Starting with Nyx PoV.

LINK: Stonyeyes, Outer City, Interactive Map, World Anvil.

Nyx held her breath when Tav's lip quivered, and she looked away. Gale took Tav's hand in his and patted it. Shaking his head, he provided, "She didn't make it. Too much damage to her heart."

More senseless death.

With clenched fists, Nyx hunched next to the dwarf's corpse and searched his body. She wiped her hands on her dress; already ruined from the battle and her need to cut it open to run. She pried several things from the assassin's body. More weapons, a magic talisman with Bhaal's symbol that pulsed with evil magic, making her shudder at touching it. Then a bloodied pouch reeking of decay, and a series of blood-stained papers.

Nyx set her mouth in a line, inspecting the items. Some of the others hovered over her. "Suffice to say this is the Bhaalist's doing. No doubt about it anymore." She set the talisman aside.

Next was the pouch, which she placed on the ground and opened it gingerly at arm's length, prying it open with one of her knives. The pouch's twine snapped and the fabric fell open.

"Ew, gross!" Karlach covered her mouth, and Astarion seconded, "That's disgusting."

It had revealed a collection of hands, severed at the wrist. Nyx said through her magic mask, "Given the sizes and skin tones; these belonged to different people."

Mohan had arrived and provided grimly, "I believe that's what you call 'trophies'."

They shared expressions of silent disconcertment.

Unfurling one of the papers, Nyx gasped. "Tav, you'd want to see this.", handing it over.

Tav scanned the contents, and her mouth fell open. "A hit list? To be pinned on the Absolute cult? Duke Stelmane, Father Lorgan, and Dagna?" She read it again, curling her lip. "These are very convenient targets, including troublemakers for our leader of the Black Hand. Wouldn't you say, Mohan?"

He scanned the parchment at a distance, nodding in concession. "I'd like to keep mine off that, if you don't mind."

Tav ignored him and handed the paper to Gale. "Wound you mind making copies of these?" She took in Nyx's frown at the last piece of paper and asked, "What else?"

"Not sure, a poem? But it mentions Candulhallow's..." She handed it over as well.

Unfamiliar voices and shouting echoed down the street along with armoured footsteps. Tav moved to the entrance of the side passageway. "Fists incoming, make it quick. Gale I want, uh, five copies of that list. Nyx keep the poem we'll figure it out later. Then leave the original list, pouch and the talisman with his body. I'll make sure that more than just us and the Fists are witnesses to this."

After the Fists arrived, Tav brought them up to speed on the situation. They stared wide-eyed at the gruesome scene, especially the talisman and trophy pouch. Tav departed with a few of the others to find the Oasis managers. Nyx, Astarion, Wyll, Gale and Shadowheart remained to 'discreetly supervise'.

Nyx's patience was waning; more Fists had arrived, and none of them with a bedside-manner in line with the situation. Indifferent, they scribbled down everyone's statements halfheartedly, gathered up the evidence and summarily dismissed everyone, including the Oasis managers.

The broad-shouldered man called after them, "I trust, Manip, that you'll keep me abreast of the investigation. I need assurances both for myself and my customers, I cannot have Bhaalist assassins running around my establishment every night."

Disinterested, the Manip grumbled something to the effect of 'letting him know when they have something of interest and sending a few extra guards'.

"Hmmph, hardly reassuring." The manager turned to Tav. "You have my thanks for your unwavering support in this. Many lives spared, I'm sure. We will honour Lady Dagna, she had always been good to us."

Saying their goodbyes, Nyx and the others were eager to leave the macabre scene behind, heading back to Whitkeep.

---

The fire in the hearth was burning low in the Lame Fox common room, and the soft hum of Gale's spell flitted around them, keeping eavesdroppers from overhearing.

Seated in comfortable chairs, Tav read the poem by magic lights.

"Dirge of The Unholy Assassin

 

'Neath Candulhallow's quiet tombs,

Lies a path to murder's boons.

