A7 - We've no Time for Manners; Nefarious Actions are Required

It was a late night as we handed over the map to Urstul as requested. Let him figure out our modifications to the map. Hopefully give us time to find the stone first. And what better place to start than the map-highlighted-home of Grenda Garloff in the dock ward.

Morning rise to ask others about Grenda. “That wizard? Her house sits on stilts hanging over the water at the docks. She is a collector of strange artifacts; a treasure hunter.” Destination established, we take time to shop. Adrik’s guild link providing discounts to those shopping for magic weapons.

As described, the wizard’s house hangs over the water at the end of a long pier. A ship having crashed into the dock a year ago now proves shelter for the impoverished. Kids in ratty cloths play along its cracked deck. Men in tattered rags meander about the dock. A strong breeze directs their stench toward us as we approach. While echoing the pounding of a dwarf at Grenda’s door; 4 ruffins at his side.

NOSKA

MERROW

Ignatio ignores them as he presses forward toward the door. “Who invited a damn cat to the docks? Turn around; this is none of your business.” And that’s when we see the dwarf misses his left arm, now replaced with a heavy crossbow. Weapons raised at Ignatio. Which launches Kluh into attack mode, killing one minion. A look of shock on the others (i.e. Intimidate check), but they hold their ground. Especially when the dwarf fires his crossbow at the hulk. Which draws 2 of the bandits to attack Kluh while the other attacks Ignatio. And that’s when a fishman (Merrow) jumps upon the dock behind Adrik and stabs with his harpoon.

A6 - Shit Sandwich and One to Eat It Too

Adrik hammered the last board repair to the ceiling beams the possessed humans tried to dismantle, “Better than new and ready for rent. Although we might want to keep this 2^nd floor room empty till our prisoner is gone.” The dwarf, Ott Steeltoe, being kept in the secret cell above on the 3^rd floor between Mirandis’ room and the conference table room. Izzy insistent no needs for guards, “Presence of guards would imply there is a secret room. I’ll take first watch roaming the floors. I suggest the rest of you get sleep or at least relax.”

Which means Adrik is down at his forge firing more metal as he crafts a breastplate on order. Thus, he is the first to see (sewer smell really) the goblins sneaking around the back.

A5 - Guild Work to Fill the Time

The city guard locked down the Gralhund estate and began interviews. The 2 nobles agreed with the characters version of events on what took place.

Nacho and Izzy noticed that the Gralhunds did not mention the Cassalanters sending the characters to help as was assumed by the lady.

Izzy investigated the house and found no forced entry.  This was strange as how did the Zhents get in?

2 days later the private investigator hired by Durzog brought Urstul (the burned face man from the estate) into the bar.  He informed the party they had 1 hour to ask questions and then to send him on his way as he is a dangerous man.

Urstul was obviously under the suggestion spell. He answered that he did not cast the fireball and was caught in its blast as he was chasing the gnome. He had been staying at Gralhund's estate but when he returned wounded they betrayed him and locked him up. He had seen the automaton in the estate for a long time. The Zhents were already in the estate as they thought they had a deal with the Gralhunds. He does not know who made the teleportation circle as the Gralhunds are not magic users.

The Lord's alliance launched a crack down on the Zhents with Khul being recruited to help in raids and general attacks on the Zhents.

Mirandis was asked to check on Meloon (Nacho's contact from the beginning) at The Yawning Portal as he was acting strangely. Nacho joined and followed Meloon as he cruelly cut down a Zhent agent with a magic axe. After a few more days Mirandis and Nacho determined that Meloon is combating a sentient axe that wants to enforce the law and this is draining him of his normal jovial nature.

The party went to Zord's ships to find why the automaton sensor was alerting them. Zord explained that he has 2 automatons on board doing mundane chores.

Later Bragen Daerthe asked the party to keep a kidnapped Xanathar guild member (a dwarf that claims he cares for Syglar the fish) for a few days as they try to arrange a swap of prisoners.

That night 6 bugbears attacked.  Kluh was taking a beating but was able to stand with the assistance of several cure wounds spells from Mirandis. The party prevailed.

The next night 4 humans were acting strange right before they went to bed. Nacho caught them disassembling the ceiling right below the room where the dwarf was being held. A fight began, but to the party's horror once the human dropped a brain with legs (Intellect devourers) popped out and began mentally attacking the party. Both Nacho and Kluh were stunned and taken out of the fight. Fortunately, Izzy and Mirandis were able to stop them from devouring either Nacho or Kluh's brain.

The party rested up dreading what the next night would bring.