This is a chapter heavy on Viconia's backstory. It also lines up a few more quests for the party. Lest you think it is all talk there is a fight in the sewers to liven things up.
Chapter 12: Survival and soliloquies
"So while you layabouts spent the day recovering Viconia, Kretor and I solved the skinner murders."
Anomen beamed with pride as he looked around the table at Nalia, Minsc and Viconia. Unlike the prior morning everyone looked wide awake and in excellent health.
"You are heroes of goodness! Minsc is sorry that he was not there, Boo and Minsc hate to miss a fight with evil."
"Minsc, I would not worry. You have traveled with Jeral longer than I have but he seems to draw evil too him like a flame draws moths. You will have another chance and very soon I would imagine."
Minsc nodded vigorously as he beamed at Nalia.
"Little mage speaks wisely, Jeral is a force of goodness."
"Speaking of our 'force of goodness' where is Jeral this morning?"
Viconia had not seen Jeral in the common room at all during the morning meal.
"While I was polishing my armor this morning I saw him and Yoshimo heading to the sparring pits this morning to practice. That was some time ago, they should join us presently."
"Ahhhhhhh young squire, I hear my name mentioned and so I appear."
The group turned and watched as Yoshimo approached the table. He was moving slowly and favoring his left leg as he limped to the table. As he sat down at the table Nalia sucked in her breath as she looked at Yoshimo's bruised and battered face.
"What happened to you? Were you attacked?"
"Fear not Lady Nalia, I shall survive. Although I think I will no longer spar with Jeral, for his skills have clearly surpassed mine."
"Jeral did that"
"Our sparring got, shall we say, heated. I am fortunate that we used padded practice weapons, else I may not have lived to enjoy a fine meal this morning."
Jeral quietly strode over to the table and sat down. He looked distraught as he eyed Yoshimo.
"I am so sorry, friend."
Yoshimo wearily waved a hand dismissively.
"Fear not Jeral. I am impressed how rapidly your skills have improved. When we first met we were evenly matched, now I concede that you are the better man with a blade. I would humbly suggest that you spar with Hendak, or Anomen, or even Minsc in the future."
"You speak wisely my friend; although I shall miss out time together."
"As will I Jeral but I will not miss the bruises."
"Yoshimo, may I tend to your injuries?" Anomen inquired politely.
"Thank you for the offer good Squire but I shall respectfully decline. I have meant to visit the Temple of Ilmater for some time and light a candle for my sister. They can tend to me while I am there. It gives me a reason to donate some coin as well. Jeral, with your permission I would like to take today for myself."
"Of course friend, and my apologies once again. Shall we see you at dinner?"
"Of course."
Yoshimo nodded to the group, slowly rose from the table, and shuffled out of the tavern.
"Jeral, I perform my morning exercises and weapons drill every morning before the dawn. I would welcome the company any morning you wish to join me."
"Minsc too would welcome the opportunity to match blades with Jeral in friendly practice."
"I thank you both, I would welcome the opportunity."
The group decided to run errands and avoid any significant adventures for the day. Without Yoshimo scouting for them anything too dangerous seemed unwise. Anomen departed to check in with the Order and see if the armorer there could fashion a new greave for his plate mail. He felt a little awkward walking around in a full suit of plate mail with his lower left leg exposed.
Minsc remained in the tavern to spar with Hendak and some of the tavern guards. As former gladiators they all practiced daily to keep their skills proficient. They were all experienced gladiators and more than a match for most. Hendak joked that his was the most secure tavern in all of Athkatla. He was determined that should the slavers retaliate they would not find an easy victim in the Copper Coronet.
Viconia still needed a new helmet and Jeral and Nalia wanted to shop for magical scrolls so the trio decided to head to the Waukeen's Promenade after Jeral took a quick bath. While bathing Jeral left his armor in the hands of the staff for a long overdue cleaning. Not anticipating any trouble Viconia also left her armor behind as they made their preparations for the day. The trio departed the Copper Coronet and leisurely strolled to the shopping district. The morning crowds were bustling with energy as merchants hawked their wares with impressive enthusiasm.
"Viconia, may I ask you a question?"
"You just did Nalia."
Blushing, Nalia shook her head and doggedly continued. "No, what I mean to ask is what happened to the reward?"
"The reward?" Viconia asked innocently.
"Yes the reward for solving the skinner murders. It was widely announced that a reward was offered for evidence leading to the resolution of the crimes. You and the others clearly solved the mystery yesterday but neither you nor Squire Anomen has made any mention of a reward."
