Dues for the Dead (DM Lerus)

Utar ups and follows Aleyd out of the room and into the cooler night air. After the food, conversation and drink, it feels refreshing, blasting some of the fug of the evening away. Given the rebuke that they received over the crones on the island, he suddenly feels the chill in the air room straight up his spine.

"So our last job has us down in the catacombs for Doomguide Yovir. One acolyte dead, mauled by some creature. One missing. We eventually found the missing one, now dead, and the thing which mauled the other. Someone has moved into the catacombs and was raising the dead. We think there's a connection to one of the branches of the Cult of the Dragon. Anyway, this necromancer managed to escape before we could apprehend them. Magicked themselves someplace safe, we don't know where."

Utar pauses, lets the information sink in.

"Aleyd, this necromancer might not be in Phlan. But also, they might not not in Phlan. They obviously sought out the catacombs but they also did weird stuff down there. Posed bodies doing grotesque stuff. Nightmare fuel stuff."

Utar shakes the images out of his head, or at least tries to and exhales centering himself before carrying on.

"What I'm trying to say is there's another Cult of the Dragon magic user we need to be aware of. They're powerful and into the undead, likely drawn to places where they are. If you can think of anywhere like that in Phlan maybe increase patrols and keep an ear out, we need to find them, stop whatever they're trying to raise from the dead. Yovir might lend a hand too but not directly."

Suddenly remembering, Utar mimics Aleyd's impression of Moneus.

"I'll see if our shadowy friend can't keep an eye out from the other side too. See if we can't pinpoint a few promising locations?"

 Doozey sighs softly in the end, mutely resolving to make the next day a bit more of an exploratory one than the one originally in mind, if only for Sagin's sake. As he's patting said Kobold on the shoulder in thanks for the answers, the halfling catches sight of Dornal's departure, and looked on concerned for a moment. Unfortunately, whatever the source of the feeling fails to reveal itself, before the stoutling is sidetracked by Graxx. "... I take it you mean to handle the boat business then, Mr. Graxx? Just as well. I'd join you, but tomorrow promises to be a busy day for me. Do keep your head on a swivel while moving about. As silly as it is to remind ya perhaps, we've made more than enough enemies over the past oh.. month or so. Plenty enough who wouldn't mind making trouble for us all while off guard." He warned, waggling a finger with a stern look, only to falter and give a weak grin.

"As for your question... Uh... I imagine captain to be the higher ranking title. But, it really depends on the organization, I suppose." He explained. "You'd be surprise how many folk can be arse backwards about sort of thing, or how fanciful they can get." 

JUST OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR

Aleyd takes in the first portion of the information Utar is sharing with a concerned look on her face. "Our joint effort in the Quivering Forrest was, without a doubt, a significant blow to whatever plans the Cult of the Dragon has in mind for the city of Phlan. Nonetheless, I am sure it was not enough to completely deter them or their allies. We bought ourselves some time, but they will strike back. This little venture into Valhingen by their necromantic allies is enough proof of that." She listens to the rest of Utar's plea and concludes: "Right. I'll reach out to the Doomguide. Valhingen is certainly the most obvious place to go looking for bodies, and all necromancers do indeed look for bodies, don't they?"

She smirks back at Utar following his mimicry. "Aye. Another set of eyes on this wouldn't hurt." She pats Utar on the engraved pauldron and wishes him a good night.

BACK INSIDE

(@Grx: Utar has the Soldier background and the Military Rank feature. Surely, he'd know the answer to Graxx's question on military rank. Too bad he had just stepped outside. If you'd like, feel free to roll a history check.)

Inside the Leadstopper Residence, Graxx, Doozey, and Neya continue to plan the next day while Sagin and Taters finish up their plates.

Moments later, Sagin takes the initiative to begin cleaning it all up. The CRAPers join in and, soon enough, the evening is coming to a close and all is set up for Fat Mar's return in the morning, as he had arranged with Utar.

Although they have to use their camping equipment on account of the house still being quite empty, the party enjoys their first night in their new, albeit unfinished, headquarters. The night's festivities and a roof of their own even give them enough confidence to only take light watches overnight. Nothing comes to pass and a sense of security begins to fill the air within the Leadstopper home. Falling asleep in a place CRAP can call their own just hits differently.

