Dues for the Dead (DM Lerus)

Doozey appears to bite back a follow up for Thokk once things move back towards the main topic at hand, but seem no worser mood for it. Rather he listened quite attentively to the exchange, and closely observed the reactions of their would be allies(excluding Dornal) to the news.

Insight: 12.

"Needless to say, the nature of the threat might require more than just the mundane in terms of weaponry as well. So, if you have not the means at the moment, I am willing to offer enough coin so that you may have at least some arms silvered in advance. Doing so will not of course come out of any overall payment for services rendered on this venture."

Thokk responds to Graxx's words: "It is no matter."

Harper looks pensive: "A hag coven with a village at their feet and connections to other planes... This sounds like quite a pickle." He thinks some more, in silence, before speaking up again: "Dornal had mentioned that I was being brought to the table to perhaps offer a wider array of potential contacts or allies to join you in this effort. There are indeed individuals out there better suited for adventuring in the countryside than yours truly, so I must admit my preference would indeed be to provide you with resources... In the name of maintaining our collegial and mutually beneficial relationship, of course."

Dornal can't help but laugh before replying: "Yes, we get it. Do not worry, Harper, I don't think anyone here was counting on you to join the mission directly. Your suggestion on those who might take your place, however, would be highly appreciated." Harper shrugs and raises his hands in a "what can I say" sort of gesture. "I'm happy to reach out to any contact of mine who would be willing to join this mission on short notice. Do you have anyone in mind or should I handpick someone myself? You may also want to think carefully about pay before letting me know how many more adventurers you are looking for."

The details of the mission offered by Graxx and Neya get a reaction from Thokk: "This could be a fairly challenging quest, but I am up to the challenge given the right rewards. My trident is well suited for combat against magical creatures, so I will require no silvering of my weapon."

Doozey's mention of coin is the first thing to get a reaction from Rag. The halfling turns his head and stares intently at his fellow halfling: "How much?" Rag blows some smoke from his pipe, which comes out in the shape of a sea turtle swimming through the air.

Before any CRAPer can respond, Dornal reminds everyone: "Oh... not a mute after all. Anyway, I'll cover the transportation costs and require no payment myself. Phlan's well-being and CRAP's goodwill are more than enough reward for this dwarf." he then finishes two tankards of ale placed in front of him by Sagin. "And ale... I'll take ale too." He looks to be relaxing a bit relative to his more "business-like" demeanor from earlier in the evening.

@Doozey:

Utar reminds Sagin not to neglect himself when it comes to serving drinks before turning to the rest of the group.

"We know that the island is protected by at least one hydroloth. Stands to reason there might other beasts on the island itself. Given what we saw in that cave, they are likely formidable. So it's good you place so much faith in your trident, Thokk. We likely all will need to before this is over. Rag, Dornal, I hope you have something similar tucked up your sleeves? At least something silvered? If not, we know a smith who could likely help with that."

Pausing to take a large sup of his ale, Utar considers continuing, but thinks better of it and takes another gulp.

"Harper, anyone you know might have the skillset to help us there, or experience of dealing with something similar? I wondered if you might be able to suggest someone with arcane abilities? Failing that, I wonder if you have kept tabs on Drazzim? Remember him? Dwarf, white hair."

Utar stops suddenly, realising he's also describing Dornal, then quickly follows up.

"Fondness for ales..."

Torm's hand! Still Dornal!

"And for large axes! And uh, halberds. Which are just axes with longer handles. Anyway, we didn't part in good terms but he'd be a stout dwarf to have in a pinch and could likely stand toe to toe with Thokk and Graxx."

The slightest frown graces Doozey's lips at the reaction of the halfling. And yet without missing much of a beat, short of the others speaking up first on the subject, then he say going off his own assessment, "Four hundred gold each with... an added bonus depending on performance, I suppose. Which at a minimummm.... let's say an added hundred gold? Of course, if you do not make it and have a next of kin or the like you would want us to have send your earnings to, we can be sure to have it arranged. If this amount isn't quite to your fancy though, well... You've heard us out. So, I s'pose it'd be only fair to hear you out in turn." At the last bit, he looked more pointedly at Rag.

Though before the halfling speaks, he turned sharply up to Harper and adds, "Someone with a talent for Abjuration magics I'd say would also be welcome for at least hindering this coven's magic. Other than that as well..." He trailed off there making a small offhanded gesture denoting 'at your discretion' to Harper.

Utar repeats Doozey's earlier question and his insistence pays off. Dornal says: "I fight mostly with my fists and have learned to control their power enough to channel my inner spirit into my strikes. It should be enough to overcome most magical defenses." Rag does not respond with words. Instead, he nimbly draws two daggers and stabs the table with them. A quick glance at the blades are enough for experienced adventurers such as CRAP to notice the daggers have been carefully silvered.