"Are you implying we kept it for ourselves?"
"No, not at all, please do not take offense Viconia. I know we are in need to coin to rescue Jeral's sister so I wonder what happened to it."
Viconia sighed and mumbled something inaudible under her breath.
"What was that?"
Sighing heavily Viconia spoke louder so Jeral and Nalia could both hear her.
"We gave the reward to the witness who led us to the tanner."
"You gave the money to that streetwalker? Why would you give that money to a common whore?"
Nalia's indignation was evident in her tone, clearly she did not approve of that decision.
"For one who speaks of compassion and caring for the people who worked her land why the harsh words in this case?"
"Well this is just different Viconia. Women like this one are just, just, well they are just deficient in some way. They have to be. Otherwise they would not lead the lives they do."
Viconia eyed Nalia coldly. "You really are a sheltered child aren't you?"
"I am not! I have been through much as you well know!"
"Well then know this child. When one is without options they do whatever they have to do to survive. Men often hire out as laborers or body guards or turn to a life of crime. For women there is one thing they have that can always bring in coin, and that is their body."
"But why would anyone do such a thing?"
"When the alternative is death then the decision gets much easier. I have allowed men to use me for their pleasure at times in order to gain their protection, food and shelter."
"WHAT?"
Nalia and Jeral both gaped at Viconia.
"I fail to see what is so shocking in that statement. Since the beginning of time women do what they must to survive in this world."
"But you are a priestess of Shar with incredible powers. Why would you have to do such a thing?"
"Nalia, you are a persistent little thing. I will give you that."
Viconia walked on in silence for a few long moments as she debated saying more or not. Shaking her head she abruptly turned and led the trio into a nearby tavern. At this early hour the common room was deserted. She selected a table in the corner, ordered a bottle of wine with three glasses, and instructed the serving maid to ensure they were not disturbed. Jeral poured them each a glass of wine and Viconia drained her glass before she spoke.
"When I fled from House DeVir Lloth cast me out for my treason. In an instant I lost my all of my powers. On my way to the surface I used every trick I could to stay alive. I departed with many powerful magical items from my house and a tremendous amount of coin. By the time I reached the surface weeks later every one of the magical items was exhausted, lost, or destroyed. I spent almost every coin I had on bribes, supplies, and guards as I made my way to the surface. I emerged into your accursed sunlight and my armor disintegrated right off my body. My weapons and shield also crumbled into dust. Drow metal is incredibly light and strong and it gives us a significant advantage in battle. However it cannot survive the light of your sun. I was not aware of that face before I departed. I was left with nothing more than my clothes, my cloak, an empty water skin, and a handful of coins in my purse."
"That first night under the stars I, Viconia of House DeVir, cried myself to sleep. I have cried only twice in my life so that should indicate how desperate I was. For weeks I lived like an animal. Unused to your wildlife and nature I searched for mushrooms, for we have many underground. After painful trial and error I learned which ones were edible and which ones would make me ill for days. Each day I struggled forward, I had no plan beyond just survive until the next day. I was tired, I was starving to death, I was filthy. I knew I had to find food – real food - and safety soon else I would die. One day I stumbled across a road. I hid in the bushes and watched as travelers passed by. I had never seen your animals before so your horses and oxen looked like fearsome beasts to me."
"After watching for hours I saw a large caravan roll by. It had dozens of guards and merchants and their leader was a fat loathsome creature riding in an ornate gold encrusted carriage. He was a man accustomed to giving orders and his rule over the caravan was absolute. I waited until the carriage was passing my hiding spot and I emerged from the bushes. I dropped to my knees and begged the caravan master for mercy. A pair of his guards quickly grabbed me and threw back my hood. Seeing my dark skin they had a blade at my throat and looked to him for permission to kill me."
Nalia and Jeral stared open mouthed as Viconia continued with her tale.
"I knew I had seconds to make a case for my life. I could have appealed to his generosity, or his chivalry, but I was unwilling to risk my life on man's generous nature. I made the wiser choice. I appealed to man's basic nature, I appealed to his lust."
Nalia stared at Viconia while Jeral looked down at his glass on the table.
"The drow are legendary for their knowledge of the carnal pleasures. Books on our bedroom activities are highly treasured by collectors - and young boys - across the realms. I offered myself to the caravan master and said that should he allow me five minutes in his carriage he would not regret his decision. His curiosity and lust did not completely override his common sense or caution. He had me thoroughly searched and instructed his guards to bind my hands behind my back. They tossed me in his carriage and he drew the curtains."
