Legends of Avantris - Edge of Midnight | Ep. 30 | Beneath the Mask

Episode Date: February 11, 2025

The Masquerade is finally here. Equipped with their costumes and a secret the heroes receive their long sought after relics. The party is then unfortunately cut short...   Gain access to an exclusive campaign, Shroud Over Saltmarsh, over on Patreon: https://legendsofavantris.com/patreon The Crooked Moon, a folk horror supplement for 5e, is available for preorder! Get the Crooked Moon at: https://thecrookedmoon.com/ Watch more D&D adventures in the world of Avantris live on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/legendsofavantris Check out our merch store: https://shop.legendsofavantris.com  Join our community on Discord: https://legendsofavantris.com/discord Watch our many campaigns on YouTube: https://legendsofavantris.com/youtube  All other links: https://linktr.ee/legendsofavantris   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/ctQ8-3HwWTw?si=dXUmNAoi8esR8mr8

Welcome to Legends of a Ventress. I'm Adele Druskenwald and you're listening to Edge of Midnight. Here's what happened last time. Four large raids rushing all of them charging forward and barreling to and through that wall of mist, leaving Druskenwald completely. The army that Philip Druskenwald had at his command no longer his to control. Haken by whatever, whoever has changed this plane. so drastically.

We have a masquerade that has to happen. No one outside of us and Phil can know what's happened here tonight. Get it here and try on your ghost tubes. Philip could be betrayed and all of the, perhaps the Crescent Court is all plotting against him and things are looking dire, but it's okay to be sentimental on the night before grand soire. The honored guests of Lord and Lady Druskinvold, let the Knaut-Bor-Night-born old Jericho sticks, Riggsie the cutlass crotch, and Marius Renather. A masquerade ball is a charming event filled with gaiety and padantry.

But the best part is that when everyone hides behind a mask, you can be whoever you want to be. It don't matter who you were or where you came from. For one night and one night only, you can be anyone. But that goes for anyone who might have intentions most foul. You all stand atop a grand staircase and look down to the throng below. Hundreds of masked partygoers look up to you as a trumpet blast from the heralds at the door to the ballroom. You see masks and costumes of all varieties on numerous different races and creatures that Kaldruscan Vault home, all waiting for your introduction.

Once quiet falls over the crowd, the herald begins to speak. Here here, presenting Lord Phillips guests of honor, the witch hunters of Druskenbold. Lady Lethaca Knightbourne. Lethaca, you are ushered towards the front of the stairs where round of applause burst out around you before once again, the gentleman calls out, Captain Briggsie Cratch.

Oh, sorry. Oh, Jericho sticks. Oh, yeah. How did you? Sam Marius Renoff here. You all find yourself standing at the top of the stairs looking down over the ballroom, and the entire room erupts into applause as you descend the stairs to the party. And you see a human couple at the base of the stairs clapping most enthusiastically of all.

Despite the elegant costuming, you immediately recognize. recognize the Druskenballs. Philip is dressed in his classic monochromatic gray scale shades with his costume evoking a charging rhinoceros. Adela's outfit is far more colorful and evokes a roaring tyrannosaurus. Adela's grin beams beneath the sharp, sarian teeth of her mask as she gleefully struts towards you.

Thank you, and you both look wonderful. It's beautiful. I've got tiny arms. Did Henri also design yours? Oh yeah, of course. He makes all the outfits for everyone just based on the very essence of who they are. Well, gars that, I call O'Lon Reed dapper Dan. Oh, he'd hate that.

I hope no one ever calls him that. Being so dapper. Oh, I'm a monkey. See Marteo? Oh, yeah, look at you. Can you clank your symbols together? Oh, that's beautiful. Don't do that too much, though.

The band's playing in all. Sorry. You look mighty. Mighty fine, Miss, Miss Adela, and I mean that in a very respectful way on account of you looking like a mighty fine, genuine dino sour. Oh, thank you so much, Jericho. You look great. I really love that. Just all of you. Even your cage looks so pretty. Oh, thanks. Yeah, I wasn't sure quite how to put it on. Mr. Henri showed me how. It's actually a lot more nimble than I thought I'd be in this. Now it fits you perfect, and even you two, Lethika, is not what I would have expected, but you look beautiful. It is a perfect fit, and I like the look very much, thank you.

The way it catches the light, it's spectacular. I mean, just a quick glance around the room will show you so many envious people. And as you glance around, you see that there are quite a few people who are looking at you in envy. Indeed. Um, how all things. You know, what I mean, like sort of after certain things, you know. Is everything all right? Oh, everything's great.

I mean, look at the masquerade. Look at how beautiful it is. All the decorations are perfect. And the music's beautiful. And everyone's dancing and having a great time. And she looks up and she and Philip puts his hand on her shoulder. She reaches up and grabs it as she stares into his eyes for a second. And I'm with them, I love.

And my best friends. This is, it's beautiful. I mean, ever since you in Philly mentioned the masquerade all those weeks, months ago, you know, I didn't really know what to expect. You know, we're on from the islands, all these, you know, aristocrats and governors hold masquerades, but I've never been to one. This is fun. Oh, everything is fine, eh, Miss Adela? Oh, Jericho, everything is more than fun. You got something in your eye?

Are all the lords and lady... You got an eyelash in there? You have eye lashes? Check Jerry! About what a good time we're all happy? Alright, there we go. You're starting to worry me there, buddy. Let us remember our elocution lessons.

Oh, oh, oh. We're speaking so informally with you, Lady Draskinvald and Lord Truskinval. You don't have to worry about all that when it's just us. just us. Do imagine that you're going to have some time to mill about and get an opportunity to meet some of the Lord and Ladies atruscan Voldo

Propa-like. I intend to enjoy the party and its fullest. Oh, you should definitely make sure to dance. These are nights to, yes, live life and enjoy each other's company and dance and drink and enjoy everything again. Well, make sure you head over to the hors d'oeuvre's table

because, oh, it's delicious, just absolutely scrumptious. However, is there anything I can be doing for you this evening, anything we might be doing on top of our fun. Well, she looks up to Philip for a minute, and he smiles down at her, and she takes her hand from his, and she prances over to you, and she gets almost right up in your face. No, just to have fun. Smile, you know? You too. And she looks at you, and you can see the mask fall for a minute, almost as she's trying to communicate to you,

they cannot know that anything's wrong. I've all been waiting for for so long. It's night to remember, a night to heal the wounds, that those, well, we won't speak of them tonight. No? But tonight to heal. Well, y'all make a mighty fine fitting pair as a dinosaur and a rhinoceros.

Oh, yeah. Phil was so nice and he went ahead and, you know, took my suggestion and then, and then when Henri came and did what Henri did, he confirmed that we could have what we wanted. And I just worked out so well. It's like we were made for each other, you know. It was your idea, Miss Adela, for Lord Philip to be a rhinoceros right there? It was something I'd hoped and wanted for, and I guess my hopes and wants if Phil's hopes and wants, so it all works out for me. Well, mighty handsome all the same. I know that you all, y'all have lots of business.

Y'all are probably the most desired dining companions of the evening on account of y'all being the leaders of Crescent Court, and I presume all of the Crescent Court is here, so we won't keep you no longer than we need to. At that moment, Philip does straighten himself a little bit as he makes eye contact with someone across the ballroom. It's hard to see exactly who it is at first. a very tall figure, the masquerade outfit and the mask, completely shrouding their actual features beneath.

But he nods and looks towards this person further out in the ballroom before he turns to you and says, absolutely right, Jericho. And we obviously have a ceremony tonight. Must get you, your rewards for everything that you've done. but for now, I must be on my way. God King Zanatap and I have a meeting and I want to dance with my beautiful wife. Enjoy your evening and eat, dance, be merry. You as well. I will see you on the dance floor.

Thank you, my lord. He, appreciate that. He reaches down, he picks Adela up by the waist, lifts her up, gives her a quick peck on the cheek and then on the lips, whispers that he loves her, sets her down, and strides off

across the ballroom. Just so dreamy. He, uh, he's maddy smooth. That should have been told. I know. Did he happen to mention... It's all mine.

If he was gonna, present our rewards to us. Yeah, he literally just said those words. Oh. He mentioned a ceremony later. Oh, it'll be like halfway through the man. escalate or something. And we don't want to do it at the end when people might have left and things get a little tiring.

But we want to let people, you know, enjoy things for a while before we do any businessy stuff. Well, we should have some fun. Yeah. So with that, she looks towards Jericho. Oh, I do that. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll do it.

I'll do it. I'll do it. All right. You got to put your name on the dance card. You know how to write your name, right? I can make my mark just fine. She reaches out her... She reaches out her wrist, a dance card hanging from it.

A small, very short, essentially a pencil hangs from it as well. A graphite writing utensil hangs from it. And you're easily able to write your name. It's Phil all the way down and then one spot for you to write your name. Leave the last dance for Philly. Oh, there it is, there it is. He's a tiny little space. All right, all right, nice and small, so there's extra room for Phil.

Lord Philip. Oh, Jericho. Got to try real small. I'll just do an X to fill it. Yeah, I ran on his face. The X is just sticks. It's short-hand for sticks. Yes, I, on account of being the gentleman, I will lead the way.

She places her hand daintily in your shaking, palm and you're able to lead her out on the dance floor. You both watch as a walt begins to play and almost out roll a performance check to see how will you do. Oh gosh, I probably should have pulled up my character sheet. Oh fuck, it's Barnabos. That's fitting for the situation. Performance. Oh, that's Barnabos who has a plus zero. Okay. I believe that's a plus eight, a ten. Okay. I'm just going to say it to tell you fumble a little bit you're you're clearly nervous and this is this is not like this is not like the dances that you're familiar with at the

at your fest your harvest festivals back home this is much more structured and even though you learned these dances merely a day ago it holding adela so close to you You forget so many of those moves, but she senses your hesitation and your trepidation as she takes the lead. But she does it in a way that it makes it seem like you are truly in the lead. She looks up to you and laughs, and she whispers, don't you worry, Jericho, I got you. Oh, you're mighty kind. I really mostly, in the kind of towns I would go to, we mostly had just ho-downs and the occasional none-ofs. Jericho looks a little nervous.

I am horrified as soon as I say it. I mean, I mean, no, that was just a spot of humor. I mean, I mean, thank you, thank you, Mr. Della. You dance mighty nice. You dance mighty fine. And with that, you fall into an uncomfortable silence as you dance around the room together. The three of you watch on as Jericho looks like he takes to dance. dancing, this type of dance effortlessly, none of you would notice his missteps or that

Adela seems to be leading to you. It looks as if Jericho's in complete control, as they occasionally laugh and he tells her a joke, sings a little bit. You begin to notice that the people around them are watching, almost awe-inspired, to see one of the heroes of Druskenwald dancing with the Lady of the Land. and they seem happy. I walk up to Lethika. Radies.

