So. What Now?

**So. What Now?** is the fifty third episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The party explore more of Yashani's home at the Nihjazurrean Monastery as they decide what to do next.

## So. What Now?

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* Another Bad Side Quest has received four nominations for the New Jersey Web festival, including
	+ Mak nominated for their performance as Boreal
	+ ABSQ nominated for Best Cover Art
	+ ABSQ nominated for Best Ensemble Character Art
	+ ABSQ nominated for Outstanding Actual Play Live Stream
* Even more people are headed to NJ Web Fest! Haelley and Zach will be joining Ian and Mak for the Awards Gala at the end of September!
* End of the month a new mini series will be announced!
* Reminder, new episodes of the *Well Versed* premieres every Friday!

### **Part One**

Yashani led the party from Chon’s room, outside of the monastery to the front and into a tunnel in the mountainside. The party began to hear a persistent low rumbling sound and when went through the mouth of the tunnel were greeted by the back of a massive rushing waterfall, with water that couldn't be seen through and, at the edge of the rocky outcropping, were several narrow paths down to a body of water where the water collected and fell again. Yashani, knowing the water was so loud they would have to yell to be heard, activated *Ob’s Charm* to tell the group this was her favorite place to meditate, that the sound of the water drowned out every thought or doubt from her mind and knew every secret she ever told without it telling anyone. She added that it was where she learned mastery over herself and was what she pictured when she meditated as it brought her peace. She admitted she wished to share it with them as they had been through more than she could have imagined in the past weeks or months, that it was a place to come if you had secrets and wished no one to hear it, that it would keep theirs at well without needing to be burdened by it or would be a nice view for a while.

Yashani headed up a path to another smaller outcropping, followed by Quincy, Kaz, RX and Sterling and, while Quincy and Kaz had no issue following her, Sterling struggled and fell, taking RX, who still had *Exhaustion*, into a cold pond-like gathering of water. As Yashani warned the steps were slippery Sterling cast *Vortex Warp* to help get RX out and RX afterwards activated *Telekinetic Movement* to get him out. After the two joined the others on the first outcropping they were all in view to see there past the waterfall, out over the land below the mountain was the vast range of the *Skorian Empire* and at the far horizon the ocean. Kaz thanked Yashani for sharing something so special with them and Yashani told her she was happy to. Sterling admitted he saw why she found this place so calming and Yashani, seeing Alaerith and Seren didn't join, noted not everyone felt the same way.

Back below, Seren, knowing that trying to have a private conversation was not possible, cast *Shape Water* on the ice waterfall and quietly quietly entertained himself by gently manipulating it as it moved and freezing parts of it. Meanwhile Alaerith, took some steps back and cast *Prestidigitation* on his ears to create some light music to drown out the sound of the water. Sterling asked Yashani if he could sit there a while and research the books from Braile to help unlock some of the abilities he observed from Boreal and pulled out some of his items as he cast *Otiluke’s Resilient Sphere* to protect himself and the books from the spray. Yashani told him and the others that not everyone in the monastery found this place as nice as she did so and would likely go unbothered, though Sterling gave a thumbs up as the sphere prevented *Ob's Charm* from piercing it.

Yashani made her way back, offered to show them were they could all rest, with most were eager to do so. She added that they could wander although they could end up punched if they did, and that she herself intended to to show *The Book of Sanguis* to those within who had had followed Sanguis and deserved to see it. As Quincy stayed behind with Sterling to watch the water Seren told the group he would head to the gardens, if they needed him to go there, then told Quincy that he had new of Killian’s wife Samara, to find him they were ready and on seeing their reaction reassured them not to look worried as it was good news. As Seren headed to the garden and meditated like Yashani had once taught him, Yashani led the remaining to the available rooms. RX headed to a vacant room and slept immediately as Yashani told the remaining that as the wing was pretty unoccupied to take their pick of the room they wished and that there was no difference between them. Yashani added that she would return once she had let everyone know she was back, even temporarily, asked if there was anything they needed and Kaz thanked her for letting them in her home as it was quite vulnerable. Yashani commented she was right, but felt they had shared more then enough vulnerable moments and that sharing her home was less significant and Kaz still thanked her regardless. Kaz retired to the room furthest away from the door to the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse*, while Alaerith found a room to sit and tried to push out intruding thoughts of Killian.

