Chronospoorium of the Bleeding Mold

Event	Approximate Time (Years Ago)	Primary Powers Involved	Outcome	Lasting Impact
Battle of the Loroth Sea	23	Dross, Loroth	Mutual heavy losses, Dross retreat plans initiated	Led to Dross withdrawal from Southern Seafort, shift in naval strategy
Vultis Bluff	23	Pete (individual), Loroth	Successful maneuver (from Pete's perspective)	Becomes a point of reference for later temporal events
Gelphar Eradication	23	Dragon King, Gelphar, Genasi	City destroyed, history erased, witnesses silenced	Gelp founded on site, buried secret, loss of historical knowledge
Battle of Dross	~23	Pete (individual), Cult	Pete confronts cult threatening family	Personal history for Pete, hints at cultic activity near capital
Defense of Dross Southern Seafort	~23	Ruk, Militia, Dragonguard, Loroth	Seafort defended, Wullen Rue sunk, Loroth repelled	Ruk becomes local hero, Seafort gains de facto autonomy, Wullen Rue lost

The Chronospoorium of the Bleeding Mold describes a period of profound upheaval and temporal instability across several interconnected regions, including the Drossian Empire, the fragmented Dragon King territories, the coastal city-states of Gelp and Limina, the strategic fortress of Dross Southern Seafort, the vassal kingdom of Palrose, and the elven realm centered on Frigir. The events chronicled within this era trace the decline of established powers, the emergence of novel and destructive biological and temporal phenomena, and the intricate, often chaotic, journeys of a disparate group entangled in the unfolding crises. Central to the narrative are the escalating conflicts, the spread of a devastating fungal plague, the mysterious actions of Temporal Entities, and the machinations of enigmatic figures, including apparent duplicates or 'clones' of individuals within the primary group. The account begins approximately twenty-five years prior to the present focus, detailing pivotal historical events that set the stage for the subsequent cascade of disasters and temporal anomalies.

Historical Precursors

The foundations of the current instability were laid decades prior, marked by significant shifts in the balance of power and the first inklings of the forces now reshaping the land. The Dragon Kings, once near-absolute rulers whose dominion stretched across vast territories, began to experience a palpable weakening of their collective grip. This decline was not sudden but a gradual erosion of authority and influence, felt keenly in the peripheral regions of their former domains.

Approximately twenty-three years before the primary events of the Chronospoorium, a critical engagement known as the Battle of the Loroth Sea occurred. This massive naval confrontation pitted the fleets of the Drossian Empire against those of the Loroth, a maritime power or entity whose influence spanned the open water. The battle was characterized by immense losses on both sides, ultimately resulting in a mutual, albeit costly, retreat. The scale of the destruction was such that it served as a significant catalyst for Drossian strategic reassessments. The empire, reeling from the casualties and the unexpected resilience of the Loroth, initiated plans to consolidate its forces and pull back from certain exposed positions, most notably the Dross Southern Seafort. This decision, born of necessity, would inadvertently sow the seeds for the Seafort's later semi-autonomous status.

Concurrent with these large-scale conflicts, events of a more localized, yet ultimately profound, nature transpired. The strategic withdrawal necessitated by the Battle of the Loroth Sea did not prevent daring, individual actions. The Vultis Bluff, attributed to an individual named Pete, is recorded as a notable maneuver executed during this period. Though its precise details and impact on the broader conflict remain debated in historical accounts, it is remembered as a moment of perceived personal triumph by its namesake.

However, the most devastating event of this period, and one with lasting repercussions, was the Gelphar Eradication. The city of Gelphar, a significant urban center whose exact location and nature are now obscured, was utterly destroyed by the actions of a Dragon King. This act was not merely military but strategic, aimed at the complete erasure of the city from history. Accounts from the time indicate a deliberate effort to silence all witnesses and hunt down remaining Genasi navy ships that may have escaped the catastrophe. Following its destruction, Gelphar effectively vanished from historical records and cartography. In its place, the settlement of Gelp emerged, appearing deceptively as a modest fishing and farm town, its development and initial sustenance heavily supported by the Drossian Empire. This transformation masked the violent obliteration of the city that preceded it, a secret buried beneath the new settlement's unassuming facade.

