• Elwin Oldgreave visits the Dragon.
• PCsRandall & Ben order Gerwin Maxwell to remove Dirk’s body.
• PCs request a fake Lodras Quicksilver identity from Gerwin. They also inform him about RANDALL.
• Hal attempts to scare Gerwin, who refuses to break.
• PCs sign up to John’s Network, and visit Mertin and A.B.S. Hallie at the Merryweather.
• PCs meet Jago at Showdown. They learn of more Odran Newgreave snooping, and about Jago’s most promising student: Vivienne Ashbane.
• PCs prepare to battle three of Odran’s men at Showdown.

Balerion

The PCs tell Gerwin Maxwell about their connection with Balerion, and confirm she’s responsible for the murder of Nathan Goldman. Balerion appears, and learns murders are less acceptable in the modern age. Even so, she reaffirms her intention to destroy the Dragon’s enemies.

Elwin Oldgreave appears, and notices Balerion appears different to other flame elementals he’s encountered. After the PCsRandall & Ben explain a bit about the Lesser Pantheon, Elwin demands to meet the Dragon. Ben protests, and Balerion hesitates, but she eventually shields Elwin from fire, and then uses most of Ben’s energy to send his uncle to the Dragon’s domain.

Gerwin

Gerwin tries to continue counselling the PCs. Ben agrees to return the Ashbane Rapier today, and the PCs order Gerwin to remove Dirk’s body.

The PCs also request a fake identity for Randall - that of Lodras Corys Quicksilver - so they can then blame Odran Newgreave for the “attempted killing” of Lodras. Elwin worries about the plan, but the PCs ignore him.

Randall tells Gerwin about RANDALL, who says the Society might get upset if Randall launches a magic academy without their approval. But Randall entrusts Gerwin to deal with the Society. They agree on a 100gp RANDALL sign up fee, and 50gp for referrals.

Finally, the PCs decide to pay Gerwin a 1,000gp monthly retainer, and a 100gp starting bonus.

The test

The PCs exit Elwin’s residence, and go around the side. Randall then gets Hal to test Gerwin’s loyalty. Hal disappears, and is overheard making a half-hearted attempt to present as a minion of Odran and the Swarm - a minion who intends to kill Gerwin should he continue helping the PCs and the Dragon.

The PCs hear a terrified Gerwin shooing Hal away, while affirming his loyalty to the PCs. Hal leads Gerwin right back to the PCs, who congratulate Gerwin on passing their test. They leave him frozen outside Elwin’s residence, clutching a broom for protection.

Errands

After getting Ben to a healer, the PCs deliver his Glamoured Studded Leather to Orb-Weaver Robes. They then visit Quill & Stone, where they sign up to John’s network and buy some calligraphy supplies. They also send a letter to Gerwin, informing him of their new calligraphy supplies.

The PCs visit the Merryweather, and find Mertin back at the Kraken Juice. Ben tells A.B.S. Hallie where they’re staying, and of his meeting tonight at Showdown. Hallie says she’ll talk to Shephard about the Troublemaker’s Crew joining the PCs on their journey to Ballatar.

Jago

The PCs visit Showdown and get an upper level table. Before long, Jago appears and tries to surprise Ben with a strike from behind. Ben successfully deflects Jago’s attack, and then happily greets his training master. He also introduces Randall (who Jago initially assumes is Ben’s apprentice).

The PCs and Jago catch up. The PCs tell of their Tarr adventures, and Jago tells of his most promising student: Vivienne. Ben describes his recent duel with Vivienne, and explains her anger towards him. He also promises to visit Jago’s training grounds soon.

Jago says he was visited by Odran, who asked about Ben’s training and weaknesses. Jago claims he was unable to help Odran, because Ben - as Iparra’s second best duellist - has no weaknesses.

Ben then spots three of Odran’s men watching them from a table nearby - the same three from the harbour. Without hesitation, Ben stands and draws his rapier for combat, and Randall prepares to launch a magic blast.