Mirror Tricks & Magic Books

**Mirror Tricks & Magic Books** is the thirtieth episode of Another Bad Side Quest. The party and their new companion Sterling face the Order of Ruin in the Aetian Ruins outside Nij'a.

## Mirror Tricks & Magic Books

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* New overlay ad format in the VOD!
* 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!
* Haelley with a new "domesticated arson" scent from GMDice!
* Tell your friends about the show! Spread the love and get together to watch and enjoy the chaos
* Look out for the previously mentioned "sneaky as fuck" stuff as that is being released tomorrow! The new release will also include some interesting new plans headed to the Youtube this spring!
* Darrin will be on Writer's Block, a show hosted by VaRedemption, this Thursday at 7pm PST!

### **Part One**

With the party and Sterling, caught between the Reaper, revealed as Robert as Esmeria addressed him, in the blink tile room behind them and Esmeria in the hallway ahead of them, Esmeria asked them to please give the book. Sterling attempted to shift behind RX in fear, but RX held up his hands, assured Esmeria she wouldn't have to ask again, then turned to Sterling and asked for the book. Sterling nodded, held up one end of his *Eldritch Scarf* as he asked for Esmeria's name as he does not recognize it and Esmeria quickly warned of her diminishing patience. Sterling explained that it did take time to retrieve things from his scarf, that he only asked to ensure the historical artifact goes to the right people and wondered if he might be able to take a look at the book before they leave and Esmeria gave a point blank no. Over *Ob's Charm* Alerith asked if they were handing over the book or had a plan and Yashani replied this was not a fight they would win. Sterling noted he may not be reading the room correctly before Quincy in panicked exasperation told him to give Esmeria the book. As Esmeria stated she was going to count to 10 Sterling wrung the end of his *Eldritch Scarf* until the book was released, if a little slobbered on, and on stone floor halfway between them and Esmeria.

Esmeria cleared the distance, picked it up and commented that most would think the book would look more impressive but they don't. Sterling started to question this, but RX stopped him, motioned for him to speak telepathically and after Sterling cast *Message* and asked RX warned him that it was a conversation for later, though Sterling tried to argue. With the book inspected and in hand, Esmeria said that was all they were looking for, walked past the party and left up the stairs with Robert.

The group let a whole minute pass before RX addressed them and requested they leave unless Sterling had anything else he needed to do. Sterling requested they check out the book’s holding room before they leave and RX agreed to accompany him, quickly making sure the rest of the party would be alright without him before they did. RX asked what Sterling was looking for as they reentered the circular room, with the mirrors and pedestal that once held the book. Sterling replied that he thought of himself as somewhat insightful, noted that the woman was clearly powerful and obviously had a bad history with them, especially Quincy. He added his disdain that he risked his life for a book that was essentially ripped from his hands, but if he knew more about it then maybe he would feel less “beat up” about it. RX agreed that it didn't feel good and Sterling requested his help looking for runes as he had heard that there were similar books scattered about the continent and the room might have clues to find the next one. RX found Infernal runes on the pedestal, which seemed to be gibberish as the words were garbled, but did discover with Sterling’s help that the pillar seemed to have three parts that could move independently of one another. RX noted it must be another puzzle and when Sterling called for the rest of the party to come closer, all but Quincy came as she remained at the doorway’s edge to keep an eye on the room and down the hallway where the Order of Ruin left.

As RX showed the party the pedestal’s movability, they all noticed that as the first part of the pedestal moved, a nearby mirror on the wall as well redirected the light from the pedestal off to the side on an empty portion of the opposite wall. Seeing that Alaerith cast *Invisibility* on himself as Sterling deduced that the portions of the pedestal turned different mirrors. Sterling asked if the group was okay to stay and figure out the puzzle and RX agreed, but pointed out they should have a longer discussion about what was going on while not underground. RX moved about the room to look at the walls, wondering if there was something they should focus the light on and didn't find anything other than two particularly smooth parts of the wall. RX pointed out as much, and together he and Sterling got to work moving the cranks around until the beam moved and was split by another mirror that allowed it to hit both portions of the smooth wall.

