The room around Robin was suddenly both cold and hot all at once. He was conscious of the greasy wood beneath his fingers, smoothed by the elbows of untold patrons over unknown years. It was a stark contrast to the sharp, pricking attention of everyone in the tavern.

‘We’ll, I’m due a break,’ Lena said in a voice that positively dripped with derision. ‘Why don’t you hop on up here and show us what you’ve got while I have a glass of something to restore my voice?’

It was a challenge, pure and simple, and between Robin’s need to get closer to completing his bardic initiation quest, the two old codgers next to him egging things on, and the inescapable idea that Marq would never refuse such a challenge or such an opportunity, Robin had no choice but to stand and accept.

‘I suppose I could share a song or three,’ Robin said lazily, shouldering into his stage persona like a new coat. It was a bit stiff, and tugged at him in directions he wasn’t used to yet.

He ignored the sympathetic look Avanus shot him from near the bar. Robin—Marq—strode up to the stage and stepped lightly onto it. He executed a sharp heel turn, taking full command of the attention Lena had given him. If she thought he’d stumble in front of the unexpected scrutiny, she was going to be sadly disappointed.

In fact, as Robin looked at the red-headed bard, he knew exactly which song he was going to open with.

🎶Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jo-leeene🎶

Swaying gently along with the rhythm of the song as it built, Robin slipped in the gestures for [Lesser Phantasm] and hit that final ‘Jolene’ with illusory duplicates of his own voice in three-part harmony. The crowd perked up, in spite of the unfamiliar words and music, and Robin saw Lena shoot him a startled glance out of the corner of his eye.

That’s right. Not just a pretty face.

Robin gestured again, and more voices layered themselves into the song, providing rhythm and texture and backup vocals in the grand tradition of a cappella everywhere. He was just doing it all himself, nine voices joined by a single will. His will. His magic. His performance.

🎶I’m begging of you please don’t take my man!🎶

Robin willed the ghostly image of a handsome man—looking remarkably similar to Avanus—to appear over his right shoulder, while a breathtakingly beautiful woman—looking remarkably similar to Lena—appeared over his left. Thank you [Chronicles of Infinite Visions]! It gave the performance a nice ’80s rock ballad vibe.

The images faded after just a moment. Can’t peak early, after all. Gotta keep some room to build.

And build he did. Robin took all of the classic longing that infused that song, amped it through an increase in tempo, and twisted it slightly over the top. This crowd felt like it would respond better to camp, glam, and high energy, so he gave it to them.

🎶It’s all that I can do to keep from crying🎶when he calls your name Jolene!🎶

Robin conjured illusory tears which sparkled impossibly in his eyes. He flirted outrageously with both Lena and Avanus though the song, eliciting first a few chuckles, then roars of approval. Flashes of scenes, ghostly and flickering, appeared and disappeared as the music ebbed and flowed until he brought the song to a beseeching, clarion end.

🎶Please don’t take him even though you can!🎶

He reached his hand out toward Lena in supplication before letting it fall gently to his side with a final two whispered words to end the song.

🎶Oh, Jolene.🎶

The room was quiet for a moment. Robin let the silence ride for no more than a breath or two before he launched into his next song. He was going to fit in at least three.

Lena and Avanus exchanged a glance. Robin ignored them. There would be time for dealing with whatever that was after his impromptu set. Now that he had their attention, Robin dispensed with the visual illusions, keeping instead to simply duplicating and enhancing his voice with [Lesser Phantasm].

The next song he performed was ‘She’s a Rebel’, because who didn’t love a little pop punk? And he wanted to watch Avanus’s reaction. It might give him a hint as to whether or not the barswain actually had a connection to the restive elements of Bordertown.

Oh yeah. There was definitely something going on there. Avanus maintained a stoic demeanour for the most part, but when Robin locked eyes with him on the word ‘rebel’, the barswain flinched.

Bingo.

Best not push it for now, though. Robin wanted at least a little plausible deniability so Avanus didn’t run off before he could corner the lad for a conversation.

