EPISODE 11 – THE SCROLL THIEF

It has been four days since you returned to Phlan with Spernik in tow. Your conversations with Ekmong and then Harper have left you with a feeling that the Cult of the Dragon might be planning their next move soon, and you have kept your head on a swivel and your ears to the ground.

Nonetheless, you had a chance to spend most of the last four days on your own affairs.

Graxx did some shopping on behalf of the group and has shown to them two colorful vials he has kept in case they indeed come face to face with one of the Cult’s dragons. The first contains a clear liquid that floats at the top of its container and has cloudy white impurities drifting in it. The second vial’s contents are just pitch black. Glory is also sporting a new fancy new saddle.

Obsben spent a bit of time with Graxx in his shopping searches, collecting not vials but stories about CRAP and the tribesman himself. She also spent some time at the library and did enough work in there to be rewarded with the ability to purchase a new spell for her spellbook. She also secured a security contract for the Harpers, who have settled in Mantor’s Library by now. Finally, the storyteller wrote a few more tales onto parchment, a couple of which may double up as spell scrolls in a pinch.

Utar is now wearing his fully repaired suit of armor, which could not have been a cheap service to procure. While waiting for the express repairs, the Tormite spent some time in the Temple of Torm, sharing the spoils from recent victories and doing some research on two different topics: Metallic Dragons and the noble House Silmerhelve. (@MB: I’ll leave it up to you to share what you have uncovered, if so desired.)

Neya volunteered to spend most of her time keeping watch over the Leadstopper Residence. While keeping watch, she may have come across something worth keeping an eye on, but investigations did not lead her to much information that would be presently useful. While at CRAP’s HQ, Neya also engaged in some herbal infusions and brewing, producing two vials of antitoxin as a result. Finally, she is also wearing a fancy new necklace. (@Drache: I’ll leave it up to you to share further details, if you think it appropriate.)

After running all these errands, you now find yourself preparing to leave the Leadstopper Residence as a group once again. Utar’s old captain, Knight Cpt. Aleyd Hyacinth Burral, now an officer with the Black Fist, contacted you about an hour ago using the sending stone you entrusted her. In her short message, she called for a meeting in a location that would be both public enough but also not one that is frequently visited by CRAP. She invited you to join her at the Cracked Crown, an inn in Podol Plaza, near the Scholar Square and the recently reopened Mantor’s Library.

If you were to head out to the Cracked Crown immediately, you’d likely arrive early for the meeting, so you have some time as you get ready to catch up with your fellow CRAPers.

(OOC: Please go ahead and describe what your characters may be doing to get ready and use this time to share any info you’d like with your fellow adventurers. This is also my chance to remind you to share a description of your characters, as some of you may look a little different now due to new gear, scars, or taste in attire.) 

Sat at the table that CRAP habitually use for their combination meetings and meals, Utar cannot help but be impressed.

"We've all been very busy and I have not been idle either. I've been combing through the records room and library at The House of the Hand. We don't know what allies the Cult is seeking, although we can very likely guess, but it might be an idea to get some more friends of our own. There is possibly a metallic dragon, Shattershree, she's either silver or gold in colour and uses both as her weapons. Something of an investor, entrepreneur, merchant queen. I wonder if we might have a certain dwarven friend who might likely have an inkling of someone who might fit that description. Might be something of a project for him? My other lead is on House Silmerhelve itself. A scion of the house, Lady Dala Silmerhelve, who we fought with alongside the late Lord Brokengulf, divides her time between Phlan and Waterdeep. I wonder if she might be persuaded to join forces with us, especially given her house's opposition to chromatic dragons in our earlier adventure. Her advisor is Olisara Lightsong and is a harper. We have two approaches to her. Either directly, through Ekmong or through Olisara, who we will reach through Harper."

The half-orc settles back in his chair, feeling pretty smug.

"I imagine Ekmong and Harper might be halfway impressed if they knew about it."

Neya finishes her final inspections of the antitoxins she created.

