Nij'a

**Nij'a** is the twenty seventh episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. Still reeling from the events of the previous day, the remaining party makes their way to the nearby city of Nij'a to recuperate and make a plan.

## Nij'a

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* ABSQ's main character art is done by @laniekun, the world map of Palamoa by @TheBrassBailey and ABSQ logo commissioned by @KacperGilkaArt
* Music and sound made possible by Syrinscape and Epidemic Sound!
* Haelley reminds us of the wonders of GMDice, home to TTRPG supplies and beautiful dice!
* Tell your friends about the show! Spread the love and get together to watch and enjoy the chaos

### **Part One**

RX, having finished his six hour *Sentry's Rest* and awoken before the rest of the party, had returned to the library, filled in a chalkboard he created with writing and is now focused on the table with his diorama of Baron Vintorvas' castle. Alaerith entered as he has slept in a different room and RX greeted him. They heard the sound of joints popping and cracking from the floor as Yashani woke from her spot on the floor with her back to a chair. Yashani asked if they should wake the still sleeping Quincy and RX said that may be necessary but for now they still had time. Yashani sat down to try and meditate, and despite the pain of the previous day was able to find peace to some degree as she focussed on her life force and felt the potent pulse of the mansion around her as a creation of Ob. In her quiet state, Yashani once again heard the voice from her dreams the night before, urging her to run. Yashani shook from her meditation and stood to approach the table citing that the last time she did not heed a quiet voice in her mind a city burned and they were all marked by the Order of Ruin. Yashani spoke to the two of the voice in her dreams and when RX asked if it was familiar and she told him it wasn't. She added that the voice she heard in *Kra'Kash* wasn't familliar either, though wasn't same voice as she heard then.

Ob entered the library with hot coffee, breakfast and oil with RX's name on it, stating that he assumed they would all need a wake-up call. Quincy, having curled into themself on the couch while asleep, rolled over onto their back and asked if Yashani also had the dream. Yashani surprised, replied that she was unfamiliar with sharing dreams and asked if Quincy heard "her" too. Quincy recounted the dream of running through the tunnel and the voice urging them to run, admitting they had not had a dream like that before and Yashani told them she was running through the trees. Alaerith asked RX if he had any dreams as they did and but RX replied he didn't and was yet to have experienced proper dreams. Ob cut in to clarify if they shared the same dream and Yashani replied the dreams were different but heard the same voice in their dream. Ob said it sounded like a "dreamwalker", more commonly known as Kalashtar, which Yashani recognized as someone who was half a race from Texildra and half spirit from the Plane of Dreams, who have the ability to reach out and make a connection with someone in their dreams making the connection permanent. Yashani said that the voice may be sticking with them for a while but Ob explained the ability, known as a "dream tether" could only be used while the kalashtar and whoever they connected to were asleep. Ob noted that it was odd because the kalashtar needed to know the person to some degree or have at least seen them to make the ability work.

Quincy said they didn't like the thought of someone knowing them that they don't know in return and having a mental connection. RX pointed out they had not kept a low profile recently but Yashani pointed out there was a limited timeframe in which Yashani and Quincy had known each other to have both been seen by this kalashtar. Ob explained that were some powerful kalashtar who had an overflow effect and theorized that the kalashtar might know one of them, but their strength caused them to connect with the other as well as they were in the same room and in close proximity. Yashani asked what a person like this might want and Ob said it was hard to say. He added that the kalashtar could use their dream tethers to create good or bad dreams, but from what they explained felt each were having the bad dream when the light, this voice, appeared to them. He also noted that distance plays a factor into the clarity of the tether which could explain why they weren't able to understand everything the voice said and they could learn more about the person's intentions as they close the gap in their travels. Alaerith asked if he felt there was nothing necessarily bad of their contact and Ob replied that most kalashtar intending something bad would have just forced more nightmares. RX noted they should keep an eye on the situation until they knew more and Ob admitted that was what he knew, having only met one kalashtar before in *Gilesha*.

Ob changed the topic to ask what they intended to do for now and RX in reponse moved to the head of the table beside the chalkboard. He announced that unless something has changed in their rest, they all intended to kill Vintorvas but noted the means to do so may not be in their hands for the moment, citing with only four of them and Ob, there was not enough to take down a castle. Ob reminded them that this was not the time to wage a war either. RX noted he had some ideas for how to do so and Ob noted they had the mansion for the rest of the day to so.

RX turned to the chalkboard, pointed to a big number one, a plan he has deemed the "quiet way". RX commented that while they had not successfully done so in the past, a few of them could sneak in to locate Vintorvas, where then they could contact Ob to *Teleport* the rest of the party to that location to ambush the Baron. Ob pointed out that that spell required he knew where they were going, but after a moment of discussion and recalling RX could precise give the location to Ob when teleporting into the cave to save them, it was decided RX would be required as a part of the team to sneak inside. After doing so they would then hopefully kill Vintorvas and maybe a few of his people before going from there.

