07 // A fresh look to infiltrate Gimble Manor

The party leaves the Mayor’s office with a tip about Councilmember Elijah Gimble’s banquet that evening, an event intended to rally support for Longscarf’s innocence. Deciding to attend, they head to Gimble Manor in the Mercantile District. Upon arrival, they encounter a scene of bustling servants preparing for the festivities. A banquet planner intercepts them and asks about their purpose. The party claims they are traveling performers looking for a spot in the evening’s lineup. The planner, finding their timing fortuitous, informs them that a slot in the program has recently opened. However, he notes their attire is unsuitable for the occasion and directs them to Needle & Thread, a tailor shop, to acquire proper outfits.

New Outfits

At Needle & Thread, the party meets Ballo Lucci, the master tailor and owner of the shop. Lucci explains that Gimble has an open tab for the event and encourages them to design costumes that match their act. The group opts for fiery-themed outfits, and Lucci eagerly takes on the task, instructing them to return in a few hours—just before the performers’ curtain call. With time to spare, the party heads to a nearby tavern to plan their performance and take a break.

Insights from the Locals

While at the tavern, the group works out the details of their fire performance over tankards of ale. Curious about the area, they strike up a conversation with the tavern owner and his daughter, who works as a waitress. The owner laments the changes in the Mercantile District, expressing that the community no longer feels safe. He shares his hope for the Outer Force’s return, which resonates with the group as they piece together the broader tensions in Fey Ember.

Suiting Up

After retrieving their flame-themed costumes from Needle & Thread, the party heads to Gimble Manor. Upon arrival, the staff escorts them to the greenroom and informs them that their performance will follow Gimble’s speech. While preparing, Scraat tucks a copy of Longscarf’s incriminating ledger into a corner of the room, intending for someone else to subtly expose the Mercantile District’s illegal dealings .

Infiltrate the Office

With the banquet in full swing and hundreds of special guests gathered in the main hall enjoying music and refreshments, the party positions themselves in a staging area between the hall and Gimble’s office. Chappy and Fert create a distraction, drawing the guards’ attention long enough for Smurk to cast Invisibility on himself and sneak into the office undetected.

Inside the office, Smurk silently observes as Gimble and a priest-like member of his "royal guard" retreat from the main hall. While invisible, Smurk listens to Gimble vent his frustrations. Gimble complains about his inability to bribe the Archfey overseeing Longscarf’s trial and the exorbitant costs of doing business with the Zhentarim. As the conversation continues, Smurk takes the opportunity to loot the office. He quietly pockets a small fortune in gold and gems, two sealed envelopes, several onyx shards, and a key ring holding four keys.

Smurk narrowly escapes detection when the priest informs Gimble that it is time for his speech. Slipping out unnoticed, Smurk rejoins the party just as Gimble prepares to address his guests.