After hearing Utar's report, she sits at the table with her back towards the house's entrance and begins to deliver hers in a low voice, "Not too long ago, I've started an investigation around the Red Plume's headquarters. It was not into the organization, specifically. But, who may be involved. There is a schism within the Silent Wood. Usually this is nothing new, and it is mainly about working more openly. In the past, the opinion was in the minority. But, this time, a faction of that nature is getting quite a bit more pull. From what I saw, a number from the Silent Wood has infiltrated and has integrated into the Red Plumes as a means to that end. I can only assume the same might be true elsewhere around the Moonsea area."

"Some of them may be watching our movements, but I haven't been able to confirm it."

Graxx shows the vials holding one in each hand.

"We have all indeed been quite busy it sounds.  I've acquired these vials here.  One will make sure I can get up and close with a flying dragon..."

Graxx pauses a moment.

"To be honest... I'm a little nervous as I'm not quite sure how to fly and I might float away...  Anyway, when the time comes I will not hesitate."

Graxx looks to the other vial.

"The other vial can help us against Dragon's that use Acid as a weapon."

Graxx looks to Utar.

"Shattershree... That sounds like it would be a powerful ally.  I'm sure we could find a way to win her favor by helping ensure her businesses is running?  Maybe venturing forth where she cannot?"

Graxx looks to Neya.

"That's interesting that they are watching out movements.  I wonder who they could be feeding the intelligence to."

Graxx pauses and listens to Captain Aleyd's message.  Graxx holds up his hand to pause the conversation.  He then replies to Aleyd.

"Captain.  We'll be there.  I look forward to seeing you." says Graxx to Aleyd in response.

Graxx turns back to the others.

"Hold on... Captain Aleyd just sent me a message.  The Captain wants to meet us at the Cracked Crown here shortly.  I let her know we'll be there. I wonder where this mission will take us".

Graxx sits back with his hair that has now grown a bit longer to shoulder length bound tightly in vines.  His chest is slightly scarred and red from the recent Acid attacks but the hair is starting to grow back.  His eyes... His eyes are different.  They are still blue but what once looked wild and frenzy like is now much calmer and tactical.  The paladin path has truly changed the way Graxx acts.

Using an absent-mindedly conjured spectral hand, as Obsben herself seemed largely distracted taking down notes since the announcement, Graxx received a couple of shoulder pats of assurance following the show of concern of flying. Seeing as she previously shown the capability to utilize such magic herself, mayhaps later he could ask her to spare a moment to help him practice?  Food for thought, if ever the thought occurred to the tribal man in the first place.

For better or worse, any scars that Obsben might've gained from their previous adventure is all too likely covered up by her clothing, as they were few and far in between. Though notably, her usual white robes now sported a fairly large, slightly off-colored, and somewhat poorly stitched together patches from where the giant snake bit her. Her finger tips are notably darker as well from ink that refused to yield even to magic. Not that that seemed to bother her any. Nor has anything really over the pass few days, despite the ever looming threat of the Cult. She has been seen talking to herself less, and has been more mindful of Graxx' presence since he'd shared his tale and any of that of the party.

Just... a little less in the immediate moment. "It could be they're feeding information to the cult... maybe to old claggy tooth in the forest... or maybe even to your missing mage as well." Obsben finally commented while taking a moment to stop and look over her notes. "The possibilities are near endless~ But maybe the good captain can help narrow down, neh?" She looks up to the party with a smile just as Basil wanders into the room with whatever biscuit or breadstuff he managed to pilfer from the kitchen. "I must say that this story of a silver dragon and entrepenuer reminds me of a tale I picked up from Waterdeep. Though, I think that one was... copper, maybe? Hmm... Anyone interested in hearing? Assuming we have a bit of time 'fore we meet your friend. Otherwise-..." With a flick of the wrist, a short incantation, and a snap of the fingers, the ink on her parchment dries enough for her to pack it away. "I'm fairly ready to go." 

