Grogskull and the assassins

The bar was a storm of chaos as the Syndicate continued their struggle. Just as it seemed things couldn't get more complicated, the door swung open, and another group of assassins charged in, eager to take out Honkess and Norbert themselves. The brawl intensified with this new threat, and the atmosphere grew more perilous. Thinking quickly, Morthos cast a Mass Suggestion spell, urging the assassins to turn on each other. Chaos reigned as some of the assassins began fighting amongst themselves.

Norbert became a prime target, but Blueterion remained at his side, fending off attackers with unwavering determination. Honkess, thrust into the fray, found herself another focal point of the onslaught. The fight dragged on, with bodies falling and the group's members sustaining injuries. Grogskull's gang, on the verge of being wiped out, saw their leader use a teleport spell to escape the tavern, leaving the remaining combatants to fend for themselves.

Amidst the raging battle, a shout cut through the din—the city guard was on their way. The announcement triggered a mass exodus as combatants scrambled to escape. The Syndicate managed to slip out of the tavern, narrowly avoiding capture. As the guards drew closer, Morthos, Arace, and Blueterion quickly ducked into an alley, trying to stay out of sight.

Determined to track Grogskull, Honkess set out on his trail, while Bob attempted to appear nonchalant, leaning casually against a wall. Norbert attempted to speak with the approaching guards, but his admission of involvement in the brawl resulted in his swift arrest. Bob’s intervention only led to his own arrest. As Norbert protested, he was gagged and manacled, his shouts muffled.

With Norbert and Bob in custody, Morthos, disguised as a guard, managed to gain access to the Ariki Seer. Arace and Blueterion accompanied him. Morthos questioned the Seer about Maurice and learned that Maurice, consumed by vengeance, posed a deadly threat. The Seer warned that pursuing Maurice would likely end in death unless Morthos stayed close to Blueterion. She also warned that Honkess and Norbert were in imminent danger.

In jail, Norbert and Bob found themselves among other brawl participants. Bob, ever resourceful, bribed a guard with 10 gold pieces, securing their release. Meanwhile, Honkess's pursuit of Grogskull took a dangerous turn when he ambushed her, firing a shot from his magic crossbow that left her grievously wounded. The encounter with Grogskull underscored the perilous nature of their quest and the ever-present danger they faced.