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My head swims and I force myself to keep a pleasant expression and focus on Sloane so that I don’t accidentally stare into the camera. The hope of the livestream is that viewers feel like they’re sitting in the room with us, experiencing the game just as we are, and if I’m calling attention to the camera or “breaking the fourth wall,” it ruins the illusion. That’s a lot easier said than done when all I want to do is check my hair and make sure I don’t suddenly have something large and green stuck in my teeth.

“Good afternoon, and welcome toDon’t Split the Party.Today is the first session of our newest campaign, and I can’t wait to see what this group gets into. Particularly since we have a new player joining us.” Sloane smiles devilishly.

Chapter Seven

“Because it’s our first session,” Sloane continues, “we always like to start by introducing each of the players and their characters in the party. Logan, do you want to go first?”

I frown and then smooth my features before anyone watching can notice. Ugh, it’s going to be hard not showing every emotion I feel. But shouldn’t we go around the table clockwise or something? Logan isn’t sitting next to Sloane, so I’m not sure why they jumped over Mark to start with him. But no one else flinches. Clearly Logan always takes the lead on these things.

“Absolutely. My character is Adris Starcrown and he’s a charismatic elf rogue.” He continues his description almost verbatim from what he told us earlier, except for an extra tidbit. “He also happens to be incredibly charming and fond of the ladies”—he winks at Kashvi—“so he’s usually able to charm his way into getting what he wants.”

I forcibly stop my eyes from rolling since I’m on camera,but it’s painful. He’s playing a flirt? He better not try to flirt with my dwarf. She’ll flatten him.

Sanjiv leans forward. “I am a half-orc druid named Lynx—”

“And I am a half-elf fighter named Lasla—” Kashvi adds.

“And we’re half siblings,” Sanjiv finishes with a grin. “We discovered each other two years ago when I was looking for my father and found Lasla following the same clues. Since then, we’ve bonded and traveled together, searching for him and surviving through our skills and wits.”

“I’m playing Rolo!” Mark exclaims, his voice higher and cuter than in real life.

“Because of his epically bad rolls,” Logan adds with a laugh.

“Andbecause of my epic choice of candy,” he continues. “I’m a halfling fighter, and I’ll be saving everybody’s butts this entire campaign like I did last time.”

“Your last character once failed a roll to walk down the stairs,” Sanjiv says, and Mark scoffs.

“I’m very small, but I’m very mighty, and I have a lot to prove.”

The group chuckles and then grows quiet, each of them turning to look at me. I sit up nervously. I’d gotten so caught up listening to them that I forgot it was my turn.

“And last, we have our newest player,” Sloane says, and raises their eyebrows at me expectantly.

My throat closes. Would everyone notice if I slid off my chair and hid under the table? But I force myself to swallow and act like this isn’t terrifying.

“My name is Quinn Norton and I’m playing Nasria, a hill dwarf sorcerer. She loves her clan but had to leave themwhen her magical abilities manifested, because she didn’t understand where they were coming from or how to use them. She doesn’t particularly like her magic because it feels unnatural. She’s seeking answers to understand how she gained these powers, and in the meantime is hoping her magic can be used to help others.”

“It sounds like Nasria and Adris might get along well, given that they both left their families and are alone in the world,” Kashvi says with raised eyebrows.

“Except that she doesn’t like most people.” I cut my eyes to Logan. “And she particularly dislikes elves.”

“What about half elves?” Kashvi asks.

“She can make an exception for half elves. They aren’t nearly as conceited.”

I can see Logan shaking his head in my peripheral vision, but I don’t turn to him.

“Now that we know our characters, it’s time we get started. We have an exciting party with some interesting character builds, so let’s see what happens.” Sloane leans in. “Players, we open with each of you in a separate jail cell. Metal bars surround you, but you can easily see each other through the bars. At your backs are wooden boards, and your wrists are bound with rough rope. You’re swaying and you can hear the slosh of water close by.”

“We’re on a boat?” Sanjiv says immediately.

Mark sits back. “I never thought I’d be on a boat.”

“We’re in the brig inside a boat, I bet,” Kashvi replies. “Do we know why?”

Sloane nods. “You’ve each been accused of crimes and are being taken to the Isle of Mysteom for trial. However, theguards aren’t exactly chatty, so they’ve refused to tell you what crimes you’re accused of or who has made the accusations.”

“Is anyone else in our vicinity?” Logan asks.