(OOC: You may go ahead and complete a Long Rest. Feel free to retroactive RP anything else you'd like to wrap up during the evening. Otherwise, please detail what each of you would like to do over the next day in Phlan.)

Utar watches Aleyd walk off into the night until the turn of a street hides her from view and he ducks back into the Leadstopper House to help with the tidying up before the morning arrives.

Waking on a hard wooden floor isn't too far removed for Utar than waking on a cot within the House of the Hand, and knowing that Fat Mar and likely some eager craftspeople will be arriving, he wakes early knowing that he need to send some further messages out and given timescales, need them to go as soon as possible.

Message to Harper:

Message to Moneus:

Once Fat Mar arrives, Utar will help him load back up the cart. "Are we able to arrange another order for tonight?  Maybe add in two or three extra meals.  Same delivery time and then pick up?"

(OOC - There is maybe an opportunity for Graxx to pick Utar's brains on dealing with Hurn during the clean up process or during the early morning?  Also, @Lerus, did we drink those barrels dry last night or can we cut down the next order?  Does Doozey want to introduce the Sagin to the craftspeople and let them know they've got another early finish tonight?)

Graxx nods his head to Doozey and unconsciously moves his right hand to touch his axe.

"I'd be honored to have you join me Doozey but I understand we all have a job to do.  I'll certainly be on the lookout." says Graxx.

Once Utar reappears Graxx will indeed pick his brain.  Graxx approaches Utar seeming slightly confused.

"Say... Utar.. In your experience... Is Captain or Lieutenant typically higher ranking?  Doozey was thinking it was probably Captain but I just want to know what I'm dealing with when I go talk to Hurn."

The next day Graxx will take Glory and head toward the docks to seek out Lieutenant Hurn.

The next morning, Neya makes her way to the noble houses. Her first stop is the the Brokengulf estate, she asks for an audience with Ekmong at the gate.

"Mn. Indeed we do. See you in the morning my friend." With that, Doozey waits for Sagin to finish up his elected portion of cleaning up, before seeing to the usual night time use of Silent abjuration magic(excluding allies and tiny creatures from the alarm) wherever the group would find their rest. Though he would pause and pontificating over the grim need of such magic, sleep found the stoutling all the same.

Come the next morning, and much to Sagin's chagrin, Biscuit replaces Taters in the limelight once more. Something Doozey tries to assure the introverted Kobold of the necessity given the sorta of trouble the group has been tied to and that the Kobold was in part no doubt aware of by that point. Yet as further assurance nevertheless, he makes Biscuit promise not to get 'too' close or affectionate with the Kobold for at least the day. But the thought of getting Sagin eventually comfortable around Biscuit would continue to float around in the back of his head...

Regardless! While the others were busy or would soon be so that morning, Doozey stuck around long enough to let the workers that they would ineed get another early finish that night. That, and of course introduce Sagin to the crew on the off chances the Kobold found reason to drop by while the group were away. But with those things out of the way, and short of any voiced concern or complaints about further delays on construction, the Stoutling was content to practically drag his draconic apprentice(?) practically all over Phlan gathering supplies to make more special ammunition, as well as drop by Fat Mar's Inn (or.. whatever the actual establishment was called >.>) to pay for Sagin's room for at least the next tenday, and maybe put in a good word in to have them hire Sagin on for awhile.

(OOC: Not sure how deep into the reeds you wish to get into with that one Lerus, but if short cutting to a persuasion check with Mar's boss, here's the roll: 2)

During the shopping portions of their trip, Doozey... just cannot help himself. Because just gathering the usual suspects (ie. ALchemist Fire, Holy Water, and Smephit round material(for more research)), Doozey tries to poke Sagin's brain a little in hopes to get the kobold's advice on some of the odd concoctions his people had put together; such as whatever had been in the pot that poisoned Neya a while back! This he did so knowing it to be a longshot considered Sagin's previous vocation within the tribe. But... he just had to ask, if but in hopes of worming the kobold out of his shell.

--> Swapping Taters for Biscuit

(@Lerus: I'll have more hopefully shortly regarding just how much of any rounds that Doozey attempts to HOPEFULLY make before its time to meet back up with the others.)

