Utar sits amidst the rubble for a short time longer. Knowing his eyes won't spot Moneus if Moneus doesn't want him to, he doesn't bother looking for the tiefling and continues to watch the path Litta took away from the manor.
Still, at least his parting with Moneus was a little more friendly and gives him hope that the four of them might find themselves reunited at some point in the future or at least on speaking terms.
Conflicted, yet mostly grateful to Cron, Doozey finally allowed the tension to ease from his shoulders with Chaab's lack of ability to answer the cleverly made question. Though it did little to ease the sting resulting from his own paranoia having led to nothing. And at worse...
He faintly shook his head at the grim line of thought, before tuning in once more to his surroundings. "... uh... I... eh... As far as I'm concerned, seems this mess sorted itself out as well as it could. So, no further questions on my end." Doozey had said nonchalantly after many eyes turned back on the party. "There's still the matter of this sup-.... the -other- debt to House Brokengulf. But, all in due time and order." He adds, frowning faintly towards the end, but having the wisdom not to further deny or press the issue.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Although it is not his preferred method of delivering justice, Graxx accepts the potential honor of playing the role of executioner when the time comes. After a few words directed at Ekmong, the trio (Graxx, Doozey, and Neya) receives the following answer: "House Brokengulf will endure, and yes, it shall call on CRAP sooner or later, likely repeatedly. The debt owed is great, after all."
The CRAPers in the room react somewhat differently to that statement. Graxx seems to accept it gladly, eager to fight by Ekmong's side again and strengthen a budding bond. Neya has a more neutral approach, almost treating it like a business transaction. Doozey frowns a bit, but avoids voicing any displeasure... the timing simply isn't right.
Doomguide Yovir's reappearance interrupts the talk. He has a sad look on his face and some blood on his hands. He is accompanied by two soldiers, one of whom holds Lightbringer in her hands. Ekmong approaches the Doomguide and the sadness in one's face passes on to the other. Ekmong thanks him for his services, presses something into his hands, and bids him farewell. The Doomsguide leaves the chamber with a final look about the room but no words directed at anyone else.
Ekmong turns and delivers the news: "Doomguide Yovir is the highest cleric in all of Phlan. He has done all he can but not even he is powerful enough to reconstruct a man's brain, as I feared. The Lord is dead, long live the Lord." The soldiers let out another well-practice war cry. He then has the soldiers wipe the magical mace clean and hand it over the one of the CRAP members. He explains: "The investigation is over, so we have no further need of the murder weapon. You may take it back."
Outside, Utar is now alone and even in deeper thought. He sees Doomguide Yovir pass by, heading toward the front gate. The Kelemvorite remains silent.
Graxx nods and steps up as he goes to carefully take Lightbringer from Ekmong.
"I will return it to Utar. Till we meet again Ekmong.
Graxx turns to Aleyd.
"If you're still up for it after all this I would still appreciate it if you would join me at the Tempus shrine to guide me. No rush as I know we all need to rest."
Graxx turns toward Doozey and Neya.
"Let us find our friend."
Graxx will go outside and find Utar. Graxx will approach cradling the bloodied Lightbringer.
"I believe this belongs to you."
Graxx will extend Lightbringer out to Utar.
"While there was blood on this weapon there is no blood on your hands. You did well. You probably saved all of us from death back there with your talking and winning Ekmong over. We would have been hunted down if you had not cleared our names. There was no way for you to know only Senetir was behind this."
Watching Yovir walk from the manor, Utar rubs his reddened eyes and calls out after the Doomguide, "Lord Valero, he's dead isn't he?"
Whatever Yovir's response, Utar will let him go too; it's late and can feel the weight of today's exertion in his limbs. Doubtless Yovir has more important callings too. Utar reminds himself to visit the Kelemvorites soon. He still hasn't paid his respects to Brother Keefe.
Pulling himself together and then upright.
Spotting Graxx, Utar cradles Lightbringer as though it were a small child.
