Reflections of the Veil

Dark night skies poured torrential rain onto the barren island known as Sentinel’s Rest. Yet, adventurers found themselves drawn to the inaugural opening of the Red Thread Tavern. Intended to foster peace between the warring factions of Valor’s Edge, good spirits and revelry were interrupted when armed guards initiated a lockdown.

The reason?

Suspicions of dark magics were rumored to have taken root; employees were missing, and the disappearances were already proving to be problematic.

Naturally, this did little to dull the excitement of the adventurers. With many deciding to mingle with members of the other faction - tavern patrons visited the gambling table to try their luck, or simply relaxed at the bar with the eccentric yet interesting bartender, Branlow Keene. Not even the suppression of magic dimmed the spirits of the celebrating explorers. Hardly anyone paid the rumors any attention…until oddities began to spring forth.

Initially, only minor deviations in reality manifested, with numerous mirrors decorating the tavern halls behaving… strangely. Reflections moved on their own, shifting eyes tracking patrons as if alive. Shadows cast were a step behind their originals. Whispers spoken by unseen sources, with disturbing and frightening omens.

Eventually the missing barkeep was observed within the reflection of one of the many mirrors that lined the walls. This mirror, among the many others, stood out and dominated the scenery. An investigation into these disturbing events stirred the brave adventurers into action. With some searching for clues and others interviewing various workers, it was soon discovered something even more sinister was happening within the mirrors.

Those who decided to interrogate the replacement bartender learned he found a mirror from the ruins of the enigmatic Candlekeep Library. But something was trapped within its reflective surface. Something dark and foreboding. Something that begged to be released…

As the dread night progressed, more terrible events played out. Adventurers were plagued with dark visions, being haunted by their own visages. Worse, some were changed by the shadows that lurked within the mirrors. Looking into one for too long would alter a person, giving the shadows full reign, if only temporarily.

The hauntings began to grow even darker and more twisted as the secrets of the mirrors began to unravel. Some less than patient tavern goers even took it upon themselves to take a more… direct approach and began smashing mirrors, in hope that they could draw out the shadow entity. 

Keen-eyed individuals located a journal belonging to Luther Caine, the first to go missing. Inside were instructions of a cleansing ritual. It was a dangerous task, one that would cause others to be trapped within the mirrors if it went awry.

While gathering the necessary materials for the ritual, the patrons of the bar were met with a horrific sight: Luther Caine himself, trapped within a mirror located in the basement. He warned the adventurers to find the right mirror, or the shadow entity would never let them leave.

Both factions set aside their differences if only momentarily, and banded together to put an end to this nightmare. Putting aside nearly two millennia of hate bred from war and strife, they devised a plan to conduct the ritual and free those who had been taken by the shadows.

Salt, from the tavern’s kitchen. Iron, an old candelabra. And flame, a simple burning candle. These were all that were called for. 

During the following rituals, the participants huddled in a loose circle as tangible shadows tortured and taunted their already strained minds. Horrific whispers, maddening lullabies, and creeping shadows ripped at the sanity of all who participated. 

A great struggle begets great success. Luther Caine - the missing bartender, was recovered from the mirrored realm and reunited with his faithful patrons, along with Wrenna - a tavern regular and down to earth dock worker. 

With what was lost, now found, the lockdown was lifted and patrons of The Red Thread were free to celebrate their victory over the demonic presences from the mirrors. Drinks were poured, tobacco pipes were lit, and friendships were forged as glasses clinked, laughter rang, and tavern food made its rounds.

Out of Character - Overall, this was a satisfying, well put together event. Getting to roleplay with other GXP players adds an entirely new facet to the campaign experience. Socializing in a fantasy space away from table brings a deeper layer to the personal story being told by dozens of players and DMs alike that just can’t be replicated elsewhere. Make no mistake, this is not some “event put on by a business” - this is a warm get-together of like minded individuals with a love of the craft, coming together to tell a cohesive story in an ever evolving tale. At a fair price point, these events are not something to be missed out on. Come. Tell your story. Share a drink, share a meal, and share a laugh while making memories. Come play with Gamers XP.

Quotes from attendees:

“There was an exciting mystery that was a lot of fun to solve and it was a joy working with everyone to solve it.”

"The DMs allowed for really cool improvisation outside of the original structure of the rules. The level of player ingenuity was wonderful to see.”

"Coming together with other players In Character is an experience I love getting to be a part of with these events.”