Crypt of the Everflame (Inactive)

Game Master Nathan Hartshorn

"We must be careful, there a treacherous slope..."

He meant it as a light hearted quip but Bel's words sound more like a dire warning.

"Ah, yes, that particular slope. When we examined it after you left we agreed with Allister's proclamation. So...we've sort of built...stairs into that particular hill."

A misty form descends from the cloud and solidifies amidst the crowd moving away. It becomes a half-orc, garbed in the red robes of Pharasma's Inquisitors. "I'll never get used to that method of travel," he grumbles while looking around. When he finally catches sight of the group around the mayor he raises his arms and strides towards it, "Bel! There you are!"

"Wait, you mean that totally fun mud slide? Oh Pressi, you have to try it. It was incredible!"

Kn Planes: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Kn Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Vivian perks up as the dramatic entrance unfolds. "Bel? What's going on?" she says skeptically with a hand on her swords hilt.

"Karakt..."

Bel almost breaks into a run as he goes to greet his mentor, the only man who comes close to family.

"Sir"

He skids slightly as he comes to a halt, remembering himself. He drops to a knee and gives Pharasma's salute, fist spiraled onto his heart.

"I have tried to serve, doing Her work. The things I've seen... How much have you heard?... How is Toth?"

Karakt draws Belathorian back to his feet, then quickly into his embrace. "I know you have boy. You've done good, excellent even. Praast has kept me up to date, minus the parts he couldn't be there for. Toth has been doing well, and has himself looked forward to see how you've grown and progressed in your faith. Unfortunately he has been stuck in Lastwall, more undead incursions and such..." He trails off thinking of his duties back home, but smiles through his fangs again, "I'm glad I could come and be a part of this, was bothered I wasn't able to see it before."

Vivian let's Bel and his mentor reunite in peace. She retreats from the festivities earlier than most and heads home to her family farm. It is cold, quiet, and dusty in the old farm house, the fireplace hadn't been touched in a month. She takes off her armor and lays down in her father's old bed for the night.

"You must meet everyone. They... They're my friends.

Bel points out each of his companions where they are meeting old friends

"Al is the bravest human I've ever seen. He's loyal too, he risked his life for each of us so many times. He could have been one of mine back when... Nevermind."

"Gad, the halforc over there. He has so much control but when he's angry he moves like the wind, he's been looking after us all."

"Little Qina is our mother dragon, she looks so frail but I think perhaps she is the strongest of all, the arcane power she has... I think sometimes she even scares herself."

"Now, where's Brezik got to, ah there, the dwarf with the pie. Brezik can make of fix anything, he doesn't even need a forge sometimes. He made Viv the most beautiful armour"

Just as he is about to point out Viv she slips from the crowd and makes her escape.

Viv. She has lost so much, and yet still she is our beating heart. She hides within that armour. I think I would like to see her happy most of all. Could you help me with that? I would have us talk together in the morning, I'm sure you can do something."

Once the festivities start to dwindle Bel returns to the church that has been home with Karakt by his side. There is a silence between the two of them but not an uncomfortable silence, the silence of family.

The next morning arrives quickly, too quickly for some that partook of the drink freely. The mayor gathers those ready to travel to the Crypt of the Everflame in the town square. Anything anyone want to accomplish before heading out?

I'm ready.

Vivian wakes later than she had planned. She prepares her spells and dons her gear as it is a common and soothing ritual for her now.

Arriving in the square, she is dressed as though she expects there to be another battle within the Crypt.

Those willing to go number fewer than you expected as many members of the town need to keep working their jobs and maintain a watch on the town. Notably the mayor, Reginar, Cygnar, and your various mentors and family members tag along, ready to see this job done.

The trek down to the Crypt of the Everflame takes much less time than your initial journey, Cygnar knowing these woods backwards and forwards. He takes you down hidden trails, both game trails and trails he himself has made. Several times you hear the passing of local wildlife, and recognize one wolf that you fed on the way to the Crypt.

The hill that nearly took down your group is solid now, the slick mud from before a solid surface now. There are stairs that have been carved into the nearby cliffside, allowing a safer descent, though you have to watch your balance.

The Crypt itself still sits in a fog, the mist sticking to the gully an unnatural amount of time. It clings to your skin and sheens your armor, making you feel uncomfortable. You recognize the feeling from the Isle of Terror, the feeling of negative energy beginning to permeate a place.

