The Court of Love had arrived. Courtiers, knights, lords, ladies, and their retainers all took up residence in the once unremarkable domain of Tandis. Empress Cimburgis and the other grandees gathered at a great feast in the Tandis hall. Leea's suitors were proclaimed to be Sir Hugo LaPegasse and the young Brandinas of Pridilane.
Constable Throy informed the heroes that a renowned musician was missing. It was soon discovered that five replacement musicians were villains bent on mayhem. Through cunning and enchantment the heroes learned that a foul plan was afoot to be perpetrated by none other than the Serpent Assassins.
The heroes retraced the steps of the musician having learned that his disappearance was related to the plot. This led them to the Inn of Ill Omen. Heironymous was approached by a woman who told him she had seen the musician being taken into a fire-damaged house. The heroes departed while Sybael followed the woman to a discreet doorway in an alley. The two did battle and using the Rama dagger, the elf slew the woman who had proclaimed herself to be Asyri, a Serpent Assassin. The Rama dagger ripped her soul screaming from her body, but it took Sybael's soul as well. The elf then discovered a secret stair beyond the door sought by the slain assassin.
The party reconvened and searched the derelict house. They met the strange beggar Bimdar who told them he had heard hammering and chiseling from below for some months. The heroes proceeded below and after slaying a giant snake, decided to head to the alley and the secret stair beyond.
Down they went and surprised the serpent assassins lying in wait. With sword and spell the heroes made short work of their foes and snuffed out their well-laid plans months in the making. They rescued the captured musician and learned that he once had dealings with the foul assassins. The heroes returned to the feast and reveled. The elven lady, Elaris became a lady in waiting in Leea's court, a great honor.
Later in the night, Sybael confessed to Visefrin that his very soul was now possessed by the Rama Dagger.
Wellborn and Heirnymous began to research the venom and poison favored by the Serpent Assassins. It was their hope that they could use it to conjure up an antidote.
Visefrin again communed with the mighty divinities
Who hired the Serpent Assassins?
Vortigen Blacktalon, the dread wizard of the Swamp of Skulls
How can Sybael's soul be restored?
Only the fabled Well of Souls has the power to draw forth souls from the cursed dagger, but beware. The Well has great and terrible power.
How may the Rama Dagger be destroyed?
It can only be destroyed by the breath of a Silver Dragon.
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The tourney was to be held the following week. Fighters readied their steeds, armor, and fit colorful crests upon their helms.
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