Bessia looks at Chadwick, “Your death awaits you at that tower if that is what you seek.”

Hanny asks Starker, Trolkarl and Gneuman “Do you have any….less dogmatic…observations about what you found?”

I trust your assessment that efforts to "cleanse the tower" are futile. Perhaps there is a middle ground to address concerns about the alliances of Kellistore or the far realm things and the dragons and orcs.

We were lucky to remove the immediate threat. How long will that last? More bodies were found than just the six from this town. Arnak, shouldn't we expect new threats if these things hunger? 

Measures are needed so that Shalecliff does not suffer a repeat attack knowing that potential threat exists. Perhaps keeping riders at an outpost watching in that direction to provide an advance warning if new alliances are formed. Knowing the town has a plan to address safety would be a start. 

Persuasion: 10

Gneuman slowly stands and begins pacing the room, stroking his chin beard gently.

"Under the most usual of circumstances, when one is being stung by hornets you can either cover your head or find their nest and destroy it."

The Gnome does an about face and begins pacing the opposite direction, "However, if the potency of those stings is too severe, perhaps a third course of action is to be considered."

"We know that the area around the tower is approachable during the daylight hours, but at night is, shall we say....I'll advised."

"What else do we know?  What other options should be considered?"

Gneuman sits back down in his chair.  "I'm sorry, but I don't have much to offer outside of summary and observation."

Arnak nods at Trolkarl's suggestion, "Yes, I will be keeping a closer eye on the ruins now that I know about the dragon forming an alliance of sorts with whatever is there.  And," he responds to Gneuman, "I have reached out to others about this problem.  Xagyg the Potent as well is now aware of this changing situation at Kellistor's tower."

Galban enters the conversation, "Our seemingly unsolvable problem remains in place.  There are new challenges to meet as well.  Belgger has asked if his equipment was found, and, if so, was it brought to Shalecliff?  I do not remember you having any arms or armor with you when you exited the ruins.  Did you find any other equipment there that could be his?"

Bessia attempts to calm the Paladin's excitement, "Be calm, good Paladin.  Confronting evil is a laudable pursuit.  But, heading to your certain destruction with no other purpose is unwise.  The day of your fight will hopefully come with a purpose behind it."

Galban adds, "Henilen intends to return to his home in Waterdeep as soon as possible.  He is quite thankful for his rescue.  Belgger would like to return to his clan at Granitestead.  They are located north in the Spine of the World mountains.  Perhaps you all would be interested in helping him return to his people?," he looks around the table at all of you.

Arnak then seems to jolt to attention, "Hey!  Where is Erbert?  Did he wander off away from you?  Gilo said he has a habit of such things."

Starker, to Hanny, coldly: “No.”

In response to Galban: “Sounds diverting. I would be happy to join them northward if my newfound companions care to make the journey.”

To Chadwick, aside:  “Perfect use of an excellent word!  Well done!”

Hoid, to Galban, “We did not recover the arms or armor. We left in haste with what was easy to carry, except the dragon head, which was for evidence.  We have contemplated a focused return during the daylight hours with proper equipment to thoroughly clean out the dragon’s lair. Perhaps we would find his equipment if we do so.”

Hanny accepts Starkers short answer with a briefly quizzical look, "Thank you."  

There is silence around the table for a bit.  Galban breaks this by suggesting, "We can build warning signs along the trade road below the plateau for travelers to avoid the area at night.  Perhaps we can recover our lost brothers and sisters as well with this mission."  He looks to all of you, "Would you be interested in joining this?  There is a game trail leading up the cliff that comes out at the lake.  While my men are clearing the dead from the cliff base you can ascend to search above."  Bessia adds to this, "We should clear the orcs bodies as well so they do not become an undead force for us to face again.  The wraith creatures have beed defeated by us in the past, many times," she says gesturing to Jotrun, Galban and Arnak.  "Only to return the following night to scour the land for any life they can consume."

Arnak adds, "Now that the odious stump...."  Hanny loudly clears his throat and bangs the table reaching for his flagon.  "I mean to say that the wizard Sapos, glorious example of gnomish royalty, has returned to Luskan.  My time is freed up to be more active in my observation of the ruins."  Hanny glares at Arnak.  Arnak continues, "And what of Erbert?  Where is he off to, if I may ask?"

“Erbert has undertaken a research project. We found a locked vault and a book written in a cypher. We could not open the vault and Erbert decided to stay behind to dedicate himself to solving that riddle. We think it may be related to what the locals called the Tree Father and his sword, which they covet as a religious symbol.”