Amidst these geopolitical shifts and acts of destruction, more personal confrontations occurred. An individual identified as Pete also faced a direct threat from a cult seeking to utilize his family in a demonic ritual. This led to a conflict referred to simply as the Battle of Dross, indicating a confrontation within or near the Drossian capital or its immediate environs, suggesting the reach of such cultic activities extended even to the heart of the empire.

The Defense of Dross Southern Seafort stands as a testament to localized resistance in the face of imperial retreat. After the majority of the official Dragonguard forces abandoned the Seafort, fearing a retaliatory attack from the Loroth following the Battle of the Loroth Sea, a small contingent led by Ruk remained. Supported by a local militia, this force successfully defended the city against a Loroth fleet. During this engagement, the ship Wullen Rue, a vessel owned by the Dragonguard, was sunk. This defense cemented Ruk's position as a local hero and leader, a status that would later be formally acknowledged by Dross, despite his tendency towards independent action. This laid the groundwork for the Seafort's later status as a proxy kingdom and strategic base operating with a degree of autonomy from the Drossian capital.

The Gelp and Limina Period

The narrative of the Chronospoorium's central figures begins abruptly, with a group awakening in a cave. This initial disorientation is compounded by the death of Drio's brother, Mo, during their escape from the cave alongside Drio himself, Mark, Gulson, Sealord, and other members of an original crew. This chaotic emergence sets the tone for much of the subsequent journey, characterized by rapid shifts in location, unexpected threats, and the formation of new alliances.

Following their escape, the group makes their way to Gelp. The town, ostensibly a simple settlement, quickly becomes a focal point of strange activity. An attack by Bugbears coincides with an assault on the Bugbears themselves by unusual insects emanating from a nearby temple – possibly the very cave the group escaped from. This dual threat highlights the interconnected and often unpredictable nature of the dangers faced. It is during this period that insights into the motivations of key figures begin to emerge. Gulson Rusk, a member of the initial escapees, maintains a journal that reveals a dangerous agenda: a push to open more portals despite the known risks, including the possibility of triggering another "incident" or attracting unwanted attention from unknown entities.

The group's time near Gelp is marked by a series of encounters and foundational activities. They stumble upon a Froghemoth den but manage to avoid conflict, choosing instead to leave its eggs undisturbed. This act of restraint, or perhaps caution, contrasts with the more aggressive encounters that follow. After reclaiming supplies from the basecamp of a Dr. D, a figure who would become central to the group, they rescue hostages from the Bugbear camp, demonstrating an early inclination towards altruistic action despite their own perilous circumstances.

A significant personal transformation occurs when the group revisits a shady mystic trader they had encountered previously. Agreeing to the trader's unconventional terms, one member, Alyx, undergoes a startling metamorphosis, awakening as a Minotaur. Embracing his new form, he renames himself Minio the Minotaur. This event introduces the theme of physical and identity alteration, which recurs throughout the Chronospoorium, particularly in relation to the Cloning Phenomenon.

Establishing a temporary base in Gelp, the group dedicates efforts to improving the town. They work to combat a pervasive mold, train townsfolk in managing it, and lay the groundwork for future prosperity. Dr. D, utilizing his skills, begins constructing a forge with the ambition of transforming Gelp into a center for mechanist work. This period in Gelp represents a rare moment of relative stability and constructive action amidst the chaos, showcasing the group's potential for building and community support.

However, the tranquility is short-lived. Gulson Rusk, whose journal hinted at dangerous endeavors, vanishes along with the ship Wanderlust while en route north, shortly after meeting another Dross-bound tradeship. His disappearance leaves his agenda and the fate of his vessel shrouded in mystery. Simultaneously, intelligence gathered by Mark and others suggests a gathering of 'Body Snatchers' in the town of Guildwin, indicating a wider network of these unsettling entities.

Despite the growing threats, the group actively works to promote Gelp, attempting to build a positive reputation or 'Gelp Brand' to attract trade and settlers, perhaps as a counterpoint to the lingering secrecy surrounding its origins. Their efforts extend to warning a passing ship, bound for a royal wedding in Frigir, about the potential presence of a vampire among the passengers. This encounter highlights the pervasive dangers and the group's willingness to intervene, though not without internal friction, as Brinda's attempts to stow away are thwarted. The incident culminates in the recognition that a noble adventurer and his wife, headed to Frigir, may have been compromised by a vampire, leading to a warning issued to the captain before the paths diverge.

Internal conflict arises when Mark, his appeals to travel to Guildwin vetoed by the group, attempts to steal a ship. He is caught and, through unknown means, becomes trapped within a picture, a strange fate that removes him from the immediate narrative for a significant period.

