Zenada Vosh

Character Art by Hesper

## Character Biography

### Past Life, Death and Reincarnation

In a past life, Zenada was a drow elf named Celae’sarrin Droas, who reincarnated enough times to become an Umavi (one whose soul had found their purpose). Unfortunately, Celae'sarrin believed their purpose was to kill the Bright Queen, who they believed had lost themselves amidst her cycles of rebirth. After failing to assassinate the Queen, they were sentenced to execution outside the reach of the Luxon to end the cycle of rebirth.

Celae'sarrin was escorted by four soldiers of the Bright Queen’s court dressed in ceremonial armour.  In contrast, Celae'sarrin was collared and bound in chained bars between them, dressed in simple garb. They had no shoes, which resulted in their feet bleeding from the forced march.  When one of the soldiers warned that they would be executed in another mile, Celae’sarrin replied with a round of defiant banter.

Their repartee was cut short when a drow materialized in front of them.  The soldiers moved to attack, realizing too late that it was an echo and decoy.  The real drow, Celae'sarrin's lover Antalas Thalund, then appeared and killed them all. Antals then approached them and apologized for the delay.  Celae’sarrin told him he’d cut it rather close.  Antalas said he’d lost his sword—the price of betraying the Bright Queen.  He apologized to Celae’sarrin, telling them the queen never stop hunting them.  Celae’sarrin told him they knew.  He promised Celae’sarrin he’d find them before giving them a mercy kill.

Celae’sarrin was almost immediately reincarnated as a newborn orc girl, whose parents were in an oxen-drawn wagon a few miles from the site of their death.  One of the first things she saw, aside from her parents, was a ghostly halfling woman. Her parents, once they recovered, named her Zenada Vosh (episode 22).

### Adulthood (pre-campaign)

Zenada would grow up in Xhorhas and worked with the Scarbearers, a famous (or infamous) mercenary company. At some point, she also worked as a guard for various caravans, where she became acquainted with a tiefling named Bodhi.

### Ank'Harel

Zenada was in between jobs in Ank’Harel when she received a request from Bodhi to help out his wife and friends.  She agreed to lend her services as a favour and was waiting at his newly acquired shop when an animated marble elephant plowed into the building. Grabbing a longsword off the wall, she struck three blows against the elephant. A goliath, tiefling and gnome cast spells against the elephant while Bodhi revived a halfling with a healing potion. Coming to, the halfling gave a sharp whistle. In response, a moorbounder leapt over the gnome and pounced on the elephant, knocking it over. The halfling picked herself up and hit it with her hatchet. However, the elephant soon recovered and got back on its feet. Zenada struck it twice and drew its attention away from Bodhi while the goliath went into a rage and hit it with her greataxe. The tiefling would deal the killing blow with an Inflict Wounds spell, causing the elephant to explode with a bright light before reverting to a marble figurine. The gnome tentatively touched it, despite the goliath furiously reminding him she had Mage Hand, but nothing happened.

Xarria greeted Zenada while Bodhi cried at the damage done to his shop and asked what had happened. The halfling told him they defeated the elephant thanks to the orc. The gnome noticed she fought like someone called Valas. Bodhi belatedly introduced Zenada as the friend he had mentioned earlier. At the halfling's request, Zenada returned the sword to Bodhi, who asked that she put it back on the wall rather than risk any further injury to himself. The party offered alternatives to pay Bodhi back for his healing potion, ultimately settling on the gnome brewing a replacement when he had time. The gnome then jabbed Sabina with a abnormally large needle, which seemed to provide some healing.

Bodhi introduced his wife, Kaeko, and her companions Dorlen, Sabina and Xarria. Zenada gave Kaeko a smile and wink, prompting Kaeko to give Bodhi a pointed look. He missed his wife's glare, distracted by the workers he hired, who returned from break, saw the damage and observed they were getting overtime. Dorlen introduced himself, to which Zenada requested that she keep his needle away from her. Sabina then recalled that they had originally set out to complete a job for the Allegiance of Allsight, plrompting Zenada to ask if they needed a guide. The party discussed how large Ank'Harel was before Dorlen asked Zenada how she learned to fight like an echo knight, which forced them to talk about their deceased friend Valas. Bodhi awkwardly interrupted them to point out that, given the recent damage to his shop, he had nothing large enough to safely hold Valas's sword and suggested Zenada carry it instead. While the party considered that, Dax came forward and introduced himself to Zenada with a silent paw, receiving an unexpectedly flirtatious greeting (and scritches) in return. After some discussion, the party agreed that Zenada could wield Valas's sword, at least until they found a better option. Zenada gave Bodhi her old sword in return (as she only had one sheath) before the party left for the Sigil District.

The Echoes of Valour made their way to the Crystal Chateau, where they were met by a gatekeeper named Jor Raashid. Deciphering Kaeko's explanation, he recognized that they were the friends of Prolix who had been trusted with one of their errands (though Zenada's presence and the party's newfound name was unknown to him). After Dorlen warned him about what happened to the figurine, Raashid withdrew his hand and hastily emptied his lunchbox. The party then realized they had entrusted the figurine to Dorlen, who had somehow misplaced the item. After some thought, Dorlen remembered he'd stopped by a public washroom to relieve himself after all the drinks he'd consumed at the First Eclipse and ran off. Sabina hopped on Dax, picked up Dorlen and retraced their steps. Zenada asked Kaeko and Xarria asked if this was a regular occurrence. Xarria explained they normally didn't trust Dorlen to keep their valuables, but there were extenuating circumstances. Kaeko agreed with the explanation that he'd drank seven beers, much to Xarria's amazement.

Raashid passed the time by reading a book titled 'Curriculum of Chaos,' while Kaeko kept asking Zenada why she was not a scarred bear. Eventually, Zenada realized she was referring to her former mercenary company. Moments later, a portly tiefling, who she later learned was Prolix Yusaf, wandered over and greeted them. Prolix admitted hearing about the trouble The Echoes of Valour had faced during the mission, prompting the party to ask whether the Allegiance of Allsight would help compensate any businesses that had been affected.  The conversation quickly became awkward as the issues of responsibility and culpability were debated.  Eventually, Prolix agreed to investigate what his organization could do about the collateral damage to the bazaar and offered to give them another mission if they were interested.  When Xarria pressed for details, Prolix slowly admitted they were in the midst of a massive excavation in the Sigil District concerning the ruined city of Cael Morrow—the city Ank’Harel was built over—and wanted the party to investigate rumours of an entrance to the city located somewhere in the oasis.  The party decided to discuss it amongst themselves before making any decision.

They were interrupted by Question, who had just arrived in a carriage.  The party bid Prolix farewell as Question stepped out to join them. Sabina introduced Question and Zenada, prompting Dorlen to ask aloud whether they should tell Zenada about their ‘uncle bard Destiny’.  Xarria firmly suggested that now was not the right time.  After a pause, Question told them that her/their superior, Iwo Zalarre, wanted to offer them work on behalf of the Library of the Cobalt Soul.  She confided that she’d accidentally read a secret document, suggesting the job had something to do with cultists.

Sabina tugged on Zenada’s sleeve and quietly apologized for the party’s cryptic comments, explaining they had several secrets they had to keep and had dealings with people who ultimately proved untrustworthy.  Zenada assured her that no offence was taken.  She added that she was currently between jobs and was helping them as a favour to Bodhi—though she wouldn’t say no if her aid led to a paying job.  Ultimately, she was willing to respect the party’s privacy and right to keep whatever secrets they might have.

Dorlen wanted to know Question’s opinion about Zalarre, with some emphasis on his character, but quickly decided the party should meet him.  One by one, the others agreed.  With that decided, Question led them to the Guided District, eventually coming to the Temple of the Mentor.  While the building was a temple of Ioun, the party quickly discerned it was more of a library than a place of worship.  They went to the second floor and met Zalarre, who quickly got down to business. Walking to the balcony, the middle-aged half-orc pointed at a pale wizard in academic robes who bore numerous body piercings and carried a snake-headed staff.  Zalarre told them the investigators of the Cobalt Soul believed the wizard was a cultist of Zehir.  He ordered them to follow him back to his home and quietly determine his true purpose. If he was up to no good, the party was authorized to apprehend him and turn him over to the Hands of Ord or Zalarre. His warning about the need for discretion prompted Dorlen to declare they were doomed (episode 12).

Dorlen wanted to know Question’s opinion about Zalarre, with some emphasis on his character, but quickly decided the party should meet him.  One by one, the others agreed.  With that decided, Question led them to the Guided District, eventually coming to the Temple of the Mentor.  While the building was a temple of Ioun, the party quickly discerned it was more of a library than a place of worship.  They went to the second floor and met Zalarre, who quickly got down to business. Walking to the balcony, the middle-aged half-orc pointed at a pale wizard in academic robes who bore numerous body piercings and carried a snake-headed staff.  Zalarre told them the investigators of the Cobalt Soul believed the wizard was a cultist of Zehir.  He ordered them to follow him back to his home and quietly determine his true purpose. If he was up to no good, the party was authorized to apprehend him and turn him over to the Hands of Ord or Zalarre. His warning about the need for discretion prompted Dorlen to declare they were doomed (episode 12).

Curious, Dorlen asked what led the investigators to suspect the wizard.  Zalarre replied his snake-headed staff was a staff of the adder—a powerful relic of some import. Furthermore, some of his tattoos hinted at connections to Zehir.  Kaeko asked how they could distinguish any evidence they found versus hearsay. Zalarre said that between Question’s word of their abilities and Xarria’s clerical spells (Zone of Truth, in particular), he trusted they would be up to the task.  After some further debate on the party’s skills, particularly where subtlety was concerned, Zalarre wished them luck and told them to find him when they had completed their mission.

After eating the snack, Question expressed hopes that the party would join the Library of the Cobalt Soul.  When Sabina asked, Question told them the Cobalt Soul was an extremely old group dedicated to preserving truth, no matter how uncomfortable, and combating misinformation.  The conversation meandered to different ways of learning, truths and falsehoods, though Question may have gotten distracted by the assets presented by Kaeko and Zenada. The party tried to recall what they knew about Zehir. All Zenada knew was that Betrayer Gods were bad and Zehir had something to do with snakes.

At that point, Question pointed out that the suspect had begun to leave.  As the party followed, he rudely brushed off a halfling and climbed into a carriage.  Kaeko began magically drawing the ambient noise into musical notes, composing an Aria of Suspense for the party.  Meanwhile, the others were able to catch enough of the suspect’s directions to guess he was heading for the Sigil District.  They quickly decided to flag down another carriage.  Sabina volunteered to hop on Dax and follow on her own.  Dorlen, Kaeko, Sabina, Zenada hopped in and asked the driver to follow the suspect.

As they rode, Dorlen fretted on how to be stealthy and wanted to know what their plan was.  Zenada told him they would have to assess the situation when they reached their destination and adapt accordingly.

They eventually arrived at a surprisingly expensive-looking apartment building called Scroll’s Alcove.  Kaeko paid the fee as well as a generous tip before they got out.  Sabina joined them and confirmed the suspect had gone in.  Kaeko offered to use her various charms to persuade the dwarven doorman to let them in.  Unfortunately, the doorman recalled she was instrumental in breaking up his brother’s marriage when she was with the Aurora Watch.  Kaeko motioned for the rest of the party to sneak in while the doorman was busy giving her a piece of his mind. Unfortunately, the doorman heard Sabina.  Sabina quickly pretended to be a child and Kaeko pretended she was her daughter.

Dorlen, Xarria and Zenada took advantage of the distraction, sneaked inside and tried to reacquire the suspect’s location.  Dorlen suggested she use the dowsing rod, but Xarria explained it didn’t work that way.  Zenada was able to track his footsteps to a door, beyond which she could hear some noises. While Dorlen and Xarria were impressed, Zenada tried to eavesdrop but didn’t hear anything interesting.  Dorlen offered to pick the lock.  Zenada suggested waiting until the suspect left before breaking in, but Xarria wanted to break in now in the hopes of catching him in the act of something incriminating.  Zenada looked for another building that might have a line of sight to the cultist’s apartment.  Dorlen suggested pretending to be cultists, especially as Zenada happened to have a snake necklace, but only succeeded in offending Xarria.  As Zenada began pushing the others back to the stairwell, the suspect opened the door and left his room.  After exchanging greetings, he entered the elevator, where a halfing greeted him as Ophidas.  Xarria cast Sending to Kaeko, suggesting she, Sabina and Dax follow the suspect while the others search his room.  Kaeko hesitantly agreed, but suggested Dax stay behind so he could lead the others to Kaeko and Sabina.

Dorlen, Xarria and Zenada doubled back to the suspect’s apartment.  Dorlen successfully picked the lock, after assuring them his proficiency didn’t mean anything untoward and being hushed by Zenada, and they snuck inside. The three quickly saw the apartment had enormous windows, but little furniture—suggesting he’d recently moved in. They saw a trash can overflowing with take-out containers and a sink filled with empty wine bottles.  Zenada noted several vials.  Most were empty, but one had a sickly amber residue and fluid. She retrieved the vial, corked it and looked to hand it to Xarria.

Xarria, however, had entered the bedroom, where she saw a small ritual circle drawn on the floor in chalk.  She also saw an effigy of a serpent coiled around a small skull.  As she approached, the snake shimmered and shifted in the light. She realized it was a real snake and hastily put it—and two other snakes—to Sleep.  She picked up the skull and hastily removed her gloves as venom seeped from it and began eating away at the fabric.  Upon closer examination, she realized the skull was so wet, it must have come from a recently deceased person.  They decided to put it in one of the take-out containers.  At Zenada’s suggestion, Dorlen made a sketch of the ritual circle.  Xarria and Zenada realized the suspect must be reasonably wealthy to afford the apartment and all the food… which made the cheap couch stand out.  They looked closer and found two hidden bags stuffed with coins.  Zenada advised against taking the money as the Hands of Ord would regard that as theft before asking if anyone could identify the vial’s contents.  Xarria checked, after stabbing the snakes with a crossbow bolt, and identified it as snake venom.  She remembered that cultists of Zehir drank snake venom to build up a tolerance, talk to snakes and commune with their god.  Xarria tried to cast another Sending, but couldn’t find enough power to send any warning. Once they were done, Dax led Dorlen, Xarria and Zenada to Kaeko and Sabina, who were emerging from a Hands of Ord precinct with Question.

The party brought each other up to speed on their findings.  Sabina and Question were upset to learn Xarria had killed the snakes.  Sabina and Question were upset to learn Xarria had killed some snakes that had confronted her.

Question felt Zalarre would want to speak with them, so the party returned to the temple and reported what had happened.  Zalarre seemed frustrated that they had blatantly revealed their mission, forcing him to answer a lot of awkward questions from the Hands of Ord.  Kaeko and Sabina eventually convinced him they were able to prove the suspect was a cultist and stop him with a minimum of bloodshed.  Zalarre identified the skull as a halfling who was the former owner of the snake staff. Ultimately, he felt Question’s faith in them was rewarded and he promised to call upon them for future missions, handing over a sending stone.  Sabina carefully slid the stone to Xarria for safekeeping before Dorlen could get his hands on it.

Kaeko had some excess energy to burn and was looking for a fight. Zalarre recommended the Bowl of Judgement before eventually leaving.  Once they were alone, Kaeko pointed out that the party had three factions asking them to complete jobs without pay in exchange for membership and access to information.  She wondered if they should make a choice.  Xarria felt they would have to choose at some point, but wanted to get a better sense of the groups.  With that decided, Kaeko asked Zenada what she knew about the Bowl of Judgement. Zenada told her the building was *run* by the Scarbearers, they charged a (pricey) entrance fee, but admission would buy several rounds of fighting. When Kaeko explained why she was looking for a fight, Zenada admitted that would be a natural way to mourn the loss of a friend.  Xarria offered to come along and patch up any wounds and the three of them departed (episode 13).

Zenada spent the next few days completing some pre-existing bodyguard contracts, at least one of which was for the Scarbearers.  She left word with Bodhi to explain her unavailability (episode 14).  After completing the last of her jobs, she relaxed in a bar before deciding to find the Echoes of Valour.  She went to the Step Aside, reaching the establishment at around midday.  She greeted one of her old contacts, the owner/proprietor Calinao, who was grilling pitas on the rooftop. He sold her some pitas before quietly asking if she had a moment to talk.  He called his husband and co-owner Irawan to watch the grill while he ostensibly went for more pitas.  Zenada followed Calinao to the back storeroom and, through a hidden door, into another room that held trophies, weapons and other memorabilia from his adventuring days.

Calinao asked her to close the door before asking if she knew anything about a young girl that the Echoes of Valour had brought to stay with them.  She admitted she knew nothing and guessed they had found the child while she was off working.  Calinao also told her a human woman had tried to bribe him for information on Dorlen, which he declined as was his practice.  He suspected she might have tried to break into his room if the child hadn’t been staying there.  He also guessed that Dorlen’s past might have caught up with him, which they both knew Zenada could relate to.  When asked, Calinao said the woman had access to money and had the mannerisms of a local. Zenada was surprised that the party had roused the animosity of locals in such a short period of time.  Calinao reminded her that they were adventurers and suggested she keep her eyes open and find out what Dorlen was hiding—for her own sake.  He also asked if she could keep any trouble out of the Step Aside before requesting her muscles to carry some flour to the rooftop.

The Echoes of Valour reunited with Zenada on the rooftop of the Step Aside.  Zenada shared some of her pita with Dax and explained to Xarria that she’d finished her contracts and thought she’d visit the Step Aside to catch up with old friends and possibly see the party again.  Dorlen gave Zenada a rambling summary of their exploits, which included a ‘magic girl’.  Kaeko added that they needed to see the girl… and Dorlen had some explaining to do.  Zenada gave mild thanks that they hadn’t killed themselves after Bodhi called in the favour she owed and asked what they were doing. Kaeko explained that they were doing random jobs to curry favour with some of the factions of Ank’Harel. Dorlen added that they might have angered the Sentinels of Memory in the process before emphasizing they need to talk in privacy.

They went to Dorlen's and Sabina's room and woke a bleary-eyed girl whose name Zenada learned was Shira. When she mentioned feeling hungry, Kaeko told her to head to the rooftop, let the staff know she was with the party, and eat as much as she desired.  Sabina sent Dax to play with the girl and escort her to her meal. The party then retreated to Kaeko’s and Xarria’s room and shut the door.  In his usual meandering way, Dorlen told them he’d discovered a bloody ogre-shaped footprint and scraps of armour consistent with the kind sold in Jigow. He concluded that someone named Maggie had killed another woman named Aloysia to avenge someone named Valas.  Dorlen also admitted to destroying or taking the evidence and explained he’d pointedly offered alternate explanations so as not to arouse the bartender’s suspicions.

Sabina then apologized to Zenada for the confusion she must have felt. She explained that the Echoes of Valour had travelled with another band of adventurers and friends in Bazzoxan.  The other party had worked for Aloysia, who was later discovered to be a member of the Consortium.  Aloysia was ultimately responsible for the death of their friend Valas, whose sword Zenada now carried, though a member of the other party had inadvertently struck the killing blow.  The two parties were then magically transported to Ank’Harel and went their separate ways.  The Consortium had apparently offered to hand Aloysia over to the Echoes of Valour so she could face justice.  However, when the Echoes of Valour went to retrieve her, she was already dead. Based on Dorlen’s findings, there was a strong likelihood that someone from the other party had killed her.

Zenada calmly, but firmly, advised Dorlen to dispose of the evidence he’d taken, as he did not want to be linked to murder, or the cover-up of a murder, in Ank’Horel.  She reassured him that she was used to other forms of justice outside the city limits.  Kaeko felt they needed to talk to the other party.  Dorlen agreed, but thought Zenada should be fully informed of ‘Operation Uncle Bard Destiny’, considering Bodhi’s trust in her.  Xarria groaned at the idea that they were giving their quest such a name. Zenada was silently, but visibly confused.

After the party agreed to take Zenada into their confidence, Kaeko told her about their adventures.  Apparently, the Echoes of Valour had won various contests during a festival in Jigow, meeting members of the other party along the way, before participating in one last race for money.  Aside from fighting a maddened shark, they’d discovered an artifact that they referred to as a Vestige of Divergence, which was currently hanging around Xarria’s neck.  When Dorlen touched the Vestige, they had a shared vision of a man who was trapped, claiming some association with the gods and begging for help.  At the man’s request, the party traveled through the Wastes of Xhorhas to Bazzoxan—accompanied by the other party who had rescued them after they’d fallen unconscious during the vision.  In Bazzoxan, the parties were approached by Prolix, Question and Aloysia, who were studying the Betrayer’s Rise for various reasons.  Eventually, the Echoes of Valour entered the Betrayer’s Rise to find Question’s friends. They endured several daunting challenges, thanks to Valas’s incredible skills, but failed to find Question’s friends. The party then went through the stomach of a statue to a room lined with crystals that had a podium.  When Xarria placed the Vestige on the podium, the party had another vision—the third for everyone but Kaeko, who had been drinking with her former comrades—where they learned the man was trapped in an underwater city and needed their help.  Unfortunately, that was when they encountered the other party, who had been hired by Aloysia and had followed them, leaving some doors open in the process.  A chaotic fight ensued involving aberrations and monsters, made worse by an earthquake Aloysia had triggered—and given that Valas had fallen to his death through a fissure created by the earthquake, the party held her ultimately responsible.  Aloysia eventually took the Vestige and travelled to Ank’Horel using a teleportation tablet.  The combined parties followed using some spare teleportation tablets that Aloysia had dropped.  Sabina added that they’d been investigating a possible entrance to the sunken city in the Life Dome, only to be ambushed by invisible stalkers, leading them to believe that they’d been misled by either the Consortium or the Sentinels.

Dorlen was then reminded of the coin he’d found when the party met Shira, as it originated from his hometown of Hupperdook.  Kaeko then wondered if the people asking about Dorlen had placed a scrying spell on the coin.  Zenada suggested that the best way to protect themselves from those people was to ally themselves with one of Ank’Harel’s major factions.  The Echoes admitted they had been courted by those organizations.

As if on cue, a sending stone in Xarria’s possession began to speak.  A man identifying himself as Iwo Zalarre asked whether the Echoes of Valour were still interested in joining the Library of the Cobalt Soul and, if so, to meet him at the Temple of the Mentor for another mission.  After some confusion over how the sending stone operated, they agreed to meet in an hour. They also realized they would have to commit to one of the factions.  Kaeko suggested delaying that decision until after the Cobalt Soul mission.

The party turned their attention to Dorlen’s coin, quickly determining that none of them had any immediate means of detecting magic, before discussing which faction to join again.  Dorlen simply stated that he liked the Cobalt Soul’s books.  Sabina, who had brought up that topic, voiced an appreciation of how the Cobalt Soul offered their library of books to anyone, whereas the Allegiance of Allsight restricted access of their books to its members.  Dorlen hastened to add that Prolix had gone out of his way to take care of them, but Sabina pointed out that that generosity was not always reciprocated by the Allegiance of Allsight.  Kaeko repeated her suggestion of deferring their decision, admitting she wasn’t as enthused at the prospect of working for the ‘book people’.  Sabina then dealt with Dorlen’s coin.

After Sabina returned, Dorlen hesitantly admitted there might be a reason why people were looking for him.  He admitted he might be a wanted man back home as his brother had used some of his tools to commit mass murder and he had refused to turn him in as he was the only biological relative he had (their parents were adopted).  Kaeko gave him a hug.  He admitted running wasn’t the right choice, but he was scared so he ran.  Then Sabina gave Dorlen a hug.  Dorlen excused himself to freshen up, and received a pat on the head from Xarria on the way.  While Dorlen was cleaning up, Kaeko declared that the only person who they would allow to hurt Dorlen was himself.  Xarria admitted feeling some empathy, having been adopted herself.  Kaeko sympathized for Dorlen’s plight as she’d been kicked out of her clan for being too creative and not violent enough.

Zenada redirected the conversation to another question: whether the Echoes of Valour wanted her to join them whenever they left Ank’Harel.  Sabina said yes, given Bodhi’s trust in her and the good impression she’d made in the short time they’d known each other.  Zenada accepted, as she was getting tired of city life, then asked for Valas’s full name.  She snorted when she found out, saying it was a pun in the drow dialect of Undercommon, which she learned growing up with drow in the caravans.  In truth, she knew it from the fragments of memories she’d inherited from Celae’sarrin, but no one in the party realized that. The party interpreted that as another sign that Zenada was meant to join them, along with the fact that Zenada and Valas were both fighters who were proficient in longswords.  When they brought up the fact that both fighters also had the ability to summon echoes, Zenada said the only other person she knew who could do that was the man who’d taught her.  The party took her at her word.

Sabina speculated that they might learn more about Zenada’s fighting abilities in the Cobalt Soul libraries, asking again if they should join that faction.  Zenada felt the Allegiance and Cobalt Soul were similar in their pursuits of knowledge, but believed the former was more inclined to the ends-justified-the-means while the latter was more inclined to good.  Sabina pointed out they had a large library and she was learning to read.  She also told Kaeko they apparently had a martial group that might appeal to her sensibilities.

Shira came back and decided she was going to have a nice long rest.  Kaeko gave her a deck of cards and set of dice, suggesting they might help her dexterity and, in turn, her spellcasting.  Sabina loaned her some books, though she later admitted that they might be too basic for her.  After the party left the room, Dorlen admitted overhearing Kaeko talk about her illiteracy and offered to teach her.  Kaeko was reluctant, claiming goliaths did not read.  When Dorlen pointed out that literacy might help her songwriting, she begrudgingly accepted his offer.

The party made their way to the Temple of the Mentor and met Zalarre again.  He unfurled a map of the River District and explained that they suspected a baker named Kruuk of selling illegal magical goods.  However, they needed proof before involving the Hands of Ord. The party was asked to investigate after the bakery closed.  There was a brief segue that revealed Kaeko’s illiteracy, which Zalarre found surprising considering her former rank of Sergeant in the Aurora Watch, before they returned to business.  Zalarre charged them with obtaining proof that Kruuk was illegally selling magical items, confiscate any such items they found and return them to him.  Zalarre paid them 250 gold pieces up front and offered a further 250 gp if they found proof, plus additional 250 gp for each item of contraband they brought back.  Sabina asked what they’d do with those items.  Zalarre told her they would appraise them, put them into circulation if they were deemed safe, or destroy them if they were too dangerous.  The baker would be handed over to the Hands of Ord, who would also be made aware of any items the Cobalt Soul kept.  Zalarre hoped to hear from them soon, hopefully that night.

Before they left, Dorlen asked if they had a means of teaching people who had magical aptitude but lacked the requisite control.  After Zalarre amused himself, and alarmed the party, with a bit of dark humour, he told them they did have some form of schooling that could be made available for a fee or, for those who were down on their luck, some chores around the temple. Dorlen hastened to add that this was a hypothetical question, prompting Xarria to dub it ‘Aunt Cleric Fate’.  As the party joked about it, Zalarre and Zenada exchanged raised eyebrows.

The Echoes of Valour said their goodbyes and went to the River District, heading to Old Man Kruuk’s shop once it was closed.  Kaeko and Xarria were the first to see the sign had a field of coloured dots.  Kaeko recognized the dots as Thieves’ Cant from her time in the Aurora Watch, though she couldn’t read it.  Kaeko told the others that there was a hidden message, prompting Dorlen to knock on the door.  The rest of the party ran away, leaving only Xarria who could not hide in time.

Dorlen and Xarria eventually stepped away from the front door. They began talking about a hidden door before the former began flailing at a centipede in his mouth.  Dax ran over to dispatch the arthropod, knocking Dorlen over in the process.  Kaeko motioned for Dorlen and Xarria to come over and confirm the possibility of a hidden door.  Zenada suggested they check out the back of the shop.  They did so, spotting at least one door.  Kaeko tried to open it, but found it locked and asked if anyone had thieves’ tools.  Dorlen reluctantly revealed his tools and picked the lock.

Opening the door, they saw the room in state of decay and disarray.  Dorlen, Kaeko, Xarria and Zenada went inside, with Dorlen putting on his Armour.  Sabina loaned Kaeko her Goggles of Night so she could search inside, choosing to stay outside with Dax and keep watch.  They looked through some crates, finding nothing but low-value stolen goods. Xarria was the first to spot a metal lockbox in the corner of the room.

Sabina heard the sounds of boots approaching, told Dax to stay put, hugged the wall and sneaked forward.  Glancing around the corner, she saw a female gnome approach the door, open it and announce herself.  Kruuk let her in, asking if she was followed.  Xarria overheard the front door bell jangle.  Sabina sneaked back, opened back door and warned the party.  The party decided to take the lockbox and leave. A door opened just as Xarria picked up the lockbox, though… revealing Kruuk and the gnome. A battle broke out immediately.  Kruuk threw some knives at the party but, after taking some hits, disengaged and ran.  The gnome proved more challenging, revealing herself as a magic user capable of responding with psychic attacks, but was ultimately no match for the party.

Dorlen and Zenada joined the others, dragging the unconscious gnome behind them, just as an angry Kaeko smashed the lockbox onto the floor. A plume of poison gas billowed out, but the party managed to avoid inhaling anything from the trap.  Once the smoke cleared, the party saw a shortsword.  Looking closer, the realized the blade had red crystalline veins running up and down its length that pulsed in the darkness; veins that looked similar to the animated elephant they’d fought during their first Allegiance of Allsight mission. Thinking it looked cool, Dorlen picked up the sword and suddenly felt tough.  The Echoes of Valour heard the gnome cough and then stop breathing, having succumbed to the poison gas (episode 16).

Sabina checked the gnome but felt no pulse. Dorlen observed out loud that the red crystals were the same substance as the one seen in the elephant and wondered if the sword would animate.  Kaeko pointed out that they were at the scene of a murder.  Zenada urged the party to leave; acknowledging the gnome’s death was an accident but not wanting to have to explain things to the Hands of Ord.  She then explained to Dorlen that the lockbox was rigged with a trap that killed the would-be buyer.  Sabina advised that they should leave and hope the Hands of Ord would conclude it was nothing more than a sale gone wrong.  Dorlen was confused, as he misunderstood how closely the Cobalt Soul worked with the Hands of Ord.  The party gave an abbreviated correction, emphasized the need to leave the scene and advised him to put the shortsword in his Bag of Holding.  Before they left, Zenada quickly looked around for any more evidence that would be helpful to the Cobalt Soul but failed to find anything.  Realizing the gnome would have brought some form of payment, she patted her down and found a pouch containing five peridots.

Thanks to their stealthiness, the party left the bakery before the Hands of Ord arrived on the scene of the crime.  After reviewing the relationship between the Cobalt Soul and the Hands of Ord, they decided to report to Zalarre before he received any reports from the Hands of Ord. They quickly returned to the Temple of the Mentor, where Zenada gave a succinct summary of the events that unfolded at the bakery.  The other party members added further details as needed.  Dorlen pulled out the shortsword, waving it about and commenting on the hum he heard before offering it to Zenada, who refused to take it. Zalarre asked Dorlen to place the shortsword on the table before he carefully examined it with a set of tools, taking care not to physically touch the weapon.  Seeing all the precautions being taken, Dorlen began wondering if the blade was cursed, admitting he felt stronger while holding it but now desired a nap.  The mention of strength caught Kaeko’s attention but Xarria cautioned her against touching the weapon, especially as she was strong enough already.  Zalarre asked for more information about the gnome, how the party dealt with her, and whether there were any similar items at the bakery, but was content to maintain the fiction that the Echoes of Valour were never present at the scene of the crime.  He expressed some concern about the death, the sword, the overall situation and the fact that the Cobalt Soul lacked enough operatives to handle their missions throughout Ank’Harel, much less Exandria.

