Recap
Inside Graydirge Bank, the party found signs of recent forced entry, triggered magical defenses, and uncovered layered evidence linking the bank closure to competing political and religious factions.
Major Events
- At the bank entrance, the party found the door open with lock damage consistent with acid.
- A petrified person was discovered near the entrance holding a bag.
- Leaving the lobby triggered a rune and the party was attacked by Cockatrice (Bank Guardian).
- Snak was petrified during combat but later recovered and rejoined.
- In a nearby room, the party found a corpse above a sealed floor door with blood traces leading beneath.
- The corpse bore the same symbol seen at Old Erghaghs Farm: a white hand on red background with a missing pinky finger.
- In the library, the party found potentially valuable but time-intensive research materials.
- Books were described as containing deliberately misleading occult messaging.
- Research opportunity identified: compiling a scholarly journal that aids recall checks for Graydirge lore.
- In an office, the party found a corpse at a desk with a starknife pinning notes.
- Note trail referenced termination from Tax Collectors Union and accusations of collaboration with Celebrants.
- A separate note denied a petition to join the Celebrants, citing devotion and services in the names of Geb (Ruler) and Pallid Princess.
- The starknife marked “VQ” was recovered and given to Monty.
- The party used the manor key to unlock the sealed floor door before proceeding down.
NPCs and Factions Mentioned
- Cockatrice (Bank Guardian) - Creature encountered via rune-triggered defense in the bank.
- Tax Collectors Union - Organization referenced in desk note tied to bank closure fallout.
- Celebrants - Group repeatedly named in note correspondence and religious affiliation conflict.
- VQ - Initial/signature tied to threat note and carved on recovered starknife.
- White Hand on Red Background Symbol - Symbol reappeared on a corpse within the bank.
Important Context
- The bank breach appears recent (past few weeks) and not purely historical.
- Evidence suggests layered conflicts involving civic finance, cult/religious networks, and occult misinformation.
- The manor key now appears directly relevant to access routes beneath the bank.
Unresolved Threads
- Return to bank library for deeper research and scholarly extraction.
- Test whether the manor pool can be used to view through the vial hidden in Ortagar’s chambers.
- Identify VQ and their role in Tax Collectors/Celebrants conflict.
- Determine what lies beneath the sealed floor door and how it connects to key investigations.