeted him as her old friend and Phaust admitted he didn't think she would return before he ran to hug her tightly. He added everyone thought she was gone and didn't know what happened and Yashani replied that she didn't know she'd see him either and didn't make the conscious decision to be gone for so long, but just didn't. Phaust noted she did what she needed to do and was better then the rest as he finally noticed the group behind her. Phaust wondered how they all got in and Yashani told him it was a long story. Phaust noted they didn't come through the main gate before asking how she came back and Yashani said it was through a door, which wasn't the front door, that connected to a terrible place. Yashani asked where Valeu was and Phaust said he was where he always was at this time of day, the shrine on the cliffside. Yashani asked if he was alright and Phaust noted he saw him the other night and was fine. Yashani asked if anything strange had happened since she left, but Phaust said the strangest thing to happen was her leaving. Yashani finally asked if Phaust knew Valeu was her mother’s brother and when Phaust said they all had to keep their secrets noted this place was always good at that.

Phaust noted she should talk to him before he introduced himself to the others by name. Yashani wondered if the party could stay there and eat while they waited, seeing as how Yashani needed to speak with her master and doubted it would be made any easier by bringing along six strangers and Phaust agreed, but argued it was something Valeu needed to be made aware of promptly, especially if there was a way in and out of there. Yashani told the others they would need to speak with her Uncle, acknowledging the word was strange to say, that he was her teacher for a long time and warned he was not necessarily a warm person, but said they could all form their own opinions of him.

As the party followed after Yashani, Sterling pulled Quincy aside, quietly asked if it wasn’t strange the party had been supposedly brought to a place away from the place designed to break them to this place, far from the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* and Flamecannon. Quincy said it was odd before reminding Sterling of Lunala's words, that she would start with the people they loved and and was a reminder of what they had to lose. Sterling agreed that it made sense and noted this could also be a new room with the projection of a familiar place and wasn't so easily escapable. Sterling joked that he looked forward to cliff diving onto a pirate ship and Quincy sighed before reminding him they were a privateer. Sterling noted he was peckish, even if the food wasn't real and when Quincy asked if they could agree to let Yashani enjoy this as much as she could agreed with them.

The party followed Yashani through her monastery and outside, to the side of a hill, through some tunnels till it opened to a large grassy area that overlooked a valley with several rocky ledges, which those who were aware of the history of Palamoa recognized the view as the visage of the *Sky Citadel*. As Yashani led them to the shrine, a large red stone building with a small domed top, she stopped the party and asked for a moment first and would let them know when to join her as she gestured to *Ob's Charm*. As she left, Quincy turned to the group and offered to tell the stories Nana used to tell them about the monks in the mountains who could cure any ailment to distract them.

Yashani entered the shrine and found Valeu kneeling for his prayers and meditation. Valeu raised his head from his position, slowly turned to Yashani and noted he felt her presence there. Yashani addressed him as Uncle as she noted his perceptive nature and when Valeu concluded she met her mother in some capacity said she did. He noted was also not alone and Yashani admitted as much, but added she did not expect she would be coming here when she did, having come through a door. Valeu asked which door and Yashani said it was a door that had not seen use in a long time in the the old sleeping quarters deeper at the end of the hall. Yashani asked if he knew about it and when Valeu noted he did not know there was another way into the monastery. Yashani warned that it led to a terrible place and Valeu said he would take her word for it. Yashani added it was where she found her mother and when Valeu noted that she was taken Yashani said she was. Valeu took of his mask and Yashani noticed there was a similarity to herself if not less sharp then his. Valeu apologized, citing when her mother brought her there she told him she was being chased, that he would not be able to speak to her again, but hoped she was still alive. Yashani informed him that she was gone but did leave Yashani some things and gestured to the alteration to her mask as well as her new staff. Valeu noted it was something she was quite good at as she had made his. After a quiet moment, Yashani asked if Valeu would like to meet her companions and Valeu sighed before admitting if they were to be there everyone would want to meet them as they didn't get outsiders.

Yashani activated *Ob's Charm* to tell the group they could come up now.

1. ↑ Using his once a day question for her
2. ↑ Using his once a day question for her
3. ↑ *The Book of Sanguis*
4. ↑ See "Fishing and Feather Beards"