Jumping ahead to the second act, in Cabinet Battle #1 Thomas Jefferson debates with Alexander Hamilton over Hamilton's idea of establishing a national bank.
In the desperation resulting from the attack on Emon, Grog and Percy turn to an evil Githyanki skull that was found in the house of General Krieg (Brimscythe, the already slain fifth member of the Chroma Conclave). An entity inside the green gem in its eye socket promises a wish in return for its freedom.
After having seen firsthand the power of the Conclave in Vorugal's attack on the keep, Grog believes such a wish is their best hope of defeating them. Percy and Vax caution that they do not know enough about the deal they are considering, and that the entity could even be worse than the Conclave. Percy hides the skull with a minor illusion and passes it to Vex, and a scuffle ensues as the rest of the party arrives. Grog easily wrests the skull from Vex and attempts to smash it, but fails, rolling a natural 1 as he loses his will to defy the party. Vex quickly picks up the skull again to keep it away from Grog as the party convinces Grog the risk is too great.