No Rest For The Wicked

**No Rest For The Wicked** is the thirteenth episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The Motley Crew return to Kra'Kash and run into faces old and new as worlds collide.

## No Rest For The Wicked

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

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### **Part One**

The scene opened to the party and Aarcanii who stood together in the sunlight of the two suns, Gulness and Varith, at roughly midday. Aarcanii noted that she had never seen so much color, as she took in the sight of the forest around them, which prompted Tabernacle to mention the ocean being beautiful, but was quickly teased by Killian in good humor for the ocean being really only blue. Killian took the the lead to leave, seeing as he knew the area best, and told Aarcanii that he would get her something for her sunlight sensitivity due to her being part drow, and even offered her some of his wife's clothes, when it was noted that Aarcanii's were worse for wear. As the moved most of the party heard a strange noise from behind them, and as they turned, they saw two familiar individuals, though slightly different than when they last saw them, Ob and Bolton. Ob now had a vested suit, a big black duster and his bandages were now more loosely wrapped around his neck rather than covering his face entirely, which was now revealed as humanoid and covered in burn scars.

Ob spoke out loud how it was a smart idea to leave, but when asked if he was joining them, said that he he and Bolton had business of their own. Ob mentions that their "associates" that destroyed a part of *Quarry Hold* stopped in *The Burrow* before they journeyed there just as the party had. Ob said it troubled him, and he needed to take care of a few things, nothing directly to the three, but things that would happen because of them. RX asked for more details, but Ob didn't elaborate, telling them its good for people to know just enough to get things going, and gestured to a charm similar to the ones he gave the party and reminded them that he was always listening. He also let them know if they ever found themselves in the far western end of the Empire in a place called *Licah,* they would know where to find him in a tower there, that he initially hinted as "big and pointy". Quincy admonished him for being vague, and after further teasing from Tabernacle and Killian, Ob told them he had dirty work to do, citing that being a "champion" was a job of its own. Tabernacle told him if he needed muscle to let them know, which Ob replied he might take them up on it one day.

Alaerith piped in and asked what happened with trio's visit to *The Burrow* if they spoke or a fight happened, and Seren added asking why they came to him specifically. Ob said they wanted a drink, that they had mentioned coming from *Still Geyser*, and that they sat and talked quietly, noting that the female was boorish and not appreciated by the other patrons. After asking if three were there, Ob clarified that he only saw two, physically describing the two, with one being a male human, Ilvwinter, and the other as half drow and half changeling, Esmeria. After Tabernacle noted the names of the two, he mentioned the half orc for his information. Killian said that he didn't like that Kalistock didn't seem to travel with the other two as much, as it meant it was unknown as to where he was most of the time and Yashani offered that maybe Kalistock was more the reconnaissance type. Ob mentioned that he didn't take kindly to devil magic and Tabernacle admitted he was glad to see them both again, noting that the trio had nearly killed a few of them and got to Quincy pretty badly. Ob told them that the trio were not so much a concern of his, but of someone up top, referenced as "the Secret Keeper" who paid Ob good mind and heed. Ob asked if there was anything else and the party wished them luck. Quincy excitedly pulled out her newly refurbished pistols, *Peril & Pain*, and showed them to their original owner, Bolton.

Bolton looked the pistols over noting that must have met with Masq. Bolton then turned to the whole party and apologized for misleading them when they first met, but was quickly smacked by Ob. Ob told him he was too polite, which Seren stated was not a bad thing, but Ob clarified that in their business Bolton being polite would get him shot. Bolton finished his apology to say that he didn't mean to lie, and clarified that he doesn't patrol the tunnels and knew the party was coming. Seren asked how they knew and Bolton pointed to Ob. When Seren asked how he knew Yashani noted that it wouldn't surprise her if Ob, who could manipulate time, could also manipulate what he can see and Killian piped up that there was probably not much that Ob didn't know. Ob agreed that being the champion of a God of knowledge, or God of knowledge and secrets specifically did have its benefits. Quincy told him that was spooky and would prefer to know nothing else, other than that he is a great friend to keep around. Ob said he would call if he needed them, and Tabernacle replied that they would call on him to. Killian doubted that he would respond, but Ob told him if they all call him at the same time over the charm, he would come, as it was to his benefit to keep them all alive for when he needed help.