"Many thanks Graxx. I am glad we discovered Senetir's actions and I am glad we now know who killed off my comrades... I just wish we had been able to do something to stop him with less destruction this time. I think we've much to to repay our debts."
Doozey went wide-eyed for a moment, having not known the full extent of the damage. His own foray into the room had been largely a straightforward affair of escape and hunting down enemies. As the shock fades, he bowed his head in at least respect for the dead; but, he is more than easy to convince to leave at Graxx' suggestion.
Once they are outside later on, and the debt gets mentioned, Doozey again frowns, seeming discontent. But again, he kept silent on the matter, and just sighed before saying, "I don't know what the rest of you plan to do now. But, I at least need to head back to the temple to go collect Biscuit. So, unless of you intend to go as well... where should we meet? Fat Mar's?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya gives a deep sigh. She knew that Valero's permanent death was possible, but it still wasn't the news she was hoping for. However, if fate so dictated, it was a truth she had to accept.
"My deepest condolences, Ekmong." She says with sympathy. "Will you extend it to his son, when you have the opportunity?"
After hearing a response from Ekmong (if there is any), she follows the others out of the room.
She responds to Doozey, "I do need to report this to the Silent Wood. It will put official business with the Moonsea branch of House Brokengulf on hold and put any current contracts with them into question until they are sure Zhentarim influence is gone. Which will take a long time. Perhaps, until the young Lord becomes of age."
"But, yes, the Laughing Goblin sounds like the best place to meet back up. It is only midday, but the events of this morning made it seem much longer."
After collecting Lightbringer, Graxx reminds Aleyd that she had agreed to meet him at the Tempus shrine at some point. She replies: "Indeed. Give me the rest of today and perhaps tomorrow and I'll send word. We shall go to the shrine."
Doozey and Neya take a few extra moments to digest the news of Lord Valero's demise. The monk go as far as voicing her condolences, which Ekmong accepts with poise. Shortly thereafter, a soldier that had left the chamber reenters it, borrowing Ekmong's ear for a few seconds. The tiefling announces: "The lordling has been found in the exact place the drow elf pointed us to, but it seems he is refusing to trust the soldiers. I'll have to go deal with the situation personally. As such, I must politely asks for all of you to be on your way. The new Lord is unlikely to react well to so many strangers in such an eventful night."
Already with half a mind set on leaving, Graxx leads the way and Doozey and Neya follow after brief farewells.
Doomguide Yovir never stops walking toward the front gates, but he utters a response to Utar all the same: "I'm afraid so. I am unable to request such powerful miracles as the one needed to undo such damage, and I know of no other cleric in Phlan who would be." He stops talking after that and continues walking, leaving Utar to wonder whether that was partly an insult.
Utar is left alone for several minutes after that, until Graxx finally approaches. Lightbringer is returned and a few words are exchanged. Doozey reminds himself that he needs to collect Biscuit from the temple and Neya admits she needs to run an errand herself. CRAP agrees to meet at the Laughing Goblin by evening time.
Before they depart, Aleyd approaches, followed from afar by Cron and his men, who are escorting Caah and Chaab. She says: "I expect a couple of busy days ahead of me dealing with the prisoners and the paperwork. Cron wanted to claim the prisoners for himself but, despite defying me at every turn, I still outrank him. So, the prisoner and the extra responsibilities are all mine."Looking about and not seeing the other Tormites, Aleyd fails to deduce the gravity of the situation and simply says: "Tell Litta and Moneus to stay safe. I'll see them when I see them." She then leads the other Black Fists and the two prisoners out of the property.
With that, CRAP is left to deal with their own issues, though they know they should probably leave the Brokengulf grounds as well. A certain deed to a different estate pokes out of Doozey's pocket.
