Rasp stood, motionless, for several moments as the Lich turned and walked away. Such allies could be valuable. Rasp cared little for the moral difficulties Liches presented; his duty was to his own people, and he would gladly see hundreds - thousands - of souls devoured by an undead wizard if it meant the curses on his people were lifted. And he needed people well-versed in curses to advise him on the matter. Few were as knowledgable as liches. 

Making a mental note to devise a method of contacting the Lich if necessary, Rasp turned and silently accompanied the party towards their city of departure. Most of Rasp’s journey was spent with the Kenku’s thin-boned elbows propped against the ship’s railing, the Kenku himself staring aboard the ship, one palm curled around his amulet. Rasp enjoyed absorbing the sounds of the sea. 

During the interim visit towards Baldur’s Gate, Rasp made good on his pledges to source and negotiate several questionably legal items on behalf of the party. The dark-cowled Kenku dressed in dyed leathers and black-polished armor felt familiar with the underbelly of illegal crime. It had its morals, principles, and code of honor - one Rasp respected, and Rasp’s questionably moral activities had earned him a due amount of respect among the cutthroats, blackguard, and assassins wandering the streets. It was easy enough to obtain what he needed.

The laws of the land meant little for Rasp. He had his own morals, codes, and mission. 

Sometime in a tavern, late at night, during the stay at Baldur’s Gate, Eldeth felt a tap on her shoulder from a feathered hand. Rasp had apparently nursed a drink for several hours, waiting for the Wizard to pop up - Rasp’s cowl and jet-black feathers helped him blend with the shadowed corner every tavern seemed to have. The Kenku silently took a seat, unblinking eyes focused on the dwarf.

”Eldeth - you are an apprentice of the arcane, and for that, your word weighs more to me than the opinions of most. I ask for my own interest; what stake have you in breaking this curse?” 

Similarly, during Matthias’s trek through Baldur’s Gate, as he exited the door of a seamstress, Rasp stood before the noble. The Kenku seemed familiar with the nighttime air of the city - he was dressed, after all, to blend in with the dark. Regardless, the Kenku merely stood for a moment, eyes and expression showing no emotion. 

”Matthias - you have abandoned your life of luxury and signed your name to a mission likely resulting in your demise. Why?” 

(Forgive the formatting and double-post…mobile locked for the time being and I wanted to get these roleplay posts out before the campaign moved too far along).

Last on Rasp’s list of those he wished to speak with for the moment, Faloniir found himself staring upwards at an ever-silent Rasp after sitting down for lunch on a day at random. The Kenku’s arms were crossed - perhaps the only indication of Rasp’s more serious-than-usual tone. 

“Faloniir. I have not forgotten your attempted attack on the Lich. I recognize your hatred. I have not forgotten your desire to rid the world of those who have committed unforgivable atrocities.” The Kenku pulled a chair from a nearby table and sat across from Faloniir. The Kenku’s voice is slow and clear. “And I will not share whether or not I echo those sentiments, for it is irrelevant for the point I intend to make. Since we are to fight on each other’s side, I wish to establish my expectations, and for that, you must understand my goals. The world is not black and white, Faloniir. I am sure you are aware, but I felt it necessary to reiterate. Evil and good span an axis I care little for.” Rasp’s gaze never strayed from the Fighter. “I simply care for the solution to my mission - and for that, I request you consider the benefits and consequences of your beliefs. I am a Paladin - in an ideal world, I would have sided with you and struck the Lich down at your side. My issues are simply far too convoluted to resort to such righteous impulses. Liches - and I am sure, whatever creature or horrible being we find - are knowledgeable and powerful. Befriending them has their benefits. Slaughtering them has their consequences. We would not have obtained the information we needed if the Lich was slain. My request of you is simple; curb your impulses and consider what is best for the task at hand.” Rasp paused. “For I will not hesitate until the curse is broken, no matter the cost, opposition, or conflicting opinions I hear.” 

