Confrontation at the Warehouse
Running out of leads, our heroes received invitations to join Rudroc Goldspine for lunch. On their way out of Goldspine Manor, they were handed a mysterious, anonymous note that was obviously part of a trap. As this was the only promising lead for the group, they elected to walk straight into it.
Lunchtime with Goldspine
Our heroes have previously consorted with Rudroc Goldspine--he was the nobleman who provided aid during The Mad Gold Dragon Incident. He sent invitations to Carris Whismael addressed to each hero, as Rudroc knew that Carris employs the heroes. Rudroc arrived fashionably late to lunch, even though he was hosting the heroes in his own manor. Once there he asked about their health and their fortunes. After a few veiled comments about Carris, he commented on how the sudden decline in the price of gems may be indicative of decreasing market confidence in Carris. He offered our heroes an alternative line of employment if their arrangement with Carris falls through.A Mysterious Note
As the heroes departed from Goldspine Manor, a grubby urchin approached with a piece of parchment clenched in their fist. Evidently, the poor soul was offered 1 GP to deliver the message. When questioned, however, the boy was less than helpful in identifying who instructed him to do so. The letter read as follows:Heroes, you're closer to the truth than you realize. The missing gems you found, the mad gold dragon--it is all connected. If you bring me the gems, I can show you how. I have set up a temporary base of operations in an abandoned warehouse in the River district, just north of the Barge's Bedrest. Meet me there. --MThe note was simply signed "M", and the River district is not a well-to-do neighborhood in Vern. Clearly, this was a trap. However, this was the most tangible lead that our heroes have received regarding both The Mad Gold Dragon Incident and the Found Gems. After discussing the best course of action with Carris, our heroes decided to boldly, yet cautiously, walk straight into the trap, electing to meet with this mysterious "M".
The Confrontation
The abandoned warehouse had sentries posted and a large, tattooed guard that welcomed them in. Once their eyes adjusted to the darkness within, they identified the shadows of three people cast by a lamp in the opposite corner. Awaiting our heroes was none other than The Red-Haired Man with the Scar who was responsible for the recent attempt on their lives. He began to gloat before drinking a potion of invisibility:How predictable. You offer a little shred of truth and adventurers come scurrying towards you, like mice to a trap. That's them. Take them down.In the ensuing conflict, Elrhatir Barbedaxe lobbed a fireball into the warehouse. The fire began to spread, consuming the many barrels and boxes that were strewn about. The Red-Haired Man eluded capture, taking a hidden passage that led straight into the sewers of Vern. Thinking quickly, Ka'tan Iyjoh began to question one of the spirits that she bound through her mysterious magic, and the party learned two important facts. First, the thugs that assailed them were members of the League of Shadows. Second, that The Red-Haired Man had hired them through the usual channel--meeting with a member of the League at The Happy Orc. Unfortunately, our heroes were unable to chase down The Red-Haired Man. Left with more questions than answers, our heroes plan their next move.
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