It's Us

It has been two months since the Ascension Crisis caused massive upheaval in the Rumiyyad Autarchy, and El-Azahdron is overflowing with refugees. The Pauper's Tract, once shunned by those distrustful of the presence of the Arid Spire and its mysterious resident, has now seen an influx of individuals hoping to have an audience with him after hearing of his assistance during the Crisis.
Among these are Viktus, a tiefling sorcerer from Vestimor with a mysterious past; and Kubar, son of the leader of Clan Daywind. Viktus has traveled to El-Azahdron seeking gainful employment, while Kubar seeks answers about his recently-gained druidic abilities. Both are in town replying to a summons from Ra'zon the Broken asking for adventurers to help him seek out the Iron Hand of Petros. After traveling to the stated rendevous point of Bobo's Bar, they are told by an employee that Ra'zon is out of town presently, but is scheduled to arrive in the morning. In the meantime, if they want to make themselves useful they can pick up a shipment of goods from the Arid Spire; the bar is short staffed at the moment.
The two agree and travel to the Pauper's Tract and the approach the large tower that looms over the district. Together, they approach the gates and immediately find themselves trapped in a powerful illusory desert, the tower suddenly transporting to the horizon. Viktus and Kubar spot a dark mirage in the distance and move towards it. Kubar suspects that it may perhaps be a reflection or illusion of themselves. They find it instead to be a sundial that casts two shadows, neither of which reflects the position of the sun. They try following the shadows but keep finding themselves appearing back at the sundial. Eventually Viktus tries walking between the shadows and finds himself once again at the gates of the Arid Spire, and Kubar follows.
They are allowed in by Serik's homunculus servant Bartleby, and told to wait in the foyer. After several minutes, they hear a loud sound of crashing and scuffling from upstairs and go to investigate it. Kubar wonders if this is another illusion, and perhaps if they will meet themselves. They find several giant rats running rampant though the tower, and together they dispatch the vermin.
Shortly after, Serik Thadan appears from the level above, himself clearly having just fought these rats as well. He appears quite irked. Bartleby introduces the two adventurers, who say they are here on business for Ra'zon. Serik says that the shipment they had been dispatched to gather was the source of the rats. Serik sends a message to an associate, telling them that his teleportation circle is not to be utilized until this associate can fix his infestation problem.
Serik thanks Viktus and Kubar for their assistance, and is impressed that they made their way through his illusion. He allows them to rest in one of his spare bedrooms to recover, as Viktus has taken some damage from the rats.

Chapter One

"It's Us"

---

Previous Chapter: The Final Battle

Next Chapter: Brawl at Bobo's

---

Ingame Date: 27^th of High Sun, 1855
Real-Life Date: July 4, 2022
Protagonists:

• Viktus
• Kubar Daywind

Featured NPCs:

• Serik Thadan
• Bartleby
• Skinny Pete

Locations:

• El-Azahdron