"Then what happened?"
Smiling coldly Viconia started at Jeral and Nalia in turn.
"Within a few moments I had him swearing his undying devotion to me. He named me his mistress and outfitted me with the finest clothes. In the weeks that followed I recovered my strength as I tasted the finest surfacer delicacies. Every night I lay down to sleep in silks and goose down pillows. I bathed in hot water every day and was afforded books to read to exercise my mind and learn about the surface world. After a few weeks he provided me with weapons and armor and allowed me to train with his guards whenever I wished. In exchange for all of that, I shared his bed every night and fulfilled his every perverted fantasy."
"That is horrible, what an awful man!"
"Nalia, we all do what we have to do to survive. If it were not for him I would be dead in the woods. His needs were not excessive and he was not terribly vigorous. It took me very little effort to keep him satisfied. During my time with him I regained my strength and my confidence. I learned where I was in the world and studied the maps of the caravan routes he had. During that time I discovered Shar and she Lady of Loss took me into her embrace. I owe Dhosen dox Rolian much. He was not a bad man."
"Was?"
Jeral spoke only the one word as he started at Viconia with sad eyes.
Sighing deeply Viconia shook her head and smiled wryly.
"I made an unfortunate error in judgment. One night I was determined to see to my own pleasure for once and not just his. I made a small request and he eagerly agreed to try and pleasure me; unfortunately he did not survive the attempt."
"He died?" Nalia asked breathlessly as she fanned herself with her napkin.
"Sadly, yes Nalia. He died. But I can assure you he died very, very, happy. When the guards discovered he was dead they accused me of witchcraft. I killed a few of them and escaped into the woods. A few weeks later I stumbled across Jeral and his friends south of Baldur's Gate."
"I had no idea you have been through so much."
Viconia waved away Nalia's concerns with a flick of her wrist.
"Child, that is nothing. I have experienced far, far, worse in my life. I told you this tale not to gain your pity, but to explain why I gave the reward to Rose. I do not look down on her for the choice she made. I respect her for having the strength to do what she needs to do to fight to survive. I respect survivors, I respect those who will scratch and claw and do what is needed to stay alive. But enough of my reminiscing, I have a helmet to purchase. "
Viconia tossed a few coins on the table and departed the tavern with Jeral and Nalia trailing behind her.
After Viconia's tale of woe the trio walked in silence for some time. Viconia purchased a new open faced helmet from the Adventurer's Mart. After that the trio explored the magic shops and Nalia purchased three scroll cases, and a handful of scrolls. Jeral and Nalia each took a scroll case while Jeral held the third for Imoen. Every time he found a spell scroll that he thought she might enjoy he stuffed it into her scroll case. He felt a pang of envy when he realized that Nalia and Imoen both had far more arcane ability than he ever would. Shaking off the self pity he forced himself to finish shopping.
As the trio left the shop Nalia placed herself between Jeral and Viconia and linked her arms in theirs. She briskly started walking through the promenade with a sense of purpose. Viconia and Jeral allowed themselves to be led along by the young noble, each lost in their own thoughts. Nalia led the pair through the city and into the Bridge District. After a short while on the bridge she led them to the door of a tavern and stopped.
Jeral eyed the sign in front of the tavern. Five large mugs were affixed to a large wooden sign. The mugs were made of copper, silver, electrum, gold, and platinum. The sign shook Jeral out of his introspection as he looked at Nalia.
"Nalia, you have got to be kidding. I spent all day yesterday recovering from a hangover, as did you. How can you possibly consider us spending the afternoon drinking?"
"I could not handle another afternoon of drinking either Jeral. You misunderstand me. This is the Five Flagons Inn. It is one of the finest taverns in the city, but that is not why we are here. The inn also is home to a theatre in the basement. I think we all need a little entertainment to lift our spirits. So follow me, my family was a significant patron to the theatre so I can always get excellent seats. The midday show should be starting in moments.
Nalia turned on her heel and entered the tavern. Viconia and Jeral shared a look before they followed the mage into the tavern. As they entered the common room of the tavern then both stood frozen in place as they took in the scene before them. The entire staff of the inn, every last one of them, they were all halflings. There were haflings of every age and shape and size. Jeral saw hairfeet, stouts and tallfellows all represented in the halflings present before his eyes. Halfling bartenders, halfling cooks and halfling serving girls. There were even four very tough looking Halflings wearing studded leather jerkins that were the security for the inn. Most shocking of all was the pair of halfling prostitutes that worked the main room. There were a set of stairs to the side of each table that allowed the halfling servers access to the tables to serve the patrons. The inn was crowded with many families and groups sitting down for the Midday meal. Most of the patrons were human but there were a few half elves, gnomes and halflings sprinkled among the patrons. All in all it was a bright, cheerful peaceful and prosperous inn.
