Black Chains & A Broken Man

**Black Chains & A Broken Man** is the twenty fifth episode of *Another Bad Side Quest.* The party sets out for the first part of their plan against the Baron of Cessunaler and make new acquaintances in the town.

## Black Chains & A Broken Man

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* ABSQ's main character art is done by @laniekun, the world map of Palamoa by @TheBrassBailey and ABSQ logo commissioned by @KacperGilkaArt
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### **Part One**

As Quincy sat on a large, blood red chesterfield sofa, across from Baron Vintorvas in his own highback chair, with the large brazier at the center of the room beside them, the baron recalled hearing that they had something to sell him, something originally from *Vayilcor*. Vintorvas wondered how he could trust it and Quincy, posing as a *Alwynn Edwards*, told him they were a person of their word but was willing to have a demonstration insisting that Vintorvas nor anyone he knows has seen anything like it. Vintorvas retorted that he had seen more than Quincy and Jacob Cross, Killian's alternate form from his cast of *Disguise Self*, and that they probably could call themselves special, but Quincy assured him that Jacob was simply the newest and so far the nicest. Vintorvas called it a tall order for a short man, noting Killian's illusory form stood at about 5'10" and Vintorvas at about 6'2".

Vintorvas asked what Quincy would be interested in for her "item" and Quincy replied that money was abundant and boring and would like a trade as she had heard of Vintorvas' collection. Vintorvas commented that money could be fun, with a pointed look to Killian, and noted Quincy had piqued his interest and might be willing for a trade. Vintorvas stated his doubts that Quincy had anything of such value for such a trade and Quincy replied that they thought he was wrong. Quincy asked if anyone in the town had heard of constructs and Vintorvas admitted he had heard some of the criminals talk of them but that no one there had seen one before. Quincy explained a construct was a creation of particular magic to do things automatically and could be considered the best form of slave labor as they had no free will to disobey, did not tire and did not require to eat or sleep, which Vintorvas admitted could be useful. Quincy diverted the conversation to Vintorvas's collection, noting the pieces from *Gilesha* and pointed out she was a Genasi. Vintorvas commented that half-breeding in Genasi was exotic but Quincy seemed even rarer and something he may want to keep in his collection.

Vintorvas asked if Quincy was fine to leave her "toy" and Quincy replied she was as she turned to Killian, ordered that he make himself "as invisible to these people as possible", to which Killian promptly agreed. Vintorvas took Quincy's hand and guided her out of the room through a door opposite the one they had come in, while Killian cast *Invisibility* once he was no longer in view and carefully followed behind them, barely managing to slip through the door from the office before it closed. Killian followed the pair as they walked down a hallway to the far corner room of the hall, contemplated contacting Tabernacle and Yashani at the front gate, but knowing they were too far away for *Ob's Charm* to work, continued to follow them out the door the Baron led them through towards a more heavily fortified door that led out onto the ramparts of the castle. Meanwhile Tabernacle's three crows, from his prior cast of *Flock of Familiars,* had been sent out over the castle and spotted Quincy and the Baron as they made their way across the rampart to what appeared to be a section of wall. Quincy observed as Vintorvas pressed against certain bricks in a deliberate pattern before the wall moved aside to reveal a entryway and managed to memorize the pattern.

Vintorvas and Quincy stepped inside and as the door immediately shut behind them, separating Killian from them Quincy described the sequence over *Ob's Charm* as they walked, which Killian managed to input a few moments later. Quincy was led down a set of stairs, made of stone from a rougher cut that appeared to be put into place after the original castle was built. As they continued down the stairs that descended nearly 65 feet, Quincy and the Baron arrived at a large steel door, noticeably missing a lock, that he invited Quincy to open. As they opened the doors they entered a large room, roughly 60 feet across and 40 feet wide, carved from the same black marble as the castle above but with even more elegance, with walls lined with pillars and between the pillars cases of various sizes with items inside and a few things hang on the walls. Most notable of all was a large, fortified steel and glass case in the center of the room. Vintorvas led Quincy first to the left and began to naming each of the items in turn

* *Tollanessa's Sapphire* - A sapphire that hung from a three and half foot silver and gold chain, attached to a bracelet of solid silver and floated off the bottom of its case and was the arcane focus of the Aj'Snaga Goddess herself.
* *Seal of the Imperionas* - A large hunk of sandstone, intricately carved with a magic seal, taken from the ruins of the chasm in the desert, that has the ability to seal Gods and claimed to have sealed one a long time ago.
* *Declaration of the Skorian Federation* - An aged scroll held open with faint ink writing, written before the cusping of the Empire.
* *Glaive of the War Priest* - Not in a case like the others, but on a short pedestal floated a snakewood handled glaive, polished to a shiny luster, trimmed in gold and red, longer and thinner then a typical glaive that shined with a blue light and magically dripped colored sand.

