Session 33, All Rise

The morning after their first night in Eltabbar, the party stirred awake at the Crystal Ball Inn — all except Yona, who had spent the entire night standing vigil over her sleeping companions, unblinking and motionless in the corner like a self-described paralysis demon. Velessa had apparently talked in her sleep, murmuring bizarre baking instructions in Elvish, while the others rested or meditated in their own ways. After a leisurely breakfast, some attunement to newly acquired magical gear, and a careful selection of formal attire — blues and teals chosen deliberately to contrast with the red robes of Thayan wizards — the group gathered their things and boarded a four-horse luxury carriage bound for Thaymount.

Their departure from Eltabbar was not without friction. At the city's departure checkpoint, a Red Wizard clerk attempted to delay the party despite Tazira presenting official authorization from Szass Tam himself, citing a vague "discretionary inspection." The standoff was broken by the arrival of Deputy Prefect Veyra Vorn, a tall, poised woman in immaculate black and green who calmly informed the clerk that she would be recording his delay as a formal act against the Zulkir's guests — and asked if he would like to sign the record. The Red Wizard immediately backed down and waved the party through without another word.

Veyra greeted the group with warmth and easy confidence, pulling a stiff and visibly uncomfortable Tazira into a hug before turning her attention to the rest of the party. She recognized Lysandra Mortain as the Chosen of Jergal and expressed genuine curiosity about what it felt like to be selected by a god. Velessa, delighted to meet another person whose name began with a V, immediately dubbed her "Vivi" — a nickname Veyra accepted with gracious amusement. When Veyra mentioned she was heading to the hamlet of Kethron along the same road, the party welcomed her to join them in the carriage.

The ride through the Thayan countryside was a revelation. Rolling hills, vast aqueducts, and fields tended by undead laborers stretched out beneath a clear sky, dotted with watchtowers and tax collection outposts along the mountain ridges. Velessa regaled Veyra with stories of the Underdark — including a spirited endorsement of cave crickets as a culinary delicacy — while Séantal and Veyra discovered a shared appreciation for the quiet, grinding work of administration and the political power it quietly accumulated. Veyra revealed that the Tharchion of Eltabbar, Zedivek Mazradash, was himself a vampire, and suggested that Velessa's nature as a dhampir would be no barrier to advancement in Thay — and that someone who had caught the eye of the Zulkir of Necromancy might even find a path to becoming a Red Wizard's apprentice.

Veyra also spoke openly of her faith in Bane, the god of tyranny, explaining her belief that order was the foundation of civilization and that protecting people sometimes meant protecting them from their own worst impulses. Séantal quietly noted the small iron gauntlet pin on her collar — the holy symbol of Bane — and filed the observation away. Tazira, meanwhile, remained withdrawn and silent throughout the journey, fidgeting with her ringlets and avoiding Veyra's gaze entirely. When pressed later, she admitted that Veyra was the official responsible for auditing her family's taxes, and was known for being extraordinarily thorough.

The carriage stopped in Kethron just as the afternoon light began to soften. Anxious villagers and nervous local officials were already gathered outside the administrative building when Veyra stepped down from the carriage. She bid the party a warm farewell, expressed hope that their business with Lord Tam would go smoothly, and then turned to the waiting crowd with a pleasant smile and the words: "Now, shall we discuss where the town's money has gone?" The party watched her walk away with a mixture of admiration and relief before deciding to press on down the road rather than spend the night in her orbit.

They arrived at Szul, the gateway town at the base of Thaymount, as the sun dipped low. The difference from Eltabbar was immediate — almost everyone in the streets wore red, and Tazira had to produce a stack of specialized documents just to authorize the party's entry into the restricted region. The carriage wound up through the heights until it finally pulled around to the gates of Szass Tam's estate, where Hestra Vaul, the head servant, greeted them with professional courtesy and led them inside. Tazira quietly stayed behind with the household staff, and the party shared a brief, wry moment of blaming Saresha for everything before following Hestra through the doors.

Szass Tam himself appeared in the grand hall without ceremony, approaching the group from a side corridor and dismissing Hestra with a warm hand on her shoulder and a genuine word of thanks. He was not what most of them had expected. He acknowledged his unusual appearance without apology, noted he had chosen not to wear a disguise since the party already knew his face, and seated himself across from them at the banquet table rather than at its head. He apologized for being unable to partake in the food himself, and when Yona cut her own hand to prove she could bleed, he gently healed the wound and asked her not to injure herself on his account.

