(OOC: To clarify, you have been ushered to Cassra's office.)
"Hhmmp..." Cassra responds, looking over her shoulder at the large mastiff and the comfortable bed he has been provided overnight. Basil is asleep. "Well, th-th-the sub-archives are rarely visited. It must have been years, decades, since someone was specifically sent there. The thief must have somehow awakened a latent monster or som-some-something," the scribe guesses. Calming down, she adds: "Thanks-ks-ks for defeating it."
While scratching her bound arm, she asks: "The Twilight Marsh? We wo-wou-woul-would have to search for specific books... hope to find written details... the research may take a while. How much time do you-you-you ha-have? You can't let the thie-th-thie-thief escape." Her anxiety levels are escalating quickly once again.
AT THE NOBLE ESTATE
@Utar:
These are no Black Fist grunts, so offers of bribes come at a risk. You feel like you have identified one or two guards who might be susceptible to the idea of speeding up things but you fear they might be more willing to accept an exchange if they are not surrounded by many of their colleagues.
Once they've had their fill of teasing comments, one of the guards finally says something helpful: "Alright, alright... let me check the log book." They walk back into one of the two guard posts by the gate, taking their time, to hopefully keep to their word and gather some information that could be useful. Still, this is no guarantee they are letting Utar and Neya through.
"If I had to wager a guess, I'd say we might have an hour at the VERY most. But that depends on how much the others are given the runaround just trying to meet Lord Ekky, er, Lord Ekmong."Obsben mentions as she looks mysteriously at a wall... But then she snaps back to Cassra grinning her usual eerie grin, yet still radiating complete calm and carefreeness. "But we should only take up half of that if it can be helped. Thief to catch, 'n all that. Who, by the way, seems to have definitely been that Ellison person of yours. Well, once of yours. Blew a hole in the sub archives they did that led not only to the sewers, but also apparently some wizards secret study by the looks of the place."She readily admits.
"I can't recall the state of the books we found there all that well, as I was kinda running on fumes by then. But there should be some decent nuggets, along with a few odds and ends for the library to peruse if you wish... though I'd recommend maybe reaching out to a temple or wondering paladin to make sure to cleanse the place too for good measure."Obsben nudges Graxx thigh and grins up at him. "Ain't that right, big guy?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Staying his hand from dipping into his purse, Utar waits for the helpful guard to return. He can't recall having passed them his name, so how useful this guard is remains to be seen.
Graxx takes a second then realizes Obsben is talking about him!
"Why yes of course! Once the task at hand is complete I'm sure I could find some time to drop by... With my warband for protection of course and ensure there are no more nasty bits lurking so you may study these new areas." says Graxx... A piece of him thinking about how the building of favors may one day help him free his tribesman.
Graxx frowns a bit.
"While we don't have the time to search for a book on the Twilight Marsh let us talk about a topic more general and specific."
"It-it-it is confirmed to be Ellison, then..."Cassra sighs and then laments: "We should-d-d have been even more sss-ss-suspicious of him after learning he used to sometimes enjoy merrymaking w-w-wi-with Tibeem and Spernik."
She paces around for a dozen seconds, thinking, and then concludes: "We'll take the p-p-pr-proper steps to address the damage to the sub-archives. C-c-c-c-cap-aptain Aleyd Burral is still, at least namely, in charge of this investigation. I am sure she w-w-woul-wouldn't refuse a request for paladin-cleasing of the crime scene-e-ne-sn-cs-scene. The two of you should instead give chase to Ellison. What will-ll-l-ll-will you do for the next half-hour/hour while we look into information about the marsh?"
AT THE NOBLE'S QUARTERS
The more useful guard eventually returns, claiming: "Regent Ekmong has a full day of meetings. I'll go inside and ask if he can spare a few minutes of his luncheon break to see you. Wait here."
It takes longer that it should, some 20 minutes or so, but the guard returns and confirms that Ekmong can make himself available around meal time. Utar and Neya have to wait another 20 minutes on top of that before finally being let inside. They are brought to one of the mansion's many study rooms, where they wait several additional minutes before Ekmong comes bursting in. "I have no time to spare. Court-tending is exhausting work. Tell me more about why you are here so we can move on with this dragon hunting you mentioned."
Neya summarizes, "Then to cut to the chase, we have learned from a series of missives that the culprit is a member of the Cult of the Dragon with orders to deliver some of the pages of the stolen books to the black dragon, Rynthrax, in the marsh just to the East of Phlan. For what reason is yet unknown."
