Order of Ruin

**Order of Ruin** is the eleventh episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The Motley Crew meets new foes and deals with the consequences.

## Order of Ruin

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* Catch that new intro! Music written and performed by Darrin, ABSQ's main character art is done by @laniekun, the world map of Palamoa by @TheBrassBailey and ABSQ logo commissioned by @KacperGilkaArt
* Music and sound made possible by Syrinscape and Epidemic Sound!
* We have merchandise! T-shirts, stickers, phones cases and more in all sorts of fun styles. Find it all on Design By Humans.
* For a more direct way to support us, find us on Patreon and subscribe to gain access to exclusive content including the legacy podcast of ABSQ, behind the scenes content and homebrew creations!
* Be sure to follow ABSQ on all our platforms including Twitch, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on all our goings on
* If you can't watch us live, recordings of the sessions will be posted on Youtube a few days after the livestream! You can also listen to us on many streaming services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Alexa as we are also on Amazon Music!
* New month, new charity! In honor of June being Pride Month, ABSQ asks that you please support the Trevor Project, an international suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQIA+ youth
* Sponsors! Be sure to check out our wonderful sponsors - TableTopWorld, DungeonKeep and GMDice!
* On June 22nd we will be starting our first mini series on this channel. We'll let you know a little more about it later!

### **Part One**

The scene opened as Tabernacle, Killian and Quincy watched Esmeria walk away from the tavern and disappeared in a cloud of sand. Tabernacle and Quincy rushed to Killian's side, as he looked considerably more hurt by the attack than they were. Tabernacle said for Quincy to stay with Killian as he found the others, but Quincy insisted for him to take Killian inside the *Miner's Guild* to get him stable while she looked for them. As she left, told Killian not to die while she was gone, then warned Tabernacle to not return to the *Church of Demigods*, as she would bring the rest to them. Tabernacle called back his *Flock of Familiars*, gave one to Quincy and sent the other three off to keep a general watch over the city, but they didn't see Esmeria or the rest of their group. Quincy took the bird with some confusion, but headed off to Masq's shop, as that was where the rest of the group intended to go, and told the bird to watch her back as she ran as best she could while heavily injured and *Poisoned*.

Back with Seren, Yashani, Alaerith and RX, they followed the directions Masq gave them to Councilman Malakami's house, and soon found a home with an attached garden of vibrant, glowing mushrooms of all sizes and colors. Seren noticed some moving feet beneath one of the mushrooms, and called for their attention. A svirfneblin (deep gnome) man in coveralls, covered in dirt soon emerged from under the mushroom, and introduced himself as Councilman Artagus Malakami, before asking what they needed from him, to which Seren requested a more private place to talk. Artagus led the group through the garden, and into his home where the front room appeared to be a sort of nursery for various plants. Further down the hall were small cages for animals, like spiders and a baby behir, that were treated like pets. He offered a table where RX puts down the poisonous sac, which the group told was from the Spider Dragon when he commented on the size. Artagus seems stunned by this, though not upset, as he knew it was a problem, but it had existed for so long that he never imagined it being defeated.

Malakami said that he could use the carcass of the Spider Dragon, but he didn't know what to do with a poison sac that large. Yashani pulled out 1 of the *Three vials of Dragon Poison* she collected from the Kolbold Chieftain and suggested making something similar, which Artagus agreed with, but taking the gas from something this large and distilling it would be a big job. Seren asked if Artagus would be interested in buying it and the dragon carcass from the party, to which he eventually agreed. Artagus took the *Bag of Holding*, as well as the carcass as well so he had a way of storing it, and would replace it if they came to see him at the *Hall of Emeralds* the next morning. He purchased the poison sac for 250 gold and the Spider Dragon carapace in the *Bag of Holding* for 75 gold, in total for 325 gold. Seren then explained to Artagus that while the Spider Dragon was now dead, they would like it to remain a secret, as well as who were the ones to slay it and Artagus agreed, admitting he would likely also be in trouble if he said anything. RX took the gold, after checking to see it was all there, offered, and Yashani reminded him that the funds were for the group and not to be spent without everyone's approval. The group left Artagus's home and discussed what to do next outside. Yashani said the four could either go to the *Church of Demigods*, or to the *Miner's Guild*. Alaerith reminded her the trio did say they were planning to bring food back to the church, so they headed in the direction of the church.

