Aerois - Episode 181: A World at Peace

Katie Morrison as Aila

Kim Richards as Nova V'ger

Rhiannon Frost as Sentry

Tom Hazell as Qillek Ad Khollar

**A World at Peace** is the 181st episode of the Aerois Campaign. It was prerecorded and broadcast on both the Yogscast Twitch channel and highrollersdnd Twitch channel on 9th April 2023 from 5PM to 8PM GMT.

*The Stormchasers prepare for the final chapter in their journey by catching up with old friends around all of Aerois!*

## **Summary**

### **Announcements**

* Mark welcomes everyone and introduces the players.
* The custom table has arrived in the studio and was unveiled! The table was funded by the studio fundraising stream over a year ago and built as a bespoke unit by Geeknson. Everyone has a little pigeonhole in which to store their things. Kim has Tiger Balm and her notes on how to fight Starbane, Trott has his Steamdeck (and says that he is playing Dead Space), Rhi has a scrungle, Katie has a hairbrush, and Tom has “unreleased merch” in his. There is a behind the scenes video on Patreon and YouTube for members that is specifically about the new table.
* It is Easter and Mark brought Easter eggs for the players. Rhi received a vegan egg (closest to vegetarian that Mark could find), Trott got a Biscoff egg, Tom got a Reese's peanut butter egg, Kim got a Maltesers egg, and Katie got a Cadbury’s chocolate egg. Mark also got himself a little Cadbury’s milk chocolate egg.
* Go to Freshstore.co for all your HR merch including their core collection shirts and hoodie, their glittery dice sets (“The Blessing”), and other goodies.
* (After the break) Mark encouraged everyone to make fan art and to send it to highrollersdnd@gmail.com or to put it on the HR Discord. Mark would like to have another nice new fan art video just before the completion of the campaign. Trott suggested that the Discord might be a better place to put your fan art because it is easier to track.
* Everyone was encouraged to join the High Rollers Discord via https://discord.gg/highrollersdnd.

### **Recap**

*“Last time, our Champions were in the middle of a colossal battle against Kalus Valkyrian (AKA Kalus Starbane), an enemy – an antagonist that has been present since their adventure began long ago. The battle, at first, did not seem to be going well: Kalus seemed to be somewhat impervious or unaffected by many of the attacks but slowly, our Champions chipped away, whittled him down, caused him to fight them seriously and then eventually, when they thought that perhaps Kalus had been defeated, he showed, for the first time, a sense of rage, and spirit, and emotion that overwhelmed him, and he fought even harder, nearly felling the entire party, leaving only Aila and Quill still standing, and Aila just barely holding on with her relentless rage. But between the two fighters, Aila and Kalus, pummelling each other with nothing but fists, Aila won out as her endurance kept her standing when Kalus’ failed.

With Kalus now unconscious, the party looked up to realise that the multi-coloured magical barrier of the Cradle was no longer above them, and a figure – a woman in a white dress with starlight skin and flowing, nebulous-like hair – appeared before them. Siaska, the Star Mother, the goddess of Aerois, has finally been reborn. And after a pretty touching reunion, and communication with the party, but also Kalus himself, that is where we left things off with, not necessarily a warning, but a message from Siaska that perhaps now would be the time to say your goodbyes, make preparations, because the next steps will be a final mission to travel out to the farthest reaches of the Astral Space to the Far Realm – to face Hadar."*
### **Part 1**

*The Stormchasers prepare for the final chapter in their journey by catching up with old friends around all of Aerois!*

In the next few hours and days, Siaska appears to the people of Aerois, and to clerics and priests in temples, churches. She brings the message that she has returned, and in doing so, has brought down the Cradle. She explains the threat of Hadar that exists beyond the stars and the journey that will be undertaken to face them in order to protect the world of Aerois. While the Champions do not see this message, when they return to Horizon, the people are speaking about the return of the goddess and have no fear at the disappearance of the Cradle. Many of the faiths dedicated to the worship of the titans are thrown into chaos since they can no longer hear their gods and there is ongoing religious discussion.

It is noted that the Valkyrian forces all retreat from and leave Aerois to return to Astral Space in order to prepare for the battle that is to come. Ships can now come and go at will, and there is no need for Archways or teleportation gates in order to leave the planet.

For now, the Champions are at peace – there is no immediate threat and no immediate need to fight. There are no enemy forces on the planet and no rogue titans creating strife.

On Horizon, Dannica and Reyn are preparing themselves but are not really sure what to do – Siaska has only told them the bare minimum, that a journey will be undertaken and that many soldiers and warriors may be called upon to fight the forces of Hadar. She has also informed them that the Valkyrian Empire is no longer a threat, and no longer an enemy of Aerois, and the people are not really sure what this means.

Nova wanders around Horizon which has since caught up to The Astoria and both are now stationed near the empty city of Kassatoris. Since they vanished in a confused state from Kassatoris, Nova has heard nothing from Tiangong. Thalia and the crew are gathering supplies and have spent some time getting supplies from Horizon and going back to The Astoria to work on the Twinstar Longbow. The Twinstar has been renovated and is able to make atmospheric flights in Aerois as well as astral flight – its wingspan has been shortened to allow it to fit into one of The Astoria’s hangar bays and it has been fit out with new engines, all of this allowing it to be docked within The Astoria. Nova’s family is in Gusthaven, and this can be accessed through teleportation circles – she wants to organise a dinner for their friends, to be cooked by her mother, before they leave.

Nova seeks out Tornado to make enquiries about the current state of Vortinssar, especially now that, for the first time, they are without a leader – no one Genasi can easily replace Harmony. She finds Tornado on Horizon at one of the old sky jousting arenas, now being used as a temporary refugee settlement, among many of the Genasi who came with him from Vortinssar. She hears Genasi voices telling stories and singing, and smells the odours of Genasi food being cooked, and eventually finds Tornado carrying supplies to make new temporary accommodation for more incoming Genasi refugees who have found their way to Horizon. Seeing her from a distance, he drops his bundle, calls out to her, and comes over to give her a long and heart-felt hug.

Tornado has heard that Siaska has returned and understands that Nova will be leaving soon on the “big crystal land ship thing” in order to fight for their world. He tells her that many Genasi who left or did not want to stay in Vortinssar (including the Seekers) are making their way to Horizon and that he is trying to make them as comfortable as they can. Dannica has ensured that the Genasi are comfortable and have everything that they need, and the Genasi have been helping where they can on The Astoria under the direction of “the creepy dead lady” because the Genasi architecture and engineering are similar, and they want to give something back for all that they are receiving.

Nova asks Tornado if he knows what is happening in Vortinssar and he tells her that he still speaks occasionally to Norfir, who is still keeping an eye on the city. The city is currently still in turmoil – the destruction of the statue of Kali and other parts of the city has thrown the Genasi into survival mode, and they are still trying to re-build rather than trying to work out what will happen next. There is no new Harmony, all of the Valkyrians left when Siaska appeared, and it is now possible that the Council may take over ruling the city. There is little or no talk of trying to teleport the city again, with the Atlas Academy believing that they will not be able to make the teleportation devices work, but Tornado believes that many Genasi still want to go home to Genas and that they may do so via astral transport ships later. While she is discussing this with Tornado, Nova gets a vague sense of loss and guilt (but also a small sense of relief in being unburdened from the stress of leadership) from the shadow of Harmony within her, especially when Tornado tells her about the lack of any real leader or direction. From the shadow of Shansara, she gets a hint of sadness, but when they talk about the Genasi going home, there is also a glimmer of hope and satisfaction, but the feelings are slight and ephemeral.