"See you around, Captain. But, hopefully under circumstances, if at all." Doozey said, showing the barest hint of a smile to Aleyd prior to her taking off the premises. Doozey then looks back to the others. Seeing Utar still out of sorts, or at least recovering at this point, Doozey furrows his brow for a moment in thought. "Well, it'll take me and probably Neya a bit to get back to the bar. So in the meantime... here. Don't know if'n ya'll need it. But, perhaps have'n it in hand will help in some way get those design juices going." Doozey then digs out the deed and holds out to Utar.
Regardless of it being accepted or not, he looks up to others and gives a two fingered salute. "See you all in a.... in.........." Doozey's eyes suddenly go wide before he facepalms and says, "Pudge Muffins! I should've asked and seen if we could've gotten a hold of at least some of those scoundrels things, assuming any of it magical. Might've gone a long way in our future endeavors." He lets out an exasperated sigh. "But, I guess that'd be pushing our luck anyhow.. Anyhow! I'm off. See the rest of you in a probably an hour or two. And if I run into any trouble, well... I guess I always have Gravy." With that, unless the others had more need of him, Doozey is sooner or later splintering away from the group for the temple.
(@Lerus: likely won't matter, but.. out of curiosity, can the interrogation time have been considered long enough for a short rest sort of.. asking for a friend. >.>)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya says as she and the others leave the grounds, "I can easily compose the report in my room and deliver it tonight. The timing of the delivery won't matter as long as it's before sunup."
She turns to Graxx, "I'll join you as soon as I write it."
(@Ori: I would be OK with it counting as a Short Rest were it not for the fact that it all approximately happened over two castings of Zone of Truth, that is, about 20 to 30 minutes if we are being generous.)
Doozey hands over the deed to the Leadstooper Estate to Utar and laments not having laid claim to the conspirators' equipment. Graxx asks if anyone is up for a drink and Neya says she'll join him as soon as she sees to her letter. Utar remains mostly silent and pensive for now.
CRAP leaves the noble family's property and go their separate ways, according to their most immediate needs. They'll likely be all back together in an hour or two, but they could all use at least a few days of downtime to compensate for the past few days of non-stop near-death experiences.
This is our usual end-of-episode bookkeeping post. It's been a while but it should look familiar by now. In this post, we'll note all the XP gained during the episode so that we all have a handy one-stop-shop to verify your XP gains. It also helps all of us ensure that we are on the same page. More details on the exact XP gained can be found in the OOC chat, and are summarized in the box below.
ACT I - A Beastly Affair.......................................................................7,100 XP per character ACT II - The Secret Meeting at the Boarded Up Tavern...........................................1,000 XP per character ACT III - Scouting.............................................................................4,600 XP per character ACT IV - Entering the Stronghold and the Final Battle Within...................................6,000 XP per character EPILOGUE - Utar's past.........................................................................5,500 XP per character
TOTAL XP earned by the party..................................................................24,200 XP per character
Just to confirm, you should each have somewhere between 41,450 and 41,590 XP as of the end of this episode.
Here are some last reminders before I close out this thread:
Now that the episode is concluding, you all have a good opportunity to engage in any dividing/sharing/bargaining/requesting/trading of your spoils of war as you see fit, if so desired.
Downtime activities take place between episodes through bilateral chats between me and each of you. We will start them soon, picking up from the lasts posts you made above.
You should feel free to go shopping for any mundane items during downtime without the need for RPing. I'll reiterate that this only applies to more mundane items, which can be sold for 50% value (rounded down) or bought for the price listed in the PHB. Potions of healing of the common variety fall under this mundane category as well. If you plan to purchase several of the same item, you may run into supply shortages as stores' inventories are not infinite. Just let me know what you plan to buy and we can go from there.
You can assume that there are enough financiers in town for you to exchange your coins/gems/art pieces/treasure as you see fit. You obviously have to keep the same overall value in your wallet, but feel free to exchange all those pesky copper pieces for silver, cumbersome electrum pieces for gold, opals and sculptures for coins, etc. The only exception here is platinum pieces. Those are not readily available for exchanging.
