The Spectral Index Finale (Episode 5)

**The Spectral Index Finale (Episode 5)** is the fifth and final episode of The Spectral Index side series and combined the two groups.

## The Spectral Index Finale (Episode 5)

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* Darrin introduces himself, and introduces the six special guests from the TTRPG Twitter community taking part in this side story who can all be found on twitter
	+ **@OrkFromMork** who can be found on twitter interacting with others on the TTRPG community, playing as **Kami** - Halfling, Swashbuckler Rogue / Echo Knight Fighter
	+ **@LovecraftDnD** **(Sam)** the dm from "Live, Laugh, Lovecraft", playing as **Flint Eatswood** - Goblin, College of Swords Bard / Gunslinger
	+ **@tasty\_doom** **(Kyle)** the dm from the "TastyDoomPodcast", playing as **Quil** - Tabaxi, Gloom Stalker Conclave Ranger
	+ **@D8Dungeon** **(Declan)** the dm from "Romancing The Dungeon", playing as **Sister Agnes Hellwig** - Dwarf, Life Domain Cleric
	+ **@DndTravellog** **(Steven)** one of the dms from "The Travel Log", playing as **Cookie Conrad** - Yuan-ti, Battle Smith Artificer
	+ **@DnDingbats** **(Grace)** the dm from "Dungeons & Dingbats", playing as **Billie "Bones" Barraquette** - Emerald Dragonborn, Swashbuckler Rogue

### **Show**

As The Bad Bean Boys stood before Galactacon, the ancient void dragon, Galactacon noticed as The Bible Belt made their way down and asked if they were with them. Quil replied that they had never seen them before while he scrubbed the crust of his fur. Galactacon directly asked what they were doing in his home and Flint suggested they were there to pick up an overdue book and that if it was handed over there would be no issue. Galactacon lifted up the *Spectral Index* book now dripping with bean goo asking if that was what they referred to. Flint replied it was and inferred if they had the book they could be off before asking Kami to speak as he was more persuasive then himself. Kami confirmed that they wished for the book and would leave him alone afterwards, but Galactacon replied questioningly they had no idea on the importance of the book. Kami agreed and noted they were merely paid to retrieve the item, that they didn't care what it was and wanted to return it to the owner. Quil asked if he would still be willing to trade his *Dragon's Reach Crossbow* for the book and Galactacon asked what use he would have for fire dragon stomach when he could breathe starfire. Quil replied it wasn't about what it could do, but more what it could add to his horde and Galactacon retorted that it horded information and not weapons.

Flint asked if he had ever heard of a computer before inferring the greatest computer was the human mind and that he percieved three "individual computers" who they could trade for the book, indicating the three strangers. Galacton turned to the approaching Bible Belt and asked why they were in his home. Cookie introduced themselves Sister Agnes as a collector of smut in the forgotten realms, that they bought and sold smut and were looking for new buyers or sellers if they had something to sell. He also added that while they walked through that it looked like someone had beaned his home. Galacton turned to Flint in response, commented that he also beaned his horde and Flint replied he had no part of this and was a simple goblin boy. Billie said that it looked like he had his hands full and were willing to get out of his hair and when Flint asked if they were also looking to get the *Spectral Index* while pointing to the book in his hand. Cookie replied that it did't look smutty and when Agnes asked if there were pictures within Galactacon handed the book to her. After Bones cast *Prestidigitation* to clean the bean gunk from it Agnes flicked through the index for a particular novel missing from her collection and saw as the blank pages filled with writing forming the novel they thought of. Agnes gave Cookie and Bones a look and commented that it "did the thing" and Cookie noted it was quite nifty. Galactacton commented that it was entertaining on lonely days and Agnes remarked that she bet as she smirked. Cookie commented that they someone charming as them must have a lot of friends and Flint signalled for the dragon before suggesting if they spent time together they could be friends and added that friends did favors for friends. Galacton asked if he thought friends would bean another friends' horde as a first impression and Flint replied it was a sophisticated form of hazing. Quil added that his horde would now be tastier and Galactacon formed a rip in space letting his bean covered books came out of it and told them if they wanted to be friends to dry it all out. Flint approached the books, along with Quil, and started to clean them with a hankerchief as they said anything for a friend.