Over the meal, Tam explained what the party's role in the upcoming ritual would be: as custodians of the Calamus Pactum and witnesses to the proceedings, they would need to be present, answer questions from the summoned court, and present evidence on his behalf. He produced his copy of the Covenant of the Black Hand — the original infernal contract binding his soul to Bane — and invited the party to review it. Séantal requested permission to summon celestial aid for the review, and Tam nodded his approval without hesitation.

What answered Séantal's summons was far more than expected — a Planetar, one of the most powerful of celestial beings, descended into the chamber and took the contract in its radiant hands. The infernal script glowed faintly gold beneath its fingers as it read, and it delivered its analysis with quiet gravity: Bane had agreed, within the contract's own terms, to the possibility of his own defeat. The soul claim was conditional and not yet matured, any unspent divine power granted by Bane would need to be surrendered, and Bane's standing in both the divine and infernal courts was poor — particularly after some unpleasant business involving the Crown of Karsus. The Planetar warned that the contract offered no protections for the party against Bane's retaliation, and suggested they attempt to arbitrate for such protections during the ritual itself.

The ritual chamber was warded and ancient, its walls lined with runes that flared crimson when Szass Tam knocked three times on the central podium. A hairline crack tore open in the air, spilling the glow of distant infernal fires, and through it stepped Vhale the Assessor — an erinyes carrying a black folio who recognized the party immediately as the lawful custodians of the Calamus Pactum and noted their standing with Commander Neferis of the Pradixikai. A second portal opened to the volcanic skies of Phlegethos, and Magistrix Istrava stepped through in flowing judicial robes, carrying a gavel of infernal iron. The Court Infernal was called to order.

The Calamus Pactum rose of its own accord and transcribed the true terms of the covenant into the air as three vast rings of burning script — one dull gold for the past, one crimson for the present, one black as ink for the future. The party presented their evidence in careful order: the explosive growth of Bane's worship from near-nonexistence to the dominant — and once legally mandated — religion of Thay, Tam's establishment of sovereignty over the nation, and his substantial financial support of the church. The court validated the partition, and when Velessa proposed that the unspent divine power be expunged entirely rather than returned to Bane, the Seal of Concordance spread silver geometry across the floor and confirmed the division. Then the chamber's red flames turned black. An enormous hand formed above the altar, its fingers joined to the covenant by chains of dark iron, and the voice of Bane shook through the room: he had been promised a soul, and others still worshipped in Thay — the obligation, he claimed, had not been fulfilled. Magistrix Istrava turned to the party, and the court waited for their answer.

Last we left off, our party found themselves settling into the city of Eltabbar, guests of the most powerful lich in all of Faerûn. After a night of rest — or in Yona's case, an unblinking vigil that would unsettle even the undead — the group dressed with deliberate care, choosing blues and teals to set themselves apart from the crimson robes of Thay's ruling class, and boarded a luxury carriage bound for the mountain stronghold of Thaymount.

The road proved eventful in its own quiet way. A bureaucratic standoff at the city gates was swiftly dissolved by the arrival of Deputy Prefect Veyra Vorn — a composed, sharp-eyed servant of Bane who charmed and unnerved the party in equal measure, joining them for the ride before stepping off in the hamlet of Kethron to ask a room full of nervous officials where, exactly, the town's money had gone. At journey's end, the party passed through the restricted heights of Szul and were received at Szass Tam's estate, where the ancient lich himself greeted them without ceremony, seated himself across from them rather than above them, and laid out what would be asked of them: to stand as witnesses and advocates before the Court Infernal itself.

Now, the ritual has begun. The chamber is warded and ancient, the air split open by infernal fire, and the Court Infernal has been called to order. The Calamus Pactum has written the terms of Szass Tam's covenant in burning script across the air, the party has presented their evidence, and the division of power has been confirmed — but Bane himself has entered the proceedings, his voice shaking the walls, his hand chained to the contract above the altar. He claims the obligation has not been fulfilled. Magistrix Istrava has turned to the party, and the court is waiting. The answer they give next may determine the fate of a lich's soul — and perhaps their own...

In Eltabbar's inn, Yona stood through the night, A motionless vigil — a paralysis fright. They dressed up in teal, Ate a leisurely meal, Then boarded their carriage by morning's soft light.