With that, I'm closing the curtains on this episode. I have some prep to do but we shouldn't have to wait too long before we are able to start our next episode. I'll keep you guys updated.
It was a pleasure running this game for you guys, as always.
Utar sits amidst the rubble for a short time longer. Knowing his eyes won't spot Moneus if Moneus doesn't want him to, he doesn't bother looking for the tiefling and continues to watch the path Litta took away from the manor.
Still, at least his parting with Moneus was a little more friendly and gives him hope that the four of them might find themselves reunited at some point in the future or at least on speaking terms.
Conflicted, yet mostly grateful to Cron, Doozey finally allowed the tension to ease from his shoulders with Chaab's lack of ability to answer the cleverly made question. Though it did little to ease the sting resulting from his own paranoia having led to nothing. And at worse...
He faintly shook his head at the grim line of thought, before tuning in once more to his surroundings. "... uh... I... eh... As far as I'm concerned, seems this mess sorted itself out as well as it could. So, no further questions on my end." Doozey had said nonchalantly after many eyes turned back on the party. "There's still the matter of this sup-.... the -other- debt to House Brokengulf. But, all in due time and order." He adds, frowning faintly towards the end, but having the wisdom not to further deny or press the issue.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
After Doozey’s comment about the debt Graxx pipes up once more.
”Yes, Zhent group or otherwise I consider you an ally.”
Graxx looks at Chaab.
”Once you have done battle beside or even with someone I feel a bond is formed.”
Graxx looks to Aleyd.
”When you have been through tragedies those bonds become even stronger.”
Graxx nods to Ekmong.
”I will not see that bond broken. I hope you feel the same.”
Neya shakes her head, "I have no issues with that judgement. It had revealed many truths even beyond the immediate conspiracy."
"Nevertheless, we will repay our debt to House Brokengulf without complaint."
Extended Signature
(@Grx: Chaab is no longer in the room.)
Although it is not his preferred method of delivering justice, Graxx accepts the potential honor of playing the role of executioner when the time comes. After a few words directed at Ekmong, the trio (Graxx, Doozey, and Neya) receives the following answer: "House Brokengulf will endure, and yes, it shall call on CRAP sooner or later, likely repeatedly. The debt owed is great, after all."
The CRAPers in the room react somewhat differently to that statement. Graxx seems to accept it gladly, eager to fight by Ekmong's side again and strengthen a budding bond. Neya has a more neutral approach, almost treating it like a business transaction. Doozey frowns a bit, but avoids voicing any displeasure... the timing simply isn't right.
Doomguide Yovir's reappearance interrupts the talk. He has a sad look on his face and some blood on his hands. He is accompanied by two soldiers, one of whom holds Lightbringer in her hands. Ekmong approaches the Doomguide and the sadness in one's face passes on to the other. Ekmong thanks him for his services, presses something into his hands, and bids him farewell. The Doomsguide leaves the chamber with a final look about the room but no words directed at anyone else.
Ekmong turns and delivers the news: "Doomguide Yovir is the highest cleric in all of Phlan. He has done all he can but not even he is powerful enough to reconstruct a man's brain, as I feared. The Lord is dead, long live the Lord." The soldiers let out another well-practice war cry. He then has the soldiers wipe the magical mace clean and hand it over the one of the CRAP members. He explains: "The investigation is over, so we have no further need of the murder weapon. You may take it back."
Outside, Utar is now alone and even in deeper thought. He sees Doomguide Yovir pass by, heading toward the front gate. The Kelemvorite remains silent.
Graxx nods and steps up as he goes to carefully take Lightbringer from Ekmong.
"I will return it to Utar. Till we meet again Ekmong.
Graxx turns to Aleyd.
"If you're still up for it after all this I would still appreciate it if you would join me at the Tempus shrine to guide me. No rush as I know we all need to rest."
Graxx turns toward Doozey and Neya.
"Let us find our friend."