As Ob begins to walk away, Bolton pulled a bag from off his shoulder and throws it to Quincy saying she needs to stop lying to herself and walked off as well. As the pair disappeared, Quincy opened the bag as Killian and Tabernacle excitedly encouraged her to do so, and found an array of things including bullets, gunpowder and all the tools Quincy would need to make their own firearms, as well a duster much like Bolton's with holsters for guns. As the party, including Aarcanii, walked on from there, they discussed amongst themselves the information they just heard. They all pieced together, mostly through Yashani and Seren's knowledge, that every God in the Aj'Snaga Pantheon and the Patheon of the Demigods had been known to gift their powers to mortals, which made that mortal their champion. Champions, while not immortal, were known to have many of the powers of their chosen god, and with that could confirm that Ob was the champion of Rhizadeal, the Astral King and could bend space and time almost to his will. This was an interesting discovery as champions were almost a myth, so having the concept confirmed was impressive, let alone meeting one, but they were also able to assume it went both ways and that demons and devils could also have champions, which they believed was how Esmeria, Ilvwinter and Kalistock became what they were.

The party eventually came to a trail that was smooth and well travelled. As Aarcanii gawked at her new surroundings, Seren took the time to explain as much as he knew of the forest, which garnered the attention of both RX and Tabernacle as well. Quincy took the chance to check out her new tools, and fiddled with her pistols. She spent some time on it, and using a sharp looking poker pulled back the hammer of the firing mechanism, and found another lever, that when pulled, made the pistol start to vibrate a bit before she put it back into place carefully. Once they were within a few hours of the city, Killian proposed a plan for when they arrive, which included checking in on Samara, but also what to do about the danger posed to the entire city, poking around specifically *The Embassy* to see if anything strange was already going on. Tabernacle offers his service in visiting *The Docks* to find some old acquaintances of his if they were still alive, even a couple in *The Embassy*. Quincy said that she didn't know anyone so high up, but before she stowed away on the ship with Killian and RX, she had a job while she watched *The Docks* for her ship, and that her employers might have some idea. Killian asked if they would rather split off immediately or go to his house first and use it as a base of operations, but Yashani pointed out that it was best to not split up at all.

As they traveled, the color of the air shifted to a pale blue as Gulness was blocked by the Moon, and The Hour was upon them, which the magic users of the party knew as they felt a bit of a pep in their step. A little time later, they crested over a hill and looked down to see the rooftops and the winding river of *Kra'Kash*. The city had an industrialized boom with housing for 40,000 people, and as they stepped into the city proper, they encountered humans, elves, halflings, genasi and half orcs and orcs. They saw banners hang over the streets in royal blues and burnt oranges announcing The Festival of the Matched Suns, which would occur in two days time and everyone was preparing to celebrate the day that the two suns aligned in the sky. As they entered through an area called *Wheatbridge*, a modest community, Killian led them through the densely populated area. Killian was recognized by many and he often stopped to say hello, ask about someone's health or family, help with carts or things when he could, before he eventually took them to a narrow, townhouse-like home where he knocked on the door.

After a moment, the door was swung open and before anything was said, Killian was rocked back with a resounding slap and instantly interrogated by a very pregnant, tall, beautiful, elven woman, with olive skin and long dark hair, but with the calloused hands of a artisan laborer. Samara admonished him for being gone so long, and Killian apologized, but pointed out that he was back now when Samara looks past him to the troupe of people he has with him. The party greeted her with various hellos, before she simply turned on her heel and walked into the house. Killian encouraged the others to follow, then placed his rusty scimitar on a hook, leaned his new halberd in a corner and followed Samara into the kitchen, while the others poked around. After checking with Samara, Killian called back to Aarcanii that she could take a look through Samara's clothes in their upstairs bedroom and pick something out. Aarcanii shuffled away to do, as the others followed into the kitchen and Killian did a perimeter check of his home.

