Session 25, The Devil is in the Details

The party stirred to life at the Blushing Mermaid inn, greeted by a full and daunting schedule. Velessa, ever the perfectionist, spent the early morning weaving fabric and thread into a new formal outfit — something befitting a meeting with a head of state. The group gathered their wits and their magical protections, even striking a humorous bargain with the younger members of their household: help with a warding ritual in exchange for a night of beer and wine, but absolutely no hard liquor.

The carriage ride through Waterdeep's Dock, Castle, and Sea Wards was brief, and the heavy iron gates of the Thayan Embassy swung open at the party's approach. Yathra Soluun, the red wizard who had arranged the meeting, greeted them warmly and led them through corridors lined with stained glass and Thayan ritual seals into a large stone antechamber. Gale Dekarios arrived just in time, breathless and apologetic, to serve as the party's magical chaperone for what was to come.

The antechamber fell into a hushed stillness before the air itself seemed to ripple, like the surface of a pond struck by a stone, and Szass Tam materialized before them. The Zulkir of Necromancy was impeccably composed, greeting each party member by name and commending them for the sensible precaution of bringing Gale along. He was, as rumor had suggested, surprisingly personable — and he wasted little time in explaining his purpose: he wished to terminate an ancient obligation, an ill-advised agreement made with the god Bane in the twelve hundreds, one that would eventually allow Bane to claim his soul entirely.

The party listened as Szass Tam laid out his situation with the calm detachment of someone who had lived long enough to regret very little — except this. Séantal pointed out the broader danger of leaving such a powerful figure as a pawn in Bane's hands, and the Zulkir agreed with quiet approval. The party clarified that they would facilitate the ritual themselves rather than surrender the Calamus Pactum, and Szass Tam accepted this without complaint, with Séantal even producing a copy of the infernal receipt to confirm the party's authority over the artifact. He revealed that a third component was needed — the Seal of Concordance, a small pale disc engraved with concentric geometric script, currently held in Candlekeep — and offered to arrange a gift of Thayan knowledge to trade for it. Before departing in the same rippling shimmer with which he had arrived, he invited the party to name their price for the work, promising to discuss compensation further upon their return.

With the meeting concluded and Gale departing with his characteristic mix of skepticism and self-importance, the party turned their attention to the next item on their list: infiltrating the Cassalanter Villa. Velessa had crafted a magical hat pin for Séantal that allowed them to alter their appearance entirely, and the group coordinated their cover stories and aliases before heading to the Durinbold estate to finalize their plan. Caith Durinbold helped them rehearse their roles as household staff, gently advising Velessa to resist the urge to use magic — a suggestion Velessa received with visible reluctance. Vagnfríður, whose towering height and distinctive appearance made a traditional disguise impractical, was assigned the role of heavy labor, tasked with carrying large kegs of beer to justify her presence.

The party arrived at the Cassalanter Villa as part of the Durinbold servant convoy and were immediately intercepted by Willifort Crowelle, the Cassalanter head butler, a tiefling of immaculate bearing who conducted a strict orientation. He outlined the expectations of service with crisp authority — invisibility, attentiveness, and absolute deference to the Cassalanter family — and made clear that the wine cellar and all floors above the second were strictly forbidden to guest servants. The party took their positions, and Velessa began making careful circuits of the ballroom, using subtle magic to clean the floors while eavesdropping on the guests. She also noted the ballroom's centerpiece: a life-sized wooden mannequin enchanted to dance impeccably with any guest who whispered a request to it, waltzing through the Galliard, Pavane, or Waltz before returning to its lifeless pose. Both Velessa and Séantal recognized the mosaic beneath their feet as the holy symbol of Siamorphe, the demigod of nobility.

As the dinner hour drew the guests into the banquet hall, Séantal slipped away and descended into the forbidden wine cellar. The room was long and narrow, carved directly from the stone beneath the house, and lined with rack after rack of fine wine. After a careful search, Séantal discovered that one particular bottle in the central rack refused to move naturally — and when pressed with force, it caused the entire rack to swing open like a door, revealing a dark stairway descending into the earth, with the faint flicker of torchlight visible at its far end. Séantal memorized the location, waited to observe a pair of servants retrieve wine without incident, and then quietly returned to the party to share the discovery.

