Krapjess

**Krapjess** is the seventeenth episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The party departs from The Misty Moon to explore the port city of Krapjess.

## Krapjess

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

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### **Part One**

The party has spent a Palamoan week aboard *The Misty Moon*, almost as as long as they had known each other before they had boarded in *Kra'Kash*. As *The Misty Moon* steered into the *Krapjess* port, they saw as the grey skies began to drop snow over the waters and the city ahead of them, as the Season of the Lich, the coldest months of Palamoa, had begun. As they sailed toward the docks and passed *The Shipyards*, where every major ship in the Empire, Puhan Trading Company or Principality of Pathu was built, they passed lines of half built ships, hulls with walkways floating between them and the sounds of the gentle clinking of distant hammers as the workers went about their day and the floating constructions ebbed and flowed with the tide. As *The Misty* *Moon* got closer to shore, the party and others started to gather on to the deck.

Kylan met with them and told them it had been a nice trip and asked Tabernacle for his ceviche recipe. Tabernacle responded he would leave it for them as Kylan explained that *The Misty* *Moon* can't stay long, since they had to tell their employers what happened in *Kra'Kash*. Kylan commented that they were all interesting people and Tabernacle joked that he only said that because he emptied Kylan's pockets gambling on the trip. Damen came onto the deck, approached Seren, pulled a shield off of his back, handed it to Seren as a gift, told him it used to be his and would do him some good and instructed him to drop it and call out "barricade" to activate it. Seren thanked him for the gift and his training before the two shook hands. Damen then asked the group of their plans and the party remained quiet until Seren admitted they hadn't really discussed it.

Damen admitted *The Misty* *Moon* had more to do then he would like and that they might be out of a job. Quincy asked where they would go next and Damen told her *Vayilcor* to talk to "The Sisters", and then off to *Zhai* as "Ashenvalda was up in antics", now being aware where Drygong was hiding. At that point, Quincy turned to Kylan and handed him the letter she had been given by Nomzyo on to for some time. Kylan read it over as Quincy stated it was supposed to go to Flamecannon. When Seren commented on the name, Tabernacle noted that he ran a bar in *Krapjess,* called the *Drunken Lantern* and Kylan agreed that it should get there soon as he squashed the seal back in place and handed the letter back. Tabernacle also commented how he hoped to get Yashani into the *Drunken Lantern* for bare knuckle boxing, and Kylan added that they had an undefeated champion that had been going for a month or so. As *Krapjess* comes closer, they could see the city with tall wooden and stone buildings along the water, next to big docks for ships to dock in. The city sprawled back beyond that along a smaller river and down the way a slightly tipped ship, that some of the party would recognize as *The Barge*, the main market of *Krapjess*.

As *The Misty* *Moon* docked, Kylan noted that *The Misty* *Moon* would be there at least till the morning, put on a thick winter coat tighter around him, and mentioned his intent to see Nickels before as his desk is getting rotty, which Quincy teased didn't help that he kept stabbing daggers into it, but then countered half of them were from Quincy pissing him off. Tabernacle admitted they might see Kylan in the market as most of the party would be hurting for warmer clothes by nightfall, pointing out Seren, Alaerith, Yashani and Killian in particular. Damen mentioned a woman named Gabri at *The Barge*, as she ran the place it and could point them in the right direction, though he wasn't sure as he wasn't allowed there. citing his last time he partook in the knuckle boxing and cracking skulls wasn't appreciated. Quincy excused themself to head back down below deck, while everyone else disembarked.

Quincy headed below, back to her room and to Kaz inside, who was sitting on Quincy's bed, with a book in hand as she has taken to reading from Quincy's collection. Kaz noted that Quincy was leaving, and Quincy commented that at least they got a warning before she left this time. Kaz said they were headed to *Vayilcor* and that she knew Quincy would come to visit, but they would talk about it another time. Quincy told Kaz to keep up the practice with Kerrack, as he was the one who trained Quincy and still knew his way around a rapier. Kaz stood from the bed, hugged Quincy while crying quietly. As Quincy floundered to comfort her, Kaz soon pulled away, pulled a ring out of her pocket and put it in Quincy's hand. Kaz asked her to give it to 'the blue one', which Quincy easily agreed to and admitted Kaz had them nervous, and cited that he was nice to her and understands his pain. Kaz then started to cry again and Quincy promised that nothing would stop them from coming back to see her. Quincy handed over her old teal coat, as they were now wearing one of their winter coats from the ship, and told her Tink might be able to sew in a thick layer to make it more suitable for the weather. Kaz accepted it, and kissed Quincy once, before she quickly turned away and admitted it was hard because she cares for them. Quincy returned the sentiment and left the room before Kaz could turn back around.