A clerk tried to stop them with red-tape delay, Till Veyra Vorn strolled in and cleared out the way. She hugged poor Tazira, Got nicknamed "Vivi" — dear-a — And joined them to ride through the Thayan highway.

Through rolling hills, aqueducts, undead-tilled ground, They chatted of crickets and order profound. Tazira stayed quiet — (Veyra audits — don't try it) — While Séantal filed observations around.

At Tam's estate, a Planetar read the old deed: Bane's claim was conditional, weakened indeed. The court opened wide, With Istrava inside, And the Pactum rose up, taking everyone's lead.

Then Bane's voice shook the chamber, his great hand appeared, He claimed souls were still owed — just as everyone feared. Istrava turned round, The court held its ground, And the party must answer — the moment is here'd!

Arise, good fellows, from thy restful sleep, Save Yona, who her vigil chose to keep; In blues and teals they dressed, not wizard's red, And boarded forth the carriage, full ahead.

At Eltabbar's gate a clerk did make delay, Till Veyra Vorn arrived to clear the way; She hugged the stiff Tazira, named her friend, And Velessa called her "Vivi" without end.

Through Thayan fields of aqueduct and hill, Past undead laborers working, cold and still, Did Veyra speak of Bane and order's grace, While Tazira hid her face in that small space.

At Szass Tam's hall they supped without their host, Who could not eat, being more shade than most; A Planetar read the contract, burning bright, And named the terms of Bane's diminished right.

The court convened in fire and ancient rune, The Calamus Pactum writ its script full soon; Then Bane's great hand descended, dark as night, And all the court did wait — who'd win this fight?

The party woke up in a fancy inn in the middle of a necrocracy, dressed themselves in "we're NOT Red Wizards" blue, and somehow made it through a government checkpoint by having a scarier government official show up — which is honestly the most realistic depiction of bureaucracy in any fantasy setting ever. They then spent a carriage ride getting absolutely charmed by Veyra Vorn, a Bane-worshipping tax auditor who is somehow both the most terrifying and most likeable person they've met in Thay, while Tazira silently disintegrated in the corner because Veyra audits her family's taxes. Extremely normal diplomatic mission so far.

Then they sat down to dinner with Szass Tam — the lich who runs an entire country — who was so polite about not being able to eat the food that Yona cut her own hand open to make him feel included, which he immediately healed while presumably questioning every choice that led to this moment. A Planetar showed up to read an infernal contract, the Court Infernal opened a crack in reality and set up shop in the ritual chamber, and now Bane himself — actual god of tyranny, enormous disembodied hand and all — is making his case that he's still owed a soul. The party, custodians of a magical notary scroll, are being asked to argue back. Against a god. In infernal court. Because apparently that's just a Tuesday now.

Funny — Veyra Vorn

Then I'll record that as your discretionary delay to the Zulkir's guests. Will you sign?

Context: Veyra Vorn calmly threatening a Red Wizard who tried to delay the party, causing him to immediately back down and wave them through

Funny — Velessa

Hello, fellow V-named lady. I'm Velessa.

Context: Velessa's cheerful and immediately familiar greeting to the imposing Deputy Prefect Veyra Vorn upon first meeting her

Funny — Velessa

If I was trying to impress you, it would be to sleep with you.

Context: Velessa's blunt response when Veyra noted she was refreshingly not trying to impress her for a promotion

Dramatic

As she walks away from the carriage, Veyra Vorn announces to the waiting officials: 'Now, shall we discuss where the town's money has gone?'

Context: Veyra's effortlessly commanding exit from the carriage in Kethron, immediately putting corrupt local officials on notice

Intriguing

Séantal identifies the small iron gauntlet pin on Veyra Vorn's collar as the holy symbol of Bane, the god of tyranny, realizing the party has been chatting casually with a devoted Banite.

Context: A quiet but significant revelation during the carriage ride, recontextualizing Veyra's talk of order and civilization

Dramatic

The chamber's red flames turn black as an enormous hand forms above the altar, its fingers joined to the covenant by chains of dark iron — the manifested presence of Bane himself, declaring: 'He promised me his soul.'

Context: The god of tyranny physically manifesting in the ritual chamber to object to the severance of his ancient contract with Szass Tam

Funny — Yona

Do you plan on killing us all after the ritual or not?

