Party Plots

After waking up and regrouping, Alfie and Day find themselves with goop on their heads and messages left by Arnie, indicating that the party has gone to the hospital to check on Chava. Following Bartleby's information, they head to the hospital but are surprised to find it in disarray and the party nowhere to be seen. Speaking with the staff, they learn about the outbreak of Reselin. Puzzled by the situation, they decide to return to the Golden Tankard and discuss their suspicions about Bartleby's involvement in the strange events happening in Crulahn. Upon reaching the tavern, Bartleby presents them with a journal left by the woman who previously approached the three of them. The journal mentions children trapped in the sewers and warns about alligators and goons. Determined to follow this lead, Day and Alfie devise a plan, pretending to be a married couple named "Bill" and head to the uncle of the woman who left the journal. The uncle reveals that he had given the only map to three individuals who visited him earlier. Realizing they are on the right track, Day and Alfie head towards the sewers.   They locate an entrance and enter a narrow tunnel system. Using Jasper, to scout ahead, they discover a closed room with multiple voices. Opting to go in the opposite direction, they find themselves in a wider area where they hear shuffling sounds and the rapid movements of a creature on the sewer floor. As they continue, they come across a room where they spot Arnie seemingly held at gunpoint. However, Alfie and Day have the advantage in this situation.

The gang, minus Pusish, embarked on the treacherous path of even and odd tiles. Along the way, they encountered a barrage of magical effects and unpredictable abilities. Acid rain poured here, and vexing disturbances disrupted their progress there. Despite the challenges, Alfie managed to navigate his way to the central podium. Meanwhile, Pusish returned and joined the group, witnessing the chaos unfolding before him. Intrigued and undeterred, he walked straight onto the tiles, only to suddenly transform into a potted plant, much like his companions before him. Finally breaking free from his petrified state, Arnie led the way for the rest of the party towards the center. Just as he was about to formulate a plan, he was abruptly struck by a disturbing vision. This dark glimpse depicted Arneus in a sinister place, committing unspeakable acts. Shaking off the haunting vision, Aero regained his eyesight, a welcome relief for the group. Drawing closer to the center, a swirling vortex of red and black materialized around the rectangular podium, where Alfie was trapped. Imprisoned within, Alfie was forced to listen to the voice of Malum, who tempted him with the destructive power of his unbridled rage, seeking his allegiance. Engaging in a tense exchange, Alfie and Malum sparred verbally while Arneus desperately tried to breach the impenetrable vortex to no avail. Before departing, Malum left Alfie with a parting gift—a belt adorned with intricate carvings and made of white fur.   Almost tempted to leave, the party was convinced otherwise by Alfie and Arnie, recognizing that the missing children must be somewhere within the vicinity. Strapping the enigmatic belt around his waist, Alfie returned to the central podium and shattered it, revealing a concealed twisting mechanism. Through careful observation and teamwork, the group deciphered that all five mechanisms needed to be twisted simultaneously and in specific ways to open a massive stone door.   With Alfie taking the lead, they descended into a basement-like section hidden beneath the tiles, where they discovered the remaining missing children. The surge of rage coursed through Alfie, but this time, he was struck by a vision of galloping through expansive fields as a powerful beast. In a display of astonishing strength, he effortlessly tore the chains and shackles from the walls as if they were mere fabric. The group swiftly gathered the children, regaining their composure, and made their way back to the hospital. Outside the medical facility, numerous groups of anxious parents eagerly awaited the return of their beloved missing children, their faces etched with hope and relief.

Leaving the hospital behind, the weary party set out in search of sustenance, their stomachs grumbling after the exhausting events of the past few days. Arriving at the bustling main area of Crulahn, they settled on a hearty soup to fill their empty bellies. However, their brief respite was interrupted when the shocking news of Chava's disappearance reached Pusish's ears. Fueled by concern, Arnie raced after Pusish, while a curious scratching sound caught Alfie's attention from beneath the table. With great effort, the group managed to calm Pusish and redirect their steps towards The Golden Tankard, seeking solace and a chance to regroup. Aero, rejoining their ranks, offered his support, while Bartelby extended his condolences to Pusish in light of the somber turn events had taken. In an attempt to uplift their spirits, Bartelby unveiled a letter left by Governor Archepell himself, summoning the group to meet him at the prestigious Prycantenium. As a gesture of appreciation for their efforts in the sewers, the group was rewarded with a generous sum of gold.   As night fell and the weary adventurers settled down, Alfie's curiosity got the better of him. He ventured back to the sewers one last time, determined to seek answers from Malum about Chava's disappearance. Standing outside the room adorned with magical tiles, Alfie raised his voice, demanding explanations from Malum. Unexpectedly, his words were met not with Malum's presence, but with a gentle and empathetic voice. As he turned, a vision of radiant beauty stood before him—Amare, the elegant Goddess of Compassion. She revealed that the belt they possessed need not be solely used for evil, contrary to Malum's desires. Amare shared tales of great men who had harnessed its power to shape Athis into something magnificent. She assured Alfie that his departed partner still watched over him with pride. With these profound words, Alfie returned to the tavern, his heart uplifted.   Having finally obtained some much-needed rest, the party awoke with renewed determination. Before their meeting with the governor, they decided to explore the vibrant city of Crulahn. With their newfound wealth, they indulged in browsing various luxurious items, and, most notably, Alfie treated himself to a remarkable haircut. Meanwhile, Pusish acquired a magnificent party cart, ready to bring joy and festivity to their future endeavors.   Eventually, the time came for the party to make their way to the Prycantenium and meet Governor Archepell. Warmly greeted by the guards, they were escorted to a lavish chamber where they were treated to a sumptuous feast. To their surprise, they found the governor to be remarkably young in appearance. Governor Archepell engaged in conversation with each member of the party, discussing the state of affairs in Crulahn. He revealed his belief that they had the potential to form a formidable crew, much like the legendary "favorable few." However, he laid down a challenge, insisting that they must prove their worth through a test that would assess their abilities to handle the upcoming objectives.