If entry down below's your aim,

Seek trigger hidden by frame,

'Sicarius' the door awaits,

To admit those who seek their fates.

 

If to continue you insist,

Show a trophy rent from wrist,

Of sacrifice for our Lord planned,

Present death's knight a bloodied..."

 

Tav paused for a moment, and Nyx recalled the last word being smudged in blood. Tav guessed, "hand?"

"Chk, they would carry around body parts as proof? Battle is all the proof one needs."

Wyll sneered, "It's a game to them. That poem is a way into their temple after assassinating everyone on that list their 'tribunal' had demanded."

Tav nodded and gazed into the fire. "I want to send copies of these to Jaheira and Aedric. Halsin would you mind helping with your recruits? I don't trust other messengers right now."

He placed a hand on his chest. "It will be an honour to relay such important information."

Nyx added, "Might be a good idea to send one along to the investigator Aedric mentioned."

"Ah, yes." Gale snapped his fingers. "Devella Fountainhead if I recall correctly." A deep frown creased his brow. "Is there truly a temple of Bhaal beneath the city?"

Astarion shrugged his shoulders. "After the last insurgence, they lauded the cult eradicated from the rooftops. Nothing about permanent residency."

Tav pursed her lips and said, "The Undercity is a patchwork of ruins from eras gone by - caved in, destroyed or forgotten. The Guild already operates in some parts down there. Who knows what else it could be hiding."

Gale said, "Dark, murderous tunnels? Doesn't sound like I place I'd want to visit."

The rest agreed that until they could find out more about the temple, it would be best to steer clear and go in prepared when they do.

Tav surveyed her companions, and a softness graced her features. "Today was rough and I don't say this enough. But I am thankful that each of you are here to help, tadpoles aside." She was rewarded with smiles and abashed expressions. "We have our passes to the Lower City, and tomorrow we make for Stonyeyes."

--- --- ---

Tav had set out early, only bringing those already up-and-about with her. Gale and Lae'zel stood with her in front of Dagna's office, her hand hesitating mid-knock. She wasn't sure why Mohan had requested her presence here.

The air is stuck in my throat.

Lae'zel leaned over her shoulder and knocked on the door instead. Tav shared a small smile with her.

Mohan opened the door and hurriedly beckoned them in. "Quickly, quickly, before we get discovered."

"What are you talkin-", Tav gasped at the state of the office. It had been ransacked. Cupboards emptied, contents of drawers strewed about. Indignant, she accused, "Did you do this?"

"Why would I? No, you have the fists to thank for that." He disappeared behind Dagna's desk, and rattling noises ensued.

"What were they looking for?" Gale asked, stroking his beard and probing the papers on the floor with his boot. "These are simple accounting records. I see nothing untoward."

A latch clicked, and Mohan straightened with a parcel in his hands. "They were probably looking for this." He held it up with a triumphant smile. "The fists are idiots if they think she'll hide her evidence for people to find so easily. She's an inspector after all." The corners of his mouth turned down, and he corrected himself. "Was. And a damned fine one."

He scurried over and stuffed the parcel into Tav's hand. "Everything she had on the Black Hand. I trust you know what to do with it."

Tav gaped at the precious gift, and her jaw set in determination.

His eyes shone with approval, and he grinned. "Go get those rat-fuckers, make them pay. Now shoo! Shoo!" He waved them out of the office, and before Tav could thank him properly, he disappeared out the window.

--- --- ---

Nyx cast her gaze at Little Calimshan while Tav marched them through Norchapel. The gates shut, its walls resembling a fortress. She wondered whether the trust between its residents and the wider community of Baldur's Gate had been impacted by the attack last night. Dagna did not deserve such a fate, her death at the hands of a Bhaalist simply as an initiation ritual. Her life was meaningless to them.  

Why is it so easy to take a life? It shouldn't be.  

The Norchapel temples chimed the morning hour in unison, pulling her thoughts to the merchant families who had been given a safe harbour there. Nyx read their letters in private, choking back sobs at the gratitude penned within.  

