After Perrin speaks, Koll looks around at the others.

Woe lowers her head in a gesture of assent. Singe nods, as does does Shanolia pulling her pack close to her. 

Zamar says, "If Lera is comfortable, I will as well."

Lera replies, "I have nothing to hide."

"Good," says Koll. "I will start." He lowers his voice. "I killed my own father and have tens of pounds of narcotics in my bag that I am smuggling to Chult." He lets that information sink in before continuing. "That is the short version. Five years ago, my brothers and I ran with the gang of thieves known as the Tower Wolves. One night, we were tipped off about an illegal shipment coming in to Baldur's Gate. There was a treasure among the shipment contained in six iron chests. When we attempted to rob the shipment we crossed paths with another gang after the same thing. In the ensuing chaos, I stabbed a dock worker trying to get at one of the chests. It was dark and it wasn't until he lie dying face up that I recognized my father. I don't know what was in those chests but I still want to find out, to know what my father died trying to protect. Anyway, that is why I spent the last five years locked away, where I found my mentor and discovered my new path to atonement and redemption. My brother Loro, however, is still with that gang. 

"When I was released from prison I hoped to serve Ilmater far and wide and so I joined in the scavenger hunt for the chance to join a group of adventurers. I thought going to see my brother, to get help in our scavenger hunt, was a good idea. It was not. I found myself roped into helping him, and implicating all of us. Part of it was that Shanolia identified Vivicus Sharp, one of my old mates, at the Tower Wolves' hangout. She reported him. I gave them warning, but there was still no going back. Instead of retribution against Shanolia, they've got me to smuggle drugs for them. And it is clear to me that Loro and the gang are no longer petty thieves. They have ties to the Guild now. Unsavoury as they may be, they are either a powerful ally or a dangerous adversary.

"I take full responsibility for all of this. I should never have gone to him. If all of you believe that my situation is unacceptable, then I will resign from our group and go my own way once in Chult.

After a long silence, Woe is the first to speak up. "Wow, Koll. Thanks for sharing. You are a brave man. However, you have endangered all of our lives. We have no choice as to go along with your plans, with your work for the Tower Wolves. I understand your reasoning trying to protect Shanolia. But what happens if you're discovered? We're likely all fish feed then! I am really annoyed right now! You should have shared earlier and given us a chance to decide our own fate."

Then Woe stops, she clearly starts thinking about something she only just realised now: "Koll, how come they have you smuggle narcotics INTO Chult? That doesn't make any sense! Baldur's Gate is where all the customers are, where all the money is! Chult is a jungle and more than likely the place where they grow the supply! Do you know what you are actually carrying?"

After letting everyone asks their questions following Koll's confession Perrin comments with

 "You forgot to mention that its smuggle for them or they kill Shanolia. You also, know that I will not leave you. I already said I'm here to help you until the end." 

Perrin gives Koll a soft smile before looking at each other member of the group telling them "And that extends to all of you as well. We've only known each other a short while but I feel like you're all already my family and I'm willing to help any of you without whatever ails you. Of course, I'm not without my own ails so, here it goes.

Back in my hometown of Nashkel the area is ruled by a tyrant who goes by Lord Drogo Embree." Perrin visibly shakes a little when he says that name. "When a man turns 18 he is drafted into His personal army/watch for a minimum 5 years. While within the watch you are required to uphold His laws and collect taxes, food, whatever from the surrounding people. I was forced to take food from family's who I knew without it wouldn't survive the winter. Four years. That's how long I was in His army for. After that, I couldn't take it anymore. I decided that we needed to rebel. I tried to give a big powerful motivating speech to the people in the center of town. Tried to get them to raise up arms an overthrow Him. However, it failed; everyone just looked at me like I was crazy and continued on with their day. Needless to say, I quit the army that day; something nobody did. After quitting I went home to my family farm to see my mom and dad, however, when I arrived the entire farm was burned down. All of it ash spared for the armor and weapons you see me wearing now which were once my Pas, my holy amulet which was once my Mas, her cooking supplies that I use today, and a note from Him that said: "This is what happens when people stand up to me." Not knowing if my Ma and Pa are alive I fled to Baldur's Gate. It was with my Ma's holy amulet that I took up my Holy Oaths and swore to save my hometown from him. I intend once I'm stronger, to go back home find my parents and save the town."