Zalarre interrupted himself to pay the party what he promised.  Dorlen asked if his portion of the gold could fund Shira’s schooling, but the half-orc assured him that the Cobalt Soul would cover any costs.  He then returned to the Cobalt Soul’s need for operatives, particularly new recruits that their enemies would not expect, and proposed to speak to the high curator about fast-tracking their membership. Regarding the gnome, Zalarre suspected she was a member of the Consortium and made plans to investigate further.  As for the red crystalline substance, Zalarre felt it was dangerous.  While the Cobalt Soul was still determining its properties, they knew the sword was not the only source within the city.  When asked, Zalarre could not say whether Dorlen was cursed by his brief contact with the crystal-laden sword, though the party noted he was more tired and subdued than normal.  Kaeko tentatively mentioned that they had been courted by the Allegiance of Allsight and had retrieved an elephant figurine that was briefly covered in the same substance.  Zalarre told them he would take that into consideration.  In the meantime, he advised them to spend the rest of the night establishing alibis, preferably in a place where the surrounding people would have trouble recalling facts, and cleaning themselves off.

The party decided to visit a bathhouse and go out for drinks.  Sabina sought clarification on whether membership meant they had to stay within Ank’Harel before wondering whether the party should take him into their confidence regarding the Vestige and any connection it had to the red crystals.  She suggested staying behind to talk to Zalarre.  The half-orc demurred, not wanting to be seen with potential manslaughter suspects or imply he was having a tryst with one of them.  The talk of sex made Sabina so uncomfortable that she immediately changed her mind and agreed to join the party.

The party made their way through the city, with Kaeko holding a tired Dorlen like an infant. Before long, they arrived at the Steam Gardens, renowned both for being the most luxurious arboreteum of Ank’Harel as well as its bathhouse and spa.  The party was greeted by a halfling woman named Bruella who, after some pleasantries, asked Kaeko if she was a musician.  When Kaeko confirmed that, Bruella explained their usual minstrel had come down with a bad case of food poisoning and offered a deal if she would perform in her stead.  After some haggling, Kaeko and Sabina agreed to perform in exchange for admission, while the others got a discount on their first hour.  When Kaeko introduced the party, Bruella recognized her as Bodhi’s wife, explaining that he’d procured many oils and supplies for them. Kaeko had Xarria write a message for Bodhi, sent via one of the Steam Gardens messengers, inviting him to join her. She then paid Bruella enough gold to buy the most expensive package for the party.  Bruella gave them locker keys and clay chits that would grant access to all the exclusive areas of the spa.  After some persuasion, Bruella allowed Dax to come in as well.

The party then met a rotund human male named Guillermo, who found robes for each of them. He greeted Zenada, who had apparently frequented the Steam Gardens before, and told her Jaena and Jivaren were both working that evening, should she desire their company.  After receiving their robes, the party entered the change room and saw seventeen naked people of different races and genders, all engaged in various activities. Zenada went to her locker and disrobed, revealing several scars and golden-hued tattoos that complimented her green skin.  Xarria joined her, revealing a tattoo on her left shoulder of a blood drop and sword.  Zenada and Xarria commented on how difficult it was to understand Giant.  Dorlen also took his clothes off, revealing a tramp stamp of an anvil and sparks.  If asked, he explained he got it in his seventies after partying too hard one night. Sabina went to a locker, doing her best to not look at the nudity, then tried to steel herself by talking to Dax. Overhearing her, Zenada pointed out some stalls that give her some privacy, while Dorlen offered to loan her some goggles to cut out some of the details.  Sabina declined Dorlen’s offer but thanked him, doing her best to avoid his nudity before going to one of the stalls Zenada suggested.  She eventually emerged, revealing a surprisingly curvaceous body and several old burn scars.

Once the party had changed, they entered the bathhouse proper, noting the many customers who frequented the establishment.  As they entered the more expensive sections, they saw massage rooms and various pools that were tiered for different races and heights.  Zenada spotted two striking drow in revealing robes who she recognized as Jaena and Jivaren Dhalmistryn, cousins and courtesans whose company she’d enjoyed in the past.  They greeted each other and Zenada introduced the rest of the party.  Jaena and Jivaren recognized Bodhi’s name, complimenting (most of) the lubricants he’d provided and offering sympathies for the recent damage done to his shop.  Jaena was persuaded to join Kaeko and Sabina in their performance, while Jivaren flirted with Xarria. Kaeko, Sabina and Jaena began entertaining the customers of the Steam Garden, starting with a ballad Sabina remembered from her childhood.

As they played, Zenada went to one of the tables for a massage.  She greeted an earth genasi masseuse who offered her her usual deep tissue massage. She was soon joined by Xarria, who decided to accept a hot stone massage from a fire genasi masseuse.  However, Zenada heard Xarria’s tail unconsciously tap the side of the table. Looking over, she realized Xarria was not relaxing and reminded her that she could ask the fire genasi to adjust their ministrations.  Xarria replied that the massage was not the problem, admitting that she’d spotted someone from the other party who she did not expect to see.  Zenada gleaned enough details to learn how awkward the situation was for her and suggested they avoid eye contact and move to another room afterwards.  Furthermore, she recommended that Xarria take Jivaren up on his offer.  Xarria accepted all of Zenada’s ideas gratefully and finally began to relax. After her massage, Zenada enjoyed the baths before finding some company with a svelte, ivory-haired dhampir.

In the morning, Dorlen told the party he saw Irvan and told Xarria ‘Den’ said he was a coward but did not want to be.  He added Irvan did not look well and had been drinking with Ayo during the ‘Maggie Incident’.  Dorlen then remembered finding a note and excitedly thrust it in Kaeko’s face. After Kaeko reminded him she could not read, Xarria took the note and read it aloud. The note was written by a ‘Master Dendarrion’ to a ‘Master Khelkur’, explaining that their attempts to access the rift had proven disastrous due to an aboleth, with the peculiar name of ‘Alyxian,’ who had slaughtered their last expedition.  They concluded that they needed to focus on Cael Morrow so the Allegiance of Allsight could not control the only known source of ‘ruidium,’ but had lost their only key to the rift.  In the meantime, they had decided to clear the First Eclipse, before the Hands of Ord could search it, and establish a new headquarters.

Dorlen, Kaeko, Sabina and Xarria recalled Alyxian decrying some people who were taking ruidium.  The party as a whole also recognized that ruidium was likely derived from Ruidus, the Cursed Moon.  A crestfallen Dorlen then realized that the note came from Irvan’s locker, suggesting that Ayo’s party was likely working for the Consortum.  As Xarria repeated the note’s instructions for the First Eclipse, Bodhi informed them that the bar had been closed last night.  As the party did not recognize the names in the note, Sabina suggested they talk to Zalarre.

Dorlen was concerned that their quest may have been an elaborate trap to acquire the Vestige. Kaeko felt it would not be a trap if they were expecting one and planned accordingly.  A bleary Bodhi wished them well in their endeavours, as he had to return to his bodega and deal with the dwarven contractors who were rebuilding it.

The party then continued their discussion on which faction they should consult and, by extention, join.  Sabina felt the Cobalt Soul was more willing to share their knowledge and help common folk, comparing Zalarre’s willingness to assist Shira versus Prolix’s inability to compensate Bodhi.  Zenada reminded them that membership in one faction did not mean abandoning friendship with another faction’s members.  Based on the note, Dorlen concluded that the Allegiance and the Consortium had access to the Drowned Soul, but it said nothing about the Cobalt Soul.  While Sabina reminded him that they were assuming the note was from the Consortium and not another faction like the Sentinels of Memory, Dorlen wondered if they should consider the Allegiance’s offer if the Cobalt Soul could not provide them access to where they needed to go. The party decided there was only one way to resolve that and set forth for the Temple of the Mentor.

Zalarre was happy to see them, having planned to introduce them to the high curator.  He grew more serious when they presented the note they’d found and brought them to the third floor to wait while he briefed his superior.  Five minutes later, he escorted them to another room where they met the high curator, a young human male named Jail A’alithiya.  The high curator told them the Consortium was known to conduct experiments on ruidium, which was indeed the red crystalline substance they’d encountered before. A’alithiya expressed concern that the Consortium was meddling with powers beyond their control and had originally planned to have the Echoes of Valour infiltrate the First Eclipse. Given that the Consortium headquarters was now closed, he formally proposed that the party join the Cobalt Soul.

A’alithiya repeated his warnings about ruidium’s hazards, explaining the Cobalt Soul planned to destroy the shortsword that the party had retrieved, and told them the Allegiance had granted them limited access to Cael Morrow.  Dorlen became worried about ruidium’s corruptive influence but was assured that he was probably safe, based on Zalarre’s report—particularly his limited handling of the sword and the fact he’d worn gloves. However, the gnome was asked to seek an examination by Xarria or another cleric.  Sabina’s opinion of the Allegiance sank lower as she confirmed that the Allegiance had access to Cael Morrow all along.

The high curator went on to explain that ruidium had been mined from the Drowned City of Cael Morrow, but ultimately originated from a place called the Netherdeep, which could only be reached through a rift in the heart of Ank’Harel. He believed they needed to seal off or destroy the Netherdeep to stem the flow of ruidium into Ank’Harel and avert any further destruction or unrest.  However, they needed a key of some kind to pass through the rift.  While A’alithiya did not know what would qualify as a key, he concluded its acquisition must be their next step (episode 17).

Once the Echoes of Valour agreed, A’alithiya ordered them to travel to Cael Morrow and meet Professor Insight Acuere, a tiefling with the Allegiance of Allsight.  The party had a week to earn her trust, learn how to access the Netherdeep and acquire whatever key was required.  If they were successful, he would give them one thousand gold pieces and his personal thanks.  In the meantime, he inducted the party into the Cobalt Soul and offered them free robes, free lodging and access to the temple stores.  He assured Kaeko, who did not know Bodhi’s sleeping arrangements given the damage to his shop, that the lodging extended to family members.

Kaeko asked how soon they had to depart, given that Dorlen was working on a magical item for their friend. At that, A’alithiya’s face darkened. He knew she was referring to a member of Ayo’s party, and warned the Echoes of Valour that their rivals had made an ill-advised choice of allies.  While Dorlen protested that Ayo’s party were not inherently bad, Xarria thanked the high curator for his concern and promised they would exercise caution.  A’alithiya urged them to wrap up their affairs quickly before asking Zalarre to give them their badges.  The half-orc gave them badges bearing the sigil of the Allegiance of Allsight, which would give them access to the dig site.

Zalarre guided them to one of the temple stores and left them with a dwarf quartermaster named Arro Stonemason who took measurements for their robes.  Sabina politely declined, requesting needle and thread so she could sew the badge to her clothes. After getting their measurements, Stonemason listed the items he had for sale.  After much discussion, the party bought three healing potions (which they later gave to Zenada, as she was the only party member without access to magical healing), four scrolls of Detect Magic, a Scroll of Commune and a pair of sending stones.

As Stonemason handed over the sending stones, he gave the party a cautionary tale of a gnome from Hupperdook who had sent bombs to Cobalt Soul recruits under the guise of selling sending stones.  Dorlen immediately asked for details, growing alarmed as he heard several recruits had been injured, but had all given different descriptions of the vendor. Zalarre returned after they completed their purchases and received their robes.  As the conversation had turned to Kaeko’s sexual exploits to Bodhi, an embarrassed Sabina called out to Question and invited them over. As Question scampered towards them, Zalarre leaned over to Zenada and asked in Orcish whether she really wanted to join the Cobalt Soul given her past as a mercenary and a Scarbearer.  Zenada replied she had joined the party to repay a favour to a friend, emphasizing that she valued the few friendships she had.  Zalarre warned her to be careful, as the god Gruumsh had a great deal of influence in Cael Morrow.

Once Question had arrived, Zalarre wished the party good luck, bade the tiefling to find them accommodations and returned to his work.  Question asked if the party was excited for their mission and gave them some random information about the Drowned City before leading them out of the Temple.  They gave the party a running commentary along the way to the Cobalt Arms, an apartment complex within a few minutes’ walk of the Temple, before showing them to their rooms. Zenada chose a room on the second floor.  Going inside, she found an incredibly spacious bedroom with a four-poster bed.  She saw several notches and marks on the bed that were consistent with ropes and manacles, mentally filing that observation away for any night-time company she might invite over.

The party later returned to a common area.  Question, who was waiting for them, told Zenada they were neighbours.  They also told Sabina their room was directly below hers and apologized in advance, as they were often noisy when inviting company over.  Kaeko then told Sabina that her room was directly above the halfling’s residence. Putting two and two together, a horrified Sabina hurriedly left to give Chet the fish she’d acquired.  Zenada left to gather her belongings while Kaeko departed to see Bodhi.

Zenada returned to the cheap boarding house she had rented out.  The human owner realized she was leaving and handed over a note that had been left for her.  Opening it, Zenada saw it was a message from the Scarbearers reminding her to keep a close eye on her new friends.  She destroyed the note before packing up her possessions and heading for the Step Aside, where she rejoined the party and exchanged greetings with Irawan.  The adventurers then saw Shira coming down the stairs.  Dorlen was saddened to see she was finishing a bowl of haluh and quickly turned away.  Kaeko told a confused Shira that they had found people who were willing to give her a place to live and teach her how to control her magic.  Shira was briefly concerned that they were trying to induct her into a cult, seeing the matching robes they were wearing, but was reassured when Sabina joined them and told her she did not have to wear the robes if she did not want to.  The group agreed to return to the temple.  Dorlen urged them to hurry, as Xarria had discovered that Ayo’s party was already in Cael Morrow.

### The Drowned City

They made sure Shira was settled in, receiving several profuse thanks, before proceeding to the dig site. The Maw, as it was called, was a giant hole approximately 150 feet across and hundreds of feet down with a stairway spiralled towards the bottom.  Several Scarbearers patrolled the area.  The party was greeted by an orcish genasi and a human woman named Kal and Nadiya, respectively.  Kal was surprised to see Zenada, who told him she was trying something new.  Nadiya warned them not to cause any trouble as she checked their badges. Zenada protested her innocence, prompting Nadiya to remind her of previous incidents in the Suncut Bazaar and the Sand-Herald District.  When Dorlen asked for more details, Nadiya revealed that Zenada had gotten drunk one night and danced naked on the table.  Zenada later added that Nadiya joined her.

The party was eventually waved through and proceeded down the staircase.  Dax almost stepped off the edge and accidentally clawed Zenada in his haste to back up.  Sabina accompanied Dax the rest of the way down.  As they descended, they saw an orc leaning against the door.  When they reached the bottom, they saw the orc was a tuskless red-skinned male reading a notebook through spectacles.  Dorlen greeted him, startling the orc from his study. He introduced himself as Gortag Inkdrinker, a junior researcher with the Allegiance of Allsight.  After a confused and meandering conversation, Inkdrinker led them past a set of double doors into an airtight tunnel framed by shimmering blue light to a door of a submerged building.  A small stone cube inscribed with glowing blue symbols saw above the door, which was guarded by a human and a halfling wearing Allegiance of Allsight apparel and badges.  Looking at the sea life swimming around, they realized they were at the bottom of the sea.   Dorlen successfully stepped through the barrier and into the water, where he waved at an octopus who threw a rock at him.

The party saw Dorlen floating through the water before noticing Xarria seemed distracted.  She assured them that she was fine and they should hurry… after rescuing Dorlen from his plight.  Zenada reached through the barrier, having been reassured by the guards at the far end, and pulled him back into the tunnel.  The party noted that Dorlen was dry, and that seawater did not pass through the barrier.  While Dorlen found the experience fun, Kaeko was quick to chastise him for going off without someone to accompany him.  Dorlen pointed out that Zenada had come to his aid, prompting Kaeko and Xarria to nominate Zenada to be his ‘buddy’.  Zenada was not amused.

Sabina and Dax walked up to the guards and gave their names.  The human and halfling returned the gesture, introducing themselves as Kai and Nadiya, respectively.  The Echoes of Valour explained they had been sent from the Cobalt Soul to meet ‘Professor Insight’.  After checking with the professor, the guards let them pass.

They passed through the door—and another magical barrier—into a storage building consisting of three floors connected by a spiral staircase.  Bookshelves held various journals, relics and excavation equipment. Windows warded by more barriers of blue light offered views of the underwater environment.  A female tiefling, a goliath and a kenku—all wearing Allegiance of Allsight garb and badges—were hard at work.  As the party entered, the tiefling turned towards them and adjusted her glasses.  Introducing herself as Insight Acuere, she asked the party for their names.  She recognized the Vestige Xarria wore from Prolix’s description and asked to touch it before changing her mind.

Insight explained that since the party were not members of the Allegiance of Allsight, she needed them to perform a small task to prove their trustworthiness.  She started explaining that her team was searching for the writings of the hero who tried to save Cael Morrow from destruction during the Calamity, only to be interrupted by Dorlen, who gave Alyxian’s name.  The goliath researcher recognized the name as the individual they were trying to locate, introducing herself and the kenku as Xot and Scribble, respectively.  Insight went on to explain that they had found clay tablets beyond the excavation site to the south, but they were outside the secured areas and there were too many dangerous creatures for the researchers to safely retrieve them.  Dorlen agreed to search for the tablets on behalf of the Echoes of Valour, but pointed out the problem of breathing underwater.  After some thought, Insight took them up the stairs to the third floor and past several crates, casks and cots to an unlocked wooden case.  She rummaged through the case and pulled out two Breathing Bubbles and three Potions of Water Breathing.  After some thought, she found an additional, misshapen, Breathing Bubble that proved to fit Dax.  Now outfitted, the party prepared to set out on their latest assignment (episode 18).

After some discussion, the party determined that the potions and the bubbles only had one hour of air.  However, the latter would be the limiting factor as the former would not use any stored air if the wearer was in an air pocket of any kind. Sabina loaned Zenada one of her shortswords, as she knew that longswords would be of limited effectiveness underwater, and offered Dax’s services to Kaeko.  Kaeko thanked Sabina, but felt she would probably be spending more time casting spells.  Dorlen reassured the party that, as per their new buddy system, he and Zenada could form a front line to fend off any hostiles.  Xarria chimed in that she and Kaeko would be spellcasting buddies.  It was assumed that Sabina and Dax would be buddies.  Zenada indicated her displeasure to all but Dorlen.  Given her swimming skills, Sabina suggested that she take one of the potions while Dax take the misshapen bubble.  After some discussion, they decided that Kaeko and Xarria would take the remaining bubbles, while Dorlen and Zenada drank the remaining potions. They then hurried through the hallway while Kaeko conducted an Aria of Suspense.

They entered the ruins of a stone house, whose marble floors were covered by masonry, broken bed frames and furniture.  Walls of blue light kept out the water.  Dorlen felt the world shift around him, glimpsed a flash of red and heard Alyxian’s voice in his mind asking why the gods had forsaken him.  He replied out loud that he did not know but his party had come to his aid.  The rest of the party was confused until Dorlen explained what he had heard. Dorlen expressed surprise that none of them had encountered the same experience, as they had all faced shared visions before.  Xarria then revealed experiencing a similar phenomenon.

The party continued on, walking through a corridor of shimmering blue barriers that intersected with the remnants of a guard tower.  Looking to the east, they saw a red glow on the horizon that was reminiscent of ruidium.  They decided it might be worth investigating once they finished their current assignment and replenished their supply of air.

As they walked into the guard tower, the party noted that each excavation site was also lit with mystical lanterns that offered enough illumination for everyone to see.  Dorlen saw water dripping from the walls, seeping through inconsistent, flickering protective wards.  He also saw a stone cube on the floor, hissing and sparking.  But all that went away as he had a sudden headache, accompanied by Alyxian announcing that others were right about him bringing nothing but despair.  Dorlen dutifully recounted his latest experience to the party, who wondered why Dorlen had been repeatedly targeted.  They speculated whether this was due to his entering rooms first, touching the Vestige first or handling the ruidium-infused sword.  Dorlen then picked up the stone cube.  With a loud pop, the wards shattered and the water came crashing in.  As the party was knocked about, a giant shark corrupted by, and trailing, ruidium burst into the tower. A battle ensued, one complicated by the shark repeatedly dealing psychic damage to the party. However, they were ultimately triumphant, with Xarria striking the killing blow.

Xarria admonished Dorlen not to touch any more cubes. Sabina cast a Healing Spirit to heal a grievously wounded Kaeko.  Dorlen promised not to touch any more cubes.  Zenada suggested not touching anything, to which Dorlen replied that that was impossible.  Xarria cast Cure Wounds on Zenada, who reluctantly accepted another Cure Wounds from Dorlen.  They looked out the hole the shark came from and saw some buildings to the south that were humming with the same energy emitted by the cubes and some buildings to the west that had no such protection.  Amidst the ruins of a palace, they also saw a gaping rift pulsing with sickly red light.  Jagged spines of ruidium sprouted from the ridges of the rift, forming a rough dome. Dorlen immediately wanted to investigate the palace.  Sabina reminded him that they already had a mission, and that completing it would eventually allow them to enter the palace and the rift within.  Xarria expressed doubts that they could penetrate the dome at all.  They eventually decided to head west, as the research team had already cleared the southern buildings.   After Sabina cast another Cure Wounds, they decided to investigate the closest building to the west, which appeared to be a stone tavern, but not before repeatedly telling Dorlen to consult with them before touching things.

They went inside and saw it was lit with Continual Flame spells.  Pushing inside, they saw a blue-skinned, white-haired elven woman tending the bar. The party approached and were greeted by the bartender in a curious language. Zenada was able to understand her, guessing that the elf was speaking the ancient dialect that formed the basis of Elvish and Orc, and began talking to her.  The bartender introduced herself as Olara, welcomed them to the Tavern of the Last Willow and asked if she wanted to buy anything.  As they talked, Zenada sensed that Olara might be slightly impaired in some way, but was otherwise harmless.  She learned that Olara was out of spirits but still had some potions for sale. As the bartender waved over the rest of the party, Zenada summarized their conversation.  Using Zenada as a translator, the party learned that the elf did not know about any clay tablets.  Olara then brought out her wares—three intact bottles of wine, five Potions of Healing and two Potions of Heroism—and listed her prices.  The party quickly determined the Potions of Heroism were out of their price range. Dorlen and Sabina insisted they buy the wine and store it in Dorlen’s Bag of Holding.

Zenada was slightly disturbed as Olara began greeting them as if they had not met before.  She asked for the wine and healing potions, ordered Kaeko to pay and put the bottles in Dorlen’s Bag of Holding.  During the transaction, Olara repeatedly forgot they had talked before and began their conversation anew.  She also warned them to be careful as it looked like it might rain, seemingly oblivious to the fact they were underwater.  Zenada hurried the party out of the tavern and told them how Olara’s memory seemed to continually reset.  Dorlen sneaked back to take a look and whispered for someone to come over.  When Xarria joined him, he told her of his suspicions and asked if there was anything she could do.  Xarria said no.  Sabina reminded them that they had a mission and a limited amount of time.  Xarria suggested they could always come back later.

Swimming away from the tavern, the party decided to head south and look for any buildings that the Allegiance of Allsight had not searched and warded with protective barriers.  Spotting a large building that resembled a government structure or library, and was not glowing with any light, Dorlen insisted they should investigate.  He saw that it connected to another building with a protective barrier and, after getting permission from the others, pushed into that building and the pocket of air it provided.  They found themselves in a corridor that led to several rooms and chose one that was not glowing, which appeared to be a library.  The room was covered in kelp, broken clay tablets and other detritus, all illuminated by the red light that filtered through broken windows.  At that point, the party saw something was affecting Kaeko. When asked, she told them Alyxian said his powers were not, and had never been, enough.

Xarria felt they should hurry and wondered if Alyxian had been affected by his imprisonment. Sabina theorized that these mental communications might be within the power of an aboleth.  They decided to proceed with investigating the clay tablets. Dorlen began searching through them, realized they were either in Elvish and Orc and began invoking the ‘buddy system.’ Zenada reluctantly came over and began reading them for any references to Alyxian.  At the party’s suggestion, Zenada scratched out ‘hero’ in Orc so the others could search for anything with that word.  Xarria found a relatively intact tablet that had the word Zenada was looking for.

After some searching, Dorlen found a tablet that appeared to have what they were looking for.  When he picked it up, though, Kaeko and Xarria felt a shiver as if hands were reaching out of the tablets towards them.  A male elf and female orc appeared next to Kaeko and Xarria, respectively, dressed in elegant robes trimmed with embroidery.  Dorlen stood up and walked over to join the ghosts.

Dorlen and the ghosts greeted the rest of the party, speaking in the ancient dialect of Elvish and Orc, and told them their intentions were peaceful.  Kaeko was confused, but Sabina guessed Dorlen had been possessed. The ghost possessing Dorlen walked up to party and asked them to end his suffering.  When Zenada asked how, Dorlen’s eyes welled with tears as he looked at the ruins of the library.  The ghost possessing him lamented that they gave their lives in an attempt to protect their city and ensure their culture would not be forgotten.  He felt that the wreckage before him indicated that their saviour had failed.  Zenada assured them in Orc that they had not been forgotten, that there were organizations studying the city and its people and they needed the ghosts’ help.  Dorlen walked over to the tablets and rearranged them in a specific order.  He said this told the story of the gathering of the elves, how Corellon blessed Cael Morrow and the birth of the first orcs.  Zenada tried to give a running translation in Common to the rest of the party, including the question of what the party was looking for.  When Sabina mentioned the name Alyxian, the ghosts looked at her.  They recognized Alyxian as the Apotheon, who gave his life to defy Gruumsh and was connected to Sehanine, Avandra and Corellon.  Zenada (reluctantly) accepted their offer to see a vision.

The water vanished from the party’s sight.  Through the hole in the library, the party could see a glorious and mighty temple to the west.  They saw Alyxian armed with spear and shield, standing alone atop of the building while Gruumsh loomed over him with his own spear poised to strike.  As the god plunged his spear down, Alyxian raised his shield and uttered a prayer.  The vision came to an end, though the party felt it reverberate within their soul. They also realized the ghosts had vanished, though they heard them ask that they not be forgotten.  Zenada was the first to speak, telling the others what order to read the tablets.  While Kaeko felt the Allegiance of Allsight would have been able to sort them out, she was grateful that Zenada had joined them and was able to speak to the bartender and the ghosts.  For her part, Zenada was thankful that the Orc language had not deviated too much from the language they spoke.  Dorlen carefully and reverently placed the tablets in his Bag of Holding.  The party decided to head back before their potions wore off and the bubbles ran out of air.  Zenada admitted she felt helpless against ghosts or anything she couldn’t hit. Dorlen assured her that that was what the buddy system was for.  Kaeko and Xarria added their magic could likely help.

As he looked through the tablets, Dorlen had a nagging feeling based on his recent possession that he could find what he was looking for in a building to the south that was situated near the temple.  Sabina wanted to recruit an animal to act as their scout.  Kaeko advised them that they had ten minutes before they had to head back.  They had just left the library when they spotted a giant octopus the size of a horse that seemed to be wrestling with something.  Sabina asked the others to slow down, cast Speak with Animals and asked the octopus if they needed help.  The octopus admitted they were trying to open a locked treasure chest.  Sabina asked Dorlen if he could help open the chest, learned the octopus was named Rocky and introduced the other party members.

Rocky slapped Dorlen as he approached.  Sabina assured him this act was not meant to imply a threat.  Dorlen replied that he did not appreciate being offered a sacrifice when it was not his idea, but successfully opened the chest.  Rocky began dumping the contents of the chest, burying Dorlen in one thousand electrum coins.  After taking some damage, Dorlen tried to collect as many coins as he could.  As the party tried to help Dorlen, Rocky put the chest on his head as a hat.  Sabina asked Rocky if he’d be willing to act as a scout.  Sabina told the party that they could search the temple while Rocky stood watch, using her magic to see through his eyes.  She added Rocky’s warning about Alyxian residing in the kelp forest.

After gathering all the electrum, the party went to the temple.  They saw strands of ruidium reaching out from inside the temple. When Dorlen approached the door, Sabina and Xarria noted a distortion in the light.  Xarria realized the alabaster pillars were generating an invisible barrier, a common protection to deter robbers and anyone who was not a true believer. She tried to warn Dorlen but failed to stop him in time.  Once he hit it, everyone in the party saw it.  Xarria swam up and touched the barrier with the Vestige, but nothing happened. She did recognize the temple was raised to honour Corellon.  Dorlen saw the building that had triggered his memory and drifted over to investigate. As the party followed, they saw murals depicting orcs and drow working together to build a city in the midst of a jungle.  As they stepped inside, Zenada heard a voice inside her head say “If I can’t live, I’ll burn this world with me.”

Zenada wondered if the person they were trying to rescue was a good person.  The party suggested that their earlier visions suggested Alyxian was a good person and that he may have been warped after fighting Gruumsh, being transformed into an aboleth or simply being trapped downhere for so long.  As Zenada suggested they should prepare themselves, Sabina and Xarria saw movement in the rubble before four scuttling serpentmaws burst from the rubble and attacked. (episode 19).

The party was not surprised due to Kaeko’s Aria of Suspense and quickly attacked the four scuttling serpentmaws.  However, one managed to hit Sabina enough times to bring her down. Nevertheless, the party rallied and saw Zenada score the first kill.  Xarria used Cure Wounds to bring Sabina back, only to realize with horror that the halfling’s potion had worn off. The party redoubled their efforts, with Zenada killing two more monsters.  As the tide began to turn, Kaeko stopped attacking, swam over to Sabina and cast another Cure Wounds.   After several more attacks, Xarria finished the last one off. Kaeko bade the others to search the area before casting Dimension Door, teleporting Sabina and herself to safety before Sabina ran out of air.  Dax was confused and anxious, but Dorlen assured him everything was fine.

They saw the octopus, treasure chest on its head, rise and look around.  Seeing that the scuttling maws were dead, it began slurping the soft flesh out of one of them.  Dorlen was going to head back with Dax, then got distracted looking at the various stone tablets strewn around the ocean floor.  Zenada began examining the tablets they had gathered thus far though, she did not know what she was looking for.  After several minutes of searching, while being keenly aware of the dwindling amount of time they had left, the party found a tablet that promised to hold the information Insight sought.  They were able to determine the writing was in Celestial, which none of them could read, before hearing Dax make a curious noise, followed by a noise of recognition.

