Returning to Ilizmagorti, the assassins knew danger lurked behind every corner. Bjorn sought guidance from nature, but even the spirits offered no answers. As they approached the city gates, Makiri donned the guise of a wealthy merchant, hoping to pass unnoticed. Instead, the guards saw an opportunity—higher taxes for her grand entrance.
The return to Ilizmagorti had its challenges. As the group approached the city’s outskirts, Bjorn tried to commune with nature for clues about the unfolding mystery, but even the ancient spirits remained silent. At the city gate, Makiri donned the guise of a prosperous merchant; however, the guards raised her entry taxes. Undeterred, the party eventually made their way into the bustling streets of Ilizmagorti, their focus fixed on the mission ahead
Once inside, the group searched for information and soon uncovered tantalizing rumors. They learned of a notorious gladiator from the Blood Circus—Nasha the Gnasher. Renowned both for her ruthless combat skills and her role as a trusted information broker, Nasha was infamous for offering her services at constantly changing prices. Undeterred by the hearsay, the assassins presented themselves at a famed gladiatorial troupe from a far-off land and convinced the receptionist to arrange a meeting. During a series of one-on-one interviews—each assassin sharing bold tales or showcasing their raw strength—Nasha gauged their worth. In return, she revealed a critical lead: Dockmaster Torvald Kemp carried a ledger that might expose secrets vital to their cause.
Undivided, the party split their efforts. Markuss and Bjorn set off for the Jade Monkey to grab some grub and gather local color, while Makiri and Ferro shadowed the elusive Dockmaster along the bustling docks. At one point, Markuss attempted to assert his superiority in a tête-à-tête with Torvald, only for the dockmaster to try the same with metaphorical “uno reverse” move—which left both parties unsatisfied and wary of each other. The situation took an unexpected twist when a tiny mantis courier arrived bearing a letter for Bjorn: an invitation from the enigmatic Mantis Keeper to meet at the Mantis Stones. Though suspicions swirled around the trap-like quality of the summons, the assassins agreed it was a risk worth taking.
At the Mantis Stones, a leshy calling itself Mantis Keeper greeted the group. Initially, he advised them to surrender to the Vernai, but through steady conversation, he became convinced of their innocence. In return, he recommended they look into the Riot Twins at the Jade Monkey and assured them he would vouch for them if the Vernai ever questioned their actions.
With new threads to pull, the group reconvened by the docks. Shadowing Torvald’s movements, Ferro and Bjorn engaged the dockmaster in conversation—a diversion that allowed Makiri and Markuss to sneak into his sleeping quarters. Though their initial search for the coveted ledger proved fruitless, patience paid off: when Torvald returned and drifted into slumber, the duo seized the moment and filched the ledger. However, growing impatient, Ferro and Bjorn returned to the docks only to be met with a surprise from the deeps.. Sea serpents burst forth from the turbulent waters, launching a swift and merciless assault. In the sleeping quarters, Torvald mysteriously woke up and noticed Markuss and Makiri. In the chaos, Torvald transformed before their eyes into his true form—a fearsome gylou. The two groups quickly joined together, the assassins found themselves entangled in a deadly dance, even being swallowed whole on more than one occasion.
The ensuing battle was as brutal as it was surreal. In a display of raw determination and tactical genius, Ferro managed a spectacular feat: he literally defeated one serpent in single combat and from inside it, emerging victorious only to find that his companions had already defeated the other threats. Victorious, the group clutched the stolen ledger—a potential key to exposing the traitors among the Vernai—and set their sights on the next phase of their perilous journey.