The streets erupted in chaos as a Daeodon broke free, its handler having unleashed the beast upon the unsuspecting populace. A nobleman hurled stones to taunt the creature, inflicting minor injuries and enragign it further. Observing the turmoil, Rin cast Winter’s Clutch on The Daeodon and its handler, resulting in the handler’s death while The Daeodon remained partially unscathed. Enraged, the beast charged at Rin, goring her before missing a follow-up attack.
Wyn declared The Daeodon a killer and struck it with a spell-infused blow, though his follow-up missed. Adam’andiel Ironbane stepped forward to draw the creature’s ire, bracing behind his shield as he struck. Sira Antkeep empowered her guardian, Isaac, but he failed to connect despite multiple attempts. The frightened noble ordered the party to slay the beast, offering a meager reward. Rin continued her assault, and The Daeodon retaliated against Adam’andiel, landing a heavy blow that his shield partially absorbed. Wynter delivered a powerful strike that left The Daeodon reeling, and Adam’andiel renewed his challenge with another slash. Seizing the moment, Sira unleashed a burst of electricity that finally brought The Daeodon down. A striking half-elf devil woman appeared, acknowledging the beast’s demise and instructing Sira to check her inventory. The Noble, grateful yet dismissive, tossed five silver pieces to the ground before departing, prompting Wynter to demand a more fitting reward for saving his life.
Tensions flared as Vesper Farheel attempted to smooth over the situation, framing the party as her servants. Accusations of theft arose when Sira discovered missing rations, leading to a heated argument with Vesper denying any wrongdoing. The locals, identifying Vesper as a Hellspawn, warned her against further thefts. After the confrontation, Vesper returned the stolen bread to Sira, and the party discussed The Daeodon carcass, contemplating its potential as food. As they moved on, Vesper expressed her desire to join the party, offering her services as a performer for compensation. The group decided to visit a tailor for gala costumes. At Silver Ribbon, the dwarf tailor Brightgate agreed to create devilish disguises, with each member selecting unique designs. Vesper requested an outfit inspired by Abrogail Thrune II, while Rin opted for an aquatic theme.
Later, back at their temporary base, the party discussed Vesper’s past and her potential role within the Hellbreakers. The conversation turned to her history of theft, leading to a debate about morality. They decided to rest before pursuing their next objectives. The following day, the party set out to secure Gala Invitations and encountered a small goblin named Ozney Cacklemouth, who attempted to pick their pockets. Sira cleverly claimed they had hired Ozney to practice stealing, convincing the guards to let the goblin go. Vesper struck a deal with Ozney for information in exchange for food, showcasing her willingness to manipulate the situation.
As they approached the tax hall to meet Orimos, a wary contact, Vesper used her magical abilities to send a message, identifying herself and requesting a private conversation. Orimos, initially fearful, agreed to meet in private after Vesper mentioned Phoebe’s name. In their meeting, Adam’andiel boldly stated their intentions to help free Isger from Cheliax’s tyranny, gaining Orimos’s trust. He agreed to procure false Gala Invitations for the party. Their next stop was the Love Sting printing house, where they found a goblin burning propaganda. A confrontation ensued, leading to a battle with goblins and a fire-shrouded devil. Rin quickly extinguished the flames while the party engaged in combat. After a fierce struggle, they defeated the devil, but Adam’andiel chose to execute it despite Wynter’s protests against unnecessary killing. As the dust settled, Wynter urged compassion for the goblins, emphasizing their lack of choice in the matter.
Threads to Watch: Vesper’s history of theft; the fate of The Daeodon carcass; the implications of Orimos’s trust.