McGuiggan

Art by Shinko.

### Aliases

"Viol Boy" (Used by Cree, Anther) "Crabfish" (Non-canon inside joke due to RielCZ misunderstanding Shinko's emojis)

### Affiliation

Wednesday Group (Island Party)Main (Merged) Party

## Stats

### Level

5

McGuiggan is a player-controlled (by RielCZ) character from the Temphere universe, originally an original member of Wednesday (Island) Group and now a member of the Main (Merged) Party.

## Etymology

"McGuiggan" was McGuiggan's last name from his human parent; following a common convention for elves to choose their names, he chose this to be his name and stage name.

## History

### Pre-Adventure Time!

McGuiggan was born to a human parent and an elf parent. He was raised by his elf parent in a court in Narvandor near its border with Ruthorham; as such, he felt a somewhat closer connection to the artistry of the elves, and took up music. Over time, he honed the viol, pan flute, and dulcimer. The viol is by far his instrument of choice, having studied it in some of the Elven schools/courts and learned music and composition.

Eventually feeling disconnected among his Elven peers, and being unable to fit in all that well with the humans, he set off soon after maturity to hone his musical skills and in search of learning as many songs as he could, and from a diverse and varied group of individuals, both for the adventure and hoping one day to be able to write "the perfect song" to appease first of all himself and then maybe the art god. One place he ventured to was the Underdark, where he picked up Undercommon. (Those Undercommon songs sound crazy yo.) At some place as a traveling musician, he encountered a Fae (Ibereai) at a come-and-go campsite; they traveled together for a few weeks, and Ibereai taught McGuiggan to imbue some Fae magic with his music, which he continued to try and hone (College of Glamour).

Some unfigured out amount of time (but not too long) after, he found himself watching some wreckage crash into the sea alongside a warforged and a gnome, and was sort of dragged in to investigate. This would take him to places where he could hopefully learn more songs and further hone is musical prowess -- in between kicking monster butt and doing other cool things (when the dice are in his favor).

### Wednesday Group Adventure 1: Here be Pirates!

McGuiggan met up with Fracture (the warforged) and Kindrin (the gnome) and they set off to try and determine what seemed to fall from the sky and land in the sea. Upon investigation, they found two humanoids (The Helders) who were unconscious. They found and followed Pumpkin and found Athelia, who helped guide them to the lab of the Helders, who were actually inventors of some sort, and with the help of Dart (who found out the name of what had crashed into the sea -- an airship that had been piloted by the now unconscious folk!) they entered the lab. While there, they created a concoction to heal the Helders, and battled a boss. They returned and awoke the unconscious and all was well.

### Wednesday Group Interlude 1: Sly like a Fox Mask

Kindrin breaks away from the party due to other obligations, but McGuiggan, Fracture, and Athelia are tasked to deliver a message! However, Athelia lets Fracture and McGuiggan play around in the Festival of Masks while she finishes the delivery herself.

McGuiggan gets a red fox mask and he embarks on a series of games with Fracture to win tickets and get cool prizes. He tries to act something like a guide to her, as she has never done this before (whether he successfully led her is up to Fracture), but did manage to intimidate someone who tried to say that Warforged don't belong there. The two carve pumpkins, and McGuiggan carves a Pumpkin-in-Pumpkin.

In the end, they get a neat Magic!Photo of themselves taken, and watch their pumpkin carvings float off into the night as Athelia returns.

### Wednesday Group Adventure 2: Aw, Fish Sticks!

McGuiggan, Fracture, and Athelia go out and meet Jolene, an old acquaintance of Athelia, and seek to find why an old friend of Jolene (and Athelia?) has disappeared. Along the way, they discover sharks, water elementals, and the fish-people known as Kuo-Toa!

They eventually find a young pirate-kid who informs them the crew has been kidnapped by some monster who turns out to be a big meanie tentacle-head. He has had his minions -- big kuo-toa -- capture and tie-up the whole crew in what seems to be an abandoned lighthouse. After Fracture stealthily intrudes (but not so stealthily as to untie everyone), a battle ensues, and Fracture, McGuiggan, Athelia, and Jolene soon find themselves face to face with Tentacle-Head, who has enslaved one of the crew members to cast water elementals using a bowl.

After killing most (all?) of the kuo-toa and the water elemental escapes, creating a huge hole in the lighthouse, Tentacle-Head escapes out the hole as well.

The adventurers learn about the Aquan Bowl used to conjure the elementals due to McGuiggan's use of the Identify spell. They also learn the bown was owned by the lighthouse keeper, who gIve it to Fracture and McGuiggan to take to the inventors. Fracture and McGuiggan go to question the enslaved crewmember who used the bowl, but it seems he had no evil motives.

### Merged Group Adventure 1: The Mergening: An Epic in 10 (and counting) Parts

#### Subadventure I: Hey Look It's You Guys!

Fracture and McGuiggan depart Athelia and, as a giant setup, go to a friend of the inventors who is "a monster hunter" (presumably the same Valanthe told the Sunday Group to search for), for information on Tentacle-Head. On the journey, they run into Anther, Cree, Dahlia, and Hush, and a relatively easy union forms between their two parties. They adventure around the town a bit together while they buy supplies and things.

The union is solidified when the parties are thrown into having to put out a fire together caused by T'hamil, because he tried to use LIGHTNING MAGIC to destroy a thorn he dug up. It turned out these sorts of thorns were just what the others (Sunday Group) had once been chasing after, and naturally they were very upset at having to deal with one again.

Together, they found (much to McGuiggan's chagrin) and defeated some plant monsters, but realized there was another one that had just managed to wander into the Frostfell over a crossover with the plane.

#### Subadventure II: A Blanket is NOT Good Enough for Hell Frozen Over

The party runs into some Mephits who try to sell them wares. McGuiggan finds them somewhat sketchy and thinks he can survive with just a blanket -- luckily, Anther forces him to think again, and he buys the full winter outfit.

The party continues chasing after the plant after clues given by the Mephits, and they choose to pursue a cave. Along the way they encounter oxen and other things, including crossing a river; shortly before the river, however, McGuiggan fell ill to LEVEL 1 EXHAUSTION (\*insert daunting music\*); he was appreciative of Fracture's offer to carry him (though he turned it down) and supposed Anther was right after all about the clothes.

They crossed the river and avoided a big cat that wanted to eat them. They even took down a yeti waiting for them on the other side. A chill wind winter storm came up, and not wanting to enter the yeti cave, they opted for another, which had a literal giant skeleton in it. They entered a door (on the right) and found more bones, and battled a few sabre tooth tigers (some of which happened to have kittens).

The party would later enter a large room and fight a remorhaz (because a totally not contrived larger remorhaz appeared which drove them into said large room). Following this, they went into an icy cavern that became a rocky cavern, and while they continued to wait for the storm to pass they sat down and had a story time. McGuiggan told them that he was on a quest to learn all sorts of songs and to eventually write the perfect song, the bardic masterpiece, and that he does love his charisma magic but in trying to reassure Cree commented he doesn't use it for evil. He and Facture told them about their adventures with Tentacle Head, the Kuo-Toa, and the Aquan Bowl. McGuiggan really didn't reveal too much new information -- he was too exhausted and sober for that -- but he did prompt Cree to reveal she was an orphan and was only a bard because of her circus background (and that barding wasn't really for her), and he prompted Anther to reveal why she hated elementals and why she wanted to leave her city. As story time wound down, McGuiggan shared some candy that he'd acquired from the Festival of Masks with the group (particularly, everyone but Hush, although Fracture said she would give hers to Hush on account of Fracture not having a mouth). Dahlia believed it to be a token of their newfound friendship, and McGuiggan was happy with this development.

He woke when the storm had passed (but it was still dark out), no longer exhausted and feeling much much better. The party left the cave then in search of other things.

McGuiggan met some icy wolves, and three ice mephits who were picking on said wolves. The ice mephits then challenged the party to a battle, warning the party that they had a "friend" coming. That friend was actually an ice elemental. When the elemental came, McGuiggan, spur of the moment, decided to use his Faerie Fire Ring to launch Faerie Fire at the elemental and the remaining mephit (the others had been killed or scared away). The mephit did not get the glow, but the ice elemental did, and McGuiggan chose a "bright pale red," causing the elemental to glow, with the glow within refracting off the ice -- thus, McGuggan invented the disco ball, and disco was born. The effect was made even cooler by some fog that the mephit produced, so there were lights shining through the fog, the light neutralizing the disadvantage caused by being unable to see. McGuiggan also used vicious mockery against the mephit, causing it to die and explode, and in the process further injuring the ice elemental; Cree commented that "that's why [she's] a subpar bard" or something akin, to which McGuiggan said that he "could teach her."

After that battle was won, the wolves introduced themselves. Using the power of wolf-friends, they figured out where the plant monster was, but it was far away. However, some hyppogryphs could get the party there faster, in exchange for a favour. However, before setting out, one very inquisitive wolf decided to question the party as to what they were in terms of species and occupation. Cree decided to get McGuiggan involved in the conversation by pulling down the hood of his cloak with mage hand. He said he was a half-elf, meaning he was half something that looked like Anther, half something that looked like Anther but without the pointy ears. Cree commented that McGuiggan is also a very different colour from Anther -- which didn't matter to the wolves given they were essentially blind to colour -- but McGuiggan went beside Anther anyway for them to get a better comparison. And then Anther went and pushed him into the snow. Naturally, he was very surprised and not necessarily happy at the development of this "McGuiggan Abuse" day, and threw a snowball at Anther, thus prompting a small snowball fight.

That quieted down shortly thereafter, and the party continued to be led by the wolves until they encountered the hyppogryphs. McGuiggan suggested flattery, much to the rest of the party's seeming disapproval; in the end, the hyppogryphs just wanted someone to rescue some chicks that had fallen down onto a ledge from where their parents could feed them but could not rescue them. So, McGuiggan used Enhance Ability to give Anther Cat's Grace so she could achieve a daring rescue and rescue the chicks (in a very Mission Impossible style); the Cat's Grace ended up being very important, too, given Anther could only pass the checks with the advantage she had from her cat-ness!

Once that was done, the appreciative hyppogryphs gave the party members a ride on their backs using saddles to the plant monster.

#### Subadventure III: If You Can't Bond Over What You Hate, What CAN You Bond Over?

Much to both parties' horrors, they realized that not only were the plant monsters and its varying thornlines on the battlefield, but ALSO Tentacle Head and the Kuo-Toa. McGuiggan realized that it was finally time to Thunderwave.