As the light touched the wall in those spots, the loud sound of stone releasing tension was heard as the room began to turn. Quincy leapt back into the room before the doorway was blocked and when the room stops moving a new doorway on the opposite wall was revealed that appeared to lead into a gently lit hallway. On closer inspection the hallway was lit by small stones inlaid into the wall that glowed a faint green, perfectly spaced down the roughly hewn 50 foot hallway. Sterling cast *Detect Magic* and found while the Divination magic he detected earlier was still present, it lessened further down this hallway. Quincy laid a hand on Sterling's shoulder, noted that while Ember said breathing was enough he had taken a decent bit of damage and wondered if he would like to rest before they continued. Sterling agreed, looked to Yashani for assistance and when she agreed to help Sterling pulled open his shirt to reveal something similar to an electrical burn across his chest. Yashani laid her palm over it and activated *Hand of Healing* to heal him, while Quincy sneakily poked at the bare skin on the nape of Sterling’s neck and activated *Life Drain* using her Ruined Moon mark to help heal as well, while taking an equal amount of damage. RX asked if they were ready to continue and Sterling mentioned the Divination magic, though he was unsure if it was the friends they had just met with or something else, and noted it faded down the hallway.

RX took the lead, using the staff he borrowed from Yashani, and tapped the floor in front of them to check for traps and thankfully found none. Quincy activated the *Driftglobe* for added light on Sterling's requiest as he attempted to pull a glowing stone from the wall, but broke the tool he used to help him. RX and Quincy noted that the rocks were pointless and could be returned to, but when Sterling said he wanted at least one RX yanked one out of the wall though it crumbles as he did. Sterling seemed unperturbed and sweeped up the luminescent slag for research later. They came to the door at the end of the hall and once Sterling deemed it was non-magical RX tapped the door with the staff. When nothing happened proceeded to open the door, they found it revealed a set of stairs that spiraled downward. RX noted they were currently 1500 feet underground and when asked could tell they were a few 1000 feet below ground in *The Underdark.* Yashani commented back that if they continued down they might beat that record. Sterling said his mother owned a beach house in the Skorian Empire, that he would love to rest there and hear more stories of *The Underdark* or even visit and Yashani warned if they go down these stairs they might do just that.

The caution proved unnecessary as the stairs only did one complete spiral before opening into a new room, 50 feet by 50 feet, and at it's center was a short pedestal where a large tome rested, looking as though bound in flesh. As Alaerith dropped *Invisibility* Quincy noted they might have managed to hand off a decoy book. RX wondered how much of a decoy it was if it was protected enough to hurt Sterling and Quincy thought it was done to make it look more convincingly real. Sterling found his *Detect Magic* spell detected the magic of the book was black and muddy and RX reassured Sterling that the trip might not have been fruitless after all. Sterling asked to know the details about what was happening before they approached the book and Quincy argued not until they were somewhere safer. To give Sterling something, Yashani and RX took turns to explain he just met a member of the Order of Ruin who were collecting these books to bring ruin to the world, and that the party had since called themselves the Order of Restoration, though their outlook seemed bleak as they were the only ones they knew of fighting these people. Sterling joked that he managed to hire the only mercenary group that brought more baggage than they are helpful and Quincy congratulated him on it now being his baggage as well.

As attention turned back to the book, Yashani marched into the room, reached out with a palm and activated *Ki Lock* on the book and caused a viscous red glow to solidify into a steel chain around the book before anyone could try to stop her. Sterling, understanding the book was capable of more harm than good, asked what the party wanted to do with them. Yashani said they wanted to find them before the Order of Ruin and intended to destroy them, but noted they seemed to have lost their ability to destroy them. Quincy noted that she had an option for destroying it that would take time to do so and Sterling suggested he did as well. RX suggested they could explore these options outside of the ruins. Sterling insisted on one more question, noting that while he was pained to destroy a text with historical information, but admitted that if there was no world to create new history that the history of the past was useless. He enquired if celestial magic was required to destroy it and on a positive response noted that was probably the way they destroyed it in the past before he asked if they knew of the blood war, a tale of demons and devils who fought for an eternity to no end as the tides only changed now and again, but never enough to matter. He added that while a celestial might be able to destroy the book, a demon might also be able as an enemy of their enemy, and that a demon wouldn’t be able to make use of a devil book.