Miss Lethika, may I please ask you to dance? Do I have a card? You do? I'll fill it out and I'll hand it back. What position did you take? Whatever is the most, like, as soon as I can begin to dance, like immediately. For the next dance? I will happily dance, yes, please.

I'll take her hand and lead her out into the, into the... Roll of performance check, Harvey, please. Oh, performance? Oh, dear guns. Okay. Come on. Oh, not bad. Not bad. Not bad. With my plus four out of 16. Okay.

Eat. You pull Lethika into your arms, and the motion of this dress, the trail that moves along behind it, catches in one of your heels, and you stumble forward. You notice this almost before it happens as you wrap your arms around Lethika catching her. And in a swift motion, you take her and turn her into a bow. And everybody around you, you hear a, oh,

where people. I attempt to quite literally sweep her off her feet. And you quite literally do, as your movement allows the dress to untangle itself from her. heel and you're able to write her in a way that looks like all of it was intentional. As you take her hand, you slowly spin her in a circle before, once again pulling her into your embrace and you begin to lead her around the dance floor. Occasionally passing Adela and Jericho, you can

hear them giggling. She's telling him funny jokes. He's telling her funny jokes and they're having the time of their lives as the two of you begin to spin around the ballroom. Once we are recovered and moving and dancing and spinning and and and amongst the merriment I will lean in close and be close and whisper into her here lethka we have to talk yes merius I'm concerned that the ceremony and we receive these gifts these artifacts things may change how do you mean I've I've told you my concern about the cup Whether or not as real, whether or not it will work, what will happen to me. This is my final, last-ditch attempt.

To save my kingdom, to save my king, and perhaps myself, to break this curse. I understand your apprehensions and perhaps your nervousness about such a thing being real, not too far to fall apart, I imagine that would be a blow. What are you hoping to gain from this? I am hoping to find an artifact that I have been seeking out for as long as I can remember. If it is true and it is what I have been seeking, it would mean a great victory for my goddess. Do you still hear your god here? That's a good question. I don't think that I hear a voice.

You don't. But. I would say you still feel, I would, I would say that you, you don't have connection, but you still feel a connection. You're not able, you haven't been able to, although you haven't really tried that much to be fair. Right. But it's at least very muddled. You still feel heavily devout.

I would say you're in stark contrast to what Marius is going through, where he feels almost abandoned by his goal. You still feel very connected to yours and maybe even as if you're still being watched even if you can't directly communicate I know that relationships with Deity vary from person to person and even on the mortal world I did not hear a voice I would say hear the Chance for that is almost nothing but the divine faith the spark within me since coming here has only grown. I'll be silent for a moment as we continue to dance

and then I'll say, well, this ceremony, if these artifacts, if this is all a trick, if we're being led astray, or if we get exactly what we're asking for, I want you to know. I'm sorry for everything. And then I will spin her and dip her deeply

and move in very close and you'll be able to feel my breath on your neck and I'll say, but I've enjoyed every moment with you. And I'll stand up and continue to dance. Do not let your mind be troubled tonight. You do not have to apologize for anything. You must enjoy this evening.

That is what it is for. Those troubles will be waiting for you when we are done enjoying what we can tonight. And I will leave the conversation at that and continue to enjoy the dance the tautilus over. The blush, the flush would rise to your cheeks, Lethaca, if it could. But though you are warm in Marius' arms, he feels cold to you.

And it keeps that blush from rising. Or maybe it's just that the mask hides it so well as the two of you spin around the room. The people that had been watching you when you first walked in, the envy, the jealousy at your beauty and the immaculate outfit that Andri had crafted for you has nearly doubled, if not tripled, seeing you in the arms of what is clearly one of the most handsome men in attendance. The two of you are quite a sight to see. And that is what you watch, Briggsie, is you stand on the sideline, slowly inching closer and closer to the hors d'oeuvre table.

You watch as Jericho and Adela laugh, as Marius and, and Lethika lean in closer and closer as they continue to dance and dance. The music stops and a new song starts, but neither one of these couplings break apart as they make their way into yet another dance. What is it that you do in this time? As they leave,

have fun. All right, I'll take a few steps and I'll see. Hello, Popper. Oh, no. Oh, excuse me. Excuse me. I'm sorry. Would you like to...

Oh, no, okay. And I'll see the person bringing a tray of drinks. And I'll grab two and I'll drink up. No, don't go anyway. Hold on. I'll grab my own. I'll grab two more. Little light headed I skip breakfast.

Oh, my motherful. Check out the old dance. How would I go to the order? Stay at all. You do. you make your way to the hors d'oeuvre's table. You're feeling a little bit tipsy, but it fades very quickly, so you get two more drinks.

You know that you've never fully been able to keep your buzz ever since becoming what it is that you are now, and you occasionally look behind you at your friends dancing and enjoying the evening as you fumble around the food table, and eventually you're picking off different food items, the most pungent of them. They're the ones that you feel like you can, almost taste the most.

You find yourself by the cheese platters, the charcutory table, and you are looking at some of the most pungent cheeses that you've ever tried, is you back up directly in to someone. And as you jolt, a short, stout woman in what looks to be a horse outfit, a horse mask on her face turns and looks towards you.

Her plate also piled high with food and she looks towards you and blushes. Oh. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry. Oh, no, no, that was on me. I'm a bit clumsy. I'm bringing food to my friends. Oh.

This isn't all for me. Oh, the same. Totally same. This is always keys. I'm just holding it for them. And meat and pastries. I'll have me mates here, my crew. Yeah, no, my friends are all the dancing.

We're from a board here. Where are you from? Oh, I'm not from around here. Oh, you know me here. We're from an awardia. Oh, where's that? Is that near here? No. Oh, is that not nice? You've got a bit of pudding on your face. Do you mind? Oh, I didn't even, oh, that must have been accidental.

She reaches up and she wipes it off of your face, and you, Then notice she also has a bit of jelly on her face. Oh, you have a little, do you want? Oh, I don't know how I could, because I haven't eaten any of this. Oh, same, no, same. But would you mind just in case I accidentally? Here you go.

Thanks. Is she at Curseborn? Is she a curse born? Yeah. Oh, yeah, she's a wolf and horse outfit. Is it the horse mask? That's amazing. Yeah, that's the whole.

That's amazing. Oh, Mm-hmm. Um, are you enjoying the party at all? Like, do you like it? I mean, it's, well, I mean... Well, I'm a monkey.

See my tail? Oh, yes, I'm a horse. Do you see, do you see my main and tail? Oh. You know, I was thinking about doing some kind of horse or something. I have a saddle. On a counter me snout, you know, We're having the whole snout thing as...

Do I see her snout or is it covered? Well, it's covered by the horse mask. But I would say you can see... You can see the hair. Oh. I see that you're sort of another fellow animaly person. You know... I'm a...

Yeah. Sort of, yeah. I'm, you know, me being a crocodile person. And you being a... Some kind of canine fox. Well, I'm a curse person, so. You have a curse? Yes.

I have a curse. No, you don't. We have so much in coming. Down real quick. Hold on, and she opens up part of her bridle, and you can see there's an area to store snacks. Just put them in there. We can eat them while we don't.

Well, no, I mean, that would be awfully greedy of me, and I'm not terrible by that. No, we can shut. I'm like, real quick, like, so early. I'll eat both wait. Oh, I would love to. She hands, she gives you her paw, her, no, it's a hand. And you begin, you lead her onto the dance floor,

and you begin to dance. Oh, I don't need to fill out a report card in advance. Roll a performance check. Oh. Now, she doesn't even offer you her dance card. She seems to be either not familiar, with the societal expectations or as completely throwing them to the wind as she.

Looks good. Performance? I believe so. That is a 23. Whoa! The two of you just completely fall into step together. It is the dance isn't exactly as you are,

remember it, but the same types of moves that you're doing, she's doing too. And whether it's that you both learned the dances differently or you both dance to the beat of your own drum, it's hard to tell as the two of you cut a rug around this place. You're dancing a little faster than everyone else, but you are having the time of your life. Occasionally, she'll pull a snack out of her, out of her bridle and break it in two and feed you half and eat the other half as well as you as you laugh and talk about being cursed and what that's like and I passed Cotin yesterday and she congratulates you and dance and dance and dance What was our name? Do we ever go? No, you never asked. And that is what you do for the next

hour or so. You occasionally stop dancing and meet back up. You are all introduced to the the lady from Edwardia that Briggsie has met. I would immediately ask her name. And she tells you, her name is Lavinia, and she is from- It's a pleasure to meet you, Lavinia. Oh, should have asked. And she is, she seems very shy,

talks about her friends that are here, but at no point does she offer an introduction. But occasionally you see she leaves and heads over towards a very tall member or a very tall person in this place. What is very clearly a large suit of animated armor covered in studs and spikes.

The pieces of armor almost linked together by bolts of lightning. The face behind the mask very clearly created by lightning itself. And at one point, Briggs E even asks, who is it that she is going to see? and she is here escorting the Iron Maiden, the lady of Edwardia, and you are able to see her in all of her glory

as she stands so much taller over many of the folks here at this place. Does it look like a very tall curse-borne in a suit, or is it just- It's very clearly an animated suit of armor that is filled with lightning. You don't see a physical entity inside of it. It is the armor itself that is the physical entity.

I would put my hand on Briggs's shoulder, I would say. No one will fault you for not asking you her for her name. I've been to many of these, and to be quite honest, the mystery is half the fog. Well, that's what I was thinking on me. You know, I was sort of in the moment. You know, letting me the breeze take me where it will. Lady Adela's like an angel sent from the heavens above

with how graceful she is on the dance floor. You looked like you were doing a wonderful job out there. Yes, you were looking like you did very well. Well, thank you very kindly. I started to get the hang of it. I remembered all the lessons from yesterday. Did you see Haiti over there? Presumably Charlotte Edy, right?

Yeah, I think we know that's her name. Fucking Iron Maiden, holy shit. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Wow, she's so cool, Bracey. I mean, oh, she's... Do I look around with all these, like, monster people? Yeah, I mean, you look...

You're looking around and you... It's not a room filled with humans. You have people of varying sizes. You have plague-borne, curse-born, threadborn, you have Azureborn, silk-borne, every born you could possibly have. The only two humans that you see at first glance are Philip and Adela until you notice very quickly walking past towards the other room and you haven't been able to catch up with them. you have glanced and seen that matron Maggie McDuff and Colette are also present here,

remembering that Collette is the new lady of Folcence and that Maggie McDuff is her, and that she is Maggie McDuff's ward while she is coming of age. And outside of that, everybody else is a variety of character. And it is a beautiful, incredible scene to behold. And it is in this moment, as you are looking around, as you are taking in the true beauty of this place, the regalness of this place, that the music stops as trumpets blast once again

to gather the attention from the throng. As you turn, you see Phillips standing atop the staircase, flanked by four servants holding silvered boxes. All attention is on him as footmen usher you to. to the base of the stairs for the gifting Sarah. Oh, is it going to happen? Is it really happening? It's happening! It's happening! This isn't a false alarm! I did not expect it so soon, but what else could it be?

