The Chains That Bind

We traveled to Purskal on our new ship, Fortune's Favor, with the Klean Sheets, our purchased keel ship, towed behind. Purskal was abuzz with activity as they prepared for the Festival of the Books. We decided to explore a tavern filled with jubilant half-orcs to gather information about the missing scouts.
 
Gideon inquired with a halfling patron who shared rumors about the scouts. One rumor pointed to ogres in the south, while another hinted at something sinister from the Underdark. Meanwhile, Ellis engaged in a musical performance with a burly elf, and Haldir and his owl noticed a trio of white doves.
 
Mavros and Haldir decided to send in the goblins, and Shane loosed an arrow at one of the doves. To our astonishment, the dove took the hit, transformed into an elf, and fell into the water. Mavros leaped into the water but was swiftly attacked by a crocodile.
 
As Gideon continued his inquiries with the bar owner, she alluded to knowing who might be behind the scouts' disappearance but was reluctant to share further details. She did mention discovering armor with circular bite marks, suggesting something unusual.
 
Mezo and Gideon eventually returned to the ship, but Ellis stayed behind, becoming entangled in a whirlwind romance with the elven woman. Overnight, Ellis, the elf, and even the halfling found themselves wedded. Ellis attempted to evade his newfound companions, but they pursued him relentlessly. A comical incident unfolded as the elf tried to board the keel boat but was promptly pushed off by Amelia.
 
Our journey continued to Esford, where we encountered a young boy inviting us to his home for dinner and the druids who controlled the bridges, preventing us from progressing. Gideon handled the letter, addressed to a lady named Zophia, while the rest of the group went to parley with the druids.
 
Meeting Zophia, Gideon delivered the letter, and she requested the delivery of a cricket-like creature to the druids in the grove. In exchange, Gideon negotiated for knowledge and the opportunity for Mezo and Ellis to read one book of their choosing. Suspicion piqued Gideon's curiosity, leading him to spy on Zophia. He ascended upstairs and witnessed her open the scroll, which emitted a puff of violet energy, suggesting an abyssal nature.
 
Meanwhile, the others proceeded to the grove, where they engaged with a sentient, ancient tree that offered them rest and visions. The group accepted the tree's offer, falling into a deep, comatose sleep state, during which they experienced a vision involving three white doves.
 
Gideon, spying on Zophia, witnessed her transformation into a demon during a clandestine meeting through a mirror with another demon - one more powerful. The malevolent entity sensed Gideon's presence, Gideon's connection, as he asked Zophia to care for his child. Zophia was tipped off of Gideon's presence, but he escaped.
 
Gideon rejoined his friends at the grove, offering a locust for safe passage. They were seemingly released from their slumber, but 15 days had mysteriously elapsed when Ellis truly broke them free from this enigmatic enchantment.
 
The journey continues, filled with intrigue, alliances, and unanswered questions.