Kaeko rejoined the others and told them she had gotten Sabina to safety.  Insight had put Sabina to sleep as she had seemed to be having a panic attack. She reassured them that the researchers were looking after Sabina and asked if they had found anything.  Xarria told her they’d found a tablet that seemed promising, but were unable to read it as it was in Celestial.  After Dorlen dropped his Mirror Image, Xarria put the tablet in his Bag of Holding.  Kaeko gave her observations on teleporting through the barrier and being wet, which sent Dorlen on a tangent.  Seeing Zenada was incredibly confused, Xarria assured her she often felt the same way but tried not to think too much about it. The party swam off with Dax, Dorlen and Zenada up front and Kaeko and Xarria at the back.  Kaeko asked Xarria for some extra healing, only to attack the tiefling as she approached and demand she hand over the Jewel of Three Prayers.  A surprised Xarria refused, cast Calm Emotions on Kaeko and began to move. This triggered an opportunity attack from Kaeko that Xarria blocked.  Turning around, Dorlen and Zenada saw a blank-faced Kaeko attack Xarria before casting Thunderwave on the other party members.  In response, Dax charged Kaeko and knocked her prone while Xarria cast Hold Person.

Xarria began to swim towards Zenada, only to look up and see a whitish creature loom overhead.  She recognized it as an aboleth, realized it was likely the source of the telepathic messages and hastily began to back up.  Zenada felt Xarria’s movements, turned and saw the aboleth.  She began motioning the party towards the closest building while dragging Xarria with her, urging Dorlen to run.  Dorlen protested until he saw the aboleth, then began dragging Kaeko towards the building while calling Dax to follow.

The party began feeling a hum inside their minds as Alyxian telepathically made contact with them. He offered to tell them whether Valas was alive or dead, and where they could find him, if they submitted to him. The aboleth then attacked Dax, knocking the moorbounder unconscious. Xarria cast Spare the Dying on Dax, then cast Beacon of Hope for the party. At that point, Kaeko bolted up, frantically assured the party that Alyxian had taken control of her, told them she had freed herself and warned them that Alyxian was outside.  She called out to Alyxian and asked if he was willing to bargain. The aboleth asked why they had the Jewel.  Kaeko replied they had come to rescue him.  The creature loomed forward.  As Xarria backed up, she felt Dorlen reach up and touch the Jewel.  Xarria flinched away.  Then the aboleth agreed to join forces with them and defeat their mutual enemies, as Alyxian had done so many years ago (episode 20).

Alyxian allowed Dorlen to babble before requesting introductions.  Kaeko confirmed that this alliance would include Sabina, who was not present for this meeting, then introduced herself and shook one of his tentacles.  Zenada followed suit, though the aboleth noted her name was only the one she was using at the moment, much to the party’s surprise.  Alyxian observed that Xarria followed a deity that he was not familiar with.  The tiefling introduced herself and the deity she served.  Dorlen, after noting the aboleth seemed to have two faces and wondering which one to address, was the last to introduce himself by shaking one of his tentacles. Both Kaeko and Dorlen needed some effort to release their grip on the aboleth’s tentacles, as its body was covered in sticky mucus.

Once they had exchanged names, Alyxian asked why they were here.  The party explained they had come in response to the vision he sent. Alyxian seemed excited at the prospect of being freed from his present form of an aboleth—a divine punishment for failing to save Cael Morrow.  He admitted possessing Kaeko and sending her to retrieve the Jewel in the hopes that it could free him, but now realized he had only caused some confusion and strife. The Echoes of Valour assured him that they would forgive each other and requested they continue this conversation later as they had a limited amount of air.  Alyxian agreed, promising that he would grant them safe passage through Cael Morrow and command his spawn to let them pass unimpeded.

The party hastily bid Alyxian farewell and made an uneventful return to one of the areas warded by the Allegiance of Allsight, where Scribble and Xot were playing dominoes.  Insight greeted them, but quickly saw how hurt the party appeared.  Kaeko and Dorlen admitted they needed rest, with the latter handing over all the tablets they found.  Dorlen was fascinated by the aboleth mucus that was still on his hands, wondering what he could make with it.  Insight eventually suggested they check on Sabina and promised a gift when they returned.

When they found Sabina, she turned as if sensing Dax.  Kaeko gently placed Dax next to Sabina, moving some cots together to make them comfortable.  They tried to wake up Sabina, apparently to no avail. The party agreed to take a nap, though Xarria cast Cure Wounds on Dax first.  The moorbounder was momentarily roused, but returned to a slumber once he realized they were safe.  Dorlen remembered the damaged cube he’d taken from the guard tower and decided to return it to Insight.

The party cuddled together, though Zenada initially stayed apart to care for her weapons and armour until the others convinced her to join them.  Dorlen asked Zenada why Alyxian brought up her name, wondering if it was a code name or alias.  Kaeko and Dorlen thought her name had something to do with Bazzoxan.  Xarria, in a flash of insight, seemed to realize what her name really meant.  For her part, Zenada feigned innocence, an act that Dorlen and Xarria bought, Kaeko accepted with some mild suspicion and Dax saw through completely.

Dorlen decided to change the topic of conversation to Alyxian.  Kaeko tried to wake Sabina up so she could participate.  Sabina woke up, all puffy-eyed and hugged Dax. Xarria confirmed to Sabina that they’d met Alyxian, but she found it odd that he was unfamiliar with the Raven Queen. Dorlen told Sabina they’d met an aboleth who claimed to be Alyxian.  Xarria added that he’d apparently been cursed by the gods for failing to save Cael Morrow. Sabina suggested the real Alyxian might be somewhere else and telepathically gleaned enough information to impersonate him.  Dorlen noted a second face seemed to be growing from his body. Sabina told the party what she recalled about aboleths and theorized Alyxian might have warped this aboleth in some way.  Zenada pointed out that Alyxian was in Cael Morrow when it became submerged, meaning he might have been trapped for thousands of years and might have gone mad. Kaeko wondered if his body was trapped but his mind was free.  Sabina asked if they found any ruidium, recalling what Alyxian had said.  The others confirmed vast amounts of the mineral near a rift.

Sabina told the party what she recalled about aboleths and theorized Alyxian might have warped this aboleth in some way.  Zenada pointed out that Alyxian was in Cael Morrow when it became submerged, meaning he might have been trapped for thousands of years and might have gone mad. Kaeko wondered if his body was trapped but his mind was free.  Sabina asked if they found any ruidium, recalling what Alyxian had said.  The others confirmed vast amounts of the mineral near a rift.

The party was interrupted by the sounds of someone climbing the stairwell.  Insight then entered the room, cheerfully admitting she had heard much of their conversation due to the building’s acoustics.   She thanked them profusely for retrieving the tablets and told them they could return at any time.  Going back to what she overheard, she told the party that the rift led to another dimension, which the professors and scholars of the Allegiance of Allsight called the Netherdeep.  While it was sealed, the Allegiance of Allsight had discovered a way to open it: weapons infused with ruidium.  Dorlen remembered the shortsword they’d given to the Cobalt Soul to destroy.  Sabina asked if a carved elephant figurine infused with ruidium would work.  Insight didn’t know, but thought the item had to be an implement or key of sorts.  She believed the Consortium had left some ruidium-infused weapons behind when the Allegiance evicted them from Cael Morrow and advised them to search any buildings that hadn’t been secured or excavated.

After Insight flirted with him, Dorlen thought it might be best to return to the Cobalt Soul and see if the ruidium shortsword had been destroyed yet.  Insight warned she’d gotten her impression was that the Cobalt Soul was expecting an actual key to the Netherdeep, not just information on what the key was.  Insight retrieved the bubbles to recharge their air supply.  The conversation drifted to pockets and sexual innuendo, which amused Zenada.  Sabina was uncomfortable and loudly asked if they should go back to the Cobalt Soul.

Remembering the Sending Stones they bought recently, Kaeko used one to send a series of emojis to Zalarre. He responded with a text that Kaeko could not read, prompting her to give the stone to Xarria.  After a confused exchange of texts, Xarria was able to establish who they were and initiated a two-way communications link. Zalarre told them that they’d interrupted his private shower and that the ruidium sword had already been destroyed. The party explained they needed ruidium-infused weapons to serve as a key, which confused Zalarre as he was not privy to their conversation with A’alithiya.  He promised that he would update the high curator, but advised them to find a replacement weapon themselves.

After a series of highly amusing and nonsensical events, they concluded the call and enjoyed a well-deserved long rest. When he awoke, Dorlen created a Cloak of the Manta Ray.  He also invented some masks that could extend the time they spent submerged and eagerly waited to measure their faces.  Unfortunately, he made the mistake of looming over Zenada, who assumed he was a hostile holding a garrotte and punched him.  Dorlen told them about his masks and the need to measure their faces to ensure their fit. After letting Dorlen measure her face, Zenada began stretching.  Dax began stretching with her, somehow getting in her way at the most inconvenient of times.

The party made further preparations to depart.  Kaeko was alarmed to feel her fingers trembling as she picked up her axe and asked if anyone else was feeling weird.  Dorlen said he always felt weird.  Zenada said the thought of the aboleth slime was weird.  Kaeko admitted she was feeing physically weird since encountering Alyxian and had trouble handling her axe.  Dorlen applied the contents of one of his syringes (Lesser Restoration), but it did nothing.  While Zenada and Dax began mock-wrestling with each other, Kaeko stuck her head out into the water and asked Alyxian to stop whatever he did to her.  Seeing she was unsuccessful, Xarria told Kaeko she might have a backup plan but, given that it would require a great deal of energy, she recommended speaking with Alyxian first.

Dorlen then attached his new masks to the party and advised they should bring their masks and water breathing potions just in case.  Zenada tested the mask and found it work.  Dorlen was surprised and delighted, which caused Xarria to sigh.  One by one, the party left the research site. Dax went out and looked at Sabina. Sabina reluctantly followed.  Dax sensed something was wrong.  Sabina offered reassurance.

As the party began searching for sites that had not been excavated by the Allegiance of Allsight, the more perceptive members saw streaks of crimson darting amongst some of the ruins and alerted the others.  The streaks revealed themselves as three slithering bloodfins that quickly attacked the party. The party swung into battle, aided by an octopus that Sabina summoned.  Xarria tried casting Greater Restoration on Kaeko, but the goliath found it only provided momentary relief.  Shortly afterward, one of the bloodfins swallowed Dorlen.  Sabina was greatly distressed.  During the following round of combat, Sabina fell unconscious. However, the party eventually prevailed, though the bloodfins’ ability to explode in their death throes was briefly disconcerting.

The party licked their wounds. Dorlen got confirmation that everyone’s mask was working.  Sabina meekly refused Dorlen’s offer of healing and healed herself.  Dorlen recalled what happened with Zenada’s Echo and wondered if the orc (technically) stabbed herself.  Sabina and Xarria noticed a collapsed guard tower on the other end of the rift that seemed like a good place to search.  They swam over to the tower, making their way through schools of fish.

As Zenada’s feet touched down inside the tower, she heard Alyxian in her mind, asking why they had forsaken him. The experience was brief and ended without incident. Searching the tower, the party found nothing.  However, Dorlen found, amidst a symbol of Corellon, was a trap door.  He immediately tried to open it with a crowbar but failed.  After the party realized what happened, Dorlen backed up and let the octopus try opening with the crowbar.  Kaeko begged the party to rest first before doing anything and they, eventually, relented. Kaeko then used the crowbar to open the trapdoor, with Dorlen’s help.

Dorlen saw a corroded iron ladder leading into a circular room lined with weapons.   As Kaeko asked what was down there, Dorlen immediately jumped down. Sabina and Xarria glimpsed a small glyph flare to life.  Dorlen saw it too and felt regrets just before the Glyph of Corellon exploded, inflicting radiant damage on the party (episode 21). Xarria collapsed to the ground while everyone else felt a tremor.  Sabina saw that her clothes and skin were burned.  Furthermore, the radiant damage was enough to snap the leather thong of a small pendant that Sabina wore beneath her clothes.  It fell to the ground at her feet.  As Sabina coughed out blood, Kaeko and Zenada noticed a brand of a burning, dripping eye burned into Sabina’s skin, just beneath the collarbone.  To their surprise, the eye blinked at them.

Kaeko asked about the brand, but Sabina insisted she was mistaken.  After another tremor, they noticed Alyxian walk through the centre of the watchtower.  The ground shifted beneath the feet and their eyes were pulled upward to Gruumsh pointing a spear at them. Zenada tried to grab Sabina and jump into the hole.  Gruumsh’s spear struck the earth so deeply and forcefully that it turned the rock into magma.  Everything went dark.

Zenada remembered her last few hours as Celae'sarrin Dro'as before their lover gave them a mercy kill rather than allow the Bright Queen to keep sending soldiers after them. She then found herself next to Sabina, in a wagon with a pair of adult orcs and a newborn orc baby. Sabina hesitantly greeted Zenada and assured her they were not dead.  Within moments, they found themselves back in Cael Morrow, in the shadow of the cathedral.  Sabina told Zenada she saw her death as Celae’sarrin and her subsequent reincarnation. Zenada revealed that was why her sword ‘worked’ for her and not for Bodi.  Sabina conceded that made sense and apologized that the party could not reunite her with Valas.  Zenada easily forgave her, admitting she did not remember everything from her past life. Thinking on the memories she’d been forced to revisit, Sabina guessed it must have been scary for Zenada to come back alone.  Zenada disagreed, thinking one of the important things was learning how to be alone as one could always make friends.  Sabina felt it was hard to make friends when it was easy to lose them, to which Zenada asked whether that fear worth not making friends at all.  Choking back a sob, Sabina said Zenada sounded like her mother.  Zenada took that as a compliment, particularly after learning Sabina’s mother was also good with a sword.

They decided to look for their friends, finding them at the bottom of the guard tower.  Thinking of their buddy system, Zenada went to Dorlen while Sabina went to Dax. However, both of them found their hands passing through the bodies of their friends.  Sabina tried Kaeko next and, while her hands still passed through the goliath, saw a shiver of light.  They found themselves somewhere in the mountains, heard the Giant language, blades clashing and the sounds of grunting.  Before long, they saw goliaths training for battle and a teenage Kaeko Skaar who had far fewer scars than they were used to.  Sabina and Zenada watched as her father angrily approached her, told her to stop wasting time and start training.  Kaeko tried to talk back, only to be forced into hand-to-hand combat with her father.  The fighting only stopped when she was beaten unconscious.

When Kaeko woke up, she was in a hut surrounded by furs, skin, trophies and the goliath markings of Augthag ‘Smartleader’ Nalakelo, the leader of her tribe.  Seeing she was awoke, Nalakelo accused her of thinking she was smarter than the tribe. She disagreed, thinking she saw and heard things differently.  Nalakelo believed she was just stupid or mentally challenged; a disgrace to the Skaars. She wondered if they ever thought about the people they pillaged or killed.  Nalakelo replied they did: it was how they got trophies, money and items for trade.  He went on to discuss the tribe’s last raid, which Kaeko and several other youths participated in, noting that all she brought back was sheet music, a book of poetry (with pictures), a conducting wand and a bottle of ink.  Kaeko insisted there were other ways to fight, which Leader ultimately dismissed.  He accused her of being useless and not helping her people, adding she should leave and go far away so her disgrace would not sully the reputation of her tribe. Enraged, Kaeko attacked her leader. Leader beat her into a broken, bloody pulp and exiled her from the tribe, but not before forcing her to burn the book and sheet music.  As a cruel gesture of mercy, he let her keep her wand.

Kaeko travelled through the wastes of Xhorhas to Asarius.  An orc saw her in a bar trying to earn some coin and, noting her musculature, asked if she was interested in working for the Aurora Watch. He quickly gave a sales pitch, adding he’d heard her sing and suggested she could parlay that into entertainment for the soldiers.  Kaeko was intrigued by the prospect of a steady source of income and lodging.  She was not bothered by the prospect of dying in battle and did not want to get tied down with family, as she was still smarting from her recent exile.  The orc, who she later learned was Turok Gristlegrinder, agreed.

Sometime later, she was part of a contingent assigned to defend a group of merchants traveling through Xhorhas.  After killing an adolescent gloomstalker, Kaeko felt inspired and began jotting down some musical ideas.  A fellow soldier ordered her to help the merchants and hum her ideas out loud rather than sit and write.  A red-skinned tiefling merchant overheard her humming and admired her voice, gently offering some constructive criticism before asking her to help him with his overturned cart.  As they worked, he complimented her fighting skills and noted how unusual it was for a practitioner of the bardic arts to fight in the Aurora Watch.  As they righted the wagon, some items fell out—including a jar of wine that broke on the ground.  The tiefling cursed at his ill fortune before offering to share what was left of the wine.  Kaeko accepted and began helping him collect his spilled belongings, only to stop when she saw a book similar to the one she’d been forced to burn.  The tiefling told her it was book of erotic poetry. Guessing Kaeko couldn’t read, he assured her she could appreciate its contents as they were mostly wood stampings. He introduced himself as Bodhisattva, but suggested she call him Bodhi.  They sat down and shared the broken decanter of wine.

Everything then evaporated into mist, leaving Sabina, Zenada and a confused and startled Kaeko.  Zenada calmly told Kaeko that they were not sure whether they were alive or dead, but noted she’d had a rough childhood.  Kaeko noted it took a day before they had sex, using the poetry book as inspiration, and was grateful—for Sabina’s sake—that they had not witnessed their carnal activities. Before long, the three of them found themselves in the base of the tower.  They saw their bodies alongside the bodies of their companions.  Sabina wondered if Dorlen was okay, prompting Zenada to try and touch him.  After her hand passed through him, Zenada entertained herself by poking Dorlen in the face, noting this must be what her echo felt like.  Sabina tried to wake Xarria with similar results.  As she did so, though, her necklace began glowing. At Kaeko’s suggestion, Sabina tried to touch Dorlen while holding her necklace.  The tower and the bodies of the party members disappeared.  They heard the sound of various activities including music, drinking and gambling.  They then saw Dorlen emerge from a building.

A couple guards approached him as he was locking up, introduced themselves as members of the city watch and asked if he’d seen his brother Garin.  Dorlen said he’d seen him a couple days ago and jokingly asked if he was in trouble.  One of the city watch gave him their contact information, admitted they wanted to speak with him and asked he contact them immediately if he saw his brother.  They also requested he inform them if he planned to leave town.

As the guards left, an increasingly confused and concerned Dorlen heard his brother call out from a nearby alley.  Upon his request, Dorlen entered the alley, wondering out loud what Garin had done. His brother insisted all he did was make some enemies, to which Dorlen assumed he’d cuckolded some unfortunate married couple again.  As Dorlen got closer, he smelled gnomish whisky and could tell his brother had been drinking.  Garin asked him if he could keep a secret.  Dorlen suggested they drink and share secrets.  Garin handed Dorlen a dark-coloured flask of whisky and drunkenly asked if he remembered a girl from the last Spring Festival who broke his heart.  He then made a comment that Dorlen mistook for sexual innuendo… until Garin opened a Bag of Holding and revealed the girl’s decapitated head.  As Dorlen turned away in horror, Garin asked for the whisky back.  Brother told Dorlen the modifications he’d made to the bag worked flawlessly.  Dorlen insisted he didn’t make modifications for that reason.  Garin insisted the girl had treated Dorlen rudely and he would not stand for it.  A shocked Dorlen took a sip of whisky, insisting his brother would not commit such a heinous act.  Garin replied that he was a slightly obsessive professor before tossing the Bag of Holding to Dorlen and calling for the guards.  Dorlen dropped the bag and ran.

When he finally came to a stop, Dorlen realized his hands were covered in soot. He then remembered Garin was fond of a particular prank where he’d line something with coal dust so it would leave a mark.  A horrified Dorlen slowly realized that the flask of whisky had been coated in coal dust and, by touching the Bag of Holding after holding the flask, he’d transferred his fingerprints to the item Garin had turned into a murder weapon.

An unusually intense Zenada shook Dorlen out of his memories and asked if Garin was still alive.  She insisted that, should they survive their underwater adventures and successfully complete their quest, they would clear Dorlen’s name and bring his brother to justice.  She reminded Dorlen about Zone of Truth spells, declared that they were part of the buddy system and pulled him into a hug.  Zenada silently told Kaeko and Sabina to join them for a group hug. Kaeko insisted that they were family and would get justice for everyone who had been killed by his psychopathic brother.

After taking comfort in each other, they found themselves back in the ruins of the tower. Holding Dorlen’s hand, Sabina walked over to Xarria and touched her shoulder.  They quickly found themselves in a lavish bedroom, their eyes drawn to a four-post bed covered in silk where a human noblewoman was giving birth.  The midwife was in the midst of giving her encouragement when she suddenly trailed off and fell back in shock.  Thinking the baby was stillborn, the mother looked for herself and saw the baby had pink skins and horns.  The mother’s screams drew the attention of her husband who, upon seeing the baby, accused his wife of being a whore.  Whatever else he might have said was forestalled by the priest behind him, who magically put him to sleep.  The priest, whose name was Houl Henschell, advised the noblewoman to announce that the baby had died in childbirth.  In truth, he took the baby to a temple of Avandra, named her Xarria, and raised her in secret.

Even in that relatively secluded environment, she would occasionally be subjected to prejudicial remarks about her tiefling heritage, but she did her best to ignore them and concentrate on learning how to be a healer under Houl’s tutelage. Everything would change one day, when they were trying to treat a woman’s myriad boils.  Learning that the woman would probably not give any donations to pay for her healing, Pool settled for lancing them instead.  After the woman insulted Xarria for her heritage, Houl pulled Xarria aside and offered to send her away for her words, but Xarria insisted on treating the woman.    All was proceeding smoothly until the woman moved, causing Xarria to accidental pierce her flesh.  As the woman cursed her, Xarria felt a pull towards the blood dribbling down her leg. She noticed the blood seemed to react and be drawn to her.  Feeling a connection to blood, a transfixed Xarria began pulling more and more blood out. A crow began cawing as the blood formed a sphere…

Later at night, Houl sat across from Xarria.  He said they couldn’t help Xarria after the events of the day, as the woman almost died.  After Xarria apologized, Houl told Xarria about a nearby temple dedicated to the Raven Queen.  He suggested it might be a safer and more suitable place for her as it offered sanctuary to other tieflings and other people who displayed a similar affinity to blood.  After insisting he wasn’t trying to rid himself of her, Pool promised to write a letter of introduction on her behalf.

Sometime later, Xarria, now a disciple of the Raven Queen, found lodging at an inn.  As she signed the registry, the dwarf innkeeper thanked her for making an advance reservation.  He added that a gentleman was looking for someone matching Xarria’s appearance and asked if she wanted him to feign ignorance.  When Xarria said yes, the dwarf assured her that he would happily comply as his first duty was to his customers.  Unfortunately, the innkeeper’s promises proved hollow as the man paid more.  After confirming Xarria’s identity, the man handed her a letter, which he promised would explain everything, and said her family wished to see her.  He added her mother was very sick and wished to make amends. He handed over the letter, bound within a signet ring, and a bag of gold coins for passage.

Xarria stared at the letter for a while before finally reading it.  The writer introduced herself as Beatrice Rexxentrum, Lady of House Rexxentrum and her biological mother.  Lady Rexxentrum revealed that her husband was dead and she had five children, of which Xarria was the eldest.  She apologized for subjecting Xarria to a lifetime of separation, as she was the product of a one-night stand with an unnamed, but apparently handsome, stranger.  While Lady Rexxentrum had sent Xarria away, both for her safety and the reputation of House Rexxentrum, she now wanted to make amends as she was in poor health. She asked that Xarria come to the Dwendalian Empire and assume her rightful place at last.

Kaeko touched Xarria and observed that she should never get on her bad side.  Xarria was visibly confused until Kaeko brought her up to speed. Dorlen eventually remembered that House Rexxentrum was one of the reigning families of the Dwendalian Empire.  An oblivious Kaeko asked if Xarria was someone important, a fact that the tiefling confirmed through her embarrassment.  Sabina assured her she could be simply Xarria, not someone associated with nobility or royalty.  Dorlen assured her he’d probably forget anyway before growing more serious and assuring her she did not deserve the abandonment and prejudice she’d endured throughout her early life.  Xarria lamented that she’d missed out on everyone else’s backstory.  Dorlen told her she missed a group hug, which Kaeko promptly initiated.  Zenada simply said that Dorlen’s brother was scum and they would destroy him, a quest Xarria was happy to support.

The party found themselves back in the wreckage of the watchtower.  Sabina began to hurt as the eye on her chest opened again. They saw Gruumsh overhead, aiming his spear at her heart.  In response, the periapt at her throat glowed with the light of Corellon.  A voice on the breeze asked out loud if she still wanted power.  Sabina hesitantly said yes, but said she didn’t want it for revenge anymore.  The voice told her she must defeat it.  The periapt then grew silent.  As the party watched, black tendrils began growing from the eye on her chest.  Zenada and Xarria recognized the Eye of Gruumsh on Sabina’s flesh.

Dorlen put a hand on Sabina’s shoulder, while Zenada and Xarria wondered what the black tendrils were, and tried to give her some healing.  Kaeko began playing song that seemed to fit Sabina’s theme, promising to support her.  Zenada also put her hand on Sabina, told her she was good enough and didn’t need the Eye of Gruumsh to succeed.  As the blackness continued to spread, Xarria cupped Sabina’s face in her hands and insisted she keep fighting as the party needed her.  Feeling the love and support of her friends, Sabina fought against the corruption.  There was a flash of light…

…and the party found themselves back in the tower, watching in horror as Dorlen opened the latch and triggered the glyph.  This time, though, the light did not deal any damage.  As the party milled about in confusion, the periapt fell from Sabina’s throat to the floor.  Sabina quietly picked the item up and put it in her pocket.  Kaeko wondered if they were not dead, chastised Dorlen for touching things without consulting them first and pulled him into hug.  Xarria thought Dorlen had actually asked permission first to no avail.

Looking down, the party looked down and saw armoury full of rusted weapons and armour. Zenada did a cursory investigation and found a sentinel shield with an emblazoned eye—not Gruumsh—and a frostbrand longsword with an icy grip and a tiger’s head pommel.  Meanwhile, the rest of the party could see the temple of Corellon. Sabina remembered she was forced away from it before.  Zenada called up and asked if anyone needed a longsword.  The party discussed who might be proficient in wielding the longsword or shield, until Sabina told them they should go to the temple as she thought she had seen Corellon.  Dorlen agreed, as Corellon was one of the good gods.

The party walked over to the temple, noting features like the surrounding alabaster pillars and the pulsing red light inside.  Sabina went in and saw the others could follow.  Dorlen, Kaeko, Xarria and Zenada saw the lavishly sculpted pillars lining the interior walls and a floor glass mosaic depicting two verdant crescent moons atop a four-pointed star.  The party felt a sense of peace before a vision of Alyxian filled their minds. They saw him, haggard and aged beyond his years, kneeling before the statue of Corellon.  Alyxian swore he would do anything to protect ‘them,’ even if it meant his life or his soul.

As the vision faded, the rest of the party saw a shining, glowing crystal of ruidium in the centre of the mosaic.  Dorlen walked forward to touch it, only to be frightened away.  Sabina was able to approach the crystal and touch it. The crystal emitted a hissing noise before it cracked and exploded.  An image of a stern, impatient Alyxian briefly appeared in the temple.  Sabina received a fair amount of psychic damage and became exhausted from the experience.  As she stumbled backward, though, the party saw a shard of ruidium had embedded itself into her hand.

Xarria felt a sudden heat and brightness at her chest as the image of Alyxian faded away. Alyxian’s voice echoed out that he could not do it himself.  As Xarria looked down at the Vestige she carried, Xarria felt something.    As they watched, the Jewel of Three Prayers shifted into its final, Exalted State. Dorlen was the first to ask if Sabina was okay.  Sabina shakenly said she just needed to sit down.  The party reassured her they would find a solution.  They huddled together in the temple as the light from the ruidium crystal died out (episode 22). The party returned to the surface and spent a day recuperating from their ordeal in Cael Morrow.  Bodhi took the vast quantity of electrum they’d acquired and converted it into other currency, which Kaeko divvied up amongst the party.

Despite a night’s sleep, Zenada nodded off in the morning and dreamed that Valas was waiting for her while she freshened up for the day.  She rubbed her face, muttered about memories and pushed the dream aside to run a few errands.  Zenada eventually wound up in the market, where a plump orcish baker tried to sell her on the idea of a donut stuffed with sweet custard, gravy and meat.  After warning him against sexually suggestive names for his products, she bought some pastries and fritters.  She then heard her name being called out.  Turning around, she saw Kaeko and Xarria at a silk merchant’s shop and walked over.

Xarria asked if Zenada was willing to model for the merchant’s potential spinoff business of silk lingerie.  Zenada agreed after haggling a discount rate.  The merchant was also willing to make similar attire for Bodhi, giving Kaeko a tape measure so she could measure her husband. He then ushered the three into a building behind his shop and proceeded to take measurements.  He was halfway through Zenada when his wife, Ivana Horowitz-Naughtyleaf, walked in on them measuring her bust size.  Zenada steadied him before he toppled off the stool he was standing on.  Kaeko explained that Harman’s family name inspired her to suggest a lingerie business, for which she, Xarria and Zenada were providing measurements.  Ivana was not amused.  However, once she was assured they had no intentions of seducing her husband, and offered coin for some of their merchandise, she warmed up to the idea, going so far as to provide several raunchy design ideas.

The Echoes of Valour met outside a building behind a silk shop.  Sabina and Dorlen admired the new red silk sarong Xarria was wearing.  A surprised and grateful Kaeko accepted a pair of Goggles of Night from Dorlen, informing him she had a surprise for him at Bodhi’s shop.  They walked over to the shop, which had now finished repairs.  Bodhi invited them to join him inside for lunch.  After toasting each other with drinks, Kaeko motioned Dorlen over to a nearby crate—which had arrived just before the party. Kaeko explained that she would be trying the magical longsword they’d acquired from Cael Morrow.  Meanwhile, she’d traded the magical axe they’d received some time ago for a set of plate mail.  Dorlen thanked her with a hug once he’d recovered from his shock, then began tinkering with the plate mail.  He was particularly excited to see it was red, forgetting that Bodhi had mentioned that earlier.

While Dorlen occupied himself, Bodhi told the others he had acquired some more items in exchange for the axe.  He handed over three magic arrows, two Potions of Lesser Healing, a loaded die, a pair of Beads of Refreshment and a pair of Beads of Nourishment.  Xarria bought some diamond dust from him for spell components.  The conversation meandered to other topics, including a neighbour allergic to moorbounder hair and the fact that the entire building knew Kaeko and Bodhi had sex—except for Dorlen, who mistook the noise for rats.  Dorlen bought the rest of his diamond dust before Kaeko remembered they’d bought some old bottles of wine from Cael Morrow.  Bodhi appraised the merchandise, was shocked to realize it was truly pre-Divergence and was confident he could sell each bottle for a thousand gold pieces. The party decided to celebrate by sampling one of the wine bottles, as it was not every day they could enjoy such an expensive vintage.  In lieu of the wine, Sabina accepted a philter of love (which she later poured out as she had moral objections to it) and a Potion of Minor Transmutation.  When Dorlen tasted the latter, the party noticed his hair changed colour to match that of the potion.  The party then sampled the wine.  Zenada and Kaeko felt a mild buzz.  Xarria felt it was fairly strong.  Bodhi and Dorlen immediately got drunk.  Dorlen suggested he could build things for Bodhi to sell.  Kaeko remembered the lingerie shop and told Bodhi she had to take his measurements.

