Chapter 1:

Part 1: Defeat

You fell in combat, but were spared by your opponent, who asked what you’re doing out in the wild. After a brief exchange, you agreed to follow them to the nearest settlement, to seek shelter from the harsh desert winds during the night. At the village, you learned your opponent’s name; Ameronis, and their plan to continue wandering, and they paid for your food and a room for the night. After standing your ground against an aggressive local patron, you retired for the night, with thoughts of tomorrow on your mind.

Part 2: Paths Entwined

Jolted awake by a commotion, you remembered the previous night, and decided not to let your debt to Ameronis go unpaid. You intend to accompany them until it is paid off. After unsuccessfully searching for some place to exchange your currency to the local one, you learned about the nearby city of Derna; you’d surely be able to exchange your money there; then you can finally pay Ameronis back. With a new plan, you and Ameronis now head towards the big city.

Part 3: Derna

After covering much ground, you and Ameronis took a break where you discovered that they are a much older woman. She shrugged off this revelation. You reached the city of Derna in the afternoon, where you found a hotel; Slaryn House, and set out on a secondary quest to find a money exchange. With the local currency finally in hand, you repaid your debt to Ameronis, and after a rest and a bath, you set out find food and explore the city.

=========================================================================

Chapter 2:

Part 1: An Acquired Distaste

After resting and bathing, you went out into town to begin exploring. You started by buying few new outfits, swapping into one more suitable for the night life. Then you began your search for good food, but had the opposite experience instead. Two terrible food attempts later, you found yourself wandering through quieter alleys, where you discovered The Pit, a legal fighting club. Though it was not too late, you decided to go back to the hotel to rest for the night, but found yourself getting more and more lost in a maze of alleys.

Part 2: Labyrinthine

Despite your best efforts, you only wandered deeper into the maze of dark, narrow alleys. Just as thoughts of being lost forever crossed your mind, you heard the familiar sounds of the high street up ahead. Emerging onto the bustling street, you soon realised that this was not the high street you were originally on, but another one entirely. Frustrated and no closer to your goal, you managed, with some difficulty, to get directions back to Slaryn House, and re-entered the alleys as you began to follow them. But as you paused to get your bearings, a threat emerged from the shadows.

Part 3: Prentor Alley

Lost in the dark and held at knife-point, you refused to simply roll over and surrender. Using the bag as a decoy, you struck out at the thief, who narrowly avoided a nasty slash. Now evenly matched, the thief refused to back down. You eventually ended the conflict with a precise strike, leaving the thief unconscious and badly injured. Giving him a chance to not bleed out, you bound his wounds, and in the process, found and confiscated his stolen loot and weapons. With the thief stabilised, you resumed your quest to escape the maze, eventually making it back to Slaryn House in one piece.

=========================================================================

Chapter 3:

Part 1: Ill-gotten Gains

After an eventful night, you awoke late the next morning. Checking over the items you confiscated, you now have some money, an ornate dagger, a beautiful amulet with a broken chain, the two blades belonging to the thief, and a few miscellaneous papers. You’ll need to do something about these and consider turning them in to the police, but after breakfast with and advice from Ameronis, you thought better of it; you need to figure out whether the police force can be trusted or not first. Until then, you’ll continue your exploration, and set out to see Derna in the daytime.

Part 2: Bloodlines

With a lot on your mind, you decided to continue your exploration of the local area. Unlike last night, your journey was safe and pleasant, and you discovered many things, including a market, where you bought some simple food items for your room. After a rest and some snacks, you decided to go and visit the theatre you learned about last night, and went to see the Bloodlines play. The play’s outrageous storyline and clunky acting made for a baffling experience, though the locals seemed to approve of it. You’re not sure what to think about it.

Part 3: Josey

After the baffling display at the theatre, you were left confused and aimless. Thinking ahead for dinner, you remembered you wanted to get a meal at the formerly busy shop. As expected, the food was terrible, and after complaining about this to Ameronis, she invited you to join her and visit Josey’s bar, to see if there is any hope for the drinks instead. There, Josey offered you nice drinks and suggested you avoid the food of the people from Er Clee; their cuisine is not to your tastes. He told Ameronis of a gambling group at a rival bar, and the two of you set out to visit Stardust.

=========================================================================

Chapter 4:

Part 1: One Rule, His Own

After finishing at Josey’s, you and Ameronis took a cab to Bane’s Way to visit the eateries you saw earlier. The food at Kisicat Spring was excellent and after eating your fill, Ameronis suggested a stroll through the marketplace. As soon as you stepped outside, you collided with a well-dressed man wearing a sword. Enraged, he threatened to cut you both down, but left after seeing law enforcers nearby. Both of you left bemused by his hostility, you eventually arrived at Stardust, and after enjoying the performances for a while, you left with Ameronis to go and visit Josey’s rival’s bar.