The entire time Perrin is giving his confessional he looks down into his bowl of curry. By the time he is done speaking Perrin just pushes the bowl away from him; he no longer has an appetite. 

Singe looks at Perrin, seemingly lost in memories of pain, "The aristocracy is often cruel and unforgiving. About two years ago, the chief ambassador of Baldur's Gate suggested that I take on a blossoming trade deal with an unknown province of Tethyr. When we, my partner and I, arrived, it was a gloomy place, no one seemed happy. One night we were going to dine with the baron of the region after dusk, we were not allowed out at night. We took a peak out a carriage window, hoping that we might see why we weren't allowed out. We saw ghouls feeding on a woman. Soon after arriving at the Baron's homestead, my partner asked about the ghouls and, well, he slumped over dead, cockroaches spilling out of his mouth. I ran away from Talginl and here I am. Today, a shadow appeared behind me and said 'You will pay for what you have done'. I fear that it was the baron's underling and that he has found me." Singe breathes in deeply, "Something more relevant to today, when I was little my mother died; a halfling family took me in. Now, my older brother, Alton Stoutbridge, is on this ship and would very much not like to die in Chult in service to the Flaming Fist."

"I... feel like I need to own up to something," Lera turned beet red. "The shadow was me. I was just trying to make you feel bad for abandoning Polly. I had no idea you would think it was something... way worse." The teenager shrunk back into her seat. "I'm sorry, Singe."

"Honesty is really tough, huh?" The girl tried a sheepish grin. "I, ummm, set a tavern on fire when I was eight that hurt a lot of people. Dad had our whole lives planned out, running away from a family where we aren't exactly welcome, and then I came along with magic we couldn't control. We tried, but... I am no bard. It took a lot of singed eyebrows and burning buildings to get here, but even now I feel like I barely have any control most of the time. I don't use the magic as a tool, the magic uses me." Lera sighed. "You all have been through so much, and you have done some pretty amazing things. Someday, I would quite like to be as badass as the rest of you."

Singe laughs a short slightly forced laugh. He's trying to break the tension, "Well that was messed up! Had me really worried for a bit. You still have every right to be angry at me for not allowing you to say goodbye to your friend."

"You're not going to throw a firebolt at me or something?" Lera flinched away. "Because, that was a real shitty move."

Shanolia removes a crumpled paper from her pack, setting it in front of the group.

 "Some of us... Aren't as amazing as you might think."

Singe, smiling, shaking his head, "No, we're on a wooden boat and I don't usually get angry." Singe stops and looks at Koll, "Well... just don't do something life threateningly dumb."

Woe still trying to stifle a laughter about the prank that Lera pulled on Singe, is suddenly silent. She is looking down at the paper Shanolia placed on the table. "This poster, this is you, isn't it? 'Arya', the name you gave at the muster. This is a lot of money - 1000GP!"

Singe looks taken aback, "You killed your mother! Why would the High Elven Council care so much about you?"

"Yes it is me. And yes; Arya was my child name. Unfortunately, I was cast out before I could choose my adult name - the name you all know me by is the one I've decided on. As for the 1000gp, I invite you to try."

Her hand drifts to her dagger, her gaze turning to Singe.

"No. I did not kill my mother, those *Dern'ky* on the council did. I am merely a scapegoat."

“Wait I’m confused? What does this piece of paper say? It’s all gibberish to me?”

Perrin says looming between Singe and Shanolia. 

It says:

"Arya Amakiir

Wanted for Matricide

by the High Elven Council in the High Forest

Reward:  1,000 GP."

"Not just that!" Singe leans over to see the poster, "'Priestess Arya Amakiir! For the murder of High Priestess Ava Amakiir, as well as guards Adran Xiloscient and Vadania Ilphelkiir. Councilor Enazgor Liadon is offering 1000gp for any information leading to the capture or death of the rogue priestess, last seen fleeing into the woods south of the city walls nearly twenty-four years ago!'"