We returned to Quincy running through the empty streets to Masq's, passing alleys and streets. From one of the alleyway ahead of her stepped out Esmeria, who cut her off. Esmeria said she couldn't have Quincy telling anyone and offered to play a game. Quincy commented it likely wouldn't involve cards, and Esmeria called it more a game of cat and mouse. She then walked back into the alleyway she came out, then reappeared behind Quincy from another alley. Quincy cast *Thunderclap* as they stomped their foot, their hair sparked and flew up around their face, failing to do damage but created a thunderous boom in the area, while Tabernacle's seagull remained hidden seeing what happened. Esmeria mocked Quincy for trying to alert people saying "we can't have that".

Esmeria cleared the distance between them in a blink of an eye, grabbed Quincy by the throat and through an activated an unknown life drain ability that instantly knocked Quincy *Unconscious*. Tabernacle, seeing through his seagull's eyes, alerted Killian to the situation, and told him to find the others before he headed for that direction at full speed. Esmeria seems disappointed by Quincy's death and activated another unnamed ability to revive Quincy. Esmeria told Quincy she thought they had more in them, then activated the life drain ability again, easily knocking her *Unconscious* again. Killian hearing what Tabernacle saw ignored his suggestion and headed for Quincy with them, just as Esmeria's second life drain nearly pushed Quincy towards a true death. Esmeria frustrated said she wasn't done yet, activated her healing ability on Quincy again, bringing her back from unconsciousness, admonished Quincy for her lack of strength, and in response Quincy spat in her face.

Midway Tabernacle activated his *Form of Dread* to clear the path, as he and Killian arrive. Tabernacle attempted to cast *Hold Person* but failed, prompting Killian to try and cast *Hold Person* as well, but failed likewise. Esmeria turned to the two of them, put out a hand, caught them both by the throat by some invisible force and raised them in the air near her. Esmeria then activated her *Invoke Authority* : *Aspect of Ruin*, which left each of them with a point of *Exhaustion*, then caused the ground under her to crack and break, shooting up around Esmeria, hit them all, and left Killian and Quincy *Unconscious*, with only Tabernacle left standing. Esmeria dropped Killian and Quincy, but kept Tabernacle in the air, calling him a tough guy, as Tabernacle baited her to focus on him. Esmeria pulled out a curved blade, claimed that she loved a challenge, when she suddenly stopped, grabbed for her throat as she choked, and was pulled into the the air, which forcefully dropped Tabernacle, who tried to cast *Eldritch Blast*, but was countered by an unseen combatant. Behind her, Tabernacle saw two more people, a half-orc man floating in the air with scrolls floating around him and a large, armored man with his hand out.

The armored man, who seemed be the one pulling Esmeria through the air, reminded her they "weren't supposed to kill anybody while we were here" and that "she'll be upset about this". Esmeria addressed the armored man as Ilvwinter, and demanded him to let her go. He dropped her to the ground as the man told her her they needed to leave as she had caused a scene. Esmeria turned to Tabernacle and told him she would *"See him again, Dead man"*. Tabernacle watched the trio leave, activated *The* *Claws of Vaust*, which caught Esmeria's attention and called "interesting", then cast *Spare the Dying* on Quincy and Killian with his summoned claws. As Esmeria left she said:

*"Its gonna take a little while to get back top. Time to watch Kra'Kash burn."*

Once they were out of sight, Tabernacle picked up his unconscious allies with the claws, ran for Masq's shop, and finding the door shut Tabernacle knocked it down. startling Masq, but quieted a bit when he saw the state of Killian and Quincy. Tabernacle asked where the others were and Masq told him he sent them to the councilman's house and gave him directions. Tabernacle laid down Killian and Quincy before leaving, as Masq cast *Cure Wounds* on both, reviving them and offered to wait for the others for an explanation and tea while they waited.

