Altheya - Episode 4: The Lightless Chasm

Katie Morrison as Daisy Thistleheart

 Kim Richards as Gruffudd of Tremorrew

Rhiannon Frost as Ophelia D'larosa

 Tom Hazell as Xantheus Auregan

**The Lightless Chasm** is the 4th episode of the Altheya: The Dragon Empire Campaign. It was prerecorded and broadcast on both the highrollersdnd Twitch and YouTube channel on the 26th of November 2023 from 5PM to 8PM GMT.

*At the bottom of Blackrock Mine the team encounter the criminals they've been seeking... as well as another wave of the skittering Belamorph horde!*

## **Summary**

### **Announcements**

* Mark welcomes everyone and introduces the players.
* The best way to support HR is to encourage people to watch the new campaign.
* What helps the podcast is to rate it and to leave a review – this can encourage people to check it out.
* This episode was pre-recorded due to a Mr Sam and the Deadnutz concert being held on the same night as the stream.

### Recap

*Our adventurers have headed into Blackrock Mine looking for a number of criminals as well as, potentially, a conspirator from the village of Burnell. They’ve made their way into the mines and have encountered strange creatures at its entrance. Navigating the labyrinthian maze of tunnels, Rowan guides the party through them using a crude map and successfully manages to lead them to a central chamber containing a lift – an elevator that would head its way down to the very bottom of the mine where Daisy sees a strange light, and all can feel strange reverberation and thunderous force emerging from below. As they begin to explore the cavern looking for clues or things that may help them, Xantheus disturbs a body and a swarm of Belamorph Rippers, tiny creatures that burrow through stone and flesh, seeking precious metals and gemstones to consume, attack Xantheus, and soon, other Belamorphs suddenly arrive to attack the party.*

*A frantic battle takes place where they attempt to raise the lift so that they may descend into the lower floors – a quick escape through the iron gates and then our party is making their way down to what might be their final confrontation here in Blackrock Mine. As they arrive, they emerge to see a strange sight as Marrion Delamere(sp?), the foreman of the mine that Daisy had briefly encountered up in Burnell, seems to be holding a strange relic or artifact, channelling an enormous beam of magic carving through stone and earth, digging its way. Meanwhile, the criminals seem to be surrounded by these Belamorph creatures, fighting them off desperately, and as the party arrive, they see a large Belamorph, this strange alien-like creature, digging through things, turn its head engage and notice the party.*

### **Part One**

*We encounter the criminals deep in Blackrock Mine... but they're surrounded by a horde of skittering Belamorphs!*

The party has entered the cavern and seen Marrion hovering ten to fifteen feet in the air with multiple Belamorphs throughout the chasm, including a very large one that seems to be overseeing the eight workers. In the western part of the cavern are the three criminals, Berrick Brassfist(sp?), the duellist bravo, Regina Violate(sp?) and the black Kobold, Yurgo the Eel(sp?) – they have been shouting about getting something away from Marrion. Now that they have entered the cavern and can see properly, they notice that the relic that Marrion is holding is clearly damaged – the crystal at the tip has been fractured and cracked, and it seems to be somewhat out of control.

The cone of light from Rowan’s lantern and the massive purple light from the rod in Marrion’s hands illuminates the entire cavern in front of them – there is scaffolding up to a narrow area above them, and in the far corner, the Dwarf, Berrick Brassfist(sp?) looks towards them and yells out that he cannot see who has arrived but he knows that someone is there – he asks who they are and who they are with before swinging his brass-knuckled fists at the Belamorphs, punching one of the workers in the face. Ophelia commands Percival to move to the exit where he draws his shortsword and awaits further commands, she then moves to the column nearest to Marrion and climbs it to get closer to her, struggling to get within fifteen feet of her as she feels something pushing her away. Ophelia cries out to Berrick that it does not matter who they are, but that they are here to fix the mess that they have created. Berrick realises that the party is not with them and also tells the party that what has happened is not their fault, but Marrion’s. Regina takes a lunging strike at a nearby Belamorph, looking for all the world like a fencer, and stabs it, almost killing it. Yurgo suggests killing the newcomers and taking the rod, which Berrick is happy for him to do. Berrick grabs a nearby barrel and throws it towards a second barrel that is under the floating Marrion – he then pulls out a sparking device and readies himself to ignite it. Three Belamorphs rush towards Ophelia and climb the column on which she stands, one of them swinging wildly at her. Others attack Rowan and Berrick, but miss, and a third hits Yurgo the Eel, who yells out in pain.