Part 2: The Rusty Bell

You and Ameronis arrived at The Rusty Bell, and the difference between this place and Josey’s is stark. Loud, messy, and full of boisterous characters, Ameronis soon found the men she was looking for, and you watched as she joined their game of cards. Successfully managing to gamble with them, she and the men quickly became friends. Her purse now a little heavier, she spoke of her intention to visit The Pit to bet on the fights there. Happy to guide and also willing to bet, two of her new friends volunteered to lead you both to the pit, where you all settled in to watch the next match.

Part 3: The Pit

You and Ameronis, and your two new companions, Kuron and Rod, spent some time at The Pit, watching the fights amidst the large crowd. While the other three chose to bet on the fighters, with varying results, you opted not to; you had little desire to risk your money. On Ameronis’ insistence to show your judgement skills, you took on her challenge for a no-risk bet and won, earning a cash reward.  Now ready to return to Stardust, your party prepared to leave, but as you start, you and Ameronis noticed the rude man from earlier had just entered the ring.

=========================================================================

Chapter 5:

Part 1: Asaari the Tainted

Eager to see if the man, Assari the Tainted, is as good as he was threatening to be, you and Ameronis stuck around to watch his match. However, although he showed some skill, he ultimately lost his fight. You conclude he would’ve been unlikely to beat you and Ameronis in a fight. The two of you parted from Kuron and Rod, spending the rest of the evening enjoying performances at Stardust. Then, shortly after leaving, you heard a cry for help, and encountered a man chasing after a thief, who was barrelling down an alleyway towards you.

Part 2: Thief-taker

You refused to let the thief get away and barred the path. He ran back the other way, tackling past the other man and trying to escape. A toss of your battle axe missed its target but caused the thief to fall, and fight broke out between the two men. You intervened when the thief pulled out a knife, and the unconscious thief was carted away by a bouncer from Stardust. The man, Omon, was very busy, but told you to return to Stardust the following day for proper thanks. The next morning, you entered Stardust via the back, and were sent upstairs into a meeting with an unknown man instead.

Part 3: Lomack

The man, Shuzo Lomack, told you he is the general manager of Stardust, and explained that Omon unfortunately was unable to be present. Lomack offered you thanks and rewards on behalf of Omon, himself, and the rest of the staff at Stardust, and explained more about the club and the rising problems with thieves in the area. He offered you a role as a Sentinel; a plainclothes watchman working inside the club, and encouraged to you think about it in your own time. Then, with other duties to attend to, he let you go on your way, with reward money and VIP pass in your possession.

=========================================================================

Chapter 6:

Part 1: In Other News

After some initial consideration, you decided against taking up Lomack’s offer, as tempting as it was. You don’t know of trust him, so did not wish to get involved. Instead, in contrast to all the excitement from the day before, you decided you wanted to relax and get back to exploring, and in particular, meeting new people. You bought a paper and returned to a nearby park to read in peace. You learned about the locals and some current events, and were undisturbed until a beggar arrived and asked you for some money. You realised he was the same beggar you saw a few days prior.

Part 2: Spare a Coin, Ma’am?

Rather than reject the beggar or give him change, you offered to buy him something. Unconvinced of your generosity, he mentioned his need for food and shoes. You led him to nearby Bane’s Way market and bought him what he asked for, much to his delight and disbelief.  You learned his name; Finnegan, and he offered to take to the location of the Grand Jamboree, an event you had read about in the paper. Along the way, you met his beggar friend Melora, and concerned about the wellbeing of their absent friend Leif, you agreed to join them on a brief pit-stop at their camp.

Part 3: Tent City

The beggars led you to where they’re staying; a small camp within an expansive tent city covering the alleys in an industrial district. The environment is filthy and depressive, and there were many homeless present. You met the sick Leif and his dog Rufle, and learned about the beggars and their unfortunate circumstances; you felt a need to help, but there is little you can do here. They beggars manage as best they can, able to get some food at work from a local soup kitchen, factories, and washhouse from time to time. After saying goodbye, Finnegan led you to the Jamboree grounds.