"Since we are expecting a confrontation with it, we are hoping for, at least, some insights based on its reputation."
Utar chips in, counting off on his fingers, "Also, if we die, we need someone to pick up the search for the Pool of Radiance and continue to work against the Cult. Cassra Brandywine at Mantor's Library had details on the books which presumably points the way. There's a Cult recruiter operating in the city under the moniker 'B'. We know they frequent the Laughing Goblin but we have no description really. Oh! And Captain Alyed Burrall had a low level Cult operative in custody who likely isn't of any value as they're so new."
He then looks to Neya, "That about sum things up?"
"The more of us looking for books the better. Just point me in the direction and I'll be looking for anything about the Marsh or about Dragons!" says Graxx excitedly and ready to help.
"I certainly have a mind to help as well, if you think it would help. Otherwise... hmm~.... There is a certain elf whose property aughta be returned to her, and that could lead to its own... distractions." Obsben admits with an amused smile growing towards the end. "Not to mention finding some place to maybe procure a spell scroll or two if the price is particularly right, or herbs for summoning familiars."
She pauses briefly, tapping her chin in thought. "We believe-..." She starts and stops again to glance off to empty space."He wouldn't really... actually no, I suppose he would insist wouldn't he? Hmn." Obby then turns back to Cassra and carried on as if nothing strange happen. "It can wait a bit. Though I was here to someone here as well anyhow. They're 'bout ya big. Likes to wear hoods. And-..." She goes on to list the various descriptors of Harper, or at least a common disguise she may know him to use. "If any of that rings of bell, mind directing me to him?"
"The gentleman you sent our way for additional p-p-p-protection?" Cassra clarifies with Obsben. "It is about meal time. You may fi-fi-fin-fin-find him outside in the courtyard. It believe he takes most of his midday meals there. We can get an attendant to es-es-es-esc-escort you there in a moment."
Cassra steps outside for a moment and returns with a familiar elven face by her side. Although she was not on gate duty this time, the same elven librarian attendant is now available to escort Obsben to the courtyard, as directed. Assuming Obsben leaves to search for Harper, Cassra is left behind with Graxx. The halfling scribe picks a few books from her own messy piles and tells the barbarian: "Let's start with th-th-these."
It must be Graxx's lucky day. Within the first 15 minutes of skimming through books, the newly-forged paladin finds something he thinks might be useful. A descriptive passage in a book focused on local geographies elaborates a bit on the marsh, although the author themselves confesses not spending too much time in that dangerous place. It says: "The Twilight Marsh is a grim, grey, and joyless swamp overshadowed by tall, foreboding trees. Buzzing, biting insects fill the air, and the entire area is predominantly taken by knee-deep water with numerous patches of dry, albeit soggy, land. Rolling patches of fog are just as prevalent as the stagnant, putrid water."
(@Ori: Roll a perception check {DC 10} to see if you can find Harper in the courtyard. If you beat the DC, feel free to strike a conversation with him.)
"So, there were not only more thefts of the Library's property, but these were also the work of the Cult?"Ekmong's lips curls in an surprised smiled. "Well, their daring but foolish choice to engage in a maneuver so similar to the one we had recently investigated shall be their demise. If they will lead you to one of their dragons, we cannot let the chance to bring it down slip from our grasp."
Ekmong begins pacing around, his impeccable blue and golden outfit leaving behind the scent of sandalwood. "As I mentioned to you in our last meeting, Rythnax is a nuisance of a younger black dragon. Or, at least, that is what our latest records show. There aren't many that survive a direct encounter with a dragon to write or tell tale of it later. To our knowledge, he is brash and boastful, and had been spotted in the region in recent years. It makes sense it would lair in the eastern marshes, though, even so, it may not be his first or only lair. Not that it makes a difference if you are to strike it down, but beware of a dragon's habitat. They change the environment about them to the point even their treasure hoards can be magically affected. Some of this may incentivize you, but remember that a chromatic dragon's innate magical essence is inherently evil. And don't let it's possible age fool you. Even younger dragons are lethal, as are their lairs. Some past adventurer's first accounts say some younger dragons may not have had the chance to expose their lairs to their innate magic for long enough to command them into action. I say that assuming such thing going in would be your first and possibly most deadly mistake."
