Lysander Nenuial had recently offered 50GP to compete the tavern's house bard Chossis . Chossis agreed and the competition gets underway with Chossis going first.
Chossis uses a variety of unique spells to help create a magical environment by which he then plays his music. Lysander looks on in appreciation of his extra effort and gets excited for his turn to compete.
After Chossis finishes his very purposeful ballad, Lysander then steps up to try and convince the patrons that he is the best. As he also spins some magic to try and win over the people, he does have some struggle but adds some humor that ultimately allows him to win over the crowd. Chossis, with much thanks and grace, readily gives the high stakes 50GP over to Lysander.
Miramenor Starsinger heads over to a nearby table and begins a chat with some of the locals. He chats briefly with two wealthier appearing dragonborns named Vorruk and Thulgor. Recognizing the groups seems to be some adventurers, they tell Miramenor about some type of possible fighting competition near Vellgard Manor & The Crimson Arena in the Blacklake District. It is apparently a large, rundown building that is pretty easy to find along the city wall.
Miramenor then heads to the other side of the tavern and chats with another group that includes another dragonborn named Tharvas At the time, he was chatting with a tiefling and a female tabaxi ranger named Swift. Miramenor learns that she has been tracking unusual animal migrations in the southern area of Neverwinter Wood. She believes something is driving creatures from their habitats. At this point she learns that Miramenor is from the wood area.
Continuing to make some greetings, Lysander heads to another table and meets two merchants named Loras and Andrin. He learns only basic information about the Moonstone Mask and the Sage's Shop. The two notice the staves Nyx Ningel has and offers 350GP for the Nezznar staff. Nyx chooses not to sell and they claim that, "the auction house will offer no more than 200GP for it".
The party decides to take a short rest with the intent of heading to Vellguard Manor to see if they can learn more about the fighting ring.
VELLGUARD MANOR & BORZUG'S PIT FIGHTING ARENA
As darkness comes across the city, the party heads towards the manor in the Blacklake District. They were told that you could follow the water line and find the large rundown manor.
Lysander uses stealth to try and scout the area and sees what appears to be two guards in front of what appears to be the manor.
Deciding to approach, the reveal the names of Vorruk and Thulgor which shows they were invited to attend. The guards say it is 5GP to attend the events of the evening.
Both Lysander and Miramenor decide to pay but the others are hesitant. As they try to walk away, the guards look over at donaar ironhide and claim that, "He is the one for the night".
Dakari Akinjide winds up getting Lysander to pay since he's the main one to want to attend. He agrees and covers the additional 15GP for the other three.
The party then is directed down some large stairs that leads down to a large, underground arena. A large number of guards then proceed slowly down after them to encourage the group from attempting to flee.
A very large orc named Borzug stands at the other end of the arena and explains that he organizes one-on-one fights for those interested in some action. It is clear that he is well known in the area as countless others are in attendance ready to see tonight's events. Borzug offers 50GP to anyone who can beat one of his many opponents.
Lysander is the first to offer himself up to fight and Borzug ushers in a small foe named Gribbles the Nilbog. In an impressive first action, Lysander kills him in one hit using his Dissonant Whispers that forces a reaction that disables Nibbles from not healing himself.
In awe at the first event, Borzug praises the risk taking bard and gives him the 50GP he promised.
Donaar then excitedly steps forward and Borzug works to get the crowd riled up. He then introduces the next opponent that is Aurez a wyrmling bronze dragon.