Yashani headed through the monastery, passed through the courtyard and spotted the familiar grey and white Tabaxi, Master Viqs, jumping across the tall wooden posts, on steady feet at great speed. Viqz spotted Yashani quickly, jumped down behind her to greet her happily and Yashani told him she was for a short visit and had brought others. As Viqz noted he was made aware of by them by Valeu Yashani noticed that Viqz appeared older and his grey fur was starting to turn white around his ears and paws. Viqz said he would like to meet the outsiders soon, but was more happy to see Yashani and know she was alright, citing that they didn't know what happened as she left and didn't come back. Yashani replied that she came back thanks to things she learned from him and admitted there were a number of unpleasant things beyond the waterfall and Viqz agreed. Yashani changed topic and told him she had something to show him and when Viqz noted he wasn't aware of that admitted Valeu didn't know yet. Viqz warned her it wasn't good to keep secrets from Valeu and Yashani noted there was a lot at the time and asked him to not tell Valeu he saw it first. Yashani pulled out *The* Bo*ok of Sanguis* and Viqz's jaw dropped before he removed his mask and asked where she found it. Yashani explained it was more like it found her and that it fell into her lap *The* *Underdark.* Viqz questioned why she was in *The Underdark* and Yashani noted it wasn't by choice of hers and was one of the first places she unfortunately visited after leaving. Viqz enquired about *The Book of Sanguis* being there and when Yashani said the shadow monks had it noted that they were good at hiding things. Yashani revealed Poackel gave it to them and Viqz noted that was all they knew, that he took it and left the order, but not much else.

Yashani told Viqz that she had been unlocking it, that Chon was the book's keeper and Viqz replied that it sounded appropriate. Yashani noted she would likely spend the rest of her relatively short life to unlock it and Viqz said it was presumptuous to say that. Yashani enquired if he had found some sort of immortality and Viqz replied that she knew enough training extends their life and should have died 25 years ago like someone of his species should have. Yashani said she was glad he didn’t or else leaving the monastery would have been the worst thing she had ever done, but Viqz countered she did what she needed to do and to look what came of it, adding that he didn't anticipate being dropped at the monastery either and even if he hadn't seen the world liked the view. Yashani told him that she would need to leave again but would return and Viqz said she better. Yashani told him to not expire before she got back and Viqz agrees to not leave until she returned for one last sparring match. Yashani started to leave, noting she was worried about keeping it from Valeu as it never turned out well and Viqz said it didn't before he asked if she learned some good from the book. Yashani activated *Hand of Healing* at long range on him and when Viqz asked how she did that that Yashani said he would have to ask Sanguis. Viqz told Yashani the land and mountains feel it, that there was something draining the world of life and Yashani admitted she had met that drain and was horrible. Viqz commented that he probably didn't want to know more and Yashani agreed before she left to find Valeu.

Yashani headed to Valeu’s room, pushed open the cracked open door and found Valeu sitting near his desk, in a room as sparse as the others, but with a small dark chest at the foot of his bed. Valeu greeted Yashani and Yashani teasingly warned him not to strain himself in his excitement. Valeu commented funny and Yashani noted she had never heard him laugh before adding that she had something to show him and pulled out *The Book of Sanguis* once more. Valeu dragged his mask off of his face slowly, noted she found the book and Yashani, having already had this conversation just minutes ago, told Valeu where she found it and Poackel's involvement. Valeu asked why and Yashani replied she couldn't say as she wasn't him, adding maybe he knew someone would have use after he was finished or thought it might not to leave again. Valeu noted that he could not read minds or see into the past to ask, but did believe Poackel did what he thought he had to do same as she did by bringing it back, adding that it was likely not going to stay there. Valeu asked what she intended to do with it and as Yashani put it away said intended to complete it and would unlock all of it, even if she had to travel to Gilesha if she had to and that she heard Poackel went there. Valeu noted it was likely why they couldn't find him and Yashani offered that Poackel was last seen by some companions of hers, but was before they had met so she did not know more than that he was somewhere in the *Puhan Trading Company*. Yashani started to excuse herself, but before she could Valeu told her the chest at his feet was technically hers as it belonged to her mother and could take it with her. Yashani asked if that was what he wanted and Valeu replied that he held on to it as there was nowhere else to go. As Yashani took the chest Valeu said he knew she would leave again to continue to unlock the book, that he was proud of her doing what none of the rest of them had and leave and Yashani offered a quick and quiet thank you and good night and hurried off to her room to rest as she started to cry under her mask.

