The Dragon Luxulmathras wants the Crystal Needle being held by an organization in Pranikom, the Ossatuara. The need is a magical tapestry needle made of crystal. The Ossaturae are an underground organization that runs gambling halls, ilicit trading and smuggling, protection rackets; they keep to the shadows and are rarely met with directly. Luxulmathras suggests avoiding diplomacy, brute force or stealth being more likely to work. Vic requests assistance getting to Pranikom, as it is a two-week journey from where they are. Luxulmathras transforms into a humanoid form and hands them an initation to a party that will take place in about a week; he has reason to believe that it is backed by the Ossatuarae. He then holds out a hand for them to take. Upon doing so, each person feels a searing pain in their hand, then vanish, being teleported to a small clearing in the woods. A brand is emblazened on their palms. They hear a voice in their heads: They will not reveal his presense or plans with anyone; the mark will also allow him to keep an eye on them.

The clearing is near a crossroads: ENE - Pranikom, ESE - Oceanside. Vivi lounges on Salvaden's shoulder; Victoria intimidates him into carrying her, and the group begins their treck to Pranikum. "Yes, I'm sure you'll all do fine." After a few hours, a crossbow bolt lands in the road before them. A large troll and a dozen or so bandits emerge from the treeline: "You lot need to pay the toll—Actually, you seem to have enough going on." "They're a fairy, a knight, a gnome, and a zombie. They're either really strong, really cursed, or really sad, so just don't seem worth the trouble." Late afternoon, they reach the city gates.

The city is surrounded by a large stone wall, white with a subtle shimmer of pastel hues. In the distance, a gleaming white tower with several spires around it. Inside are tall buildings with lots of pointies. The city is on a wide river at the southern shore of a large freshwater lake.

The group helps Coda appear less undead as they go through the line to enter the city. Two knights—knight of the White Orchid, dedicated to peace, their signature white tiger mounts and allies are more intelligent than your average tiger— approach, their large white tiger sitting nearby. They grou pintroduce themselves and are deemed not much of a threat and allowed in. Once in the city, they get directions to the nearest nice inn, the Merchant's Rest. As they walk, they pass a winery and a weapon shop. Rithis Balric—blonde half-elf—greet them, offering rooms one silver per room per week. Everyone purchases their own room. They gather, discuss plans, and spread out.

Coda and Victoria head out to the Elegan Elephant to get some better clothes for Coda. The prices are high, as it is a fine establishment. They are approached by a pair of identical women with green eyes and red hair styled to mirror each other—Hacrila and Illistra. Vic chats with the women, learning that they design everything except the imports, and their brother makes them. Vic attempts to convince them to assist with clothing the party for the event—Chiron Grave's gala, the women note. When asked how they know Chiron Graves, Vic panics and tries to get information from Luxulmathras. He responds, letting her know that it was an invitation by reputation rather than relation. The women pretend to be aware of Vic, deciding to sponsor their outfits in hopes that Chiron is informed of their store. Vic talks them up to also give them 12gp for the outfits.

Salvaden goes to the address on the invitation, finding a fancy house. Unable to find anything immediately, he heads back to the inn. Along the way back, he passes the Halfling's Treasure, an extravagant pastry and candy shop which has closed for the day.

Vivi, hidden beneath a booth until the workers clear out, leaving only a single burning candle. After a few hours of nobody approaching the button, Vivi presses it. The back of the fireplace opens to reveal a staircase through a narrow passage. The stairs lead to a platform at a small dock beneath the inn, a small boat tied up to the dock. Following the water up-stream takes her south along the river and out of the city, a grate seemingly blocking the way, though there is a hidden catch that opens it. She chooses to explore the downstream path the next night.

The next morning after breakfast, everyone shares what information they have learned and plan for the day. Salvaden and Vivi go off in search of the thieves' guild, while Vic and Coda plan to do research on the Crystal Needle.

large red brick building, school for female orphans, raised rigidly but in a noble demeanor, learning the duties and manners of a noble lady. Strict but not unkind; hoping to give them a better shot than they would have on the street. A young girl fetches Nix and Silent Shadow; Vivi chats with them, using Thieves' Cant to convey that they wish to speak with a representative of the thieves' guild. They are led to Nyx Malari who, after a couple of donations to the orphanage, provides a fair bit of information. The Crystal Needle is exchanging hands at Chiron Grave's gala, moving from the Ossatuarae and the archmage Ral Zarek. There will be an auction held for various treasures. Among them, a porcelin elephant will sell for an unreasonably—even suspiciously—high price; the needle is, presumably, hidden within. The elephant was created by Tuxeal Udoxiros, the dragonborn proprietor of Starbright Jewelry, and he might be able to help with information about it.

The White Tower is guarded by the Knights of the White Orchid; access is restricted without credentials: residents, nobles, those acting on behalf of nobles, or otherwise approved with paperwork. Vix attempts to convince the guards that they are expected by a resident, gien a love note without a name. The guard tries to let her down somewhat gently, suggesting that someone trying to set up a rendevous in a restricted area isn't particularly good for them. Unable to access the tower, they move on to their second option, the Purple Bookworm. Unable to find any information there, the proprietor suggests they try the White Tower or Bertio's Emporeum of Magnificent Rarities. Coda and Vic opt to split up, Coda heading to the Emporeum and Vic trying to sneak into the White Tower.

Introduced

• Two Knights of the White Orchid - guards at the city gate
• Rithic Balric - half-elf proprietor of the Merchant's Rest Inn
• Hacrila and Illistra - proprietors of the Elegant Elephant
• Lady Nyx Malari - drow, owner of orphanage
• Silent Shadow - calico tabaxi, Nyx's right-hand man
• Ransir Falconer - Purple Bookworm proprietor

Returning

• Luxulmathras

Mentioned

• Chiron Grave

• 1sp - Vivi, for a room
• 3sp - Vic, for 3 rooms
• 3gp - each, for clothes
• 20gp - Vivi, for information about the Crystal Needle and Ossatuarae