Another Yuan-ti is here—calls himself Essmer. Likely a runaway from Samira-Sebak grounds. Comepletely nuts. Only Simon and Lycastea seemed able to make sense of him.
Seiki’s new acquaintances from last night want passage on The Phoenix as the destination is convenient for them. I was to escort them to Vatënhad so they could make their arrangements.
At the port, the demon sent after Simon made its move. A Mortifex, nasty creature. Rank 5, standing only below Balors. Not something summoned lightly. Likely the sender's Planar Ally, which means its master, this Aylis, has significant pull. Known for its deceitful and gruesome nature, it changes its appearance based on the souls it has consumed. Its touch can twist and mold flesh. Disgusting.
If killed on its plane of origin, the souls are released form their torment. Depending on how much this Aylis wants Simon dead, we might see this big boy again.
It brought four Vroks as sidekicks.
Simon picked up on something in a warehouse—turns out Aylis is trading with the Empire, Blackluster most likely. Melmoth has his own plans for The Allience.
Then their Queen arrived. In the flesh. She’s hiding in Gregar’s home in Dorn Thurim. Lycastea spoke the name of the Goddess of the Crimson Swarm, and she answered the call.
This is more tangled than I expected. I need to step back, piece things together, collect my thoughts.
The cold is setting in deeper. Makes me sleepy.