Fuego Nevermere

[Formerly] Warlock - Pact of the Fiend(14), Druid - Circle of Wildfire(14), Sorcerer - Shadow Magic(3), Barbarian(1)

## Other Information

### Also Known As

Fuego, Dad, Deputy of Littlegrove City Watch, Lord of House Baenrae of Menzoberranzan, Stormbreaker, Knight of the Black Dragon of Ruinglast, The Endless,Truth Singer, Maker of Destiny, The Merlin, Sir Fuego, Savior of Morad, Champion of Hilan, Architect of Ruinglast, The Righteous One

### Allies

The Third Family, Memeril Orish, Loray Lorhalien, Comforte Roselid, Donald Herbert,Erlkönig

### Enemies

Sairché, The Root of War

> *"You seem to be a rather wanting strumpet."* **~ Fuego**
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## Description

### Physical

Fuego stands six foot five inches at roughly two hundred and eighty pounds. His scales are a blend of various shades crimson. His eyes are a brilliant golden color. He often wears light or studded leather armor that has been maintained rather well in spite of signs of being singed. He carries his staff in his right hand with his quarter staff tied to his backpack sling over his shoulder. He wears a Swiss army ring on his left hand with a ring of weapon storage on his right hand.

### Personality

Fuego Nevermere is a bit of an enigma, he only recalls the past two to three years.He is fascinated by natures beauty along with the ingenuity and creativity of the various cultures he finds himself around. He inherently does not like the feeling if being caged or restrained, or seeing others in bondage. He is a voice of ageless wisdom and quick wit, even when it could lead to him getting into trouble. During moments of extreme stress he has moments of clarity of his past. However when he tries to recall memories it's as if he is surrounded by a dense fog and the memories beyond three years ago slip from his fingers like sand.

He doesn’t know if his hellish tormentors are after him, but he will burn anything to ash that intends to take him back there. Because of his time in hell he does not like seeing any creature caged against their will. Nor does he care to be caged, though he knows mortal realm cages are nothing compared to those of the Nine Hell’s. In spite of his intimidating appearance he can be incredibly gentle. He will often use sarcasm and wit just as quick as a Fireball or Eldritch Blast.

## History

### Before the Story

#### **First Life**

His first life started roughly one thousand and eighty four years ago. He grew up in a clan of builders, becoming a rather proficient one in his own right. In Ruinglast he helped build homes living one with nature. The first time he died was in his early eighties, because he had been abducted by someone murdering Dragonborn in some kind of ritual for what reason he did not know. As he was laying on the alter he summoned all the strength his older body could muster and attacked them knocking them both off the edge of the mountain plummeting to their mutual death.

#### **Second Life Onward**

As the sun rose the next day signaling the Dawn  of a new day, he awoke someplace else in a body that was not his own several miles away from where he died. As he tried to make sense of what happened he began to suffer from uncontrollable tremors that seemed to pass after a few days. A few days after the tremors stopped he also had noticed his body was to look like his own, by the end of the week he looked like himself only far younger.

When he eventually found his way back home no one believed he was who he said, thinking he must have been a younger clan member playing a prank, since he looked like a younger version of himself. An elder priest however believed him and took him deep into the caves under Ruinglast introducing him to the Knights of the Black Dragon. They are sworn to protect the Black Dragon that sleeps deep in the caverns under Ruinglast and its people. He was invited to join them which he did. Thought them he learned he was an undying soul, also called an endless soul. Someone destined to live for generations. To the walk the worlds and find themselves cast in small roles in many family stories.

Throughout the centuries, he has died, multiple times, ranging from cave-ins, battles, accidents, but every time he awoke the next day at dawn with some kind of affliction and in a strange body that overtime turned into his younger body. Through these lives he served the Knights of the Black Dragon and help where he could. (Read this as a way anyone could ‘recall’ a story or tale of a mysterious Dragonborn who helped in some way.)\*\*

By Fuego’s count he believes he has lived fourteen lives including his latest one. During one of his latest meditations he believes he remembers how he became pacted with Sairché. She promised to help him save his people from extinction since the population had started to drastically dwindle. He thought it was the only way to save his people. He did this to ultimately save Kava and Memerial. Unfortunately he discovered too late that Sairché had no intentions of helping his people. He died trying to break his bond with Sairché, she was not kind and he died a brutal death for his insolence. As he died she discovered his secret and decided she wanted to use him as an undying warlock foot soldier in some grand plan that was in motion. Trapping his soul in hell to break his mind and spirit.

#### **Post Infernal Plane**

Fuego was dead, though he does not know how long he was in hell, he remembers being caged and tormented. Memories of his life before hell are a faint memory. Through either Divine Intervention or the Hubris of Man he found himself inside a poorly sigiled summoning circle in the presence of a elderly wizard whom was studying the infernal plane. Upon his appearance and subsequent breaking of the circle the elder wizard had quite the fright. Fearing for his life he recoiled expecting death but Fuego explained he was no demon, but a Dragonborn. The wizard was stunned as he expected to summon a lesser demon to assist him in his research. In exchange for freeing Fuego from his infernal prison, he offered stand in as the elder wizards assistant and learn the ways of magic.

The Wizard, Donald Herbert, and Fuego over time realized he was proficient in magic, specifically Warlock magic. Though Donald did not know all the ins and outs of Warlock pact magic, he trained him the best he could. During Fuego’s apprenticeship he learned to appreciate the natural beauty of the world. He hopes to someday return home, where ever that maybe, once he’s regained his memory. Along with repaying Donald for his kindness and friendship.

### With the Third Family

##### **Littlegrove**

Upon arriving in Littlegrove he found himself in the company of Theodosia, Rylan, Jii, Ruinfea, Brynwick and Hetzel. He bonded with this group of ragtag adventures quickly and he considers them all as members of his clan, The Third Family.

During his time in Littlegrove he helped banish a few minor beholder-kin, along with dispatching a dire rat and full grown beholder. This culminated in Ruinfea,  Rylan and himself to be temporarily imprisoned. This did not last long as Brynwick caused the ‘General’ in question to have a moment of ‘Digestive distress’. With their names cleared and now trusted by Littlegrove's town council they where entrusted to stop a plot of violence at the upcoming festival. In pursuing answers they discovered the town’s temple had been desiccated. Which was also when he was nearly possessed by worms.

Upon the discovery of the full plot to wreak havoc at the festival the Third Family attempted to stop the attack, Thea detained a Bard that was acting suspicious. While Rylan, Ruinfea and Fuego stopped three city watch guards that where also acting suspicious, however though Fuego stopped his guard with a well placed shatter spell, he didn’t stop his unleashing of a sound based spell. Sadly parts of the crowd turned on each other including some of the Third Family, fortunately this was undone though the damage remained. During this event he was made a Deputy of Littlegrove City Watch.

Afterwards they where able to gather quite a bit of Intel from of of the individuals involved with the plot, a group called the Hallow Company, including a map of locations for further activities. During his time in Littlegrove he may have accidentally singed off a few of the party member's eye brows. He has quipped that he was merely trying to build up their fire resistance.

##### **Spriggan**

On the road to Spriggan Fuego and the party encountered some mischievous Fay in Beggar’s Hole, that they thought had turned Carrion into a pig. Fortunately they had merely given a pig the horns of a Tiefling, as Carrion was found later after he had gotten lost in maze in the woods.

Upon arrival in Spriggan the party investigated the town for any signs of corruption like they had discovered in Littlegrove. While there they meet up with Tiago and ended up entering a dream plane to get answers about his son, Arun. While in the dream plane the party encountered beasts that attempted to stop them from reaching their destination. In on encounter several party members nearly died because of a water beast was pulling them under.They discovered Feno's consciousness had been swapped with her brothers. They managed to sort that out after some discussion. Was formally made a Lord of Menzoberranzan by G'eldaere Baenre, who was visiting Spriggan.

They did end up having an altercation after they discovered a religious sect had been making power moves behind the duly elected leader, with lead to the party facing the avatar of a literal god. Though they managed to emerge victorious, it was bitter sweet as they lost a beloved party member in the process, Jii. Though he may have been an odd individual, he had an impact on the Third family and is deeply missed. That night Fuego had a vision of a woman wrapped in flame, whom he called ‘Fire Tits’ who seemed to be familiar with him though he did not recall them in the slightest. She wanted him to abandon his friends. He shared this with the party and the consensus was this might be his Patron.

##### **Dewport**

In Dewport Fuego saw the most diverse populated city he had ever seen, it was sight to behold. A Tabaxi named Haidrin joined them while in town. While at one of the local tavern's, The Drowned Beagle, Fuego and Rylan had been effected by a spell plague that rendered them ill. While the Third Family investigated who and how they where infected they managed to find a drug den that left Rylan and Fuego feeling better. However the individuals responsible for unleashing the plague ended up collapsing the building in their escape. Which they culprits were dealt with soon after.

After a brief respite back at The Drowned Beagle, the party made the decision to investigate a possible origin for the spell plague as it was starting to effect other members of the group as well. While investigating the docks they discovered a giant shipping crate that was impossibly bigger on the inside with a singular occupant in what appeared to be a ritual to a chained statue. Carrion revealed he had 'smuggled' some of the incense from the previously standing drug den intending to study it, but opted to give it to the party members affected by the malaise from the spell plague. This gave the party the ability to stop the now awoken god from gaining a foothold on the material plane.

The following day they were presented with an odd fellow, who claimed he could heal them. Several party members where concerned he would require them to drink his liquid excretory product, due to his irradiate behavior. Fortunately but sadly unfortunately what he was sacrificing was a bit of his own life essence. Between Rylan and Bryn, with some help from the party, they where able to explain to the council the plague affecting the city. They managed to devise a plan to combat the plague, but needed to go to the Court of Coral. While Carrion left for Morad.

##### **Court of Coral**

Made the acquaintance of Captain Loray Lorhalien who agreed to assist the party in exchange for helping find his sister. While at the Court of Coral Fuego met a young Selkie that lost their hide, and with it their identity. Fuego, Thea and Hetzal decided to share their surnames with them. The newly named Chandler Sophson Nevermere joined Fuego, Rylan and Ruinfea in a search for the Selkie hides that were believed to be hidden in the Court's vault. While Bryn, Thea, Hetzel and Carrion searched for Loray's sister.

While sneaking into the vault Rylan made a distraction that gave everyone the ability to sneak in. In the vault they found nothing but a curious chest that lead to a lower level. In the hidden chamber the group found the missing Selkie hides along with Chandler Sophson Nevermere's. Upon being reunited with their hide, they reclaimed their name Ripjaw, but chose to keep the surnames. Rylan discovered an artifact that called his name, enabling him to connect with Titania.

Once the party was reunited they went back to the Court to discus the now found Selkie hides and other problems. This resulted in a confrontation between Siobhan Alastai and Rylan. Rylan dispatched her swiftly thanks to his prowess as a rogue and his new connection to Titania. Unfortunately during the duel Siobhan unleashed an underwater storm that threatened to tear the Court and everyone apart, but Fuego stepped forward to dispel the maelstrom before there was any further loose of life. Rylan bestowed him with the title of Stormbreaker.

For his involvement in the atrocities done towards the Selkie and everything else, Elias Alastai was deposed. With the support of Calliope, Ripjaw Chandler Sophson Nevermere was installed as a Sea Lord and they took the throne. The party returned to their ship where Loray was reunited with his sister, who chose to help the people of Dewport, while Loray agreed to officially join the Third Family on their quest, as a rider from Lymdell called for aid.

##### **Lymdell**

Upon arriving at Lymdell the party found the city under siege and they had a fiend army between them and the city. Thea, Ruinfea and Hetzal took to wreaking havoc on the fiends on the western flank while Rylan, Bryn and Loray took the eastern. Fuego made his way down the center destroying siege equipment at the city gate and commandeered a trebuchet to destroy an siege tower. Between the three pronged attack the fiend army was routed and ran.

After the enemy engagement Lymdell's General, Gildor Galanodel, greeted the adventures and was reunited with his sister Ruinfea. He was happy for the Third Family's aid and to see Ruinfea again. He instructed the group that they would receive whatever aid they needed in exchange for their help. Regrettably not everyone in Lymdell shared Gildor's open mindedness in regards to other races. Fuego had an unpleasant encounter when he went looking for some new armor. He heard a familiar voice in his head, encouraging him to let them burn. He resisted the urge as he didn't want to be the 'beast' they claimed he was. After reuniting with the group they spent the night in Loray's tent while discussing what to do next and lamenting over their unpleasant experience's with the locals including Ruinfea's parents.

The following morning the group went behind enemy lines to take out an alter of the Lord of Deceit. Where someone accidentally read the invocation summoning the Lord of Deceit. Fortunately due to the quick thinking of several party members the Lord of Deceit was transformed into a small pet and promptly dispatched. Returning to Lymdell they discovered the 'Fiends' they had been battling where actually lost members of Lymdell's own army. While processing this information the party discovered Ruinfea and Gildor's parents had a hand in the city's siege and the Hallow Company. They attempted to escape, but where promptly captured by several party members. Bryn used 'message' to contact Tiago in Morad for assistance, resulting in a portal opening for their convince.

##### **Morad**

Arriving in Morad was an experience, Tiago was surprised to see so many to arrive with the Third Family. Lady Keyleth Galanodel and Lord Hadarai Galanodel where taken into custody for their treasonous actions. The Third Family was reunited with Carrion and Comforte, but the reunion was bittersweet as Hetzal was called back home. The group decided to take the opportunity to get some much needed gear and a afternoon of taking in the sights of Morad in preparation for a meeting with Emperor Luthais and the Fall Equinox Ball.

While exploring the city an elder Dragonborn mistook Fuego for her missing husband of sixty years. This stuck Fuego hard, as he couldn't imagine missing someone that long. He introduced himself and she introduced herself as Memeril Orish, or Meme to her friends. Fuego insisted on escorting her to her hotel. While they walked the group got to know a little about her and what brought her to Morad. She was in town for the Ball celebrating the Fall Equinox.

