Departure

**Departure** is the twenty first episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The party sleeps off their battle with the Reaper and his sirens before venturing to a new part of Krapjess and beyond.

## Departure

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* ABSQ's main character art is done by @laniekun, the world map of Palamoa by @TheBrassBailey and ABSQ logo commissioned by @KacperGilkaArt
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### **Part One**

As the party, along with Jelly Bean, Kylan and Damen arrived back at the *Drunken Lantern* from *The Shipyards*, Seren made a motion for Killian to follow him outside for to talk, which Killian did willingly. As they made their way beyond the front doors of the tavern and stopped under an oil lamp, Seren asked how Killian was feeling. Killian responded that he felt alive, and when Seren prodded him to elaborate, Killian explained while he was physically fine, he was angry that he couldn't help their friends in the way he liked and anytime he tried he ended up the one that needed saving. Seren asked what Killian saw and he replied he saw light and was scolded by Avranti as well. Seren asked where he thought he was in terms of leadership with their crew and Killian responded that when Tabernacle came back to the group with the cart and the pins, that he never thought he should the leader of the group, that he had been in a position like that, that it did not go well, and while he felt that role had been placed on him, did not feel he deserved the title or had the right to call his.

Seren contemplates this before he called Killian selfish, explaining that when the group chose him as captain it was because they believed he could make decisions for them with the whole group in mind and that captain they chose was not in the fight with the Reaper, nor was he standing before Seren now. Seren added that there had been a lot on everyone's minds, but that Killian made many promises to people that he wished to uphold, and that the rage he held was not helpful. Seren continued to say that he did not mean to make him feel attacked after what he went through that night, but he knew Killian could be that leader. Killian gave a silent nod and began to walk away, before Seren dragged him back into a hug that Killian returned. Seren apologized for not getting to Killian sooner, but Killian told him he was glad he was there at all. Seren admitted he was tired, that he felt in his bones change was coming and together they walked back to the tavern. Inside the tavern, Quincy went around and assured themselves that everyone was physically alright, before taking hold of Kylan and Damen, announced she would go back to *The Misty Moon* with them and stayed there for the night.

In the morning, Quincy walked back through the crisp morning, as a light layer of snow had coated everything, and returned to the *Drunken Lantern* and found Flamecannon had made breakfast for everyone. Quincy walked in as everyone helped themselves to food and coffee, and noticed Flamecannon walking a puffy grey Tabaxi around the bar that they didn't recognize. Quincy said their good-mornings to the group, still pointedly ignoring Killian and recieved a sunny welcome from Seren, before they headed to the bar and were introduced to Preston, who would be taking over the bar while Flamecannon went out of town. Quincy recommended Flamecannon see Kylan before they left later today, which Flamecannon appreciated the reminder of, then returned to the group. RX asked if he had machine oil, but the best Flamecannon could do was linseed oil until the ice broke and they get a new shipment. RX drank it and was surprised not only that he could taste it, but that it taste good and he spent some time contemplating that.

As Tabernacle returned he checked how every one had rested, then restated that the previous night was a failure that they barely survived and if the figure hadn't left they might not have been able to, ended the topic and asked what the plan was for the day. Seren replied they were planning to head to *Vayilcor* and Killian added if their business was finished in the city, while looking at Tabernacle. Tabernacle noted he was well finished, as he had found out what had happened to his family since he left, met up with old friends, had gotten very drunk last night and wandered around the city. At that point, Seren begian to hear a small troupe of people coming towards the direction of the tavern and headed to a window to take a look. Outside he saw four navy soldiers and a female water genasi, with a black pixie cut and dressed very finely in a high station naval uniform. Seren turned to the group and warned Tabernacle to disappear, which Tabernacle complied with as he slipped under the table and was quickly concealed by Quincy scooting around, Killian crossing his halberd to block the view and Seren who sat back down as well. Jelly Bean, who had been sipping coffee on the tabletop, put his coffee down and sat still to appear inanimate as RX reached out and scooped him in his arms.

As the group came in the tavern, Flamecannon greeted the water genasi woman with a smile and the title *Vice Admiral.* Vice Admiral Moleka asked Flamecannon if he was being a smart ass, which Flamecannon happily accepted, noting he always was, before she asked who dealt with the sirens last night. Flamecannon turned to the party, with Seren and RX who waved, while Quincy sighed and told Flamecannon he was definitely an ass and lacked subtlety. Yashani ate her porridge, as Tabernacle tried to wave, but manages to smack his head against the underside of the table. RX asked confusedly if they were supposed to hide the fact as the Vice Admiral approached and asked if they were the ones to deal with the siren problem, which RX readily confirmed. The woman formally introduces herself as Vice Admiral Jessica Moleka of Naval HQ and asked if they would follow her as the Admiral wished to speak with them. Quincy casually asked if they were to refuse if Moleka would be required to use force to bring them to the Admiral, but Moleka explained that while the Admiral was explicit in wanting to talk to them, she was not required to use force.