Tabernacle ran to Artagus's house, discovered they weren't there and headed to the *Church of Demigods*. He found them just as they were stepping up to the entryway, used *Ob's Charm* to warn them against entering the church, and when met with confusion told them to hurry to Masq's shop. Yashani turned around from the church immediately, and Seren followed. Tabernacle instructed them to travel by the shadows, which garnered some confusion that nearly halted the continued following, but they continued down the regular path, with Yashani running as fast as she could. He then stated that Killian and Quincy were dead, which prompted them to pick up speed, and for Alaerith to cast *Expedious Retreat* on himself to go faster.

They soon arrived a couple minutes later at Masq's shop, and saw Masq behind his desk, with Quincy and Killian on the floor drenched in blood. Yashani moved to Quincy and repeatedly activated *Hand of Healing* sending warm waves of healing to her until she could no longer do so, while Quincy remained tucked in on herself, as Seren went to Killian and cast *Cure Wounds* at his highest level while Killian was still gripping his scimitar with white knuckles. Masq said outloud that he didn't know much minus the crash of his door opening and Tabernacle appearing with Quincy and Killian. Seren got close to the both, and asked what happened. Killian tried to explain how they met a woman in the *Miner's Guild*, thinking she was harmless to them, but were very wrong. He stated that he had no idea what she was, but if it hadn't been for Tabernacle, he and Quincy would be dead, and were dead. At the word "dead", Quincy had a panic attack. RX suggested they rest before they continue to ask Killian and Quincy as Seren activated *Channel Divinity :* *Twilight Sanctuary* in an attempt to comfort Quincy, placing a large hand on her lower leg. Tabernacle, in an odd display paternal instinct, wrapped Quincy in a tight hug.

Masq stepped in, noting that this was a difficult time, and offered the front section of his shop as a place for them to rest if they needed. Killian added that if they returned to the church, he would beat Kilick for answers. Seren confused asked what he did to deserve that, and Killian replied that something was going on with him and her. Yashani asked RX to recall who they had spoke of, and described the woman in perfect detail, with his *Keen Mind* feat, and the majority of the party recalled the first time they saw Esmeria when she came to the *Church of Demigods* and spoke with Kilick. Tabernacle stated that he had to enter the church for another reason, and would do what he needed to avenge his crew. RX noted this it might be a job for tomorrow, and Yashani added that she didn't think they should go scaring people, unless they knew they were guilty of something, considering Kilick had given them shelter, which Tabernacle agreed with. Masq noting he had no knowledge, left them to privacy as he left to rest. Yashani brought up that the person who had attacked them must have been powerful, and Tabernacle noted that he had never seen such a powerful ability before, but Seren suggested maybe now wasn't the time for such a discussion, seeing Quincy and Killian were upset. Tabernacle pulled them further to the side to continue. At the same time, Quincy approached Alaerith, who looked almost as panicked, and held up her blood soaked hands in a silent plea for help, having seen him use magic that could help like that before. After Alaerith noticed, he started to do so first manually with a cloth and water, for the sake of comforting contact, and eventually switched to cast *Prestidigitation* for what he couldn't do by hand.

Yashani continued to say she wanted to suggest that those able should see the scene of the crime for clues, but Seren noted that splitting up didn't turn out good, and it would be left for the morning. Tabernacle admitted it was a good idea, and told the others that Esmeria wasn't working alone, and had others who doesn't approve of Esmeria's methods. Tabernacle tells everyone, out of earshot of Killian and Quincy, that they intended to burn Kra'Kash. Yashani noted that their leaving of *The Underdark* would need to be delayed, and Tabernacle replied that if given some time he would have his magical abilities disposal again.

Seren found a space in the shop to cast *Tiny Hut,* told Killian and Quincy that he would not leave them alone tonight, and could help them sleep. Quincy readily accepted as Seren cast *Sleep* on her which she chose to not fight against. Killian on the other hand stepped chose to step outside, but without leaving the area . After checking on Quincy briefly, RX followed Killian outside with the intent to keep watch while using his *Sentry's Rest*. Before either started, Killian spotted Esmeria in an alleyway across from Masq's shop, who winked before she disappeared into the dark. Killian activated his *Divine Sense* to discover Esmeria was classified as a devil, then moved into the alleyway with his scimitar out, ignoring RX as he attempted to slow him down.