Xantheus leans around Rowan and hurls a *Firebolt* at one of the nearby Belamorph, but it appears to use Rowan to avoid the attack and gain cover. It appears that these Belamorphs, compared to the ones that they fought in the upper levels, are much more coordinated. Xantheus looks up to the rod that Marrion is holding – it appears to be immensely powerful and very unstable, he can feel pulse waves of energy pushing everything away. The magic is carving through the earth and rock, almost as if it is searching for something, looking to dig its way to whatever it is looking for. Xantheus recognises the rod as a powerful artifact, and believes that its repair is beyond him, but also believes that if they can get it away from Marrion, that it may deactivate automatically. He yells to Ophelia to tear the rod from Marrion’s hands.

Rowan makes a fist and slams it into the ground – blue light emanates from it as he casts *Thunderclap*, injuring the nearest two Belamorphs, who scream in pain. Daisy informs Nim about what is happening in the cavern, specifically asking how she can help Marrion – Nim says that she did not encounter relics like the rod very often in her role, but she thinks that if they can separate Marrion from the rod, that it may shut off the magic and enable them to help her. The power of the Earth Court, however, will try to keep them from reaching Marrion but will protect her, and it may make it more difficult to strike the rod. Nim recommends finding some other means to get at the rod, telling them that earth enhances one’s strength, ability to resist, and durability. Looking up, they can see that Marrion appears to be surrounded by a globe of magic force – Marrion calls out, asking for help and telling them that she cannot stop the rod, nor can she let it go. Daisy stabs a nearby Belamorph to death and is covered in pheromones before she runs up the ladder behind them. The three criminals question her actions before Berrick suggests killing all of them.

Gruff activates his *Armour of Oak and Thorn* and then swings at the nearest Belamorph but the attack bounces off its carapace. The Belamorph Overseer moves to Rowan and clobbers him with its spiked leg before it opens its mouth and spits acid at Ophelia, coating her with acidic drool – she hisses at the creature in anger. Berrick kills a Belamorph before moving to hit the creature attacking Yurgo. Ophelia spends some time wiping the acid off her and is hit by one of the pursuing Belamorphs before she struggles to move closer to Marrion – she is now five feet away as Marrion desperately calls out for help. Regina misses the creature near her, before Yurgo decides that he needs to protect himself and casts *Blur*.

The three Belamorphs chasing Ophelia decide that trying to make it past the repulsion field is too hard and turn instead to fight Daisy – she is surrounded by the creatures, although only one of them manages to hit her. One of the Belamorphs across the room digs into the stone wall and appears near the party at the cavern mouth. Rowan and Xantheus are hit by nearby Belamorphs but, seeing that Daisy is overwhelmed, Xantheus moves closer to her and launches a *Firebolt* that misses its target. Rowan uses his longsword to hit the Belamorph Overseer – feeling the attack, it tucks its legs in, brings its carapace down and sinks towards the ground, locking itself in place and allowing it to resist some of the damage from the strike. Rowan calls for the others to bring some of the exploding barrels over so that they can kill the creature. Daisy is injured by the massed creatures around her before she kills another with her shortsword and is sprayed once more with pheromones, she stabs a second with her dagger. Nim advises her to move now that she is no longer surrounded but Daisy instead decides to kick the barrel that is near her off the edge – it falls and rolls next to Rowan and the large Overseer, spilling out a fine-grained black and red powder. Gruff moves towards the larger Belamorph, taking some minor damage from one of the Workers on the way through – he attempts to shove the barrel of powder under the Overseer, but it grabs the barrel with its small forearms underneath it and pushes it away. Gruff moves up the ladder towards Daisy, anticipating that an explosion may occur soon near the larger creature. The Overseer swings a spiked leg at Rowan, crashing it into the stone beside him instead, it then tries to spit acid at Xantheus who manages to dodge the spittle.

*Somewhere beyond a place of mortal knowledge, perhaps in the realm of Gods or the Planar Realms, maybe even further beyond, hands work at a crucible mixing the fabric of reality, the very nature of luck and fate. (Here is where Mark introduces the mechanics for the Crucible of Fate – he will not be entirely happy with it and will make some changes to it for the next episode).*