Back on deck, after Quincy had left, Killian stepped up to Kylan, went in for a handshake and half hug, which Kylan accepted and Killian used the proximity to tell Kylan that once in *Zhai* if he ever saw any crew from *The Crimson Head*, to let them know that Red was alive and planned to take the ship down. Kylan commented how he planned to scare them a little and agreed to as much, and when asked of the name of the current captain, responded that they went by Killian's old name "Red" as well. Killian stated that taking them down was a promise and Kylan added that he hoped so as they didn't do good business with anyone, except for the Puhan Trading Company. Killlian told him to keep himself safe in *Zhai* and Kylan reassured that Ashenvalda and his former first mates always had a place to stay. Quincy came back on the deck and Kylan called her over for a proper goodbye, since he didn't get one when she was thrown from the ship last time. They hugged and Kylan told her they would meet in *Vayilcor*, and warned her not to blow off another fingertip. Quincy argued Kerrack lost whole fingers, but Kylan pointed out that he lost them in a fight with the navy and she lost them from her own fault. As Kylan walked off, the party started to bring up the conversation of new clothes, but Kylan returned and apologizes for not saying a proper goodbye to everyone else. As RX gave him a hug, Quincy teased Kylan that RX could be considered a grandson and he replied he didn't want to hear that, while RX noted he wasn't sure that checked out. As Kylan left once more, Quincy told RX not to worry though as she was only hoping to give Kylan a small heart attack and when RX expressed confusion, she explained it's what family does.

The party noted that as Aarcanii intended to stay on the ship and head to *Vayilcor*, having made friends with the girls from *The Wandered Eye*, especially Tink, after she felt safe enough to leave her *Wildshape*d form over the week. Alaerith approached Aarcanii in her room and offered back the driftglobe she had gifted them in *The Underdark* with the assumption they always intended to return it to her, but she refused saying she wouldn't need it as she did not plan to go back underground for a while. Alaerith urged her to stay safe and she agreed to and also pointed out she now had friends, which she'd never had before. Alaerith told her to enjoy the friends as they were good to have. Tabernacle who had his moment with Aarcanii the day before, thanked her for her help in teaching him more about magic, even if their types of magic didn't work the same way. Aarcanii added that she had a gift for Tabernacle, and pulled out a one and a half foot tall wooden totem shaped like a mushroom, with a beetle on top. Tabernacle could also tell it was magical and watched as the legs of the beetle twitched, then thanked Aarcanii as he has not received a gift in a very long time. Tabernacle noted he also had a gift to give and handed over a scroll of *Comprehend Languages* that he had "Oliver" write up. Aarcanii gave Tabernacle a hug and urged him to give the totem time and he would understand what it does better. Tabernacle said how he hoped to meet her in *Vayilcor* again as they might need her help, and thanked her for all the help she had given him.

As the left *The Misty* *Moon* and started their trek through *Krapjess*, those in the party who weren't wearing weather appropriate clothes were faced with the cold, with Alaerith and Killian fairing the worst out of the group. Alaerith cast *Prestidigitation* on his clothes to warm himself up, but Killian's teeth chatter caused Tabernacle to hand off his coat to him. The streets of *Krapjess* are lined with gaslamps, with their warm glow of their light casted about through the overcast weather. The party were easily able to make their way to *The Barge* by following the docks until they reached the river, then followed the river up to where the tilted ship was. The streets were quiet and quaint, with women and children milling amongst some of the older generation as any of those who could work were all at the docks. Around a bend in the river was *The Barge*, tipped over and gutted to be retrofitted into a shopping center several stories tall, with vendors and smiths, traders and contract workers who all made shop all along the inside selling just about any basic thing that one could need.

Tabernacle welcomed the party to his home town and warned them not to look like tourists, lest they were horribly scammed for it, but Yashani pointed out that there really was no way for their group to *not* look like tourists. Tabernacle tried splitting the party up to look less conspicuous and asked Killian to lead one group and Quincy pointed out that she knew the city a bit, but the idea was shot down altogether as a majority of them all needed to get new clothes. Seren announced that he would not like to wear clothes at all, which started a round of discussion on whether or not it was more strange to see him with clothes or if regular clothes were even an option for a Tortle. As Yashani complained she was freezing which got the party back on track, Tabernacle led the way to their recommended destination to Gabri, who ran *The Barge* and operated it as an associate of The Merchant Kings, to her office on the topmost third floor. The party made their way past a large number of vendors, before they finally reached the top, found a lofted space without a doorway with a stern faced half-elf with an asymmetrical bob of grey hair, with thin spectacles and a suit covered by a well worn leather coat.

