The party engages in a game of Kill Pit at the Broken Bow Tavern in the Warf. The fight is had enough to start- the Half Orc, Bash, is powered up to compensate for the different team sizes. However, when he decides to switch to lethal mode, the party is unsettled and finds the idea of the innocent bar game taken so seriously to be distasteful in this circumstance. But, when trying to exit the game, their choices are made for them, as a small cursor in the shape of a Watcher appears, and switches all of them to lethal mode as well! The battle battle with the tough orc over the lava pit is hard fought, but they eventually win.

As they are exiting the game, they see that there is another challenger waiting for them, and the name Crucible hovers in the rosters. They quickly exit the game and start looking for the Shaman. Bash’s friends sling him over their shoulder and carry his limp body out of the bar. Among his things, which the party gets to rightfully select from, is a ring with the insignia of The Broker. Falon, threatening severe legal action against the establishment and the poor Rune Runner that monitors the game, finds out that the Broker’s symbol has been showing up more lately in the Rune Files. But With Bash and his crew playing a lot more, it was thought that it was just part of their call sign. The party learns that Bash and his friends have been making a lot of trips to delve beneath the city into the dungeons lately, and decide to find them to hopefully get some information about the attack on the Rail.

A short while later, several Gremshin guards arrive with the Lock Box. With the promise that Olivia will be well taken care of while they travel, the caravan sets off. Matchstick itches to test her wits against such a challenge, but hold off and waits for their hostess. After some well deserved rest, the party awakes to a shirtless Razvahn making strong aromatic coffee for everyone.

Alysia comes out from her room shortly after and they get to business. She palms the top of the box , and after it takes a drop of her blood, the wardings and locks deactivate, and the chest swings open. Inside is an assortment of currencies and gems that the family travels with during negotiations and trades. Alysia quickly however pulls open the compartment of documents and envelopes. She sorts thru them until she pronounces that the deeds to many of the eastern shore fisheries are missing! She knows that the deal with the broker was to involve some waters near The Tower on the the Harsh Atolls. It seems that the Gremshins have also been in talks with House Murdock about possibly acquiring the Arcane Forge. With the papers missing however, she is unsure what transactions may have taken place, or if the Lock Box was possibly compromised. Razvahn asks if the chest can only be opened by someone of Gremshin blood, or with Gremshin blood…. Matchstick takes the handkerchief that Alysia had cleaned her pinprick with, and slices her finger to mix their blood. Telling the Gremshin to re-secure it, the halfling lays her hand on it, and it pops open freely. Alysia’s worry is palpable, and she promises to keep the party informed of what she learns from her father when she communicates with him thru the secure scrying channel in Faxton. From the box she makes several small pouches to give to the party, saying it is the payment a mercenary or hired man would receive for escorting, protecting, and serving, and Gremshin in the ways that they have

The rest of their journey is uneventful, but as they approach Faxton, their excitement builds. The roads start becoming crowded with wagons and beasts of burden, and even the skys are abuzz with air ships and flying mounts carrying people and goods to and from the city.

They depart from the carriage once close en ough to enter the city by foot, and receive a business card from Alysia, granting them entrance to the Gremshin residency in the Interior. They immediately make their way thru the town to find some much needed supplies and upgrades in the various Faxton Shops.

Among their encounters, Razvahn buys a few things from a curio shop keep who tells him of a Shadar Kai that had sold a few things a few years before. Soon after, A strange man with an arcane prosthetic hand had come thru to buy what the mad had sold. Later on, the party meets for a few drinks with a merchant at the Broken Bow. Between rounds he recalls the story of the Shadar Kai, and even of the man who had come thru town a few days after to buy up whatever he had sold in the various shops. As they relax and chat, the arcane fighting arena becomes available and the game master issues a challenge, seeking the adventuresome tavern goer. The party bets some gold, don the virtual helmets, and everything goes dim as they feel their minds being scanned….