Cookie noted they seemed busy and that if they weren't interested in selling any books it was fine. Bones asked Agnes telepathically if that book worked and Agness, a little flustered from the novel, noted it did and questioned that they thought they had the book. Bones agreed and questioned if there were two books and Agnes stated no. Bones then asked if she had theirs and Agnes noted it was in her *Bag of Holding*, put a slight crease in the copy to keep the page they were on, handed it to Bones, stuck her face in her *Bag of Holding* for the original and immediately was smacked in the face by it as it appeared. Bones asked if it worked and Agnes proceeded to check while Cookie told Galactacon she was checking their stock to see if they had anything that might be of interest. Flint asked if they had ever come across a book like that before, that they needed to return it to a library and considered there might be a duplicate somewhere and Cookie replied there could be one and asked what library it needed to be returned to. As the Bad Bean Boys collectively noted they didn't know and were asked by a Lord to do so who already owed late fees Quil and Kami noticed Agnes was doing something. Meanwhile Agnes confirmed their version did still work, then took as many bonbons from her bag into her mouth and started to chew as removed her face and claimed you have to indulge yourself once in a while, which seemed to convince everyone. Kami asked if she had any to share and Cookie replied that she didn't share, even with them. Flint asked Kami if that chocolate could be the sixth bean and Quil replied there was only one way to find out. Cookie confusedly asked why the conversation had gone from Lords to sixth beans and when Kami commented that the chocolates looked like beans asked if the Lord they referred to was a bean Lord of sorts.

Bones commented on the mess they had made with their beans and Flint asked if they wanted to see a secret. As everyone stepped back after his question Flint enquired how many beans they would want to see and pulled out his *Decanter of Endless Beans,* while Kami activated *Manifest Echo* to summon his echo behind Sister Agnes. Flint pointed it towards the dark voids surrounding them and yelled out *"Geyser"* causing 30 gallons of baked beans to shoot out before corking it back up and expressed his hope they would join their quest for the elusive sixth bean. Cookie asked Galactacon if there was anything in the book about a sixth bean and Galactacon created another portal, stuck their hand in and pulled out a book titled *"The 12 Beans of History"*. Galactacon asked if it was five beans the said they had and after Flint had it explained how much more 12 was compared to six questioned if they did not understand multiversal bean farming. Flint agreed and grovelled as he asked to have those secrets shared with him as a friend and Galactacon let him look at it in pity. Flint looked at the book before giving it to Kami to look at as he couldn't read and Cookie commented that it was good that things were resolved and would get going.

Kami immediately swapped places with his Echo behind Sister Agnes to everyone's notice. Galactacon stated they weren't going to leave with his book and Cookie immediately agreed and had Bones give back the Index copy to him. Galactacon then asked for the other one and when the Bible Belt feigned ignorance noted they knew nothing about how the multiverse exists and that the book had more then one copy. Galactacon then called to Charles and when he responded said he had been messing around again. As the younger void dragon appeared he admitted it and cited that the group made some nice snacks, that he didn't let him have fun and was messing around. As the group tried to say he was a kid Galactacon explained he was 3000 years old, while Sister Agnes pressed herself against Kami the whole time. Galactacon asked why they wanted the *Spectral Index* and Quil noted they were retrieving it for pay, while Flint added they did so to gain exotic beans. Cookie noted his suspicion they had the same benefactor until that comment and Quil added that they were tasked to get the book because he had late fees. Galactacon leant back and acknowledged that he knew who they spoke of, that he came through with it, took it from him and that he wanted to get all the copies of it. Flint asked if they could take the book as a loan for a few days, return it to the Lord, who would return the book and pay the late fee, and then Galactacon could retrieve it. Galactacon asked which library it was from and the group noted they were unaware but could find out. Cookie noted that their employer wished to know how he would die and Galactacon replied that no one used it for that anymore and it was only used for smut.

