After days of planning, overplanning, and congratulating themselves for planning, the crew finally executes their rescue of Aiden from Magistrate Dorn’s compound. Diane is moved safely to Ogrid’s ahead of time, a new Waystation door is installed at Large Luigi’s as an extraction route, and the infiltration begins—not through the heavily fortified wall they obsessed over, but via a deceptively simple aquatic approach involving waterfalls, swimming, and questionable physics. Once inside, subtlety immediately gives way to overwhelming force. Fireballs detonate in confined hallways, enemies are erased en masse, and Pater’s arcane decision-making proves both devastatingly effective and deeply controversial when Aidien’s throat is slashed mid-combat—only for him to survive through sheer magical stubbornness and timely intervention. Amid the chaos, Enestra’s web, Umbraxys transformations, and wildly efficient spellcasting turn the compound into a smoking ruin.

The mission succeeds: Aidien is rescued, Dorn’s forces are broken, and the party escapes through the Waystation as planned. In the aftermath, Aiden and Diane are reunited with family and temporarily settle into safety, where long-buried truths surface—most notably the revelation that Saoirse’s uncle is, in fact, her biological father, adding yet another layer to an already labyrinthine family history. With Bral cooling down, Aidien begins exploring enchantment work alongside Saoirse’s mothers, while the rest of the crew regroups, flush with newly discovered gold thanks to Kestia’s blistering speed and improbable athletic feats. As ship repairs are paid off and theories spiral about weaponized movement, spell-stacking, and the terrifying potential of a hasted, enlarged runner, the arc closes not with mourning or dread, but with momentum. The rescue is complete, the family is (mostly) safe, and the party stands stronger, richer, and faster than ever—ready to turn their attention towards the planet of Aethera.

Trever Shirin: Dungeon Master

Ryan Lasley: Pater Coal (Human Wizard)

Hannah Lasley: Kestia Brevyn (Halfling Monk)

Noah Chaney: Enestra (Astral Elf Artificer)

Eliana Taylor: Saoirse Arad (Elf Sorcerer)

Caleb Shirin: Captain Anne (Goliath Warlock)