Memories

**Memories** is the eighth episode of *Another Bad Side Quest.* The Nameless Protagonists take to the new city, following up on various tasks and learning new things about Aarcanii's situation.

## Memories

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* Catch that new intro! Music written and performed by Darrin, 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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* Since we will be missing one of our players, Haelley will be running her own one shot Trek to Tundra Range!

### **Part One**

The episode opened with Killian and Quincy as they passed the front entrance of the *Jeweled Castle* of *Quarry Hold*, noted that it wasn't guarded and the gate was open, but they pushed on to the market. As they turn a bend, having heard a growing rumble of noise ahead, the two spotted a throng of people taking over the street. Covered in dirt and looking exhausted, it appeared that the miners were home after a long day at work. Killian and Quincy continued their trek to a round outlet carved into the rock, lined with shops, and in the center was a naturally fed fountain that steamed like a hot spring. While looking around the shops, specifically looking for the the *Deep Hold*, Killian noticed that Quincy seemed happy to follow along and walk with him, but also seemed deep in thought. They soon found the *Deep Hold*, entered the shop, found racks of weapons and armors all stuffed full, and a counter in the back where a gnome pops up, and asked what they want.

Killian requested to see his arms, specifying wanting to see his halberds, much to Quincy's confusion, and was directed to look up at the ceiling where several long handled weapons were held aloft. After noting the danger of such a placement, Killian requested an ornate halberd, and was willing to spend 35 gold. The gnome pulled down a halberd that didn't entirely fit in the shop, which the two were able to assume was the reason the weapons were strung up on the ceiling, and handed it over. Killian asked for it to be wrapped, which the gnome did, and payed the gnome. The gnome asked if they were looking for anything else. Quincy replied that she was after any whips that might be better than the common one she currently had and was directed to *Black Stone Keep*. When the pair left the shop, they found the market area alive with people as it would seem the citizens went about their business after a long day at work.

Quincy notes that the halberd is not exactly Killian's style of weapon and Killian agrees, telling Quincy that he was saving it for a special occasion and would see if it is unwrapped, perhaps a baby shower gift for Samara. Quincy continued on and told Killian that he confused her, and Killian in turn in turn that he didn't spend a lot of time around people, and people can find his actions confusing, but it would make sense in the end. Quincy noted there weren't many people would walk on to 2 ships that weren't there's on the same night, and how she felt she had an idea who everyone is and where they stand. She jotted off some of the several conflicting scenarios like how he stopped a shipment of cargo he didn't know the contents of, and how he lied out of the situation better then any career politician she had ever met; she noted that he was sneaky and dishonest, but was also kind, that he knew of *Zhai*, but was also worried when they were taken in by pirates, that he spoke with confidence, but also spoke of a wife and child so lovingly. Killian replied that he had lived a storied life, had done many things, that with each stage of life had learned lessons, made friends and enemies, and liked to think he carried a bit of the person who he was then. Even if he changed or pursued a career in politics, even though he grew as an orphan on the streets, he would be remiss to forget his past, especially if it helped with future opportunities. He said that maybe if they continued to travel together, he might feel more inclined to to tell her of those things. With that, they started to head back to the *Church of Demigods* in friendly spirits.

The perspective switched to Seren and Yashani who sat in the alleyway where we last left them as Seren started to calm down after the troubling news of his sister, Leku. After a full hour, Seren thanked Yashani and apologized for his outburst, but Yashani told him he had nothing to apologize for, and admitted while meditating can calm the mind temporarily, it was not a cure all to what he felt, and a night's rest at the church might. Seren was quiet for a moment before asking Yashani if she knows what he believed, and when she says no he explained his belief that there are people called to be watchful of the twilight, to be watchful of things things in the dark that wish harm to all life, how he stood as a peaceful warrior to defend those in the light from those that wish to harm them. He continued on how his sister had searched for him longer than he had for her, and now she had gone to the darkest of places, because of him, where no light is. Yashani asked if Seren's sister is a light, which Seren claimed she was more of a light then he was, and continued that she had brought it with her to a very, dark place, and that he should not blame himself because he did not know. Shed finished saying that the choices of others were not his to bear, and to be hopeful because light can survive in darkness longer than he might think. Seren seemed to accept this, stood up, and walked back to the church with Yashani, with his glow on his shell still extinguished, unready to reignite it.

