The room is initially dark, but you all mainly catch sight various plush furnishings that seem to very much an appealing place to sleep right now; a huge four-poster bed, a few reading chairs and even a fine chaise longue.
You all slowly awaken the sound of squeaky wheels, rattling trays and the clanging cutlery. With an innocuous grin, the dwarven castellan Escobert wheels in a trolley with covered plates with steaming pots and jugs closing out the busy keep behind him, "Morning, heroes. I brought breakfast... and coffee!" He wiggles his wild red eyebrows despite looking very tired and still donning his heavy armour.
"Don't worry, there's no rush getting up and eating. But the governor does want a word... as soon as you can." The dwarf flashes a grin before finding a stool in a room lit by beams of sunlight leaking in through the thick curtains. He places himself before filling a teacup from his large electrum hipflask and taking a loud sip.
Ophelia sits up rubbing her eyes, her long black hair wild and unkempt. "I do feel the word 'hero' should be reserved for the kind of person who stands up to a dragon and its champion... I am nothing of the sort." She spies the plates and coffee, with her stomach grumbling instantly, as if on command, and then blushes slightly. "Please, excuse me."
The castellan chuckles and waves away the idea of manners as he hops up and uncovers plates of steaming bacon, gently seasoned scrambled eggs, plenty of warm toast with a dish of butter nearby. A large bowl of porridge lets off a wave of steam as it is revealed as well as a simple silver bowls of local fruits; apples, plums, berries, peaches and grapefruit. "Don't hold back, lass. You don't need to impress me, you've all done that already!"
Escobert shrugs slightly after another swig on his stool, "that is not for me to exactly to say, but I believe it'll start with a 'thank you'. Dragons playing with a town and her people isn't a common occurrence, so it might be something to do with the 'why' and 'how'."
Kava's eyes open at the mention of the dragon, and she sits up quickly. She takes the bowl of porridge, "The answers are obvious... but not... something has changed."
"Hmm, the prisoner didn't know anything too substantial either. Well, just give us the word when you're all done, and we'll head on up..." The dwarf says before picking a slice of toast and chomping it down.
Ophelia gets up and ties her hair back, then tuts to herself as she examines the state her clothes got into last night. She nods to the others when she has made the best of it.
After some hours of sleep, being fed breakfast and the tying of laces the team are led through the keep by Castellan Escobert, who gives the remains of breakfast to a member of the keep’s staff as he passes.
There is an almost tangible vigour amongst the people in Greenest, at least within Scatterheart Keep. Whether it is the need to get back to normal as soon as possible, the focus on what is important readjusted or to combat the looming threat of mortality that overcast everyone last night, seemingly everyone is working at peak efficiency as a bustle fills the hallways of the keep. More than a few people recognise your faces and you are treated with salutes, waves and cheers as well as thanks.
The busyness eases as you ascend to the third floor and cleared by posted guards by the castellan. Here the hallways are carpeted and walls are noticeably more decorated with paintings of scenery and human figures in heroic poses of past and tales.
The castellan leads you through double-doors of dark wood into a study of 20' by 30', where large book cases line the walls, three on either side from the doorway. An impressive desk of matching dark wood of the door is in front of a large window which is lets in the pouring afternoon sunlight and a man in rich blue overcoat paces with heavy thought. Amongst the shelves of neatly organised scrolls and tomes, well-dressed humanoids finish whatever deliberation or research they were carrying out at the arrival of guests.
"I got them Governor, as requested."
Governor Nighthill stops mid-step and turns to his dwarf, who he smiles when he sees and this greeting is shared to seeing you all. A mature man with well-kept black hair, swept back that flows just past his neck. His refined style is interrupted by a grisly scar at the corner of the forehead into the hairline which causes a shock of white. His well-groomed moustache and goatee shaped around a sincere smile as goes to take each of your hands or claw as he gives you each a greeting and welcomes you to the keep.
"It is true honour to have the champions of Greenest here. As you may have guessed, I am Governor Aluin Nighthill. While I cannot know what paths lead you all to our town, what I cannot express enough how much of a blessing it is that you stayed; gracious enough to not just lend a hand, but risk your lives like so many last night. However, I am not the only who wishes to give thanks..."