Meanwhile, Vagnfríður and Séantal both caught something unsettling beneath the loud music echoing through the house — the faintest sound of wailing, barely distinguishable from the melody, drifting down from the upper floors. Velessa sent her imp familiar, Quillbit, to investigate the forbidden levels. Quillbit fluttered out a window and up to the fourth floor, where she discovered a hunched and withered figure bound by living chains, screaming with a voice that had long since been reduced to a ragged, hollow wail. Velessa recognized the signs immediately — this was Osvaldo Cassalanter, the eldest son, transformed into a chain devil and kept imprisoned in his own family's attic as a living reminder of the contract his parents had signed with Asmodeus.

The party regrouped and descended through the secret passage in the wine cellar, spiraling down into a subterranean world of rough-hewn stone, iron-banded doors, and the eerie silence of a place far removed from the party above. They passed a row of empty holding cells before emerging onto a balcony overlooking a vast ritual chamber with thirty-foot ceilings, rows of wrought-iron candlesticks, and enormous tapestries hanging from the walls. At the far end of the room stood a towering statue of Asmodeus, and before it, wreathed in dark feathery wings and standing nearly as tall as Vagnfríður herself, was a figure of commanding presence.

The figure introduced herself as Neferis, Commander of the Pradixikai, and she had clearly been expecting them. She acknowledged their investigation with cool precision, noting that they had followed frightened children, frightened servants, infernal bargains, and an impressive quantity of noble hypocrisy into this room. She revealed that Glasya, Archdevil of Malbolge, held an authenticated infernal counterpart of the Cassalanter agreement — not a transcription, but the actual record recognized by the Hells themselves — and that Glasya was willing to place it in the party's hands. When Séantal asked about the possibility of freeing Osvaldo, Neferis was unmoved, stating plainly that his soul was forfeit to Asmodeus, though the party quietly began to wonder whether infernal property rights might offer some creative solution.

Velessa asked Neferis what Glasya wanted in return, and the erinyes answered simply: information, first — she wanted to know whether the party was merely destructive or genuinely useful. The party answered with characteristic candor, with Velessa admitting they were mercenaries acting partly on behalf of two very persuasive twins, and Vagnfríður declaring she was there to keep the others from getting themselves killed. Neferis seemed satisfied enough with the honesty, and then delivered her true terms: the party would fight her. If she found them worthy of Glasya's interest, the contract would be theirs. The session drew to a close with the party standing in the shadow of Asmodeus's statue, facing down an erinyes commander, the promise of infernal evidence hanging in the balance — and Vagnfríður having already asked Neferis where she got her armor.

Last we left off, our party found themselves navigating the treacherous waters of Waterdeep's most powerful and dangerous circles. After a morning of careful preparation — Velessa stitching together a new formal outfit worthy of the occasion — the group made their way to the Thayan Embassy, where none other than Szass Tam, the ancient Zulkir of Necromancy, materialized before them in a ripple of displaced air. With Gale Dekarios serving as their magical chaperone, the party listened as the lich laid out his predicament with unsettling calm: a centuries-old bargain with the god Bane, struck in the twelve hundreds, now threatened to claim his soul entirely. The party agreed to facilitate the ritual themselves, and Szass Tam revealed that a third component — the Seal of Concordance, held within Candlekeep — would be required. He departed as he arrived, promising to discuss compensation upon their return.