In the aftermath of the battle, the party finally takes stock of their surroundings. Just as rays of sun barely creep over the horizon, they begin to hear and see help arrive. Wagons of locals, apperating wizards, and transported troops all begin to descend on the wreckage to offer their help. The party and Alysia are approached by a carriage surrounded by Gremshin guards, and a tall Half Orc in ornate armor calls out to them. Alysia addresses him as “Captain”, and the two discuss the chaos. He tells her that her mother and father have heard of the disaster, and have sent the carriage to take her to the residence in Faxton. Charles tells the party that he has work to do and needs to help the other victims of the crash. He shyly asks Matchstick if he can send her a letter some time. After a brief moment, she gives him the Messanger Sparrow with a smile. Meanwhile, Alysia informs the Captain that the party is invited to travel with them as her personal escorts.

While the Gremshin clan plans, Matchstick wanders back to find Kastor and his companions to inform them of the Agent’s departure. But, tragedy has struck, and their Rail car has been almost completely demolished. Among the wreckage she finds one of Kastor’s companions, but not the Kobold himself. Taking the opportunity to….. prevent any Kenku from robbing the deceased…. Matchstick pockets come coin, jewels, and a small lock box.

Returning to her companions, the she finds that they are now on their way to the Gremshin Rail car to secure the Lock Box, and to try to find out what happened to the Gremshin brothers. As they approach the car that Alysia knows the negotiations were happening, Razvahn tells her “You know they are most likely dead, right?”. Hurt and bewildered, the girl charges ahead. But everyone comes to a jaring halt at the sight of the rail car. one wall has been obliterated, and what remains of the wreckage is COVERED in blood. The scene causes the young Half Orc to turn away, but the party presses forward with a few soldiers to investigate. Falon is able to determine that the blood is not just orc bloods, but also many other types of creatures. Matchstick discerns that the car itself didn’t just crash, but was also exploded from inside by several alchemical blasts. The party and Gremshin clan make their way back to the carriage where the Captain informs them that the Lock Box will be brought to the young lady once found. With that, the party boards coach to travel to Faxton.

The carriage turns out to be a dimensional pocket, and the small 4 bedroom apartment is a welcome respite after the chaotic day. Alysia offers the party refreshments and answers a few of their questions. It seems the Lock Box will hold not only large cash deposites and other valuables, but should contain the papers and information on the specifics of the trade agreements that were being negotiated. As they wait, they realize that the Half Orc is beginning to grow tire, and Matchstick notices that Alysia has dosed her own drink. Exhausted and now slightly medicated, she offers them to inspect the box once it is brought to them and she wakes from her rest to open it. As she leaves, she gestures to Razvahn to follow her to her room. The Shadar Kai follows without a word and closes the door….

When Razvahn and his companions accepted my invitation, I thought the end of my boredom was finally here. I did not realize how horribly right I was. The mention of my brothers’ business with the The Broker and of Jared, the man who coordinated the initial talks, sent Razvahn and his friends into a flury of action. They were clearly upset by my words. It seems this Broker is more than just a businessman. before I could interject to inquire, the train began to shake. I remember Matchstick rushing me with her hat off. The next thing I knew, I was in darkness. Then all at once I was standing among them again outside the train, or what was left of the train. I wish the story of that night stopped there.

Later I would learn that Matchstick hat is essentially a bag of holding. And she thought to keep me safe. Why does everyone assume I need to be kept safe? Although I have not seen much of this world, I am not weak. I believe I proved that, if not to others, then at least to myself that night.

History will tell the tale of the derailing. Of the loss. Of the Kingdom’s response. But it will not be able to recount the sounds my ears cannot stop hearing- the screaming, the crying, the fire, blades clashing together, magic sizzling through the air. Nor will it be able to tell of the smell- flesh, smoke, blood.

When I emerged from the hat, they had already battled many monsters, those they call Wire Kin. They took a brief moment of respite to strategize. There were several children there. Afraid. Alone. I drew my blades and knew that I would protect them … or die trying. My hands still ache from gripping my blades for so long. Razvahn somehow knew there had been an explosion and he and his friends moved in that direction. I followed with the children and others we came upon. And wished we had held back.