Samara put out cups for tea, coffee and scones at their table that looked as though it could hold all of them, as the Rouge's did tend to invite people over often. Seeing Samara giving a death glaring at Killian, Quincy attempted to offer help to Samara, but Samara assures them that she wasn't too far gone to her pregnancy yet. Samara looked over the group, and Killian admitted they were odd acquaintances, which Tabernacle "helpfully" corrected that Killian was their captain. Samara said "not again" and Killian assured her it was not the same as before before she turns to Seren and asked for his name. Seren did so and informed her that they spoke before with the message she heard in her head and she connected the dots after, admitting the sudden voice in her head took her off guard and was rather terrifying. Seren moved her to sit down while she talked, and started doing the dishes as they continued to converse. Samara asked for context around everything, and Killian explained that he was "on a ship, then underground, met these people along the way, then stuck underground for a long time" and wished to not explain anymore, lest he made her more upset, which she accepted, but stated she would explain later.

While Tabernacle diverted Samara's attention Killian started to talk again, but was discouraged by Quincy and Tabernacle before Tabernacle suggested taking the rest of the party out to grab dinner. Killian agreed and went upstairs to gather Aarcanii who had taken her time choosing something, and returned in trousers similar to Quincy's, a black blouse and an overcoat to help her with her casting of *Disguise Self* active. Samara stopped Killian before he could leave and asked what it all meant if he was still with the group. Killian admitted that the trip home was only in passing, as it would seem there were concerns bigger than what he can just let go of, but would be back in three months time. She said she wasn't worried about him coming home, because he always did, but more of what he was specifically doing, because if it was what he used to do then she was scared. Killian assured her it was not like before, although he did admit to being arrested after conferring with Tabernacle about what happened with Nomzyo, but added that the party were much better people than the ones he was with before. She noted that it was funny that he brought back a product of home with him. She also said that she knew what she got into when she married him, and asked him not to lie to himself as he liked to cause trouble and to not die.

Yashani suggested to Killian that he tell Samara why they are all here and Killian explained to her that *Kra'Kash* was in danger by devilish beings. Samara immediately left the room, made some noise upstairs before she returned with a pack over her shoulder and announced she was headed to "the old home". Killian said he didn't think to check it before, but it was in the middle of the woods so it should be safe, and he knew that she was resourceful and could contact him if she needed to. Tabernacle also offered the service of Hobble, which he could use to regularly check in while they were in *Kra'Kash*, and Samara seemed surprisingly enamoured by the very hideous, undead dog. While Samara was distracted by the dog, Seren asked Killian to help him check for any fiendish presence and Killian activated his *Divine Sense* to determine there were none nearby. Killian double checked Samara had everything she needed, then Tabernacle explained how she could speak to Hobble and reach Tabernacle through magic, which he admitted he didn't quite understand. Alaerith, who had been mostly hiding since they met her, popped out of hiding to ask where the old house was and Killian explained it was about halfway between *Kra'Kash* and where they came up to the surface, and would arrive there by very early morning. Seren offered her two of his *Goodberries* for the road, for her and the child, and took them before giving Killian one last stink eye and made her way out of the house.

With Samara on her way, Killian suggested they start at *The Embassy* to gather information, as it was an important location that could likely be a target of the devilish trio, as well as the Vayilcor Circus, due to the amount it would usually hold. Tabernacle stepped forward with his concerns about the festival being a target, as a large gathering made it a soft target. Yashani thought it unfortunate as she admitted she had never been to a festival, but Killian readily agreed to Tabernacle's point. Tabernacle then tried to ask Killian about what just happened with his wife, but was quickly shut down to focus on the task at hand. Tabernacle then asked about all of the helping Killian did on the way here, and Killian explained that he considered himself a man of the people and a community leader in *Wheatbridge.* Tabernacle said it would be important to have a person of some standing if they planned to postpone or cancel the festival. but Seren admitted this would not likely happen as this festival was a major holiday and was done on a specific day for a reason, as the two suns overlapped in the sky, but it could maybe be moved to a new location. Killian noted that maybe it was not an attack, but a diversion of some sort for the trio to stop something else or move something forward. Yashani and RX noted that they should move quickly with the festival so close already.

