Slaying the Unbelievable

Discovery, Exploration

The party swiftly picks up on the tracks leading into the dense woods. Day commands Jasper to soar high above the treeline, scouting the area ahead. After a brief reconnaissance flight, Jasper alights on a clearing beside a small stream, where something large is concealed within a bush. Certain that they have found the lair of the Bloodfiend, the party proceeds cautiously, only to be confronted by a sudden precipice, a sheer drop of about 30 feet. Peering over the edge, they watch the clearing intently until a massive Dire Wolf emerges from the bushes. Annoyed yet relieved, the group considers that those who dismissed the existence of the Bloodfiend may have been right, and this wolf could have been responsible for the widespread carnage. However, their momentary respite is shattered when a truly horrific creature emerges from a nearby grove and pounces upon the unsuspecting wolf, devouring it in mere seconds. The sight of black ichor oozing from its pores confirms their grim realization: they have encountered their first Bloodfiend. A battle ensues, fraught with close calls and perilous moments. In a defensive response, the Bloodfiend releases a spray of darkness from Alfie's open wounds, enveloping a vast area. Yet, to their astonishment, Alfie's eyes emit a radiant orange glow, granting him the ability to see within the darkness. Day unleashes a cataclysmic surge of energy, striking the beast with a force that sends many reeling. After a grueling struggle, the party manages to subdue the Bloodfiend, collecting fragments as proof of their triumph.   Returning to Crulahn, the party heads to the Prycentenium to inform Governor Archepell of their success and claim their well-earned payment. However, their meeting is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a wild and malevolent figure. The military general tag bearing the name "Thawne" triggers a faint recollection for Day and Alfie—Eobard Thawne, the violent and ruthless right-hand man of the even more sinister Queen Azure. It is revealed that the Governor has ceded more control to Queen Azure and Corstel, believing it to be necessary for the safety of the people of Crulahn in anticipation of an impending war.   In a moment of inspiration, Alfie shares a poem or set of lyrics he has been crafting, and the group proudly adopts the name "The Daylight Vanguard" as their collective title. Arnie takes it upon himself to acquire special items adorned with the Daylight Vanguard emblem, returning to the Golden Tankard to find half of the crew inebriated. Bartleby presents a bottle containing a magical green liquid called Absulv, which instantly sobers up Day and Alfie, accompanied by an unusual sensation. With their faculties restored, Arnie proudly displays the beautifully crafted symbols engraved onto their items before joining the others at the bar. Alfie and Day, discovering a shared peculiar trait of hearing voices in their heads, engage in a conversation about this extraordinary connection. Meanwhile, Aero, Pusish, and Arnie engage in casual conversation with Bartleby until Kaze, bearing a striking familiarity, walks in and takes a seat beside Aero.