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5th edition. And don't forget to snag all of the extra goodies like dice, miniatures, plushies, a tarot deck, and more. Thank you. As you enjoy the party, the music stops as trumpets blast once again to gather the attention from the throng. As you turn, you see Philip standing atop the staircase flanked by four servants holding silvered boxes. All attention is on him as footmen usher you to the base of the stairs for the gifting ceremony. With a flourish, Philip taps his cane on the ground twice before raising it to his mouth and speaks. His voice magically projected across the entirety of the ballroom. Ladies and gentlemen of the Crescent Court and all friends from across our 13 provinces, thank you for joining us in this yearly celebration. It has been a dream to meet with each and

every one of our honored lords and ladies. But I cannot ignore the two-tonne gargoyle in the room. One of our own has fallen after a terrible betrayal. It broke my heart, as I'm sure it broke all of yours, to learn that Archbishop Danton Alexander Renault had thrown his lot in with the vile coven of witches that have plagued us for years. And of course, for all of the poor mortals that lost their lives as a result of this treachery. Philip pauses for a brief moment of silence as he looks crestfallen for just a moment as a light murmuring spreads through the crowd. Then he immediately chippers back up. But the silver lining is that we have a new, lovely little lady of Fulcence and young Colette Mirabelle, as if on command the partygoers engage in light,

polite applause. And of course, we may not all be here if the Oshbishop's evil scheme had not been stopped by our guests of honor this evening. The brave and intrepid witch hunters from beyond the midst of the shroud are the heroes that Druskenwald needs. Two of them have fallen in their battles against the wickedness that lurks on the fringes of our glorious society, but four still live, and four shall be honored and rewarded this night. Witch hunters, come receive your well-earned rewards. The footmen beside you escort you up the stairs

as Philip beams beneath his rhinoceros mask, gesturing briefly to the servants beside him who prepare the four silvered boxes at his side. If there's one thing I've been good at, besides being a top-notch husband and lover, polite chuckles murmur through the crowd. It's understanding what the heart wants, deeply, truly, and relentlessly. And so, it is my pleasure to provide the four of you heroes with the artifacts of your heart's desire from my private vault spanning centuries of my collecting.

Philip turns from gesturing to the crowd to address you directly. Ladies first, I am nothing if not a consummate gentleman. after all Lethaca, Nightbourne, to you I gift the shadow knell. The first servant opens the silver box and Philip reaches in to pull out a cracked bell forged from a jet black metal with elegant adornments of skulls and dark feathers, handing it to you, Lethaca. You can feel it thrum with magic in your hand as you look down at this, the shadow knell. This is that thing which you seek.

You can feel it immediately. This is no toy. This is no recreation. You stand at the top of the stairs holding this as the entire ballroom looks up at you waiting. I'm going to clasp it by the handle and put my fingers in to make sure that I can keep the clapper from ringing the edge of the bell and just sort of squeeze and pinch that. I'll look out at the audience and then regain my. composure and turn to Philip. Thank you, Lord Druskenwald, for this honor.

This means the world to me. Thank you. Thank you for your service to all of Druskenwald. And he turns back to the rest of you. The next servant opens the box, and Philip produces a large but simple key crafted from a hardened amber-colored resin with streaks of orange throughout. He then hands it to you, Jericho. Will I just...

He nods to you. May it bring to rest the torment that so many of us face. Up next, we have Captain Briggsy Cratch. To you, I gift the idol of Croxagor. The third servant opens their box, and Philip pulls out a stone statue of a crocodileian god, seated on his haunches and bejewed with brilliant gems. He carefully places the surprisingly light idol in your hand, Briggsie.

You know, this whole time I thought it'd be bigger. Does this feel like the real deal? Yeah. It's weighty, it's old, it smells like it has existed in this world for far longer than a trinket or a chotchky would. And you can feel the power in this. When it enters my hands, I very faintly hear distant drums. Finally. And I like look around and I look through the crowd to see if I notice anyone I recognize.

All right. Thank you, Lord Druskenwald. And, oh, I mean, thank you, Lord Druskinvald. The pleasure is mine. May it reverse all of your misfortunes and turn luck on your sack. And finally, we have some Marius Renathir. To you, I gift the grail of dawn. The final servant opens the box, and gold shines out of it. Philip gingerly withdraws a golden goblet filled with unmoving, shimmering holy water that shines with the colors of dawn.

As he hands it to you, Marius, the water does not even ripple. Thank you, my lord. And with that, our deal is sealed, and these valiant witch hunters will not leave Druskenwald until the coven of the midnight moon is annihilated. Let's hear it for our heroes. Here, here! And with that, everyone drops the soft clapping as they all shout and cheer. Your accolades are just being piled on top of you as you wave. And it's hard to even look out at them as your attention keeps being drawn to these items that you have before Philip announces to the band.

to the orchestra to continue to play, and to get back to the dancing and to the revelry. And just as quickly as he does, the audience disperses from the base of the stairs and begins to mill about the room, getting more hors d'oeuvres, enjoying more dance and more drink and more conversation as he pulls you in.

Well, you have what you came for? Yes. And our promise is sealed. You will help Druskenwald until the Covenant. is completely annihilated. Yes, absolutely. We're bound, we're honor-bound and honor oath sworn. So what's the nature of being bound?

And I have something to admit. I can't be fancy. I just can't. So I'm sorry if I embarrass you, but I try. He collapsed his hand on your back. You don't embarrass me one bit, Briggs. You're you, just as you should be. Thank you.

But my wife is waiting for me across the room. And she is not going to be happy with me if she doesn't get one, two, or five more dances. Enjoy the rest of your evening. We will, thank you. And you'll join us for breakfast tomorrow. Oh, yes, that would be a pleasure. Of course. Well, if I don't see you for the rest of the night, I'll see you then.

Would we be able to get some privacy with our rewards after the end of the masquerade? Absolutely. They're yours. You don't have to give them up, keep them with you for as long as you need. If you want a place to store them, we can put them back in the vault, but are yours. Do with them what you will. Take them back to your room,

spend time with them, get to know them. And if you need anything, you know where to find me. Just search for the rhinoceros and the geranosaurus. And as he says it, you see the smile alight on his face

as he looks towards his wife. And in the meantime, a lot of fine folk here from all over Druskinfold. Don't be shy. Mingle. Get to know them. The Iron Maiden's going to be performing

at the end of the night. Is she a musician? A singer. Pipes, you've never heard in your life. Spend time talking to her. I'm sure she'd like to get to know you. And it is in that moment that Adela bounds up the stairs. He did.

But I got someone I want you to meet first. Lead the way. She looks up towards Philip. Philip, is it all right, honey, if you go do your business and stuff so that I can show me friends around? I just want to introduce him the one first. and please. He looks down at her. Anything you want, honey. He leans forward and smooches her cheek as he lightly squeezes her shoulders. I got a bit more business I can get to, but you dance cards

full and it's got my name on it. And one spot for Jericho, I see. Oh yeah, we had a very nice above the table, above the shoulders. Got to dance. He smiles towards you as he squeezes her hand and then quickly slides off into the crowd, once again, heading towards that same tall and posing figure that you saw I'm talking to earlier. Wait for you to meet my absolute favorite Lord of the Slam. Mary, I say you're doing okay? I, yes, yes.

Ms. Hedella, I apologize, my lady. I am distracted. You got what you wanted, and it's one of those buyer's remorse kind of things, you know? You finally get what you want, and it's not exactly what you were hoping for. No, no, not at all. It is, uh, I've never, I never thought I would see this in person. This is wonderful and overwhelming. And I am so glad. I am just at a loss for words. That's so wonderful to

hear Marius. Well, I hope it's not going to prevent you from enjoying the rest of the night, because I can't wait for you this, you do. No, it will not. It will not ruin the evening and I am, I am here, I am focused. Thank you. So I know that you ever, not been oblivious to the folks that work here at Chateau Claire Dilloon. Some of them are Phil's. I think you know which one they are. Some of them are mine. Well, they're all made for me.

By just the absolute best. He's the ruler of Pico, Blinsky the second. Follow me, and I can't wait to introduce you to him. All right. Gosh, I have, I had one of his toys. You did? Yeah, we gave you. give it to Hugo when he was feeling down and wounded and injured.

Oh, yeah, his toys bring happiness to literally everybody. I mean, yeah, it's no fun, there's no Blinsky the second, you know. The name is familiar. This guy makes people. The people, they're more like dolls and toys and things. Oh, he would just love Pico. It's like this wonderful carnival land filled with happiness and adventure and games and rides and candy and dolls and everything you could possibly want.

This individual sounds incredibly powerful. And that land sounds incredibly cool. That sounds mighty nice. We should go there right away after the masquerade. If there are witches there, it would be nice to take a trip. I'll introduce and you can talk to Blinsky for the rest of the night. And she looks over and she can see Philip tapping his foot. I should probably make it quick, though, because I think Phil's starting to get anxious.

He needs me by his side. Anyway, follow me. And she quickly darts into the crowd as she beckons you over to her. Beside her as someone also looking at you with a broad grin, beneath a mask and costume that evokes a saber-toothed tiger

as a portly mechanical man, seemingly made entirely of metal, gears, and springs. Out of his back, a large key turns constantly. This is Old Jericho Stix, Briggs, Lithica, Samaria's Renate Thia. It is a pleasure to meet you, Blinsky.

You're a lord? I am forgetting how to do this voice all of a sudden, because I'm Adela in my mind. Yelowsky! My name is Blinski. Ah! Well, he doesn't sound like for us. He kind of did. A little bit.

It is lovely to meet you. I am Blinsky the second. Lord of Pico and Toymaker Extraordinaire. I will reach out my hand to offer it to shake his hand, and I will say, he reaches out and as you shake, you hear the creak, creak, creak of his joints as metal grinds on metal, but he doesn't even flinch. I say, please, just Marius Renetheer.

And while I'm shaking his hand, I want to see if I can feel his heartbeat. It's very easy to tell that there's no heartbeat there. Okay. So he's like full mechanical, mechanical. He is truly mechanical, mechanical. Automaton. Okay. It's a pleasure to meet you.

It's mighty nice to meet you. I'm personally a big genuine fan of your work. When we first arrived here, we encountered a toy train set that had your markings on it. And it really helped out one of our dearest chums when he was down in the dumps. And it really brought a cheer to me, cheer to a little girl what owned it previous, and cheer to our friend Hugo back in Folkison. So I want to thank you for being such a good toy maker. There is nothing that makes me more happier than to know that my toys are bringing joy to people all over Trask involved.