Berrick yells to his companions that since the strangers are dealing with the beasts, they should concentrate on getting the rod from Marrion and directs Yurgo to go and get it. Ophelia flicks out her whip, wrapping it around the rod in Marrion’s hands – she pulls back on the whip, trying to pull the rod from her hands but is unable to free it from Marrion’s grip for the moment. Regina points out that Ophelia is trying to get the rod and runs over to deal with her, managing to plant a thrown dagger into Ophelia’s unarmoured thigh. Yurgo is instructed by Berrick to target the barrel – he pulls out a small packet and strikes it with the tinder before throwing it towards the barrel near the Overseer. It is thrown long, however, and lands under the ladder near Daisy and Gruff – the explosion is only small given that the package is only an ignition pellet, but the blast does break the ladder into splinters. Rowan and Xantheus slash at the Belamorphs passing by them, rushing towards Daisy and Berrick, but only Xantheus hits one – Daisy takes an attack from one of the beasts already on her. Xantheus asks Rowan to move the barrel behind the Belamorph Overseer and he prepares to throw a *Firebolt* at it once the barrel has been moved and Rowan is safely away from it. Rowan picks up the explosive barrel and throws it so that it sits between a large rock and the Belamorph Overseer (Xantheus notices that because the barrel was leaking, that some of the powder also drops on Rowan as he picks up the barrel). Once the barrel is in place, Xantheus launches a *Firebolt* at the barrel causing it to explode with fire and concussive force, blasting into the Belamorph Overseer. Rowan concentrates on making sure that the large creature does not attack anyone else while he casts *Bardic Inspiration* on Gruff.

Daisy attacks both of the Belamorphs next to her, destroying one and scratching another before moving up onto the crate behind her. Gruff casts shillelagh and shoves the nearby Belamorph off the cliff and towards the criminals – it now appears to be more interested in Berrick, who is furious that he is now the target of the creature’s ire. The Overseer stabs Rowan in the neck with a spiked claw – he slams his fists together, sending a pulse through the patterns on his arms – he stubbornly resists some of the damage and manages to stay conscious. Xantheus suffers a similar attack, and like Rowan, his runic patterns flash, absorbing some of the damage and keeping him conscious. Berrick kills one of the Belamorphs near him and gets sprayed with pheromones again, before shouting at his colleagues to get the rod before the newcomers do. Ophelia pulls once more on the whip, desperately attempting to pull the rod out of Marrion’s hands but Marrion yanks on it and dislodges the whip.

Regina, seeing that the whip has now uncoiled from the rod, throws a dagger and attempts to knock the rod from Marrion’s hands – the dagger is deflected away, however and the rod remains in Marrion’s hands. Yurgo swings his dagger at a Belamorph and misses, while two of the creatures tear into Berrick. Xantheus breathes fire at the Overseer, burning it and causing it to stumble forwards and roar – its wounds begin to ooze acid, causing damage to Rowan and Xantheus, who both run from the creature. Daisy rummages through the rubbish around her and finds the head of a pickaxe – she believes that she may be able to throw it and knock the rod out of Marrion’s hands, but she misses her mark by a decent margin. Moving to the nearby table, she grabs a lantern and drops it over the ledge to land on a Belamorph, which starts burning.

Gruff jumps off the ledge onto Regina, hoping to grapple her but she is a slippery customer and avoids his grip, brandishing her blade in his direction. The burning Overseer runs towards Rowan and Xantheus, both of whom avoid being hit (Xantheus dodges, but Rowan uses his runes once more to resist the damage as it slams into him). Berrick hits one of the Belamorphs and bloodies it. Ophelia pushes her way to Marrion and bites her neck, noticing that there is magic flowing through her blood – the magic is making subtle permanent changes to her. There is an earthy taste to the blood, it is delicious and powerful as it fills Ophelia with raw strength – she does not manage to knock Marrion unconscious, however her eyes flutter weakly.

Regina swings at Gruff, furious that he has tried to get the drop on her, while Yurgo proves unable to finish off the Belamorphs near him and Berrick. Both Belamorphs attack and slash at Berrick – he is buried under their bodies, then screams as he is ripped apart. Xantheus casts *Firebolt* at the nearby Overseer but the flames miss his target. Rowan, realising that they are in trouble, digs his heels in and pushes the Belamorph Overseer – the stones crumble away from beneath its back feet and the creature falls into the chasm created by the magical beam, burnt by the magic as the uncontrolled beam passes over its falling body. When the Overseer dies, the remaining Belamorphs become terrified and immediately move to leave the cavern. Rowan, exhausted, collapses to the ground.

Daisy moves the ladder closer to Marrion before desperately throwing a short piece of chain at Marrion, attempting once again to knock the rod from her hands. Regina looks at Yurgo and at the party, tells him that this was Berrick’s idea and that it is no longer worth it – she looks as though she is going to run, so Gruff smacks her on the back of the head with his staff to knock her out. Yurgo immediately raises his arms and surrenders, arguing that he was forced to be there. Ophelia keeps biting Marrion in order to knock her out – Ophelia begins to cry as her strength returns, however, since this is not what she wished to do, and she does not wish people to think that she is a monster who wants to suck the life from people for the sake of it. Once Marrion goes pale and her eyes close, however, she and Marrion immediately fall from the air to the ground, and the rod falls from her hands to land safely on the ground next to Rowan.