Despite his inebriated state, Dorlen thought they should discuss whatever flashbacks they’d seen (if they wanted to).  He freely admitted his brother was ‘a piece of shit’ and was strangely grateful that he could share such a personal part of his past with some of them.  Sabina silently eyed Zenada to suggest she reveal her flashback.  Zenada explained to Xarria (who had not witnessed Dorlen’s flashback) that his brother framed him and gently told Dorlen he could decide how to reconcile his conflicted feelings.  She also observed that no one had witnessed Sabina’s memories.

While Dorlen hastened to assure her she did not have to reveal anything, Sabina admitted she made a deal with Gruumsh to gain revenge when she was ten years old.  She went on to reveal that she was saved by a member of the Cobalt Soul who gave her a symbol of Corellon, which shielded her from Gruumsh’s influence.  Zenada hinted Sabina was now part of a party whose contacts could help her track down the perpetrators.  Sabina reluctantly admitted her family trained moorbounders as part of a traveling circus until members of the Aurora Watch had tried to purchase some for combat purposes.  When her parents refused, the soldiers returned to kill and burn their caravan. Sabina admitted she and Dax were the only survivors and that Gruumsh had met her afterwards.  She sheepishly acknowledged she could no longer maintain the fiction that she’d been raised by moorbounders.  Dorlen drunkenly admitted Sabina was a little too well-spoken for someone of her supposed upbringing.  Zenada simply expressed her sympathies, followed by Dorlen.  Kaeko offered to put out some feelers with her former comrades in the Aurora Watch.  Zenada calmly went on to tell Sabina they could ensure the offenders receive a long and painful justice.

Sabina tentatively suggested Zenada had some familiarity with that.  Zenada acknowledged that it was interesting remembering they died at the hands of a friend.  She went on to reveal to Dorlen, Kaeko and Xarria that ‘Valas’s sword’ worked for her as she was the reincarnation of Celae’sarrin Dro’as and it was actually her sword.  Sabina offered Zenada some comfort and assured her Valas cared for and never stopped looking for her.  Zenada simply stated that she only retained some of her past life’s memories and how odd it was to be two people at once.  She gave a few more details on the reincarnation cycle, clarifying that Valas had broken his sword and stabbed her past self with the broken end.  Dorlen wondered what the odds that they would be drawn together were.  Xarria thought it might be fate.  Bodhi said it might be destiny.

As an increasingly inebriated Bodhi rambled, Kaeko admitted her flashbacks had revealed how she first met her husband, but also how she had been exiled from her tribe.  Bodhi drunkenly declared his opinion of her biological parents and reminded her that his parents loved her—revealing that Kaeko had accomplished the rare feat of out-drinking his mother.  The party assured him they regarded him as an honorary member.  Zenada wryly observed he had not inherited his mother’s tolerance for alcohol. Sabina asked why they found drinking, and sex, so enjoyable.  She received a variety of answers.  Zenada amused herself by tossing a chocolate croissant at Bodhi and a custard-filled tart at Dorlen.  Bodhi responded by squeezing the contents of some pastries over Kaeko and Dorlen.

Their merriment were interrupted by a knock.  Dorlen hastily cast Disguise Self while Zenada answered the door to find Prolix. Zenada vaguely remembered him and invited the tiefling in, warning him they were somewhat drunk.  Prolix greeted the party and nervously told them someone was trying to frame him for the events at the Life Dome (episode 23).

Prolix explained that someone stole his satchel earlier that day.  Sometime after reporting the theft, he was notified through a Sending spell that his satchel had made its way to the Crystal Chateau and he should retrieve it. He was on his way when he found a silver ring with a stripe of red metal, which he suspected had come from Cael Morrow. Taking out the ring, he presented it to the party, swore it did not belong to him and begged them to believe him. Seeing how badly shaken he was, Sabina assured him they trusted his word and invited him in after checking with Bodhi. Bodhi gave his permission before pulling Kaeko into a private, albeit drunken, conversation.  Zenada summoned an echo and used it to serve herself more wine.

Sabina apologized for the drunken state of (most of) the party, as they had been celebrating. Prolix regretted disturbing them, but confessed they were the only people he could trust.  He did not know what might happen if he returned to the Crystal Chateau and did not want to claim his satchel or report to his superiors until he knew what was going on.  Dorlen tried to see if the red—which he presumed was ruidium—reacted to Sabina’s rash, then asked for Xarria’s input when the experiment yielded no results.  They were able to determine the red metal was ruidium, though it was unclear whether the ring was deliberately forged with ruidium or whether the latter infected the former.

Prolix recalled there were many items from Cael Morrow that were touched by ruidium.  He asked the party to find his friend, Bookkeeper Khime, who managed the Omnival Library in the Sigil District and maintained records of all antiquities salvaged from Cael Morrow.  He hoped Khime could find a record of the ring, which the party could then use to determine who was trying to set him up.  Dorlen interrupted him to say the party would help as he was their friend, then asked if Prolix had anywhere to stay.  They eventually decided that Bodhi and Kaeko could keep Prolix safe—while sharing the recently opened thousand-gold piece wine—as Prolix had done something similar when the Echoes of Valour first arrived in Ank’Harel. As an added measure, Dorlen loaned Prolix to disguise himself.  Zenada decided to stay as well, both because she did not want to miss the entertainment and because she had apparently assumed the role of bartender.  That left Dorlen, Sabina and Xarria to find Khime.

After Dorlen kept mangling and mispronouncing names, Xarria promised to keep him from talking—possibly with the Silence spell.  Prolix suggested, in Abyssal, that a sock would suffice—and was delighted to discover Sabina knew that language along with a few others.  He felt that her language skills would be welcome in the Allegiance of Allsight, though he noted she’d been recently spending a great deal of time with the Library of the Cobalt Soul.  Sabina expressed her fondness for Prolix, but confessed an appreciation for how the Cobalt Soul did not try to gatekeep knowledge and was trying to pay them back for the aid a Cobalt Soul librarian provided in her youth.  Prolix thanked them again, stating he was in their debt.  Sabina disagreed as she felt friends did not keep track of debts.  Xarria agreed, promising to help no matter who they were officially working for.  Dorlen urged them to get going, though he momentarily regretted missing out on the fun they were leaving behind (episode 24).

Five hours later, the bottle of thousand-gold wine was finished, along with the falafel and a tankard of ale.  Kaeko’s corset was half-undone, Bodhi had taken off his pants and was sitting in his underwear and Zenada had taken off her overcoat.  Kaeko and Zenada were fairly buzzed.  They sat with Bodhi and Prolix amidst falafel wrappers, canvas bags of leftover fried potatoes and other food that had been ordered in.  Bodhi asked Kaeko to demonstrate how to use the hookah that had made its way out onto the floor.  Kaeko agreed as she knew how to suck.  She enjoyed the taste of mint and cranberry before blowing out a heart-shaped ring of smoke and an arrow of smoke that pierced it.  Prolix insisted he could operate the hookah as well, but allowed Zenada to try first—after wiping off Kaeko’s lipstick.  Zenada took the hookah and blew smoke out her nostrils like a dragon breathing flames.  An amazed Prolix declared he was not that skilled with blowing and took the hookah to practice.  Unfortunately, he was so drunk that he blew before he sucked; causing an overflow of steam that blew into Prolix’s face and set his hair on fire.

At that point, Dorlen, Sabina and Xarria returned.  Sabina took one look, turned around and walked out the door to sit outside with Dax.  She was disappointed to see that Dax had drunk some ale and was mildly inebriated.  Xarria helped put out some lingering flames in Prolix’s hair.  Dorlen, Sabina, Xarria then told the others they cleared Prolix’s name but accidentally fried one of his colleagues—Professor Wist. Dorlen said that they’d presented their evidence to the headmasters, one of whom was decidedly rude until Dorlen scolded him.  He added that putting people in their place was not an unfamiliar experience as he was an ex-professor, then corrected himself to say he was a professor.  Prolix mistook his words to mean he’d joined the Allegiance of Allsight as a professor and became excited at the theories they could share.  Dorlen began imagining the possibilities himself, only to mess up his own name as well as Prolix's.  Sabina explained Dorlen was—and was not—a professor in charge of a department at the University of Hupperdook.

They eventually steered the conversation back to the need to return to Cael Morrow and investigate another professor named Galeokaerda, who had been signing reports of expeditions where ruidium items had been stolen.  Sabina added that Wist had been modifying the memories of her colleagues and claimed to be working for the Sentinels of Memory, though she might actually be an agent for the Consortium of the Vermilion Dream.  In addition, there were concerns that Insight, Xot and Scribble might be involved.

As an aside, Dorlen recalled that Xarria was planning to speak with Wist’s corpse. Zenada was surprised as she did not realize Xarria had that ability.  Bodhi claimed he could speak to dead people, too.  Xarria clarified that her method allowed dead people to respond, though she could not force the matter.   However, Dorlen, Sabina and Xarria remembered that the Allegiance of Allsight needed time to reassemble the body.  Kaeko asked if everyone in Cael Morrow was corrupt.  Dorlen clarified that they did not know, but suspected at least one of the expedition members was a spy.

Sabina then revealed that Wist exhibited signs of ruidium corruption, probably due to prolonged contact with the ring.  She was not sure whether Wist was corrupted to acquire ruidium from the beginning, or the ring corrupted her to want more ruidium.  A concerned Prolix thought they should return the ring to the headmasters. Dorlen assured him not to worry and pretended to make the ring disappear, only to lead Prolix to slam his head against a cabinet.  Bodhi explained that Prolix had been very stressed, so he introduced the professor to Wildemount pipeweed.  He then asked Dorlen to fix the hookah that Prolix broke.  Dorlen complied after tucking a pillow under Prolix’s head.

While Dorlen helped Bodhi repair the hookah, Sabina inquired about Kruuk, who they had been asked to investigate some time ago.  Bodhi told them the baker had been apprehended while trying to leave town with a shipment of stolen camels.  The conversation then drifted to speculation about whether they could question Kruuk about what he knew of the ruidium smuggling trade, the party’s complicated history with the Hands of Ord and whether the Cobalt Soul had already questioned the baker.  Kaeko eventually asked if it was more important to find ruidium weapons or find the villains in Cael Morrow.  They decided they would have more luck—and more freedom to operate—in the Drowned City. Sabina suggested that they—especially Dorlen—should not be too aggressive or accusatory with their investigation, as they did not know who had their memories altered and needed to find out the facts.  Dorlen expressed faith in Sabina’s ability to handle the situation.  Sabina expressed faith in Xarria’s ability to handle the situation.  Xarria expressed faith in her ability to Speak with Dead.

After briefly wondering if that meant one or more of them were dead, the party decided to call it a night.  While Dorlen wanted to investigate the ring, Kaeko proposed that she and Bodhi have sex. Bodhi agreed, asking Dorlen to pass over a glass vial holding red fluid and bearing a nipple cap, as he needed the recuperative properties of the potion inside.  Sabina woke Prolix up and told him again that they’d cleared his name and asked if he wanted to return home or stay with one of them.  She offered the use of her bed as she did not use it, which Prolix took to mean she had multiple sexual partners.  Sabina was horrified.  Prolix suddenly became nauseous, but Zenada grabbed a nearby bucket and expertly slid it under his face to catch the vomit. Dorlen helped Prolix sober up with an injection to his ass.  He was surprised the concoction worked and wondered if he could remember its contents.

Bodhi and Kaeko decided to go ahead with their carnal plans, prompting Sabina to throw up in the bucket herself.  Prolix thanked the party for everything they did.  The party insisted they were happy to repay him for the kindness and friendship he’d shown them.  Now that he was sober, Prolix insisted he was serious about encouraging them to join the Allegiance of Allsight.  Dorlen promised to consider the offer.  Prolix awkwardly hugged them one by one before leaving. Kaeko hugged him hard. Zenada then enjoyed a good night’s sleep.

In the morning, Dorlen revealed the ring could let whoever was attuned to it breathe, swim and fight underwater.  It could also be used once a day to give the wearer advantage on Strength checks/saves, deal more damage, navigate difficult terrain and become immune to being paralyzed or restrained.  He felt they should take advantage of what the ring could do. However, he also warned they would need to be careful, given Wist had demonstrated how easily ruidium could corrupt the wearer.

Xarria pointed out she had an amulet that let people around her swim—and fight—freely. Dorlen eventually took the ring as everyone else declined to wear it.  They walked through the city, gathering whatever supplies they needed. Before they descended to the excavation site, Dorlen offered his Cloak of the Manta Ray to Zenada.  She was visibly reluctant, but eventually agreed after learning it could expand to fit her and let her breathe, swim and fight underwater.  He also gave Kaeko a Cloak of Resistance.

One of the guards asked if they were ready to go down, though he asked Dorlen if he could make a cloak for his sister.  The other guard told them the party were members of the Cobalt Soul, not cloak merchants.  Sabina suggested Naughtyleaf and his silk wares.  Xarria concurred with that recommendation and offered to show the guards the dress she’d bought, which led to a round of inadvertent flirting. Kaeko and Sabina decided to sneak past the guards while Zenada simply strode on through.  One of the guards decided to take Xarria up on her offer, introducing himself as Edgar and his partner as Tonka.  Xarria gave her name before taking her leave.  Dorlen also left the guards behind.

The party went down the spiral stairs and was waved through the double doors by Gortag Inkdrinker.  They were given a quick once-over in the tunnel by Nadiya and Kal, who both looked very tired.  Sabina expressed her concern over their exhaustion.  Kal explained Nadiya had a hot date and lost her voice screaming at a concert.  Kaeko offered her sympathies and asked if anyone was acting strange or secretive since the last time they were there.  Nadia took her leave to get some tea.  Kaeko recommended she add honey and ginger to soothe her throat.

Once Nadiya had left, Kal admitted he had been bored since Nadiya lost her voice. He agreed to give them some information if one of the party members beat him in a wrestling match.  Kal was slightly disappointed when Kaeko agreed, as he’d hoped to compete with Xarria.  Nevertheless, he began wrestling with Kaeko.  After some initial trouble that was solved with Dorlen’s coaching, Kaeko won the match.  Kal complimented the goliath as a ‘glorious mountain hussy’ and suggested a yoga rematch. He demonstrated a yoga move and was impressed when Xarria copied the move.  Dorlen tried to do the same, only to fall over.  Dax made an attempt before sitting back down and licking himself.

Kal finally told the party that Insight seemed too eager to make friends, possibly due to loneliness.  He also admitted that Scribble had been acting weird during the last couple weeks. He warned the party to tread carefully as Xot was very protective of them and asked them not to reveal what he said as gossip was a punishable offence.  The party agreed to keep his secrets safe.  Before they left, Sabina loaned Kal her comics to stave off his boredom.

The party entered the excavation site.  In the distance, they heard Xot and Scribble arguing over a dragonchess game.  Over by the central chamber, they saw a pair of recently excavated statues, still covered in barnacles and seaweed.  One of them had a pair of legs sticking out of the open counter beneath them.  They heard Insight call out for a spanner.  Dorlen handed one over and was taken aback when she started feeling up his arm and onto his chest before realizing he wasn’t Xot.  After making some adjustments, she slid out and asked how Dorlen was doing.  Dorlen blurted out his discovery that his brother had stolen his identity and was posing as a professor, much to Kaeko’s and Zenada’s surprise.  Sabina and Zenada speculated that his brother took advantage of Dorlen’s departure to switch places.  The conversation was derailed by talk of multiverses and Dorlen’s mispronunciation of names; with Zenada comforting Sabina over sexual innuendos inspired by the latter.

As Kaeko and Dorlen stepped aside, Insight noticed how they kept looking back and wondered what they were talking about. Xarria and Zenada admitted it was hard to tell at times.  Zenada confessed Dorlen was both brilliant and oblivious, but it was hard to tell which version one would meet.  Sabina emphasized Dorlen’s kindness, citing how he stood up for her when one of the headmasters called her dumb.  Insight immediately grabbed Sabina, shook her, told her she deserved as much respect as anyone else and insisted Sabina repeat after her before letting her go. Sabina was very confused.

At that point, Kaeko and Dorlen saw Insight grabbing Sabina and wondered what was going on. Dorlen went so far as insisting Insight leave her alone, wondering why the Allegiance professors behaved this way. Sabina reassured him that she was just being (aggressively) nice.  Insight eventually realized Dorlen was talking about Headmater Cryon.  Kaeko claimed she was talking to Dorlen about a rash, only for Dorlen to shatter her ruse with his ignorance.  Xarria assured Dorlen that she would look after Kaeko.

Xot interrupted them by informing Insight she had the items ready for appraisal. The goliath insisted they needed examination as they were on a timeline and asked him to identify them.  While he was occupied, Xot leaned over Xarria and asked if she was responsible for handling the party—having surmised the role fell to her or Zenada.  Hearing Xarria’s hesitant confirmation, Xot warned her to make sure Dorlen wasn’t left alone with Insight, as she deemed the professor emotionally fragile and likely to seek a live-in boyfriend.  Xarria replied that she would try to keep Dorlen in line.

Meanwhile, Dorlen determined the items as a Potion of Healing and a Ring of the Ram. After informing the others of his findings, Insight asked what brought the party to Cael Morrow.  Dorlen brought up their ‘Uncle Bard Destiny’ and was surprised to see Xot react to the name.  Apparently a bard named Destiny had come to her tribe when she was a child, taught them how to love and dance, then burned their village to the ground.  Dorlen looked at Xarria and asked why she never told him their fictitious bard was based on a real person.  Xarria urged Dorlen to stop talking.

Unfortunately, Xot was so enraged that she telekinetically grabbed Dorlen and pulled him towards him.  Desperate, Sabina blurted out that their ‘uncle bard Destiny’ was merely a codename for someone else.  When Xot sought clarification, Sabina admitted aloud that everyone else in her family was dead. Xot apologized to Dorlen, explaining she had lost her shoe collection that day and had tried to rebuild it ever since. Xarria loaned Xot a handkerchief to dab at her tears, while Dorlen offered his own shoes.  Xot declined as he preferred Xarria’s designer shoes, though she wished they were larger.  Kaeko lamented that she had not grown up in Xot’s tribe.  Xot then revealed her nickname was ‘Greatpump’ and her brother’s was ‘Twopump’.  In Giant, she and Kaeko commiserated over how her brother’s name had a different meaning in Common.  Dorlen suggested that if Xot made shoes, she might seek out the Naughtyleafs for some sort of collaboration.

Zenada watched the proceedings between the rest of the party and Xot, but noticed Sabina sneaking upstairs.  She later saw Sabina beckon her to come upstairs and was handed a notepad when she joined Sabina and Scribble. Zenada learned that Scribble began having visions of Alyxian while excavating some of the ruins.  The visions had caused him pain, suffering and nightmares.  About a week ago, the visions suddenly stopped and the nightmares became more bearable.  He wondered if they were responsible.  Zenada relayed the information to Sabina, who confirmed that they had put several things to rest during that time.  Scribble hugged and thanked both of them.  He then called out to Xot and insisted she give the Ring of the Ram to the party.  Scribble and Xot began exchanging insults.

Insight asked what was going on as she sensed people were keeping secrets. Dorlen said he wasn’t supposed to talk. Insight assured him he could stand by and look pretty, much to Zenada’s amusement.  Sabina told the party to confide in Insight and her colleagues. Zenada suggested that Sabina and Xarria provide the majority of explanations after Dorlen mangled Galeokaerda’s name.  Xarria complied, explaining that Galeokaerda had signed off on all the reports of expeditions where items had gone missing.  Dorlen added that the archivist had also altered some of the reports, while Sabina revealed that Professor Wist had (sort of) admitted her own culpability. Insight was reluctant to believe their accusations, but agreed they should speak to her.  She directed them to the Royal Reading Room, which the party realized was in the same building where they’d found a cache of historical tablets during their first visit.  Insight hoped the party would prove her innocence, as Galeokaerda had offered her kindness, friendship and a reprieve from the politics typically found in academia.

Insight also told them that she discovered Galeokaerda holding meetings with another group of people bearing Allegiance of Allsight badges, one of whom was a blue-skinned water genasi.  Kaeko immediately thought of Ayo and asked if there was an ogre present.  Insight confessed it was possible, but she had not paid close attention as Galeokaerda routinely kept a shield guardian close by for protection and seemed nervous or angry when Insight discovered them.  When asked, Insight told them the meeting took place the day after the party had visited the excavation site.  Xot spoke up, recalling another member of the group was a grievously wounded human.  Sabina saw Xarria was upset, guessed she was probably thinking of Irvan, and offered her support.

After saying goodbye to Insight, Xot and Scribble, the party made their way through the ruins.  When they arrived at their destination, Kaeko cast an Aria of Suspense while Dorlen put on the ruidium ring and donned his Armour.  They made their way through the submerged library and past an adjoining corridor and door to the north, then stopped to discuss how to approach Galeokaerda. They eventually settled on the tactic used to question Wist.

They opened the door and entered a large room filled with tomes and scrolls that had long since turned to mush.  The smell of rotting, waterlogged wood filled their nostrils.  A female elf was sifting through the detritus with an exasperated look on her face.  She was accompanied by a large construct that some of the party recognized as the shield guardian.  Dorlen was fascinated by the construct and asked Galeokaerda if she made it. Galeokaerda turned towards them and demanded to know what they were doing here.

Xarria tried to explain they were part of a joint task force investigating omissions in some reports she’d signed.  The archivist immediately took offence and rudely dismissed her.  Dorlen protested that they were here under the authority of the Allegiance of Allsight headmasters, but was similarly rebuffed when he mangled their names. As the conversation devolved into an exchange of insults and indignant remarks, Sabina and Xarria noticed the telltale markings of ruidium corruption along her bare arms.

After a few minutes, Galeokaerda declared that she might cooperate if the party retrieved some tablets that her underlings dropped in one of the two rooms to the north.  An exasperated Dorlen complied, only to stop and admire the shield guardian.  Sabina accompanied him but stopped at the room’s door.  Zenada stayed behind at the door they had entered.  Kaeko positioned herself between Dorlen and Galeokaerda.  When Dorlen opened the door, he immediately saw a teleportation tablet.  Xarria confirmed she might still have one from Bazzoxan while Zenada reminded Dorlen to be careful.  Dorlen stepped in and immediately saw a swarm of sorrowfish descend towards him. Dorlen cast Invisibility on himself and evaded the attack.  Sabina and Xarria were momentarily alarmed until they realized he was safe.

As the sorrowfish stunned Dorlen with their innate magic, Galeokaerda recognized the party as the adventurers she was warned about. She attacked Xarria with crimson bolts, which the party recognized from their encounter at Kruuk's shop. After Xarria Hellish Rebuked the archivist, Galeokaerda then commanded the shield guardian to attack Xarria, who summoned Spirit Guardians to protect her. Sabina declared she was tired of people hurting her friends and fired a Lightning Arrow at Galeokaerda before commanding Dax to attack the shield guardian. Zenada noticed the wood in the shield guardian’s chassis began to splinter as Galeokaerda took damage.  She walked up to the shield guardian, summoned her echo in front of the archivist, and unleashed a barrage of attacks on both. She later noticed a glowing pendant around Galeokaerda’s neck and deduced it was transferring some of the damage she took to the construct. Dorlen came to and saw the shield guardian had hurt Dax, prompting him to call on the power of his new ring before hitting the sorrowfish and shield guardian. Galeokaerda fired two more crimson bolts before trying to flee. Xarria ultimately destroyed the shield guardian with her new Ring of the Ram, but not before it hit Dorlen. Kaeko caught up to Galeokaerda and tackled her to the ground while Zenada used her echo to contain the sorrowfish. Xarria's Spirit Guardians convinced the sorrowfish to swim away.

Kaeko dragged Galeokaerda back to join the party, sat on her and demanded she start talking.  Galeokaerda revealed the key to the Netherdeep could be found in a villa to the south.  She also declared that they were too late and the Consortium would soon control the source of the ruidium.  Zenada marveled at how the Allegiance of Allsight allowed a fool like Galeokaerda into their midst.  Galeokaerda demanded the party release her in exchange for her information.  Sabina intimated that they should just kill her instead.  Kaeko reprimanded Sabina, stating that they—usually—did not murder people.  Galeokaerda accused them of killing Aloysia, but the party quickly corrected her.  The archivist told them to use the teleportation tablet to transport all of them to the rooftop of the First Eclipse.  From there, she could direct them to their friends.  Dorlen, Kaeko, Sabina and Zenada believed her.  Xarria, however, saw her look away as she spoke. Recognizing the telltale sign of a lie, Xarria gripped the shaft of Sabina’s arrow, twisted it and asked what Galeokaerda was hiding. Zenada found Xarria’s interrogation quite attractive.

Before Galeokaerda could reply, a horrible noise tore through their minds.  The party received varying degrees of psychic damage, while the archivist’s eyes popped from the onslaught.  Amongst the screams of a hundred different lives, the party heard Alyxian’s distorted voice ask why they did not protect him.  Moments later, Galeokaerda and the Alyxian aboleth died. They sensed that the aboleth perished at the hands of Ayo's party (episode 25).

The party recovered from their shared psychic onslaught and slowly rose to their feet. The party heard a series of inarticulate screaming in Deep Speech. Kaeko and Sabina told the others they heard something large hit the ground outside, guessed it was the Alyxian aboleth and heard it being called a ‘progenitor’.  They advised the others they had to confront the perpetrators.

While Zenada kept guard, Dorlen went to pick up the teleportation tablet he spotted during the previous combat and determined it was keyed to the teleportation circle on the rooftop of the First Eclipse.  Meanwhile, Kaeko looted Galeokaerda’s body, obtaining several coins, a brooch—holding a ruby, not a stone of ruidium—a sheathed longsword and the trident she displayed. After closer inspection, Sabina and Xarria revealed that the trident Galeokaerda wielded was infected with ruidium. Sabina suggested that someone else should carry the trident, since Dorlen and Sabina had already been corrupted by ruidium.  Dorlen claimed he had not been affected.  When Kaeko pressed him, he claimed he was trying to emulate her fighting skills.  Xarria decided to take the trident as she did not want Dorlen and Sabina to sacrifice themselves for the party.

Dorlen swam outside to look around. He excitedly told the party that he could see Ayo’s party and called out to Dermot, telling him he had the eye he promised. Kaeko, Sabina, Xarria and Zenada joined Dorlen and saw Dermot was holding a warhammer infected with ruidum.  Ayo’s party.  One by one, their other friends—and rivals—turned around.  Maggie, Ayo, Galsariad and Irvan revealed that ruidium had also infected their plate mail, harpoon, staff and short sword, respectively.  Furthermore, Irvan’s left arm had been replaced with a clockwork prosthetic.  Xarria gasped, blurting out the name ‘Den’ and swam towards Irvan.  Dorlen followed, with Kaeko close behind.  Sabina stayed behind, hiding out of sight.  Zenada lingered as well, given that Ayo’s party did not know her.

As the Echoes of Valour approached, Maggie shot Ayo a look before taking a combat stance.  She warned the party to halt as they did not want to fight.  Xarria insisted they did not want to fight either and asked Irvan what happened to his arm.  Irvan explained he’d been careless and lost it to a slithering bloodfin.  Dermot thanked Dorlen for bringing his new eye and promised to try it on after returning from the Netherdeep, picking it up when Dorlen tossed it over.

A confused Dorlen asked why they would be fighting.  Ayo stepped forward and said everyone wanted the Netherdeep and what it could provide.  Kaeko explained her friends were only here to save someone who was trapped.  Ayo replied that Alyxian was imprisoned, not trapped, and rightfully so as she’d seen a vision of him vowing to destroy everyone to get his revenge.  Furthermore, she expressed interest in the vast quantities of ruidium held within the Netherdeep.  Kaeko pointed out Ayo was acting hostile and that ruidium inflicted a terrible cost—suggesting that it was indirectly responsible for Valas’s death.

Dorlen retracted his armour and pulled out pieces of Maggie’s old chainmail.  He said he knew they had tried to make amends for Valas’s death and it wasn’t their fault, adding that he’d cleaned up what evidence he could find.  Maggie observed that they had cleaned up each others’ messes.  Several people on both sides continued expressing a desire to avoid fighting each other, if not work together.  Ayo, however, was tired of the Echoes of Valour always getting to be the heroes—making a pointed reference at the Jewel Xarria wore—while her party made just as many sacrifices—if not more—only to be seen as mere sidekicks.

When Kaeko asked what they wanted, Galsariad stepped out and said they wanted to see this through to the end and keep whatever power they found.  Sabina and Xarria sensed the wizard had changed.  Galsariad confirmed their observations, saying he’d seen and done too many things and he needed them to mean something.

Irvan asked Xarria to give them the Jewel so they could deal with whatever they found in the Netherdeep.  Xarria, who had intended to step towards him, refused and stepped back.  He insisted they could not work together as the Echoes of Valour had joined the Allegiance of Allsight or Cobalt Soul, while they had aligned themselves with the only remaining faction that would have them.  He lamented that they arrived in Ank’Harel with nothing, ignoring Kaeko’s and Xarria’s reminders that they were in similar straits.

Kaeko tried one more time, insisting that they could work together so everyone could be a hero.  Instead, Ayo decided they should have a competition like the one they had in Jigow so the Echoes of Valour could prove their worth.  She ordered her party members to attack the Echoes of Valour, adding they should try not to kill them.

Echoing Ayo’s words that this was just a friendly competition, Irvan moved towards Xarria but struck at Dorlen.  While Irvan only hit him once, he used the pommel of his dagger rather than the envenomed blade.  Sabina stepped out, told Dax to stay, put her Hexblade’s Curse on Ayo and fired her bow.  After scoring a direct hit, she coldly told Ayo—and Galsariad—that they were not the only ones who had gone through hard experiences.

Zenada emerged and maneuvered herself so the Echoes of Valour did not group together and make a tempting target.  She then summoned her echo.  Having overheard the declaration that they were not trying to kill each other, and seeing how Irvan had taken some damage from fighting the aboleth, she decided to try and knock him out.  Zenada then dealt him two blows, bisecting his ear in the process.

Dorlen activated his Armour again.  Maggie promised to try not to kill anyone before attacking Kaeko. Kaeko cast Silvery Barbs, but still took two hits.  Maggie then gave Irvan some encouraging words.  Dermot took a few steps forward, braced himself and attacked Zenada as she’d just hurt his friend.  While he only hit once, his warhammer emitted a searing blast of light that blinded her. Ayo ordered Dermot to give Irvan backup before charging Xarria, demanding she surrender the Jewel as her party was meant to have it.  Xarria blocked her harpoon with her shield and replied that they would have already had the Jewel if that was truly their destiny.  Ayo gave Galsariad a look.