(@Lerus: Here we go. Just let me know of any ammo limitations as far as how many can be produced within a day)

Rounds later attempted to make:
At least 10 phoenix Rounds, though 20 preferred (Spending 50gp to purchase Alchemist flask as part of construction)
At least 10 holy water bullets (Spending 25gp for Holy Water flask + anything extra for the casings themselves)
At least 5 Smephit Rounds (Forgot the cost for material.)

Phoenix Rounds: 25.

Deva Rounds: 17.

SMephit Rounds(short for smoke Mephit): 23.

(Adv. from previously agreed foreknowledge of creation (plus prior assistance from Villonah))

BEFORE THE EVENING IS OVER

Knowing his half-orc companion might be more attuned to military-themed details, Graxx has the opportunity to repeat his question once Utar reenters the room. Utar has no trouble confirming that the rank of captain is indeed higher than that of lieutenant. He even goes one step further, detailing that in the Black Fist, as in many other military organizations out in the world, the rank of captain is exactly one degree higher than the rank of lieutenant.

Utar helps clean a bit but also makes sure he goes to bed early, knowing how busy tomorrow will be. Doozey eventually helps everyone feel more at home by setting up his usual magical alarm. The spell never triggers over the next eight hours.

THE NEXT MORNING - UTAR

Utar is the first to wake up. After his usual morning hygiene steps, Utar gets straight to sending messages to a couple of companions.

Harper's response:

 Moneus' response:

Despite his early rise, Utar watches all other CRAPers leave the house before him. The half-orc wanted to be sure to meet Fat Mar and welcome the workers back into the site. The latter happens first. They are happy to hear this is another short day, and their leader thanks Utar for offering them a break from their normally heavy schedule.

Fat Mar arrives half-an-hour later and is happy to make another big catering sale. Utar lets him know that there is no need for another barrel of ale just yet, but Fat Mar lets him know that the new order will still cost him some 30gp, including the additional meals. "Goat stew is our main dinner dish at the Laughing Goblin tonight. I'll bring plenty of bread too. I'll take the soiled dishes and fabrics now, but keep the furniture for another night. I had already brought extra chairs anyway. Maybe this time you'll let me occupy one of them?"

THE NEXT MORNING - GRAXX

The ride from the residential district in the east side of Phlan to the docks in the southeastern tip of the city is not a long one. Graxx enjoys it nonetheless, with Glory gladly taking her new master after a morning carrot or two. She is still getting used to her new barding set, which was readily available at the stables but just a tad too tight for her size. Graxx makes a mental note that he may need to buy some leather straps separately at some point to help him customize the set into a better fit for his new war-mare. Other customizations may be in order too.

His arrival at the docks is met with many a peering pair of eyes. Riding within city limits is not frowned upon, but nine times out of ten the rider is usually a Black Fist officer. Graxx's attire most certainly prevents him from being mistaken for one. Graxx has no trouble finding the Black Fist outpost at the docks, or a secure spot to which he can tie Glory. A black fist guard grunts as Graxx enters the small building, more out of annoyance he'll need to talk to someone likely bringing a complaint than anything else. Once Graxx asks for Lieutenant Hurn directly, the guard seems a bit relieved. He goes to the back with Graxx's name and description in his mind and, soon enough, returns with an invitation for the tribesman to meet Hurn in the back office.

The dwarf's office is just as cramped as before, but Hurn is now less careful about hiding his general dislike for organization and work. There are food leftovers on the corner of his desk, a small mound of handkerchiefs in another corner which were surely meant to be sent for a wash a few days ago, and a pile of clearly unopened letters in a tray. Hurn is sweating as Graxx takes a sit. The lieutenant makes a brave face, touches the large commemorative medal still hanging from his neck, and begins the conversation in a defensive tone: "If you are here to wrest the laurels for fixing the lighthouse from my hands, you should know that it is in vain. I ordered its fixing and paid you and your friends for it, so I am the rightful earner of such laurels."

THE NEXT MORNING - NEYA

Neya's solo mission has her returning to the Brokengulf Estate. This is the first time she faces the main gate after the events that culminated in Lord Valero's murder. She has not heard from Ekmong since then, despite his clear message that he expected CRAP's service to the noble house as some sort of debt repayment. The memories cause Neya to feel unsure about how she might be received.