Back at the waterfall, Sterling sped through the book he was loaned, copied several spells into his spellbook with the help of his *Wizardly Quill* and took a bit of the cloth Boreal left to form a makeshift “cowboy bandana” around his neck. Sterling called for Quincy’s attention, asked if they were familiar with the *Message* spell and Quincy admitted Killian used to use it before they all got the *Ob's* *Charms*. Sterling apologized for the unpleasant recall of memory, but Quincy waved him off that it was always used in jokes. Sterling explained that it was usually cast with a bit of copper wire and pointing to the intended target, demonstrating it as he did and cast *Message* at Quincy sounding like a voice coming across wire between two cans. As Quincy responded that it reminded them of their brother Sterling cast *Moment to Think* and tried to use the frozen moment to take out the *Ring of Rooster* and put it on Quincy’s finger, but as his moment of frozen time was reminded that the ring was taken. Quincy rolled their eyes as they realize what he had tried to do.

Sterling, undeterred, explained that he may have found a way to utilize Chronomancy, though not exactly as Bo had, asked Quincy to chase him after a six second head start. Quincy, though confused, did so Sterling turned to cast *Decelerate* and after two attempts caused Quincy to move at half speed and slowing more by the second. Quincy laughed and cast *Misty Step* to catch Sterling and wrap him in a slow hug as he dropped the spell and told him he was very clever and good job. Sterling offered to help them make a bullet of it and Quincy smiled, pulled out the *Cure Wounds* bullet they had made with Bo and as the runes etched in the casing glowed faint purple said they would like to continue using his magic. Sterling said Bo would live on in some way through them and that he had every intention to return to Bo’s family in *Eveed*. Quincy said they wished to make a bullet that night and when Sterling agreed and asked what they wanted asked if they could figure it out later as they needed to talk with Seren first. Sterling asked if he could come along, but when Quincy noted it was likely a conversation for them said it was fine and would continue to work the kinks from his magic. The pair headed back to the monastery and split off with Sterling heading to an unoccupied room to rest.

Quincy soon found Seren under a large tree in the garden, with Nubbi napping at his side and sat with him. Seren told them he was not in the Feywild for all those years and, with the help of Ob, exited the Feywild at the right moment when Samara gave birth to their daughter. Quincy asked how they were and Seren assured her they were well, noting it had been many years since he checked in but not as long for them, that *Lucille* and Samara were doing well, that she looked much like Killian and Samara was also doing well last he heard and had set up a small farm that she ran. Seren went quiet for a moment before he warned that he felt as though he did not have much longer to be there and when Quincy asked what he meant recalled that he told Killian something similar, that there was a stirring in his bones. Seren added that being a guardian of the Feywilds he always felt his home was there, that he didn't know anymore, that times it was with the group, but other times somewhere else, higher and different. Seren admitted he didn't know what it meant or why he was telling them this, but when Quincy asked if it felt good to say it said it felt good to let them know.

Seren then recalled Quincy asking once about his friend, Adelina, and told them he stumbled upon her by accident. He explained he had woken up from his very long nap, that she was being chased around by a large twig with the ability to shoot spikes, that he stepped and as it lay broken on the ground twig he glowed for the first time. Adeline thanked him and promised her life in service, as pixies did, which she quickly forgot, but for 10 years she led him around the Feywild. Seren added he could still hear her, even here on the Material Plane even if was is different because some friendships were strong enough to cross any barrier and that sometimes he heard her warnings and Quincy said it explained why he was so quick as a Tortle. Seren finished by saying while he knew he wouldn't be there forever, he knew if they believed there would always be someone there to help, almost always.

