Marcax approached the group to begin a discussion on duty, loyalty, and patriotism with the group. He was curious about their thoughts and stand on the whole concept. The next day, he came back calling on a favor that was owed to him. A woman named Abby Vivian Sackville has gone missing and he would very much like her brought to him. She is an important person and needs to be returned, regardless of her wishes. It is a very complicated situation and needs to be handled with care. He hoped that their status as ‘good guys’ would help.
As they left to seek her out, they were approached by members of House Durnadin. House Durnadin are a secret service of some sort. They handle matters dealing with nobility and affairs of the state. They inform the party that it would be in everybody’s best interest if they turn over Abby to them if they find her. There could even be a reward in it for them.
The group heads over to the Silk Scabbard, a brothel, where Abby is known to frequent. They met Alphie, a halfling bartender, and try to find Abby. No one seems to know where she is. After getting some information, they decide to go and try other places when they were approached by some thieves from the guild. They threaten to do Abby some harm if they refuse to back off. They name drop some nobles to help with their intimidation.
After their encounter with the thieves, the Watch approaches them and asks to speak with them in an alley. Sgt. Kingsford speaks with them a bit informing them that they are not in trouble, and he just wants the streets to be quiet again. A person named Osgood is in the black market and may be able to find Abby. He gives them a map and wishes them luck.
The part heads to the Black Market and encounters a kobold getting the business from three dark dwarves. They intervene and earn the kobold’s loyalty. The kobold helps them get to Osgood.
Osgood says he can help them find Abby. He mentions that Abby has a black book on her that details nobles deeds, probably not good ones either. He lets them know that they need a plan to deal with all the variable because this is a sticky situation. He gave them potions for emergency situations. He then sent them to the bathhouse, the most likely place that Abby would be.
No one is allowed inside the bath house with anything more than a towel. So, all of the equipment and weapons had to be checked in before entering. It does not take them long to find Abby, any description of her beauty would be an understatement and she did seem to have a face that seems familiar. Her smile and sparkling eyes could melt men and women alike, regardless of their preference. And she immediately began flirting.
From the get go, she was unwilling to entertain any notion of going back. She did listen to people’s reasons, but wanted control of her own life and did not want to be tied down by any one’s rules. But the book might have been too much and she would not mind help in getting rid of it. If they would just come back to her place, they could figure everything out.
On the way out, they were surrounded by a bunch of men demanding that they hand Abby over. Diplomacy went out the window when Fiona’s towel was snatched from her. The fight was on. During the skirmish, Al used his flames to burn one of the men down, forcing two of the guys to flee. The other guys were quickly beaten down and the group ran away to Abby’s hideout.
Back at the hideout, Abby reveals that she hid the book in Alphie’s room. Fenris valiantly volunteered to go get the book, by any means necessary. The group stayed behind and tried to figure out how to get out of the situation with all of their troubles. They discussed many ways but could not reach any sort of agreement, but most of them were pretty sure that Abby should not be forced to go back to Marcax or anyone.
Deciding to deal with the book first, Fiona went to Marcax for assistance and with input from all parties decided on a plan to try and make everyone happy … and sad. In the end, they would give the book to the thieves and also plan for the House Drunadin to show up soon after to take the book from the thieves. Al would do the hand off while Fenris and Fiona watched his back. Atamu would stay with Abby at the hideout.
The plan went off without a hitch. The only strange thing was a watcher that revealed himself to Al. Wormroot was interested in the whole thing, and wanted some excitement. He seemed eager for another game. After the stress of the situation, they were all too eager to get out of there and back to the hideout.
When they returned to the hideout, it was quiet. Searching the place, they found a naked and drugged Atamu in bed, dreaming good dreams. A box was strategically placed. Inside the box was a key and a note.
The note read: Sorry things had to end this way, you guys were pretty sweet. I am not going to be bound by anyone’s rules. I am glad you could get rid of that book for me, it was more trouble than it was worth. I left you guys some payment for your troubles, I won’t need it where I am going.
You seemed like nice people that deserved better, but that’s just not me. Although I must admit, I did not think hiring those guys to attack you in the bath house would have been as fun as it was. I just thought it would be fun watching all those naked bodies fight, but you all took it to a whole new level. Oh Fiona, I did not expect such feistiness from you. I’m impressed. And Al, fire? Very sexy.
You got wrapped up in something that was over your heads. You never really had a chance. But that’s the problem with life in the city. Everybody lies. Hugs and kisses. Abby.
The letter has a deep red kiss mark at the bottom of the page.
The key belongs to a security box at the bank. Feeling a bit duped they check out the box and find that it is a necklace that belongs to House Dunadin. After debating a bit, they decide to return it to Lady Mirren, the matriarch of House Dunadin.
After a very cold reception, they returned the necklace. The lady was then forced by honor and nobility to grant the group a favor. The Lady’s demeanor although cordial, showed that she despised the position she was forced to be in. But, polite society dictates the rules and the Lady would follow them. Unfortunately, the group did not have any immediate needs. They were excused, and they left quickly.