Robin finished up the song with a flourish and then immediately launched into ‘The Lusty Young Smith’. There was enough energy in the room, it fit better with the whole medieval fantasy vibe this place had going, and it had an easy chorus that everyone could sing along with. And in no time he had them singing along, when they weren’t laughing at the cheeky innuendo of the lyrics, all the way through to the final repetition of the chorus.

🎶Rum-bum-bum, rum-bum-bum🎶in-and-out, in-and-out🎶Ho!🎶

He finished with a flourish, let the laughter settle just a tad, then called out over the (admittedly rather small) crowd, ‘Thank you! My name is Marq, and you’ve been a wonderful audience!’ He smiled broadly at Lena. ‘And I will now return your stage to the lovely Jolene—I mean Lena!’

Congratulations! For completing your first performance without causing the audience to pelt you mercilessly with rotten produce, you have earned an experience reduction of 1/3 on your next purchase of the Expression proficiency!

He exited the stage to a final smatter of laughter and headed to the bar to claim another drink. That went well enough. He’d certainly raised a little interest. Hopefully he could spin that into a larger performance soon, and complete that quest.

It was another honey mead. The tavern keeper seemed to approve of him, and Robin saw no reason not to keep that going. He’d need a place to perform, after all. He mentally tried to count out how many people could fit in the space. It needed to be at least 99…

‘Not bad,’ Lena said as she walked past him toward the stage. ‘Not enough to rival my own performances, of course, but not bad.’

She wasn’t wrong. Robin was new to this, and even flashy illusions and cheap theatrics couldn’t wholly disguise that fact. They certainly didn’t hurt, though! Robin grinned.

Might as well take another step or two along the road to superstardom. He had some spare experience points, and he had a discount voucher for an Expression increase, so might as well use them!

Robin opened his character sheet and upped the relevant proficiency.

ROBIN PARKER Heritage: Shadeling, Paragon Profession: Bard (Apprentice) Tier: 1, Conditional (Effective Level: 3) Spell Points: 3 Bardsong: 5 uses Experience: 400 Properties

Free Ranks Available: 1 Physical Mental Social Strength: 11 Intelligence: 17 Charisma: 15 Dexterity: 14 Cunning: 20 Manipulation: 13 Fortitude: 11 Resilience: 14 Poise: 16 Proficiencies

Free Ranks Available: 1 Physical (9/9) Mental (9/9) Social (9/9) Athletics: 1 Arcane Lore: 4 Animism: 1 Brawl: 1 Bureaucracy: 1 Deception: 6 Dodge: 4 Concentration: 5 Empathy: 2 Melee Combat: 2 Crafting: 5 Expression: 6 Pilot: 4 Healing: 3 Gossip: 3 Ranged Combat: 5 Insight: 5 Intimidation: 3 Sleight of Hand: 2 Learning: 4 Persuasion: 3 Stealth: 5 Natural Wisdom: 3 Socialise: 2 Survival: 3 Perception: 5 Streetwise: 3 Peculiarities Blessing of Rhyth Tongue of the Fallen Tower Mark of the Trickster Chronicle of Infinite Visions Mask of Myriad Faces Perks

Wayfaring Stranger Shard of the Shattered Manymind Spells

Cantrips* (*no SP cost)

Tier 1 (1SP each)

Tier 2 (3SP each) Lesser Phantasm* Visual Phantasm* Assume Quality (Special) Cutting Words* Healing Note Legerdemain* Whispers from Beyond

He was a long way from being able to raise his Charisma with experience points. Robin briefly considered using his last free Property rank-up to boost it, but decided against it for now.

Lena was performing again. The room thrummed with energy and the patrons sang and thumped along to the music. There was a noticeable increase in the energy of her performance now. Robin grinned. She was showing him up, sure, but she was working at it, at least a little. She couldn’t just coast through and humiliate him without a bit of effort.

‘Nice set,’ a voice said from over his shoulder.

Robin turned to see Avanus grinning down at him.