Meanwhile, Killian cast *Message* to ask Tabernacle if the Admiral was good or bad, but Tabernacle was just confused by the voice in his head. Killian cast *Message* again insisting for answers, and Tabernacle noted while he didn't know this particular vice admiral, the Admiral had always been nice to him. Quincy told Moleka that the lack of force made all the difference and Quincy was happy to follow along. Seren nudged Killian and Killian announced they should be good to go, then lifted his halberd, pulled Tabernacle up from under the table who quickly stood and gave the Vice Admiral a quick salute before she began to lead them out of the tavern. Alaerith quickly gathered the borrowed coats from Jesper in a corner and Flamecannon offered to take them back while the party is gone, saying he needed to get his own coat relined anyhow. Alaerith thanked him for the help, and in turn Flamecannon thanked them for helping with some of the issues they had and for getting him some money and asked if Yashani came back to fight to make sure she won more money in the future. Yashani said she may or may not be back, but Flamecannon admitted he might not be there to see it.

The party followed Vice Admiral Moleka as she led the party along the docks and to the edge of the *Krapjess* Sound, to a large stone structure at the edge of the cliffside, with a fortress of rock and iron and weaponry faced toward the ocean prepared to defend the city. The group came to the front gate, passed inside as they continued to follow through gate after gate, layer after layer of stone walled protection of the Skorian Empire's naval headquarters. As they headed through, other than the naval men who opened and closed the gates and a few older officers training new recruits, the fortress felt rather deserted. Quincy asked the Vice Admiral if the fortress was normally this lightly populated and Moleka said that most everyone had been deployed to deal with a recent issue of pirates. Quincy asked what had been happening and Moleka explained that the pirates had been using incendiary rounds to burn sailors alive as a way of killing. Quincy asked if it was any particular band of pirates, but Moleka replied she didn't keep track of pirate politics and that to her a pirate was a pirate.

The party was then led to the center most portion of the fortress and were met with a rich interior of red cherry wood floors and furniture, along with royal blue tapestries, rugs and cloths over the furniture. They were led back through a few other chambers before they entered a main office so furnished so finely they could never hope to see the amount of gold spent to furnish it in their lifetimes, with a staircase that spiralled up at the edge of the 90 feet wide circular room, tall bookcases built into the stone walls full of maps, literature and histories, a large fireplace with crescent windows and at the center of it all a large ebony wood desk with silver filigree. Behind the desk was an older human woman, between 60 and 70 years old, long silver hair braided up into a bun, wearing the decorated naval uniform, with dark weathered skin and pale grey eyes from years on the open ocean. Admiral Moxius Nilex's eyes looked up when the group enters with Vice Admiral Moleka and hearing they were the ones who dealt with the sirens, stood and offered them seats in the plush couches and chairs by the fireplace.

Tabernacle greeted her as Moxius and said it had been a while and the Admiral took a moment before recognizing Tabernacle and claimed he should be dead. Tabernacle agreed as she sent him to his death, but thankfully the fleet she sent him to kill was deader than he is. Moxius called him Brigadier Grey before she corrected herself, that he had been promoted upon his death to Vice Admiral. Tabernacle turned to Moleka and told her he was coming for her job and Moleka looked him over calculatingly before she turned to the Admiral in confusion, but Moxius just smiled and told Moleka she could go about her duties. Once the Vice Admiral left, the Admiral noted the title was given to Moleka because Jonah had died, then warned him from speaking about the people she had sent to die as there were many before him and would be more after him.

The Admiral then turned the conversation to the party having dealt with the sirens, which they hesitantly agreed to, which RX readily accepted the thanks and Killian followed if a bit more resistant, and she thanked them for it. Moxius explained she had sent many people to deal with the problem, more people sent to die, before Seren asked how she knew of them dealing with it as it only happened last night. Moxius pointed to the side and the party found a well sized window that looked directly down upon the last few stations of *The Shipyard* and claimed it was "quite the light show". Yashani pointed out the light show wasn't their doing, but Moxius didn't seem bothered, just happy that it is over and that production in *The Shipyards* could continue. Quincy looked at Yashani and tried to convey that that line of information may not be best to share, to which Yashani leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. RX looked confusedly and asked what their story is, noting there were sirens and now there weren't. Quincy asked the Admiral what she hoped to accomplish with the meeting, not wanting to waste the woman's time.

Nilex explained she hoped to thank them, but also needed to make a formal report of the situation being resolved and wished to know what to call them. Quincy asked if they could remain nameless, with Killian seconding that, but the Admiral explained that doing that didn't work for the Empire. She added that a cover name might do, but Seren explained they didn't have a name for themselves and asked if they might think about it. The Admiral offered to leave for a few minutes and grab drinks while letting them discuss as she leaved the room. Tabernacle caught Moxius before she left entirely and warned her against sending too many more men to the station they fought in, noting the crane in particular and added that she knew how he was with "dotting his 'i's and crossing his 't's". Moxius agreed that he was always an honest man, surprisingly, and that there would be a thorough inspection for safety before it was reopened entirely.