Entering the Crypt itself memories flood back from the months before, though it feels like years. The pool full of keys, the barely padded blade passageway, the remains of the wood golem and skeletons. Given the chance, you feel you could take on the dangers of the Crypt much more easily now.

You descend to Kassen and Asar's place of rest, the ghost of the town founder greeting you cordially. The rest of your group stand stunned, both by the carnage wrought here and by the ghost of Kassen visiting everyone. Reginar turns to you, "Break the amulet into the three original pieces if you can, then place Kassen and Asar to rest while I take the third piece to be hidden away." Looking at the amulet again you notice that the seams between the three separate pieces look larger, and it should be able to pull it apart.

Seeing Kassen's ghost perks Vivian up. "Ekat! That Golden City is a wreck. Do you know who's voice haunts that place? How to destroy it?" After his response, Vivian nods in understanding. "I have something else to ask you, but it can wait until after this if you're able to stay."

Vivian removes her glove and holds the amulet up between her fingers, motioning it to Gad. When the half-orc grabs it she doesn't let go, causing a section to pull apart. Vivian repeats this process, motioning to Bel the second time.

Once the deed is done, she returns the fragment to where it belongs on Asar's wrapped remains.

Gad tries not to look at the piece in his hand, obviously eager to be rid of the device.

Kassen responds, voice echoing ethereally, "The voice is the artifact placed there. It holds a minor portion of the Whispering Tyrant's will, and it only left my mind after Pharasma's judgement. I did some research but was never able to figure out where even to begin destroying such a thing."

When Vivian places the key among Asar's remains you can feel the collected negative energy dissipate, not unlike what you felt leaving the Isle of Terror. Placing the other key among Kassen's remains causes the ghost to glow with light. The last key is given to Reginar to take to the Pathfinder Society's headquarters in Absolom. Kassen asks that the others leave and they do so, quiet and respectful.

When you are alone Kassen smiles at you, "My Keepers, well done. You have returned as promised and brought back the key to that terrible city. What questions do you have?"

"I have so many.. and they are personal. Have you seen my father, in the beyond, in" she looks to Bel, "the Boneyard? A carnival of Norgorber worshipers came through town, doing some sort of evil magic and stealing people's health. I need to find them, I fear my father isn't at rest. I wish to know where his soul resides and if I could speak to it and learn more of what happened.." Vivian knows that her focus is personal, and perhaps selfish.

"But, also I wanted to ask what else we can do for you, if anything was left undone like this Whispering Tyrant? I guess, I'm not used to sitting still anymore, not with the world like this."
Kn Religion: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

She looks around to the others, curious of their motivations now that the mission appears to be complete.

Kassen shakes his head, "I was judged long before your father arrived in the Boneyard, it is only when Asar rose that my spirit came back. I feel that I will go back to my judgement once we are done here, and will be unable to help you further."

The ghost glances at Belathorian while answering the next question, "Many have sought an end to the Whispering Tyrant, for centuries now. It will take years, decades, perhaps centuries before that threat is permanently dealt with. My time is done, I have nothing left in this world."

Gad steps forward, reluctantly.

"I would ask forgiveness. I doubted you before Kassen. Yet you told us all you could when we first met. That Island...I would choose to forget it if I could now. Go to your rest with our thanks, but I ask you forgive me for my silly childish doubts at the start of all of this. I understand better now."

The ghostly form beams, letting the light shine brighter from his mouth, "There's really nothing to forgive. We were all there once." He leans down and holds up a hand by his mouth, speaking in a faux-whisper to Gad, "I myself once believed Trolls could only be frozen to death. Refused to listen to others, doubted they had a clue what really hurt them." His volume rises again as he tries to slap Gad on the shoulder, hand going through instead,
"HaHA! Boy was I surprised when the troll finger I took for a trophy regenerated in my pack!" Any more questions/requests of Kassen?

Gad chuckles at the kind remarks.

"Fair enough. Rest easy Sir Kassen."

"Lord Kassen, had Viv not asked what she did I would have asked myself, though I don't have the details of it. But she did so...

You are most holy. You've been in the Garden of my Lady and stood before the gates. You must have seen much, you know so much of the beyond. I suppose I would ask: am I one or manyin the eyes of the lady most fair? The visions I have, the memories... Are they me or something else? Do I have my own soul?"

Bel trails off before looking hopefully up at the spirit. Fearing he has not explained his question well enough.