It was a great comfort to our friend. Thank you. So, what's Pico like? I mean, it sounds really cool. I mean, it sounds a lot cooler than... With the way you were dressed, you would fit right in. We have giant monkey floating in sky with symbols. Crash, crash, make everybody laugh. Monkey symbol stuff? Oh my God, I can I keep my costume?

I can't. I don't see my nun. It's all you was. I'm gonna fit right in, fellas. But we... It is a magical land. It is... The city, Fun-Topia, where I live, it never stays in one place. It moves all over Pico.

So that everyone from every corner of Pico, no matter where they are, can enjoy the fun at all times. It moves like a... Like a traveling carnival? Like a... Yes, it moves. And when you... You travel in Pico, you don't just walk or fly. You can take the roller coasters.

You can take the trains, the toy trains, of course. A hot air balloon? Hot air balloon, if you like. It dirigible. I've never taken a hot air balloon before. It is absolutely. The laughter feels there at all times. The sound of song and cymbles crashing.

And he's telling you all of these amazing things about the sights and the smells. and the bright colors, the threadborn that he's created, these people that are created from fabric and wood and stitched together and all the amazing things that they can do and how he crafted them with his own hands. The hospital that he has, or the infirmary that he's created to stitch broken and unwanted toys back together and give them new lives and all of these things. He's animated and excited and laughing and boisterous, and eventually Adela reaches up and squeezes his arm. I'm so sorry they have to do this to Yblinsky, but I've really got to go because Phil's calling for me all right.

And he looks down at her and is not able to hide the sorrow on his face as he nods. And, yes, of course, you must return to Villop, but it's fine. I will see you soon. He squeezes her hand, but you can see the sadness on his face as she waves to each of you. rushes up to you, Jericho, gives you a quick hug, and then bounces off into the crowd and away towards Philip. She's just the sweetest thing, isn't she? She is a treasure.

Philip is a lucky man. I agree. Oh, that is rooting. That's for sure. And you are the heroes of Drusk Ewald. You are here to make the witches go boof. That is correct. That is the plan. I did not want to say this in front of Adela.

She is eternally happy, and I did not want to wipe the smile from her face. Oh, the fireworks started. Yay. Oh, gosh, oh, there's fireworks of all the shadows. Oh, wow. Oh, did you not make these fireworks, Vince? Of course I did. Yes. Well, that's actually quite good.

You enjoy the fireworks? No, your chair's on my foot. Oh! But I did not want to say this in front of a day. Della, but things are not all fun and games in Pigo. In Fantopia especially, there have been attacks, bombs, explosives, not the fireworks, these are nice. Oh, yeah, I'm here.

Do we have a witch of our own? Wait, explosives. He nods towards you. The infirmary is filled to the brim with broken toys. have been completely exploded. What shape do these explosives take? All sorts of shapes. They're hidden in boxes, in presents,

sometimes in toys themselves. A symbol monkey exploded. Strange. Like mechanical in nature, you might say. She leaves her calling card, a bright pink paint that she paints on things. And she calls herself Sister Antic. Wait a minute. Just a moment.

Like, we must make sure that we understand all of this information fully and ask questions without... Yes, yes, you're right. I'm sorry to interrupt. How rude of me with the Lord of the Crescent Court? That's right. This is very interesting information. Do all witches have similar calling cards to your knowledge? Not that I can say. I've only had personal experience with this to... with Sister Antic and her antics. But it...

She is a dare. She... It is difficult. And I fear that... And he starts to speak in a hushed tone. I fear that Philip is not a good influence on Adela, you say. She is bright, she's smart, she's very capable, magically inclined.

She is the gift of the seer. And yet, All of these things are happening in Droskenwald and he just keeps her happy, blinded by love. I understand what it is like to be blinded by love. I can assure you, personally, that the Lord and Lady of Droskenwald are doing everything in their power to make sure that everything is fine. Yeah, Philip is the best darn husband, best, best lad man I ever did see. the best genuine room you

I've ever seen in my wanderings. I'm not trying to besmirch his name. I want Adela to be happy. But she holds a special place in my heart. If there is a problem here in Druskenwald, especially with witches or some

evil force of night, you can rely on us. Well, maybe when you are through with whatever task, lies ahead of you. The masquerade has come to an end and you find yourself looking for a place to go. Maybe Pico is a place you would consider here. And he reaches into his satchel and he pulls out these beautiful golden tickets. They look like carnival tickets. And it's one ticket entrance to Fun Topia as he passes them out to each of you. And as your hand touches it, you see your name and scrawled on it.

So all we have to do is just show up and kill a witch. Easy. How does my name appear on the ticket? It says Sir Mary is Renathir. I folded on. I still got a leg. I scowl a little bit at the sir in the front of my name. Gars.

Blinsky, do you know what Sister Anteck's goal is? It's really hard to hear you over all of the fireworks. Do you know what her goal is, what her mission is, what she is trying to achieve. She is a creature of terror. So I think she drives on causing mayhem and madness. And antics. And antics.

Well, I gotta say, Mr. Blinsky the second, sir, we ain't never seen that pink paint ever before in our whole lives. Ain't never seen it. Don't know nothing about it. That does not surprise me. She is, I think, potentially maybe, confined to Pico itself. A piccolo, the giant

symbol monkey in the sky, protects Pico, and I think it keeps her trapped in the life. Oh, well. I probably should continue to me, and there are many other lords and ladies I must meet. But it was lovely meeting each of you. Oh, before you go, I mean, speaking of Philly

and you know, here's a lot going on. He's a very important man, you know. But it's not more than he can handle. His leadership is pretty good, right? I mean, all things considered. As long as Adela is happy, I, I, then he has, I, yes, he's fine, he's fine. Inside chat.

Yeah, go right. Sit, no, seven. Um, it, uh, he seems to be telling the truth. You, you notice that every time he says Adela's name, that there is a fine. bondness for her. That does not extend to

Philip. But his words seem to ring true. That as long as Adela is happy, as long as she is safe, he is pleased. And he seems confident in Piccolo's ability to protect Pico. But he still has

worry. And with a quick reassurance from you that you will potentially you'll try and find the time to make your way to Pico and investigate Sister Antic. He seems, his fear seems to be assuaged as he makes his way towards the, um, toward the throng of people. Well, it's mighty nice meeting you, Mr. Blinsky, and we are so appreciative, I mean, Lord

Blinsky, I'm sorry, and we are so appreciative of these genuine tickets, we are going, the first thing we're going to go to Phontopia and we'll blow up that darn witch that she thinks she can blow up all them poor toys. You say, but Blinsky has already left. Oh, goodbye. He's already gone, Jericho. Oh. The point is, whenever we meet any of these lords and ladies,

we must make sure that we are reassuring that Philip has everything under control. Exactly, correct? And we must not reveal what we saw earlier. We offer our services. We let people know that if they have worries, if they have fears, we're here to clean up the messes, the things that fall through the cracks.

That is correct. But everything is fine. Understood. Yeah, a good save, by the way. You know, he said pink pain. I was like, oh, but, but, but, oh my God, we saw that. You must learn to calm yourself and to hide your true emotions. Oh, okay.

I will be happy when we're back in the field and these days it caught over. I also think Pico sounds like such a joy. I know, we have to go there next. We really do. I mean, look, I'm 40% Pico. I was going to suggest that there are. so many horrors in this land, it would be best to save for last. Wait, save Pico for last?

Yes. What if we don't survive the rest of them? Well, then we have failed in our efforts. Well, I'd rather die happy in Pico. Blown to smithereens by Sister Eddick. We will go where we're needed. Yes. And if Pico seems to be the most in distress, we'll have there next.

If something else arises, we will deal with it. All right? All right. We should catch up with Maggie and little Colette, right? Ooh, that would be nice. I'm really wondering how Hugo's doing, and he's got a zone. Well, I could tell you how he's doing right now. You just simply ask.

And as you say that, as you hear the voice, you do see that Maggie McDuff is standing directly behind you. Maggie. It's good to see you. It is a pleasure to see you. I'm going to go on the line. She looks incredibly exhausted. She has bags under her eyes,

looks happy. What is she dressed up as? I have that written down, but my memory is horrible. Oh, yeah, Blue Rabbit. She's dressed up like Flora. Oh, yeah. So you see the ears, you see the mask. There is a luminance to it where it almost glows.

And she looks quite, quite adorable. I rush in for a hug. She looks hesitant at first as she looks around realizing she's adjusting to being the region of Folson. She's not sure what social acceptable, but she wants the hug and she quickly holds you tightly for a second. It's so good to see you. I've been trying to find time to come by and say hello's, but with Colette, and she looks over towards the hors d'oeuvre table and you see that Blinsky is handing

Colette cookie after cookie after cookie and doing silly voices and dancing around. She is, she's got crumbs and frosting all over her face. As she's kicking her feet, she looks incredibly happy. But she does almost as if a connection, she has a connection with Maggie McDuff, almost sensing that Maggie wants her attention. Colette turns towards you and gives a wave as she kicks her feet even more happily and then continues to engage with Blinsky. How have you been? I heard about your Grim and Farron. I'm my condones. I'm so sorry. Things have not been easy, but...

No, they haven't. We press on. We soldier on. Do not fear for us. How are things with you? How is Fulcens? What is it like? I'm sure you have a lot on your plate.

It's been busy. Collette is a child, just a wee one, but she's getting bigger every day. She's taken on the responsibility of being the lady of the land, actually, quite easily. and she's going to grow to be quite an impressive lady. I'm very proud. She's got a lot to be sad about the loss of her parents.

She's not fully healed. Of course, she can't expect a child to heal like that so quickly, but she's resilient to that one. Have you had any more problems since we've left? None since you've left. Hugo misses you, of course, but he's even gotten, on with the townsfolk. They've rallied around him as he's helped to

rebuild so much of what was lost. The cathedral's all but reformed, all by the sweat on his back. Wow. Please. That's very fast. When you see him again, tell him that we miss him and love him. He doesn't stop talking about you. Every single day

asking where he are and when you're coming back, but he knows. He knows that you're busy that you're out there saving lives. Not just Foulson's but all of Druskenboldt. name message you a lot and we're going to go to Pico and we're going to get him

a whole a sackle full of new toys from Mr. Blinsky when we arrive so we can have that to look forward to you Oh he would love that. He would love that so much And so you said little Gazette has a promising future in leadership Colette yeah

What did I say? Cosette Oh No she does She's got quite the She's got quite the head on the shoulders. I think that leadership will suit her well. What's her opinion of Philip Juskinvold's leadership on a scale of zero to ten?