RX then pointed to a number two on the chalkboard, which he deemed was the "loud way". RX explained this would require a show of force that would distract most of the Baron's men to cause chaos that they could use as cover, noting that disguises might be required, but the Baron could be take out during this distraction. RX did note the distraction would need to be determined.

Ob noted that Vintorvas was paranoid so they would need time for him to cool down before they attempt this and RX replied they would take time to restock as well. Ob also reminded them that he couldn't stay as he needed to return to the Feywild and when RX asked if they could count on him to return when the time came said he was always listening. Ob added that he may even be able to convince Bolton to come along as well. RX said if it would please him then that would be great and Ob says he would take pleasure in killing the person who killed his friends. Quincy announced they would take pleasure in a stiffer drink, and after both Quincy and Ob spiked their coffee when it arrived, RX asked for another can of oil before Ob gave a toast to Killian Rouge and Jonah Grey. Yashani noted there was another matter to discuss, being who would tell Killian's wife. Ob said he would not do it but RX reminded them they had no way of contacting Samara in the first place. Ob said he would talk to Seren, as it was likely that he would be the best at being gentle.

RX then moved the group on to discussing the next order of business, the town that they had previously mentioned going to, *Nij'a*, the closest settlement to them. RX suggested they could restock and perhaps find new allies, even if they were temporary, and equipment. Quincy asked how much they had in funds and after checking the *Bag of Holding* RX announced they had 2,850 gold pieces, as well as a flawed sapphire. Quincy requested that 240 gold be set aside and when RX asked why Quincy explained Tabernacle spent a decent portion of his life collecting his savings with the intention of sending it off to his family and they wanted there to be something to show of Tabernacle and his efforts if they ever found his daughter. RX pulled out 240 gold and set it aside wordlessly as Yashani said she believed whatever would be an equal portion of their winnings that would have been Killian's should go to his wife and unborn child. Ob added that he was willing to put some money forward as well as he felt responsible for what happened. Yashani commented that gold may not fill the hole in their hearts but may fill hungry bellies for a time.

After a moment of quiet, Quincy said they would like to stop up on gun drafting supplies in *Nij'a*, as they had ideas for bullets and new weapons. Ob said if they were going to *Nij'a* they should look for Ember, who ran the forge there and noted she was from *Gilesha*. RX looked at the amber imbedded in the back of his hand and thought *Nij'a* would be very interesting indeed, which made Quincy groan in concern but RX quickly moved on to ask if there was anything else anyone thought needed to be discussed. Throughout the discussions Alaerith stayed quiet, particularly when Killian and Tabernacle were discussed and had not touched any of the food. RX noted if there was nothing left to discuss then they should finish what they needed in the mansion and prepare to leave. Ob retorted that they had some time with the mansion and reminded that he could only take them 20 minutes outside the town before he would need to depart. Yashani announced that while they all may have a very limited appetite, they should not venture into the cold without eating. Yashani then made a plate of breakfast for herself and Alaerith and told him to eat what he could, warning that she wouldn't accept eating nothing. Alaerith took a small bite of something simple on his plate and choked it down before leaving the room. RX pointed out Alaerith did as requested but Yashani countered that she did not work on technicalities. Yashani and RX discussed the importance of Alaerith eating, warning that they would not carry him into *Nij'a* so RX picked up Alaerith's unfinished plate and followed after him.

RX quickly caught up to Alaerith in the hallways of the mansion as he entered a room, and slipped in before the door could close behind Alaerith and found a training room filled with weapons, armor and shields and targets at the far end. As Alaerith stared at everything within, RX lamented the temporary nature of the mansion citing the quality of the items within, startling Alaerith. RX called it an unfortunate weakness, like the need to eat and noted they could work on one of them and held out a bit of pancake. Alaerith just stared at it before he put distance between them but RX reminded him that he was faster and that he could use his advanced wrestling techniques instead. Alaerith asked if RX would leave afterward and RX said that would depend on how much he eats. Alaerith gave in to this, reluctantly picked up the fork and ate the pancake. RX noted the eggs were next citing they were very good for him. Alaerith convinced RX that was all he could eat for the day, and RX accepting this, left the training space and disposed of the leftover food as he made his way back to the library.

Back in the library Ob asked what they planned to do after they killed the Baron. Quincy, having finished her third or fourth mostly alcoholic coffee and picked at a pancake to appease Yashani, said they would just try to survive. Ob said that he told RX the night before and would tell them that the world was not nice and that the best they could do was be there for each other, as Ob would try to do for them as he liked them both and adding that he liked them all. After a moment of quiet, Ob reached into his coat, pulled out a cylinder of perforated metal, tossed it to Quincy and told them it was from Bolton who had some spare parts laying around and asked Ob to give it to them.

