The session begins in an old cemetery in an old and seedy section of Klymeus, capital city of Mestea. It is a cold and foggy morning in the early fall and a light rain is falling. Iphios is bundled up in a fur-lined cloak and standing in front of a tomb.

The cemetery is on the side of a hill overlooking the harbor. It is not large, less than ten acres in size, but it was one of the older cemeteries in the city and tombs for some of the great astrologers of the past can be found here among the pine trees. The tombs tend to be small, stone structures covered with moss. The area has a park-like feel to it and, in fact, in nice weather, local residents do use it as a park.

The neighborhood is home to many who work as porters, stevedores, and similar occupations in the port district of the city. There are taverns, an open air market, and other business serving the residents. The street that runs along the downhill side of the cemetery is called Cemetery Road and it is the major street for the neighborhood.

Iphios thanks the Cyrus, Damos, Gorgos, and Megamen for coming and explains that is faced with a difficult problem with which they may be able to help him. Of course, he is prepared to offer fair compensation for the time and efforts. After making his opening remarks, he steps aside and reveal that the tomb behind him was broken into the previous night.

This is the tomb of Eleus the Elder, a revered astrologer who lived in the early days of the city. The tomb had contained the remains of Eleus, his wife Damia, and their daughter Dauphine who died as a child. Each body was in a stone sarcophagus. While Damia and Dauphine appear to be undisturbed, the lid has been removed from the sarcophagus of Eleus and his bones are missing. Iphios quietly says that this is not the first such incident. In fact, a half dozen tombs have been burglarized in the past year or so. Iphios had men guarding this cemetery and others, but the tomb appears to have been raided while the guards were making their rounds. Iphios needs to figure out what is happening quickly and put a stop to it. Rumors have started to spread throughout a city that is already on edge due to the failing health of King Acateon. Some Lords of the city have begun to make noises about replacing Iphios as Protector of Klymeus if the problem isn't cleared up quickly.