Kaeko went into a rage and hit Maggie in the knee with her new longsword. Blood seeped out, only to crystallize and sink to the bottom, frozen so solidly by Kaeko’s sword that even the water could not thaw it.  Xarria touched Irvan’s forehead and put him to Sleep at third level, catching him as he slumped to the ground. Understanding Ayo’s command, Galsariad cast Gravity Wave at a point just behind Dorlen.  Sabina took 49 points of damage, while everyone else took 24 points of damage. Sabina and Xarria cast Hellish Rebuke before both of them went down. A furious Dax grew angry and tried to attack Ayo, but missed.

Zenada was still blinded, but sensed someone in front of her.  Getting a Second Wind and having a Remarkable Recovery, she scored two hits on Dermot.  Her vision finally began to clear.  Dorlen threw a crystal (from the Betrayer’s Rise in Bazzoxan) strategically and cast Hypnotic Pattern, while talking to Dermot the whole time.  Ayo managed to take the Jewel from Xarria, briefly succumbing to the Hypnotic Pattern, but she shook it off.  Galsariad resisted the magic as well, but Maggie was lulled into a stupor.  Dorlen gave himself some temporary HP while chastising Ayo.  Dermot got an opportunity attack, but failed to hit Dorlen.

Kaeko dropped her Rage, ran to Xarria and cast Cure Wounds.  Maggie looked off into space.  Dermot looked at Zenada, said they didn’t have to fight and asked them to back off.  He explained that he was just here to make sure no one died, to which Zenada retorted his party opened hostilities.  Dermot warned Zenada against doing any rash actions as he lowered his warhammer and backed away towards Sabina.  Zenada warned him to consider his next move carefully.  Dermot cast Spare the Dying on Sabina.

Xarria came to, realized her Jewel had been stolen and cast Hold Person on Ayo.  Galsariad cast Slow, but only managed to catch Dax.  With Irvan asleep and Sabina stable, Dax attacked Ayo again and sunk his fangs into her calf, scoring a critical hit from Xarria’s Hold Person.  Zenada thanked Dermot for helping Sabina, but told him she still had to knock him out. Dermot decided to knock her out in return.  Dorlen cheered Dermot on, causing Zenada to feel betrayed.

Dorlen took the amulet back from Ayo, as she was still frozen with Hold Person, telling her “Stealing is bad, especially from friends.”  He then charged Galsariad and hit him once. In response, Galsariad cast Distort Gravity around himself, hitting Dorlen, and floated upwards.  Ayo failed to shake off Hold Person.  Kaeko cast Slow and hit Galsariad, Maggie and Ayo.  She then gave Bardic Inspiration to everyone.

Dermot swung at Zenada with his ruidium warhammer and hit, then missed her with his Searing Wrath.  Given that Ayo was paralyzed and Irvan was asleep, Xarria swam to Sabina and cast Cure Wounds at 4th level.  Frustrated, Galsariad cast Gravity Wave again.  While the Echoes of Valour endured its effects, Dax went down. Sabina looked around, cast Hunter’s Mark on Galsariad and hit him with two magic arrows.

Zenada hit Dermot twice.  Dorlen swam up to Galsariad and knocked him out with his Thunder Fists, then gave himself some temporary HP.  Ayo shrugged off Hold Person despite Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs.  Kaeko cast Thunderwave. Maggie succeeded but Ayo failed due to Kaeko casting Silvery Barbs again.  The Thunderwave sent Ayo towards Dorlen, whose opportunity attack dealt enough critical damage to knock her out.  As Ayo fell down, Dorlen saw ruidium veins running up her arm to the shoulder.

Maggie shook off Dorlen’s Hypnotic Pattern and turned around, only to see Kaeko wave at her.  Maggie hit Kaeko and knocked her out, thus freeing herself from the Slow spell too. Maggie then charged at Zenada and hit her.  Dermot swung at Zenada and missed.  He had better luck with another Searing Wrath, which blinded Zenada again.  With Galsariad still unconscious, Xarria cast Spiritual Weapon and scored a critical hit on Dermot.  She then clubbed him with her quarterstaff.  Dermot fell to one knee and asked his comrades for help.

Sabina aimed an arrow at Dermot, then turned her bow towards Maggie. She finally fired her arrow near Kaeko, using it to summon her Healing Spirit.  She then ran to Dax, dodging Dermot’s opportunity attack, and tried to stabilize the moorbounder.  Zenada summoned her echo and knocked Dermot out.  She then hit Maggie twice.

Dorlen urged Ayo to stop as the fighting wasn’t helping and her arm looked bad.  Ayo warned she wouldn’t show mercy the next time they met.  She then ate a Goodberry before diving towards Sabina, taking an opportunity attack from Dorlen.  Sabina cast Shield and blocked her attacks.  Frustrated, Ayo threw a dagger at Irvan’s foot to wake him up.

Bouyed by the Healing Spirit, Kaeko rose to her feet, backed up and cast Thunderwave at 4th level, using Silvery Barbs again to hit Ayo and Maggie.  Ayo took full damage and was blasted back.  Maggie tried to hit Zenada, but botched her attack so badly that Zenada was able to score a critical hit.  Maggie’s attack against Sabina also failed so spectacularly that Dax could swipe at Maggie and tear the armour off her legs.  With Dermot unconscious and Galsariad snoozing, Xarria downed Maggie with her Spiritual Weapon.  She then ran to the ogre and cast Spare the Dying. Now awake from his magically induced slumber, Irvan stood up behind Xarria and declared it was an evenly matched fight.

Sabina looked into Ayo’s eyes and saw a familiar pain and need of validation and fear of failure.  She also recognized that the wellbeing of Ayo’s party was more important than her own welfare.  Sabina moved Hunter’s Mark to Ayo but sheathed her bow.  Zenada recognized Ayo’s behavior from some of the commanders she encountered in her past life (and some of her past life’s actions). She carefully lowered her sword and told Ayo that, while they hadn’t met each other, the Echoes of Valour spoke highly of them.  She told Ayo that glory was useless and it wouldn’t keep her alive.  She added that the Echoes of Valour, while ridiculous at times, positively dripped with sincerity and genuinely wanted to stop fighting.

Dorlen offered Dermot a Healing potion.  Kaeko cast Cure Wounds on Maggie and dragged her into Sabina’s Healing Spirit.  Maggie asked if they won.  Kaeko replied that they would’ve killed each other before anyone won, as they were evenly matched.  Xarria stood up, turned around and healed Irvan’s split ear with Cure Wounds.  She scratched Irvan’s beard as he leaned into her hand (while secretly gathering some of his blood in her handkerchief). Ayo insisted they would have won if Irvan was awake.  Sabina retorted that he had not.

The two parties finally ceased hostilities.  They decided they should get a drink, with Ayo suggesting the Last Willow.  Zenada sheathed her sword, nudged Dermot and told him it was a good fight.  He asked if Zenada was a follower of the Luxon. Zenada’s vague response caused Dermot to realize she was a Consecuted.  Irvan was shocked to recognize Zenada was a Consecuted too.

With no further distractions, the two parties swam over to the Last Willow.  The sea elf bartender recognized them and said hello, which surprised the adventurers given the memory issues she displayed during their last visit.  Kaeko wanted to use her longsword to do a trick, only to realize she lost it during the fight.  She swam back to retrieve it, ignoring the fact that she would leave the range of anything that let her breathe underwater.

The bartender offered wine and spirits, but regretted she had no healing potions as she vaguely remembered selling them to the Echoes of Valour.  Then the bartender asked what year it was.  The Echoes of Valour tentatively told her she’d been in a time loop and the year was 835.  The bartender guessed the date reflected a significant event, such as the sinking of the city.  Maggie asked for a wineskin.  Dorlen eagerly suggested it was a good time to put Dermot’s eye in, but asked Galsariad if he wanted to examine it.  Galsariad was going to order some wine, but agreed to look at the eye.  Dorlen assured Galsariad he took his advice and didn’t weaponize it, before popping it into a surprised Dermot’s eye socket. Irvan tested Dermot’s eyesight by giving him the finger.  Xarria told Irvan to behave, but called him ‘Den’.

Kaeko then returned. The party observed her longsword was now infected with ruidium.  Dorlen returned the Jewel to Xarria.  Ayo noted Sabina changed and thought it might not be a bad thing.  Sabina replied that Ayo had not, which was.  Ayo wondered what Maggie saw in Sabina.  Maggie replied Sabina used to be nicer.  Sabina thanked Maggie for killing Aloysia.  Ayo asked the bartender about her memory. The bartender revealed her memory began coming back roughly around the time that Ayo’s party killed the aboleth. The bartender introduced herself as Olara.  The Echoes of Valour started introducing themselves, though they made innuendos of Dorlen’s name.  Olara wondered where she could go if she wanted to leave.  The Echoes of Valour warned her many things had changed since the Calamity.  Sabina suggested she might go to the Life Dome.  Zenada suggested that if she had more valuable wine, Kaeko’s husband could help her sell it.

Sabina wanted to know if Alyxian was a hero or someone out for revenge, pointedly looking at Ayo. Olara remembered serving the Apotheon, Alyxian, wine once (the thousand-year old vintage the Echoes of Valour bought). She thought he was haunted, weighed down with responsibility and tragedy, but also felt he had a presence that made you want to listen to him and be around him.  She also thought he was attractive, reminding the others that she still had needs even though she had been in a daze for 800 years.

Dorlen went to Galsariad and, on the subject of Ayo thinking Alyxian wasn’t a hero, warned him that the Consortium had been using mind magic to modify the memories of others. Galsariad assured him that no one had their mind altered as far as he knew.  However, Alyxian had tried to target them with his psychic abilities while they were searching the Drowned City—Galsariad, Ayo and Irvan received visions, while Dermot only got a headache and Maggie displayed a surprising resistance.  Galsariad recalled Alyxian saying “Ungrateful wretches, they have forgotten all I have done. If I can’t live, I’ll burn this world down.”  Irvan took a big pull on his wine skin and remembered Alyxian lamenting “Why have all the gods forsaken me?”

Dorlen wanted to know what happened to Irvan’s arm.  Irvan revealed that a slithering bloodfin sliced his arm off during his last visit. Dermot corrected him, saying Irvan got hurt because he was protecting Ayo.  Ayo stiffened before she responded that he shouldn’t have intercepted the creature and that she could have handled it.

Irvan and Dorlen commiserated over their shared desire to get in harm’s way to protect the ones they cared about.  Xarria admired Irvan’s arm.  Dorlen asked to examine it.  Irvan popped his arm off after Dorlen promised to return it.

Ayo hopped on the bar and asked to get down to business.  She confirmed the Echoes of Valour were working with the Cobalt Soul and Allegiance of Allsight.  She revealed her party was hired to secure a path to ruidium.  She thought that if Alyxian was still down in the Netherdeep, he had probably gone insane after almost a thousand years.  Zenada admitted it was possible but would not go in with any preconceptions, admitting “I figure we’d go look and if he’s bat shit insane, then we deal with it then.”  Ayo got silent messages from the rest of her party before offering to work with the Echoes of Valour.  She proposed the two parties scout independently, but share information. Kaeko offered to give them a sending stone (of a set) so they could stay in touch, calling them Rocky Talkies.

Sabina recalled Alyxian was a progenitor, which meant it had birthed spawn that might seek revenge, and passed that information to Ayo.  In return, Ayo and Galsariad revealed the Echoes of Valour needed ruidium.  Dorlen, Kaeko, Sabina and Xarria revealed their ruidium items.  Zenada was surprised to realize she was the only one *without* any ruidium.  Galsariad suggested there were a few sites where ruidium might still be found, such as a villa to the south.  Irvan warned the Echoes of Valour about a Death Embrace in the area, which he described as an unfriendly jellyfish octopus  Sabina guessed it was another aberration.

Dermot said the other location was the Kelp Woods, as the aboleth was often seen there and was obsessed with ruidium, but felt it was a death sentence.  The Echoes of Valour were collectively concerned with ruidium corruption, but felt it was worth the risk.  Zenada offered to put in a good word with the Cobalt Soul.  Dorlen told Maggie again that he’d destroyed any incriminating evidence left behind from Aloysia’s murder.

Dorlen helped Irvan open a bottle before returning his arm. Irvan suggested they search for more ruidium and enter the Netherdeep after a long rest.  Ayo gave Sabina a wary look, but suggested a truce between the Echoes of Valour and her party, the Warring Destinies.  When everyone agreed, Ayo prompted Dermot to crack a teleport tablet, which immediately sent them back to the rooftop of the First Eclipse—bloodied, bruised and soaked in seawater.  Ayo commented that she did not mean for Dorlen to initiate the teleport right that second.  Dermot attributed the lack of forethought to the injuries he sustained during the fight. Dorlen belatedly, and formally, introduced his two buddies (Zenada and Dermot) to each other.  The two parties decided to get another drink (episode 26).

The Echoes of Valour and rivals teleported to the roof of the First Eclipse but then headed to the roof of the Step Aside for food and drink.  Dorlen became excited about spiced tubers (sunchokes with cumin and allspice), but soon asked the Warring Destinies what they had done recently.  Irvan gave a general summary, making reference to his lost arm.  Dorlen assured him that there was probably magic that could restore it, before getting distracted by thoughts of examining and upgrading the prosthetic that replaced it.  Xarria advised Irvan against allowing Dorlen to examine it and accepted his plea for protection.

Zenada introduced herself to Maggie and the two complemented each others’ fighting prowess.  Maggie admitted she fought more to discourage hostilities than because she enjoyed combat, confessing she preferred poetry.  Zenada was familiar with some of the poets Maggie cited, but admitted she usually read more novels than poems.  Eventually, Irvan urged her to talk about the ‘dragon book,’ which quickly drew everyone’s interest. Finally, Maggie admitted the name of the book was Scales of Passion, which Irvan explained was like Tusk Love but with Dragons. Xarria and Maggie agreed to trade the two books, with Xarria giving Maggie her copy of Tusk Love.

Ayo asked if anyone had a plan, as they would need one before entering the rift.  She mentioned that they were probably under surveillance and that an apartment or private residence would be more suitable than the rooftop of the Step Aside.  The Echoes of Valour discussed their accommodations.  Dorlen talked enthusiastically about the indoor plumbing in his room, which a confused Maggie confused for plum trees until Zenada provided an explanation.

With that item of business settled, Ayo suggested they all rest for the night, particularly as some of the adventurers looked exhausted.  She said her party had a tablet that could transport them all to the teleportation circle they all saw in Cael Morrow.  Once there, they could take care of any unfinished business in Cael Morrow and they can get any missing keys.  Ayo then asked Galsariad to reveal what he knew.

Galsariad told them he’d read reports from the Consortium, including one whose author entered the Netherdeep and brought ruidium back.  The report warned of the crushing water pressure within the Netherdeep.  Galsariad also revealed that ruidium was theorized to protect against water pressure, much like it granted the ability to breathe underwater, and expressed doubts on whether the Jewel would be sufficient.  He then asked who still did not possess any ruidium items.  Kaeko recalled that Zenada was the only one.  After examining Sabina’s ring, he also suggested she acquire something with more ruidium.  Kaeko had trouble understanding the concept of water pressure until Dermot used a dog pile as an analogy. The Rivals encouraged the party to “settle up” any business they have in the city.  Galsariad emphasized the seriousness of their proposed undertaking, stating he would not want any lingering regrets if something were to happen.

Dermot, displaying an increased confidence, encouraged Galsariad to reveal some discoveries the Consortium of the Vermillion Dream had made, which they felt the Allegiance of Allsight and the Library of the Cobalt Soul had withheld from the Echoes of Valour.  First, ruidium could corrupt other items that it came in contact with.  Second, ruidium possessed innate magical properties that could be used to  replace vast swathes of magical resources.  Dermot provided further information, citing how he used a piece of ruidium that was equal in power to diamond dust to cast Revivify.  Irvan revealed he was the one who was Revivified, as he went down after losing his arm.  Ayo speculated that there was no limit to what Dorlen could create using ruidium and how infecting items with ruidium might be preferable to battling aboleth spawn.

At Dermot’s insistence, Ayo confirmed how easily ruidium corruption could spread.  Furthermore, the Consortium had been experimenting ways to synthesize ruidium, though their past efforts were so volatile that they exploded, and had hired her party to set up a route to monopolize the supply of ruidium.  Ayo added that the Allegiance of Allsight was trying to establish their own pipeline while the Cobalt Soul, from the party’s reaction, wanted the whole thing shut down. .  Kaeko pointed out it also affected the mood of those in contact with it.  Noting how her ruidium corruption had resulted in the growth of pulsing crimson veins, Sabina triedto hide her hand.  Ayo explained that helping the Consortium establish a route to harvest ruidium seemed safer than their experiments, but she was starting to have doubts.  Maggie echoed her concerns.

Kaeko suggests they meet at Bodhi’s shop the next morning.  Galsariad called him a “sassy know-it-all, prompting Kaeko to remind him to watch his words as Bodhi was her husband.  Nonplussed, Galsariad observed that Bodhi smells like an Asarian brothel.  Zenada says Kaeko worked hard to get Bodhi smelling like that.  Ayo asked why the Echoes of Valour had gone to Cael Morrow, to which they replied that they were sent to root out any spies within the Allegiance of Allsight research site.  Satisfied with their answer, Ayo suggested they keep their newfound relationship a secret from their respective patrons and conceded they might have been destined to solve this problem together.  Dorlen agreed, remembering how well they worked together when traveling through the Wastes of Xhorhas.  Maggie admitted she enjoyed the camping, but felt the smores they made needed marshmallows.  Still intent on perpetuating their competition, Ayo asked who would pay the bill.  While Kaeko proposed arm-wrestling and Ayo suggested a game of rock-paper-scissors, Zenada settled the money by paying the bill herself.

Ayo summarized that they would meet at Bodhi’s shop the next morning, wryly guessing that Irvan–who held hands with Xarria–would make sure they were not late.  Irvan gave a thumbs-up with his mechanical hand.

Sabina, Zenada and Dorlen set off to collect the party’s earnings from the Allegiance of Allsight and the Cobalt Soul.  They arrived at the Crystal Chateau and spoke with Headmaster Alakritos, who thanked them for rooting out Professor Lymmle Wist and Galeokaerda as traitors, rewarded them with 1000 gp and offered them another job in a week’s time.  Sabina admitted they were planning to return to Cael Morrow.  Dorlen began elaborating about treasure hunts until Zenada hushed him.  Sabina continued by saying they sought to recover things for Professor Insight.  A concerned Alakritos warned them to be careful and stay away from the rift at the centre of Cael Morrow, feeling some things should stay buried.  He thanked them again and invited them to finish their spiced tea and enjoy the Allegiance of Allsight’s hospitality before they return to their business.

As soon as Alakritos left, Headmaster Cryon slips quietly into the room, made sure no one saw him and locked the door.  Sabina drew an arrow and nocked it, but angled her bow toward the ground.  Cryon explained he only wanted to hire them, admitting Alakritos would disagree with what he was about to propose.  However, he felt his actions were in the best interests of the Allegiance of Allsight.   He told them the Consortium had sent a party to investigate the rift, though he did not know if they had actually passed through it..  Cryon wanted the party to enter the rift, confirm the presence of ruidium and determine whether the rift was a viable source of the mineral..  In exchange for their report, he offered 1000gp.

Zenada quietly motioned her friends to stay silent, but Sabina asked what Cryon planned to do with their report.  Cryon admitted he wanted to protect the Allegiance of Allsight from the Consortium and the Sentinels of Memory.  Dorlen offered to make a map, then mistook Zenada’s warnings as a signal to kill Cryon.  Cryon added that the payment included keeping this assignment a secret from anyone outside their party–including Alakritos.  Zenada tentatively agreed on the party’s behalf.

After Cryon left, Zenada urged Sabina and Dorlen that they should make their own exit.  Once they were safe, Zenada told them she had not made a decision beyond securing the promise of payment.  Dorlen was confused over why they were going to kill Cryon.  Zenada explained she was trying to get him to stay quiet as he talked too much, pointing out that if she wanted to kill anyone, she would do so herself.   She went on to say Dorlen was incredibly smart but tended to share too much information.  As such, once he cleared his name and resumed teaching, he would have to curb that habit as what he said might not be appropriate for all students.  Dorlen said he’d come to prefer a life of adventuring over teaching.  Zenada replied that the two were not mutually exclusive.  Dorlen then wandered off, trying out different ways of introducing himself as an ‘extraordinary professor.’  .

Once Dorlen was out of earshot, Sabina expressed concern that they were only doing things for profit rather than what was right.  Zenada replied that they could be selective about what jobs they accepted and receive payment for their troubles without sacrificing their morals.  Sabina wondered if they should enter the Netherdeep without the Rivals, given their various conflicts, but Zenada felt they were more likely to succeed by working together..  Catching up with Dorlen, who had gotten lost and was wondering where to go, Sabina complimented Zenada for her intelligence, thanked her for her input, and reminded her that they were owed payment from the Cobalt Soul.  Zenada responded that Sabina was smart, albeit inexperienced, and suggested that she could always donate her earnings to charity.

Sabina began steering Dorlen towards the Cobalt Soul.  Seeing that Dorlen was still trying out ways to introduce himself, Zenada suggested he could become famous enough to be recognized by his name alone.  She expressed concern that people might make unfortunate bardic rhymes of his name, but Sabina pointed out that could be a moot point.  The three then proceeded towards the Library of the Cobalt Soul.

Before long, they arrived at the Temple of the Mentor and were directed to one of the conference rooms.  High Curator Jamil A’alithiya joined them shortly, inquiring how it went with Insight.  Dorlen gave a highly flattering appraisal of Insight, after verifying with Zenada that he did not need to watch his words.  The adventurers gave a detailed account of their trials in Cael Morrow, including the death of the aboleth and how it had taken on some of Alyxian’s memories, but left out their encounter with the Rivals.  Jamil expressed satisfaction that they went above and beyond in completing their mission and doubled their pay to two thousand gold pieces, asking them to pick it up from Iwo Zalarre at the desk on their way out.

After confirming their plans to travel to the Netherdeep, Jamil told them their goals were still aligned.  He revealed the Cobalt Soul had heard rumors that both the Consortium of the Vermillion Dream and the Allegiance of Allsight are both stockpiling ruidium, which the party had verified, and opined that that would be disastrous.  He also divulged that the Consortium had sent their own adventuring party to Cael Morrow and guessed–rightly–that they had killed the aboleth.  Jamil added that they would need items made–in part–of ruidium to withstand the intense water pressure of the Netherdeep, but theorized that the Jewel of Three Prayers would also protect Xarria.  Sabina was unsure, citing research that Dorlen had supposedly conducted.  The adventurers asked if the Cobalt Soul had any ruidium items.  Jamil admitted that they had destroyed any items touched by ruidium, including the shortsword the party had retrieved from the bakery.

Sabina hesitantly, but openly, asked Jamil if the Cobalt Soul wanted to destroy all traces of ruidium or establish a monopoly over it like the other factions.  The High Curator responded by asking them to go to the Netherdeep and destroy it, along with all the ruidium there.  Sabina said the visions they’d received from Alyxian revealed his concerns over the ruidium being taken and how it was the only thing keeping him alive.  She then asked if they should try to save Alyxian or destroy him along with the Netherdeep.  Jamil replied that he would like them to accomplish both goals if possible, but the Netherdeep’s destruction took precedence.  He conceded that it was easy for him to say so considering he would not be making that choice.  Jamil concluded by offering two thousand gold pieces per adventurer, his personal gratitude and the gratitude of countless people who would never know the truth of their accomplishments.  Zenada and Sabina were insightful enough to recognize he was completely straightforward and sincere in his words.

The party said farewell to the High Curator and went downstairs to see Iwo Zalaare.  He put down the book he was reading, congratulated them on a job well done and put their library dues (a bag with 2000 platinum coins) on the table.  Dorlen was confused until Zenada told him they were using codewords.  Iwo played along–stating he was aware that they were planning to visit their ‘Uncle Bard Destiny,’ hold a house rager and find him a new home as the old one was being demolished–and wished them good luck.  He told them it was an honour getting to know them, but a greater honour to see Sabina learn her letters.  As an additional reward, he promised to introduce Sabina to a book called Call of Xhorhas about a boy, a moorbounder, and their adventures.  Dorlen and Iwo suggested that Sabina could write a sequel. Sabina was surprised at the possibility and promised to return with better stories. Zenada’s face grew increasingly determined as she silently vowed that Sabina would come back so she could realize this dream of becoming an author. They bid farewell to Iwo, headed back to their apartment and had a long rest.

Zenada found herself standing on a trail that she remembered walking hundreds of times.  She knew the wastes of Xhorhas stretched out behind her,leading to the Kryn Dynasty.   Ignoring the packs of moorbounders hunting and the gloomstalkers flying above, she turned towards the oasis, feeling it call out to her.

A voice interrupted her thoughts, asking if she wanted company.  Zenada turned to see a drow, hair pulled back tightly and wearing spectacles.  She recognized him as her lover, Valas T’sarrin, as she knew he was called before his death.  Valas observed that Celae’sarrin, Zenada’s past life, had come a long way.  Zenada said she found some things of his and playfully refused to share them.  Valas asked that she come find him when she was done and requested that she not lose the longsword as he’d grown attached to it.  After debating who did a better job of keeping the weapon and finding their lover, Valas told her he could not wait to see her again as whatever face she wore at the time would be perfect.  He hoped he would remember her.  Zenada laughed and promised to keep reminding him.  r Valas’s final words to her were to “wake up and give them hell.”

Zenada woke up to the sound of morning bells chiming six o’clock.  She’d recalled having trouble sleeping, as she was still adapting after centuries of trancing in her past life .  The fact that two couples were intimate the night before (Kaeko and Bodhi and Ivan and Xarria) didn’t help.

The adventurers arrived at Bodhi’s shop the next morning as agreed. Ayo gave Xarria an eye when she and Irvan arrived, having spent the night together.  Galsariad was oblivious, but Maggie blushed and Dermot gave an approving nod.  Dermot brought out some donuts and coffee, which the two parties enjoyed before returning to Cael Morrow.

### The Netherdeep

They agreed to meet by the rift in an hour or less. Kaeko gaveone of their sending stones, which Dorlen dubbed ‘rocky talkies’, to Ayo so they could communicate.  The Echoes of Valour belatedly realized they needed to get something with ruidium for Dax.  Kaeko suggested corrupting one of the medals they won from Jigow with ruidium, while Dorlen proposed that Xarria break her tridentin two. Galsariad thought Dorlen’s idea should be treated as a last resort.  Dorlen suggested Kaeko tie the medallion around the ruidium trident to corrupt it.

Sabina got temporarily confused and voiced her mistaken impression that the Jewel of Three Prayers might help withstand water pressure and grant the ability to breathe underwater because it had ruidium.  After determining that the Vestige was not tainted with ruidium, Ayo made some snarky remarks.  Seeing Sabina was hurt, Kaeko assured her that she was not stupid, while Zenada glared at Ayo. The parties wished each other good luck.  Maggie advised them to avoid getting eaten like Irvan, earning a fist-bump from Zenada.

Parting ways, the Echoes of Valour swam to the Kelp Forest, noting the ancient ruins and carvings of Corellon’s serene and benevolent face amongst the 30’ tall kelp.  As they approached, Sabina and Xarria saw two figures retreating in the distance.  Sabina pointed them out and suggested that they weren’t a threat.  On that note, Kaeko conducted her Aria of Suspense.  The party started Investigating near each other.

Across the way, Zenada was looking around and came across a half-eaten body.  She noticed a double brooch, like the kind that held a cloak together at the neck, was still present on the body.  She removed it and examined it, seeing it sported two shields held together in the middle by a lock  Dorlen told her it was a brooch of shielding.

The party reconvened and showed off the things they found.  They affixed the shield to Dax’s back, which made him resemble a turtle of sorts.  Xarria kept the trident as she was proficient with the weapon due to her clerical training and tiefling nature.  Zenada received the spear.  They realized that all ruidium items required attunement, even if they did not have to use them to gain their benefits.

With the items handed out, the party contacted the Warring Destinies with the Sending Stone.  They replied they would meet at the designated spot near the rift in five minutes, as Irvan did something stupid.  The Echoes of Valour continued to the rift, arriving roughly at the same time as the other party.  Everyone confirmed they were ready to go—even Dax, who was now carrying the shield Dorlen ‘found.’

Kaeko asked how they could open the rift.   Ayo replied that contact with a ruidium weapon would suffice and suggested that Xarria do the honours.  Xarria agreed and stepped forward, feeling the weight of the ruidium trident she carried.  But then the Jewel of Three Prayers began humming, glowing, light shot out and hit the rift.

An anguished wave of screaming sadness ripped through everyone’s mind.  Maggie’s eye filled up with blood as red boils showed up near the ruidium collar of her armour.  Dorlen went over to Maggie and offered Cure Wounds.  At Ayo’s urging, the parties stepped through the rift and entered the Netherdeep (episode 27).

The Echoes of Valour and the Warring Destinies burst through the planar rift and into the deep, cold water.  They found themselves floating in a cavernous pit, illuminated by the light sources they brought with them.  Xarria floated amongst them, a cascade of light pouring out from the Jewel of Three Prayers she held in her hands.  As they took a breath and recovered their equilibrium, they could feel the water pressure around them, stronger than anything they endured in Cael Morrow. Two enormous, headless statues, dressed in floating robes, capes, broaches and other classical clothing, lay down at awkward angles.  One had an outstretched hand that looked like it would catch anything that got too close to it, while another held a spear.  Crystalline tendrils covered the statues and clung to the walls, shedding a dim, eerie red light.  A ten foot high tunnel on the floor, covered by patches of seagrass, led out of the sunken chamber.

Looking more closely at Xarria, the adventurers saw she was encased in a sort of bubble.  They could hear the Jewel of Three Prayers humming.  Impatient, Ayo told the Echoes to get Xarria out.  Sabina reached out and touched the bubble, hoping to discern if Xarria is okay, only to get knocked back and take psychic damage.As she recovered, she saw a bloodfin and two light devourers moss-covered fish with tendrils that were as large as she was.  Sabina alerted the other adventurers.

Ayo used her harpoon against the blood fin but missed both attacks.  Galsariad was more successful with his Gravity Wave, hurting all the creatures and restraining two of them.  Irvan pulled out his poisoned weapons, beheaded the bloodfin and hurled a dagger at a light devourer. Zenada manifested an echo near that light devourer and attacked. At that point, the bloodfin corpse trembled and exploded, sending out a burst of toxic blood and gore.  Ayo took some damage, but Maggie went down.  Furthermore, the adventurers could see shards of ruidium pierce the pustules growing on Maggie’s neck.  Kaeko went into a rage and killed the light devourer that Irvan and Zenada were fighting.  Dorlen healed Maggie before interposing himself between her and the remaining light devourer.  The creature moved between Maggie, Ayo and Dorlen before releasing a discharge of radiant light that hurt Ayo and Dorlen and dropped Maggie again.  Dorlen took several more hits before going down too.   Sabina told Dax to help the others before attacking with her ruidium shortsword.  Her Wrathful Smite frightened the light devourer.  Irvan dealt the killing blow with his poisoned knives.

Kaeko dropped her rage and healed Maggie.  Ayo asked if everyone was okay.  Several adventurers requested a short rest to heal before moving on.  Ayo swam upwards to look around.  After sixty feet or so, she was so surprised that she called down for a second set of eyes.  Zenada and her echo swam up to join her.

