You’ve Got To Be Critin Me

I could have named the episode something different, but I chose not too. The First makes their way through the Golden City of Okane, where they eventually begin to take their last steps towards the final conflict within the country of Koga. Who will win? Who will survive? Will the Hakai's hail mary pan out? Or will the First decimate their organisation by crushing the last two elements holding it together.

Council members' fates are decided, Shirou reclaim's the throne (Who is surprised there?) And there are still two Hakai leaders left. The First are already told it wasn't going to be easy, they travel to the merchant city of Okane to face off against their last two opponents in Koga.

Some members of the First find out some startling revelations about their body, an enemy becomes an ally, an ally grows stag antlers, and they have to go through another sewer system to fight the Hakai of Fire. One thing is certain, when they retire sanitation work is right up there with grimy old NPC.

Fire on the horizon, a prized magical sword, an entire order destroyed by the Hakai. Time for a lane change as the First discovers that not all Hakai are created equal, and just how damaging this assassination organisation really is. Also they spend twenty minutes in a shrine deciding on if they should bring a sword up to the samurai who are holding off Hakai forces to protect them. They don't address the guilt.

Reunited the First begins chasing a lead on whoever is leaking information about them to the Hakai, this strange Falaz character they have only heard about just now. The issue is why does he know so much about them? And why is he going out of his way to do all of this? Have they actually met this individual before? All that and more, may or may not be answered in this episode. Who knows. Maybe the investigation will get flown away.

As the First finds a way to escape the trap they'd fallen into, they decide the best course of action is to return to the dojo and lick their wounds. However, after being approached by a mysterious group that links two of the players closer together, a thoughtful conversation with Sato, and discovering that there is someone wandering the city spreading the good or ill name of the First. The companions don't really have time for rest.

The First makes a fucky wucky at the Raven's Gamble. Will they get out of this fucko boingo? Or will they have to dig themselves out of this oopsie poopsie? Between investigating a large building made for 24 hour gambling, and falling into an obvious trap that was pre-ordained by the party. What else is there to explain in this synopsis? 

After leaving the desert of Tal-Ramel behind the First find themselves in a strange new land: Koga, the Land of the Lost River. As soon as they arrive they are greeted by a beautiful bronze coloured Wood Elf named Chimei and are led to the would be child Emperor, and the two are more than meets the eye. Now our heroes (we can say that now) are trying to find the heads of an assassin organisation that is being controlled by the council that rules over the empire, in the Emperor's stead. Their link to this country comes in the from of another Ironhammer brother, Rockholm, who claims he has been here for a few months. The wizard looks older than his brothers, and not very good in a fight- But the Irish/Scottish hybrid of a Dwarf will stand by the First like his brothers before him. 

In this Giant of an episode the First face a Giant problem, will they be able to solve this Giant puzzle before them or will they suffer the Giant consequences? Will this be where the companions suffer a Giant party wipe or will they survive? If there is an episode after this one you have your answer, until then watch as the First enters Hearthbridge castle and come face to face with their most Giant foe yet.

They fight a Giant... It's a Giant...

Meeting Flint Ironhammer, the First tackles a very "spiritual" situation with all the grace and gooey ectoplasm said spiritual situation can muster. Finally some leeway with getting to know Karrturok and his weird Minotaur customs, and the companions finally get some answers as to what is causing the Haunting and what to do to stop it. A giant of a conclusion to this session may lead to an epic boss battle in the next. Stay tuned.

The importance of family and beef milk are explored in a short but sweet episode surrounding the mystery of the Desert Rose. Charles returns after his quick boot back from Granitas, connections are made and connections are missed. High octane emotions and a drunken game of dice explores what could be, what should be, and quite frankly what needs to happen with beef milk ice cream.

Charles departs with Wyltt and Hollis back to Granitas on a separate matter, the First being leaderless decides to press forward with their investigation. Making friendly with the familiar Minotaur Karturrok Silverhorn, the companions traverse the city and begin unravelling discontent amongst the people. Unfortunately a fateful encounter in their inn room knocks them down a peg.

Hot off the tails of the battle between the companions and the Decadent, the players brought themselves to the Tower to speak with Ulysses Windleaf. Upon discovering a myriad of truths, the companions were captured by the now praetor former magistrate Aristotle Du'Mont. More revelations, more heart ache, and the next chapter begins. 

After a devastating loss, the companions now must escape the Decadent's mansion. Warlock puzzles ahead, and Ulysses Windleaf reveals some startling revelations as the companions discover more of their origins and the cosmic connection they seemed to have forged. What awaits the heroes? And what is Wyltt about to ask for? 

The companions formulate a plot to save Leigh Fancy from the clutches of the Decadent, benefactor of the Unseen Eldritch and council member ruling over the Tower. Together with the help of their companions Wyltt and Tiny, they infiltrate the Decadent's mansion and uncover a larger plot at work.

The companions find out some startling news about Opulence and a certain declaration, not only that but apparently some terrorists have been going around the country causing all kinds of heinous acts **SPOILER** only to find out it's them. Whatever light the party has been painted in, it seems like their goals remain true. Now stuck in a city of magic, they must make due.

The companions fight off deadly Hobgoblins with a wall of fire, meet a mysterious magistrate, uncover a few secrets, and make strange with the new magical city they find themselves in. All the while Opulence's declaration of war puts everyone in unease, and it seems like an entire city has something to say about it. With a very awkward rambly opening, the next chapter for the companions is about to begin.

The companions finish their talks with the Lich Wyllt and say goodbye to their party member Remora. Reuniting with Zeke and Allora, the group decides to meet with the princes Eugene and Erik. After a disappointing meeting, a strange realisation, a mysterious Dwarf, and a fellow Arcane user in the form of Nilus, the group leaves the capital city of Goldcrest and ventures south. Opulence isn't what it seems.

The companions finally make their way to Goldcrest after deciding to travel with Behelam's caravan. After a funeral at the temple of Tyr, and talking with a prince, the companions under the urging of  Remora (guest Fosta) travel down into the sewers to meet a strange character, with a strange hobby.