Inside the shop, Tabernacle was still inclined to leave and investigate like Yashani suggested, going so far as to put on his coat at the door. Seren reminded Tabernacle and Yashani that splitting up was a bad idea, pleading with them not to leave. Yashani asked what Seren thought of RX and Killian who had already left, and Seren stated he believed they were just getting air, while Tabernacle seemed persuaded by Seren's request and sat down.

As Killian approached the alleyway, he could see in the darkness with his Darkvision, but no one in sight. RX stepped in front of Killian in an attempt to stop him, asking where he was going. Frustrated at the dead end, Killian hurled his scimitar into the darkness and heard it clatters at the other end of the alleyway, before he headed back to Masq's. RX went into the alleyway to retrieve the scimitar, he felt a force grab him around the neck, told him he's making a bad decision and to turn around, and shoved him back to the mouth of the alleyway. Killian saw this happen and turned back to RX, who told him the scimitar was no longer his it seemed.

Seren, seeing that Killian and RX were no longer in front of the shop, while RX tried to convince a now angered Killian not to try and get his sword back, cast *Misty Step,* which cancelled *Tiny Hut* as he was no longer there, appeared outside, as a flutter of tiny creatures left his presence, between the two of them and put a hand on each of their shoulders to turn them around. Killian resisted, as he motioned for his scimitar, while RX warned him against it and Seren asked what was happening. RX explained the situation with the alleyway, and over his shoulder Seren spotted Esmeria perched on the roof of Masq's shop, before she stepped back and disappeared out of view. Seren offered to buy Killian a new scimitar, but was met with vehement disapproval, so Seren cast *Sleep* on Killian knocking him out. While this happened, RX looked down the alley and activated his *Telekinetic Movement* psionic ability, and telekinetically pulled the scimitar down the alleyway, to his feet, and picked it up.

Seren carried Killian into Masq's shop as RX followed, laid him next to Quincy, and told RX to put the sword so Killian could get it when the sleep spell wore off, then began to recast *Tiny Hut*. When Killian woke up, he silently collected his sword, walked out front to sit down and pray while took a short rest. Tabernacle threatened to keep Killian inside one way or another, but was ignored as Killian asks RX if he would like to join him outside. RX promised he will be able to keep Killian by the door this time, but Tabernacle insisted that everyone should be inside the hut, Seren also explained that nothing could come inside the hut without Seren's permission and was the safest place for them to be. Tabernacle pleaded with Killian, and told him he picked Killian for Captain for a reason, and told him to make the choice that's best for the crew and not for him. Killian begrudging sat himself in front of the door within the circle of the hut for his short rest, as the rest had long and short rests as they chose.

RX posted himself at the window for his rest, and saw movement in the alleyway occasionally. Tabernacle stayed awake for most of the night, cast *Flock of Familiars* to keep watch around the shop, which saw the half-orc man from before on the roof, laying on his back, floating five feet from the top, reading a book, and seemed unperturbed by the bird, despite looking directly at it before he went back to his book.

When everyone woke in the morning to the scent of coffee made by Masq, who stepped out from the back of his shop, he requested a conversation about what happened.

### **Break!**

Zach is giving away a *Death Saves* tshirt and asks for the Twitch chat to comment their shirt size in the chat to win!

* Congratulations to our winner, anddragons! Zach had ordered a Large but is came as a Small so he will order on in the correct size and mail it directly to them

Darrin to remind us that *Another Bad Side Quest* is hoping to make a side show in a Q&A format, so send in your questions to anotherbsquest@gmail.com! We will be taking questions for everything from characters to story to even the world itself. Jon's wife has already asked several questions on Twitter! If you send it in over Twitter before sure to use *#anotherbsquestion*!

Jon's wife also expertly nailed Jon in the face with several projectiles in the "Reasons Why / ABSQ : Behind the Scenes" which Haelley thanks her for. (Zach's ass is also in it.)