The rod begins to hover suddenly in the air as they hear a familiar voice thanking them – Kalifris suddenly appears from invisibility in his male form with the rod in his hands and vanishes as melds into the rock, teleporting away.

### **Part Two**

*The party escape the mines to return back to Burnell and complete the investigation!*

The party has found Marrion, the foreman of the mine, holding the artifact, the Hand of the Lightless Pilgrim. She was held by some power while she channelled magic from the rod and was carving up the mine. Three criminals, whom the party was sent to apprehend, had been attempting to take the rod from Marrion while also being attacked by Belamorphs. The leader, Berrick Brassfist, is now dead, while Regina and Yurgo have been captured. The party stopped the wild use of magic from the rod and saved Marrion, but Kalifris appeared and took the rod before vanishing into the rock wall of the mine.

Xantheus, incredibly impressed by what he has just seen Rowan do with the Belamorph Overseer, helps the big man to his feet and suggests that he write a song about it, Rowan agrees that he will make a note and add it to his list of potential songs before Daisy climbs down and tells him that she will add a note to her notebook so that she can remind him. Ophelia is obviously distraught, but everyone is otherwise ok – Gruff is binding Regina’s hands with rope and removing any remaining weapons from her person before he tries to do the same to an unwilling Yurgo. Yurgo, who does not want to go to prison, runs for the exit – Xantheus throws the pickaxe head at him but misses before Ophelia calls Percival to block the entrance. Percival moves to the tunnel entrance and throws his hood back, terrifying Yurgo who then runs back towards the party yelling that Saint Dethyr, or Lady Death, is here to take him and offering his hands out to be restrained.

Xantheus points out to Gruff that they have acted as officers of justice in that they have captured two of the three wanted criminals, but he advises Gruff not to look at the third. There is not much recognisable about Berrick Brassfist except for his brass knuckle dusters – his mangled corpse has had its chest split in two, but he still has pockets, pouches, and various pieces of jewellery on his body. Gruff is not sure what to do now as this is the first time that he has acted to dispense justice.

Xantheus asks Rowan what has happened to the rest of the Belamorphs and whether he senses any more of them – Rowan leans up against the stone and takes a few minutes to listen to the stone, using *Harmonious Recall.* Feeling the vibrations, Rowan begins to see a scene in his mind –

*Rowan senses the presence of a desperate woman meeting with three shady individuals. The woman grasps a rod that glows with powerful, ancient magic. When she does, Rowan does not hear words, but he sees that she yells something and then the magic explodes and erupts. As the cavern begins to be carved out, the beam of light from the rod flows through the stone, and he can almost picture it like a serpent or worm, writhing its way, finding pockets of ore, gems, and other valuable resources that it seeks out. As it exposes them, some terrible, ancient thing that dwells in the dark of the earth appears… it hungers and sends out her children to fetch the new riches, but more importantly, to claim the rod.*

*Rowan feels the skittering and scurrying as thousands of tiny hands are sent to try to claim them, but with the rod gone, they begin to recede back into the dark earth.*

Rowan tells them that he thinks that they are safe for now, but that the creatures emerged because of the rod carving into the stone, that something listened and heard, and sent their minions. He believes that the presence has always been there, but that it suddenly had a reason to show itself. Rowan tells Xantheus that he would like to leave, and Gruff suggests that they should take Berrick’s body back since they were sent to catch three criminals. They lash Berrick’s body to the ladder, with Gruff and Rowan carrying it, while Ophelia carries the unconscious bodies back to the lift. Yurgo has his hands tied behind his body and is on a lead – he is terrified of Percival, believing him to be a representative of Saint Dethyr, the figure of Death. Xantheus takes Yurgo’s satchel in order to try to prevent him from escaping.

The party and their prisoners enter the elevator and ascend, not seeing any signs of any Belamorphs in any of the side tunnels on the way to the surface. They make their way back to the main chamber, Ophelia takes the dragon fire pistol and the satchel (which contains a broken but functioning lantern, a flask of oil, a tinder box, and one dynamite stick of dragon fire powder). There is nothing significant in any of the crates, but they do notice that this mine is dried up – there are no active veins of ore, and nothing else of value left. At some point in the journey, Yurgo moves up to Berrick’s body and sadly pats him on the side, apologises for letting him down, given that he is not a fighter like Berrick was.