With that extraordinary meeting behind them, the party turned their attention to a more immediate and earthly infiltration: the Cassalanter Villa. Disguised as household staff under the cover of the Durinbold servant convoy, they navigated the sharp eye of Willifort Crowelle, the Cassalanter's imperious head butler, and took their positions among the evening's festivities. While Velessa worked the ballroom floor with subtle magic and careful ears, Séantal slipped into the forbidden wine cellar and discovered a hidden passage behind a cleverly disguised bottle rack — a dark stairway descending deep beneath the estate. And above, carried faintly beneath the swell of music, both Vagnfríður and Séantal caught the sound of wailing from the upper floors — a sound Velessa's imp, Quillbit, confirmed was Osvaldo Cassalanter himself, the family's eldest son, transformed into a chain devil and kept imprisoned in his own attic as a grim monument to his parents' infernal bargain.

Now, having descended through that secret passage into a vast subterranean ritual chamber dominated by a towering statue of Asmodeus, the party stands face to face with Neferis, Commander of the Pradixikai — an erinyes who has been expecting them all along. She speaks on behalf of Glasya, Archdevil of Malbolge, who holds the authenticated infernal counterpart of the Cassalanter contract and is willing to place it in the party's hands — for a price. That price, it turns out, is not gold or secrets, but blood: Neferis intends to fight them, to determine whether they are worthy of Glasya's interest. With the shadow of Asmodeus looming overhead and an erinyes commander standing between them and the evidence they need, we pick up as our party prepares to prove their worth — one way or another...

A lich walked in, calm as could be, Said, "Bane owns my soul — help me free!" The party agreed, To fill Candlekeep's need, And Gale showed up just to referee!

They dressed up as servants that night, And Velessa tried hard not to smite. A wine rack swung wide, With a staircase inside — Séantal said, "Yep, that's not right."

From the attic came wailing and dread, Poor Osvaldo — chain devil instead! His parents' dark deal Made his torment quite real, While the guests danced and ate and were fed.

They descended to stone, torch, and gloom, Past iron-barred cells to a room, Where Asmodeus stood tall At the end of the hall, And an erinyes promised their doom.

Said Neferis, "Fight me — then we'll see If Glasya's contract goes free!" Vagnfríður said, "Sure, But first — where'd you procure That armor?" (She asked. Casually.)

Arise, good friends, and lend thine ear, To deeds most strange and bold; A lich did speak without a fear, Of bargains bought and sold!

To Thayan halls the party came, Where Szass Tam did appear; He named each soul and spoke his shame — A god's claim drawing near.

Then clad as servants, plain and low, They walked the Villa's floor; Beneath the wine, a passage's glow Revealed a hidden door.

Above, a devil wailed in chains, The eldest son, undone; Below, a chamber dark remains, Where Asmodeus is one.

Now Neferis stands, wings spread wide, And bids them prove their worth; With Glasya's prize held just aside — They fight for all the earth!

When last we left our intrepid band of chaos merchants, they were somehow on the calendar of two of the most terrifying beings in the multiverse — in the same day. First up: Szass Tam, ancient lich, Zulkir of Necromancy, and apparently just a guy who made a bad deal in the 1200s and has been quietly stressing about it ever since. The party handled this with their usual mix of competence and barely-contained bewilderment, agreed to help void an infernal contract with Bane, and added "pick up a magic disc from Candlekeep" to what is becoming a truly unhinged to-do list. Gale showed up just in time to be useful and then left to go be self-important somewhere else.

Then it was off to the Cassalanter Villa, where the party dressed up as servants, tried very hard not to do magic (Velessa did magic), discovered a secret passage behind a wine bottle, found a chain devil screaming in the attic (just a normal rich family thing), and descended into a ritual dungeon beneath the estate to meet Neferis, an erinyes commander who has been waiting for them, works for Glasya, and has decided the price of one infernal contract is a fistfight. Vagnfríður has already asked her where she got her armor. Things are going great.

Funny — Vagnfríður

You can't counter spell honeyed words.

Context: Dryly shutting down the party's confidence that Gale could protect them from Szass Tam's charm and persuasion

Funny — Velessa

I doubt a corpse man will be able to convince any of us with honeyed words and seduction.

