Fires in the Dark

Threads of Discord – Episode 10

As the group contemplated the enigma of Elise’s family connections with the Amberhearts, Vye delved into her mystical abilities. In a haunting vision, she witnessed the arcane monster feeding on the roots of Elise’s family tree, unraveling its sinister ties.

Vye’s revelation led to the suspicion of Thalia, a witch from Evermoore spotted in Silverbrook. Thalia, an apprentice of the High Witch from Vye’s homeland, harbored malicious intentions and possessed dark powers. Letters revealed connections between Thalia and the Amberhearts, unveiling a web of intrigue.

Pooling their recently acquired dungeon loot, the party sensed an ominous presence, lurking in the shadows. Priscilla’s swift axe strike only embedded it into the wall, and Phoenix faltered while trying to summon fire. Elise, with her divine power, illuminated three shadowy figures. Vye’s potent magic tore one apart, while Xamson’s eerie song simultaneously healed Violet and damaged the remaining shadows.

Their resolve strengthened by this eerie confrontation, the group strategized their next moves. With Twitch missing, Vye communed with the spirits, discovering he was ensnared by a spider brood. Understanding the perilous nature of the underworld, they decided to prepare before venturing further.

Phoenix sought to equip himself with a rapier for defense, Priscilla’s generous gesture of 50 coins lifted a portion of his curse. With the guidance of Glitterbeard, a skilled dwarf smith, Phoenix forged a personal connection with the weapon through fire.

Meanwhile, Vye sensed Jonah’s absence and used her mystical arts to locate him in the wilderness. Priscilla embarked on a frantic journey to reunite with Jonah, who sought solitude in the natural world. After their reconnection, Jonah craved peace and solitude, and Priscilla respected his need for solitude.

Cassius, guided by Reggie, sought the High Priest’s counsel on gaining divine favor. The High Priest emphasized that to access Evangora’s true power, Cassius must embrace her neutral disposition.

Reassembling, the group decided to re-enter the dungeon and find Twitch by retracing his path. Stealthily passing the harrowing pool from their previous encounter, they arrived at a vast cavern filled with mushrooms. Phoenix, wielding a fiery brand, observed slender threads on the cavern’s roof leading northward.

Priscilla and Elise began harvesting mushrooms, intending to use their poison later. Suddenly, ambulatory mushroom creatures, provoked by the intruders, attacked. Priscilla was thrown against a cavern wall, and Elise was swallowed whole. Xamson and Phoenix remained unscathed, but Cassius and Vye inhaled spores released by the creatures.

Struggling to recover, Priscilla stumbled, while Xamson used his uncanny words to incite confusion among two mushrooms, forcing them to attack each other. Desperate to free Elise, Cassius inadvertently injured her. Vye and Cassius unleashed a devastating torrent of magic and steel, obliterating two mushrooms and extracting Elise.

With their collective might, Priscilla defeated the final mushroom, but the two previously-confused mushrooms regained their focus and turned on the group. Xamson and Priscilla defended their comrades, allowing Cassius and Vye to finish off the remaining foes.

After the skirmish, Elise and Xamson used their healing abilities to mend their wounds. Cassius and Priscilla, eager to continue, eliminated the last two mushrooms. The group decided to make camp within the cavern, feeling safe in the dark, foreboding depths of the dungeon. Amidst their exploration of the fallen creatures’ remains, they discovered small treasures and a treasure trove of coins, with Cassius reaping a significant haul. As night fell, the party settled in, seeking respite within the cavern’s shadowed embrace.