Episode 1: New Beginnings

Attenborough

25 September 301 DR - 6 days ago

Attenborough, a human druid of the Elder Tree Tribe, was exploring the forests of the Diminishing Realms to study the trees. While walking in the early afternoon, he suddenly heard three sets of footsteps running away from his direction, and a voice saying, "Go go!" Through further investigation, he found an injured black and white domestic cat with a cracked emerald-gem collar.

Attenborough cast Speak with Animals, and found out that the cat, named Shadow, was surprised to be unable to walk on two legs. Until recently, he had been a tabaxi, and told Attenborough that his sword had been stolen. Shadow demanded that Attenborough take him to find "The Book Club". Attenborough relented, taking Shadow to his nearby camp for the next few days, learning that Shadow was a domestic cat originally, but was changed into a tabaxi through "magic".

By the 28th, Attenborough and Shadow had travelled to Dellwyn, the nearest settlement. Shadow alerted Attenborough to a noticeboard in town, where a flyer for The Book Club recruiting new members during the next Hellfires' tournament in the next few days.

Eludere

232 DR - 69 years ago

In the northernmost known settlement in all the world, a great distance away from the Diminishing Realms, the golden palace of Emprenea stood central to the four regions of the city. In the north-eastern region, the overcast and cold lands of the drow House Lunalaediswere the stage for Eludere and her sister, Aiara, to discuss Eludere's imminent departure.

Eludere was leaving to find a sword stolen from the family, which had been shielded from scrying. She expected the search to take her "the better part of a couple of centuries", much to sister's dismay. In Eludere's absence, Aiara would be taking on more noble duties, which Eludere assured her she was capable of.

As Eludere was about to leave the city under cover of rain, Halcyon of House Solaire met her at the gate. He didn't want her to leave, and he apologised for his family's role in Eludere's father's death, promising to find a way to repay the debt. Eludere gave him her family locket and placed a strand of her hair inside. She told him to use it to find her "when they're both ready". Halcyon remained at the gate, watching Eludere as she left.

Temi

24 September 301 DR - 8 days ago

Temi was comfortable in her home, Lunaris, the settlement of her firlbolg clan atop an icy mountain in the Feywild. She emerged for the day to find other clan members gathered around her grandmother, the clan's Chieftan Skathi. The Clan Seer announced he had a vision the night prior, and that the moon had chosen a new Chieftan for the clan. To Temi's dismay, she knew this vision confirmed her grandmother would pass away soon.

The Clan Seer used magic to show the clan what he had seen: A hooded figure presenting a small, brightly glowing mushroom to the spirit of Skathi. The clan watched, and the hooded figure was revealed to be Temi. Per the clan's tradition, Temi only had a few moments to prepare and leave for her pilgrimage to find the mushroom.

The Clan Seer explained that the mushroom was one used by the of the Diminishing Realms to find hidden passages. The clan used to trade with the Lazlethi, but the Seer said their presence hadn't been felt for some time. Temi's father, Ymir, seemed conflicted; he wanted to be supportive of Temi, but was disappointed that the moon had skipped a generation for the title of Chieftan.

Temi said her final goodbye to Skathi, who encouraged her. Temi's best friend Bjorn accompanied her for the next few days as they travelled to the Gate to the Material Plane. On the journey, Temi found and befriended a small blue mushroom with arms and legs, who introduced himself as Toddlington the Brave.

Toddlington travelled with Temi, and the two emerged into the Realms near the fairy town of Feleur. By the 30th, they had travelled to Dellwyn, the closest larger settlement. She saw the Book Club's flyer and decided to meet with them as they seemed well-travelled, potentially being able to help her on her quest.

The Book Club

1st Octavium 301 DR - Present Day

Gee, Friend, and Terra had left Adenagend on the 26th of September, travelling with Book back to the The Death Tower. On the 1st of Octavium, Book teleported them and their horses to Dellwyn and said his goodbyes.

The three found that the icy town was quiet that late afternoon and entered the large Tainted Tendril tavern. The tavern was busy and featured a large closed-off area for fights to take place; no doubt where the Hellfires' tournament would be taking place.

Friend spotted Temi with Toddlington on her shoulder and shouted, "MUSHROOM!", quickly leaving Gee and Terra behind. Friend was able to telepathically communicate with Toddlington, and afterward Friend had decided that Toddlington and Temi were now their friends.

Terra gave a short awkward speech standing on the bar to announce the Book Club's arrival. She paid a gold piece to use the fighting pit as a space to talk away from the crowded bar area.

Shadow pawed at Attenborough until he went over, and Temi and Toddlington also made their way to the pit. A tall, well-dressed elven man named Ralofir, and a burly human man named Manfred also came over to be potentially recruited. Gee sensed that there were other eyes on her from somewhere but couldn't see where from.

Terra cast Zone of Truth, and Manfred, Temi, Attenborough, and Friend (who failed by choice) were all successfully affected by the spell. After conversation, the Book Club recognised Shadow, and Friend commented that Attenborough belonged to Shadow now.

Responding to Terra, Manfred stated his purpose in life was to hit things. Terra gave him a silver piece and told him he wasn't going to be recruited. He was happy enough with money for beer.

Gee sensed that Ralofir seemed to have a hidden agenda and disliked his attitude. Gee made a mental note to sketch his face, just in case. When told he wouldn't be recruited, he exited the tavern altogether.

Eludere revealed herself from the shadows, pointing a tuning fork directly at Friend's pendant they'd received from Illuanna. When asked about it by Gee, Eludere said it merely meant that Friend was "of interest". Friend said that being recruited by the Book Club also meant that everyone had to be friends. Gee concurred and said they would all need to trust one another.

Satisfied with their answers to the many questions asked, Terra offered to buy everyone a drink so they could talk more. Gee said if not already, they should all stay at this tavern to be nearby to one another and reminded the eager Friend that the combat part of the interview hadn't be completed yet.

The group settled at one of the tables back in the bar area, and Toddlington stared horrified as Friend excitedly drank their mushroom juice.