Context: Confidently dismissing the threat of Szass Tam's charm, moments before agreeing to help him break a divine contract

Dramatic — Szass Tam

I simply wish to terminate an obligation that has survived considerably longer than the circumstances which produced it.

Context: The Zulkir of Necromancy calmly explaining his centuries-old regret over a soul contract with the god Bane

Funny — Velessa

I'm doing it because a bunch of hot twins asked me to. I say a bunch. Two. Two hot twins asked me to.

Context: Explaining the party's motivations to Neferis when asked why they were investigating the Cassalanters

Dramatic

Szass Tam ripples into existence in the antechamber like a stone striking a still pond, greets each party member by name, and commends them for bringing a chaperone.

Context: The tense and theatrical entrance of one of the most powerful undead beings in Faerûn, immediately putting the party at ease with polished manners

Intriguing

Séantal discovers a secret door in the wine cellar triggered by a single bottle, revealing a long dark stairway with torchlight flickering at the far end.

Context: Sneaking alone into the forbidden wine cellar during the dinner party, finding the hidden entrance to the Cassalanter cult's ritual space

Dramatic

Neferis, Commander of the Pradixikai, challenges the party to a trial by combat to prove their worthiness to receive an authenticated copy of the Cassalanter infernal contract.

Context: Standing at the foot of a giant statue of Asmodeus in a hidden temple, the erinyes reveals she was sent by Glasya to test the party

Funny — Vagnfríður

You have got to tell me who your tailor is.

Context: Vagnfríður's first words upon entering the subterranean temple and locking eyes with the imposing erinyes commander Neferis

1. A New Day at the Blushing Mermaid

The party wakes up at the Blushing Mermaid and prepares for a high-stakes meeting with the Zulkir of Necromancy, Szass Tam.

Key events

• The party wakes up at the Blushing Mermaid in Waterdeep to a full schedule of tasks.
• Velessa uses magic to fabricate a new, formal outfit suitable for meeting a national leader.
• The group discusses their upcoming meeting at the Thayan Embassy regarding the Calamus Pactum.
• Séantal explains the goal is to learn why the Thayans want to use the ritual of the Lawful Draw to break Szass Tam's bond with the god Bane.
• The party confirms that Gale Dekarios will accompany them as a 'babysitter' to provide magical protection and counter potential threats.
• Velessa and Talya recall historical knowledge about Szass Tam, noting his reputation for being personable and polite to those not on his bad side.
• The party debates the morality of helping a powerful necromancer break a bond with a god of tyranny, with Vagnfríður expressing skepticism.
• Talya and Velessa discuss protective magic, eventually deciding to circle cast a warding spell on Séantal.
• A humorous negotiation occurs regarding the drinking habits of the younger members of the group, resulting in a deal for beer and wine but no hard liquor.
• The party performs a circle casting ritual to extend the duration of a protective ward for Séantal.

2. Arrival at the Thayan Embassy

The party travels through Waterdeep to the Thayan Embassy, where they are greeted by Yathra Soluun and led to an antechamber to await Szass Tam.

Key events

• The party takes a carriage ride through the Dock, Castle, and Sea Wards of Waterdeep to the Thayan Embassy.
• Thayan guards open heavy iron gates to allow the party entrance to the embassy grounds.
• Gale Dekarios arrives late, huffing and panting, and joins the group as their magical chaperone.
• Yathra Soluun greets the party warmly and leads them to a large stone antechamber filled with stained glass windows and Thayan ritual seals.
• Yathra leaves the party alone in the chamber to wait for the Zulkir.

3. Audience with Szass Tam

The Zulkir of Necromancy materializes to negotiate the termination of his ancient contract with the god Bane.