Context: Yona asking Szass Tam directly and bluntly whether he intends to murder the party after they help him, to the exasperation of her companions

Dramatic

A Planetar — far more powerful than expected — responds to Séantal's summons and reviews the infernal contract, its radiant fingers causing the script to glow gold as it declares: 'It seems the god has agreed to the possibility of his own defeat.'

Context: The celestial's stunning legal analysis revealing that Bane's own contract contains the seeds of his defeat

Funny — Séantal

Honestly, you've already treated your staff better than 90% of the people we've met. So that is a surprise.

Context: Séantal's genuinely surprised reaction upon watching Szass Tam, an ancient lich and ruler of Thay, warmly thank his head servant

1. Morning at the Crystal Ball Inn

The party wakes up at the Crystal Ball Inn after a night of drinking and shopping in Eltabbar, preparing for the day ahead.

Key events

• The party recaps their previous evening of drunken debauchery, shopping, and meeting various locals in Eltabbar.
• Yona reveals she spent the entire night awake watching over her sleeping companions, acting as their self-described 'paralysis demon.'
• Velessa discusses her sleep-talking habits, which apparently involve bizarre baking lessons in Elvish.
• The group discusses their various types of darkvision and magical abilities as they prepare to leave the inn.
• Velessa and Séantal spend time attuning to new magical items — a magical all-purpose tool and a new rod respectively.
• Lysandra is seen using magic to clean herself up after the night's festivities.
• The group discusses their choice of formal attire, opting for blues and teals to contrast with the red typically worn by Thayan wizards.
• A four-horse luxury carriage arrives at the inn to transport the party toward Thaymount.

2. The Gate Station Confrontation

While attempting to leave Eltabbar, the party is delayed by a bureaucratic Red Wizard until a high-ranking official intervenes.

Key events

• The carriage is stopped at a gate station for a mandatory inspection of passengers and extra-dimensional spaces.
• A Red Wizard clerk attempts to delay the party despite Tazira presenting authorization from Szass Tam himself.
• Deputy Prefect Veyra Vorn arrives and intervenes, subtly threatening the clerk with a formal record of his 'discretionary delay' of the Zulkir's guests.
• The Red Wizard immediately backs down and allows the party to proceed without further harassment.
• Veyra introduces herself to the party and greets Tazira with a warm hug, which Tazira receives stiffly and awkwardly.
• Veyra recognizes Lysandra Mortain as the Chosen of Jergal and expresses genuine curiosity about what it feels like to be chosen by a god.
• The party members introduce themselves to Veyra, with Velessa noting they share the same initials — 'V.V.'
• Séantal and Yona notice Tazira acting withdrawn and stressed during the interaction, avoiding eye contact and fidgeting with her hair.
• Séantal identifies the small iron gauntlet pin on Veyra's collar as the symbol of Bane, the god of tyranny.
• Veyra requests to accompany the party on their journey, as she is heading to the hamlet of Kethron along the way.

3. The Carriage Ride to Kethron

The party travels through the Thayan countryside toward Thaymount, accompanied by Veyra Vorn, who engages them in wide-ranging conversation about Thayan society, ambition, and faith.

Key events

• The party observes the Thayan landscape of rolling hills, aqueducts, and watchtowers, and learns that undead laborers are commonly used for field maintenance.
• Velessa shares stories of the Underdark, comparing cave crickets to a mix of chicken and shrimp.
• Veyra reveals that the Tharchion of Eltabbar, Zedivek Mazradash, is a vampire, suggesting that Velessa's dhampir nature would not be a barrier to advancement in Thay.
• Séantal and Veyra bond over the shared experience of administrative burdens and the path to political power.
• Veyra reveals her faith in Bane, explaining her belief that order is the foundation of civilization and that protecting people sometimes means protecting them from their own bad decisions.
• Velessa describes her future ambitions of leading her own magical faction and owning her own company, and discusses sending her daughters to Candlekeep for safety.
• Veyra suggests that Velessa, as someone who has caught the eye of the Zulkir of Necromancy, could potentially gain acceptance as a Red Wizard's apprentice.
• Taliya expresses her discomfort with the rigid order of Thay, while Veyra attempts to convince the party that their talents could strengthen the nation.
• The group engages in a philosophical debate about religion, comparing the tyranny of Bane to the cruelty of Lolth and the chaos of the Feywild.

