Everything is dark. You hear a sound like someone striking a side of beef over and over again with a mallet. Sometimes you hear the voice of the man you saw at the Hhune house. He is asking very harsh questions of someone, all surrounding the theft of a particular shield. He does not sound satisfied with the claims of ignorance from the interrogated party.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys and Jirel arrive at the coffee shop in Eastway to find Finn, back in her familiar face from when the group first met back in Greenest. Together they make their way northwest through the streets of Baldurs Gate, eventually arriving at the Black Dragon Gate. It is open and there is no exit fee to pass out of the city proper. They emerge into the bustling streets of Blackgate, the last neighborhood before the Coastway stretches away to the north. Behind and above them, the massive stone carving of a black dragon stands over the gate, seeming to send a very unwelcome message to incoming visitors from the north.
Waiting for a few hours, they are soon greeted by Yeshil and Jararaka, fresh from their studies. Reunited, the party is able to proceed to meet the Order of the Gauntlet contact before the shops all close for the evening.
[The party can discuss a little if they like and share the results of the day's work, before we proceed.]
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Yeshil grimaces at the sounds as she puts a mental picture together, and a shiver runs up her spine. Mental note: stay away from the Hhune family after this, if possible... the tabloid stories might actually be true. Waking from her trance, Yeshil relays all that she heard to Jararaka. Let's keep our eyes and ears open for this stolen shield... it might be an alternative bargaining chip if we have trouble with Frulam Mondath.
Reuniting with the others, Yeshil is too distracted with Finn's impressive change of appearance to note any difference in Jirel's countenance. Eager to convey the information they were tasked with researching, she nevertheless leaves out the the more awkward particulars of how it was obtained:
We have a lead on Castle Naerytar. It should be located somewhere in the Mere of Dead Men, near Waterdeep. Also... about that purple-robe you freed at Greenest... Frulam Mondath. We... kinda agreed to find her and bring her back to Baldur's Gate... in exchange for the information we gained.
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Making her way back together with Jirel to meet with the others, Tylaerys would have stopped to get the blonde giantess something to eat and drink, stopping if necessary to sit and enjoy that for a while too. As they reach the the cafe near the Blade & Stars, Finn joins up with them, back in her old appearance. Excited about what she and Jirel has learned Tylaerys can't help but tell Finn some about it on their way to meet with the others, also curiosly asking about what Finn might have found out.
Tylaerys is relieved as Jararaka and Yeshil finally joins them and attentively listens to what the green-skinned girl has to share. "Ah, yes, that one." The young blonde Half-Elf says, seeming a bit embarrased as Frulam Mondath is brought up, remembering how the cultist had been among the prisoners that were freed but had decided to take her own chances once out on the plains north of the hidden cultist encampment, heading towards the coast if memory served her right. "It is really good news that you have located Naerytar, but Frulam Mondath could be anywhere by now, or do we have any lead on her current whereabouts?"
"We have no news from my Harper contact yet I'm afraid but we met with a representative of the Emerald Enclave who brought us to a magical tree that showed Jirel much of what will come and the people who is leading the cult."Tylaerys says, seeming both troubled and excited by this, looking up at the blonde giantess beside her, letting her share the rest of what she had learned.
[While Tylaerys might very well have made than connection on her own, for the record the old dwarf never stated he was affiliated with the Emerald Enclave.]
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn shares her story. (Forgive me if I assume you all ready and know? Still drained and worn out from being sick.) She knows the location of at least a safe house for the cult and could lead the others back there. "It wasn't filled to the brim with stolen gold or anything though so I assume it's not their only location. And they seemed to be perhaps there to try to gain access to whatever was next to it through the wall?" (Assuming I am remembering correctly...)
"They will know that I went missing. That could raise alarms and get them scrambling out of there, or not. Hard to say how much of a threat they would think me being missing is..."
Finn mostly just shrugs and smiles at Yeshil when the new face is revealed to be Finn. "Appearances can be deceiving," she notes and changes her eye color and winks.
Jararaka keeps watch as Yeshil has asked, "lost shield? Might be the man asking a favour of Lady Hhune, since she knows so much. I'm always happy to get my hands on valuables."
Once they are back in their little huddle again, Jararaka lets herself relax in familiar company and relays the information she learnt as well [hope you guys are happy to do some back-reading]. "With Mondath, she might have went back to the cult, which, I don't get, but." She shrugs, "we'll probably be going in that direction anyway. I think if she's willing to come with us, she can help with infiltrating them."
"We had a handful of clues before but now we got a whole bucket load... but hey, we actually have things we can give to our friends in the higher places. Wanna get the Order and their lot to look into those warehouses? We can decide what to do next when we exchange our information and see what Volo has too."
[Apologies for the absence during the holidays, Happy New Years everyone!! crazy to think that the campaign has seen two new years already!]
Exploring Blackgate, they see the inverse of what they experienced in Rivington when they first arrived here yesterday. Caravans arriving from the north negotiate the transport of their goods, which are quickly taken by porters and carried into the city. Meanwhile, new caravans are loaded and staged, waiting to depart again for the long roads north to Waterdeep.