Vintorvas noted that he found the glaive along with with the *Seal of the Imperionas* which was a lucky day for him indeed.

* *Paintings from Gilesha* - From the fourth generation of the Hilui Dynasty. The first showed the large black hoodoos that rose above the canopy of a tropical rainforest with dragons that circled the top of the stone spires. The second was of a rolling grassland, but with grass was a pale blue color and the trees in the distance made of a purple and orange foliage.

Vintorvas noted that he bought them from someone in the Empire some time ago and when Quincy asked by who, revealed it was a man named Edward Vaultanis.

* *Bone Mask of Niyela* - A mask etched from bone in the shape of a bat, positioned so that those who viewed it could also view the inside of the mask which revealed a streak of dried, blackened blood.

Quincy hearing the name noted that Niyela was a member of the Aj'Snaga Pantheon that had been murdered in the streets of *Rillasehje* and started the civil wars. Quincy asked if Vintorvas was a beliver and he replied that he was a collector with no need to believe when money was involved, that he believed in what other people wanted or searched for and in turn he strived for and got them.

* *Spell Book of a God* - A purple, leatherbound book with the symbol of Rhizadeal embossed into the front cover

Vintorvas noted that it once belonged to the Rhizaedal's Champion at one point and lamented that he was no longer able to read it. Quincy questioned his statement and Vintorvas replied it was a conversation for another time.

* The next case held solid ruby padlock that Vintorvas was getting judged as he had he had been led to believe it once to Scura. Quincy asked who might be the judge of such things and Vintorvas replied it was an associate of his, a Vicaress in the Holy Enclave. Vintorvas also noted that even if it was no collective it was an example of fine craftsmanship that functioned.
* *The Shattering Moon* - A large tapestry, 15 feet across and 10 feet tall, which depicted the destruction of Palamoa by a rain of rock and fire from the moons shattering, and on the far left side of the tapestry Quincy noted at the start of its story was the symbol of the Ruined Moon on Quincy's left hand.
* *Archinatum Textor* - A decagonal bipyramid made of solid black unknown material, held horizontally on a gold stand with green sparks that ran up and down it and gave off a feeling of intense pressure coming from the contents of the box.

Vintorvas claimed that the *Archinatum Textor* was his prize and caused the Day of the Black Sun, which in turned caused the then Skorian Federation to ban the use of magic as civil wars broke out. Quincy questioned that the cause of the Day of the Black Sun was unknown and Vintorvas replied that was what she was supposed to believe and that he knew it was true because he had tested the item's abilities.

Vintorvas went on to say the *Archinatum Textor* was not available to pick, but commented that it was a choice to pick from if she wished and commented that he couldn't say what was qualifying until he saw what the construct she had Quincy offered for trade. Quincy took a look around and noted if she were to be a part of the collection she would feel safe and well kept but Vintorvas assured her he wouldn't keep her there. Quincy prodded that it must be the safest place in the city, but other than agreement, got no more information on the matter before they turned on their heel and headed back for the paintings. Meanwhile Killian, who had been loitering invisibly on the other end of the room, checked for traps within the collection , noted that most of the boxes were bolted and locked with no other traps, with the exceptions being the *Glaive of the War Priest* which was definitely magically trapped and the *Archinatum Textor* as an implied Do Not Touch. Vintorvas followed Quincy after a moment and noted that while he appreciates the company he had other matters to attend to, and asked her to return the day after to continue their negotiations. Quincy thanked him for showing his collection and as they headed back up the hidden passage, Killian invisibly made his way back, managing to keep his breath and managed to beat Quincy and Vintorvas as they returned to the room they started in.

As Killian sat and dropped *Invisibility,* just before the Baron and Quincy returned he asked how the trip was. Quincy called it enlightening and Vintorvas called it wonderful on the eyes and added for them to returned with their construct and they could continue their conversation. Quincy dipped into a low bow, as Vintorvas shamelessly looked down her shirt, before calling for Cross and left the room. As they left in a deliberate saunter back to the *Golden Chains* and to their rented rooms, they saw Yashani and Tabernacle outside the castle gates and Quincy told them over *Ob's Charm* to follow at a pace. Yashani told her "grandfather" they had ogled the castle long enough and led him back to the inn likewise, while Tabernacle had his three crows fly above to make sure they were not being followed. Quincy walked in on RX and Alaerith, who had spent their time playing a wargame of some kind, and stopped to assist Alaerith before heading to the water basin in the room and scrubbed the hand that had held Vintorvas'.