The Governor gestures to the desk and there he unveils a fortune of coins overflowing from an open chest; while there are a lot of copper pieces, but there are definitely gold and silver among them, next to the chest is a very simple wooden box, stuffed with straw and four vials each containing a rich red liquid, "a collection from the townsfolk in thanks; please trust my word when I say they insisted.”
"But, the main reason I brought you up here,” He pauses a moment before continuing; his eyes rest on each of you with a face turning stern, “I, of course, wish for your further assistance. We can all agree as much as last night's horrific acts caught us off guard, it was not an isolated event. Thanks to the little information given freely to the prisoner, we now know the Cult of the Dragons has grown brave. Where exactly is their base of operations? How many of them are there? What step is this in their schemes? And where are they to attack next, if at all? Of course this is not to go unrewarded; two-hundred and fifty gold pieces a head, if all is discovered."
Nighthill stands straight and gives a little space with a lighter tone, "What are your thoughts? There is time decide, but sooner would very much be appreciated. Any equipment to arm yourselves for combat or travel, you are free to arm yourselves from the keep’s armoury.”
Rewards: 5140 cp, 689 sp, 200 gp (1285 cp, 172 sp and 50 gp each!)
Ophelia brings out her spell book, and looks at the Governor questioningly as she points to the table. "Can I use this please?" Without waiting for a reply, she sits down, and pushes the chest and box away to make room for her spellbook, which she opens and starts flicking through as she mumbles to herself.
"Absorbing elemental magic... sleep... conjuring dear Horace... presti...prestidigi... I'll never be able to cast it if I can't even say it's name...Ah, here we are!" She starts scrutinizing a collection of hastily scribbled notes and then looks up at everyone.
"So, if I may recap, from our perspective of course... This dragon cult attacked the town yesterday evening under the supervision of a blue dragon. The prisoner we took stated that change was afoot at the highest ranks of the cult, designated as 'Wearers of Purple' - they were becoming bolder and more focused - and seemingly contacted a blue dragon... out of the blue, I suppose. The lower levels of the cult were not privy to the why or how, and the intent to attack the town was apparently conveyed to them at the last minute."
She blanches slightly at her next scribble. "We... saw people being dragged away out of sight, I'm not sure if they were killing or kidnapping. I... suppose a headcount of the population, and the deceased, would tell us if anyone was missing. We also came across a group of cultists that appeared to be searching for something along the bank of the river, although I cannot begin to guess what, and they were killed, so we obviously can't ask them any questions."
"Finally, the very interesting scenario that played out in the keep. Kava knew the dragonborn champion of the blue dragon, this Drosa person, and some of her conversations I have been present for indicate she may be able to provide us with information on the cult, the champion, or both. Also noteworthy was Toh being able to cow it slightly by invoking the higher power of Bahamut. Otherwise it was manipulating, mocking and very likely interacting with us to stroke its own ago, all typical blue dragon behaviours. Lastly, the dragon stated that it had been a successful night, although what criteria it was using to come to this conclusion I cannot say."
She stops rattling off information and looks up at everyone, suddenly becoming conscious she had been speaking for a while, and blushes slightly.
Toh sits mostly silent, tapping his foot on the ground as both parties explain things. "I would gladly accept any task to route the forces of the Dragon Cult, as is demanded by Bahamut. These evils cannot be allowed to spread."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Ophelia looks round the others, then offers her own suggestion. "I think we need to find where they were based for this attack, perhaps the prisoner can tell us more?"
The Governor looks impressed at Ophelia'srecount of last night's events. His brow becomes curved at her suggestion involving the cultist who gave themselves up, "you are more than welcome to stay for more questioning. We can have someone help prevent lies being told by magical means, to be thorough of course, but she seemed quite forthright when she spoke to the castellan." Nighthill casually gestures to the bushy red dwarf comrade, who gives a nod to show agreement.
"But as said, if you feel further investigation will aid you finding the base of these... people, by all means. I have my small study here, if you would like a space for private deliberation. My armoury store within the keep walls can see to arming yourselves proper, if you require. I, for one, am keen to hear what you discover."
With a small bow, Governor Nighthill returns to his desk where he and Castellan Escobert quickly fall into hushed discussion regarding Greenest's recovery.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Ophelia takes the guard up on their offer, disappointed at not being able to find out more about the dragon, but excited at the possibilities to come.
