Eastbound and Down

General Summary

After defeating Zorethian attackers on the first floor of Brighthall Castle, the Party proceeded up the stairs. What they found was a bloody scene: many Holy Guard soldiers lay dead in their beds, struck down while they slept. Others fell during the fighting, trying to take the Zorethian murderers with them.
The Party was greeted by Alec Codswallop, and they soon noticed old acquaintances Melna Madz and Bronwen Mandit pacing the room, surveying the casualties. All wore solemn faces. And then the Party saw an impressive man cut through the room, commanding the attention and respect of all. Axelrod took particular interest in the man's sword, as he had never laid eyes on a more impressive weapon. Alec then introduced his brother to Virgil Halathar, the Knight of Mystra and commander of the Holy Guard. Virgil thanked Alec and the others for their bravery, and Alec thanked Mystra that Virgil unexpectedly cancelled his leave and was still at Brighthall during the attack.
Bartimus revealed to Alec that a Zorethian spy had poisoned Captain Evencrusher, and that they learned of the attack through the spy. They then returned to the safe house and set up an elaborate "torture" ruse, with everyone playing their parts to coerce the spy into divulging his knowledge. They learned of an anonymous mole in the Holy Guard ranks and that there was likely a larger plot at work. To keep him out of sight but in the city, Hobart convinced him to "join" the Guild, which he accepted. They locked him back up in his room and arranged for recruiters to fetch him.
While out in the city the next day, the Party ran into Melna, who was returning to Brighthall. She told the Party that Captain Mandit received an anonymous tip about a Zorethian safe house, but when the Guard went to investigate it, any occupants had already fled. Mandit and a contingent of men stormed off afterward. The Party accompanied Melna back to Brighthall, where they found a much-improved Captain Evencrusher anxiously awaiting his chance to speak with Mandit. A knowing nod to Axelrod indicated the Captain's suspicions of his colleague, and the Party was tasked with hunting him down. They learned he was heading east toward Mur, which evoked strong feelings in Axelrod.
The Party traveled east on the Highway, nearly reaching the Hel Mountains before stopping at the small trading post of Ambridge. While there, they met a contact of Evencrusher's who told them that a group dressed like Holy Guard soldiers had turned south after hearing about a potential Guard roadblock on the Highway. They were also warned that they were heading into orc country.
The Party set out the next morning. Around midday, they arrived at a farmhouse and found a band of orcs harassing a farmer and raiding his goods. The Party stepped up, defeated the orcs, and protected the farm. Proceeding onward, they spotted old ruins across a river, lit by torches. Hobart swam down the river and approached silently from the back of the ruins, while the others crossed the old, crumbling bridge. They pincered the Zorethians and defeated them soundly. All that remained was the staircase down to the ancient basement.
Would the cowardly Mandit be found below? Find out next time...

Report Date

03 Oct 2020

Primary Location

Brighthall Castle

Secondary Location

Mistglide Ruins