It is not hard to locate the Gold Road Equippers, as this establishment deals in wagons and draft animals, and is currently doing heavy trade, purchasing southbound wagons and reselling them to northbound travelers. A quick round of questions sees you directed to Ackyn Selebon, working one of the counters selling wagons to those heading north. He is a human man of late middle age, wearing a hooded cloak that is too small and tight, making his face seem to bulge out from below the hood.
He strokes his beard with long fingers when you approach. "Aye. What can I do for you?"
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys continues to listen to the reports of the others in the team, her excitement growing. They had made much progress in their investigation into the cult this morning, nothing conclusive perhaps but many leads to follow up on, question was only how to prioritize, but first there was the matter with seeing Ontharr Frume's Order of the Gauntlet contact.
"Excuse us Mr. Selebon, we have something for you..."The young blonde Helf-Elf says, gracefully handing Sir Frume's letter over to bearded man. "...maybe there is somewhere we can talk?" She adds discreetly as he starts reading it.
Ackyn Selebon takes the note and holds it out from his face as he breaks the seal and reads it. His eyes dart back and forth between the page and the five of you. Then he folds the page up. "Hmph."
"Pressly! Come here and cover the desk. I have to head into the back for a moment." Another man slides over to take Ackyn's place and he motions for you to follow him through a swinging double door.
The next chamber is a large garage, where teams of human, gnomish and dwarven workers busy themselves on wagons, replacing damaged wheels, shaving axles, and hammering away at loose boards. The work makes quite a racket, but Ackyn keeps his voice low as he walks with you through the shop, forcing you to keep close to hear him over the din.
"You're hear sooner than expected, and a good thing too, that. I only received word from my contacts in the Order yesterday that someone was coming to look into this matter."
"As it happens, your quarry has already been here, this morning. They stood out like sore thumbs. They knew nothing of caravan life, which marked them as neophytes to this business, and the handful of tattoes and other sign I was told to watch for marked them as the cultists you're looking for. They have placed an order for five large wagons, to be made ready to depart north. They asked for the wagons to be ready tomorrow, but I told them it wouldn't be possible. A lie. I did have to promise to have them ready in two days' time, or else they would have simply gone to one of our competitors, and likely been gone in the morning."
He waves the letter. "Ontharr says he wants someone to follow them. Didn't make much sense when I assumed he was sending knights. You don't look like knights, however, so perhaps there is some sense to his plan."
"If you're not familiar with the tradeways, here is how these things usually go. It is the same thing I told your quarry: No one just takes off north on their own. The way is too dangerous, and a lone wagon or handful of wagons is too easy of a target. Instead, wagons and merchants gather and wait, and once a large enough group with enough guards assembles, they all leave together. Safety in numbers."
"A caravan left yesterday. So far, there has been none left today, and unlikely for any to leave this late. So it almost certainly means one will be departing tomorrow. That leaves a question as to whether there will be a large enough group of wagons to leave in two days, as your foes currently intend. Mayhaps they'll be foolish enough to leave on their own, perhaps not."
"Either way, two mornings from now, I will have five wagons ready for delivery to them. Their porters will load them, and they will depart at their first opportunity, maybe as soon as that morning. Their stated destination is Waterdeep, but who knows? Wouldn't be anything to stop them from lying about it."
He folds his arms and looks at you, obviously expecting questions.
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys follows Mr. Selebon closely to catch what he's saying over all the noise. At first as she listens she gets the sense it was a mistake not coming here immediately as they arrived in Baldur's Gate, but she is relieved when she hears the cultists are most likely waiting for their wagons from this place before they proceed north to Naerytar with the treasures they have gathered. "We are planning to follow them, just as Sir Frume writes, but we could do with some advice on that." She starts quietly, looking around to make sure no one is trying to listen in. "All of us would not pass off as caravan guards I would assume, but maybe you with your knowledge with caravans could have some advice on what role someone like me for instance would take to stay inconspicuous with a caravan?"
(Holy hells, where was I five to six days ago? Heck I missed/brain farted a lot ;.; I’m sorry.)
Honey eyes blink. Jirel finds herself coming out of her own daze in a large busy garage. She couldn’t remember whether she ate or not, or whether she showed the others the bark images. The giantess grumbles and huffs at herself, waving her hand in front of her face as if trying to clear away cobwebs. She was trying to clear the fog from her mind so she could focus on processing all of the information in front of her now, and then worry about trying to remember and digest everything they discussed back at their rendezvous.
Jirel reaches out and places a reassuring hand on Tylaerys’ shoulder when she’d ask her question. She understood the blonde’s apprehension about whether she’d come off as a guard, but Jirel still stood by their original plan discussion that she can play a convincing part of the group. She hoped that Mr. Selebon may be able to provide her with the reassurance and information Tylaerys was looking for.
Then when it was appropriate, Jirel would begin her string of questions. ”Did they have specific tattoos?” Jirel wondered if they remembered their tattoos, especially in case Finn could recognize them. “They have any other definin’ features besides the tattoos?” Curious if they were all the same race; what their height variances may be if any; if they had any unique scars, beauty marks or moles even; etc. “Did they say at all where they be stayin’?” Just to round out wether it may align with Finn’s discovery.