Tabernacle explained they were looking for a decent tailor and other amenities, as RX introduced them specifically as "not tourists" and proudly winked at Tabernacle. Gabri recommended Jesper on the first floor for coats that were quick and capable of withstanding the season and Tabernacle started to herd the party back down to find the shop. Killian quickly approached Gabri to ask if anyone around was handy with magic, with Quincy and Tabernacle tried in a hushed voice to remind him that the Skorian Empire wasn't keen on that. and Gabri said as much adding that you needed to be a part of the Holy Enclave. She did tell him thought he might want to talk to the Vicar Gaunt down at the church. Tabernacle quickly told her that they were a part of the Empire, quickly cast *Minor Illusion* to create an authoritative badge, and noted they were trying to suss out ne'er-do-wells. Tabernacle thanked Gabri for her time and then dragged Killian away by the back of his coat.

Tabernacle and Killian argued over the riskiness of asking such questions, while the party noticed a halfling rushed past them, as they walked down the stairs from Gabri's office, into the office, slammed something onto a table and heard a few more sounds before Gabri cursed. Tabernacle asked them to wait, cast *Gaseous Form* and appeared before them as a badly smelling brown-ish mist, drifted back up the stairs and toward Gabri's office. Seren asked Quincy if she knew the area well enough to take them to the tailor and Quincy agreed, with adding that Tabernacle could meet them there. Tabernacle came in as Gabri and the halfling said that something would cause problems and the halfling asked for an explanation. Gabri stated that Merchant King Quolong died in the fires of *Kra'Kash* and that Vaultanis was appointed to replace him, which left Vaultanis' son to take up international trade relations. Gabri continued on how she and Vaultanis didn't get along, which the halfling seemed to understand, before Gabri expressed her sadness over Quolong's death. She noted how this caused so many problems and wondered who would take the blame for the fires, since no one knew who burned the city down, with half the city now gone with the number of the dead still unknown and asked where the anger from the population would go. When the halfling shrugged, Gabri stated that non one knew the answer to that question, and continued that it had everyone one edge, and with the Empire either on the brink of causing a war or collapsing, they would need to pick someone to take a stab at and it would likely be Pathu. Tabernacle left the room, after being mistaken for a fart, and reapparated in an outhouse downstairs before he made his way to the tailor's shop.

At the same time, the rest of the party met Jesper, a taller than average halfling, with his hair up in a braid and wearing a flamboyant purple suit with a measuring tape in hand. Quincy stepped up and asked that her friends be outfitted with new winterwear and Jesper happily took to the project. He started to measure Yashani though he only stood as tall as her knees, asked her how she would like it to look and Yashani gestured to her general monk's garb and asked for something similar, but with sleeves, lined in fleece and with a hood. Alaerith, who was next, kept his right arm covered in his cloak and held behind his back, but allowed his left arm to go loose so Jesper could easily work around it as he took measurements and asked for something in a similar shade of darkish colors of his clothes. Jesper went to Seren next, who staunchly refused service saying he would rather be cold and walked away, but Tabernacle caught him as he walked in to the shop, turned him back around, arguing he at least needed a blanket and said they can could one in his favorite color with his "little tree thing".

Jesper moved on to Killian who asked for something long, red and lined with fleece as well. Jesper took Killian's last measurements before he turned to RX and paused in surprise, while RX took this as the moment to run through colors in his head and decided on something blue and orange as they were the only colors he has on him. Jesper look to Quincy, but as they are already well dressed, moved on to talk to Tabernacle and offered a patch job, but Tabernacle refused. As Quincy asked him to not mind Tabernacle, asked for a minor alteration to their current coat by adding four pistol holsters. As that was being discussed, Seren attempted to hide amongst some coats on a rack, but only managed to convince himself that he was hidden. Jesper ignored Seren and told the party he could take the rest of the day to make their things and could pick them up in the morning, giving them loaner coats to wear in the meantime. Killian asked if there were any weapon smiths nearby and Jesper pointed them to a man named Tony down on the other end of *The Barge*.

Killian then asked who would like to go to the church with him and Seren offered to come along, but seems to regretfully admit he would be buying some clothes first. He asked Jesper what the clergy tend to wear and Jesper noted that Vicar Espex Gonth wore a nice royal blue winter coat. He then took Seren's measurements before Seren made his final request that the back be light and see-through in a way that allowed his glow to shine through, which he then demonstrated to him. Jesper agreed and quoted them 10 gold pieces for the lot, which Seren said he had and pulled out a large satchel of gold and handed it over easily as the rest of the party gawked at the large sum Seren seemed to casually have on him. Killian used *Ob's charm* and asked if they were getting cheap material as the price was surprisingly low for five custom coats and an alteration. Seren believing that they could better quality placed 50 gold on the counter and asked Jesper to make them nice, which only surprised the party more. At lightning speed, Jesper counted out 30 of the gold offered, pushed back 20 gold and told them to come back tonight. The party asked about the gold and why Seren carried so much. Seren seemed confused before he explained that he had traveled for a long time and done work for people along the way, but he had no reason to spend it in the past as he took shelter in his shell and only at his *Goodberries*.

