Cipher

The formidable wizard Edyrm Holadi demanded that Dimsum monitor and collect extraplanar information using an enigmatic sword forged with meticulous materials and arcane infusions.   Dimsum, back when he transported goods on Althena, had stolen the sword when it seemed like Althena would become a warzone. After surviving certain death with the sword in his posession, something seemed to change in him. When Holadi cornered him, the wizard understood that something had bound itself to Dimsum, using the sword as an anchor.   The sword is some called a "planar key", yet, the true key to unlocking the mysteries of the planes remains elusive. The only individual who may have held vital knowledge was none other than the late Ruffstrom Darkridge.   Ruffstrom had once perused the now-obliterated original manuscript of Godfrey Cantrell's "Life in The Mist," a tome rumored to contain the very secrets needed to pry open the gates to other realms. Holadi threatened Dimsum and the party with dire consequences should Dimsum fail to comply.   Holadi seemed to have mellowed a bit over time, even coming to Dimsum's aid on multiple occasions. But it is still clear that Holadi is more of a take than give kind of guy, and when he gives, it is to further his goals.