Dornal laughs as Utar struggles to distinguish him from this Drazzim he continues to hear about. "It sounds like I may enjoy this good dwarf's company!" Unfortunately, Harper is less optimistic: "I have indeed kept tabs on Drazzim and he has completed a few odd jobs for me since leaving your group. In fact, he is in one such job as we speak, which makes him unavailable for the quest you are financing." Bringing in Doozey's comment, the half-elf adds: "Drazzim's skill wouldn't be a good match for your arcane/abjuration needs at any rate, so I'll have to introduce someone else to you. My question still remains, however: how many adventurers should I send your way? Just the one on top of the two Dornal brought here tonight or perhaps more?"

Doozey does not answer Harper's question directly, choosing to instead focus on Rag's. Thokk replies right away: "The amount of 400gp plus potential bonuses is acceptable. You may count me in. In case I fall, please send my payment to the Elgelhart ranch located on the outskirts of the pearl city of Ankhapur." He offers no additional explanation on that last point. Rag uses his words only for the second time this evening. He is just as curt as in the earlier exhibit: "I accept." He offers no details regarding possible beneficiaries in the case of his death.

Throughout all of this conversation, the evening is progressing well. Food and drink are being enjoyed, including by Sagin, who also seems to be getting slightly better at this serving thing he has been trying out.

Utar winches as the daggers sink into the table top and hopes that the damage goes unnoticed when collection rolls around tomorrow morning.

"Just the one please Harper.  I would think that a spellcaster would round out the expedition nicely.  I say we eat and do a little more planning tonight, we still need to secure transportation, but that shouldn't take too long.  We could be ready to set out in no more than a couple of days time."

A sudden thought comes into Graxx's mind.

"I am glad we will be shedding blood together.  I must warn you to not get too close to me during battle.  My weapon is enchanted to sometimes harm those things around me." says Graxx.

Graxx smiles.

"Adding a wizard sounds nice." says Graxx.

With Utar answering the numbers question, Doozey was content to squeeze in the time to take down some notes on the accords so far. Things like the matter of Thokk's inheritance are left in common and entrusted to Sagin for safekeeping. But for the more important things detailing possible strategies or abilities of the group, these are penned down in a mix of Sylvan, Halfling, and even goblin short hand in a sort of soft cypher.

Only when that is done would Doozey allow for the atmosphere to take root and leave him with hints of a smile playing on his feature. And much like Graxx at wherever it seemed appropriate, he'd give away his own knack for many of the common expectations of a ranger, and "rudimentary" use of blood magic. Which on the subject of which, and possibly because of one too many ales drunk (after likely some goading), he confesses being a mite miffed at his past self for not figuring the old ladies for hags when his order had probably dealt with them in the past. But if pressed more on the subject, Doozey seems to sober up somewhat and ask the newbies, "None of you... have anything against the were-kin do you? Talk'n like, uh... Werebears 'n all that."

"Good," Harper replies while looking at Utar. "Getting one adventurer with specific skills requested on short notice is enough of a challenge even for me."

Thokk nods at Graxx with an impressed look on his face: "I'm sure it comes in handy when facing mobs of enemies. I look forward to witnessing it."

All eyes turn to Doozey by the time he asks about werebears and the like. Dornal speaks up first: "Now, now... The people of Phlan suffered on the hands of a certain werebear and her 'cubs' up until recently. Plenty of burglaries took place and they were to blame. The common folk don't know the source of these incidents, but those of us with some knack for information gathering surely do." Harper nods in agreement and picks up from there: "Are you trying to recruit one of these were-gang members into this little hag-slaying adventure or are you confessing something, Mr. Redfoot?"

Thokk is not from Plhan, so his take is more neutral: "I have fought against and alongside shapeshifters in the pits. It makes no difference to me." Rag, as expected, says nothing. Instead, the quiet halfling blows another beast from his pipe, a camel this time. Perhaps he is implying he saw a werecamel once...

Utar nods in recognition of Harper's aid.

"You have our thanks in helping bolster our ranks, Harper."

As the conversation shifts Utar decides to leave Doozey to answer in the first instance.  This feels like it is information that Doozey either trusts Dornal and Harper with, or does not and it is not Utar's place to share it on the stoutling's behalf, although he does consider that it would likely stand Doozey in good stead if he were reveal the reason for the drop off in were-burglaries recently.