Nova contemplates summoning the echoes of Harmony and Shansara but realises that now is not the time to complicate things for the Genasi refugees who have had to leave their home and are displaced. She hangs out with Tornado and stays to help out with the camp, meeting with and talking to many of the Genasi, some of whom she had known as a child. None of the Genasi are rude or unappreciative of her efforts, but Nova gets a mixed response from the Genasi in the camp – there is an uncertainty from many of them who had last seen Nova fighting against Harmony and Shansara before everything went wrong. She notices that while people appreciate her help, they tend to lean more on Tornado than on her – Nova still blames herself for what has happened and feels guilt for coming back when the rest of them did not.

Lucius, Aila, Quill, and Sentry find Valla in their old suite in Horizon – Reyn has advised them that they are in the city but will not be staying long. She and Max appeared there via a purple triangle portal door a day after the party returned to the city, and Valla is now packing up her books and supplies, almost as if she is preparing to take her things elsewhere. Valla has sketched out a teleport circle on the ground and Max carries a trunk towards it when they enter the room. Valla tells the party that she will not be staying long as she is taking her belongings and setting herself up on the Tassadar – she wants to spend more time with her father and Max misses his people. She tells them that they will be happy to come to the dinner that they are preparing and that, being proficient in magic that gives her power over time and space, she can bring them from anywhere or any time. Noticing Max looking incredibly happy, but trying to maintain a stoic countenance, Aila reminds him that he can smile and threatens to tickle him – Max reminds them that he is half Fire Giant and asks that they do not, then assures them that he will be happy to return to a life with which he is familiar. Valla wants to return to the Tassadar on her own terms, not as a prisoner, to learn more about the Empire, and to spend more time with her father, to understand more about her parents’ relationship and history. Lucius believes that Kalus will be able to learn more from Valla, and she agrees with this assessment. She tells them that she and Max watched their fight, and that, seeing the wild and reckless fighter come out at the end, she wants to know more about the real Kalus, but she thinks that she will have to learn about it from Siaska because Kalus is unlikely to talk about it.

Valla tells them that Kalus is thousands of years old, much more long-lived than he should be and that she does not know why, although she believes that it is something to do with his adventures before he became the Emperor (something he did, a blessing that he received, or a power that he gained). Valla believes that living as long as he has has worn him down like a new mountain with its jagged, sharp and rough edges, being flattened and smoothed over time to an enduring, faceless rock of plain stone. Lucius asks Valla why she, Yusef and Corin were originally travelling to Gusthaven on the Sparrowblade but Valla does not know, telling them that Yusef woke her in the middle of the night in a panic and told her that they had to leave where they were, that she knew something about Valla and that she could not stay where they were in the temple. Before long, they were aboard the Sparrowblade and Valla had not had a chance to ask them any questions before they died. She guesses that it was something to do with who her mother and father are but has no idea what Yusef was thinking or what she was intending to do.

Valla asks that Quill sends her a message about the dinner and tells them that she and Max will be there, opening a portal to show them how easily she can now get around. Siaska has told Valla that space is her gift, being able to join places together, but also that there will be an element of being able to control time. Valla says that while she thinks she can control space fairly easily now, she is still struggling somewhat with controlling time. Siaska has also told Valla that while her father is technically mortal, he is powerful enough that with Siaska’s Divine spark in Valla, it is likely that eventually, she will become a full goddess, even if it takes thousands of years. The thought makes her nervous given that 18 months ago, she thought that she was a normal human girl. Sentry tells Valla that they are incredibly proud of her and Aila tells Valla that she is family to them (they are the cool family given that they gave her knives). Valla agrees, hugging them all, and says that while her father took her knives from her, she will ask for them back when she returns. They finish packing and teleport to the Tassadar.

Sentry tells the party that she has to clear some things, someone that she needs to talk to before they “do the big thing” and prefers that she does it alone because it is very personal.

Lucius gives Sentry a Messenger Ring and attunes to one himself. She leaves them behind and gets in touch with Valla who takes her to a small, uninhabited rocky island with grass, shrubs, wildflowers, and sea birds. It is in the Hawk’s Dawn Archipelago a few mils off the coast of where Volcanos would have been and looks out onto the wide, glassy ocean that acts as a watery grave for the once beautiful city of Solwynn. Not long after she arrives, there is a purple shimmer of light in the air, almost like a shooting star falling down from above: in a burst of violet light, Kalus Valkyrian stands in front of her. He is fully healed from his injuries, his armour is fixed, but he bears no weapon. He knows Sentry, and Valla has told him that Sentry wishes to speak with him. She asks him if he knows where they are, but he does not since much has changed on Aerois since he was last here. Acknowledging that they will be allies, she asks him to hear what she has to say, and he agrees to listen to the mighty warrior.

“This is where my home was”, she begins, “Solwynn”. When she says the name, he nods with recognition and understanding. “You destroyed my life”, she continues, “my whole world, and not a day goes by where I haven’t thought about it – mourned for good people who never got a chance to say goodbye. Solwynn was beautiful, it was peaceful, and we only wanted to share what we had with Aerois. Our knowledge, our technology, all of it was lost because of you. You robbed a city of its people, a young girl of her family, a Guardian of her purpose.

“We brought Siaska back and I’m so proud of what we have accomplished, but it hurts seeing the love you have for her. You get another chance with someone that you love deeply, and I can’t get any of the people that I love back. They’re all gone and my friends will say it’s all worth it, they’ve lost people, too - there’s a bigger cause at stake here but I know how heavy the burdens they carry are. I know how it feels.

“I’m tired. I’m tired of the past and the pain that you hold over me. I just want to let it go”.

He listens, looking out over the water, waiting to ensure that Sentry has said all that she wishes to. “I heard many tales of Solwynn when I first came here. Our greatest adversaries on Aerois, the hardest fights, the bravest warriors. I never came here myself, but I heard of it. I can say sorry, Sentry of Aerois, but that won’t bring you much comfort, will it?”

Sentry tells him that she needed to tell him these things and asks him to speak to one other person – Kalus agrees. “I do not say this as an excuse: seeing you, hearing these words after our battle, a battle that awoke – that shook me from a slumber I have been in for a thousand years – I have lost a lot of people, too. I have lost my home. I lost people who would never live again, but I remember that feeling, the hurt, the rage, the anger, and that carried me for a long time”. He looks out over the ocean, “Gideon was much like Solwynn, and over the thousands of years that I have been alive, I think I lost track of all of that. I forgot what it was to mourn, to lose, and I am sorry – sorry for bringing you that pain that I’ve forgotten. I know I cannot bring it back and that these words will matter little in the face of deaths of the people you cared for. But you have reminded me of something, and whomever you wish for me to speak to, I will go”.

