Episode 26: Super Spectacular Smoothie Schemers

"'The party prepares for an adventure, and Br'aad and Taxi make a new drink...'"

Episode Events
(Trigger Warning: Brief mentions of Child Abuse. Skip the underlined words if this may upset you.)

Br'aad, still in a memory illusion by Akar from the previous episode, is lifted off the ground by Brendan, fearing for his life. He tries hard to recall the memory, and does. He remembers that during the time of this event, himself and Sylnan were still living at an orphanage, Br'aad being the age of 4, meanwhile Sylnan was the age of 7. He recalls many people looming over him, dressed fancier, in suits or dresses, discussing the signing of papers, then a sudden ruckus occurring, with yelling and screaming between Brendan and the suited people. Brendan threatening Br'aad and Sylnan occurred the night afterwards.

Remembering, Br'aad, as his 4 year old self, cries out asking why he deserves to be beaten. Brendan, taken aback, drops Br'aad. Brendan seemingly loses his sanity as he begins pulling out his own hair, telling Br'aad it is not his fault. Brendan claims it's "her" fault, blaming her "bad blood". He tells them to leave, and to run back to the orphanage.

-It is safe beyond this point.

Br'aad comes back to reality, seeing Taxi, Velrisa, and Akar. Akar angrily asks Br'aad why he has "bad blood", and calls him interesting. Akar then reveals that he is Elven and claims his purpose is to go through the minds labyrinth, as he is an oracle, one who sees all. Akar, analyzing Br'aad, tells them that his aura is different, not good or evil.

He tells Velrisa not to touch the body in the coffin, and turns his attention back to Br'aad and Taxi, dropping his guard more. The girl in the coffin, who Akar tells them to call Symphony, birthed Wee Jas. Akar reveals himself to be Wee Jas' past lover, and first follower, claiming himself to be the leader of the religion of Wee Jas. He goes to leave, claiming the only thing he wants is information on how to bring Symphony back. As he walks up the staircase, he tells Br'aad, Taxi, and Velrisa that they may return to know more about lifting Sylnan's curse, but only after Velrisa has repented by completing her task.

They collect their thoughts, and travel back to the inn and tavern, The Sleeping Sea-lion. They realize they do not have the vouchers, and persuade their way inside so that they can get them from Sylnan. They discover Sylnan doesn't have them, and go down to the bar keep to attempt to find them. They find them, finally able to go inside. Taxi, Br'aad, and Velrisa, sit down at the bar and order drinks. They attempt to explain to the bartender what a smoothie is. They instead explain a fruit-milk concoction. They end up receiving a blend of whiskey, maple syrup, apple cider, topped with rosemary.

Taxi goes and invites Mountain to join them. Everyone minus Sylnan congregate at the bar, and discuss their plan. They agree that Sylnan's state is worsening, and that it needs to be fiixed, but also that they should complete Mountain's task as well. They decide to leave the next morning to track down the vampire who killed Quinn in Oaklite, but not before trying to get Sylnan to cooperate with their plan. Their last resort is to knock Sylnan out and drag him with them if he will not.

After Captain Cedric strongly advises Br'aad not to steal the airship to travel to Oaklite, the party rents a wagon and sets off on their way.

They bought a wagon from the Wagon Goblin who alway was and always will be canon!