Clouded Truths (Part IV)

A tall dwarf with dark hair who was invisible until wounded by a thrown knife. He carries a dagger and has a mysterious symbol on his chest. He is dying from arterial wounds and appears to be an assassin sent to target someone in Madame Tremzume's chambers.

The leader of Arakcadia who has supernatural sight and can see things beyond the normal realm. She has been scrying on the party for days and has magical defenses against mental intrusion. She knows about the orb's ancient origins and the various factions seeking them. She agrees to help hunt Tassarion and provides magical protection to the party. She appears to be around 50 years old with white hair and piercing blue eyes.

An aggressive guard wearing red and gold colors typical of the Zilaphelian Empire. He carries a bloodied sword and attempts to restrict access to Port Wolifer, but backs down when shown Kiribos's badge. He represents the military presence controlling the area after recent attacks.

An elven council official who carries a badge that grants authority with Zilaphelian guards. He helped form an undercover alliance with Darion and Madame Tremzume days before the ball. He has knowledge of the stolen orb's location and can send messages telepathically. He told Madame Tremzume about the party's presence and supports their mission against the Veurim Empire.

A half-orc leader of the Ironclad who is taller than typical half-orcs. He operates from an underground hideout in Black Wine Alley and has knowledge of the orb's location on the Boreas ship. He assigns smuggling jobs to the party and shows frustration with incompetent subordinates while maintaining detailed records of operations.

A white-haired elven man who worked undercover to infiltrate Veurim Empire dealings but pulled out when it became too dangerous. He was the one who told Cyrran to hold onto the orb and had dealings with the Ironclad to track it. He becomes agitated when questioned about the alliance's knowledge of the massacre and appears concerned about timing and urgency.

A high-ranking officer in the Zilaphelian Kingdom who the alliance believed was just self-serving. He is loyal to his kingdom and was responsible for the massacre of Yomidrogo's people. He teleported Madame Tremzume back to her chambers before leaving for the Zilaphelian capital. He is described as a snake and self-opportunist who colludes with corrupt government members.

An elf who has been living on the island with the hag Dahla. She occasionally helps with delegations to other areas of the village and witnessed someone handing a purple orb to Dahla. She shows recognition when orbs are discussed and becomes defensive when questioned aggressively about withholding important information.

A hag who lives on an island and rules over a village there. She is described as a 300-year-old elf by some, though others call her a witch and dirty old woman. Zarabella witnessed someone handing her a purple orb with swirls, making her a potential target for the party's orb collection mission.

King of the Zilaphelian Kingdom with the full title 'by divine mandate and sacred tradition, sovereign of the Zilaphelian Kingdom, Lord of the Northern Highlands, and heir to the venerable legacy of Zorma.' He declared war on the Veurim Empire, citing attacks on allies and the use of forbidden magic.

A shorter gnomish man who served as the official announcer in Gilded Plaza. He read the war declaration from a long scroll, stuttering nervously when delivering the most serious parts of King Kaelen Rashir III's message.

Three crew members working on the Boreas who were doing repairs on the masts when the party arrived. They were easily deceived by Cyrran's police officer disguise and badge illusion, quickly leaving the deck area when told it was a police investigation.

Two dark elf assassins working for the Veurim Empire, identified by symbols on their chests matching the one from Madame Tremzume's chambers. They spoke Undercommon and carried daggers. One was killed instantly by Cyrran's arrow, while the other revealed the orb's location before being killed by Arri. The surviving assassin spoke a Veurim prayer meaning 'hush, blood is spilled' before dying.

A fish-like humanoid with four fins who waddles on the ground and has 25 years of sailing experience. Part of his body appears damaged with flesh torn away and regrown with fungus, giving him a distinctive appearance. He offers to serve as the ship's first mate and is enthusiastic about joining the crew, vouched for by Darion as trustworthy and skilled.

A halfling woman found locked in the ship's hold who was being transported north as part of the Ironclad's smuggling operation. She has family in Droshdech and mentions other people who were supposed to be picked up from Port Wolifer. She protests being manacled and calls the situation kidnapping, but appears to be the intended smuggling target.

Bones' jackal companion who was put under a magical sleep by the drow assassins aboard the Boreas. He was found unconscious but unharmed and explained that he was attacked by two people who took 'the thing' and he couldn't stop them. He has an emotional reunion with Bones after being awakened.

Private chambers within a building where Madame Tremzume resides, featuring wooden surfaces and a balcony overlooking the city. The location where an invisible assassin was discovered and wounded. The chambers are magically protected with spells that create a safe area from tracking and surveillance magic, where the party rested after the assassination attempt.

A port city that has recently been attacked, with ongoing executions and death. The area is under military control with various guards from different kingdoms stationed there, including Zilaphelian, Arakcadian, and Sundriam forces. Also serves as a planned stop on the ship's route where additional passengers are supposed to be picked up.

The area just outside Arakcadia where the party was previously fighting, featuring the city walls and gates where they planned to meet Darion.