Seren wondered what they were doing now and noted the mention of the church, Killian said that they could enter Yashani into the bare knuckle boxing to earn some money. Yashani noted that it was a night time activity and Tabernacle replied it took a day to prepare. Tabernacle offered to spar with her, but Yashani simply palmed Tabernacle in the face to prove she didn't need the training. Yashani then pointed out that *bare knuckle* might be a problem as she was not only wearing her magic *Necrotic Wraps* from Masq, but the wraps were also the only thing hiding her palm with the Ruined Moon mark. Tabernacle commented that it shouldn't be an issue as there was no bare knuckle boxer that wasn't putting sandbags in their wraps and that everyone in *Krapjess* was in poverty and did what they could. While that conversation was happening, Quincy stepped back beside Killian and tried to quietly ask Killian for advice while shopping later, immediately prevented any attempt for Killian to give a response, which Seren quietly heard, but gave no indication that he did. Killian cast *Message* and told Quincy they could do some night shopping by themselves, but Tabernacle noticed Killian gesturing and called it out. Quincy failed at a quippy response, which Tabernacle pointed out definitely wasn't as good as Yashani's earlier comment and Yashani replied she was quiet a lot and therefore had more time to think of how to insult Tabernacle. Seren cut in and asked if there was a reason to be in *Krapjess* and while Yashani said getting off the boat was her purpose, which Alaerith agreed with, Killian suggested the church was a good idea when running away from devils.

As they walked, Tabernacle admitted he did not recognize the name of the new Vicar and that if the church did not go over well for them that the *Drunken Lantern* has rooms available to rent, as well as a private place where they could discuss what he overheard as a fart cloud. Quincy was surprised that the cloud form was useful which started a small argument between the two of them, as to it being more useful than gross, but the conversation was redirected quickly as they make their way to the *Port Church*. The *Port Church* was located near the long-shore docks, opposite of where they came into the sound, where ships docked to stay for longer periods of time for things like repairs and major offloading's and was positioned half on the dock and half on the shore and extended out into the water for 50 - 60 feet, held up by the posts in the water. On the left hand side as they approach they saw wooden walkways that extended out 200 feet, spaced out in rows with about 10 feet of water between them, with markers floating in the water, as *Krapjess* didn't bury their dead, they sunk them. The front door of the *Port Church* was framed by a stone-carved monstrous eel-like creature that formed the arch of the doorway. Seren walked close to Alaerith, while Quincy paid her respects as she stepped in, but Tabernacle and Killian held their chins high in blatant disrespect as they walked through the doorway. Seren reprimanded Killian specifically, asking if he had not been taught better, but Tabernacle came back around to tell Killian it was fine and that Tabernacle used to grave rob when he was younger, which Killian admitted was really bad. As they crossed the threshold, Killian's vision went black and he heard a menancing breath of air before his vision came back.

The inside of the *Port Church* was lined with stone pews carved like coral, with a gentle blue glow from the rear glass of the windows and a pedestal at the front with an even larger carving of the same monstrous eel which arched over it and reached all the way up to the high ceiling at its peak. In the front row was a large figure with a black and grey braid that fell down their back, grey skin with broad shoulders under a royal blue coat. The man turned and the party were greeted by an orc with dark, wooden framed glasses and towered six - seven inches over even Yashani and Killian. The orc introduced himself as Vicar Espex Gonth, asked what he could do for them and Tabernacle asked what happened to the last vicar. Espex informed him that his father had died and Espex, who was retired, decided to take on in his stead. Espex asked if Tabernacle knew his father and Tabernacle admitted he had been caught by the old vicar doing bad things and Espex noted that he was told stories of Tabernacle and warned "not to be like that Grey boy".

