Session 3.4

On the party’s first night in the city of Cardona, a well-known entertainer by the name of Serafin Quell performed for the Sovereign of the nation, some prominent nobles, and some the group. The party found the performance, a cryptic poem, as odd as the poet also maintained eye contact with Soren. However, it was cut short when Lord Fernando Ismael Valentino de Escobar intervened and had the poet escorted from the palace. After some discussion, Soren convinced the group to investigate his suspicions. The following day the group searched for Quell at Andromeda Plaza, then searched for clues at the Colossus before deciding to take a break to enjoy La Carnivale de Cardona. As the party was enjoying the festivities they had caught a glimpse of Serafin, who noticed the party at the same time, and ran.

Zhorn, Soren, and one of the Tempest Troopers had given chase to the halfling as they weaved through pedestrian traffic, eluding a patrol of guards, and dodging various obstacles before fortuitously Quell was apprehended by some obnoxious youths, who Soren provided some ale as a reward. As this was happening, Fannti and Caspian had focused their attention to a tail who had been watching the party from a distance since they had arrived at the Carnivale. Caspian was able to identify the curious younger figure, but the youth managed to disappear into the crowd of carnival goers. However, the day was still a success as they were able to apprehend Quell.

The poet took the group to a dive bar called the Lost Canary, where the party was introduced to Fire Water, a vile alcoholic beverage which numbed the tongue. During the course of conversation, Soren was able to confirm his initial suspicions that the poet was trying to get the party’s attention. Although his responses were elusive, the group was able to realize that their liaison, Lord Escobar, was a person of interest. At the conclusion of the night Fannti bought out the tavern owner’s stock of liquor in exchange for newer recipes, while also pocketing his previous stores including the fire water.

Upon returning to the palace later in the night, Sovereign Raynaud was waiting for the group and was interested in the party’s Carnivale experience, before bringing forth a generous offer of trade, future tourism for the Amethyst Isle, as well as non-aggression pact. All the sovereign asked for in return was trade in form of luxury gems that were in abundance on island as well as the island’s unconditional support of Cardona and his regime, which the group agreed to. Then he ushered the party to a second consecutive banquet in honor of their newly forged alliance, before excusing himself for the night stating that he had some personal matters to attend to.

This outdoor banquet was more of the same as it provided the party an opportunity to further network with Cardona’s elite. The party’s goal for the night was to isolate Lord Escobar, which Zhorn and Caspian were able to do, however, was unsuccessful due to a terrible line of questions. Fannti decided to intervene, disguising their intentions in the form of a game, and was able to slip the participants a concoction with Fire Water. It was a partial success because the party was able to ask Lord Escobar questions, but unfortunately, he was overserved and ended up blacking out only being able to answer 3 questions.