=========================================================================

Chapter 7:

Part 1: Rinse and Ruckus

After your visit to the beggar’s camp, Finnegan took you to the site of the Grand Jamboree, set within a greener, less built-up distract. Afterwards, you asked him to show you the whereabouts of the washhouse he previously mentioned. There, you encountered 6 washerwomen; Morrie, Brinnet, Agnai, Elephora, Grace and Magara. You left briefly, then returned with your clothes to be washed, then stayed with them for a while, as they attempted to get to know you. Taking a great interest in your life as an adventurer, they asked you if you had run into any particularly dangerous situations.

Part 2: Bears and Bandits

The washerwomen remained fascinated with you and your adventures, and eagerly debated how well they would do in your situation. The conversation soon turned to your plans for later, and you agreed to attend the Grand Jamboree with them after their shift this evening. You left the washhouse and returned to Bane’s Way to try lunch at a new venue, which also turned out to be a delightful experience. Then in the evening, you returned to the washhouse with Ameronis, meeting up with the washerwomen, and leaving together to head to the Grand Jamboree.

Part 3: The Grand Jamboree

You and Ameronis spent the evening at the Grand Jamboree with the washerwomen, playing games, watching performances, and having a good time. After taking part in a few games and challenges, you tried your hand at archery, but did quite poorly. Another challenger took issue with the game, claiming it to be rigged, and said that anyone interested in real archery should attend the The Warrior’s Edge in Steelhaven, which you and both Ameronis consider. Later, you joined the washerwomen at The Copper Mug tavern for a drink, before returning to Slaryn House for the night.

=========================================================================

Chapter 8:

Part 1: The Warrior’s Edge

After a slightly late start, you and Ameronis arrived at The Warrior’s Edge. You took a tour, where you got to see the facilities and some of the currently running classes, as well as learning about what others they have on offer.  Aside from archery, they offer martial arts, swordplay, fitness classes, endurance training, and more. You signed up for the archery class, where the woman from The Grand Jamboree, Terris, turned out to be the archery instructor. After welcoming you and a handful of other newcomers, you and Ameronis prepared to begin the lesson.

Part 2: Bow and Blade

After receiving an introduction to the basics of Archery, you and Ameronis began the lesson in earnest. Just like last night, you still did poorly, but Terris seems to be a good teacher, so there is hope for you yet. Terris had the more advanced students showcase their skills, before she showcased her own. Assistant teacher Sin displayed poor archery skills but excelled with a throwing knife instead. Afterwards, you and Ameronis spoke to the teachers, and with time to spare, the two of you joined them and a couple of other students for lunch in The Warrior’s Heath tea house.

Part 3: The Warrior’s Hearth

Inside The Warrior’s Hearth, you, Ameronis, Terris, Sin, and fellow students Kemon and Jent enjoyed lunch and told stories of your adventures on the road and life in the city respectively. Sin hinted at having his own wild adventures in the dark alleys in Derna. He praised your resourcefulness, and encouraged you both to attend his climbing session; a great choice for strength and stamina building. With his next lesson approaching, your group dispersed, and after a short period of watching Sin and his students, you and Ameronis set off to visit the beggars.

=========================================================================

Chapter 9:

Part 1: Spinning Yarns

After your lesson, you and Ameronis returned to Rorora Washhouse to collect your clean clothes and give Ameronis’ report to the washerwomen. As before, you were quickly drawn in to an enthusiastic conversation about what you experienced at the Warrior’s edge, with the washerwomen grilling you for details and imagining how things would go for them if they attend. After leaving the washhouse, with no current plans, you and Ameronis travelled to Magnolia Court Gardens to rest and enjoy the scenery. There, you began to consider your next move.

Part 2: Her Eminence

You returned to your original plan to explore and see the sights, and after Ameronis mentioned hearing about an old fortress, the two of you decided to go and view it whilst taking a tour of the city. You took a cab and headed West, crossing the nearby river; the Minor Aveseran, and experienced the different districts found there; opulent in comparison to the ones you left. After reaching the Grand Aveseran river, you witnessed a large ship called Her Eminence sailing upriver. Then, you began the return journey back to Slaryn House via a different route.

Part 3: Exotic Treasures

On the return journey, you continued through Eastmere, the richest district in Derna, and passed by the exhibition grounds hosting “The Treasures of Jight” trade fair, where you caught glimpses of an elaborate building known as “The Tempered Atrium”, and several captive creatures of display, including a rare beast called a histica. Back in familiar territory in East Derna, you an Ameronis began to wind down your evening by visiting Josey’s and relaying your encounters to him, and after you enjoyed each other company for a while, you and Ameronis parted ways, and left for Stardust.

