Session 4

## Really, Kidnapped Again?

The party fetch Avanna and rush to Trollskull Manor, just in time to intercept the Spined Devils. Assuming the guise of a cultist, they eventually persuade the Spined Devils to hand over Renaer and agree to meet the following night. Renaer is grateful, and after the party relay the drow’s parting words, admits that although knows nothing of the “Right Hand of Nessus” he knows that Nessus is the domain of Asmodeus, lord of the Nine Hells. Renaer fears that unless this cult is stamped out, his life will continue to be threatened. He suspects that they have a base nearby and recommends that they start asking questions the next morning around the God Catcher, a central attraction in this part of town.

They return to rest at the Belabranta Estate, and Avanna’s father agrees to look into Nessus, but has limited time and resources. For his safety, Floon is relocated to a room at the Yawning Portal, and Renaer agrees to cover his expenses. A servant is dispatched to the Yawning Portal with a gift basket and a note to Volo: "Floon's alive hahah you're welcome he's staying at the same inn as you" as well as one of Durnan's mugs.

## The God Catcher

The next day, Renaer stays behind to recuperate, while the party go on to investigate. The God Catcher was sunk into the streets of Waterdeep over a century ago and has since become a major landmark and tourist attraction. Dozens of tiny shops and market stalls have brought people of all walks of life to this once-sleepy, upscale neighborhood. The thoroughfare leading to the God Catcher is densely packed with people, market stalls, and street performers. A crowd has gathered around one market stall in particular, and the occasional fish sail over the crowd then disappear behind them on the other side. The scene is scored by the harsh sounds of aggressive street music played by a duo standing in the shadow of the God Catcher. A veritable staircase of scaffolding has been built around the God Catcher, leading from the street level to all stories of the sprawling and disjointed inn that has been built atop the statue. From the inn’s main entrance, sightseers can look out and see all of Waterdeep spread out beneath them.

## Two Cultists Walk Into A Bar...

The party climb the stairs and enter the first door they come across. The taproom of the God Catcher Inn is awash with the warm, atmospheric glow of a blazing fireplace. Tall shadows fill its corners, and flickering candles adorn each of its tables. Over two dozen well-dressed guests are dining at tables and drinking at the bar. A long-haired half-elf in a sharp suit tends the bar and mingles with the guests. Yelmaer makes haste to the bar and asks for the finest drink they own. Avanna, through some mild flirtation with the barkeep, Emmarina, gets a discount on her beverage and learns that Emmarina is familiar with the cult but thinks them harmless - she believes them to be a harmless secret society made up of noble-born history enthusiasts and academics. Noting two cultist in the corner, Visk and Avanna strike up a conversation in attempt to learn more information. The two cultists, Lucas and Jorbin, are flattered, but the conversation is fruitless, save for a date planned the next day. However, as they make their exit, Visk follows them and sees them enter the pantry. She and Euphrasie follow after them and discover a secret passage.