While Utar offers a path to two new potential allies, Neya warns that there is one new faction they might need to be wary of. Obsben offers a few possible explanations but, before too long, Graxx receives a second(?) call from Aleyd, which promises to focus the party's attention on their next quest.

Sagin is currently out, now feeling more comfortable with walking the streets of Phlan by himself. That means CRAP has the entirety of the house to themselves as they make final preparations to meet with Cpt. Burral. 

(OOC: I want to make sure everyone has a chance to react to all pieces of new information, so I'll refrain from forcing the meeting right away. Let me know when you are ready to move on.)

Utar rubs a hand across his chin in response to the information from the other CRAPpers.

Neya:

"The Red Plumes are the mercenaries we met, right? Would they be open to an approach from the Cult of the Dragon? They've deep pockets from what we've seen so far and that goes a long way with mercenaries, but," Utar pauses and grins a little, "soldiers like getting paid and we've handed the Cult a spanking every time we've crossed paths, the losing side tends to not pay their debts. Neya, do you reckon you could find out who we could contact there? Also, Neya, would the Silent Wood be open to an approach, by us or by the Cult?"

Obby:

"I think I might know of the dragon you mean. They're allied with House Silmerhelve but I don't think they venture out of Waterdeep." He shrugs, "Not a great story, but there we go. Sometimes life is a disappointment. Important lesson."

Graxx:

Finally Utar claps his hands together and makes to head off to gather his things. "Best get moving to see what Aleyd needs from us. It's a busy business keeping a city from falling to evil."

Moving upstairs in his rooms, donning his armour, you could almost swear that Utar was whistling a merry little jig tune.

Obsben gently shook her head. "Not that one, though I wouldn't put it past her to know of the one I speak of." She replied to Utar. "But, I suppose it'll be a story for another time, as I won't to get this one right. And it can be a tricky to do so on the move." With that frank mentioning, Obby hops out of her seat to start gathering her things. All of them. Which at this point may come as little surprise to the party, as theirs hardly been a moment in which the lightling didn't look at least a little prepared to go on extended outings even for brief shopping trips. 

"The Red Plume seem to enjoy quite a bit of as guards in most townships around the Moonsea. Since only in Phlan that that position has already been filled by the Black Hand, they only act as mercenaries. If I recall, most mercenaries tend to stay with one contract until it is completed. At least when it comes to true professionals. I wouldn't be surprised if they did take jobs from the Cult, unless we get make a contract with them first."

"As for the Silent Wood, we normally study potential clients before approaching them. So, taking a client on a whim is rarely done."

"But, with this rogue sect? Other than the wish to be more among the people, I don't know any other details. But, I've already identified someone among them who might be a contact. Since the faction within the Red Plumes are still trying to recruit from the rest of us, they might take the opportunity to sway me due to our shared history. So, I think they would try and contact us - or more specifically, me - first."

After answering Utar's questions to the best of her ability, Neya goes to her room and get her equipment ready to go.

Graxx places the vials back in his backpack and stretches his arms from side to side.

"Let us go then and meet the good Captain." says Graxx.

Graxx will go retrieve his trusty axe and meet back with the group.

"I'd like to ride Glory into town to give her legs a stretch.  Let us return here before we go to meet with Sagin to plan the party."

Graxx is ready to go.

After further clarifications, the party agrees on a few paths that might be worth following in the future. For now, they finish preparations to leave Leadstopper Residence and head to the Cracked Crown. Graxx leads the way atop Glory, their new saddle matching the warhorse stature and the warrior's might to great effect. People move out of the way so Graxx and Glory can pass.

