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(OOC: Do we have any cure light wounds potions in loot out of curiosity?)

(I don't feel it to be too much of a spoiler to inform you that you've just completed this section of the book, and that door will lead you to the next section once power has been restored. Now may be a good time to head back to town for some rest and recovery. Or not, up to you.)

Manizei can't make heads or tails of the words at this time, but the weird pickaxe-made-from-bones design is recognizable (thanks in part to the amulet recovered earlier) as an unholy symbol of Zyphus, god of accidental and pointless death. It is, however, crude and slightly off, as if painted by someone who had never seen an actual symbol of Zyphus before. Additional findings pending Linguistics results.

"I got ya, pal," Enlali says, casting Cure Light Wounds on Niles.

(1d8+1=8 HP of healing)

"Thanks. Though, I have this strange feeling we may wish to head back to town and rest."

If Niles is in further need of healing, Harskgun supplies a use of Fervor. He also agrees with heading back to town to rest.
(1d6 = 6 healing)

(Also, assuming my maths is correct, I think we level to level 3 now)

"I would ... certainly not object to a nice, quiet rest," Manizei agrees, having remained silent during the talk of healing even though she was still hurt.

(Ding, level 3.)

As you head back into town and settle into your rooms at the Foundry, Val comes up and informs you that you've got mail. "Some nervous-looking guy, courier, I think, came by to give you guys these," she hands you some envelopes, "Not sure who sent them."

Upon opening the envelopes, you find a letter addressed to each of you which reads as follows:

"Greetings and salutations! You have made quite a stir in town with your recent expeditions under the hill. Given your notable achievements of late, I feel it to be important to extend my warmest, if belated, welcome to our little community and its charming intricacies. To that end, I formally extend an invitation to Torch's illustrious tavern and card room, Silverdisk Hall, located on the west side of town, not far from the Weeping Pond. Please find enclosed a certificate for 100 GP, redeemable on any of Silverdisk Hall's games and entertainment, redeemable at any time in the next week. I look forward to meeting you in person.

Sincerely,
Garmen Ulreth, proprietor, SIlverdisk Hall."

Harksgun recognizes this name immediately: Garmen Ulreth is one of the most influential people in Torch. While neither a councilor nor legitimate merchant, Ulreth is owed money by a sizable percentage of Torch's population, some of which undoubtedly having something to do with his ownership of the local gambling establishment. (Knowledge: Local check please.)

(Knowledge (Local): 1d20+7+1d6= 18)

(Knowledge: Local (Untrained): 1d20 + 1 = 14 Untrained = 10)

(Knowledge [Local] (Untrained): 1d20+1 (INT) + 5 (GM Fiat) = 23)

Harskgun has also heard of Mr. Ulreth's association with the closest thing to a thieves' guild Torch has: a gang of thugs and ruffians known as the Ropefists (so called for their use of lengths of rope as makeshift boxing tape.) As-yet-unconfirmed rumors persist that he may even be the gang's leader, which, if true, would certainly explain the number of them that find "side work" as guards and bouncers at his establishment.

Whatever the truth of the matter, you've attracted the attention of one of the more influential people in Torch, and one who didn't get that way by playing by other people's rules. What to do?

"Bah, Ulreth's a snake, but we might as well see what he wants," Harskgun mutters as he readies himself to go spend some time working in the forge before sleep.

(Ok.... since we only have one vote after all this time, I'm going to assume that's the decision then.)

The next day, the party finds itself attending Silverdisk Hall, a large gaming and drinking establishment on the west side of town. Garmen Ulreth, a handsome human man with dark hair, makes a point of personally greeting you all.

"Welcome, welcome! I am Garmen Ulreth and I have heard so much about you." He nods to Harskgun, "Always good to see you, Mr. Daggersmith, and well met to the rest of you...especially you, my dear." He gives an overly elaborate bow and kisses Manizei's hand in what he clearly hopes is charming fashion. "We must get better acquainted later. For now though, I unfortunately have some pressing business to attend to in the back. I'm glad I got the chance to introduce myself first. Good luck to all, both in the caves... and at the tables! Ha ha!"

With that, he heads into the back to deal with his pressing business. Any number of games are available to spend your complimentary 100 gp on. A full bar is available as well, and one of the patrons, a second dark-haired human, notes your arrival with great interest. He looks very much like he'd like a chat. What does everyone do?

(Let me know if there's any particular game you'd like to play, and I'll see about making it happen. If there's a fun way to part people from their money, Silverdisk Hall probably has it somewhere.)

Niles pockets the 100gp and heads over to speak with the dark-haired man.

"Not that this wasn't ... lovely," Manizei looks around the casino's interior briefly. "But I think that maybe we should be going n-"
Pausing, she watched Niles move off to talk to someone. "Perhaps, then, if some of you wish to stay, I should take this chance to go find some supplies, if there's anything anyone wants before we return to the caves?"