Jirel moves on from the people to the businesses. “Who’d be yer competitors? An’ with all do respect, do ya know fer sure that they didn’t go to them anyway? Or that they didn’t leave yesterday?” Depending on if they’re thorough, she was considering they may even get decoys to add to the caravan, especially if it needs more numbers and/or if they caught whiff of someone on their tail. “Do ya mark yer wagons? Will ya be marking these? An’ do ya know if yer competitors mark their wagons?”
“Their porters ya say? So those who ordered wont be the porters? Any information on their porters an’ what they look like?” She adds.
Finn listens to see if the tattoos this guy knew about matched what she had seen or not. There could be different segments of the cult... She almost chimes up when Jirel asks about the cultists themselves and says she mostly saw humans but Finn keeps her trap shut so as not to reveal too much that she doesn't need to in front of strangers. She does have one question though...
"Could you have a wagon ready for us in the same amount of time? We have horses that we could have brought here to pull it but if we looked like a harmless enough wagon perhaps we could just join their caravan without the need to try to seem anything but a disparate group of travelers looking for the protection of a larger group..." Finn suggests.
"And could we have access to their wagons for a while before delivery? Without raising suspicions?" Finn wonders aloud. "But no, if they're a suspicious lot they may check for castings upon the wagons and I wouldn't want you to get in trouble... What about if you added a small box on the underside? Something likely to go unnoticed? Say big enough to hold a cat but small enough to not be thought of? Having my familiar ride along unnoticed would be handy..."
Yeshil strolls casually around the garage, staying near the group but not close enough to hear everything the puffy-faced man was saying. On one hand, she was interested to hear what was being said, but on the other hand she was trying not to look interested. After all, she had only recently travelled to Baldur's Gate all the way from Luskan by caravan... she was practically an expert! And so she strolled, walking up to some of the wagons and 'inspecting' them as a veteran wagoneer might - tapping on the wooden traces, wiggling the wheels on the axle, peeking at the undercarriage, and generally getting in the way of the workers while attempting to look like an important client.
After hearing the word "Waterdeep", Yeshil returns back to the group. With a sigh she remembers how far away that city is... more than halfway back to Luskan. To have come so close to Candlekeep only to turn around and go almost all the way back to Luskan... if it wasn't for the excellent information she had obtained from the Hhune library, she almost certainly would have declined to join this expedition. But her curiosity had been aroused now... what was the cult doing with all this loot, and why on earth would they be taking it into a swamp, for surely that was the true destination, just north of Waterdeep. Rejoining the group, Yeshil has no questions of her own to ask, but listens intently while maintaining the air of someone too knowledgeable for such trivialities.
Yeshil smirks at the thought of a cat stuffed into a box attached to the underside of a wagon, and contemplates how one might determine whether the cat was alive or dead without looking inside the box...
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Feeling the reassuring hand of Jirel at her shoulder, the young blonde Half-Elf seems to relax more, her own hand going to it briefly to show her appreciation as she glances up at the blonde giantess beside her with a warm smile. She then listens to the questions of Jirel and Finn, nodding in agreement with them. If it was possible to procure, one wagon of their own could prove quite helpful to have discreet meetings in during the long journey north along the Sword Coast.
Jararaka stays near the huddle, though her mind doesn't go into as much consideration as Jirel and Finn. "In two days? That's convenient for us. I like the idea of getting a wagon ourselves, no need to share with strangers then... we could pretend to be going up north for trade or medicine or magical help, lots of wizards in Waterdeep, yea? Plus, you know with dangerous caravan trips, sometimes guard don't last and you gotta step up."
Turning to Selebon, she tries her luck and asks, "with those cultists you saw, did anyone look like..." And she describes the appearance two rather memorable characters to him, firstly the woman in chailmail, Frulam Mondath, then the blue half-dragon, Langdedrosa.
Remembering much less pressing matters, Jararaka comments as the conversation nears it's end, "oh hey, if we aren't leaving till two days later, we can visit the festival."
[FYI - in case it wasn't obvious, you were brought back here into the shop because all the noise drowns out your conversation. There is sawing, hammering, the d&d gnomish equivalent of compressor-powered impact wrenches, dwarves singing grumpy work tunes, etc. So there shouldn't be a risk of eavesdropping.]
”Did they have specific tattoos?” Jirel wondered if they remembered their tattoos, especially in case Finn could recognize them. “They have any other definin’ features besides the tattoos?” Curious if they were all the same race; what their height variances may be if any; if they had any unique scars, beauty marks or moles even; etc.
"Among their number, only one had a visible tattoo, but it was one I was warned to look for. It was a dragon's head, in profile, with five claw marks behind it. Devils only know what it means, but its apparently one of their symbols."
"All four that came to see me were human, three men and woman." He goes on to describe them in such a way that they sound like half a hundred other persons you have seen here in Baldur's Gate. Ackyn might be able to pick them out of a lineup, but his description, other than the tattoo, doesn't do much to help you.
“Did they say at all where they be stayin’?” Just to round out wether it may align with Finn’s discovery.