As the Admiral left through a different door from the one they entered, Quincy stood from her seat to inspect the books around the room and keept her hands held behind her back while they others warned her off of them. As Quincy examined the books, they reflected on old historical knowledge and stories that the group could take inspiration from to name themselves, and recalled a group in times past that patrolled the streets to protect people after the murder of one of the Aj'Snaga members, Nyla, after the Day of the Black Sun, *The Protectors*. Yashani offered the *Crescent Crew* as a reference to their marked palms, but RX proposed naming themselves as the antithesis of the people who have been trying to kill them, that the *ruiners* need *restorers* and as such could be the *Moon Restoration Squad*. Tabernacle offered that they were an order of sorts, and maybe an *Order of Ruin* and when RX noted it sounded like a better fits for their enemies noted they tended to ruin things better then restoring them. While Yashani agreed with Tabernacle's assessment, to some degree, she argued she would not like to be known as a ruiner of things, especially not officially within the Empire and noted RX was onto something and suggested the *Order of Restoration* was a good fit.

The Admiral returned into the room, put down a tray with water, coffee and scotch before she pulled out a document and asked what they decided for their name. RX announced themselves as the *Order of Restoration* and Moxius called it theatrical as she wrote it down. Quincy happily agreed with her judgement before she took a coffee and spiked it with scotch and wandered a bit to admire the books nearby. The Admiral seeing Quincy, followed suit, arguing she was close to retirement, but Quincy assured her that if anything she respects them more. Tabernacle wondered aloud how he seems to be the good influence, but Moxius warned that he hadn't been around to see what she had in the last 15 years. The Admiral then faced the group as a whole once more, to say that for what the party did the navy would like to extend to them a favor. Tabernacle and Killian, both knowing a favor from the navy was a big deal that could get them something big, asked if they could have a moment alone again to discuss, apologizing for it, but admitting she was throwing a lot their way. The Admiral graciously accepted and made her way up the staircase along the edge of the room and grabbed a few books along the way. Quincy looked between the group and the admiral, turned to Yashani and Seren to say she trusted them to make a good decision, then turned to follows the Admiral up the stairs.

Back by the fireplace, Jelly Bean piped up for the first time and requested for RX to make him a cup of coffee and though confused on how Jelly Bean might ingest it, RX made the cup of coffee, while Jelly Bean told him not to ask or think about it too much. Seren followed up with a line of questions about how Jelly Bean *lost* his body and wondered what sway the Empire's navy might have over *Vayilcor*, but learned the navy had no say in *Vayilcor* and dropped the thought as Jelly Bean explained how *Vayilcor* resided in the Principality of Pathu. Tabernacle, having taken a moment to process what had been offered, explained a favor from the navy was huge. Killian stated his belief for two viable options, the first being to use whatever resources they had to learn about their enemies as possible, knowing they already planned to head to the *Clockwork Castle* in *Vayilcor* and look over their records, but the Skorian Navy, as powerful as it is, may know something as well. Second, if they had no other pressing ideas, they could leave it as an IOU until they desperately needed the help.

Alaerith interrupted, confused about the talk of going to *Vayilcor* themselves, only aware of helping to send Jelly Bean there. Seren pointed out they discussed it last night as they needed to find information on the Order of Ruin and Killian added that they needed to go to somewhere more established as their time in *Krapjess* seemed to be over. Alaerith tried to note they didn't even have a plan when they came to Krapjess seemingly more confused. Yashani asked if there was a reason Alaerith didn't want to go, but Alaerith just said he didn't think they came up any real ideas. RX stated there was information to be found and Yashani added there were some ruins that might hold promise. Killian apologized if Alaerith was worried about people who were unkind, gesturing to his own pointed ears, but that only seemed to confuse Alaerith. Seren asked if Alaerith had any better ideas for finding information on the Order of Ruin, pointing out *Vayilcor* would have that in the *Clockwork Castle* and was a solid plan, especially by their usual standards. Tabernacle stepped in argued he was right and that none of them signed contracts to fight these people, but Yashani countered that they had contract written in to their palms and destruction was imminent. Tabernacle refuted that Alaerith was only a child, but Yashani calmly replied that by some standards, she was also a child which seems to only stress Tabernacle out even further. Yashani added that despite age, they got themselves into a mess, and while she would not force Alaerith to continue, he would be worse off alone, which she noticed Alaerith didn't seemed unphased by the prospect of.