Quincy insisted on wanting to do it themself and Sterling accepted it before he asked if they thought they could get themselves and the book out of there in one piece. Sterling noted that his *Detect Magic* could see that the muddled magic had spread to Yashani through her *Ki Lock* and when he mentioned that Yashani admitted she didn't know what that meant. Quincy told the group it would take a night to affix a gun part to one of her pistols, a magic item from Bolton, that was a gift to him from an angelic source. The party realized that meant a full night possibly down in the ruins and Sterling, noting that he had taken a course in the occult, mentioned a line of salt may protect them. Yashani pointed out that the last time they got rid of a book one of the Order of Ruin was possibly summoned, or at the very least was nearby, and Esmeria and the Reaper were very nearby and RX used this to remind them that they should have this discussion somewhere safer. Sterling asked if they should leave the book where it had been uncovered for some time and Yashani replied that eventually the Order of Ruin would realize they don’t have what they want. Sterling stated that they would return there or chase after them and added that he would rather there be no book but knew it was not his place to decide. Yashani said they should put it in the bag and grabbed it by the new chain around it and placed it in their *Bag of Holding*.

Sterling suggested they should collect some form of treasure so it didn't appear they were searching for fun in case they were outside and RX noted their were plenty of glowing rocks. Yashani warned Sterling that there may not be people waiting and Quincy cited that the Order of Ruin did not have a track record for leaving witnesses, so far with this group being the exception. Sterling explained he assumed they teleported in and Quincy told him to be prepared for the worst. RX explained they didn't know enough about them and Sterling agreed and asked for the glowing stones just in case as they hurried out of the room in Sterling’s rush to check on his men. The party collected three more glowing stones and another pile of glowing dust on their way out and continued to follow RX back into the room where the first book was held. RX and Sterling reset the room and after the original doorway opened, followed RX who remembered the safe path across the blink tiles and out the way they came. They eventually found their way back to the room where they battled the Dragon Flesh Golem but found, other than a congealing puddle of black ichor, all evidence of the creature was gone, whether it was taken or the ichor was all that remained of it.

As they made their way to the stairs that lead up to the first level of the ruins, something caught Sterling’s attention from the corner of his eye. Sterling cast *Message* and told RX there was something in the room with them and RX immediately held up his hand to quietly halt the group. RX notified the party over *Ob’s Charm* and Sterling pointed in the direction for them to look. Sterling, after finding out Yashani was the most perceptive of the group, cast *Enhance Ability : Owl’s Wisdom* on her to aid in her search into the dark, to see what was there, as he flipped down the small gear in front of his glasses, causing glowing gears to appear in front of Yashani’s eyes. Despite that she found nothing and told the group as much over *Ob's Charm*, but reminded the party that the Order of Ruin had a history of doing well against being seen.

At that point, the group heard the sound of boots on the gravelly dirt, almost as though the person was not good at being quiet or was no longer trying. The figure stepped out from behind a pillar, a human male, well over 6" tall, wearing a nice black, double breasted coat and neat, black slacks and the party soon recognized it was Jonathan Ilvwinter, outside of his armor. After a little silence where he stared at them awkwardly, Alaerith pointed out that if he was looking for his friends that they already left, but he replied that he knew. RX asked if he was looking for Killian but Ilvwinter said no to that as well. Yashani asked what he was looking for and he replied that he was looking for them and after an awkwardly quiet moment Yashani said “ta-da”. Sterling asked who this is and Ilvwinter introduced himself fully as

*“Jonathan Miles Ilvwinter, at your service”*

with the last bit confusing Sterling until Ilvwinter explained it was only a pleasantry. Ilvwinter went on to warn them to stop looking for the books and to not to get themselves killed over this. RX argued if they were to do that many more would die and Ilvwinter countered that they might all survive the initial destruction and go on to live after that, but noted interfering with it's progress will get them most assuredly killed.

Sterling piped up to say that was fine with him and that he just wanted to know about what was in the book. RX introduced Ilvwinter to Sterling as one more pleasantry and Sterling called it a pleasure before saying they would then be on their way. RX said he had one more question and asked Ilvwinter if he was aware that two of them were dead and Ilvwinter noted he was aware Killian had perished, that Esmeria was aware as well, and the old crotchety one, did not appear to be with them either. He asked how many more of them had to die before they heeded his warning and warned them once more to stop looking for the books. Ilvwinter went to leave, but Quincy called out to him before he can fully disappear and told him Espex missed him, at least, or who he was before. Ilvwinter noted his surprise they met Espex, but said he was happy he wasn’t in Ilvwinter’s position, that he didn’t die that day and to take that into account before he disappear behind a pillar.