Eldeth would startle a little as Rasp sits down, "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you! I was working on a -- well, never mind." She listens to what he has to say. "Oh, well, Rennika, of course. And I've got family in the area, I really don't know what I'd do if anything happened to them. And, well --" she bites her lip. "There's a bit of a business aspect as well, I guess. Our family is already well-known for our crafting of magical items -- possibly even so far as Chult, though if not some advertising couldn't hurt -- but to be known as part of the force that stopped this plague, or curse, or whatever it turns out to be. That's got to have its own kind of cachet."

Matthias would take a few gulps of ale, sitting at the table shirtless which showed the body of a fit young man, though strangly enough there seemed to be strange markings upon his pectorals and below his clavicles as well as his curious pale grey skin.  Hearing Rasp's question, he'd close his eyes, pondering on how to answer.   A few seconds would pass until he spoke.  "I was never meant for that life.  You bring a panther into a palace, do you think it would be happer in a place where it'll be be much much safer, or out in the wild?"   He'd take another drink.  "Besides.  Women, drink; the pleasures of life are still obtainable to me outside Waterdeep   Hunting the same creatures and targets gets boring after awhile as well.  I left Waterdeep to find excitement.  I found the Harpers which had been an option of mine for some time so it was a pleasant coincidence.  And now we head to Chult?   It's a dream!"  He'd smile and down the rest of his ale.  "Though speaking of women, I might as well search for a brothel before the morning. Might be the last I will have in a long awhile.  I am already half-ready as it is!"  He'd laugh, pounding his bare chest.  

(Also, Matthias never gave his first name.  Just Saville.  Lol)

Faloniir will look up at the Kenku with an eyebrow cocked, genuinely surprised to find Rasp standing there addressing him. Recognizing that perhaps, this was not the moment for his usual bravado, Faloniir sets down his lunch, settles back in his seat, and turns his attention to Rasp. After the Paladin has said his piece, Faloniir will remain thoughtfully silent for a moment. He'll then smirk and lean over the table, both forearms resting atop it, his hands gesturing as he speaks, "We're probably about as dissimilar as two folks can be, you and I. Aside from the obvious," Faloniir gestures toward Rasp's beak and feathers, then grabs a lock of his own hair and holds it out for a second before tucking it behind his pointed ear, which he also indicates, "we seem to have differing viewpoints on more than a few subjects. But I believe we do share at least one thing in common. Conviction. Conviction in our beliefs and the passion see done what we believe needs to be done." Faloniir will pause and take a drink before continuing, "Forgive me, but this might get a little philosophical and the Goat Scrotum ale certainly doesn't help, but you spoke your piece so I'm going to speak mine. In Kara-Tur there is a philosophy called yin and yang, have you heard of it? Reduced to a rudimentary level one could describe the concept simply as thus; obviously opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world." Faloniir will raise his hands in a placating gesture and say, "I know, I know, but hear me out. The symbol for yin and yang, looks like this," Faloniir will draw a circle in his food with a sinuous line running down the middle, one side of the circle is mostly blank white plate, the other side mostly mashed turnips. "That's you and me. You can be the flatware or the turnips, it doesn't matter. What matters is that both sides seem polar opposites, but they do share something in common." Faloniir indicates curvy the line bisecting the circle, "The line. It is a part of both. That is our conviction." Faloniir will take another swig of Goat Scroat, "So. Even though we may not see eye to eye on most things, truth is... Though I am loathe to admit it... I needed your turnips outside that Lich's tower." Faloniir will smile and after a moment burst out laughing, "I'm sorry, it's this damn delicious brew. In all seriousness, your vastly different beliefs and your conviction saved my life. So, don't be too quick to dismiss my half of our yin and yang. Mayhaps, it could save your life one day." Faloniir will raise an eyebrow and nod as he tips his mug at Rasp, after a swig he will finish, "I will do my best to reign in my impulse to rid the world of undead abominations for the sake of the world, if that makes sense? Though for context, growing up an orphan in Baldur's Gate I quickly learned that the world doesn't care about me, so I stopped caring about the world. My focus become very narrow, myself, my sister, and the orph-" Faloniir will stop abruptly not quite comfortable sharing the rest yet, "and other things. I am still learning how to care for the world. But I will try."

