Session 22 Report

General Summary

Upstairs, the Commander tells the party that his men have investigated the sewers and confirmed their story of a battle with goblins and their strange creatures, as well as the poison in the water. He says they have blocked off the area for now to stem the contamination and that he trusts the party to be telling the truth. Knowing that they wanted a way into Duchess Anna's party, Walton agrees to have some come with him disguised as guards, but thinks 3 would be too much for "fresh recruits." Lephnut and Big Richard decide to be part of Walton's entourage while Valqinor will ask Brennon to bring him as a guest.   With planning ahead of them before tomorrow night's party, the group finally takes a long deserved rest. Big Richard resummons Lil D in the form of a budgie bird, small enough to fit into his pocket.   On Rembrandt's recommendation of where to get some clothes outside of the Wall Market, Valqinor visits the Lady Emira, who does tailoring as a hobby. He finds she's rather eccentric about her work, disdaining the others in high society who are content to buy something off the rack from the Wall Market, and angry that her work supposedly isn't good enough to feature in the store. She agrees to make something for Valqinor in time for the masquerade.   Meanwhile, Big Richard visits the area where they had previously met Corbin and tries to find more informants among the homeless and vagrant population. Though none seem as competent and well-traveled as Corbin, he pays a few men some coin to keep a look out for him. Afterwards, he meets up with Lephnut in the city square, who has been roaming around looking for anything suspicious. Aside from the adornments of banners and candles around unmistakably marking the beginning of Spirit's Day, they notice that even more masked men-- clearly Genosian soldiers by their uniforms and weapons-- are around the city, amongst other Genosian visitors, and increasing amounts of Cressen soldiers and refugees lining the streets.   Meeting again with Emira, Valqinor finds that she has made him a matching outfit for the one she will be wearing: a dark cloak ensemble with a half-hound mask built into the hood. Valqinor is impressed with the work and Emira, while she says she cannot accompany him during the banquet as she will be going with the Count Mysen, but says that she hopes his outfit will draw attention to her work, so she can rub it in people's faces.   Valqinor meets up with Brennon to prepare at his house while Lephnut and Big Richard meet at Commander Darmody's guardhouse. Walton explains that they'll have to wear standard issue armor as part of their disguises and to follow him during the banquet in order to not draw attention. He also says that the city guard does not have authority within the Hall of Plenty, as that is reserved for the Temple Wardens who are loyal to the Church.   At the gates of the Hall, Valqinor sees Lady Emira again, this time with the Count Mysen previously mentioned. Mysen is a nobleman and spice trader, and he makes his disdain known for both the recent closure of the ports that has affected his trade, and of the Genosians that have entered the city. All in all, Mysen makes himself known as a thoroughly unenjoyable personality, even demeaning Emira's designs.   At another gate, where city guards have gathered to receive posting orders, Walton introduces Lephnut and Big Richard to another commander, Clive Rosser, a charming man who invites them to find him at the appetizer table later. Walton has his group wait a bit longer for the final member of his entourage, who turns out to be a familiar face-- Will Darmody, Walton's son and the inept gate watchman that the party had previously encountered.   The hour draws near and with their respective disguises, the party enters the masquerade ball...