Aozaki Aoko Case File [477] (Patreon)

After a brief stop at the Mornbryn's Shield, the group set off for Neverwinter Forest, stopping at town for supplies and to share tales of their Underdark adventure with the innkeeper.

Innkeeper Dilo was delighted, especially by the story of Yrre the Sparkstruck—he even knew Yrre the Sparkstruck personally, though he didn’t know where he was now.

In return, Dilo offered free food and lodging for Aoko and the Harpers. After a night’s rest in the town, they set out for the Emerald Enclave's camp in Neverwinter Forest.

Crossing the Beren Mountains and following the east bank of the Neverwinter River, Aoko's main force soon arrived at the Emerald Enclave's Neverwinter camp, guided by local rangers.

"Time is short. Only this many people could make it before the High Sun Games," Doric told them. "More are on the way, but probably won’t arrive by opening day."

The camp had about 50 druids and rangers. Excluding those left for defense, about 30 could sneak into Neverwinter with Aoko.

"Hmm... that's fine," Aoko thought for a moment. "We'll enter the city in disguise. First, we rescue Edgin's daughter, then find the Tablet of reawakening. Also, I don’t think the Thayans will act right at the start—until they’ve converted enough forces, they’re at a disadvantage."

"Exactly!" Edgin agreed. "If we clash with Sofina or Forge first, my daughter will be in greater danger!"

"Let's plan our entry into Neverwinter," Xenk unfolded a city map and laid it on the table. "I suggest we enter through three gates separately, then regroup near the arena before the games begin, ready to storm it against the Thayan assassins."

"I'll take the south gate," Aoko pointed at a bridge on the map. "From there, over Dragon Bridge is the Arcanist District. I know some decent mages there—I’ll try to persuade them about the Red Wizards."

"We’ll also go via the south gate," Edgin's Harper mage colleague said. "Rousing the people is our specialty, and I also have contacts in the Arcanist District."

"I'll take the east gate with the Enclave," said Doric. "There are big gardens there—druid and ranger spells are most effective from that side."

"You’d all better change outfits," Simon suddenly reminded. "Forge has put a bounty on Enclave members. If you dress like this, the guards will spot you."

The druids and rangers looked at their dirty, wild outfits in dismay. Druids could shapeshift, but rangers had little way to disguise themselves in the city.

"Leave it to us," a Harper ranger said. "Disguises are our specialty. We have spare clothing. Edgin, you’re still our best at this, right?"

Edgin rolled his eyes but didn’t refuse.

"That leaves the north gate?" Holga asked. "Our goal is the castle, right?"

"Yes!" Aoko nodded. "My suggestion: Simon and Doric find a chance to use the Helmet of disjunction to open the vault and get the Tablet of reawakening. I’ll join Edgin, Holga, and Xenk to find Kira in the castle."

"Why does your team have so many people?" Simon blurted.

"If I were Sofina, I’d use Kira as bait to lure us in," Aoko said calmly. "So this team has to charge in knowing it's a trap—we'll need the firepower."

"Also, have you confirmed Kira’s room location?" Aoko asked Edgin.

"Doric found it last time!" Edgin nodded. "If it hasn’t changed, we can take Kira directly!"

"The odds of it going smoothly are slim," Aoko cautioned. "If we encounter Sofina, I’ll try to draw her away. You must use the chance to find Kira and get her to safety—only then can I fight Sofina at full power. Otherwise, a 9th-level spellcaster’s battlefield is too dangerous for a child."

"... I understand." Edgin’s expressive face turned stiff, clearly worried for his daughter's safety.

"Don’t worry," Aoko comforted. "Before we act, Forge and Sofina probably won’t harm Kira—it’s pointless for them. As long as we’re quick, we’ll catch them off guard."

"Right," Xenk nodded. "Sofina and Szass Tam want to convert the crowd. During the High Sun Games, they'll be in the arena. The beckoning death ritual doesn’t spread as fast as you think."

"This is about having two plans," Aoko explained. "If we meet Sofina, or she returns from the arena, I’ll handle her. If not, Edgin, find Kira and get her to safety, then come back to fight with us."

"Sounds simple enough," Holga grinned, clapping Edgin on the back. "What do you think, our tactical expert?"

"Very reasonable," Edgin finally grinned, confidence returning. "Let’s get to it! The sooner we’re in Neverwinter, the sooner we get fresh intel!"

…

Thus, their impromptu force of about a hundred adventurers split into three groups to infiltrate Neverwinter.

Aoko, entering by the south gate, casually returned to the magic shop she’d visited before, chatted with the owner, and while trading new scrolls, told him about the Red Wizards' planned attack during the High Sun Games.