The battle went well, although he didn't leave his hippogryph because he did NOT wanna get close to those things -- THOSE evil, vile, possibly in cahoots things. Many times he soared back and forth over the chaos below, casting insults from the sky: "Your MOTHER is a pinecone!" Other times he just dropped thunder bombs on them.

A temporary alliance was made between the Kuotoa and Sahuagin (allied with Tentacle Head) and the party, in which McGuiggan could assist sometimes given he speaks the language of the former. Together, they thought to fight off the thorn creatures. However, once the Plant Monster was defeated, the truce ended and the Kuotoa and Sahuagin attacked!

McGuiggan frightened Tentacle Head with some Scary Strings at the same time as a Thunderwave, and giving some temp hit points to his comrades. One of his best signature moves to this date!

But that didn't help with ranged attacks from the beast, and McGuiggan was temporarily stunned when Tentacle head screeched -- thankfully his hippogryph was OK. Then, Cree helped out with a flaming log to Tentacle Head's face, which stopped Tentacle Head in his tracks.

Everyone started to flee. McGuiggan was considering going back just to try and wreak some more vengeance on Tentacle Head, but ultimately decided against it.

After that, the party met Brenryn, who saved them from the Frostfell via an orb to open a crossover back to Temphere. The party returned to the inn and also interviewed T'hamil. McGuiggan got some information about the temple. After that, they met Dahlia's God in the God's Father's Temple (McGuiggan had inquired about this to T'hamil earlier), and the party got stronger! (Woot woot level up.) McGuiggan also received a prayer bead.

### Merged Group Adventure 2: Time For Spooks

#### Subadventure 1: The Edith Files, AKA New Challenger Unlocked!

It was learned that Brenryn's life partner Ash was the monster hunter the party was looking for to elucidate on the Plant Monster and Tentacle Head.

They also met up with another traveller, a dwarf named Edith, who was also sent on a quest to find the Monster Hunter. So naturally she was set to merge into the party. McGuiggan asked what she does, and she said she was a druid.

Together, they worked to defeat an OwlBear.

#### Subadventure 2: What do you mean it's not Halloween? \*puts on fox mask\*

It took a while to traverse the landscape, but Brenryn took the party to their home and they met a fairly anxious Ash. Whilst there, they had go do some ghost hunting because spooks (close to Halloween in player time). McGuiggan had his weapons coated in a magic semi-liquid. He also wore his fox mask for funzies.

They hunted and befriended a bat ghost, met a docile tree ghost amongst plant ghosts that Edith had some hilarious conversations with, and created some anti-poison potions.

The boss battle involved a ghost kenku controlling a ghost wyvern. But McGuiggan and Fracture were more concerned with fighting the furniture the kenku had enchanted. McGuiggan used a Thunderwave and knocked the top of a fancy chair into the fireplace; it later succumbed to its burn injuries (much to the chagrin of the homeowners). Anther defeated the kenku by winding back a music box that McGuiggan had been interested in due to its music.

After the battle finished, Ash revealed that Tentacle Head was a Deep Scion, a creature that used to be a humanoid sailor of some sort but was changed into a tentacle monster by a kraken, or the Gods -- scary stuff -- in a pact that allowed the sailor to live. Even worse, the scions can morph back into their old form so as to be discrete and disguised -- super scary stuff. (Hopefully this one has a massive face scar now!) The others also learned about their respective monsters: a vampire stake plant for the plant monster crew, and a displacer beast for Edith.

### Merged Group Adventure 3: Take Me Home, Caellond Roads

#### Subadventure 1: The Leadup to Pandemonium

##### Day 1

The next day or so, the party -- now a group of 6(!) -- headed off back to the place where Cree, Anther, and Dahlia started their quest battling the Plant Monster. Specifically, to a very large palace headed by a fellow named Valanthe.

McGuiggan learned that there are no sharks in the bath water and that the bath houses were really quite nice.

Upon meeting Valanthe, the eledrin gave McGuiggan 1000 gold for supporting his peeps -- he gave everyone 1000 gold. Very rich fellow, much impress. Valanthe invited the party to a Fae Ball, and McGuiggan was fairly anxious about the whole thing as he wasn't sure he was actually invited. When it was said explicitly, he immediately decided he'd rather be in the performer role than the guest, due to his trepidation over being a guest at balls, and requested to play there. Valanthe essentially told him that he'd look into it, but couldn't confirm either way.

Afterward, the party left to go SHOPPING! McGuiggan unsuccessfully haggled and bought a Cuffs of Sending from Nalurian at the White Rabbit, which (with the help of Qlu) he later had integrated into some fingerless leather gloves. He mostly wanted them because the blue gem matched his aesthetic. McGuiggan also got his studded armour enchanted to get resistant to cold, because Frostfell PTSD and also Winter Is Coming. He asked the enchanter (Aydor) of Spells and Smithery if he knew the difference between a blanket and a cape, but Aydor did not and probably thought the party (self-dubbed The Questionnaires or something akin whilst in his workshop) was very strange.

They later ran into Serena who informed them of their upcoming schedule. Cree invited her to the pub, as she had invited the other party members (McGuiggan was the first to accept the invitation), but Serena did not want to go.

The party members arrived at the local pub, the Oak and Onyx. Upon seeing some performers there, McGuiggan got the idea that he could perform, and so spent some time talking to the owner, Rilna. She informed him that there is a several days in advance booking, but she scheduled him for the night before Pandemonium Day (the Fae Ball). He wanted to sign his own name, so she wouldn't write it wrong, but she interpreted that as recalcitrance or something and he had to use some charisma on her to reassure her. The party members had their drinks, most ordering the "Oak And Onyx" house special. McGuiggan fared the best out of everyone. Some of the party ended up quite drunk.

##### Day 2

The next day, after a hangover cure breakfast (though McGuiggan did not need it), they were measured for custom outfits by Qlu, and started some dance lessons. In the end, his former teacher Ibereai, a water-themed fae, was their instructor. Ibereai had, a few years earlier, encountered McGuiggan at a shared campsite, where they taught him some fae magic to imbue into his musical writings and musings (College of Glamour reference!).

McGuiggan danced with Fracture, who was an excellent dancer. Ibereai also taught them etiquette, including not to say thank you to the fae -- unfortunately at the end McGuiggan thanked them and they shook their finger at him.

The path went back to the enchanter's and picked up their enchanted items.

McGuiggan, Fracture, Anther, and Dahlia found their way back at the Oak and Onyx for gambling after McGuiggan asked a street vendor about certain attractions in the town. They played a game called knucklebones, similar to Jacks. McGuiggan (with his proficiency in Slight of Hand) won the game, but for a while he was neck and neck with Fracture! Perhaps being a longtime viol player does have its upsides outside performance.

They left back to Valanthe's place. McGuiggan decided to tour the halls in the evening, where he ran into Ibereai -- the two had a nice chat about things, how life has been. He still refused to give up his first name. They invited him to play with them at the ball in one of the biggest performances of his life, arguably. He accepted this invitation -- believing it's not some sort of trap.

After this was done, McGuiggan went to his room for the night.

##### Day 3

Breakfast the next day was less judgey, given the party had not had anything to drink. At dance practice, McGuiggan again paired with Fracture -- but McGuiggan was the better ~~roller~~ dancer that morning, and helped carry Fracture somewhat.

He then spent the afternoon temporarily upping his performance skill, in anticipation of his performance at the Oak and Onyx that evening, and the fae ball the next day.

#### Subadventure 2: Pandemonium

The party donned their fance outfits (McGuiggan's was a pale blue colour) and travelled to the Faywilde in the magic ~~cat bus~~ carriage. McGuiggan asked the carriage driver if they did this frequently.

At the party, the party was greeted by the Fae Queen (Naireda). McGuiggan also met some other fae that Anther, Cree, and Dahlia had met before the parties merged, e.g. Sahara. Although the party perhaps wanted to indulge in some revelry, they all had a mission: to find out more information about the crazy plant and fish people happenings, as well as the forest beasts plaguing Edith's home.

Well, McGuiggan had another mission, and that was to play at the ball! Ibereai found him at 10 pm and they went up to play. Although there were some mishaps along the way, he did manage to perform well enough that the other Fae musicians at least respected (?) him (at least they didn't complain too strenuously about him).

After his performance, Ibereai dropped the news on him that McGuiggan owes them a favour now! Oh no! That was ~~completely expected~~ unexpected. They would come by and locate McGuiggan again at some point in the evening.

Anyway, at least McGuiggan's performance made some of the Fae ball guests more amenable to divulging information to the party. McGuiggan even made a fan -- someone who would only talk after he heard McGuiggan play again. That was neat.

The party split up, but were never too far from each other due to sharing McGuiggan's Cuffs of Sending!

Edith's situation was dealt with relatively quickly when some blink dogs were found, and did it in exchange for some special koi scales Anther had acquired earlier in the evening.

Given that others were meeting people they knew, McGuiggan thought he might run into Dart. Instead, he met a half djin named Tokhis Laumee with whom McGuiggan shared a brief moment. They were cool because they didn't care he screwed up the "thank you" rule, and seemed interested to perhaps break into the library with them. Yes, the party had plans to break into the Queen's library, because that seemed the most pertinent place to learn information about the happenings. However, he did not see Tokhis again.

McGuiggan went along with some other party members to talk to a Marid who was pretty chill but quite unhappy to hear about the potential of a Deep Scions around. They got some information from him.

Crazy stuff was not inflicted upon McGuiggan during Acorns and Stones during the supper! However, Valanthe's mother Magdiel was something of a downer.

Ibereai did show up and told McGuiggan they want him and by extension the party to search for their missing magical lute, stolen by the Moonshiners as it passed through Caellond to Temphere. The description was as follows: red wood, 3 rosette, black and white birds. Though it was likely destined for the black market, Ibereai did not impose a strict deadline on its return.

The party also met a heavily tatooed Warforged. McGuiggan was happy for Fracture, who seemed very curious at meeting someone like her.

McGuiggan met and was perhaps somewhat awkward around the deer/elk king and prince.

Back to the library bit -- party decided breaking into the library would not be a good time (guards and thick locks and all). So, they instead just decided to point blank ask the Queen if they could enter. They had to explain to the Queen why, and the Queen did not seem happy at Valanthe because Valanthe had not told her earlier. Regardless, the queen allowed it, so long as they did not make a big fuss and were capable of distracting Shahrukh, who really wanted into the library.