### **Part Two**

With everyone awoke, Seren took Killian aside for a moment and apologized for the use of magic against him, and explained his goal was to protect everyone, including him. Killian just silently nodded before turning back to the group. With everyone settled in with tea or coffee, Masq asked what happened the night before and why Killian and Quincy were brought to him dead. Masq, noticing Quincy started to hyperventilate at the word, cast *Calm Emotions* on her before the panic became too much. Killian suggested that Tabernacle should explain as he saw the most of it and Tabernacle agreed.

Tabernacle explained the night, that they went to the bar looking for fun, they spotted the woman and Quincy went to talk. Tabernacle continued on that the situation grew hostile, that he, Killian and Quincy tried to follow the woman, explained the loss of his *Invisibility* when he cast *Flock of Familiars* as the spirits did not liking him using both, and that they ended on the ground within a moment. Tabernacle noted he had no idea who she was or her name, to which Quincy, who spoke up for the first time since it all happened, said her name was Esmeria. Tabernacle continued saying how Quincy split off to find the others and Tabernacle sent his familiars out with her, then stopped to ask Alaerith to pull Quincy away for the next part, which he agreed to. Tabernacle explained the attack on Quincy, noting Esmeria's abilities from being in multiple places at once, incredible strength, how she killed her, and revived her, and killed her and revived her again. He noted how he and Killian rushed to help, how they were taken out quickly, but Tabernacle was still up and saw more. He told them how the two others restrained and came to collect Esmeria, his *Eldritch Blast* that was somehow cancelled, then described the half orc and the man with them. He also mentioned their comments of how "she" would be displeased as Esmeria broke their cover. Tabarnacle also realized and started to worry how with the death of the Spider Dragon, the only thing keeping them here had been removed, then mentioned their apparent plans to burn *Kra'Kash*.

Killian asked for a repeat of the city name, and Tabernacle obliged, that it was a small port town. Masq corrected him that it was no longer small since they put up the embassy for the Pathu 20 - 30 years ago. Quincy, still hearing most of everything that was said, asked Killian "if it isn't" and Killian affirmed before the question was completed, which left both looking upset. Seren asked for clarification, and Killian told them that he and his wife live in *Kra'Kash*. Wishing to make haste, Tabernacle clarified that the exit from behind the Spider Dragon was known by Chuluu. Yashani says he did, but she also didn't want them followed to the exit by these new enemies, as conditions for a fight in the tunnels would not be ideal if they were caught. Seren asked what these people want with the group, to which RX commented that they were a strange group, but Seren didn't believe strange was enough to warrant what happened to the trio. Tabernacle asked if any one knew more, that it was no longer the time for secrets. Killian asked if there was a way to get quick word to Aarcanii, and Masq and Seren said they both could do so. Killian admitted he did not want to go back on his word to Aarcanii, but his family was more important to him than anything else, and wanted to get to them as soon as possible. Masq said he could enact their plan with the King himself, though it will take more time, and Masq was certain Aarcanii would understand the need to protect family.

Seren stopped the conversation to tell Masq that they saw people outside last night, and asked if there were any protections around the shop to not be heard. Seren cast *See Invisibility*, as did Killian, as Seren tried to reassure Quincy that these people were no longer around, but Killian couldn't be sure it was true, but didn't repeat that thought. They both found that there was nothing magically spying on them, and decided to check the front shop window to look into the alley across the street and found it empty. Tabernacle, aware that the the half-orc was still on the roof, walked around in a confused state, but once out of Quincy's view, gestured that he was still there by pointing to the roof. Masq left the room hearing that, returned to the room and acknowledged Tabernacle was right. Yashani spoke up of her concern as to the dangerous people that were still watching them, and was worried about leading them to Chuluu. While they discussed the idea of heading back to the *Church of Demigods*, Masq told them the half-orc had left the roof. Killian pointed out that Esmeria took most of them by surprise and isolated from the rest, so if they stuck as a group they would have better chances.