4. Stopover in Kethron

The carriage stops in the small hamlet of Kethron, where Veyra Vorn departs to handle local administrative duties.

Key events

• The carriage arrives in Kethron, where anxious villagers await the Deputy Prefect outside an administrative building.
• Veyra Vorn departs the carriage and immediately commands the respect and fear of local officials.
• As she walks away, Veyra announces she is there to investigate where the town's money has gone.
• Tazira reveals her deep discomfort with Veyra, explaining that she is the official responsible for auditing her family's taxes and is known for being extremely thorough.
• Séantal expresses professional admiration for Veyra's efficiency in rooting out corruption.
• The party decides to continue their journey into the night to reach the next town rather than staying in Kethron near Veyra.

5. Arrival at Thaymount

The party travels through the gateway town of Szul and arrives at the opulent estate of Szass Tam.

Key events

• The party travels through Szul, the town at the base of Thaymount, noting the overwhelming presence of Red Wizards and almost no one dressed in anything other than red.
• Tazira shuffles through specialized paperwork to authorize the party's entry into the restricted region of Thaymount.
• The carriage arrives at the entryway of Szass Tam's estate, where the driver assists the party in disembarking.
• The party shares a moment of reflection, jokingly blaming Saresha for the dangerous situation they have found themselves in.
• Tazira pulls Yona into a brief, supportive hug before they face the Zulkir.
• Hestra Vaul, the head servant of the estate, approaches the gates to greet the group and inquire about their journey.
• Velessa takes a moment to change into more formal attire before entering the estate.
• Hestra Vaul leads the party toward the interior of the palace to meet with Szass Tam.

6. A Banquet with a Lich

Szass Tam hosts a banquet for the party, treating his staff with surprising kindness and discussing the upcoming ritual.

Key events

• Szass Tam approaches the party in the grand hall, dismissing Hestra with a kind word and a hand on her shoulder that surprises Séantal.
• Tam welcomes the party to Thaymount, acknowledging his unusual appearance and noting he chose not to wear a disguise since the party already knew his face.
• The party sits for a lavish banquet while Szass Tam sits across from them rather than at the head of the table, explaining he can no longer enjoy food.
• Yona attempts to prove she is not undead by cutting her hand, which Tam immediately heals with a gentle pass of his hand, asking her not to injure herself.
• The group discusses the differences between their various natures — drow, tiefling, fae, and dhampir — and how they are perceived by society.
• Tam explains the party's role as witnesses and custodians of the Calamus Pactum for the upcoming infernal court proceedings.
• Tam produces the original contract, the Covenant of the Black Hand, for the party to review before the ritual begins.

7. Legal Counsel from the Heavens

The party consults a summoned celestial to dissect the Covenant of the Black Hand before proceeding with the ritual to free Szass Tam.

Key events

• Séantal asks Szass Tam's permission before summoning a Celestial in his home, and Tam nods his approval.
• Séantal casts Summon Celestial, calling forth a Planetar rather than the lesser celestial expected.
• Velessa summons Quillbit to assist with the legal review, while Séantal deploys 7-42B to act as a scribe and note-taker.
• The Planetar reviews the Covenant of the Black Hand, causing the infernal script to glow faintly gold under its radiant fingers.
• The celestial identifies that Bane's claim to Tam's soul is conditional and not yet matured, and that any unspent divine power granted by Bane must be surrendered.
• The party discusses the historical context of the contract, noting it was signed during the Spellplague when Bane offered Tam the ability to continue working magic.
• The Planetar warns that Tam must surrender all unspent divine power granted by Bane to be released from the price of the contract.
• Séantal questions the celestial about Bane's standing in the divine and infernal courts, learning he is viewed poorly by both, especially after the unpleasant business with the Crown of Karsus.
• The party realizes the contract offers no specific protections for them against Bane's retaliation, and the Planetar suggests they try to arbitrate for protection during the ritual itself.

8. The Ritual of Severance Begins

The party enters Szass Tam's ritual chamber to begin the legal and magical process of breaking his contract with the god Bane.