"Not at all. In fact, they played the 'we demand utmost confidentiality' card a little too hard. These folk aren't professional spies or smugglers. They played up the roll so hamhandedly, I would have know something was up even if I hadn't been told to watch for them by the Gauntlet. But no, they didn't offer any information on their backgrounds or lodging here in town. "
Jirel moves on from the people to the businesses. “Who’d be yer competitors? An’ with all do respect, do ya know fer sure that they didn’t go to them anyway? Or that they didn’t leave yesterday?” Depending on if they’re thorough, she was considering they may even get decoys to add to the caravan, especially if it needs more numbers and/or if they caught whiff of someone on their tail. “Do ya mark yer wagons? Will ya be marking these? An’ do ya know if yer competitors mark their wagons?”
“Their porters ya say? So those who ordered wont be the porters? Any information on their porters an’ what they look like?” She adds.
"Oh, there are a number of firms operating out of Blackgate that deal in caravan outfitting. There's Marsh & Sons, Blackrim Exporters, Red Rider, Discount Wheel & Axle... but I think they'll stick with us. I wanted to keep them where I could see them, so the deal I cut them is unlikely to be beaten elsewhere. I'm taking a bath on it, frankly, but I'm sure our friend Ontharr will see me made whole in the end."
As for marking the wagons, he explains a little more about how the trade and caravan process works. Caravans passing south cannot go through or around Baldur's Gate - unless they go as far east as Elturel or try to brave one of the shallower fords on the Chionthar. So instead they sell their wagons on the north side of town, porter their goods through Baldur's Gate, and then purchase new wagons on the south side of town... at a small loss. Meanwhile, businesses like Gold Road Equippers take those wagons, refurbish them, and sell them to caravans looking to head north. Since wagons can't pass through the city, no one leaving has a wagon unless they buy one here. And the process repeats when the next caravan arrives. Some wagons constantly shuffle back and forth between Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep. And each time, it could pass through resale at a different outfitter here in Blackgate. Marking the wagons doesn't do much good, then, as a wagon could end up with dozens of marks on it before it collapsed into spare parts. "All that said, we could try and do something to identify the five wagons. It could be dangerous. As I said, they didn't seem like the cleverest bunch, but if we are too obvious about it, it could risk tipping them off."
He can't say about the porters. "The rules say only members of the porters guild can load or unload wagons. Apparently there was some riot put on by the porters on the other side of town last night. Luckily the unrest hasn't interrupted business here. But if they show up without porters, I can't turn the wagons over to them. So, I imagine they'll contact the porters guild and make arrangement to have their loot hauled here and loaded. But it could be anybody."
"Could you have a wagon ready for us in the same amount of time? We have horses that we could have brought here to pull it but if we looked like a harmless enough wagon perhaps we could just join their caravan without the need to try to seem anything but a disparate group of travelers looking for the protection of a larger group..." Finn suggests.
He taps the note from Ontharr against his face, thinking. "That could work. It would eliminate the risk of having to pretend to be a guard, and a wagon would be more comfortable than walking, for certain."
"There are some problems, though. First off, if you're talking about riding horses, they won't do. Different breeds, different skill sets. You'd kill riding horses in a week if you forced them to pull one of these wagons. It would take a pair of oxen to haul one of these bad girls," he says tapping the side of a wagon.
"Second, bringing an empty wagon would probably make you even more suspicious that just tagging along with the caravan. These things aren't cheap and if someone found out you were dead heading, the whole caravan would get suspicious.... You'd have to invent a whole story to explain it and then... why bother with all the expense? On the other hand, if you load up with some trade goods or... Hells, whatever you can get your hands on to fill the wagon, you'd have a solid cover. Probably pick the smartest or most charismatic to play the merchant... the rest could be hired guards... yeah that could work."
"If you like, I could get you set up with a wagon and oxen. Have them ready for you in two days. I'll give you the same rate as I gave the cult. 100gp for the full wagon plus oxen set up. Otherwise, if those rising horses of yours are in good condition, I'll take two of them off your hands instead. The deal comes with enough non-perishable foodstuffs for the trip as well as some animal feed if you run into spots where grazing isn't possible." He makes a point with his fingers. "Please consider picking up something to carry in that wagon, to sell this ruse."
[I don't think this hit all the questions but I wanted to get something up in response... I'll get to the rest later.]
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PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
In spite of the difficulties explained, Tylaerys still seems hopeful about Finn's idea about playing the part of a merchant rather than a caravan guard. She realizes not everyone might be fond of leaving their riding horses here but not all of them needed to, they still had funds to cover some expenses, question was how to use them wisely. "If we decide to try on playing the parts of merchants, would you know what trade goods would be fairly cheap but also something that would pass off as something that a merchant would bring from here to Waterdeep?" She asks Ackyn. "Also, if we would want to report back to Sir Frume, could you help us with that?"
Finn does follow up on the tattoo, looking for as good a description as she can get but also most definitely where on the body it was.
"If we go the wagon route, we don't really needs goods do we? Couldn't empty crates and such work well enough to sell the illusion?" Finn asks. "Maybe we nail them down a bit so they don't move during the normal course of travel... That may tip off someone they were too light. Could you do something to the wagon so it rode like it had a full cargo even though it didn't?"
Finn would also point out to the others that leaving tomorrow would give them time to at least eyeball the sight she found earlier. Probably not worth making a scene but at least getting a second look at some of those coming and going could prove useful. Though if we need to spend the night buying cargo to sell the charade then perhaps not...