The party noted the late hour as the three moons rose in the sky, and RX, who believed night time was the perfect time to find danger, headed outside. Quincy quickly followed and halted his progress and explained that they need to plan more, but RX was confused and frustrated by the lack of action. Quincy tried their best to explain that heading out without a plan would get them killed and then they would be of no use to anyone, and promised they would do something very soon. Seren pointed out that Ob said he was being sent to do work for his God in response to the trio's actions, and therefore could be assumed the three fiends were planning to do something directly opposing the Gods, which they would accomplish by causing suffering on a holy day. Quincy said that at this hour the people she knew would be busy and Killian agreed that any politician he knew would sleeping at this hour. With that in mind, the party decided to start their search at *The Docks* where Tabernacle believed he could find some people he knew, starting at a bar Quincy and Killian knew of, called the *Broken Mast*.

### **Break!**

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### **Part Two**

The party left the Rouge household, letting Aarcanii rest, and followed a large road from *Wheatbridge*, through the gates, into *The Docks*, just across the river from the *Purple Grove* where a large burnt orange canvas tent poked out over the top of some of the roofs. *The Docks* were still bubbling with life as they were always busy to some degree, and the party passed several ships moored so that their names could be seen - *The Firesong, The Hammervein,* the *Sapphire Star* and *The Misty Moon*. Quincy stopped in her tracks as the rest of party started to move on, before shaking herself from her shock and attempted to dodge and try to hide behind Seren, while she searched the nearby area for anyone she recognized. When the party questioned what happened Quincy announced that *that* is her ship, Tabernacle asked if *The* *Firesong* was hers, as it was the only name he recognized, but she corrected him and pointed to *The* *Misty Moon*. Looking around, Quincy spotted a familiar looking figure along the dock, but couldn't quite tell who it might be.

Tabernacle suggested Killian go start a distraction and Killian cast *Silent Image* to create an illusionary copy of Quincy near *The* *Misty Moon*. Quincy panicked even further at this and pleaded with Killian to cancel it, while Tabernacle cast *Invisibility* on himself and Quincy. With Quincy now hidden, Seren made his way to *The Misty* *Moon,* with RX following and Quincy close behind as she demanded Killian end his spell. As Seren approached, he saw a large and bald figure sitting at the edge of the ship watching the passing people on the docks and said hello. The man, looking almost part giant in nature, noted that he had not seen a tortle in a while, and introduced himself as Damen after Seren introduced himself. Damon asked how he could help and Seren asked if there was anything Damen could say about the ship. Damen considered it a strange request and started to react to Seren's continued prodding, when Quincy looks around and recognized someone a little older than herself on the deck of the *Sapphire Star.* As Damen asked why Seren wanted to know so much, before Quincy asked Tabernacle to drop the *Invisibility*.

Startled upon Quincy's appearance, Damen dropped into the river in surprise, but was soon out of the water seconds later and tackled Quincy in a bear hug, as Quincy laughed and assured Killian it was not an attack when they asked. Damen demanded to know where Quincy had been, but she hurriedly shushed him to be quiet as she noticed the person from the *Sapphire* *Star* had taken notice of the situation and Quincy asked to be hidden. Just as Tabernacle cast *Invisibility* on the two of them again, Damen scooped Quincy, Tabernacle and Killian in his large hands and hauled them onto *The* *Misty* *Moon*, while Seren followed behind a moment later. Meanwhile, a little ways away, RX, Alaerith and Yashani watched on and despite Killian requesting over *Ob's Charm* that they followed, decided it best to sit out and watched the docks. Alaerith and Seren, as he walked the gangplank, noticed a well dressed male water genasi, in his early thirties, run past them and looked around before he returned in the direction of the *Sapphire Star*. Seren asked if he could help, and the man only shook his head, said no, and explained that he thought he saw someone he knew. Seren asked who and the man replied his sister. Seren asked if her name was Quincy, and the man said yes, but he added that the person who he saw couldn't be her, as she has been gone a long time and doubted she would seen near pirates. Seren continued his way onto the ship after the man wandered away.

