Day 1: The Search Begins   Fip begins his search for a Staff of Power by reaching out to the magical community in Frandyln. He spreads the word about his willingness to trade his rare leaf armor for such a powerful item. He casts “Distort Value” on the armor. His reputation as a sorcerer and his tantalizing offer catches the attention of a few merchants and collectors, but it’s clear that finding such a powerful item will be a monumental task.   Night 1: A Flicker of Recognition. Fip dreams of a misty, barren field under a moonless sky. Shadows twist and shift unnaturally in the distance. Suddenly, a faint figure appears, glowing faintly with an eerie, cold light. It’s Temperance, her form wreathed in spectral flames. Her expression is unreadable, but her lips move without sound. The vision ends abruptly as Fip wakes, heart pounding, with the unmistakable feeling that Temperance is trying to reach him.   Day 2: Gathering Contacts   Fip continues to make connections, spending gold to ensure his inquiries reach the right ears. He visits shops like the Peaceful Scroll and speaks with members of the Grand Enclave of Eldermages. A few leads emerge, but nothing concrete yet. The search is draining, but Fip remains determined.   Night 2: The Gardens of Decay In the dream, Fip finds himself standing in a warped forest where every tree is blackened and lifeless. The air is heavy with the scent of decay. Temperance stands nearby, her Revenant form fully revealed: pale skin, glowing hollow eyes, and a sadness that seems to permeate her being.   "This is my home now," she whispers. "The Gardens of Decay. A place bound to the Grim Harrow's will." Her voice is distant, as though carried on the wind, and the dream fades as she turns away from him.   Day 3: An Offer Emerges   Fip receives a message from Adrex Talvora, a mysterious tiefling mage who claims to own a Staff of Power. Intrigued yet cautious, Fip agrees to meet him the following night. Adrex’s reputation precedes him; he is known for his dealings in rare and dangerous artifacts. Adrex agrees to meet Fip at midnight in an abandoned theater. Adrex brings the Staff of Power, which indeed radiates immense magical energy, detectable even by Fip's sorcery. The tiefling confirms the staff retains all its properties, and only 10 charges, but his price is steep.   Night 3: A Grim Hunt Fip sees Temperance leading a host of twisted Undead figures, their weapons drawn as they move through a crumbling ruin. She wields a blackened blade etched with runes that glow with necrotic energy.   She stops to look directly at Fip, as though aware of his presence. "We hunt," she says flatly. "The Deck must be destroyed. It is our purpose, our torment, and our release." The dream ends with a sense of inevitability, as if Fip is being pulled into her world.   Day 4: Meeting Adrex   At midnight, Fip meets Adrex in an abandoned theater. The tiefling mage presents a Staff of Power, its potent magical aura undeniable. Adrex examines Fip’s leaf armor and detects the enchantment of Distort Value but remains intrigued. Negotiations begin, and Adrex reveals his steep price: the leaf armor, the Giant Insect Amulet, two gems, and 1,000 gold pieces.   Night 4: A Fragment of the Past Temperance’s voice is clearer tonight, and the vision shows her as she once was—alive, full of determination.   "You couldn’t have stopped this," she tells him, her voice tinged with sorrow. The vision shifts, showing the moment she fell to the Grim Champion. Her scream of defiance echoes as the dark figure strikes her down. When she rises again, her eyes are cold and devoid of life.   "This was my fate," she whispers as the dream fades.   Day 5: Negotiations Continue   Fip tries to haggle with Adrex, offering fewer items and less gold, but the tiefling is firm. “A Staff of Power isn’t a mere trinket,” Adrex says. Fip reluctantly agrees to part with the leaf armor, the Giant Insect Amulet, the Star Ruby, and 1,000 gold pieces. The deal is struck.   Night 5: The Grim Harrow’s Mission Fip finds himself in a chamber filled with countless glowing cards, each radiating malevolence. Temperance stands among them, her hands resting on one card: the Skull.   "We are bound to these accursed objects," she says. "The Grim Harrow believes destroying them will free us. It is our only hope for peace." The vision grows darker as a Grim Champion loom behind her, watching silently. Fip wakes in a cold sweat.   Day 6: The Trade is Finalized   Adrex hands over the Staff of Power, his grin wicked as he departs. Fip marvels at the staff, feeling the immense magical energy coursing through it. Though he has paid a heavy price, he knows this weapon will serve him well in the battles to come.   Night 6: A Plea Unspoken The dream is quieter tonight. Temperance stands before Fip, her expression softer. "I see your pain," she says. "But this is not your burden."   A spectral tear falls from her cheek. "I am part of this now. The Grim Harrow… it is my purpose, and I cannot abandon it." Her voice grows fainter as she adds, "Do not follow me into this shadow."   Day 7: Reflection   With the Staff of Power in hand, Fip takes time to reflect on the dreams of Temperance. He wonders if her spirit is truly at peace or if she is merely resigned to her fate. Either way, he feels a profound sadness but resolves to honor her wishes.   Night 7: Acceptance The final vision is tranquil, despite the desolate surroundings. Temperance appears, her presence almost serene.   "I am content," she says firmly, her voice steady. "This existence is not without purpose. To destroy the Decks of Many Things is to save countless lives and perhaps end our suffering." Her gaze meets Fip’s. "Let me go, Fip. When the decks are gone, I will finally find peace. Until then, I serve willingly. Do not mourn me, for I am at peace with what I am."   As she turns to walk into the mist, she looks back one last time, her expression filled with a quiet determination.   Day 8: A New Twist   As Fip moves through the bustling streets of Frandyln, reveling in the power of his newly acquired Staff of Power, a powerful mage suddenly confronts him. Without warning, arcane energy envelops Fip, and before he can react, a spell knocks him unconscious. Everything fades to black, leaving his fate a mystery.