While staring in to the sewer opening to the Ratfolk Den, a half-elf, Davos, skips up to you all, says “hi” and immediately dives into the sewer. While Davos had made his way through the crowded beggar’s den, he did not notice that his prized trinket had been nicked from his bag. You all follow him into the small sewer, a bit uncomfortably as your height does not allow you to stand upright in the sewer, with Stratos bringing up the rear with a torch for those of you that are lacking darkvision. A ratfolk jumped out from the sewer shadows asking if you’re friend or foe, which Davos happily answered, “FRIEND!”. The rat, Tim, appreciated the quick answer ans saw that you were not a threat, after asking why you were here, he accepted your answer and led you quickly through the sewer to a large room. In the room, sitting upon a throne of filth, was Nico. An old albino ratfolk. When asked about the seeing stone, Nico does acknowledge that the rats have it, and you convince him to show it to make sure he’s not lying. A lackly returns, quickly flashes the stone (Xennith is able to detect that it does have magical properties) and you ascertain that this is the stone you are looking for.
Nico is willing to part with it for a trade, and requests that you retrieve a beautiful rock that had been stolen by his brother years ago. Sadly, both the rock, and Nico’s two brothers (Rizzo and Splinter) were eaten by an Aboleth that likes to hang out in the river to the north. You agree to retrieve the rock and kill the Aboleth.
Along the way to the river, you stop off at the Yummy Hunny Farm, where a beekeeper greets you and offers you a sample of their honey. The honey proves to be quite delicious, due to its magical healing properties. A few of you decide to purchase a few small jars (good for 4 uses if rubbed on wound, will heal half-health lost after battle after a long rest, or if the full jar is consumed, heal fully after a short rest), and FierceWanderer, purchases a large jar of their non-magical honey for snacking. After the short purchase, you return to the path and make your way to the picnic spot where Nico, Rizzo, and Splinter had their last picnic.
Stratos locates the boulder (rat bros = best bros scrawled on it) and you attempt to find the aboleth. Ni-Do places her hands above the river’s edge and with an electrical shock (which kills several fish so goodbye wildlife) the aboleth awakes from its slumber, pissed off. The creature managed to attack Davos with its tentacle, though Xennith cut off the offending limb before it could finish him off. Sadly, Davos became diseased, but with application of some healing honey, he was almost good enough in no time. After the beast was slain, Ni-Do cut open its belly to search for the rock. Stratos was able to notice it first, being a bird who is attracted to sparkly things, he swooped down and picked it up, discovering that it was a beautiful smooth opalescent rock, that is indeed perfect for skipping. Stratos tucked the rock away for safekeeping.
On your way back to the rat den, you make a second stop at the Yummy Hunny Farm, to purchase more honey and ask about what happened to their prize bee. The beekeeper tells you the sad tale of Mr. Plumpers, and that he had gone missing recently. After investigating Mr. Plumper’s home, you discover a tiny note. The beekeeper translates it, and is saddened to learn that Mr. Plumpers was captured by the Bee Liberation Front. He directs you to some nearby druids, in case they know what happened.
You traverse the forest and happen upon a few druids drinking in a clearing. They tell you to talk to Beardy Beard, a stoic druid sitting nearby. As you walk up to him, you notice his long, flowing, magical beard is full of bees. After a quick discussion (as he says few words), he buzzes into his beard and the leader of the Bee Liberation Front, Bumbus, flies out. Bumbus is a rough bumblebee, with an eyepatch and angry demeanor. He addresses you in common (which is surprising, since…bees), letting you know that they did indeed free Mr. Plumpers from the beekeepers who kept him captive, and fattened him up for show.
You convince Bumbus that if he allows Mr. Plumpers to return to the farm, you will make sure the beekeepers treat him better, including no shows, no licking, and that they will treat him better. Bumbus retrieves Mr. Plumpers so he can hear your promises himself.
Mr. Plumpers agrees to these terms, and hops on to Xennith’s should ready to return to the farm. Davos, in a fit of pure nonsense, attempts to squash Mr. Plumpers. Ni-do does her best to stop him and Bumbus flies up to sting Davos with all his might. Which is a death sentence for a bumblebee. Bumbus sacrifices himself for Mr. Plumper’s safety. Beardy cries a few silent tears.
Ni-Do offers to babysit Davos while Xennith and Stratos return to the farm with Bumbus. Stratos flies off and reached the farm before Xennith, brokering a fair deal with the beekeeper. When Xennith arrives, he is able to notarize the written agreement and both the beekeeper and Mr. Plumpers sign it. Mr. Plumpers buzzes happily off to his home and the beekeeper, grateful that you have returned his prize bee, offers to make you beeforged items as a reward. He humbly requests that you return in 1 day for the items.
By this point, Ni-Do and Davos have made their way to the farm, and all 5 of you head back to the ratfolk den. In Beggar’s Corner, Xennith is pick-pocketed and loses the single jar of magical honey he procured.
You all return to the ratfolk den, Tim greets you and leads you back to Nico, who is overwhelmed with happiness when he receives his opalescent rock. A deal’s a deal, and he hands over Violet’s seeing stone as promised.
You head out through the sewers and back to Beggar’s Corner, looking forward to finally delivering the stone to Violet…