As Quincy looked over what was clearly a gun part, Ob asked Yashani if he could ask a personal question which she agreed to. Ob asked how strong her connection to Sanguis was, calling them a God beyond God, and Yashani replied that it was weaker than some but stronger than others, though she only really compared herself to those who raised her. Ob agreed and commented that seeing a Sanguine monk outside the monastry was rare, but noted he had met one before, a man named Poackel who was on his way to *Vupjinas* at the time. Ob says Poackel was carrying what Yashani was carrying and Quincy curiously asks if he means the "spooky book", which Yashani tried to argue wasn't spooky, but Ob and Quincy agreed before Ob confirmed it was the same book. Yashani recalled that Chuluu mentioned a sanguine monk had been carrying the book, having left it with him in *The Underdark*. Ob pointed out Yashani had likely already figured out that Sanguis was more than just people, that they were more powerful than just that and were a connection of everything. Yashani admitted that while she was on the water travelling she doubted that connection could be found there but nonetheless it was found. Ob agreed and explained that anything that existed on the planet was under Sanguis' domain. Yashani noted that Ob sounded like her old teacher and Ob noted he had been around for a long time, had met a lot of wise people and picked up a few things along the way. Ob commented that Yashani had so much hope, which caused her to dip her chin as the tips of her ears went red as she blushed.

Ob went on to say very few monks left the monastery but they did great things when they did. Yashani admitted her assumption he would say they wound up dead and Ob told her Poackel was still alive, that they were now living in *Gilesha* and suggested she go to see him once she had discovered all there was to the book. He added that what was contained in the book was beyond what even Ob is capable of which Yashani considered daunting. Ob commented that's was why it was good only she could read it while others would consider it just a strange old book. Yashani noted her understanding how it would seem creepy, but felt that it was somehow right with her. Ob said that once they murdered the baron, which Quincy questioned was "murder" if he deserved it, they could head to the northern end of the Puhan Trading Company and visit the *Qho'Sovo Salt Mine*, known for an exotic salt called *Pixie's Blood*, which Quincy recognized as being named as such because of it's hue when harvested as an orange-red that turned a deeper red when crushed and refined for consumption. Ob said if she went to *Qho'Sovo* there was a monastry, where a man named Brock might be able to help her unlock another part of the book. Yashani asked how they might locate this person and Ob commented that it would be hard to miss him, citing his green skin that had an ever present luminescent glow, similar to Seren's glow but was unable to be lessened.

Yashani pondered how likely they thought that RX got Alaerith to eat just as RX reentered the library and announced his mission was successful. Yashani asked if Alaerith ate the plate as well, which confused RX and asked if organic people ate plates. Yashani noted hyperbole was lost on him and instead asked where the plate was to which RX said he didn't think it existed anymore, citing Alaerith may not have eaten it but something did. Quincy admitted she may have been drinking a lot and rapidly, but couldn't be that far gone yet. Yashani moved on to ask if RX saw where Alaerith went and RX explained it was an armory, which confused Yashani as Alaerith did not wear armor. Quincy asked if there were targets in the room and when confirmed Quincy explained that when someone misses something in an important moment, it sticks with them. RX noted he missed all the time and Yashani said maybe he should join Alaerith, which RX considered a wonderful idea. Yashani added that maybe they should all go, but Quincy held up her new gun part and said she would stay behind and work on her guns. As RX and Yashani left soon after, Ob turned to Quincy and noted he should get there before them as a portion of the nearby bookshelf faded into sand, reshaped into a door and stepped through, into the room Alaerith created as the door reshaped into the bookshelf behind him.

Ob warned Alaerith that RX and Yashani are on their way, startling Alaerith and Ob pointed out he was very noisy about closing the door. Alaerith, who had a small shield strapped to his arm regained his breath, said it would be easier if people knocked. Ob retorted that it was his mansion, which Alaerith noted he didn't arguement for and that Ob was right. Ob asked what Alaerith was trying to do and reminded him that nothing created in the mansion can leave it. Alaerith said he knew and admitted he didn't know what he was trying to accomplish. Ob placed his hands on Alaerith's shoulders and told him that he knew this was hard but there was more to come, that *they* had done their purpose and it was not Alaerith's fault. Alaerith disagreed, but Ob said everyone had made their choices knowing it was dangerous. Ob asked if Alaerith saw anyone else beating themselves up as badly as he was, but Alaerith replied that he didn't know how else to think. Ob asked if Alaerith had ever considered talking to the others about how he felt might do him good and though he looked like he wished to say something Alaerith kept silent.