The party presses on towards the mine entrance, and about halfway there, they hear armoured boots and the voice of Captain Luka Vecaro shouting orders. Xantheus identifies himself and shouts to the captain that the mine is clear – light is ordered and eventually, the groups meet up. With Captain Vecaro is Authorator Zarron Tekis, Cade, and a number of soldiers who have clearly been in combat with the creatures (they have scratches and acid-pitted armour). Captain Vecaro tells the party that they fought with the Belamorphs for a while before they retreated and ran back into the mine. The Authorator is delighted to see that the three criminals have been apprehended and calls on his men to take the body, the unconscious Regina and Marrion, and Yurgo into custody, telling Yurgo that he will never escape Deep Glimmer. The Authorator wishes that they had been able to take Berrick into custody so that he could have faced justice, but he feels that he got what he deserved for disobeying the law of the empire.

Seeing how injured they are, Captain Vecaro offers them the assistance of his medics, and walks with them back to the village. He tells them that after they entered the mine, he met up with some of the miners, and that as they reached the mine, at least a hundred of the creatures poured out and started attacking them – they had been fighting them ever since, until they suddenly turned and ran back into the mine. After he asks for their information on what happened, Gruff tries to give Captain Vecaro a full, formal military report – the captain listens patiently, but Gruff notices that Zarron Tekis is furiously writing down every detail. Out of respect for the law, Gruff tells the two officers about every detail of their encounter, including information about the rod and Kalifris. Rowan tells them about the rock and how it is upset, as well as the evil that has stirred as a result of the power of the rod. Tekis is aware of the Belamorphs and their relationship to Belaynn, understanding the relationship between the use of the device, the uncovering of metals and gems, and the activation of the Belamorphs by Belaynn. He calls Belaynn a plague to miners and Dwarves, and to any others who dig for treasures in the earth, instilling greed in them – he thinks that Berrick may be an unwitting pawn rather than a cultist himself. Belaynn, he says, has many shadowy cults and figures hidden around the Empire, and is believed to dwell in the darkest depths of the earth where the Goddesses and saints cannot see her. Tekis also promises to hunt down Kalifris.

Rowan speaks for Marrion, suggesting that she may have fallen in with the wrong crowd in a desperate attempt to source new ores and minerals from the mine. The captain appreciates his sympathy for her but looks to the Authorator who affirms that Marrion is a criminal and guilty. The captain wants to know more of her intentions, however, knowing Marrion to be a previously faithful individual. He believes that the Duke would have understood if he was told that the mine had run dry, and does not understand what Marrion was trying to do – he wishes to know if she was a willing accomplice, and therefore and accessory to the crimes, or whether she was under some sort of duress, in which case the penalty may be less severe. Rowan is trying to be respectful and to pay attention, but his eyes are closing and his head nodding. The captain applauds Gruff for his excellent report – Daisy slides up to Gruff and gives him a thumbs up while he tries not to show any emotion, but a twitch in his cheek indicates that he is holding back a smile. Captain Vecaro tells the party that once they return to the village, he will make sure that they receive adequate compensation for their efforts, the bounty for capture of the criminals, as well as a writ of the Duke’s favour (to which all of their names will be added) – if they present the writ at the Duke’s manor in Ashen Rest, he will see them personally.

Gruff asks the captain if the Duke is hiring any knights and the captain tells him that there is always room in the Duke’s service for those who would prove themselves to have the valiant virtues of the knight. The captain has not yet attempted to do so but it is a dream of his and many others, but he recommends that Gruff wait and see if the Duke’s interests align with his own after meeting him. The Duke has a few knights, but not many, and being a knight is an important matter, especially to Caldra. The captain thinks that having a Caldran knight from Iceheart would be interesting indeed.

Xantheus asks if they are free to continue on their way once they get back to Burnell now that the criminals have been apprehended, and the captain assures him that the roads will be opened for travel. Captain Vecaro will send word to the force from Kelscariss to advise that they are no longer needed and will do some further investigation into a few other mysteries in the town before heading back to Ashen Rest. He does not think much of the town’s marshal, believing them open to bribery, so he will speak to her. Captain Vecaro offers some scouts to travel with them and escort them to Ashen Rest if they wish – Xantheus tells him that he will speak with the group.

