As soon as the gate closed, Tyto's posture changed drastically. Previously the others might have noticed that he was somewhat uneasy within the settlement, always keeping a close look on his surroundings. Then, after the encounter with the dragon, it was obvious that Tyto was deeply frightened. But now - this was something else entirely. When Tyto realised that he was locked in and the villagers wouldn't open the gate again, he felt overwhelmed. Like an animal that fell into a trap, Tyto instinctively began looking around the courtyard, his eyes searching for a way of escape while every muscle in his body tensed up.

Until his gaze fell on Narr. For a few seconds, he locked in on the dwarf. Suddenly, he could remember the words that Narr had spoken earlier - Tyto hadn't really listened then, both because Narr had spoken to the young villager in a quiet voice, and because Tyto was still shook from the encounter with the dragon. But somewhere in his subconsciousness the words had manifested, almost as if they were now directed at him.

"Come now, laddie. On yer feet. Be brrave ..."

"Show them all yer courage. It'll sprread like wildfire."

A wildfire. There it was again. Mozilla. Tyto could feel her presence, even if he couldn't see her. She would want him to keep his calm. She must have had a reason to lead him towards this group. He had to do his part in saving the villagers, even if it meant that he would be caged in this building for a while. And as long as the other members of the party were with him, together they stood a real chance of making a difference. 

Tyto looks around the courtyard, trying to find a way to be of service to any of the townsfolk: <skill>Perception</skill>: 12.

HP roll: 4

Wiri catches her breath as the gate clangs shut behind her. She conjures her mage hand to hold her staff for a moment while she collects herself and regains her composure. The slight dizziness that comes along with fighting kobolds and encountering a dragon slowly dissipates, and, as she catches her breath, she dismisses the mage hand and grabs her staff. Relieved to be surrounded by four stone walls, the half-drow turns her thoughts to those outside of the keep. She looks around to see how many survivors made it into the courtyard.

Wiri notices Tyto's discomfort and walks behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder. She attempts her calmest, most steadying smile. "Are you okay, my dear firbolg? All of this horrific, meaningless violence."

The half-drow breaks eye contact with Tyto and looks around, speaking both to the firbolg and to herself. "What to do? Who to help first?"

Wiri, noticing Tyto looking to help someone, also looks around to see who may need the most help: Perception 21

HP Roll: 8

When you look around the pentagonal courtyard, you notice the towns people are directed either towards stables where the medical attention is administered or into the tower for shelter. Not many of the people require help however. The most severe wounds so far had Cuth, but Narr had used a spell to heal him almost completely.  There is couple of people who tend to the wounded - an elderly man in green robe with a long, gray beard and a few ladies of various age. Most likely some of the towns people who have some medicine skills or practice.

Towards the tower, to the left, just behind the stables, there is a blacksmith who tends to the fire. Slim looking elf accompanied with few helpers prepares some kind of big sword in white hot fire.

To the right side there is a cellar entrance and a guards common room and the steep stairs to the top of the walls. The tower itself has double thick wooden door (currently opened) leading to the entry hall.  

When Swan speaks with Escobert he keeps quiet. He watches the ladies carefully. 

Approaching the red-bearded dwarf, who is being called Escobert, Swan speaks with genuine respect in her voice. "I must thank you for your help, Escobert. Linan and Cuth spoke very highly of you, and it is clear that their trust in you was well-placed. My name is Swan Alexander, and I am honored to meet you."

Escobert mutters something, but due to his mustache and beard you are unable to see or hear what he spoke. 

"I'm with you, Sabynn," she says, her voice gentle but resolute. "But we should also consider the safety of those inside the keep as well. Opening the gate may put them in harm's way and jeopardize their only place of refuge."

"Let me worry about that" he says with a grin but suddenly one of the guards stands beside him ans whispers something to his ear. "I understand." he replies to the guard "Show them the way.". Afterwards he speaks to you "Looks like you are to meet out governor" he points to the blue robed person on the top of the tower who is looking down in your direction. "Markus here will take you to the tower... if you please" he adds cordially.

The guard stands by the stairs on the right side "Shall we?" asks looking at you.

The white-haired elven maiden nods, waiting for Swan to take the lead, deciding prudently that the blonde warrior would be the better diplomat while also representing her own beliefs on what would be the right thing to do. She is relieved to see the many townsfolk inside the keep but is convinced there must be others outside that would need her help. Although she was not brought up with a strong spirit of fellowship with the humans she knew that even though she was still young and inexperienced for an elf, she had the power of arcane magic and with such the duty to help and protect those who had none.

As Tyto looks around the courtyard, still breathing heavily after his short outburst of panic, he suddenly felt Wiri's hand on his shoulder and realised that she must have noticed his emotional state.

"Are you okay, my dear firbolg? All of this horrific, meaningless violence." the half-drow lady asked softly.

She could feel his shoulder relax a bit. "I'm fine, I'm just ... not used to being in confined spaces, that's all."

After a short pause, Tyto added "The blade of grass that bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak that breaks in the storm. I can adapt, it will just take some getting used to."

