In the vibrant city of Kintargo, the air buzzed with excitement as the party prepared for the much-anticipated opera. Dreg poured his heart into crafting a stunning artwork, completing it on the fifth day, while news of an explosion in southern Kintargo loomed ominously over their preparations. On the day of the fête, the party gathered to admire the featured artworks, including Delmonia Crape’s striking sculpture of peacocks in combat and Almidia Decarruf’s shadowy oil painting, which Asterion appraised at 1,500 gold pieces. Dreg recognized the worth of Crepe’s sculpture at 900 gold.
As the evening unfolded, unfamiliar patrons approached Dreg, intrigued by his presence. He deftly deflected their inquiries, claiming he and his companions were collaborating on an opera inspired by a past adventure. A commotion erupted when a filthy woman was initially refused entry, but Dreg and Torren intervened, revealing her true identity as Delmonia Crape in disguise. Once inside, High Priest Zakrin Vast announced the Dance of Masked Devils, inviting attendees to participate. Asterion partnered with Motman Primm, Dreg danced with Almidia Decarruf, and Bags enjoyed a moment with Delmonia Crape. During the festivities, the group noticed a suspicious servant watching Asterion and Bags, prompting Torren to engage him in conversation. The servant’s nervous demeanor raised further concerns, leading Torren to inform Zakarin about the potential threat.
As the party moved upstairs for refreshments, Asterion delivered a heartfelt toast to Motman Primm, while Barry attempted a formal toast that did not resonate well with the guests. The suspicious waiter continued to observe the group, leading Dreg to confront him. When the waiter attempted to flee, Dreg summoned Chalot to block his escape with ice. The disguised waiter retaliated, but Asterion quickly subdued him, pinning him down with a magically weighted wreath. Under questioning from Thumper, the captive revealed himself as Nimnimix, an Azarpal who had disguised himself to poison guests for amusement. Despite his dubious intentions, the party chose to spare him after he offered to teach them recipes for cocktails in exchange for his release. The group accepted the deal, allowing Nimnimix to flee the opera house.
Grateful for the party’s intervention, Zakarin publicly thanked them for preventing harm to the guests. Thumper seized the moment to deliver a flirtatious toast, singling out Abigail Tottlescloff, who responded positively. The main course was served, and Asterion continued to celebrate the spirit of art and community with another toast. As dessert was enjoyed, the guests prepared for the auction, with Asterion engaging in a conversation with a noblewoman to defend Delmonia Crape’s artistic merit. Meanwhile, Barry and Dreg made a favorable impression on Almidia Decarruf, and Thumper’s flirtations with Abigail blossomed into a promise to meet privately after the auction.
The auction commenced with Delmonia Crape’s Dance Of The Monarchs sculpture, which Torren purchased. Bags’ Candy Dragon edible statue garnered little interest, leading Barry to buy it. Torren continued his bidding, acquiring Almidia Decarruf’s Obligation painting as well. Asterion’s statue of the goddesses Falayna and Shelyn was auctioned with the party’s assistance, ultimately won by Zakarin. The auction featured several other pieces, including Thumper’s provocative sculpture and Abigail’s Passion In Purple, which Thumper successfully purchased. As the auction concluded, the purchasers settled their payments, and the sellers were instructed to return the following day to collect their proceeds.
Threads to Watch:
- The implications of Nimnimix’s escape and his promised cocktail recipes.
- The potential fallout from the explosion in southern Kintargo.
- The developing relationships between Thumper and Abigail, as well as Barry and Almidia Decarruf.