Seren changed the topic and noted they had no clear idea what to do with the favor, and Killian suggested once again about holding on to it for the moment. Tabernacle agreed, and pointed out that they had decided to directly oppose the Order of Ruin, but they couldn't keep using *The Misty Moon* for the rest of their life. Tabernacle noted that they could asking for a galleon or wait for a ship to be built for them, but added that he knew a ship, with minimal damages and a decent sized crack in the hull that was bite shaped and wasn't unfixable. He added that he had waited for something like that a long time and knew only a favor from the navy might be enough to make it happen, to get his home back. Tabernacle then asked if anyone knew what the word tabernacle meant and Seren replied that he knew.

Meanwhile, up the stairs, Quincy followed the admiral to the top of the room where from every angle there were windows to look out over the water and *Krapjess* beyond, into the wilderness. Moxius set her books down on a desk, similar to the one down below, dark wood and silver filigree, and asked for Quincy's name. Quincy introduces themself as Quincy Feyre and Moxius asked why they followed her up when she was supposed to be discussing the favor. Quincy replied that she trusted the group to figure something out, but was hoping to get a few stories, citing it was not every day one met the Admiral of the Navy. Moxius asked what kind of stories they hoped for and Quincy explained that she had sailed for some time, had her eye on a particular ship, but wondered how Moxius became the Admiral. Moxius replied that it took hard work, dedication and saving 1000s of people, and while she never particularly wanted the job as Admiral, she was good at thinking on her feet, working under pressure and her hardwork for years had not gone entirely unnoticed. She added that the instant that made her Admiral was likely when she stopped invasion from Gilesha, and when asked what happened, said they heard it was happening and we're successful in stopping it, at the cost of losing people.

The Admiral's attitude shifted. though, as she warned Quincy that power and responsibility meant nothing, that it only meant dealing with being responsible for how your decisions affected those you had power over, citing that Tabernacle was supposed to be dead and she was the one who sent him to his death, along with many others. Moxius explains that becoming Admiral cost her happiness, her life, her ability to feel anything or anyone, and just felt cold, knowing that children and men and women would die at her decision, and that it truly took committing yourself to dying inside. Moxius told Quincy to rejoin her friends, but Quincy pressed for one more question and she agreed.

Quincy, recalling back on that ship she said she had an eye on was the *Sapphire Star* and wondered if it would be worthy of an ascent in power. Moxius asked why they were interested in Vaultanis's ship, stumbling over it no longer being his for a second before asking again, and Quincy explained she had watched it for years, thought it was beautiful and the people who came and went were exciting. Moxius noted it was a question she wasn't sure she could answer as the *Sapphire* *Star* operated outside of the navy. Quincy wondered about Moxius stumbling over calling it Vaultanis' ship and she explained that Edward Vaultanis no longer sailed it, as he was now a Merchant King, and his son running it made it a Vaultanis ship, though not the "pretentious asshole's". Quincy wondered if she shouldn't meet her heroes then, but Moxius stated Edward was a good man and had done well to maintain relations with Gilesha after the war with them ended, but could rub you the wrong way when he wanted to. She noted his son seemed to be a good man from what she could tell having only met him twice. Quincy thanked them for the conversation and went to take her leave, but Moxius stopped her first to offer her a pick of some leather bound journals that contained stories of several navy officers that were on a shelf on her way down, which Quincy happily accepted and took on her way back down to her friends.

Quincy walked in on the conversation around the meaning of the word "tabernacle" and questioned if they were having a vocabulary lesson, which Killian noted he wasn't sure on, but offered for Tabernacle to continue. Tabernacle encouraged Seren explaining that as a "man of the cloth" he was more appropriate, but Seren only noted it as what he believed was the name of Tabernacle's old ship. Tabernacle explained that it was a home, not just a place where you lived, but like like a religious home, where the soul lives and *The Tabernacle* was his home. He was soon cut off by the sound of the Admiral's deliberate footsteps as she came down the stairs to rejoin them and hearing that Jelly Bean passed his coffee to RX to resume his cover as a simple toy, spilling a little on him in the process. On entering the room, Moxius asked what they would like as their favor. Seren quickly nudged Killian, who then quickly cast *Message* to confirm if Tabernacle was suggesting to use their favor to resurface his ship and Tabernacle assured him his ship was "dope as hell". Killian nearly spit out his water, but managed to hold it together to swallow and told them her what they would like was to resurface and repair *The* *Tabernacle*. Moxius at first suggested a new boat, but Tabernacle refused, citing his ship had a lot of interesting weapons, items and and a fleet's worth of treasure on board that made it well worth. Moxius commented he wasn't wrong as *The Tabernacle* was man-of-war and RX questioned how he would know if the items aboard were still there. Moxius still seems unconvinced, but but Killian noted according to Tabernacle that it had minimal damage. Tabernacle assured her that was sunk by an enormous amount of weight, that it wasn't breached and just needed to be resurfaced, drained and have the cracks patched.