Without waiting much longer, the group returned to the first set of large stone doors, found the small camp where the two dwarves who had greeted them earlier were stationed and saw they were unharmed and alive. Sterling greeted them with a hug and relief and Quincy warned him to not say more as the dwarves tell him he smells horrible. Sterling said he was relieved to see them alive and when the men ask what happened, Sterling mentioned the encounter with the Dragon Flesh Golem after being lead by the group. Sterling asked if anyone else was seen entering and the dwarves made it clear no one else had entered. Sterling thanked them for their service, told them they were free to rest in *Nij’a* tonight and handed them their salary, along with luminescent stone each collected from the ruins. The dwarves thanked him before they excitedly packed up their small camp to follow the group out. Yashani reflected back on the previous conversation with Ilvwinter, and determined between his warnings to be smart and not get themselves killed, paired with his very honest comment that his adoptive brother was alive, that Ilvwinter genuinely warned them to be safe.

Back in the carriage and on their way to *Nij'a,* Sterling cast *Message* to ask everyone what was next RX suggested they stop by to check with Ember, then head back to their rooms for a longer conversation. Sterling suggested it might be a better idea to find a more isolated place to destroy the book rather than carry it around and offered a spell he knew to keep them out of the cold if they were to leave the city. RX suggested Ob as a possibility, but Yashani did not believe they should bother him as of yet as they had only recently parted. Sterling offered the city of *Krak* as a suggestion and Quincy gave an immediate no, citing that they wished to avoid big cities on the coast. Sterling countered that *Krak* was where he was from and that they could find greater protection there and might be able to destroy the book at the midpoint in the middle of nowhere. Yashani noted that either way they needed to spend a day or two more in *Nij’a,* unless Quincy and RX wanted to waste money on their commissions from Ember. Quincy asked Sterling to give them time to collect their things and Quincy would make themself more comfortable going to *Krak*. RX also pointed out that his leather armor was in no condition to continue and practically pulled it apart where he sat. Sterling recognized the bites of several kelp drakes and noted he had run into a few of the nasty creatures himself. He added that their necks were perfectly shaped for a pair of human hands and Quincy commented that Yashani’s hands were larger than a humans, but worked very efficiently as well.

Sterling returned to the original topic of destroying the book in an isolated place and Quincy asked those who were more magically inclined if an extra dimensional space was detection proof, stumbling through their reasoning without knowledge of magical terms, and after checking through his spellbook Sterling verbally identified her explanation as the *Magnificent Mansion* spell. Quincy enquired, knowing that destroying books in this world doesn’t go well for them, if destroying them someplace as different as that would be enough to hide what they were doing. Sterling followed the line of thought, flipped through his spellbook to see if he had a spell that might grant magical nondetection, and as he did Yashani noticed that Sterling’s spellbook appeared to flip pages on its own. As she stared in amazement, Sterling pulled a large feather quill out of thin air, let go of and let it write on his own without his help. Sterling announced he needed a day and would be able to use the *Nystul’s Magic Aura* spell to conceal them and Quincy added that they only needed a night to alter their pistol for radiant damage.

Sterling suggested they not sleep anywhere near people and offered that he could make the carriage warm for the night if they parked it somewhere out in the tundra. He added that this was surprisingly not the first time he had hidden out from people and Quincy noted that was a story he would have to share. As they arrived near *Nij’a*, Sterling dismissed the carriage driver before asking if anyone knew how to guide a horse. Quincy said they do, went out to take the reigns and guided the carriage about 20 minutes outside of *Nij’a* before coming to a stop. Quincy came back into the carriage, and Sterling cast *Tiny Hut* causing a bubble of blue glow to be brought out of his spellbook and slowly expands to wrap around the carriage as the carriage interior filled with warmth. The spell reminded the group of Seren and when Sterling asked *“why the long faces”*, RX offered to give Sterling the exact measurements of his face.