Woe studies the paper again... "Where did you see this, Arya? Where is this paper from? So they are still looking for you!"

"I found this print at the Elfsong Tavern in Baldur's Gate during my first reconnaissance of the city nearly six months ago. It truly was a lovely place; the singing there reminded me of Mum. Until I saw the poster. As for your question; yes. I am wanted for High Treason. They will not stop hunting until I clear my name, or I die trying. And I will die trying if i must."

"I believe you when you say you didn't kill your mother. I feel that you have the support here from your new friends. There seem to be a few issues that we can add to our to-do list should the Circle of the Scarlet Down not be called upon. I will gladly help you clear your name. And you, Perrin, if we have the strength to take on your lord! Koll, we'll help you get back on the road of redemption. And you, Singe, to restore your good name and bring the baron to justice."

Woe looks at each of their faces, so gauge support. Then Woe feels it is time to reveal her 'secrets'.

"For me, well, I am not actually sure what to tell you. My parents and my grandmother were killed by a wild pack of yeth hounds, so I grew up with my grandfather. He taught me singing and playing some instruments. I went out into the world. Playing in taverns and bars for a few years. Then I charmed a nobel out of money, I acquired 500GP... but I was caught and ended up in prison for 3 years. After that I moved to Baldur's Gate, it was just at the time when the goblin and giant attack happened. I fought in the skirmish, almost hand in hand with one of the Patriars, Lord Eltan. But I was wounded. When I recovered, I sought work. And Lord Eltan took me on. I am a functionary for his nobel house here in Baldur's gate... and he is the reason I am here. He is worried about Viscardi's plans. Something seems off, so I am here to find out what Viscardi's scheme is."

Woe breathes deeply. "At the end, I want to hear it from everyone - I want to be sure that nothing that was said in here is leaving this room."

Zamar stands up and looks around the room. "I suppose it is my turn. Like all of you, I harbor secrets, though none quite so...weighty. Before I share I want to honor everything that has already been said. Like Perrin, I am pleased to be a part of this new family. I have connected with all of you on varying levels and have respect for you all. I trust your words." As he mentions each of them, he turns to face them, making eye contact and empathizing with what they have shared. "Shanolia, you have nothing to fear from me. Having traveled in noble circles, I am all too familiar with the lengths some will go for power and the lack of regard for the lives of those they must go through to get it. I stand with you in your path to exoneration. Koll. We have not spent much time together, but you were there when I needed you. Most of the group does not know of our 'adventure' at the counting house, but I fear I would not be here if not for you. While I would not have made the same choices, I firmly believe you made them for the right reasons and with the best of intentions. I cannot fault you for that and will stand with you come what may. Singe, I am sorry for the loss of your colleague and will of course help you bring this baron to justice. I thank you for your trust earlier and for your counsel. Perrin, my heart breaks for your loss. There is no shame in working for a despot, particularly when it is forced. How many others did not have the courage to do what you did? The cost was great, but your family may yet live. For now, let us hold on to that hope. And when the time is right, let us liberate your people. Last, but not least, Woe. I feel I have gotten to know you best and have come to enjoy our time together. Your willingness to risk yourself for my daughter has ensured my loyalty to you a hundredfold. I am unconcerned by your work for Lord Eltan as I am suspicious of our benefactor as well. I will support your efforts in any way I can."