She's only met him a few times, but he was recently back after the Follsons, helping to clean up some of the efforts. As I said, Hugo's rebuilt the cathedral, but not as a place of worship. It's been turned into a hospital and an orphanage. a place of refuge and hope for those that lost their families and their homes and the horrible circumstances that befell the city. So he came out to christen the place and help with some of the cleaning and to meet up with Colette and make sure she was doing all right and told her a couple stories she seemed to like a lot. But I wouldn't say this to him. He's a bit stuffy for a young girl. well

I just want to make sure that we all stand with Phil you know he's got a lot on his plate he's trying his best to protect you know the whole land at least for us in Falsonset that seems to be pretty clear he's doing a great job

he really is everything's going very well tonight brought Jericho very well oh what was Little Coulocet's costume Colette's costume as you look over to her You see that she's, she is dressed up in a very fluffy white dress.

She has a little bell around, around her neck. She has two little hoof gloves. She looks like a little lamb. She has to do the lammy, lambie dance. I want to walk up to her. She's all the way across the ballroom. But you're good. I'll go say hi later.

I'll get her, I'll get her a large lollipop and a wedge of cake from the fair. She would like that a lot, I'm sure. We'll get her a whole satchel full of toys as well from Pico. We're going there. We have tickets from Mr. Blinsky. So we're going to go there and get a whole bunch of toys and celebrate. Maybe even Colette and Hugo can come along and ride the attractions. I've heard of Pico. I've never been there myself. I had a book about some of the different provinces all around Druskinvold.

but I think that's one of the ones that's gone missing. Hmm. Well, that's interesting. A few spell books and things. You mentioned if things were right. And yet everything is fine except for a few missing things. It's possible that people have... Things are going missing?

Mostly just books. Since you arrived here? No, since everything that befell Fultzance since all of that business with... that crooked tree, but it's... Where could it possibly... Are you feeling all right, Jericho? Oh, I'm sure it was just

killing and her minions what took him. I'm thinking that, or desperate people books can fetch a fair price, especially after calamity struck. And knowledge is powerful. That's all that it was. It's probably just the... There's all those angry mobs and all of the...

We all saw how terribly uncouth and whipped up into mass hysteria. the folks that Fulsans were, so I think you're right. They were just trying to make a pretty penny. But as for that, everything in Fulcense has been absolutely lovely. No more signs of Mother Midnight or Devils and Baylaws and anything else? For the first time and a long time, I can say it's been quite peaceful. It's been hard work, not much sleep taken care of a young one.

But it's been... There's hope and falsehoods. Well, that's a relief. And we have you to thank for it. And your groom and fair and too. May their souls rest in peace. Well, now we know that, you know,

if everything else in this land goes to shit, at least one province is not fucked up, flattered and ham and shit, so we can just come back and hang out with you all. This isn't going to happen. Colette... We're going to solve this problem. I need you to cover your ears

and you look down as you see Colette. tiny little form staring up at you. Galette. What were you saying about hammered shit? What did I tell you about repeating things the people say? Yeah, but it was just Briggsie. Oh, stupid.

Oh, no, I shouldn't have said that. I should have watched him out. You're not stupid? Yeah, just asherent curse around children. Oh, I didn't realize we were in a mixed company. Hey, look, I'm lamb. And she does a little dance with her hooves. See? Look, my bell rings and it dings as she dances back and forth.

You look beautiful. You look beautiful. Thanks, I'm a princess now. You're the cutest little lamb at the animal fair. What did I tell you, Colette? You're not a princess. You're one of the ladies of the land, but you're not princess. Lady Mirabelle.

Lady Mirabelle. But I want to be a princess. Well, you, I think, could be a princess on account. You look like the land. at the state fair that's so cute it wins a handsome blue ribbon and everyone is so charmed by its cuteness that it gets spared from the slaughterhouse. What's a state fair? Oh, it's a great gathering where all manner of folk come from all over and there's

competitions and attractions and confections and all a manner of celebration and music. It's a grand old time. What's a slaughterhouse? Now, we're not going to talk about that, Jericho. No. That is not a conversation for the little. No, that's not a conversation for the little lady. Man, when Lacey makes fireworks, he really doesn't fuck her out.

Do you hear those noises? Of course. Them's the fireworks, why don't you scamper over and see if Lady Adela or Philip will lift you up and let you look at them. It's been going on for 20 minutes. You certainly won't miss it. It'll be at least another 20 minutes.

And she quickly scampers off and you see as she makes her way directly towards Philip. She tugs on his tail. and he eventually picks her up and puts her on his shoulders and points showing her the different fireworks out over the balcony. I should probably not linger. I don't want to leave Colette and Phillips care for too long. He's a busy man. He doesn't have time to be watching a child. No, please do not let us keep you. Do what you need to do. But if there is anything at all, you hear information you can give us. Or if you just want to say hi, don't hesitate. I, uh, they've been meaning to write. Sorry, things have been too, it's been too busy for me to do so,

but I promise once things calm down, I'll make sure to send you a missive and let you know how things are going in Follsons and hopefully once everything's right as rain, we can have you back for a celebration. Yes, please keep Collette and the province safe, and we will take care of the rest. Well, I've missed you, every single one of you.

What is you do? Likewise. Feren and Jorghum as well as the four of you on a daily basis. And we're gonna be here a little bit longer before we go off to Pico, so maybe you could stick around at the chateau and we can perhaps have a brunch or something and catch up before you head back to Fultons.

We don't know if we're going to be here. We're not planning to head back tomorrow, but maybe the day after when things have calmed down and more people have left. And I want to choclet around the grounds. So if we can find us, We'd love to spend some time with you. We would love that.

And we're totally going to peek up. We really love. She smiles at you as she moves towards you. She clasps each one of your hands and says her goodbye as she slowly disappears back into the crowd. It is a pleasure to see our own friends. It's nice sort of, you know, knowing people at a party, or something to talk about, some common ground. And it's not.

nice to be able to chat with matron McDuff when there isn't terrible disaster around every corner. I'm mostly glad to learn that things have not regressed since we've left. It sounds like they may be healing.

It's promising. And speaking of known people at parties, Briggsie, you made a friend. Oh, all indeed. And what is her name? Uh... You look around

as you try to remember her name. You glance and you see her. Standing next to what is very clearly the Iron Maiden, Charlotte Heady, as you look towards her, you can't quite put the name to the face as you're looking at them both, and then you realize that she's looking at you.

She's talking to the Iron Maiden who's also looking at you as you both make eye contact with each other, and you watch as she begins to lead the Iron Maiden directly towards you. How tall is she? The Iron Maiden? The Iron Maiden's probably six and a half, almost seven feet tall.

By the gods, she could crush our skulls like watermelon. Why would you want that? Never mind. Look alive. Oh, you're no, she's coming over. Oh! With Miss Heady! Olivia!

Olivia! No, no, no. It was... Olivia. Lavinia. Lavinia. Vinyan. I'm super anxious and I just do know. They are about halfway across the room towards you

as you take in the visage of Charlotte Heady, the Iron Maiden, this living suit of armor, the lightning crackling inside of her body, spikes adorning the armor all over the gauntlets and the paltrans, her huge thigh boots. She, you stare at her face and you realize that the entirety of her face is made of crackling tendrils of lightning.

All concealed behind the mask of a black hound. She walks with a grace and confidence that you have only seen rivaled by Philip Drusk involved himself. the sound of her metal boots clanking against the marble flooring echoing throughout this place out this place and as she gets closer almost drowning out the sound of the music as she steps up directly towards you and uh lavinia looks towards you and i just came because i wanted to introduce you to to uh our lady of iron charlotte heady and she she she called you curtsies, my lady, these are the heroes of Druskinvold.

And she quickly steps back behind her body, looks to you and smiles sheepishly before bowing her head beneath her horse mask. The Iron Maiden looks between each of you slowly, looking you up and down, the lightning, small orbs of lightning behind this wolf mask. clearly her eyes just slowly drop and watch each and every one of you. She doesn't say a word at first, and then she nods her head.

It's lovely to meet you, Charlotte Heady, the Iron Maiden. Oh. Charlotte, Heady? Yes. You are Leithakekeyeborn. I am. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady of Iron. She reaches out her gauntleted hand

and you shake it. You, fuck. In the back of his head, I'll over here. Oh, God. Mass patience right there, folks. I'll reach out my hand. You shake her hand. You are not electrocuted, you fuck.

But you do feel the heat of the current that is powering this. armor. As you shake the hand, you notice that the gauntlet doesn't fully line up with the pardron as you shake it. There is no physical form inside this animated armor. But it is animated by this current. As she reaches out towards you, Marius, to shake your hand. Marius Renetheer. The pleasure is all, Maurya. Marius Reneth it's lovely to meet you. Ah, I'm a man.

musician, I see. Yes, I was the troubadour last night at Miss Adela's birthday soire, as chance would have it. Your reputation precedes you, Miss Heady. We are very much looking forward to your grand performance later on

in the evening. Yes, you'll be able to see me take my hair down, as it were. Not always so stuffy in places like this. If you make your way to Edwardia, I perform weekly.

Be lovely to have you at a show. Oh, I like a good show. I'm breezy. Oh, I'm all Derekal, I'm sorry. She reaches out and shakes your hand. I've heard so much about you. I've already met your handmade in Olivia. She's wonderful.

Yes, Lavinia is quite great. Oh, what did I say? Lavinia. Oh, yes. That's what I've said. So tell us about Edwardia. We've never been. Philip and I have been having many conversations over the past couple of days. I believe that you will be under my watch shortly. There have been troubles about Edwardia.

Troubles I don't wish to speak about publicly. But I've learned a great deal about you, though I am concerned. You're not small, really. Well, it's really, I mean, the size really matter when it comes to most things, you know? I mean, it's really about the heart. On like a totally average height for most crocala folk.

Maybe on the low end of average. Are you saying that Lord Philip, is sending a... Oh my gosh. Okay. Philip was so right, your complete stuff, shirts, and he told me if I did this bit

where I came over to you and I acted like I was high and mighty and stuff, he completely crumbled. It's hilarious. God, you've got to chill. What? Loosen up a bit. Things aren't crazy.

That's certainly surprising. Well, well jested. That is a marvelous deception. Oh, you're so easy. So easy. You cheeky geese! So you're going to have to come. I've got to come to basket and that's where I perform.

What about rock? Have you ever performed in a rock show? Have you ever performed in a rock show? Have you ever performed in one? You, guitarist, all the way. That's very kind of you to say. No, bassist. Sorry, bassist.

I don't play any. You've got the personality of a bassist. Thank you, I suppose. Oh, totally agree. dabble a little guitar here and there? You'd be the guitarist. Jericho is wonderful. You're on the keys.