Once Remalia was recovered and they return to The Diviner, Edrik is certainly relieved.  He salutes Rasp and Eldeth for their work in negotiating with the lich.  On the return he splits his time between walking about the deck to enjoy the view and taking time alone to read.  The first day on their way back he would have inquired if anyone had any books about Chult.  Not that he had expected there to be any, but if there had been he was interested in learning more and would have read them. 

Back in the city, he enlists the aid of Rasp to help track down some magic items he hoped to get for the journey. And he visited a fair number of other shops to acquire the goods needed. He holds his tongue as the bird-like humanoid leads them to a variety of less than legitimate vendors. Afterward he thanks Rasp profusely for his aid. If he hadn't been able to get a book before he will check around to see if can find something about Chult here in the city.  

His evenings are spent in the Shawm'n'Lute, once his expeditions about the city are done for the day.  Always good to end the day with a pint of ale and hearty meal there. As his equipment seems to be all prepared, he is ready to depart when word is given.  He doesn't even give a moment's thought to contacting any of his family in the city.  He figures those here who knew Rennika are more than enough family for him. 

Quote from pocketmouse >>

Eldeth would startle a little as Rasp sits down, "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you! I was working on a -- well, never mind." She listens to what he has to say. "Oh, well, Rennika, of course. And I've got family in the area, I really don't know what I'd do if anything happened to them. And, well --" she bites her lip. "There's a bit of a business aspect as well, I guess. Our family is already well-known for our crafting of magical items -- possibly even so far as Chult, though if not some advertising couldn't hurt -- but to be known as part of the force that stopped this plague, or curse, or whatever it turns out to be. That's got to have its own kind of cachet."

 The Kenku responded with a single, respectful nod in Eldeth's direction. Neither of the Kenku's hands rested on the table - in fact, Rasp seemed far too large for the constraints of the chair he seated himself in. The Kenku was, by all means, an outlier of his kin - far larger and physically more capable than most. Most probably due to his adequate upbringing; most Kenku lived on the streets and rarely obtain the nutrients to fully develop. "A respectable cause. My foremost duty is to dismantle this curse." A pause. Rasp simply stared - not offering any gesture to break the silence, until; "Your area of study indicates you are more knowledgeable than most. What do you know of my kind? Of Kenku?" 

Quote from Stivali >>

Matthias would take a few gulps of ale, sitting at the table shirtless which showed the body of a fit young man, though strangly enough there seemed to be strange markings upon his pectorals and below his clavicles as well as his curious pale grey skin.  Hearing Rasp's question, he'd close his eyes, pondering on how to answer.   A few seconds would pass until he spoke.  "I was never meant for that life.  You bring a panther into a palace, do you think it would be happer in a place where it'll be be much much safer, or out in the wild?"   He'd take another drink.  "Besides.  Women, drink; the pleasures of life are still obtainable to me outside Waterdeep   Hunting the same creatures and targets gets boring after awhile as well.  I left Waterdeep to find excitement.  I found the Harpers which had been an option of mine for some time so it was a pleasant coincidence.  And now we head to Chult?   It's a dream!"  He'd smile and down the rest of his ale.  "Though speaking of women, I might as well search for a brothel before the morning. Might be the last I will have in a long awhile.  I am already half-ready as it is!"  He'd laugh, pounding his bare chest.  