Artwork! pipes up Yeshil from a short distance away. Then to clarify her strange outburst, she explains: We should transport artwork to Waterdeep. Framed paintings, small sculptures, that kinda thing. It's too light and fragile for sea transport, generally ships in small quantities, and there is a large demand for it in Waterdeep. And we wouldn't need to buy expensive stuff either. Some cheap garbage would maintain the ruse, and just a few well-padded items can take up lots of room in the wagon. Then continuing her demeanor of casual superiority, she pretends to turn her attention back to the workshop activities...
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How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
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Yeshil:
Everything is dark. You hear a sound like someone striking a side of beef over and over again with a mallet. Sometimes you hear the voice of the man you saw at the Hhune house. He is asking very harsh questions of someone, all surrounding the theft of a particular shield. He does not sound satisfied with the claims of ignorance from the interrogated party.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys and Jirel arrive at the coffee shop in Eastway to find Finn, back in her familiar face from when the group first met back in Greenest. Together they make their way northwest through the streets of Baldurs Gate, eventually arriving at the Black Dragon Gate. It is open and there is no exit fee to pass out of the city proper. They emerge into the bustling streets of Blackgate, the last neighborhood before the Coastway stretches away to the north. Behind and above them, the massive stone carving of a black dragon stands over the gate, seeming to send a very unwelcome message to incoming visitors from the north.
Waiting for a few hours, they are soon greeted by Yeshil and Jararaka, fresh from their studies. Reunited, the party is able to proceed to meet the Order of the Gauntlet contact before the shops all close for the evening.
[The party can discuss a little if they like and share the results of the day's work, before we proceed.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Yeshil grimaces at the sounds as she puts a mental picture together, and a shiver runs up her spine. Mental note: stay away from the Hhune family after this, if possible... the tabloid stories might actually be true. Waking from her trance, Yeshil relays all that she heard to Jararaka. Let's keep our eyes and ears open for this stolen shield... it might be an alternative bargaining chip if we have trouble with Frulam Mondath.
Reuniting with the others, Yeshil is too distracted with Finn's impressive change of appearance to note any difference in Jirel's countenance. Eager to convey the information they were tasked with researching, she nevertheless leaves out the the more awkward particulars of how it was obtained:
We have a lead on Castle Naerytar. It should be located somewhere in the Mere of Dead Men, near Waterdeep. Also... about that purple-robe you freed at Greenest... Frulam Mondath. We... kinda agreed to find her and bring her back to Baldur's Gate... in exchange for the information we gained.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Making her way back together with Jirel to meet with the others, Tylaerys would have stopped to get the blonde giantess something to eat and drink, stopping if necessary to sit and enjoy that for a while too. As they reach the the cafe near the Blade & Stars, Finn joins up with them, back in her old appearance. Excited about what she and Jirel has learned Tylaerys can't help but tell Finn some about it on their way to meet with the others, also curiosly asking about what Finn might have found out.
Tylaerys is relieved as Jararaka and Yeshil finally joins them and attentively listens to what the green-skinned girl has to share. "Ah, yes, that one." The young blonde Half-Elf says, seeming a bit embarrased as Frulam Mondath is brought up, remembering how the cultist had been among the prisoners that were freed but had decided to take her own chances once out on the plains north of the hidden cultist encampment, heading towards the coast if memory served her right. "It is really good news that you have located Naerytar, but Frulam Mondath could be anywhere by now, or do we have any lead on her current whereabouts?"
"We have no news from my Harper contact yet I'm afraid but we met with a representative of the Emerald Enclave who brought us to a magical tree that showed Jirel much of what will come and the people who is leading the cult." Tylaerys says, seeming both troubled and excited by this, looking up at the blonde giantess beside her, letting her share the rest of what she had learned.
[While Tylaerys might very well have made than connection on her own, for the record the old dwarf never stated he was affiliated with the Emerald Enclave.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Finn shares her story. (Forgive me if I assume you all ready and know? Still drained and worn out from being sick.) She knows the location of at least a safe house for the cult and could lead the others back there. "It wasn't filled to the brim with stolen gold or anything though so I assume it's not their only location. And they seemed to be perhaps there to try to gain access to whatever was next to it through the wall?" (Assuming I am remembering correctly...)
"They will know that I went missing. That could raise alarms and get them scrambling out of there, or not. Hard to say how much of a threat they would think me being missing is..."
Finn mostly just shrugs and smiles at Yeshil when the new face is revealed to be Finn. "Appearances can be deceiving," she notes and changes her eye color and winks.
Jararaka keeps watch as Yeshil has asked, "lost shield? Might be the man asking a favour of Lady Hhune, since she knows so much. I'm always happy to get my hands on valuables."
Once they are back in their little huddle again, Jararaka lets herself relax in familiar company and relays the information she learnt as well [hope you guys are happy to do some back-reading]. "With Mondath, she might have went back to the cult, which, I don't get, but." She shrugs, "we'll probably be going in that direction anyway. I think if she's willing to come with us, she can help with infiltrating them."
"We had a handful of clues before but now we got a whole bucket load... but hey, we actually have things we can give to our friends in the higher places. Wanna get the Order and their lot to look into those warehouses? We can decide what to do next when we exchange our information and see what Volo has too."