Once back at the tower Fuego asked Tiago if he could help him with a memory restoration potion. That evening Fuego's shadow tried to get him to take up the rod they took from the Lord of Deceit, he refused at a cost leading him to be exhausted the following day. Their meeting with the Emperor, though unusual, went well and they where formally tasked with being the protective detail for the Emperor at the Fall Equinox Ball. The party returned to the tower to get dressed for the ball, which was a sight as everyone cut quite the striking figures. Fuego wore a Black and Maroon suit that looked tailored with a flowing cape.

Arriving at the Ball they crossed paths with Memeril Orish and her friend Finrich Eversharp, who where waiting to go inside. Once inside the Ball they were greeted with nobility wearing all manner of elaborate and magically enhanced attire. They also where able to surprise Thea's parents, who where overjoyed to see their daughter and her new friends. Rylan, Bryn, Ruinfea and Loray decided to enjoy the opportunity to dance, while Thea and Fuego did a security sweep. Thea and Fuego made small talk while Rylan, Bryn, Ruinfea and Loray briefly disappeared behind a tapestry, which lead to a Fae Ball for Rylan, the newly minted Summer knight.

Their enjoyment of the festivities where short lived however as guards where suddenly sent flying through the crowd as a mountain of a man followed by the Usurper Rameles Civar, Glyn, Finrich Eversharp and Memeril Orish formally known as The Hallow Company. Seeing Meme standing with the Hallow Company caused Fuego's heart to sink. Civar seemed more interested in running his mouth making claims and demands, leading Fuego to retort *“Sometimes snakes walk upright.”* In that moment Fuego became the sole focus of Glyn and the 'mountain's attacks, however Meme chose to heal him. Fortunately his family had his back causing Finrich and the unnamed 'mountain' to flee the building giving everyone the chance to focus on Rameles and Glyn. Glyn nearly had one of his hands cleaved off while Fuego delivered an attack to Rameles that incapacitated him. Meme asked Fuego to show Mercy before running off to find Finrich.

Once the fight was over Rameles Civar and Glyn where taken into custody and the party was taken to see someone that requested their presence, Alden Dylann the actual Emperor. Upon meeting Alden the party was given assurances of some much needed changes. Fuego asked for Memeril Orish to be given leniency since she actively aided the Third Family during the recent fight. He was assured they would.

Returning to the tower Tiago handed Fuego a vial that would open his memories, but warned him they would return over time. Fuego meet with Thea in her chambers to continue their talk from the ball. He shared his concerns and what of his past he could recall. He also let her know about his plan to regain his memories thanks to Tiago's potion. he also confessed that he was dealing with a voice of temptation in his head. She listened and was very supportive. The next morning the group got some last minute supplies for their trip to the Plane of Knowledge. While getting supplies they were followed by Kam, a friend from Rylan's past. He joined the party on their quest.

##### **Plane of Knowledge**

While searching the Plane of Knowledge Fuego was presented to ask a question by Oghma. With little hesitation he asked to know the name of his pursuer, Sairché. Armed with the name of his pursuer, his Patron. Once everyone was given their opportunity to ask Oghma a question they sought a guide to lead them to another Plane. The Deva that showed, though appeared to be genuine, had ulterior motives. Fortunately Ophiel and Aniel showed up in time to reveal the Deva's true motives. With the Deva dispatched, Ophiel and Aniel lead them to somewhere they could return to the material world. Ariel agreed to join them.

##### **Gael Aethal**

Arriving in Gael Aethal the party was greeted by Sinanna Elsani. She took them into town to where they stayed the knight. Fuego ended up offering Bryn a helpful ear and some sage wisdom while Kam and Rylan reconnected after years apart. The following morning the party helped Ruinfea look for her brother at a Necromancer tower. Once inside they discovered her brother was attempting to banish a Rift Lich. Once the Rift Lich was banished the room was breached by several Drow lead by Iimeth Baentlar, the First Blade. Who took the opportunity to attack and abduct Rylan.

This left several party members shocked and after a brief rest, Fuego consoled Ruinfea and had a brief conversation of a plan with Kam. Fuego also finally spoke with Sairché. With the timely aid from Anastasiya Nadezhda Konstantinova, Thea's Aunt, they set out to attack the First Blade and rescue Rylan. While Thea, Ana, Loray and Aniel distracted the First Blade's army, Kam and Bryn went after Iimeth, while Fuego and Ruinfea broke Rylan from his bonds.

On their way back to the Necromancer tower they came across another Drow encampment, Rylan's mother G'eldaere Baenre was preparing a more elaborate crusade to rescue her son. After a sudden confrontation, that had been brewing all Rylan's life, Rylan stood up to his mother. Once back in the Necromancer tower everyone splintered off to unwind and clean up. Fuego decided to clean up the remains from his discussion with Sairché, Ruinfea joined him. She shared with him some of her personal history and experiences with wild shape. She asked what happened with the burned table, but didn't pry when Fuego side stepped the question. in the morning they returned to Gael Aethal before making their way back to Morad.

##### **Return to Morad**

On the road to return to Morad, the party found Carrion and Comforte with Thea's caravan all looking worse for wear. Carrion revealed to the party that they had been missing for four months. Shortly after they left for the Plane of knowledge the tower was attacked. Tiago was killed instantly, Comforte was left brain dead. Carrion took N'yyk and put him into Comforte in an attempt to save them both.After the attack the Empire fell to Rameles. Carrion had come up with a plan that involved the party retaking the tower, restoring the portal and traveling back to moments after they left for the Plane of knowledge. With renewed vigor the party pushed towards Morad while disguised the met back up with Thea's mom and through a connection of Kam's they have a way into Morad.

After making it into the Mages tower, the party with the assistance of Tiago's ghost where able to reassemble and activate the portal. Once through the portal everything was so fast between explaining to Tiago and the beginning of the attack from Civar and his cronies. The last thing Fuego remembered was seeing Thea grabbed Liliahil Stormosin and disappearing followed by hearing Stormosin screaming what sounded like his patron from outside the tower.

After waking up from an impromptu 'nap' everyone brought Fuego up to date with what happened while he was out. He had evidently been possessed by Sairché. They managed to get her to release Fuego by Thea making a pact with her. Fuego, Thea, Bryn and Ruinfea figured out a way to contact Rylan and Kam. They plane shifted arriving with Keres. Rylan helped Ruinfea find Loray before going spending some downtime. After some brief introductions they decided to partake in the evenings festivities while Bryn opted to spend time with Tiago learning about temporal magics.

The party watched Kam devastate an opponent in a fighter pit. Afterwards everyone descended on the Chandler's tavern for a evening of drinking and merriment. Fuego took time to chat with everyone individually seeing how they are holding up and to discuss some personal matters. One the way home from the tavern he had a pleasant conversation with Kam. Once everyone had settled in for the evening Fuego had a fun little conversation with Keres while he was working on a long over due letter to Donald Herbert.

##### **Road to Ruinglast**

On the road to Ruinglast the party encountered the Silver Robins, who did not give good first impressions. The next morning the situation with the Silver Robins boiled to a head as several of their members proved to be less then hospitable. Once that was sorted Oghma decided to make an appearance and again requested Brynn to “return home” with him, which she declined. At that Oghma decided to leave the party with a tantrum.

While the party cleaned up the aftermath, Fuego took the opportunity to discuss his shared past with Meme. After a tearful reunion they discussed their daughter and her impact on others. After a brief stay in Ruinglast everyone went to Hillferd to free the people there and teach Juli a much needed life lesson.

##### **Ruinglast**

While in Ruinglast Fuego opted to stay with Meme in their home. While the party is in Ruinglast they helped by spending coin at various shops and even lending a hand in the Blacksmith and the Purple Scale Tavern/Inn. The traveler showed up looking for Thea seeking her help, leading the party to travel to the Feywild.

##### **Feywild**

In the Feywild the Traveler asked for help taking care of an issue that they would know when they came across it. A short time into their journey they come across two groups of armored Birds and Rabbits engaged in combat. After a brief consultation with the Traveler they discover this was a sign they where close to the disturbance they where looking for. They party encountered a blight witch, whom the Traveler wanted taken care of. During the ensuing fight they where able to kill her, but not before she hit Bryn with feeble-minded

##### **Ruinglast**

Back in the Purple Scale the morning after their return from the Feywild the party was hit with the discovery that Bryn had been murdered in her sleep. Rylan, Thea and Ruinfea prepared her for burial. Fuego asked Meme to help fulfill Bryn's funeral request. While overcome with grief they crossed paths with Deliaph, whom recently lost her son, but was acting strangely as if she hadn't. Opting to 'help' her take he supplies home the party discovered her son had been replaced by an Oblex. During their investigation they also discovered the Oblex had been asked to help repopulate the Dragonborn in kind of replace to repopulate method. The Dragonborn elders have agreed to allow the Oblex to stay and live alongside them as long as they agree to not convert anyone without their consent. The Oblex also helped informed the elders of whom called them and who was helping provide them with bodies. Shortly after this development news came from Menzoberranzan that G'eldaere Baenre has died.

##### **Menzoberranzan**

On the path through the underdark they encountered a group of Flumph. Upon arriving in Menzoberranzan proper the party meets Tasseleq, he and Rylan discus matters involving Rylan's ascension to the thrown as the hair apparent. Afterwards Rylan, Kam, Keres and Thea break away to meet some guests while Ruinfea and Fuego are shown the guest suites. He along with the rest of the Third Family attended Rylan's coronation.

The next morning the party meets Garret Seiger shortly before Keres has a vision of a cataclysm. Rylan was able to convince Triss-vyrae Mizzrym to help with Loth. Afterwards Keres shifted everyone to Azzagrat to meet with Graz'zt and Tasha to plan. While there the desision is made to start with the Demogorgon in The Gaping Maw.

##### **The Gaping Maw**

The plan was to us Garrett's Bolts of Escalating with tethers attached to the bolts to ensnare the Demogorgon, bring it to its knees, and then rip out the spark. However no one expected the nefarious nature of the Demogorgon's first insidious attack on the party. Fuego was overcome with the feeling that the only solution to his problems would be to kill Kam. He struggled to not give into that feeling and if not for the Devine Authority Rylan called upon, he most certainly would have given into that feeling. The trauma of this would sadly linger for some time.

Before Rylan ordered the party to 'Get it together, NOW!" shattering the madness that had been cast over them all. The battle with the Demogorgon was a mix of pandamonium and utter chaos. Fuego for his part was fighting in total darkness so he only heard what was going on and it didn't sound good.Ultimatly Kam and Rylan tag teamed the beast before Rylan reached intoa a cavity carved by his sword, pull out something glittering, and shove it into Kam’s chest. They then began to flee as the tower they were upon turned to salt and ash and began to crumble into the roaring ocean below.

##### **Journey to Fäerun**

After spending the night, back at House Baenre. There, the party discussed a way to enter Fäerun and continue their mission. Rylan showed them to a secret harbor, where a boat with rather magical properties was anchored. Loray Piloted the ship into dark waters under starry skies. Soon, the party found itself surrounded by floating balls of light, which stung as they brushed against several of the party.

Attracted to the orbs, Ruinfea reached out and touched one. This was a mistake, as the creatures turned out to be malevolent rather than benevolent, and the party found itself targeted by lightning strikes. Several party members retreated below decks.

A ship appeared, driving off the attackers and rescuing the Third Family from further harm. As the ship drew near, a voice called out, and the captain identified himself as Jarlaxle Baenre – Rylan’s uncle. The party was healed and rested for the night in a tavern in Waterdeep before heading out into the Ardeep Forest.

##### **The Ardeep Forrest, The Dagda's Lodge**

Though the party tried to make as little impact as possible, they still attracted the attention of a shambling mound and its offspring. They were able to defeat them both with varied fire attacks, though Jar found himself literally caught in the crossfire. Finally, they found refuge at a lodge in the woods. Entering it, they found themselves granted hospitality by The Dagda – one of the Tuatha de Danaan, brother of Oghma, and who revealed himself to be Rylan’s father in an emotional scene.

That night, Thea regaled a very large crown with the exploits of the Third Family. After the song, which lasted for three hours, ended, the entire party found itself thronged by well-wishers, and Fuego found a shiny rock of mica given as a gift. When the crowds departed, the party sat near the fire as each member shared more of their own personal story. Their talk then turned to plans, and it was decided that, in the morning, they would make use of Ecne’s library to research their options.

The next day after breakfast, the party minus Kam assembled in the library, where Keres seemingly pulled information out of thin air. She asked Garrett to help mark places on a map, which Ash helped hold down by sitting on it. They had located the probable location of four treasures or relics when Rylan realized that Lacroix, who had gone out on a separate mission for Keres and Rylan, hadn’t checked in. Using various magical means, it was determined he was in trouble, and Rylan was able to get a direction of his location.

##### **Rescuing Lacroix**

Realizing it would be quicker if the party could fly, Rylan took Thea, Garrett, and Fuego to his father and asked him a favor: to give us wings, if only temporarily. Making a concoction of each of their hairs, fur and scales, the party was able to fly to Lacroix’s location: a cave in the mountains Inside, they were met by an ice-wall barrier, which Rylan got the party around using misty step.

The battle both seemed to be in slow motion and yet over before it begain. Rylan and Keres immediately took out two of the cultists and frightened four others. Ruinfea summoned a steam elemental and burned a few of them, Garrett used catapult to throw the idol across the room at the fleeing cultists, bludgeoning four of them (outright killing one). Thea reached out and used “heat metal” to melt a cultist’s golden mask to their face, while Fuego struck out with Holy Avenger and landed a critical hit.

The remaining cultists tried to fight back, focusing their attacks on Brioche and shooting her with arrows. Rylan now focused on healing Lacroix, who’s wings were gone as well as a foot. Keres struck out again, Garrett tripped the remaining cultists up by casting web, while Fuego and Brioche lit them on fire with their fire breath. Thea once again melted a mask to a face, and Ruinfea finished the job with some well-thrown ice knives. With two cultists left, Rylan used a spell to grapple them with vines, and Keres went in for the interrogation.