McGuiggan went along with the others sans Anther and Hush (who stayed behind to distract Shahrukh) and asked the telepathic librarian for information about the deep scions and the moonshiners. Although there were no books found about the Moonshiners, Fracture found a book about deep scions that seemed to match a book that another partygoer had seen before. McGuiggan (and by extension the party) acquired the following information about the suhagin from a different book: they mostly keep to Crown Sea (top/North half of world) and usually encountered by attack; they have a statue that is a cross between shark and lizardfolk; Sekolah is their god; knowledge of the rough island where their ritual is spotted.

After all this, the Queen opened her presents. And one such present caused some chaos! A beer fountain, a wine fountain (which McGuiggan went and tasted), and a vinegar fountain, and some frogs. McGuiggan Thunderwaved the beer fountain, getting it to stop. That was exciting, but some other party members were not the most enthused.

This basically ended the evening. The party travelled back to Caellond, generally worn out, and feeling as though they needed another more relaxing afterparty with just themselves. Valanthe especially needed this as it seemed the Queen gave him a pretty heavy lecture over not reporting the dangerous happenings.

#### Subadventure 3: The Fallout From Pandemonium (Afterparty)

After they returned, there was still something of a crossover with the Faewild, so the party went out to look at the cool new stuff. There was a scroll shop, a potions shop, and a sugary sweets shop. He tried to haggle the faeries (?) at the sweet shop for some cookies, but in the end he traded 2 GP for a sugar cookie which he decided to hold onto until necessary. At the potions shop, he chipped in with the party to buy an Acorns and Stones potion -- for the afterparty.

The next (or maybe day after next?) day, McGuiggan took a quick perusal of the castle library on information for the Moonshiners and then went off to talk to Nalurian, the proprietor of the White Rabbit. McGuiggan learned the following information: rumours of stronghold in Volluxa (big city east of Caellond); "You're probably looking for hired thieves, and they may have stayed in town just long enough to meet a contact of some kind, that's usually how it works, that if there's an intense enough pursuit the thief gets caught before the Moonshiners get directly involved so they don't get caught. And if the thief doesn't get caught by whomever's stuff they took, then the Moonshiners take it off their hands"; look for someone who seemed suspicious and eager to get out of town fast.

McGuiggan took this information and rushed to the Oak and Onyx, where he knew the other party members (sans Anther ~~due to Rabbit being asleep~~ for some reason) were having lunch. He conveyed this information to them and went to have a chat with Rilna and Kierra about this. The party learned that the lute was most likely stolen by a human named Garnett and a Kenku named Beads (probably pseudonyms but..?), who stayed for 2 days 2 weeks earlier.

McGuiggan also proposed to Cree that they should perform together at the afterparty. Cree seemed a mite surprised, as McGuiggan seemed to be more of a solo act, but accepted the invitation.

Later that day, McGuiggan found Cree outside and they had a really nice chat. McGuiggan revealed that he is from Narvandor near its border with Ruthorham. It turns out Cree's recently deceased mentor was also from that country, so that was an interesting connection. They also talked about their own different musical styles and how they were taught -- McGuiggan in court schools and Cree in the circus. They had a nice bonding moment.

The afterparty went by smoothly. Sure, there was a completely ~~foreboding~~ uninteresting storm, but that did not jar things too badly.

Serena asked what everyone's favourite party parts were, and McGuiggan said it was meeting his fan who wanted him to play again.

McGuiggan was again not the loser of Acorns and Stones!

Despite his usual rule about alcohol before performances, he did indulge in some of the offered wine.

Cree and McGuiggan performed and everything was sweet. Then they all went to bed.

### Merged Group Adventure 4: Werewolf Whereabouts

#### Subadventure 1: Temple Troubles and the Gargoyle Conundrum

The storm ended up being a thing after all, and wreaked rainy havoc on Caellond. This included (supposedly) spooking some gargoyles at a local temple; the party was sent by Valanthe to investigate. On the way out, they met Itisko, the new manor librarian.

They got to the temple and met Vandoryth, some random guy, and Kyhur, the priest.

The party toured inside and found some hurt gargoyles! Though the party had a net, they tried solving the problem with DIPLOMACY! There was a big one guarding the main one; this big one was the real problem guy. McGuiggan tried playing soothing music (Cree did at first as well), which ended up being pretty useless, but nevertheless the gargoyles (mostly with Edith's help) were found and the main one repaired.

#### Subadventure 2: Stuck Between a Kobold and a Hardened Trio of Werewolf Hunters

##### One Reunion (of Sorts) and One New Face

The party left the temple and returned to the mansion. While out and about they encountered some werewolf hunters (Rochol, Shanks, and Beatrix) that apparently Cree, Anther, and Dahlia had met during their pre-merge travels. They all got together for a (late?) lunch at the Oak and Onyx. The hunters were looking for information, as they had a tracked a werewolf to Caellond that had previously been in a neighbouring town (Sedgely) eating livestock. It was likely it had arrived in Caellond a day or two earlier, and the city was under lockdown (no one could go out out except the hunters).

After all this, they parted ways and the party returned to the manor, where they ventured to formally meet the new librarian. Itisko was quite happy to be the new librarian and to talk about random things with the party, and talk they all did for quite some time. Itisko said she was not one for adventure herself, but loved hearing about adventuring stories, and said that Valanthe had brought her up to speed on some of the happenings; it seemed (at least to McGuiggan) that she was somewhat fangirling over the party.

##### The Hunt Begins

Later in the day, the party (sans Cree, who was sick (?) and stayed behind) hatched some sort of plan to try and find the werewolf, generally against the knowledge of their employer. They thought they could follow the lyrics in a song (that Cree had sung?) about Wolfsbane being important in weeding out werewolves, and so sought to acuire some.

They went to a local herbalist (or potion maker or something) who was less than enthused about seeing them, given he was asleep. But the party convinced him to sell them some Wolfsbane, though he emphasized to be VERY careful with it and not even touch it with their bare hands, because it was poison.

They ran into the Werewolf Hunter Trio again, and discussed with them some of their plans. In the end, they handed over the Wolfsbane and disclosed that the only people they knew who had entered town recently were Vandoryth and Itisko. This seemed to have been a mistake, because this prompted the Trio to remark that they might swing by the manor later, or something.

The party (now again with Cree) decided it was best to tell Valanthe about the potential arrival of the Trio. Valanthe was not happy about this situation, having commented somewhat earlier that not all werewolves are bad, and trying his best to keep the information about Itisko being new from the Hunters. McGuiggan thought the party had done well in trying to help secure the town and keep it free of a problematic werewolf, but perhaps they should have consulted with Valanthe first.

The party thought to try and offer some protection to Itisko by doing some reading in the library. McGuiggan tried to do some more reading on the Moonshiners. Whilst there, they received an anonymous package that contained a sprig of Wolfsbane and basically said the Trio wanted the party to bring them Itisko later that day. So, they went back up to Valanthe, and McGuiggan told him that the Trio was not coming after all! And, they started trying to scheme up some other plan to get both themselves and Itisko out of this situation.

#### Subadventure 3: Ice Mephit Redux

Something happened with the storm and the party had to go and help Nalurian and Aydor clean up and/or get out from rubble.

However, McGuiggan noticed some Ice Mephits during the cleanup. The party subsequently entered a chase with them. McGuiggan used Silent Image to create a big wall of illusory fire, which helped slow them down.

Eventually, the party caught up with them and pinned one down for questioning, which made them all stop. Upon questioning the mephit, McGuiggan deceived the Mephit into believing that his cookie (acquired in Merged Group Adventure 3.3) was incredibly valuable, and most certainly worth revealing a bunch of information; the Mephit subsequently froze the cookie for its future use. The party learned that McGuiggan's longtime enemy from several adventures back -- Tentacle Head -- had returned to disturb the peace and was on a nearby beach! That was bad news. (Hopefully for Tentacle Head.) Also, the Deep Scion had a name -- Kekkak.

#### Subadventure 4: The Werewolf Resolution

##### The Plan

Through a somewhat complex plan involving Dahlia's pup Marigold (a very good girl), a Vandoryth was identified as the werewolf and brought back to Valanthe's castle (not necessarily in that order). Vandoryth mentioned that he was an herbalist apprentice of sorts, currently going about and collecting herbs for his master. To facilitate turning him into the Trio of Werewolf hunters, the party and the Trio conceived of a plan to bring him to an old Inn shaped vaguely like a swan, details for which were given to the party by Rilna. The party convinced Vandoryth that Valanthe needed help collecting herbs near the old Inn, and Vandoryth's expertise would come in help.

##### We Done Messed Up

However, the party did not give him the proper (i.e. any) heads up that this was to take place, and the Trio of Werewolf -- alongside the adventuring Party -- launched an onslaught on him was wrapped up in that was much less than fair.

Vandoryth reverted to his Werewolf form, but Cree (?) noticed that his jaw appeared to be broken -- a feature that should have carried over to his human form. Through a combination of magic detection and Vandoryth story time, the party learned that the reality of his appearance was being altered via a very powerful spell that his master (also a Werewolf I think) had put on him.

In the end, the party agreed with the Werewolf hunters that Vandoryth will go to trial in the town from whence he'd come to answer for the disappearances of the livestock and other things of which he was accused, and that the party would chaperone him and make sure due process was given to him.

Vandoryth was set to remain at the manor whilst the party investigated and attempted to put a stop to the rain plaguing Caellond.

### Merged Group Adventure 5: Rain Rain Go Away

#### Subadventure 1: Storm Giant Quintessence 101

Itisko sat the party, Valanthe, and Serena down in her library, and revealed to everyone that she had great reason to believe the storm was actually being caused by a Storm Giant Quintessence -- much to the great surprise and disbelief of Valanthe. However, hope was not lost, because the presence of a brass dragon was revealed, and this dragon could help us defeat the quintessence.

The party went about and gathered supplies, including getting a tent that was resistant to poison. McGuiggan bought a 8 of Hearts Deck of Illusion cards from Nalurian. The party also attempted to convince Nalurian to get along friendlier with Aydor.

The party also witnessed the erecting of a giant protective stone/brick (?) casing over Caellond to keep out the rain.

When they were well prepared, the party got on their horses and set off toward the dragon.

#### Subadventure 2: Travelling!

##### Dagnabbit Bandits

Along the way, The party encountered some bandits, which had been forewarned by a traveller they'd met going toward Caellond. For this reason, McGuiggan wanted to take a different route, but was outvoted by other party members.

McGuiggan tried to sneak up on one archer that was keeping lookout, but he failed miserably and was knocked unconscious, twice by the time the battle concluded. Dahlia revived him at the end and he was very thankful.

