A Peculiar Prologue

In the opening episode of UniversiD&D's main campaign, we are first introduced to the world of Aurelia. The story opens in the town of Opaz, on the continent of Everidge, in the year 1645 FS. A rough storm quickly forms, rushing our first players, Cassia North and Damien Andrano into the nearby Dueling Trunks, a tavern built into a large oak tree. The adventurers, who had been in town investigating disappearances of local livestock, find a booth and settle in. One by one we are introduced to each of the other player characters as they each enter the tavern. First Alice Duskfall introduces herself and her seemingly imaginary friend Celeste. Blomf Vald struggles to make his entrance, until his good friend Leo opens the door for him. Following his introduction is that of Blitz of Shelburn, an imposing figure and another quick friend to the party. Lastly is Malik Silverleaf, who follows the Baroness of Opaz, Elora Nightingale, into the tavern. The party and the baroness make their introductions, and after some time passes, Kit Rethgar mounts the stage and tells the crowd that his troupe will be reprising a local favorite play, Pua: A Brush with Death. The party and the delighted crowd enjoy the play until one of the actors, dressed as a fungal zombie, attacks a fellow performer. It becomes clear that this is not a part of the show, but instead a real undead creature. The party springs into action, defeating both the attacker and his victim, who had risen from the dead. During the action, we see Alice change into Earendil, an Elven man with a much less timid demeanor. Elora Nightingale, who had left the tavern with the panicked crowd, now returns to find the party standing over two mushroom ridden corpses. The baroness suggests investigating the nearby Myconid colony, a race of mushroom people who live peacefully in the local Nymphwood Forest. The party agrees to stay the night and investigate the colony in the morning.

The episode's introduction of the fan-favorite character of Leo is regarded as one of the greatest moments in the history of Dungeons and Dragons