Back in the captain's quarters, empty of its captain, Damen demanded to know what happened to Quincy, warning her that Kylan and Kerrack were going to be upset. After getting Tabernacle to drop his *Invisibility* again, Quincy explained that she had been blown out of their ship, and when Killian asked for clarification, Quincy explained that a cannonball ripped through the ship and threw her into the ocean. Damen told them that they had lost more than just Quincy that day, and listed off several crew members including Luka, Edgar, Jack, Abraham, Levitus and that Kerrack was seriously injured. Damen explained they had recently needed to get new crew members since, and that was part of what they were doing here in *Kra'Kash* and what Kylan was currently out doing. Quincy continued her tale, and explained she woke on the shore of the Puhan Trading Company, was put into a labor camp for a while before she escaped, and looked for the ship every since.

Outside, RX started a patrol along the front of the ship, while Yashani looked over the ship sceptically, having never been on one herself. Killian and Tabernacle wracked their brains for any recognition of *The* *Misty Moon*, but both only knew of it in passing for various reasons. Damen admitted to Quincy that the hardest part was that they couldn't stop working, but Quincy assured him she didn't blame him and that their work was too important, even joking with him to ask if he was worried she would haunt him. Damen offered them the ship to stay on if Quincy wanted to wait for Kylan to return, but he noticed they seemed to be in a bit of a rush with seemed to be a crew, referring to Seren, Tabernacle and Killian. Quincy hesitated to agree, then explained the city was in danger and how she wanted to see Kylan. Quincy asked how long they are staying and Damen replied they were leaving in the morning, Seren asked if they were sticking around for the festival, but Damen admitted they weren't much for big gatherings of people.

Seren then asked what exactly they do and Damen and Quincy explained they were privateers, which earned an odd look from Killian and a stink eye in response. Damen further explained were private privateers for the Puhan Trading Company and Skorian Empire, as not everyone could be employed and needed to work for themselves, doing tasks such as transporting goods and services and reiterated that some people can't work for the military, the navy or Puhan Trading Company and some just didn't want to. Tabernacle stuck out a hand and introduces himself as Tabby, while Damon gave his full name of Damon Stones to him, and named an old pirate ship as his while Damen's hand clasps his. Quincy called bullshit and Damen's demeanor darkened as he clenched down on Tabernacle's hand hard enough to feel the bones within crack. Tabernacle told Quincy he had lived a long life and Damen clenched down further, while Killian tried to get Seren's help to diffuse the situation. Damen asks for "Q's" direction and Quincy told him to let Tabernacle go, before telling Quincy to get him off the ship as he didn't want him there anymore. Seren assured him that would not be necessary, turning the nickname "Q" back on Quincy, as he looked to her and Damen threatened to throw Seren off as well. Tabernacle in response threatened to shoot Damen, which Quincy warned him off angrily for, as Killian and Seren attempted to quiet them both down.

Seren insisted they were all friends, that there was no need for threats, that they were allies for the time being and then asked Quincy to explain what was going on. Quincy started by telling Tabernacle to respect her ship, which Tabernacle responded that he will do so when he knows where her respects lie. Killian insisted that was a discussion for later as there were things more important than Quincy's past at hand. Quincy told Damen she had a personal question to ask before she could move on, Damen and Tabernacle continuing their pissing contest until Killian and Seren step in. Outside, Alaerith found a food cart selling blackbean buns, bought two of them and shared one with Yashani. Damon allowed Quincy to ask one question, and she asked if the *Sapphire Star* had been following them at all or cropped up around them. Damen said it was at port before they arrived and he hadn't seen it before now, which seemed to make her feel better. Seren then asks Quincy if she knew anyone on that ship, particularly a water genasi, and Quincy asked if he was fucking with her. He assured her he was only curious because he didn't know much about her and Quincy noted that he could say the same about everyone. Quincy then asserted that if the *Sapphire Star* was not following *The* *Misty Moon* then it did not matter, and Killian reiterated to Damen, in place of their captain, that *Kra'Kash* was not safe, and that their ship should leave soon to avoid danger.