The room is initially dark, but you all mainly catch sight various plush furnishings that seem to very much an appealing place to sleep right now; a huge four-poster bed, a few reading chairs and even a fine chaise longue.
You all slowly awaken the sound of squeaky wheels, rattling trays and the clanging cutlery. With an innocuous grin, the dwarven castellan Escobert wheels in a trolley with covered plates with steaming pots and jugs closing out the busy keep behind him, "Morning, heroes. I brought breakfast... and coffee!" He wiggles his wild red eyebrows despite looking very tired and still donning his heavy armour.
"Don't worry, there's no rush getting up and eating. But the governor does want a word... as soon as you can." The dwarf flashes a grin before finding a stool in a room lit by beams of sunlight leaking in through the thick curtains. He places himself before filling a teacup from his large electrum hipflask and taking a loud sip.
Ophelia sits up rubbing her eyes, her long black hair wild and unkempt. "I do feel the word 'hero' should be reserved for the kind of person who stands up to a dragon and its champion... I am nothing of the sort." She spies the plates and coffee, with her stomach grumbling instantly, as if on command, and then blushes slightly. "Please, excuse me."
The castellan chuckles and waves away the idea of manners as he hops up and uncovers plates of steaming bacon, gently seasoned scrambled eggs, plenty of warm toast with a dish of butter nearby. A large bowl of porridge lets off a wave of steam as it is revealed as well as a simple silver bowls of local fruits; apples, plums, berries, peaches and grapefruit. "Don't hold back, lass. You don't need to impress me, you've all done that already!"
“Which word does the governor want?” Jack says seriously
Paladin - warforged - orange
Escobert shrugs slightly after another swig on his stool, "that is not for me to exactly to say, but I believe it'll start with a 'thank you'. Dragons playing with a town and her people isn't a common occurrence, so it might be something to do with the 'why' and 'how'."
Kava's eyes open at the mention of the dragon, and she sits up quickly. She takes the bowl of porridge, "The answers are obvious... but not... something has changed."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
"Hmm, the prisoner didn't know anything too substantial either. Well, just give us the word when you're all done, and we'll head on up..." The dwarf says before picking a slice of toast and chomping it down.
Ophelia gets up and ties her hair back, then tuts to herself as she examines the state her clothes got into last night. She nods to the others when she has made the best of it.
Toh grabs a bit of food and shoves it in his mouth before beginning to put his heavy armor back on.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Jack makes sure his shoelaces are tied.
Paladin - warforged - orange
After some hours of sleep, being fed breakfast and the tying of laces the team are led through the keep by Castellan Escobert, who gives the remains of breakfast to a member of the keep’s staff as he passes.
There is an almost tangible vigour amongst the people in Greenest, at least within Scatterheart Keep. Whether it is the need to get back to normal as soon as possible, the focus on what is important readjusted or to combat the looming threat of mortality that overcast everyone last night, seemingly everyone is working at peak efficiency as a bustle fills the hallways of the keep. More than a few people recognise your faces and you are treated with salutes, waves and cheers as well as thanks.
The busyness eases as you ascend to the third floor and cleared by posted guards by the castellan. Here the hallways are carpeted and walls are noticeably more decorated with paintings of scenery and human figures in heroic poses of past and tales.
The castellan leads you through double-doors of dark wood into a study of 20' by 30', where large book cases line the walls, three on either side from the doorway. An impressive desk of matching dark wood of the door is in front of a large window which is lets in the pouring afternoon sunlight and a man in rich blue overcoat paces with heavy thought. Amongst the shelves of neatly organised scrolls and tomes, well-dressed humanoids finish whatever deliberation or research they were carrying out at the arrival of guests.
"I got them Governor, as requested."
Governor Nighthill stops mid-step and turns to his dwarf, who he smiles when he sees and this greeting is shared to seeing you all. A mature man with well-kept black hair, swept back that flows just past his neck. His refined style is interrupted by a grisly scar at the corner of the forehead into the hairline which causes a shock of white. His well-groomed moustache and goatee shaped around a sincere smile as goes to take each of your hands or claw as he gives you each a greeting and welcomes you to the keep.
"It is true honour to have the champions of Greenest here. As you may have guessed, I am Governor Aluin Nighthill. While I cannot know what paths lead you all to our town, what I cannot express enough how much of a blessing it is that you stayed; gracious enough to not just lend a hand, but risk your lives like so many last night. However, I am not the only who wishes to give thanks..."