Ob went on to remind him that he had lived over a 1000 years, that he never wished to live that long, that he had learned a lot, with one thing being that beating himself up would only hurts those around him because Alaerith didn't trust them. Alaerith countered that it wasn't them he didn't trust, but himself. Ob asked why he continued to travel with them if he believed himself to be a danger to them and what he was trying to accomplish. Alaerith frustrated said he didn't know, that he hadn't in six years and didn't know what he was allowed to do before he cut himself off abruptly and apologized for the outburst. Ob told him he didn't have to apologize but encouraged him to look at what he had already accomplished, from meeting the people he traveled with, defeating the spider dragon and surviving the Order of Ruin thus far. Ob added Alaerith did not see the good they had done, noting specifically that all of *Kra'Kash,* not just a portion, would have burned down without their help. Ob explained Killian and Tabernacle died protecting them as it was their time, that they knew the risks and asked if Alaerith didn't want to continue with the risk then why did he continue to travel with them. Ob added that no matter what Alaerith thought of himself, he was made for something bigger and better, like all of them were, but he was just told that at the wrong time.

At that point, RX knocked on the door as he entered and told Yashani he felt the hallways had gotten longer since the last time he followed Alaerith there. Ob leant into Alaerith and told him he did that on purpose to give them a moment to talk. Yashani explained that she heard Alaerith was doing target practice and arrived to be a moving target along with RX who piped in he was there to help as well. Yashani, though still burdened with grief seemed invigorated by the thought of training, and believed training was a good idea as Ob excused himself from the room. Alaerith asked what they were speaking about and Yashani explained that she was familiar with the concept of a training room and believed training against a real person was better than a stuffed dummy like what Alaerith has conjured in the room and thought together they could all burn off some steam. Alaerith looked to them as the shield he has been holding slipped from his grip onto the floor and Yashani wondered if that was a new style of fighting he was trying out and RX believed that he might be able to help him. Yashani pointed out that the shield may be fairly useless for Alaerith, similar as it would be useless for her as well and explained that she learned early in her training to use the strengths you had rather than focus what you do not.

Alaerith said he might take RX up on his offer in the future, which RX agreed to citing that he was a master of it despite not having used it before as one of his latent programs, but Alaerith noted he did have something he needed to say to them. Alaerith struggled for a moment to find the words, as his regrets overlapped, until he finally made it clear that he was not a fighter, adventurer or mercenary, that he did not like fighting, though he knew it held it's purpose, but he found it especially hard with his magic. He explained that he found that battling the ghasts and the spider dragon less of an issue, but fighting humanoids are different. He added that he pushed through when he target Ilvwinter, but when it came to fighting those that looked like them it was different than fighting monsters. Yashani told Alaerith that she was not a fighter, adventurer or mercenary either, though she was capable and sometimes enjoyed it, she spent most of her life as a healer and still considered herself one. She revealed that the first time she killed something with intention was the kobold chieftan in *The Burrow* and thought she had put herself at odds with her God. She told him that she understood his conflict, but that when you, or those you love or the innocent were in danger you have to do something. As Yashani noticed that Alaerith negatively reacted the idea the notion of protecting himself, she added that she would not push him into taking part in their revenge plot against the Baron as it was not for everyone.

Alaerith added to his point that he didn't want want to make things worse than he already had. Yashani tried to say she didn't think he did but Alaerith retorted that if he hadn't left with the *Bag of Holding,* even if the idea was Tabernacle's, then maybe he would still be alive. After finally noticing that Quiz was not with them and assumed he also fell, Alaerith added that if he hadn't suggested that Yashani could look for the entrance that things would be different. Yashani asked if he thought the power of his suggestion was so strong that it forced her and Killian to leave. Yashani added that if he wanted to play the what-if game, reminded that she was with Killian when he was taken, that she saw him turn visible, heard the trap door open, that she did nothing to pull him back into the shadows and continued to do nothing when Vintorvas pulled Killian up through the hatch and away. Yashani finished that there was plenty of blame to go around and Alaerith did not get to take all of it. Alaerith replied that he didn't know how else to think, but when Yashani said he would learn Alaerith continues to state that the only thing he had learned was that things don't change. Alaerith explained that he came to this room to create an image of Rusk using the practice dummys, but couldn't, though he could if he imagined them as a ghast or a spider dragon, but noted that it only got worse. Yashani said she didn't know whether he had to change himself, but knew he needed to find peace, and though she didn't know how to help him in that respect, she knew that he wouldn't find it any easier. Yashani changed topic and noted that while she couldn't make herself look like Rusk, nor could RX though he did change his LED eye color to green to match Rusk's. Alaerith replied that he wasn't sure that would help, and as Alaerith picked up the shield he previously dropped added that all he could do was try and figure out how to use the shield. RX replied that it was easy, as he pulled out his own shield and led Alaerith near to one of the crossbows to show him how.