Meanwhile, the devastating Fungus plague, which the group encountered and attempted to manage in Gelp, spreads aggressively. It moves north towards Dross and along the southern coast, causing rapid and severe famine and economic crisis. This biological threat becomes a major destabilizing force across the region, exacerbating existing political and social tensions.

The narrative then shifts to Limina, another coastal location. Here, a member named Rela is rescued from slavers on a ship bound for the Palrose mines. Her capture followed the disappearance of her father, linking her fate to a broader pattern of abductions or disappearances plaguing the region. Coincidentally, while in Limina, the group narrowly misses encountering a clone of Moonscale, referred to as Droonscale, who is seen leaving the port aboard Moonscale's own ship. This encounter introduces the 'clone' phenomenon directly into the group's path.

In Limina, the group acquires the Wullen Rue, the ship previously sunk during the Defense of Dross Southern Seafort. They purchase it on loan from an old man who possesses a pet Leviathan, suggesting the presence of ancient and powerful entities even in seemingly mundane transactions. Drio's tendency towards illicit activity nearly results in his arrest in Limina, requiring the group's intervention to secure his release, highlighting the diverse backgrounds and moral compasses within the party. Finally, Moonscale is reunited with his sword, which contains a sentience or spirit. The sword confirms the visit of the imposter (Droonscale) and joins Moonscale in his adventures, adding a new, potentially powerful ally to the group.

The Invasion of Dross Southern Seafort

The Dross Southern Seafort occupies a complex position within the regional power structure. Nominally a proxy kingdom and a vital southern strategic base for the Drossian Empire, its practical reality is far more independent. This autonomy stems directly from the events following the Battle of the Loroth Sea, when the capital forces largely abandoned the island. Ruk, the Dragonguard hero who rallied the local militia for the defense, became the de facto leader. His role was eventually formalized by Dross, an arrangement born of practical necessity for both sides, despite Ruk's independent streak and occasional defiance of imperial directives.

Upon arriving at the Seafort, the group finds a bustling port and market, a stark contrast to the isolated struggle of its defense decades prior. However, signs of underlying tension and intrigue quickly become apparent. They learn that clones of both Dr. D and Alyx are somewhere on the island, raising immediate concerns about their purpose and the nature of the cloning phenomenon.

During their stay, the group becomes involved in the plight of Jenny the Genie. Jenny, using guile and persuasion, enlists their help against a fey bounty hunter. The bounty hunter, acting on behalf of the Dragon King, seeks to capture 'wild' genies. He presents his mission as necessary to protect the people of Dragon-Frey from dangerous perils, but the group, swayed by Jenny's narrative, sides with her. They confront and slay the bounty hunter, freeing Jenny from his magical bindings and earning her gratitude, though the implications of defying the Dragon King's agents are significant. This encounter introduces Jenny, a powerful ally capable of unique abilities, into the group.

The presence of the clones leads to direct, unsettling encounters. Alyx, now Minio the Minotaur, finds his clone drinking in a Seafort bar. In a moment of profound identity confusion or perhaps deliberate embrace of change, Alyx decides that he himself is the clone, declaring himself a 'whole new man'. This peculiar interaction highlights the psychological impact of the cloning phenomenon. Later, Brinda and Jinn (possibly Minio under a different name or form) are involved in a violent confrontation in a closed bar, resulting in the death of a ratkin mercenary.

Dr. D and other members of the group begin to notice subtle changes in the Seafort guard and other odd behaviors, suggesting a deeper plot is unfolding. They work to identify trustworthy Dragonguard personnel and uncover a brewing coup. This investigation reveals that invaders are enacting an overthrow of the Seafort's leadership and structure.

The investigation culminates in the Dross Southern Seafort Infiltration, during which the invading forces successfully take control of the island. Tragically, Ruk, the hero of the Seafort's defense, is killed during this takeover. In the aftermath, a squad of loyal Dragonguard – Arjin, Sanik, Durkil, and Lirsa – join the core group, seeking ways to rally resistance against the occupying forces. These new allies provide military expertise and knowledge of the local power structures.

