Sterling Myleheart (Episode)

**Sterling Mylheart** is the twenty eighth episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The remaining party make a new aquaintance in Ember's forge and decide to journey into the Aetian ruins together.

## Sterling Myleheart

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

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### **Part One**

As the episode opened with heavy knocks at the front of the building, while RX continues to be measured in every way imaginable for his set of new armor plating to adhere to his robotic form, a large hand curls around the door and pulls it open wider to reveal a tall, muscular figure, with ice picks on their back. After the figure entered, he stepped aside and revealed a much smaller frame, though still decently tall person, with blond hair, layers of adventuring gear fit for the tundra, a number of scrolls on his person and overflowing from a satchel at his side. He also has several trinkets attached to him including a piece of clockwork focus attached to the frames of his glasses, two shrunken heads that hung at his sides and an ankh.

The blond man greeted Ember and asked for a backpack he had commissioned and Ember greeted the man as Sterling. After she insisted RX stay where he was on the measuring platform Ember went to retrieve a reinforced backpack from behind her counter and hugged Sterling as she handed off the bag. Sterling thanked her in kind, not batting an eye at the 100 gold price tag for the bag, and paid Ember in platinum calling it “straight from the Myleheart residence”. Sterling reminded her that if she needed anything he would be in the ruins, which seemed to spark a thought in Ember who recalled it was dangerous the last time he went and suggested he takes the group of adventurers in her shop right now with him. Sterling is resistant to the idea and sends off Brutus, the large individual who had come inside with him and leant into Ember and reminded her that his mother did not like that sort of thing and already thought he had too many on his payroll.

Ember asked him to trust her before she turned to the party and introduced Sterling Myleheart, with Sterling adding “of house Myleheart, of course” and called him a wonderful friend that she worked with for many years. RX stepped forward first, with his hand extended, and Sterling ignored his introduction to pull the clockwork lens down in front of his glasses and started to inspect RX, calling him an ‘artefact’. Sterling was able to identify RX was from *Vayilcor*, while Quincy recognized the name Myleheart, specifically the name Lysandra Myleheart. Sterling eventually finished his inspection, took RX’s offered hand and asked Quincy, who was standing closest, if he was her automaton. Quincy replied no, as RX explained he was no one’s property and Sterling seemed surprised as RX spoke for himself. Sterling asked for RX’s name again and reiterated his pleasure to make the acquaintance and then moved on to ask the “little storm genasi”. Quincy warned Sterling off and Sterling apologized as he explained that culture fascinated him. Quincy introduced themself and tried to take a peek at his scrolls and things he kept on him, but Sterling noticing her effort and backed away to introduce himself to Yashani and Alaerith.

RX introduced Yashani and Alaerith before Ember took RX by the shoulders and situated him to her liking to continue taking measurements. Sterling called for her to keep RX safe as he was likely of historical importance, but RX assured him he could take care of himself. Sterling turned back to Yashani and Alaerith and shook hands with Alaerith before he moved on to Yashani, who he assumed was a “miss” by the length of her hair as Yashani’s blank, white mask obscured her features. Yashani assured him ‘miss’ was fine before giving her name and when Sterling gave an elaborate greeting in Orcish she replied in kind, if more subdued, commenting that Sterling was quite ‘bookish’. Sterling moved on to say he might be willing to hire them before Ember interrupted, as she released RX from the measuring platform, and explained Sterling was important to her business and offered the party a discount on their items if they ensured he came out of the ruins alive. Quincy wondered if being a little maimed would be an issue and Ember assured them still breathing was good enough and RX noted that was manageable. Sterling, unhappy with the tone of the conversation, insisted he would be the one paying them but Ember reminded him he needs to work on compromise.

Sterling muttered that missed home before he addressing the group and offered five gold piece each for the journey. Quincy, knowing that was a fair deal, bartered for eight gold and Sterling thought on it before Ember cut in to say that if he paid them all eight gold that she would take a decent amount off of RX’s new armor plating. Sterling agreed to eight gold for each party member and asked how soon they are willing to go as his workers had already cleared the mouth of the ruins and it was ready for a proper investigation. RX noted they had nothing else to do, but Ember pointed out it was getting dark and asked if would like to get stuck in the cold again. Sterling replied no and insisted she was not his mother and Ember retorted she has taken care of him plenty and flicked him on the forehead for trying to argue he was a grown man. Sterling said they could all go back to his camp to spend the night and go to the ruins in the morning. Yashani replied that they had already paid for rooms in town and Quincy added they would be staying there unless he intended to reimburse them. Sterling, once he remembered *Montie & Merriweather’s* was a decent place to stay, decided to get a room there so they can leave in the morning. Quincy called the prospect enlightening, which Sterling took as a compliment.

