Chapter 1: The Chimes at Midnight


Sypharos is an interesting time to be in Sharn. There is a frission in the air, growing each day, as though the Fury herself were manifesting through the city's residents. Scholars of religion and the planes may claim that there is no true connection to the Sovereign of Rage and Ruin, that it is entirely a matter of people using the month as an excuse to break taboos without consequence, but whatever the reason the city has gone feral. Parties and fights both spontaneously break out in the street—particularly after dusk—and every form of passion, good or bad, is heightened. This time of year the Sharn Opera House supposedly produces the most inspired performances, and this year the Diamond Theater has debuted a new play by Luca Syara about Galifar ir'Wynarn I's mistress, Ielenia, to rave reviews (as usual). (The rumors of backstage orgies are only too plausible, given the month and subject matter.)

Down here, though, in Cliffside, only the baser passions are let loose. Both watch-stations and brothels alike are stretched to capacity, and at dusk each night the streets are filled with sailors and residents, jostling, drinking, hustling, fighting, and dancing (occasionally horizontally). It is in this milieu, of course, that P.T. Beauregard has dragged the employees of his fledgling inquisitive agency out for a drink after proving to Mrs. Amamne that Mr. Amamne was having an affair. (She was less upset about the unfaithfulness than that it was with her brother.)

Stepping out of the Hole in the Bucket, slightly tipsy, does not exactly grant you fresh air, but at least it's a different stink, more of the docks than smoke and sweat and stale beer. In a somewhat awkward coincidence, you find that you can't all head home separately like you planned—you all live in the same direction from the bar, and thus are forced to remain in each other's company for a while longer.