The guards make Neya wait at the gate for an uncomfortable amount of time. Eventually, she is allowed in, albeit only while escorted by many Brokengulf retainers to her left and right. She can tell a few of them remember her. They lead her into the manor and through some of the rooms she explored in that fated night. Soon, she finds herself invited to enter a new room: a large study with walls covered in tomes and an oversized desk, meticulously organized. A bright-red-skinned and onyx-haired tiefling waits for her on the other side of the desk: "How may I be of service to you, Neya of the People of the Silent Wood?" His face reveals little about what he may be feeling at this moment or his general predisposition toward Neya.

Although there does not appear any retainers have made their way into the room with Ekmong and Neya, the monk can hear a fair number of them just outside the closed door she traversed to enter the study.

THE NEXT MORNING - DOOZEY

Sagin seems happy enough to accompany Doozey, though a few nervous glares are reserved for Biscuit. The trio leaves together, but not before Doozey aids Utar in welcoming the workers for the day and Sagin is properly introduced to the crew. They seem a bit confused at first but nod along as they are told the kobold might come and go from the construction site over the next several days. One worker says the words "errand kobold boy" from the back somewhere, which earns a laugh or two and seems to summarize the arrangement Doozey is trying to explain to them. Anyhow, Doozey, Sagin, and Biscuit leave shortly after, and before Fat Mar arrives.

Coincidentally enough, the trio first makes their way to the Laughing Goblin. They are received by Imizael, the elven-named human manager/host/bartender of the establishment. She gladly rents a room out to Doozey, to be used by Sagin for a full tenday. A coin per day adds up to a 10gp bill. Doozey tries to alleviate the cost by persuading Imizael to hire Sagin as a temporary kitchen assistant. She looks closely at the kobold, trying to gauge his character: "Sagin, was it? Well, he seems like the helpful type but I can't just go offering a job to someone I just met like that. Lets talk again in a couple of days, after Sagin and I have a chance to know each other a bit better." It looks like she meant that in an 'allow me more time to judge his character' sort of way.

Doozey spends the rest of the day in the rented room with Sagin, engaging in some bullet crafting. They converse while working, with Sagin showing quite the interest in what Doozey is doing. He confesses: "Sagin is no inventor... Some kobold inventors throw flasks of acid... Others use poison... Sagin does not know about acid, but poison comes from snakes and scorpions... Sagin does not know how to get them from the animals..." Later in the process, Sagin sniffs Doozey's vial of greensleep mushroom dust and asks if he is going to use that in his bullets, displaying his curiosity.

The crafting goes well. Perhaps, Doozey felt inspired by the presence of an enthusiastic observer ("enthusiastic" for Sagin's norms... he is still quite reserved and generally coy.) Although it takes the whole day and he has to send Imizael away from the door a couple of times as she complains about the smells, Doozey manages to complete his list as planned.

(@Ori: That's 20 Phoenix rounds, 10 Deva rounds, and 10 Smephit rounds. Please keep these last ones separate from the Delectable Devastators in your inventory, which were a 'happy accident' that used the same ingredients.)

(@Ori: Thanks for all the rolls and details regarding purchased items and costs. What you wrote down looks good to me. Regarding the Smephit rounds, I believe Villonah simply gave you some flour before. This would be the first time you are buying it directly, no? You can get 1 pound of flour for 2cp. The glass casings for the Deva and Smephit bullets are more expensive. Lets us say that the amount of glass equivalent to one glass bottle is enough for 10 casing of the quality/specifications/time you demand for your bullets. Then, that's 2gp per 10 casings.)

Response to Graxx: "Hmmm, it whether a captain or a lieutenant sits higher up the tree depends on the specific organisation, there's no hard and fast on it. But for the Black Fist, I'd say Aleyd sits higher than Hurn.  It wasn't that long ago he was a sergeant. I'd say that Hurn will expect a bit a respect given his rank.  You shouldn't salute but a 'sir' here and there wouldn't go a miss."

Utar chuckles along with Fat Mar and makes sure to pay him.