Moxius lamented that she would need to call in a favor from *Bilgehog*, and when asked, noted it was one of the underwater cities. Tabernacle noted that the party was headed to *Vayilcor*, which was past the glacier where *The Tabernacle* sunk, and could maybe explore it some, but Moxius said for now the least she could do would be to send a survey crew to take a look and see if it could be surfaced. Yashani pointed out that it might be better to send out a ship to recover the important items, which Killian agreed was a better idea and RX added they could transfer the items to the new ship and rename new ship as *The* *Tabernacle*. Killian reminded Tabernacle he could walk across the ocean floor without issue, which some of the party tried to cover up as a mistake, but the Admiral readily ignored the statement, while Quincy reminded her of her near retirement. Tabernacle noted that he knew there were very few man-of-war ship around, that he would like to have a ship like his back and how he would serve the navy to his last breath. Killian asked if a brand new man-of-war would be too much to ask or would be easier to raise the original. The party went back and forth for a moment more before the Admiral cutted in to say a man-of-war would not be in production for a while, but she could give them a galleon to excavate *The Tabernacle* themselves. Killian shook it, while Tabernacle attempted to weasel in a crew for six months as well, but was shot down, though Moxius agreed for the galleon to be their appointed favor.

The admiral asked for them to stick around the city for the paperwork of the galleon's purchase, but released them to leave. Tabernacle took the Admiral aside, held out his hand for a shake and asked if she would take it or leave him hanging. She sighed and took the handshake before being roped into a hug, in which she complained that Tabernacle smelled, but he waved her off saying he smelt worse when she was 15 and he was about five, with her correction that he was six or seven. Tabernacle pulled away and told her that she was like a big sister to him and she in turn admitted it was hard dealing with his death, but even then she had no intention to deal with his return until she retired. Tabernacle offered to drink together when she decided to deal with it and they said a friendly good-bye before the party departed to leave the fortress, led by a guard back through the gates.

As the party made their way outside, they heard a pleasant chime in their minds, followed by the familiar voice of Bolton who asked if they would be much longer, citing a need to discuss a developing situation and asked for them to return to the *Drunken Lantern* soon. The party jogged back to the tavern where they found Bolton, lightly steaming as snow impacted his magma form, looking nicer than before, his hair trimmed back, wearing a new midnight clean cut suit, with purple accents and gold buttons, bowler and cufflinks, and enjoying a drink. Bolton noted that the party was rather hard to find, having been waiting here for them for almost an hour. After a compliment to his new look, Bolton told them he needed them to come with him, but Seren especially. Seren agreed but asked why and Killian asked if something was wrong. Bolton admitted something was very wrong and Tabernacle refuted that something was always wrong and were used to it. Quincy asked where Ob was, followed by Alaerith and Bolton explained he was dealing with the situation and would see him soon enough, but Bolton was here to play messenger like usual.

Seren asked why him in particular and Bolton explained he had being called by Avia Esantra, Champion of Kenala, who had words for him. Killian started to ask questions about going before he admitted being a bit taken aback and Bolton reminded them Ob said they would be needed at some point and that time was now. Tabernacle lamented that he was so close to getting his ship and when Killian noted the situation seemed more pressing agreed it was, but was still disappointed. Alaerith asked where they were headed and Bolton said far south, noting that the weather was similar to where they were now, and that they were headed to Puhan. Quincy and Killian expressed desire to not go there, but Bolton replied they was no choice. He also pointed to Jelly Bean, noting he didn't wish to refer to him as a construct, who seemed confused at having been spotted as a living creature. Killian explained Bolton was the god of guns, which Bolton quickly refuted, but Jelly Bean was unbothered and only happy to now get to drink his coffee in peace. Bolton explained that their destination would undo the magic keeping him alive. Killian asked if it would affect all their magic and Bolton replied only Jelly Beans specifically.

Seren asked why they needed to go to Puhan and Bolton stated Puhan was where the Veil was thinnest. Tabernacle asked him to give more information, but was interrupted by Seren, who confirmed that he was requested, which Bolton clarified was true, but needed the rest of the party for something else as well and the trip was a "two birds, one stone" scenario. Seren checked that the rest of the party were not required to step across the veil and Bolton confirmed they weren't, just him, which seemed well enough for Seren. Quincy asked for an explanation, followed by Killian as Bolton offered them a few minutes to say good-bye to Jelly Bean who would be left behind. Tabernacle demanded to know what was going on and as Bolton told him it was something that would go over his head and the party was left on their own as he went outside.

Seren explained how he had mentioned in the past that he existed in the Feywild before all of this, and would appear he was needed there though he could only guess what he was asked for, but would not let the rest of the party suffer the effects of that plane of existence. Tabernacle asked if he seriously means he was leaving and Seren replied the place took nearly a century off his life which would kill several of them, but he knew what he was doing there and had friends that could help him there. Seren added that he couldn't guard them there as his magic worked very differently there, that this was something he must do, and that if the one who was asking for him was indeed asking for him then he had to go. Bolton interrupted, pulled out a purple square stone, noted they had a time limit on the purple stone and that that they were all going. Killian noted they would have time to discuss when they were there and Bolton agreed as such.