Qina was sad to see that the mud slide was gone. She hadn't truly understood the inherit dangers with it. Sad as she was, when they had entered the crypt the memory of the shadow plagued her and was near panicked as they walked through the hallowed halls. When she saw the ghostly form of Kassen, she nearly bolted. As she turned to flee, she saw Gad standing next to her, and it filled her with courage.

She turned back around to stand her ground, smiling meekly. She stood in the chamber with the others as they asked their questions. First Vivian, then Gad, and now Bel. Before she knew what she was doing, her mouth opened and the words almost fell out of her mouth.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?" she screamed.

Kassen wanders around Bel examining him up and down and finally stopping to peer into his eyes. Note: the following may all be head canon as I cannot find an actual answer."Ah, Samsaran. You are but one soul, Belathorian, one who has lived far longer than the rest of us have. You won't remember everything until you stand before the Lady of Graves once again. Your people are peculiar, and have choices when reaching the Boneyard that no one else does. After the psychopomps take your soul, after you've waited in line, even after you've been judged, you are given a choice.

"You are but one man, one soul, and your life now is what you make of it, independent, yet entirely dependent, on the lives you've lived before." Again, this is all head-canon based on thoughts behind Samsarans as a race and the process of reincarnation that they are based on with quick google-fu. Actual reasons, religions, or philosophies may vary from what is presented here.

Qina's cry draws Kassen to her, putting her through the same examination Bel had. His face breaks, and melancholy is the word best fit to his current demeanor. "You, my dear, have much fighting to do." If ghosts could sigh you feel he would, but the general slump of his shoulders is all he manages before beginning again.

"Even back to my first time in the Boneyard there was a soul waiting judgement. A grand white dragon named Shyldris, though she is better known as Chill, has been excused of judgement for generations. She gloats of finding a way back to the prime material plane, of avoiding Pharasma's judgement, of life eternal.

"She said she needed 'blood of her blood', and that the chosen person was coming soon, within a lifetime. For a dragon, that could easily have been several centuries since my visit. I don't know for certain, what she needs, or if you are indeed her blood, but this spark within you," he points to her chest, "has the same energy that she does. I am sorry, that is all I know."

He examines every one of you once again, then passes among you, laying a hand on each of your brows, leaving a small light there. "This the last gift I can give to you, a boon to help you on your way. A bit of magic, or grace, or even stability, the last of my form here on this plane. I must go and rest now, and I hope I will hear tales of your exploits again in the future. Go now, Keepers of the Flame and bring what life you can to the world, for all to see." The light finally takes fully over Kassen's ghost, dissipating in a field of sparks and magic, leaving naught but disturbed air behind.

Each PC receives one boon, which can be used in one of the following ways. Once used, the boon is gone for good.
- Use the boon to add 1d6 to a single d20 roll. The boon must be used after the roll is made but before the results are revealed.
- Spellcasters can use the boon to recall any one spell they just cast. This functions as a pearl of power, is a free action, and must be used on the round the spell was cast. Spontaneous spellcasters can use the boon to cast one known spell without expending one of
their spells per day.
- Use the boon to automatically stabilize if at negative hit points and dying.

Phew, lots of wrap-up and writing.

Basically a single use Hero point. Always welcome in my opinion. Did we level yet? For msome reason my memory of our last level was in the middle of the golden city wasn't it?

Ha, knew I forgot something. Yep, you guys level.

The words were not just humbling to Qina, they were inspiring, almost empowering. They helped to give her strength, to give her purpose. She looked around the room. Taking in each face looking back at her, she smiled.

Even after they had left the accursed island, even after they had returned home and she had been reunited with her family, she hadn't smiled, not genuinely anyway. She had been relieved, even less scared, but she had not been happy. As strange as it sounded, hearing the news about an evil dragon sharing power with her and needing her in order to return from the dead. At least now she had an idea of what the future held. She had knowledge of her own purpose, and it gave her courage.

"So what do we do now?"

Gad starts to say something then stops himself. He looks to Vivian.

"Captain? You had some ideas here."

Vivian is sitting on some steps in the crypt. She had been quiet for some time now, taking in what Kassen had said and contemplating everyone's mysteries. "I don't know. A day at a time for a little while, I guess. All I know is I can't stay in town forever. Whoever feels the same, meet me tomorrow night at my father's farm."

She then stands and if nothing is immediately said she leaves the crypt.