"Best ask Imizael about that one, but I think we likely owe the staff of the Goblin a bit of a night out at some point, likely when we have furniture of our own though?  Same arrangement for collection tomorrow morning?"

After waiting for him to leave, Utar takes a moment to enjoy the bustle of the craftspeople going about their work and after a moment realises that he's not doing anything productive himself, just watching others do so and as enjoyable as it is to watch someone at their craft, he has business of his own to do.  Taking his leave, he heads out towards the House of the Hand.

Arriving, he looks for any of the brothers or sisters to ask for costing for holy water and likely a few other spell components, powdered diamonds, things that might be distasteful to anything fiendish... Failing that, he heads off to start his own research.

(OOC Assuming a roll is needed here but not 100% sure of which is required.  Utar is looking for information on fiends first and foremost, particularly those associated with Tiamat, fiendish monsters she might have control over, their weaknesses, history of the island/islanders from other visitors if there have been any.  I'm assuming investigation or history, if so, 18 for either of those too.  If religion then add 4 to the previous roll.  Utar is most definitely asking for Torm's aid in this, so here's 2 from guidance.)

"Thank you for meeting with me," Neya begins.

"My friends and I discovered that a threat we thought was neutralized, was in fact, growing in power," She starts giving context, "A coven from a fishing village on small island in the Stormy Bay. But, recently their signs of their activity has been seen in Phlan."

"Before we knew of their true nature, we had previously aided them in the defense of the island against an invasion from the Cult of the Dragon. During which, we accidentally broke some sort of pact they had with Tiamat. Before we left the islands, they asked us to look for someone, only to find that they were under the protection of a young bronze dragon who then told us of trio's nature. As a result we decided not to have any further dealings with them."

"A few days ago, we went to young dragon's lair to give it some aid. But we were too late as it was slain by a large, multi-headed monster before we arrived. The monster remained, but the person the coven wanted was missing. After slaying the creature, we attempted to go to the island to try to stop the coven for good. But were stymied by a fiend now inhabiting the waters surrounding the island. Something related to the River Styx. We have no proof either or both were summoned by this coven, but the surrounding timing and events makes it too much to be a coincidence."

She then cuts to the chase, "We've made plans to go back with a greater force. We are taking care of the manpower and the materials, ourselves. We just need to know what it is we're up against. We were wondering if there was something in your library that may help us. All we know of them is they are a trio of seemingly old women with strange powers. They don't seem to care about the islanders that seem to be under their thrall, as we've seen a number of islanders' had drowned outside of the dragon's lair."

Religion: 11

 It is almost like a light switch flips on in Doozey's mind when Sagin brings up the dust. At that point he becomes quite animated for the first time since most of have known him about his previous mulling over just how he might fashion a bullet from the stuff. The problem, the need to be ingested after being mixed with some degree of water, leaving it hard to concoct a solution. But! He admits freely of having felt close at times to some kind of break through ever since the accidental invention of his delectable deserts, considering how compact he effectively made the potential rations.

And on and on and on he went while working, only to slowing down as Sagin's interest reoccurred to him. At which point the stoutling tried to teach Sagin at least a thing or two about the more established rounds. That way if the Kobold ever felt up for trying his own hand at inventing, well, anything, he had at least a start point! By the time it finally occurs to him to think on anything else, the day has flown by to the point of shocking the Stoutling upon finally making the connection. "We probably should be getting back to...... oh shoot! I almost forgot!" He hurriedly fishes around ins pack until finally producing his fire fly in a jar. All with the intention of speaking with it real quick about what it's preferred food stuff. That way if there was time, he could see about picking some up on their way back to the Leaderstopper home base with Sagin and Biscuit in tow!

Graxx smiles at the Lieutenant's defensiveness.  Graxx see's the sweat he knows Hurn is not a happy man.

Graxx remains seated but leans forward as he looks at the medal.

"We're not so different you and I."

Graxx leans back in his chair relaxed as he begins to tell a story.

"I remember back when I was still with my tribe.  I would go out and kill the biggest stag in the land.  I would bring it back and they would chant my name.  Their bellies would be full.  Their backs would be warmed from the hide.  I would be a hero... For a little while."

Graxx steels his gaze on Lieutenant.