Sentry tells him that she wishes him to speak to Petal in Horizon. He suggests that he goes in disguise despite the fact that Siaska has informed the people that he is no longer their enemy. Receiving her permission, he touches Sentry on the shoulder and uses his Magitek gauntlet to conjure a portal that she can see leads to the streets of Horizon. Tapping his collar three times, he suddenly resembles an ordinary looking Horizon City Guard in a helmet that covers his face. Nodding, he asks Sentry to take her wherever she wishes. Sentry leads Kalus through the portal and starts to escort him towards the shop. Kalus follows her silently, glancing around constantly and taking in the sights of Horizon; they eventually make it to Petal’s shop with plants and Magitek clockwork toys. Sentry gestures through the front window at Petal, who is singing happily while she cleans and trims and re-pots some of her plants. She is pure innocence.

Kalus looks through the window at the young girl and asks Sentry who she is. “She is very precious to me – she is my ward”. Sentry replies. “When Solwynn was still around, I used to look after her. Her parents are gone. Her family is gone. Her home is gone”. Kalus offers to meet her in disguise or as himself but Sentry thinks it best if he meets her in disguise first, and so saying, they enter the shop. Petal is delighted to see Sentry, running up to her and throwing her arms around her. Petal begins to tell Sentry about the new orchids that she must see, dragging her over to the display of orchids in a large vase, then clapping her hands to show her that the vase can sprout legs and scuttle across the room to settle once more. Sentry thinks the orchids are beautiful and Petal tells her that they are from Aelseraph. Sentry tells Petal that she would like her to talk to the soldier who has accompanied her, and Petal enthusiastically moves to the soldier, introducing herself and offering a hand to shake. The soldier bows a knightly bow to her. There is a brief awkward silence where Petal asks if this is a friend of Sentry’s before Sentry introduces the soldier… as Kalus Valkyrian.

Petal stops and looks hard at the man. He taps a finger and slides it along his collar bone and the helmet changes (although the rest of the Horizon City Guard armour stays the same). His helmet vanishes, the long black hair spills out, and she can see his imperious face as it looks down at her. Petal looks at him, sizing him up for a moment… “I thought you’d be bigger”. Kalus merely smirks in response. Petal says that she knows who he is, has read about him, and knows what happened in Solwynn, but is not sure why he is there. Sentry tells Petal that they are going to be leaving soon to fight Hadar. Petal has heard about this from the priests and loses any interest in Kalus, worried more about losing Sentry – she understands why she must go but does not want her to go. Sentry tells Petal that at least this time, they get a chance to say goodbye… just in case. Sentry says that she is scared – she thinks that the fear will help, and that there is something worth fighting for if she is afraid. Petal recalls something that her mother used to say – that being brave isn’t not being afraid, it’s doing things even when you are, and that Sentry is the bravest person she knows. Sentry tells Petal that she is the light of her life and that the thought of Petal has kept her going. They agree that if they can find each other after 500 years, they will always find each other in the future and Sentry promises that she will try to come back. The two of them share a big hug.

Kalus watches this and when Petal steps back, he kneels to her, “I have done you a great disservice. I have robbed you of a family, of a home, of a future. There are no words to apologise for such a deed but perhaps I can repay it by making sure”, and he gestures to Sentry, ‘that someone you care about returns. Whatever the cost, I will see this done”. Sentry nods to Kalus and thanks him. “I need no thanks – you have proven yourself a warrior and a hero. It is only right that you get to return to a peaceful world. It is all I have ever wanted for you, for the galaxy, even for myself. If we are done, I will leave you here and return”. Sentry extends a hand towards him – he nods and extends his own hand, clasping her forearm and shaking it and nodding again. “We’ll see you near the end”, Sentry tells him. “I will be with you, every step of the way” he promises her, then walks out the door, taps his wrist and vanishes in a streak of purple light.

Quill decides to relive their journey from the crash of the Sparrowblade. He finds the remains of the Sparrowblade in the Bitterwood and follows their path, all while using the Eye of the Storm to see back to the past versions of themselves.

While in the Bitterwood, a group of ragged bandits, who once would have terrified him, demand his money. Quill extends his wings and glows with a bright light as he sends them reeling, blasted by holy light, and they flee. He turns and imagines a vision of an earlier Quill, hunched and terrified, hiding behind Sentry.

He travels to Dwalinden, sees the rusty Guardian who had etched “Find the Prime” into the ground, then moves on to Rosehall and meets up with Rosalina at the Brazen Harte Tavern. Not much has changed at the inn, but Rosehall is prosperous overall – there are new buildings, and the village is growing into a larger town. He visits Brookstone manner but with Brett Brookstone having been arrested, whoever is living there is not looking after the now overgrown property. Quill spends the evening in the same watch tower that he once spent time in with Lucius and a young Valla, watching the sunset and reflecting on the journey that they had all through Aerois. As he sits there, quiet and contemplative, Quill hears a rustling, and two Elven boots come into view as Lucius touches down beside him saying, “I thought you’d be here”. They discuss their past – their journey has meant a lot to them, but it was truly in Rosehall that they began to become a group, a family. They spend the evening reminiscing about Spell Clash, the Painted Prince, and all their adventures. Lucius puts an arm around Quill and thanks him for the memories and for being his best friend.

Nova is mucking about in the Stormchaser’s engine room, throwing herself into work and trying not to think about what she has lost and how empty she feels. It is late at night and strange without the prismatic light of the Cradle – now there is only an unobstructed view of the stars in the dark night sky, tiny pinpoints of light glinting in a dark, silent sea. As she is working on the engine, she feels something, a twinge – a familiar pull and connection. She turns around to see a somewhat familiar sight – it is Tiangong, but the Tiangong that she last saw in Kassatoris, the blue-skinned humanoid, wearing a cape and sporting shorter hair similar to Nova’s – it is not her Tiangong, nor is it Kalus’ – it is a hybrid of both. They stand there silently, looking at her, curiously.

“I know you’re going to say you can’t, but I miss you”, Nova says simply, almost on the verge of tears.

“We cannot what?” they ask her, dispassionately.

“We can’t join again”.

“It is not impossible”.

“I doubt you’d want to, though”, replies Nova, reluctantly. Tiangong asks her why. “Because you are two parts of a whole now, you are the Tiangong that first joined with me and carried me all this way… and you’re not. You’re *his* Tiangong who had *those* experiences”.

Tiangong thinks for a second. “You are intelligent, clever. You think much about the world, but you are wrong. We are not the Tiangong that travelled with you and the Stormchaser crew. We did not travel to Kalie’s Rest. We did not travel to Myrskyr. We are also not Kalus’ weapon. We are not the one who waged war upon Aerois. We are not the one who has travelled the stars to fight Hadar. We are both, we are neither, we are new. We have not been before. Until we merged, we were two, now we are one”.

“I’m sorry if that’s not what you wanted”, says Nova, “it was in the heat of the moment”. Tiangong asks what Nova means. “To be born anew”, she explains.