In the end, the bandits were not defeated, but the party had taken out the leader's second in command. Still, the party and the bandits called a temporary truce: the bandits wouldn't loot around these parts no more, and the party wouldn't chase after them. Also, the bandits would give up their claim on the loot.

Cree sent an animal messenger to Hush to come fetch the caravan of stolen goods and bring them back to Caellond. Ibereai's lute was not amongst the goods, however.

##### Survival Skills, Check(s)!

During one of the nights, a branch fell on the tent. Fracture was the real MVP and stopped it before it did any serious damage.

The party also came upon an angry bear and her cubs whilst during travelling one day. McGuiggan offered to silent image some fish for the bears, but the idea was dismissed as too unfeasible. Some quick thinking from Dahlia -- creating the sound of another bear -- scared the bear away.

The party then had to lower a drawbridge to get into the forest. They found a watchtower, and McGuiggan and Dahlia stayed behind whilst the others went up. Because it took them quite some time to come down, Dahlia suggested to McGuiggan that they go up to join their companions, and McGuiggan agreed. McGuiggan examined some note paper and discovered the previous watchperson had fled the tower over the storm, and also described (presumably to the next watch person) that they had hid the drawbridge keys somewhere accessible -- likely in the watch tower. Cree found a key to unlock the drawbridge in a kettle, but when the party got to the drawbridge they remembered they in fact needed 2 keys. The party returned to the watch tower, where McGuiggan, following Cree, aggressively shook some other pots and such trying to find the key, but it was to no avail; Anther eventually found the key stitched into a bed.

Following the drawbridge, the party then got to the forest, where greater creepiness abounded (out of character, it was the game just before Halloween). They encountered many giant webs, presumably made by giant spiders. McGuiggan offered to Thunderwave the webs away, but the party thought that was overkill. In the end, they had to fight a monster who summoned two giant spiders (giant spiders confirmed!). McGuiggan viciously mocked one (he said his grandmother could knit better webs), and also hit one's head into the dirt after it completely failed trying to bite him. Unlike many of his fellow party members, he was neither bitten nor captured in webbing -- perhaps a first, given he tends to be more on the unlucky side of battling (he's squishy).

##### Dragon Tales

On their journeys through the forest, the party encounters Thesdian, a bronze dragon. Luckily for the party, Thesdian disliked kuo-toa, to which McGuiggan remarked that he dislikes them too.

The dragon led the party to his lair. Outside the lair, McGuiggan searched a dead kuo-toa and found 50 Gold. Inside the lair, the party overheard some kuo-toa hanging out. McGuiggan (who picked up Undercommon in his pre-adventure Underdark journeys) tried to understand what the kuo-toa were saying, but ~~the dice were being mean~~ he couldn't hear them clearly enough over the winds and other sounds. In the end, Thesdian entered his lair and made short work of the kuo-toa (it is nice to be allied with a dragon).

The party also learned of 3 guard drake eggs Thesdian was safekeeping.

#### Subadventure 3: An Epic Monster Fight

The next day, McGuiggan and the rest of the party + Thesdian endeavoured to battle a Storm Giant Qintessence. Mobs of Suhagin, Mephits. a Manticore, and Tentacle Head and Co. were also present.

McGuiggan was part of "Team Bard", fighting alongside Cree on the beach to take out the Suhagin and Mephits. Meanwhile, Team Stealth (Anther and Fracture), on an inclined fortress, battled the Manticore and got some ballistas working. Team Dragon (Dahlia and Thesdian) combatted the Storm Giant Quintessence.

McGuiggan spent most of his time in the relative safety of hiding behind a medium-size rock. As he would remark to Cree, "It allows one to make grand entrances!" From behind his rock, he managed to take out a small crowd of Mephits using Cloud of Daggers -- useful, considering the Mephits likely would have summoned "friends" otherwise. He also leapt out and managed to Thunderwave back a mob of Suhagin; this caused them to stumble into their hot spears that they dropped when Cree had earlier magically heated them. Somehow, that was enough to cause some to fall over and others to retreat to the seas -- they were defeated!

When Cree took a bad hit at the hands of the other Suhagin mob, McGuiggan ran up to her and healed her using his cure wounds prayer bead. She remarked, "You're late," to which McGuiggan made a quip about being fashionably late.

Like last time he encountered Tentacle Head, McGuiggan launched a spell at the villain with Scary Strings, making Tentacle Head frightened; Tentacle Head was also frightened of Thesdian, from a few rounds earlier.

As the battle progressed, Anther took out the Manticore. When the Storm Giant Quintessence realized the battle was not going in her favour, she called Tentacle Head and Co. back to the sea. Though Thesdian did most of the work, and Cree's staff also encouraged attack, Anther also took out the Storm Giant Quintessence. It was finally down to the retreating Tentacle Head -- but before the party could get to him, he and his high priestess escaped through a crossover contained within a small box to the plane of water, known as the Everdeep. Sad. Luckily, Fracture managed to shoot the ballista and take out the buff fellow that was also part of Tentacle Head's cohort.

The enemies gone or defeated, it was time to take treasure! McGuiggan gleefully passed out spears for everyone who wanted one. Cree "rescued" the body of the buff fellow, upon whom she located a trident that she proposed to sell. But, McGuiggan made a grunt of dissatisfaction, and would have liked the trident instead -- he said something to the effect of, "it looks cool, perfect to wield during shows and such!" Cree then reminded him he didn't exactly know how to use it (i.e. he is not proficient with the weapon), so he let Anther take it instead.

Then, the team packed up and went back to the Thesdian's Lair. That evening, around the fire (?), McGuiggan made sure to commend his fellow teammates on their work. Before bed, he played some light, relaxing music on the viol, and then went to sleep.

#### Subadventure 4: Back to Caellond

The trip back to Caellond was generally uneventful, though the day before they reached the city, Anther woke up McGuiggan and he was not amused.

### Merged Group Adventure 6: The Party Raises a Guard Drake

#### Subadventure 1: Back at Caellond

##### Day 1

The party arrived at Caellond and saw that several improvements to the water-shield were made, including holes to allow water to drain. They met with a multitude of characters, including Rochol, Nalurian (from whom McGuiggan purchased a Pearl of Power, and to whom Anther sold her manticore spikes and shared the profit with the party), some baker (from which McGuiggan purchased 3 cookies, remarking "you never know when they'll come in handy!", a response which apparently the baker was not expecting), Serena, Itisko, and Valanthe. Naturally, their boss was very interested in what they got up to. Additionally, Itisko was sent on a journey to find out more information about the Everdeep and the deep scion's box.

Furthermore, the party learned that the Manor had become home to many travelers and citizens and such who got wanted a safe place from the flooding. Vandoryth had also been moved to the same wing the party was staying in.

The party proceeded to meet Vandoryth on the way back to their rooms. The conversation was terse, but not necessarily disagreeable.

The drake egg was put into the fire. McGuiggan was the second party member to watch the drake egg (after Cree).

Through Anther's contact, McGuiggan (and the other party members) learned that some of the killer flowers had surfaced, and the Moonshiners got their hands on some. This prompted Cree to ask McGuiggan about going to Valanthe to possibly fast-track the going to Volluxa in search of Ibereai's lute -- now that there was an additional motive. Additionally, McGuiggan learned that nothing had come up out the deep scion; he proposed that it might be a result of some sort of magical silence. Cree suggested to McGuiggan that he and Fracture write to the Helders; Fracture affirmed that it would be a good idea. Subsequently, McGuiggan volunteered to tag along with Anther next she visits the post office. Upon her stating she does not use the post office, McGuiggan questioned Anther on some of her past; upon learning that his life might be at risk if he knew more, he decided he didn't need to know more.

That evening, McGuiggan went and talked to Valanthe. McGuiggan explained the situation with Ibereai, and requested Volluxa to be a possible next place after Sedgeley such that the party could investigate the lute's whereabouts; McGuiggan acted very apologetic. Contrary to McGuiggan's expectations, Valanthe was very upset at Ibereai for putting McGuiggan in that situation, rather than being upset at McGuiggan for getting himself into that situation. Valanthe asked if there was a timetable on the request; McGuiggan said there was not, which was good from Valanthe's perspective (they could have a discussion re priorities rather than having to do a fancy spell to cancel the debt). Valanthe told McGuiggan he could do whatever preparations he needed for Volluxa (whenever the situation was to come up), and McGuiggan said he would talk to the bright Itisko about it.

##### Day 2

As Valanthe had suggested the previous evening, it was a Feywilde crossover day!

In the morning, McGuiggan went with some other party members to Itisko. Itisko said she didn't really have anything on the Moonshiners, but said she would look into Volluxa. She also stated that the drake egg should be fine to be left alone, which subsequently the party did; they then went out for the day.

The party entered Bear's Bite Butcher, a meat shop. The proprietor asked if the party needed anything, to which McGuiggan quipped, "Meat, preferably" (or something akin) and was told that was not in short supply. Except, maybe it would be soon, if there was a drake coming!

The party then went to Spells and Smithery, where Aydor had some new stuff for sale including a mini bell drone, like McGuiggan and Fracture had seen owned by the Helders. McGuiggan proposed the party could split the funds, which they subsequently did. Aydor called the party some "wild cards", and McGuiggan mentioned that Aydor should consider decorating the bell with a wild card aesthetic; Aydor said he would see what he could do.

The party left the shop, and Fracture ran into Needle, who helped her with an upgrade. McGuiggan did want to challenge her in combat as she had proposed to the party. Instead, he complimented her and suggested she looked refreshed (even despite some potentially upsetting news regarding the disappearance of her creator). ~~He thought about asking to play a game of knucklebones with her, but Riel couldn't remember the name of the game at the time.~~

Later, the party went to a few other shops in Caellond (potion maker's and Sweet Hearts), though McGuiggan didn't buy anything.

Fracture and McGuiggan went to the post office to send a letter to the Helders asking about how they're doing, making sure they're safe, and if they've heard any word about the deep scion.

That evening, McGuiggan went to the Oak and Onyx, where he was accompanied by Fracture and Anther. Anther had a red wine, and McGuiggan some warm rum. Anther and McGuiggan conspired with Kirra to try to get a magical brew to get Fracture drunk, and Fracture was highly intrigued; unfortunately, the tavern served nothing like that, but Kirra said she would confer with the potion maker. McGuiggan questioned Anther on why she likes red wine, and she talked about some of her noble past and her need to escape it. Anther asked McGuiggan why he is an adventurer if he seems more comfortable as a performer. He said his original performance plans didn't work out. She asked what those were, and he said to be an Elven court musician, like his mother (though he didn't go into further details). Thus, he instead set out adventuring, like his father, who was an adventurer -- to get a taste of that life, and learn some new skills along the way.