Key events

• Szass Tam materializes in the room, rippling into existence like a stone hitting a still pond.
• The Zulkir acknowledges each party member by name and notes that bringing Gale as a chaperone was a 'sensible precaution.'
• Szass Tam explains his goal: he wishes to terminate an ill-advised agreement made with the god Bane in the 1200s.
• He reveals that the contract eventually allows Bane to claim his soul, a prospect he finds increasingly uncomfortable.
• Séantal and the party discuss the risks of Bane using Szass Tam as a pawn and agree that breaking the bond is a net positive.
• The party clarifies that they will facilitate the ritual using the Calamus Pactum but will not hand over the artifact itself.
• Séantal presents a copy of the 'infernal receipt' to confirm their authority over the ritual.
• Szass Tam reveals he needs the Seal of Concordance, currently held in Candlekeep, as a necessary component for the ritual.
• He offers to arrange a gift of Thayan knowledge to trade with Candlekeep for the seal.
• Szass Tam offers the party gold, power, or land as compensation for their assistance, and the party agrees to consider their price.
• Vagnfríður attempts an insight check on Szass Tam as he departs, finding him genuinely pleased with the productive meeting.
• Szass Tam ripples out of existence, and the party departs after a brief exchange with Yathra Soluun.
• Séantal asks Yathra about the Asmodeus cult in the city; she advises her scribes to avoid them and offers to share any information she hears.
• Gale expresses skepticism about the whole arrangement before departing.

4. Preparations and Disguises

The party discusses their upcoming infiltration of the Cassalanter estate, debating various magical and mundane disguises for the group.

Key events

• Velessa presents Séantal with a magical hat pin that allows the wearer to cast a disguise spell, noting it requires attunement and ends if removed.
• The group debates how to hide Vagnfríður's distinct appearance, considering options like painting her fur gray or using magic to reduce her size.
• Vagnfríður expresses her disdain for the idea of being painted, noting it would take days to clean out of her fur.
• The party recalls their previous meeting with the Cassalanters and determines who needs a disguise to avoid recognition, concluding Vagnfríður may not have been present.
• The group prepares to head to the Durinbold estate to coordinate their cover story.

5. Servant Orientation at the Durinbold Estate

The party prepares for their infiltration of the Cassalanter Villa by practicing their roles as servants for the Durinbold family.

Key events

• The party meets with Caith Durinbold to finalize their disguises and cover stories as household staff.
• Velessa demonstrates her 'servant mode' by standing at attention and using prestidigitation to instantly clean a wine spill mimed by Caith.
• Caith advises Velessa to refrain from using magic during the party to avoid drawing attention to her unusually high skill level.
• The group discusses Vagnfríður's role, deciding she will act as heavy labor carrying kegs of beer to explain her presence.
• Vagnfríður's massive cinnamon roll is marveled at for its sheer size, described as being the size of a person's torso.
• Séantal prepares their magical disguise using the hat pin to appear as a nondescript human named Douglas.
• Talya takes the alias 'Morgan' for the infiltration.

6. Arrival and Onboarding at the Cassalanter Villa

Disguised as staff, the party arrives at the Cassalanter estate and undergoes a strict onboarding process with the head butler.

Key events

• The party travels to the Sea Ward in a servant's carriage following the Durinbold convoy.
• Upon arrival, the group is intercepted by Willifort Crowelle, the Cassalanter head butler, along with Laiba Rose and Jandar Chergoba.
• The party members provide their aliases: Talya as 'Morgan', Séantal as 'Douglas', and Vagnfríður as 'Strawbank'.
• Willifort Crowelle delivers a stern lecture on the expectations of service, emphasizing invisibility, attentiveness, and strict boundaries.
• The butler explicitly forbids guest servants from entering the wine cellar or any floors above the second level.
• Vagnfríður is ordered to take the heavy beer barrels upstairs to the staging area once introductions are complete.
• Willifort complains that the Durinbolds can never seem to keep their servants more than a week or two.

7. Infiltration of the Cassalanter Villa

Disguised as servants, the party begins their investigation of the Cassalanter estate during a high-society dinner party.