“Do you know why we once chose you? Why we once chose Kalus?”

“For my one, I always figured that I was the first person to find you”.

“No. You knew that the Remnant was aware of our location – you fought them to find us. You were not the first, nor was Kalus. Eterna are not helpless, we choose whom we bond with. I ask why did we choose Nova V’ger?”

Nova responds without thinking, “Because I only ever wanted what was right for you.”

“You did, but that is not why we chose. Among the Eterna, we were called 'The Curious'. We sought new life, new experiences – to understand, to learn. We travelled with you because we sensed the same, as we sensed in Kalus, too. A desire to understand, a desire to learn, to experience, to feel. In joining, these two Tiangongs, you have shown us something new – we have experienced something that no Eterna has ever experienced before. We do not regret your choice, we embrace it. Does that curiosity still live in you, Nova V’ger?”

“Yes”, she replies simply.

Tiangong extends a hand and Nova, astounded, extends hers to meet it. Their hands touch and while it feels almost like her hand wants to pass through Tiangong’s, it does not. Light begins to touch where their hands meet and there is a brilliant glow as their hands merge – Nova feels Tiangong overlap her body and she experiences a familiar but new sensation as a new Tiangong bonds with her. “We are one,” they say to a grateful Nova. “Thank you for this new experience, and for many more to come”.

“I promise you that”, whispers Nova, overwhelmed with emotion.

“As we would expect. The Eterna stand ready. We know the threat that looms at the edge of the universe. We have always known it. We fought alongside Kalus because we felt that he was the last hope for all life. We see now that he is lost as you once were, as we have been. Perhaps now, united, a triumvirate – Nova, Kalus, Tiangong – perhaps now, a way forward exists”.

“I won’t lie”, explains Nova, “moments ago I didn’t truly believe we could do it, but now, I know we can”.

“It is the nature of a scholar to change their mind when new facts and information are presented. New doors open to the unknown. There are no certainties in this universe, Nova V’ger, except that we will fight together once more”.

With that, Nova and this new Tiangong are joined.

### **Part 2**

*Quill embarks on the most important adventure while the team prepare for a final dinner on Aerois!*

Quill is aboard the Stormchaser, meeting with the officers and sees Howard, who is feeling much better since recovering from his mental breakdown. He has spent some time with Greylauno discussing mental health and is now all is going well. He shares his concern with Quill that they are not going to be able to get fresh apples in Astral Space for apple crumble. Quill asks Howard to give him some time while he goes on a mission… the hunt for Zim Zam Zimbalor.

Quill, in Horizon, goes back to the place where he first advertised for someone to make his magical fridge. The flyers are still posted but all the tabs have been removed. He begins the search by casting *Locate Creature* from the Wayfinders Guide and, along with his burgeoning perception, is led to a questionable little tavern in a district of ill repute. Through a crack in the door of the place, he sees an old man sitting in a booth talking to a group of young adventurers, among them a blonde Elven girl with a bow and green cape, a young man with a half beard, sword, armour, and shield. The old man, looking ever so shabby, is dressed in filthy, stained blue robes covered in stars and moons, wears a large, pointed wizard’s hat, and carries a strange looking satchel with a book in it and trinkets hanging off it – his “staff”, looking for all the world like a broom with all of the bristles taken off it, is leaning up against the wall. Quill immediately recognises the man as Zim Zam Zimbalor. He raises his hood and walks “quietly” towards the old man’s table, his wings knocking over beers as he is recognised by other patrons, but manages to surprise the elderly hermit who is busy telling the young adventurers about magical treasure that they will find in a dungeon called the Mines of Megarion. When he gets to the table, Quill gestures to the young adventurers and whispers quietly and angrily to them, “Leave this place”. Recognising the Champion of H’esper, they immediately do as they are told, leaving over the loud protestations of the old man.

The old man turns furiously on Quill, asking what he thinks he’s doing, then realises who Quill is and that he is surrounded. When Quill informs him that, “There’s no getting away this time, Zim Zam”, the man denies that this is his name, instead claiming to be Zor Zon Zombador. Aila gives Quill a withering look to let him know that she thinks that he is a moron, allowing himself to be duped by this man. Quill asks ZZZ if he remembers him – he does – but he cannot remember what Quill wanted from him. A furious Quill reminds him that he wanted a box of preservation. The old man places a filthy hand with long, disgusting nails on Quill’s shoulder and tells him that he remembers seeking him over mountains, fields, and deserts for weeks, but despite his best efforts, he could not locate Quill. Quill believes this but asks why Zim Zam did not just message him. Zim Zam tells him that it is simple – long ago, the great witch, Tagargeron, cursed him. Aila breaks in to tell him that she has no idea what he is saying, and the old man grows angry, insisting that they are speaking WIZARD LANGUAGE. The great witch, Zarberin, he says cursed him with an ancient mystical curse which meant that he would never be able to receive or send a magic message ever again. He says that she is a crafty rival of his, powerful, wicked, and very sexy. He has dire news for Quill – the fridge was stolen by the Thieves’ Guild of Angrimid, the devilish, red-masked bastards!

Quill tells Zim Zam that he is a member of the Messengers Guild, that he knows maps, and that there is no such place as Agramar or Agrabled on Aerois. Zim Zam then offers an alternative explanation, asking if Aila can get him a drink (she declines). His tale begins a hundred years ago when he was a student of the great sorcerer, Begarius. Begarius taught him a fable that began a thousand years ago… Quill realises that as Zim Zam is telling the story, he is subtly sketching out a spell. Quill sends a message to Aila to grab his hands. Aila firmly thumps his hands onto the table, making him scream – she apologises, telling him that his twitching was distracting her from the story that he was telling them. He then admits that he never made the fridge, saying that there is no such magic in the world, but when Quill insists that there must be, he tells them that if they go to the highest peaks of the great mountains of Aelseraph, capture the soul of the ice elemental there, they can get a skilled enchanter to install the soul into a box and make a fridge. Zim Zam admits that he is not a skilled enchanter, but is a fraud, a con man, and that he has spent the money that Quill gave him on “four cakes, booze, and having sexy times”.

Having confessed, Zim Zam wonders what Quill will do to him, fearing to go to prison if he is handed into the authorities because he is “too beautiful”. They let him leave with his tail between his legs, but as he gets to the open door of the tavern, he perks up, pulls the book out of his bag shouting, “To a new world!” opens the book and jumps into it. The book falls to the ground before Quill or anyone else can stop him. Quill picks up the book which looks like an old wizard’s spellbook, but on the face of it is a brass impression of Zim Zam’s face. The book is called “The Tales of Zim Zam Zimbalor”. Quill holds the book, falls to his knees and shouts to the heavens, “ZIM ZAM! I WILL FIND YOU… IN THIS WORLD OR THE NEXT!”

Aila is not convinced that the whole encounter was realm but she pinches Quill who is still holding the spell book. The brass relief of Zim Zam on the cover winks at Quill.