My son has his whole life ahead of him again. His mother would have wanted us to rejoice in that. I will make sure he remembers bravery such as hers and yours.  

She brushed back a stray tear welling up in the corner of her eye, sweeping her gaze from the chapel bell towers over the modest tiled roofs of the homes to the path ahead. The chimney stacks trailed smoke from the warehouses and workshops of Stonyeyes. The two neighbourhoods' homes were built closer together and, thus no makeshift gate could be erected between; however, that didn't stop Gortash from posting a few extra Fists and Watchers on the main road.  

After clearing the inspection point without a hitch, Wyll asked Tav, "You mentioned Dagna had many ongoing cases in the folio she left. What else was there, other than the inconsistency in the animal manifests of Garynmor?"  

"She was also looking into the harbour warehouses and shipping manifests of several new suppliers in Brampton. They had 'higher than usual records of barrels containing preserved eel'."  

Lae'zel scoffed, "Investigating barrels of eel? A waste of time. A job from these stables would be paying towards our next meal and bed."

"True, but given we catch so much of our own eel, why would we want to import preserved ones?"

Their ears perked collectively, and Astarion drawled, "Gortash has quite the smuggling operation going. I won't mind dabbling in a bit of arson myself, after checking the barrels of course."  

The others made grunts of agreement, and Tav nodded. "That, and I would like to do to him exactly what Dagna wanted. Nail him to the floor with his own schemes."  

Houses had gradually made way to workshops and warehouses. Their smoke left an aftertaste of metal, wood and resin in Nyx's mouth. She cleared her throat and added evenly, "His Bhaalists conspirators should share a similar fate and worse.", receiving more noises of sterner agreement.

Their walking conversation brought them to a forge.

Tav placed her hands on her hips, and Karlach squinted at the signpost. "Iron Hand Crafts. Boom! Isn't this where Dammon's has set up shop?"  

A wink answered.

Karlach beamed, racing through the doors and bellowing his name inside. The rest followed suit, finding several wide-eyed customers staring at Karlach, who was squeezing Dammon in a bear hug.

---

Dammon ushered their group to the forge area, seeing as the small workshop was overcrowded. He had a grin plastered on his face, almost as wide as Karlach, when he led them to a table covered with a heavy cloth. "I had a feeling we'd bump into each other again and since I've proper tools - I had a few designs I wanted you to try." He threw back the cloth in a dramatic display, revealing a table laden with shiny new weapons of various shapes, sizes and proclivities.

"Aaw, what a beast!" Karlach heaved a great half-axe, half-hammer from the table. A giant maul on one end and a crescent-shaped blade on the other.

Dammon nodded and mused, "A war hack. Gives you double duty."

Nyx couldn't believe Karlach's grin could be more manic.

Gale squinted at the weapon and said, "I've seen similar poleaxe heads illustrated in archaic arm treatise from the Blackstaff Academy's collection. They referred to them as 'martelaxe'."

"Who cares. A mar-whatever or war hack; I get to whack in heads no matter which way I swing."

"Ah, point taken."

Lae'zel turned the great sword in her grip, inspecting the blade and its double guard. Dammon wiped his hands on his apron. "It's not a Githyanki silver sword, but I'll bet it's a close second." Nyx expected Lae'zel to put down his statement; instead, she gave him a curt nod, seemingly - impressed?

"A Kris blade!", Wyll exclaimed when Dammon handed him a rapier with a wavy design. He gaped at it and asked, "This must have taken you days... Is this reinforcement?" He ran a finger along the length of the rapier's darker midsection. Dammon confirmed it was, stating that it shouldn't suffer the same brittle fate that most Kris-bladed weapons do.

Dammon gathered two hand crossbows, each sporting a strange device as part of the bolt track. He showed Tav the sliding half moon mechanism that would allow her to load multiple blots at a time and fire them in rapid succession. Her eyebrows went into her hairline when he gave her a set of armour piercing bolts to complement the new weapons. This was followed by another bundle of armour piercing arrows for Nyx and Astarion.