"... I suppose its a bit of the latter." Doozey admits while absently staring and swirling his mug at the side. "Rest assured, I'm not one of her cubs. Just the opposite in a way, seeing as our party were the ones that put an end to their nonsense. And -- and this me speaking personally now -- but if I were to learn of any of her cubs being still around, well... they won't be for very long if I found them." He admits, speaking with a notable edge to his voice near the end. 

"Makes my blood boil just thinking we shared the same... well, no point beating around the bush." As the last few words leave his mouth, his voice grew deeper and huskier as he shifted into his werebadger form. Despite keeping to a casual if a bit tipsy veneer, there's a brief pause in which he tries to gauges the other's reaction. Biscuit, who at that point had demolished at least two bowls of stew and was well on his way towards a third, looked up from the bowl and eyed everyone almost just as attentive to the others. 

Insight: 12.

"I'll spare you the whole story least I sorrow the mood further. Just... understand that prior to hooking up with these fellows that I belong to a relatively small order called the 'Grey Hunters'. Through a bit of blood magic and alchemy, we've mastered a bit of the dark to fight against the dark to put it simply. Lycanthropy included, though... not all survive the process." He states frankly. "And if you hadn't heard of them, it's not much of a surprise to me. Most of the order tends to work out in the outskirts. Those villages, small towns, and cities that-..." He pauses, looking downcast for just a moment. "-don't nearly get enough protection from some of the shite that goes bumping in the night as the larger cities like waterdeep... And anyhow, thought I let you know ahead of time in case there's any issues. The last time I, uh... 'sprung' this in the defense of a little kelemovor acolyte, she almost immediately tried to have me chained up as soon after our venture in helping /her/ people out was over. And she had the nerve to do this well within biting range -- NOT that I would've. But still! Just the nerve of this girl." He shakes his head incredulously.

Graxx laughs a bit at the last bit of Doozey's rant.

"The nerve was one to remember.  Ungratefulness is something that gets on my last nerve."

Graxx pats his axe.

"No one will be putting you in any chains while I draw breath." says Graxx confidently.

Utar expresses his gratitude and Graxx makes a few comments, but all eyes are still on Doozey. That is even more so once he reveals his warebadger form.

Rag jumps up onto his chair and draws his silvered daggers. He holds his stance for a few seconds but, once he notices no one else is abundantly alarmed, the halfing settles back down. Well, Sagin is pretty alarmed. The kobold runs to the next room over, dropping his own cup of ale in the process.

Harper is the first to say something after Doozey's explanation/display comes to an end: "Very interesting, and quite the valuable piece of information. I must consider myself quite privileged to have received it free of charge." He smiles charmingly. "But do not worry, although I deal in it, I know when not to share information just as well. However, I have to admit my interest is piqued regarding this secret small order of yours. Promise you'll tell me more later, yes?"

Dornal's take on CRAP doesn't change at all: "I mentioned earlier that you all have earned my trust and that your invitation for me to come over and share your burden proves I have earned yours. You are the first skin-changer I trust, Doozey, and it sounds like you don't trust many of them either. The way I see it, our view on the matter is quite similar." He nods to himself for a second: "And thank you for ridding Phlan of that gang. They were a nuisance. I hope you were properly rewarded for such a good deed? If so, who might have funded such a quest, if you do not mind me asking?"

True to his earlier words, Thokk does not seem threatened by the revelation. In fact, he seems curious: "A badger, hmm... That's a first. Some pit masters would pay a small fortune to feature you in their tournaments."

The matter regarding the ungrateful girl is left to hang in the air a bit. None of the guests seem to be particularly interested in further elaboration of the point, clearly not doubting that many others would respond to Doozey's revelation with mistrust and accusations. Harper is the exception, as he is always interested in gossip. He does not ask more about it a this point in time, though, but you can see that he is thinking about something.

Regarding Doozey's insight check:

Doozey grimaced, and at one point looked halfway tempted to pursue Sagin out of concern for the Kobold. But between Rag's reaction and knowing the importance of clearing the air, the stoutling pressed on as intended with the veneer of casualness only wavering to mild wariness whenever happening to look Rag's direction.

He would later give Harper a noncommittal shrug to the question, but at least seemed about say something before needing to take in the other's reaction. Some of which he nodded or even elicted a small smile of gratefulness. "If there chains involved, Mr. Thokk, I think not. And some brethrens stories be true, they would not be the first to entertain such thoughts, and paid a heavy toll for it in the end." He said with a smirk to Thokk, then looked to Dornal. "As for compensation in an official capacity, uhm.. that kind of slipped the cracks to be honest. Right after dealing with the gang, we got wrapped up in this whole other business with the good captain and Utar's old crew, if I recall correctly. Mr. Utar or Ms. Neya, uhm, you two can correct me on that one tho'. I just remember things being very hectic at the time, and with the whole matter being a personal endeavor for... uhm... various reasons."

