Investigate Cazador's Palace: Difference between revisions

Two of [[Cazador Szarr|Cazador's]] spawn, [[Petras]] and [[Dalyria]], can be found chatting about the Black Mass in [[Fraygo's Flophouse]] on the upper floor (X:-21, Y:76). [[Astarion]] immediately threatens them for information, but can be persuaded to hold back. Unfortunately, the spawn know little, beyond that preparations for the Black Mass are well underway. It's also clear that the spawn believe they too will become ascended if the ritual is successful.

There is a [[Gur Camp|Gur camp]] in [[Rivington]] (X:102, Y:-12), lead by [[Ulma]]. Ulma tells the party that Astarion has done immense damage to her tribe and even stolen their children. She wishes to have them back, or at least revenge taken if the children are already dead. If Astarion is in the party, he can be told that it's the least he can do to get vengeance for the Gur, which he will agree to. Ulma states that the Gur have tried and failed to infiltrate [[Cazador's Palace]], but that a spawn could do it.

Several of Astarion's fellow vampire spawn attempt to kidnap him after the party has entered the Lower City and long rested. Failing to stop them before they drop Astarion to 1hp results in Astarion being kidnapped and sent to Cazador's palace. Once there, he is tortured by [[Godey]], who uses magic in an attempt to force Astarion to obey Cazador. This starts a saving throw, but even if it's failed, the tadpole within Astarion sends out a psionic wave that disrupts the spell. Godey becomes hostile after failing to collar Astarion and needs to be defeated. The party can regroup with Astarion in the kennels.

Cazador's Palace can be accessed via the Central Watch Tower (X:-53, Y:-64), near the [[Lower City]] Central Wall [[Ancient Sigil Circle|Waypoint]], by climbing up the stairs. There are a number of charmed guards who try to stop the party, but can be persuaded or intimidated into standing down. Follow the way north to get to the door to Cazador's Palace. Once inside, the palace will be surprisingly empty of vampires, but holds a conspicuously large ballroom door that is locked. The way forward is by getting into that ballroom.

Speaking to [[Vilhelm]], he can be persuaded or deceived into revealing that Godey has the signet ring that can unlock the door. Godey is in the kennels in the lower floor. Godey is waiting in ambush (X:-1289, Y:982), but a perception check reveals him and he can be called out. If Astarion is in the party, Godey asks what he has brought him:

A note upstairs on the Chamberlain's desk (X:-1243, Y:976) suggests that one of the spawn has misplaced the dictionary used to decipher the passphrases. The dictionary is downstairs in a room full of necrotic magic (X:-1299, Y:967). A cursed corpse gives the life drain status to anyone who walks in, but it can be ended using [[Remove Curse]], or simply flying past it. The dictionary is in a mahogany wardrobe to the west of the bed (X:-1291, Y:957). Reading the book gives the phrase to enter the ballroom.

Within Cazador's dungeon is the [[Pelorsun Blade]]. It can be found by using [[Misty Step] or [[Fly]] to jump down the hallway to the northwest of the elevator. The Pelorsun Blade is in the room to the east, in a rosewood casket (X:-1927, Y:851). There is a button in the room to the west (X:-1964, Y:842) that will summon a lantern, which can be used as an elevator to get the rest of the team down. Or, there is a door in the room that connects to the [[Lower City Sewers]] - Gloomy Ascent. This weapon deals radiant damage, which is highly effective against Cazador.

Cazador is just north of the prisoners' cells. Bringing Astarion to the ritual causes him to attack Cazador, no matter what is said. Cazador is too powerful, and uses his powers to trap Astarion in a rune circle. After this, Cazador attacks, along with several bats, werewolves, and fallen Gur hunters. Moving over to Astarion and using the help action releases him from imprisonment and allows him to rejoin the fight. If Astarion is not released in three turns, the ritual succeeds and Cazador becomes a Vampire Ascendant. If Astarion is not in the party, then Cazador can be persuaded in letting the party leave so they can bring Astarion back, or they can simply start the fight with him without Astarion.