McGuiggan talked about wanting to verse Fracture in knucklebones, and Fracture was highly receptive to the idea. Though, Anther did goad McGuiggan by suggesting he was using conversation to stall the game, at first because she thought he was afraid of losing, and then (when McGuiggan remarked he won the previous time they played) because she thought he was afraid of losing his previous winning title. In the end, Anther won, and McGuiggan came in second.

That night, after they got back to the Manor, McGuiggan received a scroll from Ibereai saying to meet them tonight at the public park along Greencourt; they had something they would like to show McGuiggan, and some news they thought McGuiggan would like to hear. McGuiggan went and told Anther and Fracture, since he knew they would still be up, and they offered to go with him as backup due to the fey being kind of wily.

McGuiggan and Anther and Fracture went to meet Ibereai, and it was very scenic and there was a campfire. They all went and sat down by the campfire. McGuiggan expressed the details of their trip to defeat the storm giant, but tried to keep it short; Ibereai was surprised at the short retelling from a bard, but appreciated McGuiggan's summarizing skills. They then chatted about the guard drake for a bit before Anther interjected and said to get to the point, and Ibereai quipped something about her patience. Ibereai asked how the lute quest was going, and McGuiggan said they had a few leads but haven't really sourced anything out yet; they would be going to Sedgely though, and then hopefully to Moonshiner capital Volluxa thereafter, but it was ultimately up to Valanthe. Iberai expressed mild disappointment and said they wanted McGuiggan to defeat his enemies faster so he could devote more time to looking for their lute. McGuiggan was skeptical, and Anther tried to gauge whether Iberai was being sincere and it seemed they were. McGuiggan did take the offer of advice from Ibereai, who showed them on their dulcimer (which they reminded McGuiggan wasn't as good as their lute) some new musical patterns/bridges that they thought would better McGuiggan's bardic inspiration for his allies; McGuiggan tried them on his viol and ended up being very grateful for this upskill, albeit he realized this was Ibereai being incredibly self-serving. McGuiggan then shared the bit of news that there was apparently one Arran McGuiggan who had heard through the Fey of another McGuiggan, and then left his court to presumably go in search of this other McGuiggan and see if the rumours were true; McGuiggan recognized the name as that of his father, but he hadn't seen his father since he was a child (he'd presumed he was dead). Ibereai seemed happy to play some tricks and either stop this elder McGuiggan, or just lend some gossip his way; McGuiggan, though still somewhat flabbergasted, said that Ibereai could go and do that. Ibereai also made some comment on all the songs and ballads to be written about us for vanquishing the storm giant, to which McGuiggan expressed his excellence and approval.

Their conversation wrapped up, and then they saw Valanthe, Magdiel, and Julian looking in their direction and rather cross. Ibereai went off with Valanthe and Magdiel, and Julian went to the three adventurers. McGuiggan again reiterated the tale of their weather-saving, again scant on the details ~~so to encourage more embellishment~~. Then they went back to the manor, where McGuiggan again thanked Anther and Fracture for being backup and accompanying him before heading to bed.

##### Day 3 (Part 1)

McGuiggan was up early, practicing the cool musical patterns Ibereai showed him. Then, he got a knock on his door; it was Dahlia, expressing concern over some perfume-like magical smell about her that apparently only she could smell, and that her fingers randomly sprouted plants. McGuiggan brought up that it might have been her god at play. Dahlia wanted to go and tell the others, so she and McGuiggan left -- but just as they were leaving, Dahlia's finger sprouted a plant again briefly and McGuiggan saw it! He commented that either they were both going crazy, or it's reality.

They met up with the rest of the party en route to breakfast, which was (conveniently) called just as Dahlia and McGuiggan were leaving their room.

At breakfast, Serena stopped in and asked McGuiggan if now was a good time to discuss what happened with Ibereai, McGuiggan asked if this was good or bad, and upon assurance McGuiggan was not in trouble, she directed Valanthe and Julian to join them. They said that they were unable to get the obligation lifted, but reiterated to Iberai the necessity of priorities and keeping Tempherans safe. They also discussed the possibility of the Queen bringing disciplinary action against Iberai -- as a precedent, because the fae shouldn't be going about making Tempherans unwittingly accept obligations; McGuiggan was a bit fearful Iberai might seek some revenge as a result of this action, but Valanthe (or crew) mentioned that Iberai wasn't a vengeful fae and was likely aware of the repercussions -- they just really wanted their lute back, seemingly above all else.

Ibereai also apparently could track McGuiggan's general location via the obligation. Cree suggested that once we find the Moonshiners, Iberai should beam themself down to where they can tell McGuiggan is to deal with it personally. Serena said that seemed like a good idea, and that part of the reason Iberai outsourced the task was because they looked too irregular (as far as Temphere goes) to get done much sleuthing; indeed, Anther said McGuiggan was comparatively very nondescript. McGuiggan took some offence at this, going so far as to say he could look far more noticeable with Disguise Self, but Serena and the rest of the party assured him they were all nondescript compared to Iberai; this calmed him some.

Cree then chatted about her circus life. Partway through, Dahlia left (due to another finger sprout) en route to talk with Itisko. Serena talked about being the brains of the operations, and Valanthe agreed.

McGuiggan asked Valanthe if he'd given more thought to when Volluxa would be slotted in; Valanthe said it would still be whenever convenient, and may not be next after Sedgely. The present party reaffirmed their intent to go to Sedgely and make things right with Vandoryth.

Dahlia returned and said she had a great experience with her god, and the party mused that she wasn't turning into a plant after all.

They were about to embark upon the town when Fracture noticed the drake egg was shaking. Cree and McGuiggan recalled that this meant it would hatch in a few hours.

Kicked into overdrive, the party split up to rushedly complete the day's tasks. Fracture stayed behind to watch the egg. Anther and Cree went hunting for meat. McGuiggan and Dahlia went to retrieve the bell drone from Aydor.

Audit greeted them with "How's my favourite customers?", to which McGuiggan replied, "How's my favourite person who does things for me sometimes?" Aydor asked why the party was so small, and McGuiggan said they're split to finish tasks because guard drake will be born soon. Aydor showed Dahlia and McGuiggan "Chime", which McGuiggan remarked was an apt name for a bell. Aydor described Chime and ran through its abilities.

As they were leaving, McGuiggan gave Chime a thumbs up, who awkwardly gave one back. Aydor then gave McGuiggan and Dahlia the carrying case, and McGuiggan put Chime in the case, and they left the shop.

When they returned to the manor, they met with Fracture. McGuiggan showed Chime to Fracture, who was intrigued by the bell drone despite its lack of sentience (unlike her). McGuiggan suggested that they issue Chime some command, and eventually decided to ask it to dance. It didn't know how to dance, and McGuiggan asked Fracture to teach it to dance; Fracture doubted the utility of this, and McGuiggan commented that they may be in a dance contest at some point.

Meanwhile, Cree and Anther had gotten 3 days' worth of meat chopped at the butcher's, and also mentioned the imminent arrival of the guard drake to Serena, Valanthe, and Vandoryth.

When Anther and Cree returned, McGuiggan showed off Chime. Cree asked Chime's pronouns, and it was revealed they go by any. McGuiggan mentioned that it's name was Chime, but Aydor said it could be renamed as we wished. The party decided Chime was an apt name, though the discussion prompted Cree to mention the guard drake should be named. The party (out of RP) decided on Xolo as the name. Chime played elevator music, and Cree harmonized.

McGuiggan then remembered he had to go to the library to receive the information on the Moonshiners that he had requested from Itisko. This prompted Dahlia to come along, to tell Itisiko what she learned about her new powers. Anther told McGuiggan to make sure he relays what he learns, but then McGuiggan had the idea to use his cuffs of sending so the party could listen in -- and so Itisko could listen to Chime.

At the library, Dahlia regaled to Itisko her morning (meeting her god) and then the two librarians talked books for a while; McGuiggan largely tuned out, during. Then (after McGuiggan seemingly, though unbeknownst to him, insulted Itisko by agreeing with her that he wasn't interested in the nature of the books and only the information) Itisko conveyed to McGuiggan information about the Moonshiners.

Moonshiners are a group of thieves that go after magical artifacts (usually dangerous or very unique -- high prices) and sell them on the black market. Run relatively quietly, though every so often someone gets caught with a magical artifact, and they say, "I bought it from the moonshiners." One group of adventurers wanted a skeleton-control wand from a king's tomb, Moonshiners got in, and the adventurers went after them. Though always 1-2 steps behind, the adventurers said (with certainty, though Itisko disagreed) that they figured out how the Moonshiners operate: thieves get hold of a desired target/item; meet up with (other) Moonshiners ("interceptors", fight-y people with fast horses/mounts); thief "hands off" stolen item to interceptor and then they split ways; thief has chance to escape and cause diversion (pursuit in wrong direction), stolen item on horse/mount is taken in opposite direction; thief gets compensated and, if captured, they can claim they don't have the item anymore. The adventures found the handoff spot, went after the Moonshiners, though trail went cold in Volluxa (they were later kicked out by Lord and Lady for causing a disturbance); other adventures say they've lost trails roughly in that area, making Volluxa a good guess for where the Moonshiners are located. Skeleton wand ended up in Caalpaw. Volluxa is a port town: big, lots of goods passing through, wealthy/extravagant (gold on lord's manor, wing of rare paintings in manor, trees enchanted to grow crystals).

Itisko additionally provided a list of famously stolen Faewilde artifacts. Unsolved, but possibly taken by Moonshiners: Ghostkiller’s Glaive, Irelenae’s Jeweled Glove, Statua Strixa, Comb of Bewitching Beauty (stolen from Crown, presumed Narida).

McGuiggan commended Itisko for her information, and then asked Chime to play the music louder so she can hear. Chime played it louder, but almost uncomfortably so, prompting Anther to complain and turn Chime's volume down after Itisko acknowledged the music and said she'll meet the bell drone later. McGuiggan also invited her to meet the guard drake once it's grown a little more.

McGuiggan and Dahlia returned to the others. Anther wanted to see the stolen artifact list Itisko gave McGuiggan, and he shared it. A conversation about the items begins. McGuiggan asked Anther if she knew anything about them, citing her contacts; she denied she knew anything. The conversation drifted to the artifact which is most interesting / which they'd want most if they could find it. Cree said she'd want the comb, just so she could break it. Anther said she'd be intrigued by whatever; McGuiggan agreed. Cree said she's in the adventuring for the "being good", not the stuff. McGuiggan agreed that it's good to be good, and returning the items for the (likely high) reward is "being good". He then relented; "Or we can just return them," he said, though Cree didn't think Anther would allow that.