Espex asked again why they were there, and after an awkward moment, Killian pulled out the *Shadow Twins* from Esmeria and hurled them into a wall before they reappeared back in his hands, which Vicar Espex assumed was a problem. Killian asked if Espex knew how to help and Quincy bemoaned that he didn't even given the man his name, but Expex cut in to assure her that his job was to help people in any way he can. Espex then turned to Killian and asked if he didn't want them to do that, which he admitted was pretty cool. Figuring that he didn't see what happened to him and focused on the daggers, Killian asked the Espex to watch him specifically when he threw them this time and demonstrated it again. Expex saw the effect on Killian this time and as Killian noted that the shuttering effect on him was what he wished to prevent, was immediately bamfed out of the *Port Church* and landed in a pile of snow outside. Tabernacle offered to go find him and left the *Port Church* as Espex admitted he technically was required to confiscate the daggers but Quincy told him good luck trying to pull them more than 15 feet away, which he had already considered. While they waited for Tabernacle and Killian to return, Seren offered to aid with clerical duties in the church, but he was too distracted by the issue of the daggers, and when Tabernacle and Killian returned, asked Killian how often it happened. Killian said only twice, but when asked denied that anything else strange happened. Tabernacle and Seren jumped in to explain that he got them from a devil, which Killian tried to add she was a devil's servant and was two different things, and that his eyes flashed a coal black when he used them. At the mention of "devil", the Espex's eyes flashed white and told them it wasn't just one devil, but seven devils he saw, along with a dead man.

The party wrestled with the news before Expex stated they registered as devils, and that Tabernacle registered as undead, which the party brushed off as they were aware. RX uncovered his palm and showed him the mark of the Ruin Moon, along with a few others, and explained that they were branded. Espex approached Tabernacle, looked at his palm and asked where they came from. They responded that it was from that same devil, or associate of them, that gave Killian the daggers and Vicar Espex quickly excused himself to go and get a book and would return. While he was gone, Killian noted they didn't have a great track record with books either, which Quincy tried to refute and RX noted they did not. Most of the party soon heard and odd pitter patter sound from outside, but when Seren went to look there was nothing to see and Killian activated his *Divine Sense* and noticed nothing either. Alaerith noted that since they already had the marks out, asked if anyone had a good memory and RX pointed out that his was very good. Alaerith asked if his mark looked different from when they first showed them and RX replied that the mark looked a shade or two darker. When asked if he felt any different, Alaerith noted he felt the same. Alaerith then asked Yashani about the homeless person that seemed to pass out in her arms and if she felt like their energy was drawn to her and felt healthier for it, and Yashani noted she did though it was not intentional. On hearing that, they looked at Yashani's mark and Killian shared coloured marks and noted, though it was not as dark as Alaerith's it was still a little darker. Seren who noted that Espex had been gone for a while, went to look for them and found him returning from his office and noted he wished to check in on him. While he was gone, Killian stepped aside to place his *Honor Crest* in his uncovered marked palm and was burned by radiant energy for the attempt. Espex returned with Seren and a book, a plume of dust coming up as he placed it on the pedestal at the front of the room and starts to flip through the pages.

### **Break!**

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### **Part Two**

Vicar Espex Gonth flipped through the pages of the tome and muttered to himself before he found the page he was looking for and asked how everyone was on their Empire history. Tabernacle admitted he knew a bit about the military, RX stated he knew nothing, Killian never cared to learn and Quincy said she had read a few textbooks, but it wasn't her favorite subject. He then asked if they knew the story behind the Day of the Black Sun and while Killian recognized it, Espex offered a history lesson for the rest of them. The Day of the Black Sun originated a couple hundred years ago, not date specific, back when the *Fortress Skorian* in *Rillasehje* stood tall as an architectural wonder, but a concentrated orb of darkness came from out of nowhere, destroyed a portion of the fortress and devastated half the city as well. Espex stated that the fortress had not been repaired, and that day was one of the main reasons the Empire abolished the use of magic within its borders, unless you worked for the Holy Enclave or the Empire itself where they could monitor its usage. Espex then turned the book to show everyone an artistic depiction of the Day of the Black Sun and within the black orb was the Ruin Moon symbol. Espex noted that the mark only came up a couple more times, namely on that day, but he also heard in rumor that it was seen before the Butchering of *Qahrizoq* a few years ago.

The party agreed that the mark meant nothing good, but Seren pointed out that the anniversary of the Day of the Black Sun is still a ways away, nearly a half a year before it would come to pass. Tabernacle noted that they all had the mark for a reason and were metamorphosing, in reference to Alaerith and Yashani. He continued that he had a feeling that they needed to be ready when the day would come around, that the mark was not likely just a scar from being present during the burning of *Kra'Kash* and quickly apologized for saying that in front of the vicar. Seren told Espex that they escaped *Kra'Kash* after attempting to prevent it burning by the individuals who gave them the mark. Espex noted that he felt it through the Æther and that a disturbance like that most definitely would have been funnelled through the *Clockwork Castle,* with those that have seen the castle would remember where it sat on the coast and that the clouds funnelled down to it while the water below funnelled up to create an hourglass appearance, and the burning of *Kra'Kash* was a big enough occurrence that someone there was bound to take notice. He noted that was all the information he could give, because so far no one knew who burned down *Kra'Kash.*

