While mentally chanting the word "kobold" over and over mentally I ask Bozack"

Please verify Grom's passphrase?

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While mentally chanting the word "kobold" over and over mentally I ask Bozack"

Please verify Grom's passphrase?

Bozack glares at you and says, "Babies... I am beginning to lose my patience. Will one of you kindly start explaining what occurred at the Citadel and provide me on details related to our arrangement?"

Well, we ran into two changelings or shape shifters or whatever they are. Seemed to be after the same thing we were. Just wanted to make sure you are the same Bozak who hired us. 

We secured the objective. Our Wizard is holding the item and we should be able to complete our business arrangement as soon as he gets back from the stop he needed to make in town.

In the silence that follows, as everybody waits for Grom, Shake says, "You guys every hear the joke about the elf, the dwarf and the tiefling?"

"Not now Bard... This is excellent news Alten," Bozak says as his face visiblly brightens, "And ahead of schedule! This is excellent indeed. I appreciate your efforts and you will be reward as we discussed as soon as I receive the item. In the meantime.. could you tell me more about these shapeshifters you encountered? Do not leave any detail out.. it may be of import."

Alten cocks his head.

Sorry,  I don’t understand. Why is information about the shapeshifters of “import” to you? You're getting the item you wanted.

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Alten cocks his head.

Sorry,  I don’t understand. Why is information about the shapeshifters of “import” to you? Your getting the item you wanted.

 

"It has come to my attention that I may not be the only one in pursuit of this item and others like it across Faerun. As you probably know already, or can guess these objects are quite powerful and it would be a detriment to the populous should they fall into the wrong hands."

Shake nods sagely "Yes. I see. More people-eating trees."

If it is so dangerous that a purveyor of magical items and artifacts is concerned with the effects on the populus, then perhaps it  should just be destroyed?

Shake continues to nod his head, "Alten's right. You should just destroy that thing. Nip it in the bud." Shake puts emphasis on the last word and looks at the group expectantly. "Get it? In the bud... because of the person-eating tree... Anybody?"

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If it is so dangerous that a purveyor of magical items and artifacts is concerned with the effects on the populus, then perhaps it  should just be destroyed?

Blatantly ignoring Shake Bozak replies, "These artifacts are not so easy to destroy. It is better to store them somewhere out of sight and mind for now and I have access to such a place that cannot be accessed by others that would do ill. The particular item I have asked you to retrieve is the weakest.. a lesser creation if you will.. but, your success in the endeavor was more of a test to see if I can trust you with higher priority jobs.... you could say the last few days was essentially an interview".

So you're saying you offering us another job? You told us you were a "purveyor" of magical items?

I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world. But I'm not the stupidest, either - at least as long as Shake is alive. Doesn't purveyor mean seller?  Most sellers don't go locking stuff away. What's going on here?

Shake beams at Alten, "Why Alten, I believe that was nearly a joke. I must be rubbing off on you." He pretends to wipe tears from his eyes. "I'm so proud."

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So you're saying you offering us another job? You told us you were a "purveyor" of magical items?

I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world. But I'm not the stupidest, either - at least as long as Shake is alive. Doesn't purveyor mean seller?  Most sellers don't go locking stuff away. What's going on here?

"Well, firstly I may offer you another job... But, as I said - that is contingent on this job - you need to actually produce the wand still. I said I am a purveyor, yes, but that just means I deal in magical items.. True, I sometimes sell items I come across, but sometimes an item is so powerful that it should just be removed from circulation.. thus I am not simply a dealer, I am a responsible person which makes me a purveyor."

"Alten, if I may make a sincere suggestion, perhaps you can consult with Eldenser. He may have some insight into this situation." Shake is smiling, but not in the mischievous way he does when normally talking to Alten.

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"Alten, if I may make a sincere suggestion, perhaps you can consult with Eldenser. He may have some insight into this situation." Shake is smiling, but not in the mischievous way he does when normally talking to Alten.

"Eldenser?" Bozak repeats.

Give Shake my best neutral, dead-eyed look for a second - the kind a parent gives a teenager when they say or  do something blindingly stupid.

At Bozak's question I trurn back to him and give him a half shrug and a half smile.

An associate based out of my days training in the temple. He has some experience with arcane magic. During our adventure, I was wishing he could give me some advice on some of the arcane stuff we encountered. At some point, I'll reach out to him and see if he can provide any additional info.

Tell me Mr Bozak, does the name "The Iron Hand" mean anything to you?

"They weren't changelings, they were doppelgangers. There's a difference," Rees clarified. "One imitated Chatra, our original bard, and attacked us. Another was imitating a cleric. They have been dealt with, though." 

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Grom would head to the general store first as he needs smoke before his bath...

If questioned about the journey from the lady grom would insist it was a success and he would return after as bath...

 Ok.. we can just say you went while Alten is in the bath...

You find a sign on the door that reads, "Leaving early for Midsomer Festival.. Find me at my sales tent in town square.."

Assuming you head there you find Kerowyn under a white tent with a few tables decorated with white linen and displaying festival wear. There are head bands made of flowers and necklaces and bracelets made of wooden beads. As you approach to ask for tobacco Kerowyn smiles widely and indeed asks you, "Grom! Did you find my grandchildren? How to they fair? Why aren't they with you?"

 "Kerowyn, greetings...  This story sadly does not have a happy ending like the circumstances we find ourselves in...  Is there maybe someplace more private we can talk?"

 

She puts a hand to her head, "I can't leave the stand at the moment, please step inside," she says as she pulls a chair out and almost falls into it. As you step under the tent behind the tables you see an extra chair near her. 

"Please tell me what happened.. It has been weeks now and I'd prefer not to forestall the inevitable."

 We did successfully find both of them, but sadly there was a evil being down there that had corrupted them completely, they were shells of people, sadly when we destroyed the Tree and the Evil in that place it took the children with it..  I do apologize, and he will set the Rings on the table and the sword/Shield of the children.

 

Town Square, Grom and Kerowyn:

Tears well up at the corner of the old woman's eyes as you place the rings on the table. She takes a handkerchief from a blouse pocket and daps her eyes. She sits up straighter becoming very stiff. She bravely picks up the rings from the table and says, "It truly is a cruel world when children are taken before their grandparents. I told the pair not to get mixed up in this, but they longed for adventure. Alas, it was their undoing. I do hope they felt no pain and I thank you for helping them find peace. You have been always been a true friend to this family. Please, stop by the store in the morning.. I will have your trade bars waiting for you as payment for the two rings as promised".

Kerowyn stands, "Go now Grom try to enjoy some the festivities tonight... though I know your heart must be heavy as mine... I must find something strong myself."

DM Note: You would know from experience that a gold trade bar is worth 250gp.

 
I do apologize again for not being able to get to them sooner...
Grom will take his leave.

Grom will head to the INN/*Tavern to meet up with the others

Talien listens to the conversation and looks at his drink for a few moments, he pulls out his sword and seems to weigh the difference between the two looking back and forth.