Ayo and Zenada swam upwards for a minute, covering two or three hundred feet, and found they had not reached any hint of a ceiling.  All they saw was the dim glow of ruidium beneath them and a vague pink light around them.  Ayo expressed her concern.  Zenada agreed, suggesting they return to the others before they met more hungry sea life.

As they swam back, a light glowed from the ground, drawing everyone into a vision. They heard a baby cry before they saw the new parents, an infant and a priest.  The father asked for a blessing.  However, the priest gestured at the infant, recoiled as if burned and refused as the infant showed signs of being marked by Ruidus.

They felt time flow away and rewind before hearing a woman cry out in pain, echoing the vision Xarria once had of her own birth.  They saw the woman cry out again before sagging in relief onto a simple bed made of straw and hand-carved wood.  The midwife swaddled the child but refused to pick it up.  She told the mother that his soul was preparing to face the omens that would haunt him for the rest of his life.  Concerned at her baby’s silence, the mother pulled up her bloodied gown and looked at her eerily quiet son, illuminated by the red light of Ruidus.

As the vision faded away, the bubble surrounding Xarria dissolved. Xarria asked what had happened and how they got so hurt, before rushing over to heal Maggie.  Kaeko explained they had been ambushed by some fish.  Dorlen declared that he would eat a large plate of fish when they got out of the Netherdeep before acquiring a sample of ruidium crystals from Maggie’s neck.

Ayo and Zenada returned to the adventurers, reporting there was no end in sight.  Dorlen offered to provide more healing.  Ayo bluntly told him that he needed healing himself, prompting Xarria to cast Cure Wounds.

The adventurers began to look around.  Zenada realized the statues looked like Alyxian.  They wondered why the statues had no heads.  Kaeko tore open a light devourer to see if there were any victims inside, decided to take some fangs for souvenirs and wondered how they tasted.  After asking if anyone could help cook it, she decided to eat some raw fish.  The others watched her skin light up as the flesh went down.  Dorlen and Irvan made a joke and gave each other a high five.  Kaeko was confused until Dermot and Xarria gave her an explanation.  Dax ate some of the light devourer himself.  Sabina asked Dorlen to help clean up Dax afterwards, much to his delight.

Kaeko wondered if everyone was okay and whether they should keep going, then stopped to tell Xarria she was happy to see her out of her ‘cage’.  Xarria admitted she did not know what had happened.  The adventurers explained she was encased in a floating bubble throughout their fight with the sea creatures.  Sabina had tried to reach her, only to be hit by the protective magics of the bubble.  Dorlen then confirmed that everyone else had experienced the vision and wondered if they could weaponize the bubble in some way.  Kaeko wondered if they could safely handle the bubble by wielding the blunt end of a spear.  Sabina and Zenada expressed their hopes that the bubble would not return.

The adventurers discussed their next move, noting that Maggie still needed more rest.  Dorlen pointed out that resting in the Netherdeep might be dangerous, remembering their experiences in Bazzoxan and Valas’s eventual demise.  Ayo reminded him that they had greater numbers now.  She suggested that her party stay behind to rest while the Echoes scout ahead.  The two parties could take turns leapfrogging forward to avoid depleting all their resources, joining forces if one party needed help.  While the Echoes agreed with Ayo’s proposal, the more perceptive members could tell she was mainly worried about Maggie and her friends.

The Echoes went through a corridor and into a chamber, noting tunnels heading off to the east and west. However, their surroundings vanished as the water shimmered away.  They found themselves transported into a child’s room filled with a teddy bear, an empty cribwith a mobile hanging overhead, a rocking horse and other simple toys–all laced with ruidium.  They then heard muffled voices and an occasional thud.  Seeing a window, Kaeko decided to look outside.  Zenada realized they should notify Ayo’s party.  Xarria looked underneath the crib and saw Alyxian’s name carved into the horse.  Seeing Dax sniff at the teddy bear, Sabina pulled the toy away.  The adventurers then heard Alyxian’s voice say he no longer cherished the teddy bear, but they might find it valuable.

When Kaeko looked outside, she saw two humans in simple garments, who she recognized as the parents from the vision.  As she watched, the parents were attacked by several other people, whose faces were shadowy and blurred.  Alyxian’s voice spoke once more, telling the adventurers that they were seeing his earliest memory of his family facing violence and rejection because he was born under the sign of Ruidus.  Kaeko kept watching the ruffians as they knocked the parents to the ground, noting how their features were obscured and kept shifting in a muted haze, as if she could not remember them.  Dorlen declared they could not stand by when the parents needed help.  They leapt out of the window.

Kaeko hopped out the window and intimidated the assailants amidst their curses and insults, which seemed to echo through the air.  Standing on the rocking horse, which was stabilized by Dax, Sabina restrained them with an Ensnaring Strike spell delivered through her arrow.  Dorlen jumped through the window and waded into the fray, giving the father some healing.  The father grabbed Dorlen’s sleeve and urged him to flee, but called the gnome ‘Alyxian’.  An assailant tried to attack them, only to miss due to Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs.

Realizing the party was helping the ‘ruiners,’ two of the assailants hit Kaeko with their cudgels.  One tried to hit Dorlen while admitting they wanted to kill Alyxian to lift their supposed curse, but missed.  The last assailant attacked the mother, knocking her unconscious and spitting on her.  Outraged, Zenada jumped out the window, joined Kaeko and attacked one of the assailants.  She noted the assailant’s cudgel looked like a typical farm implement before switching places with her echo.  Xarria followed suit, cast Cure Wounds on the mother and hit the assailant with her ruidium trident.  Kaeko drove the closest assailants away with a high-powered Thunderwave.  Still inside and balancing on the rocking horse, she shot two arrows on the assailant who was not caught by her Ensnaring Strike.  Dorlen punched two of the attackers, while telling them he was not Alyxian.  The two attackers that were knocked back from Kaeko stood back up.  One hit Kaeko while the other destroyed Zenada’s echo. They then targeted Dorlen, who took a hit as he expressed shock that they would attack a child. The other assailants hit Xarria and Alyxian’s father.  Zenada manifested another echo and unleashed a barrage of attacks that killed an assailant.  Xarria charmed one assailant into attacking another with Crown of Madness before making a Vital Sacrifice.

Kaeko used some Evasive Footwork and hit one assailant before using her Mobility to move closer to Dorlen.  Sabina hit two opponents with her arrows before casting a Healing Spirit underneath the parents.  Dorlen punched one of the assailants caught by Sabina’s Ensnaring Strike.  Another assailant swung at Dorlen, hitting him once.  A third attacker tried to hit the mother, but missed due to Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs.  The last assailant missed Zenada’s echo.  Zenada attacked twice through her echo and killed an assailant.  Xarria made her charmed assailant attack their comrade before pulling out her shield.

Assessing the battlefield, Kaeko cast Cloud of Daggers to target three of the assailants.  Sabina had Dax run over to pull one of the parents away.  Seeing an assailant being targeted by the assailant who Xarria charmed, she shot them with Eldritch Blasts that she manifested as arrows from her pendant of Corellon.  Dorlen knocked out another assailant with his fist before hitting another, then took a blow in return.  Xarria continued commanding her charmed assailant to attack their comrades.  Zenada attacked through her echo, killing another assailant.  Xarria then cast Inflict Wounds to kill one more assailant.

The last assailant fell to Kaeko's sword strike.  Alyxian’s parents gathered themselves and looked around.  The mother grabbed Xarria and, mistaking her for Alyxian, told her to get back inside as the assailants did not understand what they were doing.  Dorlen assured them that they had done the right thing in trying to protect their son.  Xarria suggested to Alyxian’s parents that they go back inside.  As they extended a hand to her, the world dissolved around them.

The party found themselves back in the grotto, lit only by the Netherdeep’s ruidium deposits.  They found they had all their possessions, with the addition of the teddy bear that Dax held in his mouth.  Sabina took the toy and asked Dorlen to keep it in his Bag of Holding.  They heard Alyxian’s voice again, telling them he’d learned that his parents would always suffer because of him (episode 28).

Sabina took the teddy bear away from Dax and asked Dorlen to put it in his Bag of Holding.  Dorlen was surprised to see the toy had stayed behind after the vision faded. Kaeko swam back south and called out to the Warring Destinies.  After a moment, Galsariad emerged.  Kaeko asked how long the Echoes of Valour had been gone and learned an hour had passed.  She told Galsariad what they had found in the next chamber, informed him about the vision they’d experienced and suggested the two parties join up.

Galsariad went back to retrieve the party, who quickly joined the Echoes of Valour.  Ayo pressed for details about the vision they’d experienced.  Dorlen gave a rambling summary and pulled out the teddy bear while Zenada sat down to sharpen her sword and have a Short Rest.  After Dorlen concluded, with some additions from Xarria, Ayo asked for Galsariad’s opinion.  The wizard felt anything was possible and advised caution.

After much discussion, the adventurers decided that the Warring Destinies would venture forth while the Echoes of Valour took their turn resting and tending to their wounds, as it would be the most efficient way of finishing the quest and celebrating their achievement.  Kaeko made frequent sexual innuendos, prompting Ayo to ask if she was always like this.  Sabina confirmed it, leading to a bonding moment between the two.  Zenada simply looked up from her sword and silently agreed.

Getting back on track, the Warring Destinies left, but not before agreeing that the two parties would check in on each other with their Sending Stones.  Irvan gave a personal farewell to Xarria, which was slightly spoiled when an oblivious Dorlen said goodbye as well.  Before she got out of range, Sabina cast Hunter’s Mark on Ayo, with the unconventional intent of tracking her and knowing if she died.  She silently indicated to Ayo that they would get through this together.

The Echoes of Valour rested up with Kaeko giving her friends a Motivational Speech.  Dorlen was so inspired that he cheered several times throughout the speech before leading the way out.  Noting another sexual innuendo Kaeko had slipped in, Zenada replied with one of her own and slyly looked at Sabina.  Sabina had missed it as she had screwed her eyes shut.  Clapping her hands over her ears, Sabina followed Dorlen, with the others close behind.

As they entered the next grotto, the walls around them shimmered and shifted, drawing the adventurers into another vision.  Fragmentary recollections filled their minds, informing them that Alyxian had been a daring teenage boy who wanted to take part in a village hunt.  They somehow recalled Alyxian vowing to resist the effects of Ruidus before donning a cloak and setting out.  The scene shifted to a clearing, whose beauty contrasted sharply with the smell of blood and the sounds of shouting.

The shouting grew louder, informing the party that Alyxian had run off, someone was hurt and the success of the hunt was now in jeopardy.  Seconds later, a herd of deer burst through the trees, knocking Sabina prone. A new sharp smell filled the air, which Dorlen, Xarria and Zenada recognized as an owlbear. The party heard Alyxian’s voice commenting on the scene as he expressed regret over his selfishness, desire to fit in with the others and lamented how the death of ‘Saqiri’ had haunted him for the rest of his life.  Hearing that, Xarria rushed towards the shouting.  The others quickly followed.

They soon met four hunters in cloaks, their faces obscured and hazy as if they could not remember their features, leaning over a prone figure.  Xarria moved forward, intending to cast Spare the Dying, only to be blocked by a hunter who mistook her for Alyxian, accused her of cursing their comrade and demanded she leave before she cursed anyone else.  He tried to grab Xarria, but she managed to slip out of his way.

The other hunters stood up and reached for their weapons, but Kaeko persuaded them to calm down and let them help.  Taking a closer look, Xarria saw the prone hunter—was a grievously wounded drow woman who was bleeding out, and decided to cast Cure Wounds before applying bandages.  Dorlen, having calmed down from Kaeko’s words, decided to keep watch for any owlbears.

Recovering, the drow, who the party guessed was Saqiri, placed a hand on Xarria’s shoulder and told ‘Alyxian’ to take one of the carcasses, return home and give it to his mother.  She also encouraged Alyxian to tell his mother that he did a good job and admitted that many people believed he was cursed.  Xarria tried to respond as Alyxian would. Alyxian’s voice spoke out again, repeating his regret at Saqiri’s death while marveling at the words she would have spoken had she lived.

Sabina told Dorlen and Zenada she had found owlbear tracks. Trying to follow Kaeko’s example, Dorlen began to run off.  Sabina called him back, suggesting they should investigate the tracks together.  Dorlen agreed that Kaeko might do that, second-guessed himself and asked the bard what she would do. When she looked over, Dorlen told Kaeko there were tracks.  Sabina elaborated that she had found owlbear tracks and Dorlen was wondering if they should investigate together.  Kaeko agreed, reminding Dorlen what she had said during her speech.  Dorlen insisted that he remembered, with an amused Sabina adding that he’d only forgotten for fifteen seconds.  Kaeko noted that that was a record.  Dorlen admitted he had been caught up with excitement.

Zenada observed that this was the second vision where the people they had interacted with mistook them as Alyxian and ignored the fact that they were a party of five rather than one individual.  The rest of the party realized she was correct.  Kaeko then led Dorlen off to follow the owlbears before Zenada corrected them.

Sabina soon took the lead, guiding the party through the woods until they caught up with a pair of owlbears.  They wondered what they should do and what the owlbears had done.  Thinking back on how the first vision ended, Zenada guessed that they had to do something to resolve the situation and bring this vision to an end.  Taking a closer look, Sabina saw they were dragging a pair of deer and informed the others.

The party decided they should scare the owlbears off and return the carcasses to the hunters.  While Kaeko thought they could drive off the owlbears with hugs, Xarria and Zenada recalled that owlbears had keen senses of sight and smell, might be scared off with loud sounds, but were fierce and stubborn predators that most wildlife would avoid.  Dorlen and Kaeko proposed scaring the owlbears off with Thunderclaps.  Sabina considered using Druidcraft to generate a scent that would intimidate them, soliciting advice on how to mimic a dragon, before deciding to talk to them.  Sabina hopped on Dax, approached the owlbears and cast Speak with Animals.  Fearing the worst, Kaeko followed her and prepared a Thunderclap while Zenada hefted her ruidium spear. After some discussion, Sabina motioned to Kaeko and ducked as the bard triggered her Thunderclap.  Dorlen followed up by firing off a Lightning Bolt between the owlbears, setting some of the grass on fire.

Thoroughly intimidated, the owlbears ran away.  The party carried the deer back to the hunters.  Saqiri smiled and gave them a nod before the world shifted and faded away, returning the party to the Netherdeep.  Lying on the floor, in the same location where Saqiri would have died in the vision, was a treasure chest.  Sabina reminded the others that she was not supposed to touch things anymore.  Realizing that was his role, Dorlen quickly stepped forward.  Zenada hid behind one of the other party members.  Xarria expressed concerns for Dorlen’s safety—and was not mollified when Dorlen assured her he would be fine and asked what could go wrong.

Dorlen opened the chest without incident, found fifteen tiny rubies and two six-inch tall solid gold owlbear figurines and showed them to the others.  Kaeko suggested they put the loot in Dorlen’s bag and move on, but Sabina wondered if the rubies were actually ruidium.  Dorlen took a closer look, confirmed they were just rubies, put them back in the chest and added the item to his bag.  Kaeko realized that they might want to contact the other party and tried using the Sending Stone.  However, there was no response, though Sabina sensed her Hunter’s Mark was still active.  Zenada speculated that they were in a vision of their own.  After some discussion, the party decided to swim down a long, long tunnel that weaved back and forth before opening up into another large grotto.

They sensed their minds merging with the Apotheon and recalled a story from the Calamity where Alyxian took shelter in the home of three women. The party now found themselves outside their home and saw three gravestones nearby made of jagged ruidium.  They heard Alyxian say the women welcomed him into their home, but he could not remember their faces or names.  He begged the party to help him remember.  Sabina examined the gravestones but saw no markings or inscriptions.  Seeing no other recourse, the party entered the house, but not before Kaeko conducted an Aria of Suspense.

The party saw the front had been broken down and the ground floor—consisting of a living room, kitchen and dining room— was covered with corpses and smashed furniture. Zenada decided to stand watch and survey the area with Dax’s help.  She counted ten corpses—three women, five grimlocks and two human warriors in bloodstained chainmail.  Zenada determined that the warriors were trying to protect the women from the grimlocks when they were slain.  She also realized that all the dead were beyond saving.  Having determined there were no immediate dangers, she went up a damaged staircase to the second floor.

Zenada jumped downstairs, positioned herself between the other party members and the ghosts, but held her action. One ghost , smelling faintly of sugar and cinnamon, wailed that their home was defiled.  Another ghost, smelling faintly of incense, snarled that they sheltered ‘him’ and died for ‘him’. Sabina held her action and prepared to attack. Seeing Sabina and Zenada, Kaeko tried to talk to the ghosts, explaining they meant no harm and only wanted to hear their story.  A ghost replied that they had been defiled and ‘he’ would not remember their names.  Guessing the ghost was referring to Alyxian, Kaeko explained he had sent them to remember them and help.  The ghost bitterly replied they could not help the dead as they had been forgotten.

Dorlen approached the ghost Kaeko had been talking to, took out the note and showed her the note while insisting that Alyxian had cared about them.  Seeing that the ghost was not acknowledging the note, he read the note aloud.  Hearing her name, Marisa solidified into a woman and told ‘Alyxian’ that he had brought ruin upon them and asked if he cared about them and was genuinely sorry.  She accused Alyxian of being responsible, both because her family’s killers followed him and because of his curse.  Irritated, Dorlen snapped that it wasn’t fair to blame Alyxian because of his curse, insisting that red was a colour and that he was sorry.

Xarria walked over to the ghost that smelled of incense and held up the book.  She spoke her name, Celeste, and asked if she might make the incense in her honour or do anything to honour her memory.  Solidifying, the woman asked Alyxian why he had let them die and whether he even knew.  Playing along, Xarria admitted that ‘he’ never meant to let them get hurt.  The woman was unconvinced that intent mattered, but accepted Xarria’s apology.  Celeste became so solid that she almost appeared alive again.  After telling Alyxian she would die again for Alyxian, she faded away.

The last ghost, who looked like a young soldier, lunged forward towards Kaeko.  The ghost revealed a Horrifying Visage that caused Dax to yelp in fright.  Zenada thrust her spear forward and blocked the attack.  Sabina continued to hold her action. Assuming the role of Alyxian, Zenada apologized to Meri by name.  The ghost solidified into a young woman who bore a striking resemblance to Marisa.  Meri replied that she died a soldier, like her mother, and that what happened was neither their fault nor Alyxian’s.  After bidding the Apotheon farewell, the ghost faded away.

Sabina stepped in front of Dorlen and apologized again to Merisa, telling her that she did not deserve her fate and swearing she spent the rest of her life trying to make amends.  Mollified, Marisa solidified again and admitted fearing that her family’s killers would kill him too.  She asked him to be well and not mourn, as no one could harm them anymore.  She then faded away.  Sabina swore that she would make their sacrifice worthwhile.

The party found themselves back in the underwater grotto.  Kaeko found the vision an interesting experience, while Xarria hoped they would find peace.  As Kaeko repeated their names, Alyxian’s voice began to speak.  He said that the Crawling King’s horde destroyed them and marveled that they forgave him nonetheless.  Seconds later, part of the northern wall crumbled away to reveal a new passage.  The party decided to try and contact the Warring Destinies again before proceeding any further.

Ayo replied, acknowledging that they had been unable to respond to their first call.  Kaeko explained they had explored two more chambers.  Ayo told them that part of the wall had crumbled near them.  Dorlen asked if they needed help.  After a pause, Ayo noted that Dorlen’s voice carried and asked him to repeat his question.  When Dorlen complied, the party heard a distant voice call out to them.  Dorlen belatedly realized the cinnamon was wet, put it in his Bag of Holding and called out again.  Ayo’s voice called back from the southern passage and asked the Echoes of Valour to join them.  She added that she sensed a trap and wanted Dorlen to go in, much to the other adventurers’ amusement.

The party soon came across the Warring Destinies, who were busy bandaging their wounds from a recent skirmish.  Ayo greeted them but, after Dorlen responded in an unusually brisk tone, asked what had happened.  Kaeko described the two visions they had experienced.  Ayo admitted they had had a similar experience.  Dermot explained they saw a village surrounded by hills that was being terrorized by shadowy soldiers.  Galsariad added that the soldiers were Alyxian’s erstwhile allies who were bullying the villagers.  Irvan cleared his throat and continued, saying the soldier’s commander, a man named Kalagothe, called them Alyxian and accused the villagers of refusing to pay them tribute.  Maggie finished by saying they saved the villagers, though Irvan added they did so by killing the soldiers.  Kaeko admitted they had done something similar while Zenada nodded approvingly.  Ayo also recalled that Alyxian said something afterwards, though Maggie recalled the actual words, and guessed that the real Alyxian had given his soldiers free reign.

Dorlen wondered how much of this was real and speculated that Alyxian might not be recalling his memories perfectly, explaining that the people in the vision seemed to respond when the party had changed the course of events.  Xarria added that they were seeing things from his perspective, which might have been warped by his guilt.

Ayo brought their attention to a wall to the north which seemed to have recently crumbled, revealing another passage.  Sabina suggested sending Zenada’s echo in first.  Zenada agreed, but warned her body would need protection as she would transfer her consciousness to the echo.  Dorlen promptly moved over to stand guard, as per the buddy system.  A mischievous Kaeko licked her finger and tried to stick it in Zenada’s ear, though Dorlen tried to swat it away.  He suggested that Kaeko could try that prank later.  They then saw Zenada’s echo, staring at them with her hands on her hips and tapping her foot.  Kaeko cheekily waved at the echo and apologized.  Zenada’s echo indicated that she would be watching Kaeko before stepping into the next room.

Zenada’s echo found a marble pedestal in the middle of the chamber, with a fig-sized mote of opalescent light floating above.  As crimson energy occasionally crackled across its surface, Zenada saw a tiny gray doll in the shape of a moorbounder.  A voice echoed through her head, tinged with bitterness and regret, telling her to abandon hope as nothing would ever change.  Zenada believed the voice came from the mote and wondered if it was a coalescence of emotion.  She released the echo and returned her consciousness to her body.

Moments later, Zenada regained consciousness and told the others that the chamber held a marble pedestal with a doll and a mote of glowing light, which she believed was some form of distilled emotion like despair.  She added that she heard a voice telling her to abandon hope as nothing would ever change and speculated that nothing else had happened because her echo was not corporeal.  As the Echoes of Valour left to investigate, they heard Irvan tell Ayo that their party would have to investigate the next chamber.

Entering the chamber, the party saw the mote—and were reminded of the Mote of Possibility they were given in Bazzoxan—before spotting the doll.  Dorlen then took out a small vial, crept forward and—despite Kaeko’s warnings and Xarria’s confusion—tried to push the mote into the vial.  He thought he was successful until he saw the mote had been absorbed by the hand used to push it.  As the party saw his hand, which was now glowing, they had a fleeting vision of a baker hiding a mussed, dirty boy behind the counter of his shop before slipping him a tart.  As children outside called for the boy, a patron repeated rumours of the boy having Betrayer’s blood to the baker.

The Echoes of Valour would later learn that the Warring Destinies had also experienced that vision.

Kaeko asked if Dorlen was okay before wondering if Alyxian had possessed her friend.  Dorlen assured her that he was still himself.  Kaeko had some lingering doubts until Dorlen began rambling, then picked up the moorbounder toy.  As she squeezed it, Alyxian’s voice spoke again, fondly reminiscing about the toy.  Dorlen admitted he was feeling removed from things.  Kaeko told him not to touch any more things.  The party noted some passageways and agreed they had not been there before.

Dorlen called out to the Warring Destinies and assured them the Echoes of Valour were okay.  However, he was unable to adequately explain what happened with the mote, forcing an impatient Ayo to join them.  When they explained that the mote had been absorbed into Dorlen, Ayo ordered him to take off his shirt so she could examine his chest.  Zenada advised against Ayo’s alternate idea of finding the mote by stabbing Dorlen.  After Ayo could not find anything, Dorlen suggested the mote might be somewhere else.  Zenada told him not to remove any more clothing while Sabina covered her eyes.  Ayo asked if Dorlen had changed in any way after absorbing the mote.  Dorlen replied that he felt removed, but struggled to find the words to elaborate.

Once Dorlen had put his clothes and Armour back on, the party returned to the previous chamber.  Seeing how hurt the Warring Destinies looked, Kaeko offered to help.  Ayo and Galsariad went down a tunnel, followed by Kaeko, Xarria and Zenada.  Sabina chose to stay behind as she still had her Hunter’s Mark active, taking the Sending Stone from Kaeko.  Seeing that Xarria was going, Irvan decided to follow.  Dorlen stayed behind with Sabina, Maggie and Dermot.

The group entered another grotto.  Kaeko, Xarria and Zenada saw another marble pedestal with a wispy mote of light above it.  Alyxian whispered in their mind that they had nothing but regrets and the only remaining thing was to follow his path.  Kaeko confirmed to Ayo that this was what they saw in the other chamber and the mote they had seen was absorbed into Dorlen... before grasping the mote herself.  They had a vision of a teenager sleeping fitfully under a vermilion moon, robbed of an easy rest until a cloud drifted in front of the lunar body. Ayo was incredulous, while Galsariad observed that was one of the more foolish acts Kaeko had made.  Kaeko was confused, but felt a newfound appreciation for the buddy system established between Dorlen and Zenada.

The Echoes of Valour reunited and decided to go back to the grotto where they encountered the first mote and through the newly revealed passageway to the northeast.  They swam some distance before encountering a ruidium-veined wall.  Dorlen decided to knock on it and saw the outline of a door as the wall vibrated.  While the party complimented Dorlen for his cleverness, he confessed he was amazed that his idea worked. Zenada quietly suggested that he pretend he knew it would work.  Dorlen protested that he did not want to be deceiving.

The other adventurers caught up with them and together they entered a large chamber filled with hauntingly beautiful seaweed and ghostly white coral.  They saw a stone altar in the middle of the room, covered with carvings of cyclopean skulls and grasping hands.  The adventurers also saw a barrier of red energy covering a doorway in the north wall that led to another chamber.  A carving in Common above the doorway bade the Apotheon to leave his childhood yearnings behind, don his armour and go to war.

Sabina wondered if Alyxian had left his memories and emotions behind on purpose.  Zenada thought it would be an incredibly insensitive demand to make, but agreed with Sabina that gods were capable of such acts.  Galsariad and Dermot went forward and examined the altar, quickly recognizing the imagery as symbols of Torog and Gruumsh.  Sabina visibly cringed away at the mention of the latter god.  Thinking the inscription required them to leave a cherished possession behind, the adventurers took the moorbounder toy from Sabina and placed it on the altar.  With a brief crackle, the door—and the toy—vanished.  Dermot marveled at how easy that was and voiced his opinion that they should have teamed up earlier.  Ayo glared at Dermot, while Zenada gave him a smile.  Dorlen felt something was wrong, as he had done two consecutive things correctly without any negative consequences.  Kaeko suggested it was a sign of growth, and Zenada conceded it was possible.  Ayo led the adventurers past the door and into the next room after curtly shutting down Xarria’s question about whether they found any cherished possessions.

The room’s roof had three naturally forming domes, each with an apex thirty feet above the floor.  Veins of ruidium formed a lattice on the walls that shone a red light on the clumps of sea grass growing at the perimeter.  They only had a few seconds to take it in before they were whisked into another vision.  The adventurers found themselves in a parched battlefield under a bleak, ashen sky.  They saw shadowy figures fighting all around them as battle cries and the drums of war filled the air.  The black towers in the distance told them they had been brought back to a pivotal moment of the Calamity: where Alyxian fought the Crawling King’s horde and scored a hard-won victory at the gate of the Betrayers’ Rise (episode 29).

As the Battle at the Betrayers’ Rise continued, the Echoes of Valour and the Warring Destinies realized that this conflict would be theirs to win or lose.  They moved around, positioning themselves around Xarria, who had been dubbed the leader of the Echoes of Valour.  A wave of ten sword wraith warriors approached, representing the soldiers of the Crawling King.  They heard Alyxian explain he tried to remember the faces of the soldiers who fought beside him and did his best to fight where the battle was fiercest and the suffering was greatest.

Sabina summoned a heron and had it attack the closest sword wraith. The sword wraiths rushed forward.  One of them struck Sabina in the shoulder, causing the heron she had just summoned to vanish.  She responded with a Hellish Rebuke.  Two targeted Maggie, though the only one to land a blow saw their critical hit mitigated by Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs.  Several more peppered Maggie with arrows, but none of them penetrated her armour.  Kaeko faced two wraiths, taking slashes to her chest and hamstring.  Another slashed Ayo along the side of her throat as she tried to come to Kaeko’s aid.  Xarria deflected arrows from the last sword wraith. Ayo struck back with a flurry of blows from her javelin, eventually lopping its head off.  She shot a look at Sabina and proudly claimed the first kill.  Sabina was slightly impressed, despite herself. Dorlen punched the two closest sword wraiths with his Thunder Gauntlets before raising his Defensive Field. Irvan rushed up and attacked the sword wraith that hit Kaeko’s ass with his dagger and ruidium shortsword.  While he was dismayed to find they were immune to the poison on his blades, he still managed to decapitate the soldier.  He then issued a challenge to the sword wraith who tried to shoot at Xarria. Kaeko went into a Rage and struck back at the remaining sword wraith who hit her. Zenada summoned an echo beside Irvan, told him she would take care of things and killed the sword wraith who attacked Xarria.  She then moved closer to her echo. Galsariad unleashed his Gravity Wave to wipe out all but two of the sword wraiths. Dermot killed a sword wraith with his Searing Wrath and bashed the remaining one with his ruidium warhammer. Maggie told the last sword wraith it made poor life choices before splitting it in two with her greataxe. Xarria summoned her Spirit Guardians and made a Vital Sacrifice in preparation for the next fight.

Sabina summoned a Lightning Arrow and stood ready to fire it, after casting Cure Wounds on Dax.  Kaeko dropped her Rage and healed herself with Cure Wounds, later gaining another one from Dermot.  Dorlen injected himself with some healing substances.  Maggie Rallied Dermot with words of encouragement.  The adventurers also repositioned themselves as needed.

A pair of moorbounders charged in from the left and right, while ten more sword wraiths marched up the centre.  As Dax moved forward, Sabina fired her Lightning Arrow, killing the closest moorbounder, its companion and the closest sword wraiths.  The sword wraiths merged into two slithering bloodfins, who swam through the air as if it were water.  Dorlen looked up at the sky and opined that was unfair.  Sabina told Ayo her kill was bigger before realizing the sword wraiths had merged and transformed.  Irvan cursed, remembering how another slithering bloodfin cost him his arm. Dax charged at the closest moorbounder, striking a blow but failing to knock it prone.  Sabina fired an arrow but missed in her panic. Ayo ran up, killed the closest moorbounder on her side—shouting a boast to Sabina—then hit the next moorbounder. Dorlen cast Expeditious Retreat on himself and ran around, punching both slithering bloodfins. Irvan stepped towards one of the slithering bloodfins despite his fear, determined not to let it approach Xarria.  After landing several hits, he was dismayed to see the creature was not dead. Kaeko Slowed the moorbounder, but was unable to affect the slithering bloodfins.  She then conducted a Frenetic Crescendo to give the other members of her party Bardic Inspiration. Zenada moved her echo and killed the slithering bloodfin with five attacks.  While it exploded in a cloud of toxic blood, no one was hurt. Galsariad cast another Gravity Wave, enhanced with Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs, that killed another moorbounder and the second slithering bloodfin.  Dorlen was poisoned by the bloodfin’s Death Burst. Dermot joined Dax and killed the last moorbounder with a Searing Smite... to its testicles.