Darling, you're on the keys. And you? Oh. Hmm. You ever sang before? Well, I haven't really tried. Go ahead. Try right now.

Not honest. But... Oh, what's you're I saying? What was it? Certainly you must know some sort of shanty or something. Oh, um... All your time. It's all rigid news.

Ooh. If I leave here tomorrow. You see her, you see, you see the, her gloved hand, a light with lightning as she shoots a bolt of it up towards the lights. The candles flicker and get brighter, and then a spotlight shines down on you

as your voice booms out louder. You hear the sound, of an amp squeal, but you have no idea where that sound could be coming from there. No amps or anything like that here. Something in her magic's is doing this as everyone turns towards you to watch the performance you're about to give.

All right, well, go ahead. Oh, no, don't put me on a spot like this. This is the best part, let's go. Don't be shy. She smacks you on the ass. Oh, hey. Oh, are they gonna perform? on the shrimp's with me, or is this a solo situation?

Oh, Briggsie, you're really great on the spot with you. I mean, you've sent him so many shanties for us. Oh, no, it looks like people are starting to get bored. You better hurry. Don't want to have a bit of parties. I know a nautical tune here, there. Oh, Liviana gained a day. O'A Libiana.

Everybody knows the words. And oddly enough, it seems like everybody does, as they all begin to start singing with you. How does everyone know this? A horsey girl from the north they say Along the canals of that skimald I think we're singing two different songs here But I'm with it, I like it, let's go

Heave her up and away we'll go away Libyana Heave her up and away We'll go along the moor of Baskerton. She, she claps her hands together. The clanking of the metal against metal rings out in this place, but you hear cheers and clap. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it before immediately the orchestra picks back up

and everyone begins to dance again. But what does it mean to pull the yawn up the west? I wish I knew. Strange. Music can be all about symbolism. You don't have to exactly know what they're talking about. I have a deep appreciation for the arts. Songs I write, however, pretty...

Well, perhaps we will be able to hear one someday. I hope. I would love to have you in Baskerton. And that is what I'm saying. Philip and I have been talking a lot. And we've had some troubles. I don't want to speak about... That was not ruse.

I don't want to speak about them publicly, not here. and we've got some things going on that I feel people like you would be able to manage and it's quite the trek but old Philly believes that we can get you out there right away

That's why we're here Well Yeah we had been talking to Mr Blinsky and we was planning to go to Phontopia in Pico on account of Sister Antikam's But I suppose we can make a pit stop up in Edwardia and explore Baskerton.

I'm not sure what Pico could possibly have that rivals that which is going on in Edwardia. Just get in here closer. We're friends now, right? Yes. And she quickly moves you in. She towers over you as she attempts to lower her voice, but clearly her voice is still booming out.

It doesn't seem like anyone is paying attention to her. Not sure what Pico seems to believe that they have on Edwardia, but our problems are significantly worse than anything they could possibly have. It's a mask coward, strutting about Baskerville. Baskerton. Baskerton. I don't lock the hands. It plays music, this haunting organ music.

Trotious stuff, absolutely awful. Nothing like what we're used to. We never heard none of that before, especially the night yesterday. She's obsessed with the theater. Theater. She calls herself sister serenade. If I may, my lady, I want to assure you that we will do everything in our power to help.

We cannot be everywhere at once, but where there are problems, we will show and we will defeat them. I swear by it. Philip agrees with me that your best use would be to come assist. There's something. about that music. It's affecting the people. It's changing them, harming them. Would you say that the problem you're having is worse than the problem that old Blinksky the second's having down in Pico? I can't. It's a land of carnival and revelry. What kind of

problem could he be having? Explosions, mostly. What I'm telling you is that we play spectacular classic rock music in its being drowned out by atrocious organ music. Do you, do you? Do you, You not see the problem here. But then on top of that, it also has the side effect of being atrocious, not just in sound, but in magical quality in the way that it affects the denizens of Edwardia. We must fix it. It sounds like a serious problem. And it is on our list now that we know about the system. And to sweeten the pot, I'll get you a band tea.

One of my band t-shirts, I'll get you one. The Iron Maiden right on the back. Droskenwald Toll. Lady Hetty, Charlotte. Do you drink? Call me Charlie. Charlie, do you drink? All the time.

I just wanted to know. And I will signal someone to, like, come and bring over some cocktails. I stopped drinking once. Yes? Worst eight hours of my life. She chugs it down, and you notice that as she gulps it down, the lightning tendrils that shoot throughout. the under portion of her armor illuminate with every gulp.

Well, Lord Philip sure is doing a great job, ain't he? He's on account of him sending the four of us up to Ed Gordia. He's got me in contact with you. Yeah, I'll be right over. Just wait, you, you, you wait, I'll be right there. I'm gonna have to go. I'm gonna have to go. Don't let's hold you.

That little skis. from Bobinia's doing a weird scientisty thing. But I'll catch up with you, yes? We'll talk again. We'll get tea or something tomorrow. We'll have an Edwardian tea when you spike it a little bit.

You don't think of it a little spice. So I'll come fetch you and we'll spend the afternoon together. Late afternoon. Yes, late afternoon. I'd like to sleep in. Sound good? That sounds wonderful.

Tea and a point, right? Tea and a point. You know. Oh, you get me. Oh, you get me. Okay, shit. You chinky bugger. Okay.

I will see you then tomorrow. Tomorrow. You have a drink on me. And I better see you at the front of the stage when I perform late tonight, all right? I'm coming! And she quickly turns and she just bounces off into the crowd. Well, that was surprising to say the least.

Gosh, all of these nobles really sure are impressive people. I hope we don't meet the God King. That sounds intimidating. It is also most likely inevitable. Well, I mean, I ain't never met a king before, much less a God King. You have kings where you're from, Marius. Do they have God? Was your friend Victor a God king?

No. King Victor is was a wonderful king he's he's not that full of himself but some kings I mean he is I'm sure he's fine some kings believe that they are known it's called the summer is yeah some kings believe their gods Victor is not one of them yeah no I'm that he sounds like a mighty fine mighty fine young man humbled and and good and and and greases. I personally believe that a good king would never be so. Pious man, old king Vickies. You could say that yes. Devant worshipper of the morning lord. That's correct. You know, not such a bad thing, right? You know the whole worshipping the morning lord thing?

What are you getting at, Briggs? Oh, I'm just saying, you know. It's his, his worship if he is still alive after nearly a hundred years. And, you know, something's keeping him alive this long. Maybe it's his faith. His faith? His faith? Faith. Oh, his faith, yes.

Yeah. Faith. Oh, God. Yes. I'm going to go get down to Earth. I'm going to go fight the God kick. As you turn around. No, no, no.

I'm going to get one. He can't listen He's like, Oh, I'm the God to carry. There are a bunch of people carrying him. I'm one of those people carrying him. He's like, like, 300. She just raises this aura of fear and like, you know.

And then it fades. You know, I do live some cocktail in you. You turn to go get some hors d'oeuvres, and you immediately bump into a, a tall figure just roughly Marius's height

you see what looks to be some large dark-furred entity wearing a jack-a-lantern harvest-style costume very reminiscent to Jericho just with some more autumnal flare

and you hear a soft gentle laugh bubble up out of this entity's throat as you then hear, well, I did not think that this would be how we met, Miss Lethaca. But apart to me. I know who you are, but you don't know who I am. No. I am the Lord of Enoch, and you can call me Methuselah.

And he quickly bows towards you. never once lowering his head, keeping eye contact with you, and you see that what looked to be like two flickering flames in the jack-lantern's head are actually the reflective orange eyes of a black cat. Whoa. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord of Inak. It is a pleasure to meet you, too. I have heard tale of you for quite a while

and what you have done in the land of Folsom's. It's quite impressive for you. My condolences for the loss of your friends. We are an autumnal people and we understand the passing of life into death better than most. So I send my thoughts to you. Well, that means quite a bit. We're still mourning their loss, but we know that they would want us to proceed onward and keep moving forward. Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you.

I'm Briggsie Cratch. He reaches out and he shakes your hand. Another fellow animal-y type person. Pleasure to meet you. Is it just Mufusilla? Or is it like, oh, Mufusula. Or like, oh, Mufusilla sticks. Or something like that.

My name is old Mierico Stix. You can call me Jericho, Mr. Mthuselah. Most folk do. I like the way you talk, boy. Oh, thank you. No one's ever said that before. You seem like you'd tell a good story. Well, I haven't known

It's been a yarn or two Do you have one, you could tell? Oh! Oh, Jerry's got so many! Oh, oh, gosh. On the spot. What about the one with the little bird? Oh, that's a good one.

That's my favorite. Which one? Bluebird and the little red hen. Now you're wearing a bluebird costume. It's perfect. Oh, the one about... There's a different. That's a difference.

It's like a young baby chick. Yes. Oh. There's a difference between the red hen, the baby bluebird. bird and the little chick. Either way, please take your pen. As you're having this conversation, you notice that he watches Jericho a lot more than the rest of you, looking over you. You watch the way his orange eyes just dart over your form,

taking in your construction. Oh, well, yes, there was once this young lady, and she met at the schoolhouse, she met a young man who was the apple of her eye. They got married and had had three lovely children and then when they was, when they brought their girl to the school one day, the wild gorilla on the loose killed all of them. And however, the great fairies in the sky looked down and said, well, oh, that's so bad, that's so sad

that the wild gorilla on the loose killed all of them poor people. We'll bring them back, but it's bluebirds. So they get to live every spring as bluebirds before they disappear in the autumn every year. And that's why you see bluebirds in the spring. Well, isn't that nice? That actually was very lovely, Jericho. I was worried that was going to take a dark turn.

And of course, I can't follow that up. My name is Marius Renethe. My lord, it's a pleasure to meet you. And it's a pleasure to meet you, too. He shakes your hand. Well, aren't you just a bunch of mighty fine folk? Look, you're quite pretty, aren't you? I bet you're a great dancer.

I've been known to dance once or twice. I wouldn't necessarily say that I'm very good. You look like you'd be good. That's very kind. And that's more than enough for most folk. Thank you. Oh, no, he's just being humble. He puts the hoe and hoe down.

Well, we would love to host you at our autumnal festival in a few moons from now. It is one of the biggest festivals of all. All a drusk involved. It would be great to have you come out. Maybe I could. Well, I don't want to ruin your night with talking negative things. Oh, is there terrible drama down in Enoch?

Other things, yeah, that's... This is our one chance to connect face-to-face for perhaps some time. And we are the wish hunters as appointed by Lord Philip in his limitless wisdom. Any information you have to share we would hear. Well, I don't want to go ruining your night. or derail any of your plans. So don't, don't fuss about us over an Enoch too much. We're doing all right.

