Chapter 1 - Red Larch

Ay, Silvertongue! Tomorrow at dawn. Balak looks to the barkeep. Yer finest ail for me an’ this sly one here! Balak gestures to Dazzle.

"Finest, you say? That's very kind of you, Balak. And we have almost the entire day to kill. I'll be here, wiling away the hours, in case you need a third party to intervene on your behalf in any business negotiations, or a representative in court, or a shoulder to cry on, or a keen mind for any philosophical conjectures you want to put through their rigor."

Felicia smiles at the interchange between the party and the constabulary. Dawn seems as good a time as any, if you'd all see fit to allow me to accompany you into this haunted tomb. she says, turning the driftglobe over in her hands, sussing out the magic of the item. After the hour or so of studying, she hands it back.

Seems to be a normal enough driftglobe. she says, giving Balak the command words for the object.

"Anyone interested in a game of cards? Ante is a mere copper piece, since we're all friends."

Gambling is for fools and miscreants. Not a Zhent. I turn and leave, going to the Zhent contact in town.

"Zhents aren't much fun now, are they? Sure you ain't one of them?" Xella gives Sorgrimm a wink and a nudge with her elbow before happily downing the drink she is offered. "The plan is we keep our eyes open. Information on someone like him is bound to turn up sooner or later. Besides, doing good works in the name of the Order can only help us in the long run."

Yes, and a good Zhent plays those gambles to bring others into debt with the Network. Felicia thinks, watching Alyx walk out.

All depends on the straw you draw in my experience, Xella. Met a few that would certainly show you a proper night on the town. I'd be happy to throw some cards around just to know you all a little better. Felicia says, looking to Dazzle as she finishes her statement off.

I knew I could count on you, Dazzle smiles warmly at Felicia. And fear not, Xella. Plenty of information will be available over the course of the day as people come and go from this very establishment. You'll find there is no better location to learn all of Red Larch's secrets than right here at my table. Pull up a chair, will you? We need to create the optimal conditions for strangers to join us. Offer some drinks, play a few hands, and before you know it we'll have the answers to all our questions, or at the very least, know who to ask.

Balak sits at the table. Ill play a few hands, but I’m not that good. Much rather arm wrestle, as that lines up with my skill set. Balak has what he thinks sounds like a great idea. Excuse me, everyone.

He leaves the tavern and heads to a mason shop, seeking the leader of the guild there to pay his dues.

"Aw shucks, and here I was gearing up for an arm wrestling match! Guess you can deal me in for that game of cards, Daz."

Sorgrimm does not join in with the card playing, instead he finishes his drink and meal in solitude.

"I’ll be ready at dawn. He says as he gets up to find his room. "Meet back here?

Balak is going to draw a javelin from his shield, and have his shield at the ready. He is going to approach this rectangular hole cautiously, seeing what he notices as he approaches.

Felicia stands back as Balak approaches the hole. The only sign of her nervousness is the single copper piece she rolls around her fingers.