The rest of the group returned, gathered around and noted that their conversation went well. Quincy wrote down the pattern for the wall and RX filed it away in his perfect memory. Quincy then explained that the collection was kept in a separate building from the castle and that it held a lot of divine items. Tabernacle asked how they got in, as his crows could only able to see so much from the outside, and Quincy explained that the secret door in the wall that the code was for. Quincy noted that the area felt understaffed noting that there were patrols inside and around the outside of the castle, but with the escort of the Baron were not going to be stopped. Tabernacle reminded them he has the ability to squeeze between walls, which should be useful for their attempts to take the glaive and spellbook, but when Alaerith interrupted to ask Killian if his magic or if their magic items were inhibited from anti-magic at any point, Killian replied their hadn't been any issue, but noted that while close to the *Archinatum Textor* his spell felt harder to control and told the group as much. Tabernacle wondered if there were any other traps to consider and Killian said while movement shouldn't be an issue, the artefacts were kept in locked boxes and that Ob's glaive was most definitely trapped with magic.

Killian noted that he might be able to commune with Avranti and ask for her aid with appropriate magic while Quincy explained the Baron wished to meet tomorrow to see RX so they had time to prepare. Yashani asked what the plan was for those who had not been in the castle before, noting she had no magic to disguise herself and worse, that she and Tabernacle had been seen outside the castle for a long amount of time and Killian replied that he or Tabernacle could turn her invisible to accompany them. Quincy stated that the Baron sounded like they were up for a trade, though she wasn't sure what all for, that her original intent was to talk up the Baron while the heist was happening and then walk away saying no deal to trading RX away, but noted it might be easier to simply trade RX for what they wanted and come back to help soon after. Tabernacle added that it would probably be suspicious to ask for two items that belonged to the same person and Yashani noted the likelihood of he is even willing to part with two items for one. Killian said that he thought the best plan was their original plan, to ask for the paintings of *Gilesha* and rob him as the trade was discussed. Quincy added that it may be a bit rash but if they all ended up in the collection room, some invisible and others not, they might be able to jump Vintorvas, as Quincy very much enjoyed the idea of seeing him dead. Yashani pointed out they would not make it out alive past that and Killian reminded them that they were not the quietest of people and certainly not assassins.

Tabernacle asked if they had any idea what abilities Vintorvas might have and Quincy noted his vague comment the Baron had made about Ob's spellbook. Killian added that he certainly seemed interested in divinity and Tabernacle commented that the Baron probably wished to read it, that elves made particularly good wizards, and regardless was certain the Baron was not just a tubby leader of the city and that they needed to surprise him as that was the only way they would see him die. Yashani said it would be easy to see one man go down, but not a whole army and wondered if the Baron, paranoid as he was, would have secret ways out of the castle and wondered if the crows saw anything while circling. Tabernacle noted while they saw nothing like that, they did spot a second story balcony on the backend of the castle and away from the collection. Tabernacle suggested they could use that as a surprise way in, but the party shot it down as their was no easy way to get up there, that it wouldn't be a quiet task and that they didn't know what that room is. Tabernacle insisted that he would rather fall a small distance than face whatever forces were in the castle and emergencies may call for such risks.

Quincy, knowing the idea of killing the baron was her idea, admitted the risk may not be worth the vendetta against him and shouldn't be one of their priorities. Tabernacle recalled the mention of the powerful artifact and Quincy explained the *Archinatum Textor* was what caused the Day of the Black Sun and Killian suggested they give it a wide berth considering their track record. Tabernacle noted that knowing the item was there and who had it could be important in the future, maybe even worth keeping him alive so they knew exactly who had it. Quincy explained what the other items within his collection entailed. Tabernacle then suggested, based on Vintorvas' apparent appreciation for historical items, they could make something up about RX being more unique, but Quincy assured him that they have handled that already, that the Baron already seemed very interested in RX being a unique construct, while RX activated his *Telekinetic Movement* to move a gold coin and checkmate Alaerith in their game. Tabernacle asked what his story was and Quincy said they had planned to say the Nostru family found RX somewhere, that he was not being fully utilized, bought him cheap and now intended to trade for something else. Quincy commented that they were good at stories and then told RX, for the sake of keeping lies straight, what she told the baron about how RX did not eat or sleep.

