05. The Courting of Fire

The time after the incident at Valhingen Graveyard is spent in a variation of ways. Pierce manages to finally complete his new weapon, Chitkree starts to take up training with a former Black Fist member as he attempts to learn ways to further master his fighting, while Zrukz almost ends up in trouble with the Welcomers as he tries to learn more about the secretive thieves guild.

Once again the party is a few members short as Aramil & Vess decides to travel on from the city, while Augustine pauses his adventuring and instead chooses to devote more time as a member of the Quiet Faithful of Lysander.

One day, you go on an early evening walk through Phlan. Cool, early evening-air blows through a narrow street. The streets are bustling with famished laborers out for a meal, vendors hawking their wares, and grimy sailors looking for moorage at barstools. The evening's peace is broken by a burly Black Fist guard who pushes himself through the rabble and drives a nail through a sheet of parchment with a stout hammer, affixing it to a sign post. In bold, black print it says "Wanted for Thievery Most Cunning."

Looking at the sign post, you see other posters of a similar nature. The most recent addition details the crimes of a man named Spernik including theft, breaching the peace, rendering aid to the enemies of Phlan among other lesser offences. There is also a caricature of a young, male human. He appears to have protruding rat-like ears and beady eyes, although you're not sure about how much of that could be attributed to artistic license. The sign reads, "Reward Promised by the Lord Sage of Phlan" and bears an official-looking seal.

Davin, you keep a watchful eye on the crowd as you move through it, however no one seems to be standing out to you as being suspicious. You move to Scholar's Square where Mantor's Library is located. Sun-bleached colonnades frame the austere facade of the library. A solitary bench sits next to a tranquil pond at the fore of the property in the center of the square. The grounds are well manicured and festooned with blooming flowers and other local flora. Despite the hour being perhaps on the late side, you're almost immediately greeted upon entering the building by a older male half-elf who introduces himself as the Lord Sage, "How may I be of assistance?"

Davin, as you make your way over to the Lord Sage, you do notice that the goblin's...friend? A strange four-armed being, is following you silently.

Meanwhile, Zrukz, Pierce & Donkog, you make it over to the Laughing Goblin and some of the regulars greet Zrukz very warmly as you are known for your chaotic exuberance that is sure to liven up an evening. The bartender, Imizar, and the waiter, "Fat" Mar, nods in acknowledgment as you enter, although both look fairly busy as the place is full of dining patrons.