Quincy panicked that her family was here and in response Tabernacle shouted for Flamecannon to tell them the group was kidnapped and would be ok, but Quincy warned him absolutely not to as Kylan would burn the world to find her. Killian agreed with Quincy and knowing there was no time to run back to the Naval HQ, wrote a letter to the Admiral Moxius if she could have a crew take the galleon to Puhan after it was purchased and built and handed it to Flamecannon for him to deliver. Alaerith asked if the place they were headed wasn't near *Vayilcor* and Bolton confirmed it was on the other side of the continent, which seemed enough for Alaerith. Jelly Bean told Seren it sucked to say good-bye, but it sounded like they were needed, offered to do what he could to research when he made it back to *Vayilcor* and they might be able to meet up later.

RX knelt beside Jelly Bean and told him he was the closest RX has come to meeting someone like him, a construct even if they were very different, and was thankful for the information Jelly Bean had given him. Jelly Bean said he was glad to help and to call them friends and RX called him possibly his greatest friend. Alaerith approached next, cast *Prestidigitation* to clean some of the spilled coffee from Jelly Bean, then asked if the stuffed rabbit knew anyone by the name of Twynn in *Vayilcor*, citing that was the person who made RX, and where in *Vayilcor* the party, trying to exclude himself, could find him. Jelly Bean confirmed that he knew the name as Twynn was the first Technomancer, with Jelly Bean being the fourth generation when he was in his original body, that it had been hundreds of years since someone had seen him and he was assumed dead. RX noted it as unfortunate and was silent trying to process it, while Alaerith turned to RX and after a few second walked off, wishing to say sorry, but too disheartened at that moment to say it. Jelly Bean noted he would add it to the list of information he would search out for them when he got there. Bolton warned the group of the time limit again and Tabernacle stepped forward to lament not having more time to get together, but was happy for the chaos they caused and Jelly Bean agreed. Tabernacle reminded Jelly Bean there was a "very scary scary lady" on *The Misty Moon,* asked him to say hi to her for them. Jelly Bean agreed to that and told the party

*"Now you guys, you guys go save the world.."*

before telling them he would dig up what information he could find and would see them when did. Yashani commented that was a tall order, but he replied it was an order they could fill.

Quincy, knowing the dock was nearby, ran to the docks to say her good-byes and explained what was going on.

While these good-byes were happening, Killian cast *Sending* to Samara to let her know they were headed to Puhan and asked if she was safe and Samara replied she was safe and at their home in *Kra'Kash*. Alaerith grabbed some fruit from the breakfast table that Flamecannon had set out for them earlier. Killian attempted an odd hug with Jelly Bean before Quincy grabbed Jelly Bean under their arm and ran for the docks. Quincy gave her explanation to Kylan, Damen and Kerrack, said her goodbye to Jelly Bean and the crew of *The Misty Moon,* then quickly regrouped with the party and Bolton on the docks. They circled together, holding hands as Bolton pulled out the large purple stone from before, and as the inside of it began to swirl and get brighter, slammed it against the ground as purple smoke filled the air and the party feels a sucking sensation as *Teleport* was cast.

### **Break!**

We say our good-byes to Kyle as he departs from the story, find more of him at Tasty Doom Podcast!

* Time to say goodbye to our friend Kyle from Tasty Doom Podcast! A friend from the TTRPG twitter sphere and our first ever guest PC! We loved having you and Jelly Bean with us!
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### **Part Two**

As the party arrived, Killian and Yashani struggled to hold down their breakfast under the spells power. As everyone reoriented themselves to the sudden and extreme cold of Puhan, and once recovered, noticed they stood at an edge of a forest with pine trees and everything blanketed in a layer of deep snow. Turning around they saw a vast and barren tundra that went far beyond their sight, filled with unknown treasures that adventurers swooned to find, and while the suns were blocked out by overcast clouds, but a gentle purple-blue light glowed from the moss on the trees similar to the moss on Seren's shell.

As Bolton, steaming as he cut a path through the snow, led the way into the trees. As Alaerith cast *Prestidigitation* on his cloak to warm it, Seren sighed that he was home. Quincy asked if he recognized the place and Seren replied he knew parts of it, but it had been a very long time. As they continued passed the trees, those paying attention noticed that every so often the form of the moss covered trees seems to flicker and shift, sparkling with color before they flickered back in place again. As they were led around a bend, with the snow crunching beneath them, they found an open clearing where the familiar form of Ob was found sitting on a stump, wearing his face wraps a brand new tailored suit, high end and all black but for the purple and gold accents and fur lining in his cloak, and next to him is a 6" tall human woman, in her late 40s with long silverish-white hair wrapped up in various dreads and braids dotted with various beads, with all manner of furs that blended with her dark skin, but with eyes of the brightest deepest green and, most notably, a tribal style willow tree tattooed along the front of her throat.