As the group and their new allies split up to secure resources and gather intelligence, Minio leads a failed infiltration attempt on Seafort Castle. Although unsuccessful in his primary objective, he encounters a strange, Silver Liquid Dragon Creature before being forced to retreat. This encounter introduces another enigmatic entity, the 'silver goo', which appears to be connected to the unfolding events. Simultaneously, Dr. D attempts to intercept a suspected Underfey ship hastily fleeing the area. This leads him to a confrontation with the underfey boss, Feyr, who manages to escape, indicating the involvement of underfey elements in the Seafort invasion.

A member of Droonscale's former crew, Vugard, is converted and joins the group, but his tenure is brief. He soon dies in a dramatic ship battle, highlighting the constant peril faced by the party and their allies. Dr. D reconnects with a former colleague, Dr. Potamus, sharing notes and observations on the pervasive and destructive mold plague, suggesting a scientific angle to understanding the biological threat. The bar where Brinda and Jinn killed the ratkin mercenary is later blown up, quickly acquired by new owners, an event noted as the location where 'Travis' killed the mercenary, possibly referring to one of the group members or a local figure. The encounter with the Droonscale clone also leads to a strange outcome: the group captures a creature identified as a drake's body snatcher, and Jenny uses her abilities to shrink it, keeping it contained in a jar as 'Mini Droonscale'.

The Battle of South Palrose

Following the events at Dross Southern Seafort, the Seafort Dragonguard Navy, now presumably under the control of the occupying forces or the Dr. D clone, begins advancing northward towards Palrose and Frigir. This military movement coincides with a period of increasing strain on the Drossian Empire's political stability. The empire is struggling to maintain its hold due to multiple factors: the ongoing impact of the mold on foodstocks and farms, the effective excommunication of the Seafort (either by Dross or by the actions of the invaders), rising tensions with vassal kingdoms like Palrose, and rumors of the Loroth forces remobilizing in the south, potentially threatening the empire's vulnerable underbelly. Furthermore, the continued absence of the Dragon King from public view, coupled with whispers that the dragons themselves are dying off, fuels widespread concern and erodes confidence in the imperial leadership.

As tensions mount, the group finds themselves in the vicinity of Palrose. They stay with Chad Fishman, a real-estate agent and friend of Sealord, introducing new local contacts. An individual named Shelby Dreb unexpectedly appears, joining the narrative at a critical juncture. Jinn (or Mulie, another potential alias or form) causes a stir by wandering through the northern Palrose estates, described as acting with "big mule energy," suggesting a disruptive or perhaps uncouth presence. Moonscale, ever pragmatic, agrees to smuggle some sketchy kegs, indicating the grey areas the group often navigates to secure resources or information. Arjin, the Dragonguard ally, utilizes his skills for nocturnal activities, described as going "full off-brand-batman" on the streets of south Palrose, likely engaging in reconnaissance or vigilantism.

A significant encounter occurs in the south Palrose slums, where Jinn and Drio meet Delilah. This meeting is noted as leading to things getting "weird," hinting at Delilah's unusual nature or the circumstances surrounding their interaction. Simultaneously, Grinnon, another member of the group, begins to build rapport with local underfey elements. He gains their attention and trust by aiding an old woman contact in north Palrose, viewing this connection as the best route to help in the moment. However, he appears largely blind or ignorant to the true crimes perpetrated by the underfey boss, Feyr, and is increasingly coerced into partnership with them. This highlights the complex moral compromises and difficult choices faced by individuals trying to navigate the pervasive threats.

Just as the group prepares to aid in the defense of Palrose against the advancing Seafort army, a massive monster appears to the south, attacking the city directly. In a pivotal moment, Jenny the Genie uses her abilities to teleport the core group far south, to her uncle's location. This sudden removal leaves Palrose vulnerable but sets the stage for a new set of challenges for the core group.

The Attack on Palrose ensues. With the core group absent, a creature emerges from the ground in south Palrose and begins its assault. Delilah reveals a monstrous nature, participating in the battle. Drio, characteristically, engages in looting and pillaging amidst the chaos. Shelby Dreb takes command, demonstrating unexpected leadership qualities. Dragonborn aid the battle, filling the void left by the core group's teleportation.

The battle is marked by both heroism and tragedy, particularly concerning the fate of several less prominent figures. Raff the candlemaker attempts a harrowing escape with Delilah but drowns in the final moments. The 'Ninja Turtles' are tragically consumed by a firewall after a failed attempt to leap over it. Sterenko, one half of an inseparable pair, is turned into a zombie, separating him from his friend Scrunt, who manages to escape. Visiting monks survive the attack but quickly flee the city, likely shaken by the scale of the destruction.

