"Alright, Arliden. Let's say we follow your plan. Let's say we search through the wagons. What are we going to find? A note saying, 'Hey, these are stolen goods. Hope no one finds it!' Give me a break. We're going to find crates of transported goods that we have no way to verify how it came to be in the cult's possession. I know it was stolen. You know it was stolen. They know it was was stolen. The magistrates, on the other hand, don't.
"Let's say, by some chance, the magistrates are feeling especially acquiescent, and decide to hold those few wagons while we do an investigation. How long did it take you to get here from Greenest? I'd guess about two months. At the fastest, we could get someone to go to the authorities in Greenest, verify that these are, in fact, the items that were stolen from them in the raid you mentioned, and return here in that time. TWO. MONTHS. That's if nothing goes wrong, which something always does.
"So now we've held the Cult of the Dragon here for two months waiting for the investigation to be completed. Do you think they're just going to sit idly waiting for this to happen? Do you think they wouldn't go to the magistrates and claim malfeasance on your part? How did you happen to come into possession of the items you claim they stole? Items that you have already submitted in a claim do not belong to you. So they would easily be able to prove that you stole from them, by your own admission before an investigator would even be able to make it past the city gates. After a quick open and shut case, you would be flogged, jailed, and put to hard labor for going on a year to make up for the equivalent of the stolen goods. And that's hoping the cult, who has already identified who you are, doesn't attempt to have you killed.
"That doesn't even begin to mention that, as much as you and I don't like it, money talks. I'd wager that, at best, those cult wagons might be forced to pay a negligible fine given the pull they would have with the seedier guilds and that bribe I mentioned earlier while alerting the cult that a resistance is starting to come together against them. If you think this group you've been following is the whole cult, you are woefully mistaken. That's maybe twenty percent if our most conservative estimates of their total numbers are correct. We don't have anywhere near enough support to go after them so overtly. In case you missed it, they have...*******...DRAGONS!
"If your idea of justice is getting yourself flogged for a good cause while not doing anything substantive to hinder the cult, by all means, be my guest. If you want to actually do something that will make a difference, however, lose your over inflated sense of superiority and start thinking about the bigger picture. The choice is yours. If I see you and your friends tonight at the Yawning Portal, I'll assume you've had time to calm down and are ready to do something to help. If I don't see you, I pray I won't hear your name in any upcoming briefing about who's been made to pay for committing a crime.
"Now leave before I give up any hope that you still might turn out to be a useful operative in the Harpers."
Arliden just spends a few moments trying to calm down.
"Look Helgret, we're clearly on the same side here, even if we're not best friends at the moment, and I clearly don't know these insane rules in this town. It's just frustrating as shit to know that the cult that I watched murder people in a backwater town as you put it, get to get a pass just because some higher ups in this city are greedy.
And we'll see you at the Yawning Portal tonight. Even if I'm livid, we still want to stop them.
Once Arliden is a few yards away from the building on the way back to the group he just stops and thinks for a minute, "Well ****, that could have gone a lot better."
Eventually I'm guessing he makes his way back to the group and he'll tell them what happened, including him sort of flipping out on Helgret and her making some really good points. He doesn't try to gloss over the fact that he kind of ****ed it up because he got angry at the situation. He'll tell everyone that the plan is to meet Helgret tonight at the Yawning Portal and, assuming we're still on speaking terms, she'll point us in the right direction from there.
“Well terrak... That’s not exactly the best news that we’ve heard today. But, at the very least, we have a foot in the door. Now,” Rex makes a hand chop into his palm, “Let’s. Not. Insult. The. Authorities.” He then pinches the bridge of his snout, “Ah... this is gonna be a headache. But no more insulting them!” He looks to everyone, “Agreed?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
"Ya, I know. I didn't really mean to insult them you know, I just....It's just frustrating. There are people out there dying while people line their pockets as a result. But I'll do my best." And he gives the group a thumbs up and a winning smile.
Fjordix listened to Arliden's story and could feel the heat growing inside, he was angered, and now they were to meet this person. He would just have to bite his tongue, still he wished he could show them all the error of their ways. "Agreed, we meet them tonight, whatever path we can take to stopping the cult."