[Apologies for the absence during the holidays, Happy New Years everyone!! crazy to think that the campaign has seen two new years already!]
Exploring Blackgate, they see the inverse of what they experienced in Rivington when they first arrived here yesterday. Caravans arriving from the north negotiate the transport of their goods, which are quickly taken by porters and carried into the city. Meanwhile, new caravans are loaded and staged, waiting to depart again for the long roads north to Waterdeep.
It is not hard to locate the Gold Road Equippers, as this establishment deals in wagons and draft animals, and is currently doing heavy trade, purchasing southbound wagons and reselling them to northbound travelers. A quick round of questions sees you directed to Ackyn Selebon, working one of the counters selling wagons to those heading north. He is a human man of late middle age, wearing a hooded cloak that is too small and tight, making his face seem to bulge out from below the hood.
He strokes his beard with long fingers when you approach. "Aye. What can I do for you?"
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys continues to listen to the reports of the others in the team, her excitement growing. They had made much progress in their investigation into the cult this morning, nothing conclusive perhaps but many leads to follow up on, question was only how to prioritize, but first there was the matter with seeing Ontharr Frume's Order of the Gauntlet contact.
"Excuse us Mr. Selebon, we have something for you..." The young blonde Helf-Elf says, gracefully handing Sir Frume's letter over to bearded man. "...maybe there is somewhere we can talk?" She adds discreetly as he starts reading it.
Ackyn Selebon takes the note and holds it out from his face as he breaks the seal and reads it. His eyes dart back and forth between the page and the five of you. Then he folds the page up. "Hmph."
"Pressly! Come here and cover the desk. I have to head into the back for a moment." Another man slides over to take Ackyn's place and he motions for you to follow him through a swinging double door.
The next chamber is a large garage, where teams of human, gnomish and dwarven workers busy themselves on wagons, replacing damaged wheels, shaving axles, and hammering away at loose boards. The work makes quite a racket, but Ackyn keeps his voice low as he walks with you through the shop, forcing you to keep close to hear him over the din.
"You're hear sooner than expected, and a good thing too, that. I only received word from my contacts in the Order yesterday that someone was coming to look into this matter."
"As it happens, your quarry has already been here, this morning. They stood out like sore thumbs. They knew nothing of caravan life, which marked them as neophytes to this business, and the handful of tattoes and other sign I was told to watch for marked them as the cultists you're looking for. They have placed an order for five large wagons, to be made ready to depart north. They asked for the wagons to be ready tomorrow, but I told them it wouldn't be possible. A lie. I did have to promise to have them ready in two days' time, or else they would have simply gone to one of our competitors, and likely been gone in the morning."
He waves the letter. "Ontharr says he wants someone to follow them. Didn't make much sense when I assumed he was sending knights. You don't look like knights, however, so perhaps there is some sense to his plan."
"If you're not familiar with the tradeways, here is how these things usually go. It is the same thing I told your quarry: No one just takes off north on their own. The way is too dangerous, and a lone wagon or handful of wagons is too easy of a target. Instead, wagons and merchants gather and wait, and once a large enough group with enough guards assembles, they all leave together. Safety in numbers."
"A caravan left yesterday. So far, there has been none left today, and unlikely for any to leave this late. So it almost certainly means one will be departing tomorrow. That leaves a question as to whether there will be a large enough group of wagons to leave in two days, as your foes currently intend. Mayhaps they'll be foolish enough to leave on their own, perhaps not."
"Either way, two mornings from now, I will have five wagons ready for delivery to them. Their porters will load them, and they will depart at their first opportunity, maybe as soon as that morning. Their stated destination is Waterdeep, but who knows? Wouldn't be anything to stop them from lying about it."
He folds his arms and looks at you, obviously expecting questions.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Tylaerys follows Mr. Selebon closely to catch what he's saying over all the noise. At first as she listens she gets the sense it was a mistake not coming here immediately as they arrived in Baldur's Gate, but she is relieved when she hears the cultists are most likely waiting for their wagons from this place before they proceed north to Naerytar with the treasures they have gathered. "We are planning to follow them, just as Sir Frume writes, but we could do with some advice on that." She starts quietly, looking around to make sure no one is trying to listen in. "All of us would not pass off as caravan guards I would assume, but maybe you with your knowledge with caravans could have some advice on what role someone like me for instance would take to stay inconspicuous with a caravan?"
(Holy hells, where was I five to six days ago? Heck I missed/brain farted a lot ;.; I’m sorry.)
Honey eyes blink. Jirel finds herself coming out of her own daze in a large busy garage. She couldn’t remember whether she ate or not, or whether she showed the others the bark images. The giantess grumbles and huffs at herself, waving her hand in front of her face as if trying to clear away cobwebs. She was trying to clear the fog from her mind so she could focus on processing all of the information in front of her now, and then worry about trying to remember and digest everything they discussed back at their rendezvous.
Jirel reaches out and places a reassuring hand on Tylaerys’ shoulder when she’d ask her question. She understood the blonde’s apprehension about whether she’d come off as a guard, but Jirel still stood by their original plan discussion that she can play a convincing part of the group. She hoped that Mr. Selebon may be able to provide her with the reassurance and information Tylaerys was looking for.