The mayor and the others have maintained a respectful distance and quietly gather their things, looking at you and your group with awe and respect. The hike back is just as easy as it was to get to the Crypt, and returning to Kassen again it looks like the town is going about its normal routines. Reginar and Cygnar stop and wait as the other members move on to their normal days. "So," says Reginar, "what are you lot going to do now? I'll say, the Pathfinder Society could use some promising recruits such as yourselves." Cygnar nods in agreement, both expecting an answer.

Gad is somehow surprised at the offer, but nods easily with a smile.

"That is a prospect worth thinking about, for all of us. However, we have to discuss this with Vivian since she's our Captain...our leader. We may have other plans for the short term, for now, but that should not preclude any of us taking your offer too if we each so choose."

Vivian is surprised as well. ”I, hadn’t thought about it. Perhaps we will at some point, but I must be honest that with what I’ve seen of the Pathfinders I’m not impressed. For the rest of today we’re going to mull over the open road ahead of each of us and gather tomorrow to speak of what we each desire. We can let you know after then. Is there anything you need? Reginar, Cygnar? Please, allow us to accommodate anything, this is our home and for your aid we’d like to you in comfort and taken care of while you’re here.”

After their conversation, Vivian departs to her cold and bare family home. She spends most of the day cleaning and putting her father’s personal items into storage. She finds that some things have been stolen as well. Petty things, likely by local youths.It causes her to wonder what rumors have grown in those imaginative little minds over the past year. Do they see this farmhouse as cursed? Haunted?

I’m cool with jumping to RP of what we want to do next. I figure this is a good way to allow Allister and Brezik to exit gracefully, and hopefully temporarily, by simply not showing up and thus alluding to their characters not being interested in more adventuring at this time.

Do we know if those two are OK IRL?

Within a few hours, Qina was standing outside of Vivian's door. She had stood there for many minutes working up the courage to knock. She wasn't really afraid, more...confused, than anything. She didn't really know why she was here. She didn't know why she had left her family's side again. The first time wasn't even her idea. It had been a town tradition and rite of passage, but this time was different.

Knock, Knock, Knock" She stood there another moment, almost hoping that no one would answer. She knew Vivian too well though. She knew she wouldn't be sleeping. As much as this was her home, it wasn't. Not anymore. A home was where your family was, and Viv's was gone.

When the door opened, Qina wasn't sure what to say. She shuffled a bit before looking up at Vivian and offered "want some company? Maybe I can help you tidy up?" she asked, looking past Vivian into the house.

Vivian answers, wearing her armor with an apron over it. Seeing Qina brightens her face, "Qina! Come in, do you want some tea or anything? Unfortunately most of the other food stuffs seem to have perished or been discovered by critters."

She leads her friend a table that has been cleared off and now shows a map of the Lake Encarthan region, including the ominous doomed isle they had just left. Vivian reveals her thoughts immediately, The first thing I thought of when I got this back out was how wrong they got that islands shoreline, no one must have wanted to get near it for an accurate account." The taller woman sincerely looks to her shorter friend, "Where would you go next?"

"I...I don't know. We've always just followed you. I just know that I don't want...I can't, stay at home with my family for long. Even if some dragon didn't need me for...whatever, I'm bored. Traveling with you, I've never been so alive. A lot of the time I was terrified, but I'm even more scared to sit around with my family waiting for a dragon to come for me."

"Oh, and mom made a roasted chicken" she said as she pulled a large pot out of her magical bag. "I figured you might need a bite to eat."

Vivian gives Qina a large hug, "Thank you, no one can turn down Coldfire cooking." She then starts to pull out some old plates to clean.

"Me too, in all honesty. I knew it when we got home and thought the town was raided. Of course I was glad everyone was ok, but I realized how much my daily perspective has changed.. the danger was normal, I was ready for it, and I felt kinda annoyed when it was a false alarm. I'm not crazy am I?"

She puts the plates down next to the map and stares at the Great Lake for prolonged amount of time. "I've started to uncover some details about what happened to my father. I have some leads, they're few and slim, but a couple of the townsfolk might have seen who cursed Dominic. I don't know if it's even possible, or if karma hasn't already bit the bastards responsible, but I won't, can't stop hunting them until I find justice."

Vivian looks up from the map finally, her eyes showing how emotionally vulnerable she is, "You're always welcome with me Qina, I couldn't imagine doing it without all of you."

Belathorian approaches the door and knocks without hesitation. He is not the acolyte he once was.