"My dear blacksmith, you know the way into a rogue's heart. I do love a bouquet of daggers." He flourished one in each hand, in a series of twirls; their polished blades and coloured glass catching in the forge light. He turned to Nyx. "My sweet, I'll try any new poisons you can think of."

Nyx cooed over her own additional throwing knives. The set had been completed, six knives in total with the front-loading glass pipettes, 2 pairs of each design. Green needle-points for poison, yellow asymmetrical 'V' for acid, and transparent drop-points for watery liquids. She had to suppress the urge to rub her hands together and cackle at the ideas forming in her head...

Like a nasty little surprise of the holy kind for the next ambushing ghoul to jump out from a dark alleyway.

Now all she needed was to get a new knife bandolier to fit every one of her blades.

Dammon approached Shadowheart. "For the cleric, a shield to complement Lathander's mace." He proffered the kite shield to her, embossed with a bursting sun. She laced her arm through its strap and hefted it up, testing the weight. A praise left her lips, "It's so light!"

Lastly, Dammon addressed Gale and Halsin. "Don't think I've forgotten about you. I have a few staff caps for you to choose from." After sharing a glance, Gale and Halsin stood at the ready with their quarterstaffs while Dammon went through the options, Nyx listening in and peering over their shoulders.

With the bill settled, new gear in tow, and new special orders placed, their group said farewell to Dammon. Outside Tav pointed down the street and back at him. "We'll be at the Broken Pike Rest tonight and we're expecting you to join for dinner."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world!" He called after them.

---

Stonyeyes became livelier the farther in they travelled. Manual labourers of size and bulk marched up and down the roads carrying goods or materials, some pushing heavy carts and others crisscrossing the street, herding pack animals to warehouses, their shepherd dogs yapping to keep the animals in line. Basilisk Gate came into view, with the Lower City skyline beyond. They passed the Garynmor stables to reach their first destination. The weathered roadside tavern was owned and operated by a burly ex-soldier nearly as old as the tavern itself. Inside a warm, low lit room greeted them, including furnishings of heavy wood - some of which aged and stained to the point where discerning their origin was impossible.

Branrik Harth, stood behind the bar and watched them approach. "Mighty fine weapons you got there."

Grins replied, and Tav gave a shining recommendation for Dammon's services. She patted her hand crossbows and said, "Hopefully ours will pick up just as many stories yours", she gestured to the well cared for pike mounted at the back of the bar.

A gap-toothed smile spread on Branrik's lips. "'Mains to be seen. What can I get ya?"

"Rooms to start."

With accommodation settled and bellies full; their group backtracked to the stables.

---

An assortment of sounds and scents drifted from the stables as they entered the front gate. Neighs, baying, grunts and whistles. Musk, hay, leather tack and stale vinegar. A stablehand approached, carrying a pitchfork, a smile and a rehearsed line. "Welcome to Garynmor Stables and Menagerie. Are you looking to rent or buy?"

They expressed their interest in renting and were guided to the barn housing the horses. Nyx rubbed a black mare's muzzle while Tav and Wyll casually conversed with the stablehand, asking about the health of the animals and how often they were rented out or bought.

A sound of disgust drew her attention, and she asked over her shoulder at a sneering Astarion, "Don't you want to pet her too? She won't bite, unlike a Cenrak."

He stuck his nose in the air. "I'm already sidestepping manure, I don't want to smell like it too."

The stablehand queried with a hopeful expression on his face, "A Cenrak! Have you seen one?" Nyx nodded, and he drew closer. "Was its rider with it? Did you fight them?" He looked her over, his excitement growing with each question. "I heard they can take your hand clean off! Did the Stormborn shoot lighting at you!? How did you escape!?"

