The flickering lanterns of the Blood Circus cast long shadows as Aguta the Dreadice and her companions navigated the underbelly of their quest. With divine guidance from Achaekek, they set their sights on the Hospice of Serenity, wary of Sister Maeri’s potential treachery after her dealings with the devil Torvald. Their deliberations led them to seek counsel from Nash, whose reputation for intelligence and hospitality was well-known, before confronting the rebels.
Upon their arrival, Nash greeted them warmly, her curiosity piqued by news of Torvald’s demise and the notorious Riot Twins, Shirota and Zaiho. Aguta’s suspicions about Sister Maeri were echoed by Nash’s insights into the hospice’s mysterious state. With newfound information, the party ventured to the Jade Monkey tavern, where Torsten’s enthusiasm for local spirits brought them into a web of intrigue. Aguta’s magical prowess unveiled hidden truths, but as tensions flared, a confrontation with Shirota erupted, spiraling into chaos as gunfire rang out, patrons fled, and the tavern transformed into a battlefield.
The clash reached a fever pitch as Zaiho surrendered, his plea for mercy for his brother shifting the tide. The party’s decision to interrogate rather than kill bore fruit, revealing a Vernai plot against Blood Mistress Jacqueline and securing an Eye of the Mantis from Zaiho. With a fragile truce established, the group proceeded to the Hospice of Serenity, where the elven priestess’s dubious welcome sparked further suspicion, leading Aguta to signal for an imminent confrontation.
Threads to Watch:
- The potential threat posed by Sister Maeri and her connection to the Vernai.
- The implications of the Vernai plot against Blood Mistress Jacqueline.
- The significance of the Eye of the Mantis and its magical capabilities.
- The evolving relationship between the party and the Riot Twins.
- The state of the Hospice of Serenity and the elven priestess’s true intentions.