Ekmong then apologizes: "With little time to prepare, unlike the last quest we collaborated on, I have little to offer in terms of assistance besides the bits of wisdom I have just shared. Perhaps I can help you restock your ammunition from the Brokengulf garrison, or perhaps furnish you with a few extra coins to help fund the purchase of any supplies you may want on your way out of town? Apart from that, I'll be sure to summon Captain Aleyd Burral and Master Scribe Cassra Brandywine regarding possible follow-ups on the Cult and their search for the Pool."
"Thank you for fitting us in, Lord Ekmong. Things have progresses much, much faster on this case than we would have perhaps liked and there has been little time to share the information discovered with our allies. I am glad to have brought you up to speed and hopefully given you some new leads. The information you share is useful and perhaps Rythnax is foolish enought that they can be lured away from their lair, fight them where we control the battlefield perhaps? But I suspect such thinking is likely to lead to our early deaths, given how formidable even a young dragon is likely to be."
Utar pauses a moment, takes in the enormity of what they are about to do, and lets a moment of doubt creep in before banishing it away.
"If we were to boil down your warning to a simple adage I would assume it to be 'discretion is the better part of valour'? I suspect a victory in this instance is preventing whatever information the Cult's operative discovered from falling into the hands of the wider Cult leadership, discovering the location of Rythnax's lair and coming home alive to share what we've found, ready to strike at this dragon in force if needed? I would also think we could include 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail' as part of your advice, so if we could restock our ammunition and take some coin, it would be very much appreciated."
Obsben had indeed followed through on her request, preferring to get it out the way sooner than later. Once Obsben spotted Harper a mischevious gleam lit up her eyes as lips curl into a smile. That is, if the man hadn't appeared to notice her in turn. But even if he had not, all temptation dies from a yowl from Sourpuss, who had taken during the interim pad alongside the halfling.
"I know, I know. Fun later, work now."She assured the feline along with a few strokes along his head. "Oh Pumpkin Spice~ I've arrived just like a told you I would." Obby called out to Harper on her approach, then once within more casual speaking range went on to say, "Sorry I couldn't come by sooner, but we were led on quite the merry little chase last night. But I'm here now and Graxx is... around. The others, sadly, opted went to Ekky's place to give him the run down and hopefully pick up a thing or two."
The halfling looks over at the passage Graxx spotted and reads it over with an accompanying nod. "It will be d-d-ddifficult to move and see-ee-ee in there," she confirms. "Maybe you want to buy some insect repellent on your way-y-y out of town?"
Give some more time to go over her own stack of books, Cassra eventually pinpoints another passing mention of the eastern marshes. "Here! This au-au-author warns about lizardfolk who live and hunt in the area." She thinks for a second. "I guess if you are h-hun-hhh-hu-hunting a dragon, lizards are not much of a concern, but you should be careful nonetheless."
She tries to find more information but soon closes a book forcefully on her lap and states: "It's been about a half-hour. I don't me-mean to be impatient but it seems odd-dd-dd that you are here reading books when a thief is on the run. Isn't it about time you go kill a dr-dr-dr-dragon?"
"A worthy effort," Ekmong replies, "but any dragon knows it stands a better chance when fighting in its lair. You would have to outsmart Rythnax by some measure if you are to lure him away from his largest asset in a fight."
Once Utar adds his follow-up thought to the discussion, Ekmong reassures him and Neya: "Your lives are more important. Be cautious and claim whatever victory you can. Even if you can't claim any, live to fight another day. We'll have Rythnax's scent and can track him down again. That said, should the opportunity make itself known, be sure to bring a dragon's head back home in the name of Phlan!"
Ekmong then gets a letter opener and cuts the belt strings of one of his own coin-purses and places it in Utar's hand. "Here are 100 golden pieces. Use them well for your last-minute resupplying needs. Now come, I'll walk you to the retainers' garrison myself. You can collect as many arrows, bolts, and darts as you'd like."
"Always the jester," Harper says with a smile. "You are lucky to find me here instead of one of my doubles. I have the Library staff believing I spend my meal breaks in the courtyard each day. Sometimes, I even do it!" With a smile that is half obscured by his long hood, Harper then switches topics: "Here, before I forget. Take this potion. I had mentioned the marsh's fog might be a nuisance. I reckon this potion of elemental air might come in handy for clearing the fog in a key moment. Use it wisely."
