A reunion and a plan

That night, the party meets at The Inn In The Square to discuss their plans.

It has been a while since their last mission together but the group reunite happily and are quick to get into their old rhythm again.

Melody is chipper as ever and has spent the time apart improving her bard skills. She is now known about town for her singing and you notice a number of the Inn's patrons seem to recognise her and wave.

Evin is quick to remind you all that all he ever does is study and is enthusiastically detailing the fine points of his latest spell when you choose to move the conversation on.

By contrast, but not unexpectedly, Darcy is evasive when asked how she's spent her break, deploying the well practiced smile-and-wink combo that you recognise as "none of your business".

Pleasantries exchanged, as leader you offer to get in the first round of drinks and get the planning under way.

Having explained the job, a number of options become apparent in discussion:

• Darcy offers to exploit some of her more rarefied connections to see if she can get you all legitimate invitations to the party as guests.
• Melody suggests that she may be able to find a way for the party to attend as performers, possibly as part of her entourage.
• Evin argues that if he can get hold of the exhibition catalogue he may be able to pass himself off as an appraiser for the magical artefacts and then let the group in once he is inside.
• You are more inclined to find a weak point in the townhouse's defenses, sneak in and avoid as much socialising with the upper class as possible.