Are you sure? But I will tell you that we might have a witch problem on our hands. I know, comes as a shock. Don't they all. But fields are being burned. Towns are being burned. Things are just catching fire for no reason. And with the autumnal festival coming up in just a few moons, we can't have our crops being destroyed like that.

And we've known about our witch for a long time. She had many names, but she was known as the dark writer. Up until more recently, when she's taken on a new moniker, Sister Nightmare. she rides upon a fiery steed jack-o'-lantern to top her head some say that on the nights the fields are burning she hurls that head into the crops until it's all the flame and then walks in completely unscathed to retrieve her dome I can't say for I haven't seen it myself

people are feared That's mighty a fearful story. We ain't never heard of no fiery Jackalenders ever before, never once. Not, especially not yesterday. And they certainly don't explode. Not here. Ignite a fire.

What my companions are trying to say is that in response to this horrific news, we can assure you that it is our duty to seek out these creatures of night, darkness, and vanquish them. And we will. Well, you will all. Always be welcome in Enoch, should you decide you want to make the trip.

Now, we have things under control as, well, as much control as we can possibly have for now. I would not worry your minds about it too much. But come visit us in a couple of moons, for the harvest festival. We'd love to have you. I would like to see you at a right-ho down. Well, I'm not so sure I can promise that, but you have my word that we will help protect your lands. You can tell stories to the townsfolk. Well, gosh.

I think you would fit right in with your construction. You don't look like one of mine. What, excuse me? The harvest born. You don't look like one of mine. Well, I don't think that you create me unless you're my father. No, I don't think I am. Oh.

Is it, it's a soul that powers you? Uh, well, like a, I mean from a manner of speaking, like more of a, uh, when you, when you get down to the branch tax of it, it's kind of more of the, I'm sorry, what did you say? Well, when you, when you kind of, when you bring down it is a soul from a certain manner of speaking, just not quite a motorist, but that of a what? No, it's all right. I heard you. I don't think you should say that again. And you see that he kind of bristles a little bit, um, but he, um, but he. He. calms himself down as he looks you over, and then the smile returns to his face. Well, regardless of your strange creation, y'all are welcome in Enoch. Thank you. And any assistance that you could provide, we would greatly, greatly receive.

And even if help is not something that you feel you can bring to our fields, we would not turn you away from our Harvest Festival. No, no, no. We'll kill the witch. That's like our whole thing, you know. Yeah, we only have a couple orders of killing witches. They're starting out of quick. But, I mean, we'll get to all of it. It'll be fine. It ain't going to be overwhelming, certainly, not at all.

You see his back arch as the hairs raise on his back as he looks over, and you see that the Iron Maiden has noticed that he is over here talking to you. I do not have the energy tonight for Miss Heady, so I'm going to make my way deeper into the masquerade. But you have a lovely night, and if she perchance makes her way back over here, you just let her know that I made my way to the little Methuselah's room. Well, it was mighty fine meeting, Mr. Methuselah. We'll see you soon. And we'll take care of that wish for you. I'm looking forward to more of your story.

And he quickly takes his leave. But he knew, my lord. Also vote Pico first. We may not have that choice. It seems like everything's fucked up, so I mean, you know, who cares what old are we doing in? But it is right. It's very clear that everyone is having problems. We can't be everywhere at once. I don't know what we do first.

It is interesting that all of these lords and ladies are dealing with witches that have sisters. have sister as their moniker. The pattern is emerging, what I am saying. Yes. Yeah, and that is exactly what happens. You watch as the Iron Maiden takes the stage and performs an absolutely spectacular rock show. There we go.

The people in mass have had a lot of alcohol by now as they rock out, and you are able to make your way to the very front of the masquerade right to the front of the stage, catches your eyes as she sings and wails on the guitar. You see that there are, she is backed by a band of Curseborn as they all play. Her set is about 15 minutes. It's not too long. All the while, something does catch your eye. Over in the corner, there is a tall, statuesque, lithe siren-like woman, very avian features behind a mask of a lot of a large, very avian features behind a mask of a

lion and she does not move or dance along with the music the entire time she does nothing but watch you occasionally catching your eye as you all enjoy the performance and eventually as the performance dies down you lethika notice as she motions towards you to to join her I would immediately turn and beeline in her direction Yeah, I would attempt to catch up if I knows you were hustling off for sure. Gosh, I got to learn how to play one of them fancy guitars. How did you do that with that lightning?

It's, it's, oh, I'm Cousin Eddie. You're going to love this. That's very funny. You know that new sound you've been looking for, but listen to this. As you get closer, you hear the crowd begin to. die down is once again the sounds v. orchestra strike back up and everyone begins to fall back into their waltzes and their quadrills. And you make your way towards this tall angular slender woman. The red and gold of her lion mask catches the light of the chandelier above

and her face beneath it, very bird-like her hair, not actually hair, but these long, beautiful, thin feathers that drape all the way down her back. As you get closer, you catch the way the light glints off of her eyelashes, where you would expect to see eyelashes themselves. You see these long, beautiful, almost peacock-like feathers that extend from the tops of her eyes.

She is quite beautiful beneath this mask, but her face is stern and serene. And as you make your way towards her, she motion, as she looks towards each of you. I can't believe it took this long for us to finally meet. I would have loved to speak to you sooner, but, well, Charlotte was performing. She's just the best, ain't she? I can't believe you get to see this every year? Well, my musical tastes are a little more demure. I prefer my music while I study.

That sort of sound is too loud. Studying, eh? That year's curling up with a good book? Maybe a picture book of a wonderful adventure? No, not a picture book. Oh. I'm, oh, I've not introduced myself. I am headmistress, Nossis of VIII. I am the lady of Ashtramar, headmistress of Ganderthal Magical Academy.

It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady. My name is Marius Renathia. I have heard and even now read so much about you. Did you know that a book has already been written? We have it in the library at Ganderthor. About us. About you, of course. And what you've done in Cyril? A book about us? The theories on where you came from and... Being heroes?

The gods that you worship. Them scribes work mighty fast. Yes, they do. In Asthma. Especially in Ashtamah. We see so much there. The towering cities in the skies, staring up at the stars. It's quite lovely.

It sounds like a magical place. But it's not the stars that I have. come here to speak to you about I will cut to the chase. I'm not here for formalities and not here for simple conversation. I'm here for help. I know that there are many pressing matters on your plate and I have heard whisper that the Iron Maiden has already secured you from Philip in a deal of some sort. but I would hope that when I tell you what is going on

an Ahtramar that you would find a way to make Astramal your top priority You see Gander Hall is the university where all magical learning starts The best and brightest minds of Druskenborg Go there to study

And should anything happen To my land, to my province Well it would be absolutely disastrous And though we are people, the azuremen, though we are people of the sky, it is what lurks deep within the earth that is truly, truly horrifying. Hmm. It threatens all of us. Like mole people? No, not moles.

Is that a thing? Oh gosh, gosh, they're good. It's psychophobia there. So, there's a whole school just for magic? Yes. It's part. powered by the magical laylines. Whoa. But deep within the laylines, the subterranean cabin system below,

the mother of monsters dwells, the first and oldest daughter of Mother Midnight, she who calls herself Sister Effigy. We've been studying and documenting her for quite some time now. And something is happening deep within. the earth. What is she doing? It started with students going missing.

They did not stay missing for long, before we would find them, but not in their rightful form, turned to stone statues of the former selves, horrific statues, as if frozen, all of them terrified, horrified,

placed in, random places, almost as if they were taunting us. And since then, the laylines have not been acting erratically. We are struggling to funnel and channel the layline magic up to the cities in the skies. All of Astromath suffers for this. My lady, if I may, I will tell you the same thing that we've told the others. We are at your service. But we can only be in so many places at once.

Yes, and so can I. She looks around. She seems agitated, a little bit nervous. And you don't even need to roll perception check for this to see that occasionally tendrils of arcane magic spark off of her fingers as if she is ready at any moment to cast a spell or to protect herself in some way. At one moment, someone moves behind her and bumps into her

and she tenses, and you see a soft shimmer of this purple and blue, almost like a shield, surround her for a split second, before she realizes that it is just Methuselah passing by, as he is skirting through the ballroom attempting to avoid Charlotte Heady, and she quickly drops it. I understand that your time is stretched thin, that every province wants you. but I need you in Astromar.

Every bit of knowledge that can be collected as housed within the libraries there. If anything would happen to Astromar, hundreds of years of knowledge would be wiped from this plane of existence, the history of Droskenwald itself. Everything, any question you could possibly want to know, there is a book or a scroll or a parchment, could answer that question for you? Has there ever been something so pressing on your mind that you wished that you could find the answer to it? Come to Ganderhaw. I guarantee, though it may take time,

you will find your answers there, and it could all be wiped clean should we let sister effigy continue to cause havoc in my lands. I'm not sure what the other leaders have told you, But there is not a chance. It is more important than what I ask. I beg of you, talk to that buffoon Philip Druskinvold.

Tell him that you are needed in Astromar. Do you need a drink? I do not drink. It rattles the mind. Are you sure? I mean, just tell you glass. It weakens the senses. What?

We think, for what it's worth, we think Philip's doing a fine job. Yes, I'm sure he's paid you to say as such. Oh. He's weak and he's not smart. Well, I'm not much for book learning, but I'd be willing to give it a shot. I mean, me. He's far, far too distracted by that wife of his to actually get anything done about the coven. For far too long, they have rained havoc on the provinces.

What happened in Folson's could have been avoided if he had done something about it sooner? He was lucky that you stumbled upon this land. I'm not sure what deal he has made with you, aside from these artifacts, that you now have at your disposal. Speaking of which, I do believe I've read, at least about some of them, in the library. It's going to take far more than a masquerade to mask the true horror that is happening in Droskenbould. Please, I beg of you. I am sympathetic to the need that you find in Astromar

and the value of the knowledge that you protect. It was Philip's wisdom that brought us here. It was him who assembled us for the enemy is indeed very crafty. He is being pulled in many directions and I think that you will find that Lacey has started using his fireworks again. That is amazing.

I can promise you We are not being paid to be the mouthpiece of some lord. You feel tugging on your dragon wings. You look down and you see at first nothing and then you realize that hiding behind your dragon wings, silent tears streaming down her face is Colette. One moment, please. And I'll immediately kneel down.

She looks down and you can see the look on her face of not disdain at Colette, but disappointment. I would say it's easy to read that there is disappointment to her that a full-blown lord of or leader of Fulcens was replaced by a child.

But you can see no you can see no anger towards Colette just disappointment. I will kneel down to be at high level with her as best I can say, Colette, what is wrong? I don't like the sounds of all of the fireworks and Miss McDuff went to the bathroom and I just, I overheard something. I need to tell somebody.

