"The pleasure is mine" Raist gives a slight bow. "I'm glad it worked. That was probably my um least lethal spell, and I really didn't want to hurt them. They are suffering and frustrated " there is a slight wheeze to his voice as he speaks
(@Ori: I gotta admit, I thought it was going to be Gravy, not Taters.)
Utar swiftly suggests a destination, and more formal introductions are exchanged between Raist and Neya, and also Taters, in a way. Doozey confirms the elf's claim in case there were any doubts, and the group of four adventurers is then followed home by Branden Yil, pulling his own wagon. You can tell the merchant has build some degree of muscle beneath his clothes from years of insisting on moving his own wares about. "Are you alright?" He asks of Raist, following the elf's wheezy speech. "I may have a syrup or other concoction if you are coming up with a cough," he ventures. During the walk, the merchant frequently looks toward the sky.
Branden parks his wagon by the residence's small stable and follows you inside. Raist is greeted by a busy kobold wearing an apron smeared with some sauce and a chef's hat. Sagin, as he introduces himself, is preparing luncheon for the day, but it looks like he is still at the early stages. In his defense, it is indeed too early for the afternoon meal. Branden seems a bit scared at first, and keeps some degree of mistrust with him, but begin to warm up to the kobold once he peeks into the kitchen and appreciates Sagin's knowledge of spices.
"Thank you once again for coming to my rescue." Branden broaches the subject. "And thank you for not being harsh to the citizens. As Raist here said, they are frustrated. I pity those who didn't manage to escape the Black Fist's grasp." The expression on his face is a lamenting one. "Maybe we can help freeing the roads around Phlan from its clog. Bring the citizens' lives back to normal." Branden's general nervousness has not subsided even though the attack on his wagon was resolved peacefully and swiftly. You begin to think this is just his normal state.
"Let me get to the point, otherwise I shall bore myself in addition to you fine folk." He clears his throat before continuing, and wipes his hands on his set of traveler's clothes. "A number of caravans have been lost to the Gray Patriots, a group of highwaymen led by the disgraced Knight Sahnd Krulek." Branden points to the wanted poster Utar has been holding this whole time. "Normally, that by itself wouldn't be too much trouble, but there are two complicating factors. The first is, well... House Cadorna recently learned that a second group of outlaws has begun operating along the Iron Route: a legion of..." He looks over at Sagin, hesitates, but then continues: "...kobolds. They are headed by an insane dragonborn who routinely sacrifices her victims to dark gods, or so says the information that arrived at the Cadorna Estate. A bloody feud exists between the two groups of outlaws. Their fighting has gotten so bad, that the amount of supplies making past their feud and into Phlan has become but a trickle. Being a port town, this would normally spell out a golden opportunity for seafaring merchants, but even the ships have stopped anchoring at the port. This is the second complicating factor: due to a mix of their fear of being immediately ransacked and ill-timed storms, even the sea tranding routes have dried. If anything, these storms have driven trade inland, and caravans must use the Iron Route more than ever, and I don't need to repeat myself here but there is no doubt that the Iron Route is a perilous road!" Branden draws in the air with his fingers the general shape of the Iron Route as you would see it on a map: it skirts the northern coast of the Moonsea.
Here, he pauses, to give you a chance to ask question.
Raist looks at the merchant. "I thank you but I don't think anything you have will help me" he sits and motions to any waitstaff. "A mug of hot water for now while we wait for lunch" <more wheezing >
Once the water arrives he reaches into a pouch and pulls out a small sachet which he dips into the water for 2 minutes. When he pulls it out it is empty but the cup gives off an aroma faintly of cinnamon
"So, it's not enough that there's a group of former Black Fist marauding the countryside. There's also another group in active conflict with them... And, ill-timed storms keeping the port shut. What is the city's response to all this? From the square earlier, it feels as though they're burying their heads."
Utar clocks their newcomer as a likely follow tea enthusiast. Taking a seat by them, he extends a hand by way of introduction. "Utar. I take it you were behind the giant hand in the square?"