 The dull glint in Rasp's eye hardened as Matthias continued, even if Rasp made no motion to interject. The Kenku ran his gaze over the markings in the noble's skin before returning his cold, dispassionate eyes towards Saville's own. The Kenku's gaze affected a measure of distaste. Rasp's biting voice sounded sharper than frosted steel. "I approached you with a question in mind, Matthias. You have already answered it for me." Rasp's back straightened, and the Paladin rose to his full height. "So, I will instead offer a suggestion, Saville. Your allusion is skewed. I propose the alternative of a housecat who thought himself better than the luxuries bestowed upon him." The Kenku's head tilted nearly imperceptibly to one side. "You seek excitement in the pleasantries of temporary company and drink, and for that you have conscripted yourself to a mission almost certainly fatal. Have you been deluded by your sheltered childhood, or are you simply disguising another motive?" Rasp slowly uncrossed his arms. One hand reached into the pocket of his talisman, one hand curling around the chained skull. "I have abandoned the paltry pleasures you seek, Saville. The dedication to my cause is absolute, and the pursuit of anything else is a distraction I have learned to ignore. I have found a higher calling. I suggest you find one as well beyond the temporary gratification you seek to spoil yourself with - for I will not pause until my goal is complete, Saville, and since we will fight on each other's side in the near future, I expect you to do the same." 

Quote from Dylanthalas >>

Faloniir will look up at the Kenku with an eyebrow cocked, genuinely surprised to find Rasp standing there addressing him. Recognizing that perhaps, this was not the moment for his usual bravado, Faloniir sets down his lunch, settles back in his seat, and turns his attention to Rasp. After the Paladin has said his piece, Faloniir will remain thoughtfully silent for a moment. He'll then smirk and lean over the table, both forearms resting atop it, his hands gesturing as he speaks, "We're probably about as dissimilar as two folks can be, you and I. Aside from the obvious," Faloniir gestures toward Rasp's beak and feathers, then grabs a lock of his own hair and holds it out for a second before tucking it behind his pointed ear, which he also indicates, "we seem to have differing viewpoints on more than a few subjects. But I believe we do share at least one thing in common. Conviction. Conviction in our beliefs and the passion see done what we believe needs to be done." Faloniir will pause and take a drink before continuing, "Forgive me, but this might get a little philosophical and the Goat Scrotum ale certainly doesn't help, but you spoke your piece so I'm going to speak mine. In Kara-Tur there is a philosophy called yin and yang, have you heard of it? Reduced to a rudimentary level one could describe the concept simply as thus; obviously opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world." Faloniir will raise his hands in a placating gesture and say, "I know, I know, but hear me out. The symbol for yin and yang, looks like this," Faloniir will draw a circle in his food with a sinuous line running down the middle, one side of the circle is mostly blank white plate, the other side mostly mashed turnips. "That's you and me. You can be the flatware or the turnips, it doesn't matter. What matters is that both sides seem polar opposites, but they do share something in common." Faloniir indicates curvy the line bisecting the circle, "The line. It is a part of both. That is our conviction." Faloniir will take another swig of Goat Scroat, "So. Even though we may not see eye to eye on most things, truth is... Though I am loathe to admit it... I needed your turnips outside that Lich's tower." Faloniir will smile and after a moment burst out laughing, "I'm sorry, it's this damn delicious brew. In all seriousness, your vastly different beliefs and your conviction saved my life. So, don't be too quick to dismiss my half of our yin and yang. Mayhaps, it could save your life one day." Faloniir will raise an eyebrow and nod as he tips his mug at Rasp, after a swig he will finish, "I will do my best to reign in my impulse to rid the world of undead abominations for the sake of the world, if that makes sense? Though for context, growing up an orphan in Baldur's Gate I quickly learned that the world doesn't care about me, so I stopped caring about the world. My focus become very narrow, myself, my sister, and the orph-" Faloniir will stop abruptly not quite comfortable sharing the rest yet, "and other things. I am still learning how to care for the world. But I will try."

 Rasp offered little obvious reaction to Faloniir's behavior or words. The Kenku's silent demeanor remained constant until the Fighter concluded his speech, hands held in the pockets of his robe. The cowl's hood nearly pulled over Rasp's eyes as he reflected Faloniir's gestures with an unwavering stare. "I must say, Faloniir, I agree with you on more than I expected to." The Kenku paused. "However, while we both share our own convictions, mine is not towards any of my personal beliefs or opinions. I am devoted only to my mission, and I am amenable to employing any tactic or strategy to accomplish it, regardless of my personal morals. I have done things I despise. I loathe myself for it - more than you can imagine." Rasp didn't even blink; his countenance remained stony and steadfast, motionless as ever. "Yet I have no regrets."

