Session 27: Hidden Amongst Blades Report

General Summary

The party's journey across the Darklake finished with them slipping into the Darklake District of Gracklstugh, guided there by Buppido. Hemeth and Fargas both part ways upon reaching the city, with the first offering them a discount if they ever need anything from his shop.
As they travel the docks, the party comes upon a duergar being attacked by two others with glowing blades. They cut down the assailants, whose blades disappear. After healing the person being attacked (an individual named Werz Saltbaron), he thanks them, and asks for their help delivering a bag of gemstones to a friend of his in Blingdenstone (another Underdark settlement). On examining the bodies of the attackers, they find a small parchment with a likeness of Werz scrawled on it.
To get away from the suspicious scene, they head to the Blade Bazaar, to a shop they can sell some of their loot at. They go to Pax's Precious Metals, where they are able to exchange a number of their treasures for coinage. They also discover that the merchant caravans seem to have been put on lockdown until further notice.
On leaving, the party notices they are being watched by a small group of drow. They don't approach, but their leader stares right at the group. As they are not being hindered, the party continues to the Merchant's Council Headquarters to try and find a way to the surface. They met with Ylsa Henstak, a member of the Merchant's Council, and found that in order to get out of Gracklstugh they will need to address the lockdown with the Deepking directly. To do so, they will need recommendations from several high-profile individuals in order to gain an audience. Ylsa offers them a deal: find out where the derro of the city have been getting contraband valuables, and she will give them a letter of recommendation (and some of the confiscated valuables).
On leaving the Council building, the party barely has time to think before the Bazaar comes under attack by a two-headed giant. The party fights back against it, and after discovering that the giant does not seem to be cognizant of its actions, manages to subdue the giant non-lethally. Guards arrive on the scene, getting the story of what happened, and another giant arrives (this one single-headed and perfectly sane). He thanks the party for keeping his fellow alive, and extends an invitation to meet with the Stonespeaker of Gracklstugh, which the party immediately takes him up on.

Rewards Granted

Each member of the party received 2 gp from Hemeth, and Jaaski was given an azurite gemstone, as thanks for returning him home. They also split their loot from the Tomb of Khaem with Fargas.

Missions/Quests Completed

• Successfully reached Gracklstugh, returning both Buppido and Hemeth home and parting ways with Fargas.
• Currently searching for ways to lift the lockdown in Gracklstugh.
• Merchant's Council: Find where the derro are getting their contraband.
• Currently traveling to meet with the Stonespeaker of Gracklstugh.
• Werz Saltbaron: Deliver bag of gems to Kazook Pickshine in Blingdenstone.

Campaign

Out of the Abyss (Oots)

Protagonists

"Crim" ??

Level 12 Tiefling Neutral Good Sorcerer 6 / Warlock 6
(Urchin)

/ 68 HP

Hestan Norixius

Level 12 Dragonborn (Blue) Lawful Good Warlock
(Outlander)

/ 87 HP

Jaaski

Level 8 Floof Chaotic Good Barbarian
(Charlatian / Berserk subclass)

/ 68 HP

Tanebi Dragonheart

Level 12 Aasimar (Protector) Lawful Good Paladin (Oath of Devotion)
(Acolyte)

/ 88 HP

Report Date

16 Feb 2020

Primary Location

Gracklstugh