"It sounds like this problem has been developing for quite some time, and only recently the effects have started to make themselves known. Do you happen to know around what timeframe the Grey Patriots and the kobolds started clashing?" Neya asks Branden, trying to get a better grasp of the situation.
While the others got settled in to begin discussion, Doozey quietly excuses himself ahead of time and left Taters (after some coaxing) to take his place at the table. But to the other original members of CRAP his intentions were clear enough once he disappeared in his room. As was to be expected, the stoutling returned about the time Branden is getting into the meat of his explanation, though waited until all had a chance to speak their piece before sliding the parchment over to the merchant. The words on it reads as followed:
'Why were you looking up at the sky so often? Or are we to take it that a dragon was sighted and might possible be involved as well in recent events?
Raist's motion for waitstaff is met with no response. The elf soon realizes that Sagin is all the staff hired by CRAP. The kobold chef also takes care of the home, the stable when needed, and, security of CRAP's headquarters in his employers' absence. Nonetheless, after some repetition, Sagin eventually brings a cup of hot water to the scribe. As Utar and Raist then get a chance to get a bit more acquainted with each other, Branden replies to the orc's question about the city's response to the crisis: "Being part of the retinue of a noble house has its perks, which in this case means I have some insider information. From what I hear, the Lord Regent is focusing the city efforts on the problem at sea. He has sent for druids to try to control the storms, and is trying to negotiate with merchant captains to entice them to drop anchor at the port despite the risks. As for the issue on the Iron Route... well, the Lord Regent refuses to send his Black Fists to stop these bandits... something about jurisdictions, though rumor has it he simply doesn't want to face Sahnd Krulek, perhaps out of fear, perhaps not wanting to have to public admit his captive was freed by his own knightly order. And so it falls on those who have an active interest in the Route’s safety to see the job done."
When Neya asks about timing, Branden shares what he knows: "Sahnd Krulek was released from prison quite some time ago. I imagine he has been acting as a regional bandit for years... just another group of highwaymen on the road, I'd say. The territorial clash between outlaws is much more recent. I suspect it might have started two or three tendays ago, but city supplies have only started to really suffer over the most recent tenday. I take it that you have been out of town?"
Branden looks at Taters a few times, half expecting the creature to speak in Doozey's absence. Once he finally gets as chance to read the halfing's words on a piece of parchment, he replies: "Oh that... that is nothing. I pride myself in being able to tell the exact time of day by looking at the sky. A dangerous game, looking at the sun, but I must ensure that I am adhering to whatever schedule I have set for myself in a given day. Today's schedule is already lost, but I can't help but keep looking upward. It has become a habit."
He then clears his throat again and adds: "As for dragons, I can't say I have seen any, but it is curious that you ask. You see, the dragonborn sorcerer fueding with Sahnd Krulek is said to draw her powers from Tiamat, the god of chromatic dragons."
Branden pauses here again, letting the weight of his latest revelation sink in.
Utar connects the dots quickly to the Cult of the Dragon. Army of Kobolds, connections to Tiamat. He wonders if Sahnd Krulek might just be the enemy of their enemy. Moneus' words about contacting Aleyd echo in his ears.
"So what are the merchant houses doing about the issue? Are you pulling together and concentrating efforts or have we not reached that point quite yet?"
Given the importance of the Iron Route to Phlan, Utar wonders whether Donal might have some insight through the Lord's Alliance.
Branden once again points to the bounty poster Utar is holding: "The poster says to bring the fallen knight to the Black Fist, but the reward is being funded by the noble houses who are most affected by the conflict at the Iron Route. Namely, House Cadorna is at the forefront of this... investment, shall we call it? House Sokol as well, I should add. Recently, a merchant caravan owned by House Sokol was ambushed. They were ready for the attack, however, and drove off the bandits, but not before capturing one. Perhaps I can convince you to take the lead on pursuing this bounty on both of these noble house's behalf?"
Turning to Neya, the merchant sips some tea and replies: "The Black Fist, that is, the judge, jury, and executioners within the city walls while we are under Phlan's current state of martial law. Let us not forget that the Lord Regent is, first and foremost, the Knight Commander of the Knights of the Black Fist."
"Has House Sokol brought their captive back to the city? Do you think we could get a little time with them, or is that purely a House Sokol call?"
