The Fighter’s Tankard buzzed with lively conversation as the party mingled with Matthew Gondor and his arena team. Specter observed quietly, while Lady Antkeep slipped away, using the Mask of the Many to investigate a potential follower. Upon her return to the bar, she found herself confronted by several men who demanded to know how she had vanished.
Lady Antkeep was taken blindfolded to a house on the edge of town, where she was questioned by a woman named Alina, who sought to test her loyalty. Alina expressed interest in Specter’s past, particularly his connection to the Cult of Scrim, and ordered Antkeep to investigate him. During their conversation, Alina revealed her own worship of Scrim, prompting Antkeep to mention a fire-winged figure linked to Evangeline. Alina offered a bargain to sever Antkeep’s ties to the Eight-City Advocacy in exchange for her freedom, which Antkeep accepted. Afterward, she was escorted away, finding herself miles from the city.
Meanwhile, the party learned more about Matthew Gondor, who had recruited his companions through impressive displays in battle and promises of wealth. They discovered that he bore runes on his chest, enhancements from his mother. As the night progressed, Matthew experienced a telepathic conversation with Evangeline, who acknowledged his black blood and invited him to Magia for further assistance. The next morning, Rosemyne greeted Matthew with coffee and proposed a subtle change in the city’s leadership, requesting the party’s help to steal a contract from Lord Onyx Chest’s manor.
As the party prepared for the heist, they researched the manor’s defenses, particularly the Lightbenders guarding the vault. Gorda worked on a healing potion, while Spec studied Elvish. During breakfast, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as time and space distorted, and strange armored beings appeared, declaring that the party did not belong. As the intruders advanced, Marin attempted to negotiate, but the situation escalated into conflict. Specter surrendered in an effort to de-escalate, but the intruders ignored him and attacked. Gorda knocked one out, and Matthew paused the fight for negotiation, learning that the intruders believed the party to be a corruption of the timeline.
As tensions rise, the party stands at a crossroads, facing both the threat of the intruders and the challenges posed by their mission for Rosemyne.
Threads to Watch:
- Lady Antkeep’s new bargain with Alina and its implications for her ties to the Eight-City Advocacy.
- The nature of the intruders and their claim regarding the party’s corruption of the timeline.
- The party’s plan to steal the contract from Lord Onyx Chest’s manor and the defenses they must overcome.