The party is handed off to the attention of Erzi, Justice Ironbriar’s secretary, who rushes off to inform the Justice of the party’s arrival. He apologizes for the brief wait, which turns into a half-hour slog waiting around before being graciously welcomed by Ironbriar.
Instead of twiddling their thumbs, each member of the party uses their respite as an opportunity to hone their skills: Theo peruses the vast bookshelves filled with books on tort law and civil disobedience before settling down with one of his personal tomes to read. Fobias investigates an intricate statue of a black panther from the Mwangi Expanse, one of Justice Ironbriar’s passions. Barnaby attempts to strike up conversation with Erzi, who doesn’t seem to know much about the party other than the fact that Ironbriar wished to see them. Krask assists in this line of questioning but is clearly antsy about being kept waiting.
Justice Ironbriar thanks the party for their efforts in Sandpoint and invites them to assist him in another matter, possibly pertaining to the string of murders that have been happening concurrently in Magnimar. He can’t offer further details, as there is some red tape that needs to be sorted out first, but he schedules a meeting with them in three days’ time.
Perhaps the most curious bit of intel that comes out of this meeting is that Justice Ironbriar mentions that Aldern Foxglove had recently amended his will to include Barnaby as heir to the Foxglove Townhouse in Magnimar. What’s even more intriguing is that Ironbriar saw Aldern Foxglove and his wife, Iesha, at the Triodea theater a couple nights ago, several days after the party killed the Skinsaw Man at the Manor.
Not wanted to dawdle, the party rushes across Magnimar to the Starsilver Plaza to investigate the Foxglove Townhouse. There is much deliberation on the exterior before the party decides to break into the boarded-up building. Barnaby wrangles up his charm and intercepts the Magnimarian guards while Krask fiddles with the lock. Luckily, the distraction is enough, and the party quietly enters the Townhouse.
The residence is sparsely decorated, which seems unusual for someone of such as high social status as Aldern. It also seems as though someone is currently living here. As the party cautiously and stealthily makes their way up to the second floor, they hear the distinct sound of voices coming from a nearby room, chatting about the theater. Unnerved, Krask ushers everyone back downstairs and the party agrees to knock on the front door to see what happens.
They knock.
Aldern and Iesha Foxglove answer.
Surprised, the party follows the Foxgloves inside and they begin talking. Aldern is incredibly happy to see Barnaby again, and has regrets about missing their meeting in Sandpoint; the nobleman wanted to run a quick errand in Magnimar, which included adding Barnaby to his will. Iesha prepares some small game pies while they converse and offers them to the party once they have concluded backing. Fobias and Theo are entirely skeptical and don’t take the Foxgloves up on their hospitality. Barnaby and Krask, having personally met and been friends of Aldern, begin to eat.
Krask feels sick as the skin begins to slide off the faces of both Foxgloves, revealing a pair of Faceless Stalkers.
What secret mission does Justice Ironbriar have for the party? Why would Aldern make Barnaby to heir to the Foxglove Estate? Will the real Aldern Foxglove please stand up?