Damen told Quincy that Kylan would not be happy to see her in trouble yet again, and cited when she met them, how she was thrown from the ship and warned her he will be even more unhappy to see she won't be joining them when they leave. Killian asked if their captain was at the bar and Damen said either that or a brothel. Killian considered that good enough and warned Tabernacle that he would be waiting outside the bar. They all agreed the bar would be their next destination. Quincy checked with Tabernacle if could make her invisible again and Tabernacle said he could do it one more time as long as he was promised he didn't have to use it on Damen. Quincy assured him he wouldn't as Damen had to stay on the ship after the ruckus he caused in *Krapjess* not long ago, getting them all into trouble and now always had to stay watch over *The Misty* *Moon* which annoyed Tabernacle. As they went to leave, Tabernacle stayed behind to tell Damen, as well to relay it to his crew, that Quincy had made good friends, and Tabernacle was loyal to nothing if not his crew, and threatened him if Damen chose to touch anyone he associated with, then followed everyone else off the ship as he cast *Invisibility* on himself and Quincy.

While they waited outside, RX took notes of those around, mostly the occasional sailor doing their job, but no one that piqued his interest. The group gathered together, Tabernacle kept himself and Quincy invisible while he told them that he recognized the *Firesong* and might be able to pull a few strings with them. While this happened, Quincy noticed the water genasi on the deck of the *Sapphire Star,* but didn't say anything before Alaerith asked what is going on. Quincy explained to him that *The Misty* *Moon* is her ship, and that despite searching for it for months on top of being tired and scared, there were bigger things at play and she would be going to the bar to find her captain. Tabernacle said that he will be going to the ship as Yashani said that she did not wish to board one and agrees to go to the bar with Quincy. During the conversation, Seren noticed an older genasi that looked very similar to the one he had spoken to on the *Sapphire Star*, Seren turned to where he assumed Quincy was, and nodded before leading the way to the bar. Tabernacle asked if anyone would be joining him with the *Firesong*, and RX asked Yashani if maybe they should go as RX has already gotten into his fair share of trouble. Killian then asked Seren if he could go with Tabernacle, and Seren agreed to follow Tabernacle.

Seren asked how Tabernacle will do his talking seeing as how he is invisible, but Tabernacle explained he would drop the spell when the group going with Quincy were farther along. Tabernacle then asked what was Seren's deal tonight and Quincy noted that she thought Seren was having fun. Tabernacle and Seren then made their way to the *Firesong* while the others headed for the bar. As they approached the ship, spotting two well dressed naval guards at the gangplank, Tabernacle asked Seren to clean him up a bit as he seemed embarassed by his less than cleanly appearance. Seren noted he could help, and waited for Tabernacle to lift the *Invisibility* when Quincy was far enough away. Seren then cast *Shape Water* to wash Tabernacle off as best he could of his general grease and grime.

Satisfied this was the best that could be done, Tabernacle pulled some old military medals out of his pocket as he approached the two navy guardsmen and called for them to stand at attention. When asked for name and rank, Tabernacle announced he was Captain Jonah Grey, but did not state the ship which the guards demand since there were many captains. He then stated he was Captain Jonah Grey of *The Tabernacle*. The guard did not seem happy with this and told Tabernacle that the *Tabernacle* sank 17 years ago with no survivors. When Tabernacle tried to say that he was very much still alive, the guardsmen grew more hostile and stated that there were no survivors, that they had found the ruins of it and the bodies of the crew, including the bones of the captain, which were now buried in *Krapjess*, and told them to back off angered at someone who besmirched "some man's" good name. Seren watches on and confused, determined, that neither man was lying about what they are saying. Tabernacle simmered down a bit with the news, looking rather shell shocked at first, before asking who the captain of the *Firesong* was. The guard told him is was previously a person called Arbustus for a while, but he had been promoted to Vice admiral recently and a new captain was being put in, someone called Balesong. Tabernacle then learned that Balesong was currently at the embassy before he thanked the guards, apologized and headed away from the ship.

