Tales from Etheraz: 1/29 Guild Night Recap

Greetings to all questers, quarrellers, and questioners! 

I have heard word that the group of adventurers and soldiers known as the PC party have made their way out of the South Bowers and into the village of Tohani. I could not follow their journey myself due to being trapped in a rather large ditch in the woods — long story — so, all the news I’ve gathered comes from whispers and rumors that have found their way to me. Take this all with a grain of salt; never trust a Bard with a sword, story, or reputation.

Reportedly, the party was guided to Tohani by someone named Mercy (or was it Faith? I can never tell those two apart), where they stumbled upon a strange scene: dozens of people, still and unmoving on the ground, in a tavern that should’ve been bustling with life. The atmosphere, typically filled with rowdy celebrants and drinkers, was thick with stale decay. All attempts at first aid failed, despite numerous heroic efforts. The party would soon discover that nobody in the tavern was injured, bleeding, or otherwise wounded… but rather, it seemed as if they had all decided to simply lay down and not get back up. 

Shock and confusion abound! What was wrong with the good citizens of Tohani? Why couldn’t they be roused? And what was in their pockets that could be stolen and sold? The lack of food coming from the region, the sudden decrease in messages, the urgency from Tohani leadership — all of it made sense. The only explanation was that the Coltar Spawns of Apathy and Despair were significantly more powerful — and dangerous — than previously suspected. 

The PCs were faced with a dilemma they could not immediately solve by sticking their swords in something. How does one bring another back from the brink of despair, to convince them to move forth in an apathetic world? To make matters worse, the effects of Apathy and Despair began to permeate within the PC party. Much to the horror of their compatriots, members began to drop to the floor, unmoving and hopeless, unable to gather the energy to rise to their feet. 

The clock began to tick. The party had to determine what steps they must take next, while they could still take steps. There were rumors that the crew of an old Whyrhot ship were searching for the artifacts that could defeat Apathy and Despair, but the ship had crashed. What had happened to the artifacts supposedly on that ship? Are Apathy and Despair lurking, guarding the ship’s treasure from those who wish to slay them? 

With little other foreseeable options and the press of time running out on their backs, the party resolved to find their way to this haunted ship and take up arms against this evil before it was too late. 

Good people of Arancis, times are dire. Let us hope to the Seven that the party is successful in their fight against Apathy and Despair. If not… I guess we shall meet again on the other side. Stay safe. And remember: fight together, or die alone. Signed,
Atlas the Bard

This is blog written from the perspective of an in-game NPC intended to catch players up on what they missed during events!