She laughed, the mare nuzzling her for more attention. "Nothing so dramatic. They only take hands when instructed to. I do believe they dislike the taste of people. And yes, I knew the rider, but she didn't use them for battle anymore. She left her fighting days behind."

He deflated somewhat, but eagerly asked her a myriad of other questions about their protective spines, sharp teeth, and forked tongues. Those of Tav's crew who weren't minding other horses took the opportunity to snoop, everyone listening in regardless.

After a brief tadpole exchange, Astarion discreetly signalled to Nyx that they had found nothing.

Gale asked the stablehand, "Jov, I have it on good word that you house some exotic animals of your own."

Jov's eyes sparkled and he said, "They're my favourite. You can see them for a small fee if you like."

One meager payment later and they were guided to a larger barn, and the one responsible for most of the noise and smell. Before they could reach it, all the animals in the surrounding area - stabled or no - howled, caterwauled and screeched in unison. The cacophony rose over Stonyeyes, and shortly after the ground shook.

By the Abyss! Another psionic quake!

Nyx clamped her hands over her ears and adjusted her centre of balance to compensate. Some of the others took a tumble; Gale, Tav, Shadowheart and Jov met the ground. A loud boom punctuated the shaking, then the door to the larger barn shattered, splinters flying

Jov yelled from his sprawl, "Watch out!", when a bewildered bird larger than a turkey lurched from the hole.

It charged straight for them, flapping its wings in a frenzy, squawking behind its muzzle. Wyll and Lae'zel dove out of the way of its stampede. The muzzle's strap had come loose, and dangled from its neck, exposing its beak - one capable of petrification upon biting. It continued to bear down on Shadowheart, who was struggling to regain her footing. Nyx, Karlach and Astarion were too far away, even as they attempted to intercept, drawing their weapons instead.

Jov flailed and cried, "No! Don't shoot!"

Druidic magic swelled, and Halsin cast a green net over the crazed monstrosity. Pinned in place, it trashed against the bindings even after the quake had stopped.

The rest helped each other to their feet. Shadowheart scurried away as Halsin slowly approached the creature, speaking softly, all the while his magic pulsed. A calm washed over Nyx, easing her nerves, and she felt like she was floating for a moment. The other stabled animals settled as well.

Halsin lulled the cockatrice until it sat on its haunches, its lizard tail lazily sweeping from side-to-side. It stayed put even after he dispelled the magical bindings. Halsin made himself comfortable on the ground in front of it. A gasp escaped Jov's throat when Halsin removed the creature's muzzle entirely to stroke its beak, still speaking to it in gentle tones, and it crooned back.

Other stablehands poured from the adjacent buildings along with a few finer dressed individuals. Several dashed into the first stable, and a handful jogged toward their group. Taking in the scene, they stared at Halsin and the unmuzzled cockatrice.

A man in finery pushed past the others. "What are you gawking at, let me through. Ho! By the Nine, you'll turn to stone!"

Tav introduced the man, Keelan, to Halsin, who stood smiling, cockatrice under one arm, and waved at him.

"An archdruid?" His eyes became even wider when Halsin approached with the unmuzzled bird.

"Former archdruid. Oak Father bless you Keelan." Halsin touched his chest. "And there is no more need for this." He held out the muzzle to the manager.

"I, uh, but surely you can't be serious!" Keelan fumbled with the straps.

A belly laugh shook Halsin's shoulders. "Oh, I'm being very serious. Ollick and I have an agreement you see." The cockatrice crooned as though in assent.

"But what of another quake!"

"Rest assured I'll create a safe space around each of the barns. If you'll let me, that is. The animals won't feel threatened as long as they remain within."

"I, uh. Oh, oh." The manager remembered himself and cleared his throat. "Ah, very good." He cast a dubious glance at the bird, but his shoulders relaxed. "How much would you charge for this service?"

Halsin held up a hand. "My concern is for the animals, not coin."

Taken aback, the manager briefly gaped anew and his expression became thoughtful. He addressed both Halsin and Tav. "May I ask you and your friends to help me with another matter, also involving an exotic creature. You are just the people I need."