The Governor gestures to the desk and there he unveils a fortune of coins overflowing from an open chest; while there are a lot of copper pieces, but there are definitely gold and silver among them, next to the chest is a very simple wooden box, stuffed with straw and four vials each containing a rich red liquid, "a collection from the townsfolk in thanks; please trust my word when I say they insisted.”
"But, the main reason I brought you up here,” He pauses a moment before continuing; his eyes rest on each of you with a face turning stern, “I, of course, wish for your further assistance. We can all agree as much as last night's horrific acts caught us off guard, it was not an isolated event. Thanks to the little information given freely to the prisoner, we now know the Cult of the Dragons has grown brave. Where exactly is their base of operations? How many of them are there? What step is this in their schemes? And where are they to attack next, if at all? Of course this is not to go unrewarded; two-hundred and fifty gold pieces a head, if all is discovered."
Nighthill stands straight and gives a little space with a lighter tone, "What are your thoughts? There is time decide, but sooner would very much be appreciated. Any equipment to arm yourselves for combat or travel, you are free to arm yourselves from the keep’s armoury.”
Ophelia brings out her spell book, and looks at the Governor questioningly as she points to the table. "Can I use this please?" Without waiting for a reply, she sits down, and pushes the chest and box away to make room for her spellbook, which she opens and starts flicking through as she mumbles to herself.
"Absorbing elemental magic... sleep... conjuring dear Horace... presti...prestidigi... I'll never be able to cast it if I can't even say it's name... Ah, here we are!" She starts scrutinizing a collection of hastily scribbled notes and then looks up at everyone.
"So, if I may recap, from our perspective of course... This dragon cult attacked the town yesterday evening under the supervision of a blue dragon. The prisoner we took stated that change was afoot at the highest ranks of the cult, designated as 'Wearers of Purple' - they were becoming bolder and more focused - and seemingly contacted a blue dragon... out of the blue, I suppose. The lower levels of the cult were not privy to the why or how, and the intent to attack the town was apparently conveyed to them at the last minute."
She blanches slightly at her next scribble. "We... saw people being dragged away out of sight, I'm not sure if they were killing or kidnapping. I... suppose a headcount of the population, and the deceased, would tell us if anyone was missing. We also came across a group of cultists that appeared to be searching for something along the bank of the river, although I cannot begin to guess what, and they were killed, so we obviously can't ask them any questions."
"Finally, the very interesting scenario that played out in the keep. Kava knew the dragonborn champion of the blue dragon, this Drosa person, and some of her conversations I have been present for indicate she may be able to provide us with information on the cult, the champion, or both. Also noteworthy was Toh being able to cow it slightly by invoking the higher power of Bahamut. Otherwise it was manipulating, mocking and very likely interacting with us to stroke its own ago, all typical blue dragon behaviours. Lastly, the dragon stated that it had been a successful night, although what criteria it was using to come to this conclusion I cannot say."
She stops rattling off information and looks up at everyone, suddenly becoming conscious she had been speaking for a while, and blushes slightly.
Toh sits mostly silent, tapping his foot on the ground as both parties explain things. "I would gladly accept any task to route the forces of the Dragon Cult, as is demanded by Bahamut. These evils cannot be allowed to spread."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Ophelia looks round the others, then offers her own suggestion. "I think we need to find where they were based for this attack, perhaps the prisoner can tell us more?"
"I can go ask," Kava offers, "though something tells me that wherever they've gone I doubt it's very far away."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
The Governor looks impressed at Ophelia's recount of last night's events. His brow becomes curved at her suggestion involving the cultist who gave themselves up, "you are more than welcome to stay for more questioning. We can have someone help prevent lies being told by magical means, to be thorough of course, but she seemed quite forthright when she spoke to the castellan." Nighthill casually gestures to the bushy red dwarf comrade, who gives a nod to show agreement.
"But as said, if you feel further investigation will aid you finding the base of these... people, by all means. I have my small study here, if you would like a space for private deliberation. My armoury store within the keep walls can see to arming yourselves proper, if you require. I, for one, am keen to hear what you discover."
With a small bow, Governor Nighthill returns to his desk where he and Castellan Escobert quickly fall into hushed discussion regarding Greenest's recovery.