A criminal district in Arakcadia that looks different during daytime compared to night. Contains hidden entrances to underground criminal meeting spaces with wooden rooms that smell of industrial scents. The location where the Ironclad operates and where Grephr conducts business.

A wooden room beneath Black Wine Alley, about three times the size of a small area, with wood paneling, warm lighting, and industrial smells. Contains a desk with papers strewn across it where Grephr conducts Ironclad business and has magical salt-like substances.

The destination city mentioned for the smuggling job, located in the Zilaphelian Kingdom where the woman needs to be transported. Also the final destination of the ship's journey where the orb shard cargo is ultimately destined.

A single-level residential building where the party takes shelter to have a private conversation with their allies, occupied by civilians who are asked to leave. Madame Tremzume casts magic to make the area invisible for privacy.

An island nation mentioned as the possible location of another orb, though the alliance isn't certain it's actually there. Also serves as a specific location (Alenez) mentioned as both a ship stop and where the smuggled woman has family members.

The most likely location where Tassarion can be found, as he is one of the highest ranking officers there and goes all over the kingdom.

The empire that the alliance needed to infiltrate, requiring connections like the one with Tassarion to gather intelligence on their dealings. Now officially at war with the Zilaphelian Kingdom.

A completely white, empty room with two chairs where Bones and Madame Tremzume meet during the mind reading spell. Madame Tremzume has set up magical defenses against mental intrusion in this space.

An ancient mage's tower from before the Millennium of Darkness, located in Arakcadia. The tower is locked and has been standing since before Madame Tremzume was born. Attempts to enter result in hideous mutilation, and it's believed to be stagnant with no current owner or controller. Contains one of the paired sending stones.

An island where the hag Dahla resides, mentioned by Zarabella as the location where she witnessed someone handing a purple orb with swirls to the hag. The island has a village where Zarabella occasionally helps with delegations to other areas. Also known as Lelse Thalas, an island destination on the ship's route.

The main public square of Arakcadia where official announcements are made. Features a stage and grandstand for public addresses, where the war declaration was read. The plaza was filled with worried citizens carrying belongings and preparing to flee the city.

The busy port area of Arakcadia where merchant ships dock along the river inlet. Multiple ships are moored here including the Boreas where the orb was hidden. The harbor area where the party encounters other travelers and prepares for their sea voyage.

A merchant ship docked at Arakcadia, scheduled to travel to Stonerane with stops at Port Wolifer, Lelse Thalas, and Droshdech. Contains crew quarters, navigation room, and cargo holds with magical glass dust. The ship has multiple decks and is being used for smuggling operations. The location where the party fought drow assassins and recovered their stolen orb.

A knife that was thrown to wound the invisible dwarven assassin, sticking into the wooden surface of Madame Tremzume's chambers. The weapon that revealed the assassin's presence by causing his invisibility cloak to unravel.

A dagger carried by the wounded dwarven assassin. The weapon was in his hand when he was discovered, suggesting he was prepared for combat or assassination before being wounded.

An official badge carried by Kiribos that grants authority and recognition among Zilaphelian guards. When shown to the guard at Port Wolifer, it immediately changed his attitude and allowed the party to remain in the restricted area. Cyrran later recreated this using minor illusion magic to impersonate a police officer.

A magical communication device that Yomidrogo possesses, with its paired stone located inside the Raven Tower. He shows it to Madame Tremzume as evidence of his connection to the tower. The other sending stone was previously left in a house in Easthills that disappeared and was later found inside the mysterious Raven Tower.

Fine, glowing salt-like powder found on Grephr's desk that pulses with green energy when locate object is cast. Similar to substances the party has encountered before but much finer in texture and appears to be connected to magical tracking or detection.

Payment received by Bones from the Ironclad job, which he gives to Cyrran as proof of trust. The coins are counted and verified by the party and later divided among the group.

A powerful magical artifact that was forged long ago in a different world. Multiple empires and factions across Canaan are seeking these orbs. The party's orb was stolen by the Ironclad and hidden in barrels of fine glass powder aboard the Boreas before being successfully recovered. It glows with blue light and has a close connection to the party, particularly Bones.

A purple orb with swirls that Zarabella witnessed being handed to Dahla the hag on the island. This represents a potential second orb that the party could acquire, similar to the blue orb they already possess, making it a valuable target for their collection mission.

An ornate dagger with dark black obsidian-like material and a hooked design, taken from the dead drow assassin in Madame Tremzume's chambers along with 125 gold and elaborate chain armor.

Elaborate medium chain armor worn by the drow assassin, featuring intricate craftsmanship and design.

A magical ring given by Madame Tremzume to Kailyn that helps protect against being tracked through magical means, particularly useful against the Ironclad's tracking methods. Won by Kailyn in a roll-off among party members.

Mysterious fine dust found in barrels on the Boreas ship, much finer than the glass substance the party encountered before. The orb was hidden among this material, which appears to be related to orb magic and doesn't cut when handled. Bones collected some in a jar for potential future use.

A symbol carved into the chest of the Drow assassin, matching the same symbol found on the assassin in Madame Tremzume's chambers. It identifies them as agents of the Veurim Empire. Bones carved out a chunk of flesh containing this symbol as evidence.