Seren pulled out the half book of demon summoning the party absconded from *The Underdark* with, asked if he might know where to find more of them and explained that the devils pursuing them, the ones who burned *Kra'Kash* were in search of the books, then asked if he might know how to destroy them. Espex's eyes flashed white again and immediately told them he could destroy it permanently if they liked it. While they were very excited for that to happen, Quincy asked if he could show them for their own peace of mind. Espex unclasped his coat, which revealed very ornate plate armor decorated, with waves and water and tentacles, underneath it and pulled out a dagger from a sheath. He held it up and as the blade flashed with a bright white light, to a bright blue light, plunged it down into the pages, which caused the book to erupt into a pile of ashes. Killian recognized this as a *Divine Smite* and lamented the fact that he could have done as much if they had thought to try, but Quincy didn't make the connection and asked if he could teach that to someone. Espex note that there were more of the books, as he put away his dagger, and stated it would take more time than they likely had, but as Killian allowed the wraps of his halberd to fall and revealed it's glow, he assured Espex he could do what needed to be done, but just didn't know it would work. Seren, Alaerith, Quincy and RX and all felt their palms burn as the book did and had a bad feeling the three devils felt it as well.

Quincy warned Espex that he and anyone else in the building may want to leave in case the devils came to investigate, but he responded that he would like to see them try to harm his church. The party warned that they fought the devils in a church before which it did not go well and that they wielded power that was uncombatable, but he noted none of them have served in the Holy Enclave like he was, then smacked his knuckles together and formed a bubble of blue light that fills the space. Tabernacle was grateful to know *Krapjess* was protected, and mentioned he knew a place up north they could go to lay low. Yashani asked Espex about the other books and if he knew where they were, so they might be better equipped to keep them out of the devils' hands. Espex told them the books were old, that they existed before the age of The Empire, before the Age of the Varimathias, which brought destruction and gave purpose to bringing about the Age of Skorian. He also added that he knew of a book near *Ve'ji* and the outpost on the way in the *Tundra*, some near *Vaiyilcor*, down by *Sruss*, two that were previously excavated out of Pu'Han's territory in the south, as well as one in some ruins near *Kra'Kash,* but he and they noted they were likely to have already been raided.

Tabernacle thanked Espex for his help and for disrespecting the church in his youth and praised his father for his work. Espex laid a hand on his shoulder and admitted he played around the graves when he was younger too and that they all learn from their mistakes. Espex then recommended to to go see his wife, in the grave next to his own and asked what him what he had gotten himself into. Espex continued on that he was supposed to be on that ship with him, but was turned away to the *Firesong* and would have died as well. Tabernacle noted that his crew may be dead, but they hadn't passed on. Espex asked how long he thought he had been gone and Tabernacle admitted he didn't know and had purposely avoided calendars if he had the opportunity to. Espex had Tabernacle sit down before he told him that after he left to his job, sometime after his wife Grace died in childbirth, but his daughter, Abigail, ran around the city as an orphan for 12 years. One day Abigail started to show an affinity for magic, and left three years ago to not be caught by the Aj'Snaga. He continued that she came to him for help to get her out and that he technically should have taken her in, which Tabernacle angrily agreed with, but Espex said he wasn't going to put her through what he did as neither she nor anyone else deserved that. Tabernacle asked where she went, but Espex said she didn't say. Tabernacle disagreed and said if she was like him she wouldn't have kept her mouth shut, but Expex said she was maybe more like her mother in that regard. He continued that she was raised on the street and to figure out where she went he should talk to the people still around, then dismissively told him to see his dead wife and get out of his church. Tabernacle turned and as he left, spat on the carving of the serpent as he goes.

In the quiet that followed, Seren asked if Alaerith was alright. Alaerith admitted he was confused by everything that was happening or kept on happening and Seren gently nudging him into possibly asking questions of Espex, that he may know. Espex stepped in to apologize for his candor, but noted that Tabernacle had a special way of getting under his skin and didn't appreciate his disrespect to his dead wife and his daughter and him. Quincy pointed out that Tabernacle didn't deserve it, and the vicar said no one deserved what happened, but it still happened, even if they didn't know why. He continued to say the best they could do was to take care of the people they cared about, and that despite being gone and his current condition Tabernacle should have come back to take care of his daughter because he knew about her and stated he knew a coward when he saw one because he was one. Seren stepped in to thank Espex for his information and that he had done an excellent job running the church. Yashani referenced his mention of being part of the Holy Enclave, told him one of the devils was as well at one point and asked if he recognized the name Esmeria Swornguard.