Key events

• Szass Tam leads the party into his ritual chamber, where the Calamus Pactum, the Seal of Concordance, and the original contract are placed upon a central podium.
• Tazira stays behind with the house servants rather than entering the ritual chamber.
• Tam knocks three times on the podium, causing crimson runes to flare and the air to grow unnaturally hot as a hairline crack tears open in empty space, spilling the glow of infernal fires.
• Vhale the Assessor steps through the rift, recognizing the party as the lawful proprietors of the Calamus Pactum and noting their recognition by Commander Neferis.
• A second portal opens to the fires of Phlegethos, and Magistrix Istrava, a horned woman in judicial robes carrying a gavel of infernal iron, enters the chamber to preside.
• The Calamus Pactum rises and begins transcribing the original compact into the air using burning infernal script.
• The covenant manifests as three vast rings of writing — one dull gold, one crimson, one black as ink — representing the past, present, and future obligations of the contract.
• Magistrix Istrava formally opens the session of the Court Infernal, inviting the party to inspect the record for any omissions or misrepresentations.
• The party confirms the record matches the contract they reviewed, and Istrava identifies the key issue as substantial performance under Articles 4 and 12.

9. The Diabolical Court of Phlegethos

The party presents evidence to the infernal court to facilitate the severance of Szass Tam's contract with the god Bane, before Bane himself manifests to object.

Key events

• Magistrix Istrava presents three sealed records concerning Tam's regency, the official elevation of Bane's faith, and the actual performance of those obligations.
• The party chooses to present the records in the order of religious elevation, sovereignty, and then funding, sandwiching the weakest argument in the middle.
• Séantal argues that Bane's worship grew from nearly non-existent to the dominant religion of Thay under Tam's rule, and was at one point legally required.
• The court validates the historical performance of the contract, acknowledging that sovereignty was established and religious undertakings received substantial performance.
• The Seal of Concordance activates, spreading silver geometric patterns across the floor to intersect the infernal runes.
• Magistrix Istrava demands a division of the contract: what is preserved, relinquished, and extinguished.
• Szass Tam agrees to relinquish all remaining divine power granted by Bane in exchange for his soul's release.
• Velessa proposes expunging the unspent power entirely so that neither Tam nor Bane can benefit from it, and the court validates the partition.
• The chamber's red flames turn black, and an enormous black hand forms above the altar, its fingers joined to the covenant by chains of dark iron — the manifested presence of Bane.
• Bane's voice shakes through the room, claiming Tam promised him his soul and that others still worship in Thay, meaning the religious obligation was not fully fulfilled.
• Magistrix Istrava turns to the party to answer Bane's objection, and the session goes into recess before the party can deliver their final argument.

Tazira Imravel

The party's guide in Thay who handled their travel documents and arranged their carriage. She became visibly uncomfortable and withdrawn in the presence of Veyra Vorn, later revealing that Veyra is the official responsible for auditing her family's taxes. She stayed behind with the house servants rather than entering the ritual chamber.

Veyra Vorn

The Deputy Prefect of Civic Order in Eltabbar. She is a poised and charismatic woman dressed in immaculate black and green, wearing a small iron gauntlet pin symbolizing her faith in Bane. Despite holding a civilian title, she commands immediate respect and fear even from Red Wizards. She intervened at the gate checkpoint to allow the party through, traveled with them to Kethron, and discussed Thayan politics, ambition, and the god Bane at length. She attempted to convince the party that their talents could strengthen Thay.

Lysandra Mortain

The Chosen of Jergal who accompanies the party. She was recognized by Veyra Vorn for her extraordinary status and served as a witness during the infernal court proceedings.

Zedivek Mazradash

The Tharchion of Eltabbar, mentioned by Veyra Vorn as being a vampire who successfully governs his region, used as an example that undead and near-undead individuals can hold high office in Thay.

Hestra Vaul

The head servant of Szass Tam's estate who greeted the party at the gates with professional courtesy and led them inside to meet her master. Szass Tam treated her with visible warmth and respect, thanking her personally before dismissing her.

Szass Tam

The Zulkir of Necromancy and ruler of Thaymount. He is a lich who presented himself with surprising politeness and hospitality, treating his staff with visible kindness. He hosted a banquet for the party, cooperated fully with their legal review of his contract, and agreed to surrender all remaining divine gifts from Bane in exchange for his soul's release.

Quillbit

A palm-sized imp and aspiring infernal legal consultant summoned by Velessa to assist in reviewing the Covenant of the Black Hand.

7-42B

A quadrone modron summoned by Séantal to serve as a scribe and note-taker during the complex legal analysis of the Covenant of the Black Hand.