The Cracked Crown is one of many inns/taverns in the city-state of Phlan. CRAP had favored the nearby Tea Kettle in their formative days, and the Laughing Goblin after Madame Freona was forced to close her establishment. They even met Dornal Whitebeard at the upscale Velvet Doublet a few times, but the Crown promised to be an entirely different experience. Located in the southern edge of Podol Plaza (like the Kettle), near Scholar's Square and Mantor's Library, the Cracked Crown aimed neither at the laborer/dockworker clientele of the Goblin, nor at the elegant merchants and nobles who frequented the Doublet. This inn targets the clients in between, those feeling out of place at rowdy taverns like the Goblin while still in a financial position that wouldn't allow them to afford the Doublet's prices with any regularity. The Cracked Crown is well decorated enough in the interior, though the wallpaper peels off in some corners, the window cleaners don't visit every tenday, and the bed sheets are running thin after being washed aggressively for years on end. 

Still somewhat early for the meeting, you arrive and pick a secluded enough table in the corner. The place is quiet, and you suspect this is a normal ambiance for this inn. You can't imagine many adventurers picking the Crown as their preferred spot to gather gossip or score a contract. Not much seems to happen here. A well-dressed human server brings you your preferred drinks after a few minutes, and you can already tell that the prices here are not as friendly as the ones you have grown used to at the Goblin. (OOC: Please deduct 3gp each from your inventories for a single drink per person.)

The afternoon sun is just beginning to peek out from behind heavy clouds, sending the last shafts of golden light through the somewhat dirty windows of the Cracked Crown. The door opens and the middle-aged, female human frame of the well-known Knight Captain Aleyd Hyacinth Burral enters the inn. She is tall enough that she needs to duck to avoid striking the door frame with the top of her enameled, black helm. She pulls a vacant chair out from your table and seats herself, adjusting the sword at her hip as she does so. She looks at Obsben, expecting to see Doozey instead, and introduces herself: "I am Knight Aleyd Burral," she says, her helm adding a hollow note to her voice, "and I am guessing you are a new member of the squad." She looks around at Utar, Neya, and Graxx for confirmation.    

After introductions and some quick reassurance that CRAP's new halfling member is indeed trustworthy, the captain removes her helm and places it at the table, revealing the face of a formidable warrior in her late 40s with gray-streaked, short-cropped, blonde hair. "It has been a while since we have had a chance to meet. I have been quite busy with the Black Fist's internal affairs. Before you ask, no, there is not much I can reveal at this stage, and that is best for the safety of all of us here, at least for now. However, since I know you'll ask anyway, I'll say this: the institution I serve these days has noble goals, but it has been infested with a disease whose symptoms are graft, corruption, and incompetence. That does not mean that the city of Phlan is undeserving of protection and betterment, and I, for one, shall continue on that path even if it is pockmarked with the aforementioned virulence."

She receives a drink from the same server, who apparently did not need to ask the captain what she wanted. "Alas, this generalized issue is not why I requested this meeting today. I have a very specific quest in mind, one that involves some folks you have recently worked with." She pauses for a second before continuing. "A string of thefts has been reported by various people who reside or work in Scholar's Square. This is not in and of itself unusual; petty crime is rampant now that the Labor Guilds have all but stopped working in the city. What is unusual is that nothing of obvious value has been stolen, just a single book in each case. The thefts began six nights ago and have occurred roughly every two days since. I heard that you were not in town six days ago and that you have returned some four days ago. I mention this because I do not yet know much about these thefts, but I do know that they have been reported by one Cassra Brandywine, the Scribe Master at Mantor's Library. Due to bureaucratic and administrative reasons, she must file a report with the Black Fist, and the case was assigned to me. That said, she was very specific about handing this case to 'private investigators', as she called it. Imagine my surprise when she not only had a specific investigator team in mind, but also when your name was the one mentioned." She uncharacteristically chuckles for a second or two. "I have to admit I am still quite busy with other affairs and, because it is you she mentioned, I am indeed willing to pass the investigations on to a third party. So, what do you say, are you willing to help an old friend in her quest to clean up Phlan little by little yet again? There is coin to be made, I assure you." 

Utar nods his head. "I'm in. Don't have to ask twice."

"Obsben Overhill. And yes, something to that effect." Obsben assured the Captain where it came to the matter of connection. But unless the other three volunteer her status as a Harper, the halfling herself is oddly content to only offer the bare minimum about herself and capabilities as warranted during introductions.