The two pairs of travellers appeared in front of the church about the same time. Quincy asked if everything was alright and Seren said it would be before heading into the church. Quincy seemed to catch on to Seren's somber mood, but Killian less so as he attempted to follow Seren, offering to grab a drink, but Quincy and Yashani stopped him. They explained that Seren may just need time alone, and Killian accepted it before he headed inside to rest, followed by Quincy. Yashani, having stuffed *The Book of Sanguis* into her smaller bag, hesitated before she stepped into the church as well, and having done her meditation with Seren, cleaned up and headed to bed. Quincy soon found RX inside, and asked him to come with her to relieve Tabernacle of gem watching duty for the night, and they left the church together. Alaerith sat in a private pocket of the building, trying to process on what happened with Vile, and what he was meant to do before entering his trance. At the same time, Killian took his new halberd to Avaranti's shrine, knelt in front of her shrine, and speaking under his breath, told her this would be his second biggest promise, with his first being to Samara, and promised to follow Avaranti's will. He soon felt the *Honor Crest* grow warm, knowing that Avaranti was pleased, then finished by telling Tabernacle, Quincy and RX, through *Ob's Charm* to stay safe, with all but Tabernacle hearing it due to being out of range, and headed to bed.

Quincy and RX soon arrived in front of *Cutter's Shop* to find Hobble on watch between the piles of raw gems keeping watch, with the door to the shop open, and from the outside, they heard the sounds of a one-sided conversation Tabernacle seemed to be having. Quincy greeted Hobble warmly before she marched into the shop and found Tabernacle laying on the ground, singing a drinking song and looking as though he was watching something she couldn't see. Quincy asks if she should beat him for this, mentioning the priest's know he used on Tabernacle. Tabernacle dropped the magic he had used and admitted he was a little deep in his drink which confused RX. Quincy clarified he was drunk enough to be stupid and demanded for Tabernacle to leave the shop. Tabernacle tried to argue that if he was watching the place he might as well have a roof over his head, but RX pointed out it is hard to protect a place with the door wide open.

Tabernacle tried to tell Quincy and RX to go back to the church to sleep in a bed, and while RX started to leave with no issue, Quincy stayed insisting he can't stay up all night. Tabernacle said he was taking turns with the dog and since it is was undead it doesn't need to sleep. Quincy admonished him for saying such weird things, and Tabernacle insisted he knew it was weird. He continued on that a sailor's life was always strange, that it had to be at least part of the reason why they go to sea, and that he knew Quincy understood because he saw it in Quincy's blood and hair's static shock, as well as that sailors wear it on their skin too, and showed his forearm tattoos as proof. He also agrees to her company if she insisted, admitting that Hobble may not be very useful in keeping watch with three legs. Outside the shop RX and Hobble were having a staring competition, with both of them perfectly distracted. Quincy admitted a night alone was never fun, and Tabernacle tried to suggest drinking again, but Quincy told him no and ushered him outside. Quincy asked if he could relock the door on their way out, but found that he had cast *Shape Water* to freeze and snap the door handle off in a way that couldn't be fixed.

Everyone took a long rest, and by next morning, or what ever could be considered morning in *The Underdark*, they woke to find the city quiet as the miner's had already left for the day. Alaerith woke at the church after his *Trance*, and remembering the need to guard Masq's shop, made his way to *Cutter's Shop* to take his turn on watch. When he arrived, he saw everyone asleep, except for RX who waved at Alaerith, who waved back. As he got closer and noticed the door to the shop was open, Alaerith sprinted the rest of the way and asks what happened, waking Quincy and Tabernacle, who all in turn told him Tabernacle broke it. Alaerith quickly moved to the door and started to cast *Mending* on the doorknob, managing with assistance, after some time, to reattach it to the door. Alaerith offered to take next shift, so the others can leave, but RX requested to stay with Alaerith because he wished to speak with him. Quincy clarified with Tabernacle that he and Seren needed to go to *Black Stone Keep*, which Tabernacle replied it was something he was interested in, then turned to RX, asked him to be good and Alaerith assured her he would keep an eye on him.