"Now,"he switches topics once more, "you mentioned a black dragon. Surely, you are drooling over the potential treasure hoard it keeps, much like myself. But you know that information is worth more than any golden trinket. So, be a good gal and bring back whatever wealth of intel you find laying about that hoard, okay? Perhaps about a certain pool we had discussed in our previous meetings? Our organization will very much appreciate your contributions."
Utar falls into place besides Ekmong and mentally adds it to the 250gp previously confiscated from the ally thugs operating under Cult orders. A quick trip to a scroll vendor or potion merchant might be in order after restocking the group's supplies.
"I think Graxx has a crossbow, so we should likely take some bolts for him just in case. Does Obsben make use of any ranged weapons? I think she normally sticks to slinging spells, right?"
Obsben smirked, but said nothing to counter Harper's point about doubles. And she more than happily accepted the potion, slipping it away in some inner robe pocket or holster for ease of access in a pinch. "Oh you~ As much as I have a need for gold, it is the stories that come from these little outings that matter more to me.... as well as mayhaps the occasional trinket or two that find their way in such places."
She waves a hand dismissively. "Either way, worry you not. If I learn of anything of interest, I'll be sure to reach out to ya as soon as I can. Just be sure that in the meantime no other scribe goes running off with anything too important." She jokingly pressured. "On an adjacent note, what do you know of Ellison? Seems they were our little thief. And also, would you know of any place nearby that sells some decent scrolls or arcane implements?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Rushing into battle without preparation is rushing to your death." says Graxx.
Graxx stands.
"With that said, I think it is time to hunt. Thank you. This information is very helpful and helps increase our chance of returning here alive." says Graxx.
Graxx looks toward the door.
"Would you like to walk with me to reunite with my friend?" asks Graxx.
While potentially walking Graxx will ask.
"So... In your studies.. Have you ever read about Lizardfolk?" asks Graxx.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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AT THE LIBRARY
(OOC: To clarify, you have been ushered to Cassra's office.)
"Hhmmp..." Cassra responds, looking over her shoulder at the large mastiff and the comfortable bed he has been provided overnight. Basil is asleep. "Well, th-th-the sub-archives are rarely visited. It must have been years, decades, since someone was specifically sent there. The thief must have somehow awakened a latent monster or som-some-something," the scribe guesses. Calming down, she adds: "Thanks-ks-ks for defeating it."
While scratching her bound arm, she asks: "The Twilight Marsh? We wo-wou-woul-would have to search for specific books... hope to find written details... the research may take a while. How much time do you-you-you ha-have? You can't let the thie-th-thie-thief escape." Her anxiety levels are escalating quickly once again.
AT THE NOBLE ESTATE
@Utar:
These are no Black Fist grunts, so offers of bribes come at a risk. You feel like you have identified one or two guards who might be susceptible to the idea of speeding up things but you fear they might be more willing to accept an exchange if they are not surrounded by many of their colleagues.
Once they've had their fill of teasing comments, one of the guards finally says something helpful: "Alright, alright... let me check the log book." They walk back into one of the two guard posts by the gate, taking their time, to hopefully keep to their word and gather some information that could be useful. Still, this is no guarantee they are letting Utar and Neya through.
"If I had to wager a guess, I'd say we might have an hour at the VERY most. But that depends on how much the others are given the runaround just trying to meet Lord Ekky, er, Lord Ekmong." Obsben mentions as she looks mysteriously at a wall... But then she snaps back to Cassra grinning her usual eerie grin, yet still radiating complete calm and carefreeness. "But we should only take up half of that if it can be helped. Thief to catch, 'n all that. Who, by the way, seems to have definitely been that Ellison person of yours. Well, once of yours. Blew a hole in the sub archives they did that led not only to the sewers, but also apparently some wizards secret study by the looks of the place." She readily admits.
"I can't recall the state of the books we found there all that well, as I was kinda running on fumes by then. But there should be some decent nuggets, along with a few odds and ends for the library to peruse if you wish... though I'd recommend maybe reaching out to a temple or wondering paladin to make sure to cleanse the place too for good measure." Obsben nudges Graxx thigh and grins up at him. "Ain't that right, big guy?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Staying his hand from dipping into his purse, Utar waits for the helpful guard to return. He can't recall having passed them his name, so how useful this guard is remains to be seen.
Graxx takes a second then realizes Obsben is talking about him!
"Why yes of course! Once the task at hand is complete I'm sure I could find some time to drop by... With my warband for protection of course and ensure there are no more nasty bits lurking so you may study these new areas." says Graxx... A piece of him thinking about how the building of favors may one day help him free his tribesman.