Galactacon noted if they wished to borrow the book that one of them would have to remain as collateral and Cookie noted his son could vouch for them. Quil added that he would be willing to remain, but Flint suggested that Kami would be a better choice as he tried to allude to his *Echo* abilities. Quil agreed and joined in, but Kami declined and insisted he was fine. Sister Agness commented that they already found out their benefactor would die by drowing in a pond and could go, but Flint insisted they remain until the situation with Kami was resolved and pulled out his hunting rifle. Quil tried to calm Flint down and Flint replied that he couldn't afford to leave Quil or Kami there. Quil noted they needed to come to some agreement and when Flint blatantly said he could leave his Echo said he knew that was what he meant. Quil said that they were in a dire situation and was willing to remain so they could get the beans they desired and complete their job. Flint over dramatically told Quil he would have no beans the rest of his life and Quil retorted he was fine with that if that meant they could get out and research more beans. Kami commented that since they had *"The Book of 12 Beans"* they didn't really need to get the book back and Flint agreed and suggested they go. As Flint started to leave Galactacon told him to stop and he proceeded to do so. Quil asked Galactacon what it would take to have the bean book as well as to borrow the *Spectral Index* for their plan and Galactacon noted they could have the bean book as you only needed to read it once.

Cookie walked to Agnes and Bones and noted their confusion on what was happening and Agnes declared they wanted double their pay for the trauma of the situation. Bones noted that Agnes's bonbon could be the key to the situation and Agnes looked around before they reached into the *Bag of Holding*, grabbed a couple of cocoa beans, held them out to Flint and asked if he wanted them. Flint asked Kami to check the book to see if it was one of the 12 beans and after moving away from Agnes saw it was one of them and told the others. Flint asked what they wanted in return and they asked to not be slimed again. Galactacon noted the Bible Belt wanted the Index for the popular usage, while the Bad Bean Boys wanted to return it to the library. Cookie brought up that Charles made a good fake copy of the book and asked if they could make one so that could be taken to the library and Galactacon agreed that it could be done, though he didn't know how long it would last. He also agreed that his son was good at creating fakes, but added that the only major library he was aware in *Faerun* was *Candlekeep*. He added that if that was where the book needed to be taken would make the library moot and questioned why anyone would want it, especially a library. Flint suggested they were trying to defraud the people who worked there and when Galacton replied that it was sinister taking people's jobs noted that they had their empire by employing the poor and disenfranchised.

Galactacon told the seperate trios that they could keep the book and he would keep Flint and while the Bible Belt agreed Flint was not so keen. Quil asked what would need to happen for them all to leave and Galactacon told them they wished to control *Candlekeep*, but noted to do that he would have to burn it down and didn't wish to, but still desired it for his horde. Flint suggested they could purchase *Candlekeep* and Quil noted they would need to have the bean book to do so. Bones asked if he had all the books within the *Spectral Index* what the library would mean to him and Galactacon reiterated they hoard information and everyone's knowledge. Cookie suggested he could create his own library, call it *Candlekeep Two*, lorde over the fact he has more books then them since he has from over the multiverse until they came over to him. Galactacon replied that building another *Candlekeep* would institue that he didn't have all the information and that leaving them with their version was not in his best interests. Flint noted to the groups that Galactacon had ideas of world domination and as he didn't like the idea suggested the groups could figure something out. Quil added that he wanted to start a war with knowledge and that being the only one with knowledge was not a good thing.

Agnes insinuated that there was an information that Galactacon was not aware of, which was personal knowledge which was not found in books or libraries, but the thoughts within people. She offered for letting them leave with the book and in exchange there clientele could share their more intimate and interesting ideas and knowledge of things that interested them in the form of a board that anyone could put ideas on. Galactacon noted in consideration it wouldn't be enough as royalties and other costs along with a full contract would be needed, but the Bible Belt replied they would be good with that and added the their clients would be sold to them without their knowledge. Kami added that there were other cultures that had their knowledge in other forms instead of books like oratory, scrolls or tablets and other forms, and the knowledge could be translated into forms more interesting for him. Galactacon asked them to wait a second, cut through more portals, pulled out two big stacks of paper, placed one in front of each group and told them to sign their contracts and that they could leave. Galactacon said that the groups would both be using the boat to do the task, but when Flint suggested they could use their bean shop alongside it Galactacton agreed to the idea, noting they would both make money while he also gained the knowledge he desired. Galactacon also added that they could have the people sent to him through for him to consume for food afterwards, but both groups had issue with the idea citing morals of sending people to die in addition to the fact they would gain a reputation and be stopped.