Only a few questions in, and there was a voice from the corner. The cultist’s god had been summoned by their blood on her idol, and Waukeen now appeared. Keres didn’t mince words with Waukeen; understandable, given her background, and it seemed the encounter would come to blows. In fact, Waukeen struck Keres across the face, to which Keres replied “My brother knows of that slap.. Seeming to decide that the party weren’t worth her time and trouble, Waukeen disappeared.

Turning their attention back to Lacroix, he lamented the state of his home which the party helped clean by tossing the dead cultists outside in a ravine. Several party members, including Keres, Thea, and Garrett, kept a mask or two. Rylan carried Lacroix as the party flew back to the lodge of the Dagda.

##### **The Goblin Market**

Back at the lodge, it was decided to take the fight directly to Waukeen herself. Keres and Rylan came up with a plan for drawing her out of her palace and into the goblin market, which was located on a different plane than where the party currently was.

The plan to disguise the party as followers of Waukeen ran into a snag when LaCroix pointed out that none of the masks would fit Garrett. Rylan offered him and Ash a spot in his bag of animal holding along with Brioche (which Brioche also consented to), leading Keres and Kam to joke about pulling a rabbit out of a hat and letting the cat out of the bag.

With the help of a goblin alliance negotiated by Rylan – successfully drew Waukeen into a tent and away from a majority of her retinue. Fuego bluffed that their presence was legitimate and she gifted him coins with her visage on them. Kam sprung the trap, and Garret listened for his moment, shouting “Tada, bitch!” and sending two bolts through one of Waukeen’s knees. Her divine spark was ripped out and given to Keres, who proceeded to make Waukeen choke on her own coin while Kam took her head.

However, Waukeen had one last trick up her sleeve, and through some trick of magic, after he handed her the coins Waukeen had given him, several divine ranks were transferred from Keres to Fuego, where they settled. As the party left, Keres treated the defeated Waukeen’s followers with dignity, encouraging them to live their own lives. She seemed to bear no ill will towards Fuego, but Kam . . . felt differently.

##### **Return to The Dagda's Lodge**

As they stepped back into the Lodge via a doorway, Fuego began to show signs of distress beyond the skills of the party to heal. Thea and Garrett went off to find a cleric, finding instead The Traveler, who introduced them to Scáthach. While she could not help the party, one of her clerics, known as Ari, could.

Ari helped ease Fuego’s mind and worry about what was happening. After some harmless flirtation he laid down for her to start her work. Before she got too far into it he asked her to make sure his final wishes would be carried out, if something were to happen.

The cleric attended to Fuego while the party waited outside his room – most in the hall, though Rylan prayed in the library while Kam and Keres practiced outside. Ash kept Thea company as she was apart from Keres, and she expressed an interest in learning how to care for Ash at some point in the future. Rylan returned from prayer and informed the party that while Fuego’s symptoms might be cured momentarily, he would need a more permanent solution. Even though Keres held no ill will towards him, he was plagued by guilt over what happened.

Keres and Kam returned and the party discussed the possibility of going after the cauldron artifact first, as it supposedly possessed healing qualities, leading to a disagreement between Rylan and Kam, and an almost-argument between Thea and Kam. But these differences were put aside and the party made its way back to Waterdeep (the shambling mounds giving Kam a wide berth), and from there Rylan’s uncle Jar offered the party passage to Whitefish Bay.

Leaving the ship, Ruinfea (with Keres’ help) guided the party into the Drowned Forest. Garret soon found himself carrying Ash, and was quickly struggling himself in the more-than-swampy wood.

##### **The Cauldron Catastrophe**

Leaving the ship, Ruinfea (with Keres’ help) guided the party into the Drowned Forest. The party approached a desecrated cairn. Rylan used located object to detect the cauldron, and the party made their way inside. Rylan guarded the door while the rest of the party searched, with Keres finding the cauldron as a bauble on the corpse in the tomb. A low hum had filled the air, and now hoofbeats started to approach. Rylan recognized it as something he would refer to only as The Nope Horse.

The party discussed ways of leaving, and ended up talking too long. Keres tried to planshift the party, but that didn’t work. The area was under some kind of ward preventing such magic. At that moment, the Root of War tore the roof off the cairn. Ruinfea wild-shaped into a fish in an attempt find a way out; Keres took to the air, and Kam and Rylan tried to attack. The Root of War merely shrugged off the attacks as if they were nothing and proceeded to knock Kam to the ground. Garrett took to the sky having cast fly on himself, joining Keres in the air while the others tried to make their way out of the cairn. Kam wasn’t moving and Rylan stumbled, leaving Thea to begin hauling Kam – still unmoving – out of danger.

It was at this moment a large doorway opened in the fabric of reality, with Tasha (bleeding from her nose) holding it open and Graz’zt stepping through. Graz’zt was able to distract the Root of War long enough for the party to make its way through the door (whether by flight or dash or misty step) before coming through himself. The party thus found itself in the part of Hades where Tasha resided, as Kam opened his eyes. Graz’zt and Tasha explained they had felt Kam die, and heard a call from Keres, and came to their rescue.

Tasha demanded the party tell her what happened, furious that somehow Kam and Rylan had taken such a beating while the rest of the party from her perspective remained relatively uninjured (though in fact many of them were at about half health). Tasha’s tone was biting, which while understandable, was also jarring to many of the party members.

When things had settled down, Rylan and Kam and Keres and Thea went to their rooms in the royal apartments, while Fuego, Ruinfea, Garrett and Ash were escorted to a guest suite. Fuego somehow managed to sleep, though it was far from restful. Everything felt like it was falling apart and he knew he was, at least in part, at fault.

##### **The Grey Wastes**

* *Session 1*

Over a breakfast of finger foods, Thea explained that Keres and Rylan and Kam would need time to rest and recover and come to terms with what had happened. This needed to be a time for family. “So what will we be doing, then?” Garrett asked, to which Thea replied “family things,” blinking wide as if the answer were obvious. The group was interrupted by another knock on the door. It was Tasha, who led a group of four individuals into the chamber, said “they’re all yours,” and disappeared with panache.

They introduced themselves to the group and the group to them: Kiara: a paladin/monk with her mount Big Z currently in human form; Reiner: a warlock with his companion ambush drake Ryder; and Nesryn: a fighter. Tasha had asked them here in part to help the group train up for the tasks ahead of them. The new group of folks seemed just as delighted with Ash as everyone else.

They each discussed their strengths and their weaknesses, along with what they’d like to improve..They broke up into groups for training: Kiara with Ruinfea, Reiner and Big Z with Fuego and Thea, and Nesryn and Ryder with Garrett and Ash.

Reiner’s lesson was unorthodox, but really hit home for Fuego. He cast forcecage on Thea and informed the duo that they had an hour to get her out of the cage or Big Z would use his breath attack. After multiple attempts to misty step, dimension door and spells to break the forcecage the two of them accepted their fate and prepared for their punishment. To their surprise after Forcecage disappeared, Big Z used his breath to attack the air above them. Reiner didn't explicitly say he’d use it on them.

He followed up this lesson with some much needed questions that needed to be asked and reminded them that sometimes you don’t have to resort to overtly complex solutions. After all, they could have asked him to end the spell.

Meeting up with the others, they learned Ruinfea had received a vision involving Kiara and Nesryn and Reiner, and – as no word had come from Rylan, Kam, or Keres that their situation had changed – it was decided they would travel together to retrieve their “spoils of war” as the man in the vision had called the things in his possession.

As they planned their next moves, the merged parties also began telling stories.

* *Seasion 2*

As Thea played her lyre, it was decided that Thea, Ruinfea, Garrett, and Fuego would help Nesryn, Reiner, and Kiara retrieve their things from Soren. After a rest, the party made it’s way – led by Reiner – through the Gray Waste to a seemingly abandoned tower. Ruinfea spotted a cat; and the cat spotted the party. Certain they had now lost the element of surprise, they cautiously made their way inside.

There they saw a large block with several weapons embedded in it. As they discussed what to do, Fuego looked up and noticed Soren standing on a balcony. Making use of the skills they’d learned or been reminded of the previous day, they all fought against Soren, who seemingly wove in and out of the shadows. Eventually Soren was worn down, and Garrett shot the killing blow up through Soren’s torso, surprising Soren (obviously) but also Reiner and Kiara, who had been unaware of Garrett’s special talent.

However, Soren had a surprise as well: he wasn’t actually dead, and he wasn’t actually an enemy. He was a celestial ally (of sorts) with Kiara, and had helped set up a training exercise for Garrett, Ruinfea, Thea, and Fuego - - which they passed. Introducing everyone properly, Kiara declared the party now on the path to becoming Hero Deities in their own right, she offered them their choice of the weapons, which had previously belonged to her own party. Ruinfea chose a sickle, Thea a short sword, Fuego a Warmace, and Garrett a crossbow.

The group now larger by one celestial and one cat, they made their way back to Tasha’s. On the way back to Tasha's, Fuego and Thea discussed how the leasns have helped them. The two discussed how they were feeling after recent events, and Fuego asked Thea to take care of something for him if the worst should happen.

Back in their suite at Tasha’s, Feugo pulled Garrett aside and the two talked. Fuego had never seen a Rabbitfolk before and Artificer's always intrigued him. The method of fabricating one thing from another was magic on a physical level. So he took this time to get to know Garret, and Ash.

##### **Healing Waters Rising**

The next morning Ruinfea went to fetch Rylan, and upon their return he was introduced to Nesryn and Reiner. Fuego filled him in on the particulars, and as they all discussed their next moves involving Tiamat, Garrett used the opportunity to show Brioche and Rylan (and everyone else) the armor he and Ash (and Oberon) created. Pleased, Brioche strutted about and Rylan knelt down to give Garrett a hug, which he accepted. Garrett also passed on information given him by Kiara and Z, namely that he should ask his god to pact or bond him and Brioche, so that if the worst were to happen and Brioche die, she could be recalled as Rylan’s mount.

At this point they were interrupted by Tasha, who had prepared the cauldron for Fuego’s healing. Essentially, the Fae members of the party had to drown Fuego in the cauldron, but instead of death, it’s waters brought healing - complete and total healing. From the outside it appeared mostly calm as if Fuego’s sheer will had been preparing himself for this. Not only was Fuego healed and the divine ranks returned to Keres, but Fuego regained his memory and found himself free of his patron. No longer the Warlock Fuego, he was the Wildfire Druid Barinn Orish.

They returned to their suite and, a few minutes later with their planning complete, Fuego, now restored, disappeared for a few minutes to return dressed in various shades of greens and browns. Fuego took a moment to recall the full brevity of the spells he could call upon, and those he still could. He was indebted to his family and Tasha for the gift they have given him. He does not intend to squander any moment of it.

##### **Battling Tiamat**

Now prepared, they all went through a portal into the realm and lair of Tiamat. The dragon sensed their presence immediately, but as she took some time to emerge from her cave, they had some time to prepare. Staying toward the center/back of the group, Fuego summoned his Wildfire Spirit to aid in his attacks and healing.

Rylan and Nesryn were able to attack Tiamat as she emerged from her cave, and between the two of them managed to sever Tiamat’s fire head, with Rylan pocketing the stone left behind as it disappeared. The party continued the fight, with Tiamat fighting back with jaws and wings and lair, dealing comparatively minor damage to several members of the party – her attacks mitigated significantly thanks to Rylan’s poisons.

Garret shot Tiamat with one of his ballista arrows, and even Ash was able to strike a blow against her after being knocked to the ground by Tiamat. When Tiamat went after Rylan a second time, Thea lashed out with Hellish Rebuke, destroying the acid head and subsequently scooped up its stone presumably a gift intended for Tasha.

Garrett was able to resist most of Tiamat’s attacks, until her lightning breath caught him and nearly killed him – it was only through the quick-thinking of Rylan that he survived. The butterfly and Ash were not so lucky, each of them being destroyed with one of Tiamat’s wing attacks. This seemed to anger the party, even though Garrett thought they knew he could bring them back.

Tiamat summoned a Grey Dragon, which was almost immediately ganged up on by Z and Brioche, and then obliterated by Nesryn’s arrows. Ruinfea took off one of Tiamat’s heads using a thunder attack, the fourth head was dispatched by a combination of attacks from Reiner and Rylan, (admittedly things were moving fast) Thea forced her sword into Tiamat’s fifth and final head, bringing the dragon down.

The party gathered a few trophies such as scales and teeth and claws. Thea carefully gathered up what was left of Ash and gave the pieces to Garrett. Fuego healed those he could, much to the surprise of Big Z, who hadn’t realized Fuego had gone through a metaphysical change.

##### **Return to The Grey Wastes**

Arriving back at the Tasha’s, Fuego rested after the battle with Tiamat. He took the opportunity to reacuanint himself with his renewed connection with his wildfire spirit, its connection to creation and destruction made him feel whole. And no longer being limited to a handful of spells meant he could better aid his party. The fight with Tiamat was proof of that.

The next day, the party (Garret & Ash, Ruinfea, Fuego, Nesryn, and Rylan & Brioche) met back up, and Rylan expressed concern that something had happened to his father, the Dagda. When he proposed traveling back to the lodge to check in on things. Rylan used his ring – a gift from his father – to return to the lodge.

##### **Return to The Dagda's Lodge, agian**

The lodge was in a state of minor chaos, serving as a retreat from those that had gone out to battle the Root of War. Hearing their side of things, the battle had not gone well. The Root of War had overrun the front lines and the Dagda, feared death, when suddenly he withdrew from battle – to go and smash the Third Family in the Drowned Forest.