"But... Slowly they forgot... They forgot the taste of the venison in their mouths.  Soon, the stomachs would rumble once more and they would grow dissatisfied.  Their stomachs would begin to rumble and once more they would begin to grumble."

Graxx motions toward the stack of unopened letters on Hurn's desk.

"I"m guessing people are starting to forget the deed that made you a Lieutenant, sir.  They are starting to forget how important you were to their survival.  Would I be right, sir?" asks Graxx genuinely.

Graxx nods his head in agreement like he already knows the answer.

"I too am seeking out new deeds to further my place in this realm.  Just like you need to perform deeds to progress your rank in the Blackfist.  I'm sure we could find ways to help each other."

Graxx tries to avoid looking at the disgusting leftover food and keeps his eyes on Hurn.

"Tell me... What complaints do you have that are keeping you up at night that maybe a bit of muscle might need solving."

Graxx puts up his hand.

"Before you ask what's in it for me I'll tell you.  I come to you today for two reasons.  First, for what I've mentioned so far, to see if there is a way for us to help each other.  Specifically, some of my former Tribesman are in the prison and I would look for anyways I can to reduce their sentences.  Would you know anyone in the prison that may be of assistance if our relationship proves fruitful?"

Graxx breathes out a sigh.

"Secondly, and probably much easier ask.  I know you know everything that happens on the seas around here and who sails it.  I seek to hire a ship and crew to take us to an island off the coast.  The trip may fair to be a dangerous one so we will need a seasoned crew.  Would you happen to know anyone who you could put me in touch with?"

Persuasion:  7

UTAR

Fat Mar seems intrigued with the possibility of being entertained for an evening sometime in the near future. His jolly disposition is now in full display. He agrees to everything Utar says after that: "Yes. Same arrangement for collection tomorrow morning. See you then."

At the House of the Hand, Utar is taken to the same room he visited once before. The room has several pieces of artisanal furniture, each sporting several small cupboard doors and drawers. Utar is taken to a different piece of furniture from the one where Sister Ahkt once showed him a few relics of Torm they keep here. Following Utar's explanation about what he is looking for, and now facing this other piece of furniture, the Sister pulls a drawer open and shows the cleric several pre-measured sachets with powdered metal inside. She grabs three of them, places them in Utar's hand, and explains: "These are mixtures of powdered silver and iron, each enough for one casting of Protection from Evil and Good. One of them will also serve you well if casting Dispel Evil and Good instead." She opens another little door and grabs three empty vials. She leads Utar to a water basin located in the same room, fills them up, corks them, and hands them over: "Three vials of holy water." She then begins to lead Utar back to the entrance, assuming he has other errands to run. On the way, she tells him that they did not yet have a chance to restock on their diamond supplies for major rituals, and thus cannot offer him any at this point in time. She additionally makes one last point before saying farewell: "We know you'll be putting these supplies to good use in delivering Torm's justice. I wouldn't consider this a sale of supplies, but we have to pay for these supplies like anyone else. Keeping a well stocked storage is quite important to us and the work that we do. I know that you know this. You have been quite generous with your donations and we have been able to aid many of those in need. Thank you."

Finding time to do some research, Utar then moves to the temple's study room instead of leaving the temple as Sister Akht had assumed he would/needed. This is not where the temple invests most of its efforts, so the bookshelves are meager, at best. In spite of the small selection, Utar finds a tome on hellish creatures. It is not one of the more famous bestiaries he has heard of, but perhaps the work of an enthusiastic Tormite from decades ago. It is all written in a careful handwriting, though some pages are marred by ink blotches. There is no mention of Tiamat in this passion project of a book, and Utar begins to doubt its author ever visited the nine hells themselves, but there is a passing mention of creatures collectively called yugoloths. The author paints them as non-chaotic but still quite evil creatures that deal in souls as if they were currency. They act as mercenaries that ply their trade throughout the Lower Planes and in other realms, and have a reputation for effectiveness that is matched only by their desire for ever more wealth. Although there are no drawings in these pages, the author claims to have heard stories about three types of yoguloths. The author calls them Mezzoloths, Dhergoloths, and Hydroloths. The first and the second are described as insectoid creatures, while the third is said to resemble a toad. This and the mention of the word "mercenaries" are what made Utar close in on these pages specifically, and the only connection this amateur work potentially extends to him in regards to his recent encounter with a fiend.