With that the view shifted, down the hallway and past the library where Ob led Quincy to Bolton's gun range, though while Quincy was able to walk in a straight line, it was clear they are intoxicated. As Ob invited Quincy to sit with him in the gun range and Quincy asked if Ob had enjoyed playing therapist for them all and when Ob says he hadn't Quincy commented that he looked like he was good at it. Ob explained you learned a lot when you live as long as he has and that he had noticed a problem in her, Quincy sassily asked if he'd seen only one as she thought another bottle of alcohol into existence and opened it. Ob said that Quincy had a problem in dealing with pain, but Quincy countered that everyone does Ob agreed and noted everyone dealt with it differently but it was clear Quincy was handling it the worst. Ob commented that he didn't have to be delicate with Quincy and asked directly what was going on. He pointed out that Quincy liked to say she doesn't like people, that they pissed her off but when two of them died she tried to drink herself into a stupor. Quincy thought for a moment before asking if it was worth trying to lie to him and Ob offered that they could try.

Quincy put the bottle down, sat up straight as they told Ob that they met a group of people, joined them as a means to an end to get back to the people they really cared about. They continued that they then bonded, got stuck in a situation and now they were gone and finished that every death was bound to hurt. Ob agreed but stated it was clear he could tell there was more to it and pointed out that it hurt because it mattered. Ob told Quincy he understood, that he wouldn't pry but did need to know how to ensure they didn't lose themselves since people in this kind of situation tended to be unstable. Quincy replied that despite not having used the skill in some time, they were capable of faking it until they can manage it for real. Ob pointed out faking only worked on people who couldn't see through it, and asked if she knew how hard it was to keep Bolton from coming with him as he was worried about Quincy. Ob was asked to pass on a message from him, that he belived in them and Quincy tearfully said she believes in *them*. Ob then asked what it was going to take for Quincy to be alright and Quincy offered to tell him what bothered her. She explained to Ob that the worst part was they were still angry, remembering that Killian died and despite Seren bending Fate's will through his faith, Killian threw himself back into battle, and they were still angry when they came to the city and now he's gone.

Ob told Quincy they were only seeing it from one perspective and explained that you can't alter fate and that whether or not she liked it, Killian saved their lives, especially Quincy's. He explained that Baron Vintorvas had kidnapped people before and was planning to do so when Quincy returned, and intended to kill her. Ob went on that just because Killian was dead did not mean she got to have a pity party and that Quincy concerned him and Bolton. Ob asked if they needed to keep an eye on her and Quincy thinks for a long moment before wiping her face and sitting up, quietly saying no and admitting he is right. Ob noted that he didn't see what Bolton had seen in her before, but did now. Ob then reached to his ear, flicked a familiar charm, which caused a small sound to ring through Quincy's mind as Bolton comes through with his customary *"yeah boss?".* Ob asked Bolton to tell Quincy "she needed to stop with her bullshit", and after a brief bit of resistance as he didn't like to get involved in impolite matters, Bolton called out to Quincy.

Bolton told Quincy he knew that they had been through a lot, but things happened like they were supposed to. He added that Quincy could kick up a fuss all they like, but fate would do as it did, that they were supposed to die protecting all of them and needed to accept all of that. Bolton continued that he knew this was hard, that if they needed his help all they had to do is ask, but stated it was not something they could take back. Quincy asked if he still believed in them and Bolton replied he wouldn't have given them his gift earlier if he didn't and wouldn't offer to assist in an even better manner. Quincy asked if he would tell them what the gift is and he simply answered

*"power...mine"*

Quincy jokingly called him a vague son-of-a-bitch and Bolton happily accepted noting his enjoyment. Bolton became more serious as he said that Quincy was in a situation where they didn't feel like they could do enough to protect their friends and asked if they would like if he was able to give them that power. Quincy asked how and Bolton replied to make a deal. Quincy asked what would be needed in return and Bolton their commitment, as he was not going to live forever. Quincy asked for time to think and Bolton agreed as the connection dropped.

Ob called the situation interesting and suggested they go find Quincy's friends. As they walked together through the halls and came to the door where the others were Quincy asked Ob to wait before opening it, quickly wiped their face, fixed their hair and stood up straight. As the two enterted the training room they saw Alaerith on one end of the room with the shield up and the wall behind him speckled with arrows outlining his form, while RX was on the other end of the room holding a crossbow. RX asked if Alaerith was ready to shot at directly and when Ob directed RX to aim higher RX explained he was purposefully missing until he was ready to be properly shot at. Ob commented that he didn't understand how that would help but pointed out that it was coming time that the mansion needs to come down and needed to return to the Feywild. RX tossed the crossbow to the wall causing it to morph into sound as Alaerith set down the shield where he pulled it from. Before they left the room Alaerith tried one more time to concentrate on one of the practice dummies but walked off in defeat. Ob urged him to try again and Alaerith cast *Fire Bolt* sending the bolt of energy and managed to wing it alright. Quincy commented that they could work on aiming for center mass later.