Seren asked Tabernacle if he was alright as they walked away, wondering if he knew, but Tabernacle stated of course he didn't know his body was found at the bottom of the ocean. Tabernacle thought his ship had been sunk by a sea monster, how he thought the thing that he had kept and eye on and hunted for so long as a fisherman, and then moved to the military because he had ran out of money and now he was just confused. Seren assured him that whatever happened they would figure out together. Seren asked if he still wanted to go talk to the captain and Tabernacle said the captain would recognize him, but would need to do work on his appearance pointing to his beard. As they got within 100 feet of the bar that the others were headed to, Seren told the group over *Ob's Charm* they will be headed to the embassy. Killian replied, asking if they needed anymore than just the two of them, and after a quick aside with Tabernacle, Seren assured them the two of them would be fine on their own, and since the devilish trio seemed to have a fascination with Quincy it might be best to have more people with her. Alaerith then quickly reminded Tabernacle to check on Hobble, who was with Samara, which Tabernacle did and saw Samara carrying a lantern as she trekked through the dark woods, but was still fine.

At the *Broken Mast* bar, Alaerith asked Quincy if she would like to remain hidden as before, which she said yes and no to. She then asked if everyone would allow her to go in first alone, as not to startle her captain, but would appreciate having everyone nearby to which they agreed. Quincy stepped inside, and looked around for anything familiar, but didn't spot anyone she recognized before she stepped back out disappointedly. Everyone then stepped into the bar together, and Killian made his way to the back counter to ask the barkeep if there was a backroom he could use. The barkeep was happy to provide Killian has been kind to him in the past. While this happened, Yashani felt a burning pain in her chest, similar to her *Hand of Harm* ability, that faded as quickly as it appeared. Yashani looked around and only just noticed a half-orc figure in a back corner, but when she looked back the figure was gone. Yashani then informed the rest of the group of what happened. RX suggested it would be best to take a perimeter around the building which Killian agreed with and asked Yashani and RX to do so. RX headed outside to check the perimeter, while Yashani headed for where she thought she saw the person, while Quincy scanned the bar for people of elven decent knowing that Esmeria could shift her appearance to such likenesses.

Yashani was unable to discern anything from the empty glass and cutlery in left in the spot where she saw the half-orc and nervously kept an eye on her surroundings as she came back to the group to head for the back room. Killian checked with the barkeep as they owned the place a few more questions. Killian first asked if this year's festival was going to be any different than in years past, and the barkeep explained that the representative of the embassy from the *Vayilcor,* also known as the *Clockwork Castle,* was coming ahead, as well as two of the Merchant Kings, Quolung and Wish, as well as Wish's associate Vaultanis. There were some merchant dealings at the embassy and the barkeep mentioned that Vaultanis's men had been around a bit ago talking about offloading something that they didn't want to take on backroads. Killian then asked if he had seen three outsiders and described the devilish trio, and the barkeep told him that he saw an "interesting looking half-orc" this morning. As Quincy ordered two strong shots, Killian then asked about the crew of *The Misty Moon* and if any of them had been inside. Quincy described him as a redheaded human man and the barkeep recognized the description and mentioned that he had garnered someone's attention a few hours ago and had left to show them something, and while unsure who they were did remember they mentioned going to *The Butcheries.*

The group decided to head out of the bar, with RX not noticing anything on his perimeter check, as he didn't quite understand what a suspicious person looks like, and Killian asked whether they should head to *The Butcheries*, *The Embassy* or back to his home to rest for the night. As Yashani eventually left where she had been investigating the spot, where she swore she saw the half orc, she felt the same pain in her chest come and go again. Killian then asked Quincy if she wanted to continue searching for her captain, while Yashani pointed out that they should find Seren and Tabernacle. As this conversation happened, they all, including Seren and Tabernacle from afar, heard a faint whistle in the air as if it were right next to them, but it is was very quiet sound. Seren noticed that the people in the street near them didn't seem to hear it, as no one else stopped in confusion. Yashani muttered for whatever it is was to stop following them under her breath, while Killian suggested they made themselves a whole group and reunite with Seren and Tabernacle.