Rylan caught his father up on our exploits, as well as relaying a bit of Legend Lore given by Reiner upon our return to Tasha’s:

*"A Tower of Luskan once planted on solid rock now drifts East, fleeing from the Obsidian Born Lord.*

*Among the rocks of the City of Shadows you will find the Stone, which holds fast the doors of the Broken Weave, and he that Sundered it."*

Conferring with the Dagda, Thea and Rylan concluded that our next move should be to visit her Aunt living in the far North. Fuego sent messages by his familiar back to Tasha and those still with her; to the Surprise of Rylan, who hadn’t yet met Hannibal, Fuego’s Hawk familiar.

##### **Return of the Archmistress Konstantinova**

Using Plane Shift, Ruinfea moved the party to their destination: a tower of Lusk in the far north of Faerun, where Thea’s aunt Ana was First Evocator. The wind was bitter cold and the snow deep Fuego offered to carry garrett; but he opted to hop into the bag with Brioche and Ash.

The party was welcomed and led inside by Ruinfea’s brother Lindor, who they had last seen in Gael Aethal some time ago. The party allowed the two a moment to reconnect. Seeing Brioche and Garrett and Ash emerge from their bag, Lindor was intrigued by the Bag of Animal Holding, having only known of regular Bags of Holding to this point.

The group was then led into the First Evocator’s office/laboratory/workshop, where Thea made the appropriate introductions. Lindor and Ana told the party how, just a short while before, 150 other wizards and/or sorcerers had – in the middle of the night – entered the other tower of Lusk as if in a deep sleep and cast some kind of magic that caused the tower to rise and float away. Though some had tried to find the tower and those that had gone with it, none had returned.

Thea shared the Legend Lore, and Ana and Lindor agreed that the tower may be in a town far to the east: Skund. Ruinfea asked many questions about the nature of the weave. Using her gifts of prophecy, Ana realized the Legend Lore had changed slightly from “he that sundered it” to “she that sundered it” – meaning Shar was behind whatever they were facing, not Cyric.

However, the cards also indicated that now may be the best time to act, so Anna opened a way through the mist for the party to cover the continent of Faerun In a matter of minutes. Standing before the city, the party was confused.

##### **Skuld**

The city of Skuld was supposed to be destroyed; instead, it stood tall and proud before them. Fuego checked to see if it might have been an illusion, but it appeared to be really intact. Rylan found a smuggler’s entrance into the city, and while some of the party chose to hide and sneak, others did not. Rylan and Brioche and Garret and Ash walked right in, and Ruinfea accompanied “Team Fae '' in the shape of a fox.

Team Fae met a supremely energetic and enthusiastic innkeeper who was just thrilled to meet them. Introducing themselves as Ryan Goodfellow, Pumpkin (Brioche), Gourd (Garrett), and Poppy (Ruinfea), they were able to determine that this young woman firmly believed in what she was saying/doing. The others came out of hiding, introducing themselves as Leaf (Nesryn), Warren (Fuego), and Liza Minelli (Thea).

It took some time to excuse themselves from the extreme kindness, but they gained three names to look into, as well as learning that the tower (which looked suspiciously like the missing tower from Lusk) had supposedly been abandoned long ago.

Investigating around town led them to three different locations, the mines, town hall and a temple. Along with three key individuals Mr. Brand, Mama Hornbone and The Magistrate. Investigating the mines lead them to the discovery of a lot of labrodite along with a baby dragon turtle. opting to not let the baby suffer in the mines they adopted it for the time being along with several party members picking up chunks of labrodite.

Leaving the mines they decided to go to the temple and meet Mama Hornbone. She turned out to be the celestial that the party had encountered weeks prior. After she manipulated time the party managed to put an end to her before she could mess with time again. Exiting the temple the town felt different as it seemed everyone was headed to the tower. The party pressed onward to the town hall to confront the Magistrate, who turned out to be Oghma.

The battle with Oghma was an intense one. Fuego used an old staple with a twist, using all his focus he cast fireball inside Oghma's chest cavity containing the resulting blast. As the battle went on the party realized it appeared as if they where not hurting him, until Reiner cast feeble mind and Oghma's guise started to fall. Thea delivered the killing blow after his spark was removed and given to her.

At this point the decided to see what was going on at the tower. Once there they meet a cheerful fellow that seemed to know Thea by name. After some conversation it was revealed to be Loki, and he had a gift for Thea, the horn of Gjallar. At which point he bid the party ado as the tower started to make its journey to its point of origin.

##### **Returning Anna's Tower**

After some conversations while they traveled via floating tower, the party arrived back in Lusk to discover it was under siege from a familiar face to most of the party. Glyn was attacking the remaining tower. Springing into action the party members took to the air, including Fuego thanks to his returned Druidic nature he took the shape of an Albatross. During the ensuing battle he used his breath attack leading to quite an unusaul scene of a fire breathing bird. They where also reunited with Keres, to Thea's joy. After Glyn was defeated he was interrogated before being put to rest. After their goodbye's with Nesryn and the Tower Mages they departed for the Dagda's lodge.

##### **Respite at the Dagda’s Lodge**

Upon arriving at the Dagda's lodge they where met with a happy father whom had a simple request, for them to rest and spend some time at the lodge so he could spend time with Rylan on his birthday, and perhaps take part in the Wild Hunt to celebrate the changing of the seasons. After some time meditating and continuing to acclimate to his true self Fuego agreed to take part in the wild hunt. He opted to go it alone for personal reasons. While in the forest he soon realized he was without a doubt lost and was starting to doubt his life choices. He soon came across a stream with a black dog drinking from it. He cautiously watched it unsure if it was a trap or merely an animal quenching it's thirst. He decided to attack it with a fire bolt revealing it to be more then a mere dog. It appeared to be a fire elemental dog of sorts. After a quick but harrowing fight Fuego managed to cast blight on it rendering it dust and bones. He took a moment to prey in druidic thanking the creature before with reverence placing its bones in his back pack. As he did the way opened back to the Dagda's lodge. He quietly stood and walked back leading the horse he originally was riding. Once back at the lodge they partook in the evenings events.

##### **Preparation and Planning**

The next morning, the party regrouped for breakfast and to plan what they would do now that their rest was over. There were at least two treasures left to find: the Spear of Lugh and the Lia Fáil (also known as the Stone of Destiny. Rylan reminded the party of the properties of these artifacts. The Spear was a flaming war spear, a great weapon usually borne by a Druid or a Barbarian, and that once drawn it must be quenched in blood before allowing itself to be put away. The Stone conveyed authority on a high king, judging a person’s soul, and acting as a rallying symbol for those who followed the one who possessed it. The Stone did not judge morality, it was important to note. As interested in the Spear that Fuego was he suggested the Stone be their next target as it seemed to pose the greater risk if it fell into the wrong hands. The party agreed and started preparing for the trip. Garret presented everyone with a cuff made of bone to everyone and gave Fuego the swords Trinity’s Edge and Twisted Fate.

##### **Chult Expedition**

Upon arriving in Chult the party is greeted with the of sights of domesticated dinosaurs, witch filled Ruinfea with such joy that bleed into the rest of the party. Ruinfea was already making plans to flex her wild shape skills, Fuego and her took time to take in the sights of the sheer verity of new creatures. They visited a temple of Sune where they were introduced to Thalice who helped connect them to someone who can aid them better in the interior of Chult. Bo was introduced as the guide to help the party on their quest for the Stone of Destiny. While getting provisions for the trek through the jungle some of the group opted to get tattoo's from a familiar face rocking a foe mustache. Fuego got one that enables him to cast shatter once per day.

##### **Welcome to the Jungle**

Adventuring into the jungles was off to a good start till something caused the party to go stealth. Unfortunately Fuego managed to find the only dry twig in all of Chult and alerted dinosaur. With little hesitation Fuego used his new spell tattoo, casting Shatter, but before it connected the Dino disappeared, reappearing behind him. The resulting fight lead to Reiner being temporarily impaled before ultimately the Dinosaur misty stepped away. Taking the evening to recover, they next day Bo lead them to the Wyrmheart Mine.

##### **Unionizing of the Dwarves**

Arriving at the mine's Bo guided them inside and gave them a description of what to expect. being presented with a quicker way down the Third family descended using a mix of wings, ropes and general athletics to get to the lower floor of the mine. Attempting to sneak past some sleeping dino's that might have been zombie's, Fuego again managed to alert the now former sleeping zombisaurs. Through the fast thinking of Keres and Reiner the zombisaurs where distracted while the rest of the party worked on gaining entrance to the deeper section of the mine.

Upon entering the deeper mine they discovered Dwarves mining. Thea and Rylan disguised themselves and worked on gaining their trust. In doing so Thea managed to inspire a Union Revolution as they feel victim to her sheer Bardic Badassery. They lead their new union rep and defacto leader to go speak with their 'King' Wyrmheart. Going deeper and deeper started to give various members of the party Underdark vibes, but eventually they came face to face with Wyrmheart. Thea listed their demands and was struck with silence as combat began. Reiner had already moved into a position of advantage while Ruinfea had disguised herself as a flumph. The third family was in great form as they started whittling away at Wyrmheart. Fuego cured Thea's silence while putting Reiner's lessons to practical use. Rylan caused him to run in fear after he re-awoken a purple dragon. The Dragon started to attack the party members as Fuego blasted Wyrmheart with scorching ray causing him to burn apart as he continued to move forward till nothing was left of him to move forward.

The re-awoken purple dragon however did not die when Wyrmheart was dispatched. Brioche, Loray and Rainer all attempted to weaken it, but where not successful before it unleashed a paralyzing breath attack on Loray, Reiner, Brioche, Ruinfea, and Rylan. Rainer and Ruinfea appeared to be down, before Ruinfea sprung to life after wild shaping into a Carnotaurus.

While the Dragon was distracted Keres used the opportunity to attack, Garrett, Rylan and Thea joined the fight. Fuego summoned his wildfire spirit to aid him as he focused on healing those he could help. The dwarves, that hadn’t fled or lost in the chaos of the battle, rushed forward with a “For Brawlin!” Ruinfea called down a Moonbeam, which the Dragon appeared to shrug off. As the fight continued the Dragon let out a roar that caused Brioche to disappear in a wisp of smoke and ash. The party pressed their attack and as they begin to dispatch the Dragon it lashed out shadowy tendrils towards Bo whisking him away into nothing.

With the battle was over, but at a great cost: Reiner was down, and both Brioche and Bo had been sent or taken who knew where. Rylan cast revivify bringing Reiner back from what stat of death he was in. Fuego and Garrett healed Ruinfea. Rainer once back to his feet cast’s speak with the Dead on Wyrmheart to get information from him. Rainer discovered that Wyrmheart was a Lich of Corvo, the Dragon they had just been fighting, who was merely only temporarily defeated. He also revealed that the simple obsidian stone nearby was the Lia Fáil they had been seeking.

While Reiner finished with Wyrmheart, Rylan cast, Find Steed to summon Brioche. She arrived in her elf form and clearly in a state of panic running into Rylan’s embrace. After a moment she described what she had seen, Reiner discerned she must have been sent to Shadowfell. Which meant that must be where Bo had been sent as well. The decided it would be a good idea to rescue Bo, but first Rylan approached the Lia Fáil and after a few softly spoke words it reformed into an obelisk–shaped amulet. Rylan entrusted it to Fuego as he trusted his judgment with it.

##### **Land of Shadow and Dread**

After a rest to fully recover from their fight with Wyrmheart and Corvo, they set out to rescue Bo. With what Brioche described Reiner realized what she described as ‘bone ash in a cold desert’ as Shadowfell. A place where light didn’t work the same way as other places, where illumination - including some magics - was reduced by half or more, making navigation difficult. Along with places of negative energy that would kill some of the party members if they happened to cross into them.

Upon arrival they assembled at a fallen tower would be a good place to strategize. The barren landscape seemed to both alive and aware of their presence. A giant crack split the sky with a faint, glowing Mist. Thea started to struggle with her hands becoming intangible before stabilizing. Rylan, Reiner and Keres talked of a Dread Lord and a possible exodus for Borovia. Thea used “locate object” in an attempt to find Bo, which pointed to the south and east. As they approached the area, that Thea was focused on, they saw a crack similar to the one earlier. Through it they saw a graveyard and Thea’s spell indicated that was where they needed to go.

Stepping through they where meet with a wet chillness that stuck to their bones as a fine mist hung low above the cobblestones illuminated by gas lamps that hung near by. As they gained their bearings Thea blinked out of existence for a brief moment, much to everyone’s shock, Reiner assured her not to worry. Rylan speculated that they had found their way into the Dread Realm of Peridon, and they should attempt to blend in.

Rounding a corner, they literally ran into Bo, who looked startled but did not attack them. Thea gave him a hug and they turned to go back they way they came, only to find the crack gone and a tall stone brick wall in its place. As they talked, Rylan spotted a face in the graveyard: Bo. Subtly, he brought the party’s attention to the other Bo, and Thea used a sending spell to contact Bo; the one in the graveyard responded “that’s not me”.

Within an instant several party members wrecked the doppelganger’s day, but not before it somehow turned off Keres’s magic eye. Rylan retrieved Bo and they continued to find clothes to blend in. While exploring they couldn’t help but notice that very few if anyone was on the streets and the homes had solitary candles in the windows. They found a clothier in a well lit square, whose proprietor was pleased to see a group and eager to help them with their fashion needs. As Rylan paid, he inquired about a place to get off the street. One of the other customers in the shop, Khalid informed them he had rooms available in the brothel across the street.

Khalid helped them get settled in and shared information about what was going on with the Bloody Jack murders, how folks have survived, the significance of the candles and Flickerflame.  He also mentioned his concern for his friend Arsinoë, who had a room adjoining his but who had not been seen recently.

Time passed and their was a report of the latest victim of Bloody Jack by Blackchapel Church. The local authorities gathered around the body as they waited for a Sir Edmund Bloodsworth. Meanwhile the party attempted to gather what evidence they could. Fuego attempted to communicate with some rats that where scurrying about but to no avail. Between himself, Garret, and Thea they seemed to stick out quite a bit. Someone said “Vistani” with disdain in their voice.