Once Quincy and Tabernacle walked away, RX asked Alaerith how much he knew about electricity, who replied back a little and asking why. RX stated that after their recent encounters, he wanted to know more about the magic Alaerith had his disposal, which Alaerith agreed to try and do. RX asked where his magic came from, and after shuffling a little bit replied that he'd always had his lightning magic as long as he could remember, and his other magic was more situational. RX took out a metal piton from his pack and asked Alaerith to perform his electrical manipulation magic on it, and Alaerith cast *Shocking Grasp* on it with his right hand. RX then asked Alaerith to do the same thing to himself, which Alaerith seemed unsure and uncomfortable to do, but after some delay eventually relented, and while the lightning damaged him, it didn't seem to hurt as much as he expected as the lightning ran up his arm, drawn to one of his eyes, with a brief discharge at the end. Alaerith worried about RX being hurt, but RX brushed it off that he was ok. RX then took the piton and for the first time cast *Shocking Grasp* on it, to Alaerith's confusion, then turned to Alaerith and cast it on him as well sending him to the ground. After taking a moment to smack his head against the wall to reorient his brain and body, Alaerith explained that Alaerith cast the spell because RX asked, but Alaerith did not ask to be shocked, which RX seems to understand. Alaerith then asked RX of the names he had heard, being RX-5284, RX, Roderick and Rod, which name he preferred and RX explained he did not have a preference and that so long as he knows Alaerith is referring to him, RX will respond to any name. Alaerith said he would stick with RX-5284, which RX called an inefficient choice. Alaerith countered that names were important, that they're part of who they were, sometimes it is all they have and how others see them. RX asked what "Alaerith" meant to him, and Alaerith just nervously called it a story for another time. RX accepting it started to walk back to meet with the others at the church.

Tabernacle and Quincy soon arrived back to the *Church of Demigods*, and the two agreed on gathering as many of the group together to go visit the *Black Stone Keep*, with Tabernacle saying that if he knew anything from his time in the military, they won't like new comers. Quincy asked about Tabernacle's time in the navy, and Tabernacle replied it was simultaneously the worst and best years of his life. Tabernacle noticed Quincy made a face, and asked if she didn't like authority, which she teased him for not noticing before. Tabernacle stated the military was just a standing threat to the people, but also stated they kept the bad people off the backs of the good people before going inside the church. Upon entering, the two of them saw Seren without his staff or shield, and equipped with a broom and some rags as he was seen exhaustedly cleaning the temple, obviously having not slept the night before.

Yashani, remembering the time someone cooked for her when she was upset as a child, took the time to make treats in the kitchen, hoping to help Seren, while the others talked in the main hall of the temple. She came out of the kitchen shortly after Tabernacle and Quincy arrive, and offered a treat to Seren, explaining that a friend of hers used to make these treats for her whenever she felt down. Seren hesitated for a moment and let of a little sigh, but took the treat, thanked her and ate it, but it's clear to Yashani that Seren did not enjoy it. Yashani looked embarrassed and Seren apologized before he ran away to his room.

### **Break!**

Darrin is giving away some of his first sets of dice from when he returned to playing D&D!

* Congratulations to selah-griffin! We hope you like the dice!

### **Part Two**

Yashani remained, standing awkwardly until Tabernacle stepped into the church and asked if he could try whatever wonderful thing he smelt from outside, with Killian joining in from where he had been watching the ordeal from inside the church. Yashani happily shared the two she had left with them, as Killian splits his with Quincy. After tasting it, the two men praised Yashani for her cooking skills, which Yashani seemed to take well, smiling behind her mask, saying it was one of her favourites made for her. Killian excused himself from the group to go after Seren, while Tabernacle talked cooking with Yashani, and when he mentioned fish she admitted she would like to learn with seafood, Tabernacle led her back to the kitchen to talk, while Quincy quietly enjoyed her own piece as everyone wandered off.

