Sabine explained to the party that a mysterious illness has begun spreading through the city of Neverwinter. The first reports came in 20 days ago, and have been mostly isolated in Beggar's Nest and the Tower District. Now, cases have begun to pop up in the Protector's Enclave, putting the majority of Neverwinter's population at risk. She gave the party one of a pair of Unknown, so that they can communicate with her if needed.
While investigating Beggar's Nest, the party discovered broken casks marked with the symbol of Talona, the goddess of poison and disease. They also encountered Nil, a half-orc vigilante who was taking matters into his own hands to find the source of the illness. He interrogated a thug paid to plant poison in the district, learned he was on the Dead Rats' payroll, and offered to team up with the heroes to confront them at their hideout, the Rat Trap tavern in the Blacklake District. While in Beggar's Nest, the party also observed robed members of the Cult of Amphisbaena being escorted between dwellings by armed members of the Sons of Alagondar, allegedly healing the sick with their powerful medicines.
At the Rat Trap, the party demanded to speak with the leader of the Dead Rats. The conversation turned violent when the gang took offense at the implication of their involvement, and a barroom brawl broke out between the party and the gang. Emerging victorious, the party prepared to enter the rats' nest via the trapdoor.