Seren noted he had talked for a long time and asked how Quincy is and Quincy asked if they could tell Seren a secret. Seren wondered if they should go to the waterfall, but when Quincy admitted they already told the waterfall a number of secrets noted he did as well. Quincy said Sterling was in his 'silly bubble' and couldn’t hear them so they told the water a great deal, but it wasn’t very good at giving advice back. Quincy told Seren that after he left, and what happened to Tab and Killian, Ob and Bolton found the party and helped them and while, of course everyone was upset, Quincy was not handling it well and they had a sort of intervention. Quincy gestured to their hair, noting he had likely already seen it, explained Bolton had offered them a deal to give them power and had been amazing. Quincy pulled out their magic bullets, showed them to Seren, explained how they didn't know how they knew how to do it but scratched runes into the casings to enchant the gunpowder and Sterling had been helping them. Quincy revealed that they never told the others what they promised in exchange for Bolton’s help and when Seren asked what that was explained Bolton was the Champion of Broneli, which Seren didn't seem surprised by, and by accepting Quincy had agreed to become the next Champion when he was gone. Serren asked how they felt about that and Quincy insisted they didn't regret it and would have taken it again, but worried because Bolton said they would live for a very long time if nothing killed them in the meantime and wondered, as Seren was someone who had lived a long time, if it was scary. Seren was quiet for minute before saying that he had been blessed to have so many friends that also had long lifespans, but not every gift was a gift fully as there was good moments and bad. Seren recalled losing Killian, Tab and even Bo, noting he knew for a short time only but saw someone willing to die for his friends, and those losses would never get easier. Seren then joked Quincy would also have to get used to their mannerisms eventually no longer befitting the times of the present day.

Seren revealed to Quincy Ob and Bolton told him this, noting he did not spend a long time with Ob and Bolton for long, but asked many questions about the party and Bolton seemed proud of his choice. Seren then changed the subject to Kaz, assuming that this was why Quincy had asked and Quincy admitted they were scared what they might have to tell her or Kylan, but that she Kaz was as good as she can be, given the circumstances. Quincy recounted Kaz made it to *Vayilcor* with the others but had been in the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* so much longer than the rest of them. Seren admitted he spent a number of years believing making connections with people like Quincy was a bad thing, because in the long term he would have to say goodbye and it would be painful, that he met Tabernacle twice over those years and wandered alone, believing it was his lot in life to help, but never to be helped. Seren then advised Quincy to make and seek those connections, no matter how long they might have them, and treasure them even if the good-bye will hurt because it means they will be treasured. Seren suggested Kaz should know more about this and Quincy agreed and noted she deserved to know a lot more about a lot of things, that the whole party did too, but would be a story for another time. Seren agreed and suggested they head for their rest like the others and Quincy agreed, though noted they have an appointment with Sterling if he is still awake. The two thanked each other and after Quincy struggled to help him to his feet hugged each other and parted, with Seren finding a room to rest, while Quincy headed to Sterling, made a *Dimension Door* bullet and the two rested afterwards.

### **Break!**

* Discussed before the start of the next day, Quincy and Sterling made their first attempt to create a bullet of a spell level greater than Quincy's warlock level. Quincy rolled a 14 from a d20, which failed, but with the use of their pact talisman, was allowed to add a d4 and on a roll of 4 brought it to a success and Quincy felt a wave of warmth as the bullet was completed.

### **Part Two**

The next morning the party woke up and went about their own tasks. Alaerith, waking first, observed the door to the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* and lightly observed for any cracks small enough that he could *Polymorph* into small creatures that could pass through. Sterling went to see Braile, recieved *300 gold of diamond dust*, thanked him for it and that it would be used to protect the monastery and Braile said she was thankful to see it used as she had been collecting it for some time without a goal. Sterling noted his glee at the thought of casting the spell and pulled out his scroll to cast *Fireball* that he intended for the door, started to write a scroll for *Glyph of Warding* and made his way to the door, finding Alaerith already there and simply staring at it. Kaz, also waking bright and early, headed to the waterfall with Boris trailing under her feet, sitting at the water’s edge and, after Boris appeared from the ground, held him for a while.