The inspector arrived and cleverly mentioned they would be looking at the nearby church. After a brief conversation with Bloodsworth they agree to meet at a near by Tea House called ‘Creeping Black Tea House’. But first Rylan, Fuego, Thea and Keres entered the church to investigate. Inside they discovered nightgaunts, and made their way to the roof. Outside on the roof they discovered signs of a struggle and the nub of a candle.

Upon entering the Creeping Black Tea House, they found themselves served extremely quickly, being served by the staff of four identical looking people. Fuego’s choice in tea was a Cherry Blossom, which remarkably reminded him of his friend Donald Herbert. Keres seemed convinced her mother was somehow hiding about after trying hers. Ruinfea’s swirled like a star filled night’s sky. Rylan enjoyed a Death Cap tea. Throughout the conversation had, they decided they needed to get information from an unusual source.

##### **The Great Corpse Caper**

They had decided they needed to speak with the victim, Sally; the only problem was she was dead. So they decided to ‘borrow’ her so Reiner could temporarily speak with her. Reiner, Garrett and Fuego worked on extraction and gathering information. While Rylan would offer mortuary services and Ruinfea and Thea would enter as mourners, being a distraction so Keres could pretend to be the corpse of Sally. Loray, Brioche, Bo, and Khalid would return to the brothel

Reiner was successful in reviving her through his ritual. She struggled at first to speak, but Fuego gently placed his palm on her neck so her vocal cords could work. She shared what she could recall and was able to paint a vivid image of what transpired. Her breath left in a peaceful hiss. The clues she was able to impart were helpful though.

Things inside had not gone according to plan. Rylan had collapsed and was unresponsive. To make matters worse, Thea began to go every more mist like than she had before, and by the time the group got back to Khalid’s quarters, there was nothing left to see but her head. As they struggled as to what to do, mists started to gather, and Ana, Thea’s aunt, came to them. She managed to help Thea somehow. Reiner spoke, having formulated a plan. He would go out into the street and provoke a meeting with the Dread Lord Flickerflame.

##### **A Bone to Pick**

Reiner stepped out into the street while Ana and Keres watched him from the doorway. Inside, Ruinfea, Fuego, and Thea watched from a window while Garrett pressed one ear up to the door. Loray stood in the hallway.

Spindly, spider-like fingers emerged from a sewer grate near Reiner and attempted to grab him in a grapple. They failed as Reiner subconsciously side-stepped the swipe and the fingers continued to emerge from the grate, attached to a hand, then an arm, then a very tall, bony body. It unfolded and attempted to encircle itself around Reiner. Everyone failed to see two more Spindles combing up on Reiner - all but Keres, that is. She moved to put herself in between Reiner and the approaching Spindles. Thea looked around her and thought a Spindle had taken Fuego; she attacked, but nothing happened. Keres and Reiner both attacked the Spindles outside.

Ruinfea tried summoning some boa constrictors, but they failed to trip up the dexterous Spindles, who now focused their attacks on Keres and attempted to wrap their arms around her in a grapple. Fuego cast a spell that shattered one of their hands, while Ana tried to immolate the ones around Keres. A third Spindle now emerged from an alleyway and grappled Keres, completing a kind of “bone cage” around Keres - and acting as one, they began taking her back down they alleyway.

Reiner must have either sensed something or come to a conclusion and called out to the party “Don’t kill them, just keep up!” So they followed Keres in her carriage of bone, she left a trail of crumbs for them to follow as it took more of a lead. They followed the trail to the center of town - which happened to be a cemetery surrounded by high walls and featuring four cardinals-directed gates. This cemetery was beautiful in its own architectural way, but Fuego didn’t take time to appreciate it. They found their way to a family mausoleum with four destroyed tombs long stripped of valuables, the remains of their occupants dried and decayed. In the back of the room was a deep red stained glass window. Underneath the window was a large hole; they unthinkingly jumped down it.

As they went deeper into the earth under Peridon, the walls became wet and bloody, warm and sticky. The tunnel opened into a cavern in which stood twenty silent Spindles arranged in such a way as to direct the party to a man wearing a purple jacquard vest, smoking jacket and pants in dark colors, and holding a cane as an accessory rather than a necessity. He had a pale (but naturally so) face, white hair, and ice-blue eyes with black pupils. Keres was carefully deposited near him. He spoke to the group introductions were made before he announced his master was coming. A figure descended from a hole in the ceiling Flickerflame. Whatever he had looked like in the air, as he landed he took on the form of a 12-year-old girl, and then an elven boy, and then as a double of Reiner.

He grabbed at Reiner and demanded to know the reason for his summing. The conversation went as well as one could expect, and ended with Flickerflame demanding Reiner “choose” one of the party for an unknown reason. Flickerflame seemed to be a person with phenomenal powers that was clearly unhinged, and that made him more dangerous. Reiner chose Loray, who collapsed in pain to great he could only scream silently. Ruinfea rushed to his side and Ana cast Counter-Spell, but that clearly hurt her as she wiped blood from her nose. Ruinfea tried to polymorph Loray into a gecko and put him in her pocket, but Flickerflame, now wearing the guise of Loray strode up to her, grabbed the gecko from her pocket, and threw it against a wall causing him returned to his normal form.

Keres now tried to stab Flickerflame and establish a grapple, but only managed some minor wounding. Reiner tried eldritch blast, and Ana tried both time stop (which Flickerflame counter-spelled) and meteor storms, using her skills to focus the attack solely onto Flickerflame alone. Flickerflame responded by calling down meteor storm on the whole party. Loray and Keres went down, and Ana turned to as, which Fuego found familiar, and Reiner become what looked like a block of ice. Thea and Fuego themselves looked worse for wear, and Garrett looked like he was hurt badly as well.

Thea ran to heal Keres, and Garrett looked at Ruinfea who seemed utterly unhurt. Fuego thought he saw her lips move “I wish for my family . . .” and then he felt an energy wash over him as if he had just got up from a needed rest. Flickerflame heard the words her words, and he strode toward Ruinfea yet again - this time looking like her father - and grabbed her by the throat; it seemed that with just a little more pressure he could and would snap her neck. He screamed as his grip tightened. And then, from behind him, came a voice. Rylan demanded Flickerflame remove his hands from his sister. Flickerflame dropped Ruinfea and turned to face Rylan and the voice he knew hadn’t been here a moment ago. Then he realized it wasn’t just Rylan, but the entire party was back up to full strength.

Reiner willingly went into bat form; Keres prepared her abyssal daggers; Fuego drew out Trinity’s Edge, Rylan assumed a fighting stance with his weapons, and Garrett - now unafraid - chambered the rounds in the shard caster rifle. Flickerflame decided that this might not be the best time, and true to his name he flickered and shifted and shimmered into intangible energy as he retreated back through the hole in the ceiling. Now able to catch their breath, the group relaxed. Rylan and Thea caught Ruinfea in respectful hugs as they all went back to the brothel to plan their next moves.

##### **Hail to the Queen**

Although Ruinfea’s spell had fully restored the party, they decided to still take time to rest and plan. Thea used her Book of Legend Lore, which sent her into a dream-like slumber. Fuego found himself a corner and meditated using the Stone found in the Wyrmheart Mine. Reiner and Rylan went off into a separate room. Ruinfea and Loray found themselves indisposed with each other. By now others were beginning to filter back into the main sitting area in Khalid’s rooms, and Rylan gathered them all together. He explained that from his perspective he had been somewhere else for a month or more dealing with “bureaucracy”. Whatever he had faced, it had been rather difficult, as the Dread Realms did not like other gods. He also had information on Thea; she was fine, just out of commission for a while.

Apparently, he and Thea had been in communication somehow and had uncovered relevant information concerning Flickerflame. First of all, Flickerflame wasn’t his actual name, so they could say it freely without fear of drawing his attention. Second, he could not control his own form - hence his moniker. He relied on stolen abilities and was cursed by the Dark Powers so that his touch healed people. He loves hurting people, but physically cannot do so. Reiner had more information concerning the Dark Powers; his wife was a priestess in a temple known as the Amber Temple. He thought there would likely be one here as well, though he couldn’t know the exact location or local customs.

This led to a conversation about how we might get in if the way was shut, which led to another tangent of how various planes were shutting themselves off as if battering down for a tremendous storm. Khalid was able to direct them to the temple, where they found a large garden of greenery and fountains. A grey-robed figure swept the pathways. The temple itself seemed shut off by a large iron wall with no visible gate.

Rylan enquired with the Sweeper about the requirements of communion, to which the Sweeper asked if we were pilgrims, followers of the Dark Powers. Rylan did not lie when he said his lady was a queen of sorrow and despair, and indicated that he spoke for all of us together. The sweeper cast a spell, revealing spots on everyone, as a sigil showed who each person worshipped or what they were. Ruinfea, a star in a circle of rose petals; Rylan, a raven skull; Garret, antlers of Oberon; Loray a string tree and a Celtic knot. Keres’s and Reiner’s sigils Fuego didn’t get a good look at. As for his, he presumed it involved flames.

“That is enough for entry” the Sweeper said, and as the coldness faded a gate opened. They stepped through and the gate closed behind them. The doors to the temple creaked open into a singular room that was much bigger than the exterior suggested. It was filled with a darkness that was darker than dark: and advanced darkness, if you will. And yet, in the darkness could be “seen” shifting darkness and the sound of footfalls heard scurrying. Many hands reached out and closed the door.

The darkness lessened to reveal an interior similar to a Russian Orthodox church. One mosaic stone figure was on the wall - neither vague nor ambiguous but of an actual person: Zantras the Kingmaker. An acolyte approached and indicated that he might be petitioned via a game, but what that “game” might entail was unclear. And then the statue spoke. “Who comes to see the Lord of Pitch, the Emperor of the Void?” Introducing themselves, the voice continued “You seek an audience with me? Then what do you ask of me?”

Indicating they were looking for a way to defeat Flickerflame, Zantras responded: “The answer is with you. Return stability to Paridon and eliminate the fear. It is not a game if there is no hope. The king must fall. Move the pawn to the eighth square and make her a queen.” The party glanced at Ruinfea, who seemed perplexed by the chess metaphor. But Rylan was able to put events together quickly and told her what Zantras meant: she could use her Wish spell to make everything “right”. Ruinfea made her wish, and Flickerflame was summoned into the temple. Briefly confused and perplexed at this unexpected turn of events, he saw Ruinfea and rushed her as he evaporated into an abyssal eclipse.

As the doors to the temple reopened, Zantras spoke again: “Long live Ruinfea, Dark Lord of Paridon. Long may she reign.”

##### **Crystal Caves of Solitude**

The party returned to the brothel, though Ruinfea was told she needed to stay behind. “Now, were would you like to begin?” Zantras ask as the door shut behind them and they found themselves outside the iron wall once more. As they arrived at the brothel they noticed a distinct change in the air of Paridon. It still felt dangerous, but the fear was fleeting. They tried explaining what had happened to Bo and Khalid, but seemed to recall Paridon as always being this way. At this point Ruinfea returned, and while to the rest she had only been apart for a few minutes, she had spent hours with Zantras remaking Paridon. Thea entered just as Ruinfea filled them in on some less-than-noticeable changes. Bo, though he didn’t remember Paridon being anything other than what Ruinfea had created, still remembered his past. Indicating that staying here would be a great adventure, the party respected his decision, knowing that Ruinfea would be able to check on him.

There was some discussion of where they should go, and it was Loray who suggested they go to his home in the Feydark. Apparently, the geas he was under to never speak of it had been lifted, and he felt it high time he returned. He also thought that the party could better communicate with other planes than they could from Paridon, which naturally blocked interplanar communication in the best of times, forgetting the ongoing events they currently found themselves in.

Ruinfea opened a door and the party stepped through into a black, barren forest in the middle of a deep, oppressively snowy winter. Many of them changed into other attire. They set off in a direction indicated by Loray, though Reiner seemed to struggle a bit as his joints seemed rather unnaturally stiff. Sooner rather than later they began to notice they were not alone; arrows could be seen in the forest, though the soldiers themselves made no move to attack. They walked on for another hour before a stoic figure appeared: one whose countenance displayed an icy coldness inside and out. And yet, Garrett thought that to see his expression change would somehow be even worse . . .

Formal introductions were made, and the Prince of Frost (Loray’s father!) greeted each party member with “well met”. When finished, he remarked that it was no mere coincidence that we had arrived in the kingdom “at such a time in the war” before leading them onwards to a castle seemingly constructed out of ice - though the interior was indeed pleasant enough for all. As they arrived, they noticed a bustle about the caste: carriages and sledges and sleighs and other winter conveyances were arriving and very well-dressed people disembarking. Entering the castle, the Prince said to Loray, “I’ll leave you to it then. You can find your guests the rooms and necessities they require before tonight’s festivities. It is the Winter Solstice, after all.”

The party was shocked to varying degrees. They had all lost a month or more of time in the Dread Realms, though to them it had felt like a few days. Rylan and Thea had lost more given the circumstances. Loray and Rylan were also panicking; Loray because he had princely duties for the first time in a very, very long time and didnt’ want to muck things up, and Rylan because the Winter Solstice just so happened to be the festival in honor of her lady (well, the current one at least. Rylan alternated between Mab/Maeve and Titania depending on the season.)

Loray found them rooms altogether, and at Rylan’s suggestion he also summed enough tailors and modistes to help everyone with their attire. The party split up depending on what they needed, and then having dressed, they split up again for the ball - which was to be a masquerade. Loray and Ruinfea would be going together, as would Thea and Keres. Rylan would have duties as a Paladin and did not suggest the others come with him, not because he didn’t want them to, but because his time would not entirely be his own, either. Fuego would not be attending as he had been informed of some solitary caves where his meditations would be more effective, and Reiner seemed to want to be on his own.