Key events

• Velessa uses prestidigitation to change Vagnfríður's eye color to help her blend in.
• The party observes a magical wooden mannequin in the ballroom that dances waltzes with guests upon request, responding to a magic mouth spell.
• Séantal and Velessa identify a mosaic on the ballroom floor as the holy symbol of Siamorphe, the demigod of nobility.
• The party engages in servant gossip with Laiba Rose, learning that the Durinbolds are considered 'poor' nobility who frequently lose staff to better-paying families.
• Velessa summons an unseen servant to assist her with carrying trays, which draws the suspicious attention of Laiba Rose in a red dress.
• Quillbit, Velessa's imp familiar, scouts the area invisibly and confirms Laiba Rose is monitoring Velessa's every move.
• As the guests move to the banquet hall for dinner, the party identifies an opportunity to slip away and investigate the restricted areas.
• Séantal successfully sneaks past the guards and enters the wine cellar, discovering it was magically carved from the stone beneath the house.
• While investigating the wine racks, Séantal discovers a secret door triggered by a specific bottle, revealing a dark stairway leading deeper underground with torchlight visible at the far end.
• Séantal observes other servants retrieving wine before discreetly returning to the party to share the discovery.

8. Whispers in the Kitchen and the Wailing Above

The party regroups to share their findings while Vagnfríður and Séantal detect something deeply wrong coming from the upper floors.

Key events

• Séantal suggests meeting near the first-floor kitchen to coordinate their next moves without drawing attention.
• The party discusses the loud music echoing from the piano room, which seems to be masking other sounds.
• Vagnfríður and Séantal succeed on perception checks and notice the sound of wailing and screaming coming from the upper floors, barely audible over the music.
• Séantal reveals the discovery of a secret tunnel hidden behind a wine rack in the cellar, with a lit torch visible in the passage beyond.
• The group debates whether to investigate the screaming upstairs or the secret passage in the basement.
• Vagnfríður expresses concern about the risk of being caught and the potential fallout for their employers, the Durinbolds.
• Velessa commands Quillbit to scout the forbidden upper floors while she remains below.
• Quillbit flutters outside the villa and enters a fourth-floor window, discovering a hunched, withered figure being subjected to agonizing torment by living chains.
• Velessa identifies the victim as likely Osvaldo Cassalanter, the eldest son transformed into a chain devil, and relays this to the party.
• The party notes that Osvaldo is likely being kept as a grim reminder to his parents of their infernal contract.

9. Descent into the Subterranean Temple of Asmodeus

The party sneaks into the wine cellar and descends through the secret passage, discovering a massive hidden temple dedicated to Asmodeus.

Key events

• Séantal leads the group back to the wine cellar and activates the secret door by pulling the specific bottle.
• The party descends a spiral staircase into a subterranean area characterized by rough-hewn stone, iron-banded doors, and dimly lit corridors with flickering candles.
• The atmosphere shifts to an eerie silence, far removed from the loud music of the party above, with only the faint sound of water to the west.
• The party passes a series of empty holding cells before emerging onto a balcony overlooking a massive ritual chamber.
• Talya conjures dancing lights to guide Vagnfríður through the pitch-black corridors.
• Velessa and Séantal identify the chamber as a temple of Asmodeus, noting the thirty-foot ceilings, rows of sconces, large tapestries, and a towering statue of Asmodeus.
• An erinyes named Neferis, wreathed in feathery wings and standing nearly as tall as Vagnfríður, is spotted at the foot of the statue.
• Neferis commandingly summons the party to join her below; she attempts to magically pull Velessa toward her, but Velessa catches herself on the railing.
• The party descends a spiral staircase and passes through a ceremonial preparation room filled with wooden cots before entering the main chamber.
• Neferis introduces herself as the Commander of the Pradixikai, acting as an examiner sent by Glasya.
• She acknowledges the party's search for evidence against the Cassalanters and reveals that Glasya possesses an authenticated infernal counterpart of the Cassalanter agreement.
• Neferis questions the party's motives and intentions for the evidence before revealing her terms.
• Séantal inquires about the possibility of freeing Osvaldo; Neferis states his soul is forfeit to Asmodeus.
• The party debates infernal property rights and whether Glasya could intercept Osvaldo's soul if he were banished.
• Neferis challenges the party to a trial by combat to prove they are worthy of Glasya's interest and the contract, ending the session on a cliffhanger.