Tav shared a knowing glance with Halsin and said, "We're listening."

Keelan explained he was in 'dire straits', "You see, a notable collector has requisitioned a rare specimen. But alas the animal has been lost, escaped while transferring it to the barn."

Halsin stroked Ollick's comb and asked, "What sort of animal?"

The manager's squirming made all of them narrow their eyes, and he said, "A rare species of jungle leopard. You must assist me in finding the creature or it would be more than just my reputation on the line."

A few eyebrows rose at that statement, and Tav chewed the inside of her cheek. "Sounds dire indeed. But unlike the safekeeping wards, we can't do this job for free, you understand."

As with the rest of his expression, he didn't hide his disappointment very well. "No, of course not."

They negotiated a payment and learnt that the leopard had made for Duskhawk Hill after its escape and hasn't been spotted since. The manager departed, whereas the rest of them discussed the job while Halsin set the wards around the barns.

---

Ollick was returned to his stable mates, which included an adult owlbear and a hippogriff. Halsin and Nyx helped Jov tend to the animals that were surprisingly cooperative and calm; the influence of Halsin's presence. They lead the animals from the barn to the enclosure outside.

Gale scratched a spot right under the hippogriff's beaked chin and it inadvertently thumped its hooved leg against the ground, chirruping loudly. Gale grinned like a child. "Oh, that's the spot, is it?"

Shadowheart ruffled the owlbear's head. "We should bring Scratch and Bean for a visit." And she cooed at the beast, "They would like that - yes, yes they would."

The hippogriff straightened, stretched out its clawed front legs and flapped its wings, sending a gush of dust and dried leaves up into everyone's faces, smacking Gale over the head. "Oof, you'd think after all these years with a Tressym, I would anticipate that."

Nyx asked Jov, "Do you know where the jungle leopard might have gone? Do you think it's still in the hills or would've had escaped to the forest already?"

"I can't say, I hope not. It was a splendid beast and it'll be a shame if someone would hunt it in the forest."

Nyx set her mouth in a grim line.

Wyll tapped a finger on his lips, squinting at the hill outlined in the sunlight. "There are a handful of abandoned quarries up there. Centuries old like the, uh, abandoned mine we'd scouted. Though the quarries were notorious for flooding. It could be hiding in one of those."

Nyx rubbed her brow. "Any maps to help, even if they're just as ancient?"

He shook his head. "If there are, the library would have them, but I doubt we have the kind of time to retrieve them. The quarries aren't very deep or complicated from what little I was told."

"Alright, I'll start sweeping for tracks around the farm."

Halsin offered his help, and Tav said, "The rest of us will make preparations for flooding." She paused for a moment and frowned, staring at the river. "And whatever else we may encounter. I don't want to be blind-sided again."

Jov put in, "Werewolves."

A few of their companions cast confused glances his way, except Wyll, who was smirking.

Tav chuckled and crossed her arms. "If the rumours of Duskhawk Hill are to be believed. I'm not discounting anything. We'll add werewolves to the list."

For the weapons upgrade I was having a hard time finding an appropriate name for a hammer x axe combo. After some research I had a few options and didn't know what to go with, after a poll on my Tumblr, I came up with a way to incorporate nearly all of them in the scene.

Dwarven Axe by Marceli Guziewicz

And with the assistance (i.e., posts) by artists and art enthusiasts on both Substack and Tumblr I found some great websites with traditional artworks of historical settings and people. Here is one I thought would be very fitting for Stonyeyes: Workmen before an Inn (1645), Isaac van Ostade (Dutch, 1621 - 1649). I've already created a Pinterest board where I'm hoarding these like a crazy person, I have some stunning temples on there - now I just need a reason to use them (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧

Last, but not least, your new Gate Pass adventurer - don't lose it!

Forgotten Realms Wiki, Cockatrice

Forgotten Realms Wiki, Hippogriff

Cenrak Steed by ???