Utar tries to dregde up the name of their House Sokol contact, but it was many moons ago since they they were tasked with venturing out to Sokol Keep. If he recalled correctly, a one-time member of their group was entangled with said contact, so if House Cardona was unable to secure them passage, they might be able to secure a visit by other means.
While the others converse, Utar sends a message to Aleyd Burrall.
"It would be good to talk about the Grey Pilgrims. CRAP are likely to be drawn in before long. Give me place and time. Utar."
Raise listens while sipping the tea. He perks up a bit when the cult of the dragon is mentioned. "So you say that these two groups have only recently started feeding. You think it's just a territory thing or something more?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(@Lerus: Bit late on this, but if you would allow it Doozey would like to insight Branden's response. I leave the check in spoiler for now on the off chance its irrevelant)
Under normal circumstances Doozey might've been a more active participant in the conversation for the most part. This time around he slid readily into the role of a recorder by all appearances, as the ink and pen he'd gathered from his room were also put to use throughout the conversation. There are a few times in which he looks up frurstrated at various individuals before scratching out a line. But otherwise, he remained diligent in his work before finally taking a moment to add a few lines to the first parchment he'd passed to Branden and passing it back to the merchant.
'We have, let's say, a contact within the Black Fist we could reach as well if this captured bandit was handed off to them. But in the event that falls through, could you alternatively on behalf of your house put in a word or even leave us something we might show them so we could speak to the one bandit that was captured?
And also in your honest opinion, how long do you think we might have to sort out this whole mess, or at sufficiently enough for regular business? And by that I mean before rioting and worse likely hits full swing back in town?
While awaiting an answers Doozey idly pet Taters, who'd up to that point sat at the table feigning interest in the conversation, only to occasionally sneak a glance towards the kitchen.
(OOC: Forgot to include this as part of prior purchases during downtime. But given recent events, Doozey would have certainly spared the extra coin to pay at mark up prices for several sheets of parchment, a blank book, and ink after depleting most if not all the scrap he had during the last venture.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
You take Braden Yil to be a nervous, meticulous man. His frequent looks toward the sky may indeed be a matter of ensuring that he is adhering to whatever schedule he has set for himself that day, or it might simply be some sort of nervous tick. Either way, you are pretty sure this man is not lying about seeing a dragon. He has likely never seen one in person.
As a bonus, you also understand him to have a preference for speaking curtly and briefly in a professional setting, but, as he has shown here, he is certainly willing to elaborate on details on matters of great importance. He is the type of person to expect devoted attention to his own words, but has a chance of quickly growing impatient when subjected to long, drawn out speeches by others. Here again, there are exceptions, which might be the case for the current conversation at the Leadstopper Residence.
Liela is the name of the employee of House Sokol who works at the noble house's administrative office in the port of Phlan. Everything in her office is placed to make her job more efficient, and she speaks brusquely, as if not wanting to waste time. She granted CRAP access to Sokol Keep, located in an island just offshore called Thorn Island, where the Lighthouse of Phlan is situated. Her relationship with CRAP was mostly a transactional one, and you do not think you could necessarily call her an ally.
Liela's heart beats only for business... well, mostly. A one-time ally of CRAP, a gnomish bard called Praxx, has seemingly managed to win her over. To the best of your knowledge, Liela and Praxx are still a couple, Liela is still a business-first kind of person, and the duo still resides somewhere in Phlan.
(@Ori: I mentioned additional downtime considerations in Discord. Let me know if you have any questions.)
Branden responds to Raist's next question first: "I believe that their feud is indeed a recent matter, and it looks like to be a fight for turf, but we can't be sure without asking them directly. In fact, I am sure House Cadorna would very much like an answer to that question. Should you manage to capture this dragonborn outlaw leader as well, I am ready to pay a separate bounty for her, but only if she is captured alive so that we can have our answers. How's 750gp for that one?" He clarifies by pointing once again to the bounty poster Utar is holding: "This is in addition to the 1,000gp for Sahnd Krulek, of course."