No longer content to be packed in tight on the sitting benches, Quincy slipped down to sit on the floor, where Alaerith joined her, and Sterling stretched out his bedroll on the bench by himself while RX and Yashani remained on the bench opposite. Sterling also pulled out a nightcap and a tea set from his scarf Quincy called him pretentious for it. Sterling, offended, said she did not get any tea before offering tea to Yashani, who removed her mask in a rare sight for Sterling, then fumbled through making tea by himself and handed a cup pointedly to Yashani and Alaerith, with a slight pause at RX. As a way to break the incessant squabbling between Sterling and Quincy, RX asked Yashani if she wished to continue their Infernal lessons, but Yashani warned the space was rather small for such painful noises. Sterling managed to say he would love to hear some before Quincy could say no and RX happily began to pronounce the grating sounds of Infernal through his mechanical voicebox.

Quincy, with a very rudimentary understanding of Elvish from people in their background, began to make fun of Sterling to Alaerith. Sterling waited a minute before he interrupted in fluent Elvish and called Quincy an ignoramus and Quincy happily replied that she didn't know what he said. Sterling moved on to ask Alaerith about his native language, wondering if Common was the most common, a sort of derived Elvish, or maybe Aquan or Primordial, citing it was one of the few places he couldn't go as he lacked gills. Alaerith replied his assumption that if you were raised around Common you know it and that he imagined those under the sea might speak Aquan possibly. Sterling noted that he was raised somewhere on the continent and Alaerith replied that it was a small coastal village in the Principality of Pathu in the far north. Sterling noted that he didn't know that sea elves were that far or elves in general and sat back down.

At that point some of the grinding sounds of RX’s Infernal stopped as he explained that was the word for octopus, though he didn't know what that was, and when Yashani noted her confusion when she would ever need to know the word octopus and RX explained in his programs that sea animals came after greetings for some reason. Sterling mentioned he would be surprised if Yashani uses Infernal in a normal conversation at all and Quincy pointed out Tieflings speak Infernal. Sterling countered that Quincy would be surprised how little Tieflings speak Infernal and Quincy mockingly asked if they would be surprised and Sterling asserted he wasn't wrong. Yashani busies herself in drinking her tea to ignore the bickering as Sterling tried to explain that Tiefling often end up speaking whatever language they are raised around and not like they had a direct communication to the Nine hells. Quincy argued it was a language of their culture just as Primordial was a language of Quincy’s as a Genasi. Sterling acknowledged his line of thought likely came from him being raised in a metropolitan area where cultures mixed and blended to become something less unique as individual cultures. He also added that was in part why he found culture so fascinating and Quincy noted that was likely the most pleasant thing they had heard him say since they met. Sterling noted that people think he is pompous, but that he just felt has an intense interest in things. Quincy argued he was pompous but just was lucky there was more to him than just that and Sterling countered if it meant being pompous, it didn't matter as he was the one with the tea which made Quincy laugh in exasperation.

RX noted that Sterling didn't have oil though and Sterling countered that he had lamp oil, then took out his lantern, poured out some of its oil into a teacup and handed it over to RX who was excited to try this new flavor of oil. As they all settled in for a long rest, Quincy took the time to affix *Soul Piece* to *Panache* before she eventually turned in for the night along with everyone else.

### **Break!**

* The ABSQ Wiki! You made it here already, good job!
* If you have any questions about ABSQ's story, how we do things, character questions or just want to ask us something strange, we are taking questions so send them to anotherbsquest@gmail.com or on Twitter with the hashtag *#anotherbsquestion*
* Find us on Twitch, Instagram, Twitter and now TikTok!
* 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
* We have merchandise! T-shirts, stickers, phones cases and more in all sorts of fun styles including the original logo and fun things like *#BrightAss* and *Take Me to Space Sweden.* Find it all on Design By Humans
* We have dropped our Patreon. We will no longer be putting content behind a paywall because that is no fun. Instead everything will be uploaded to the Youtube, including previous content such as a discussion of the Dark Arc, as well as why Quincy became a Mage Hand Press Gunslinger
	+ If you are looking for a way to directly support us, subscribe to our Twitch

### **Part Two**

As the two suns rose over the tundra, the group woke tightly in the warm, but cramped carriage, with Alaerith who tranced on the floor, Quincy sprawled across the floor and in his space, Yashani with a lapful of RX as she rests her head against the side of the carriage and Sterling covered in pages from his spellbook as he had stayed up through the night to study his spellwork for the following day, all looked to find Sterling sitting with a spectral suit of armor comically too big for him. RX pointed out the issue of size, but Sterling argued this was the first time he cast *Mage Armor,* that it was historically accurate, but it didn't matter because it was made of magic. He admitted he did look goofy and decides to make the effect invisible and asked if everyone was ready to head to *Krak*.