As they all moved in the direction of *The Embassy*, the whistle sound was heard again, and again lasted the same nine - ten seconds interlude and again as if right next to their ears, but still faint. On the second time, Alaerith noticed that the whistle was not someone whistling, but was coming from from an instrument, while Seren, still a ways away, cast *Detect Magic* but noticed nothing within the spell's radius. The third time the sound rang out, Tabernacle surmised that someone was calling to them, then Seren cast *Sending* to Killian to ask if they also heard it, where they were and if they needed him or Tabernacle. Killian responded that they were on their way to *The Embassy*, and for that the two of them should stay put so the rest of the group could find them. Tabernacle and Seren pulled themselves to the side of the street a few blocks from *The Embassy* and once there Tabernacle had Seren go into his shell, then Tabernacle cast *Minor Illusion* to make him look like a crate, before he leaned back and sat on him as a disguise. As the larger group of the party moved in the direction of *The Embassy*, Yashani felt the same tug and burn in her chest again, then heard a voice in her head that told her

*"Leave now, please. Leave Kra'Kash quickly."*

Yashani didn't recognize the voice, but she did tell the others that she had been politely told by a voice to leave, which did not make anyone feel good. Quincy asked Yashani if she thought it was a direction worth following and Yashani told her that she intended to find Seren and Tabernacle first, then decide what to do. Yashani stated she was uncertain whether the voice wanted them to leave because the city was in danger or because it doesn't want them telling anyone else the city was in danger. When they caught up to Seren and Tabernacle a few minutes later, Yashani told the two about the voice, as Seren stepped out of Tabernacle's illusion, noting that he didn't even notice Tabernacle had sat on him. With everyone gathered, Yashani asked Killian if there was any sort of city wide alarm he knew of that that they could ring to get the people out of the city. Killian told her the military base could evacuate people, but it would be a stretch for Killian's level of influence, though Tabernacle could maybe make that work with his influence, which Seren tried to silently note for them to not bring up. Yashani suggested simply breaking onto the base to ring the bell themselves, but both Tabernacle and Killian explained that it was not an easy task and would have more luck just explaining the situation. Quincy, rather meanly, pointed out that she thought Tabernacle had connections, but while Tabernacle barely could respond that he did have, the same whistle rung out in the air around them, though much louder and other people seemed to stop and take notice of the noise.

Killian activated his *Divine Sense* and Seren instinctively activated his *Channel Divinity* in hopes of pushing back against whatever was happening with the sound. Alaerith explained to everyone that the sound was from an instrument, so they should look for anyone holding up an instrument of some kind. With that information, everyone looked around for something along those lines and Quincy, Yashani and Killian noticed a little ways away a half orc who attempted to disappear into a crowd of people. Seren reached in deep with his power, pushed out his protective aura to push the sound and those who saw the half orc saw him stop, flicked out a hand which held a shining white flute. Quincy pointed it out so the others could see what had happened, as the half orc continues to try to shake out this flute as it seemed Seren's aura had done something to hinder it. Tabernacle started towards the half orc with his rifle and Quincy with her own pistol as they both fired in the hopes of disarming them, and while Quincy used a grit point to activate her *Trick Shot :* *Disarming Shot* but missed with her attack, Tabernacle cast *Eldritch Blast* and managed to hit the flute with one of his shots, which caused it to fly out of the half orc's grip.

As Tabernacle raced forward, cast *Mage Hand* in an attempt to get the flute away, the half orc Kalistock Hgyhmire, turned around, pulled two scrolls from his robes and flicked them out, as looked down the street to the party.

**Fun trivia for this episode!**

* With the DM's blessing, Quincy changed her Fighter subclass from Battle Master to Gunslinger subclass instead.

1. ↑ Known official as The Hour of Æther, the hour is a natural phenomenon that boosts the ability of magic users.
2. ↑ This makes the in game date the 17th of Curcoro
3. ↑ Seren is referring to when he cast *Sending* to pass Killian's message to her in the episode "Forewarned & Forgotten".
4. ↑ Tabernacle at this point has used both his spell slots for this short rest
5. ↑ At this point Jon asks where Aarcanii is and Darrin clarifies that they left her to rest at Killian's house