Receiving Doozey's follow-up parchment then, Branden has a chance to address the halfling's question at the same time as he answers Utar's: "House Sokol indeed brought their captive to the city, but I'm afraid they did not hand him over to the Black Fist. Can you blame them? I am sure they were concerned about knights who are still loyal to Krulek being found among the Black Fist's ranks." He waits for non-verbal confirmation that this train of thought makes perfect sense, and then continues: "Though I fear that the alternative is not much better. The bandit was sold to the Grimshackle Brothers, a pair of ne’er-do-wells who run a private prison a ways up river."
(OOC: Upon hearing the name Grimshackle, Doozey, Utar, Neya, and Raist can each roll a history check.)
"And yes," Branden adds: "I do believe that speaking to the captured outlaw is a sensible next step for you, my hired adventurers. He is likely the best lead to Krulek we have and may have information about the dragonborn sorcerer as well, if we are lucky."
"As for time,"he looks at Doozey, "I really can't tell. Sooner would be better, before riots escalate and townsfolk start knocking on nobles' gates for supplies." He shrugs. "I am sure you understand I have to prioritize my allegiances."
At this point, much to Taters' delight, Sagin begins to serve lunch. His offer today includes boiled eggs, barley biscuits, a salad mix of both dried and fresh cabbage, some soft cheese, and the main dish: stewed goose. He has also ensured that the cellar is well stocked with ale and cider, but is happy to continue serving tea as desired.
Before partaking in the meal, Utar steps aside momentarily to send a message to Captain Aleyd Burral of the Black Fist. He receives ta short response.
Welcoming Sagin with the welcome sight of lunch, Utar opts for tea, picking over the barley bread, cheese and eggs before allowing himself a little goose.
"The pleasure is mine" Raist gives a slight bow. "I'm glad it worked. That was probably my um least lethal spell, and I really didn't want to hurt them. They are suffering and frustrated " there is a slight wheeze to his voice as he speaks
Laissez les bons temps rouler
(@Ori: I gotta admit, I thought it was going to be Gravy, not Taters.)
Utar swiftly suggests a destination, and more formal introductions are exchanged between Raist and Neya, and also Taters, in a way. Doozey confirms the elf's claim in case there were any doubts, and the group of four adventurers is then followed home by Branden Yil, pulling his own wagon. You can tell the merchant has build some degree of muscle beneath his clothes from years of insisting on moving his own wares about. "Are you alright?" He asks of Raist, following the elf's wheezy speech. "I may have a syrup or other concoction if you are coming up with a cough," he ventures. During the walk, the merchant frequently looks toward the sky.
Branden parks his wagon by the residence's small stable and follows you inside. Raist is greeted by a busy kobold wearing an apron smeared with some sauce and a chef's hat. Sagin, as he introduces himself, is preparing luncheon for the day, but it looks like he is still at the early stages. In his defense, it is indeed too early for the afternoon meal. Branden seems a bit scared at first, and keeps some degree of mistrust with him, but begin to warm up to the kobold once he peeks into the kitchen and appreciates Sagin's knowledge of spices.
"Thank you once again for coming to my rescue." Branden broaches the subject. "And thank you for not being harsh to the citizens. As Raist here said, they are frustrated. I pity those who didn't manage to escape the Black Fist's grasp." The expression on his face is a lamenting one. "Maybe we can help freeing the roads around Phlan from its clog. Bring the citizens' lives back to normal." Branden's general nervousness has not subsided even though the attack on his wagon was resolved peacefully and swiftly. You begin to think this is just his normal state.