Quincy stumbled out of their room later in the morning and seeking out coffee found themself in the kitchen with Phaust. As Quincy started to make it they asked Phaust if they could provide him what they remembered from a lemon cookie recipe and if he could ensure it tasted good, citing it had been a very long time since they had seen it made and Phaust stated he could make anything taste good. Quincy said she figured it as Yashani talked highly of his cooking and Phaust said he hoped so as he taught her a lot. Quincy thanked him, citing she was grateful he taught Yashani her skills as they were a comfort on the road and Phaust replied that he was glad she had people to cook for before he handing Quincy a pad and pencil to write down what they remembered. After reading it Phaust said he could try later as he was still making breakfast first and when Quincy offered to help Phaust waved them off since they are a guest, that he enjoyed it, was why he stayed so long and wasn't at risk of dying like he was before. Quincy asked what he meant and Phaust said the story from the myths were true as he was one of the people brought to the cabin in the swamp to be healed. He explained while traveling to Gilesha he suffered from *Red Pestilence,* which caused huge hives and made him itchy and when Chon healed him and discovered he was a good cook allowed him to stay. Quincy asked if it would change his mind if they said they would enjoy cooking together and Phaust eventually gave in, but warned them not to get hurt as even the monks had their limitations. Quincy waved their left hand, emphasizing the missing top knuckle of their middle finger, assured him they didn't intend to lose anymore and warned not to mess with gunpowder. Phaust confusedly asked what gunpowder was and Quincy had a moment of thought they had to show these monks guns, but would have to wait until later.

RX, fully recovered from his *Exhaustion*, journeyed back to the waterfall and found Kaz sitting, while trying to keep Boris from going into the little pond of water she had dipped her feet into. Kaz commented RX looked well rested for the first time since the battle in the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* and RX confusedly greeted him noting he had not spoken with her. Kaz recalled that she did spend most of her time in Quincy’s quarters on *The Misty Moon,* but added that they had a wonderful conversation about Kaz’s line of work and RX, also remembering this, asked if she still partook in that line of work and if that was what she had been doing with Quincy this whole time. Kaz said she and Quincy had never done anything like that, but noted that if they had it would be different as Quincy was and never would be work for her. RX awkwardly admitted this was not where he wanted this conversation to go and Kaz laughed and pointed out that he was the one to start it all. Kaz added that she was unsure if she would return to that line of work, having done a number of jobs in her life since leaving her home and RX noted she found herself a new Order to be a part of. Kaz agreed she would like that, but when RX added along with the war noted it had been following her for far longer than she had been aware.

RX looked around the outcropping to inspect the area, past the waterfall and over the *Skorian Empire* but found nothing around here seemed to lead anywhere other than back into the mountain or to steep drops to the bottom of the waterfall. RX commented that the ledge would have made a great exit if the group was capable of rock climbing and when Kaz asked an exit from where clarified from “this predicament”. RX added that he did not wish to be near the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* anymore and Kaz steadfastly agreed before relaying what Quincy and Sterling, though unware of his name, believed about how they would stumble back into it whether they liked it or not. RX gives gave full name and Kaz noted it was a long name, that she had not had the chance to properly introduce herself to him yet and wished to remedy that. RX jokingly commented she should not and Kaz noted that the last time someone had asked to be introduced to her, she hadn’t gotten the chance to respond before he died. RX noted it was also true before adding that Sterling wasn't as squishy as he seemed and Kaz said it was good as he travelling with the rest of the group. Kaz reiterated, like RX, she would like to be far from the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* if she could be and RX agreed and offered they could search for a proper exit. Kaz put out her arm for him to take and when RX, not aware of the gesture, treated it as an odd high five laughed as they left the waterfall.

They ventured the grounds of the monastery, eventually head back inside, found a large gate and assumed this might be the same gate Braile had mentioned in her story and the one known way in and out of the monastery. RX asked if Kaz thought the monks would open it for them if they asked and Kaz said she was sure they would open it for Yashani. RX commented their escape felt too easy and when Kaz wondered if he might be looking for something more adventurous insisted he just wanted an exit. Kaz suggested they go find Yashani and together the pair began to search the halls for their friend.

Yashani woke up and, after remembering her promise to Master Chon that she would also *Ki Lock* the door, headed there, found Alaerith and Sterling and activated *Ki Lock* on the door. Yashani asked if they were eager to go back and Sterling said it was the opposite before explaining that he was trying to find the best spells to prevent anyone from coming out, citing that he new the enemy had power spellcasters who would likely resist them. Yashani noted she was not sure if she was more worried about the Order of Ruin coming through this door or just creating another one and Sterling admitted it was a good point.

