Scene 3a: Biting the Hand

If the party decides they want to get to the bottom of the brazen outlaws sending patrols into Whitehaven Harbor at night they can question a survivor of the previous encounter, or follow hints from rumors and clues to find a small nearby bandit outpost. Clearing this outpost, or making its existence known to the town guard, will push back the outlaw presence in Whitehaven but also paint a target on Aelor in the eyes of the local outlaw organization.
The Blackhand hideout is located in Whitehaven Outskirts in a community of destroyed buildings (map item 23).
From the outside there appears to be nothing going on in this area of town, especially at this time of night. One female halfling stands outside of the largest building, secretly a lookout for the Blackhand. She will proffer the party any "services" they might required when they approach, but will not answer questions about The Blackhand directly, feigning ignorance.

"Good evening there folks, an' what a fine lookin' group of folks ye are! What brings ye along this side of town at such an hour? If ye be lookin' for a bit o' entertainment, might be I could...point ya in the right direction."

The halfling woman gives you a sly grin and an exaggerated wink such that it leaves no doubt as to her meaning

If shown the parchment with the Blackhand sigil, or if any of the party members take her up on her offer, she will then usher the group inside of the largest building where the Encounter for this scene will start; the bandits are aware that the party is coming and will not trust that they are new recruits.
If the party is caught snooping around and attempts to gain entry into the building the bandits from the Encounter will exit and attack the party in the dirt streets.
If the party can successfully gain access to the large building without being seen they can initiate the encounter with a surprise round.

Following the Encounter

Any surviving Blackhand members will refuse to provide any additional information about their group, its leadership, or why they have become more active in Whitehaven Harbor - they appear to be afraid for their lives (Insight 5) and would rather rot in a cell than risk retaliation.

"My mouth is sealed, so do yer worst - ya won't find any snitches or cravens in the Blackhand's ranks"

The party will need to decide wether to turn the bandits over to the authorities, kill them outright, or let them go on their way; they will not allow themselves to be followed if let go, and will instead attack the party and fight to the death (or incapacitation). Handing them over to the authorities may have other consequences as the story continues to unfold.

Encounters

Encounter: Biting the Hand

Side Quest

Compromise Blackhand Foothold in Whitehaven

Finishing the Encounter attached to this scene concludes the initial questline involving the Blackhand and their increased activity within Whitehaven Harbor, regardless of how the party decides to handle things.

• 300 xp

Blackhand Chest

A locked chest is located in the back room of the Blackhand hideout in Whitehaven Outskirts. It can be accessed one of three ways:

• Pick the lock - (Sleight of Hand 12 - requires Thieves Tools and proficiency)
• Key under a loose floorboard hidden by sleeping hay - (Perception 12)
• Smash the chest (Strength 15)
• This option will break all items marked fragile in the chest

Contents

• 4 Potions of Healing (2d4 + 2) - fragile
• Ceramic Vase with Gold vinework (100gp) - fragile
• Pair of silver glasses with round dark blue lenses (75 gp) - fragile
• 3d10 gp
• 5d6 sp
• 3d20 cp

Plot type

Scene

Parent Plot

Chapter 0: Port of Call

Subplots

• Encounter: Biting the Hand

Related Organizations

• The Blackhand

Related Locations

• Whitehaven Outskirts