Then when it was appropriate, Jirel would begin her string of questions. ”Did they have specific tattoos?” Jirel wondered if they remembered their tattoos, especially in case Finn could recognize them. “They have any other definin’ features besides the tattoos?” Curious if they were all the same race; what their height variances may be if any; if they had any unique scars, beauty marks or moles even; etc. “Did they say at all where they be stayin’?” Just to round out wether it may align with Finn’s discovery.
Jirel moves on from the people to the businesses. “Who’d be yer competitors? An’ with all do respect, do ya know fer sure that they didn’t go to them anyway? Or that they didn’t leave yesterday?” Depending on if they’re thorough, she was considering they may even get decoys to add to the caravan, especially if it needs more numbers and/or if they caught whiff of someone on their tail. “Do ya mark yer wagons? Will ya be marking these? An’ do ya know if yer competitors mark their wagons?”
“Their porters ya say? So those who ordered wont be the porters? Any information on their porters an’ what they look like?” She adds.
just an unstable unicorn.
Finn listens to see if the tattoos this guy knew about matched what she had seen or not. There could be different segments of the cult... She almost chimes up when Jirel asks about the cultists themselves and says she mostly saw humans but Finn keeps her trap shut so as not to reveal too much that she doesn't need to in front of strangers. She does have one question though...
"Could you have a wagon ready for us in the same amount of time? We have horses that we could have brought here to pull it but if we looked like a harmless enough wagon perhaps we could just join their caravan without the need to try to seem anything but a disparate group of travelers looking for the protection of a larger group..." Finn suggests.
"And could we have access to their wagons for a while before delivery? Without raising suspicions?" Finn wonders aloud. "But no, if they're a suspicious lot they may check for castings upon the wagons and I wouldn't want you to get in trouble... What about if you added a small box on the underside? Something likely to go unnoticed? Say big enough to hold a cat but small enough to not be thought of? Having my familiar ride along unnoticed would be handy..."
Yeshil strolls casually around the garage, staying near the group but not close enough to hear everything the puffy-faced man was saying. On one hand, she was interested to hear what was being said, but on the other hand she was trying not to look interested. After all, she had only recently travelled to Baldur's Gate all the way from Luskan by caravan... she was practically an expert! And so she strolled, walking up to some of the wagons and 'inspecting' them as a veteran wagoneer might - tapping on the wooden traces, wiggling the wheels on the axle, peeking at the undercarriage, and generally getting in the way of the workers while attempting to look like an important client.
After hearing the word "Waterdeep", Yeshil returns back to the group. With a sigh she remembers how far away that city is... more than halfway back to Luskan. To have come so close to Candlekeep only to turn around and go almost all the way back to Luskan... if it wasn't for the excellent information she had obtained from the Hhune library, she almost certainly would have declined to join this expedition. But her curiosity had been aroused now... what was the cult doing with all this loot, and why on earth would they be taking it into a swamp, for surely that was the true destination, just north of Waterdeep. Rejoining the group, Yeshil has no questions of her own to ask, but listens intently while maintaining the air of someone too knowledgeable for such trivialities.
Yeshil smirks at the thought of a cat stuffed into a box attached to the underside of a wagon, and contemplates how one might determine whether the cat was alive or dead without looking inside the box...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Feeling the reassuring hand of Jirel at her shoulder, the young blonde Half-Elf seems to relax more, her own hand going to it briefly to show her appreciation as she glances up at the blonde giantess beside her with a warm smile. She then listens to the questions of Jirel and Finn, nodding in agreement with them. If it was possible to procure, one wagon of their own could prove quite helpful to have discreet meetings in during the long journey north along the Sword Coast.
Jararaka stays near the huddle, though her mind doesn't go into as much consideration as Jirel and Finn. "In two days? That's convenient for us. I like the idea of getting a wagon ourselves, no need to share with strangers then... we could pretend to be going up north for trade or medicine or magical help, lots of wizards in Waterdeep, yea? Plus, you know with dangerous caravan trips, sometimes guard don't last and you gotta step up."
Turning to Selebon, she tries her luck and asks, "with those cultists you saw, did anyone look like..." And she describes the appearance two rather memorable characters to him, firstly the woman in chailmail, Frulam Mondath, then the blue half-dragon, Langdedrosa.
Remembering much less pressing matters, Jararaka comments as the conversation nears it's end, "oh hey, if we aren't leaving till two days later, we can visit the festival."
[FYI - in case it wasn't obvious, you were brought back here into the shop because all the noise drowns out your conversation. There is sawing, hammering, the d&d gnomish equivalent of compressor-powered impact wrenches, dwarves singing grumpy work tunes, etc. So there shouldn't be a risk of eavesdropping.]
"Among their number, only one had a visible tattoo, but it was one I was warned to look for. It was a dragon's head, in profile, with five claw marks behind it. Devils only know what it means, but its apparently one of their symbols."
"All four that came to see me were human, three men and woman." He goes on to describe them in such a way that they sound like half a hundred other persons you have seen here in Baldur's Gate. Ackyn might be able to pick them out of a lineup, but his description, other than the tattoo, doesn't do much to help you.