Fuego was lead out of the castle through the grounds outside to a wooded area next to a cliff face of a mountain. The court member that lead Fuego asked what Fuego wished to be called. He misunderstood the question and probably confused both himself and his guide. He respected Fuego's reply nonetheless and asked if he was familiar with twain. Fuego admitted he was not, but was interested in learning. He was told how it connects to the Crystal Cavern along with a brief history of it. He was shown how to enter the cave and warned about the swien.

As he settled in he found a flat stone that appeared to be made for meditating. Sitting down he noticed it was not as uncomfortable as he suspected. Closing his eyes to meditate over everything that had been for them days, he couldn't help but feel a calm and peace wash over him as he began to clear his mind. During his meditation he was meet with lots of visions and feels. Two that stuck out to him where of a cold dark cave under water and an egg under the ocean.

##### **Court of Consequences**

Fuego opened his eyes and found he was still in the Crystal Cavern. He stood rested and processing his visions. He thought he should consult Rylan and the others. Perhaps they could help him sort out what he saw. As he gathered his things and noticed something in his pack that wasn't there before. How curious was this a gift from the cave or someone unseen, how curious.

Fuego made it back to the palace in time to be presented to court with the rest of the Third Family. He was surprised to hear Ruinfea and Loray introduced as engaged, how long was he in that cavern? He was very happy to hear this news though and would make a point to congratulate the two lovers. His mind drifted to thoughts of Memeril and he hoped to see her again. He was introduced with his titles as was everyone else. Reiner's introduction is when things took a turn.

The Prince demanded he answer for choosing Loray to suffer in Paridon, and demanded the right to levy punishment against Reiner. Reiner was hit with an aura that was cold and appeared to change him somehow. Just after this Keres arrived with someone and a fight broke out over a potential shapeshifter in the court. During the ensuing fight Fuego cast fireball and attempted to weave it in a way to not cause as much harm to the group, but regrettably a select few did not seem to care that he was attempting to head the lessons taught.

Rylan counted and seemingly killed the false prince, who transformed into the shape of a young wolf, which the old man that Keres freed subsequently picked up and tucked under his arm. He turned to Keres, inclined his head, and said “I appreciate the rescue. It will not be forgotten. Farewell, Third Family.” Ruinfea called out, but no one else moved. the man turned. “Trust me when I say your exploits have reached the ears of many - even those imprisoned. I am Koshchei the Deathless,” the man continued, “and I have a spear to go and find.” While the rest discussed what that might mean, Rylan went and found the real, correct prince (using some part of his Paladin powers), who promised to issue new judgments and give out proper rewards the next day.

##### **Court Reprise**

Fuego spent the next day in contemplation and wrote in his journal and latest round of letters to Meme and Donald. As he did Ruinfea stopped by to share somethings with him she had been meaning to. She shared her feelings she had for Kava and that she spoke with her thanks to the generosity of the Dagda. Fuego was grateful for her sharing what she did. It game him peace of mind, which he hadn't realized he needed. he also took the moment to congratulate her on her engagement.

In the wake of the previous days events two party members seemed to be absent, Keres and Rainer. As the party discussed their combined departure over breakfast, Fuego couldn't help but feel several things had slipped past his perception, and he offered to set the problems a blaze. This was meet with some light hearted teasing, which was quite the change. There was discussion of Fuego's vision and Ruinfea was able to help figure it with Brioche even contributing. Idea's where purposed on how to celebrate Ruinfea's engagement.

Arriving at Court again they discussed what boon would be given to the Third Family in return for their recent actions. They requested the aid of the Frost Prince in the battle with the Root of War. After some rather heated discussions, and the Erlkönig using his favor to request the Frost Prince lead his troops into the upcoming battle. Fuego was introduced to the Erlkönig, who Rylan seemed to know well. he told Fuego that he was the “the Lord in In-Betweens”. Which lead to a brief conversation about the Crystal Cavern Fuego had been charged with the care of. Fuego made not of Erlkönig's request of once a year being given a token of Nature.

Arriving back at the Dagda's lodge Rylan got to work on locating the Spear of Lugh. As he cast Locate Object, it seemed to go differently the expected as the twig exploded in front of his eyes causing him to fall backwards. Fortunately the Erlkönig was there to catch him. Rylan got up shakily having seen some kind of vision. It looked like the spear had been thrown through the planes of existence and now was resting close to where Tiago had last sent a letter from. It appears as is their journey would being them home to Hilan.

##### **Bonding of Souls**

As the party sat in a circle and began meditating Fuego found himself in a town he had hadn't seen in quite awhile infront a familer tavern. Garret asked where they were. Fuego said he did, it's where their story as the Third Family begain. They relived their first interations with each other. As the scene played out Garret was included and things begain to shift.

* In Little Grove they tracked down ruffians, meeting one Brynwick Nibnibbler, exploring the cemetery, fighting a Beholder and meeting Hetzel, uncovering the “conspiracy” with Carrion, facing down Lilith Stormosin, finding an ally in Tiago, and the fallout form the attack on Little Grove.
* Beggar’s Hole and the Fey Children who warned the party of coming war.
* In Spriggan they exposed the secret society of soul stealers and faced Orcis, defeating him but losing Jii in the process.
* They saved Dewport from a plague and installed Ripjaw on the throne of the Court of Coral. It was also when they met Loray.
* They closed the hellmouths in Lymdell and encountered Ruinfea’s toxic family.
* Morad. So many things had happened in Morad. Garrett saw them all at the Ball and said (quietly) to Rylan “This looks familiar.” Rylan smiled and said “Yes, yes it does” as Brioche joined the party.
* Kam joined the party and they fought with Cyric and journeyed to the Plane of Knowledge and met Oghma (that bastard) and warned Eilistraee of possible attacks against her realm.
* They found Ruinfea’s lost brother in Gae Lafell and then realized they had fallen through a temporal paradox.
* They fought with Cyric/Ramless Civar a second time, and Garrett recognized Glynn shifting Rylan and Kam out of the material plane and somewhere else, only for the others to be attacked by Fuego’s patron, Fire Tits. Kam and Rylan returned with Keres, and then
* It was on to Ruinglast and meeting with the Dragon Fathers (with Bryn forsaking Oghma along the way) and eliminating the Black Hand for Julie and Thea joining with The Traveler.
* And then they entered they Feywild and partied with gold caps and red caps and found themselves facing a blight witch. This time Garrett felt no fear, but rather hope - his friends were coming to save him. But he saw Bryn feeble minded and then killed in Ruinglast and then . . .

The scenes continued and as they did it reminded them that their journey was an eternal cycle of death and rebirth. Loss and Love. And in the end it was about Freedom and most importatnly ... Hope.

As they where brought out of their medatative state they could feel their newfound bond. Rylan suggested they get legitamate sleep for their next destination were the Demonweb Pits. That night Fuego meditated with the Lia Fáil using it to best asertain the most likely outcome of their actions based on their past and current plans.

##### **Pitfalls**

The next mourning Rylan found a black widow spider and entreated it for an audience with his grandmother, Lolth. They followed it to and through a long-disused wing of the lodge they found a web whith a hole in the center. Stepping through, they found themselves at a bridge. They had arrived at the entrance to the Demonweb Pits proper.

They crossed the bridge before them, as they did they noticed the archatecture was not just Drow, but that of the first Drow. While exploreing a large male Drider squeezed out of the tunnel that was near them. He appeared to be under some kind of compultion and ready for a fight. Fuego slipped into a Rage as he swong Trinity’s Edge at the Drider, who cast cast Faery Fire in retaliation.

Thea and Garret worked on saving the Drider as Ruinfea webbed him to prevent him from harming anyone or himself. As they gathered info on what happened they made their way towards Ryla's grandmother who had been pierced by the spear, which resulted in the chaos that they had found themselves in.

Garret threw himself off Brioche, acting on impulse, onto Lolth’s back landing within arm’s reach of the spear. Fuego focused on garret while holding the stone of destiny causing it to glow briefly. Fuego saw Gerret become bathed in sunlight as the other party members aided him in their own ways. In that instant his paw touched the metal he briefly seemed to be hit with a vision.

With the Spear in hand, or paw, Garret was able to heal Lolth. She appeared as a delicate Drow woman exiting her half spider carcus. She thanked Garret and assured him they would meet again. Nilshod, the drider who acted as a guide was now fully recovered as well. When they made it back to the initial bridge they arrived on, the Erlkönig appeared opening a tween to a calm garden outside a tavern in the untouched world of Gael Aethal.

##### **Rejoining the World**

As they made their way into the garden they were greeted by Sinanna. Ruinfea, Thea, and Fuego carried Nilshod inside while Rylan had a seat beside Garrett outside in the garden. While inside they discoved Fuego and Nilshod had a similar build, so he offered up some cloths for their new friend.

Butters climed out of the pet bag of holding and begain to 'Borf' and sniff around Nilshod. Thea realized she couldn't understand him and looked at her tattoo for answers. At this moment the party realized several of their magical tattoo's had begain to fade and were not functioning. Fuego cast 'Speak with Animals' so he could comunicate with Butters.

Rylan and the party updated Sinanna on things while she asked why the moon was now purple. They told her the Third Family now bore the four Treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Thea encuraged everyone that they needed a full nights rest as the night went on Brioche lit the fireplace as Garret relaxed enjoying the warmth. Ruinfea enjoyed the company of the mushroom dragons. Rylan made himself busy in the kitchen. Thea was consulting her book, which now bore a new symbol. While Fuego went off to meditate with the Lia Fáil again.

The next morning in reflection of Fuego's meditation the previous night he was prepaired for what needed to happen to nudge the scales into their favor, even though the cost might seem high. He made finished writing in his journal and placed it on the top of his pack.

Nilshod came down looking better rested and was introduced to the Third Family properly, though he had no prior knowledge of them. While the introductions where happening Ruinfea slipped Brioche a pearl. His full name was Atreyu Nilshod and he had lost around 600 years after being abandoned as a Paladin of Corellon.

Sinanna appeared telling them “The Lady has decided it is time for us to rejoin the world.” as they prepaired for what that involved Garret wanted to share his thoughts and the memory of his people, to offer them a sence of final rights and proper burial. Afterwards Fuego and averyone offered him a home if he needed one, they would make sure he was not homeless. Fuego took a moment and handed Thea his journal, telling her it should be with her for the time being.

Tiago almost as if on que showed up moments after the spell shrouding Gael Aethal fell. They entered the portal returning to the tower. He explained it had been about two months since they had last left Hilan. As they where getting caught up with the state of the ongoing war, Fuego and Thea identified the artifat the Root of War had been using. It was the Relic of Forced March and it would need to be destroyed in order keep their seemingly endless army under control.

They would also need to deal with Koschei the Deathless. Fortunatly thanks to the visoin Fuego had in the crstal cavern they knew where Koschei's phylactery. They might be able to use that to leverage information on the impending battle with the Root of War. Atreyu would use his blood magic to handle the egg Koschei was using as a phylactery. Tiago opened a portal to the cavern under a great black ocean that had Koschei's phylactery.

##### **The Deathless and The Endless**

As they entered Rylan used plant growth to pull the glass box containing the phylactery to them so Atreyu could get to work. As he started Koschei apeared clothed in golden armor with a crown. “I thought you’d never come”. Fuego reminded him the death comes for us all. After a brief exchange Fuego cast Forsight on Ruinfea to give her an advantage in the fight before he entered a rage drawing Trinity’s Edge slashing landing a critical hit recieving a a hellish rebuke as penance, which he shrugged off as if it was ash.

As the fight raged on Koschei gave as good as he got, when he would fall he, like his monicer impled, would get back up. All the while Atreyu continued his work to undo the protections on the egg. Koschei reacked havic on the party with spells like Time Ravage, Storm of Vengeance and even Finger of Death. Fuego dropped his rage to start countering spells.

Koschei cast a solid Force Cage on Thea locking her our of combat. He turned his attention to Fuego getting close enough to him to whisper in his hear. In that instant Fuego knew death had come for him. He wasn't scared, he didn't fear death. For him it was a memory. As he started to fall he pulled into his mind the happiest memory he could, of his beloved wife and their daughter Kava. And as that memory spread across the sould bond he shared with everyone and faded. He died to Koschei's Power Word Kill.

Meanwhile as the fight raged on, in the Force Cage, Thea had thrown a brief fit before sitting down and opening her book to read about what was happening outside. She felt along with the others the vacuum of silence as Fuego left the Soul Bond. She read how Feugo died and it did not sit right with her. This was not how it was supposed to go. Not here. Not now. Not like this. A blue light passed over Thea's face as she raised her hands over the book, Things would be rewritten.

Outside the cage Garret did not let up until Koschei had fallen again. As he did Koschei's force cage on Thea fell as the animated dead he had called upon disappeared. Wreacked by grief Rylan asked what was happening as Fuego's body begain to turn to dust and lift and waft into the air like ash. What had happened, unfortunatly happened. But Theodosia Chandler, Goddess of Stories, had decreed a different ending for Fuego. They had not known Fuego was marked by the Endless Soul, destined to live, to die and fade only tocome back the next day at dawn. How long this had been going on, nobody knew. However, the power of the unity gathered in this one place stilled his transformation.

Unbeknownst to the Third Family Fuego found himself in the company of Death itself, an old friend. He knew he wouldn't be staying long as that was their arrangement. The two sat down at a table as they had done a dozen times before as Death drew a deck of worn cards from their robe and begain to distribute cards between them. Fuego felt as if something was off this time as if something or someone elses sheer will was rewriting fate itself. As he started to fade at the table he said, “I’m sorry, old friend. I couldn’t stay long. I have to get back to my family.”

As if opening his eyes after a nights rest he satup and embraced Rylan and Thea. As the others joined the embrace. He felt different, but in a more sustainable way. He smiled a content smile as Thea got up and said "I banish you from history, Koschei the Deathless. May storytellers remember your acts and deeds, but may your name never pass their lips. May your existence vanish into the sands of time, lost to the ages."

