The Thought of Eradication
The party is given the choice between zealot-like rebellion or the long game. They struggle to balance with the moral implications of the potential eradication of the the undead and destruction of the balance in the Empire.
Disturbed by the potential mass casualties of Gideon's plot, the Vanguard debated outside the Den La Luna before a warning from Nexus—in the form of a scuttling rat dropping dead—signaled to Percy that proceeding with the bombing meant certain death. Following the arrival of the powerful Archmage of Ossuary in Ashus, the party resolved to abandon the rebel plot. They brought the unstable Noxerium powder to Phaustus, who identified its airship-era origin and traded them protection from vampiric charms and information regarding a god-blood forged paladin blade in the Godscar crypts in exchange for the explosive material.
Dressed in fine Victorian attire, the Vanguard attended a formal dinner with Baron Angus and Baroness Gloria Blackshire. The Blackshires acknowledged Qyradell’s fall, confirmed Contras was currently contained, and agreed to spare the slanderous bard Sylus on the condition that he rewrite his songs favorably. In exchange for the Vanguard's loyalty and the location of the rebel hideout, the Archmage granted Percy the deed to the local Warden's Spire and arranged for safe passage for their mounts. Furthermore, Diablo revealed his true identity as "Hugo"—unveiling a matching facial tattoo and a past as a stolen child—while Naoki received a Staff of Lightning and clues pointing toward a forgotten druidic grove in the Mournwood. Sanasha was gifted an upgraded, jagged handaxe arcing with electric wire, and the party learned that the rebel base was raided and eliminated during their meal.
Later that night, Percy and Naoki visited the Chantry of the Veiled Star, where High Stellar Polaris gifted Naoki Glasses of Comprehend Languages to assist his reading and shared rumors of a divine weapon named Starbreaker. Rejoining their companions in the southern tower, the Vanguard gathered their belongings the following morning—receiving twelve greater healing potions, twelve days of rations, and a governance book. Before departing, Diablo quietly intercepted a cryptic four-word note dropped by the butler, after which the Archmage held their hands and teleported the entire party directly to the city of Vastorum.