Episode 24
General Summary
With "Madeline" tied up in Tobur Fûne's sitting room, the group (eventually) decide that they should question the woman about her actions. Veda invokes the powers of a Suggestion spell, compelling the woman to answer all of their questions truthfully and to the fullest.
The party's questions reveal that this woman, who doesn't know her true name, is referred to as "Number 6" by her superior - who only goes by "The Architect". She is known as a Changeling, of which she believes she is one of at least 13. These Changelings have apparently been "reborn" as part of some of secret organisation in Nakaba.
The Changeling's mission in Kureta City was apparently to keep Tobur ill but not kill him, presumedly to halt the construction of the airdock, though Number 6 doesn't know the full details of this plan.
As the questions continue, the woman begins screaming in pain as her tattoo, or brand perhaps, bursts into flames; igniting the woman very quickly. She continues to smile evilly through it all however, before she passes out from the pain and eventually expires. Not wanting the house to catch fire, Atlas drags the body out on to the street, where screaming passers by run to alert the city watch.
Soon after, a couple of Knights appear, one of which is Abe - a particularly annoying guard who's had some run-ins with Godric in the past. Abe eventually decides of his own free will that Ariadne Knightsbridge should be alerted, and the Commander appears to find out what has happened.
Ariadne is a little perplexed as to the Unlikely Association's presence at Tobur's house, but is nonetheless pleased that they have apparently saved the man's life. The links to Nakaba are troubling for Ariadne, as little is known about the independent city's goings-on, but she instructs the group to leave the case with her for now.
With this unexpected detour out of the way, Leah heads to the mayor's home to fill him in on their exploits. The mayor is very pleased with the party's good work, and promises a free trip on an airship once the dock is completed, and a set of plate armour for Godric once they can confirm their work in Nistaun.
In the meantime, the rest of the group head to the Royal Palace to let the Queen/Valkia Orbeck know about their mission to Erfu. The Knight-Princess is saddened to hear that the elves were not helpful or accommodating, and surprised by their apparent anger at Cassandra De La Hûne's murder. Whilst speaking to Valkia, Godric recounts a dream he had a few nights ago about the day when Olwyn was turned into a tiger. Saying it out loud, he suddenly realises the possible significance of the spellcaster's face changing, now that they have found Madeleine the Changeling. With a possible tie to Nakaba and the young princess' curse, Valkia rushes off to find Knight Commander Devianne, who has recently returned from the coastal city on a diplomatic mission...
Grouped up once more at the Water Dragon Tavern, the party re-evaluate Cassandra's Notebook. One particular passage mentions sending messages east... and the party question whether Cassandra may have actually been a double agent for Nakaba as well as Erfu...
With many more questions raised and few answers just yet, the party decide to rest up and head over to the University of Magic in the morning to begin their quest into the Deddo Forest.
At the university, Adina, The Diviner introduces the group to their new companions; Abenthe, The Conjurer, Solf, The Evoker and Ilea, The Illusionist.
The party lead the high professors to the large portal they closed not so long ago. Once here, Abenthe begins a ritual which converts the Fey Crossroad back into a Shadow Crossing. Coming as a surprise to some of the group, they are then asked to accompany Solf and Ilea into the Shadowfell, where the two wizards will conduct further experimentation.
The other side of the portal very closely resembles what the Deddo Forest used to be, only darker and more twisted. Solf and Ilea begin their research, the gnome illusionist seemingly making greater strides than the slightly singed evoker.
As the hours pass, the group find themselves surrounded by armed undead creatures, who attack with swords and bows. The party handily defeat the creatures, including a strange undead humanoid with writhing worms for skin - but not before Solf takes a few dire hits. Ilea pleads for the party to remain in the Shadowfell for just a while longer, as she believes she is close to a breakthrough. Agreeing to do so, Ilea continues her research and is able to summon what appears to be a small dragon, comprised of shadowy essence. The illusion seems almost tangible, and Ilea quietly confirms that she thinks she may have just unlocked the secrets of a spell two levels higher than what anybody has discovered so far...
Solf on the other hand doesn't seem to have discovered much of anything, but pretends that he has.
Back on the material plane, Abenthe closes the Shadow Crossing once more, and begins the next phase of their research - turning the portal into a gateway to the Plane of Elemental Air. The professor goes about his spellcasting, which ends in a loud popping sound... the spell has gone awry it seems, as the wind around the group begins to pick up suddenly...
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