Doozey looked away blushing lightly as memories of his rescue came back to mind. "A-anyways! Uhm, sorry, Mr. Harper. U-uh, I, uh... I can't promise anything, but find me later if you're still curious about, uh--" He makes a pair of circular motions in the air. "All of that other business. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a ward to see to." On that note, he hopped out of his seat, smoothily reverting back into his halfling form on his way after Sagin. Along the way he does glance over to Rag and says softly in passing and in halfling, before carrying on his way:

"Doozey is correct, the endeavour wasn't a funded quest, it was personal for some of us and seemed to be in the best interests of the city, so we undertook it on our own."

Stepping forwards, Utar clasps his hands together as if the gesture will bring questions on the matter to a close.  He looks to Thokk and Rag when mentioning their rates and then turns to Harper to confirm the rate for whoever he might be able to find.

"Now, does anyone need their mugs topped up, or are we nearly there with discussions?  I believe we have agreed rates and would offer the same to any spellcaster you might be able to rustle up at short notice.  Bonuses can be discussed prior to setting off, and we likely meet in one or two days time at The Laughing Goblin near the docks to set off?  I will confirm directly with both Dornal and Harper and trust the two of you to let your charges know? In the meantime I assume there are preparations of your own to undertake and we still need to confirm our travel arrangements."

Graxx nods in agreement with Utar's statements.  There is still the matter of capturing the bully captain.

DM's Screen:

Harper looks at Doozey for a few seconds, doubtful that the halfling is willing to be forthcoming regarding his order. On his end of the table, Thokk simply nods in general agreement about Doozey's statement regarding the heavy toll of pit fighting. Finally, following the ranger and Utar's mentioned of a lack of reward from dealing with Mama's gang, Dornal says: "It was more personal then. Well, Phlan thanks you nonetheless. I know a group who cares for the city when I see one."

With the food, drink, and overall evening event drawing to an end, Utar lays the plan for the days to come and Graxx includes an addendum on bully-catching. Doozey follows that up with a few words of his own and then leaves the room to seek Sagin.

Harper replies: "Indeed, it is getting late. I'll seek you tomorrow evening at this very residence for an update on my recruitment efforts, if not for the delivery of adventurer. It is good to know you are willing to wait another night on top of that should I need the extra time." He adjusts his cloak and wishes all a good evening before leaving.

Dornal finishes a bite or two before standing up and collecting his belongings. "I'll bring these two back with me tomorrow night or the evening after, as you see fit.That is, either here or the Laughing Goblin. Let me know." He politely thanks CRAP for the second delightful evening in a row and departs. Thokk also thanks the group before following Dornal out the door. Rag lingers for a few extra seconds before also departing. As he leaves, his cloak changes print to a more classical all-black, leathery texture.

Neya, Utar, and Graxx engage in some light cleaning in preparation for Fat Mar's arrival in the morning. The three CRAPers are alone in the room now.

@Doozey: Sagin is cowering behind a wall in the next room over. He is trembling a bit and clearly scared of you. He notices your approach and whimpers a bit.

Also:

While Biscuit had remain behind to help "clean up" the night's festivities, Doozey found himself looking between Sagin and something else, before holding up a finger to the latter, asking for a bit of patience. Turning back to the Kobold, and taking care not to get closer, he knelt down and says softly yet just loud enough for Sagin to hear, "Sorry about that, Mr. Sagin. I... All things considered, I should've told you far sooner. Especially after seeing your hang'ups with Biscuit. Not that I'm a weredog per se, but... well, still... *ahem*... I-I... I don't know what else to say except I really am sorry for scary you like that." He bows his head and started rubbing the back of his neck.

Persuasion: 16 (if needed)

"If it makes you feel any better, I can't, uh, shift again for a good while."

While they tidy up, Utar goes over the offer brought by Graxx from Hurn.  As he talks his way through it, the frown on his face grows in severity.

"So, the plan is further Hurn's career again and we might get a better price on travel to the island?  I could message Aleyd see what she thinks or knows about this captain, maybe tip her off to his activities?  My worry is that if his second is quite ready to betray him at the first opportunity aren't we just heading for something similar ourselves? I'd rather our way back to Phlan be someone who won't raise anchor and leave us stranded at the first sign of trouble."

Pausing his tidying, Utar mentions what he sees might be a better way forward.

"We haven't exhausted our contacts at the docks yet and Dornal is covering travel expenses.  I'd rather stretch his coffers a little further for a little more piece of mind on this one."