Quill and Aila go on an adventure to find the powerful ice elemental, The Rime Lord, Aila smacks it until it is dead, and they collect its soul. They take the soul to Azaria Perel who tells them that it is a simple enchantment – within a few minutes, she returns with the chest of preservation for Quill. Aila asks if Azaria has heard of Zim Zam – she has not – and Quill admits that he never considered coming to Azaria in the first place. Azaria is not sure why and she tells them that many people say that she is delightful (as she caresses a half-decomposing zombie corpse called Nigel). As they leave, the screaming skull doorbell lets out a yell, frightening Quill. Aila quietly asks Azaria if she can put one of them just inside Quill’s door in his room on the Stormchaser, and Azaria gives Aila a skull that she can affix herself. Unbeknownst to Quill, Aila has also put a tree inside Quill’s room in case they ever want to *Travel via Plant*. Quill casts *Truesight* and is able to see the ethereal connections between this tree and all others.

Quill delivers the magical preservation box to Howard, almost crying because it has taken so long – Howard is impressed and loves his new fridge.

Lucius travels to Gusthaven to visit Aridan at the palace and to make enquiries about his sister. Aridan is attending to everyday matters, speaking with advisers and making plans for the city. Lucius notices that the priestess from the temple of Siaska is there talking about the message that Siaska has brought them – she is not sure what they should share with the people given their recent history of conflict with the Valkyrian forces and her concern for their war weariness. Aridan is of the opinion that since the message comes from Siaska, their duty is to spread it whole, to all people. Seeing Lucius, he dismisses his advisors.

Aridan welcomes Lucius and thanks him and his friends for their current state of peace – the withdrawal of Starbane, the defeat of the titans, and the return of their goddess. He has heard about their duel with Kalus and is in awe that the great man can be bested. When Lucius tells Aridan that their final journey will soon be upon them, Aridan is concerned until Lucius clarifies that he would like to stop adventuring after a while, because he was worried that Lucius was travelling to his certain death. Aridan hopes that Lucius can return to the peaceful life that he deserves, and when Lucius says that he wishes that for everyone, Aridan gently chides him, saying that he thinks often about others without considering himself – Lucius is as deserving of the same peace as everyone else.

Lucius mentions the dinner and invites the Sky Prince who makes light of the apparently innocuous (but terribly rude) gesture that was so notable at the first dinner. Lucius asks Aridan whether he has seen his sister – Aridan tells Lucius that Edea has asked that her record of death be expunged so that she can resume the name of Edea Elenasto. The pirates, the Wind Barons, have seemingly all disappeared, with Edea having taken care of many of them, others fled when the Valkyrian forces withdrew (having no significant support from elsewhere, they were unable to stand up to any sort of military might), but a large number vanished before the retreat of the Valkyrians. Edea has spoken to Aridan of another who ordered the pirates to join them to gain power somewhere, and the name Xarkira was mentioned. With the downfall of the Wind Barons, Edea has apparently become somewhat bored, and now that she has resumed her name and title, she is trying to purchase back the Elenasto estate from its new owners. They, unfortunately, keep rebuffing her, telling her that they have a deal with Lucius, so Aridan recommends that Lucius speaks to them and to Edea – Edea is actually staying with them at the moment at their own, original estate, not far from the Elenasto land.

Lucius takes the time to thank Aridan for his kindness to him ever since he returned to Gusthaven after the airship crash. Aridan tells Lucius that he always felt that Lucius deserved his help, whether there was some divine influence or not – he feels that Lucius has given so much help to Aerois and to Gusthaven that Aridan has given very little in return. Aridan, not knowing whether a handshake or a hug is most appropriate stands awkwardly until Lucius gives him a big hug which Aridan leans into with his hand on Lucius’ back. While maintaining the embrace, Aridan leans back and looks Lucius dead in the eye, “The High Elven people and Gusthaven are proud to count you among us, Lucius Virion-Elluin Elenasto. You do us a great service. You are-”. Before Aridan can say anything more, Lucius leans in and kisses him.

Initially, the Sky Prince is shocked and surprised, but rather than pulling away, he leans into it – when there is a break in the moment, Lucius can see that Aridan is completely flustered and surprised. Lucius apologises but Aridan stops him: he stumbles over trying to tell Lucius that while he is very happy that he did not realise that Lucius was interested. Lucius surprises Aridan by telling him that he did not realise it either but tells Aridan that he is trying to discover himself as much as he is trying to do with others. Aridan understands this difficult type of journey – he has been on it himself without an understanding family and he offers his assistance to Lucius in that regard. He promises not to be offended if, later, Lucius decides that he has made a mistake and offers to answer questions if Lucius has them. Lucius says that he will hold Aridan to that, but first has to go and kill Hadar, which Aridan tells Lucius is a hell of a goodbye message. Lucius says that it gives him a reason to want to come back.

Aridan hopes that they can spend some time together before the Champions have to leave. Lucius takes off his silk glove, Aridan takes Lucius’ hand and kisses the top of it gently. Before long, however, his duties call on Aridan – he offers to walk with Lucius to the palace exit, his hand lingering towards Lucius’ and brushing it gently and Lucius, uncertain of what to do, takes his cues from Aridan. Aridan does nothing to hide any of it from his staff and no one bats an eyelid at what they see.

Edea is easy enough to find, given that Lucius knows that she is living with the Virinor family in their mansion. The Virinors recognise Lucius and take him to the upstairs bedroom where Edea is staying. Edea has not yet announced publicly that she is not dead, but she is no longer wearing her Moonstar disguise (although Lucius spies the Moonstar mask on one of the tables, face down). There is no sign of the leather armour or weapons, instead, she is wearing a simple but refined outfit – a feminine cut blouse doublet with a vest, tight leggings, and boots. On seeing them, she stands in her straight and stiff manner, telling Lucius that she did not expect to see him given that she had heard that he was off fighting gods and evil emperors from the stars. Lucius passes it off as nothing, “Oh yes, the usual things…” Edea reminds him that he has come a long way from crying in the corner of the room with his paints.

Lucius quickly moves the conversation on, commenting on the fact that she is now Edea again, and not Moonstar. “They’re all gone!” she replies. “I either killed them, arrested them, they fled, or they vanished. I tried to track more of them down – there just weren’t any. And with the Valkyrians pulling out of Aerois, they Sky Prince has got control of Gusthaven again, there wasn’t a need for Moonstar anymore. I feel like Gusthaven needs Edea Elenasto more – tinkerer, magician, diplomat… I don’t know”. Lucius asks Edea what she wants for herself, but she says that she does not know now. For the last year, she was only out for vengeance against those who had killed her family and had a strong desire to feel useful and powerful. Now she likes to think and create but does not know what to do with it. She does not want to do business or work with Aetherium, but neither is she an artist like Lucius, and she feels like she has nothing to share. She says that she does not wish to make weapons anymore.