Alaerith headed outside to check on the horses, with Quincy following, and together fed the two horses a bit of their rations feed from the back of the carriage, while they checked to make sure they weathered the night alright. As they did, Alaerith got closer to Quincy and quietly noted that based on what she had said in the cave yesterday about feeling that odd sensation of Æther's distortion that she used magic. Quincy agreed and noted they always had a little magic, but that this was all new. Alaerith said they would need to discuss later, which Quincy did not seem happy about, but agreed to.

As the two stepped back into the carriage Sterling reiterated his plan of leaving *Nij’a* and destroying the book in the wilderness before they headed on to *Krak*. Quincy reminded him they could go to *Krak* after they got their things from Ember, as they wanted to ensure RX was a little more protected and that they had another weapon in their arsenal. Sterling begrudgingly agreed as Quincy asked how long it had been since they had seen Ember and RX noted she would need another day and a half before the time she estimated she needing would be up. RX suggested that would be enough time to head halfway between here and *Krak* and head back after destroying the book.

Yashani noted that she had been thinking about what Ilvwinter said in the ruins the day before and Quincy added that from what they knew from the Vicar Gaunt that his warning could be genuine. Yashani said she was more worried about the warning itself, noting that he said not to get killed for this, that death seemed to follow them anyway. She added her concern about his comment to “be smart" before she pointed out they had not been good about that in the past and that even though they had tried to be discreet in the past it had not gone well. She finished with her belief that destroying books one by one may be a bad idea, which would alert the Order of Ruin that they were still on this path, and instead they could collect books and destroy they as a batch when they were ready. Sterling offered that he had a spell that was good against being detected by magical means, that it would last for and should be enough, but Quincy explained that their concern was not just being seen, but being felt.

Sterling reflected on his knowledge to better understand the books and theorized the books must be created by archdevils and that the Order of Ruin might be piecing together an artifact that each of the books were one part of. Yashani commented that it would then make sense that the Order of Ruin were looking for nine books, one for each level of hell. As Quincy asked if it was maybe time to tell Sterling everything, Alaerith asked over *Ob’s Charm* if they were sure they wanted to. RX pointed out he already knew half of it and Quincy added that the Order of Ruin have already seen his face and it would be cruel to leave him alone now. Sterling looked between them all and asked if the charm was something he could get and RX said in the future he might, but first it was time for a very long story. As RX began the party’s tale, Quincy left the carriage, got behind the reins, mostly confident they were going the right direction and once they were back outside *Nij’a* after the hour long trip rejoined the group in the carriage as the tale continued on, as RX’s *Keen Mind* recalled every detail he had been present for, all while Sterling took notes, annotating as he went and scribbled in his notebooks as he concocted theories.

At the end of RX’s recollection, Sterling made a few assumptions including Alaerith had a Leviathan for a patron, RX was a robot from a mysterious creator and Quincy was obviously a pirate. Sterling asked Yashani if he could ask her a question and after she agreed, assuming he would ask anyway, noted that he agreed with her earlier point to play smart, but to do that they needed a firm foundation and he could use all the information he could get his hands on. Yashani admitted that was probably why they had done so poorly up to this point, being several steps behind and without the bigger picture. As Yashani said this, the familiar glow of Sterling’s spellbook came to the corner of his eye, sadly pointed out they had all been through so much pain in a short amount of time from her own stupidity and asked Sterling to be a bit more honest with them. Sterling asked if this was about the spellbook and they said just enough. Sterling noted he was already having a full conversation out loud and in front of them, which RX noted was very awkward. Quincy asked if he was talking to himself again and the spellbook asks Sterling to tell her to stop. Sterling did so, citing that "she" asked her to stop, which only made them wonder who “she” was.