As the group prepared to leave, Ember thanked them for their patronage and warned RX that when the armor was finished it's application to him would not be a fun experience. RX asked when he had ever had fun and Sterling remarked that RX is a nihilist, but Quincy offered that the three weeks he had had to experience the world had not been the best. Sterling seemed amazed by RX’s ability to communicate in such little time and RX explained he was pre-programmed for such a thing and that they had much to discuss “Mr. Sterling”, but Sterling corrected that his title was actually *Dr.* Myleheart. Ember encourageed them to have fun and to find her if they get lonely as the group left the forge. Sterling handed off his heavy, reinforced backpack to Brutus who was waiting outside.

RX asked if this was someone Sterling needed to introduce and Sterling introduced Brutus and noted he fell down a mineshaft at some point and hadn’t spoken much since. As Alaerith tried to greet him Sterling told them Brutus was half ogre or he was at least told that by the people Sterling bought Brutus from. As Yashani and Quincy quickly raised questions of this, Sterling attempted to hurriedly correct that it wasn't slavery as Sterling did pay him. Sterling insisted it was a long story and RX noted that is was a detail he should have led with before he mentioned "purchasing". Sterling explained Brutus was doing much better now as previously he had been ransacking villages, and then fell down a mineshaft, but now had a much better life. Quincy insisted that Sterling was digging himself holes that she could bury him in and Sterling tried to argue before Brutus made a noise and raises a hand to interject. Brutus insisted that Sterling was a friend, in stilted and slow Common which seemed to ease the party’s minds more than anything else.

As the group all entered *Montie & Merriweather’s*, they were greeted to the smell of fresh cooked food and a pair of bards starting a song in the far corner. Merriweather greeted Sterling and Sterling asked if there was apple cider left and Merriweather agreed there may be some left in the back before asking what everyone else would like. RX requested machine oil, Quincy asked for water and Yashani wondered what the food special of the house was and Sterling ordered a plate of it for everyone in the group on him. Merriweather served the drinks he could before he headed for the cider and food. When RX received the oil he requested, he offered some to Sterling who refused politely before he asked the group if this was something he learned from one of the group and wondered how RX picked up on things. Quincy suggested Sterling should ask RX as he could answer for himself and Sterling did so, over ennunciating his words in his attempt, which caused RX to pause before he answered that he learnt just as any other person, by observing and noting, though much faster than Sterling could imagine. Yashani noted RX was very good at picking up languages and RX proceeded to say yes in Orcish as Yashani had taught him.

Sterling noted that his friends at university would be fascinated with RX and RX asked if Sterling had ever been to *Vayilcor*, as Sterling had mentioned it previously. Sterling explained that he has been as close as the *Vejexian Glacier* a number of times but not *Vayilcor* itself. Sterling asked why RX was interested and RX explained that while he had been created there he did not remember the place. Sterling noted that if RX was to stay on his team then it is sure to be a place they would go to. When RX was confused by this, Sterling explained he had a number of people, though they often swapped out and change. Quincy cut in to tell Sterling that RX’s current team would take care of him and thanked him for the offer curtly and Sterling apologized for possibly intruding and noted he was just throwing it out there.

Yashani redirected the conversation to the Aetian ruins and asked what Sterling knew of them. He noted that it would be exceptionally cold, that there seemed to be some level of Infernal influence on the area and through his research believed there to be an especially interesting ancient tome of some sort to be found that had historical value. Yashani wondered what importance it had to him and Sterling explained that he really just wanted the discovery and to jot down whatever was in it to be studied but wouldn't have much use after that. The party agreed that is was interesting, which piqued Sterling's interest and noted they had some interest in the book as well without knowing their motives. At that point, there was the sound of a tolling bell and Merriweather returned with a number of loaded plates, placed them in front of each of the group, including RX, which he then offered to anyone who wanted it. Sterling happily accepted it, but when Yashani noted that Sterling didn't look like he ate that much he seemed to be disheartened. RX commented that Sterling was thin enough for him to wield in place of his usual longsword and Quincy added that he didn't look like he has eaten a decent portion of food in his life. Sterling insisted he had a very fast metabolism and continued to eat his food, with less gusto than before.

RX started up the conversation again and asked what Sterling knew about constructs. Sterling noted that they came from up north, then flipped down the clockwork lens in front of his glasses, and went on to explain that they came from a history of people whgo enchanted clockwork to do simple tasks to eventually become better and better until it became what it was today, and assumed that recently someone discovered how to engineer a basic level of thought. RX agreed and Quincy noted while they were impressed with his recap that it would be safe for Sterling to assume RX was exponentially more complex than he was accustomed to believing. RX activated *Telekinetic Movement* to levitate Sterling’s fork out of his hand as a demonstration. Sterling became incredibly excited as he watched it happen and when Quincy offered that he could clap, Sterling did without hesitation as RX returned the fork to him. Sterling happily returned to his food and ate at a rapid pace, which seemed to trigger something competitive in Yashani and became an impromptu eating competition that Yashani easily won as Sterling groaned about eating too many biscuits on the way there.