Lucius sees the irony in the reversal of their positions – Edea now looks up to Lucius and he used to look up to her, thinking her their father’s favourite and the “wise one” of his children. Edea denies this, suggesting that Lucius saw what was not there – their father taught her and trained her, wanting her to follow in his footsteps. She agrees that she was always responsible but denies that she was wise, telling Lucius that she never had all the answers. She could see that Lucius was caught up in a world of colour that no one else could see or understand, but she did her best to try. Lucius thanks Edea for setting him on his path, telling Edea that he both respects and honours her – she tells him that the feeling is mutual. She is amazed at his gift and how far Lucius has come, and when Lucius tells her that he feels that he does not deserve it, she chides him, reminding him about how he was bullied by the Magronas as a child and how he always refused to let anyone take action against them. He has a beautiful and gentle soul, she tells him, and deserves more than anyone to have the gift of seeing beauty in the world. Lucius is speechless.

Lucius offers Edea a gift – out of his coat he pulls the broke picture of the family that he took from the burnt-out shell of the Elenasto manor so long ago. Edea takes the picture, holds it and looks at it, before clutching it to her heart. “I want you to be at peace, sister”.

“Peace?” she says, “I didn’t think it would be possible. I think I can now. I did everything I could to punish those that took…”, stopping before she can complete the painful thought. “Those that have fled – if you find any of them out there, you finish them. You finish what I can’t. I’ll find peace here now, I think. I think I do know what I want to do, I want to build something – not weapons, not Aetherium, not airships, but something. I don’t know what, yet. Something that will make the lives of the people of Gusthaven and the other sky cities better. Something that will really balance things out, no more nobility, no more common folk – something that brings us to an equal level, something that makes life for everyone better”.

Lucius likes the sound of her plans and tells her she is more than capable. He tells her that she will no longer need her Moonstar mask, but that he will, and he takes it with her blessing. “Moonstar is a symbol, not a person”, she tells him, “A symbol of light’s justice. To illuminate dark places. Make sure that you come back”. Lucius tells her that he cannot promise that but says that he would like to come back to see if she has done anything good. Edea says that if nothing else, he should come back to see the house that she will have bought from the people who now own the Elenasto estate – she hopes that there will be a new house waiting for him when he returns. Edea offers him a hand, they shake hands and bow to each other. Lucius walks away, and only when he is starting to go downstairs does he hear her turn around – it is at this point that he rushes back into the room to give her a massive hug, which she endures. There is an expression of love before they part ways once more.

Nova decides that now is a good time to see Thalia, so she heads to one of the hangar bays on the side of the Astoria where she knows the Twinstar to be docked. With its shortened wingspan and other modifications, it now resembles a freighter, and is designed to work better with the Astoria and other ships. When Nova approaches, she sees Thalia’s legs sticking out from under the ship and hears her calling to Kyrie to bring her “the magic thing that connects the magic thing to the other magic thing”. Kyrie flaps over with an instrument, not sure whether it is the right one because “the scary lady” has all the other tools. Thalia tells Kyrie that the “dead woman is harmless… mostly”. Kyrie, suddenly seeing Nova, lets out a short cry and announces her presence to Thalia.

Nova awkwardly calls out, “Hello, girlfriend!” which is changed to “Hello, Thalia, my girlfriend!” when Thalia protests. Thalia slides out from beneath the ship, her tanned skin covered in dirt, oil, and grime. Thalia wipes her sweaty brow and looks hard at Nova, “Really? Please, you are such a dork”.

“I love seeing you, too”.

Thalia asks Nova if she is finished with killing gods “or whatever”, to which Nova coolly replies that it was actually just the one god. “Oh yeah, one god, one tyrannical astral space emperor”, responds Thalia laconically, wondering whether Valkyrian might wipe out her criminal record if he’s not dead. Nova promises to ask him, proving to be what Thalia refers to as “a girlfriend with benefits”. Thalia moves over to Nova, puts an arm around her waist and pulls her in aggressively. She looks down at Nova with her Elven features and Nova is still unused to seeing her without the serpentine hair. “Missed you, kid”, Thalia tells Nova fondly - Nova reciprocates before Thalia leans down and gives her a kiss, turning Nova a bright purple. Thalia asks Nova if she will get any of her time and company before she goes off to fight the next battle, “That depends”, replies nova coyly. Thalia is alarmed, thinking it might be *the* question, especially giving Lucius’ persistence with his repeated lewd gestures. Nova realises what Thalia is asking and announces that she is not ready for that sort of commitment which causes Thalia great relief.

“Do you want to go on a mission to space with me where we might both die?” Nova asks her. Thalia furrows her brow, “You idiot, what do you think we’re *doing?*”, pointing to the Twinstar. “You think I’m doing this because I’m bored??” Nova hadn’t been sure – it was possible in her mind that Thalia had wanted to go back out into space and return to her missions. “I’ve done the whole space pirate thing, and I’ve stolen stuff. You know what I haven’t done?” Thalia asks her, “Fly out to the edge of Astral Space and fight a mad god - never done that before”. Nova nods, “Sounds pretty fun, doesn’t it?”

Thalia clarifies, “We might die, right?”

“Absolutely, we probably will die”, Nova tells her.

“Cool. I always used to say that the higher the chance of death, the higher the chance of death but it might be really fun”, responds Thalia. She confirms that she, Kyrie, and Big Cat are locked in and ready to go on the mission.

Nova had considered asking Thalia to stay behind so that she could stay safe, but when Thalia is told this, she ridicules the idea, saying that she would never want to stay behind to bake cookies while others were out fighting. It emerges that Thalia is not a great cook; Kyrie is, although her feathers tend to get everywhere, a problem that Nova has noticed with Quill.

Thalia tells Nova not to be silly, that there is no way that she would not be there with her at the end. She says that they will need the Twinstar because it is so far superior to all the other dinky crystal ships that they have otherwise. Thalia tells Nova that she knows that Azaria is putting a large cannon on the Stormchaser and asks if she will see if she would be prepared to put a similar one on the Twinstar. “Do you know what”, Nova tells her, “this is going to be fun. And after all, being dead ain’t so bad”.

Thalia suddenly looks stern, “Yeah, we’re going to have that conversation, but not today”.

Nova suddenly realises something. “I didn’t tell you…”

“you didn’t tell me. I had to find it out from everyone else”.

“Who told you?”

“I’m not telling you that. It was Quill”.

“I was going to tell you!”

“I can’t be mad at you because I did a lot of dub shit, so I can’t be *that* mad at you… but also, as you have probably gathered, I’m a bit fickle – fey princess and all that stuff, it’s in my nature. You’re a mortal, you’re going to die someday. I might not because of the whole Archfey thing, but I’d rather go on one crazy ride and die with you than just live for another 600 years drinking and being bored. That’s probably the nicest thing I’ve ever said to someone”. Nova is touched.

“Hey, I got better”.

“Pretty good? 1-10?”

“It was quite peaceful. 8-9. If I die again, would you be crazy sad? I’d like you to move on, but I’d want you to be sad”. Thalia promises that she would for a while and Nova asks how long “a long time” would be in mortal time – “a good year” is Nova’s response – Thalia says that’s easy and swears a pinkie promise with Nova before kissing her again.