When they return to Burnell, a crowd has gathered, and Marshal Valgra, the embittered old Dwarven lady, is on the walls scowling and holding her crossbow. She seems disappointed that they have not been destroyed by the creatures and orders the farmers and miners on duty to open the gates. As they enter, they notice that just about everyone that they know is there – the Reeve, the Reverend, Raul, Adriana – they do notice that Marrion’s parents are looking terrified and under guard, not allowed to engage with her when they enter. They also notice a small commotion with the guards who were escorting Yurgo, Regina, and Brassfist’s body – they had gone on ahead of the rest of the group and are now looking around guiltily as it is apparent that the Kobold is missing. They also notice that the Reeve, on seeing them return with a living but unconscious Marrion, looks extremely nervous, and she hurriedly makes her way back to her cottage as the party is escorted to the Peony Post. Adrianna organises food and drinks for them – a huge feast for the heroes whose exploits are already being exaggerated wildly by the village inhabitants.

Rowan offers to perform a song for everyone and begins picking out some notes on his lute, but very soon falls asleep over his instrument. Adrianna comes over, puts him in a large armchair, throws a blanket over him and wraps him up. Xantheus notices that while the crowd is excited for and interested in the new heroes visiting the town, they stay away from him – Zarron Tekis, however, pulls a chair over and sits down before speaking to Xantheus directly. Xantheus asks him how his investigation is going and Tekis tells him that he has his criminal and his culprits, although one has escaped – his greater concern is the Tyfling. Xantheus mentions that Kalifris can change form and describes the two forms that they saw before Tekis utters that Kalifris is likely some sort of warlock – one who has made a deal with Planar powers in order to get the ability to do magical tricks and gifts. He thanks Xantheus and asks him if he wants to tell Tekis why he is really in town – Xantheus does not, however. Because he has saved the town and done a great service to the Empire, Tekis is happy to allow them to part ways without getting an answer to his question, he does, however, tell Xantheus that they will meet again and that Tekis will want an honest answer to that question – he will know if Xantheus is lying to him, and there will be consequences. Xantheus makes a flippant comment about seeing Tekis in Ashen Rest but is mildly alarmed when Tekis announces that he will be travelling with them to the town because he wants to keep an eye on Xantheus. Xantheus wishes him a good night (almost as a dismissal), it is reciprocated by the Authorator who takes himself to the bar and simply watches Xantheus.

Ophelia spends some time dancing before settling down at a table with Percival and a bottle of wine where she is soon joined by Reverend Arthur Teathistle who introduces himself. They discuss a little about the horrible creatures and their origin before Ophelia formally introduces herself. When she reveals that she is from Osseus, a continent from across the sea, Teathistle is astounded – he has never met anyone not from Ilmera before and understands that a sea crossing is incredibly dangerous. He asks Ophelia what has brought her to Ilmera, “Education and learning”, she tells him – Teathistle is delighted, telling her that he teaches the children in the church, all sorts of things like their numbers and letters, history of the Empire, prayers and songs. Ophelia teaches Teathistle about Osseus and the House of Blood, offering him some of her wine when he asks about it – he is very much a wine guy. Ophelia teaches Teathistle in detail about the Grave Father and the history of Osseus – the more she talks to him, the paler he gets and begins to make the sign of the Scions over his breast. Teathistle is overwhelmed by the philosophical debate, wondering if the Grave Father is a manifestation of “the imprisoned one” (gesturing up to the air towards Sovereign) or a masculine form of Meilyr, but he is having difficulty wrapping his head around the complex religious philosophies.

In turn, Teathistle tells Ophelia more about Ilmeran culture and the Gods and saints that are worshipped here. He informs her about the Grave Shepherd, Saint Dethyr (perhaps their version of the Grave Father). Some people believe that just before the moment of their death, they see Saint Dethyr aiming at them with her bow and can feel it in their person – some are afraid of it, others are not. If her vision is upon someone, then when they die, Saint Dethyr does her best to tether the soul of the dead to the world of Altheya, preventing the Planar powers from snatching them away. Once the soul is tethered, a new body is born for them – if a soul is deemed not worthy, the memories of their former life are wiped away so that the soul can try to find worthiness once again. If a soul is worthy, it ascends to become a divine Saint, as Saint Dethyr once did at the beginning of time at the Brightstorm (when she proved herself once the great calamity befell from on high).

Teathistle asks Ophelia about her plans for the future – she tells him that they plan to move around a bit, likely going next to Ashen Rest. The Reverend bids her farewell, telling Ophelia that he has had too many glasses of wine, and that Mrs Teathistle does not like him coming home drunk. Teathistle offers her a parting blessing: “By Scions and Saints, may you walk blessed in both Sun and Moon” before giving her a small prayer book from the Ilmeran religion. He comes back briefly to get his coat when reminded by Adrianna before ambling out of the inn.