Quincy asked about Sterling’s mention of his mother, noted that the Myleheart name was a well known one and wondered if there was particular interest in *Nij’a*. While Sterling admitted his mother made it possible for him to be there, he explained that he left home some time ago to pursue his own things on his journeys because his family’s interest never lined up with his own. He noted that this was the closest he had been to home in some time, that he grew in the the capital city of *Krak,* but as of the last five years had been journeying on his own around the Empire and PTC. Sterling admitted he was excited to be home, that he had not seen his mother in a long while while alluding that he did not see her much throughout his life previously. Sterling asked Quincy why they asked and wondered if Quincy was from Puhan. Quincy said they weren't and noted they were curious about the name and how *Nij’a* was a city of travellers. Sterling called it a good place with fantastic accomidations, though noted he had seen better and added if you planned ahead could get into incredible places.

As Sterling started to debrief the group, Quincy and Yashani noticed something odd about Sterling’s attire, specifically that the ends of his scarf moved of it's own accord. Yashani pointed out the sentient scarf and Sterling explained he had several sentient items, adding that the scarf was not one of them, though it was one of his favorites as it was one of the only ones he purchased, but noted it was one of the least interesting things they could have asked about. Sterling said it was called an *Eldritch Scarf* and demonstrated as one end of the scarf made itself look almost like a hand, used it to flick a bit of food at Yashani, while the other end reached into the fold of the scarf and pulled out a small bottle before putting it back. Quincy wondered what the most interesting item might be if the scarf was the least interesting, but Sterling said no and instead offered to tell them about one of them. Sterling asked if they would like to hear a joke and cast *Tasha’s Hideous Laughter* as he brought up the two shrunken heads from his belt, with one that opened it's eyes and cackled loudly before telling Sterling it hated him. Sterling asked for a joke but the head denied him even as RX and Alaerith started to burst out laughing, under the effects of Sterling's spell.

Quincy casually placed *Panache* on the table and asked Sterling what was going on as their companions continued to laugh and Sterling laughed to himself. Sterling told them they could stop as the spell was dropped and explained there was a story of twin halfling bards that wandered deep into the swamp where there had been lizardfolk. Sterling rediscovered those lizardfolk, got himself acquainted with their shaman, made a monetary donation and got the heads as a gift. Sterling noting that he thought he recognized the heads, pointed to each head in turn, Chorch and Chon. Sterling explained that they were one of the few items he kept outside of this bag because they got irritated if they get put away. Yashani commented that she did not know how to respond and once again redirected the conversation to the job at hand.

RX wondered if this was the team Sterling had mentioned earlier and Sterling denied it, though everyone, but Alaerith managed to see that might not altogether be untrue. Sterling moved on to explain that tomorrow they would delve deeper in the ruins than had been done before and would likely be on their own, that the passages narrowed and oxygen levels were not entirely well known. Sterling then asked who the strongest was and when RX announced himself as such and said that he would be the one to lead the group as Sterling was sure there would be some fallen stonework in their way, then Sterling would keep to the middle as they explored and looked around. Quincy interjected to ask how dangerous this really was and insinuated they should be paid hazard pay for the risks they seemed to be taking. Sterling assured them they won’t since usually he went in on his own and RX responded that seemed dangerous considering Sterling’s “structure”. Sterling asked why RX was so rude and Alaerith explained it was just how RX was and apologized on his behalf. Sterling thanked him and called Alaerith the most sensible of the group. Sterling came back to Quincy and said he hadn’t seen too many injuries in his time, noting the only two he knew were at fault of their own. Yashani wondered about Ember's statement that the ruins were getting more dangerous and Sterling explained that the ruins were a free for all and people were not above laying booby traps to ensure no one could follow them in.

Sterling noted that he was sure the group had seen plenty of scraps, which caused RX to try and figure out how to glare while Yashani noted they had been to darker places. Sterling called that ominous and asked if she meant literally and when Quincy tried to say it was a story for another time argued that he had told them a lot about himself. Yashani told him the answer was both literally and figuratively and RX commented that it did answer Sterling’s question. Yashani was willing to say more though, and noted that *The Underdark* was likely the darkest place she had seen and that they as a group had “seen some shit”. Sterling noted that the ruins would be no problem for them then and said he would head for bed, looking to prepare himself for tomorrow, especially for traps as he was sure they were not the first ones to make it down there.

