Broken Bonds in the Deep

Sanasha ventured forward into the grand city of Illnerya, an improbable metropolis built along the sheer walls of a great chasm. The city was so massive that one could spend weeks walking from one end to the other, yet Sanasha moved with a singular purpose: find the wayward Druid Naoki. She began her search for information, eventually uncovering clues from the Sunkeepers about a band of adventurers who had rescued him.

She managed to speak briefly with a Sergeant Mathias, but the encounter was brief and dismissive. To a man preoccupied with the shifting tides of such a staggering city, Sanasha was merely another nameless traveler with no reputation to her credit. He had no time for her questions and moved on to his duties without a second thought. Undeterred by her invisibility in the eyes of the city's officials, Sanasha continued her investigation alone.

After two days of scouring the city, she discovered that Naoki had departed with a group called the Veiled Vanguard, who had departed for city of Rubealon. As she wandered the crowded thoroughfares, she heard the first glimmers of their growing reputation; bards sang of the exploits of "Diablo Dorado" and the Veiled Vanguard. Knowing the road ahead would be dangerous to travel alone, Sanasha joined a trade convoy bound for Rubealon. Seeking safety in numbers, she gripped her father’s great axe and began the next step of her grand chase.

Building

Our growing reputation in the Sanguisian Empire led to a grand reward: the former prison known as the “Warden’s Spire.” Now our personal bastion, we have completed our journey there and begun its restoration. The history of this place is disturbing; the more we learn, the clearer it becomes how twisted the leadership here has become. While at the Spire, we found a family of Oni and promised to bring them back to their original home in the Lammuld Woods. We destroy a massive creature that was plaguing our newly gifted territory then rest for the next step of our journey. In the morning, Emelyne teleported us to the grand city of Illnerya.

Return

We returned to where it all began—the city where the Veiled Vanguard was formed. The last time I was here, I was chasing rumors of the Vanguard to find Naoki. I remember the city being overly busy and unpleasant: a wash of bodies, sweat, and the lingering scent of sewage. Yet, as we arrived near the College of Mages, the city felt empty. A fog hangs in the air, and blue "X" marks are etched onto doors. I expected to warmly greet the first glimpse of sunlight; instead, we walked into a grim silence.

Plague

We were quickly rushed into isolation by a group of Sunkeepers. We are given an explanation by the former Sargeant Mathias—now a Lieutenant—arrived to request our help. Many have succumbed to an affliction; a plague or curse has overtaken the city, creeping up from the depths of Cog Bottom. We sought information from the College of Mages and the Alchemists Guild, discovering the disease is curable, yet there are not enough healers to prevent a massive loss of life.

Retracing Steps

We suspect a link between the Vanguard’s earliest adventures and this plague. We studied Valerie’s journal for connections, though I am curious why parts of it appear to be gibberish or written in code. We decided to retrace our steps, returning to the laboratory in Cog Bottom where the party saved Naoki and defeated the Architect, then after to the site of a Temple to the Demon Prince of Madness.

We first trekked through the sewers to enter the Architect’s laboratory. The lab had been cleared of hazards, but just as we thought the search was fruitless, Contras appeared. He offered help in exchange for a deal. We listened only for a moment before I slashed through him with my axe in a fit of anger, though his form simply dissipated. It was pointless, perhaps, but satisfying. After an uncomfortable rest, we set off for the mines.

Corruption

On the way to the mines, a man in the final stages of the plague accosted Percy, begging for help. As Percy was readying to cure the man, Emelyne fired three firebolts to finish him off. Percy blocked the attacks with his own body until Diablo was able to stop her. The Sunkeepers forced the man back into his home, leaving us shaken by the horror of the encounter. Overcome with anger, I slapped Emelyne. While I feel I wasn't wrong, I fear in my heart it was a grave error.

With tension brewing, we journeyed into the depths of the mines toward the Temple of the Prince of Madness. As we approached, we found a mortal speaking with an unknown entity. I had little time to gather my thoughts before we charged. Before us, a horror hangs in the air; the Veiled Vanguard charges into danger once again.