The owner came from behind the bar to welcome the group and embraced Nalia like a long lost daughter. He was an older, heavyset halfling named Samuel. He bragged that he had the best collection of libations in the Realms. Finding it hard to refuse the group ordered a three glasses of watered wine and headed downstairs to attend the play. Their timing was perfect, for it was about to begin in the basement theatre. Settling into heavily padded seats in the second row the trio sat down as the lights dimmed and the play began. It was a romance loosely based on the works on the playwright Dionaa. Jeral recalled her works from his studies back in Candlekeep and realized that they would have been better off sticking with the original, for the changes made by the playwright were not improvements on the timeless original.
Most of the cast members were well trained professionals; however one of the actors was just terrible. There was no other way to put it. He looked ill at ease on stage, fumbled his lines and had no chemistry with the others on stage. Since he was playing the role of the heroic male lead his poor performance dragged down the whole play. The audience stirred uncomfortably as they watched the play stagger from act to act. Nalia leaned in close and whispered in Jeral's ear.
"I know all the cast regulars, the man playing Kironaldo has to be the understudy as the usual lead is excellent."
Finally, mercifully, the third act drew to a close to a smattering of applause and a larger volume of catcalls and hisses. Viconia muttered something under her breath about how actors should be whipped until their performance improves.
The proprietor of the theatre walked through the curtains. She apologized for the poor quality of the play and asked if there were any of adventuring stock in the audience. After waiting for the remainder of the audience to depart, Jeral, Nalia, and Viconia headed backstage. There the proprietress, Raelis Shai explained that her lead actor, a bard named Haer'Dalis had been kidnapped and was being held by a wizard in the sewers. She was offering a small reward for his safe return. As a patron of the arts Nalia immediately agreed that they would look into it as soon as possible. The trio made their way back to the Copper Coronet and spent the afternoon relaxing and organizing their equipment.
Over dinner the group recounted their experiences of the day. Suddenly there were a significant number of errands demanding the group's attention in the coming days. Anomen was tasked twice by the Temple of Helm. A senior cleric commanded him to gain the services of a noted sculptor for the temple while the High Watcher himself had requested that Anomen and the rest of his companions investigate a new cult that was gaining influence in the city. Nalia shuddered when Anomen mentioned that the members of the cult removed their eyes in fealty to the unknown deity. A senior member of the Order was already investigating in the sewers. Anomen and the others were to aid him in any way possible. Additionally, a young boy from the village of Umar had found Minsc and stated that their village was in need of aid.
All agreed that they would start with the Temple District on the morrow. The Temple District had many entrances to the sewers so the group could start their search for the missing actor while they looked for the eyeless cult. As Jeral trudged upstairs to his room he noted that he had picked a poor day to pay to have his armor cleaned. It would surely need cleaning again on the morrow after spending time in the sewers.
The next day found the group in the Temple District after a hurried breakfast in the Copper Coronet. Everyone ate sparingly, for the thought of descending in the sewers was sufficient to dull every appetite. Even Boo ate less than he usually did. In an alley by the Temple of Talos the group located a large sewer grate. While not illegal to enter the sewers they did not want an audience while entering the sewers, so selecting an out of the way location made sense. Working together, Minsc and Anomen lifted back the heavy iron bound grate that marked the entrance to the sewers. A wave of foul and humid air wafted out from the sewers causing all save Viconia to recoil in disgust.
"Well this is not going to be fun," Jeral groused.
"I just threw up a little in my mouth," Nalia moaned.
"You weak willed surfacers are just pathetic." Viconia hissed. Shaking her head in disgust she hefted her war hammer and jumped down into the sewer. A small splash could be heard below. Shamed into action, Jeral led the way down the ladder that descended little more than 10 feet below the street. Once everyone was down Nalia created two magical globes of light and floated them around the party.
"Those lights will alert everyone below to our presence. Yoshimo and I can scout ahead. I will follow behind him and be his eyes. The rest of you stay here and try to be quiet."
