The Scarlet Coat Report

Though the journey was long, the Freshmen finally arrived in illustrious Mercercle... only to realize that they did not quite know where to go next.
As the party discussed where to travel to, the path ahead of them seemed to diverge: they could either take the lawful route and align themselves with The Scaled Guard, or they could take the less lawful route and consult The Crimson Court – a criminal syndicate that fashions itself after a noble court.   In the end, they took neither path, and decided to start working for Rahvin Ashdust at The Ash and Cinder Inn. After all, adventurers gotta eat too!   But in actuality, the plan was to hide out as new employees, so that they could more easily keep an ear out for talk of the the dragon cult  that had lead them here.   And so, with Zela the Liar disguised as a halfling, the party was introduced to Rahvin's family: Liam, the young gnome boy serving tables, sisters Willow and Eloise who were cooking and cleaning in the back, and the two dogs who were also serving tables!   They spent some time working at this inn, before the day that Rahvin went out for ingredients and saw an alleyway altercation between a man gripping a rapier and some thugs in red robes.   Rahvin slipped in, feigning familiarity and was able to safely get the man out of the situation and into his inn.   It was there, lead by frustration with the Crimson Court as well as a couple drinks, the party got to know the new figure who introduced himself as Cirrilion Shatterstone.   This sassy, proud, and rakish rogue and former member of The Court taught the party a good deal about the organization, including the fact that Baron and Baroness is a title bestowed to members of The Court that have control over the different cities of Mercercle.   The party connects that the Baron of Châtelain - who had sold Melora the necklaces from the beginning of this tale - must be a member of the Crimson Court!   Armed with this information, the ear of a rogue, and the gall to just strut on up into Châtelain, they began discussing business over a couple glasses of The Steamy Succubus, planning to set out for the city very soon.