Killian went to Seren's room, asked if everything was alright, and Seren answered the door after a moment when he realizes Killian wasn't likely to just go away. Killian says he noticed that it was tense last night, and that he would not pry into Seren's business since he knew he would not appreciate it himself. Killian did note that they were, for better or worse, a group, that they were not likely to split up anytime soon, and whether or not he meant to, Seren hurt Yashani and he should apologize. Seren stated that wisdom only get so far, but he was right, and asked about Yashani's wellbeing, a little surprised by Killian's response that Tabernacle raised her spirits. Killian let him know that he understood he was going through things, but when he could to apologize and that she would appreciate it. Killian noted that he would let Seren alone, but Seren decided that the group deserved an explanation, and the both returned to the main hall, to the kitchen and asked to speak with everyone, just as RX arrived back.

Seren explained that when he first started travelling the world, his did so with his sister, Leku. They got separated early in their travels, and one day Seren woke up in a strange place, with strange people, which he noted was *The Feywild*, and asked if the others had heard it. He continued on that he fell asleep for a very long time, how long he was unsure, but when he woken he had darker and thicker scales, his shell glowed, and that he had gained some things, but he lost many others. He had been changed by that place, in many ways, with some good, and when he left after learning many things, and returned to the *Material Plane*, he found that he could not eat regular food or drink, as it turned to ash in his mouth, and provided no sustenance or enjoyment, so instead he lives off his *Goodberries,* which were a gift from his mother. He went in further detail how the food in *The Feywild* was vivid and bright, like he was sure Yashani's was. He apologized to Yashani, admitting he didn't like to talk about it, but she insisted he had nothing to apologize for. He asked her to describe what the treat should taste like and as she did, Seren closed his eyes and tries to envision it. Seren then asked if there was something they planned to do, as he wished to to leave the temple for a bit.

Quincy said *Black Stone Keep* as she wished to get supplies, and Tabernacle agreed, believing it would be smart to talk to people who knew the local threats and how to combat them, considering they were in uncharted territory. Killian brought up their duty for watching Masq's shop, but Tabernacle suggested he had a way to handle it for an hour. Yashani also brought up how she would like a larger bag, to replace her now near bursting one. Quincy also brought up a task she had, but that she wanted the whole group to be present to discuss it. The party agreed, and they headed out to Masq's shop, while Yashani stopped to to buy a new bag, and caught up with the group as they headed there. On the way Tabernacle spoke about *The Feywild* with Seren, also mentioning how he had been sweet with a nymph, which Seren could tell was a tall tale, but smiled it off. When they arrived at *Cutter's Shop*, they saw Alaerith nibbling on a ration, with a spark and twitch happening now and then. With the group together, Quincy claimed to have pieced something together, and wanted to go over it as a group, then sat on the ground, and gestured everyone to join her, with some more reluctant than others.

Quincy lowered her voice, and with a quick look around told the group that she had Aarcanii translate the books she took from Nomzyo's library, and after a the conversation side-tracked, discovered they were notes from the Obsidian King, the King of *Quarry Hold*. When attempting to figure out how he obtained them, Killian assumed from what they knew of Nomzyo from Aarcanii, he had powerful connections in *The Underdark* before he escaped to *The Underbelly*, and possibly had a connection to the King, or used to. Quincy mentioned her belief the King would want them back, then showed the group the letter she had received, and explained that Aarcanii believed the Queen would be sympathetic to her situation as she was to deliver it to her. Yashani asked how they expected to get an audience with the Queen, and Quincy admitted she didn't know. Yashani was worried that the letter was dangerous, considering the advisor to the king was someone who might be responsible for Aarcanii's banishment in the first place. Quincy explained further her, that Aarcanii said the King was wise and kind normally, but the last time she spoke with him, his face was oddly blank and distant, and while Quincy did not know magic, being especially persuasive is something magic can do.

