The group has a lowkey discussion about Ríona's options, and she opts to search for answers at the library. Diego looks for clues at Lucius' last known location. Sif and Tosh bond over Mal Magnotos. Río helps with everyone's masks and pays tribute to an old friend. The group puts their box seats to good use and attends the theater.

Tosh is able to converse with the half-elf but he isn't very forthcoming. Sif invisibly trails the duo back to the palace. Río attempts to heal the burns on Diego's arm, but makes a disquieting discovery. Invoking the dragon name for the first time, Río takes the blight into herself to spare Diego with horrific implications for her. Río still doesn't trust Gregori, but that doesn't stop Diego from picking his brain for answers.

Diego trades information for information and learns some disconcerting news about Río's brother, Lucius. All roads lead back to Telloh and Río learns that he will be in attendance at the masquerade. Sif teaches Tosh more about the Mal Magnotos. The group meets up with others for a mysterious, clandestine event having something to do with dragons. A ritual is started, and Diego acts quickly. Shadowy figures in the distance may have answers Río needs.

Río shows the group around town, and everyone tries their hand at chalk art in the bohemian district. A mysterious woman takes an interest in Río's handiwork and invites her to a dragon rendezvous at a later time. Thalia makes another appearance, this time as a dance instructor at The Dancing Flames, where she teaches the latest routine to Río and the rest of the group. Tosh and Sif exchange more words about the future of Mal Magnotos. Diego and Río discuss their courtships and Diego gives Río some pointed advice.

Río and Sif take note of an intriguing arrival in town. Tosh and Diego engage in retail therapy. The group attends a bathhouse. Sif and Tosh connect over Mal Magnetos.

Sif makes a tough call that Diego disagrees with. The group encounters a traveler who shares insights on the road to Lux. Río gets more and more excited as they finally reach her favorite city. The girls go dress shopping for the masquerade and bump into a famous playwright.

In lieu of a traditional Zone of Truth, we give you something brand new: Falnix Fables!

Host Calabard the Bard and his guests discuss the latest issue of “Falnix Fables,” live from the Purple Turtle Tavern! (Two drink minimum)

Featured guests/veteran adventurers:

Kimmantha the Barbarian,

Divine the Cleric,

Hexis the Warlock, and

Camel the Druid.

*Falnix Fables is a work of fiction set in an Alternate Dimension. Any similarities between the characters within and actual individuals should be considered coincidence. However, if you or a loved one have somehow traveled to or from that story/dimension via ancient curse, Wild Magic surge, angering Hexis the Warlock, etc., then we would like to hear from you!

Unfortunately, this session did not record correctly so here is a recap!

The group acclimates to Sif as they get acquainted with each other. Sif discovers tell-tale signs of shrikes in the forest. Diego talks combat-strategy and masks with Sif. Río tells the group about the Lux masquerade and thinks the D'artagnans need another leader going forward. She holds Tosh's feet to the fire regarding the Mal Magnotos situation and his tendency to fly solo whenever the elves are involved. Sif and Tosh discuss the future of Mal Magnotos, including plans to acquire mercenaries from Otto (who we learn has been allowed entry into Mal Magnotos before and therefore may have a soft spot for helping them). We also learn that Otto is a reclusive older man in Lux who will almost certainly be in attendance at the masquerade. Thorns are encroaching on the road to Lux and the group encounters two shrikes, who have ensnared someone and are using them as bait. Combat ensues.

Combat continues. Athena deals with the heavy emotional aftermath and reunites all of the Brookstones. Pan flees. Río and Tosh acquire rooms at the Red Fawn and Diego checks in with the Sheriff. A deadly plot is uncovered that puts Tosh on edge. Río goes to the Brookstone’s to collect Athena.