Despite the devastation, some individuals distinguish themselves. Arjin's heroic actions during the battle, particularly at the south gate, earn him significant status among the Palrosian guard and populace. His bravery leads him to formally join their ranks, integrating him into the local defense structure. The creature, after being driven from the south Palrose gate communities, is lured southward. It wanders to the city of Tilduk, which offers little defense, resulting in the complete Destruction of the city of Tilduk.

In the aftermath of the attack and the lack of support from the capital, Palrose's relations with Dross begin to sour significantly. The vassal lords, once loyal, start to voice dissent. Dross failed not only to provide military aid against the creature but also lacked the resources to support recovery efforts. This fuels a growing perception among Palrosians that they are the primary source of wealth for the empire, receiving little in return during times of crisis. This growing resentment and the Drossian capital's inability to respond effectively contribute to a rapidly escalating Dross Economic Collapse. The Fungus Plague, destroying farms and food stores, coupled with refugees fleeing wrecked areas like Palrose and Tilduk, overwhelms the already strained capital. Outlying farms are devastated, and the city itself faces famine and financial ruin as the mold continues its destructive path. Lacking alternatives, people begin to leave the city en masse or resort to violence and crime to survive.

Amidst this regional collapse, Gelp, the seemingly unassuming fishing town, becomes a refugee hub. Many flee south, drawn by rumors of stable farms and promises of opportunity. This rapid influx of people overwhelms the small community, and critically, attracts the attention of the underfey boss, Feyr, who is looking to relocate after fleeing his prior hideout at the Seafort.

The Jenny Genie Journey Detour

Jenny the Genie's timely intervention transports the core group southward to the location of her uncle. This detour introduces them to another powerful genie and his predicament. Jenny's uncle hires the group to deal with a device emitting a deafening sound that also disrupts magic, leading them back towards the original starting caves where the narrative began.

The journey to resolve the noise and magical disruption leads Dr. D to a significant encounter. He is taken to a Kraken, a colossal sea creature, which reveals its intention to kill Jenny's uncle. The Kraken presents Dr. D with a handheld statue, claiming that breaking it would "kill all Genies." This moment presents Dr. D with a profound moral choice, which he ultimately decides against, opting not to use the statue when given the opportunity. This decision, however, is coupled with Dr. D's secret plotting against the Genies, creating a complex and tense dynamic within the group regarding their powerful ally.

Revisiting the starting cave reveals new and unsettling activity. The cave is a chaotic mix of the strange insects encountered previously, 'clone' conspirators, and the rogue silver dragon goo first seen by Minio at Seafort Castle. The conspirators encountered express concern that "it found them," suggesting the silver goo is an independent threat that targets both the group and the clones alike. Also found in the cave is Ochum the "Merchant," discovered embedded in stones. Ochum joins the group but seems to snap in and out of awareness, mostly remaining on the ship, adding another enigmatic figure to the party. Within the stone stacks containing the insects, the group also finds a Ruk, implying a connection between the fallen Seafort leader and these strange cave phenomena, possibly a clone or another temporal displacement.

Brinda develops an attachment to one of the insect creatures from the cave, naming it 'Moldy'. However, her affection is short-lived as the creature proves troublesome ("was a dick"), leading her to kill it. This minor event underscores the strange biology and unpredictable nature of the cave's inhabitants. Dr. D, pursuing his secret agenda regarding the Genies, tests Jenny. He pushes her into the misty smoke emitted by the generator machine found near the cave to see if it harms her. The experiment is surprisingly successful, and the smoke does indeed damage Jenny, creating a significant rift in trust between her and Dr. D.

The tensions surrounding the cave and the generator escalate, leading to the nuking of the start cave. After internal conflicts regarding the device or the situation, the group attacks the unstable reactor, causing it to enter a critical state. Peapod (possibly Jinn in a different form or context) and Dr. D escape through a portal, while Jenny, recognizing the imminent danger, teleports the rest of the group to Frigir, intending to get them to Brinda's upcoming wedding.

Dr. D and Jinn find themselves on a quick trans-dimensional trip, portaled into a strange area. This dimension features insect-like hive structures and a drugged, loopy Beholder lamenting "child snatchers" while being fed a steady stream of strange plants by smaller creatures. After drawing unwanted attention by attempting to steal some of the plants, the group throws a pepper spray potion into the Beholder's mouth and escapes through the nearest available portal, hinting at other dimensions and threats beyond their own.

