Unseen Benefactors

> Who is helping the party? And why won't they show themselves?
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## Summary

Titus leaves Olwen Edgeworth with Adrian Tanlaial and Seven as he has a lead he's going to pursue. They head to the magic shop before going back to the castle. Olwen tells Sedhirk Reshky the details of the incident at the precinct. Sedhirk gives them a letter to read when the group reconvenes, but forgets being given that request. Adrian senses that this is modify memory instantly despite Sedhirk having an inquisitor's rod. Seven suggests that the rod may not be working so Sedhirk decides to get it checked.

They go to the magic shop to ask about the remove curse scroll being stolen and Olwen comes up with a hypothesis that perhaps the remove curse spell was used on the baby. Olwen remembers the memory lapse from earlier and notes that the owner may have given the thief the remove curse scroll and didn't remember. The owner is naturally shocked that this may happen again so Olwen recommends that he talk with the inquisitors. The trio then head back to the castle.

Back at the hospital, Caius wakes up and asks for some water. He's unhappy that he'll be sticking around as Hoshimi sarcastically mentions that he wanted as much fun as Xaillen had on his adventures. Caius grumbles as he stays put with the nurses as Hoshimi's group goes back to the castle.

As the group comes back together, Olwen brings some of the party up to speed (including the part about baby juice). Seven also confesses about why she did what she did along with the fact that she flew. Princess Abigail also brings up the fact that Hoshimi will be need to be put into a protection program much to Adrian's delight. Olwen then brings up the letter. It reads:

*I cannot say who I am, just know that I am here to help you.*

*I understand you are panicked, and you do not know how the Mage escaped. I agree it is a curiosity, especially due to the antimagic bracelet forced onto her, she should not have been able to summon that wolf-life creature. Something powerful did this. Something terrible and evil. But I must insist that you ignore this for now as we actually have a more urgent problem on our hands.*

*This city is in grave danger from the creation in the sewers. I attempted to stop it in the past as well as its creator, but I was only partially successful. I do not blame the ones who limited me, but ultimately thier actions have haphazardly resulted in the creature preying on the citizens of the City of heroes.*

*I will attempt to mitigate more deaths by telling you all I can about the creation.*

*As the creation is one of the Illithid's newest experiments, it has no name yet that I am aware of. Thankfully, the increase in law enforcement patrols has spooked the creation from attacking more citizens, but it is only a matter of time before its hunger makes it despirate.*

*I have scoured your minds and the Detective's deduction was accurate. Much like the rest of the Illithid, the creation hungers for the minds of prodicious intellect. Unfortunately, you and your new friends consist of the gifted in mind that are enticing the Illithid. I hypothesis that the creation has determined it can afford to be picky with such a ripe selection. Consequently, the ones that are in the most danger are the Griffon and the Gravewalker. I cannot understand exactly why yet, but I will soon. All I am able to ascertain at the moment is that there is an incredible presence in thier unconsiousness minds, and I shudder to imagine what abilities the creation would gain if it is assimilated thier cognitive functions.*

*The creation is able to hide in plain sight. Unfortunately, you will never be able to locate it through conventional means. It is not invisible, but instead utlizes a hyper-effective mimicry of a creature it is familiar with. If the creature assimilates a mind, it is able to make flawless performances as that individual. As it does not like to take risks, it's almost a guaruntee that whomever the creation is mimicking has already been assimilated. The creation probes its current environment with its mind, looking for a suitable consiousness. Because it does not need to use eyes, ear or smell to navigate, it can still search for prey even while continuing is charade.*

*Exterminating the creation is not simple as it has the ability to reproduce by biastogenesis when in danger. When it divide itself in this way, it divides the minds it absorbed along with it. You must be vigilant and thorough while fighting it lest you only delay the problem. Our only real advantages over the creation are that its natural form is slow and that it seems to be identifiable by a very faint smell of sulfur. Be cautious and discerning with your investigations as sulfur is a more common smell than at first impression. After all, the Gunsmith, the Doctor and the Detective often smell of sulfur in terms of forcing engagement with the creation in the sewers. It has become far to intelligent to fall for bait. Considering it will be practically impossible to track the smell of sulfur in the sewer due to obvious interference, I regretfully can offer no other alternative strategies to locate the creation.*

*After you deal with the creation, you must not record its existance. Say these deaths were caused by an Aboleth or something. If other Ilithid find out about the creation and try to replicate it, I daresay Laath Nalore and eventually the surface world would be overrun within the year. You are indeed very lucky that so few have perished. We must keep deaths to a minimum.*

*Good Luck.*

*P.S. The Gunsmith has made a serious error in revealing himself to the Masked Fox and not killing him. He will have to catch the Masked Fox before he returns to the cult and figure out a permanent solution. The Masked Fox will not maliciously tattle, but the Malarian will get the actual truth our of him one way or another. The Masked Fox will hold out as long as he can for the sake of thier past comradery, but it is far too risky for the Gunsmith to linger in the City of Heroes. By my estimations, he has between three and five days before they come for him, so I recommend you treasure what little time you have left with him before his inevitable departure.*

The group gets worried, especially Seven. Hoshimi gets concerned for her brother. Thankfully he's okay and sticks with the party at Hoshimi's request. Because of the detailed note, Hoshimi says they shouldn't ignore it. They decide to find Ray.

## Notable events

* Olwen Edgeworth lets Reshky know of the situation
* Caius wakes up
* The group gets a letter from an unknown benefactor talking about the creation (compared to the thing)