As Sterling started to leave, Alaerith enquired what skills and abilities Sterling had, noting that knowing might be beneficial. Sterling explained that when he was younger he focused on fencing and the like, but primarily was a practitioner of arcane arts. He demonstrated as he pulled out a scroll and cast *Dancing Lights* as three small swarms of lightning bugs appeared, similar much like the prismatic beetles the party saw in *The Underdark*. As he released his spell, Sterling asked what the rest of them could do. RX gave a demonstration of his ability and cast *Shocking Grasp*. Sterling made an educated guess about Yashani being a monk and therefore a martial fighter and Yashani mostly agreed, but noted that she considered herself primarily a healer. Quincy added that Yashani could easily cave Sterling’s face in as Yashani cracked her knuckles. Sterling then turned to Quincy and Quincy simply pulled out *Peril & Pain* from their holsters in their coat and flipped them once before putting them away. Sterling turned to his “sea elf friend” and Alaerith said he also used the arcane as he cast *Shocking Grasp* as well, which prompted Sterling to ask where his ability came from, whether innate or studied and Alaerith fumbled as he called it innate and had learned a little afterwards. Sterling called it interesting and suggested they compare notes before their friendship was over.

As Sterling left to his purchased room 22, right next to the ones Quincy rented for the party earlier, he appeared socially exhausted as he goes. RX followed Sterling, Quincy reminded him what room he was in room 20 with Alaerith and slid that key to Alaerith. Sterling, seeing RX followed him, called back in concern that RX has imprinted on him, but the party grumbled otherwise and mostly ignored that as RX continued to follow him down the hallway of rooms. Sterling allowed RX into his room and asked if RX was “one of those evil, fantasy robots” who might throw him threw a wall. RX ignored this, told Sterling he would be transparent with him and explained that the last few weeks had been tough for his friends, especially the last few days and asked him to be careful and not to harm any of them. Sterling replied that he was paying them and wouldn't hurt them, especially since he found them interesting enough to join him. RX considered that a good enough response and said he would see him tomorrow before he left the room.

Once RX left, Sterling heard a familiar voice in his mind that told him RX was being very literal and Sterling asked what the voice meant, noting he wasn't very good at reading the room. The voice said the group had been through pain, as Sterling saw a blue light that appeared and begun to slowly circle him, and told him it wasn’t easy for people to lose friends. Sterling said he sensed that and the voice reaffirmed that it was a deep loss that ground at the soul before reminding him they had studying to do. Sterling agreed, said he was shocked to be going into another ruin and admitted he was nervous to prepare his magic because it felt as though every time he did there was always something he should have prepared instead of another one. The voice told him he would never be prepared for everything, but Sterling replied he would love to be and he tried to be. The voice reminded him that was why they prepared as a scroll lifted out of his bag for him to look over.

As the scene shifted back to the party when RX just returned, Quincy commented Sterling is weird. RX asked if they weren’t all weird and as Alaerith noted that meant he fits in Quincy begrudgingly agreed. Yashani said they would see how tomorrow went and suggested they all head for bed. Quincy noted they should regroup in the morning before leaving to discuss their plans for the ruins and suggested to meet in the boys’ room since they would be awake before Yashani and Quincy between Alaerith's *Trance* and RX's *Sentry’s Rest* and went to their seperate rooms. Before going into his trance, Alaerith took a look at the parchment Ob had given him in an attempt to better understand what had been given, but only learned it was powerful and beyond his personal scope of knowledge and decided to leave it be lest he caused something unwanted to happen. RX told Alaerith goodnight before he flopped onto his bed and had a proper sleep while Alaerith activated his *Trance*.

In the other room, as Yashani prepared for her meditation and sleep, she turned towards Quincy without really looking at them and told her she didn't think the gifts Quincy had bought were necessary, as it seemed *she* was already quite fond of Quincy. Quincy said they would like to believe so, but seeing as how they had never done this before they were unsure. Yashani admitted she had never done anything like that either but believed the gift of being something to someone was gift enough. Quincy called Yashani wiser then them, but Yashani retorted that she simply parroted what had been told to her. Quincy told her that they do the same thing and explained that their Nana would tell them stories, that in times of trouble Quincy would pretend they were in those stories and it usually helped. Yashani called it a nice thing and noted it was time they tried to sleep and Quincy agreed, but only once they finished with their journal. Quincy spent time writing and drafting mechanics for the rifle they commissioned from Ember, while Yashani meditated and eventually went to bed.

