As the dust clears at the Red Stallion Pub, Tristan Kath, a minor yet beloved son of a noble house, lies dead. Malak Freed stands accused of his murder, and the City Watch seems prepared to haul him off to prison without trial or investigation for Assault, Murder, and the Practice of Foul Magick. Only one witness, the noble paladin Arthas, believe Malak's story that he is innocent (of murder, at least). Meanwhile, the rest of party is scattered. Yolotomassi and Eovan are crouched hiding in an alley, eluding the Watch. Elaryan has fled to the Temple of Shelyn, only to find that Rathloren has gone missing. Eventually, four of the party— the elf, the half-elves, and the paladin— are reunited, and resolve to investigate the crime. If it turns out that Malak is innocent of murder (this time), they will see justice done. Investigation turns out to be harder than one would think. After questioning witnesses, inspecting the scene, and collecting rumors, the party begins to suspect a local church, the Cult of the Ebon Hand, is involved. seeking more evidence, they journey to the Necropolis, open Tristan's sarcophagus, and inspect his body. They find that his body has been mutilated in fashion similar to the priests of the Ebon hand, strengthening their suspicions. Unfortunately, as they stand their with the sarcophagus thrown open and the body disrobed, Tristan's mother, Sallina Kath, and her sister Lady Devina Kath, head of the great noble house, arrive on the scene with a complement of guards. The party, led by their new ally Arthas, is forced to use diplomacy to defuse the situation and convince the ladies of their good intentions. There is a tense moment, when it seems they will not succeed, but at last calm reasoning prevails. Lady Kath agrees to talk to the Warden and have the Murder and Assault charges removed. She also agrees to pay tMalak's ransom for the remaining charges, Disturbance of the Peace and Practice of Foul Magick, for a price. The party must infiltrate the Ebon Hand, discover conclusively the identity of Tristan's killer, and wreak vengeance upon them. A difficult proposition, but it beats thirty-one years in prison.... Arthas, Elaryan, and Yolotomassi are each awarded 2,000 XP Eovan is awarded 1,000 XP
⇚ Roast Boar
Infiltration ⇛