Killian asked if her construct was able to speak and Quincy said so, as RX asking "Mr. Cross" how else he would greet his new master. Tabernacle told RX he would need to put on one hell of a performance, long enough so they could steal the items they want. Quincy suggested maybe a literal performance where RX could recite facts, spar with Killian and juggling with his mind for good measure. Quincy then remembered that that would be *before* the trade, that if the party stole what the book and glaive before the trade was made and while the paintings were handed over, then Vintorvas would most definitely notice the missing items in the collection. Tabernacle says they could just follow them into the collection room when the trade happened, that he would stay behind when Quincy left, take the items and exit by turning himself into the gas. Tabernacle noted while he could get them out he wouldn't be able to get them in general and would need help getting past the defences. Killian asked if Alaerith had the ability to turn himself invisible of if he would need help and Alaerith noted he had the same ability. Killian suggested they reconvene in the morning as he wished to commune with Avranti and exited.

Tabernacle noted he had one last thing he might need help for, then had his crows, who were still out, search for anyone wearing black chains, which were worn by the slaves who were capable of magic as to disrupt their ability to do so and found in the far western end of the *Old District* in one of the neglected, slightly askew homes, with a balcony on the third floor, was a figure who sat balcony rail and smoked, wearing black chains around their wrists and watched the crows overhead. Tabernacle came back to his own senses and told the room he found one of the magic users and asked if anyone would like to join him invisibly to talk with the person. Quincy didn't want to risk being seen and that RX shouldn't go either. Tabernacle asked if Alaerith or Yashani would be interested, but when Quincy requested to speak to Yashani if that would be alright, Tabernacle agreed and took Alaerith with him while says they could practice his sneaky skills for the heist.

Once alone Quincy pointed out how Yashani was a healer and Yashani agreed noting it was not in the traditional sense. Quincy admitted they were still a bit in awe, as Yashani was literally one of Quincy's childhood stories come to life and Yashani replied it was strange to think of it that way. Quincy went on to explain that when she was a child stuck in the house, her Nana raised her on stories and that was all Quincy really knew of the world, that they distinctly remembered a story of a cabin in the wilderness where you could leave your sick and return to find them healed and Yashani said it sounded more magical than it really was. Quincy brought up Kerrack, pointing out that he was more magically adept and capable of healing, that he had tried to teach Quincy some things as they were constantly getting injured and wondered if Yashani would be willing to teach them and help them brush up on old skills. Yashani agreed, saying she could see what she can do, or rather what Quincy could do. Quincy wondered if they might find the right supplies in this town and Yashani suggested, citing the slave labor and workers, they might so they decided to grab some supplies on their way out of town.

The view shifted to the the narrow streets between the boarding houses in the *Old District* as Tabernacle and Alaerith trudged their way through knee deep snow. Alaerith asked what the goal of speaking with this person was and Tabernacle reminded him that the people who wore the black chains were magical, adding after spooking him when they appear in his room, Alaerith's natural charisma could help in talking to the person and bring them to their side and grant them some information. Alaerith agreed and Tabernacle proudly patted him on the back. They eventually came to the building Tabernacle had seen through his crow, noted that the boarding houses were like apartment buildings with several staircases and doors to get in to the building and with some time figured out how to get to the apartment attached to the balcony Tabernacle had seen the figure smoking on. As they climbed the stairs, they swayed and creaked precariously with a step falling out under Tabernacle's step. Tabernacle recovered and told Alaerith to be at the man's door, invisibly before he cast *Gaseous Form* on himself and phased through the building's walls and into the man's home. After recovering from the sight of his transformation, Alaerith took hold of *Vile's Fang*, whispered his belief "that it could still do this", cast *Invisibility* on himself as he made his way to the door and waited.

As Tabernacle entered the space, he dropped his *Gaseous Form* and attempted to quickly cast *Invisibility,* but in the moment he was visible failed to notice a figure behind him before a length of chain was wrapped around his throat and started to choke him.

### **Break!**

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### **Part Two**

As we return to Tabernacle with a chain wrapped his neck, dropped to the ground by a figure with their foot on his back, Alaerith outside the room heard the struggle from outside the door, and finding the door unlocked stepped inside and saw Tabernacle on the ground with a human looking man standing over him, standing 6" tall with a large, muscular frame. As the man noticed the door open, seemingly by itself, due to the *Invisible* Alaerith, Tabernacle managed to pipe up that they were there to help and the man released his neck a little allowing him to speak. They asked what he meant and Tabernacle asked Alaerith to shut the door, and the figure watched as the door closed on it's own and slightly retightened the chain around his neck again. The man asked the "unseen person" to show themself and Alaerith agreed asked if he would release him first as it would be easier to speak when everything was calm. The man hesitated for a moment but agreed and released Tabernacle's neck and Alaerith thanked them for doing so as he cast *Enhance Ability : Eagle's Splendor* on himself, dropping his *Invisibility.* The man released his foot from Tabernacle's back as Alaerith made sure Tabernacle was alright. Alaerith apologized for the odd entrance, noting his justified reaction, and that they wished to have a word as they felt they could help each other. The man pointed out that they were obviously not laborers as it seemed they could use magic. Alaerith offered to sit himself and Tabernacle in a corner so the man could watch them easier and the man said it was fine, that he wasn't concerned about either of them. Tabernacle slowly stood from the ground while activating his *Form of Dread* to repair his throat with a layer of barnacles.