‘Thank you,’ he said. His Marq persona probably would have been a bit more arrogant about it, but Robin hadn’t figured that bit out yet. ‘Songs from the land I’m from. I figured—’

‘I meant your bollocks,’ Avanus interrupted. ‘You’ve got to have a nice set of ‘em if you’re willing to let those old codgers talk you into challenging Lena.’

‘I’ve not had any complaints,’ Robin shot back. If Avanus was trying to unsettle him, he’d have to work harder than that!

The barswain laughed.

‘You’re interesting.’ Avanus grinned at him. ‘I could tell you came in here looking for something, but I didn’t think you’d have quite so much to offer.’

Was Avanus flirting with him? Robin couldn’t quite tell. Best play it ambiguous in return, then. Avanus certainly had information he wanted. Possibly more.

‘I suppose you’re the guy to go to for a hookup, then?’ Robin put on an easy smile. ‘I’m new to the area, and it might be that I’m looking for a few things, yeah.’

Avanus’s eyes, deep as a well of shadows, glimmered. Again, Robin was struck by the thought that there was something more to that gaze. Something magical was going on there, something his gut told him was fey and eldritch and strange.

‘I know a few people,’ Avanus replied. ‘I can generally get people what they need, even if it’s more…difficult to acquire. Such service comes at a premium, of course.’

‘Of course,’ Robin agreed.

‘Like I said, I get things that people need.’ Avanus shot a careful glance around to make sure they weren’t being overheard. ‘And I have a client that wants something quite particular. I think you’re the one that might be able to retrieve it, if you’re game.’

‘I haven’t told you what it is I want yet,’ Robin teased, playing for time as his mind worked furiously. Avanus was too much in control of this negotiation. He needed to upset the barswain’ s equilibrium. ‘And we only just met! I don’t even know if you work for the more restive elements in town, the goodfellas working to organise less traditional business practices, or that strange cult out in the wood.’

Avanus froze. It was only for a moment, but Robin hadn’t been investing in Perception and Insight for nothing. Yeah. This lad had some sort of shady connection. Good. That’s exactly the sort of thing Robin was looking for.

‘You’ve been listening to Liam and Willam.’ Avanus shook his head. ‘Old gossips, especially when they’ve been at the ale. Which is pretty much always.’

‘Say I trust that you have what I need, and I trust that your offer is a good fit, price-wise, for my situation, how would we go about having that discussion?’ Robin pressed the issue, now that he had control of the conversation.

‘It’s a bit crowded in here for talking this over,’ Avanus said. ‘We could step out through the kitchen into the back and talk there?’

Well, that was a set-up if Robin had ever heard one. He kept his face unconcerned, however. After all, if you didn’t take a few risks, you wouldn’t score any rewards.

Besides, he definitely had tricks this barswain had never seen.

New Quest! [A Dangerous Bargain!]

You have found a lead on getting what you and the Sisters Sharp need to escape the Bordertown and make your way back to Noviel! Investigate what Avanus promises and possibly find precisely what it is you need…if you’re willing to pay the price.

Reward(s): A way out, obviously.

This is an evolving quest line. Requirements and rewards will vary and shift based on the choices you make.

Well, that cinched it. He was definitely on the right track. Not that it made things any safer, mind. Quests were by definition dangerous things.

Robin nodded, tossed back the last of his honey mead, and rose to follow Avanus.

The barswain led him through the kitchen. Lena’s performance here was a boon; everyone’s attention was on her, not them. The room was roasting but filled with the hearty smell of baked bread and stewing meat. Robin dodged around the irascible cook who shook a cleaver threateningly at him.

The door at the back of the blazing room was propped open. Cool air seeped in from what appeared to be a narrow alleyway. It wended so tightly between the buildings that almost none of the afternoon sun managed to make its way into that crooked path of shadows.

Avanus went on ahead. Robin made sure of that. He didn’t want anyone between him and a quick exit back into the kitchen. The barswain stepped into the alley. After a moment, Robin followed.

As soon as he was out and into the alleyway, several shadowy figures stepped out of hiding.

Oh, yeah. Definitely an ambush.