They fought the enemy like a well oiled clockwork machine. Moving together to bring down their enemies. Razvahn swung his blade as if it were a mere extension of him, not a mighty weapon of such weight that I doubt I could lift if. Matchstick dashed between their foes, eliminating the enemy before they knew she was even there. And Leaf and Falon. I have seen magic. I have never seen magic used so precisely to both aid an alley and bring down the enemy. The night air danced with energy from their spells. It was awe inspiring. And terrifying. In the end, a young Drakefire soldier, urged on by Razvahn’s fierce command to “finish him,” brought down Jared. And the other wire kin fell with his death. We were safe. Or at least no longer being attacked.

The end. But it was not. My body shook. It was all I could do to stand. I leaned against Razvahn, seeking the strength I had just witnessed. But he pushed me off as the Captain arrived, saying “stand tall for your men.” It was harsh. But not so harsh as what he said next. When I sent the Captain and guards to look for my brothers, he turned to me and said, with no emotion in his voice, “you do know they are likely dead.” Anger, pain, and fear boiled in me. I forget the words I hurled at him as I stormed after the Captain but I know my mother would have fainted in shock to hear them from my mouth.

Later, I do not know when as it all blurs together, I asked Matchstick if Razvahn was also so cold. Her reply still only make half sense to me: “death is different for the people of the Shadowfell…. And he is sometimes an ass.” Ha. An ass indeed. But what do her other words mean? How does the thought of losing your family, your blood not make one ache? It makes no sense to me. He makes no sense to me. After the scene at the car … I cannot yet bring myself to write of it … he stood there. Staring up at the night sky. As if the stars were more important than the loss of life all around us.

Regardless. I was alive due to them. As angry and hurt as I was by his words, I could not turn him or his friends away. I ensured they were invited to the wagon and made my escape from the scene I know will always be burned into my mind. When they finally joined my in the wagon, I did what any lady does. I offered refreshment.. Ha! Thank you Mother.

Perhaps it was the sleeping tonic I added to my tea to calm my nerves. Perhaps it was exhaustion and the trauma of the night. Perhaps the desire to not be alone after such horrors. It does not matter really. As I retired, I invited Razvahn to my chambers. And he followed. And then this cold, battle worn man surprised me. I recall taking the time to clean up and change into luxurious night clothes. The cool comfort of silk on my skin helping me forget the harshness outside the walls of the wagon. And settling into bed, I watch him lean his blade again the wall and begin to take off his armor.

And then I awoke. My body refreshed from sleep. Across the room he slept in the chair. Still wearing his pants and boots. His feet resting on the ottoman. I was surprised. Was this chivalry from one who had no qualms taking me back to his rail car so many days before? My stirring must have been enough to wake him as he opened his eyes just then. It must have been on my face. He smirked and said it would not have been fun and that he would make coffee. And I must say. It was the finest coffee I have had in some time. If he does all things like he fights and brews, I believe I will endeavor to forgive his cold demeanor.

The days are slowly going by, as expected. The stop at Shade’s Rest could have been quite exciting- if I had been allowed off the train. Both my brothers and the Captain lectured me at length when I protested. A den of thieves. A haven for miscreants. A city of immorality. Why do they thing I am so fragile. Or so innocent? In addition a to smothering me with security, my brothers have refused to allow me to be involved in their business with the Broker (whoever that may be). I had hopes to see Razvahn again in the dining car but have not. I’ve requested the dining car staff extend an invitation to Razvahn and his friends. Perhaps they will be inclined to join me In my car …


As we pulled away from Shade’s Rest, I cannot help but think of the adventures to be had there. I heard that Chewlia Jildes was in the city. And some talk of a great battle in rail yard? I yearn to be in Faxton. At least there I will be allowed to meander the shops and booths of the Upper and the Interior. And if I can shake the guards that follow me “for my own protection,” perhaps I can steal down to the Warf?