Graxx frowns a bit.
"While we don't have the time to search for a book on the Twilight Marsh let us talk about a topic more general and specific."
Graxx eyes light up.
"What do you know about dragons?"
Graxx raises his eyebrows.
"Specifically, Black Dragons?" asks Graxx.
AT THE LIBRARY
"It-it-it is confirmed to be Ellison, then..." Cassra sighs and then laments: "We should-d-d have been even more sss-ss-suspicious of him after learning he used to sometimes enjoy merrymaking w-w-wi-with Tibeem and Spernik."
She paces around for a dozen seconds, thinking, and then concludes: "We'll take the p-p-pr-proper steps to address the damage to the sub-archives. C-c-c-c-cap-aptain Aleyd Burral is still, at least namely, in charge of this investigation. I am sure she w-w-woul-wouldn't refuse a request for paladin-cleasing of the crime scene-e-ne-sn-cs-scene. The two of you should instead give chase to Ellison. What will-ll-l-ll-will you do for the next half-hour/hour while we look into information about the marsh?"
AT THE NOBLE'S QUARTERS
The more useful guard eventually returns, claiming: "Regent Ekmong has a full day of meetings. I'll go inside and ask if he can spare a few minutes of his luncheon break to see you. Wait here."
It takes longer that it should, some 20 minutes or so, but the guard returns and confirms that Ekmong can make himself available around meal time. Utar and Neya have to wait another 20 minutes on top of that before finally being let inside. They are brought to one of the mansion's many study rooms, where they wait several additional minutes before Ekmong comes bursting in. "I have no time to spare. Court-tending is exhausting work. Tell me more about why you are here so we can move on with this dragon hunting you mentioned."
Neya summarizes, "Then to cut to the chase, we have learned from a series of missives that the culprit is a member of the Cult of the Dragon with orders to deliver some of the pages of the stolen books to the black dragon, Rynthrax, in the marsh just to the East of Phlan. For what reason is yet unknown."
"Since we are expecting a confrontation with it, we are hoping for, at least, some insights based on its reputation."
Extended Signature
Utar chips in, counting off on his fingers, "Also, if we die, we need someone to pick up the search for the Pool of Radiance and continue to work against the Cult. Cassra Brandywine at Mantor's Library had details on the books which presumably points the way. There's a Cult recruiter operating in the city under the moniker 'B'. We know they frequent the Laughing Goblin but we have no description really. Oh! And Captain Alyed Burrall had a low level Cult operative in custody who likely isn't of any value as they're so new."
He then looks to Neya, "That about sum things up?"
Graxx thinks hard for a moment.
"Well..."
Graxx lowers his head then perks back up.
"The more of us looking for books the better. Just point me in the direction and I'll be looking for anything about the Marsh or about Dragons!" says Graxx excitedly and ready to help.
Investigation: 18
"I certainly have a mind to help as well, if you think it would help. Otherwise... hmm~.... There is a certain elf whose property aughta be returned to her, and that could lead to its own... distractions." Obsben admits with an amused smile growing towards the end. "Not to mention finding some place to maybe procure a spell scroll or two if the price is particularly right, or herbs for summoning familiars."
She pauses briefly, tapping her chin in thought. "We believe-..." She starts and stops again to glance off to empty space. "He wouldn't really... actually no, I suppose he would insist wouldn't he? Hmn." Obby then turns back to Cassra and carried on as if nothing strange happen. "It can wait a bit. Though I was here to someone here as well anyhow. They're 'bout ya big. Likes to wear hoods. And-..." She goes on to list the various descriptors of Harper, or at least a common disguise she may know him to use. "If any of that rings of bell, mind directing me to him?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
AT THE LIBRARY
"The gentleman you sent our way for additional p-p-p-protection?" Cassra clarifies with Obsben. "It is about meal time. You may fi-fi-fin-fin-find him outside in the courtyard. It believe he takes most of his midday meals there. We can get an attendant to es-es-es-esc-escort you there in a moment."
Cassra steps outside for a moment and returns with a familiar elven face by her side. Although she was not on gate duty this time, the same elven librarian attendant is now available to escort Obsben to the courtyard, as directed. Assuming Obsben leaves to search for Harper, Cassra is left behind with Graxx. The halfling scribe picks a few books from her own messy piles and tells the barbarian: "Let's start with th-th-these."