Tabernacle asked for the man's name and he introduced himself as Quizix Yawndehara, but offered that they could call him Quiz. Tabernacle and Alaerith introduced themselves as well before Alaerith checked over *Ob's Charm* what they should start with and Tabernacle responded they should begin establish how trustworthy the man was. Quiz led them out onto the balcony to talk, which seeing up close it was obviously hand built, likely by Quiz himself, started to smoke and shared one with Tabernacle when asked. Tabernacles clarified that the black chains denoted a magic user and that it didn't seem very often that one of them was released from imprisonment, calling it a "bird's wings being uncut". Quiz connected the dots, noting it was "them" and offered that crows were not native to the area and owls were more common. Tabernacle asked if they could trust him and after Quiz responded depending on what they needed trust for. After checking over *Ob's Charm* that they would just be honest Alaerith went on to presume that Quiz wasn't a fan of the Baron same as disliking Puhan and Quiz explained that he was caught using magic in the Empire, was sent there to be "ridden like a horse" and held no good feelings for the baron. Alaerith explained they had business and were trying to retrieve items from the Baron's collection and Quiz laughed asking if they are serious. Tabernacle assured him they were and asked what Quiz might know and any information would be helpful.

Quiz said that the Baron was cold hearted, would kill them for trying and reasoned that if they were there, they wanted Quiz's to risk his neck and Tabernacle assured they would do the same in kind, citing that if they could steal the items then they could as easily get him out of the town and where he pleased. Quiz admitted he did want to go home and that he had been taken as a young boy, 15 years ago. Quiz thought for a moment before saying that if they wanted his help and trust they needed to take off his chains. Tabernacle agreed, took one shackle in his hand, looked to Alaerith, who seemed to understand the unspoken idea and took the other shackle in his own hand. Quiz noted it didn't matter if it would hurt and with a warning back from Tabernacle that it would hurt, Tabernacle cast *Shape Water*, as Alaerith followed in kind, to freeze the metal, forcing the bolt in the shackles to warp, causing Quiz's wrists to bleed before they finally broke free from the hinge as Alaerith moved quickly and deftly grabbed the chains before they fell to the floor with a clatter. Tabernacle congratulated Alaerith on the save, examined the shackles and found glowing red spikes on the inside that match up to small scars on Quiz's wrists. Alaerith asked if they the chains had other features or were able to be tracked and Quiz responded they were dampened magic only. Determining they could still be useful looped them over his shoulders like an old scarf and used the collar of his coat to keep them mostly hidden.

Seeing that Quiz was injured by their method of breaking him free, Alaerith activated *Life Drain* to use his Ruined Moon mark and heal him, followed by Tabernacle, while bringing damage to themselves. Quiz found it odd, but didn't question it much before he flicked his hand a couple times. Quiz noted that he hadn't done this in a while, as he started to crack his knuckles, turned to Alaerith, warned that it would tingle, that it wouldn't hurt but he needed to check he still had it. After giving an ok Alaerith noticed strange incorporeal gears appeared around Quiz as he cast *Haste* Alaerith who began to panic a bit at the sudden speed he seemed to be moving at but Quiz assured them it would be over in a minute as he cited his need to make sure his magic still worked. Quiz asked him them to get him out and Tabernacle agreed as he cast *Invisibility* on himself and Quiz, while Alaerith cast it on himself dropping his *Enhance Ability*, and told Alaerith to find out how fast he could run home and Alaerith agreed. Quiz and Tabernacle ran into Alaerith again when they heard him panting a little ways away after the spell worn off, as the wave of lethargy washes over him, but seemingly enjoyed it spell. Tabernacle explained to Quiz that he would meet their compatriots, what their plan was and what they could improve on, but first asked who Quiz was exactly. Quiz explained he was an orderly person, who helped keep the balance by making adjustments that sped things up or slowed them down and Tabernacle responded that would be very useful come tomorrow's plan.