OOC: Now that we are at the city, did my stag friend peel off? Or have I forgotten something *furrows brow* it's been a long time coming on this one lol
Shortly after Arliden shares what happened with everyone else, the caravan is waved through the gates. Once they are within the city walls, the wagon owners start going their separate ways after 40 days together on the road, but not before giving everyone the agreed upon pay.
Arliden and Fjordix, you receive 40 gold each.
Arryn and Novot, you receive 32 gold each.
Rex, you receive 20 gold.
While most of the caravan looks for places to stay nearby, all three cult wagons continue heading north, barely stopping to pay Rex. Jamna comes up to you and says, "I want to keep a close eye on those wagons. Since they know they're being followed, they might try to leave sooner rather than later. Have your meeting at the Yawning Portal, then meet me at the High Road Charter Company. If I'm not there, I'll have left a way for you to find where I am." With that, she heads off after the wagons, blending into the crowd.
As night falls, you gather at the Yawning Portal and see Helgret waiting for you. Seated with her is dwarven male wearing a priest's robe. "Arliden, I am glad to see that you have decided to meet with me. Allow me to apologize for my tone earlier. I think it is safe to assume that we are both very passionate about dealing with this cult. Let us not be divided in that mutual passion against them. I'm assuming these are the friends you mentioned earlier. I have brought a friend as well. Meet Elaim, one of the priests serving at Helm's Hall. He, too, is interested in stopping the Cult of the Dragon and has been trying to get the Order of the Gauntlet here in Waterdeep on board."
Elaim greets you and says, "The Order is coming around. At the very least, they recognize that cult is a threat to be taken seriously. With the Zhentarim and the Xanathar Guild, though, it's been difficult to shift focus away from the threats closer to home. Confirmation that the cult has passed through our city will do much to aid in making such a shift. For that, I thank you. When Helgret informed me that we finally have some concrete information on their whereabouts, well, I wanted to express my thanks in person and ask if there is anything I can do to be of assistance. For example, I hear you have been at least partially discovered. Perhaps I could put you in touch with my fellows in the Tower of Luck or the Temple of the Seldarine? They might be able to use their magic to aid in providing a disguise for you."
Rex, putting on his finest moves, places a hand over his heart and bows politely to the two officials, “A pleasure to meet both of you. I am Rex’aliha, High Speaker of the Church of Io. Blessings upon both of you. Your support is greatly appreciated.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Fjordix sat at the table and listened, but after being on the road for so long what he really wanted was a drink, and now with the coin he was given for the trip he would have it. He flagged down a barmaid and asked her to bring him and his companions flagons of ale.
"It's my fault Helgret, I let me temper get the better of me and acted like a fool. It was foolish to think that a few pieces of pilfered currency would stop a cult in it's tracks. I apologize, for my behavior and I'm glad some people are taking this seriously."
Indeed, these are my compatriots, Rex has already introduced himself, this is Fjordex, and Arryn." Gesturing to each of them in turn. "Each of them plenty passionate about putting a stop to this cult."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Elaim, and it good to know the Order is starting to take the threat seriously," and Arliden takes a seat at the table. "And any help you can provide would be wonderful. I know that at least once of their number recognized me and it wouldn't surprise me at all if more could recognize us. And while we might be able to use our own magic to hide from them, that could become difficult over a long travel."
[OOC: Does Rex bring Hatchling into normal establishments like this and does that catch any weird attention?]
The barmaid brings over a gallon pitcher of a brown ale and enough mugs to go around. In a cheery voice she says, "That should get you started. It's cheaper by the gallon to just get a pitcher if you're buying rounds for this many people. That'll be two shards*. You can pay now, or you can settle what you owe at the end of the night. Just let me know if you need anything else."
[*1 shard = 1 silver]
Elaim looks at Rex before addressing the whole group, saying, "I apologize, but I am unfamiliar with the Church of...Eye-Yo did you say? At any rate, you can rest assured that the threat this cult poses is being taken more seriously by the day. Now if we could just get the Lord's Alliance to look past their coins...but I digress. I came to offer you help. In the morning, I can introduce you to a friend of mine. A gnome by the name of Sapply Dunben. He should be able to help you disguise yourselves. He has a fondness for elaborate pranks, and believable costumes are right up his alley."