The party, excluding Alfie, embarks on a quest to find a library in Crulahn. Meanwhile, Alfie explores the town and stumbles upon a jewelry stand. Using his magical abilities, he disguises himself and engages in charming conversation with the vendor. With a swift sleight of hand, he snatches a valuable-looking ring and makes his way to an alley, dropping his disguise. Eager to capitalize on his stolen prize, he visits the blacksmith where Arnie had previously forged his armor. There, Alfie sells the ring for a considerable sum of gold before encountering a peculiar figure named Mr. Wisp. This colorful character seems to follow the party, conveniently appearing at opportune moments. Intrigued, Alfie purchases two cartons of Wisp sticks, enchanted cigarettes that evoke different sensations depending on the variant smoked. With his newfound wealth, Alfie indulges in a smoke and heads to a tattoo parlor, revisiting Clairvoyance, the skilled tattoo artist who had inked him, Aero, and Day the day before. Alfie expresses his desire to imbue his existing tattoo of a woman and a wolf with magical properties. Clairvoyance agrees to his request and begins the intricate process of infusing the tattoo with a special ink.   Meanwhile, the rest of the party successfully locates the grand Crulahnian library and begins delving into research on the fearsome Bloodfiend. Arneus strikes up a conversation with a peculiar young woman who serves as the librarian, boasting of her sleeplessness and extensive knowledge of the library's books. Together, they uncover disturbing details about the Bloodfiend's agility and its gruesome method of tearing apart cattle for sustenance. Intrigued by the topic, they delve further into the research, focusing on Day's patron—a Genie. These powerful beings were once enslaved and exploited for their potent magical abilities. Genies offer mortals power in exchange for carrying out specific tasks, with the ultimate goal of seeking revenge on the bloodlines of their oppressors in the realm of Athis. Although Day, having experienced enslavement herself, understands the Genie's perspective, she recognizes the potential danger in unleashing an angry Genie upon the world. In a surprising turn of events, Day's patron pulls her into his magical realm within her locket, offering her direct access to information about him.   After Alfie completes his tattoo session, the group reunites at the Golden Tankard. However, a sense of unease fills the air, and they find Alfie standing outside, peering in. Inside the tavern, chaos reigns as everything is in disarray, clearly indicating a violent disturbance. Bartleby, the tavern's owner, lies unconscious with shallow breaths. Day examines Bartleby's body while the rest of the party searches for clues both inside and outside the establishment. Day discovers a brass necklace featuring a menacing green reptilian eye that appears to follow her every movement. Suddenly, a sweeping gust of green spectral energy rushes through the area, coinciding with Day holding the eye to Bartleby's forehead, which jolts him awake. In a panicked state, Bartleby reveals himself as a powerful wizard and explains that a group of bandits infiltrated the tavern and stole a crucial item. Determined to retrieve it, Bartleby departs with an assortment of magical artifacts, entrusting the party to safeguard the tavern in his absence.   The following morning, Bartleby returns to the Golden Tankard, relieved to have retrieved the immensely important item. He reveals a small leather pouch and, in his other hand, proudly presents the ancient and legendary Staff of the Magi. Arneus realizes the true extent of Bartleby's power and understands that the wizard has been leading a quiet life since his glory days.

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.

