Rats in the Bathhouse

9 November , 595

The party rests during the day and uses the afternoon to do some rumor mongering at the Slippery Eel tavern. Silver is spent, but no tangible leads are uncovered. However, Serro finds a note in his pocket that invites him to come alone to the Lakeside Pavillion, where some information will be given to him.

The party sets up a perimeter about the pavillion, and Serro is startled to discover a young plump woman approached him from behind without his notice. She tells the bard that the goblins are originating from Orak's Bathhouse. She disappears quickly and melts into the crowd.

The group heads to the bathhouse and is greeted by a red-haired dwarf with a ruby eyepatch. Salla begins questioning him about the goblins, but the dwarf gets defensive, and refuses service. After some persuasion, he lets the others (except Salla) in to take baths (without their weapons). While Orak is distracted, Alastriel and Kyladrian discover a locked secret door in one of the walls. Sensing an opportunity, Alastriel casts a spell which puts Orak to sleep. Acting quickly, she brings the dwarf into his office and ties him up with towels. Next she hastily explains to the others what happened and motions Salla to come into the bathhouse.

Just at that moment, 4 strange looking figures in dark robes enter the building and try to discern what is going on. Orak bursts forth from his office and orders the figures to attack. They rip off their cloaks to reveal human-shaped forms with rat heads. While the group scrambles to retrieve their weapons (sans clothes), Orak charges Alastriel and cuts her down with one swing of his axe. A melee ensues which lasts several minutes, during which time Baxtor and Kyladrian also fall. Kyladrian collapses into the bathing pool and is rescued by an astute Karnak.

As the rat-men are defeated one by one, Orak retreats into his office. The last remaining ratman bites Salla, then transforms into a rat and scampers off. But a blow from Serro's sword mortally wounds the creature. Salla and Serro then pursue Orak into his office, where he makes a last stand. The dwarf is at a disadvantage without armor, and he is eventually beaten down and killed. His cash box is plundered and his ruby eyepatch is taken.

The town guard arrive not too much later and the trio briefly explain what happened. The guards buy their story and help carry the wounded to the temple.