Sterling suggested they get the party together for a team meeting to decide what to do next, especially if they might consider going on the offensive and Yashani agreed she might have ideas about that. Yashani added before that they needed to ensure they were ready to go on the offensive first as RX had not been feeling up to 100% lately after his fall in the pit and needed someone who could truly heal him. Yashani recalled what Twynn said about his father, Twynn Roderick II, who was his original creator, being in the *Sra'jess Hot Springs* in the *Principality of Pathu*. Sterling agreed it was an important thing to discuss before activating *Ob's* *Charm* for get everyone to gather by the door to talk, which only Quincy was in range to hear, who replied they were busy cooking with Phaust and they should come to the kitchen. Yashani commented that it was strange to meet by the door and Sterling noted it was important to plan, near to the door at some point, how to protect Yashani’s home, especially if they intended to leave for however long it took to travel to *Pathu* and get RX repaired. Yashani reminded of the earlier statement of the door staying there before thanking him for what he was doing for her home and adding that the people there were very capable. Sterling said they wanted to *not* find out if they were, wished to do all he could for that and thanked Yashani, citing that he was new to the team, that he had her best interests in mind and was grateful for allowing him here as he had been able to gather his thoughts here for the first time in a long time. Yashani thanked him again before all the separate members group made their way to the kitchen.

As most of the party started to eat of food Quincy brought out the lemon cookies, picked up one with an icing smiley face, handed it to RX and noted that RX couldn't eat food and would bring oil later, and wished him a happy belated birthday. RX asked what it was and Quincy explained it was a birthday tradition and wished to share it with everyone. RX held the cookie and Sterling lamented not knowing this was coming as he would have gotten RX something and when RX enquired of the notion of getting things explained people recieved gifts during birthdays. Sterling quickly headed out into the garden, found some raw wood and scrap metal, cast *Fabricate* to create a shield, similar to the one he made Alaerith, along with the same monkey design, came back into the kitchen to hand it over to RX. RX, grateful for it, thanked Sterling, noted he was unsure if it would be as useful as his current shield while comparing the two. The party commented on deformed monkey, with RX commenting it had four arms which Sterling said were it's feet, and Quincy suggesting it could be a balgura, a monkey demon, which Sterling agreed with.

RX eventually turned to Yashani, asked about the gate he and Kaz found earlier and if it could be opened and Yashani noted that was how gates usually worked and was more to keep others out then keep people in. Quincy clarified RX was likely asking if it was allowed to be opened and RX noted that was his point. Yashani quickly apologized if she had misconstrued and explained she was not a prisoner at the monastery, along with the others, and it was more a self-inflicted imprisonment as she believed she was a danger to the world outside. Sterling asked what made her leave and Yashani, noting his real question was what made her not come back, said she had been through the gate several times and that she didn't know why she didn't returned, that she didn't turn back and after she helped the village she did that her feet just carried her away and met some of the party after that. Sterling noted fate had a other things in mind and Yashani said she believed so, which made Alaerith shrink down in his seat.

Sterling, with that answer, said it brought up the question of what they were planning to do and what did they need to do to prepare. Yashani said she had a list which pleased Sterling greatly and encouraged her to continue. Yashani explained her first idea had a bit of a thought process which started with Robert and what he had said in the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse*, that she believed the Order of Ruin was still recruiting, that they wanted them and Kaz to join and were likely more desperate than before after losing Esmeria. Yashani explained it meant they had a window of time to get RX repaired to his fullest, that they had some idea where Ob was, that they knew where Bolton was, noting they would be hard-pressed to get there, but would be easier with Ob's help and that if they were looking recruits they should also recruit friends to theirs to be at their strongest and win, Yashani noted she more likely meant survive, but Sterling said win was correct because surviving might mean the world wouldn't have much left.