Sterling started by admitting he had not been through much in his life, he wasn’t even a doctor as he was still writing his thesis. He added that a few years ago he discovered a tome, so ancient that it fell apart in various scrolls and this discovery sparked a new interest in him, one that was more magical than anthropological. He continued that it was far more complex then he could imagein, but luckily he had help. Sterling then activated *Manifest Mind* and in a flutter of pages a spectral woman soon appeared beside him, wearing deep blue robes, with long blond hair and most notably a large silver choker with a blue sapphire. As Alaerith turned away, Sterling, Yashani and Quincy all recognized this as the visage of Tatiania Tollanessa, the Goddess of magic in the Aj’Snaga Pantheon. As Tatiana greeted them, Quincy stammered that while they didn't know a lot about the pantheon, Tatiania was one of her Nana’s favorites to tell them about, but Sterling warned against saying so much. Quincy asked if she was not aware she was a Goddess, but Sterling told Quincy not to talk like Tatiania wasn't there. Quincy begrudgingly apologized as they had never seen a book turn into a person.

Tatiania interrupted and the two quieted down as she explained there was power in words, that she once had a book much like Sterlings that taught her until she was powerful enough to make her own book. Unfortunately the book became more dilapidated before Sterling found it and now she was only part of a consciousness, which was why Sterling wrote everything down as he worked to restore her. Sterling noted he was happy to help as the spellbook helped him excel far beyond his peers and that he knew she was important, but had never met her like this to realize who she was as he had never needed to use the ability as it was more offensive. Quincy noted it was good to know at least when he muttered to himself like a madman they now knew he wasn't actually a madman and Sterling explained he was just getting advice from his teacher. Sterling went on to say that Tatiania had much more knowledge than him, though it was constantly made his problem, but once in a while gave him a hint.

Tatiania explained that this part of her consciousness may not have known she was divine, but now recalled some of that information. She added what they were dealing with was what they had dealt with, with Velix Rex Ignis, the first world destroyer that she and the other Aj’Snaga had stopped, but now there was another. Tatiania also realized that meant Velix was still alive, but Quincy figured she wasn't upset, just wary and surprised. Tatiania explained that in his time, Velix was not doing it simply for the want of destruction, but was a feeling pushed on him as Lunala took control. She went on to explain that while they were not called the Order of Ruin then, Velix did conspire with nine other individuals to bring about the destruction. Quincy bemoaned that they were starting to hate that number, but Tatiania explained while there were nine there were only five as now as not all of the books were usable anymore. Yashani asked if the Order of Ruin wanted to make them usable again and Tatiania said her belief the books were connected to the individuals in the Order of Ruin and if there were only five now it was because there were only five books. Yashani pointed out that they destroyed half a book and wondered if they would have half a member and Tatiania noted it could be partially a consciousness or mind, like her.

Tatiania explained that to believe the essence of ruin has not adapted in some way to get around the books would be foolish and asked what happened the last time they destroyed a book. Yashani explained that she at least felt a pain in her palm where all of the party was marked and Quincy, Alaerith and RX admitted they also felt something in that moment as well. Sterling asked, though the Order of Ruin obviously wasn’t destroying books, if they ever felt anything from their marks at any other point and Yashani told him there was a pain when *Kra’Kash* burnt. Sterling wondered about what happened when something was restored and Tatiania interjected that used to be what she was a part of, that they were only the Aj’Snaga then, but apparently now were gods. She added they weren’t smart when it came to dealing with Velix and a lot of people got hurt. Tatiania explained that for now, only half a city has burned, whereas when they had done this there had already been 12 cities destroyed. Yashani said that as someone had already implied they were not being smart it felt somewhat better to hear.

Tatiania noted that she heard the conversation and posed the question if if the book they held was Ilvwinter’s and his power was bound to this tome. Yashani asked what that would mean for Ilvwinter if they destroyed it, and though she was unsure, Tatiania said it might free him, kill him or reduce his power, but couldn't be sure. Yashani asked Tatiania for her educated opinion as to whether or not it would be better to destroy the book immediately or to wait and Tatiania replied that she believed the book needed to be destroyed if they intended to stop Lunala, but doing it now was either very smart or very reckless. Yashani ventured that since the last time they destroyed a book something bad happened, doing this now may be more reckless than smart. Sterling asked who felt the pain of the book being destroyed last time and what the colors of their marks were, but the line of questions lead to nothing as the colors did not appear to correlate to the book. Sterling wondered if it was the Reaper’s book and Yashani, as well as Quincy, noted that if they fought him at half power, they would have hated to meet him before and it was more likely that he was the closest.