When Quincy was sure Yashani was asleep, they reached for *Ob’s Charm* and mentally called out for Bolton. After a few minutes when Bolton responded, Quincy said they had thought about what he said, that Tabernacle and Killian were gone for a reason, but they still felt like they should have done more. Bolton noted that everyone in hard times thought they could have done more and that it was hard before he asked what Quincy wanted. Quincy told him they wanted whatever power was available to them to protect those that were left, that they wished to accept Bolton’s deal. Bolton asked Quincy to lie down and once they complied, Quincy felt what was essentially their soul pulled from their body. As their form reappeared in a dark void of space, a burning light in front of them solidified into the image of Bolton, in a high back leather armchair with a pipe and he invited Quincy to sit in the chair that had appeared for them.

Bolton began by asking Quincy what they thought he was and Quincy jokingly reply that it was hard to believe he wasn't divine when he pulled stunts like this. Bolton replied it was 50-50 and proceeded to explain that he was on par power-wise with a Demi-God. Quincy admitted that Nana didn’t much believe in the pantheon, that they only told Quincy as much as to tell them stories about the Gods and said they didn't entirely understand what that meant. Bolton said that his mother was one of the Aj’Snaga gods and his father was the Grand Sultan of the *City of Brass*, that his powers were partially divine, but he was given another moniker as well. To better explain, Bolton pointed out that Ob was the champion of Rhizadeal, and in an odd turn of events Bolton became the champion of Bronelli.

Bolton said that what Quincy was asking for was to be the next of these, as the champions of Bronelli were required to pick their successors and Bolton had already put some interest in Quincy. Bolton asked what Quincy thought that means and when Quincy admitted they didn't know pressed and asked repeatedly what it took to protect others, the people they care about, to make sure they didn't die. Quincy replies simply, everything and Bolton considered that a good answer. He then asked if they were sure they wanted to do this as it was irreversible and explained they would take up Bolton’s position when he was gone, not aging and would only meet death if someone decided to kill them. Quincy replied that if they didn't take it and something happened to the others, they would never forgive themself.

With that, Bolton produced a long scroll, read it over a moment before he signed it, floated it over to Quincy and told he to sign it which she did without hesitation. Bolton commented that he didn't know how this would feel as it was pushed onto him without him wanting it, and even though they were conscious for it and would probably be painful. Bolton held out his hand for a shake and as Quincy took it felt like a fire fill their body and burned through their whole existence. Quincy came back to themself steaming and groaning. When Bolton asked if they were alright Quincy admitted they talked a big game, but commented that experience did hurt. Bolton said he would do the best he could to help Quincy through the transition period, but noted things would get strange and to not to be concerned if things just *happened* around them. Bolton then went on to say it didn't feel right to call Quincy a “shaman” and instead decided they would be the first *Bullet Witch*. Bolton told them to get some rest as Quincy’s life essence was shunted back into their body and instantly fell unconscious in their bed.

### **Break!**

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### **Part Two**

The party woke as the two suns rose over the tundra, with Quincy still half-dead in their sleep and Alaerith awoken from his trance while he heard the odd sounds of machinery replicating a snore as RX continued to sleep. From his room, Sterling cast *Minor Illusion* causing the sound of a morning trumpet to call through the area, which interrupted Yashani’s meditation and RX called for five more minutes. Sterling called through the hall that he said bright and early and he meant it and Quincy in response ripped open the door between their room and the hall and threatened Sterling with a bullet to the foot if he did not order coffee. Sterling happily replied he already had a kettle going and added that breakfast had also been ordered. RX came out, asked what oil Sterling has ordered and as Quincy reminded Sterling that RX did not eat real food and they heard the distant call for “TONY!” as they heard every time oil was requested.

As everyone gathered in the hallway, Sterling, Yashani and RX noticed something odd about Quincy’s hair, specifically while it still gently floated as it always had, with the familiar sparks of lightning, it was accompanied by streaks of red magma and red sparks of fire. Quincy asked what everyone was looking at and Sterling told them their hair was on fire. RX asked if they had recently taken up arson and as Alaerith turned at the commotion, noticed the change, instinctively tried to cast *Prestidigitation* to put out flame out, but to no avail. Quincy noticed and examined their hair as RX poked the flames, found they did not burn and called the fire subpar. As Alaerith pointed out that Quincy was not responding how someone normally would finding their hair on fire, Sterling pulled out a notebook, began to take notes and asked if this was normal for a storm genasi. Quincy warned that if he was trying to research them, they would put a bullet in his foot. Sterling noted he was just curious, but Quincy insisted on moving on, citing that it was not doing them any harm and they were under caffeinated.