Sterling admitted he didn't wish to leave the *Dusterburyan Lighthouse* since he had been so close to what he had wanted, noted Yashani was correct and asked if they had any solutions. RX asked which one and when Sterling said to find friends commented he had plenty he wished to find. Quincy asked Yashani if they knew how far the *Sra'jess Hot Springs* where, as their understanding of land geography was bit rusty and when Yashani noted hers was likely as poor as she had lived in the monastery for so long said she understood more then she might believe. RX suggested they had a librarian for direction and Yashani commented that they hadn't asked her about maps. Seren wondered about Masq and Quincy pointed out he was a high powered arcane user and would be invaluable and added named Chuluu as another option. Yashani noted they promised to return to *The Underdark*, that their help wouldn't be without cost as they left the place in a state of turmoil. Seren pointed out they also helped to removed the spider dragon and Yashani agreed, but noted they weren't aware what came of that situation. Sterling enquired about their spider druid friend, Aarcanii, and when Quincy asked Kaz what became of her. Kaz recalled she made it to *Vayilcor*, taking up residency at the *Clockwork Castle* and when Quincy noted that was yet another reason to go there as several people said it would be a place of great knowledge Alaerith became visibly uncomfortable, but brushed it off as nothing. Quincy saw through his lie, noted it was alright if there was somewhere he did not want to go and Alaerith just remained silent. Quincy added that if going to *Vayilcor* was inevitable instead of an option they would all be happy to help him, reminding him Sterling was willing to dump multiple spells magic on Quincy to help them in *Krak*. Alaerith noted he could do plenty as well, but it wouldn't matter and when Seren asked why just said it won't. Sterling tried to assure him whatever consequence there was they would do it, but Alaerith remained quiet.

RX noted it would be best to get a map and proceeded to head up to Braile. Meanwhile Sterling added say that the *Clockwork Castle* was a hub of arcane knowledge, that he had never had the chance to visit such a place since becoming so magically adept and believed he could learn invaluable skills and magic there and might also be a place to learn more about the book. Yashani commented that she barely wanted him to read it and that bringing it to the 'hub of knowledge' could be catastrophic as they had no idea what would happen when opened and preferred to return to the *Puhan Trading Company* tundra to do anything like that. Sterling assured her he didn't intend to open it in the city and rather that the *Clockwork Castle* could help better prepare them for when they do and Quincy added they had been told multiple times that this place was a hub of research and held magical records of people.

RX returned with the map and activated *Telekinetic Movement* to clear the table and unfurled the map for everyone to see. The party saw from where they were near *Shu’hish* that *Vayilcor* was a two weeks journey, that it would follow the edge of the *Skorian Empire* and the *Badlands* and lead them into the *Principality of Pathu*, with the *Sra'jess Hot Springs* being along the way to *Vayilcor*. They also saw another path included returning to *Kra’Kash* and then make a 90 degree angle to head to *Vayilcor*. They also suggested that they could have Flamecannon meet them in *Kra’Kash* to bring the up and around the northern end of the continent, but Quincy reminded them that sailing that far north was dangerous and would also take considerably longer than walking.

Yashani pointed out the fact that Alaerith had such a negative reaction to even the name of the town and, clarifying that she didn't intend to pry, asked what aversions Alaerith had to going there, if he was being pursued or if was simply overtaken by bad memories, as one was a more internal struggle and the other posed more of an external threat to everyone. After some silence Alaerith rhetorically noted he will ever not be asked about this and Quincy quipped that unfortunately for him this group cares a little too much about him. Alaerith moved his seat back a little bit before agreeing to their request and noting it was selfish to not and that he should have told them a long time ago. Alaerith added that he had one condition, that if after what he says caused them to want to leave him or do away with him to make it quick, though he noted he didn't have a right to ask that. The party watched in silence and after a little while Sterling agreed. Seren noted there was no intent to do so, but when Alaerith cut in to request an answer assured him that he would never do such a thing agreed to his condition. The rest of the party slowly followed suit and as Alaerith listened to their words could tell they weren't necessarily true, but saw this was serious. Alaerith also saw RX wanted to go to *Vayilcor* but also understood this was serious, that Yashani held that same concern as Seren and Quincy showed a sort of echo that they understood on a deeper level, but wasn't sure exactly why.

Alaerith sighed and oppressively wondered where to himself where he should start. He looked to RX, reminded him at one point he had asked about Alaerith’s name meant to him and he would get the answer to that now. Alaerith then turned to Seren, jokingly noted how he asked *“where did you get your face”* in reference to Alaerith’s scales and what he answered, but when Seren admitted he didn't remember Alaerith noted it was a lie regardless, that he said he was born with it but was not true. Alaerith then turned to Sterling, recalled his earlier presumptions about his home, struggling to even say the word, that he was correct. Alaerith started by saying he was indeed from one of the underwater cities and, after some struggle, said that he came from a place called *Alaskari*.

1. ↑ Jon having flavored his use of *Gift of Alacrity* as a small voice warning him of danger in the past