Aila returns to where she grew up on Aerois with the Airdeithe Clan, a windy cliff overlooking the sea. When she arrives, Aila finds that most of the clan have moved on, taking their tents and temporary accommodations with them. There are still a couple of clan members who remain, however, since occasionally they will find a place with which they connect, and they live off the land as hermits, often in solitude. Aila finds a stone cottage – a more permanent dwelling than was there previously, and one that looks to be still in progress. Nearby is a campfire and a couple of tents. The day is dwindling to a close and the people are clearly getting ready for the evening with half a deer being ready to be cooked over the fire. An old Wild Elf sits by the fire – he is muscular but taut and wiry with gnarled hands, a short-cropped grey beard, a single long braid of hair emerging to sit along his chest and arm, and tattoos (faded but present). The man wears no shirt, just a furred collar around his neck, and traditional tartan kilt around his waist that represents the Airdeithe Clan. He looks up at Aila with rheumy eyes and tells her that the others have gone – when she comes closer, he recognises and remembers her as “the one that was found”. He asks her name, and when told that it is Aila, he replies with, “Aila – she who was lost. I remember you”, and tells her that he was a hunter, not often around when she was growing up but that he has heard about her and invites her to sit by his fire. The clan left half a year ago and he is sorry that they will not hear the stories that she is now happy to tell him.

Both of them feel at home on the cliffs with the sea and storms nearby, but Aila tells the man that she felt the need to go and find answers as to why she has the powers of the storm. She tells the man about finding more Wild Elves and shows him the Howling Tempest – he remembers the hammer, but also recognises that it has changed since he saw it last, what Aila calls “some improvements”. Aila tells the man that she has ‘friends’, which is “weird for a Wild Elf”.

The man tells her what he recalls about her hammer – when he first saw it, it was dull and lifeless hammer, broken, and nobody wanted it – they all thought that it was cursed with bad luck. Every previous person who had taken the hammer out of the camp was killed and it used to be something that people were afraid to take, believing that there were evil spirits responsible. When Aila arrived, however, there was a growing feeling that the hammer did not belong amongst the people, and because Aila was not born on Aerois, that maybe it was meant for her. The man introduces himself as Einer, a Wild Elf who is nearing the end of his life – they eat, drink, and spend the night swapping stories. At the end of the night, Aila goes to sit at the edge of the cliffs, feeling the winds that blow around her.

Aila watches late into the night and sees a change in the weather far out to sea – a storm is gathering and moving across the ocean. Thunder rumbles and lightning strikes multiple times, and the primal energy feels good to Aila. She hears a familiar voice, distant – it seems to originate from her belt and sound up through her body, “Give that red bastard one good hit from me”. Thor’s voice reverberates in her mind as she also feels a surge of strength.

The next morning, before she leaves, Aila ties a length of the Airdeithe Clan tartan around a tree near the cliff where the clan lived. Einer makes a promise to look after the tree until he passes. Aila tells Einer that while she used to think that the one spot where they are was her home but that the whole of Aerois is her home now, and she tells him that she looked for her origin but found that it did not really matter – Einer agrees, saying that home can be anywhere or anyone as long as you have the strength to protect it.

Nova gathers her family and friends on the Astoria where a section has been set aside for the dinner. The place they have reserved is lavish – it is a large room with an adjoining kitchen, the walls are made of white crystal and everything is polished smooth and clean and, if anything, it feels a little empty of furnishings. Food and drink has been laid out for those who will be attending. Arval, Valla, and Max are all present by group invitation.

Nova has invited her mother, father, brother, sister, Thalia, Kyrie, and Big Cat. When they enter, Wade is playing with Big Cat, chasing each other around the room and pouncing on each other – Thalia finds this hilarious, telling them that she has never seen him do this with anyone before. Breeze calls her husband to help in the kitchen but he wants to play one more round of pouncies with Big Cat first.

Quill invites notable members of the Messengers Guild including his mother, Mireeka, and Hope Rosemeadow (who is delighted to be invited and wants to bring a friend). There is some panic as Nova tells her mother that they have another “plus one” and Breeze sends Wade off to Horizon to get more supplies to feed the ever increasing number. The members of the Messengers Guild arrive promptly, dressed primly. Suddenly, a teleport shaped like an arched rainbow that fills with clouds that then become butterflies appears on the Astoria. The butterflies open like doors, and stepping through them are the unicorn, Hope, and her close friend, Mesmera.

Mesmera looks a lot healthier and happier than when they last saw her. With Mesmera’s hair tied up, they can see Hope’s handiwork because it is full of ribbons, flowers and other things. As soon as Hope sees Quill, she charges him, hugs and kisses him. Quill is almost crushed in her excitement, but Hope apologises and heals him immediately.

Aila invites Rethra but does not expect him to come. Rethra and Varnier, still mourning Morgaen, come along with Big Jack and some of the Beast Folk, who do not want to miss out on a party, and knowing that Sanna cannot be there. Breeze is again asked to extend her menu, but is not sure what to feed the Beast Folk – when she realises that carrots and general vegetarian dishes will do, however, she believes that she has enough on hand to cope.

Sentry invites Petal and, of all people, Kalus Valyrian. While he is grateful for her invitation, he feels that his presence would be uncomfortable for many. He thanks her for the honour, not believing that he is worthy of it, but hopes that they will meet once more while they are on their journey to fight Hadar. Valla offers to take some leftovers back for her father. She also invites Dannica, the Guardians they met at Kalie’s Rest and some of the other Guardians they met along their journey. Nova’s mother is now frantic, but is glad to hear that all that the Guardians might want is a warm plate – she asks if some of the crystal Dwarves might aid her. Aila tells Breeze that she just needs to ask, so she sticks her head out the door and calls, “Crystal Dwarf!”

“Hello, ma’am, my name is Amber 2”.

Breeze tells A2 that she needs four of the Dwarves and three more merge out of the floor and walls. Breeze is agog for a moment but decides that she does not care about this amazing sight, calls them in and puts them to task.

Lucius invites Sky Prince Aridan, Edea, Oriya and the Officers of the Stormchaser, and Faeth. Lucius has to stop the rest of the Wolf Pack at the door, promising to bring them some leftovers when they complain about being left out. One member of the pack manages to sneak in, however, and Quill sees Bone Eater, standing in the corner silently, staring at him and licking his lips – only Quill notices him, however.

Aila starts to wonder whether she imagined ZZZ since Quill is also seeing a mysterious Wolf Pack member but he insists that ZZZ was real and shows them the book. Only Lucius notices it but the brass effigy of ZZZ appears to quickly poke its tongue out at him – when he looks again, it is normal.

Lucius stands and dings a glass to bring the company to silence. He introduces himself and celebrates their moment of peace – of clear skies (which is echoed throughout the room). He mentions that they have the greatest task ahead of them and thanks everyone assembled for helping to get them where they are. He offers a toast to them (and mumbles something about the fact that he and Sky Prince Aridan might be dating). Aridan blushes and facepalms, suggesting that Lucius might want to learn something about subtlety in the future.

Some time after Lucius’ speech, Nova catches his eye and makes “the gesture” at him. He is delighted until he realises what it means.

They spend time with those most dear to them, Nova and Quill with family, Aila with the Wild Elves who toast the fallen. They see Arval and Valla having a quiet moment together, as well as Hope and Mesmera who are having a great conversation, very taken with Big Jack – there are many small moments of connection, humanity, and friendship. Eventually, the night inevitably comes to an end and people drift home so that the last people there are the original five.