At her words Quincy unknowingly activated her *Cause Fear* ability and Alaerith, RX and Sterling immediately backed away quickly from them as they were left *Frightened.* Yashani asked what was wrong with all of them as RX pulled out his longbow and asked what’s happening. Yashani commented that the group had known her long enough to know that was not normal and when Sterling argued that threatening to shoot someone in the foot wasn't normal the rest all agreed it was for Quincy. Sterling commented that he was from a part of a nicer place in society that didn't do that, though Sterling was waved down as Quincy muttered that "he" said weird things were going to happen. Yashani asked who warned them and Quincy admitted it was Bolton and that he made her a deal, before shouting that Sterling had better not write that down. Alaerith asked over *Ob’s Charm* if Quincy was okay and when they say they were alright suggested they talk about it later with less company. As the *Frightened* effect dissipated Alaerith then attempted to brush off the comment out loud to ease Sterling’s mind, as the human watched on in confusion.

Sterling went on to ask that while they were under his employment that they not do that again, but Quincy countered and asked if it looked like they tried to do it. Quincy then more honestly asked if it looked like they tried and while Yashani was quick to say no Alaerith and Sterling recognized that Quincy was agitated and threatened Sterling before the effect happened. Sterling encouraged them to get on with their breakfast so they could start their work and added that a carriage would take them to the ruins after that. Quincy seemed surprised and Sterling asked if they had ever been in a carriage before. Quincy replied it wasn't their favored method of transportation and RX noted he had not been in one either. Yashani commented she prefered anything out of the cold and Sterling explained it was a half hour by carriage compared to the hour and a half by foot. Sterling asked Quincy if they would prefer to go by foot it was fine, but Quincy readily agreed to the carriage. As they walked on Sterling pleaded with them before they went into the ruins that they may find things lying about and only asked that they show him first so he could see if it had any historical significance. He added that if it did he would keep it, but any basic treasure or trinket they were free to keep.

As they sat and ate, Alaerith poured Quincy a cup of coffee and Quincy discovered that no matter how hot the coffee was it didn't burn their mouth, but chose to put it out of their mind for the meantime. As they all finished their food, Merriweather came around to collect their plates and sternly warned Sterling not to fall into anymore holes. Quincy wondered if they should put a leash on Sterling for his safety and RX offered to carry him. When Sterling asked if the robot had a throne feature, the offer was quickly revoked even as Sterling joked he was being facetious. Sterling led them all outside to a waiting carriage made of white oak, with black onyx filigree and a crest carved into the door. Sterling gave Quincy and Yashani a hand into the carriage, though his offer was ignored by RX who was excited by the carriage, while Alaerith and Sterling agreed the help wasn't necessary, but thanked him regardless. They saw the interior was just as nice as the exterior, with similar adornments, lush and wide enough to fit three people on either side of the carriage on nice padding. Sterling asked Quincy if they would like to pull a thread, as they had never been on a carriage, but Quincy replied that it wasn't their preferred method of travel. RX happily yanked the thread and a bell was rung to let the carriage driver know they are ready to leave.

Alaerith suggested to Sterling to be more literal around RX and Sterling agreed while noting how exciting and interesting it was having an automaton like RX around. Alaerith replied it was interesting for them as well their first meeting and Sterling asked how they all met, assured sure this was not their first time travelling together. Yashani said it could be called as happy coincidences or unhappy ones in their different travels, but Sterling noticed that he had touched a sore spot for them. Quincy commented that at least he had good intuition, but when Sterling attempted to sit back and read Quincy called for him to come back, saying that they would be playing a card game and told Sterling they were partial to poker. Quincy went quiet for a moment as they dealt cards, remembering the last time the group played.

Alaerith took the time to look out the carriage window and found the tundra to be barren and mostly flat. After a keener look through the fog Alaerith saw ice covered stone that jutted out at odd angles, standing only a few feet tall at most and gave him the sense that they were pillars from old buildings. As the carriage began to descend down an incline, Alaerith asked Sterling what was in the area previously and Sterling explained there was an Aetian society here before the area became the unlivable tundra it was now and at the moment the only livable city was the capital, *Krak*, which had 40 foot high walls to keep the worst of the weather at bay. Sterling also warned them that while the weather was a killer outside, within the ruins where risks of an arcane nature being of infernal make. As the cart tilted even more so downward RX asked if anyone had a weapon he can borrow. Quincy said nothing as they had nothing that would be safe for him to use and Yashani offered her quarterstaff. Sterling asked if he hired an unarmed mercenary before his *Eldritch Scarf* pulled a pick-axe out of its folds and offered that as well. RX eventually took both, asked if he could test them on Sterling, who cheerily said “absolutely not” and suggested that he could try it on some rocks outside when they arrive.