As the party moved closer, Ob greeted them, and those who held sway over the Æther felt as though they were pressing through a film of magic before they got within 10 feet of the pair and were greeted with warmth in contrast to the cold they felt before. Before Seren stepped through this bubble, he used the same gesture he used when greeting Aarcanii when she changed into her full spider form, a pushing motion with his hand as a sign of blessing and respect. Ob introduced Avia Esantra, the Champion of Kenala, who dipped her chin to Seren and called him "guardian". Avia opened the floor for questions making it clear that everyone was allowed to. Seren asked what service he could be and Avia explained that his time in the wild was regarded and was being asked to return by the Summer and Winter Courts to aid them. Seren asked how someone as small as him could assist them, but Avia reminded him that his power was diminished when he returned to the Material Plane and needed as much help as they could get to defend against what pressed in on the borders.

Avia turned to the party as a whole and explained, for those did not know, that the world they were on is not the only one, that there were more worlds beyond this and very few places could touch all of them, with the Feywild being one such place that could. But the Feywild also touched the Far Realms, a place with dark entities that would consume your mind with pain and sorrow and madness. Tabernacle looked to Seren and told him that he had heard sailors tell stories of sailing to the end of the world, falling of it's edge and seeing an and endless darkness outside time. He followed asking if they would ever see him again within their lifetimes and Seren admitted that time travelled oddly in the Feywild and none could say. Avia explained that if the individuals from the Far Realm broke through and overtook the Feywild, they could overtake many planes of the material. Avia asked once more if he would aid in their struggle, and Seren asserted that if he was called to help he would go, but asked if he could say good-bye first. Avia agreed that he could have a moment and noted they could adjust the return flow, turned to Ob, who had one of his eye's twitching as he appeared to be concentrating, but agreed he could hold it though not for too much longer, his face dripping a bit from the effort as he tried to will it back into place.

Seren turned first to Killian, laughed that his bones didn't lie and that he knew what he must do. Killian told him he refused to think he wouldn't see him again in his lifetime, stating he would see him again and when he did he would be the man that he called 'captain' and Seren replied he looked forward to seeing him.

Seren turned next to RX, told him that in his absence he passed on the role of guardian to him, that his goal will be to protect their crew as much as he could and asked if he accepted this duty. RX replied that though he was missing a lot of information that he was searching for, agreed that would be his primary objective until he saw him again. Seren added that he was called with the abilities he had on the Feywild and would no longer require the tower shield *Barricade,* that Damen had given him, and as he handed it to him noted it was a powerful defence and to use it when he needed most.

Seren then turned to Quincy, who had already begun to cry and opened his arms for a hug which Quincy readily accepted and returned. He added his hope that he helped stave off the darkness, but that his light must go elsewhere, yet even with it temporarily gone there was no darkness she couldn't stave off the terrors within. Seren then pulled a *Goodberry* from his staff and a charge worth of *Revivify* diamonds, told her that if the light leaves 1 of the crew to use it and call to them and they would be given the ability to return, then pressed them together between his large palms and held out a berry that glistens like a diamond. Quincy accepted the gift and told Seren that she hoped the wind would always be at his back, a sailors' blessing that Seren returned to her in kind.

Seren turned to Yashani next and admitted in his hubris he did not believe he could be taught anything new, but that she had taught him so much and would remember to stay still and mediate and thanked her for it. Yashani replied it was likely the most important lesson she could have imparted on him, and hoped to see him again, but if not, she hoped he would find his sister. Seren nodded, saying if Kenala wished it, then it would be so and Yashani bowed her head to him and Seren in kind.

Seren turned to Alaerith next, admitted he was still very curious as to what Alaerith wasn't telling him, that he was sorry he had to go and fought the voice telling him he would never know who he was, but noted the person he had met was very important to him. Seren added that he thought highly of him, and even if he doubted his abilities, they would come through when they were needed. Alaerith, frustrated and emotional, told him not to tell him that, then asked if Seren knew what he was doing, what he was shackling himself, from the idea of saving the world to the Order of Restoration, why he had to carry such a burden and asked of his sister, with his final sentence cut off in his emotional state. Seren admitted he missed his sister very much, but he was called and so would go, that he didn't make the rules and could only follow and obey. Alaerith pulled out the fruit he took from the table before leaving the *Drunken Lantern* and waved his fingers, muttered some words and handed the fruit to Seren who laughed and told him that was what he was talking about, unsure how he did that, even as Alaerith shied away from it calling it a mere parlour trick and nothing special, which Seren doubted. Alaerith noted he couldn't promise anything, but if he heard word of his sister, that he would try to find out, as one brother to another. Alaerith turned to Avia and asked her to not let anything happen to him, who promised she would do her best, but noted what he would fight was worse then could be imagined and would keep all of them safe and everyone else in the world safe, apologizing for taking him from them. Alaerith then bowed, took a few sets back and turned away unable to cope, not seeing the momentary flash of pain on Seren's face as he did.