"Let me get to the point, otherwise I shall bore myself in addition to you fine folk." He clears his throat before continuing, and wipes his hands on his set of traveler's clothes. "A number of caravans have been lost to the Gray Patriots, a group of highwaymen led by the disgraced Knight Sahnd Krulek." Branden points to the wanted poster Utar has been holding this whole time. "Normally, that by itself wouldn't be too much trouble, but there are two complicating factors. The first is, well... House Cadorna recently learned that a second group of outlaws has begun operating along the Iron Route: a legion of..." He looks over at Sagin, hesitates, but then continues: "...kobolds. They are headed by an insane dragonborn who routinely sacrifices her victims to dark gods, or so says the information that arrived at the Cadorna Estate. A bloody feud exists between the two groups of outlaws. Their fighting has gotten so bad, that the amount of supplies making past their feud and into Phlan has become but a trickle. Being a port town, this would normally spell out a golden opportunity for seafaring merchants, but even the ships have stopped anchoring at the port. This is the second complicating factor: due to a mix of their fear of being immediately ransacked and ill-timed storms, even the sea tranding routes have dried. If anything, these storms have driven trade inland, and caravans must use the Iron Route more than ever, and I don't need to repeat myself here but there is no doubt that the Iron Route is a perilous road!" Branden draws in the air with his fingers the general shape of the Iron Route as you would see it on a map: it skirts the northern coast of the Moonsea.
Here, he pauses, to give you a chance to ask question.
Raist looks at the merchant. "I thank you but I don't think anything you have will help me" he sits and motions to any waitstaff. "A mug of hot water for now while we wait for lunch" <more wheezing >
Once the water arrives he reaches into a pouch and pulls out a small sachet which he dips into the water for 2 minutes. When he pulls it out it is empty but the cup gives off an aroma faintly of cinnamon
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"So, it's not enough that there's a group of former Black Fist marauding the countryside. There's also another group in active conflict with them... And, ill-timed storms keeping the port shut. What is the city's response to all this? From the square earlier, it feels as though they're burying their heads."
Utar clocks their newcomer as a likely follow tea enthusiast. Taking a seat by them, he extends a hand by way of introduction. "Utar. I take it you were behind the giant hand in the square?"
Raise puts down the mug. That he appeared.to be breathing more than sipping
Shaking Utars hand "yes that bit was my doing. It is such a handy spell if you pardon the pun"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"It sounds like this problem has been developing for quite some time, and only recently the effects have started to make themselves known. Do you happen to know around what timeframe the Grey Patriots and the kobolds started clashing?" Neya asks Branden, trying to get a better grasp of the situation.
Extended Signature
While the others got settled in to begin discussion, Doozey quietly excuses himself ahead of time and left Taters (after some coaxing) to take his place at the table. But to the other original members of CRAP his intentions were clear enough once he disappeared in his room. As was to be expected, the stoutling returned about the time Branden is getting into the meat of his explanation, though waited until all had a chance to speak their piece before sliding the parchment over to the merchant. The words on it reads as followed:
'Why were you looking up at the sky so often? Or are we to take it that a dragon was sighted and might possible be involved as well in recent events?
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Raist's motion for waitstaff is met with no response. The elf soon realizes that Sagin is all the staff hired by CRAP. The kobold chef also takes care of the home, the stable when needed, and, security of CRAP's headquarters in his employers' absence. Nonetheless, after some repetition, Sagin eventually brings a cup of hot water to the scribe. As Utar and Raist then get a chance to get a bit more acquainted with each other, Branden replies to the orc's question about the city's response to the crisis: "Being part of the retinue of a noble house has its perks, which in this case means I have some insider information. From what I hear, the Lord Regent is focusing the city efforts on the problem at sea. He has sent for druids to try to control the storms, and is trying to negotiate with merchant captains to entice them to drop anchor at the port despite the risks. As for the issue on the Iron Route... well, the Lord Regent refuses to send his Black Fists to stop these bandits... something about jurisdictions, though rumor has it he simply doesn't want to face Sahnd Krulek, perhaps out of fear, perhaps not wanting to have to public admit his captive was freed by his own knightly order. And so it falls on those who have an active interest in the Route’s safety to see the job done."
When Neya asks about timing, Branden shares what he knows: "Sahnd Krulek was released from prison quite some time ago. I imagine he has been acting as a regional bandit for years... just another group of highwaymen on the road, I'd say. The territorial clash between outlaws is much more recent. I suspect it might have started two or three tendays ago, but city supplies have only started to really suffer over the most recent tenday. I take it that you have been out of town?"
