The party prepared for their journey to a new continent, with [[Benguard]] attuning to his new cloak and armor, transforming him into a formidable defender. [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]] reflected on the promise he'd made to two young girls who wanted to join their adventures, ultimately deciding to leave them safely behind rather than risk their lives. When everyone was ready, [[Armara]] completed her ritual and attempted to transport the entire group and their wagon to [[Brensistria]]. The magical journey began catastrophically—reality twisted and warped around them, their bodies stretched in impossible directions as nausea overwhelmed them. The disorienting mishap left everyone battered and sick, but [[Armara]]'s second attempt succeeded, and they materialized in Hearts Green Park on an elevated area overlooking the vast city of [[Brensistria]] in [[North Angoria]]. The sight that greeted them was breathtaking. [[Brensistria]], often called "The Gem of the South," was designed in a grand circular layout with its centerpiece being an awe-inspiring castle built of gleaming white-gold and silver. The castle featured numerous spires with a towering central spire that pierced the heavens, a symbol of the city's strength and connection to the divine. The architecture blended human craftsmanship with the natural beauty of the surrounding dense forest and nearby mountains, creating a vibrant metropolis that pulsed with life. [[Armara]]'s appearance changed upon arrival—color returned to her usually pale complexion, and she donned different clothing, radiating an unusual energy. She distributed detailed maps to everyone and explained they needed to visit the [[Lowward]] to meet an information broker who could help them track down seven fragments of a powerful artifact that [[Anam]] was seeking. As [[Armara]] led them through the crowded streets, the party experienced the vibrant chaos of [[Brensistria]] firsthand. Merchants argued over failed trades, dwarves complained about metalwork, and countless citizens went about their business in the packed thoroughfares. [[Hermes]] kept watch for potential threats, noting guards stationed throughout the area and occasional individuals who seemed to be marking targets for theft. The group passed the imposing castle, where hundreds of people gathered like tourists, before entering the less affluent [[Lowward]]. Here, the architecture deteriorated into slum-like structures, the crowds thinned, and cloaked figures lurked in corners wearing different colored garments that suggested territorial affiliations. They arrived at The Scarlet, a tavern that would serve as their meeting place. [[Armara]] became visibly anxious, explaining that she needed someone charming to arrange a meeting with [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] Ashveil, a powerful information broker. [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]] volunteered and entered the elegant establishment, which contrasted sharply with its exterior and surroundings. Inside, he was immediately noticed by Madame [[Madame Celestine Voss|Celestine Voss]], the tavern's proprietor, who introduced herself with grace and curiosity. [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]] requested a meeting with [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] Ashveil to trade information about seven fragments, mentioning the name specifically to gain credibility. [[Madame Celestine Voss|Celestine]] was intrigued that someone knew [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s hidden name and agreed to arrange the meeting, asking [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]] to wait while she fetched him. [[Benguard]] and Thorag followed shortly after, pretending not to know [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]] as they ordered ale at the bar. The bartender, [[Madame Celestine Voss|Celestine]], served them with playful attention toward Thorag, winking at the old dwarf. When [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] descended the stairs, [[Hermes]] observed his distinctive tattoo—the letter 'T' surrounded by floral inscriptions—and his signet ring bearing a scarlet coin wrapped with silver threads. [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] approached [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]]'s table and questioned how he knew his secret name and what information he sought. [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]] attempted to communicate through subtle means that their client was someone from [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s past seeking knowledge about powerful items. Despite [[Arin Veldrak|Arin]]'s efforts, [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] insisted on meeting the client directly before sharing such sensitive and valuable information. Outside, [[Armara]] paced nervously, her usual composure completely shattered as she played with spheres of blue magic. When [[Hermes]] informed her that [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] wanted