The morning at Trollskull Manor began with a flurry of letters and errands. Greemus received a missive from Lady Phaulkon about some disturbing discoveries regarding the dark shards we’d found. They were apparently fragments of a much larger obelisk called the Nightstone, which could absorb and release necrotic energy. She told us she would keep us updated and to look after our new friend, Cornelius the Brave.
Meanwhile, Duelo mentioned he had a meeting with an informant in the City of the Dead about the events at Gralhund Villa, but I reminded him about a task he had in the Docks Ward. Melandran also needed to pick up some holy symbols from Steam and Steel, so we all decided to go and sell some of the items we’d acquired. At the shop, Avi handed Melandran her symbols and gave Duelo an update on his Double-Bladed Scimitar. Melandran also ordered a clasp that would glow in the presence of demons.
With our business at Steam and Steel complete, we headed to the City of the Dead. Duelo spotted Istrid reading a newspaper and went to speak with her. He told us she needed us to deliver a message to a Harper agent in the Undermountain. She gave him a pouch with 10 platinum, which was a nice bonus.
We then made our way to Hope’s Magical Emporium of Enchanted Stuff. Toshi, ever the thoughtful one, stopped to get her some donuts, which she greatly appreciated. He then handed her the handkerchief that Aurinax had cried into, which she was not impressed by. After a bit of conversation, she tried to bribe us to keep silent about some of her more illicit wares, but we left without any further incident.
We headed to the Yawning Portal, and as we entered, The Deep Delvers were returning from a venture. Duelo asked Durnan if Mattrim Mereg, also known as Three Strings, was around. He pointed us in the right direction, and we found him and sat in a quiet corner. We noticed a Harper pin on his chest and explained that Istrid had sent us. He told us he needed someone to deliver a payment of three moonstones to Cal’al Claddani at A Flagon in a Dragon in Skullport. Once the payment was delivered, she would tell us how to access Dalagor’s Fortress, which was guarded by someone named Felrax. We agreed and told him we would let him know once the task was complete.
Duelo then went and spoke with Yagra. He returned shortly after and told us about a woman on the other side of the tavern who was openly purchasing magical items from Undermountain. We went over and introduced ourselves. She introduced herself as Obaya Uday, a priestess of Waukeen from Port Nyanzaru. She said she was purchasing magical items for a wizard named Wakanga O’tamu.
Later, as we were sitting at Trollskull Manor, a dwarf knocked on the door. Toshi opened it, and the dwarf introduced himself as Jorn. We quickly realized that it was Istrid in disguise. The next morning, a package arrived for me from Laeral Silverhand. Inside was a copy of The Rise and Fall of Illefarn, which I immediately put in our new library.