Tabernacle asked if Seren could send a message using magic rather than them all walking into the church. Seren asked if they knew anything about these people, which Yashani replied that other then being much more powerful, not much. Killian offered the bit of information, that Esmeria came up as devilish to him. Hearing this Masq told them they may want to move quickly then. Yashani asked Masq if there was a way he can move them to Chuluu, without having to move through the streets out in the open. Masq said he had a way, and instructed them to stand in a circle and hold hands. Before Seren grabbed anyone's hands, he said he would not allow anyone to die on his watch, and tried to buy diamond dust at full price, but Masq who said that they would need it, gave them them two uses of *Revivify* diamonds for only 200 gold. Masq then cast *Teleport* on the party, and sent them to Chuluu at the *Shadow Monastery*.

When they arrived in the pitch darkness of the shadow monastery, Killian grabbed Quincy's shoulder for reassurance, but they have their eyes closed tightly to pretend it was dark, because they wanted it to be. Chuluu immediately asked what they were doing, as Seren pushes his moss glow out to ten feet for those who couldn't see. Chuluu asked Masq if it was his doing, and Masq replied it was, but would leave the party to explain, as he returned to the shop. Yashani apologised for their abrupt entrance, told him that the Spider Dragon was dead, but then said there were people watching them, and asked if Chuluu's shadows could watch them. Chuluu disappeared for a moment as he slipped through the floor, then returned briefly coming out of it, and told them while he couldn't specifically locate these people, he could sense their presence, confirming them being half-orc, human, and that one was half drow, that they were around and in a group. Yashani asked if there was a way to slow them down if they ran and Chuluu offered to blast the tunnel on their way out. Seren asked if maybe killing the Spider Dragon instigated this, or if they would even need the tunnel, and he admitted he did not believe they would. Yashani and Killian pointed out that Esmeria was at the church, before they had even decided as a group to kill it.

Seren asked Chuluu what he knew of Kilick, and Chuluu told them Kilick was a long time friend, had never hurt anyone and how he spent a lot of time on the surface, and that he had been with him for a bit of it. Seren asked if Chuluu could check on him, since they had not seen him nor gone back to the church since the Spider Dragon fight, and Chuluu disappeared into the floor again. The party discussed that Esmeria, as a devil-ish creature, could not enter the church, as it was presumably Hallowed. Chuluu returned moments later and informed the party that Kilick was dead, stabbed to death in the church. Seren asked if there was anything at the church that Chuluu would like them to get, and Chuluu worried before telling them that not everyone was aware of what was held in the *Church of Demigods*. Chuluu said that In his time on the surface, Kilick found a book given by the Varimathas that could summon demons and devils, and that Chuluu didn't know where Kilick put it, but he was in charge of protecting it, like how Chuluu was charged to protect *The Book of Sanguis*. Seren and Yashani think *The Book of Sanguis* might be why these people are trying to get to them as well, but Chuluu believed the main goal was to find this Varimathas book. Tabernacle expressed how he wished they could still talk to Kilick. Quincy asked if there was not magic for that, and Seren says he could do such a magic, but he needed a night's sleep to prepare the right spell.

Killian and Yashani don't like the idea of wasting time, but Seren thinks it's possible that they have more time than they think, that if they were still looking for the book, they were not likely to leave until they had it. Killian asked if Tabernacle could turn multiple people invisible then asked Chuluu if he thought Kilick kept the book in the church. Yashani didn't believe the group had found the book, even if they had the time to search it top to bottom, otherwise why would they have stuck around if their plan was to burn *Kra'Kash*. Chuluu told the group that Kilick did not stray too far beyond the church most of his time, but he originally found the book in the tunnels on the way to the surface. Killian believes that even so, they should take a look around the church themselves just to be sure. Tabernacle believed this would be a good time to also collect Kilick's body to take back to Masq's shop and talk to him, under Masq's wards against being listened in on.

Yashani pointed out they no longer had their *Bag of Holding* because they sold it and the Spider Dragon parts to Councilman Malakami, and that he agreed to give them a new bag if they saw him this morning. Alaerith suggested splitting between the two tasks, but was met by several disapproving voices, Quincy and Killian specifically stating it was much too dangerous and that with Kilick being dead, the church was likely the least safe place to be by themselves. Chuluu then offered to go get their new bag, and Chuluu left to do as much. While he was gone, Seren activated his *Channel Divinity :* *Twilight Sanctuary* to give the group temp HP. Chuluu soon returned, and with RX in possession of their new *Bag of Holding*, Chuluu then urged them to check on Kilick's body, offering to come with them as well just to be safe.