((What if Swan listens really hard? Can she tell what Escobert said? Perception: 9))

Swan gazes up at the towering figure of the governor, resplendent in his billowing blue robes. It seems like a good idea to talk to him - after all, the governor must know a lot about the town and its inner workings. Maybe he’ll have more information about the dragon and the raiders. She looks at Sabynn to see if she is still determined to help the people outside, then nods to guard. “Lead the way.”

As she walks, she can’t help but asking the guard, “What do you know about the governor?”

Swan only:

The guard turns left and walks in front of you up the wooden stairs. Each set of stairs goes up one level and there is a deck, where you can take a turn and reach another set to the next level. 

The guard takes a look over his shoulder at Swan "Well, he is the governor..." he answers chuckling. "Good old Tarbaw... It's been fifteen years since he was elected and he does fine job... If you ask my father in law that is." He takes a short stop. "No, sixteen. My daughter saw born the same year." he adds resuming his walk. "It was a real bless, we got the message and managed to get almost everyone in the keep..."

Firmly focused on the thought of conceiving a plan to rescue more townsfolk back safely to the keep, the white-haired elven maiden barely registers what the guard says about his daughter, nodding and smiling politely at his words with some impatience in her silvery eyes, staying close to Swan, hoping the blonde warrior would take on any necessary polite conversing that clearly wasn't Sabynn's forte.

Swan nods attentively, taking in the guard's words with a sense of relief that someone capable is leading the town. "It's good to know that there are people looking out for the town.” She says, “Thank you for your service and for protecting us all.”

When you climb another set of stairs you can hear the guard's voice "Well, who will take care us if not we ourselves? It ain't the Waterdeep Lord's backyard so they don't give a rat's ass about us...". 

You reach the top of the wall. From this point you turn towards the tower that is one level higher. The guard scans the sky. "We need to take a good watch o'the sky since that damn beast has showed up... If anyone yeals 'Dragon', be my guest and run like the prince o'the hells himself is chasing you to burn your sorry ass to crisps and seek shelter..." he chuckles but then, as he looks back and sees four young ladies (and Tyto) he smiles nervously "Please excuse my language..."

On the parapet above you, on the tower you can see the governor talking with some guards and pointing something in the distance. 

Cerau only

 If any of you takes a look through the blanks outside, you can see in the distance some figures here and there. Some fires. 

(OOG you may try perception check if you like)

(OOG2 It looks like Bambotta has left the campaign - does anyone know anything why? He doesn't reply to my messages)

Though she has hidden it well with years of training to be calm in front of patience - Cerau feels a similar unease at being inside the towering keep to Tyto. Her home was open, airy with fluttering fabrics of every colour that were hung to catch the breeze. To come from a place that felt as if it was decorated by the wind itself into a stone keep of towering walls felt smothering to the sleight genasi girl.

She notices that the healers seem to have any minor wounds sorted and makes a mental note to introduce herself to them later if a convenient moment presents itself. For now I will trust their expertise and keep with the group. I like these people and don't want to be separated from them in this place. She tries to present a calm demeanor as she meekly follows the others, occasionally nodding along as the guard chatters to her new friends.

When Cerau hears a voice she can't tell if it was in her imagination. She stops in her tracks and slowly looks around. It sounds distant and she uses her Insight to determine if anyone around her spoke the eerie words that hark back to her nightmares. But the female voice is new, pretty and unfamiliar, "I am the child of wind and stars..." she says softly to herself. She continues almost imperceptibly, "How do you know the name gifted to me by that being? Whoever you are..."

OCC As she says 'whoever you are...' and her voice trails off, Cerau will hold the amulet on her neck and move it in a circle casting Detect Evil and Good

The white-haired elven maiden continues to follow the guard towards the governor in the high tower while peering down at the figures down below, trying to assess their numbers and spot any leaders.

Perception: 13

Swan’s stray blonde locks tousled by the wind as she gazes out from atop the tower's parapet. From her vantage point, she could tell there are some distant figures scattered here and there amidst the thick smoke rising from flames. She tries to get a better at it, taking in the details.

She waits patiently at the side, until the governor is finished talking to the guard. Then she steps up beside him, graceful and poised. “Greetings, Governor Tarbaw. My name is Swan Alexander. We saw the tavern’s gate is closing, and we’re wondering what you are planning to do about the people still outside? We want to help as much as we can.”

Perception: 5 

Cerau only:

While you stand on the top of the wall you can see Greenest quite well, if you do not count the thick smoke here and there. You can see that most of the houses actually do not burn, but rather sheds or haystacks are the main source of fire and smoke. in the distance, you can see movement of some creatures - some kobolds, some human like figures. To your surprise, the dragon is visible on the fields to the south. For a brief moment, you assume he has just landed there, but a moment later you can spot a few torches moving from behind it. Few dark figures apparently speak with it. You watch the scene with absolute surprise when all of a sudden the dragon stands on its back legs, spreads its wings and gives a terrifying roar. Then quickly drops to all four legs squashing one of the figures with its mighty claws. Then, after a moment he spreads his wings and gets back to circling above the town.

