A Lot of Strange Words and Shopping

In a beautiful, cloudless, and indescribable moment of astral time, the heroes approached the gates of Lux Astra. A guard named George sternly asked who they were and on what grounds they wished to enter the city, but upon realizing it was Brotor Lütger and his companions, he opened the gates.

Entering inside, the travelers were amazed at how much the town had changed during their short absence. If previously there were no buildings taller than two stories, now some had additional floors, small asteroids crowded around, and strange, diverse beings flickered here and there. A cheerful imp handed the heroes a flyer for the grand show of the Circus of the End Times, which was to take place in a few days.

Without even going home to wash and change, the adventurers headed to Fasir to learn more about the situation in the city. The tired and worn-out tabaxi welcomed them and explained that five years had passed since they left Lux Astra. In that time, Sevadi had fully established a steady flow of magic from the Cauldron, and Fregnard launched a large-scale production of artificer artifacts. The town, already well-known, became even more famous. Many beings from various planes began arriving, and even construction above the second floor was allowed.

After speaking with Fasir, the adventurers returned to their home. Brotor instructed the butler to prepare rooms for Fenris, Saya, and Surina, while he went to check on the residents of Green Ravine Village. It turned out that due to a misunderstanding, the butler had kept them locked in the basement for all five years. Although they had food and comfortable conditions, they were desperate to be anywhere else but Lux Astra.

After resting, Fenris, Saya, and Surina explored what the new merchants in Lux Astra had to offer and spent their gold from Mimir’s cave on lots of cool stuff. Meanwhile, Danaya, Brotor, and the villagers from Green Ravine headed to the Underdark to try to retrieve Danaya’s stolen belongings from when she was captured. They managed to get back almost everything, except her lute and clothes—but most importantly, Danaya recovered the violet cosmic cube that had absorbed Aden.

Brotor and Danaya also met with Iskar, who insisted the people from Green Ravine should return to Lux Astra, as only there they would be safe.

Back home, Danaya and Fenris used the Whispering Vessel, recovered from Mimir’s lair, to learn something about the Tear of Sardior. The artifact revealed nothing about the Tear, but they did learn a bit about the cube: it was a doorway to another dimension, specifically to the place where Aden and Yaga had ended up. However, the Vessel didn’t explain how to open the door.

That evening—what they believed to be their last day in Lux Astra—Fenris secretly contacted Ptaris. He appeared before Ptaris in the true form of his soul and introduced himself by his real name, then confessed that his group had a phylactery and the Tear of Sardior. Fenris said he wanted the final disappearance of his soul and was willing to offer certain services in return.

Meanwhile, Surina and Brotor prayed to Bahamut—each in their small shrine. At one point, the birds fluttering around the divine dragon statue went silent, and something resembling condensation sparkled on its golden cheek.

The next day, the adventurers visited Fregnard. He warmly welcomed them and showed his workshop, where he made George-guards—mechanical humanoids. After patiently answering questions about the waste-release spout placed where genitals would be, the gnome invited them to his study to finally discuss business.

Fregnard once again urged them not to listen to Iskar’s nonsense about balance and other dragons, and instead to go and shatter the heart of Sardior with a pickaxe. He even had blueprints for weapons and shields ready. He also mentioned Mary: according to him, this mysterious woman was deeply interested in Ptaris and Sardior. Since she was looking for the dragon Mimir, it meant he was likely connected to Sardior—not Ptaris. Finally, Fregnard gave the adventurers Fregnard’s torch, which creates a 15-foot-radius space safe from the enchantments of the Serades River.

Lastly, the friends decided to visit the circus. Their goal wasn’t just entertainment—at the grand show, they could meet people from different worlds and learn where dragons might be found. On a tiny asteroid, there was nothing but a portal, which everyone entered—except for Fenris. He remained outside and waited for four days, entertaining himself with drawing, hunting imps, and minor mishaps with George.

Those who entered the portal saw the entrance to a large amusement park and a curly-haired man who scolded the heroes for being late and told them to hurry to their attraction. When he saw their genuine confusion, he admitted his mistake—he thought they were performers—and gave them tickets, asking them to come back later. The adventurers kept pestering him with questions until he clapped his hands and shut the portal, ejecting them back to the asteroid.

The adventurers stood in confusion, chatting with Fenris, when they heard vaguely familiar voices. Someone said: “Are we sure we arrived at the right time?..” Turning around, the heroes saw Brotor, Danaya, Saya, Surina, and Fenris. They looked back and said something like:

— Oops.