Tabernacle asked Chuluu if it would be rude to take things they find from the church to fight against devils, and Chuluu assured him that Kilick would want them to have whatever they would need to protect the book. Chuluu took the front and the party fell in step behind him as they start the march to the church. They moved quick and quiet through the empty streets, as the miners have left for the day, and arrived at the church without issue. At the front door, Seren didn't hear anything inside, RX checked for traps, and on finding it was safe he stepped inside. Despite Kilick's recent death, Seren, Alaerith and Killian still felt that same welcoming sense from the church they had always felt. The group followed after RX, and didn't immediately see anything out of the ordinary so they headed in deeper. Tabernacle asked Chuluu where he saw Kilick's body, and Chuluu directed them to a room by the kitchen. In the back room they found Kilick's body, stabbed multiple times and left to bleed out on the floor. Quincy immediately left the room, followed by Tabernacle and Alaerith, to stand outside the door, while RX investigated the body and determined there wasn't a struggle. Seren pondered if Kilick's soul was even contactable after being killed by a devil, but determined there should not be a real problem to it.

While standing outside the room and in the main hall, Quincy noticed a strange sound across the way like stones moving against each other. She alerted the others that they might have a problem, and Seren left the room having heard the sound as well. RX and the others figured they might not have time to put Kilick into the *Bag of Holding*, so Tabernacle activated *The* *Claws of Vaust*, grabbed Kilick's corpse in his claws and cast Invisibility on himself as they all left to the main hall. They all saw in a corner of the hall, where there once was no door, the stones had shifted to reveal a hallway where a 6"7 man stood in black, plate armor, the one Tabernacle saw grab Esmeria the night before, who said this was a problem.

The party rolled for initiative, with the first round starting with Alaerith who saw the man bring down a demonic grinning mask with glowing green eyes, and a 6" tall sword. Alaerith rushed for the front doors of the church and readied his action until he was sure that the being was hostile. Ilvwinter rushed to the party, said he didn't have time for any of this, activated his *Invokes Authority* : *Aspect of the Death Dealer* which caused the ground to quake beneath him as a form a dome of greenish fire energy around him, then used his *Hellfire Surge* to rush up on Seren and Quincy, swung at Seren, but glanced off his shield, which triggered Alaerith held attack as he cast *Firebolt* on Ilvwinter, who merely laughed it off. Quincy, who started in his aura manages to resist the feeling of being held back, but still took takes necrotic damage, cast *Thunderclap* with a stomp of her foot, but he resisted it, then chose to run after Alaerith, spun around, but missed firing at him with her pistol. Killian, who started in the aura was immediately *Paralyzed* by the green energy, and failed to break free from it at the end of his turn.

Seren's was also *Paralyzed* by his aura, and also failed to break free from it. Yashani moved around the aura and activated her *Hand of Harm* from long range distance which worked, then tried to catch Chuluu's eye. RX, who resisted the feeling of being held back, but still took takes necrotic damage, approached Ilvwinter, and failed in his attempt to grapple him, but Tabernacle encouraged him to continue. Tabernacle, who also resisted the feeling but took necrotic damage, left the main hall, re-entered Kilick's room, cast *Hex* to put Ilvwinter giving disadvantage for his strength checks, and flipped a table over for cover. Chuluu, who took stock of the situation from outside the aura and told everyone to run, as he *Grappled* Ilvwinter, and pulled him into the shadows, which also released Killian and Seren from their *Paralysis* condition.

At that moment, the party heard from the newly opened hallway, the familiar voice of Esmeria as she asked what was taking Ilvwinter so long. Alaerith cast *Expedious Retreat* on himself, and spotted Quincy, who had been consumed by a panic attack at the sound of Esmeria's voice, and got ready to take her with him if necessary. Ilvwinter started to fight back against Chuluu's melding with the shadows, and began to pull himself out of the ground. Quincy allowed herself to be pulled along by Alaerith, who was also shaking, and moved for the front doors of the church. Killian cast *Protection from Evil and Good* on himself, then started to run for the doors as well. Seren cast *Hold Person* on Ilvwinter, using a charge from the *Spider Druid's Gemstone* to make him save at disadvantage, and succeeded leaving Ilvwinter *Paralyzed*, before he also ran for the doors. Yashani also obeyed Chuluu's direction, and dashed for the doors at her full speed. Esmeria appeared in the created doorway, looked at Ilvwinter in the ground, and immediately asked if they were having a game and time to play.