NEYA

(@Drache: The dice roll didn't work, so let me roll it here on your behalf: 18.)

Ekmong listens to Neya carefully. He seems intrigued by the story, but can't help but poke Neya a bit: "It seems your group has a penchant for worsening a situation despite setting out to resolve it in the first place. Your heart is in the right place, but you are clumsy." Neya understands this to be a response to both the current tale and the one that last brought her to this manor.

editing...

NEYA (CONTINUED)

(OOC: I can tell the post above will give me dice trouble if I try to edit. The pop-up with details on the roll is not appearing when I hover my cursor over it. I have learned that this is a good indicator that I shouldn't edit that post any longer, so I'll continue it here.)

Ekmong concludes his thought a few seconds later: "And people die when you are clumsy."

Despite his initial confrontational tone, Ekmong stands up and begins walking toward one of several bookshelves in this home library/study room. The decision on whether to follow him is left to Neya. He adjusts the volume of his voice depending on the monk's distance to him as he walks around. "I know of the dragon you speak. Derannos was his name. House Brokengulf dealt with him several years ago, hoping to recruit him as an ally in the fight against Claugiyliamatar. He refused, saying his duty was to watch over another evil in these lands. We traded information, of course, but in the end, Derannos was too young to properly engage in a fight with Claugiyliamatar in any case, so we abandoned that effort. It is a pity the bronze one has met their fate. It is hard to find honorable dragons these days."

He picks a book from one of the shelves: "I assume his 'duty' is what killed him in the end, multi-headed monster or no." He turns into another aisle: "The word 'coven' is used to describe any second gathering of wise women these days. Few are truly deserving of such accolade, though I gather the ability to strike a deal with Tiamat makes this trio you described no mundane gossip group for old village ladies." He grabs a second book. "Tell me, Neya, does the person the villagers were looking for happen to be a young maiden perchance? Perhaps one just entering her adolescent years or 'coming of age'... whatever that means in their backwash village." Ekmong does not wait for an answer. He is back at the desk now, placing the two selected books on it. One of them is already open to a specific page. The other is a much quicker read, even in its entirety. Both books are protected by robust yet artistic covers.

The first book describes the ritualistic formation of a coven of hags. It defines a coven as a semi-permanent gathering of entrepreneurial hags who see a need to work together in spite of their selfish natures. The members of a coven are equals within the group; however, each of the hags is said to continue to desire more personal power. The formation of a coven greatly empowers each of the hags, but only as long as they stay together and loyal to the coven. As a coven, hags become greater than the sum of their parts, sharing magical powers among them which were unavailable to them as separate individuals. A coven is said to most often be formed of exactly thee hags, lest the infighting gets out of control. A coven also consists of three hags so that any arguments between two hags can be settled by the third. If more than three hags ever come together, as might happen if two covens come into conflict, the result is usually chaos. The book goes on to describe how covens thrive on the petty worship and fear from simpletons, who follow their every order in hopes of gaining the tiniest of favor from the powerful group.

The second book is much thinner. It's a fictional tale about a little girl who was unsatisfied with her home life and ran away from home in search of her own adventures. The first few pages describe how she came across a talking frog and helped the animal turn back into the beautiful lady it had once been. A second adventure has the girl fooling an ogre into releasing a damsel he had captured for supper. A third one describes a slightly older version of the girl learning a bit of magic from sprites in the woods. The fourth and last story tells of the girl's coming of age celebration, at the mere age of thirteen. Her fey friends had promised to take her into their own realm for a party she would never forget. Except, the girl got lost on the way and sought help at the first house she found among the trees. Soon, the woods became darker and song-less, the sprites moved back to their home, and the woodland beings stopped visiting. You see, after much adventuring and growing up in the forest, the girl had become ripe for reaping, and the two beautiful ladies were ready to recruit a third into their ranks.

Ekmong ends the reading session on a positive note: "Thank you for the well-told story and all of the details. Your willingness to share them upfront allowed my detective work to be quite swift. I wish you the best of luck in cleaning up the mess you made."