The group explored various locations and discovered magical items while dividing loot equally among members. They encountered dangerous situations and covered up incidents, leading to discussions about defense strategies and plans to exit the area. The team investigated the Department of Arcane Affairs, gathered intelligence about Drekenov's activities, and planned their next steps while managing inventory and supplies.
The group explored a room containing a magical globe with glowing city spots, a bookshelf with ancient tomes, and a deceased woman's belongings. They discovered a spellbook filled with low to mid-level spells, a black glass memory crystal, and various magical items including a choker, a ring, and a pistol with regenerating properties. The group decided to divide the loot equally, with each member receiving 66 gold pieces and the ability to copy spells from the spellbook. They also discussed the need for better defense against potential guards who might arrive soon.
The group encountered a dangerous situation involving Anton, who was killed during a confrontation. They decided to cover up the incident by burning the bodies in the fireplace. The group took various items from Anton's office, including a wand of counterspell and a magical cloak among others. They left the scene after ensuring that any evidence of the fight was hidden or destroyed. The group then returned to Dr. Sedgwick’s office, where they planned their next steps and discussed the need for extraction from the area.
The group discussed a plan to create a distraction and leave the building without being detected, using deception and minor illusions. They successfully convinced a receptionist that Silas was Anton using Disguise Self and he was needed on the 4th floor, allowing them to exit unhindered. Upon entering the Department of Arcane Affairs, they found it bustling with activity and encountered Minerva Sedgwick, who examined a syringe containing a viable embryo splice. She confirmed their suspicions about the department's involvement in hijacking shipments and using mutagenic catalysts. The group also found ancient books about dragons and elder worms, which Dr. Sedgwick found intriguing but not impossible. They concluded that they had evidence linking Drekenov to the activities, but needed to determine their next steps.
The group discussed their options after a battle, focusing on tracking down the creature that attacked them. Dr. Sedgwick offered advice on where to look and shared her research on Shardisite refinement techniques and safer shipment methods at the facility. Despite not having official authorization, the team planned to investigate the Department of Operations' buildings to find a boat for their pursuit.
The group identified several unique magical items recovered during their investigation. These included a silverspun quill that serves as an arcane focus, a cloak of veiled steps for enhanced stealth, and a silent spell-focused choker that enables spellcasting without components once per day. Other discoveries included a glass dagger dealing additional psychic damage, and a coat of hidden scripts that functions as mage armor. The group also examined a suspicious fake badge, suggesting a potential conspiracy beyond Seraphim Drekanov.
The team managed their newly acquired inventory, which included the signet pen, badge, ring, and various potions. They visited a canteen to cash their payroll checks, receiving additional gold. Taking advantage of their Viroc employee status to secure lower prices, the team purchased essential supplies, including Shardisite handling tongs, beast skin armor, and a brass compass.
The party explored the bustling docks of Murmansk, observing various vessels for their mission. After debating several magical and persuasive approaches to obtain a security boat, the group decided to forge a Viroc requisition document. By utilizing a special pen activated by a “message” spell and a successful deception, they successfully fooled the guards and secured a security vessel.
Setting out to sea, the team passed a burned-down warehouse and observed the city's mining scars and pollution. As night fell, they spotted a structure with a strong magical presence: Drekenov Manor. They observed a hardened security team of 12 members at the docks but remained undetected as they scouted a nearby landing area to dock their boat.
The group devised a plan to investigate the manor, opting to berth their boat at a nearby beach and take a long rest within a tiny hut. The plan involved sending a scout to sneak into the manor to gather intelligence on facility operations and delivery patterns. They established a watch schedule to monitor the area for any unusual activity or potential new warehouse locations in town.
During the night watch, the group observed a mysterious green light pulse at midnight and a winged figure at sunrise. They discussed how their exposure to Shardisite was beginning to change their perceptions and senses. The session concluded with the team weighing the risks of immediate action versus continued caution as they prepared to infiltrate Drekenov's domain.