Unexpectedly, Dr. D and Peapod find themselves teleported back to Seafort Castle. Here, they overhear the clones plotting, gaining crucial intelligence. The clones are working to isolate the Dross capital while infiltrating each of its prominent military vassal kingdoms. The Dr. D clone is tasked with commanding the navy northward (towards Palrose and Frigir), the Alyx clone is headed to Vulti's Bluff to prepare "the creature" for its next role (tying back to the historical maneuver), and the Brinda clone has secured her position within Frigir. They also discuss concerns about "the other creature finding them" (possibly the silver goo or the entity behind the temporal issues) and "the interlopers" (presumably the core group).

Utilizing a mirror that functions as a Portal to Anywhere, allowing travel to locations the heart most desires, Jinn (possibly referred to here as 'peapodinabod', further suggesting form changes) finds himself successively in the closed bar, then the other bar in town, and eventually Frigir. Dr. D's heart's desire takes him back to Gelp.

Upon returning to Gelp, Dr. D discovers that the underfey boss, Feyr, who fled the Seafort, has taken advantage of the refugee crisis to establish control over the rapidly growing town. Grinnon, already involved with the underfey, is now more deeply entangled, seeing his connection as the best way to help amidst the chaos, still largely blind or coerced into doing Feyr's dirty work. Dr. D, briefly separated from the main group, reluctantly performs tasks for Feyr, including taking out a hermit on another island, demonstrating the extent of Feyr's influence and the difficult choices forced upon the group members.

What's White and Green and Red All Over? Brinda's Wedding!

The narrative converges in Frigir, the elven capital, where Brinda's wedding is set to take place. The group arrives to find the city in a state of paradox: outwardly festive and focused on the glamorous event, yet underpinned by mounting fear and pensive unease. Many nobles from the elven empire have gathered, only to discover that the prince has chosen a new bride (implying Brinda or her clone is the unexpected choice), the city is being blockaded, and rumors of dark forces and the turmoil in Palrose are spreading rapidly, fueling anxiety.

The source of the blockade is identified as the Dross Southern Seafort navy, now under the command of the Dr. D clone, effectively isolating Frigir and Palrose by sea. This military action underscores the scale and coordination of the clone conspiracy.

Facing immense pressure and seeking guidance, Brinda ascends to an elusive shrine north of Frigir to commune with her god. She confronts golems, cliffs, and ice to reach this sacred place. Her deity confirms that dark times are upon them, prophesying a plague spreading from the southeast (likely the mold), attacks on cities by giant creatures (echoing the Palrose event), and the imminent fall of Frigir to invaders. The god offers Brinda three paths, each requiring a great personal sacrifice, presenting them as ways she could become the savior of the region and avert the impending disasters. Unsatisfied with these difficult choices, Brinda utilizes a Wish she possesses. The consequence is profound: the elvish god, Relavar, is wiped from existence. This drastic act removes a major divine influence from the world, the implications of which are far-reaching and unknown.

Amidst the high-stakes events, personal dramas unfold. A shocking reveal is made about Pete: he had cancer. A subsequent attempt at healing is described as lackluster, indicating the limitations or unexpected nature of the curative process. Drio, having been separated from the group, makes a name for himself pirating, aligning with pirates who saved him, further cementing his rogue tendencies.

Brinda's Bachelorette party provides a brief moment of personal interaction. Lirsa, one of the Dragonguard allies, excels in the role of maid of honor. Pete remains oblivious to the complex relational dynamics during an awkward double-bride bachelorette party involving Lady Salir and Brinda. This awkwardness foreshadows later events. Following the party, Lady Salir and Pete are imprisoned, suggesting a breakdown in trust or a move by the forces manipulating events in Frigir. Rela, meanwhile, ventures north in search of her father. Her journey takes her into the cold tundra north of Frigir, where she battles and frees slaves. The hostiles holding the slaves claim to know her father, providing a potential lead in her quest.

Brinda, having been teleported to Frigir, confronts and usurps the usurper: the Brinda clone who had taken her place. She imprisons the clone, issues orders to move the mold (which the clone had presumably allowed or facilitated the spread of) to the sea, and disrupts mysterious orders the clone was following. She accelerates the wedding timeline even further and demands Pete's release from imprisonment. Brinda