Hold on one moment. Excuse me. I am going to escort the young lady and I will be back momentarily. Please continue this conversation. Can everybody come? I'm scared. She looks up towards headmaster or headmistress Narcissa Voss and I'm sorry. Is it okay?

And the tears continue to stream down her cheeks. Her face is bright red and Narcissa Voss leans down and wipes some of the tears from her cheek. You don't need to apologize, my lady. If you need to have a conversation with the heroes of Druskenwald, then by all means, I believe our conversation was done. You and I have an understanding of each other.

We'll talk to Philly. We go way back. We will take your proposal into consideration. What he said. Then. My lady. I may see you over the next couple of days, and if so, we should have tea. Good evening.

The moment that she is like out of earshot, I will again lean down to kneel next to Colette and say, please, my child, please. What's wrong? Tell us. I wasn't here. I overheard something scared of those fireworks, but on the side where no one's at. Yeah, we should be careful about anyone listening. Take my hand.

Okay. Quickly. Come on. Everything's going to be just fine. Here's a nice, colorful, comically large lollipop for you, child. Thanks, Jericho. She holds it with one hand as she grabs your hand with the other Marriott. State fame.

Your Marius. I like your little bell. That's kind of like my symbols. I will try to quickly lead her and usher the others along to this empty balcony that she is motion towards. Colette guides you away from the throng of partygoers, looking around. nervously with her large sad eyes peering through her lamb mask at every stranger you pass you exit the ballroom and feel the cool breeze of the moors as you step upon a grand terrace that looks out over the landscape there's not a

soul out here besides the five of you she guides you to the railing at the very edge where only the muffled music of the party and the joyous lights pass through the tall windows of Chateau Claire de Loon finally you're away from prying eyes Colette stops and looks up at you with tears in her eyes Something terrible is going to happen. There are bad, bad people here who want to do bad, bad things to the Crescent Court, and I'm scared.

You need to tell us exactly what you heard. You found out, too? Were you to help? I'm going to put my hand behind Collette's head just at the back of her neck like this. Calm yourself. Feel clarity in your mind, and I'm going to cast calm motions.

to bring her down a little bit from the fireworks and from what she's swelling with, as much as I can. You notice her breath start to ease up a little bit. The flush from her cheeks goes from that red to pink. She's still, her eyes are still boiling up with tears, but they're no longer spilling over her lids and down her cheeks. She chokes back. It's going to be all right.

We understand you're panicking, but if you're a witch, I'm going to eat you off. I'm gonna look at Lathaka and be like, I think because we're friends, we can be honest with each other. Yes, it's important you tell us what you saw. And we know, we think we've seen them too. And then the calmness seems to overtake her even more as she breathes once and then twice,

and then she looks up at all of you. The Crescent Court is doomed, and the four of you were absolutely powerless to stop it. utterly useless. And you didn't even save Ferran and Poriorki. Suddenly, as a totally different child's voice comes from Colette, the form of the child changes to match. And before you, you see the mass face of Anya Adelaide

looking up at you with mischievous eyes and a malevolent grin. Then suddenly, you hear panic shouts from the chateau, muffled through the glass panes of the enormous windows. It's about time you met my daughters. Such an introduction is long overdue. And just as quickly as the shouts began, a terrible flash of bright green light radiates from the windows of the chateau, and silence immediately falls as each and every window is plunged into pitch darkness. By the time you turn back, the form of Mother Midnight stands before you as nothing more

than a shadow that lets out a gleeful cackle as the shadow slips off. into the night sky and blinks out of existence. The moon pours out over you, but nothing in front of you is visible. The darkness is thick like a fog, like a film, and the silence is even louder. You can hear each other's breath. You can see the smoke form and the cold night. You take a moment to try and understand what happened. That was not Collette before you.

like her outfit. It wasn't her, the lamb, but you, a lamb led to slaughter, led out to the balcony, pulled away from whatever happened inside. You see the balcony doors shake a little bit for a second and then go completely still. You listen, the silence so loud over the beating of your hearts. is so we don't hear anything. Can we see into the... No, it's pure pitch, magical darkness.

No! What's that? She after, maybe because you were going to die and the mother maiden is gone? I'm going to turn. Is everyone okay? I'm going to try to open the doors and stumble around and just try to...

Miss Adela, Lord Phillips! Do the doors even open. Your voice echoes. Your voice echoes out throughout the moors as you scream, as you scream out, the door to the ballroom is unlocked. But darkness and stillness greet you.

It is clearly a supernatural darkness that has swallowed this entire place. Do I have my sword on me? Okay, they would have allowed me to come to a masquerade of my weapon. You all had your stuff on you in satchels and things at your side, well hidden within these outfits made by Henri.

But not on hand, necessarily on hand. Like you would, I would say you would have to, it would be a free object interaction to get your sword, you would have to use a full action to get your sword. But you do have your stuff on you. Philip and Adela had mentioned wanting you to be ready should something happen because they were concerned. As, I guess, Briggs flings open the double doors to the,

100% to the manse. I would begin to affix my scabbard to my side and prepare myself for combat. And I think that you would all see a frustration on Marius's face a worry that Colette is perhaps in moral danger or already dead. Yep, I'll pull out my clutch, which is actually just back, and then put it down on my side. It'll open up. I'll be able to pull my chakram out and be able to pull out my mask and actually fix it from my face. and sort of lift up and remove the snake adornment that I've had this entire time to make sure that I'm fully equipped.

If I feel into the magical darkness, do I think that I can grant my companions the same sight that my magical darkness offers them through my vestige, or do I feel like it's a different darkness? Like, it has to be from me. I would, it seems no different to you, but you, I mean, you would have to have to,

to use the ability to see. Okay, I didn't know if that was... Literally or figuratively. And before you do, my only remaining question, I believe the answer is yes, that total darkness counts, or magical darkness counts as total cover. Mm-hmm.

Okay, I'm worthless. I will be, like, stunned, embarrassed, and panicking. I will draw my sword as you're beginning being panicking. She just danced with me so nice as she did it. Everything's completely tempted me. All we can do is find out what happened

and hope for the best. Are you with us? When the doors open and I ran in. You're under pressure. Who let us go lead the way, boy. I've lost Jericho, but we've gained the level-headed one. Are we ready? We've lost Briggsie.

Quickly follow him. I'm stopping. You rush in and the moment you step over the threshold, the light from your sword is completely snuffed out. The magic that you use to see in the dark has no effect in this place as you are all plunged into the deepest darkness you've ever experienced. You step out of the moonlight and into this darkness and begin to walk across the wooden floor of the ballroom until you suddenly bump into something. It is hard, cold, and rough.

You reach out your hands to feel it and in the darkness you can make out the shape of a statue of a masked silkborn. I think walking into this magical darkness, knowing that I can't I can't see anything, I would have my eyes closed and I would be listening and attempting to like sense vampire style and heartbeats and seeing if I can feel anything, get anything, because like I wouldn't want to rely on my eyes. I would want to rely on my ears and my sense of potential life around me.

Roll a perception check disadvantage. Oofda. That was actually insanely good. I got a 15 and a 17. With a plus five, my low was a 20. Let's fucking go. At first, you pick up absolutely nothing. The silence is deafening.

But then, for a second, you sense a heartbeat. It starts in one place, and then it appears in another all of a sudden out of nowhere. And eventually, above you, 12 heartbeats. in unison. We aren't alone. There are 12. At least.

We aren't alone. The Coven's been here the entire time. Gosh, this person's a statue. And I want to like stumble forward and try to like see if I can find another person like vaguely where people would be congregating in the dance room. You continue deeper and bump into another statue and another. Oh, shit.

And you realize there are dozens of statues all around you, all of terrified partygoers. And then horror fills you as you almost trip over a small statue. Oh, no. You're gray in your footing and you see, feel the terrified stone face of Colette Mirabelle, eyes wide with horror behind her lamb mask. Then you hear a voice in the darkness.

Oh, sisters, these so-called witch-handers are finally here. I did the wrong voice because they are almost exactly the same, so I'm gonna do it again and we're gonna cut this. Oh, sisters, the so-called witch hunas are finally here. With a loud clank, a garish neon pink light fills the room, and you see 12 hooded female silhouettes standing along the balcony above you. With a ballroom fully illuminated, you see that the entire party has been turned to stone. In the crowd, you can pick out all of the lords and ladies of the Crescent Court,

and at the base of the stairs you see both Philip and Adela, frozen in their statuesque terror. The figure who had just spoken lets out a laugh and you see the painted face of a mad clown beneath the hood. Can you believe they fell for mother's tricks? Another figure speaks, but the hooded silhouette stops at the neck and you see that a female human head is held in its hands with blazing eyes of fire. They fell for the jack-o-lantern trick. Why would you expect them to be smart enough to see through our own mother's deception? Then a voice from the figure at the center of the circle shouts out,

Silence! Where there had been playful murmuring and malevolent jeering amongst the twelve witches above you, now are totally silenced as a figure at the top of the stairs pulls down her hood. Beneath you see a stunningly beautiful woman with serpent's eyes and dozens of writhing snakes for hair. It was a mistake to spoil our mother's plans and fulsants. Then, suddenly, the Medusa Lake witch lex out a piercing shriek as her eyes turn a hideous green, and garish green light floods the room. I need everyone to make a Constitution saving throw at disadvantage.

If you're close to me, you get plus four on saves. Okay? I got a natural too. Can I do it again? Can I do it again? Can we get some shit on this? Can we get the same? Can we twist on this or no?

You can. One. You can, well, you know how the twists work. Yeah, so. So you can choose up to five. I'm not, I got a two. I'm not going to five. I mean, yeah, fuck it.

Yeah, we're just doing it. We're doing it. I'm going straight here. We're going on. Come on. Nine. Okay, that's actually not terrible. At a disadvantage, I got 14.

Plus what? It'll be just enough. Be it plus four. If you're close enough to me, 10 feet away. Close to that. Which you probably are. Four, five, six, seven,

eight, eleven. Eleven. Okay, we're screwed. I got a 14. All of you, feel yourselves immediately stiffen as you are completely unable to move. Your senses stay as you realize you are turning to stone. Slowly petrifying as the twelve daughters of Mother Midnight cackle from the balcony above.

As you petrify, you feel the potency of your very animal weakened as a terrible malediction afflicts you. Effortless, the fool of Druskenvold's beloved witch hunters so easily defeated by Sister Effigy, eldest daughter of the midnight moon. The moonlit rebirth has only been delayed. Now, its coming is a certainty. As your transformation to a stone statue completes, you hear the cackling in unison of the coven of the midnight moon as each hooded witch blinks into nothingness,

one by one by one by one. Alone in the darkness, you all have dropped to level three. Oh, fuck! And just as your senses begin to leave you and surrender to your petrified fate, each one of you feels a sudden eruption of energy from your very souls. And that is where we'll end the session. What?

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