Fine, glittering dust-like fragments collected from multiple barrels on the ship. These shards are confirmed to be parts of magical orbs and glow with energy when locate object spells are cast. Bones has collected them in various containers including jars and pouches, hoping to eventually create a complete orb.

Navigation materials found in the ship's quarters showing the planned route with stops at Port Wolifer, Lelse Thalas, Droshdech, and Stonerane. The documents indicate a two-week journey schedule and reveal this is part of a larger smuggling operation.

Restraints used by Cyrran to bind the halfling woman despite her protests. The manacles are used to ensure the smuggled passenger cannot escape during transport.

A spell that allows direct communication with animals. Used by party members to communicate with the rocs about carrying passengers and by Bones to communicate with Muscle after he was awakened, learning about what happened when the assassins attacked.

A recently cast spell by Madame Tremzume that Yomidrogo detects through magical essence emanating from her. The spell was cast moments before Yomidrogo entered the room, suggesting it may be related to detecting or revealing the invisible assassin.

A spell used to send messages telepathically, demonstrated when Kiribos sends a message to Yomidrogo and when Cyrran receives the mysterious message about 'the time has come for a favour.' Also used by Cyrran to warn Yomidrogo not to reveal the orb's location.

A telepathic communication spell cast by Madame Tremzume to contact Darion. The magical energy dissipated visibly as she sent the message about finding the tower connection and Tassarion's involvement.

Cast multiple times by Cyrran and Bones to try to find the orb. The spell caused salt-like substances on Grephr's desk to glow with green energy and successfully located the orb on the Boreas ship at the docks within the spell's range. Also caused orb shards to glow with energy pulses, confirming their magical nature.

Cast by Madame Tremzume to make the immediate area invisible for privacy during the party's interrogation and discussions, creating a magical barrier around buildings they're using.

Yomidrogo attempted to cast this spell on Darion and Kiribos to incapacitate them during the confrontation, but the spell failed to affect them.

Yomidrogo used this spell to enter Madame Tremzume's mind, creating a white mental space where they could communicate privately. She had defenses against such intrusion but allowed the conversation.

Bones uses his psychic abilities to enter Madame Tremzume's mind, creating a white empty mental space for questioning. Madame Tremzume has defenses against this type of mental intrusion.

Madame Tremzume revealed she had been using this spell to watch the party for multiple days, keeping track of their movements and activities related to the orb.

Tassarion used this spell to transport Madame Tremzume back to her chambers before leaving for the Zilaphelian capital.

A magical spell cast by Madame Tremzume in her chambers that creates a wave of energy throughout the room, establishing magical protections against tracking and surveillance magic. The spell makes the area safe for the party to rest and discuss sensitive matters.

Used by Cyrran to create an illusion of Kiribos's official badge, allowing him to impersonate authorities and board the ship without suspicion. Central to his deception as a police officer conducting an investigation.

Cast by Kailyn on Brad the roc, allowing the large bird to stand on the water's surface next to the docked ship.

Cast multiple times by Cyrran to prevent the drow assassins from using darkness and fairy fire spells during combat, maintaining tactical advantage. Cast at 3rd level to successfully prevent the drow from casting Darkness.

Cast by Cyrran on the captured Drow before combat began, successfully compelling him to reveal that the orb was hidden 'in the barrels' after he failed his wisdom saving throw.

Cast by Yomidrogo on the drow assassin during combat, giving disadvantage on wisdom saving throws and adding necrotic damage to subsequent attacks.

Cast by Yomidrogo as a ranged attack against the Drow, dealing fire damage during the combat encounter. Used as a critical hit against the hexed drow, dealing significant fire and necrotic damage.

Cast by Bones at 1st level on the Drow, dealing 13 psychic damage and forcing the target to move away, triggering an opportunity attack.

Cast by Bones as a reaction when damaged, attempting to deal fire damage back to the attacker, though it failed to affect the drow due to a successful constitution save.

Cast by Kailyn during combat, creating an explosion that required dexterity saves from nearby allies, accidentally damaging the party with 7 cold damage to those who failed their saves.

Cast by Cyrran as a touch attack against the restrained Drow, dealing a devastating 28 points of lightning damage while interrogating him.

Cast by Zarabella to wake Muscle from his magical slumber, successfully removing the sleep effect that the drow assassins had placed on him.

A druidic cantrip used by Bones to extend his fingernails into claws, dealing 12 acid damage to the drow while delivering a threatening message about Muscle.

A spell attempted by the drow assassin to illuminate and mark targets, but was immediately countered by Cyrran's counterspell, preventing its effects from taking hold.

Arri's monk ability used multiple times against the drow assassin. The strikes forced constitution saving throws and ultimately stunned the enemy, allowing for the finishing blows that ended the combat.

Bones transformed into a seagull to eavesdrop on the private conversation between Darion, Madame Tremzume, and Kiribos at the docks. This allowed him to overhear part of their discussion about 'the only way this can end.'