As they all gathered in the foyer ready to leave Ob remembered something and left the group before he returned with his glaive and spellbook. Ob called it bothersome doing it constantly, but noted it'ss uses, then flipped through the spellbook until he found a particular page, ripped it out and handed the page to Alaerith. When asked Ob explained it was a contigency plan incase they need it, noting that it might not save everyone but it should help and that they needed to be 15 feet of each other. With that done they all left the mansion, patiently waited in the snow as Ob collected the components he used to cast *Ob's* *Magnificent Mansion* before he flipped through his spellbook and asked that no one puked on the way through. They all gathered together as Ob ripped out yet another page, laid it on the ground, drew a circle in the snow with the tip of his glaive, cast *Teleport*, and as Quincy unable to keep down their breakfast of mostly liquor, they arrived in a new area of the Puhan Trading Company.

### **Break!**

* The ABSQ Wiki! You made it here already, good job!
* If you have any questions about ABSQ's story, how we do things, character questions or just want to ask us something strange, we are taking questions so send them to anotherbsquest@gmail.com or on Twitter with the hashtag *#anotherbsquestion*
* Find us on Twitch, Instagram, Twitter and now TikTok!
* If you can't watch us live, recordings of the sessions will be posted on Youtube a few days after the livestream! You can also listen to us on many streaming services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Alexa as we are also on Amazon Music
* We have merchandise! T-shirts, stickers, phones cases and more in all sorts of fun styles including the original logo and fun things like *#BrightAss* and *Take Me to Space Sweden.* Find it all on Design By Humans.
* For a more direct way to support us, find us Patreon and subscribe to gain access to exclusive content including the legacy podcast of ABSQ, behind the scenes content and homebrew creations!

### **Part Two**

Ob commented that he should have expect the puke and Quincy ruefully said there always had to be one. Ob went on to explain they were 20 minutes north by foot from *Nij'a* and that they should come in from the Puhan side as it wouldn't be unusual there. He suggested they find *Montie & Merriweather's*, citing that it was a place where they would be safe. Ob apologized one last time and reminded them that when they were ready to kill Vintorvas to call him and to be safe, Quincy sent Ob off with a request to send Seren their love. Ob sliced through the air with his glaive creating a portal that opened to an early spring morning and walked through before the rip closed behind him. RX turned to the party, said it had been hard and that their numbers have dwindled, but noted that did not mean they were not strong and even stronger together. With that RX led the way south as they happened upon a worn down stone path which they followed.

As the town came into view the party found a small encampment, first coming across a dozen or so Victorian style homes, as expected of the Skorian Empire and the Puhan Trading Company, but beyond was is a city made of almost entirely wooden carts. Some buildings that appeared to be on wheels, prepared to move whenever necessary, and the main center of the city looked as though it rotated, with the buildings and paths between them shifting as the city went about it's day. Nij'a was built around a well known excavation site and had drawn in archeologists and researchers for years, giving it a population of 743 people made of these scholars, merchants and treasure hunters. The party noticd one building in particular, that looked to be a mass of wooden carts stacked together, with a large sign that reads *Montie & Merriweather's.* Next to that, seeming to be attached was another conglomeration of carts, with a bright yellow roof and a sign that read *Asimov's Goods*. Across from that was a building made of stone and wood and a sign that reads *Ember's*, that emanated the sound of metalworking that carried across the distance to them and a flame that roared from inside.

Quincy asked RX what the plan was and he suggested *Montie & Merriweather's* as it was Ob's suggestion. As they headed off to the large building, made of what looked like an old caravan of carts to form the structure, they stepped inside the dim tunnel that led into a tavern where they saw people enjoying music and a bar that made up the back corner. Within there was an array of people inside, most of them covered in dirt, ranging from researchers hunched over blueprints and maps to large hired muscle and people who dug for artifacts. As they approached the bar they found an older halfling man, red hair that was greying and trimmed in a short undercut, wearing a well maintained white apron, who greeted them as they were people he had never seen before. RX introduced himself and the halfing introduced himself as Merriweather. RX asked where to get rooms and Merriweather said he had some left for one silver each and included a continental breakfast for. Quincy paid for two rooms, recieved the keys to room 20 and 21 in exchange and the directions to them. RX asked if Merriweather could explain what exactly this place was and Merriweather invited them to sit and offered them a drink on him as he told his story.

Merriweather explains that Montie, his husband, was an archeologist and liked to study the old Aeitian ruins found around Palamoa, most of which were found in Puhan. He continued that the two of them came on a deal to assist Puhan in exchange for allowance to search the area, and after what they found ended up being too much for just them to handle called in other associates and friends, along with people they met in *Gilesha*. He added that it was now it's their ruin to explore, that Puhan only maintained what was nearby so the inhabitants don't die, but they were the one who went down to find the items which most people sold or kept for themselves. The two stuck around, as Merriweather liked taking care of people, making food and hearing people's stories and Montie liked looking for things and as they made money, they bought more carts and over time the tavern and inn became what it is now, including Asimov who set up shop next door and brought in goods that everyone needed while Ember came from *Gilesha*, commenting that he hadn't met a better blacksmith. Merriweather finished that *Nij'a* was the closest they had to freedom, unless you wished to travel to *Maltrop Strip*.

