Episode 58
General Summary
Collective Action return to The MacGuffin Gatherers guild, only to find Inadi missing. In the taproom, however, The Fist of Justice await them. Alexis is there and wastes no time elaborating on their upcoming journey to the Dawnmire Estate. He’s excited—perhaps too excited—and Keen to set off immediately. But without Inadi to teleport them, the group is stuck until morning.
As Alexis dives into a bit of his family history and the circumstances surrounding his arranged marriage, the conversation is interrupted by Tanfan, who announces that Inadi has returned. The group have a short and awkward conversation with Inadi (who they now know is a Simulacrum). The magical double completes the teleportation, and the party step into the estate grounds of House Dawnmire.
No sooner do they arrive than Alexis launches into a grand tour of the estate, clearly something he’s rehearsed. It's a mix of boastful charm and surprising vulnerability. Through his narration and the rooms they explore, the adventurers get a clearer sense of the pressures Alexis grew up under—insightful, if unintentional.
The tour ends with an awkward introduction to Alexis’ parents, who are visibly stunned when Blair is introduced as Alexis’ true love. Despite the shock, the engagement isn’t called off. The Blackthorne family and other guests are already on their way, and the machinery of nobility won’t stop on a whim.
That evening, the group endures a noble dinner full of veiled insults and forced civility. Later, alone in their rooms, the adventurers do some light snooping. They uncover secret areas within the estate, including a hidden study with intriguing items and glimpses into Alexis' upbringing.
The next morning, the Blackthornes arrive. Watching from the shadows, the adventurers witness the frosty exchange between the two families—courtesy wrapped in daggers. At brunch, Alexis formally introduces Blair to his supposed future in-laws. Marcella Blackthorne, the intended bride, seems utterly unfazed. She calmly suggests the two carry on as a couple—she has no objections.
As Marcella departs, the party notices her attendant for the first time—a presence so subtle they hadn’t registered them until now.
Later, Alexis and Blair are summoned to speak with Marcella in the drawing room. She proposes a blunt solution: proceed with the marriage, and Blair can remain Alexis’ mistress. That way, appearances are kept and everyone gets what they want.
Alexis is dumbfounded, unable to form a response. After Marcella exits, he calls for the rest of Collective Action to regroup and help him figure out their next move.
Report Date
02 May 2025
Primary Location
Comments