The carriage eventually came to a stop and Sterling led them out of the carriage and into the cold beyond. The party looked around and found they were at the bottom of a spiralled out column 200 feet down, while the path the carriage took was a tunnel that led back up to the surface. A little ways away was the soft sound of moving water, where their gaze found a large opening carved in the ice, with mud siding of the column where water seeped out. Nearby was a camp of tents and a stoked fire, with makeshift buildings built against the walls of the column which Sterling revealed as those he hired to excavated the opening. Sterling led the group to the opening in the side of the column, to a dwarf who worked on stabilizing the entrance with some wood. The dwarf greeted Dr. Myleheart and told him everything was ready for Sterling to start the exploration of the second level. Sterling led the party into the entrance, handed out rope and explained they should give each other room, but still all be tied to the same rope, which would then be tied to a rope secured to a rock at the entrance and another at their destination as a way to help them find their way back out in case they fell.

Sterling suggested the strongest first and after RX stepped forward in response said he would go directly behind RX. Alaerith asked what the light situation as Quincy and RX could not see in the dark and Sterling noted that he could not either as a human, but assured them he could call on the bugs he displayed earlier. Quincy pulled out the *Driftglobe*, said an old friend had them covered and activated it to cast *Daylight* causing the globe to hover just over Quincy’s head as it lit up. Yashani suggested she should follow RX as a strong person as well and Quincy agreed to keep the “squishy” ones in the middle, in reference to Sterling and Alaerith, though Sterling did not seem fond of the description and Quincy agreed to take the rear.

With the tunnel lit by the *Driftglobe*, they followed the shrinking passage as they moved deeper in the ruins until they were eventually forced onto their hands and knees to continue forward. This tunnel opened to a much larger cavern, while their path along the rope guiding them along the ledge of a chasm that not even the *Driftglobe’s* light could fully reveal, though it did touch the sharp points of stalagmites that rose up from wherever the bottom was. As they went, Sterling offered that there was no need to be wary yet as long as the rope went, as they were all places Sterling and his men had already ventured through. Sterling mentioned there was nothing to worry about until the second level and Quincy asked if the second level had anything like a spider dragon. Sterling noted he wasn't sure something like that existed, but RX noted it was and Yashani agreed in the past tense and explained it was now dead. Sterling asked if that means they killed it and RX replied that they they did.

The path eventually made a hard left and into a chamber with a large stone statue, helmeted and with broken eyes that shattered into flames carved into the helmet, that all but RX recognized as the imposing figure of Corvi, the God of war and wrath. Sterling announced as much to the group, with some mild disappointment when everyone already seemed to know what he spoke about. At that moment a number of rocks fell from the ceiling, which Alaerith and Quincy were able to quickly move out of the way, while Yashani activated *Evasion* helped deflect some of the rocks, alongside Sterling who took some damage, but managed to grab a particular scroll from his bag and cast *Shield* causing blue glowing arcane words to spiral in the air in the shape of a shield around him and protected him from the worst of the damage, but RX took the brunt of it. Once they were sure they were alright, they continued on the path.

Further down the path, the party crested a corner and found angular and jagged stone that made up a set of large, 100 foot tall double doors, engraved with Aetian and Infernal runes. Nearby they saw a firepit where two middle aged dwarves stuck close to keep themselves warm and stood more upright when they saw Sterling approach. Sterling asked Choco and Cheko if either had been past the door, but they replied that the door had only recently been cracked open. On that comment the party noticed that around their height was evidence of explosives and the chipping away of tools to create an opening. While they talked, Quincy, remembering the coffee that morning, reached out to poke the flame of the firepit while no one watched, but found the fire burned just as usual.

Sterling asked the group how they feelt and suggests resting here, but Quincy seemed amused that he would need to rest already. Alaerith asked how long the delves usually took and pointed out that may be the last particularly safe place they have to rest for some time. Before he could answer Sterling heard an odd noise from beyond the doors. Sterling moved closer to investigate and found beyond the doors were stairs that went down past the light of the fire and *Driftglobe* and into the darkness, where he heard a deep, though quiet, sort of growl. Sterling turned back to the group and asked if they were sure they didn't want a rest and offered to make tea. Quincy asked what was going on as Yashani offered they could stop and Sterling tried to explain, but stumbled over his words. RX claimed a rest would be nice after taking the damage from the falling rocks and Yashani stepped in close and activated her *Hand of Healing* to heal him.

Sterling explained that he was not much of a fighter and often watched from the side if one occurs. Quincy did not seem pleased by this and Yashani asked if he was implying there was a fight to be had beyond the doors. Sterling admitted to hearing a rumble and pointed out that anything that had been able to sleep in untouched ruins for this long was likely to be magical by nature. Yashani offered that if it was asleep they could surprise it or even just sneak past. Sterling suggested they could turn off the *Driftglobe* and use something dimmer, but as Quincy said they were not okay with darkness the *Driftglobe's Daylight* wore off. As RX suggested torches Quincy immedately activated the *Drifglobe* to cast *Light*. Sterling countered that his light bugs could be spread out better and Quincy agreed so long as he didn't turn them off. Sterling agreed, only if he absolutely had to, and patted Quincy’s shoulder and left a large glowing beetle in his wake to rest there as he cast *Dancing Lights* while Quincy deactivated the *Light* spell.

