Aozaki Aoko Case File [478] (Patreon)

"Are you serious?!" The shopkeeper turned pale, clearly taking Aoko's warning seriously and wanting more details.

"My main reason for coming back is to alert friends in the Arcanist District," Aoko said. "Whether you want to save yourselves and run or band together against those Red Wizards, you need to be ready."

"...This is too big. I need to notify the Mage Guild for an emergency meeting," the shopkeeper looked grim—most of his wealth was in Neverwinter. If Aoko was right, he couldn’t possibly move it all before the festival. "You'll need to come with me and explain to the others."

"No problem," Aoko agreed. "We still have a day to prepare. There’s time to decide."

Aoko and the shopkeeper went to the Mage Guild, gathering all notable figures in the Arcanist District for a closed-door meeting.

At the meeting, Aoko shared all information on Sofina and Forge, using illusion magic to display intel Doric had scouted and the Harpers’ evidence of Red Wizards infiltrating Neverwinter.

"Damn, what are these Red Wizards up to?!" a fat mage slammed the table, his ring-covered fingers shaking in anger.

"As I’ve said," Aoko patiently explained, "Sofina, under Szass Tam's orders, plans to use a ritual called beckoning death on the crowd at the arena, turning them into Thayan-controlled undead."

"As for whether I’m telling the truth, I swear on Mystra’s name it’s no lie." With that, Aoko produced her Staff, channeling positive energy to prove her identity as a cleric of the goddess of magic. "I’m not just a metamagic user, but also a cleric of Mystra—does that satisfy you?"

"We're not doubting you, Milady," a white-bearded old mage quickly reassured her. In these times, Mystra’s cleric—and metamagic users—were rare, so her appearance signaled a major crisis. "But what do you want us to do?"

"I’m not asking you to do anything," Aoko said patiently. "I just want to warn you so you won’t be caught off guard when the Thayans strike."

"She’s right!" said a burly blue-robed mage, fuming. "Szass Tam has been a tyrant in Thay for too long—he thinks Neverwinter is easy prey?! I propose we mages unite and teach the Thayans a lesson!"

"Agreed!" the fat mage nodded.

"When do we act?" the old white-beard stroked his beard. "Lady Aoko, do you have a suggestion?"

"On the day of the High Sun Games," Aoko said. "Around 10 a.m., when the crowd peaks, Sofina will perform the ritual."

"At that time, the Emerald Enclave and Harpers will attack and try to evacuate the crowd," Aoko continued. "I’ll try to interrupt the beckoning death ritual. That will force the Red Wizards to reveal themselves. Then it’s your turn. How’s that?"

"I think it’s fine!" the blue-robed mage agreed. "Let’s teach these Thayan beggars a lesson they won’t forget!"

"I seem to have heard of beckoning death," mused a green-robed mage. "But as far as I know, it’s not a spell but requires a high-level magic item. Are you sure you can break the ritual?"

"I can cast Mordenkainen's disjunction," Aoko replied honestly. "Even if I can’t destroy Horn of beckoning death itself, I can break its magical effect."

"Can you give us a heads-up before you cast it?" a mage’s hand trembled nervously.

"You don’t need to worry," said Aoko. "I'll focus the effect on Horn of beckoning death itself—your magic items will be safe."

"That's good..." the fat mage breathed a sigh of relief. "I support Lady Aoko’s plan!"

"Then it’s settled!" the old white-beard declared. "Everyone, notify your colleagues and apprentices—be ready for battle before the festival!"

Aoko nodded in satisfaction—Neverwinter’s mages were efficient. At least, unlike certain squabbling councils, they could act fast—perhaps because the Thayans threatened everyone's interests.

Aoko stayed overnight at an inn in the Arcanist district.

…

The next morning, Aoko met secretly with Edgin and the others to confirm preparations.

"I turned into a fly and checked Kira’s room in Neverwinter Castle," Doric reported. "No change—it’s still her old room. Forge even went to talk to Kira, telling her Edgin abandoned her and ran off with the Tablet of reawakening."

"That bastard!" Edgin punched the wall, cursing loudly. "That old scumbag!"

"Calm down, Edgin," Holga comforted her old partner. "I’ll help you teach Forge a lesson—with my axe, from head to toe!"

"Guys, I need to warn you," Simon said, frustrated. "I tried again and again—I still can't attune with the Helmet... Are you sure you want me to break the Mordenkainen's arcane seal?"

"Don’t stress, Simon," Aoko said. "Just keep a clear mind. Even if you don’t succeed with the helmet, the Tablet of reawakening isn't a problem. We can get it after we deal with Forge and Sofina."

"Alright," Simon put the helmet away, frowning. "Got it..."