Nodding in agreement, Yoshimo led off, followed by Viconia. The two silently moved forward, or as silently as one could while moving through ankle deep filth. They came to a junction where they could continue on forward or turn to the right. Yoshimo slowly moved down the right hand passage. He had traveled no more than fifty feet when Viconia whispered for them to halt. Yoshimo slowly moved back to stand next to Viconia. She leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"There are half a dozen men ahead; two dwarves and four humans. I think they have at least one mage and one cleric amongst their ranks. They are heavily armed, but not too alert. They are probably bandits looking to ambush the unwary."
"Could one of them be the paladin from the Order Squire Anomen mentioned from the temple?"
"How can a bounty hunter possibly be so simple Yoshimo? They mentioned one paladin, not six. I doubt they are here to aid us in any way."
"But laying in wait down here? This is an idiotic place to wait in ambush."
"I never said you surfacers were smart. But who are the greater idiots, the ones who place an ambush here, or those who walk into it?"
"You may have a point there Viconia. The good news is that I have something that should help."
Smiling Yoshimo started laying traps on the ground starting where they were standing and working back towards their friends. In all he laid down five traps in the muck and mire on the floor of the sewer.
After returning to a group they quickly settled on a plan of attack.
Jeral stood next to Yoshimo as the bounty hunter pointed out where he had placed his traps. They were well made and expertly concealed, but once Yoshimo pointed them out Jeral easily located each of them and plotted a path around them.
"Viconia, can you summon a few skeletons here to accompany me on my stroll?"
She nodded and in seconds a pair of skeletons appeared at Jeral's side.
"Nalia, can you have one of your mage lights follow me as well please?" She nodded in the affirmative and one of her light green mage lights soon hovered a few feet away from his head.
"I am going to see what they want. Make yourselves ready. If they are friends I will come back and get you. If they are enemies I will be racing back to you looking for aid. Have the skeletons follow me so they can keep them occupied if I need to leave in a hurry."
Jeral sheathed his blades and pulled his pouch of caltrops out of his small pack. Loosening the openings of the pouch he headed back down the tunnel. Whistling a marching song he learned back in Candlekeep Jeral leisurely walked down the tunnel making no effort at stealth. He caught the sound of men moving ahead and saw a heavily armed dwarf appear out of the darkness. The dwarf was carrying a wicked looking hand axe and was clad in finely made full plate, with a spiked open face helm and a large shield. His long brown beard was divided into three long braids and each was capped with silver at the end. He placed himself a few paces in front of Jeral and stopped. His hand axe bounced up and down in his shoulder as dwarf appeared coiled and ready to strike in an instant.
"What have we here? Someone must be lost. Speak quickly lad. What brings you to this fine place?"
"I am no one of note. I am merely out for a stroll with my friends here," Jeral replied pleasantly indicating the two skeletons.
"Well mister 'no one of note' this is my sewer. My friends and I require a toll of 1,000 gold for any and all who wish to pass. I suggest you pay up, lest we have to hurt you." The dwarf tightened his grip on his hand axe in a way that suggested he preferred violence to gold in any case.
Jeral calmly shifted the bag so he was grasping the bottom of it in his left hand.
"Good master dwarf, I am but a poor sword for hire and have no such funds."
"Yer choice beardless one. Ye to be paying in coin or blood."
"Is that my blood or your blood good dwarf?"
"Har! Ye be a funny one tall fellow. Ye nae be so funny when I be pulling my axe out of your chest."
"Your mother has a face like a goblin's arse!" Jeral cried out as he flung his arm forward.
Dozens of caltrops spilled out of the bag and quietly splashed into the muck in front of the dwarf. The dwarf's face reddened in rage and amazement. A human had just used one of the vilest of all the dwarven curses. Roaring in anger he charged Jeral, and impaled his foot on a pair of the caltrops Jeral had dropped on the floor. Pausing mid charge the dwarf roared in pain and staggered backwards as he struggled to remove the barbed pieces of metal from his foot. Jeral commanded the skeletons to move in to attack as he turned and sprinted back up the tunnel. He felt an arrow whiz by his side and heard the dwarf raging as he regained his composure and hacked the skeletons to pieces.
Jeral smiled as he heard one trap after another tripped by the charging dwarf.
"Get down Jeral!"
Jeral heard Nalia's command and threw himself flat to the floor. As he landed on the floor of the tunnel filth and sewage covered him from head to toe. A fireball raced over his head and exploded amongst the bandits. It was immediately followed by a yellow potion bottle. The bottle shattered and a second ball of fire roared in the tunnel. Shrieks of pain could be heard as their opponents were engulfed in flames, not once but twice in rapid succession. Jeral got to his feet and scrambled back to the party as he tried to get the sewage off his hands and face. Nalia quickly cast a cloudkill spell down the passage and was rewarded with additional cries of pain. The sound of people tripping and falling over one another was clearly audible down the tunnel. The party readied itself and awaited the charge of the bandits.