Branden looks at Taters a few times, half expecting the creature to speak in Doozey's absence. Once he finally gets as chance to read the halfing's words on a piece of parchment, he replies: "Oh that... that is nothing. I pride myself in being able to tell the exact time of day by looking at the sky. A dangerous game, looking at the sun, but I must ensure that I am adhering to whatever schedule I have set for myself in a given day. Today's schedule is already lost, but I can't help but keep looking upward. It has become a habit."
He then clears his throat again and adds: "As for dragons, I can't say I have seen any, but it is curious that you ask. You see, the dragonborn sorcerer fueding with Sahnd Krulek is said to draw her powers from Tiamat, the god of chromatic dragons."
Branden pauses here again, letting the weight of his latest revelation sink in.
Utar connects the dots quickly to the Cult of the Dragon. Army of Kobolds, connections to Tiamat. He wonders if Sahnd Krulek might just be the enemy of their enemy. Moneus' words about contacting Aleyd echo in his ears.
"So what are the merchant houses doing about the issue? Are you pulling together and concentrating efforts or have we not reached that point quite yet?"
Given the importance of the Iron Route to Phlan, Utar wonders whether Donal might have some insight through the Lord's Alliance.
"Whose jurisdiction do you suppose the Lord Regent is speaking of, regarding the Iron Route?"
Extended Signature
Branden once again points to the bounty poster Utar is holding: "The poster says to bring the fallen knight to the Black Fist, but the reward is being funded by the noble houses who are most affected by the conflict at the Iron Route. Namely, House Cadorna is at the forefront of this... investment, shall we call it? House Sokol as well, I should add. Recently, a merchant caravan owned by House Sokol was ambushed. They were ready for the attack, however, and drove off the bandits, but not before capturing one. Perhaps I can convince you to take the lead on pursuing this bounty on both of these noble house's behalf?"
Turning to Neya, the merchant sips some tea and replies: "The Black Fist, that is, the judge, jury, and executioners within the city walls while we are under Phlan's current state of martial law. Let us not forget that the Lord Regent is, first and foremost, the Knight Commander of the Knights of the Black Fist."
"Has House Sokol brought their captive back to the city? Do you think we could get a little time with them, or is that purely a House Sokol call?"
Utar tries to dregde up the name of their House Sokol contact, but it was many moons ago since they they were tasked with venturing out to Sokol Keep. If he recalled correctly, a one-time member of their group was entangled with said contact, so if House Cardona was unable to secure them passage, they might be able to secure a visit by other means.
While the others converse, Utar sends a message to Aleyd Burrall.
"It would be good to talk about the Grey Pilgrims. CRAP are likely to be drawn in before long. Give me place and time. Utar."
Raise listens while sipping the tea. He perks up a bit when the cult of the dragon is mentioned. "So you say that these two groups have only recently started feeding. You think it's just a territory thing or something more?"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
The hand engraved upon Utar's pauldron glows briefly, illuminating the wall beside the Orc as he casts guidance.
History - 22 plus 1
(@Lerus: Bit late on this, but if you would allow it Doozey would like to insight Branden's response. I leave the check in spoiler for now on the off chance its irrevelant)
-Insight: 19.
Under normal circumstances Doozey might've been a more active participant in the conversation for the most part. This time around he slid readily into the role of a recorder by all appearances, as the ink and pen he'd gathered from his room were also put to use throughout the conversation. There are a few times in which he looks up frurstrated at various individuals before scratching out a line. But otherwise, he remained diligent in his work before finally taking a moment to add a few lines to the first parchment he'd passed to Branden and passing it back to the merchant.
'We have, let's say, a contact within the Black Fist we could reach as well if this captured bandit was handed off to them. But in the event that falls through, could you alternatively on behalf of your house put in a word or even leave us something we might show them so we could speak to the one bandit that was captured?
And also in your honest opinion, how long do you think we might have to sort out this whole mess, or at sufficiently enough for regular business? And by that I mean before rioting and worse likely hits full swing back in town?
While awaiting an answers Doozey idly pet Taters, who'd up to that point sat at the table feigning interest in the conversation, only to occasionally sneak a glance towards the kitchen.