Seren turned to Tabernacle next, as Tabernacle joked if he said something cute he would blow the scutes of his shell causing him to laugh as he called him 'dear friend'. Tabernacle wished him to stay safe and Seren in kind did the same. Seren added that though Tabernacle didn't understand his magic fully and was strange, he was learning and as it was passed onto Seren he would pass it on to Tabernacle and gave the *Spider Druid's Gemstone*. Seren repeated what Aarcanii had said to him -

*"In some circles, it is tradition to gift an apprentice mage with one of these*."

Seren warned jokily it held marks of spiders that Tabernacle hated, but Seren thought it would serve him well. Tabernacle admits he was getting used to big reptiles and creepy crawlies shoving their way into his life. Tabernacle brought up the first time he and Seren met, as Seren ran to him for help to get out of a situation, reminded him if he ever needed that kind of help again, and Seren finished his statement that he knew a captain who was technically now a *vice admiral*. Tabernacle then warned that if Seren died he would be the first to know as the God who called him champion would tell him, and he would go to hell and rip him back into life if he had to, before telling him he loved him and gave Seren a big hug. As the hug broke, Hobble remained at Seren's feet panting. Seren leant down, pet Hobble and asked him to look after the crew for him, noting that those with animal eyes tend to see the most. Hobble remained at his side until he slowly disappeared into dust.

Seren then stepped away from the group, tapped his staff against the ground with one final burst as he activated his *Channel Divinity :* *Twilight Sanctuary* causing the purple light to settle over all of them. Seren faced the party and told them he had saved a particular greeting for when he saw his sister again, that he had not said them in a hundred years, but asked them if they saw her to tell her from him

*"I see you, and I know you."*

Seren made his way to the champion's side and when Alaerith turned around, ran to Seren and hugged him tight promptly hugged him back. Tabernacle ran up and hugged him as well, soon followed by Quincy. Killian told Seren

*"Regardless of city, continent or planes of existence, you are always a member of this crew. And everything that we have learned across these several weeks, we will carry with us, because I think I can speak for all of us, that you are one of the greatest teachers every single one of us has known."*

and joined the group hug. RX turned to Yashani and asked if this was customary. Yashani turned to RX, took of her mask, and replied that though she was not sure it is was a custom held by many, she regretted that the last time she parted with a friend she had not given a proper good-bye, then joined the group hug with one tear frozen on her face, before RX came around and joined at well.

As they parted, Avia told them that the way time travelled the would see Seren, though she did not know when it would be. Tabernacle insisted, champion to champion, she better be telling the truth and Avia replied she had no reason to lie, but he had a long way to go before he was champion. Ob snickered at the comment, and Avia called it hypocritical coming from the "war priest", which shut him up. As Avia told them it was time, Alaerith told Seren that if they, stopped midsentence, that his he saw him again and still couldn't taste food, he would try to explain what he did. Seren looked over the group and told them he would miss them all very dearly. Avia raised her hands, cut them through the air, opening a slash in the air with light in oranges and reds and greens. As the rip opened wider into a proper portal, it revealed soft autumn evening with a golden sun as it set over a red leaf forest. Avia told Seren they had much to do addressing him as Guardian again, and Seren replied that he was ready.

As Seren stepped in the portal, the moss on his shell began to spread and his staff grew and outstretched into an elegantly carved symbol of a willow tree. As his power adjusted, the flit of motion several of them had seen in battle shifted into the full form of a pixie at Seren's ear. Seren greeted the pixie as an old friend, Adelina, told her that he had missed her and the pixie responded happily as she spun and buzzed around his head.

Avia stepped in afterwards, looked to the group and told them until next time. Seren looked back on the closest friends he had ever had, he gave one last pushing greeting to the group as the portal shut between them.

**Jon, we thank you and we'll miss you**

1. ↑ Catch Mak's poem to Dungeon Keep in the VOD here
2. ↑ As seen near the end of "Deliberations".
3. ↑ At this point, the party formally levels up to level 7. They all rolled HP and made their choices between episodes.
4. ↑ The tailor who made the party's new winter clothing in "Krapjess"
5. ↑ A gentle poke as the cast knew at this point that the group of Esmeria, Ilvwinter, Kalistock and the Reaper were a part of the Order of Ruin but the characters did not. Now, the characters have a reason to call them by their proper name!
6. ↑ A Technomancer in Palamoa being an artificer in high regard especially in *Vayilcor*.