On mentioned of her name, Seren and Yashani noticed his eye twitched as he stated he did recognize the name and that she was dead. When they insisted that she was not, Espex insisted it was true and that he saw her get impaled. Yashani stated they had been pursued by her, and cited Tabernacle was reason enough to know the dead could walk. Seren, admitted it was a lot to ask of someone they had just met, but asked if Espex could share anymore details. Espex explained that about eight years ago, he participated in the Butchering of *Qahrizoq*, as it was a mission of the Holy Enclave to take down extremist worshipers of the Rakhind Forefathers, but a portion of the group were given different instructions, to burn the city and send a message by destroying everybody. The people of course revolted, but noted members of the forefathers were there, and while he watched them impale Esmeria into the ground, as well as others, Espex didn't stick around to die, but instead he quit that day and retired to *Krapjess*. Yashani then asked if knew about about the other individuals with her, Ilvwinter and Kalistock, and while he didn't recognize Kalistock, he stated that he knew Jonathan Ilvwinter, noting that he also died that day, but was also his adoptive brother. He continued that Jonathan had been an orphan and was taken in by Espex's father who raised them together.

Yashani wondered how he must feel knowing his brother was technically alive, but aligned with a devil. Espex replied that while he would like to see his brother again if he was alive, he couldn't let emotions cloud his nature and if it is true that Jonathan ran with devils, then he couldn't allow it to continue. Yashani believed he will see his brother again, but Espex was fairly certain from her words that it wouldn't be on friendly terms. Espex added that Jonathan was a devout man, even more so than himself, devoted to Osgonan and was willing to do anything to protect others. Espex found it hard to believe that Jonathan would turn to such evil and admitted he would need time to think it all over. Seren politely excused the party from his presence and said they would go check on Tabernacle.

Out in the sunken graveyard, Tabernacle located Grace's grave and had sunk himself down to the bottom of the ocean, unhindered by the need to breathe, where two coffins were suspended in the water, one which read *Grace* and the other *Jonah*. Tabernacle greeted his wife and apologized for looking a mess. He soon felt a touch of warmth around him, and when he turned around he heard a whisper came into his ear, before a wash of greenish glow apparated and the vaguest outline of a smiling Grace appeared before him. Tabernacle asked her to not smile, noting it was nice to see her, but this wasn't the time for happy introductions, but for a promise. Tabernacle apologized for leaving the way he did and promised to find their daughter and that he was given a second chance and intended to use it. Grace's head shook as she disappeared, but as she left Tabernacle felt a warmth in his pocket, and found his old wedding ring, that he hadn't been wearing, warm to the touch and glowed faintly. Tabernacle reiterated his promise to her, then turned to his own coffin, asked what it was, activated *The Claws of Vaust* and put pressure on it within his grip. He admitted he was grateful for the second chance, but stated that he didn't understand and with every word his grip grew tighter until the coffin shattered, and as it did the wood splintered and drifted, but it was clear the coffin had been empty all along. A voice replied to Tabernacle, soft and harrowing -

*"I gave you a chance"*

Tabernacle admitted he abused that chance, but was determined not to abuse it any longer. Tabernacle then walked his way back to the shore, out of the water and found the party waiting for him.

Yashani pointed out that she didn't expect that, then pointed out that Tabernacle was likely to freeze over in this weather. Seren cast *Shape Water,* in a friendly tease, and freeze Tabernacle's hair in an odd shape before he used it again to remove the water off of his body. Seren asked if he was ok, but Tabernacle just turned to Yashani with a grin and proudly proclaimed that she was going to murder the champion of the bare knuckle boxing, and that afterwards he was going to find his daughter. As he headed off in the direction of the *Drunken Lantern,* the others begin to follow after him, except for Seren who fell back to tap Alaerith on the shoulder and pointed out that he believed that the vicar may have answers for Alaerith and urged him not to waste the opportunity. Alaerith gave a slow nod, and Seren commented that he always wondered what he was thinking, and that he wished he could be of more help. but was just one tortle. Alaerith quietly looked to the *Port Church* and the upcoming bar, but continued to follow the group to the *Drunken Lantern*. Killian stopped at the front entrance of the *Port Church*, activated his *Channel Divinity* to press for a connection to Avranti and when he felt like the connection was made through his *Honor Crest*, asked if there was anything he and Avranti could do to ease Tabernacle's pain and if so to help help him do that, then also asked to see more of her in the future as he hasn't seen her since *The Underdark*, and slowly left with the feeling like she had heard his words.