Once pleasantries are exchanged he gets straight to the point

"When do we leave after the carnival Viv? I spoke to Karakt before he had to leave I figured if anyone knew about these travelers it would be him... GM please fill in anything (or nothing) that Bel would have learned conversing most of the day with Karakt"

Karakt didn't know of the carnival specifically but he does remember hearing rumors of a cult travelling as such. Most assume it is Varisian in nature because of the way they arrive and disappear mysteriously. Strange things happen in the towns during their shows and it is not unusual for things like children disappearing after it has left. Without a strong international force no one has been able to prove anything as most sovereigns and people lose jurisdiction, and the trail, once the carnival crosses the borders to another nation.

Gad will arrive soon thereafter. Clean, shaven, and smelling a bit like sandalwood.

Quickly getting up to speed on the discussion at hand, Gad will add his 2 cents.

"I can not speak for anyone else, but this sounds like a worthy challenge to me, and a personal matter that needs attending for you Vivian. Besides...who would not want to track down and stop an evil carnival? Anything that preys on innocent children should be destroyed without mercy."

Vivian double takes at Bel's new found directness. She pauses for a few seconds before a sly grin spreads her lips thin. "I have the names of a few people who first met with the carnival as it entered the area; Moltus Vargidan, Colbin Vetnar, and Guard Captain Gregor Wisslo. Once we know what they know and are re-equiped, we can see if this old trail will lead anywhere. Come to think of it, we should also ask around about if anyone else went missing or ill around that time."

As Gad enters relays the same to him as well. "Thank you, all of you, for joining me. I don't have the skills to track a year and a half old trail, even if it was left by 50 people. Nor would I know what to do with them if I were ever faced with the chance.. We're looking for Seifer Monroe, he's human but looks pale or gray at times. This organization operated as the Umbral Carnival, last seen headed to Tamran. Norgorber has some sort of hand in this. I don't know if just Seifer is a follower or if the whole carnival is a front for some cult scheme."

I have some purchasing to do. Biggest is to upgrade my Greatsword to MW and purchase a set of MW Fullplate. This is a big moment for Viv!! I'll be selling a handful of items that have just been taking up space along with the +1 Bashing Shield (4k) and +1 CI heavy mace (2k). The two magical items were found on our journeys so I want to split the profit of those among us all (1500 each).

Let me know who you're talking with in what order and we'll be off then. Take as much time as you need to rest/recuperate, it's not like the trail can get any colder.

The only thing I can think to get would be to buy/have made some new throwing shuriken. +1 'Shock' Shuriken are 160 gp each (since they are enchanted as ammunition)...so can I get 9 of them made for 1440gps? Then add in a dozen normal ones too since I threw away most of the ones I had anyway and didn't bother to retrieve them.

Yep, give Brezik time to make them and the local wizard time to enchant them, so...a couple days, tops? Then yeah, you can buy them.

Heading into town the next morning, Vivian stops by a various number of merchants to exchange some old adventuring items for gold. (Morningstar, Heavy mace, Scale mail, and greatsword) Leaving the smithing quarter, Vivian is dressed only in common Guard fatigues and immedately feels exposed and naked. Her pace is quickened as she heads to the next place she has in mind, nervously glancing around with a fake smile to those that greet her while trying to hide her discomfort.

It is hard for Vivian to part with the shield given to her in Kassen's tomb. Instead of simply pawning it she heads to the local guard and speaks to Captain Gregor Wisslo.
"Morning, Captain!" she annonces her entrance into the barracks. "If you have a moment, I have two things I'd like to speak with you about. First is this shield. It is a relic from Kassen's tomb, given to me by his very ghost. Unfortunately I no longer have a use for it and rather than hocking it and never knowing what will actually become of the piece, I would prefer to hand it down to the Kassen Guard." She extends the shield to the Captain for him to inspect it. "I believe it would rally many men to be the best soldier they can be, knowing it might earn them the right to bear Kassen's very own shield, a standard of our heritage, in the defense of our countryside."

"Secondly, what can you tell me of a year and a half ago when Seifer Monroe and the Umbral Carnival came to town? I was told you were one of the first to greet them and few to interact outside of their stage act."

Lastly Vivian heads to the Mayor. "Good morning, sir. I don't wish to take up much time, I am here for the simple request for aid from the city in our continued efforts within the region. Primarily speaking of funds, equipment access to the armory, or any combination thereof would be greatly appreciated."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Just looking to reclaim the 4kgp of the shield Viv gave away for sentimental reasons. 2kgp and access for Vivian to take a MW Greatsword and MW Fullplate from the armory would work as well.