"That does not invalidate your suggestion. My detachment from empathy holds no bearing on logic. I do not act with emotion or empathy in mind, Faloniir. My path and patron forbid it."

Rasp's demeanor shifted for a nigh imperceptible moment as Faloniir mentioned his past, so much that Faloniir may question whether or not what he witnessed actually occurred. "You are correct to prioritize yourself and your family, Faloniir. Your goals are admirable. I would have even supported you - and I perhaps will upon the completion of my mission. I ask for you to provide your perspective if my judgement crosses the line I have blinded myself from recognizing. I am cold of heart, and I am willing to admit I haven't the room left to consider empathy. Some call me cruel. Others call me a monster for both behavior and looks." Rasp's grip tightens on his amulet. "I disagree with them, Faloniir. I simply have a goal, and I am willing to disregard morals and ethics in order to achieve it."

Faloniir will say, "May we provide a balance to one another through the things we are willing or unwilling to do. Cheers." He will then again tip his mug to Rasp and then drain its contents.

Matthias would listen listen to the kenku who would attempt to have the hexblood heed his advice.  After he was finished, it would seem Matthias' posture was unchanged, but his demeanor seemed a bit more neutral.  Not angry, just colder.  "Don't try to preach to me, you'd have better luck with the friend you keep on a stick, Rasp. It's amazing how much you had to say about -you- with -my- answer."   He'd tap upon his noggin, alluding to the skull Rasp keeps on him.  "Now, with that in-mind, let me offer you my own suggestion..."  He says, leaning over the table, eyes on Rasp.  "...You don't know me; don't try to change me, and don't you ever try to think you're better than me.  I don't need a purpose to show I'm damned good at what I do. And if you got a problem with me and how I think, you can gladly ask me to leave this mission in the morning.  Because quite frankly, I don't give a s***.  I can go anywhere I want, there are many other opportunities.  And now I leave you with this:  I heard your kind are flightless, stick to the ground and not think you're above us with your self-righteousness.  Excuse my back."  At that, he'd turn his back to the kenku, showing more markings upon his shoulder blades.  He would ignore what anyone else would have to say within the tavern and he would head to a brothel to spend the night.

<> - <> - <> - <> - <> - <> - <> - <>

Four days after departing Cloakwood, you are ascending a grand staircase to the third floor in Syndra Silvane’s home. A uniformed attendant ushers you into a wood-paneled room with a fireplace, comfortable chairs, and a heavy table bearing goblets and bottles of wine. The darkly paneled walls are hung with maps and sea charts. Racks, shelves, and cabinets hold hundreds more rolled-up maps and charts. And a select few shelves appear to house some very interesting pieces of arcana.  

Syndra is seated in an overstuffed chair near the fire. To her left sits Remallia.

“Help yourselves to wine, and seat yourselves, friends,” comes Syndra’s voice from behind her mask.

As you make yourselves comfortable, Syndra continues, “Remallia has informed me of the speed and skill you demonstrated in Zaldara’s basement. It is a shame your friend Rennika is not here to learn of your heroics. And now we gather to ask if you will take on a greater task. Remallia, will you explain?”

Remallia Haventree nods, finishes off her glass of wine, and speaks for the next ten minutes, presenting the party with the following:

• The Harpers’ certainty that the Soulmonger is real and Chult is where it will be found. 
• A summary of the geography of Chult, some of which is familiar to you already (i.e. it’s a peninsula ringed with mountains and choked with rainforests; it’s home to enormous reptiles, goblin tribes, and undead that prowl the jungles and ancient ruins; and little is known of its interior)
• A map of Chult that she assembled by working from dozens of sea charts, log books, and explorers’ journals
• The plan to arrive in Port Nyanzaru with Syndra, who will stay with Watanga O’tamu, a dear friend, who is one of the seven merchant princes who rule the city

When Remallia concludes, Syndra adds, “And from Port Nyanzaru, who knows where this quest will lead. The six of you are perceptive enough to see the risks that lie before you. Possibly you will do this thing solely for the sake of Rennika. Possibly you will do this for reasons unknown to me. Possibly you would do this with no promise of reward. I, however, cannot ask this of you without being willing to sacrifice. Upon your successful return, you will be rewarded. My years of prosperity have enabled me to procure several powerful items, and from my collection you will be given one of your choosing.”