The trio return to the *Golden Chains* and found it busier than before, with many of the patrons wearing the band of iron around their necks marking, them as one of the Cold Iron mercenaries, while others had a marked lapel, with an upside down triangle with a maroon background and gold crown and the bottom half black with a silver snowflake, marking them as part of Puhan's security. Each of the them made their way carefully, following Tabernacle's voice, through the crowd, as not to bump people in their *Invisible* state and managed to make it back to the group's rented rooms. Tabernacle and Alaerith dropped their *Invisibility* as they entered the room where Killian, RX and Quincy were playing poker and RX laid down a royal flush only to be startled as the trio revealed themselves*.* Killian asked who the stranger was and Quiz proceeded to introduce himself. Quincy asked when they started bringing home strays and Tabernacle explained that Quiz was a magic user and was willing to help, if they could help get him home in return. Tabernacle mentioned that Quiz worked with time, but Quiz corrected him that they were simply adjustments, turned to Quincy and cast *Delay* on them as a demonstration.

Killian warned him that casting spells on what you hope were new friends does not seem like a good idea. When Quincy was brought back to normal speed they threatened to put a bullet in his throat if he did it again. Quiz offered that Quincy could shoot through his ward then they were welcome to as a sphere of glowing gears appears to encapsulate him, which Quincy seemed to find interesting. Rather than shoot him though, Quincy pulled out her whip and snapped towards him, but despite the hit being considerable only glanced off the protection. Tabernacle wondered if it could be cast on anyone else and Quiz said he could make it bigger. Quincy called it flashy, but Tabernacle asked exasperatedly if she could make a protective force field, and after a bit of back and forth over whether or not a whip was a normal weapon, RX spoke up, while sorting his assorted poker winnings into piles, and asked if they should be further fortify their plan. Quincy said that would be fine after Quiz left, but Killian promised they would get him home. Killian started to mention about the adding of a new person to plan, but when Quincy asked when they decided to add him to the group Killian argued he was useful and that Tabernacle had already seemed to have made a promise without consulting the group.

After a burst of argument Quiz attempted to head downstairs for a drink and Quincy stopped him, reminding him he was a man who was just recently in chains and would not go down to a bar full of guards, though he argued back he didn't want to be in a room of bickering people. Tabernacle stepped in to offer to get drinks, then headed down to the bar and ordered several beers and two bottles of wine. After Tabernacle left, Killian went on to explain that if Quiz was to be coming, he would go with Tabernacle, Alaerith and Yashani to help actually heist the items in the castle as it seems he would be most helpful there and then assured Quincy there would be little to no interaction with the man as they would be elsewhere as the distraction. Quincy clarified that she had no issue with Quiz, and that she thought he may be lovely and would be happy to help him leave the city, but was worried about adding a new person to the plan that they barely know. Quiz apologized, citing that he had gone without magic for 15 years and may have been rash with it, and stated he had no reason not to help and that he could do it well. Alaerith added that he was correct and attempted to explain his experience under the effects of *Haste*. Killian repeated that Quiz was useful, earning Quincy's ire and Quiz offered to help her which seemed to endear him a bit more to her.

Yashani stepped in to point out she did not recall them discussing how the three, now four of them, would escape the castle once they entered the collection room and taken what they needed as only Tabernacle could go through walls. She added what would be useful was is Quiz knew any way that wasn't through the front door. Quiz replied that there was a man in the mines who talked about an old rumor of a way in and out of the castle, to the north of town and in the woods, but added they don't send the slaves that way so he didn't know if it was true. As Yashani said Tabernacle would likely be able to take a look, the older man re-entered the room with various alcohols and passed them out, with Quiz chugging nearly an entire bottle of wine happily. RX stared at Tabernacle and Killian noted they need to start provide RX similar things and Tabernacle recalled using alcohol when the ship's lamps would run out of oil, which Killian and Quincy shut down as Tabernacle recalled the lamps would explode if they dropped them. The group explained the possibility of the secret entrance to Tabernacle and discussed the use of Tabernacle's crow, with Tabernacle noting they didn't stick out that much but Quincy reminded him that seeing strange things and assuming magic was an easier connection to make in Puhan. Quiz asked if they had run into Rusk as of yet and the party explained they went straight to him to get the Baron's attention, with Tabernacle mentioning Rusk dispelled one of his cockroach familiars. Quiz explained in the kindest way he could that Rusk was capable of making their head explode with his mind, which gravely concerned the group.