Sterling seperated through the doorway first, paused there to bring a scroll up to his mouth, and asked to know whatever it is was that was down there, as he called on the aid of his spellbook. As a light came from the scroll and in front of his vision Sterling’s mind could hear it reply that the thing was magical and draconic, but did not know anything else. Sterling asked what he would do without it and the voice readily replied he would be dead, and he agreed before admitting he would probably still be at the bottom of a cave. The voice said there was a lot to find “down there” and Sterling said he might be able to finish *you*, in reference to the spellbook, and the spellbook agreed and said there were portions of it that had not been found yet. From behind him, Quincy and Yashani could hear Sterling as he muttered but only got his half of the conversation without catching the words he spoke.

Sterling told the group that from what he could deduce they were to face something likely draconic in nature. Alaerith asked how he knew as Yashani lamented having to face another dragon. Sterling replied that it could be heard in the sound of the growls, as dragons had a special organ in their throat for using their elemtal breaths weapon, but the party figured he was lying somehow about he obtained the information. Quincy pointed out that Sterling was lying a lot for someone who wanted them to protect him and when he tries to say he wasn't lying Quincy warned him off of and said he wasn't good at it. As RX agreed, Yashani pointed out they all have their secrets that they could divulge, but she suggested getting a move on which seemed to be enough to change the topic. As the party moved down the stairs, Sterling dispeled his *Dancing Light* beetles except for the one that rested on Quincy’s shoulder as they took up the rear of the group. Sterling cast *Enhance Ability : Cat's Grace* on himself causing the magic to weave and come up under his feet so they no longer touched the ground, as the group moved quietly down almost 200 feet of stairs, going further and further into the darkness as quietly as they could. At the bottom of the stairs the light spread just enough that they could see large pillars on either side of them that reached up into the darkness above.

RX and Quincy slowly heard the sound of the rumbling growls as they bounced amongst the pillars and RX reached out to halt Sterling. RX activated *Ob’s Charm* and warned the party of the sound before he looked to Sterling and realized he did not have a charm to hear with. Sterling cast *Message* and asked RX why everyone had their hands to their ears and RX replied that they were in a special club. Sterling then cast *Message* and asked Quincy what RX meant by a special club and Quincy floundered for a moment before saying it was a secret, special club. Sterling cast *Message* and asked Alaerith next and asked why they didn’t say anything to him about a special club if they were travelling together and Alaerith said it was complex that they didn't have the time at the moment. Sterling, out loud this time, said he would love an explanation but Quincy hurriedly said they would explain when they weren't about to die. Sterling cast *Message* and asked what they meant on going to die as no one had told him anything and insisted it was his expedition. Quincy reminded him they may be getting close to a dragon and Sterling began to relent, but the damage was done as Quincy’s shadow expanded and rose behind them as she unknowingly activated her *Cause Fear* and Sterling and Alaerith, now left *Frightened*, tried to retreat away from Quincy, thankfully held somewhat close by the rope they were still tied together with, but with the force of their attempt to flee were left *Prone*.

The sound of the two of them crashing against the stone ground echoed through the hall. Sterling scrambled into action, cut the rope tying him to the others and cast *Fly* on himself. As he flew up he tried to get a glimpse of whatever this was from above, but was unable to see more then the faint lines of pillars through the darkness. Quincy asked over *Ob's Charm* if it was time for light as she tried to grab the *Driftglobe*, but before she could Sterling cast *Message* to apologize to her and suggested she hold someone’s hand as he dispelled the beetle on her shoulder. Alaerith immediately put his hand on Quincy’s shoulder as the hall went completely black around them. Sterling cast *Message* and offered RX that he could either use his lights to get a visual or to distract it and RX called for a visual immediately as he pulled out his borrowed stick. Sterling flew up a bit further towards the sound, crashed into a pillar on the way, but as he was brought to a stop, even in the darkness he could make out the faintest edges of the large mass below him. As the growls grew, Sterling ducked behind a pillar so it wouldn't have a visual on him and cast *Dancing Lights* to brighten the room.

As the lights revealed the form, everyone but RX saw a mass of scales, red scales stitched into gold scales, into blue scales, all stitched together over what looked like a black void, which went up into a face and revealed two dragon heads stitched together, a silver and green dragon. The party prepared themselves to face the now awake and very angry Dragon Flesh Golem.

**Fun trivia for this episode!**

* With Quincy's acceptace as the champion of Broneli, she lost a level of Gunslinger and gained a level of Warlock.