Yashani recalled in her own mind, that the vicar in *Krapjess* mentioned the possibility of another devil book in the ruins of a Puhan city, and looked between her companions before asking Merriweather how one found work in the ruins. Merriweather replied that you simply go to the ruins and work, noting that no one fought within *Nij'a* as they were there for the same thing, but as the ruins were independent of Puhan's trading laws, once you were in them it was essentially a free for all. Yashani went on to ask if Merriweather had seen any "particularly homicidal elven folk" or "a bookish half-orc" or even a "a grumpy looking armored man" come through, which confused Merriweather and replied he had not, admitting there had been some strange people but nothing like what she had described. RX thanked him for the information and when asked, Merriweather gave the party a thorough run down of what all can be found in town. He explained his tavern was full service for food, drink and rooms, while Asimov had just about everything you could need on a journey, along with tools were necessary for excavation and Ember was a master blacksmith, capable of forging with special metals and make items like they have never seen. RX thanked him again for his time and suggested the party be off, but Merriweather stopped him, admitted he had never seen someone like before and asked if he could touch RX. RX obliged his request and accepted the repeated pokes to his offered hand.

As the party headed for the door between the two shops, Quincy followed after Merriweather and commented on Merriweather's mention that he knew everyone who comes through the city. Quincy asked if the name Vaultanis rung a bell and Merriweather recalled a man named Enoch who came through less than a month ago and had been on his way to *Krak*. Quincy awkwardly said it was good to hear he was still around, excused themself from the conversation quickly after that back to the party who patiently waited. Yashani and RX could glean the exchange was an awkward one, but neither pressed the matter as they continued to *Asimov's Goods*.

After they crossed the short covered walkway between the tavern and shop they reached the doorway into the store. They saw not only that the cart was larger than any cart the party had seen before, but that it was also filled to the brim with anything a traveller could need from herbalism kits, healing kits, mining tools, rations, candles and rope. Tucked in amongst the items they saw a large, dark skinned man, with random patches of hair across his body, reading a book who nodded to them before he returned to his book. Yashani approached the counter first and asked for an herbalism kit and the man, Asimov, stood and turned to the shelves behind him before turning back with a fine wooden box which Yashani paid four silver for. Yashani also asked for a courier service or post office to send somewhere in the remains of *Kra'Kash* and Asimov, in halting and awkward Common, recommended they talk to Merriweather.

In the same time, RX tried to scan through the shelves for anything of particular interest, but found himself overwhelmed with all there is to see. As Quincy took his hand to help center him, Yashani asked Alaerith if he planned to buy a shield and when Alaerith replied he was thinking about it Asimov told them they would find that at Embers. RX suggested they may as well head out, but Quincy stopped them, turned to Asimov and asked for a healer's kit, which was also in a wooden box, notably marked with the familiar symbol of Dyeltora, which the party now realized looked almost identical to the symbol of Sanguis. Quincy also asked for a bookmark, which seemed to please Asimov before he rummaged behind his counter and brought a small bookmark, made of white bone and shaped into a stormcloud that form the dragon head of Fealtera, one of the Aj'Snaga demigods. Quincy happily paid five silver for the healer's kit and another five for the bookmark, then turned to the others and mentioned it had been a while since she has been somewhere new. After a few good-byes, the party left *Asimov's Goods,* down a set of short stairs and into the cold of the outside.

The party found *Ember's* was not far from where they were, and easy to spot as it was uniquely made of mostly stone and fire roared out of the top, which seemed to change color. As they passed through the two main doors, already open as the heat wafted out they saw the walls all lined with all manner of weapons and shields, but made of colored metals and exceptionally beautiful to see. At the back of the shop, silhouetted by flame and hammering away they saw a tall and muscular elven woman, with dark amber skin and black hair wearing dark overalls. The woman noticed them eventually, stopped working and introduced herself as Ember and apologized for being so caught up in her work. Quincy asked if Ember made everything in the shop, which she assured she did, accepted Quincy's compliment of her work and admitted it's why she came to *Nij'a* as she could make anything they could want. She also noted that she would also do it cheaper because of how good the group looked.