Graxx will go outside and find Utar. Graxx will approach cradling the bloodied Lightbringer.
"I believe this belongs to you."
Graxx will extend Lightbringer out to Utar.
"While there was blood on this weapon there is no blood on your hands. You did well. You probably saved all of us from death back there with your talking and winning Ekmong over. We would have been hunted down if you had not cleared our names. There was no way for you to know only Senetir was behind this."
Watching Yovir walk from the manor, Utar rubs his reddened eyes and calls out after the Doomguide, "Lord Valero, he's dead isn't he?"
Whatever Yovir's response, Utar will let him go too; it's late and can feel the weight of today's exertion in his limbs. Doubtless Yovir has more important callings too. Utar reminds himself to visit the Kelemvorites soon. He still hasn't paid his respects to Brother Keefe.
Pulling himself together and then upright.
Spotting Graxx, Utar cradles Lightbringer as though it were a small child.
"Many thanks Graxx. I am glad we discovered Senetir's actions and I am glad we now know who killed off my comrades... I just wish we had been able to do something to stop him with less destruction this time. I think we've much to to repay our debts."
Doozey went wide-eyed for a moment, having not known the full extent of the damage. His own foray into the room had been largely a straightforward affair of escape and hunting down enemies. As the shock fades, he bowed his head in at least respect for the dead; but, he is more than easy to convince to leave at Graxx' suggestion.
Once they are outside later on, and the debt gets mentioned, Doozey again frowns, seeming discontent. But again, he kept silent on the matter, and just sighed before saying, "I don't know what the rest of you plan to do now. But, I at least need to head back to the temple to go collect Biscuit. So, unless of you intend to go as well... where should we meet? Fat Mar's?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya gives a deep sigh. She knew that Valero's permanent death was possible, but it still wasn't the news she was hoping for. However, if fate so dictated, it was a truth she had to accept.
"My deepest condolences, Ekmong." She says with sympathy. "Will you extend it to his son, when you have the opportunity?"
After hearing a response from Ekmong (if there is any), she follows the others out of the room.
She responds to Doozey, "I do need to report this to the Silent Wood. It will put official business with the Moonsea branch of House Brokengulf on hold and put any current contracts with them into question until they are sure Zhentarim influence is gone. Which will take a long time. Perhaps, until the young Lord becomes of age."
"But, yes, the Laughing Goblin sounds like the best place to meet back up. It is only midday, but the events of this morning made it seem much longer."
Extended Signature
INDOORS
After collecting Lightbringer, Graxx reminds Aleyd that she had agreed to meet him at the Tempus shrine at some point. She replies: "Indeed. Give me the rest of today and perhaps tomorrow and I'll send word. We shall go to the shrine."
Doozey and Neya take a few extra moments to digest the news of Lord Valero's demise. The monk go as far as voicing her condolences, which Ekmong accepts with poise. Shortly thereafter, a soldier that had left the chamber reenters it, borrowing Ekmong's ear for a few seconds. The tiefling announces: "The lordling has been found in the exact place the drow elf pointed us to, but it seems he is refusing to trust the soldiers. I'll have to go deal with the situation personally. As such, I must politely asks for all of you to be on your way. The new Lord is unlikely to react well to so many strangers in such an eventful night."
Already with half a mind set on leaving, Graxx leads the way and Doozey and Neya follow after brief farewells.
OUTDOORS
Doomguide Yovir never stops walking toward the front gates, but he utters a response to Utar all the same: "I'm afraid so. I am unable to request such powerful miracles as the one needed to undo such damage, and I know of no other cleric in Phlan who would be." He stops talking after that and continues walking, leaving Utar to wonder whether that was partly an insult.
Utar is left alone for several minutes after that, until Graxx finally approaches. Lightbringer is returned and a few words are exchanged. Doozey reminds himself that he needs to collect Biscuit from the temple and Neya admits she needs to run an errand herself. CRAP agrees to meet at the Laughing Goblin by evening time.