It must be Graxx's lucky day. Within the first 15 minutes of skimming through books, the newly-forged paladin finds something he thinks might be useful. A descriptive passage in a book focused on local geographies elaborates a bit on the marsh, although the author themselves confesses not spending too much time in that dangerous place. It says: "The Twilight Marsh is a grim, grey, and joyless swamp overshadowed by tall, foreboding trees. Buzzing, biting insects fill the air, and the entire area is predominantly taken by knee-deep water with numerous patches of dry, albeit soggy, land. Rolling patches of fog are just as prevalent as the stagnant, putrid water."
(@Ori: Roll a perception check {DC 10} to see if you can find Harper in the courtyard. If you beat the DC, feel free to strike a conversation with him.)
IN THE NOBLE'S QUARTERS
"So, there were not only more thefts of the Library's property, but these were also the work of the Cult?" Ekmong's lips curls in an surprised smiled. "Well, their daring but foolish choice to engage in a maneuver so similar to the one we had recently investigated shall be their demise. If they will lead you to one of their dragons, we cannot let the chance to bring it down slip from our grasp."
Ekmong begins pacing around, his impeccable blue and golden outfit leaving behind the scent of sandalwood. "As I mentioned to you in our last meeting, Rythnax is a nuisance of a younger black dragon. Or, at least, that is what our latest records show. There aren't many that survive a direct encounter with a dragon to write or tell tale of it later. To our knowledge, he is brash and boastful, and had been spotted in the region in recent years. It makes sense it would lair in the eastern marshes, though, even so, it may not be his first or only lair. Not that it makes a difference if you are to strike it down, but beware of a dragon's habitat. They change the environment about them to the point even their treasure hoards can be magically affected. Some of this may incentivize you, but remember that a chromatic dragon's innate magical essence is inherently evil. And don't let it's possible age fool you. Even younger dragons are lethal, as are their lairs. Some past adventurer's first accounts say some younger dragons may not have had the chance to expose their lairs to their innate magic for long enough to command them into action. I say that assuming such thing going in would be your first and possibly most deadly mistake."
Ekmong then apologizes: "With little time to prepare, unlike the last quest we collaborated on, I have little to offer in terms of assistance besides the bits of wisdom I have just shared. Perhaps I can help you restock your ammunition from the Brokengulf garrison, or perhaps furnish you with a few extra coins to help fund the purchase of any supplies you may want on your way out of town? Apart from that, I'll be sure to summon Captain Aleyd Burral and Master Scribe Cassra Brandywine regarding possible follow-ups on the Cult and their search for the Pool."
"Thank you for fitting us in, Lord Ekmong. Things have progresses much, much faster on this case than we would have perhaps liked and there has been little time to share the information discovered with our allies. I am glad to have brought you up to speed and hopefully given you some new leads. The information you share is useful and perhaps Rythnax is foolish enought that they can be lured away from their lair, fight them where we control the battlefield perhaps? But I suspect such thinking is likely to lead to our early deaths, given how formidable even a young dragon is likely to be."
Utar pauses a moment, takes in the enormity of what they are about to do, and lets a moment of doubt creep in before banishing it away.
"If we were to boil down your warning to a simple adage I would assume it to be 'discretion is the better part of valour'? I suspect a victory in this instance is preventing whatever information the Cult's operative discovered from falling into the hands of the wider Cult leadership, discovering the location of Rythnax's lair and coming home alive to share what we've found, ready to strike at this dragon in force if needed? I would also think we could include 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail' as part of your advice, so if we could restock our ammunition and take some coin, it would be very much appreciated."
-Perception(DC 10): 16.(18)
(More to come)Obsben had indeed followed through on her request, preferring to get it out the way sooner than later. Once Obsben spotted Harper a mischevious gleam lit up her eyes as lips curl into a smile. That is, if the man hadn't appeared to notice her in turn. But even if he had not, all temptation dies from a yowl from Sourpuss, who had taken during the interim pad alongside the halfling.
"I know, I know. Fun later, work now." She assured the feline along with a few strokes along his head. "Oh Pumpkin Spice~ I've arrived just like a told you I would." Obby called out to Harper on her approach, then once within more casual speaking range went on to say, "Sorry I couldn't come by sooner, but we were led on quite the merry little chase last night. But I'm here now and Graxx is... around. The others, sadly, opted went to Ekky's place to give him the run down and hopefully pick up a thing or two."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx smiles at his success but then frowns after reading about the knee deep water.
