Session 16 Report

General Summary

The party, investigating the commotion downstairs, is met by the various visitors and guests rushing up to their rooms. The gambling brothers they had met before, Varrick and Olrick, warn that a group of well-armed knights had entered the Innocent Doe and demanded everyone leave to accommodate them. Needing to talk to Brennon, the party decides to try sneaking downstairs anyway. They are spotted by a blond-haired man with armor adorned with golden lion imagery-- who is flanked by his large axe-wielding guard, a beautiful blonde lady, and a dozen knights. The man attempts to have the party sit with him, but they rebuff him, explaining that they need to head out. As they depart, they overhear the man in conversation with his entourage, making aggressive threats towards Cressen.   At Brennon's residence, the party informs him of what occurred on the ship and what Korak said. Horrified at his son's fate, Brennon offers an additional reward if they are able to investigate the sewers and find anything to remember him by. Brennon mentions however, that he already knew the party had slain Korak and his Magpies even before they arrived though, as just before, he had met a half-orc man who told him the Marianne had engaged the Magpie in battle. The man had also told Brennon of an upcoming ball hosted by Lady Anna that Brennon, as a prominent merchant, might be interested in as a distraction from current events. To be held on Spirits' Day, this apparent ball will feature many of the prominent figures from the city-- nobles, businessmen, guard commanders amongst them. Strangely, the ball is said to be a masquerade, with guests required to wear a mask. Before the party departs, they ask Brennon for insight on the scene at the Innocent Doe, wondering if the lady there was Anna herself. Brennon says from the description, no, that lady appears to be the Lady Kiva, and the blond man Keldon Margrave, Lord Fallon's nephew.   The party attempts to find Corbin for advice and to check in on any news, but do not find him at his usual tree. Big Richard sets Lil D with the task of looking for him during the night. They try to return to the Innocent Doe to rest for the night before investigating the sewers, but find that Keldon and his group are still there drinking and eating. Deciding not to poke the hornets' nest, they wait in the city square to pass the time. They notice that the notice board has many more missing posters now, along with a help posting for someone with magical knowledge and skilled in the use of tools. They also notice more and more people walking about the city with masks on-- apparent visitors from Genos.   Finally, late at night, Keldon's group departs from the Innocent Doe, allowing the party to return to their rooms for a night's rest. In the morning, Lil D has not returned with Corbin, though Big Richard can sense that Lil D is still alive. Big Richard strikes up conversation with Rembrandt, still on duty from the night before, as he had covered Anissa's shift not wanting her to be stuck in that situation. Rembrandt curses the rudeness of Keldon, but he is a very important man, and had several aggressive guards with him as well. Big Richard however is more interested in Rembrandt's hair care routine. Rembrandt explains his schedule of washing his hair, using shampoo and hair products, and recommends visiting Amarille's beauty shop that he frequents.   At the beauty shop, Amarille is aghast at the state of Big Richard's hair and nearly shoos him out the door before being informed that Rembrandt referred him. Swooning at the mention of Rembrandt, Amarille makes an appointment in two days for Big Richard and Valqinor buys a bottle of grass-scented shampoo. Before heading to the sewers, the party figures they should have an extra set of clothes to get dirty, and also to possibly infiltrate the upcoming ball, which they buy from the local store.