They heard Alxyian’s allies cheer at their latest victory.  Alyxian himself commented that his allies died, regardless of how many enemies fell or how much blood was shed.  They saw more wraith-like figures in the distance, but also saw—and heard—something huge moving through them.

Dax ran forward, only to yelp as he moved beyond an unseen range of Xarria.  Seeing that, Sabina cast another Cure Wounds on her moorbounder.  Xarria repositioned herself to get closer to the group and readied her crossbow.  Dorlen injected himself with another substance so he could move with Haste.  Hearing the noise, Kaeko prepared a Hold Monster spell.  Galsariad prepared to cast Slow while Dermot prepared a Searing Smite.  Ayo prepared an attack.

Then the next wave of enemies came into view: two groups of sword wraith warriors followed by a horizonback tortoise that carried a sword wraith commander and four sword wraith warriors.  Alyxian spoke again, remembering how he had to slay both the commander and the tortoise, though he could not remember which one was killed first.  Ayo fired her longbow at one of the sword wraiths on the flanks.  Kaeko managed to bring the horizonback tortoise to a halt with her Hold Monster spell.  Galsariad captured several sword wraiths in his Slow spell, while Dermot was unable to hit another sword wraith with his Searing Site.  Xarria fired her crossbow at one of the wounded sword wraiths. Sabina had Dax help Dorlen before hitting the sword wraith commander with one of her Eldritch Blasts. Ayo killed a sword wraith with an arrow through the eye socket and hit another with two more arrows.  She then commanded Irvan to move up.  Irvan ran to the horizonback tortoise and climbed up to face the sword wraith commander, ignoring the psychic damage inflicted from the chaos around him. Dorlen teleported on top of the horizonback tortoise with Vortex Warp and struck the sword wraith commander with his Thunder Gauntlets.  He also took psychic damage from the surrounding battle frenzy. Irvan repeatedly stabbed the sword wraith commander with his blades, dealing a great amount of damage despite its poison resistance.  The commander addressed Irvan as the Apotheon, promising to bury his body with his ‘false gods,’ unnerving the adventurer. Zenada moved her echo to the top of the horizonback tortoise and landed three hits against the sword wraith commander.  The echo then succumbed to the chaos around it and vanished.

Moments later, the sword wraith commander succumbed to Kaeko’s Dissonant Whispers.  Irvan and Dorlen scored opportunity attacks as it retreated.  The sword wraiths charged in, dodging the attack Maggie had prepared.  Four of them entered the field of Xarria’s Spirit Guardians, ignoring the damage done to their bodies.  Maggie blocked several attacks with her shield, only taking a single hit.  Dermot blocked another sword wraith attack with his shield.  Two sword wraiths fired arrows at Kaeko but missed.  Zenada took a slash to the hip from another sword wraith.  On top of the horizonback tortoise, Dorlen dodged all attempts to hit him.  Irvan, however, was not as lucky, taking three attacks.  The sword wraith commander summoned five more sword wraiths to the battlefield before shooting arrows at Dorlen, all of which were deflected.  The newly summoned soldiers also directed their attacks at Dorlen, though only one of them hit.  Galsariad unleashed another Gravity Wave, killing three sword wraiths and, after Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs, the sword wraith commander.

As the commander’s body collapsed to the ground, the other sword wraiths fled the battlefield.  The still-paralyzed horizonback tortoise fell down.  Dorlen apologized to the tortoise before giving it a hit.  Xarria walked forward, bringing the tortoise within the range of her Spirit Guardians, before finishing it off with an Inflict Wounds.

A veteran soldier limped towards them and pulled off his helmet.  Hailing ‘Alyxian’ for his victory, he vowed to follow him, despite his grievous wounds, until the end.  Alyxian’s voice lamented, heard only by the adventurers, that it never ended.  Xarria agreed, but made sure to cast Cure Wounds on the veteran.

The vision faded and the adventurers found themselves back in the grotto.  They saw a wall to the west shimmer before falling away, revealing a hidden chamber, while a door opened directly ahead.  Ayo asked where they should go.  Dorlen began to give a rapid-fire response before his Haste wore off.  Sabina caught him before he drifted too far away.  Kaeko confessed she could use some kind of rest.  Irvan scouted ahead and saw the room to the west might be a defensible area, but that there was another mote.  Ayo reminded everyone that it was the Warring Destinies’ turn to take a mote and led the way.

Ayo led the way to the newly opened grotto, which held both a marble pedestal with a mote and a small wooden chest.  Irvan opened the chest and expressed his relief at discovering healing potions.  Ayo strode up and absorbed the mote.  When Sabina and Xarria asked what happened, Ayo simply said it would help her heal faster. However, Xarria and Zenada sensed that she was hiding or downplaying something for everyone else’s benefit.

Sabina told her, with all sincerity, that she deserved to have the mote.  Kaeko expressed her admiration for Galsariad’s magic.  He replied that his power came at the cost of his soul.  Dorlen began to speculate about souls until Zenada slipped up behind him, put her hand over his mouth and suggested he have a nap.  Dermot asked if the adventurers should keep going or stop.  Dorlen simply bid him good night, while Kaeko admitted her magics were almost drained.  Bowing to the inevitable, Dermot agreed that they should rest in the grotto.  The adventurers quickly determined they had enough people to stand watch in shifts while the others slept and prepared themselves for their next day in the Netherdeep (episode 30).

Irvan, Zenada, Xarria and Dorlen took the last watch.  Dorlen, trying to wake up, used Prestidigitation to make the water taste like fuse, which alarmed Irvan and Xarria.  Zenada used rocks to help keep her position while she did yoga.  They had a long discussion about water and what could be in the water to make it unsafe to drink.  Xarria wondered if she had to cast Purify Food and Drink in the future to prevent Dorlen from ingesting any parasites.  Dorlen conceded it might be a good idea and wondered if that explained his appetite.  An incredulous Irvan wondered why they had not brought any wineskins or honey packets, digging some out of his pockets.  Dorlen happily took some honey.

Irvan asked Zenada for her full name and asked if she was from the Vosh Caravan.  Zenada confirmed it, and explained she had moved from one caravan to another, became a mercenary with the Scarbearers, left to pursue independent contracts and joined the Echoes of Valour because she owed Bodhi a favour.  Irvan was briefly distracted by Xarria, but returned to the caravan subject, saying he recalled meeting her family when their caravan came through the plains of Xhorhas.  Zenada recalled that the last time her family caravan went through the plains was before Zenada was born, which made her wonder how old Irvan was.  She then remembered her family caravan had traveled through the Kryn Dynasty during that circuit, which suggested that Irvan might also be consecuted, but refrained from commenting.

They discussed what they were going to do after completing the mission and saving Alyxian.  In the short term, Dorlen recalled celebrating with drinks.  Irvan mentioned that they’d be rich, but Xarria pointed out that they were not guaranteed any money, though they could find treasure from other contracts.  Irvan then asked what they planned to do with the ruidium as they could harvest and sell it.  Dorlen said he wanted to study it and use his findings to help anyone corrupted by it.

Dorlen added that he was less worried about ruidium corruption and more concerned that his brother took over his life.  Xarria and Irvan felt he was right to be angry and upset with the theft of his identity.  Dorlen repeated their words, getting louder with each successive exclamation, until  everyone else woke up.  Ayo threw a rock at Dorlen that lodged in his ear, forcing Xarria to remove it with a pair of Dorlen’s tweezers.  Dorlen stuck the rock, now covered in earwax, into his pocket.  Irvan wondered what was in the next chamber, prompting Dorlen to propose investigating.  However, Zenada got them back on track and had them resume their watch.

The sleeping adventurers woke up as the final watch ended and made their preparations , though there was a slight mishap when Dax tore a page out of Sabina’s book and tried to eat it.  After checking for traps with Zenada’s echo, both parties entered the much larger chamber to the north, passing the altar to the Crawling King.  They found it devoid of inhabitants or any noteworthy creatures.   When they fully entered the room, the door behind them closed.  A shadow emerged from the floor, its single glowing red eye fixed on them.  As it rose to the height of 150 feet and saw the spectral spear it held, they recognized it as Gruumsh, the Ruiner.  They felt its hate bear down on them as it thrust its spear into the floor, knockin them all prone.

Zenada told herself she had never surrendered to death before, she never abandoned her principles throughout her past lives and she would not give up now.  She pushed herself up with her sword. Irvan reached forward and put a hand on Xarria’s shoulder as she was praying.  Dorlen called to Irvan, telling him the force was not real and he should push through it.  Gritting his teeth, Irvan stood up. Galsariad muttered that it was obviously not real and stood up. Dermot braced himself and declared they had come too far to lose now.  He began to stand up. Vowing she would not let Gruumsh get the best of her, Ayo began to stand up, seeming to weave her way around the waves of pressure.

As the adventurers fought back, enduring psychic damage in their struggle, they heard Alyxian’s voice fill their minds.  “Why did I give my life to save everyone?” he said.  “They wouldn’t have done the same for me.  They never would have cared.”  The pressure grew stronger. Zenada continued to resist, grunting out, “Sometimes you have to do for others what they can’t do for themselves.” Irvan gritted his teeth and reached out to try and grab Xarria’s hand.   Galsariad watched as Dorlen’s clothing began to fray and said, “I thought you said it wasn’t real.” Maggie shouldered the burden. Dermot gritted his teeth, too, and tried to bear it. Ayo continued to swim around, taunting the image of Gruumsh.  Part of her ruidium spear flaked off from the pressure.

All the adventurers took more psychic damage.  Gruumsh’s spear pushed down even closer, until they could almost touch it.  The tip glowed with its hate, boiling the water above them. Sabina reached out to Zenada, reminding her that she joined them for a purpose. Zenada pushed through the pressure with a defiant roar.  “You will be remembered,” a voice whispered in her head.  “What about them?” Zenada tried to help Dorlen, reminding him of their ‘buddy system’. Dorlen overcame the pressure through sheer force of will.   He responded to a voice only he could hear, declaring he would remember them. Kaeko saw the others escape, told herself that this was not the end of her story and pushed through the pressure. Kaeko reached out to grab Xarria’s free hand.  She told Xarria that she was their leader and they could not continue without her.  Fighting back, Xarria felt the spear push harmlessly through her.

Xarria turned to Irvan, squeezed his hand and vowed they would get through this together. Irvan admitted he wanted that, commenting she was pretty when she was not dying. He stood up and ‘encouraged’ Galsariad by telling him that he had been beaten by Dermot, who started to deny doing anything. Suitably riled, Galsariad rose to his feet and declared Dermot would only beat him if he allowed it. Dermot retorted that it was easy when Maggie took all the hits for them. Maggie replied that she was just doing her job.  Standing to her full height, she thanked Ayo for leading them to the Netherdeep. Bolstered by Maggie’s sincerity, Ayo rose to her feet.

In the silence, they reflected on the fury of the Betrayer God, and admired how Alyxian had faced the same thing.  Part of the north wall crumbled, revealing a jagged open doorway.  They all entered the next chamber.  A glowing portal appeared in the middle of the room, floating between the hands of a giant statue depicting Alyxian in armor.  Alyxian’s voice told them that they had endured much and granted them time to recover and prepare for their next trial.

They all took a short rest and mended their wounds, with help from Kaeko’s Song of Rest, before pushing on.  They recalled a pair of coiling tunnels off to the side of the ivory pedestal chambers, where Ayo and Dermot took their motes from.  Ayo began proposing an idea to Xarria as “leader of the ‘B’ team,” only to be interrupted by a discussion over what ‘B’ stood for. The water genasi eventually asked Xarria which way she wanted to go.  Xarria decided to go west, as her party had gone east last time.  They agreed and parted ways, though Irvan snuck back so he could squeeze Xarria’s hand.

The adventurers followed the tunnel west, and then north, reaching a seemingly empty chamber.  With time, though, they spotted a hidden door and pushed through.  The water was visibly hotter to the touch.  It boiled around them and a current threatened to pull them into the chamber where red ruidium spires lined the walls. The Apotheon’s ragged breathing was audible in every heave of the water.  Thermal vents in the floor gave off swirling bubbles, dim light, and warmth.  A glimmer of light appeared above them, revealing a light devourer swimming around for prey.  It did not seem to respond to Dorlen’s outburst.

However, as Xarria made a mark to note the path they decided to follow, the light devourer disappeared. The creature suddenly flared back to life and swam down to bite Xarria, who responded with a Hellish Rebuke.   However, the fire damage caused the light devourer to recharge.

Kaeko cast Spiritual Weapon, which manifested as a guitar, and cast Vicious Mockery.  Both spells would hurt the light devourer. Xarria hit the creature with Inflict Wounds before making a Vital Sacrifice. Dorlen swam up beside Xarria, scoring one hit.  He then raised his shield. Zenada manifested her echo and channeled three attacks through it, damaging the light devourer. With Dax’s help, Sabina killed the light devourer with her Eldritch Blast.

The chamber rumbled and the currents increased in strength, swirling around them.   Dorlen was unable to resist and was hurled back into the wall and onto the ruidium shards.

Kaeko began struggling in the water as Dax took some damage. Zenada saw that Dorlen was sheltered in the tunnel, which looked like the best way out.  They quickly headed inside, but not before Dax was corrupted by the ruidium and became exhausted.  They found themselves in a chamber with gold coins scattered on the floor.  They counted a total of 750 gold coins, all minted before the Calamity.  They also found a ceremonial jade dagger and a vial of bubbling purple liquid.

Sabina noted that the chamber door could be put back into place, making the chamber a safe place to rest.  She began to pull ruidium shards from Dax.  Dorlen took a taste, determined that it combined the properties of a Potion of Superior Healing and a Potion of Heroism, and decided Zenada was best suited to use it.  As they looked at each other, they could hear the currents swirling in the other chamber… and the ragged breathing of the Apotheon (episode 31).

The party took a short rest.  Kaeko played a Song of Rest while the adventurers tended to their wounds and collected any remaining gold coins.  When they had recovered, Sabina asked if they wanted to brave the currents.    Kaeko suggested that they tie everyone together with rope, stationing herself and Zenada at either end, as they were the biggest and strongest, and the other three between them.

Dorlen pointed out that if he was anchored, he would be less likely to bash into secret doors and uncover new areas like the chamber they were resting in.  When Zenada suggested tying him to the end of the rope so he could bang around all he wanted, he conceded that he probably shouldn’t be concussed for the travel and admitted that they had a good plan.  Sabina used an Entangle spell to create some dense seaweed to help them get a better grip on the ocean floor, avoid the worst of the swirling vortex and reach the southwest passageway.  As Kaeko was going first, Xarria cast Guidance on the bard’s nose.

As Xarria touched Kaeko’s nose, a vision settled on them all.  A soldier crouched over a dead commander in a plaza filled with corpses, feeling the weight of responsibility settle uncomfortably on her.  “Harbinger,” she spat at Alyxian.   “Warbringer!  Omen!  We sheltered you!”  The vision receded.

Kaeko commented that the vision was just as unsettling as before. Dorlen asked what they knew about the Netherdeep and whether it existed before Alyxian was imprisoned.  He began to elaborate, speculating that the Netherdeep was just a manifestation of Alyxian’s mind and that they were actually in his mind.

Kaeko took that literally and found the thought repulsive. Sabina pointed out that Alyxian’s mental state had invaded Cael Morrow and infected the aboleth, so it may have infected this plane as well.  She also reminded them that he was imprisoned.  Kaeko agreed and hypothesized that perhaps he had been imprisoned in the Netherdeep but then had grown so powerful that it seeped through to Cael Morrow.  Dorlen chimed in, saying the best prison for someone who had gone through what he had would be their own head.  They murmured in agreement and Kaeko added that the prisoner would relive everything thousands of times.  Dorlen agreed again and added that they’d be twisting the memories adding to them.  Kaeko admitted she did that too, but Dorlen pointed out that Alyxian had hundreds of years to twist his memories.  Kaeko admitted that would drive anybody insane.  Dorlen added that Alyxian had no ‘buddy system’ to rely on.

Xarria felt the race had not ended and encouraged the party to help Alyxian.  Kaeko blurted out that they were all figments of Alyxian’s imagination and were not real.  Dorlen disagreed, feeling no one could imagine him.  While Xarria agreed with Dorlen, Kaeko continued voicing her delusion until Zenada pinched her.  Sabina quietly pursued their original plan and tied everyone to some rope.

Kaeko stepped out of the chamber first.  Between her strength and Sabina’s seaweed, she managed to resist the currents.  Dorlen was not so fortunate, as he was buffeted around and slammed into the walls.  One of the ruidium shards broke off from the wall and worked its way under Dorlen’s skin, increasing his exhaustion and ruidium corruption.  He later discovered the ruidium was festering in his flesh, causing his skin to turn crimson and weeping blisters to form down his neck.  Zenada and Dax brought up the rear but they all made it across, even if Dorlen was bloodied.

They reached the other room, fully expecting to face some new monster.  However, upon entering, they noticed the cavernous space expand and contract like a lung of a living, breathing creature.  Natural fissures in the floor belched out columns of steam and bubbles, warming the water.  Red light emanated from the vents, illuminating the chamber and the mouths of the tunnels that led away from it.

Looking around, they saw a slithering bloodfin and a swarm of smaller fish–all dead from a previous battle.  Kaeko wondered if the Warring Destinies had passed through and fought the creatures.  .  As the vents flared with red light, Sabina pulled out the sending stone to contact the other party.  However, a huge flare from the vents, one right under Sabina’s feet, began scalding the party.  Noting the water boiling in the passage behind them, they decided to hurry out of the chamber.

Once they entered the next tunnel, the sending stone held by Sabina got reception and Maggie’s voice came through.  The two parties compared notes and figured out they had crossed paths.  Maggie abruptly ended the conversation as the Warring Destinies encountered something with “a lot of tentacles” that prompted at least one of the adventurers to let out a bubbling scream.  They briefly discussed Dorlen’s suggestion to go help them but, given the labyrinthine tunnels and the boiling water, decided to move forward instead.

After traveling 150 feet through the undulating tunnel, they found themselves in a huge chamber.  A ruidium sphere, pockmarked with crater-like indentation, rotated 20 feet above the floor.   They also saw the bodies of two huge sharks, their mouths and bodies encrusted with ruidium, who had been killed by the other party. And, they noticed that the moonlike sphere had numerous open bloodshot eyes, each a milky pale jaundiced yellow.

Looking around the room, they saw a chamber immediately to the left.  It opened up into another small ivory podium chamber.  In the center of the chamber was a statue of Alyxian, tilted back at an angle.  They could see parts of the statue had been broken off, with tendrils of ruidium rising up from the damaged areas.  There was only one other passageway–leading north past the moon, whose gaze had no further effect on them.  Dorlen proceeded to swim up to the moon and poked one of the eyes to see what would happen. As he poked it, he felt an internal shiver that felt like revulsion. Feeling uneasy, Dorlen advised the party to leave quickly.  Xarria asked if they should still be tied together.  After a pause, Dorlen said no and untied himself.  Zenada swung Dorlen onto her back and swam with him to look into the next room.

Zenada saw a pit, devoid of the thermal vents they had become accustomed to.  The floor was strewn with humanoid skeletons clad in rusty armor and the bones of other creatures.  Tendrils of ruidium wove through the battlefield like ivy.  In the center of the room, a shining spear stood upright, its shaft emerging from a pile of bones and rusting weapons.  From the visions they’d shared, some of the party thought it looked like the same spear Alyxian used to fight Gruumsh. Dorlen decided to retrieve the spear so they could return it to Alyxian, feeling its loss had made it harder for Alyxian to fight off his inner demons.  Xarria stopped him long enough to cast Greater Restoration.  While it lifted some of his exhaustion, it did not affect the ruidium poisoning.  After thanking her and receiving some additional Guidance, he called for Zenada to swim the way they’d decided to go.

Swimming through the room, they passed rows and rows of soldiers that died during the Calamity. They saw bones of humans, giants, mastodons, and moorbounders littering the ground. Dax made a weak noise as he swam by the skeletons of a couple of moorbounders.  The spear in the center of the room showed no signs of decay, rust, or ruidium corruption, unlike any other thing they’d found in this chamber or the rest of the Netherdeep.  Dorlan swam up to it and, after pausing to look at his companions, grabbed the spear.

As Dorlen did that, a low growl reverberated through the cavern.  As the sound faded, a soft, melodic voice said, “You shouldn’t have done that.”  The voice came from a blue, translucent figure of a child that appeared to come out of nowhere.  Floating next to him was the figure of a man carved out of ruidium with a solemn expression.  The boy introduced himself as Theo and the golem as Alyxian, the Hunter.  He explained that the golem had come to destroy them but would not act so long as they were with him.  After confirming that the party had come to save Alyxian and end his nightmare, he agreed to travel with them for a time.

Kaeko clarified the Hunter’s intentions and tried to remove it with Dispel Magic, to no avail.  Dorlen examined the golem, discovering it was made of pure ruidium and questioned Theo about its origins.  Theo believed it had simply appeared one day.  Dorlen began musing about building golems while Kaeko wondered why her spell failed.  Dorlen then asked why Theo was here.  The apparition explained he was a guide.  He added that he had come close to meeting the other party before they took a different path.  Sabina wondered how he had come down here, as the Netherdeep had few sentient beings.  He responded that he’d always been there.  Sabina pressed further and learned he had not existed before the Apotheon.  The party noticed that Theo wasthe spitting image of Alyxian at that age.  As Dorlen held the spear, he felt a tremor when he locked eyes with Theo and another vision began.  They saw Alyxian roar as he cleaved through foes in front of him.  His rapid breathing made allied soldiers around him skittish.  One noted that it was an omen of malice and advised against getting on his bad side.

After the vision ended, Dorlen remembered he had taken the spear, took a closer look at the spear and–after noting its flawless craftsmanship–attuned to what he would call a ‘spear of anxiety’.  He then declared that the party should follow the boy, as he seemed to know his way around and the party was used to following random strangers.  Dorlen checked that he had Theo’s name correct and got his full name–Theo Nathope.  Kaeko confirmed the child’s name was an anagram for The Apotheon.  Dorlen summarized that they were in Alyxian’s head, with a ruidium golem of Alyxian the Hunter and a child that was the Apotheon.  Xarria added that they also experienced visions where they were also treated as Alyxian.

Kaeko asked Theo about the other party.  The apparition explained they had gone south and woke the red moon.  He idly wondered who would be foolish enough to cast a spell or touch it, prompting Dorlen to innocently look around.  Theo then began floating south, with the party following behind.  Kaeko and Dorlen began to ask Theo questions about its existence, which led to a philosophical discussion.  They approached the chamber with the boiling vents, prompting Kaeko to warn Theo of its dangers.  Theo gestured to a section of the wall, which led to a reminder that the party was corporeal and could not pass through walls… without extreme measures as proven by Dorlen.  Zenada flung Dorlen at the wall, revealing it was actually a hidden door.  The party realized they would have to inspect the walls more carefully in the future to uncover more secret passageways.  They also considered throwing Dorlen, though they conceded that method had the drawback of giving the gnome concussions.  Dorlen began theorizing novel uses for a catapult system before urging the party to carry on.

Theo and the party entered an oblong cavern that was heated and illuminated by the thermal vents that lined the floor.  Ruidium-veined walls expanded and contracted like a beating heart, while a ruidium-lined archway led to a darker chamber. Theo told the adventurers that Alyxian’s suffering made him callous and selfish, but believed he could be reminded of his goodness.  The apparition was interrupted by a human-sounding howl that echoed throughout the cavern.  Darkness swept throughout the grotto and over the adventurers, flooding their minds with visions of Ank’Harel, Wildemount and a godlike wrath that ravaged the world’s civilizations and citizens.  When the visions faded, Theo warned that they might expect similar experiences in the Heart of Despair.

Zenada was the first to step through the archway.  As Dorlen and the others followed, they had another vision.  They saw Alyxian kneeling before an altar in a ruined temple of Avandra.  He swore to fight for the freedom of others and be daring, as the Change Bringer did not bless cowards.

When the vision faded, the party looked around.  They saw the cavern was devoid of thermal vents, the water was cold and dark and a few tendrils of ruidium clung to the walls around the archway.  More importantly, they saw another mote hover above the ground in a crevice to the north.  Kaeko suggested Zenada, Sabina or Xarria touch the mote.  Zenada volunteered as she was the first to enter the room.  When she touched the mote, the party saw another vision, where a drop of moonlight from the moon Catha fell into Alyxian’s hands and transformed into a small golden amulet.  Awestruck, he whispered a prayer as he pressed what would become the Jewel of Three Prayers to his chest. Zenada gained the ability to reroll failed Wisdom or Charisma saving throws with advantage, but would be overcome with despair and incapacitated should she fail again.

After she absorbed the mote, three lobster-like creatures rose from the sandy floor.  Theo shrieked and cowered as the creatures, known as chuuls, attacked.  Zenada launched forward and unleashed a barrage of strikes against its chitinous armour.  She managed to manifest her avatar just before the chuul struck back and grappled her.  Xarria stepped forward until she could see Zenada, cast Spirit Guardians, pulled out her shield and made a VItal Sacrifice.  Sabina entered the room as well and fired two arrows into the chuul grappling Zenada.  Following suit, Dorlen swam past Xarria and attacked another chuul.  He tried to come to Zenada’s aid but missed his attack.  Two of the chuuls were attacked by Xarria’s Spirit Guardians, thanks in part to Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs.  In response, one of the chuuls moved away from Xarria and tried to attack Dorlen to no avail.  Kaeko took out her baton, thought about Galsariad’s lessons, tapped the cavern walls and channeled the sounds into a Gravity Sinkhole that damaged two of the chuuls.  Looking at Zenada, she gave the warrior some words of Bardic Inspiration. One of the chuuls took more damage from the Spirit Guardians before dealing Xarria a critical hit.  As it grappled her, Xarria lost concentration and her Spirit Guardians vanished.

Zenada killed the chuul grappling her with two hits and slashed the one next to Dorlen with her third.  Xarria then killed the chuul grappling her with Inflict Wounds.  Sabina fired two arrows, one of which struck the remaining chuul.  Dorlen punched it twice, cracking its chitin.  Kaeko rushed forward and stabbed, only to take two hits and get grappled in return.  Zenada stepped in and killed the chuul, slicing it in such a way that Kaeko was left holding its claws.

Kaeko began cooking the chuul claws over the thermal vents, adding some seasoning that Xarria offered.  She soon admitted that she had limited cooking skills as Bodhi usually made most of their meals.  Xarria kindly took over and added more ingredients from her spice pouch to brine the meat before Dorlen cooked it with a controlled Fire Bolt.  The party enjoyed the impromptu meal during their short rest, though Dorlen declined the food as he was allergic to shellfish.

After tending their wounds, Theo told them Alyxian’s rage, sorrow and yearning to escape was reflected in the creatures they had encountered.  He noted that Alyxian cursed and scorned the gods when he was angry, but always returned to prayer, as if hoping he would someday learn why the gods abandoned him.  Theo also revealed that when Alyxian’s rage was spent, the Netherdeep grew dark and quiet.  During those times, he could hear laughter and feel lightness and joy.  He believed the Apotheon found peace and solace during those times.  Despite all his anger, regret, fury, yearning and despair, there was still goodness in him.  Theo implored the heroes to appeal to that part of him and ultimately save him.  Kaeko asked Theo where they should go.  After he gave a cryptic response, the bard began feeling for hidden doors amongst the cavern walls.  She stopped as the party experienced another vision.  They saw Alyxian limping through a burning battlefield towards a wailing child, who screamed when she saw him.  He flinched, but picked her up before carrying her towards the far-off remnants of civilization.  Once the vision faded, Theo gave them the directions they sought, asked the party not to judge him too harshly and insisted there was still good in him, even though it was buried under centuries of anguish.  Dorlen mused that they should have brought a therapist with them into the Netherdeep.  Xarria guessed they would have to suffice, while Kaeko thought Dorlen’s academic experience might be an adequate substitute.  A puzzled noise from Dax alerted the party to the fact that Theo had vanished.  Kaeko immediately realized that the Hunter would now pursue them.  Dorlen urged them to hurry.

They made their way back to the first chamber and headed north into a tunnel, only to encounter the ruidium golem standing in front of them.  Kaeko, who was in the lead, saw the Hunter first.  She warned the rest of the party and told them she would try to get behind it.  She granted Xarria Bardic Inspiration before casting Greater Invisibility and dashing forward, entering the room with the giant eye.  After recovering from the shock of Kaeko vanishing, Dorlen charged forward and attacked, hitting with one of his two punches.  Zenada moved up behind Dorlen, manifested her echo on the other side of the Hunter and used it to land three blows.  In response, the Hunter pulled a shard of ruidium from its chest and threw it into Zenada’s shoulder.  While the damage was mitigated somewhat by Dorlen’s Flash of Genius, the shard worked its way into Zenada’s body and vanished.  Sabina entered the corridor behind Zenada and fired a Witch Bolt from her bow.  In response, the Hunter punched Dorlen back, knocking him to the ground.  Xarria followed Sabina and Dax into the corridor, summoned her Spiritual Weapon and attacked.  The Hunter retaliated by hurling another ruidium shard into her, which vanished just like the one that hit Zenada.  Nonplussed, Xarria hit it with her crossbow.

Kaeko cast her own Spiritual Weapon to attack the Hunter, darted forward to hit the golem with her own sword, then retreated before it could react.  Dorlen cast Kinetic Jaunt, moved through his allies and Spiritual Weapons and punched the Hunter.  Meanwhile, Zenada looked down at the site where the ruidium shard hit her and felt a pulsing sensation as she sustained further damage and became corrupted.  Enraged, she unleashed a barrage of strikes through her echo and hacked the golem until it was a vermillion cloud of dust.  Kaeko appeared as she dismissed her Greater Invisibility.

As Sabina, Xarria and Zenada looked at the mist that had formed from the pulverized golem, they noticed it was not dissipating.  In fact, it seemed to be concentrating in places. A worried Zenada realized the Hunter was reforming and urged the party to leave immediately.  Xarria agreed that it would be back.  Kaeko wondered whether taking some of the dust would prevent it from fully reforming.  The party asked if Dorlen had a spare vial.  Dorlen, however, was inspired to try and gather up the dust in his Bag of Holding.  Unfortunately, he only succeeded in sweeping up an unknown volume of the water.  As the golem continued to gather itself together, the party fled deeper into the vents of fury (episode 32).

