A Storm Approaches: Episode 01

### Reddit Thread

***A Storm Approaches* Episode 1** was streamed on Arcadum's Twitch channel on June 22, 2021, and premiered on Arcadum's YouTube channel on June 25, 2021.
Leopold, the Orcheart, sends five adventurers on their way to the Soma Fortress to recover artifacts and information on the Stormlords. They meet Svelt in a cave who helps them on their journey.

## Summary

*Summary originally written by u/AsAlternateAsItCanBe*

An enormous mountain range known as the Titan's Eye, said to be the home of the Mists. On its eastern border, in a village known as Kuzu, five destinies cross paths. The first to arrive is Buroken, a mischievous Yozai Rogue who stole a fine leather bag before entering the tavern 'The Bound Wing'. The second to arrive is Mungus, an Illithari Human Void Wizard with no care in the world but himself. The third to arrive is Momo Socko, the Tiefling Bard, who seems to be concerned on how people perceive her - especially about her horns. The fourth to arrive is Sus'ke, a flamboyant Changeling Rogue originating from the Yang clan. Finally, the final shadow, Aisu Kurimu, a Ho'ask Cleric with ice cream cones as horns, enters the bar. As all five adventurers have gathered in the tavern, Leopold the Orcheart, their employer, introduces himself to the group.

He is a member of the TOPS and a member of the Bard's College of Kalkatesh, and he is here to record the history of Glies, specifically the Stormlords. These people seemed to have lived in a fortress called Soma, and Leopold requests the party to clear the fortress and find any artifacts left in there. They are each given 500 gold pieces and a map to the keep as they set off. Along the road, Momo meets with her Glien Owlbear companion, Socko. The party decides to use Socko as a mount to travel faster, as Socko is able to fly. After a few hours of travel later, Socko has to land as the air gets heavier, leaving no choice but to travel on foot. As they continue walking, the Mist begins rolling in, and it seems that something is watching them from within the Mist. Mungus summons his raven familiar, Romulus, and orders it to scout ahead, and Momo orders Socko to do the same. As they walk further, they find a cave to shelter against the Mist. Meanwhile, the animals return reporting that multiple creatures are heading near them, and there are corpses further along the road. With this information, the party decides to head inside the cave for protection.

Inside the cave, they find *"Advice: no harm"* written in Thieves' Cant, indicating that there is a friendly person within the cave. As they move along the tunnel, Mungus notices arcane seals that prevent teleporting. In addition, they see ammunition for catapults along the path, and at the end of the path is what seems to be a hermit's house. Inside, an old wizard called Svelt resides. The party explains to him about the fortress and their intentions there. He warns them that the fortress contains spectrals samurai and gives Mungus a Wand of Guiding Bolt to help them deal with the ghosts. Meanwhile, Buroken decides to steal a ring while Sus'ke distracts him. Since the Mist has not subsided yet, Svelt summons a magical tiny hut for the party to take rest in.

The next day, the Mist seems to have subsided, and the adventurers continue on their journey. On their way, the group identifies the ring as a Ring of Protection, and using the ring allows Buroken to telepathically communicate with Svelt, who allows him to keep the ring for now. Soon they reached their destination. There seems to be no one outside as they move closer, so Aisu decides to knock on the front door. There is no response except for the door opening slightly. With nothing else to do, the party enters Soma Fortress.

## Featured Characters

### Main Characters

* Aisu Kurimu
* Buroken
* Mamo Socko
* Mungus
* Sus'ke

## References

1. ↑ Date is shown on YouTube VOD
2. ↑ Verum Weekly: Summary of Streamed Games of the Week (June 24th, 2021)