(OOC: Forgot to include this as part of prior purchases during downtime. But given recent events, Doozey would have certainly spared the extra coin to pay at mark up prices for several sheets of parchment, a blank book, and ink after depleting most if not all the scrap he had during the last venture.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Doozey (insight):
You take Braden Yil to be a nervous, meticulous man. His frequent looks toward the sky may indeed be a matter of ensuring that he is adhering to whatever schedule he has set for himself that day, or it might simply be some sort of nervous tick. Either way, you are pretty sure this man is not lying about seeing a dragon. He has likely never seen one in person.
As a bonus, you also understand him to have a preference for speaking curtly and briefly in a professional setting, but, as he has shown here, he is certainly willing to elaborate on details on matters of great importance. He is the type of person to expect devoted attention to his own words, but has a chance of quickly growing impatient when subjected to long, drawn out speeches by others. Here again, there are exceptions, which might be the case for the current conversation at the Leadstopper Residence.
@Utar (history):
Liela is the name of the employee of House Sokol who works at the noble house's administrative office in the port of Phlan. Everything in her office is placed to make her job more efficient, and she speaks brusquely, as if not wanting to waste time. She granted CRAP access to Sokol Keep, located in an island just offshore called Thorn Island, where the Lighthouse of Phlan is situated. Her relationship with CRAP was mostly a transactional one, and you do not think you could necessarily call her an ally.
Liela's heart beats only for business... well, mostly. A one-time ally of CRAP, a gnomish bard called Praxx, has seemingly managed to win her over. To the best of your knowledge, Liela and Praxx are still a couple, Liela is still a business-first kind of person, and the duo still resides somewhere in Phlan.
(@Ori: I mentioned additional downtime considerations in Discord. Let me know if you have any questions.)
Branden responds to Raist's next question first: "I believe that their feud is indeed a recent matter, and it looks like to be a fight for turf, but we can't be sure without asking them directly. In fact, I am sure House Cadorna would very much like an answer to that question. Should you manage to capture this dragonborn outlaw leader as well, I am ready to pay a separate bounty for her, but only if she is captured alive so that we can have our answers. How's 750gp for that one?" He clarifies by pointing once again to the bounty poster Utar is holding: "This is in addition to the 1,000gp for Sahnd Krulek, of course."
Receiving Doozey's follow-up parchment then, Branden has a chance to address the halfling's question at the same time as he answers Utar's: "House Sokol indeed brought their captive to the city, but I'm afraid they did not hand him over to the Black Fist. Can you blame them? I am sure they were concerned about knights who are still loyal to Krulek being found among the Black Fist's ranks." He waits for non-verbal confirmation that this train of thought makes perfect sense, and then continues: "Though I fear that the alternative is not much better. The bandit was sold to the Grimshackle Brothers, a pair of ne’er-do-wells who run a private prison a ways up river."
(OOC: Upon hearing the name Grimshackle, Doozey, Utar, Neya, and Raist can each roll a history check.)
"And yes," Branden adds: "I do believe that speaking to the captured outlaw is a sensible next step for you, my hired adventurers. He is likely the best lead to Krulek we have and may have information about the dragonborn sorcerer as well, if we are lucky."
"As for time," he looks at Doozey, "I really can't tell. Sooner would be better, before riots escalate and townsfolk start knocking on nobles' gates for supplies." He shrugs. "I am sure you understand I have to prioritize my allegiances."
At this point, much to Taters' delight, Sagin begins to serve lunch. His offer today includes boiled eggs, barley biscuits, a salad mix of both dried and fresh cabbage, some soft cheese, and the main dish: stewed goose. He has also ensured that the cellar is well stocked with ale and cider, but is happy to continue serving tea as desired.
Before partaking in the meal, Utar steps aside momentarily to send a message to Captain Aleyd Burral of the Black Fist. He receives ta short response.
@Utar (sending):
"Unable to leave the keep. Send a bird to my window with questions and I shall write a response. Burn the message after reading."
Raist mutters to himself while taking a bite of cheese. "Grimshackle"
History: 9
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History - 6
Welcoming Sagin with the welcome sight of lunch, Utar opts for tea, picking over the barley bread, cheese and eggs before allowing himself a little goose.
Rerolled thanks to doozy: 9
Laissez les bons temps rouler