Lucius, Yrvanis, and I discussed what the next steps are based on our recon. We decided to head to the Inn to further recon when we saw a gift box at the entrance of the inn.

I of course inspected the gift box for traps and found none. I open it up and was attacked by a weird looking monster posing as a gift. The creature attached itself to me and held me in place.

Lucius and Yrvanis came to my aid and surround the gift of terror. Bolster by their aid I stabbed at the creature relentlessly to force it to release me. That is when we notice the entire are was filled with these monsters posing as gifts.

Finally I manage to slay the monster attached to me when we saw him. A jolly over weight mage called Saint Nicholas. He arrived on scene and called down the spirits of past, present, and future to wipe out the gift monsters.

Santa told use to handle the decorative tree that came to life dropping more of those monsters. We all leaped into action in what can only be described as a unusual fight. The tree would drop tiny globes of light that would stick to us and gnaw at our flesh.

I would not be deterred I kept hammering the tree by striking at every point that I thought was vital. After a few minutes we emerge victorious and watched as Santa wrapped up the area by finishing off the remaining gift monsters.

I could not resist I had to see if the rumors were true. I told Santa I had been good and that I would love a new dagger next year. He smirked and replied “We shall see”.

With that we were off to the mission at hand, we made our way back to the Inn. Lucius entered and then a few minute later Yrvanis enter. I waited several minutes later before I entered.

Both Lucius and Yrvanis were doing a great job captivating the patriots of the inn. I wasted no time moving to the door and signaling to them that this was the door where I saw our quarry entered.

I checked the lock and was surprised that it was unlocked. I open the door and moved in when there was no one looking at me. Sticking to the shadows I snuck up on a guard. It was a shadow monk.

I steady my breathing and placed my dagger at his gut “Make a sound and I will kill you before you can cry out” I whispered. “Now tell your partner you are going on patrol”

The monk nodded and did as instructed. We went further down the hallway and I put my dagger away and tried to reason with him. I was feeling generous and offer to pay him to just leave town. He was skeptical and when I said my name he became even more defiant.

Apparently I am making a name for myself with some of the undesirables. The shadow monk kept reiterating that he could take me. My blood began to boil as I remember how it was a shadow monk that took me down. He said “Give me a good reason to walk away when I know I can take you”.

Without missing a beat I took his dagger away as I said “Are you sure you want to test your luck. Lucius poked his head in the doorway and said “Please take your gold and leave”. The monk wasted no time grabbing the gold and then proceed to leave. I could not leave it alone and I said “I guess I paid for a high price dagger” as I showed him his weapon.

I saw a surprised looked and then he was gone. A few moments later the door open from the other end and then closed. I mused that even though I can not see him he was there.

An Elvin woman headed towards the door and I asked her in elvish could I escort her to her room. She was very perplexed and stated she did not need an escort. I then pleaded with her to humor my request, she looked back at Yrvanis and pointed at me. Yrvanis nodded and she allowed me to escort her.

I escorted her to the door and took the time to scope out the other shadow monk. I thanked her as she entered her room. I turned back to the monk and asked if he knew who this weapon belong to. I showed him the dagger I lifted off the other monk.

He shook his head and mumble “Not my problem”. So I asked, “So your ok if I keep this dagger?”

“Sure why not”.

I pretend as if I was looking for my room keys and right on queue Lucius came around the corner with a key to a room. We entered the room and Lucius wanted to climb out the window to look at the other room. I said we should wait for Yrvanis.

Again as if as on queue Yrvanis engage the shadow monk asking him if he wants to worship Helm. I retrieve him as we take a few minutes to determine our next course of action.