Before they depart, Aleyd approaches, followed from afar by Cron and his men, who are escorting Caah and Chaab. She says: "I expect a couple of busy days ahead of me dealing with the prisoners and the paperwork. Cron wanted to claim the prisoners for himself but, despite defying me at every turn, I still outrank him. So, the prisoner and the extra responsibilities are all mine." Looking about and not seeing the other Tormites, Aleyd fails to deduce the gravity of the situation and simply says: "Tell Litta and Moneus to stay safe. I'll see them when I see them." She then leads the other Black Fists and the two prisoners out of the property.
With that, CRAP is left to deal with their own issues, though they know they should probably leave the Brokengulf grounds as well. A certain deed to a different estate pokes out of Doozey's pocket.
"See you around, Captain. But, hopefully under circumstances, if at all." Doozey said, showing the barest hint of a smile to Aleyd prior to her taking off the premises. Doozey then looks back to the others. Seeing Utar still out of sorts, or at least recovering at this point, Doozey furrows his brow for a moment in thought. "Well, it'll take me and probably Neya a bit to get back to the bar. So in the meantime... here. Don't know if'n ya'll need it. But, perhaps have'n it in hand will help in some way get those design juices going." Doozey then digs out the deed and holds out to Utar.
Regardless of it being accepted or not, he looks up to others and gives a two fingered salute. "See you all in a.... in.........." Doozey's eyes suddenly go wide before he facepalms and says, "Pudge Muffins! I should've asked and seen if we could've gotten a hold of at least some of those scoundrels things, assuming any of it magical. Might've gone a long way in our future endeavors." He lets out an exasperated sigh. "But, I guess that'd be pushing our luck anyhow.. Anyhow! I'm off. See the rest of you in a probably an hour or two. And if I run into any trouble, well... I guess I always have Gravy." With that, unless the others had more need of him, Doozey is sooner or later splintering away from the group for the temple.
(@Lerus: likely won't matter, but.. out of curiosity, can the interrogation time have been considered long enough for a short rest sort of.. asking for a friend. >.>)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: Sick tonight sorry for short post.)
Graxx looks to the others.
”Well at least we will no longer have to fear about someone trying to strike down Utar.”
Graxx rubs his head.
”I normally don’t say this but after all this I need a drink. Any of y’all care to join me?”
Neya says as she and the others leave the grounds, "I can easily compose the report in my room and deliver it tonight. The timing of the delivery won't matter as long as it's before sunup."
She turns to Graxx, "I'll join you as soon as I write it."
Extended Signature
(@Ori: I would be OK with it counting as a Short Rest were it not for the fact that it all approximately happened over two castings of Zone of Truth, that is, about 20 to 30 minutes if we are being generous.)
Doozey hands over the deed to the Leadstooper Estate to Utar and laments not having laid claim to the conspirators' equipment. Graxx asks if anyone is up for a drink and Neya says she'll join him as soon as she sees to her letter. Utar remains mostly silent and pensive for now.
CRAP leaves the noble family's property and go their separate ways, according to their most immediate needs. They'll likely be all back together in an hour or two, but they could all use at least a few days of downtime to compensate for the past few days of non-stop near-death experiences.
BOOKKEEPING
This is our usual end-of-episode bookkeeping post. It's been a while but it should look familiar by now. In this post, we'll note all the XP gained during the episode so that we all have a handy one-stop-shop to verify your XP gains. It also helps all of us ensure that we are on the same page. More details on the exact XP gained can be found in the OOC chat, and are summarized in the box below.
Just to confirm, you should each have somewhere between 41,450 and 41,590 XP as of the end of this episode.
CONCLUSION
Here are some last reminders before I close out this thread:
With that, I'm closing the curtains on this episode. I have some prep to do but we shouldn't have to wait too long before we are able to start our next episode. I'll keep you guys updated.
It was a pleasure running this game for you guys, as always.
(THIS THREAD IS NOW CLOSED)