"Not at all. In fact, they played the 'we demand utmost confidentiality' card a little too hard. These folk aren't professional spies or smugglers. They played up the roll so hamhandedly, I would have know something was up even if I hadn't been told to watch for them by the Gauntlet. But no, they didn't offer any information on their backgrounds or lodging here in town. "
"Oh, there are a number of firms operating out of Blackgate that deal in caravan outfitting. There's Marsh & Sons, Blackrim Exporters, Red Rider, Discount Wheel & Axle... but I think they'll stick with us. I wanted to keep them where I could see them, so the deal I cut them is unlikely to be beaten elsewhere. I'm taking a bath on it, frankly, but I'm sure our friend Ontharr will see me made whole in the end."
As for marking the wagons, he explains a little more about how the trade and caravan process works. Caravans passing south cannot go through or around Baldur's Gate - unless they go as far east as Elturel or try to brave one of the shallower fords on the Chionthar. So instead they sell their wagons on the north side of town, porter their goods through Baldur's Gate, and then purchase new wagons on the south side of town... at a small loss. Meanwhile, businesses like Gold Road Equippers take those wagons, refurbish them, and sell them to caravans looking to head north. Since wagons can't pass through the city, no one leaving has a wagon unless they buy one here. And the process repeats when the next caravan arrives. Some wagons constantly shuffle back and forth between Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep. And each time, it could pass through resale at a different outfitter here in Blackgate. Marking the wagons doesn't do much good, then, as a wagon could end up with dozens of marks on it before it collapsed into spare parts. "All that said, we could try and do something to identify the five wagons. It could be dangerous. As I said, they didn't seem like the cleverest bunch, but if we are too obvious about it, it could risk tipping them off."
He can't say about the porters. "The rules say only members of the porters guild can load or unload wagons. Apparently there was some riot put on by the porters on the other side of town last night. Luckily the unrest hasn't interrupted business here. But if they show up without porters, I can't turn the wagons over to them. So, I imagine they'll contact the porters guild and make arrangement to have their loot hauled here and loaded. But it could be anybody."
He taps the note from Ontharr against his face, thinking. "That could work. It would eliminate the risk of having to pretend to be a guard, and a wagon would be more comfortable than walking, for certain."
"There are some problems, though. First off, if you're talking about riding horses, they won't do. Different breeds, different skill sets. You'd kill riding horses in a week if you forced them to pull one of these wagons. It would take a pair of oxen to haul one of these bad girls," he says tapping the side of a wagon.
"Second, bringing an empty wagon would probably make you even more suspicious that just tagging along with the caravan. These things aren't cheap and if someone found out you were dead heading, the whole caravan would get suspicious.... You'd have to invent a whole story to explain it and then... why bother with all the expense? On the other hand, if you load up with some trade goods or... Hells, whatever you can get your hands on to fill the wagon, you'd have a solid cover. Probably pick the smartest or most charismatic to play the merchant... the rest could be hired guards... yeah that could work."
"If you like, I could get you set up with a wagon and oxen. Have them ready for you in two days. I'll give you the same rate as I gave the cult. 100gp for the full wagon plus oxen set up. Otherwise, if those rising horses of yours are in good condition, I'll take two of them off your hands instead. The deal comes with enough non-perishable foodstuffs for the trip as well as some animal feed if you run into spots where grazing isn't possible." He makes a point with his fingers. "Please consider picking up something to carry in that wagon, to sell this ruse."
[I don't think this hit all the questions but I wanted to get something up in response... I'll get to the rest later.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
In spite of the difficulties explained, Tylaerys still seems hopeful about Finn's idea about playing the part of a merchant rather than a caravan guard. She realizes not everyone might be fond of leaving their riding horses here but not all of them needed to, they still had funds to cover some expenses, question was how to use them wisely. "If we decide to try on playing the parts of merchants, would you know what trade goods would be fairly cheap but also something that would pass off as something that a merchant would bring from here to Waterdeep?" She asks Ackyn. "Also, if we would want to report back to Sir Frume, could you help us with that?"
Finn does follow up on the tattoo, looking for as good a description as she can get but also most definitely where on the body it was.
"If we go the wagon route, we don't really needs goods do we? Couldn't empty crates and such work well enough to sell the illusion?" Finn asks. "Maybe we nail them down a bit so they don't move during the normal course of travel... That may tip off someone they were too light. Could you do something to the wagon so it rode like it had a full cargo even though it didn't?"
Finn would also point out to the others that leaving tomorrow would give them time to at least eyeball the sight she found earlier. Probably not worth making a scene but at least getting a second look at some of those coming and going could prove useful. Though if we need to spend the night buying cargo to sell the charade then perhaps not...
Artwork! pipes up Yeshil from a short distance away. Then to clarify her strange outburst, she explains: We should transport artwork to Waterdeep. Framed paintings, small sculptures, that kinda thing. It's too light and fragile for sea transport, generally ships in small quantities, and there is a large demand for it in Waterdeep. And we wouldn't need to buy expensive stuff either. Some cheap garbage would maintain the ruse, and just a few well-padded items can take up lots of room in the wagon. Then continuing her demeanor of casual superiority, she pretends to turn her attention back to the workshop activities...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?