The party rushed into the vault after handling the guards out front. Time was not on their side, but missing even the smallest clue could leave the investigation dead in the water. The group searched the small sleeping room, the study, and what used to be a curated collection of curios. These rooms, once maintained, now ransacked would not give up their secrets easy.

The magically inclined managed to hold back an ancient specter that was left to guard the curios. In the study a hidden hollow book contained notated research notes. A key to a warehouse at the docks was found. As well as a fragment of a much older and more mysterious key. In a coded inventory there was a list of items the doctor had lent out, but one name was marked out. Violently. Finally, personal letters, unsent, were found that showed the doctor believed someone he knew was watching him.

Before the group could look deeper into these findings, there was motion at the door. The Black Tide had rose while the group investigated. Twenty or more gathered to break upon this small shelter. Lucky, the group found a hidden way out. A thrilling chase ensued.

Zahara swam through the found submerged tunnel with a guide rope. From there the group jumped boat to boat to cross the channel. Running through alley ways with treacherous footing, the group came to an old bridge in the veins. Dustu took a fall, but was able to swim out and catch up before the Black Tide reach them. At an Azure Sentinel checkpoint Liengod used Dustu's haggard appearance and his medical know how to distract and move past the guards.

In the next area Kadmiel made masks for the group to make it through the choaking spice clouds. Merchants were bickering the street blocking progress, so Prickles broke some crates causing a distraction that Dustu used to incapacitate a man. An Azure Sentinel stopped the group. The group, unsure of this guard's loyalty, were wary. Except Selene, who proceeded to brow beat him. It took Zahara's quick intervention to stop him from bringing in the group. After a run across very slippery tiled rooftops, the group came to the warehouse that they had found the key for.

Inside they were safe as they heard the foot falls of the Black Tide recede. Only then did the group find out they were not alone. The mysterious AM, a member of the Gilded Abandoned, was waiting. He gave cryptic warnings, but left peacefully.