Tabernacle suggested sending out maybe an owl, and with advice from Quiz, a couple of voles, with one to survey while the other two searched the grounds, but would need a rest first as he was magically wiped and his throat still hurt. Alaerith enquired how far the away the area was and Quiz replied it was maybe 15 minutes away total. Tabernacle added that Bluteber could work but Yashani pointed out that sending a menagerie of magical animals may be a bit obvious. Alaerith suggested Yashani was the most perceptive of them and could find it better then anyone and Killian volunteered himself to go with her. Quincy noted he shouldn't be seen until tomorrow, dismissing *Jacob Cross* as just Killian without an elf's pointy ears. Killian noted he could go invisibly or disguise himself, and the group decided he and Yashani could scout the area out now, though Yashani noted being invisible was not helpful when trekking through snow. Yashani asked Killian if he could appear as Tabernacle, as he had been seen before, and Killian proceeded to cast *Disguise Self* and to take his form, citing it wouldn't appear strange if she followed her wandering grandfather once again. Tabernacle sent Hobble with them so he could keep an eye on them and to help. As they started to go Alaerith approached them, checked that they were ok with him trying something that could help, and on getting a yes cast *Enhance Ability : Owl's Wisdom*. Quiz stood up as well, ripped a bit of the white shirt under his black overalls, wrapped it around their hands and cast *Aid* on both of them.

Yashani and Killian headed off to the sound of RX offering a game of cards and Quiz shouted for strip poker, while Alaerith sat and sighed in relief seeing seemingly no negative effects from his magic being used on the departing duo. As Killian wandered, seemingly aimlessly, with Yashani following as his dutiful granddaughter, they entered the military ward and found the area had very little active security, with some of the Cold Iron and Puhan Trading Company military that took notice of their wanderings, but brushed them off as an old drunk and his caretaker easily enough. As they moved just beyond the city limits and trudged through the snow, the pair found a fence they had to climb over before they continued deeper into the denser parts of the forest. Though moving through the snow was especially difficult due to the sudden changes in elevation and the compact nature of the forest Yashani was able to lead them through. Eventually, while they climbed around a large pile of rock, Hobble's keen sense of smell found a hole in the ground and attempted to point it out to Killian and Yashani, but fell on his face with only one front leg in the process. Yashani and Killian inspected it further, with Yashani pointing out that she would rather not get into a situation they couldn't easily get out of and suggested they send out Hobble.

Hobble headed into the split between the stones, immediately dropping a few feet, landed and got back to his feet easily enough. Hobble went through the tunnel, which at first roughly hewn became more well kept the deeper he got before he came to a ladder that looked as though it led up to a trap door in a floor and had some light that came through the cracks around its edges. Tabernacle, who saw it all through Hobble's senses, commanded the dog back down the hallway to where he fell into the tunnel and barked twice, which alerted Yashani and Killian that he had made it back before Hobble disappeared. Killian, assuming this meant danger, told Yashani he wanted to investigate and asked if she would rather come with him or wait at the mouth of the tunnel. Yashani decidedly did not want to wait alone and Killian cast *Invisibility* on them both before they entered through the crack in the stones and made their way to the trappdoor, which noticably took them less time to arrive at the trapdoor than the three legged dog. Once there, Killian cast *Gust* to try and push the trapdoor up, which dropped the *Invisibilty* on himself specifically, to see if it gained a reaction, which resulted in the trap door moving subtly. A shadow soon appeared, that blocked the light from the cracks at the edges, and before Killian had a chance to react, the sound of a crank was heard as the trapdoor opened, bathing Killian in light, as he was greeted by the face of Baron Vintorvas.

The Baron deftly raised his hand to cast *Hold Person* which left Killian *Paralysed* in the spot, then called over his shoulder as two more shadows appeared, revealing two members of Cold Iron, who made their way down the ladder, retrieved Killian and dragged him back up into the room above. Yashani watched, silently frozen in surprise and fear as the trapdoor shut once more, and left alone in the dark. As Killian was dragged through the castle, he started being bludgeoned as he reached out telepathically to Bluteber, and the boar, who stood outside the *Golden Chains*, slammed itself against the side of the building before taking off in the direction for the castle. Inside their rented rooms, the rest of the party heard the noise of the boar and immediately knew that something was wrong and Tabernacle relayed everything he saw through Hobble before he dismissed him as the party and Quiz scrambled to gather up and head out into the night. RX noted they were breaking their cover and in response Tabernacle cast Invisibility on him as they moved. As they ran Quincy suggested they could in as Alwynn and try to to say they were double crossed by *Jacob Cross*. They soon meet with Yashani, no longer invisible as Killian lost concentration on *Invisiblty*, at the edge of the forest as she had ran back towards them and led them through the woods she has already traversed and to the tunnel, while explaining what happened since Hobble was dismissed.

