Session 11

Ambushed

The Fated Eight made their way to the main part of The Sanguine Script - where Avendra could be seen reading the same book as earlier. They each looked around for some ‘literarture’ before SHAI and Morgyn exited the shop into the dark alleyway outside. There they saw four figures approach them and threaten them - before launching an attack against them.

“Sorry about this - but our employer’s got a bit of a problem with your lot running around town, so we’ve gotta snuff you out here and now…”
- The bandits threatening SHAI and Morgyn

A battle ensued outside The Sanguine Script where SHAI called forth an illusion of Scourge, The Crowned Conqueror; one of the Illchors, to frighten them and grab the attention of his comrades inside the shop. Graxious, Jin and Axton; who was a bit confused how and why he had arrived at The Sanguine Script, quickly leapt into action - despite Jin’s decision to block the doorway.

The Bandits proved tough and landed a handful of good hits on The Party but were slain in the end - their lesser numbers proving too much to overcome in the heat of battle. Jin investigated the corpses for goods whilst the others tended to their wounds.

The Rewards

Jin found a special dagger on the body of one of the bandits, and a letter on the leader of the pack as well as a large flat coin with a royal flush engraved on one side and two dice showing snake eyes on the other. The letter read:

“The new arrivals in town are not dissuaded by our benefactor’s actions. We must display a show of force to keep them from interfering any longer.

The Monarch of Madness must not be interrupted whilst the experiments take place. Take this deposit and deal with them - our intel says they are visiting The Sanguine Script tonight.

Bring their corpses to The Dealt Hand for your full payment. Do not return otherwise.”
- The letter on the body of the leader.

The Fated Eight were unaware of any location known as The Dealt Hand or a figure known as the Monarch of Madness - but these were questions for the morning. The 5 of them made their way back to Cynthia’s abode and rested for the night.

A New Day

They each awoke on the 14th of Vaelorn, 920 PD to a gloomy day. It was clear to them all that it had rained overnight. Roan was alive but moving a little slower than it normally would.

After tending to their morning routines; The Fated Eight set out to consult with their trusted sources in the city about the letter that they had found. They decided to start with Cynthia Glint.

Visiting Cynthia

The Witch’s Wardrobe was incredibly busy for this time of day - with a line out the door and down the street. Inside the shop, The Fated Eight could see Cynthia passing out newsletters and quickly speaking to each person in line. At the sight of The Party - she gestured as if she had realized the time and cast a spell to deliver the rest of the newsletters.

“Why hello there… Welcome back! Sorry about that mess - didn’t mean to keep you waiting. What can I do for you this morning?”
- Cynthia Glint at the sight of The Fated Eight’s arrival in The Witch’s Wardrobe

Cynthia was puzzled by the letter and admitted she didn’t know much about either The Dealt Hand or the Monarch of Madness - “On rare occasions of needing it - I pay people to do that sort’ve dirty work for me. In my line of work - It’s bad for business to have dirty hands I find.” She stated proudly. The Fated Eight thanked her for the advice and headed to speak with Grez Klimmet at The Rowdy Roan instead.

The Rowdy Roan

On a gloomy day like this day, The Rowdy Roan was quite busy. Drinks were being served, music was being played, and fires were being kept especially well stoked. SHAI spoke with the waitress from earlier who commented at them quickly becoming regulars, before answering the Human Wizard’s question.

“Mr. Klimmet doesn’t like to make appearances when the tavern is busy like this, but if you say it’s urgent and regarding the task he has given to you then please discretely head upstairs and speak with him in his office. It’s the first door on the right.”
- The waitress to SHAI

Morgyn and SHAI made their way upstairs whilst the others drank at a table nearby. The pair approached Grez Klimmet’s office and informed him of the letter they’d found. The Half-Orc bar owner seemed a little off-put at the mention of The Dealt Hand - but was willing to share details of it after some convincing.

“Alright fine - I’ll tell you what I know, but you didn’t hear it from me. Am I clear?

The Dealt Hand is an underground casino in The Ratways - it used to have a sister location in The Creeks but that’s shutdown now as far as I’m aware. These days - it doubles as a black market for underground crime deals. There’s only two ways to gain entrance - if you can even find it.

First way’s through money - as usual - you can buy you way in as either a one-off or lifetime pass, but that’s pricey and usually reserved for people looking to employ others. The other way is to be an employee of a member - usually a contract job. They’ll give you a token of your employer you need to show at the front door and they’ll let you in.

Be careful about that second part though, as of recent they’ve started doing description checks to prevent fraudulent entries. They’re very particular so be smart about if if that’s the route you take.”
- Grez Klimmet

Where is The Dealt Hand

Morgyn prompted Grez more about the location of The Dealt Hand but the Half-Orc wasn’t able to give a clear answer. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been there and I can’t be seen around there anymore - some business gone bad in the past I’d rather not talk about if that’s ok…” he responded sheepishly.

The session closed with SHAI and Morgyn returning to the table to discuss what they had learned with the others.