The Assassins Return

After a series of strange nightmares plagued the patrons of the Troll Skull Inn, a sense of unease settled over the establishment. The inn’s common room, usually filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation, was now a place of hushed whispers and worried glances. Norbert, a skilled evoker wizard, handed Morthos, the tiefling bard, a jar containing a mind flayer that had been polymorphed into a snail. The two joined the other guests in the common room, where the tension was palpable.

Honkess, the aarakocra drake warden ranger, Blueterion, the blue dragonborn barbarian, and Arace, the human paladin, also made their way downstairs, drawn by the uneasy atmosphere. Morthos, deciding that the jar with the polymorphed mind flayer was too dangerous to keep around, used his Bigby’s Hand spell to hurl it far away from the inn. The jar flew a considerable distance, and Morthos hoped that this would be the end of their troubles with the mind flayer.

Grumble Thorn, the amicable dwarven innkeeper, tried to calm the guests by making tea and warming up some oatmeal. The comforting aroma of the food and drink did little to ease the tension, but it was a kind gesture, nonetheless. Suddenly, most of the patrons stood up in unison and began walking silently out of the tavern. Honkess, sensing something was amiss, followed them outside to see what was happening. As she stepped out, the door slammed shut behind her, leaving the rest of the group inside.

Inside the common room, the atmosphere grew even more tense as two mind flayers appeared, their tentacled faces twisted in malevolent intent. The air seemed to crackle with psychic energy as the mind flayers immediately directed their attacks at Norbert, recognizing him as a significant threat. Their eyes glowed with an eerie light, and their tentacles writhed in anticipation.

Arace, wielding his mace with practiced precision, struck one of the mind flayers. The impact caused the creature to reel back in pain, a dark ichor oozing from the wound. The mind flayer let out a guttural hiss, its eyes narrowing in fury. Morthos, standing nearby, attempted a psychic attack, his eyes glowing with arcane energy. However, the mind flayer’s mental defenses were too strong, and the attack failed to penetrate its mind. In retaliation, the mind flayer unleashed a devastating psychic blast that sent Morthos staggering backward, clutching his head in agony.

Norbert, drawing upon his mastery of evocation magic, quickly assessed the situation. With a swift incantation, he cast a fireball spell. The tavern was instantly filled with a burst of flame, the heat intense and blinding. However, Norbert’s skill allowed him to create a protective shield around his friends, keeping them safe from the inferno. The flames roared and crackled, consuming the wooden furniture and sending embers flying through the air.

Honkess, realizing the gravity of the situation, leapt into the air a flew to alert the city guard. The beating of her wings echoed through the empty streets as she sprinted towards the nearest guard post, her heart pounding with urgency.

Inside the tavern, the battle continued to rage. Arace’s mace struck true once more, the force of his blow causing the mind flayer to stagger. Morthos, recovering from the psychic blast, joined the fray with renewed determination. He channeled his arcane energy into a series of arcane blasts, each one striking the mind flayer with unerring accuracy. The creature shrieked in pain, its tentacles flailing wildly.

Norbert, seeing an opportunity, cast a series of scorching rays, each beam of fiery energy searing the mind flayer’s flesh. The combined efforts of the group eventually led to the defeat of one of the mind flayers. It collapsed to the ground, its body twitching spasmodically before lying still.

Seeing its companion fall, the remaining mind flayer’s eyes widened in fear. It quickly cast a teleportation spell, its form shimmering and then disappearing in an instant. The group was left standing in the wreckage of the common room, the smell of burnt wood and scorched flesh heavy in the air. They took a moment to catch their breath and assess the situation, knowing that this battle was just the beginning of their troubles

Morthos searched the fallen mind flayer and discovered a piece of paper with descriptions of Reuben, the man Arace had been escorting, and Norbert. This revelation added a new layer of mystery to this already very strange night.

The next day, the group decided to visit the Nightstone Wizard College to seek more information. The college, a sprawling complex of ancient towers and modern buildings, was renowned for its vast library and esteemed faculty. As they approached the grand entrance, the group couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of the institution.

Norbert led them through the winding corridors, past students engrossed in their studies and professors engaged in animated discussions. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and the faint hum of magical energy. Eventually, they arrived at a secluded office tucked away in one of the older towers. The door was adorned with intricate carvings depicting various magical creatures.

Norbert knocked, and a moment later, the door creaked open to reveal Onigast, an old wizard with a long, flowing beard and piercing blue eyes. His office was cluttered with books, scrolls, and strange artifacts, each one a testament to his extensive knowledge and curiosity.

“Ah, Norbert, my old friend,” Onigast greeted warmly. “And who are these companions of yours?”

Introductions were made, and the group quickly explained their predicament. Onigast listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment.

“An assassin’s enclave known as the Obsidian Order,” Onigast began, his voice grave. “Among its members are several mind flayers who have escaped the control of an elder brain and now operate independently within the organization. These mind flayers are exceptionally dangerous, as they retain their formidable psychic abilities but are no longer bound by the elder brain’s influence.”

He paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. “If the Obsidian Order has Norbert’s description, it means that someone has hired them to kill him. This is no small matter. The Obsidian Order is known for its ruthlessness and efficiency. They do not take contracts lightly.”

Onigast walked over to a large map pinned to the wall, tracing a path with his finger. “The Order has roots in the city of Qua. It is a rogue kingdom full of those exiled from other places. It is a home for criminals and danger, but it is there that you may find the answers you seek. I suggest you proceed with caution. The Order will not hesitate to eliminate anyone who stands in their way.”

The group exchanged determined glances, their resolve strengthened by Onigast’s words. They knew that their next step would be to travel to Qua and uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt. With Onigast’s warnings echoing in their minds, they left the Nightstone Wizard College, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Determined to uncover the truth and stop the threat, the group decided to travel to Qua. As they walked through the streets, Morthos was surrounded by adoring fans, a reminder of his past exploits and reputation. Meanwhile, Bob’s airship, a marvel of engineering and magic, was delivered, providing the group with a means to travel swiftly to their destination