=========================================================================

Chapter 10:

Part 1: A Night to Remember

After being woken by Ameronis knocking on your door, you discover that you had fallen asleep with your evening wear and shoes still on, your face caked in dried blood. After unsuccessfully trying to remember what happened, and realising that your schedule is slipping out the window, the two of you hurried back to The Warrior’s Edge to take part in Captain Cedric’s duelling class. There, with a pounding head and poorer performance than normal, you began your duelling practice against another, more experienced student, until Captain Cedric came and challenged you himself.

Part 2: Versus

You previously struggled against fellow student Raynard, but Captain Cedric was a much tougher challenge. Your current condition worked against you; you felt sure you’d stand a better chance if your head wasn’t pounding. After the lesson, you discussed the class and Cedric with Ameronis, and discovered that she did better than you but has an intense dislike for Cedric; she does not intend to return to his class. Your conflicting opinions, and desire to challenge Cedric again, made you consider whether you’ll return next time, as you and Ameronis made your way towards the beggar’s camp.

Part 3: Home Is Where

On your way to the beggar camp, you encountered Leif, Rufle and the previously unseen Silas. After some introductions, you accompanied them back to their tents, where you spent time catching up with them after giving them the food you bought. Silas seemed troubled, and after some prodding, he and the beggars spoke of Oliver Soza, the new landlord of the shop they were originally camping by. He previously had them violently evicted and their belongings confiscated, and is now trying to sell something precious that belongs to Silas. Appalled, Ameronis decided to investigate.

=========================================================================

Chapter 11:

Part 1: Bradwyn & Holden’s

Silas led you, Ameronis, Leif and Rufle to the store; Bradwyn & Holden’s, where Oliver Soza has his trinket; a beautiful black pendant, on display. Before he could object, Ameronis surged forward to investigate. After entering the store and returning unscathed, Ameronis described the false story Soza told her about how he acquired the pendant. Frustrated, but unable to enlist the help of the law, your group discussed options for how to get it back, with few viable. When Soza started planning to break into the store, Ameronis suggested that you both could help him.

Part 2: Prelude to Plunder

Ameronis needn’t have asked; you already planned to help Silas retrieve his stolen goods. After you both assured him that you’re serious and happy to help, the three of you got down to business, with Silas acquiring a few items to help, and you getting an outfit better suited to sneaking around in the dark. Later, the three of you met again at the Grand Jamboree and began to plan your heist. Upon learning of the presence of a single night watchman at the store, Silas assured you that he’d still be able to get you into the store, and with Ameronis keeping watch, he’ll be relying on you both.

Part 3: Retraced Steps

With several hours to go, you, Ameronis and Silas decided to go to Stardust to kill some time and continue planning your heist in a warmer, more comfortable environment; the dim lighting and loud music would easily conceal your conversation. Silas will meet you later, but you and Ameronis went there.  Once there, Ameronis went upstairs to settle down and wait, while you stayed downstairs and began investigating and trying to jog your memory of last night. After learning of a few people you met and drinks you had, a blurry picture of what may have happened started to form.

=========================================================================

Chapter 12:

Part 1: Glamorous

Upstairs you visited the bar where you acquired your first drink of the night last night, but were unable to tell which of the three possibilities it was, and whether it was alcoholic or not. You met up with Ameronis, and Silas soon afterwards, and the three of you planned your heist in greater detail. Eventually, you prepared to part ways and meet late, but on your way out, a woman in a yellow dress accosted you, claiming to know you. To try and jog your memory further, you agreed to spend time with ‘Rizha’ until she had to leave, then turned your focus to the upcoming job at hand.

Part 2: Hide and Seek

You, Ameronis and Silas met at Bradwyn & Holden’s to begin your heist. As expected, the night watchman left to do a perimeter check. Ameronis kept watch outside while Silas picked the lock and let you in via the back door. Having jammed the locks on the front and back doors, you and Silas carefully ransacked the shop, with Silas managing to reacquire several of his trinkets. With your task complete, you prepared to leave but accidentally knocked over a suit of armour, alerting the

Part 3: Watching the Watchman

As the situation quickly spiralled out of control, you waited and listened as the law enforcer confronted the watchman and refused to believe his claims; the two began to argue. When a second enforcer arrived on the scene, you and Silas used the distraction as an opportunity to escape via the back while the watchmen and enforcers stood at the front. Re-joining Ameronis, the three of you fled the area and made your way back to the tent city. You left the loot with Silas, and returned to Slaryn House for the night, after seeing off a would-be mugger along the way.