In the evening, the guard drake was born.

#### Subadventure 2: Happy Birthday!

##### Day 3 (Part 2)

Baby born! ~~Rolls/checks are done/made to determine gender and attributes.~~

Cree suggested giving Xolo food as a bonding exercise. McGuiggan was the first after Cree to do so; baby liked food. Xolo could eat the larger chunks just fine. McGuiggan tried to play fetch with baby using one of the smaller pieces; piece went a little wide, but Xolo found it and ate it with no concept of brining it back. McGuiggan petted her head later.

Baby -- fed and somewhat cleaned (Cree got a big brush that Fracture used on her) -- got tired and fell asleep, wrapped in a comforted Cree out on her. Party had to figure out how to escape without waking her. They also had a new list of things to buy, including a leash.

McGuiggan and Dahlia left the room

##### Day 4

Cree met with Dahlia and McGuiggan during breakfast and they later met outside with the whole party.

Cree explained her crazy dreams about a good and bad snake-like spirit living in the staff, and seemingly getting a warlock patron from the good spirit. McGuiggan took Xolo's leash whilst Cree tried out her new powers, whereupon she launched a large cracking rainbow light vertically into the sky. McGuiggan subsequently responded that he welcomes the party's new snake overlords.

Another and McGuiggan then set out to do some shopping for more things for the new drake. They went to a leatherworker, where McGuiggan used silent image to create an illusory Xolo from which the leatherworker made some measurements. The younger (apprentice? son?) worker was very interested in the existence of the guard drake. Anther and McGuiggan also bought some bowls (from a couple who were very interested in Dahlia's Marigold), some simple toys (but unfortunately not a ball that moved on its own like McGuiggan requested), and a scratching post (which, though just a bunch of spare wood cobbled together, was quite large; Anther had some difficultly carrying it because she refused help),

Just after the leatherworkers and before the other shops, Anther asked McGuiggan why he liked to haggle (though he had not at the leatherworkers', expressing that them negotiating free delivery to the manor upon completion was already a good enough deal). McGuiggan commented that being out on his own and basically playing on the steets/taverns for food/shelter made him learn to "stretch his gold", a practice he hadn't really kicked even though he now had more gold than he ever remembered having. Anther commisserated, but said that she just wanted people to get a fair wage for their products/services; McGuiggan agreed, stating that now that he was in a position of some wealth he should try to help out those who necessarily weren't.

The two returned to the rest of the party. McGuiggan had a relatively event-free afternoon/evening.

##### Day 5

Cree woke with rainbows all over her body, seemingly due to her pact with her patron. McGuiggan mused that that was a good look for her.

At breakfast, Cree scarfed cinnamon rolls. McGuiggan wanted one but figured Cree deserved them for her rainbow troubles. She teased him over his court upbringing and got him to ask nicely for one, which he did; he ate it by unrolling it and saving the centre for last.

Cree had the idea to visit Tace and discuss her cards with them, and the party went along with her. Xolo was left in the custody of Hush, though the party left Chime and one of McGuiggan's sending stones with Hush in case something went wrong.

The party ventured to the cobblestone quarter where many of the Kalashtar lived. They found Tace's home, and Tace invited them all for tea. McGuiggan met Tace's fox roommate, Scout, who was very energetic but didn't like McGuiggan prying regarding whether the fox had broken anything in her and Tace's home. He also tried to pat her head and she shoved his hand off her.

Scout wanted to tell the party the story of how she and Tace met, but she couldn't perform the story inside the house (Tace's rule). Anther also made a sarcastic comment to Scout and they had a bit of a war, until they made up as part of a deal in which Scout would come to the manor to help socialize Xolo.

Tace and the party conversed, with Cree highlighting the literalness of her cards and Tace confirming that was odd. Tace talked about the party overcoming challenges, and maybe they had overcome the negative cards they had; the party said they undoubtedly had more to overcome. Tace seemed happy to have visitors, and said they should drop by Valanthe's manor more frequently.

The party mentioned their Wild Cards name and Tace mentioned it seemed very on brand (with Scout remarking that Tace should have foresaw the name), and that a degree of unpredictability may help the parties against their enemies. McGuiggan asked Tace if they were advocating the party be as unpredictable as possible. Anther asked what McGuiggan had in mind, and he said he wasn't sure, hinting that that was part of being unpredictable.

They finished up their conversation and left Tace's.

Anther and Vandoryth went hunting.

Cree, McGuiggan, and Fracture went to the library. While there, Itisko informed Cree of more information Kassor, Cree's seeming patron; particularly, there wasn't much information, but -- interestingly and likely not coincidental -- the town near the temple where the pre-merge garden party found the Silvertongue staff was destroyed many years ago by a Storm Giant. Cree talked about their adventures in the swamp, and McGuiggan was admittedly intrigued, though he confessed to having never been to a swamp before. Furthermore, this area just happened to be nearby Sedgely; McGuiggan suggested they stop for a visit on their way back from Vandoryth's trial.

McGuiggan asked Itisko for information about Arran McGuiggan (i.e. whether any of his adventures were notworthy), and also if there were any dragon/drake folk songs he could try to teach Xolo as part of bonding with her. Cree seemed highly interested by both topics. To the former, she thought McGuiggan should be royally pissed, and McGuiggan said he wasn't sure what to think; he wasn't angry -- too many years had elapsed for him to be angry -- and was more curious/questioning as to why his father disappeared with no real word back from his adventuring party. Cree suggested that maybe they got trapped in another plane. He did tell Cree he was meaning to tell her, but with Xolo's birth he just hadn't found a good opportunity. To the latter, Cree expressed surprise and skepticism that he could actually get her to sing something, and brought up the dancing dogs from her circus. She suggested Itisko do the necessary translation from Draconic.

The party reconvened and discussed their findings. McGuiggan learned from Anther that she found a bear trap in the woods during her hunting trip with Vandoryth. McGuiggan asked if they did anything with it, and Anther replied that "of course they did". The party mused that perhaps the werewolf hunters had been behind this, whether for nefarious or legitimate purposes/ignorance, but they didn't have the evidence to affirmatively link them to the case.

That evening, they recieved word from Kiera at the Oak and Onyx that the staff discovered a magical mug by which Fracture might get drunk. So the party took the opportunity to try it out! McGuiggan ordered a beer and a tin of peanuts, which he passed around (after Another already took some). Indeed, after Fracture ordered alcohol (the mug didn't work with plain water), she started feeling the effects of "malfunctioning on purpose" and everyone was having a giddy time... At least until Shanks came around the table (McGuiggan told him to grab a drink and sit down). The monster hunter said he was gathering supplies in expectation of his party leaving town in the coming few days. He left the table and the party had a good time.

They went back to the manor a couple hours later, where Anther, Dahlia, and Cree talked to Valanthe about seeing the monster hunter (he'd previously told Anther to let him know if they were seen in the city proper). Meanwhile, Fracture and McGuiggan played cards ~~and it was TBD whether Fracture is so drunk as to be really bad or so drunk as to cheat really bad.~~

##### Day 6

McGuiggan spent the night in Fracture's room to look after Fracture (after she shutdown and went into a bugged sentry mode) and Xolo. In the morning, they went to breakfast, but the worked sectioned off part of the kitchen for Xolo and the party. McGuiggan was briefly dragged by Xolo as soon as she smelled the meat. The party finished their breakfast (and McGuiggan was none the wiser that Anther had left in the night and found a trap and weapon that turned out to be silver).

The party received word that Xolo's harness came! They chatted briefly with the leatherworker and his son, though it was mostly smalltalk. McGuiggan did make sure the party got a warranty (in words) in case anything went wrong with the harness.

McGuiggan, accompanied by Dahlia and Fracture, stopped by at the library. Itisko told McGuiggan she found nothing about his father, but that Julian on the Faywilde side of the manor might have more information. McGuiggan was initially skeptical about going, because despite his being in the College of Glamour he was tricked by a fae (Ibereai at the ball) and doesn't want to inadvertantly owe more favours to anyone. She also gave some dragon folksong songbooks to McGuiggan for him to use with Xolo. McGuiggan and Itisko acted kind of awkward toward each other, seemingly because an incident a short time ago in which he agreed with her that she rambled too much. Dahlia got some Draconic storybooks to read to Xolo.

McGuiggan then went to look after Xolo, where he trained her in the art of singing; they tried "The Frozen Castle of Ahash". At first, he tried to get her to sing with him, but when that didn't work, he settled for trying to get her to harmonize with him, or at least hold a steady pitch (even if the note was completely off). He said encouraging words to her, and when she did well, he gave her treats. In the end, she seemed to be getting the hang of it, if only just a little; more practice would be necessary. He then took her for a walk, and she seemed excited for him to throw sticks, which he did and she subsequently retreieved -- they played fetch! At least until McGuiggan's arm got tired. And McGuiggan rewarded her with pats and the occasional treat. He tried to extend this fetch such that he merely had to point at an object and she would retrieve it; this was met with nominal success, and it would be something else to practice.

The party met back up for lunch and discussed some of what they learned. Cree said the day had been productive, prompting McGuiggan to inquire; Cree said they got some good training in, and then Anther said they definitively determined the monster hunters were placing traps in the forest, which she described as "funny business" (though McGuiggan's quip they were now into comedy seemed lost on the rest of the party).

Fracture was back to normal after the previous evening's drinking episode, and the party had a brief discussion about whether she dreams or even has a subconscious. She agreed with McGuiggan that that would be something to ask her maker.

McGuiggan asked the party for assistance with diplomacy (i.e. not making a fool of himself) when going to the Faywilde side of the manor to consult Julian about Arran McGuiggan, per Itisko's recommendation. The whole party tagged along, and he was very grateful. They left Xolo with Hush.

They arrived at the crossover gate, and some statuesque pheasants asked them to state their name and business. McGuiggan responded in Elvish, and the others followed suit (except Cree, who responded in Common). The doors parted ways, and ventured into the other side of the castle. The castle was well decorated with lots of art and interesting things.

They saw some mice run by, but otherwise there was really no one to ask for directions. Luckily, Fracture had the (literal) memory of a robot and recalled the Faywilde side of the manor is a mirror image of the Temphere side. Cree discerned that Julian would be parallel!Serena, so the party ventured to mirror Serena's office. McGuiggan was still confused by the layout, but luckily his companions figured it out and he tagged along.

