Our villains, now officially known as The Nessian Knot, set sail with Captain Kargeld Odenkirk to transport a shipment of Armaments to Sakkarot Fireaxe, a fearsome bugbear warchief who will use them to band together the savage bugbears of the north and lead them to war with Talingarde. On their trip, the Nessian Knot is stopped for inspection by The Blade of St. Martius. After killing the inspectors The Knot is taken to Seal Isle, where Captain Odenkirk organizes a hunting expedition. The Knot moves around the island hunting seals, and dealing with the threats of the islands protectors. After the hunt travel continues, bringing the party to Fireaxe’s encampment.

Our villains are introduced to their mysterious benefactor Cardinal Adrastus Thorn, High Priest of AAsmodeous in Talingarde. He congratulates them on their escape of Branderscar prison and offers them the option to take up the fight to bring down Talingarde with him. Signing an infernal contract in blood, our villains are tested. They are charged by Cardinal Thorn to bring him a pendent from his basement, one of silver inlaid with sapphire. They delve into the basement dungeons and learn the nine lessons Cardinal Thorn has set out before them, capturing Sir Balins personal squire Timeon, before confronting Sir Balin of Kalford themselves, slaying him. Our villains steal his very soul, and claim from him their prize, a holy symbol of Mitra cast in silver and inlaid with sapphire. Upon returning to Cardinal Thorn, he deems the villains worthy of his teachings, and sets out to train them, bestowing boons upon them.

Our villains are sent to Branderscar Prison, the most notorious prison in the land, to meet the headsman for their heinous crimes against Talingarde and it’s fair people. A dour situation, the villains receive aid from a mysterious woman on the behalf of an unknown benefactor. After giving them the Veil of Useful Items and departing, the villains free themselves from their bonds, gain the aid of Grumblejack the Ogre who has been kept in Branderscar awaiting his own execution. Our villains slaughter their captors, killing Sergeant Tomas Blackerly and Lord Mathias Richter, Warden of Branderscar. After Escaping prison, our villains made their way through The Moors to their rendezvous at the Manor on the Old Moor Road to meet their unseen benefactor.