As the party continues their journey through the enchanting fey grasslands, Pusish becomes increasingly aware of subtle changes in the landscape. The once-familiar paths and landmarks appear different, although he still manages to navigate through the enchanted terrain. Alfie, still suffering from exhaustion caused by his divine communion, rests frequently along the way. Meanwhile, Day busies herself with a challenging wooden puzzle. Amidst their journey, Day sends her vigilant companion, Jasper, soaring into the skies to scout the area. Jasper's sharp eyes spot something in the far distance—a medium-sized statue of a woman. Aero and Jasper take flight to investigate while Day deciphers the foreign script inscribed on the statue. The script, filled with unfamiliar words and phrases, escapes her grasp as she reads it aloud. The incantation's resonance pulls Day into her patron's respite, where her patron delivers a gentle reprimand for meddling with ancient and perilous texts. Day is abruptly returned to the party and conveys the message, prompting Aero to fly back to join them.   The party eventually reaches the statue, and Arnie takes the lead in examining it. They search for traces of magic or hidden mechanisms but find none. Arnie initially uses his regular charcoal stick to transcribe the script onto parchment but then stumbles upon the quill he had found in the sewers. Curious, he decides to use the recovered quill, and as he writes, the characters seem to shimmer and gleam with an otherworldly light. Upon completing the inscription, a magical glow briefly engulfs the parchment, dazzling everyone present. When the glow subsides, the writing on the parchment remains, accompanied by a soft, ethereal golden radiance.   As the Daylight Vanguard approaches the Feyline entrance, a massive and mystical beast materializes before them—a fey lion, resplendent with shimmering and territorial magic. Aware that they must confront this creature to reach the Desertum, a fierce battle ensues. Amidst the skirmish, Alfie and Day feel the ground quaking beneath them, signaling the emergence of another mystical entity—a towering humanoid mushroom creature imbued with purple magic. It releases hallucinogenic spores upon contact, causing Day to envision herself as a valiant moose, while the others see her running on all fours.   After several intense exchanges between the Vanguard and the fey creatures, they emerge victorious. Instead of lifeless bodies, the defeated fey creatures transform into magical specks that ascend into the air.   Upon closer inspection, the Vanguard makes a crucial discovery. Arnie remains motionless, his muffled cries audible from within his armor. Removing his helmet, Arnie reveals that the fey lion had seized and discarded the element powering his suit. The party assists him in retrieving the broken pieces, leaving Arnie determined to repair this invaluable component.   As the party regroups and supports Arnie in his endeavors, they are suddenly ambushed by a circular formation of elven soldiers. At the forefront of the formation stands a general-looking elf who begins to approach the party with an air of authority.

The party settled in for a grand feast with Verentia and the people of the Desertum. Meanwhile, Arnie seized the opportunity to refine his close combat skills, learning tactics from a guard personally selected by Verentia. Alfie, ever drawn to the thrill of combat, joined the guard outside for a few intense rounds of sparring. As Alfie's battle intensified, concerns arose about him possibly losing control and unleashing a dangerous rage upon the guard. To prevent any mishaps, a druid was summoned to oversee the fight. Fortunately, the confrontation concluded without any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, Day, intrigued by her recent transformation into an elk during the encounter with the magic mushroom, sought guidance from the female druid regarding mycology.   The druid shared valuable insights with Day and provided her with a list of requirements to cultivate similar mushrooms. Armed with this newfound knowledge, Day departed on her quest to gather the necessary items. As she was engrossed in conversation with the druid, the grand dinner approached its conclusion, and Aero returned to the table after a delightful stroll with Verentia.   Suspicion loomed as Alfie, seemingly arriving at the gate casually, stumbled upon a distressing scene. The guard who had been outside the walls with Arnie lay lifeless, his throat brutally slit. A quick survey of the surroundings revealed an unsettling absence—there was no sign of Arnie anywhere. The party, now faced with a mysterious disappearance and a grim discovery, braced for the unfolding mystery.

Day and Pusish quickly caught up to Alfie, finding him covered in mysterious blood. Although they knew in their hearts that Alfie couldn't have committed such violence against Arnie, the unsettling thought lingered in their minds. After regrouping and discussing their next steps, Alfie, Day, and Pusish followed the direction where the creature had taken Arnie, eventually arriving at a disheveled small cobblestone town.   Despite its small size, housing fewer than a hundred people, the town exuded an eerie and ominous aura. The party concluded that this must be where the creature was holding Arnie, so they decided to venture in. As they explored, they stumbled upon a letter belonging to an adventurer named Etris.   Etris's letter revealed that he had journeyed to the town in search of something, although the exact nature of his quest remained vague. However, the letter provided them with crucial information: they had two options. They could either venture further past the cobblestone town, risking encountering a deep and perilous trench, or they could return to The Desertum, with no closer clues to Arnie's whereabouts. Determined to press on, Day, Pusish, and Alfie chose to continue exploring the town.   Further examination led them to discover more letters from Etris, addressed to his late wife Martha. These letters shed light on Etris's quest, indicating that he was seeking something of immense magical power hidden beneath the town's surface. Etris also warned of a menacing threat lurking within the community: sightings of undead roaming the streets at night.   As the party deliberated on the significance of these letters in their search for Arnie, Day noticed a peculiar pattern of translucent arcane symbols hovering over Alfie's head. Upon closer inspection, she realized that she had a similar pattern above hers. When they attempted to dispel the illusionary magic, they found themselves unable to discern its nature.   Shortly thereafter, Pusish encountered trouble outside while exploring the surroundings. Spotting a few undead figures wandering aimlessly, he called out to his companions, prompting the zombies to converge on him. Alfie and Day rushed to his aid, but along the way, Alfie experienced strange sightings. He glimpsed apparitions in the corner of his eye and perceived arcane lights and translucent spirits peering at him through windows, only for them to vanish upon direct inspection.   A skirmish ensued as the Daylight Vanguard confronted a hulking undead creature and two humanoid zombies. Dispatching their foes with ease, Alfie then noticed a suspicious glow emanating from inside one of the small cobblestone homes.