=========================================================================

Chapter 13:

Part 1: Heirlooms

You awoke from a vivid dream in which you violently carried out your heist of Bradwyn & Holden’s, and Soza, having appeared in your room, shot you with a crossbow in retaliation. A little perturbed, you joined Ameronis and returned to the tent city to visit the beggars, debrief with Silas, describe your dream, and inspect the loot. Silas thanked you, assured you that no one in the camp would snitch even if they knew, and after allowing you and Ameronis to each take an item from the loot pile, offered his recovered brass compass to you, and the black/gold pendant to Ameronis.

Part 2: Paying Your Way

Ameronis was quick to reject the offer of the pendant, seeing as you both recovered the items for him to keep, but he assured you it was better to part with them as they were reminders of his past. The two of you agreed. Now with time to spare, and in possession of a jewelled butterfly brooch, you returned to Slaryn House to go over your expenses for the past week, and decide whether to sell or keep the brooch, turn in or keep the stolen loot you still have hidden away, and either take up Lomack’s offer, for find work elsewhere; you’ll soon be needing a method to top up your funds.

Part 3: A Scenic Stroll

When you prepared to attend Captain Cedric’s swordplay class, you were unexpectedly joined by Ameronis, who had claimed she would not do so. In the class, too used to working with a battle axe, and did poorly with a sword as a result. Afterwards, with nothing else planned, you decided to head East to resume exploring; opposite of the direction Ameronis intended to go. Changing into light walking gear at Slaryn House, you set out to explore, following along the canal for a few miles, witnessing an increasing amount of squalor, until a woman asked if you’ve seen a missing man.

=========================================================================

Chapter 14:

Part 1: Blackminster

Unfortunately for the woman you encountered, you had not seen the missing man she’s searching for, so were unable to do more than wish her luck. Pushing on, but growing weary of the slums and factories, you veered off the canal near the walled area of Blackminster; a historic mining town with museums, guided tours, and a steep 75 cog entrance fee. Moving away, and after receiving cryptic directions from a local man, you end up wandering through more packed tenements, where you encounter a large community of poorer residents, and a small, bustling market square.

Part 2: The Old Mill

You decided to stop and check out the ‘market’, and considered getting lunch from a food stand. You became aware of and almost managed to capture a young boy who tried to pickpocket you; he escaped after biting you. You took a chance at buying a bowl of surprisingly nice suspicious stew, and continued following the directions you were given, eventually getting caught in the rain and ending up on another canal. You took shelter at an abandoned factory on the opposite side, and witnessed a bunch of men fleeing from some pursuer; one of the men slipped and fell into the canal.

Part 3: An Unwelcome Guest

You saved the man by dragging him out of the water, then ran into a nearby warehouse to hide from whoever was pursing the others. Trying to find your way through the old building, you discovered it was not abandoned, but had been turned into a living space by a community of squatters. Keeping your head down, you crossed the old factory to find an alternate way out, but was stopped near the exit by aggressive residents who blocked your way. Words didn’t move them, but the threat of your battle axe did. Forcing your way out onto the street, you ran for it, only to encounter a new hurdle.

=========================================================================

Chapter 15:

Part 1: A Narrow Escape

With 5 men in front of you, and 6 creeping up behind, you found yourself trapped in a narrow alleyway. With the risk of injury, or worse, high, you decided to comply with the demands of the ringleader and look for any opportunity to escape. Sensing an opportunity, you lured the ringleader into a trap by challenging him into a one-on-one bout and suggesting you all move to the street for more space. There, you made a break for it towards a group of bystanders; you were caught by your pursuers and were briefly assaulted, before you were all captured and bundled into a prison cart.

Part 2: Reddbarrow

After narrowly managing to escape a sticky situation, you found yourself ensnared and about to face another.  Things could’ve gone badly for you, with the prospect of being locked in jail for house or days looming over you, but fortunately, thanks to a thorough investigation by the Reddbarrow Watchmen, you are found to be innocent of any involvement in the local troubles, and are free to go. That didn’t stop Khen and his cronies from harassing you, but with the Watchmen watching your back, you were eventually able to make it back to Slaryn House in one piece, albeit a bruised one.

Part 3: Man About Town

You rejoined Ameronis after your long day, and the two of you meet Silas for a celebratory evening at Stardust. Whilst there, you ran into Rizha again, and as the four of you socialised, staff member Omon encountered you whilst doing his rounds. He thanked you again for your help, and spoke highly of Lomack when asked, and encouraged you to take up the job offer. You asked Rizha about the trustworthiness of the Law Enforcers, and she brought over her brother Victor, who warned you to be wary and avoid trouble. At Slaryn House later that night, you began to consider best path forward.