"Master Galban, Thank you, that sounds like a prudent step. Warning others about the dangers they face may deter and reduce future victims while the Town Council and Master Arnak determine how to deal with the evil of that place." "Our abilities may not be as formidable as those on this council, however, some of us would offer them, nonetheless." Nods in a gesture of respect.

"Priestess, my services in removing the dead and returning the deceased to their loved ones is at your disposal." bows his head in reverence to the Bessia.

Chadwick nods in agreement with Kragen. When he finishes he says "while vengeance would be more satisfying, I'll heed to the wisdom of the council. I also offer my assistance in the recovery of the townsfolk to offer their loved ones some closure."

Galban looks around the table.  "Great.  I will put together a squad.  I think four wagons, horses and a dozen men.  That will be 18 with all of you," he looks around for confirmation.  "I should have supplies ready in two or three days."  He sits for a moment then speaks up again, "Oh, and thank you for bringing Bronk to our town.  He has been wonderful.  He is a little odd, but I have never been around a goblin for any length of time outside of trying to kill them.  He and the three men I have working with him have become quite a thing.  He seems to have grown into his role here very well.  You should find him and say 'hello'."

Jotrun looks around the table grimly.  He has not spoken, or even 'humphed', throughout this entire conversation.  "So, back to the usual?  Watch for something to happen from down south?"

Arnak and Hanny look to one another.  Arnak answers the dwarf, "It seems so.  I am at a loss on how to enter the tower or lower its defenses.  I am a little concerned about our previous 'guest' and his intentions here," he says giving Hanny a pointed look.  "He was here on behalf of the Arcane Brotherhood looking for someone.  Possibly the mage that disappeared a few weeks before you all arrived," he says looking at the group of you.  "The Arcane Brotherhood are a nasty lot, led by a lich now I understand."

Bessia looks to Kragen and Chadwick, "I would enjoy your presence at the temple if you would.  We have much work to do to repair the damage done by the dragon."

Arnak adds to Hoid, "If you would like assistance with the cypher, I am happy to take a look at it.  The followers of Sylvanus are many up north with the Barders and Brights chief among them.  Being on their good side is always beneficial."

“Arnak, the cypher is with Erbert at the Barder Ranch. If you have the time and inclination to do so, any assistance you can provide Erbert would surely be appreciated.”

Arnak responds, “I will send him a note the next rider that heads north.”

"Thank you Sheriff Galban, we will be ready and awaiting your summons."

Once the meeting has concluded, Kragen will follow and or meet Priestess Bessia at the Temple to support the repairs of the Temple.

Trolkarl will wait until the meeting adjourns and try to get a moment alone with Jotrun.

He is making his best attempt at dwarven social graces as he understands them - speaking dwarvish and keeping things concise and cordial. 

I seek your wise counsel, Jotrun. I am concerned with this talk of the arcane brotherhood. Is it normal that they would operate openly here? Are there perhaps other less obvious agents about now?

Maybe I am overthinking things, but perhaps Arnak is not the only one so interested in Kllistor's tower. Why else would the arcane brotherhood be here at the time of this strange occurrence? I can ask the gnomes, but I wanted your perspective first.

Jotrun listens to Trolkarl's concerns without a change to his face.  "That curse-ed tower will be trouble for sure.  The Arcane Brotherhood are a nasty lot as well.  Them being interested now is a problem as I see it."  He purses his lips for a moment, "You will need to discuss any magical details with Arnak.  Those skills are not my ken."  He seems to be done speaking.  He then adds in what you take as a friendly tone, "Brush up on your vowels.  You are out of practice."

Chadwick

"Priestess I humbly ask your understanding and forgiveness, but I will need some time before I can join you and Kragen to begin the repairs. I want to inquire with Hamlar Smith about a silvered weapon. We've had a few run ins with creatures immune to normal weapons so it seems prudent to try and obtain one before we head back to the tower.

I will be as swift as possible, and then I can dedicate myself fully to the Temple’s restoration thereafter."

Starker leaves word as to where he is staying and that he is game for anything the group decides. He heads to his inn and asks the innkeeper about the missing (?) wizard and offers to help and try to makenupnfor whatever offense wizard-kind perpetrated. 

Gneuman is ready to embark whenever needed.

Starker returns to Jotrun’s ready to sally forth. When asked what he’s been up to all he seems a little uncertain and says, “Ask the cat when we’ve opened the box.”