Tabernacle explains his worry that they were being too trusting of Aarcanii, and that *The Underdark* did not seem like an unfair place, and maybe they might have had good reason to exile her. Quincy countered that what if that reason was that her sister was simply jealous. Killian stated that he knew the realm of politics, and that the more comfortable someone's life was, the more reason they had to lie. Tabernacle clarified that he thought Aarcanii was a good person, but he wanted more information before they all put themself in danger for her sake. Seren mentioned that even if they sought out information, they might get the truth, or the truth how after being modified by the people in power, and Tabernacle replied they would get neither from either of the party, and that the only 'truth' they would find is the one they could connect all the dots to. Yashani noted that when you dig places where secrets lie, and especially are out of the ordinary like them, that suspicion would be cast on them. She also noted that it was suspicious that one sister was dead, one banished and the other was advisor to the king. Yashani finished by saying they shouldn't need to clean up any mess they found in *Quarry Hold*, but if Aarcanii asked Quincy to do send letter, then they should, which was also in line with Killian's promise to do everything in his power to help her as well.

The party then noticed a heavy feeling to the air as a dark purple slab appeared, then opened like a door, with Tabernacle quickly cast *Invisibility* on himself, as Masq and a familiar bandaged individual came through the doorway. Masq thanked Ob for his help, and Ob replied 'anytime, friend' before he winked at the party and left in the same manner. Masq took a second to throw up to the side, then apologized, saying "it's uncomfortable using a favor". Tabernacle released his invisibility and asked questioned him, believing he was bringing Aarcanii here, then pointed out Masq's friendliness with "whatever eldritch god that is". Masq explained that Ob could be a good friend when he needs to be, not someone you'd want to make an enemy of, and finished by stating favors for favors. He continued on to say he couldn't get Aarcanii across the chasm, but he may have another idea, and held the black diamond that had been at the top of Aarcani's staff. He told them that it was time for them to get an explanation, and started to usher them to the shop, before warning them to not break into his shop again, and as Tabernacle claimed it wasn't him he was struck by a few of the party.

Before going in the shop, Tabernacle explained a bit of his past in an encounter with a mermaid, and how he thought from Quincy's description that believed the King had been *Charmed*, but noting how a *Charmed* person's expression looked like on a person, that blank and hollow are not how he would describe, so it had to be another kind of magic. Masq explained that the look meant the King's memory had been altered. As he opened the door he pointed up, and said "security" as he gestured to a stone gargoyle over the front stoop of the shop as Tabernacle apologized for his break in.

Masq lead them to a back corner of the shop, Masq sat behind a desk and offered chairs to sit. Masq explained that Aarcanii was still exiled, and he couldn't bring her back, but he also knew that Kelaa, her sister that was advisor to the king, had modified the king's memory. Masq reiterated some of what Aarcanii had mentioned of the Erevantu, and that magic of that level couldn't be broken by normal means. He continued that he had an idea, pulled out the black diamond from before, noted that he originally made it for Aarcanii's mother a long time ago, and contained a part of her magic as well. Masq explained his idea that with enough time, he could adjust it so that it would disrupt the modification that Kelaa had made on the King, though he was unsure how long it would last or well it would work. When Tabernacle asked what the modification was, he explained that his memory was modified to justify exile. He stated further further that the since Aarcanii's exile, it had been proven that Aarcanii was not at fault, and that it only took one person to undo an exile, the King, and if justified not bringing them back no one would question that. He continued that the Queen was adamant he lift it, but he did not, and now time had passed and Masq believed the people had forgotten.

Seren asked what Aarcanii was blamed for, and Masq told him there was an accident in the tunnels.

(The VOD switched to Darrin at this point, who explained the rest of the episode as follows-)

*"Hi everybody, we apologize for not having the remaining part of this episode. We had a technical difficulty where we could not stream and record at the same time. So, for those of you watching this recording, the party continued to have a conversation with Masq about the possibilities and plans that they could utilize to break the king of his modified memory. They were also given information that in Still Geyser, in Sogo Castle, the adopted son of the Sogo family, Dobril, was the illegitimate child of Aarcanii and King Alis Venscar. Our party still remains in Masq's shop, deliberating over what they're gonna do. We'll see you next Tuesday."*

1. ↑ On an insight check into this statement by Tabernacle, about charms and magic, Darrin said that charms were a glimmer in the eye, but Aarcanii describes them more as 'hollow'.