Daisy takes some time to doodle in her book and to update Nim on everything that occurred in the mine.

Nim makes a harsh chime sound in Daisy’s head, their version of cursing, *“That Tyfling was bad news, I knew it. It worries me that they got away with that artifact but no matter, it cannot be helped now”*. Daisy points out that the rod was somewhat broken, so it may not be useful anymore. *“If it truly belongs to the person that they work for then they will be in the position to fix it, but sometimes the Planar powers meddle in the mortal realms seeking things and favours and items. Perhaps now they will simply reclaim it and save it for another time. But you did excellently, you fought well, kept your mind about you…”* Daisy asks if she did better than last time and Nim agrees that she did, and is learning much about using the blade and the high ground in battle. Daisy tells Nim that she was hoping that Rowan would sing tonight but that he is very tired – Rowan is snoring softly in the armchair in the corner – Daisy will let Nim know if he sings tomorrow night. Nim adds one more thing, *“I wasn’t fully aware of it, but there was a moment down in those mines, it wasn’t Planar, but it was something of the Planes, but it also wasn’t. Something that that Dragonborn did – I felt it. I’m not sure what it was, little one, but just be cautious”.* Daisy becomes flustered, telling Nim that she now has two to worry about, the “Bitey One” and the “Shiny Boy”. *“Strangely”*, says Nim, *“the woman who has the touch of death about her… I feel… she does not give me as much concern as that surge of power I felt from the Dragonborn. It was only for a brief moment… there was something… but perhaps… I did not fully sense it, perhaps it is just the nature of his magic, I don’t know.”* Nim advises Daisy not to ask Xantheus directly about it but to wait and listen. Daisy still wants to buy a scarf, saying that even if Ophelia has promised not to bite her, it was cosy.

Gruff spends the evening enjoying the food and drink but is a little awkward due to the large number of strangers and all the noise. He is feeling warm and content realising that they managed to do justice today, and his first taste of it feels good. Later, as the evening becomes quieter, Gruff moves over to talk to Xantheus and asks him to accompany him to the stream nearby where he can soak his old paws. Xantheus is concerned that this is going to turn into an interrogation, but Gruff reassures him and lights up his pipe as they walk. They walk outside the walls and down to the geothermal pool near the Reverend’s cottage – they sit on the bench and Gruff lowers his hind paws into the water, sighing a large, contented sigh, while Xantheus sits cross-legged on the bench beside him and puts the tip of his tail into the water. When there is an appropriately peaceful moment, Gruff says quietly to Xantheus while smoking his pipe and looking anywhere but at Xantheus, “We met on the road. You were in trouble – vulnerable. I won’t lie, when we went to the mines, and I saw you talking with that Tyfling, I did wonder about you, and I wondered how you fit in in the world of justice and what’s right and wrong. I was very proud that you did not take a deal or a trade. We saw the colours of that one in the end. What happened in the mine – I’m not asking any questions, I just want to share some wisdom with you.

“When I tried to heal you, and I saw you there, hurt from your own magic, and you looked at me straight in my eyes… let me tell you, young man, I have seen that look before in the eyes of a man who was drowning. Now, I’m not asking any questions, but I just want to tell you – if you need help, just give me the sign”. Xantheus attempts to remain stony-faced, but something twitches in his face, although he cannot quite bring himself to answer Gruff, until he eventually nods slowly and stares silently into the pool. Gruff looks up to the sky and they both agree just to enjoy the stars for now. Xantheus’ hand subconsciously drifts up to his chest to feel a ragged lump and heat – hearing what Gruff has said, the pain seems less, but he has a strange warm sensation in the fingers on his right hand.

They awake on the 10th day of mid-moon of Stormfall to the sound of the soldiers of Captain Vecaro completing their investigations and securing the area to ensure that there are no more Belamorphs around in the hills around the mines. The captain talks with the foreman and the marshal and Adrianna has overheard that the reeve has disappeared and has cleared out what remained in the town’s treasury. Fortunately, the hoarding tithe had been paid to the Duke a week prior, but this now leaves the town with no funds for repairs. Adrianna brings them a large breakfast platter, paid for by the captain’s purse, and they discuss heading to Ashen Rest as a group. Captain Vecaro meets with the group, telling them that he will continue investigations into the reeve while the Authorator will travel with them to Ashen Rest to investigate the reeve and the missing Kobold. He presents them with a beautifully gilded scrollcase and pulls down a scroll written in a Draconic in a beautiful calligraphic script, reading:

***WRIT OF FAVOUR***

***The bearer of this favour performed a great deed in the service of His Grace, Duke of North Vale, his Draconic Majesty, Ignarious.***

***This writ is signed by Captain Lucas Vecaro of the Second Talon to prove that these deeds are of honourable and just means and that the Duke's favour should be heaped upon them.***

He places the writ upon the table along with a sack containing gemstones within - coinage would be inconvenient given the weight that the coins would carry. The bag contains rubies for each of them to pay for the capture of two living and one dead captive – 125 gold each.