They took a northward passage, making their way around the giant moon to the chamber where they had found an absence of thermal vents, a floor strewn with bones and rusty armour and Alyxian’s spear. Xarria went over to a dark recess in the northeast corner of the room. Investigating, Xarria found a human skeleton in rusted chain mail, wrapped in coils of ruidium tendrils.  She spotted a ruidium shortsword clenched in its hand and decided to take it.  However, she accidentally broke off various hand bones in the process.  Apologizing, she did her best to replace the floating bones before moving on.  Kaeko observed that the long-deceased human would probably not take offence.  Xarria appreciated the sentiment, but admitted she did not want to desecrate the body, regardless of how long it had been lying there.

With her keen hearing, Sabina heard the sound of a stone foot crushing ruidium in the room behind them and warned her companions.  Swimming faster, they soon entered a narrow chamber whose floor and walls were covered in a rippling carpet of thin, pale arms that ended in hands with long, delicate fingers.  Whispering voices began echoing through their minds, telling them to join them, be with them and never be alone again.  Dorlen voiced his discomfort and declined the eerie invitations.

The more perceptive members of the party noticed that some of the hands held items: a locked box, a key, a flask of red liquid and a rolled-up scroll.  Sabina wondered if they should grab the items.  Dorlen immediately swam to the box, as it was the first item Sabina mentioned.  He was able to retrieve it, though he was disturbed as the hands touched and caressed his face and limbs.  The box was decorated with wedding bells and was inscribed with the words “For those whose love never wavered.”  Kaeko followed suit and retrieved the flask, which she identified as one of elven craftsmanship.  Zenada deftly took the key, finding that it was made of tarnished silver.  Sabina used Summon Beast to summon a construct of her friend Rocky the octopus and asked him to pass the scroll to her.  Given that Rocky was also uncomfortable with the hands, Dorlen felt that they were best avoided. After Sabina allowed Rocky to climb into her pack, Kaeko remembered that she had Mage Hand.  The party assured each other that it was understandable to forget things.

Dorlen began trying to pick the box, oblivious to Zenada’s efforts to offer him the key.  He eventually realized what she was getting at, took the key and used it to successfully open the box.  After batting away several pairs of hands that whispered their congratulations, he discovered the box held a black pearl, a violet garnet and a pair of platinum rings.  Thinking of her own wedding band, Kaeko asked Dorlen to see if there were any inscriptions on them. Sure enough, Dorlen found that both rings had the words “For the one I love” inscribed and offered them to Kaeko.  The bard demurred, as she and Bodhi had their own, and wondered if they were meant for Alyxian.  After some discussion, the party could not recall Alyxian having any significant partner and wondered if they belonged to a pair of long-lost adventurers.

While the party debated who the rings might have belonged to, Sabina opened the scroll and discovered it was a spell scroll of Otiluke’s Resilient Sphere.  Kaeko eventually turned her attention to the flask and discovered it contained a Potion of Superior Healing.  When they heard another footstep, the party decided to continue, though they did not leave the chamber until remarking on the pearl and the creepiness of the hands.

The next cavern they entered was almost completely filled by a spherical black mass that resembled a giant heart.  Veins of ruidium criss crossed its surface, which was covered with spiky protuberances that retracted and elongated as the sphere pulsated.  Dorlen declared the mass looked unhealthy.  Kaeko guessed it was either Alyxian, what was left of him or some kind of prison for the Apotheon.  From the southern passage, Sabina and Xarria saw motion and heard the sound of metal.  Xarria alerted their companions just before an immense form loomed into view.  Maggie’s voice called out, much to the party’s relief, expressing surprise that they survived.  Dermot chimed in, explaining they had encountered some traps, before trailing off at the sight of the mass.  Kaeko asked if they had encountered Alyxian the Hunter.  Hearing Ayo’s confused response, Sabina provided an explanation.  Dorlen told any injured members from the Warring Destinies to come over for healing.  Ayo warned that they might be followed by some kind of winged creature.  As the other party swam over, Zenada reluctantly accepted some healing from Dorlen.  Kaeko was initially less hesitant, but was somewhat alarmed when Dorlen listed some potential side effects.  Sabina remembered Theo’s words about bringing out Alyxian’s joy and wondered if the wedding rings would do so.  Dorlen immediately went down on one knee and offered the rings.

Seeing no response, Dorlen thought about touching it.  He was warned off by Kaeko, moments before he was hit by a ruidium spear.  Turning around, they saw Alyxian the Hunter enter the chamber.  Sabina told Ayo’s group that that was the golem they were talking about.  The two parties prepared for combat.  However, the Hunter managed to Slow Kaeko, Dorlen, Dermot, Sabina, Irvan and Galsariad.  It then grabbed Galsariad and brutally hit him twice.

Sabina hit the Hunter with a Lightning Arrow.  Unfortunately, all members of the Warring Destinies were hit by the following discharge.  Irvan was the first to recover, but failed to hit the golem. Ayo moved through her companions to reach the Hunter and hit it twice with her ruidium harpoon.  Zenada then backed up, manifested her echo and used it to hit the golem three times. Kaeko cast Dispel Magic to remove the Hunter’s Slow spell, went into a Rage and ran up to the golem.  Seeing how badly Galsariad was hurt, Maggie Rallied the wizard with words of encouragement.  She then swam above the Hunter and hit it twice with her greataxe. The Hunter hit Galsariad again. Irritated, Galsariad retaliated with a Gravity Rend that damaged the golem—and popped Zenada’s echo.  He was too disoriented to hit the golem with any subsequent attacks.  Xarria cast Hold Monster, which failed to paralyze the Hunter, and performed a Vital Sacrifice. Dermot gave Galsariad some much-needed healing.  Dorlen swam up to Zenada, wished her good luck and administered a stimulant that Hasted her actions. Dax swam down, slammed into the Hunter and knocked it prone.  Then Sabina swam over, cast Wrathful Smite and struck the golem with her ruidium shortsword.  Irvan followed up with attacks from his ruidium shortsword and his dagger. Zenada summoned her echo again and dealt so much damage that the Hunter disintegrated into a red mist.

Kaeko swung at the mist until her Rage was spent.  Dorlen swam up and eagerly asked Zenada for feedback on his concoction, but she was too exhausted to reply.  Sabina tried to heal Galsariad, but was dismayed when her efforts failed.  Galsariad refused Dorlen’s offer of healing due to a fear of needles, but eventually relented after a combination of Kaeko’s slap, Ayo’s repeated urgings and Dax’s presence.  Out of consideration for his feelings, Dorlen emptied the contents of his syringe and let him drink it instead. Irvan drew everyone’s attention to the fact that the Hunter had begun reforming itself and had already restored a foot.  The two parties began to discuss how to escape the golem before Galsariad intervened, saying he had deduced something about the motes they had collected.

Galsariad asked Irvan to touch the heart, believing that he would not succeed.  Irvan was less than thrilled to learn he would ‘probably’ live.  When Sabina volunteered to take his place as she possessed one of the motes, Galsariad explained that that would defeat the purpose of the experiment as Irvan did not.  Kaeko realized that only people who possessed a mote would be able to enter the heart.  Galsariad confirmed that that was his theory and asked which of the Echoes did not have a mote.  Xarria admitted she was the only one.

Ayo declared that four of the Echoes had a mote and three of her party had one.  Recognizing that the Hunter would keep reforming and their fight would probably attract more enemies, she swam up to Xarria.  After stating that this did not count as winning the race, Ayo removed her mote and gave it to Xarria.  When Xarria protested, Ayo stated that one party had to enter the heart and finish the quest while the other stay behind to fend off any pursuers, as they did not have time to look for more motes while the Hunter pursued them.  Kaeko suggested collapsing the tunnel that the Warring Destinies came from to cut off an avenue of attack.  Ayo agreed but urged her to hurry as the Hunter had reformed its legs.  Swimming over, Sabina and Kaeko prepared to collapse the tunnel by casting Entangle and Thunderwave, respectively.  Ayo repeated that this did not count as a concession of defeat.  Various adventurers humored her statements and teased her for being soft at heart, though they returned to business when Irvan gave an update on the Hunter’s status.

Kaeko and Sabina collapsed the tunnel before returning to the adventurers.  Sabina gave Galsariad the spell scroll she found, Xarria cast Bless on some of Ayo’s party and Kaeko gave everyone a Motivational Speech.  Irvan warned that the Hunter had almost reformed.  Before the Echoes of Valour could move towards the heart, Dorlen mentioned the spear they had found.  Ayo happily took it off their hands.  As the golem became corporeal, Irvan and Xarria exchanged some final words before the Warring Destinies prepared to fight.

The Echoes of Valour swam to the heart.  As they touched it, they felt their motes resonate before they were pulled inside.  Then, each adventurer felt their mote burn within them before it was torn from their souls.  They plunged through a void that was darker, emptier and lonelier than anything they had ever faced.  Then the Jewel of Three Prayers began to glow from its position upon Xarria’s chest, shining a light that grew brighter and brighter until the adventurers could see each other.  As they descended, they felt the blessings of Sehanine, Avandra and Corellon wash away their curses and grant them the benefit of a Long Rest.

### The Heart of Despair

The party saw vision after vision of the bloodshed and suffering Alyxian endured as he sought the power to change fate and the Jewel of Three Prayers became complete.  They passed through the clammy darkness and eventually tumbled onto the glassy surface of a lake that somehow seemed as solid as any floor.  Three rocky isles rose out of the water, each bearing a crumbling structure that looked like ancient prayer sites.  Waterfalls tumbled from the sky, giving off mist that blanketed the area.  A life-sized statue of Alyxian, armed with a spear and shield, stood on a white stone pedestal in front of them.  Dorlen observed that their situation did not seem too bad, but the rest of the party advised caution.

They were interrupted by Alyxian’s voice, which came from the statue.  The Apotheon was relieved that he could finally communicate with them.  Given what they saw of his actions and who he had become, he asked them to act as judges and determine whether he could leave.  Kaeko thought he should be allowed as she did not feel it was fair to keep him imprisoned.  Dorlen was not sure, while Sabina wondered if Alyxian’s home even existed.  When asked, Alyxian explained he had been trapped since his epic battle with Gruumsh.  While he had absorbed or deflected most of the damage from the Destroyer’s spear, he feared that Marquet had still been devastated from the conflict.  Dorlen assured him that he did his best.  Sabina pointedly looked at her friends and added that everyone could not be saved.  Alyxian went on to say he had spent a lifetime protecting the helpless, but now he simply wanted to rest and asked whether he had earned that reward.  Kaeko, Xarria and Dorlen felt he had earned such a reward.

When Alyxian pressed the point and asked whether they would let him go, Dorlen was still willing.  Kaeko, however, asked whether he would go on a murder spree upon his release.  Alyxian replied that he had dreamt of freedom for so long, he did not know what he would do.  His only thought was that he simply wished to walk through the streets of a city without facing fear or loathing.  Sabina asked what he would do if he did encounter such a reception.  Alyxian told her he hated Gruumsh for condemning him to his prison.  He was also furious at the people who would take his essence—manifested in physical form as ruidium—for their own ends, looking at the ruidium-laced weapons that the party carried.  When Kaeko suggested that he could seal the Netherdeep upon his release to prevent any more ruidium harvesting, Alyxian went further to declare he would destroy it.  He then told the party he needed their unanimous agreement before he could leave.

Dorlen was confused on why Alyxian would be bound by such a requirement, but Kaeko guessed it was because he had been cursed by the gods.  The Apotheon’s voice grew more agitated, telling them that he had been imprisoned in solitude for so long with nothing but his dreams to give him hope... but now the Echoes of Valour were here and could grant him release.  Kaeko quietly warned Dorlen they needed to appeal to the Apotheon’s good side, not make him angry.  Dorlen took this as a prompt to ask Alyxian what made him happy, which momentarily broke the growing tension.  Speaking for the first time, Zenada told Dorlen that he made them all happy.  The gnome then remembered the locked box he had found and opened it.  Alyxian identified the rings as his parents and lamented that they did not deserve their fate.

The Apotheon then admitted he had reviewed his memories during his imprisonment.  He had also witnessed the party as they relived his past—and was overjoyed at some of the outcomes as they suggested that things could have gone differently.  Kaeko told him that suffering could lead to joy.  Alyxian took exception to that statement, as the party had only seen a glimpse of his past.  He told them that he was born during the Calamity, grew up in an environment of fear and saw the Betrayer Gods ravage his home.  He regretted the lives he could not save and how all his sacrifices did not free him from his fate.  Curious, Dorlen made an inquiry and learned the Apotheon had tried to leave his prison on his own to no avail.  Recalling the Luxon and the practice of consecution, Sabina wondered if Alyxian could be reborn.  The Apotheon repeated his plea, asking the adventurers to release him. As the conversation continued, the more insightful members of the party began noticing various layers of emotion woven through the Apotheon’s voice—including frustration, anger... and a fear of leaving.

Choosing her words carefully, Sabina told Alyxian that they came because he called out to them and they wanted to help.  However, they required time if they were to make a judgment on his release—particularly when their decision would impact countless lives.  The Apotheon was not pleased.  Dorlen asked if therapists were available during Alyxian’s time as a mortal and repeated Sabina’s request for time, adding that a few days wouldn’t hurt if he had been imprisoned for centuries.  Zenada facepalmed and edged away from Dorlen and his lack of tact.  Alyxian grew increasingly angry, especially when Dorlen advised him to rein in his fury.

The Heart of Despair began to rumble.  As the water churned and the sounds of breaking glass and cracking stone rang out, Alyxian’s impatience and anger turned to hostility.  He declared that he would not wait any longer and would claim what was owed him.  As Kaeko and Zenada chastised Dorlen again, the statue melted into a mass of pulsing black ichor that smelled of iron and rotted meat.  Thunder boomed as crimson storm clouds covered the sky overhead.  Looking at the prayer sites, the adventurers saw they were now covered in tendrils of ruidium that glowed with a malevolent, bright red light.  After a moment, a milky-white monster with dozens of arms, countless eyes and a hide adorned with blades burst out of the ichor.  It reared back before crashing down onto the lake and howling.

One of the prayer sites crackled, then sent wisps of energy towards Dorlen.  However, he shrugged off its effect.  Alyxian stared down the party and demanded that they free him.  The void in his eyes dealt a blow to Dorlen and Sabina. Kaeko summoned her Spiritual Weapon and begged him to see reason.  Alyxian shuddered as if trying to shed his bulk.  He told her it was easy for her to say such things when she had so many friends, family, allies and party members.  Sabina told Alyxian that forging and maintaining collections could be worth the pain before casting her Hexblade’s Curse on his connection to Corellon and summoning a bow.  Having doubts on whether Alyxian could be saved, she prayed to Corellon for guidance.  After a moment, one of the ruined temples melted into the sand and vanished.  Confused, Alyxian asked Sabina what she had done.  The adventurers sensed that Alyxian had lost the support of Corellon.  As more of the Apotheon’s pale flesh sloughed off, he snarled at Sabina for turning the god against her.  He launched some of the embedded blades from his back and sent them flying around her. As Zenada took damage from the blades, Alyxian asked how he could forgive them for all of his suffering.  Guessing that he was talking about the gods and the mortals who lived, she told him it was not their fault for being born free of such a fate—just like it was not his fault for having endured so much.  However, he had to find the good inside him and rise above his resentment.  Alyxian begged them to destroy the monstrous form before it, as he could feel its hatred tearing at his spirit.  Zenada silently manifested her echo.

Xarria took damage from the blades and offered her sympathy, as she knew what it was like to be alone and abandoned.  She knew what it was like to be passed from person to person or group to group.  Xarria encouraged him to overcome his anger and move forward, promising him the same support that the party had shown her.  She was about to cast a Healing Word as a gesture of support, but held back when the Apotheon begged her to free him from this form before its hate consumed him.  Instead, she hit him with her own Spiritual Weapon.  Alyxian shambled forward, grabbed Xarria—despite Kaeko’s Silvery Barbs—and squeezed her.  Dorlen took some damage from the blade before moving out of their reach.  He yelled at Alyxian to release Xarria before pulling out his Bag of Holding and opening it—releasing the high-pressure water he had previously collected.  The blast of water caused more of Alyxian’s flesh to slough off and allowed Xarria to free herself.  A tendril of water snaked out from the ruined temple of Avandra and wrapped itself around Dorlen. After taking damage from the blades, Kaeko hit Alyxian with her Spiritual Weapon.  She tried to retreat, only to be hit and grappled by the Grasping Hands of Alyxian.  In response, she cast a Gravity Sinkhole against the Apotheon. The whirling blades flew back and embedded themselves into Alyxian’s wounded form.  He cast his baleful gaze on Zenada and Kaeko, hurting the adventurers.  After crushing Dorlen, he grabbed Zenada and began to squeeze her as well. Thinking that the gods had ample opportunity to free Alyxian, Sabina gave a plea to Sehanine before striking the Apotheon with a Witch Bolt.

His body collapsed onto the water and split open like a cocoon.  A radiant figure with angelic wings, wreathed in a halo of spears, emerged from the husk, holding another spear in his hand.  Looking down on the adventurers as if in judgement, Alyxian coldly proclaimed that their words meant nothing as he was the Apotheon—born of the blessing of three gods—and he would kill them as he had killed countless thousands.  Dorlen pointed out that Corellon had apparently abandoned him, so technically he only had the blessing of two gods.  Alyxian stabbed Dorlen with his spear as punishment for his impudence, asking what crimes he had committed other than his desire for freedom and why the party did not condemn those who left him to languish.

Sabina sent Dax to help the grappled Dorlen. Zenada told Alyxian that fatalism would not help anyone and he should not lower himself to those who thought the worst of him.  As pain registered on his face, and some of his wing feathers fluttered down into the water, the Apotheon told her she had a way with words.  Zenada replied that she had experienced hatred herself.  Turning to Sabina, Alyxian told her that she was beneath him and thus could not judge him.  He tried to strike her with chains of celestial magic, only to be thwarted by Zenada’s echo, which teleported in and shrugged off the attack.  Leaning around Kaeko, Sabina mouthed her thanks to Zenada. Xarria told Alyxian that they had come all this way to save him and they would not stop now.  She asked him to trust them before performing a Vital Sacrifice.  Wincing, Alyxian asked what would happen if the world did not pay for the hurt it caused him.  Xarria replied that responding with more suffering would only cause more pain, which would not help in the long run. Dorlen managed to free himself.  After wondering how they were fighting on the surface of the water, he raised his shield and taunted the Apotheon.

Alyxian railed against the party, declaring them imperfect judges who had not experienced his suffering, and hit them all with a radiant flare.  Sabina and Xarria responded with twin Hellish Rebukes.  Alyxian marveled at how they dared to judge him when they employed infernal magic.  Sabina retorted that he asked them to pass judgement. Alyxian used the power of Sehanine’s ruined temple to create a watery replica of Sabina and bid it to attack.  Sabina deflected her copy’s attack with a Shield and replied that she was not frightened, having faced similar trials before.  The copy dissolved into the water below. Kaeko told Alyxian that, if he truly wanted to prove his might over the adventurers and the world, he should forgive them as any responsible parties had died long ago.  The Apotheon cried out, wondering how fate and the gods that blessed him could allow this to happen, and implored the party to grant him an honourable defeat.  The Echoes of Valour noted that his wings looked increasingly threadbare.  Kaeko then moved her Spiritual Weapon to attack the ruined temple of Avandra.  Somehow, she sensed the Change Bringer smirk before the temple dissolved. Alyxian flew to the side of the party and unleashed a cone of Heavenly Destruction.  While everyone took damage, Kaeko and Dax were grievously hurt and were knocked prone.  The Apotheon then teleported into their midst with a brilliant flash of light and stabbed Kaeko with his spear.  The bard fell into unconsciousness, her husband’s name on her lips.  Alyxian then turned to strike Sabina as well.

Sabina Misty Stepped to Sehanine’s ruined temple and made a plea to the Moon Weaver.  Just as the adventurers had accepted the best and worst parts of themselves through their trials, she asked Sehanine to release Alyxian of the darkness that fuelled his power.  In response, the last temple dissolved and Alyxian’s wings became almost bare.  Alyxian declared that he would send them home before assaulting everyone but Sabina with radiant energy.  Xarria and Dax were overwhelmed and fell down.  Sabina ran back to her friends, coming to a stop beside Kaeko. Zenada bent down and took the healing potion from Kaeko’s belt.  As she fed it to Xarria, she challenged Alyxian to prove he was better than his detractors by not letting them bring him down.  She said he deserved joy and happiness, but that would not be possible if he let himself be poisoned by their hate.  Hearing her words, Alyxian’s angelic form fell down and struck the ground in a golden starbust.  As his gleaming feathers crumbled to wash, an old, grey-haired, haggard man rose up.  Alyxian was now hunched and weary, but snarled at the party as he readied his spear and shield. Xarria gasped as the potion ran through her and cast a Mass Cure Wounds to heal her friends.  Alyxian lamented that the world had moved on and there was no room left for him.  Xarria tried to hit Alyxian with her Spiritual Weapon, which he deflected with his shield.  The Apotheon glared at her before summoning a ruidium shard, which materialized next to Xarria and exploded.  Dorlen’s ruidium corruption grew to the point that crystal protrusions began poking out of his skin.  He pondered the idea of becoming a ruidium golem before he registered Alyxian’s words.  Scolding the Apotheon for thinking the world had passed him by when the party had come to free him, he punched him—with a Thunder Fist—in an effort to bring him to his senses.  Dorlen then raised a Defensive Shield and retreated, moving away from his friends so they were not clustered together. Alyxian chastised Dorlen for his naivete, claiming the omens of Ruidus still haunted him, and threw a stone dagger.  The blade lodged itself in Dorlen’s body and petrified the gnome.

Alyxian charged forward and stabbed Zenada with his spear.  Kaeko told Alyxian that the world had not forgotten him and that the party came because they heard his call.  She asked him to show his wisdom, share his experiences and help guide the world to a better place—adding that he had the power to defy omens if he chose to.  Years of negative emotions seemed to drain from him, as he recounted the echoes of laughter, music and joy that he heard from the surface.  He expressed a desire to see and know them again.  Kaeko assured him that he would and gave him Bardic Inspiration in the form of the lullaby her mother used to sing to her as a child. Sabina summoned a Healing Spirit at Dorlen’s feet.  Drawing energy from the remnants of the ruined temples, she then struck Alyxian with three Eldritch Blasts. Railing at Sabina, Alyxian threw his spear.  As the weapon pierced her body, Sabina responded with a Hellish Rebuke.  Speaking to Alyxian as a soldier, Zenada told him he needed to open his heart to accept the good that he desired.  If his heart was clouded by anger, fear and hate, he would never receive the love and joy he deserved.  Looking at the Apotheon, the party saw his knee tremble, his grip on his spear slacken and the anger in his eyes fade.  As tears well up, he said that there must be a reason for his survival over the centuries.  Zenada vehemently agreed with him and extended her hand in a gesture of goodwill. Another shard of ruidium materialized above their heads and exploded.  Xarria and Dax became exhausted due to the ruidium corruption. Xarria extended her own hand, assured Alyxian that there was good in the world and invited him to see it for himself.  He reached back, paused, then looked back at Dorlen.  The dagger returned to his hand—removing the petrification.

Sheathing his dagger, Alyxian held out his hand.  With misty eyes, he asked what was left of the world he once knew.  Zenada admitted there might be very little of the past, but it echoed in everything going forward.  Xarria added that there were many things to discover and enjoy.  The Apotheon looked up towards the sky and took in a long breath.  As he did so, the thunderclouds faded away.  The party found themselves back on the lake with waterfalls pouring down.

The Apotheon shuddered as tears streamed down his face.  He whispered that his soul felt so light.  Looking at the adventurers one by one, he asked if they could leave.  Kaeko pulled him towards her and gave the first hug he had felt in centuries.  Zenada, Sabina and Xarria joined them in a group hug.  Dorlen looked around and asked what had happened.  As the adventurers stood there, the ruidium in their bodies and weapons cracked and turned to dust.  Xarria silently walked over to Dorlen and brought him back to the group.  Alyxian apologized for everything he did, lamenting how hard it had been.  Kaeko sympathized with his plight, acknowledging that reliving his memories over and over again would make anyone lose faith in the gods and the mortal races.  The Apotheon admitted he should not have wavered and acknowledged that the gods had sent the adventurers to him.  Dorlen cheerfully agreed that the party consisted of good people. Alyxian warned that they should leave while they still had time.  Seconds later, the Heart of Despair began to shake.  When Kaeko asked how they could escape, Alyxian advised that they ‘run like hell.’  Realizing that they were no longer protected by the ruidium, Dorlen cast Water Breathing on everyone and welcomed Alyxian to the buddy system.

As they began to run, the statue of Alyxian crumbled behind them.  The Apotheon thrust his spear forward and tore a hole in the membrane surrounding the Heart of Despair.  Bursting through, they found themselves surrounded by a field of carnage.  Dead slithering bloodfins lay at their feet—along with Maggie, Irvan and Galsariad—while creatures struggled to break through the barricaded southern wall.  As they looked around, the golem of Alyxian the Hunter crumbled into dust as the ruidium faded from each member of the Warring Destinies.  A tense Ayo asked if they had succeeded and asked who their new companion was.  Kaeko confirmed they were victorious, introduced Alyxian and urged them to flee so they could enjoy a well-deserved drink.  Ayo told them that Irvan had found a door during his scouting, which he wedged open with a dagger.  Xarria cast Mass Cure Wounds to heal the wounded and rouse the adventurers who had fallen.  When Irvan opened his eyes, he was relieved to see that Xarria had survived.  Galsariad suggested that the lovers make up later as they had to leave before the water pressure killed them.  As Dorlen cast Water Breathing again, Maggie rose to her feet and commented that the slithering bloodfins were a challenging opponent... before realizing she had lost her left hand in the fight.  Dorlen, along with Kaeko and Xarria—assured her that he could make a new one.  Irvan urged them to run.

Kaeko and Zenada led the way to the door and worked together to push it open, revealing a glimmering portal.  On the other side, they could see the twin statues of Alyxian at the front of the Netherdeep where the adventurers had first entered.  However, the adventurers began succumbing to the water pressure, with Sabina, Dax, Dermot, Maggie, Irvan, Galsariad and Dermot going down. Seeing that, Zenada picked up Sabina and Dermot and threw them through the portal.  Ayo grabbed Galsariad and rushed him towards the portal.  Kaeko used her Stone’s Endurance—and the memory of Bodhi asking her to come home—to stay on her feet and pick up Maggie.  Xarria picked up Irvan and hurried along.  Dorlen teleported Dax through the portal using a well-aimed Vortex Warp.  As Kaeko reached the portal, she struggled to keep her footing... only to be aided by Alyxian, who helped her lift Maggie and vowed not to leave anyone behind.  Zenada hovered at the portal and waited for Dorlen, Maggie, Kaeko and Alyxian to pass through before following suit.

The adventurers found themselves back in Cael Morrow.  Kaeko healed Maggie with her strongest Cure Wounds, while Dorlen injected himself with a similar concoction.  They saw the rift to the Netherdeep began to shrivel as the ruidium fell away, ultimately evaporating until there was nothing left but the ruins of an ancient building.  Xarria then cast another Mass Cure Wounds to help everyone heal and wake the unconscious members of their combined party.

Ayo scolded her party for sleeping on the job, told them to get up so they could leave and exchanged jokes with Kaeko.  They began to swim to the surface when Dorlen reminded them that Galsariad could access the teleportation circle.  Galsariad agreed that they should take a shortcut but asked the Echoes of Valour not to immediately tell the Consortium of the Vermillion Dream that they destroyed all the ruidium.  Dorlen pointed out that the Echoes of Valour were technically responsible for that act.  Galsariad admired Dorlen’s cleverness but lamented the lost opportunity to study the Netherdeep.  Alyxian reassured him that he had not missed anything.  Galsariad commented that he did not expect to be so happy to return to Ank’Harel before activating the teleportation circle.

They felt the dry heat and heard the hustle and bustle of the nearby market.  When Kaeko realized they were close to Bodhi’s shop, she immediately began running.  When Dorlen suggested going for drinks, Kaeko shouted over her shoulder that she would meet them later. Alyxian looked out at the sprawling city of Ank’Harel.  In a whisper, he told himself that all his trials and suffering had been worth it. As they walked along, Zenada found herself walking side by side with Alyxian.  The Apotheon guessed that she could have struck him down at any time.  Zenada confirmed it, saying it would not have been difficult.  After chuckling in amusement, Alyxian asked Zenada if she had seen the world.  He started to say he had no idea what survived the Calamity... only to break off as a group of children, out past their curfew, ran through the bazaar and almost crashed into them.  Alyxian watched as they ran out of view and asked if it was all that beautiful.  Zenada replied that everywhere had its beauties and they were all different.  Alyxian declared that he wanted to see them eventually.  For now, seeing how he had no money, he decided that Zenada should buy him his first drink.  Zenada agreed, receiving a teasing admonishment to respect her elders when she called him an old man.  As they continued walking through the crowds, he asked her to explain the Luxon beacons.

The Echoes of Valour and the Warring Destinies would eventually meet up in a tavern, where they enjoyed drinks and food and camaraderie.  A new beginning was well underway.  As they slept, each of them received a vision that ended with the sound of a squalling child, somewhere near the sound of orcish drums.

The Echoes of Valour and the Warring Destinies would eventually meet up in a tavern, where they enjoyed drinks and food and camaraderie.  A new beginning was well underway.  As they slept, each of them received a vision that ended with the sound of a squalling child, somewhere near the sound of orcish drums.

Time passed and the seasons changed.  Many events came to pass, though stories were vague on the exact order of the following events:

* Bodhi and Kaeko would indeed open their own series of shops, though the location of their first shop stories would vary.
* Xarria returned to the Dwendalian Empire to reclaim her birthright—and use it to make some wise investments with the right people in certain franchises.
* Dorlen returned to Hupperdook—with Zenada and the rest of his friends—to confront his brother, who was still masquerading as ‘Professor Dorlen Wildrock.’
* Dax and his mate welcomed their kits into the world.
* Kaeko and Bodhi welcomed their children into the world.

However, they would face more trials and tribulations... as their time as heroes had not yet ended.

END

## Appearance

Celae'sarrin Droas was a drow with slightly androgynous, though unmistakably masculine, features. They had a slim and muscular frame and sported long dark hair.

Zenada is a 6'4" orc woman weighing 225 pounds, with green skin, brown hair and gold/brown eyes.

## Character Build

* Fighting Style: Dueling
* Known ASIs/Feats: +2 Wis, Medium Armor Master, +2 Str

## Trivia

* Christine was supposed to be part of the main cast from the beginning, but had to bow out due to previous commitments such as The Wild Beyond the Witchlight, work and personal Twitch streaming. Once her situation changed, she was able to join Call of the Netherdeep, making her debut performance in episode 12.
* While introduced as an orc, Zenada was listed in the wiki as a half-orc as the latter was more accurate mechanically.
* In episode 22, it was revealed that Zenada was the reincarnation of Valas’s lover, Celae’sarrin Dro’as. She retained some memories and knowledge from her past life, such as her knowledge of Undercommon and her echo knight abilities, but admitted she did not remember everything.
* In episode 32, Zenada dealt 102 points of damage in a single turn. Christine would note that she had never dealt that much damage before.