After a few moments a pair of heavily armored dwarves came charging out of the darkness. Anomen and Minsc stepped forward to intercept them. The armored dwarves were both badly burned and bleeding from numerous wounds as the combination of Nalia's spells, Viconia's potion, and Yoshimo's traps had done their job well. Facing six heavily armed, and unwounded, adventurers the dwarves were quickly dispatched with minimal difficulty.
Viconia stepped forward over the pair of corpses and peered into the darkness.
"Four humans remain. One is clearly a cleric, one a mage, the other two are lightly armed fighters; one with a bow, the other with a pair of short swords. They are all wounded and look unsure as to what they should do."
Smiling Jeral drew his swords.
"Sounds like the perfect time to attack. Nalia and Yoshimo, take out the mage, Viconia and I will take the cleric. Anonem and Minsc, the fighters are yours. Everyone set? Any questions? No? Excellent. For Imoen!"
Jeral cried out as they charged down the passageway.
The battle was an unexpectedly fierce one. Even wounded and outnumbered they were a powerful group. Jeral closed with the cleric but before he could strike the cleric completed a spell and was immediately surrounded by a thick wall of swirling razor sharp blades. Jeral's swords clanged off the whirling blades and he was forced to slowly retreat as the cleric advanced on him. Out of the corner of his eye he watched as Minsc cut the enemy archer cleanly in half. An arrow was sticking out of the shoulder joint in the ranger's armor but the large man seemed unaffected by the wound.
Viconia was casting spell after spell at the cleric but none appeared to affect him. He was grinning evilly as he advanced on Jeral waving a wicked looking flail. His flail swung in over Jeral's sword and crashed into his left shoulder, shattering bone and rending flesh. Grimacing in pain, Jeral dropped his short sword as the arm fell to his side useless. Jeral turned sideways and assumed the Numedian defense. The Numedian fighting style was designed to present the smallest possible target to one's enemy.
With a forward lunge Jeral stabbed out at the cleric with the Blade of Roses. His blade managed to pierce the cleric's protections and cut cleanly through the man's armor, entering deeply into his stomach. The barrier of blades ripped the sword from Jeral's grasp and flung it to the side. The cleric's stomach wound opened wider as the sword was torn to the side. Dark blood and intestines started to pour out of the wound. Jeral backpedaled as the mortally wounded cleric staggered forward, his barrier still whirring wildly around him. Arrows started to rain in on the cleric as Nalia and Yoshimo joined in the attack. One arrow finally buried in his left eye socket. His life force snuffed out, he fell to the ground and the magical barrier disappeared. Jeral turned to survey the others. Minsc was bleeding heavily from his shoulder wound and Nalia had taken an arrow in her thigh.
Anomen and Viconia healed the party while Yoshimo looted the bodies. Smiling Yoshimo created a large pile of loot.
"This was a most profitable skirmish. These bandits were unusually well equipped. We have two sets of dwarf sized enchanted plate mail, various enchanted weapons, shields and helmets. Plus over 5,000 in gold."
"Looks like we were not their first victims," Nalia mused and she leaned on Anomen for support.
The group loaded up the gear and made the long, slow, foul smelling walk to the promenade. Once there they visited the Adventurer's Mart and had Ribald identify all the enchanted items. After selling the majority of the items they had a tremendous amount of coin, far more than they would need to pay Gaylen Bayle. Flush with funds they decided to upgrade equipment where appropriate. They purchased a suit of enchanted full plate for Anomen and a set of powerful protective bracers for Nalia. Jeral also purchased a set of protective bracers for Imoen and placed them deep in his pack next to her scroll case. Viconia took the enchanted small shield from one of the dwarves while Anomen took a helm that protected the mind from enchantments. Minsc took the dwarves' enchanted hand axe and tucked it into his belt.
Ribald wished the group well as they departed his shop. Jeral knew that Ribald stood to make a fortune selling the equipment he purchased from them. The group returned straight to the Copper Coronet and spent the rest of the day bathing and getting the smell of sewage out of their equipment. As good as it felt to get clean the sensation was tempered with the realization that they would return to the sewers yet again on the morn to continue their search for the missing actor and search for the cult.