1. One Year Later...

Doty, take this down. I, Taryon Darrington, inventor and bestselling author, have met the most bewildering group of mercenaries in Exandria. A tall brooding one, a short angry one, and far too many pointy ears. They seem… promising?

2. Trial by Water

Doty, take this down. Antlers has gone off to do something terribly dangerous involving water. Meanwhile, Short Stuff and Jumbo are poking around places they probably shouldn't be. I've arrived with important news. Doty, underline "important."

3. The Coronation

Doty, take this down. We've gathered in a mountain village for a ceremony. The food is mediocre and my fellow adventurers haven't spoken in a year. Uninvited guests crash the party. Rude. Doty, note that I handled it with grace.

4. Taryon, My Wayward Son

Doty, take this down. We've traveled to my hometown, which I was hoping to avoid. My family's business is more complicated than I remembered. Short Stuff has strange visions and Four Eyes is playing card games. I had some strong words for my father.

5. De Rolo's Eleven

Doty, take this down. Four Eyes has devised a plan to break into a library. A LIBRARY. The Head Archivist is terrifying, but couldn't we just ask nicely? Jumbo accidentally did something clever, surprising everyone. Doty, document my contributions.

6. We Are His Blood

Doty, take this down. Jumbo is telling us a very old, very alarming story. Short Stuff visits family in a quaint town, but something feels… off. A friendly stranger seems a bit too friendly. I have a bad feeling about this one.

7. The Ghosts of Whitestone

Doty, take this down. I'm told there are secret tunnels beneath the castle. What's down there is ghastly. I elected to stay upstairs the strategic choice. My fellows encountered old horrors and secrets beneath someone of my notoriety.

8. The Bard's Lament

Doty, take this down. My fellows and I traveled to a distant city to find an old friend. There was music, shouting, and at least one spectacular fight. I, naturally, saved the day. You're welcome. Doty, make sure you got that last part.

10. The Poisoned Ear

Doty, take this down. I don't want to talk about this one. Something terrible has happened and my fellow adventurers are shaken. Even Jumbo is quiet. Short Stuff is facing something I don't fully understand. Doty, just… stay close.

11. Let the End Begin

Doty, take this down. I'd like the record to show that I, Taryon Darrington, did not run. Doty, hold my things.

12. The Ascension

Doty, take this down. I don't know how to write this one. Everything changed. These ridiculous, extraordinary people gave everything they had. I came looking for an adventure to put in a book. I found something else entirely. Doty… end of chapter.