Sentry stands and gestures to them all, “My fearless (Aila), Wise (Quill), Curious (Nova), Glorious (Lucius) friends: since I last swore my oath, everything has changed. My duties, my life, Aerois itself has changed. I stand before you today with a promise to all of you. I want you to know that whatever future waits for us out there, I will always be with you. Thank you for giving me a new hope and a new purpose”. She takes out Starbreaker and holds it in the air, “To whatever end!”

Sentry then turns the lance towards the ground and plunges the tip into the floor and gets on one knee, swearing her new oath:

For the glory of joy

In dawn’s new light,

Protect all hope

From evil’s blight.

My might stands true

‘Til dark undone,

‘Til we are all

‘Til all are one.

As she says this last, there is a slight flicker of change in her armour – what was once grey becomes white and her vine hair turns from green to gold, but only for a second before it returns to normal.

## **YouTube Timestamps**

0:00:00 - Intro
0:00:00 - Dun Duns
0:00:00 - Part 1
0:00:00 - Part 2

## **Featured Characters**

#### **The Stormchasers (Player Characters)**

* Aila
* Lucius Virion-Elluin Elenasto
* Qillek Ad Khollar
* Sentry
* Nova V'ger

#### **New NPCs**

* Einer
* Amber 2

#### **Returning NPCs**

* Tornado V'ger
* Valla
* Maximillion Taldros
* Kalus Valkyrian
* Petal
* Zim Zam Zimbalor (or whatever he’s called this week)
* Azaria Perel
* Aridan
* Edea Elenasto
* Breeze V'ger
* Wade V'ger
* Thalia Whisperwind
* Kyrie
* Big Cat
* Rethra
* Varnier
* Bone Eater

#### **Mentioned NPCs**

* Harmony
* Dannica
* Siaska
* Norfir
* Reyn
* Morgaen
* Sanna
* Oriya
* Kamarra
* Faeth
* Greylauno
* Penny
* Howard
* Lancion
* Smeek
* Bym

## **Featured Locations**

* Horizon
* Hawk's Dawn Archipelago
* Suvonna
	+ The Bitterwood
	+ Dwalinden
	+ Rosehall
* The Stormchaser
* Gusthaven
* (Wherever Aila went to the old home of the Airdeithe Clan)
* The Astoria

## **Trivia**

* This episode was pre-recorded. This meant that a number of the HRs (Kim, Mark, and Tom) were in chat (both Twitch and Discord) during the screening of the episode – they were very excited to see fan reactions to certain moments.
* Trott opened his Easter egg before Mark had finished passing them out to everyone.
* Kim got told off by Mark for making rattling noises while he was doing the intro.
* The players talked through their changes as they hit level 20:
	+ Quill got a new 7th level spell slot (because he is a dual-classed character) and is now 18 Cleric/2 Wizard. He now has 157 max hp.
	+ Aila got Primal Champion increasing her Str and Con by 4 each, and giving her 338 max hp.
	+ Lucius got the ability to regain sorcery points on a short rest.
	+ Nova took another level in fighter (15 fighter/5 warlock) giving her Reclaimed Potential (every time her echo is destroyed, she gets 2d6+3 temp hp) – she can do this a total of three times. Is now on 180 max hp.
	+ Sentry basically became a god. She got the ability to take on the form of an Elder Champion, and for 1 minute is able to do the following: regain 10 hp at the start of each of her turns, paladin spells that are an action can be cast using a bonus action instead, and each enemy within 10 feet have disadvantage against paladin spells and channel divinity options. This feature can only be used once and refreshes on a long rest. She now has 100 points of Lay on Hands.
	+ Mark said that he got the following abilities: he became god and got everything all the time. He now counts as 10 paladins.
* Most people sent Mark some requests for things they would like to do this week – “certain people” did not send Mark anything. Tom’s response to this was that “Some people have full-time jobs, bitch”. Mark later entreated Katie and Tom to join in and bring things up ad hoc if they had things that they specifically wanted to do. Trott confirmed immediately afterwards that he, Kim, and Rhi had sent things to Mark.
* **Lore dump:** Mark describes the echoes of Shansara and Harmony as not being like spirits that possess Nova or are trapped in her soul, but echoes of who they were, able to react to things subconsciously. They are afterimages of their souls burned into Nova. Not quite ghosts or spectres but burned in memories.
* Trott realised almost 35 minutes into the stream that he did not have his dice or dice tray and had to ask Rho to pass them over to him.
* Mark indicated that the in-game time of the campaign has been somewhere between 1 and 2 years.
* This, being a very emotional episode, had Mark and the audience in tears on multiple occasions. Mark blamed a medical condition on his “leaky eyes”.
* Petal makes minor magical devices such as a watering can that does not run out of water, devices that allow people to listen to music, and other toys and conveniences.
* Kim did not think that Tiangong would join with her, so she asked Mark if Tiangong could join the Astoria and help with the ship.
* When Quill was trying to stealth up to Zim Zam, he rolled a 1 (with a +3) for a total of 4 – Zim Zam’s perception was a 2 (with a -1) for a total of 1. Zim Zam, the worst wizard ever, was surprised.
* Zim Zam Zambalor\* gives (or is given) the following names this episode by Zim Zam (Z), Quill (Q), and Aila (A): Zim Zam Zambalor (Q), Zem Zerb Zooba Zoobza (A), Zor Zon Zombador (Z), Zam Zordor (Q), Zob Zib Zebaleb (Q), Zeb Zeb Zeb Zeb (Q), Zel Zid (Q), Zib Zib Zibadib (Q), and Zem Zob (Q). \*not his real name
* Aila putting a tree in Quill’s room aboard the Stormchaser is a callback to Tom’s rant about the spell *Travel via Plant* which occurred as a response to a dono comment from Crispi after episode 142.
* At one point in this episode, Tom takes Katie's iPad and starts drawing something. When asked what, Tom replied:

* Immediately after Lucius kissed Aridan, chat wanted to know if Fael was ok. There were comments from the crew about how hard it was to keep it a secret since it was recorded.
* When Tom was reminded that he said an age ago that he ships Quill with Max, his comment was that "Max would destroy Quill".
* Despite Sentry taking a new oath, Mark confirmed that there would be no change to her subclass. He thinks that she was considering changing it, but wants to stay Ancients, so it was just some nice RP.
* Mark described Hope and Mesmera as “linked arms, maybe not romantic but certainly very close friends”.
* Mark was not expecting Sentry to invite Kalus Starbane to the dinner at the end of the episode.
* Tom joked about casting *True* *Resurrection* on Smeek. Was he joking, though? There was also a suggestion that Bym might return which got Mark excited.

## **Quotes**

* Aila: You can smile, Max, you can smile!
* Max: I am well aware. No, but I am happy for whatever Lady Valla wishes.
* Aila: Tickle him!
* Max: Please do not. Keep in mind that I am part Fire Giant, my body is extremely warm.
* Aila: I can take it.
* Max: Still, please do not.