Graxx thinks of Glory.
”Sorry girl… You’re going to have to sit this one out” Graxx thinks to himself.
Graxx looks to Cassra.
”Here is a bit of good information about the Marsh. Did you find anything in your stack?” Asks Graxx.
AT CASSRA'S OFFICE
The halfling looks over at the passage Graxx spotted and reads it over with an accompanying nod. "It will be d-d-ddifficult to move and see-ee-ee in there," she confirms. "Maybe you want to buy some insect repellent on your way-y-y out of town?"
Give some more time to go over her own stack of books, Cassra eventually pinpoints another passing mention of the eastern marshes. "Here! This au-au-author warns about lizardfolk who live and hunt in the area." She thinks for a second. "I guess if you are h-hun-hhh-hu-hunting a dragon, lizards are not much of a concern, but you should be careful nonetheless."
She tries to find more information but soon closes a book forcefully on her lap and states: "It's been about a half-hour. I don't me-mean to be impatient but it seems odd-dd-dd that you are here reading books when a thief is on the run. Isn't it about time you go kill a dr-dr-dr-dragon?"
AT THE NOBLE'S QUARTER
"A worthy effort," Ekmong replies, "but any dragon knows it stands a better chance when fighting in its lair. You would have to outsmart Rythnax by some measure if you are to lure him away from his largest asset in a fight."
Once Utar adds his follow-up thought to the discussion, Ekmong reassures him and Neya: "Your lives are more important. Be cautious and claim whatever victory you can. Even if you can't claim any, live to fight another day. We'll have Rythnax's scent and can track him down again. That said, should the opportunity make itself known, be sure to bring a dragon's head back home in the name of Phlan!"
Ekmong then gets a letter opener and cuts the belt strings of one of his own coin-purses and places it in Utar's hand. "Here are 100 golden pieces. Use them well for your last-minute resupplying needs. Now come, I'll walk you to the retainers' garrison myself. You can collect as many arrows, bolts, and darts as you'd like."
AT THE LIBRARY COURTYARD
"Always the jester," Harper says with a smile. "You are lucky to find me here instead of one of my doubles. I have the Library staff believing I spend my meal breaks in the courtyard each day. Sometimes, I even do it!" With a smile that is half obscured by his long hood, Harper then switches topics: "Here, before I forget. Take this potion. I had mentioned the marsh's fog might be a nuisance. I reckon this potion of elemental air might come in handy for clearing the fog in a key moment. Use it wisely."
"Now," he switches topics once more, "you mentioned a black dragon. Surely, you are drooling over the potential treasure hoard it keeps, much like myself. But you know that information is worth more than any golden trinket. So, be a good gal and bring back whatever wealth of intel you find laying about that hoard, okay? Perhaps about a certain pool we had discussed in our previous meetings? Our organization will very much appreciate your contributions."
Utar falls into place besides Ekmong and mentally adds it to the 250gp previously confiscated from the ally thugs operating under Cult orders. A quick trip to a scroll vendor or potion merchant might be in order after restocking the group's supplies.
"I think Graxx has a crossbow, so we should likely take some bolts for him just in case. Does Obsben make use of any ranged weapons? I think she normally sticks to slinging spells, right?"
Obsben smirked, but said nothing to counter Harper's point about doubles. And she more than happily accepted the potion, slipping it away in some inner robe pocket or holster for ease of access in a pinch. "Oh you~ As much as I have a need for gold, it is the stories that come from these little outings that matter more to me.... as well as mayhaps the occasional trinket or two that find their way in such places."
She waves a hand dismissively. "Either way, worry you not. If I learn of anything of interest, I'll be sure to reach out to ya as soon as I can. Just be sure that in the meantime no other scribe goes running off with anything too important." She jokingly pressured. "On an adjacent note, what do you know of Ellison? Seems they were our little thief. And also, would you know of any place nearby that sells some decent scrolls or arcane implements?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx laughs lightly and Cassra's comments.
"Rushing into battle without preparation is rushing to your death." says Graxx.
Graxx stands.
"With that said, I think it is time to hunt. Thank you. This information is very helpful and helps increase our chance of returning here alive." says Graxx.
Graxx looks toward the door.
"Would you like to walk with me to reunite with my friend?" asks Graxx.
While potentially walking Graxx will ask.
"So... In your studies.. Have you ever read about Lizardfolk?" asks Graxx.