The Moonstone Mask P. 1

On the morning of 18 Tenmonth, Micah sent Justine Marleaux, who had spent the night with her, away after breakfast, somewhat unceremoniously.  Justine appeared somewhat hurt as she left.  The STU decided to take up the missing person's case brought to them by Neverwinter Detective Inspector Dianys Thistlehand, and used Gundren's status to gain admission to the Moonstone Mask retreat, to search for Falthrax Loderr, an older Dwarven merchant who was believed to have gone there three or so days ago.

Reconnaissance

Before heading there, Flippy investigated the "parade route" leading from the Cathedral complex to the River Market, where the execution of the Druid Reidoth is scheduled to take place.  He believed he discovered the two best locations along the route for an ambush, if the group decides to try to free the Druid en route to his execution.

Separate Ways

At the Moonstone Mask, the STU -- missing Aledwyn, who was still unwell and remained back at the Rockseeker compound -- first encountered the handsome human front desk attendant Saeth, who outlined the retreat's services.  They asked him about Falthrax, and Saeth said he might recall a dwarf visiting a few days before, and he would mention the STU's arrival if he sees him.  They also encountered a Gnome guest (name as yet unknown) who was talking to Saeth about selling the Moonstone Mask high quality baking equipment.  The party then split up to try to locate Falthrax and otherwise suss out the situation:

  • Melori went to the thermal baths, where she discovered the STU's old friend Malgitor Mhurren taking the waters.  Along with Malgitor, the baths were also being used by Kang Li, a human veteran of the Flaming Fist mercenary band based in the southern city of Port Chionthar, who had come to the Moonstone Mask to recuperate from a leg injury.  Li remembered seeing a dwarf that might have been Falthrax a few days ago, but not since then.

  • Aukan went to the outdoor exercise yard, where he met Azirssa, one of the three Elves who own/run the retreat, who was leading two halflings -- Reed Quickstep and Bree Deephollow -- in a series of exercises.  Aukan engaged in some squats, some tug of war, and some chain skipping, and ended up getting injured slightly in the chain skipping when he could not keep up.  Azirssa mentioned a special treatment she could offer that could increase Aukan's agility, if he wished.  Aukan asked about Falthrax, and Azirssa said she would check on his whereabouts.  Aukan then joined Melori (and Malgitor and Kang Li) in the thermal baths.  The waters do indeed seem to have a recuperative effect.  

  • Flippy went to the lounge area, where he spoke with Julia Weber (human) and Mytheline Gemblossom (Elf), who appeared to be a couple and on an anniversary type retreat.  They explained that they were the owner/operator of the Board Laid Bare, a popular restaurant in the River District of Neverwinter.  Despite the nature of their visit, the two were clearly bickering.  They told Flippy they remember seeing a Dwarf a couple of days ago, but not since.  While in the lounge, Flippy briefly met Morganna, one of the three Elves who own the Moonstone Mask, who was circulating among the clients.  Flippy then went to reconnoiter the guest rooms.  He picked the lock of one room and discovered a sack hidden under the mattress that contained three diamonds worth 50gp each, and a silver statuette of an elf that he could not readily identify.  A locked chest in the room contained a chain shirt and a rapier.  Flippy left the items where they were and snuck back out of the room, successfully relocking it on his way out.  Shortly thereafter he was surprised by Elodia, who was heading to her room after a massage.  They talked a while in her room, and Flippy wondered whether she and Malgitor could be persuaded to help free the Druid.  Elodia mentioned that she could possibly teach Flippy some bardic magic.  Flippy then proceeded to the thermal baths, where he negotiated with Malgitor -- who agreed to help with the Druid for 250gp and a "favor to be named later."

  • Micah waited in the lobby area with Saeth until a massage time came open.  Going into the treatment rooms, she encountered Elodia coming out, though Elodia did not seem to immediately recognize her.  When getting her massage, Micah got to know Ilmar Mizzrym, the masseur -- a Drow Elf.  After discovering that Ilmar was a member of the Harpers and relaying to him that she is also a member, Ilmar confessed that he had posed as a masseur in order to gain employment at the retreat so he could look for the previous owner of the Moonstone Mask, an old acquaintance of his named Sylvarie Silversong.  Ilmar had endured visions of something horrible happening to her, and did not believe she had voluntarily sold the establishment 10 years ago.  He also told Micah that he had determined that something was wrong and suspicious with the three Elves now running the place, but that he was not sure exactly what it is.  He suggested the STU stay the night, and they could meet sometime in the middle of the night to discuss next steps.  Micah then headed to the thermal baths.

At the end of the session, all the STU members were in the thermal bath area, with Malgitor, Elodia, and Kang Li.  It is around 1pm.

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