RX slashed the *Paralyzed* Ilvwinter with his longsword while he activated his *Psionic Strike* for added damage, then ran to the front doors. Tabernacle came back from the room he had run into, and dashed toward the doors. Chuluu reappeared behind Ilvwinter, *Grappled* him again and succeeded in pulling him back down into the shadows. Alaerith dashed to the doors with Quincy in tow, and went through the doors, but Quincy waited still inside near it. Ilvwinter attempted to come back up from the ground, but Seren used another charge of the *Spider Druid's Gemstone* to make his save at disadvantage, and Ilvwinter failed to resurface. Quincy, at the doors behind Alaerith, missed with her pistol shots at Esmeria who was blocked by the pillars, who then called it a game, pulled out a long barrelled pistol, then Quincy flipped her off and ran outside after Alaerith. Killian missed throwing the two daggers at Esmeria, while activating *Mobile Flourish* which still gave him extra movement to get closer to the front doors.

Seren, with Quincy in mind, using his last charge of the *Spider Druid's Gemstone* to make Esmeria save at disadvantage, casts *Command* to "flee" but she still succeeded as he ran for the exit, not quite making it to the doors. Yashani immediately headed through the doors of the church as much as she could. Esmeria, who was a lot faster than most of the group, cackled and fired her pistol at Killian, for a massive amount of damage, as RX used his reaction to activate *Protective Field* which reduced some of damage. RX immediately dashed to the front doors and made his way out. Tabernacle said hello to Esmeria and cast *Hunger of Hadar* between Esmeria and Ilvwinter, then moved to the front doors and left the church. Chuluu continued to keep Ilvwinter back into the dark, not allowing him the chance to return to the room. Killian threatened Esmeria saying that if she harmed *Kra'Kash*, she would die by his sword, then dashed out the doors. Esmeria said aloud "the chase is on" then activated *Two* *Legendary Actions* to activate *Rune Fade*, as she turned into sand as she disappeared.

Seren took a moment to understand what Esmeria had just done did, believing like she almost faded out of existence, then dashed out of the church and found the rest of the party outside. As they stood for a moment to catch their breath, they felt a brush of wind, and saw the sand started to collect, as Esmeria's form stood before them and restated

*"I said the chase was on."*

**Fun trivia for this episode!**

* With the DM's blessing, Killian officially discarded his level of Sorcerer, and changed it to a level of Paladin instead.

1. ↑ This would be an instant kill, where damage goes over a character's HP Maximum, and requires Resurrection magic to bring back.
2. ↑ At this point, Quincy has failed four saves and Haelley throws the dice she had been using which can be seen at 57:56
3. ↑ These are the smokey, spectral hands that Tabernacle received in the episode "Quarry Hold"
4. ↑ See "The Spider Dragon" at 2:28:22.
5. ↑ Haelley makes note that this is the *rusty* blade Killian has used in previous battles
6. ↑ Both *Invisibility* and *Flock of Familiars* are classed as concentration spells, which you can only have one in use at the time. If you cast one, while already having one in use, the original will be cancelled out, and the new one will take it's place.
7. ↑ The party in total will have three charges worth of *Revivify* for the price of one. 200 gold from party funds and 100 gold from Seren's personal money.
8. ↑ Zach pointed out that the Church was not under the *Hallow* spell, as mechanically speaking, Tabernacle is considered "undead" and would be blocked from places under the *Hallow* spell and other similar effects.
9. ↑ When Zach asked if the group wanted to run, and offered to turn anyone invisible, Haelley reminded the group that Esmeria saw through Tabernacle's invisibility when they bumped into each other as he left the church and she entered. They presume this to be the ability *Devil Sight*.