Vhale, the Assessor

An erinyes who arrived through an infernal rift to act as advocate and assessor for the proceedings. She recognized the party as the lawful proprietors of the Calamus Pactum and noted their recognition by Commander Neferis of the Pradixikai.

Magistrix Istrava

A horned woman in flowing judicial robes from Phlegethos who presided over the diabolical court with a gavel of infernal iron. She called the court to order, validated the partition of the contract, and invited the party to answer Bane's objection before the session went into recess.

Bane

The god of tyranny whose presence manifested as an enormous black hand above the altar, its fingers joined to the covenant by chains of dark iron. He objected to the severance of the contract, claiming Tam had not fulfilled his promise because others still worship in Thay.

Crystal Ball Inn

A popular inn in Eltabbar where the party spent their first night. It served as the staging ground for their morning preparations and attunement to new magical gear before departing for Thaymount.

Eltabbar Departure Checkpoint

A fortified gateway where carriages and passengers are inspected before leaving the city. A Red Wizard clerk attempted to delay the party here before Deputy Prefect Veyra Vorn intervened and forced him to stand down.

Thayan Countryside

A landscape of rolling hills, incredible fields, and aqueducts, dotted with watchtowers and tax collection outposts. Undead laborers are commonly used for field maintenance throughout the region.

Kethron

A small hamlet along the road to Thaymount where Veyra Vorn stopped to investigate administrative corruption and missing town funds, immediately commanding the fear and respect of local officials upon arrival.

Szul, Jewel of Thaymount

A volcanic enclave serving as the gateway to Thaymount, populated almost exclusively by Red Wizards. The party required special authorization documents just to enter the region.

Szass Tam's Estate

A palatial residence in the heights of Thaymount featuring a grand hall, a banquet room, and a warded ritual chamber. Managed by Hestra Vaul, the estate is where the party met Szass Tam and conducted the infernal court proceedings.

All-Purpose Tool

A versatile magical implement that Velessa attuned to during the morning preparations. It grants her the ability to spend an action to select any cantrip from any class, which she can then use for the next eight hours.

Rod of the Pact Keeper

A magical rod belonging to Séantal, mentioned as a way to recover expended spell slots, particularly useful after a night of heavy drinking and spell usage.

Iron Gauntlet Pin

A small iron pin adorning Veyra Vorn's collar, representing the symbol of Bane, the god of tyranny. Séantal identified it during the carriage ride after the party's perception check at the gate.

Veyra's Iron Gauntlet

A snugly fitting, well-crafted iron gauntlet worn by Veyra Vorn that matches her Banite collar pin. It does not appear to limit her manual dexterity and was initially mistaken by Taliya for a prosthetic hand.

Velessa's Teleportation Necklace

A magical necklace that allows Velessa to cast teleportation spells up to three times a day. She discussed using it to potentially move her daughters between Candlekeep and Thay.

Covenant of the Black Hand

The original infernal contract between Szass Tam and the god Bane, containing seventeen articles detailing the exchange of divine power for Tam's soul and religious supremacy in Thay. It was reviewed by the party and a summoned Planetar, then manifested as three glowing rings of infernal script during the court proceedings.

Calamus Pactum

The black infernal quill in the party's possession, central to the ritual. It rose of its own accord during the court proceedings to transcribe the true terms of the covenant into the air as burning infernal script for the court's inspection.

Seal of Concordance

A powerful artifact from Mechanus placed on the ritual chamber's central podium. It grew unnaturally warm in Séantal's bag as the infernal presence manifested, then activated during the proceedings to spread silver geometric patterns across the floor and validate the legal partition of the contract's terms.

Pradixikai Seal

An infernal credential held by the party that grew unnaturally hot during the arrival of the infernal assessors. Vhale the Assessor recognized it as a sign of the party's standing with Commander Neferis of the Pradixikai.

Prestidigitation

Used by Lysandra to magically clean her clothes and person after waking up from a night of heavy drinking.

Summon Celestial

Cast by Séantal with Szass Tam's permission to bring forth a Planetar — a more powerful celestial than expected — to act as a divine legal advisor. The Planetar reviewed the Covenant of the Black Hand, causing the infernal script to glow faintly gold, and identified key legal loopholes including the conditional nature of Bane's soul claim and the requirement to surrender unspent divine power.