At the tunnel, the party scrambled for what they could do, with Quincy who took out a dagger in a thought to sell the idea that they had been betrayed by Jacob Cross but was stopped, while Tabernacle suggested making a chain of people, just within range of *Ob's Charm* from each other while Tabernacle could cast *Gaseous Form* to slip into the chamber of the trap door. Yashani stood frozen til Tabernacle shouted at her to snap out of it and show him the trap door. After she came to Yashani led the party through the tricky terrain of the forest and to the tunnel entrance, while Tabernacle activated *Form of Dread* on the way. Realizing a chain of people was near useless with the distance between the tunnel entrance and the castle being a few minutes away, the party mostly clustered nearby. Tabernacle ran to the end of the tunnel before as he cast *Geasous Form*, peeked into the room above the trapdoor and soon found himself in the collection room. Nearby to him, Tabernacle saw Killian as he was held down by two Cold Iron members as the Baron viciously pummeled him. Tabernacle moved to come up behind the Baron, but felt the magic of his *Gaseous Form* start to wane before he moved back and looked around as the fortified glass box holding the *Archinatum Textor* came into his sight and realized what was happening.

Once Killian was rendered *Unconcious*, the Baron had his guards take him away, leaving him in the room alone with the unseen Tabernacle, who contemplated trying to surprise the baron with an attack but knew dropping out of *Gaseous Form* would ruin the surprise like it did with Quiz earlier and held off. Baron Vintorvas paced in the room, muttered that he knew *"that bitch"* was up to something and that *"they knew"*. Vintorvas went to the trap door, opened it using the crank next to it to and stared down into the dark tunnel. As the Baron looked down, Yashani hidden in the shadows heard him mutter that he knew they would be come back. The Baron closed the trap door, headed to the tapestry of *The* *Shattering Moon* and ripped it off the wall before leaving the collection room entirely. Tabernacle dropped his *Gaseous Form* to speak to Yashani over *Ob's Charm* and explained that they had Killian and that he was in the collection room.

Yashani moved down the tunnel, repeatedly saying over *Ob's Charm* *"they took him"* till she ran into Quincy who was the closest, as she was directly above the tunnel as the person at the end of the "line" to be closest to the castle and passed the information from Tabernacle to her. Quincy asked Yashani if she should try to feign ignorance but Yashani didn't know, though she did know the Baron was nervous they would come back. Yashani also mentioned the Baron saying something on the lines of *"she knows",* and though unsure if "she" was Quincy or someone else they had Killian and couldn't leave him there. Once the message ran down the line, Alaerith asked Quiz if there was rumor of the Baron reporting to a woman and Quiz didn't think so unless his wife had him in an unseen stranglehold. The party decided to reconvene together in the tunnel, while Tabernacle headed to the glaive in the collection room. Tabernacle reached out with a hand to cast *Identify* on the glaive to learn about the trap that surrounded the weapon and found it was an evocation trap that would burst fire, when triggered by someone who tried to remove the glaive from its spot. Tabernacle cast *Mage Hand,* but finding the weapon was too heavy instead activated *The* *Claws of Vaust* and still within the 10 foot range was burned by the blast of fire.

Tabernacle stepped back with the glaive, reactivated his *Form of Dread* to bolster his burnt body, cast *Identify* on the glaive itself and learned it was the *Glaive of the Sand Priest*, that it could attack incorporeal creatures, was bladed in silver allowing it to harm werewolves and similar shifter creatures, and had five charges, that replenished after three days that allowed the wielder to cast the following:

* 1 charge - *Chill Touch*
* 2 charges - *Fireball*
* 3 charges - *Wall of Force*
* 4 charges - *Otiluke’s Resilient Sphere*
* 5 charges - *Meteor Swarm*

Tabernacle also learned it required attunement and could only be used by a wizard, something the party lacked.

Tabernacle moved to the glass box that held Ob's spellbook, cast *Shape Water* to freeze and temperature shock the glass, causing it to shatter, and knowing that was likely loud, Tabernacle cast *Gaseous Form* on himself, taking the newly retrieved items and heading back down into the tunnel. Tabernacle reappeared in front of the party, noted he had what the items and that they had to leave immediately. RX presented the *Bag of Holding* and Tabernacle placed the glaive and spellbook within it. As Tabernacle and Quincy started to argue over what to do next, the party heard a large slamming sound from the direction of the collection room above and started to run.

1. ↑ As a paladin, when Killian takes a long rest he can prepare the spells that he wishes to use from a list at his disposal, and can swap in the ones he wishes to use while swapping out the ones less useful for that scenario.
2. ↑ Another horrifying description given by Zach as he describes Tabernacle's transformation HERE
3. ↑ *Delay* is a spell from *"Valda's Spire of Secrets"* that slows time for a creature of choice forcing them in last place in the initiative order if they fail a wisdom save.
4. ↑ Using two Sorcery Points to activate *Metamagic :* *Twinned Spell* to cast it on both of them simultaneously.
5. ↑ At this point we all realized we had been using the wrong rules for *Gaseous Form*, believing it to have the same constraints as *Wind Walk,* which required a full minute of concentration to move between being corporeal and not.