[Fjordix, I imagine you could get away with treating the stag similar to a horse or mule in regards to bringing it within the city walls and moving about with him. Probably wouldn't be allowed to bring it into the Yawning Portal (unless you can come up with a way to convince the proprietors to let a seemingly wild animal in), and you would definitely be getting a lot of raised eyebrows and more than a few overly attentive eyes as you moved through the streets. You get a distinct impression that you should definitely do something to ensure its safety when you're not close at hand.]
Elaim looks at Rex before addressing the whole group, saying, "I apologize, but I am unfamiliar with the Church of...Eye-Yo did you say? At any rate, you can rest assured that the threat this cult poses is being taken more seriously by the day. Now if we could just get the Lord's Alliance to look past their coins...but I digress. I came to offer you help. In the morning, I can introduce you to a friend of mine. A gnome by the name of Sapply Dunben. He should be able to help you disguise yourselves. He has a fondness for elaborate pranks, and believable costumes are right up his alley."
There’s a inward glass shattering noise within Rex’s soul at the remark, but he pushes forward.
”Io, yes. You’ll find that the cults of Bahamut and Tiamat are offshoots of the Church of Io. Alas, the faith has been tragically ignored by the public for centuries. I digress, this Sapply sounds like just what we need.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms- The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon- Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland -Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF!- Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
OOC: I am not sure that Fjordix would have went to the meeting at the Yawning Portal without first taking care of his Stag friend. That being said is there a stable Fjordix could have taken him to and maybe paid a little extra for discretion?
OOC: I am not sure that Fjordix would have went to the meeting at the Yawning Portal without first taking care of his Stag friend. That being said is there a stable Fjordix could have taken him to and maybe paid a little extra for discretion?
[It probably would have made the most sense for you to have the wagon owner you worked for during the trip to keep an eye on the stag. Someone you know and, presumably, trust that will be around for a while.]
[The barkeep suggests you seek out the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors to see if they can help. They deal with all things magical in the city.]
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OOC: Well hopefully just me, if anyone. I haven't said who exactly I'm with LOL. And here I thought I had a good plan aaahhahahaa.....****
OOC: I believe the plan took a turn when the passive aggression entered the scene,
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
[She absolutely does not let you leave.]
"Alright, Arliden. Let's say we follow your plan. Let's say we search through the wagons. What are we going to find? A note saying, 'Hey, these are stolen goods. Hope no one finds it!' Give me a break. We're going to find crates of transported goods that we have no way to verify how it came to be in the cult's possession. I know it was stolen. You know it was stolen. They know it was was stolen. The magistrates, on the other hand, don't.
"Let's say, by some chance, the magistrates are feeling especially acquiescent, and decide to hold those few wagons while we do an investigation. How long did it take you to get here from Greenest? I'd guess about two months. At the fastest, we could get someone to go to the authorities in Greenest, verify that these are, in fact, the items that were stolen from them in the raid you mentioned, and return here in that time. TWO. MONTHS. That's if nothing goes wrong, which something always does.
"So now we've held the Cult of the Dragon here for two months waiting for the investigation to be completed. Do you think they're just going to sit idly waiting for this to happen? Do you think they wouldn't go to the magistrates and claim malfeasance on your part? How did you happen to come into possession of the items you claim they stole? Items that you have already submitted in a claim do not belong to you. So they would easily be able to prove that you stole from them, by your own admission before an investigator would even be able to make it past the city gates. After a quick open and shut case, you would be flogged, jailed, and put to hard labor for going on a year to make up for the equivalent of the stolen goods. And that's hoping the cult, who has already identified who you are, doesn't attempt to have you killed.
"That doesn't even begin to mention that, as much as you and I don't like it, money talks. I'd wager that, at best, those cult wagons might be forced to pay a negligible fine given the pull they would have with the seedier guilds and that bribe I mentioned earlier while alerting the cult that a resistance is starting to come together against them. If you think this group you've been following is the whole cult, you are woefully mistaken. That's maybe twenty percent if our most conservative estimates of their total numbers are correct. We don't have anywhere near enough support to go after them so overtly. In case you missed it, they have...*******...DRAGONS!