"A book thief of all things. Hm~ How positively curious~" Obsben commented with a wide, eeiree green. "Can you tell us anything about these other victims? Or at the very least, who they are and how might they be reached? Or is this something the Scribe Master might be able to provide?" She asks, speaking already as if it was a forgone conclusion that the party would get involved in things.

Graxx is warm and is happy to see Aleyd.  Oh how far he has come in his hatred for Black Fist to having a friendship with one.

"You know we will always be willing to help anytime you come calling my friend." says Graxx with a smile.

Graxx takes a bit of a more serious look as he begins to ponder the situation.

"If it started six nights ago and happens about every two days then the next theft maybe... Tonight?  Would I have that right?"

Graxx looks to the others.

"Maybe we could set up watch around the area?  I'm not sure as we don't know a lot yet.  Just throwing out some ideas." says Graxx openly.

“Of course. We’re always in a mind to help out in local matters.” Neya nods.

"I am glad to hear it," Aleyd says once all agree to help and even exchanges a nod of appreciation with Utar and Neya.

When it comes to answering to Obsben's initial questions, she first restates her lack of information on the matter: "As I mention, I haven't had the chance to look too far into this case just yet, but I am glad you'll be doing so. The only additional piece of information I have," she gesture towards Graxx "alludes to what Graxx just mentioned: there have been three thefts as far as I was informed, each of them occurring in different shops around Scholar's Square. I am not sure why these shop owners didn't report the thefts themselves, but Cassra Brandywine eventually did so on their behalf. I suggest checking with the the Scribe Master first. She is expecting you."

She takes another sip of her drink and mentions a few more things: "Before you go, please note that this is an official Black Fist case being contracted out to a group of private investigators." She unfurls a piece of parchment, a quill, and some ink. "As such, I'll need contractual agreement from the four of you, for proper accounting and administration. Should this investigation lead to satisfying results, your group shall be paid a sum of 2,000gp directly from the Black Fist's coffers. This agreement does not preclude you from receiving additional rewards from other involved parties as long as they are not considered to result in possible conflicts of interest. You may also claim articles related to and collected during the investigation which are deemed not to be substantial evidence for the Black Fist's archiving purposes. Are you in agreement with these terms?" She dips the quill into ink and offers it to the first taker. One detail doesn't escape you: the way Aleyd conducts official Black Fist business is the polar opposite from what you recently experienced when dealing with Lieutenant Cron Bolver. 

She then picks up her half of the sending stones and adds: "Please keep me abreast of whatever you discover that might lead us closer to apprehending the thief." She then takes a glance at the door before turning back to the group: "One last thing: I reached out to Moneus on this one and he assures me the Welcomers have nothing to do with these thefts. When I mentioned I had been asked to pass this investigation to you, he said he wanted to tell you something himself. He wouldn't share it with me but he is just outside waiting for you when you are ready." 

Utar nods. A smile spreading across his face. It's not often he gets to speak to his former Tormite comrades. Two in one day is surely a blessing.

As the nature of Aleyd began to truly sink in, Obsben gave the woman a long, hard look, before ultimately letting a small smile slip out. "A solid spirit in this one." She said mysteriously. If then after a once over at the contract required her personal signature, then she's sure to add it. Otherwise, the lightling just as content to let the defacto leader of the group do so while she went back to absently studying Aleyd in a new light till it came time for her departure. "I'm not entirely sure who this Moneus is, but I look forward to meeting him!"

Neya tries to remember what shops are typically in the Scholar's Square.

General Intelligence: 14 (5)

Regardless of she remembers, she'll agree to the terms with her signature.

Graxx reaches out his hand and receives the Quill.

"Sounds fair to me." says Graxx to Aleyd.

Graxx looks around the room at the party to see if anyone objects.

"All united in this?" asks Graxx.

When no one objects Graxx will lean down and sign the parchment.

"We are working together once more then." says Graxx with a smile and a nod.