Session 18 - Bargains and Beatings

General Summary

29 Desnus (May) 4725 In the waning light of dusk, the party, guided by Alistair Clancy, the heroes navigated through the shimmering aiudara portal nestled in the corner of his book-lined study. They emerged into the Mystic Trove, a magical depository with a sophisticated feel. The air thrummed with latent power, each object ensconced within the glass cases throughout the shop a testament to forgotten lore and potent magic. Zephyr, the dapper tiefling owner of this shop of elegance, greeted them with a smile and a handshake. He moved with the confidence of one who knew the depth of his power. Around him, the trove pulsed with life; living embodiment of powerful spells kept watch while objects of power whispered secrets of the ages, their calls entwining with the soulful melodies of a piano played by Mrs. Annabelle. Her fingers wove a mix of jazz and folk music into the air, and her smile and nod greeted them as warmly as the rich musical tones. Another customer, a gnome, perused the shelves, his keen eyes scanning through jars and flasks, searching for precious and rare spell components. A humanoid construct, ancient in design yet still looking as new as ever, swept the floors away from the clientele. A spectral yet otherworldly Mystic Sentinel patrolled the perimeters. The air was thick with spells woven intricately around the space like an invisible tapestry of protection. Zephyr conducted business with the heroes, assuring them he could get what they desired within days if he did not have it on-site. With every transaction, he added a healing potion at no extra cost. With the shopping complete, the heroes returned to Alistair’s home. Vaz’non sat down and played a game of dragonchess with Alistair, as the wizard had requested. Cal and Dav presented the broken bloodstone medallion that Dav had found in Clover Brightfoot’s room. Alistair was distracted by the item, making him easy prey for Vaz’non again. Unshaken, Alistair helped research the medallion. He unwound its magical fabric, revealing its power of possession and the curse buried in its enchantments. Luckily, it had been broken, and whatever magic it held had been discharged. Upon leaving Alistair’s home, an older male halfling emerged from the shadows. It had been some time, but Cal recognized Tarnas Shadewalker, his "uncle," who brought tidings of drow and serpentfolk, of civil wars that bled the Darklands dry. He warned Cal that the bounty placed on him was meant to spook him into running away from his allies, leaving him vulnerable to being captured by Vaelin Sunshadow. Tarnas cautioned that Vaelin’s resources were spread thin, so Cal shouldn’t be concerned with the drow as long as he was careful. Clover's plight—a curse threatening to consume her essence—weighed on Alfie’s mind. Negotiations with Zephyr for a scroll of Remove Curse had been a success, and no sooner than Alfie used the scroll, Clover seemed to recover fully. Her skeletal features disappeared as her natural features grew back. Sadly, her body had been badly ravaged by the curse, leaving her sickly but - more importantly - alive. She embraced Alfie, thanking him for saving her while apologizing for whatever misdeed she had done to bring the curse on herself. Through revelations from Alfie and Dav, Clover suspected that her uncle Thistlefoot Glimmerstone had received the Bloodstone Medallion as a reward for his work. He had been cautious about the medallion, wondering if it was safe to put on. So, after several drinks, he tested the theory by placing it on his sleeping niece. When he couldn’t get it off her, he panicked and stabbed the medallion to remove it. Clover hoped that the medallion, not her, had been the true target of her blade. With some time to kill before their magic items became available, Tike Myson, Fiernar, Vaz’non, and Dav continued their physical training at the Veiled Lotus Monastery. During that training, a still-bruised Silas the Hunter came to the monastery and challenged Tike to an official contest of the Ascendant Path tournament. Silas would put up his strategist’s token and give it to Tike if he could defeat the bounty hunter. However, if Tike were to lose, they would allow Silas to take Cal into custody. It was a close fight, but Tike overcame the arrogant fighter. Per their agreement, Silas would return to the Order of the Hunt and tell them that he had not found Cal and believed Cal was in Riddleport. “At least we won’t see him again,” Tike muttered to the others as Silas made his way to the exit. “I’ll be back!” Silas shouted to Tike as he left the Monastery. “Great,” Tike sighed.

Rewards Granted

Purchased from the Mystic Trove:

(Dav) The Shadowless Lantern: This enchanted lantern emits light only visible to the holder, perfect for secretive explorations. (600 gold, available in 2 days). Chameleon Cloak: This cloak allows the wearer to blend in with their surroundings, granting a +5 bonus on Stealth checks. It doesn't render the wearer invisible but helps them camouflage like a chameleon (350 gold, available in 2 days). Handy Haversack (2000 gp, available in 8 days).
(Fiernar) +1 answering spear (8302 gp, available in 13 days).
(Cal) Ring of the Sublime (2000 gp, available in 5 days).
(Alfie) Scroll of Remove Curse (400gp)
(Vaz'non) Ring of Protection +1 (2000 gp, available in 4 days).

From defeating Silas the Hunter:

(Tike) Strategist's Gambit token - Allows the bearer to reroll any one attack roll, saving throw, skill check, or ability check once per day. This represents the divine guidance in crucial moments, ensuring that fate favors the bearer when it matters most.