"If your idea of justice is getting yourself flogged for a good cause while not doing anything substantive to hinder the cult, by all means, be my guest. If you want to actually do something that will make a difference, however, lose your over inflated sense of superiority and start thinking about the bigger picture. The choice is yours. If I see you and your friends tonight at the Yawning Portal, I'll assume you've had time to calm down and are ready to do something to help. If I don't see you, I pray I won't hear your name in any upcoming briefing about who's been made to pay for committing a crime.
"Now leave before I give up any hope that you still might turn out to be a useful operative in the Harpers."
OOC: It occurs to me that I also have Frulam’s regalia, just to remind everyone as it’s been a while
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
OOC: Holy crap, Arliden got dressed down!
Arliden just spends a few moments trying to calm down.
"Look Helgret, we're clearly on the same side here, even if we're not best friends at the moment, and I clearly don't know these insane rules in this town. It's just frustrating as shit to know that the cult that I watched murder people in a backwater town as you put it, get to get a pass just because some higher ups in this city are greedy.
And we'll see you at the Yawning Portal tonight. Even if I'm livid, we still want to stop them.
Once Arliden is a few yards away from the building on the way back to the group he just stops and thinks for a minute, "Well ****, that could have gone a lot better."
Eventually I'm guessing he makes his way back to the group and he'll tell them what happened, including him sort of flipping out on Helgret and her making some really good points. He doesn't try to gloss over the fact that he kind of ****ed it up because he got angry at the situation. He'll tell everyone that the plan is to meet Helgret tonight at the Yawning Portal and, assuming we're still on speaking terms, she'll point us in the right direction from there.
“Well terrak... That’s not exactly the best news that we’ve heard today. But, at the very least, we have a foot in the door. Now,” Rex makes a hand chop into his palm, “Let’s. Not. Insult. The. Authorities.” He then pinches the bridge of his snout, “Ah... this is gonna be a headache. But no more insulting them!” He looks to everyone, “Agreed?”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
"Ya, I know. I didn't really mean to insult them you know, I just....It's just frustrating. There are people out there dying while people line their pockets as a result. But I'll do my best." And he gives the group a thumbs up and a winning smile.
Fjordix listened to Arliden's story and could feel the heat growing inside, he was angered, and now they were to meet this person. He would just have to bite his tongue, still he wished he could show them all the error of their ways. "Agreed, we meet them tonight, whatever path we can take to stopping the cult."
OOC: Now that we are at the city, did my stag friend peel off? Or have I forgotten something *furrows brow* it's been a long time coming on this one lol
Shortly after Arliden shares what happened with everyone else, the caravan is waved through the gates. Once they are within the city walls, the wagon owners start going their separate ways after 40 days together on the road, but not before giving everyone the agreed upon pay.
Arliden and Fjordix, you receive 40 gold each.
Arryn and Novot, you receive 32 gold each.
Rex, you receive 20 gold.
While most of the caravan looks for places to stay nearby, all three cult wagons continue heading north, barely stopping to pay Rex. Jamna comes up to you and says, "I want to keep a close eye on those wagons. Since they know they're being followed, they might try to leave sooner rather than later. Have your meeting at the Yawning Portal, then meet me at the High Road Charter Company. If I'm not there, I'll have left a way for you to find where I am." With that, she heads off after the wagons, blending into the crowd.
As night falls, you gather at the Yawning Portal and see Helgret waiting for you. Seated with her is dwarven male wearing a priest's robe. "Arliden, I am glad to see that you have decided to meet with me. Allow me to apologize for my tone earlier. I think it is safe to assume that we are both very passionate about dealing with this cult. Let us not be divided in that mutual passion against them. I'm assuming these are the friends you mentioned earlier. I have brought a friend as well. Meet Elaim, one of the priests serving at Helm's Hall. He, too, is interested in stopping the Cult of the Dragon and has been trying to get the Order of the Gauntlet here in Waterdeep on board."
Elaim greets you and says, "The Order is coming around. At the very least, they recognize that cult is a threat to be taken seriously. With the Zhentarim and the Xanathar Guild, though, it's been difficult to shift focus away from the threats closer to home. Confirmation that the cult has passed through our city will do much to aid in making such a shift. For that, I thank you. When Helgret informed me that we finally have some concrete information on their whereabouts, well, I wanted to express my thanks in person and ask if there is anything I can do to be of assistance. For example, I hear you have been at least partially discovered. Perhaps I could put you in touch with my fellows in the Tower of Luck or the Temple of the Seldarine? They might be able to use their magic to aid in providing a disguise for you."