Szass Tam

One of the eight Zulkirs of Thay and a powerful lich. He materialized in the antechamber to meet the party, proving personable and polite. He revealed he made an ill-advised contract with the god Bane in the 1200s that will eventually allow Bane to claim his soul, and he seeks the party's help to break it using the Calamus Pactum and the Seal of Concordance.

Gale Dekarios

A powerful wizard who arrived late to serve as the party's magical chaperone during their meeting with Szass Tam. He remained skeptical of the dealings, warning the party not to burn the world down, before departing after the meeting concluded.

Yathra Soluun

The high clerk of the Thayan Embassy who greeted the party warmly, led them to the antechamber, and later confirmed she would pass along any information she heard about the Asmodeus cult in Waterdeep.

Caith Durinbold

A noblewoman and former adventurer who assists the party in their infiltration by allowing them to pose as her household staff. She advised Velessa to refrain from using magic to avoid standing out as too skilled for a servant.

Willifort Crowelle

The head butler of the Cassalanter family, a tiefling with a polished, authoritative demeanor. He conducted a strict onboarding for the new guest servants, forbidding them from the wine cellar or floors above the second level, and complained about the Durinbolds' inability to retain staff.

Laiba Rose

A tiefling caretaker of the Cassalanter home who stood with the senior staff during onboarding. She was later observed by Quillbit to be watching Velessa with intense suspicion after the unseen servant was summoned.

Jandar Chergoba

The head chef for the Cassalanter family, a tiefling who stood with the senior staff during the arrival of the Durinbold convoy and was noted to be very loud while working in the kitchen.

Quillbit

Velessa's imp familiar who acted as an invisible scout throughout the evening, snatching an hors d'oeuvre before turning invisible to investigate the upper floors and reporting the discovery of the tortured Osvaldo Cassalanter.

Osvaldo Cassalanter

The eldest Cassalanter son, now a withered chain devil imprisoned in the attic and subjected to eternal torment by living chains. His soul is forfeit to Asmodeus, and he is kept as a grim reminder to his parents of their infernal contract.

Neferis

An erinyes and Commander of the Pradixikai who serves Glasya. She is imposing, wreathed in feathery wings, and stands nearly as tall as Vagnfríður with obsidian hooves. She appeared in the subterranean temple acting as Glasya's examiner, revealed that Glasya holds an authenticated infernal counterpart of the Cassalanter contract, and challenged the party to a trial by combat to prove their worthiness.

Glasya

The Archdevil of Malbolge and daughter of Asmodeus, mentioned as the patron of Neferis and the one who holds the authenticated counterpart to the Cassalanter agreement. She sent Neferis to test the party's worthiness.

The Blushing Mermaid, Waterdeep

A luxurious inn where the party wakes up to begin their day. The room is heavily upholstered and filled with numerous lanterns.

Thayan Embassy, Waterdeep

A fortified diplomatic mission in the Sea Ward of Waterdeep, guarded by heavy iron gates and Thayan soldiers. It contains a large stone antechamber decorated with stained glass windows and Thayan ritual seals where the party met with Szass Tam.

Durinbold Estate

The home of the Durinbold family, described as being on the 'poor end' of Waterdeep nobility. It serves as the staging ground where the party practices their servant personas and coordinates their infiltration plan.

Cassalanter Villa

A grand and opulent estate in the Sea Ward of Waterdeep. Features a dazzling marble ballroom with a mosaic of Siamorphe's holy symbol, a magical dancing mannequin, a banquet kitchen, and a hidden subterranean temple of Asmodeus beneath the wine cellar.

Cassalanter Villa Attic

A forbidden fourth-floor space where Osvaldo Cassalanter is kept in a withered, tortured state, bound by living chains and screaming until his voice is gone.