Julian seemed pleasantly surprised to see the party, and was very accommodating, stressing that the party members were welcome in the Faywilde side of the castle and would be helped/attended to as necessary. He had maps up with unfamiliar continents.

McGuiggan made some light smalltalk before Cree nudged him on; she asked Julian on his behalf if Julian could assist McGuiggan, free of obligation, and Julian agreed. McGuiggan commenced describing the backstory (essentially that Ibereai said there was an Arran McGuiggan from the Feywilde looking for him), though he conveyed this (unintentionally, for him) in a very convoluted manner that referenced "McGuiggan" multiple times. The whole party was confused. Anther asked how many McGuiggans there were, and McGuiggan presumed there were multiple (given it is a surname) but he really had no clue since he grew up in a court somewhat removed from it all.

Julian had to have his memory jogged with the description he was an adventurer, but once he recalled he remembered a story about him from around 5 years ago: Arran and his party were at one of the Queen's events (they get invited to those sometimes in the Feywilde), especially if the Summer Court is involved, because his party stopped a Fae from getting control of the Summer Court about 20 years ago (before Julain was Magdiel's steward) -- a Fae named Lokra had a town under his control, which was an experiment he was going to try on the Summer Court. Julian remembered Arran's party were still doing quests in the Faywilde for someone; they were announced at an event but only a few could make it (others were resting from a fight with a bulette -- supposed to be extinct in the Faywilde?). And he remembered Arran's beard.

Cree remarked that his Dad made something of a name for himself. McGuiggan remarked he seemed more popular than he thought he would be (especially true given he thought he was dead). Julian remarked it was odd/strange he lost contact with McGuiggan, and Cree wondered if he got trapped in the Faywilde and couldn't find the crossover back (though she and Julian agreed that should have ben possible given the regularity of the one in Temphere).

When prompted about how Arran had come to learn of the party's antics, Julian commented it was assuredly through the Faywilde Ball and concomitant Fae gossip. Unconventional practices in taking down the fountains, but also McGuiggan (a non-Fae) playing with the "stiff" musicians seemed to be divisive enough it was gossiped about for a while (especially funny among the more open minded Fae, e.g. Sahara, regarding how all the musicians are sticklers).

They all thanked Julian and exited. On their way out, of the castle, McGuiggan was asked if he just went by his surname. He reiterated it was his stage name, but yes it was his surname; he chose it when he left his home court and swore off his given name, and at Anther's inquiry he chose McGuiggan specifically because it was easy (and he was used to it). (He had first asked Anther why she chose her name once she revealed her original name had been Rin.) Cree commented that Cree was the only name she had/knew.

McGuiggan kind of wanted to meet his "parallel self" in whomever lived in his room, but Anther called that weird and asked what he would even say to them, to which he replied "Hello I'm you from the other side!" and she said "That's not how it works!" He agreed it would be for another time.

They went back to the other side of the castle and were not challenged by the pheasants.

Later that day, Cree and Anther talked to Vandoryth about the party leaving to Sedgely.

McGuiggan sat down with the rest of the party for supper, and they chatted about their progress over the day and what they still hoped to accomplish.

There was a scroll from Valanthe at the table talking about departing with the Monster Hunters the morning of the day after next, and having Tace and Scout over tomorrow for socializing training and something of a banquet. McGuiggan complained about leaving right at dawn, suggesting he was hoping the party would want to go to the tavern and celebrate them being back on the adventuring road. However, Cree thought there wouldn't be too much to celebrate given the circumstances of their trip (to defend Vandoryth) and not wanting to be hungover when dealing with the monster hunters; she suggested the party just celebrate during the next day's banquet with Tace and Scout instead, where there would undoubtedly be wine.

McGuiggan decided he should inform his mother about his father still being alive and something of a hero apparently, so he asked Anther (whom he knew occasionally sends letter) if he might be able to accompany her to the post office. She replied that she sends letters using other means, which confused McGuiggan, but he didn't press it.

The party went their separate ways, which included Cree talking to Serena about the horses (with a small bit about how McGuiggan would enjoy if Cree roughed up Ibereai a bit), and Anther and Fracture having a chat (including the former's criminal past).

In the evening, Dahlia read storybooks to Xolo.

##### Day 7

The next morning, Fracture took Xolo for a walk. With Xolo, across the crossover, she discovered the broken parts of an orb. This incident had been reported and being investigated by Anwyse under authority of Magdiel. It turned out that a boastful smol sparrowhawk named Horus threw itself against the orb to break it because the orb was giving Horus a bad aura. Fracture later investigated the orb, but was unable to determine its origin.

At breakfast (which McGuiggan came late to), Dahlia related the details of a dream she had in which a method to communicate with Kassor was revealed. Naturally, McGuiggan honed in on the musical aspect, expressing interest in learning "music of the Gods", and Cree teased him about wanting to learn hymns.

Fracture arrived with news about her discovery. Anther went to Fracture's room and cast Detect Magic, where it was discovered to be technomancy and likely of a similar school of Fracture (Allanar tech); McGuiggan cast Identify on a fragment Anther brought back, and learned there was a corrupted messaging spell and some other spells, e.g. for moving panels very fast.

The party embarked on the day's tasks, which included Cree getting a library book from Itisiko about baby dragon training for assistance in training Xolo, and visiting an armoury. At McGuiggan's idea, the party stopped at Aydor's to request his services to look into the orb. McGuiggan gave him one of the Sending Stones so Aydor could inform the party when his assessments were complete.

Fracture looked after Xolo while the rest of the party went to the caravan at which the Monster Hunters were staying to check on Jesper. Rochol was skeptical about letting them in, but was eventually talked into it after Cree said Vandoryth's condition would be openly seen during their travels. Jesper was locked up with the bare minimum; Rochol said Jesper was on trial and didn't deserve more than this. The party informed Jesper that Vandoryth was being taken care of by the local lord (Valanthe) and Jesper relaxed at this. McGuiggan tried to offer Jesper a bedroll, but the latter informed McGuiggan he had a sleeping place and that Rochol would likely object to anything fancier. McGuiggan instead remarked, "Well, here's something Rochol probably won't object to," and proceeded to try to give his walnut cookie. Rochol strenuously objected to this, which set off a chain reaction in which Beatrix had to check whether the cookie was enchanted. (Anther remarked she had Detect Magic but the Monster Hunters were not in the mood.) Beatrix was very bitter about all this, telling Rochol she did not want to have the party let inside, and then she left. Anther tried to grab the cookie away from Rochol, and it broke into halves; Rochol thought about discarding his half, but realized, "These f\*\*\*ers are just going to pull out another cookie." Anther gave her half to McGuiggan, who gave it to Jesper. Jesper was very grateful for the cookie (and the entertainment). Cree name-dropped the party as the Wild Cards.

Meanwhile, Fracture did some training with Xolo.

The party arrived back at Valanthe's manor in time for a banquet Valanthe was hosting, where Tace and Scout would be in attendance. McGuiggan had food and wine. Scout helped train Xolo's socialization, and then very dramatically revealed the story of how she and Tace met -- involving trying to find an expensive duck at a festival for some wolves, and ultimately finding the Deer King of the Forest, who later employed Tace's fortune telling show for various parties. McGuiggan gave Scout a standing ovation.

After the banquet concluded, Aydor messaged McGuiggan via the sending stone that the party should come immediately to Aydor's shop; the party did so. Aydor revealed that the drone still seemed active, and that it was likely sending image-messages (via technology similar to the silver-plate magic!photo captured during the Festival of Masks interlude) to some unknown thing -- not necessarily a person. Aydor stopped working on the drone after that because he did not want to potentially give it and whomever it was spying for any more information. Aydor was sure it was from Allanar or maybe Forlonde, but Fracture felt it was from the former, her homeland. Fracture assented to the orb's destruction, and Aydor started this process. McGuiggan got his sending stone and lamented to Aydor something to the effect of "if only the pearls (Aydor was dealing with earlier) were the worst thing to deal with today."

The party went back to the manor and informed Valanthe of the Aydor's findings. Valanthe said he might send word to Allanar's king, but would have to be cautious given Allanar and Kaldara did not have friendly relations. Valanthe also advised the party he (and Serena) wanted to meet with them all tonight, given the party was embarking the next day on their next adventure; he said the nature of the meeting wasn't bad.

Anther did some hunting with Xolo. They caught a dear and duck and Anther returned sopping wet, because she had fallen in a stream.

Therafter, the party took Vandoryth and Xolo to get acquainted with the horses. Considering McGuiggan's previous horse was a Feywilde horse that had since long went away, McGuiggan picked an identically black horse from the stables and named it Crow II -- much to the consternation of Anther, who also had a black horse, and who insisted she and McGuiggan each need to put some decorative piece on their horses to keep them properly differentiated.

In the evening, Valanthe had a special supper arranged for the party. The party showed Xolo off -- that she could behave in public, if not necessarily act friendly. Valanthe wanted to discuss their impending trip, and said not to intentionally aggravate the monster hunters. McGuiggan asked Serena for some example insults to use against the Monster Hunters, and Serena said he should not offload his bard work to secretaries. He also brought up that an adjucator (someone in Temphere who tries to act fair and impartial) named Iporr was going to preside over the case; the party was warned that Iporr was no-nonsense, but would probably dislike the Monster Hunters more than he would the Wild Cards party. McGuiggan asked Valanthe if there was anything more the party should be aware of on the road; Valanthe said no, but that who knows what might come up.

Cree and Anther went to try to teach Vandoryth horseback riding. McGuiggan tagged along to bond with Crow II. In the end, Anther and McGuiggan just ended up distracting each other ~~the former tried to teach the latter about quick combacks~~.

Cree thanked Hush for her help looking after Xolo.

McGuiggan left the letter to his mother with the servants for them to send.

##### Dawn of the Final Day

In the morning, Dahlia and McGuiggan went to visit Itisko at the library, and to return their books, for which Itisko was very grateful. McGuiggan apologized to Itisko about previously calling out her verbosity and tendency to ramble. Itisko seemed appreciative and relaxed. They promised to tell her of their adventures.

Some townsfolk watched excitedly as the party left the manor. McGuiggan waved to them.

The party met up with the Monster Hunters. After telling the party to watch Vandoryth lest there be consequences, Cree got after him and said not to threaten the party. Rochol also commented that they would prefer to ride with the party out front and the Monster Hunters in the back. "So you can watch us?" Cree asked incredulously. McGuiggan commented, "Well it's nice that you think we're more capable of defending ourselves than you." Rochol, annoyed, said that wasn't it at all. Anther commened him on the line.