Rex, putting on his finest moves, places a hand over his heart and bows politely to the two officials, “A pleasure to meet both of you. I am Rex’aliha, High Speaker of the Church of Io. Blessings upon both of you. Your support is greatly appreciated.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
Fjordix sat at the table and listened, but after being on the road for so long what he really wanted was a drink, and now with the coin he was given for the trip he would have it. He flagged down a barmaid and asked her to bring him and his companions flagons of ale.
"It's my fault Helgret, I let me temper get the better of me and acted like a fool. It was foolish to think that a few pieces of pilfered currency would stop a cult in it's tracks. I apologize, for my behavior and I'm glad some people are taking this seriously."
Indeed, these are my compatriots, Rex has already introduced himself, this is Fjordex, and Arryn." Gesturing to each of them in turn. "Each of them plenty passionate about putting a stop to this cult."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Elaim, and it good to know the Order is starting to take the threat seriously," and Arliden takes a seat at the table. "And any help you can provide would be wonderful. I know that at least once of their number recognized me and it wouldn't surprise me at all if more could recognize us. And while we might be able to use our own magic to hide from them, that could become difficult over a long travel."
[OOC: Does Rex bring Hatchling into normal establishments like this and does that catch any weird attention?]
[Yes, he does.]
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
The barmaid brings over a gallon pitcher of a brown ale and enough mugs to go around. In a cheery voice she says, "That should get you started. It's cheaper by the gallon to just get a pitcher if you're buying rounds for this many people. That'll be two shards*. You can pay now, or you can settle what you owe at the end of the night. Just let me know if you need anything else."
[*1 shard = 1 silver]
Elaim looks at Rex before addressing the whole group, saying, "I apologize, but I am unfamiliar with the Church of...Eye-Yo did you say? At any rate, you can rest assured that the threat this cult poses is being taken more seriously by the day. Now if we could just get the Lord's Alliance to look past their coins...but I digress. I came to offer you help. In the morning, I can introduce you to a friend of mine. A gnome by the name of Sapply Dunben. He should be able to help you disguise yourselves. He has a fondness for elaborate pranks, and believable costumes are right up his alley."
[Fjordix, I imagine you could get away with treating the stag similar to a horse or mule in regards to bringing it within the city walls and moving about with him. Probably wouldn't be allowed to bring it into the Yawning Portal (unless you can come up with a way to convince the proprietors to let a seemingly wild animal in), and you would definitely be getting a lot of raised eyebrows and more than a few overly attentive eyes as you moved through the streets. You get a distinct impression that you should definitely do something to ensure its safety when you're not close at hand.]
There’s a inward glass shattering noise within Rex’s soul at the remark, but he pushes forward.
”Io, yes. You’ll find that the cults of Bahamut and Tiamat are offshoots of the Church of Io. Alas, the faith has been tragically ignored by the public for centuries. I digress, this Sapply sounds like just what we need.”
DM - Elustran Days ~ Fate/False Revelation
Rex'aliha - Hoard of the Dragon Queen ~ Mozu of Worms - The Stormpoint Mountains ~ Muireach Maon - Shepherd’s Crossing ~ Crownsguard - Storm King’s Thunder ~ Gunnar Wayland - Boats, Rocks, and Ruffians ~ POUF! - Ex-Ravens ~ Pascal LaRoux - Long Road Dragon Heist
OOC: I am not sure that Fjordix would have went to the meeting at the Yawning Portal without first taking care of his Stag friend. That being said is there a stable Fjordix could have taken him to and maybe paid a little extra for discretion?
[It probably would have made the most sense for you to have the wagon owner you worked for during the trip to keep an eye on the stag. Someone you know and, presumably, trust that will be around for a while.]
OOC: I am fine with that, though I would like to inquire, maybe to the barkeep here, who might be best to see my Stag friend to help with this curse.
[The barkeep suggests you seek out the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors to see if they can help. They deal with all things magical in the city.]