Cassalanter Villa Wine Cellar

A long, narrow room magically carved from the stone beneath the villa, filled with racks of fine wine. One specific bottle in the central rack triggers a secret door revealing a stairway to the subterranean temple.

Subterranean Temple of Asmodeus

A massive, secret chamber beneath the Cassalanter estate featuring thirty-foot ceilings, rows of wrought-iron candlesticks, large tapestries, and a towering statue of Asmodeus. Also includes a series of empty holding cells and a ceremonial preparation room with wooden cots.

Calamus Pactum

A powerful infernal quill held by the party, required to perform the ritual of the Lawful Draw to terminate infernal and divine contracts. The Thayans are interested in its use for breaking Szass Tam's bond with Bane, and Séantal noted that any contract signed with it must be upheld in good faith. It was also mentioned as a potential tool for drafting a binding agreement with Neferis.

The Seal of Concordance

A small, heavy disc of pale metal engraved with concentric geometric script, currently held in Candlekeep. Szass Tam identified it as a necessary third component for the ritual of the Lawful Draw, and he offered to arrange a gift of Thayan knowledge to trade with Candlekeep for it.

Hat Pin of Disguise

A magical accessory crafted by Velessa for Séantal. It functions similarly to a hat of disguise, allowing the wearer to magically alter their appearance. It requires attunement and the disguise ends if the pin is removed from the person.

Giant Cinnamon Roll

A massive pastry brought by Vagnfríður, described as being the size of a person's torso and capable of feeding a family of four for a week, putting her canonical height into perspective.

Beer Kegs

Heavy barrels of beer carried by Vagnfríður as part of her cover story to justify her presence as heavy labor at the Cassalanter party.

Magical Dancing Mannequin

A human-sized wooden and cloth construct with a painted face, dressed as a ballroom dancer, standing in the center of the Cassalanter ballroom. It responds to a magic mouth spell, offering to dance the Galliard, Pavane, or Waltz with guests, and dances impeccably before returning to its lifeless position.

Cassalanter Infernal Agreement

An authenticated infernal counterpart of the contract signed by Victoro and Amalia Cassalanter with Asmodeus. Unlike a mortal transcription, this record is recognized by the Hells themselves as a binding legal document. Glasya holds a copy and has offered it to the party as a reward for passing Neferis's test.

Séantal's Notary Seal

A professional seal used by Séantal in their capacity as a notary to formalize legal and infernal agreements, mentioned as a tool that could be used to draft a contract with Neferis on the spot.

Fabricate

Velessa cast this spell at the start of the day to create a new, sophisticated outfit suitable for her meeting with Szass Tam.

Protection from Evil and Good

Circle cast by the party to protect Séantal from being possessed, charmed, or frightened by undead and fiends during the meeting with Szass Tam. The duration was extended through the circle casting ritual.

Disguise Self

Employed by Séantal via the magical hat pin to transform into a nondescript, average-looking human named Douglas for the infiltration of the Cassalanter Villa.

Prestidigitation

Used extensively by Velessa throughout the session: to change Vagnfríður's eye color for her disguise, to instantly clean a wine spill during her servant audition for Caith Durinbold, and to magically clean the ballroom floors while eavesdropping on guests.

Magic Mouth

An enchantment placed on the ballroom mannequin, allowing it to speak and offer dance selections — Galliard, Pavane, or Waltz — to guests who approached it.

Unseen Servant

Employed by Velessa to act as a second pair of hands for carrying trays during the party, though its presence attracted unwanted and suspicious attention from Laiba Rose.

Invisibility

Cast by Séantal to remain undetected while exploring the restricted wine cellar and searching for secret passages. Séantal later dropped the spell upon confronting Neferis in the subterranean temple.

Dancing Lights

Cast by Talya to provide illumination for Vagnfríður while navigating the pitch-black subterranean stairs beneath the Cassalanter Villa.

Banishment

Discussed by the party as a potential method to send Osvaldo's soul back to the Hells in hopes that Glasya might intercept his ownership from Asmodeus, though the legality of infernal property rights made the outcome uncertain.