Inglorious Bards

Ruins of ancient civilizations are filled with uncounted dangers, spoken of only in legend. When the Guardians seek a world‑saving relic within a millennia‑old Cheloran stronghold, they soon encounter the devastating defenses the Chelorans left behind, and realize with horror that they were unprepared for the sacrifice required to succeed.

After Rook fulfills his contract, Sharemordren deals a devastating blow to the Guardians. As they reel from the loss, a glimmer of hope arrives: a message from a long-lost friend, brought to them by an unexpected ally.

Despite their many achievements and immense strength, the Shields of Calaviaire are swiftly humbled when they come face to face with an ancient dragon. Zaldor moves to punish Stevel for his foolishness, while Jericho sends Galen to an alternate dimension for a brief but pointed “time out.” When the group uncovers the truth about the Key to the Quiet Room, Ansgar is struck speechless.

Reluctant and weary, Hemlock guides the Guardians back through the searing heat of the Magma Gauntlet with Shilara’s grudging assistance. Meanwhile, Jericho learns that the enemy of his enemy might just be a friend—for a price.

Lead Wizard Mallbeck’s search for the cause of reality’s unraveling goes wrong when he accidentally creates an extraplanar bomb capable of obliterating Navarre.  Jericho and Hemlock risk their lives to disarm it. Zaldor completes a months-long side quest that ends up breaking Jericho's heart, and Galen firmly reminds the Guardians that friends don’t let friends scout alone.

Lord Ansgar Icebeard has been called a patient dwarf—but he does not like to repeat himself. When Headmaster Videl finally acquiesces and grants the heroes passage into the basement of the Luminae Academy, Ansgar learns a difficult lesson: one must be careful what they wish for.

The moment the Guardians broke free of Xecsa, they were summoned to the Luminae Academy for an emergency meeting of the High Council. Calienvaroe was nowhere to be found—but in her place sat an uninvited stranger, one who made it unmistakably clear just how dire their situation had become.

The Guardians reach the top of Vlesarra Technology and find Crystal Bell, the CEO and keeper of the location of the Key. The moment she leaves with them, Arc Sec 1 surges after them in a storm of chrome and gunfire, and a tireless hunter plans his attack.