to meet her personally, she became visibly distressed, revealing that she and [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] had a complicated history that ended badly ten years ago. She feared he might want her dead or imprisoned. [[Ilith Ornithullin|Ilith]] encouraged her to face the meeting, pointing out that if [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] truly wanted her dead, they wouldn't be standing there talking. Eventually, [[Hermes]] took [[Armara]]'s hand and led the hyperventilating woman into the tavern, with [[Ilith Ornithullin|Ilith]] and Nabu following close behind. The moment [[Armara]] entered The Scarlet Coin, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. [[Madame Celestine Voss|Celestine]] immediately stood and locked eyes with her, and the tavern quieted as patrons sensed the tension. [[Madame Celestine Voss|Celestine]] confronted [[Armara]] with bitter accusations—ten years ago, [[Armara]] had abandoned their group, leaving them to face a murder charge alone. Because of [[Armara]]'s disappearance, [[Madame Celestine Voss|Celestine]] had been branded, a mark she could only hide with her noble family's help and resources. [[Armara]] tried to downplay her sole responsibility, but [[Madame Celestine Voss|Celestine]] insisted the abandonment was [[Armara]]'s choice alone. When [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] emerged from the kitchen and saw [[Armara]], his jaw clenched and his fists tightened. He walked straight toward her, stepping past [[Hermes]] who tried to intervene, and demanded to know what she wanted after ten years of silence. The confrontation intensified as [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] accused [[Armara]] of working for [[Anam]], citing her actions in the Elven Isles where she had killed a queen and destroyed her mages. He refused to provide information that could help destroy the world, no matter the price. [[Armara]] defended herself, explaining that she now worked with the Dawn Wardens—a group backed by various gods including [[Perserphina]], [[Lialandra]], and [[Thragos]]—and had recently helped stop corruption in the town of Duskwatch. She insisted that [[Fortuna Axton-Astervale|Fortuna]] had taken her away ten years ago to protect her from further trouble, preventing her from saying goodbye. [[Brother Benwick|Ben]], [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]]'s associate from [[the Silver Threads]], mediated the heated exchange, encouraging [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] to hear [[Armara]] out before making final judgments. When [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] challenged the party members to vouch for [[Armara]] despite her dark past, both [[Benguard]] and [[Cedric]] confirmed their support, stating that their gods vouched for her as well. [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] reluctantly agreed to move the conversation to the kitchen for privacy. There, he revealed crucial information: [[Anam]] currently possessed four of the seven shield fragments to the [[Shield of the Gods]], having used one to power a spell engine. Another fragment had been protected by storm giants before being taken by drow, then recovered by cloud giants. In the [[Yggrathian Forest]], four legendary vampire sisters—the fabled [[The Seven Brides of Dracon|seven brides]]—had risen to battle a massive behemoth. Three of the vampires fell in the fight, but [[Astrecolis]], the surviving sister, managed to defeat the creature and claimed the shield fragment as payment for her aid. The remaining two fragments were rumored to be somewhere in North and South Angoria. [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] named five specific fragments: the Heart of Valor, Shard of the Dawn, Warding Echo, Divine Coil, and Judicator's Eye. He demanded five thousand gold pieces for this information, which [[Armara]] agreed to pay, instructing [[Ilith Ornithullin|Ilith]] to record the transaction in her journal. While the tense negotiations unfolded inside The Scarlet Coin, Z'ul explored the [[Lowward]] alone, gathering information about the city. He overheard conversations about a changing of power in the district, sightings of shadowy figures, and increased activity from the [[The Wizards Conclave|Wizards Conclave]]. After giving copper coins to a few beggars, Z'ul noticed he was being followed. Three individuals trailed him from behind while four more blocked his path ahead, all drawing daggers and blades as they closed in to mug him. Z'ul quickly assessed his options, considering whether to call for his undead companions or use powerful magic to escape. Through his magical earring, [[Hermes]] contacted him to check on his exploration. Z'ul responded cryptically, mentioning he was "preoccupied with some dust" and warning of an impending "explosion" in an alleyway. Realizing Z'ul was in danger, [[Hermes]] informed [[Keldon Ashveil|Keldon]] he needed to attend to something urgent and prepared to rush outside to reach his companion before the situation escalated further.