Vecaro wishes them all the very best for their travels and hopes that he will meet them again. He implores them to take the reeve into custody should they see her again and tells them that both the Authorator and young Cade will travel with them with a unit of three guards back to Ashen Rest just in case there are problems. Vecaro snaps them a salute and wishes them farewell, Xantheus puts his hand to his chest and offers captain Vecaro a bow in return.

## **YouTube Timestamps**

0:00:00 - Intro

0:03:01 - Part 1

1:39:33 - Part 2

2:52:05 - Outro

## **Characters**

#### **PCs**

* Daisy Thistleheart
* Gruffudd of Tremorrew
* Ophelia D'larosa
* Rowan
* Xantheus Auregan

#### **Returning NPCs**

* Percival
* Berrick Brassfist(sp?)
* Regina Violate(sp?)
* Yurgo the Eel(sp?)
* Marrion Delamere(sp?)
* Kalifris
* Captain Lukas Vecaro
* Authorator Zarron Tekis
* Adrianna
* Reverend Arthur Teathistle

#### **Mentioned NPCs**

* Cade
* Mrs Teathistle
* Marshal Valgra
* "The Foreman" (presumably no longer Marrion)

## **Featured Locations**

* Caldra
	+ Blackrock Mine
	+ Burnell

## **Trivia**

* When Mark mentions that the crystal on the rod is broken at the top of the episode, Trott makes a joke with Kim about using the mending cantrip on it – Kim tells him not to even joke about it. This is a callback to Aerois episode 87 which was quite traumatic to Kim at the time.
* When Kim was talking about wildshaping, she referenced a comment that Akechi had made in Discord about Gruff just changing from standing upright to just putting his paws down. Mark sang the theme for Beauty and the Beast and then asked the question “Why am I so much more ugly as a man?” which is a reference to the general consideration that the Prince in the original Beauty and the Beast movie was not as hot as the Beast version.
* **Condition – overwhelmed:** (specific to Belamorph Workers) if there are any 3 of the Belamorph Workers surrounding a creature, their hive mind and pack tactics allow them to prevent a creature from moving or running away from them. Mark has indicated that he will likely use this for zombies or any kind of swarming, minion-like creature.
* Trott rolled a natural 20 to shove the Belamorph Overseer over the edge of the chasm.
* Kalifris was following the party the whole time, from the entrance of the mine, down the lift with them, and staying in the corners of the chamber during the combat. Mark had been making regular stealth rolls for Kalifris (none of the party’s passive perceptions were good enough to see them). Kalifris never rolled below a 17 on stealth. Kalifris also had an initiative roll.
* Xantheus has a passive perception of 9 – the same as Percival (who has no eyes).
* **Lore drop:** Being a knight of a Duke or a Duchess (a Lord Dragon) would be very different to being a knight of the order. Being a Duke’s knight, you are sworn to serve the Duke and do whatever they order. A Knightly Order has a shared belief that they all collaborate towards. Being a Duke or Duchess’ knight is more prestigious but being one of a Knightly Order is something closer to Gruff’s intrinsic beliefs.
* **Lore drop:** Silvereye is the Dragon Noble for Iceheart (which includes the region of Tremorrew). Silvereye is not her true name but most Icefolk use this nickname (according to Kim in the Discord).
* When Zarron Tekis comes over to talk to Xantheus, he is described as “Riker maneuvering” into the chair. This refers to Star Trek: The Next Generation, where Jonathan Frakes would get into a chair by throwing one of his legs over the back of it so that he could then sit down.
* **Inconsistency**: The wording for the writ above was provided by Kim and altered slightly from the wording in the episode.
* There is some sort of time issue with Xantheus since Mark says at the very end of the episode in an ominous tone that he and Tom will have to talk about Xantheus “because another day has passed”.
* The characters level up to Level 3 at the conclusion of this episode.
* Mark adds the homebrew Crucible of Fate this episode. Crucible of Fate dice rolls: Kim (5), Trott (1\*), Rhi (4), Katie (1\*), Tom (1\*), Mark (4). Trott, Katie, and Tom's rolls are not announced, only that their dice will go to the DM, hence they are marked as 1\*.