As they walked to the *Drunken Lantern*, Alaerith was lost in thought, and remembering what he saw Killian did with the *Honor Crest* and compelled with the thought that he needed to know, pressed his marked hand against *Vile's Fang* and was shocked by the electric radiant damage, but seemed slightly relived as he muttered it answered one thing. The party continued alongside the coastline of the western end of *Krapjess*, then headed east and into *Nightport*, and soon saw The *Drunken Lantern,* the tallest building in the area, four stories tall and tilted a little more with every new level. As it was midday the *Drunken Lantern* was still full of life, with the smell of ale and the faintest hint of blood. Before they entered Tabernacle asked if anyone had any string, which no one had, but Killian offered some silk rope which Tabernacle made use of to tie his wedding band around his neck. Tabernacle told the others he didn't get to wear that yet until he found Abigail and that were witness to his words, then added they should probably sit down and talk for a bit in private. He continued that they needed to get a room, talk about everything that had been going on and insisted they needed to make a proper plan, stick to it, lay out their needs and wants so they were on the same page and to treat their marked hands and the Day of the Black Sun as a count down. Quincy called for the first round on her, refusing to let Seren pay despite the comments made at Jesper the tailor's shop.

The bar was already mildly packed and several tables scattered about the room were filled, and in one corner was a set of stairs which dominated a back corner, while in another corner was a dumping of sand corralled by a white rope about 50 feet in diameter. The party headed to the bar and approached an interestingly dressed elf behind the counter, with long black hair streaked with blue and wore wearing a ratty double-breasted coat similar to an admiral's attire. The man talked happily with other patrons and as Quincy sat at the counter, she waved him down with her left, tattooed hand. The man finished something quickly before he came over, greeted Quincy in a familiar way. Tabernacle immediately asked if she knew Flamecannon, which she responded positively to that, while Flamecannon noted he knew her father. Quincy ordered a round of drinks for the group, asking for a tab to be opened, and Tabernacle also asked for the topmost room in the building. Flamecannon replied the room was available and would be able to hold them all for two gold.

Killian asked Flamecannon about the time for the bare knuckle boxing match and Flamecannon informed them that it wouldn't start for several more hours. Yashani also asked if there was a bonus for fighting one-handed and Flamecannon suggested he could make one. RX then asked if there was a buy in for the boxing and Flamecannon responded there was a 15 gold entry fee, but for that they could win much more. Tabernacle said he had faith that she would "kill", which Yashani quickly asked if that was something she should avoid and Flamecannon told her it happened, but she wasn't supposed to try to kill her opponent. Tabernacle asked if Flamecannon would mind if they took their ale up to their room and Flamecannon stated it was fine. As the others started to move that way, Quincy said she would meet them up there, but had a small bit of business to attend to. Most of the party moved on without issue, but Tabernacle lingered a little suspicious, asked if it had anything to do with what was going on, but she assured him its nothing like that. Tabernacle tried to discern more from her, but got nothing and admitted he didn't trust her, but trusted that if it was important she would bring it up and asked her not to get their letters mixed up. Quincy softened a bit and pulled out a parcel, as she had repackaged his letter and the gold within nicely and handed it back. Flamecannon called them weird and Tabernacle grumbled as he walked away after it was pointed out that they were talking very strangely right in front of him. Before Tabernacle got far, Quincy swore that if she had anything pertinent to share, she would.

Once the rest of the party had left, Quincy handed Flamecannon her letter from Nomzyo, told him that she had not opened it and very much liked to know what it said. Flamecannon's face fell as he reads the letter and when he finished asked if she really wanted to know. Quincy admitted she was desperately curious, and Flamecannon replied for Quincy to follow him to the backroom and after a moment's hesitation, she followed.

The rest of the party made it up to their room on the top floor, which was filled with a series of bunk beds, an attached bathroom and in the main sitting area a large table where the party sat down. While Quincy was gone, they filled in Tabernacle on what Vicar Espex Gonth said after he left. Tabernacle explained he had information, but would hold off sharing what he learned as a fart cloud until Quincy returned so they were all on the same page. About halfway through their conversations, a knock came to their door. RX stood up, went to the door to open it and at first didn't see anyone until he looked down.

**Fun trivia for this episode!**

* With the DM's blessing, Quincy officially discarded her Fighter class, and changed it to a full Gunslinger, with her subclass as High Roller.

1. ↑ The symbol of Kenala is a weeping willow tree with emeralds and peridots as leaves
2. ↑ See "Magical Markings & A Misty Moon"
3. ↑ This was a letter handed off to Quincy from Nomzyo to Flamecannon in "*Aquaintances in the Underbelly"* as a favor through "The Web"
4. ↑ Gunslinger is a class and subclass designed by our friends at Mage Hand Press from their 5e expansion book, Valda's Spire of Secrets