##### **Magic Malfunction**

Tiago arrived and aided in getting the Third Family back to the Mages Tower in Morad, but they did not arrive to a reprive but chaos. The tower was rocking as if it was being tossed around in a turbulant sea. As Rylan and Thea prepaired for any motion sickness, Tiago opened another portal to begain evacuationg. Everyone started taking action to aid in the evacuation from ferrying people from the upper floors to the ground, creating climbing footholds, creating a triage area to coordinate from. Fuego started casting mending spells on key spots on the foundation to buy time.

Ruinfea disappeared for a moment and found herself speaking with Mystra. Who explained time was running out and gifted her four orbs that would give full acess to their magic from the wieve. After returning to the group Fuego, Garrett and Tiago would be the first three to get orbs while holding the fourth in reserve. The Chandler's showed up and the party rested with them as they decided what to do next.

As they sat there a cold dark energy, a nameless dead entered the Tavern. It was Koschei appearing to fullfill the rest of his bargen. He was given the barest of hospitalities, after some less the kind words where exchanged between him and Fuego. He explained what happened to the Knights of Mystic Fire in Lymdell. After a little prying he gave all the information he had and Luca took him back to the wall.

##### **Loose threads in Lymdell**

While Thea brought her Vardo around Ruinfea prepaied to transport them to Lymdell, after some initial confusion they where on their way. As they entered Lymdell the whole city felt different as the Root of War had passed through and left it used up. They found the temple deicated to Mystra and after some planning they decided on a course of action.

##### **Mystra's Madness**

As the party stealthly entered the temple it seemed as if inspite of their stealthly approuch some of the party was still able to be somewhat tracked. The plan was to have half the party focus on the corrupted paladins and the other half on Dark Mystra. Fugeo broke his stealth and hurlled chainlighting fueled by his newfound channel divinity. Followed by a trusty fireball, but this time almost as if he was guiding it around his frineds they stayed un harmed. His tried to cast reverse gravity to slam Mystra and her followers into the ceriling, but she countered it. Fuego couldn't help but smile, he liked this new found magic he had access too.

Everyone focused on their various targets while chipping away at Mystra and her followers. Rylan turned the faithless draving all her followers away resulting in her boasting that “you’re trapped in here with me”, but perhaps did not stop to consider the reverse was also true. They tried to reason with her appealing to better nature, but to no sucess. She was to far gone. After some other various actions she eventually fell, revealing a small prismatic shifting orb, the very seed of magic.

They needed to decide who would take it, whoever took it would need be capable of seeing good and bad but not interfer. Whoever would take it could be taken out of the world. They would not be able to aid in the impending battle with the Root of War. Thea was the first to speak, her Aunt Anastasiya Nadezhda Konstantinova. The party was in full agreement and Anna seemed quite pleased witht he prospect of what that entailed.

##### **Here be Dragons**

There was a brief discusion on where to go next as the group felt one more nights rest was needed before the final batlle with the Root of War. Ruinglast was chosen and Luka opened a portal. Exiting the portal they discovered Ruinglast was unscathed because of its formidable defensive position or its percieved unimportance. It did however appear to be more populated.

As they aprouched the gate Fuego requested to enter the city and was stopped, after a few moments and a request to see his wife Meme. She appeared and they left the Third Family enter Ruinglast. After spending a few moments with the party at the tavern Fuego and Meme excused themselves. They spent, what was likely their last night together, before settleing in for the night holding eachother as they feel asleep.

In the mourning Meme gave Fuego what blessings she could as he bid her a final farewell, before heading out to see the Black Dragon below Ruinglast. Inspite of his persistance the Black Dragon was determained to remain neutral in the upcoming fight, but did encurage him to speak with the people of Ruinglast directly. There was one more place he needed to visit however.

As he sat on the anciant alter he waited for his frineds. Once they found him, he explained that where they where is where he died over a thousand years ago. A cultist was going to sacrifice him, but inspite of his advanced age at the time he managed to summon the strength to charge the cultist taking them both over the sheer cliff near by. He went on to explain how he cameback and the broad strokes of his many lives he'd had, and how he had been trapped by his former patron.

Ruinfea revealed that she wished for Meme to be an endless soul like Fuego, to which he replied "she’s going to blame me for all this, you realize.” He was honered that they collectivly had come up with this wonderful and kind gift. The time had come for them to make their way to Morad, before they left Fuego spoke with the people of Ruinglast.

> “People of Ruinglast, others across Hilan have for centuries viewed us as little more than beasts. Recently, through the actions of the Third Family, things have charged. In their time of need you have proven them wrong. As our people have returned home, they have showed far more kindness and resilience. I stand here before you not only as a member of the Third Family but as a son of Ruinglast. I humbly ask that you join us in the battle to come not for just Morad, not just Ruinglast but all of Hilan and the realms beyond.”
>
>

Thirty-five volunteers stepped forward. With that they planned for their departure, Rylan sugested they fly, he'd been planning for an enevitable war for quite some time he'd revealed. So the party made their way to Morad on a flight of Drakes. As they arrived they had to roost the Drakes in the mountains for the evening, before heading into Morad proper to make the final preperations.

##### **War Council**

Arriving at the palace they made their way to Great Hall where a table had been carved out of the mountain itself. As they begain the meeting they realized they hadn't a clue as to what day it was with all the time dilation and plane shifting they had been doing. It was the eve of the 1st of Deepwinter 7999: the first day of the new year marking 7999 years since the first Unification Day when Correllon Larethian had “united” Hilan under the supremacy of the high elves.

Rylan revealed he

had formulated at least ten different plans to aid them in the coming fight. Every time he was off journaling or writing letters or maintaining correspondence he had been moving his own pieces of influence across the chessboard.

Among the more prominent plans:

* Lacroix had been in talks with the Fomorians, and not all of them were loyal to Elias. A new Court of the United’s Gentry would be revealed and would fight against the Root of War.
* Valendra, Loray’s sister, would turn on the Root of War as well.
* Rylan, as God of Death, had offered a general amnesty and promise of peace to all souls at the wall in exchange for fighting against the Root of War. Well, all souls except that of Lilith Stormosin. These armies of the dead would arrive with Luka at the appropriate moment.
* The church of the Dark Sun would fight against the Root of War
* Tiago and Carrion had been developing new spells the mages were eager to try against their enemies
* The Dagda, along with Loray and Luka, would initially help remove the fallen from the battlefield and work on healing them - preventing them from being raised on the side of the Root of War.

As the day turned to night they retired to the Chandlers tavern to finish what things needed done. Thea disapeared for a moment to play a song of rest for the city before consulted with the Traveler. And somehow through a comedy of errors, created and came into possession of a sentient rock named Boul, son of Der. Ruinfea used her daily wish to suprise Loray with a Yurt similar to the magical tent he had lost in thier travels. And Fuego assisted Garret in crafting what they dubbed a magically enhanced 'dirty' bomb to deal with the artifact on the battle field.

##### **Endgame**

Day break came and the Third Family gathered by the main gate to Morad with the armies assembled. Rylan addressed everyone.

> "My Friends, both new and old, Family both blood and chosen. I pray you, hear me."
>
>
> "What we have endured is a path that none should ever need tread. And forgive me for asking you to once more face the horrid onslaught of War."
>
>
> "We have, to a one, paid a heavy price for the callous machinations of a creature so blinded by his own nature to glutton endlessly upon suffering simply for the sake of it. The corrupt drive to destroy with delight at what it costs others. The losses we have lendured, each enumerated in our hearts are almost too vast to bear: Friends no longer breaking bread at our tables; Parents whose presence should be a bastion against these atrocities; Children whose eys have lost the innocent wonder of youth long before their time; Family trees of unbroken bloodlines razed to the ground; Wives, husbands, now forfeit to all but bittersweet memories that cut to the core."
>
>
> "It is with a heavy heart that I must ask you to be here now, to meet this foe upon the field that is his namesake and face uncertainty once more."
>
>
> "I ask you to believe in me when say you that we will triumph despite it all, because there is one thing that can always outlast War. It is what he has tried to snuff out, it is what he will never understand, and it is what will live on when he is out is naught but dust forgotten: Hope."
>
>
> "Hope for a future, hope for a better day than any that have come before. Hope is a promise of healing, of surviving, of dreams that will be ours again. And I swear upon my name & my blood we will be victorious. That today is not the end and we will show the gods themselves that the flame of our shared fidelity will spark such a blaze, history will never forget. A legacy worthy of our loved ones that paid the ultimate price. That our existence cannot be conquered. Know I am honored to stand with you and to fight by your side. So let us raise steel and song, magic and might, and remind Neit there is no war, without a future peace worth fighting for. As today marks the unification of Hilan, here’s to the unification of the Planes."
>
>
>
> "Are you with me?"
>
>

In their heads, the Third Family heard the thought “the god of death says not today.” Ryaln’s speech boosted their resolve, while Fuego cast Foresight on everyone save himself, and Ruinfea cast Guidance on everyone too. Kiara took her necklace off and crushed it, giving it to Fuego. It was enough for two true resurrections. The party was as prepared as possible. Garrett and Brioche would drop Rylan as close to the Root as possible and then bank back to get Thea before heading towards the Artifact. Fuego would ride Big Z - along with an unnamed Rider who Rylan seemed to know -  and lead the airborne Dragonborn toward the Artifact, with Garrett sending the Sons of the Mountain on as well. Lacroix, Kiara (now visibly pregnant) and her husband Soren, and Ruinfea would do what they could to assist Rylan’s frontal attack. The fall of the artifact would be the signal for their reinforcements to reveal themselves.

Fuego was on chaos duty till the artifact was delt with. He found Larloch was hanging out near the Artifact. Larloch had two doezen Ion stones that would need to be delt with, so Fuego tossed a Fireball at him. An Ion stone rose to take the hit. He grimiced a bit thinking 'Asshole' to himself and poured oil onto Larloch as his mysterious rider lit the oil a blaze, Three more stones took the brunt, Larloch was not please or ammused, sacrificing nineteen stone, earthen chains rose from the ground around him ensaring Fuego, the rider and Big Z dragging them into the earth. Just before they where encased under ground the rider let out a psychic scream destroying the remaining stones and paralizing Larloch in place.

While the battle raged above with the Root of War Fuego, Big Z and their Mysterious rider discused how to get out. The Rider knew one of the Third Family pocessed an item of his people, and requested it be blown. Fuego used the telepathic soul-bond link to chat with Thea and Garret telling them the plan needed to pivot a bit.

Garret managed to retrieve the Horn with out issue and the moment he blew into it Ragnrok begain, freeing Hela, Fenris, Jormungandr, Sleipnir and more importantly Fuego, Big Z and their friend. As the rushed back to the surface their friend seemed quite pleaesd with this outcome before heading off elsewhere in the chaos. Thea used the oppritunity to use dimension door, droping it once she was through, getting her to the artifact placing the bomb before turning and running for Fuego. Shouted Human form to big Z as she got to them. He brought up a solid Force Cage around them protecting them from the impending explosion. In that instant a 280 foot diamiter (140 foot radius) veritable mushroom cloud rose over the battlefield, decimationg averyone within it save for those inside the Force Cage.

##### **And Then things Shifted**

In that moment Fuego smiled to himself because inspite of being smack dab in the middle of the Danger Zone he used a spell that was usually viewed as a punishment to protect. The moment the blast settled he dropped the cage and Big Z shifted back to a dragon form taking Thea elsewhere on the battlefield. Fuego noticed Corellon Larethian must have portaled in as there was an energy in the air, so he Arcane Gated behind him and cast Fireball at his back. Brioche used both her Weakening Breath and Fire, but both their combined attacks seemed to not even blemish his shining armor.

Else where on the battlefield Rylan, Luka, Lacroix, Atreyu and Ruinfea pressed the attack on the Root of War. Thea arrived at Kiara and Soren; Kiara was definitely in labor. Saying as much through the telepathic link, Feugo was able to give Thea some pointers in childbirth - he had lived a long time and had many experiences, after all.

Fuego witnessed Garret, blip through Corellon which at first made him smug as he didn't look injured. His smugness faded as even Fuego noticed Garret was holding something in his open hand ... Corellon’s own divine spark. Thats the moment the battle took a turn. Rylan was able to defeat the Root of War. However from Morad, the high elves - led by Emperor Alden and his High General Tiago - advanced on the Third Family and their allies.

The original plan was for Fuego to grab Corellon while Garret pulled his spark, but he had to pivot since things had changed. Drawing Trinity’s Edge he charged forward, but was caught by Corellon's backhand. He stood his ground though as Corellon lifted him by the throat. His attention on Garret demanding his spark back. Garret's response was to take that spark and slam it into his own chest. Brioche tried “Does this smell like chloroform?” on Corellon. Garrett in some kind of state with Corellon dropping Fuego and trying to claw Brioche off his face while the compelled army from Morad advanced on them. That was the scene the rest of the party and their reinforcements saw upon arrival.

Fuego sent a mental message to Garret 'Proud of you' as he swung at Corellon. The Third Family stood once again united against their enemy as they each attacked and buffed eachother. Corellon berated them as if they where children, demanding they bend the knee and yield, they of course refused. Tiago flew over head dropping off Gildur with an earthquake. As Gildur stode towards Ruinfea weapon drawn, she bended luck in hopes it would help Gildur break Corellon's will over him. Just as it looked like he was going to strike her, He streached his arm out to grab her pulling her to safely.

By this time Tiago was back and both Rylan and Thea tried to bend luck so Tiago could break free of Corellon's will. As Tiago moved to flank Corellon, his eyes shifted and the spell he was prepairing to unleash changed to a Flame Strike aimed right at Corellon. The party had just turned Corellon's General and Archmage against him. Fuego followed that up with two blight spells causing black-veined creepers to crawl over Corellon’s skin. Rylan landed critical hit after critical hit. Corellon responded with a Greater Restoration.

