Session 7 – Judgment Beneath the Waves

GENERAL SUMMARY

THE REUNITED COMPANY

The session opened with the party gathered once more within Nyelath's Grace , their separate investigations now woven into a single current of truth. Shyk reported that Raelunai Zsvael , though erratic, had been cleared of guilt — a clumsy accident involving the same magical ink that had stained the murder scene. With the dolphins’ translated testimony absolving the druid, suspicion drifted elsewhere.

Cassandra brought forth her own findings: that the Mythal’s protections could only be bypassed by the blood of Priestess Arilshae herself. Two names fit the impossible lineage — Shellsinger Nyrae and Nimrath Oceanforge . Both bore suspicious ties to the vanished priestess. Nyrae, the political manipulator. Nimrath, the orphan brought into the city five years after Arilshae’s mysterious sabbatical. Either could have carried the secret blood that doomed her.

THE SHELLSINGER’S OFFER

Seeking truth, the group confronted Shellsinger Nyrae within her coral-lined chamber. Her voice was honeyed, her gaze unblinking. She insisted she knew the killer’s identity — but that for the peace of the city, the group should instead accuse the half-sahuagin, Shaelira. Her reasoning was steeped in politics and fear: better to sacrifice one exile than risk a civil war. When persuasion failed, she produced an elegant bribe: sea-born treasures tuned to each hero’s desires.

Before any answer could be given, a psychic tidal wave ripped through the city. A shared dream engulfed every mind outside the Mythal’s protection. A suffocating darkness pressed upon them — until a vast shadow great wyrm tore the vision apart, declaring that “the Dreamer may not touch what is mine.” To the fey shadow-sorceress, he asked one question: Whom shall I protect? She answered — not herself, but the entire city. The wyrm’s exhalation scattered the nightmare into nothingness.

When the dream faded, Nyrae confessed the truth: Nyelath’s Grace had been under psychic assault for months. The pressure from the deeps was worsening, and the failing Mythal was barely holding it back. The failing kelp fields beyond the city limits suddenly made grim sense — the protection did not reach that far.

THE DAGGER IN THE DEEP

Rejecting Nyrae’s bribe, the party sought Nimrath Oceanforge. His quarters were pristine, too pristine — a silence that hid guilt. With Thalorae Nemeris ’s help distracting the guards, the group investigated further. Hunter’s senses caught the faint metallic tang of Arilshae’s blood. Following the trail into the open ocean, Hunter and Elia discovered two ornamental urns — one concealing the dagger that had slain the priestess.

THE COUNCIL’S VERDICT

The group returned to the council chambers, proof in hand. They faced a choice: accept Nyrae’s offer and preserve the city’s illusion of unity, or reveal the truth and risk upheaval. The decision hardened when they found among Nimrath’s possessions invasion plans for Leilon . The sea elf’s ambition threatened their home above all.

Before the full council, Lady Cassandra Vexmoor spoke the accusation. The dagger was presented, and the truth unveiled — Nimrath was Arilshae’s son. Sythar Alcarin, the Mythal’s architect, erupted in realization: only her own blood could have pierced her protections.

Nimrath broke. He confessed to striking in anger, never believing the blow could kill her. Arilshae had sought to help him, to legitimize his rise in a city that despised half-bloods. His remorse drowned him. At his own request, he submitted to the Tidebinding Ritual: The Shoal Oath Remains , a living imprisonment that would render him mindless but available for service in the city’s defense.

THE AFTERMATH

Chaos swept the chamber. Nyrae seized control of the remaining councilors, assuring the heroes that diplomacy with Leilon would continue — and that aid would come. Veylan Tidecaller and the Pearlguard would sail to strike the sahuagin siege.

The party returned to the The Mermaid's Lament , where Captain Tidevein awaited. With Leilon now saved, he offered them passage onward to Waterdeep — unless House Vexmoor could pay double to return home. The group chose Leilon.

There, amid charred ruins and grateful faces, they received their reward. House Vexmoor, drained of coin, paid them in writs redeemable in Neverwinter or Waterdeep. A final gift awaited: Nyrae’s bribe chest, now sent as a token of “good faith.”

Cassian Albright presented the next paths before them — to continue rekindling the lighthouses that anchor the Echoing Gate, or to reclaim the High Road from the bandit lord known as Twinshot .

The heroes chose the road to Neverwinter, their eyes already set on the next horizon.