The Party returned to Saringallow, the base of the Hellbreakers, greeted by Rhokrag. He inquired about their diplomatic mission, and Juk-Aen shared their connection with children, highlighting its importance. When Rhokrag asked about Caravaggio, Sol’andrus Van Diel revealed the turtle’s demise with a throat-cutting gesture, prompting Rhokrag’s condolences. Rhokrag then noticed Wyn, the new hobgoblin companion, and after Sol’andrus vouched for him, Wynter introduced himself and sought out alcohol, which Rhokrag assured him was plentiful.
Rhokrag explained the Hellbreakers’ mission to free Isger from Cheliax’s rule and how Wynter’s involvement could improve goblin reputation. Juk-Aen, mourning Vaggio, produced the turtle’s silver nunchucks, but when Wynter requested them for their utility against enemies, Juk-Aen withheld them, promising to discuss it the next day. Rhokrag led the group to the Hellbreakers’ basement, where they shared drinks and discussed unrest stirred by Alceo and Phoebe Demetrius in Elidir. Rhokrag informed them of an urgent mission to Elidir, warning them to maintain a low profile and await an escort at the Isgeri Circle for Alceo and Phoebe’s safe house.
The Party sold surplus loot and conspicuous Hellknight gear to upgrade their equipment, with Wynter arranging to have his sword silvered. After two days of travel, they approached Elidir, observing the bustling city split by the Conerica River and guarded entry points. Realizing they needed disguises to pass through the gates, The Party split into groups: Rin joined a farmer’s group, Sira Antkeep with a clockwork trader, Juk-Aen and Wynter with Northern Warriors, and Sol’andrus with a circus.
Rin struggled with the farmer’s animals, drawing suspicion from the guards, while Sira successfully answered questions about clockworks. Juk-Aen and Wynter impressed the guards as warriors, gaining entry without issue, and Sol’andrus’s performance with the circus earned applause. Once inside, The Party made their way to the Isgeri Circle, where they found ancient standing stones and awaited their contact. A nervous man approached, identifying himself as Sarevial, but Sira sensed danger and telepathically warned him of followers.
As guards closed in, demanding to know their intentions, Sol’andrus attempted to bluff, but the guards insisted on taking Sarevial into custody. Rin initiated combat with a blast that caught several guards, igniting a chaotic skirmish. The Robed Officer among the guards shot Sira, prompting Juk-Aen to charge her. The fight escalated, with Wynter sustaining severe injuries but managing to knock the officer unconscious. With bystanders gathering, Sarevial urged The Party to flee, and they quickly concealed the unconscious officer and a surviving guard to avoid further scrutiny.
Sarevial led them to a safe house where Alceo and Phoebe treated their wounds and briefed them on the situation in Elidir. Alceo explained their efforts to incite public anger against Chelish’s puppet regime and the need for The Party to negotiate a deal with the Druman merchant Quastor at an upcoming gala. They required forged invitations, high-quality costumes, and a Lazybones Pendant for identification. Alceo directed them to Oramos for invitations, Razumeli Brightgate for costumes, and a hidden room for the pendant.
After discussing the need for caution in their actions, The Party opted to venture out into Elidir the same day rather than rest. As they navigated the city, they witnessed a laborer struggling to control a massive Daeodon, which was being mocked by a group of young men. The situation escalated when The Daeodon charged at the youths, prompting Sira to manifest Isaac in front of it, while Sol’andrus and Wynter recognized that the handler had intentionally let the beast loose. The Party prepared to intervene, aware that their actions in the city would have lasting consequences.
Threads to Watch: Wynter’s request for the silver nunchucks; the upcoming gala with Quastor; The Daeodon incident and its aftermath.