Flint piped up to say that he was willing to accept his original deal of remaining there for the freedom of his friends. Agnes whispered to Bones and Cookie that it might be time for them to use the gift they recieved from Charles who nodded in agreement with them. Cookie threw the vibrating starfire sphere in the direction of Galactacton and the nearby Flint, which Flint managed to resist some of the flames, but Galacton took the full brunt of.

Flint immediately turned towards Cookie, asked what he did that for who responded he did it because the others told them to, pulled out his rifle, resisted against Galactacton's *(Aura of Madness?)* and asked Quil and Kami who he was to target out of Galactacton or the Bible Belt. Kami said to shoot the dragon, which Flint noted he had more vitality then them, while Quil said to shoot them as they shot Galactacton who was their friend, and unable to make a decision activated *Nimble Escape* to hide behind one of the piles of books, then activated *Second Wind* to recover and waited to see what Quil would do. As Quil also resisted against Galactacton's *(Aura of Madness?)* he looked to where Flint was, pulled out his *Dragon's Reach Crossbow,* looked at Galactacton, looked at the Bible Belt, then started to move away from the Bible Belt and cast *Pass Without Trace*. Kami also resisted against Galactacton's *(Aura of Madness?)* before he charged towards Galactacton, slashed him twice with his *Wind Slash Rapier*, then activated *Manifest Echo* to summon his *Echo* behind Galactacton. Galactacton, not happy with what happened, activated his *Gravitic Breath* creating a 80 foot cube smokescreen turning the area into difficult terrain, which Kami, Flint, Quil and Bones managed to resist the brunt of, while Agnes and Cookie took the full blast of.

After Agnes failed to find Flint as he hid, she turned to Bones and cast *Shield of Faith* on her. Bones sauntered away behind some books, passing by Flint who was hidden, cast *Disguise Self* to make a passible form of Charles, asked Galactacton what he was doing to "his friends" and Galactacton deactivated his *Gravitic Breath* and left him *Surprised.* Cookie tried to make it clear to Galactacton that they weren't anyone to be trifled with, that they still had the other copy of the *Spectral Index* in their *Bag of Holding*, that if he destroyed the bag he wouldn't know where the book would go and pulled out his revolver, which seemed to be enough to get Galactacton to stop, and readied himself to shoot one of his book if he became hostile again. Flint looked to Bones, pointed to his rifle, asked about her thoughts on Galactacton's current behavior and Bones responded telepathically that she'd rather leave then fight this guy, asked back what his crew might think and after Flint replied that he didn't think they stood a chance readied himself in case Galactacton attacked once again. Quil, seeing the Cookie's attempt seemed to stop Galactacton, moved to him, pointed his longbow at the *Bag of Holding,* told him if he fired at it he would do so as well and readied himself like Cookie.

Kami decided to ready himself after seeing what Galactacon decided to do. Galactacon disengaged as he moved from Kami and told them no one said anything about damaging his property and to relax. Galactacton then looked to Cookie and Bones still disguised as Charles, said that was a dumb stunt, and as the real Charles moved back into the void Cookie managed to convince him that Charles played a trick on him that it was meant to be a portal. Galactacon then asked Bones if it was true and Bones replied that they were stuck all day long, he had awesome books that he couldn't play with and that they walked into his bedroom. Galactacon convinced decided to ignore it and Bones noted he could ground "him" for weeks, but not to punish them as they were little. Galactacton told the two groups to take their contracts and books and get out of his house and Bones/Charles ushered them all away. As Agnes cast *Healing Word* on everyone Quil noted it was time for them to go. Flint asked if he really thought Galactacon would let them leave, but as they all checked while they walked noticed no sign that they were being followed.

As the two groups continued their path back and think of checking the *Spectral Index* as to the way out, Flint also suggested checking to see how they died to see if they lost their lives in the void or not. Agnes agreed and as she checked how to escape from the void saw as the pages started to form some sort of teleportation magic, but near the end as the thought of Flint's death came to her mind found out he would die choking on beans. Agnes told everyone that there was knowlege beyond hers, asked if the other group might be more knowledgable on the arcane and they responded that they weren't. Cookie and Kami being the smartest of the groups decided to look and while Cookie was unable to understand, Kami was able to, though he wasn't sure if he could do it properly. Kami took out some chalk from his bag, attempted to scrawl out what he saw in the book, went through it's incantations and motions, ushered everyone into the circle and as the circle started to light up in different spots all felt themselves on to the cold stone at the bottom of the Bad Bean Boy's bakery.