“When your party is ready--and hopefully that is very soon--Syndra will teleport you to the Port Nyanzaru harbor,” explains Remallia. 

“What questions do you have?” asks Syndra. 

“I imagine there are some things we will need once we get there.  The insects in Chult, we have little mosquitoes here, but I imagine there are ones there that will carry you off and suck you dry!  Watanga will be able to help us with anything else we need right?  And I suppose after we arrive in Port we can make a plan where to go?”  Barkas heads over to a table that is somewhat cleared and spreads out his star map, starts to make measurements.  He sets Elonath down on the table and shows him, starts to explain everything to him.

Faloniir will say, "Have you any ideas about where we should start our search for this infernal contraption? Is there anyone you know of in Port Nyanzaru that might be able to give us direction? Also, I realize this may be bold, but is there anything else in the way of aid you can offer us now before we go? Whether it be coin or otherwise? I only ask because of the seriousness of our given task. You compensated us well for the completion of our last task, and I am appreciative, but more than one of us almost died and I see the payment as adequate for a job well done given the risks. Seeking this Soulmonger in the uncharted depths of Chult is a task of exponentially magnified danger and I would take all the aid you have to offer to see it done."

“Speaking of sucked dry, you look a little peak-ed this morning Saville, did some big mosquito get ahold of you?  Or a vampire?  Specter?  Whew!  Been there, done that.  I don’t recommend it.”

Eldeth nods, agreeing with the others. "Yes, knowing who might be an ally and what groups to watch out for would be helpful -- who has information that we can trust. Chult is large, narrowing down the area we need to search is essential."

"Yes, Barkas, Watanga will help in what ways he can; keep in mind that each of the merchant princes has control over specific parts of the Chultan economy. He specializes in lore, potions, and scrolls. I suspect you will indeed want to purchase repellant for insects, although the large ones to which you refer will pay such repellant no heed," responds Syndra.

The wizard then breaks into a fit of coughing that brings an uncomfortable silence over the gathering. When she is able to continue, she adds, "Canoes may be necessary for traveling inland by river. And rain catchers. You dare not drink the river water or ground water."

Another fit of coughing ensues. Then she says weakly, "Information must be gathered, Faloniir. Ask questions when we arrive. Sift through it all for what is good and helpful. Then, a guide should be hired."

Syndra then whispers something to her house attendant; he departs and returns a minute later with a pouch filled with coins (200 pieces of gold). "This should cover the costs of supplies and a guide, depending on how long he or she is within your service."

To Eldeth, Syndra says somewhat cryptically, "Knowing whom one can trust, wizard, is of utmost importance. The lust for gold can undermine a person's commitment to the truth. Watanga may be of some help, but he does not know all, of course."

Faloniir will accept the pouch with the understanding that it is for supplies for the group and covering the fees for hiring a guide.

Matthias would arrive sporting some new blackened, studded leather armor as well as his newly patched-up shirt.  Looking to Barkas he'd smile.  "A halfling."

Edrik just listens quietly. "I'm sure we'll be able to find some leads once there. Perhaps the merchant prince Watanga O’tamu will be able to give us some directions to start." He then glances to Remallia, "For my part, I am glad to do this in memory of Rennika. Clearly someone needs to put a halt to this disease. I'm willing to put myself at risk if it helps all those others at risk." 

Eldeth nods. "Yes, I am eager to see an end to this."

Rasp only treated Syndra with a curt nod of his head. "I trust you have given us all you have been able to. My questions are reserved for Watanaga. I thank you for all you have done. I am ready."