Rylan not wanting to risk waiting asked Luka, "Marry me?". Luka accpeted, that pissed Corellon off as he moved to intervine. This awoken Garret from the godspark slumber he was in. He somehow looked bigger the more one looked at him. His fur had taken on a purplish hue or aura as well. He cast an energy wall around the party blocking Corellon from the impromptu wedding. Thea did a quick abridge ceramony so the battle could resume.

Corellon again attempted to call aid from those decended of elves; Ruinfea, Tiago, Thea, and Gildur - and Rylan. Fortunatly his call failed. Unfortunatly he inturn fired a Star Smite pulling his longbow, it looked like it was going to strike Brioche before piercing Tiago, dropping him instantly to his death. Brioche screamed in rage of greif and attacked. Corellon seemed to brush it off as a playful nip. Garret fired every single expanding bolt he had left while Thea cast Shatter in Corellon's head.

Rylan sheathed both his swords and held out both hands to activate a Dark Star. In their minds they heard Rylan’s voice: “If I don’t make it back from where I’m going, know I loved you all.” And then he poured much of his remaining life into the spell as the stillness of a void collapse engulfed the two combatants, vaporizing Corellon’s body - along with Rylan’s. The dust settled and the light returned and the battle was over. In the spot where Rylan had stood, only his magical items remained. They all felt the severing in the soul bond, and Brioche collapsed to the ground in her elf form. Luka immediately rushed to her side.

Fuego shook his head in defiance. “Not today,” he said as he stepped forward and spread half the diamond dust from Kiara over Tiago’s body. The blood seeped back up into him and the life returned to his eyes as he blinked slowly. “Did we win?” He asked, looking up into Fuego’s eyes. “Not yet,” and then he looked at Ruinfea. Spells like Revivify and True Resurrection require a body, and there was nothing left of Rylan. But Ruinfea had her wish. Wishing for something like True Resurrection might kill her, but wishing that someone casting True Resurrection could use the spell without a body? That might be possible. She gave Fuego a look. Holding back tears and willing to give anything he had to, he released the remaining diamond dust into the air and said two words: “Come Home”.

And opening his eyes he said to Fuego: “I knew you had this.” Fuego embraced Rylan letting the tears flow. He whispered "I believe I meet your friend," hinting that Rylan had become an endless soul as well. Through his tears, fuego replyed, "He's fond of playing cards." Rylan simply said, "I was thinking chess."

They began to walk back to the city when Ruinfea said “You know, there’s something I’ve always wanted to try. Hold hands” And doing so, she planar shifted the party first to Pandemonium and then almost immediately to the city center of Morad, where Gratz and Hetzel and the Dragon Fathers and Ash had been doing a fantastic job of keeping order.

There was a second of silence and then the gathered crowd erupted in cheers.

Today was a Unification Day worth celebrating.

##### **Epiloge**

Life went on, differently. Statues were made - not just for the Third Family, but also . . . changes were made in the Garden of the Gods. Some statues were deconsecrated. Others were erected. Some were changed, like Waukeen, who was now represented by a simple golden mask, the symbol adopted by her acolytes.

With varying degrees of excitement, the Third Family posed for their states. Fuego decide to pose looking off into the horizon as if waiting to see what the next day would bring. Emperor Alden had offered them any title they wanted. Duke, Admiral, Viscount - it was all on the table. Fuego thought it best to go with the titles he’d already had earned. He was not one to argue with the Emperor though and graciously accepted the last four.

So it was that when the statue was finished it bore the inscription:

Deputy of Littlegrove City Watch

Lord of House Baenrae of Menzoberranzan

Stormbreaker

Knight of the Black Dragon of Ruinglast

Truth Singer

Maker of Destiny

The Merlin

Sir Fuego

The Endless

Savior of Morad

Champion of Hilan

Architect of Ruinglast

The Righteous One

In the week before the celebration, a certain Dragonborn Druid found her way to Morad. She had died in Ruinglast on the last day of the old year, and awoken at daybreak on the 1st of Deepwinter 7999 by the Lake of the Black Dragon under Ruinglast. Confused, she assumed her husband had something to do with it, and set out to find him.

Finding Fuego in the market in Morad, Meme said “You know, you remind me of my husband.” With smiles and embraces it took some convincing that while he was indeed her husband, he actually had nothing to do with her rebirth. She was not convinced he didn’t have a hand in it, but was grateful to be reunited. When the celebration was over, the Third Family journeyed once more to Little Grove.

The tavern now sat vacant, and the last remaining council member (known to the rest of the party as Grandma) allowed them to move in with no fees. With Fuego as Architect and Garrett guiding the craftsmen, Thea and Rylan and Ruinfea and they worked on building the Tavern of Second Chances. It was a tavern/pub on one side and a tea room on the other separated by a stage. The music was tailored to whichever side you sat on, unless someone entertained on the stage. There were private booths branching off into a maze-like warren - almost as if the patrons were exploring a dungeon. On the walls were sings and symbols and decorations representing the party, and anywhere there was a space sat a bookshelf.

And as the Goddess of Stories, Thea had a special book created telling the stories of the Third Family. It would only appear to one who was deemed worthy, and as the tale was narrated by one Brynwick Nibnibbler (known for her chronicle and whose return is another tale for another day) misty images would appear so that the reader could experience the tale with all of the emotion and none of the danger. And at the end of the book, the reader would be presented with a choice to become an adventurer . . .

The Chandler’s visited every chance they could, and loved on Thea and her friends as much as possible.

There were also weddings to be had.

Tiago and Alden were married that summer, and it was THE event of the season.

Rylan and Luka held a more formal ceremony on Samhain, with Garrett fashioning crowns for them for this occasion: simple wreaths stylizing elder branches, their berries encased in ice. It was a traditional Tuatha Dae handfasting - very Fey and very sweet.

Ruinfea and Loray were married that winter, with the ceremony held under a starry night sky on the flagship of the Drow navy anchored in Dewport Harbor - making sure through magic that no one affected by seasickness suffered. Her dress had magnificent wings, and since he would not be outdone, so did Loray’s suit. Fuego walked her down the aisle and Rylan’s Uncle Jar officiated. Valendra attended, and as a present offered a rather ornate box. Inside the box were the ring fingers of Ruinfea’s parents - just the fingers, rings still attached. The honeymoon was held on Loray’s ship.

Thea and Atreyu’s relationship moved along at a slower pace. But in the days and weeks and months and years that passed, they grew closer until one day a question was asked and the answer, returned immediately, was “yes”.

Fuego and Meme were reunited, and with Araushnee restored they received her Blessings - not just them, but all of Ruinglast, too - and as it prospered so did their families, with Fuego and Meme having another child in due course - a boy born of a red dragon and a gold dragon.

Nor were they the only ones whose family increased. Ruinfea and Loray, in their travels, adopted a white dragon child and named him Barrin.

Rylan and Luka consulted with clerics and magicians and certain Fey creatures, and performing a ritual on a sacred frozen lake, received nine months later into their family a boy they named Amalatar Baenre - the Divine Prince. Nor did they stop there, for in Rylan’s dealings as the god of death and murder, some misguided mother felt he could be appeased by her offering her two Tiefling children. Rylan accepted the mother as the sacrifice instead and tried to smuggle the children home under his cloak the way one might with a stray cat. Luka saw through it immediately and began working on expanding their home as daughters Fallon (“Proud Leader”) and Raegan (“King’s Child”) joined their family.

Garrett discovered that he was not the last of his kind. Other Harengons had been away as well and, like him, had escaped the destruction of their home. He took on the task of resorting the Feywild and reopening the ways between the planes. The Root of War’s armies had tried to leave the land desolate, but Garrett discovered that this earth could not be salted. It was the work of centuries, and with Ryaln’s help in casting a certain ritual every year, eventually the land was restored to such effect that it surpassed its former beauty.

In the meantime, in Little Grove near the tea shop, Garrett and Feugo reconstructed the tower of the star elves that Garrett remembered from his childhood. There he took on apprentices, unwilling to turn away any who showing willing. Their reasons, motives, skills, and attitudes varied as much as the weather - but Garrett would not fail a student.

Rylan set up a bakery, and Fuego and Ruinfea worked together to create a garden/temple area with beautiful plants and cute mushroom dragons.

This corner of town was theirs to share with others, and they adored it.

Time passed, and so did many of the Third Family’s friends. There came a time when they each faced the choice of continuing their godhood or willingly setting it aside to rest as mortals. They chose to continue, and to expand their pantheon:

* *Loray: God of the Sea*
* *Ruinfea: Goddess of Luck and of Stars*
* *Atreyu: God of the Hunt*
* *Fuego: God of Justice, Law, and Architecture*
* *Meme: God of the Harvest*
* *Tiago: God of Time*
* *Garrett: God of Creation and the Forge*
* *Rylan: God of Death and Murder*
* *Thea: Goddess of Bards, Stories, and Workers*

There were many more to find, but that was fine. They had the time.

[*Players Note: Several of these entries are compiled by a mix of several player notes and memory sometimes months after the session*]

## Relationships

### The Third Family

Ruinfea: Ruinfea is another surrogate daughter to Fuego. Her gentle and caring nature is matched by her love for those she cares about. She is far more capable then she realizes. She shares his love of nature. He's helped her find animals to learn for her wild shape forms, which he is fascinated and at time in wonder of her ability. He cherishes the fact that Ruinfea shared her her past with him.

Rylan Baenre: Fuego considers Rlyan as if he was a clutch mate, even though they are not the same species. They both have sadly been on the receiving end of racial intolerance, and both had opposite reactions under the different encounters. Fuego is often impressed by Rylan, in spite all that he as been through he is determined to help others and save the very people that despise them both.

Theodosia Chandler: Fuego considers Theodosia a partner, not a romantic partner but a close friend and confidant. After the ball at Morad she was the first one Fuego shared some of his earliest memories from a few years prior. She was also the first he shared the knowledge that he was dead, caged and being tortured on the Infernal Plane for an unknown amount of time. He shared with her, his plan to regain his lost memories.

Garrett Seiger: Fuego's initial thoughts of Garrett where fascination. He had never seen a Rabbitfolk before and Artificer's always intrigued him. The method of fabricating one thing from another was magic on a physical level. After some conversation the two have started to develope a friendship.

### Other Characters

Memeril: Memeril Orish, or Meme as Fuego lovingly calls her, is his wife. Together they had a daughter Kava, who sadly passed away sometime during Fuego's disappearance. They found each other by happenstance in Morad when she saw Fuego and thought he was her husband, unbeknown to them at the time, she was correct.

Sairché: (Formally Flame Tits) She is Fuego's Patron. The voice in his head and the Devil on his shoulder quietly encouraging Fuego to be a destructive force. He does not recall how he became a under her patronage. He does not trust her because of that, but has recently come to an understanding with her after Rylan was abducted by the First Blade.

Donald Herbert: Donald is the first person Fuego meet after being pulled from the Infernal Plane. Either through divine intervention or his own hubris, Donald had accidentally pulled Fuego to the Mortal Plane when he was attempting to summon a demon into a warded circle, to do some research on the infernal plane. After a frighting first few moments Donald Herbert, requested his assistance in exchange for his Fuego's. Fuego obliged Donald for three years at which time Donald released him from what had become more of an apprenticeship.

Comforte Roselid: Comforte is the first person of authority he meet that did not treat him like a beast. She treated him with a quite dignity that most would not. His respect for her was only stronger after the events in Littlegrove, when she deputized him to help with the aftermath of the attack. He does however feel ashamed for having a moment of doubt to with whom her alliances lie.

Carrion: Fuego looks at Carrion as if he was that child in town that always wanted to hang out with the older children. In spite of his youth however Carrion has shown he is capable of impressive bouts of bravery. In the short time he's known him, he went form a letter writing 'anarchist' to a Lesser Mage of the Tower. Fuego is proud of how Carrion has grown.

N'yyk: Fuego is generally uneasy around N'yyk because their first meeting involved N'yyk attempting to burrow into Fuego's arm. He has voiced his concerns about them, however he has been respectful of the other party members wishes to keep them. With everything that has currently happened he is starting to think his initial reservations about N'yyk, though understandable, might not be fully warranted.

Keres: Fuego's trust of her is merely starting, but the fact that Rylan, Kam and Thea trust her helps. She is is an interesting woman and Fuego is looking forward to their friendship growing.

Reiner: Fuego meet Reiner while staying with the Third Family at Tasha's palace in the Grey wastes. He looks at Reiner as a mentor of sorts, a bit hard to get a read on otherwise, but an ally non the less.

## Memories

Memory via a Dream:

*It is the pain that makes it the absolute worst. Unbearable. It rends down to the bone, before somehow, it rends even deeper than that. The fire crawls, creeping up your limbs, through your chest, into your brain. And deeper still. Into your very soul. You want the ceaseless pain to stop, but every time you call out for mercy, the only thing that crawls out of your gaping mouth are more flames and more screams and more pain. And it has gone on for an eternity. It has always been this way. You forgot your name. You forgot your home. You remember the pain. The momentary reprieve of unconsciousness was only there to punctuate the waking moments of realization that this would never end. But one day, or one night, or one moment in time, you managed to get one out. One cry into the hellfire, a plea. And it was answered. Sairché. Her name was a balm on your mind… Sairché was here now. And she would deliver you.*

Memory via a his possession by *Sairché in the Mage Tower*:

*Fuego was greeted by Memeril who called him Barrin. They held each other while discussing Kava*

## Fuegoisums

*"I am merely building up your resistant to fire."* **~ Fuego to various Party members**

*“Sometimes snakes walk upright.”* **~ Fuego to Civar**

*"I may not know who I was, but I know who I am."* **~ Fuego to Oghma**

*“I have enough voices in my head.”* **~ Fuego to Bryn**

*"You seem to be a rather wanting strumpet."* **~ Fuego to Sairché**

"Not Today." **~ Fuego in the aftermath of the final battle**

"Come Home." **~ Fuego to Rylan**

## Gallery

Created on HeroForge by IndianaSwiss Army RingRing of Weapon StorageHis Patron - Sairché