Vivian will try to apply whatever leverage she can with the Mayor, then return home. She takes out three pouches and places 1500gp into each and hides them under a secret floorboard. Heading back into town, Vivian goes to Brezik's shop and asks how long it would take him to fit and lay the filligre onto a set of MW fullplate for her.

Selling and assuming the 1/2 gp return on items, Morningstar (4gp), Scale Mail (25gp), +1 Bashing Heavy Steel Shield (4k), +1 cold iron heavy mace (2k), Great Sword (25gp).

MW Greatsword = 350gp
MW Fullplate = 1650gp

Where are we on the other loot? I apologize but I might need to be pointed to the list again.

Thinking casually, Gad decides to ask his parents about the carnival once he returns home.

"Did you go the Umbral Carnival when it was here? See anything suspicious while it was here? Captain Vivan thinks...Well...I'm not sure exactly what she thinks, but she is certainly in a good mind to track them down. Anything you might remember could be helpful."

Vivian

Captain Wisslo smiles as he inspects the shield. He tries to decline, saying the shield deserves to be with someone who will get better use of it, but Vivian talks him into it. He promises to keep it in a place of honor when it is not being used. When Viv asks her second question his face blanks a little.

"I'm sorry Vivian, there's not much I remember from that day. My mind gets a bit foggy when I think back on it. I just remember thinking how well a carnival would do in the area and how it could relieve some of the monotony of the days."

Mayor Uptal greets Vivian warmly and listens to her request. He blusters at the thought of providing funds, but quickly lets her know that the council has been gathering some equipment and gear from merchants passing through that might interest your group, as well as small discretionary funds for your use. Consider the money reclaimed.

Gad

Your parents nod their heads, though shadows seem to cross their face when thinking of it. Your mother starts explaining, "We went to the carnival, it was only in town for one night, so almost everyone was there. It was...not what we expected. The images were disturbing to say the least. The stories and sights they told were sad, ancient, according to them anyway, tales from old lands long gone."

Your father puts his hand over your mother's, adding, "That night we both had terrible nightmares. Thought it was just the images. We didn't really start sleeping right for another week or so after."

Bel visits Viv the following evening, he is dressed more formally, the spiral pattern robes of his faith hang from his fine frame.

"Viv, I don't know the secrets Lord Gurrum has revealed to you. But there is a ceremony that is taught to the disciples of My Lady, it is a dread thing and performed only under the most dire of circumstances. The veil may be parted and a soul may be drawn temporarily back from the Garden most serene, to provide council to the living one last time. Your father could be called so, I know the required rituals. I would beg you not to take this action, but my vocation and calling tie my hands, I could not keep this from you. What say you?"

There is a intense look of relief as Viv refuses

"What now then? Do we have any leads on this carnival, should we just head out in search of them?"

Gad looks worriedly at his adopted parents and nods.

"That is interesting, but troubling too. Thank you for your candor."

He then moves around town asking more about the carnival from the various citizens he can see on his way to Vivian's place.

Diplomacy(Unskilled): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

Once he's wandered across town, Gad will go and tell Vivian what he has learned from his parents and around town about the carnival.

The townsfolk talk about the carnival as though it were a fever dream, the surreal atmosphere created by the illusion magic, the fog effects, the candles. One or two recognized a sweet scent in the air, but they thought that was just the incense the carnival was using. The few that talked about the time immediately after the carnival left all agree with Gad'larr's parents, nightmares and uneasy dreams for everyone.

As Beltharion asks Viv what there next step is there is a knock on the door as it almost simultaneously opens up revealing Brezik.

The dwarven smith seems to have lost his smith’s apron and armored coat in exchange for the mithrail chainshirt the group had found in the city.

Hev Viv I wanted to bring you the new armor myself...

The dwarf stumbles in carrying a beautifully lacquered chest that he easily carries. He drops it on the closest table and quickly opens it revealing the finished armor. Nodding at Beltharion the dwarf continues to excitedly talk to Viv about the armor.

I took some liberties... I hope you don’t mind!

Opening the box without waiting for a response reveals a pile of straw with a breastplate lying on top. The piece of armor seems to almost grow from the swirled brush pattern running along the surface. The edges are lined in a bronze color and their is a silver flame pattern etched into the surface.

The rest of the pieces are under the straw...