As everyone, but Quil, ended up vomiting from the faulty teleportation magic, the Bad Bean Boys were instantly relieved to be back home, while the Bible Belt were confused or feared the worst. Flint called upstairs for the halfling employee they pinched off their client and he soon came downstairs in their new uniform. Flint took *"The 12 Beans of History"* book from Kami, gave it to him, told him to learn about the unknown seven beans locations and flavors. He also told him to make an action plan so they could hire some people to find them as he was tired of adventuring and the halfing agreed and headed back upstairs. Flint informed the Bible Belt of where they were while they were ran up the stairs and saw the interior of their shop, customers and staff. Agnes turned back and asked Kami to call her as the trio left their store and realized they were in Waterdeep, which was a long way from their home. Kami asked where they needed to get to and Cookie told them they were from the city of Turmish. Quil soon remembered and relayed to the his team that their employer was still in the Astral Sea and said they would remain there for them, but Kami was sure he would teleport back on his own. Flint asked what happened if he couldn't, then ran into the store, grabbed some matches, ran out of the shop and up the hill.

Cookie thought of seeking out other Yuan-ti who hid amongst other lizard people and might be able to help them get home. Bones noted she knew some sailors though added didn't think that would help but as Agnes adjusted her armor and clothes noted it would help. Quil told them it was nice to meet them despite the circumstances and wished them safe travels, but noted he needed to find out what Flint was up to. Kami likewise told them it was great to meet them and hoped to visit their establishment one day. Kami waved goodbye to Agnes as the Bible Belts headed towards the docks, while Quil chased after Flint to find out what he was doing.

**And that is where we will end the Spectral Index!**

**Epilogue:**

* Cookie checked the group was in agreement that they didn't sign the contract because of the weird goblin
* The Bible Belts did find their way back home, where Agnes made a lot of cash recording smut from the *Spectral Index*
* They upgraded their ship *Boaty McBoatface*
* Agnes published her first novel under the name K.Y. Growling *"The Sorceror's Stones"*
* Flint set fire to their client's house despite Quil's attempt to stop them
* Quil headed the expeditions to find the seven unknown beans when they found out what they were

#### **Post-Show Shenanigans**

* Darrin thanks everyone for joining them through this fun dnd game
* Darrin re-introduces himself, and thanked the six special guests from the TTRPG Twitter community who took part in this side story who can all be found on twitter
	+ **@OrkFromMork** who can be found on twitter interacting with others on the TTRPG community, playing as **Kami** - Halfling, Swashbuckler Rogue / Echo Knight Fighter
	+ **@LovecraftDnD** **(Sam)** the dm from "Live, Laugh, Lovecraft", playing as **Flint Eatswood** - Goblin, College of Swords Bard / Gunslinger
	+ **@tasty\_doom** **(Kyle)** the dm from the "TastyDoomPodcast", playing as **Quil** - Tabaxi, Gloom Stalker Conclave Ranger
	+ **@D8Dungeon** **(Declan)** the dm from "Romancing The Dungeon", playing as **Sister Agnes Hellwig** - Dwarf, Life Domain Cleric
	+ **@DndTravellog** **(Steven)** one of the dms from "The Travel Log", playing as **Cookie Conrad** - Yuan-ti, Battle Smith Artificer
	+ **@DnDingbats** **(Grace)** the dm from "Dungeons & Dingbats", playing as **Billie "Bones" Barraquette** - Emerald Dragonborn, Swashbuckler Rogue

1. ↑ See "The Bad Bean Boys (Episode 4)"
2. ↑ See "The Bible Belt (Episode 4)". The Bible Belts swapped the Spectral Index with a fake and are aware they one he holds is not the real one.
3. ↑ See "The Bible Belt (Episode 4)". Charles crushed some of his starfire breath into a small sphere and told them to use in an emergency.