The group turned to Alaerith, with Quincy going so far as to push him forward. Alaerith admitted he wasn't familiar with weapons and armor but noted he was looking into buying a shield. Ember pointed out that Alaerith did not look "robust", suggested he needed something light, then headed to a wall of shields until she found one in particular, handed it to Alaerith and told him it was made from a special metal that she found in a ruin south of *Qho'Sovo* and was especially light and wouldn't weight him down. Alaerith asked if that meant Ember also explored the ruins and she replied she had, but mainly she made trades and made items for people who brought her special materials and got to keep whatever is left over. She also added that she liked crafting things, and regardless of her physical stature wasn't made for fighting as she was too soft on the inside. Alaerith commented that he could appreciate her words and Ember thanked him and offered the shield for five gold. Alaerith asked if she was willing to trade for the shield and offered his crossbow and two daggers, which he had kept in great condition with with his multiple casts of *Prestidigitation* and *Mending*, which Ember accepted. As Ember helped place the Alaerith blushed, which RX commented on, before Ember turned to the rest of the party and asks what they might need.

Yashani requested darts, and as Ember wrapped her arm around Yashani's shoudlers she guided her to her display counter filled with all manner of light bladed items, reminded them she had just about everything they could think of and anything they could dream up she could make. Yashani commented that she didn't have a very active imagination, as Quincy mumbled she did, and asked for simple darts. Ember pulled out a wooden case and opened it to reveal several beautiful metal darts made of multicolored metal. Yashani bought the whole lot, totalling 12 *+1 Darts* for 12 silver, as Ember noted that she could easily make more.

Ember leaned forward on the counter, turned to Quincy and RX and RX happily stepped up. RX pulled out his longsword and explained that while he liked the sword, noted it was become old and obsolete as of recent and requested Ember's help to make it better. Ember replied that it depended on what he meant by "better", noting that she could make it lighter, stronger, imbue it with certain chemical compounds to make it more conductive, flammable, venomous, but RX stopped her and asked to return to the idea of conductive. RX demonstrated his ability as he cast *Shocking Grasp* and Ember agreed that she could reforge his sword to be more conductive and that it could be done in two days time, which RX agreeed to.

After Ember took his longsword along with his payment of 30 gold, she turned to Quincy as she called them "one of her own". Quincy commented that they heard Ember was from *Gilesha* and Ember replied that she was and added that she had not seen a "storm" in some time. Quincy said they had never seen another and Ember explained that was because when wind and air there you just got steam, but on *Gilesha* it was a trait in the blood. Quincy readily admitted Ember was very pretty, but was currently attached and on that topic started their requests with the simpler of the two, a very pretty scimitar. Quincy explained they had pissed off a very pretty lady and hoped to earn their forgiveness with several gifts. Ember noted that she had a pretty scimitar available for five gold, but added that she wasn't attached as she didn't see a ring on Quincy's hand. RX commented that he believed Quincy meant emotionally attached, but Ember told him he had much to learn. Quincy went on to say the second may be more of a challenge but figured Ember might like that, then pulled out their journal and flipped to a page with their drafts of a rifle based on what they had seen of Bolton's *Reaver* and Tabernacle's rifle. Ember looked over the drafts and admitted she had never attempted a firearm of that caliber, but could make the major components if Quincy could do the finer detail work. Ember said it would take three days if she did it alongside RX's sword and Quincy happily paid the 140 gold fee.

RX requested Ember's attention one more time and asked if she had armor more fitting of a construct like himself. Ember explained that would need to be a custom fit to the components he already had and would need to take "extensive" measurements, but could do it. Quincy warned Ember that she might short circuit RX as he did not entirely understand flirting, but Yashani pointed out that may make it easier for him, which only seemed to confuse RX more. Ember asked if he wanted the plating or not and when RX agreed went to a wall, pushed a button that caused a circle platform to pop out of the floor and asked him to step up. RX stepped up and looked to the party in concern as Ember pulled out a long, flexible tape measure, brushed a hand down Quincy's arm as she headed for RX. As Ember took her time to take every measurement of RX that she could possibly need, Yashani and Quincy easily caught Ember looking at Quincy flirtingly the entire time, which something Quincy took to like a duck to the water.

As Ember continued to measure and reached RX's calf area, three heavy knocks were heard as someone made their way from the front of Ember's shop.

1. ↑ In "No Rest For The Wicked"*,* Yashani heard a voice in her mind that she did not recognize telling her to leave the city, prior to it burning down.
2. ↑ The group also have 2 fairly intact diamonds that were not mentioned.
3. ↑ A modification made by Masq in *Quarry Hold*.
4. ↑ Referring to the Age of Varimathus, which was of the ancient Elves.
5. ↑ At this point in the VOD, Jessa's camera did something funky and the cast took a moment to release the tension of Alaerith being flirted with. check out the chaos HERE
6. ↑ As a sorcerer, and like most spell casters, Alaerith isn't proficient with shields or armor without multiclassing, and using them without proficiency would prevent him from using his magic at all. Ember's special shield allows him to use it without losing his magic, but only her shield.