Sabynn:

You have counted about twenty guards. Most likely there is more, but it's very hard to determine the actual number.

From the walls you get straight through the tower, to the other side and through the outer staircase, to the top level.

The top level of the tower, has a round building on it - most likely some kind of storage or guards post. You could walk around it with ease.

You pass the guard leaving the blue robed man. The takes a look at each and every one of you. Swan, Wiri, Sabynn, Cerau, Tyto and Narr.

It's a man in his late sixties. The right side of his face and head are bandaged, his right arm hangs in a sling, and his light blue tunic is stained with his own blood. 

When he hears Swan's introduction, he chuckles with a grin - most likely due to injuries to his face.

"Governor Nighthill..." the guard gives you a joyful look and you begin to understand you have used his first name instead of more appropriate surname "...these are the people you asked for." 

The governor gives him a small nod and the guard takes a few steps behind you, by one of the door.

"Please, Miss Alexander, allow me first to thank all you for rescue of my friends and neighbors. We saw your approach, but couldn't send anyone out, but that is unimportant at this time, as all of you got here safely..." he watches you for a moment "...yet I may take you up on your offer of help. I know we didn't got everyone in time. The warning came too late, but I am going to find out what is going on here." he gives you a tired look. "However, before we do that, do you mind telling me what good winds brought you here?" 

Tyto, this is the time. You can feel the magic fading...

"Fate, for me, I think. Like a blade of grass carried on a cool wind, I was drawn to Greenest." The half-drow smiles, echoing the firbolg's wisdom, as they stand before the blue-robed man. Wiri's silver-white hair looks much more disheveled than it did as she walked along the wagon road toward the city. It seems, now, like ages ago to the warlock. She pushes a few wandering strands out of her violet eyes and attempts to smile reassuringly to the mayor, tilting her head as a sign of respect. She hasn't seen any of her darker-skinned kin in such a long time, she wonders how she's to be perceived by people who've, likely, had little--or perhaps negative--interaction with drow.  She then inclines her head toward Swan, saying "I'd be happy to accompany Swan, and any of you, to help the people of Greenest."

“Governor Nighthill, my apologies.” Swan corrects herself, glad to see he’s not the type to get hung up on formalities.

“We were travelling together to Greenest, when we saw the attack of the dragon, and we decided to help.” She says, grateful to have these kind and brave companions by her side.

Swan pauses for a brief moment, gathering her thoughts before continuing. “My father is Lord Jareth Alexander of the Lord's Alliance. I have received word that there are suspicious activities of a mysterious cult called the Cult of Dragons around this area. He could not investigate it personally, as he is currently occupied with the war.” She carefully produces a signet ring of Lord’s Alliance, a red and yellow crown glinting in the sun.

"Unfortunately, it seems we may be a step too late." She adds, her expression grows solemn as her eyes flicker out towards the burning fires and the ominous form of the dragon. She turns back to governor. “Would you have any information about this cult, Governor Nighthill?”

Cerau, concentrating on her spell as the guard passes barely notices the injured man which is out of character for her. She usually watches carefully and is especially quick to notice details like injuries. But as Swan greets the governor and he replies, Cerau is not listening.

There is a pocket in her clothes that has a small drawstring at the top - good for keeping important items in when you live in a windy city. Standing at the back of the group she is reaches into this pocket to pull out a small necklace. She tries to keep it relatively hidden but those next to her would be able to see it. The necklace’s main feature is a flawless moonstone perfectly shaped as a teardrop in a silver casing along a matching chain. As she holds it in her hand, she remembers the woman who it had belonged to.

Tears of her own well in her eyes. Adventure was not what her grandmother had trained her for. Not really, but nonetheless the older woman would have supported her journey. I think she would have been proud of me. And she always said that sometimes when the wind batters you down, it is encouraging resilience and growth. Closing her eyes, she thinks of her father and her mother. A man who lived his life under the stars and a woman who listened for news of him from the wind. A tear slides down her cheek. Cerau doesn’t wipe it away but lets it fall.

She looks up to Swan showing a signet ring to the governor and she is back in the present moment.

Sabynn is intrigued from a scholarly point of view, to hear about a cult dedicated to dragons and she listens attentively to what the governor might know about such things. The people communicating with the blue dragon on the fields to the south might well be such cultists, but what was the dragon's reason for being here she pondered, keeping an eye on the dragon in the distance, ready to warn the others if it flies towards the keep and so does Y'landrothiel.

Perception: 19
Y'landrothiel perception: 21

Tyto could feel that his disguise wouldn't hold up for much longer, so he decided to explain himself before the nobleman or any of his guards was startled by his transformation. He stepped forward, and began speaking to the nobleman in his slow drawl: "I am Tyto, of the Firbolg, or Giant-Kin as you might say - though I have assumed a human form so as not to scare any of the townfolk."

With that he dropped his disguise. You watch him slowly turn back into his half-giant form. "I am a keeper of the balance of nature - though your kind might remember us as the grove keepers. It is my duty to protect the well-being of the forests. Normally we don't interfere with the affairs of men, but Greenest is a part of these lands and I will do what I can to protect it from this threat."