Something Borrowed

The party continues to work their way through the sewer of Baldur's Gate, encountering an unlikely ally as they atttempt to stamp out the remaming influence of the Cult of the Dead Three.

The oppressive heat of Sydenstar hung heavy as the party waded through the muck and filth of the Cult of the Dead Three's sewer lair beneath Baldur's Gate. Frustration lingered from their unsuccessful attempt to breach a cursed tomb, but curiosity drove them deeper into the labyrinthine passages.

A room saturated with an acrid odor revealed itself, a potential hazard that urged caution. Maneuvering carefully through this flammable chamber, the party proceeded into a long hallway, ready to uncover the secrets hidden behind each door.

Suddenly, a door flung open at the far end of the hallway, revealing a haggard half-orc with a scarred face. Mortlock, the estranged member of a family entwined with the cult, burst forth. His tale unfolded — betrayal, assassination attempts, and stolen treasures. The promise of vengeance and a share of the spoils bound the party to Mortlock's cause.

Following Mortlock's lead, the group discovered a secret door leading to a flooded chamber, where stolen treasures awaited. Their journey took a dark turn as they confronted Mortlock's would-be assassin, Vaaz, the last of the three leaders of the Cult of the Dead Three. The room echoed with the clash of steel and the splashing of water as the party battled cultists.

Maximus, the Paladin, fell under a dark charm, temporarily turning against his allies before shaking off the influence. Remses, with his necromantic abilities, orchestrated a spectral uprising, turning fallen enemies into reluctant allies. Raven's blessings and Rylorr's martial prowess proved instrumental in turning the tide.

Cassio, ever strategic, closed in on the spellcaster, severing the head in a decisive stroke. Amid the chaos, Maximus regained control, his blade now directed toward their foes. The party came out on top after each of them thoroughly discovering what the sewer water of Baldur’s gate indeed tasted like.

Emerging triumphant from the depths, the party, enriched by the Cult of the Dead Three's treasures, witnessed Cassio's discovery of a peculiar chromatic crown. The artifact held an otherworldly allure, forging a silent bond with Cassio as he carefully affixed it to his cap.

Mortlock, grateful for the party's assistance, sealed a pact with them, vowing to end the treacherous deeds of his brothers. Through this alliance, the party learned of Mortlock's lineage—the Vanthampurs of the upper city, with his mother holding a position in the prestigious Baldur's Gate Council.

Debating their next move, the party discovered a peculiar coincidence—the presence of Mortlock's brother around the Low Lantern. Serena, too, was destined for the same location to meet a contact. Exiting the sewers into the bathhouse above, the tranquility was shattered by the sudden appearance of a Cult of the Dragon squadron, intent on reclaiming their stolen treasures.

Ultiss, the female cultist leader, surprisingly acknowledged Cassio as an ally before the party defiantly chose to retain the spoils, nearly wiping out the Dragon Cultists in the process. A moment of unseen pain gripped Cassio as Ultiss warned of the impending vengeance their mistress would unleash, particularly against one of her own.

As Ultiss narrowly escaped after the decimating of her party, the timely arrival of the Flaming Fist took over the mop up of the horrific scene as they honored their agreement after being provided with a little golden incentive. With an entourage alongside them, the party made their way through the lower districts along the harborside as they set their course for the Low Lantern tavern.

Their destination held the promise of answers, as Mortlock's half-brother awaited, and a deeper unraveling of the clandestine dealings lurking beneath the city's surface. The shadows of the Low Lantern held secrets that the party was determined to expose, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their quest through the enigmatic alleys of Baldur's Gate.