Eventually Sterling went on to say that it was nice to finally meet Tatiania and have a name for her, as he had taken to simply calling her madam, which Tatiania appeared to appreciate. She admitted that she did not know her name previously or even know what year it was and after RX happily rectified for her that it was 1133 A.A., everyone, with even a rough knowledge of history and the Aj’Snaga, could safely assume she had been dead for 1800 years. Sterling wondered if she had to assume it had been long considering the state of her tome, but she admitted she didn’t want to think about it, citing that everything she knew was gone. She admitted she was also upset that her arcane focus was not with the book as she had left it, and as Quincy cringed Alaerith turned to face them and admitted they knew where it was. Sterling insisted they had to go get it and Tatiania slowly asked where her focus was. Alaerith turned away as Quincy explained they lost two of their people to get into it's location, that they weren't sure they could get back there and Tatiania apologized for their loss. Sterling asked where it is and when Quincy told him it was in *Cessunaler* Sterling recognized the place and knew the only person who would have it was the Vintorvases.

Sterling curse a man named Tristan and when the party asked who that was explained he was the son of Baron Elzagerick Vintorvas, someone he went to school with. The party showed immediate surprise that the Baron had a child and Sterling told them that his mother always had an issue with the Vintorvases. RX explained to Sterling that while the party was currently at war with the Order of Ruin, they would soon be at war with the Baron for what he had done to their friends. Sterling asked if they were the reason the city was on lockdown and RX admitted they were most likely. RX added they intended to return, that they came to *Nij’a* to regroup from their loses and then go back to settle the score. Sterling asked if they simply planned to murder the Baron and Quincy readily agreed, while Yashani added that Sterling couldn't say he didn't deserve it. Sterling said he had never murdered anyone, but agreed that the Vintorvases were terrible people, noting that his mother was one of the heads of the Puhan Trading Company and the Baron was still diabolicable. RX noted that after the Baron was dead retrieving the focus would be made easier, but Sterling showed apprehension to the idea. Quincy asked if he couldn't stomach a little murder he commented it was gore that he wasn't a fan of. Tatiania admitted she was once fond of blowing people’s heads up and Sterling noted that he needed look into her offensive capabilities.

Sterling returned to Quincy’s question and explained that murder wasn't the first step in Puhan, which made Quincy scoff that slavery was, and Sterling added that it was slavery, political damnation, excommunication or whatever they needed to do. He suggested that they found a way to remove him from power he would be free game, noting that straight murder would make them enemies of an entire country. RX agreed with idea and that killing him could always wait until after he had fewer resources on his side. Sterling surmised that could be their plan of action and that woudl help get Tatiania’s focus back. He asked if it would help in the book issue and Tatiania admitted the focus housed another part of her consciousness as she split herself more than once. Sterling went on to say what was one more consciousness when he already carried several in the form of magical items, including the shrunken heads, which made Quincy lament that magic was weird. RX interrupted a brewing argument to ask Sterling if he was okay with their plan to eventually kill the Baron and Sterling said he should be, but just needed get a message out and noted that the Vintorvases were due a visit from the Mylehearts.

Sterling cast *Sending* as he pulled out a parchment and his enchanted quill to write a message to his mother

*"Dear Mother,*

*I am sure you have heard news of Vintorvas and his complications. I believe it is time for the Mylehearts to make their debut.*

*Sincerely,*

{after a second cast] *Sterling Edwind Myleheart, your one and only, your true, true boy."*

The words on the page disappeared and after few moments his mother's reply came back

"*I’m about to bring that fucking elephant into the ground. I’m on my way, son."*

1. ↑ Previously the half book they recovered from *The Underdark* was destroyed with the use of *Divine Smite* by Vicar Espex Gonth, an ability shared by Killian
2. ↑ Zach tries to use an ability of his spellbook which allows him to answer any question correctly if he rolls his level doubled or lower on a d100 but the check fails
3. ↑ A.A. means After Ascension