After a long pause, he exhales deeply and smiles a tiny embarrassed smile. "I am not stalling. I assure you. First, you should all know that Lera and I are not human, though we pass well for it. Our bloodline contains a fair amount of Celestial going back generations. I am sorry I did not respond to you sooner, Perrin. Your question just caught me off guard. Our heritage is something of an open secret in Waterdeep, where things such as this are traded as rumors and never openly acknowledged. What minor talent this blood affords us is at your disposal. And now for our bigger secret. Lera and I are also being pursued, both by my family and by Lord Winterbourne of Waterdeep. We are of the noble House of Zahuv, though we usually use a false surname. If we are up to mischief, we go by Winterbourne," he smirks. "If I need to use my title, I am forced to reveal my true identity. We have moved around a lot staying a few steps ahead of our pursuers. I fear that setting down roots in the guild hall may make it easier for as to be found. As to the why of the pursuit, I stole...something from Lord Winterbourne. It was evidence of Lera's parentage. She is absolutely my daughter, but she is not high born. In my circles, an illegitimate child born of a commoner is a disgrace to a family. Such things happen, but the mother is usually bought off and the child disavowed. I met Kara, Lera's mother, while performing in one of the taverns in town and fell in love. Se wanted to flee when she found out she was with child. I would not hear of it. I hid her away in the city and tried to find a way we could be together. Kara...died...bringing Lera into this world. I lost the first woman I ever loved even as I met the second. Other houses would have sent the child to an orphanage by means of a functionary. I could not. I arranged an elaborate scheme wherein Lera was brought to our household as a foundling and raised as my ward. My family's penchant for charity was known so it was not a stretch. I had to cover up any connection to her mother. Even her burial was done in secret. We lived that way for four years. Lera learning the ways of court and studying while I continued my charitable works and performance studies. Then, it all fell apart. Winterbourne had somehow acquired proof of who Lera was. He was of a lesser house but was ambitious. And unscrupulous. He came to me and threatened to expose the secret, casting Lera out and bringing shame to our family. If we did not ally our family to his through political marriage, he would go public. He gave me a day to think it over, confident that there was nothing I could do. He was wrong. Because I spent much of my time helping the less fortunate, I had many contacts among what Winterbourne would consider the 'lesser folk'. I found out what he had and where it was and slipped into his house that night. I looked over what he had and determined that he could not reproduce them. In his aggressive play for leverage, he had...taken care of those he had acquired the information from. That way he would be the only one. His arrogance was his undoing and our salvation. I stole the papers and spirited Lera away in the night. We have been on the road ever since, performing in taverns and inns for food and coin, keeping only what we need to survive and donating the rest to those in need. I keep hoping to find some way to legitimize her so that my family is no longer at risk and that she can reclaim her birthright." He smiles. "Though, if you ask her, she cares for none of it."

He pauses, letting it all sink in. "Unfortunately for my plans of a quiet life of travel and simple pleasures, a certain rebellious young woman used to sneak out of her room and listen to me perform. She allowed stories of brave adventurers and great deeds to fill her head. These, and the latent abilities she discovered along the way, inspired her to take up the adventurer's mantle. Which is how we found ourselves in Baldur's Gate playing in Viscardi's experiment." He looks back to Koll, "I, too, took an unnecessary risk during the hunt. Wanting to distinguish ourselves from the other teams with our blessed clover, I used my family's name as credit to purchase the necklace." He looks abashed. "It was foolish, but I got caught up in the thing and, to be honest, have been feeling a little frustrated with my family. So, I borrowed a bit of my birthright to do something for the team and my daughter. I am sure there will be repercussions when they follow the trail back. I apologize in advance for any trouble this brings to our merry band." As he finishes his tale, he squeezes Lera's shoulder and sits back down. 

Sensing the tenseness and awkwardness in the air after all of us just aired out our dirty laundry Perrin decides to speak up to hopefully break the tension.

"I've said this once but, I'll say it again. I'm here for all of you. You're all quickly becoming my family. Now, I trust nothing that was spoken of in this room will leave this room. We all know each other's personal history and of what might be after us. I'm sure we all joined Lord Viscardi's guild in order to grow stronger and gather resources to accomplish our own personal goals. I can't speak to the others but I will assist each and every one of you in that goal. Now, let us forget about all this serious stuff. We're going to Chult. We've got some mead. Let's celebrate before our first mission as a team." 

Perrin will then pour each member a glass of mead and then raise his glass up for a toast.

"To the Scarlet Dawn."

Perrin states for his toast. Waiting for the other to either say something or start drinking before he downs his own glass.