The party set out on their trip. McGuiggan asked Chime to play adventuring music.

### Merged Group Adventure 7: Objection!

#### Subadventure 1: The Journey to Sedgely

##### Day 1

At lunch, Cree trained Xolo.

In the evening, Rochol came over and asked whether the two groups could be civil enough for them to share some soup for supper, and the party agreed. McGuiggan brought his viol in case of campfire music. Cree did a little singing and McGuiggan played his instrument, while Shanks danced along goofily to help break the tension. Shanks commented he would like to learn to juggle knives, but also needs to learn to juggle. Xolo also sang! And the party playfully got after McGuiggan a bit for teaching Xolo to sing.

The night was uneventful.

##### Day 2

The groups set out again. Vandoryth wanted to bond with his horse Buckle, so at Anther's prompt he gave him a carrot. Cree mentioned that horses like peppermint. McGuiggan went out and tried to forage for some; he found a poor-off sprig of mint, which he took, some to give to Vandoryth to give to Buckle, and some which he kept to give to Crow II at the end of their journey.

Lunch was uneventful.

And then they all came across some gricks. The party battled a big one and a small one. Fracture, after many non-hits, eventually killed the big one. McGuiggan commanded Xolo to bite one of the gricks by immitating opening her mouth while singing, but doing that at/in the monster's flesh. McGuiggan also managed to make the small grick afraid of him using Scary Strings, and kept it from escaping -- while it held a grappled Anther -- using a dagger-wielding Phantasmal Force version of himself! The party saw the grick jerk as though injured but they were left wondering, for McGuiggan never told them exactly what he did. Anther was eventually freed when Vandoryth pushed the grick off a cliff, and Anther later landed the final blow on the monster.

Shortly after the party finished off their gricks, the Monster Hunters finished theirs. The two groups reconvened.

McGuiggan mined a dead grick for some supplies. He recovered two tentacle barbs and a grick plate, which McGuiggan recognized as possibly being used to make axes in the Underdark.

Half an hour later, they set off to find the source of the gricks to ensure there were no more. Cree got Xolo to track the scent of the gricks, which went up the ravine cliffside, and then Rochol's skills helped uncover a grick trail that the party followed until they came across a large hole leading down into the grick cave/nest. Sprouting out of the hole were some of the thorny vines! But Anther's ~~very low roll~~ investigation confirmed them to be dead. Anther went down there first with a torch magically lit by Dahlia. Anther found the tattered cloak of someone who was most definitely dead. After some deliberation, McGuiggan gave his sending stone to Vandoryth, who stayed behind with Xolo, in case of any trouble and joined the rest of the party in the hole. Down there, the party witnessed a shrivelled thorn seed pop open and start to grow vines! Cree picked it up, cut off its vines, and put it in her chest carrying the other thorns. The party surmised that whomever the cloaked individual was planted the thorns, but then got trapped in them and was eventually eaten by gricks. Cree explained what she knew about the plants (and their capability to open planar portals) to Rochol. With some of Rochol's help, the party determined there seemed to be no more gricks, and also found some grick eggs; most eggs were dead, but he froze the still living ones with an ice potion and gave an alottment of 3 to the party (taken by Cree), saying "credit was due."

Everyone returned to the wagons. It was getting late so they went only as far as until they found a resting spot away from possible scavengers.

Supper was quiet. Anther shared with their thorn findings with other monster hunters. Beatrice said they hadn't come across anything like that before. Shanks enthusiastically said if it were a new monter the party would get to name it, before adding that he doesn't want to monsters to keep coming up, but if all the monsters went away he would go and travel the world (previously he was a city guard); the group then discussed potential places to visit, including an in-depth conversation about the Frostfell.

The night was peaceful - to McGuiggan. Apparently a bear came but Anther spoke with it and got it to go eat the dead gricks, and Vandoryth had trouble sleeping.

##### Day 3

The party set out. The journey was relatively uneventful, but there was some non-ominous snowfall, meaning Vandoryth and Xolo got to experience snow for the first time.

As night fell, Rochol told the party they should press on and get to Sedgely rather than camp out, presuming the party's horses and guard drake could handle some nightriding. It was decided they could (Xolo has darkvision), so they pressed on and reached Sedgely.

#### Subadventure 2: Unwelcome

The party was initially stopped by some tower guards who wanted to know names and business. Rochol mentioned they were the hired Monster Hunters and Liadon's gang, and everyone was let through.

Everyone met Iporr, who had stayed up late, knowing he "sealed his fate" when he mentioned for the guards to come get him should the people arrive. McGuiggan greeted Iporr and apologized for the delay.

Iporr was not really a fan of the party, but he did seem to tak an instant disliking to the Monster Hunters, criticizing their prisoner care and their insistence that they should be taking care of Jesper rather than having him brought into custody at the guard house.

McGuiggan thanked Iporr for his thoroughness before they left to the guard house.

At the guard house, Iporr administered the dagger test. Jesper was determined to be a werewolf, and Vandoryth was determined not to be one.

The party met Kelfir, head of the guard, and Cree briefly questioned him on his testimony that Vandoryth was the wolf. Kelfir said he was there that night and saw Vandoryth get changed into a person.

The party spent the night at the Fox Coop Inn, manned by Arlia Brushkettle, who seemed generally hostile to the party. McGuiggan shared a room with Fracture (after Cree convinced McGuiggan not to try to weasel his way out of paying for a room 'cause Bard and 'cause Arlia was already hostile).

## Personality

McGuiggan kinda just goes along with whatever is thrown at him. Oftentimes he lacks some courage -- which he considers is practical given increasingly crazy situations -- and wishes he could be somewhere else (e.g. not chasing plant monsters through the elemental plane of ice), but is happy he is very loyal to his friends and allies. Generally, he tries his best to help them out with their needs and wants (assuming he's not KO'd). When someone ropes him into a problem/battle he'll do his best to help it get resolved quickly (so he can go back to the calm and safety).

He doesn't mind talking with people, but isn't quite a social butterfly. He can be a bit quiet at times, because it takes him a bit to absorb the gravity of a situation. He doesn't lean intro or extroverted -- it largely depends on the situation -- and prefers one-on-one or small group conversation. He'd rather just perform something than socialize in many occasions.

Although he doesn't really like physical touch (some of that Glamour personality there), he does consider himself quite a romantic: long walks on the beach, "Look I wrote you a song let me play it for you!" and all that jazz.

He tries to remain relatively calm and collected, but perhaps is easily exasperated (especially with snowballs).

If a problem can be solved with Performance, McGuiggan is there! He is graceful enough and good enough at dancing as a result.

He is an optimist, but not stupidly so.

## Likes/Dislikes

### Likes

* Music, and getting to show off his mad viol performance skills.
* Performing with others (such as with Cree at the Inn).
* Speaking Elvish (especially to playfully annoy those who cannot speak it, like Cree).
* Animals, but he is not attached to any particular one animal, and is somewhat skeptical of animals to which others are giving lots of attention.
* Balls he gets to perform at.

### Dislikes

* Snow, wind, and cold weather (so he has learned after it exhausted him).
* Fish-creatures (except perhaps Dart).
* Swimming (he dislikes this a LOT) -- he considers swimming to be one of the worst things he has to deal with.
* Plants that hurt.
* Balls he has to participate in. (The reason why is currently unknown, but presumably it has to do with getting too drunk and having a Very Bad Time.)

## Trivia

### In-Game

* McGuiggan was the first character in the Wednesday group to become KO'd -- twice, fighting the same boss (Tentacle-Head)!
* McGuiggan was the first character in the campaign to become exhausted, due to the environment of the Frostfell.

### In-Character

* McGuiggan is ambidexstrous, but plays a right-handed viol.

### On the Other Side of the 4th Wall

* McGuiggan's art style (and his main picture on this page) was created by Shinko and subsequently developed by everyone except RielCZ (because his art stats need improvement)!
* RielCZ got the name for McGuiggan from his youngest sister's new elementary school teacher in the fall the AmericaLand DND campaign started (2018). Liking the name, he internet-searched "McGuiggan" for potential further information and found it was the surname of some pastor-blogger who was once referred to as "The Dragon Slayer," and RielCZ knew the name was meant to be.
* Another player once called McGuiggan the "straight man" of the group.
* Shinko described a flanderized version of McGuiggan as a Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

## Art

There are many wonderfully talented artists, like all the DND players in the Temphere and Thrassir compaigns. Wonderful work, everyone!

If you have drawn McGuiggan before, feel free to add.

### McGuiggan as Focus

* Tarot Card McGuiggan (collab with Shinko that I coloured, thanks Shinko!): https://creethebard.tumblr.com/image/187343352849
* Fance Ball Party McGuiggan (thanks Shinko ~~and Qlu~~!): https://creethebard.tumblr.com/image/190571296604
* McGuiggan Animal Crossing AU (thanks Tiger!): https://64.media.tumblr.com/7b1b8ac96d4834068b5dde68739e5aa5/tumblr\_pqwjttjdzC1xxajyro4\_1280.png
* Cool Chibi McGuiggan (thanks Tiger!): https://64.media.tumblr.com/531c8572e6564f5c2497ff496daedda9/f353d071fc082888-07/s1280x1920/9c070b0764cbd06f44dcd93767b266efa0d84208.png
* McGuiggan thunderwaves a beer fountain at the fance ball (thanks Shinko and Rabbit!): https://64.media.tumblr.com/a77e1962e311d473cca536d20ec91c71/c2b90408e034647c-8d/s1280x1920/a42f90cfb3d2982e6afe72cfef7052d063a53b9e.png

### Contains McGuiggan

* Wild Cards Cast (by Rabbit): https://anthertheranger.tumblr.com/image/637697994957996032
* Some sort of DDR thing (a collab between varying Temphere artists): https://anthertheranger.tumblr.com/image/181407264585
* McGuiggan and Anther (by Shinko): https://creethebard.tumblr.com/image/184087712664
* IDK, the party complaining and bewildered? McGuiggan looks bewildered, anyway (by Rabbit): https://anthertheranger.tumblr.com/image/183674636240
* Merry Christmas! (by Rabbit): https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/561818730640703488/929823956666572860/DD\_Christmas.png
* Fracture saves McGuiggan ~~yet again~~ (thanks Shinko and Rabbit!): https://64.media.tumblr.com/a879c108ea8ebf517d75f35b4f62b344/c2b90408e034647c-2d/s1280x1920/1ca98d27d4ca92ceda5530e8b35c5f8fa7e029f9.png