Zelaerys continues to move through the water towards the crying townsfolk. Between his clanking armor and the splashing water, he is unsure if there are still trogs nearby. He can’t see any but he knows that the hide well, especially in the water.

Nearing the goliath, he replies, „I’m Zelaerys, a humble servant of Yondalla, the great mother. Personally, I found myself dragged down here by those ruffians myself and escaped only by a small margin, only to find myself trapped by a spider. This fine gentlemen,“ he points to Dav‘eed, „rescued me from its fangs,…“

Selaerys looks directly at the goliath with his deep blue eyes that seem to reflect more light than appears to be around, almost like a cat‘s eyes in the night or if it’s source is inside his skull. „Are these the people that got captured?“ he asks Huttmoff and Dav‘eed equally, expecting that they would know the answer. At the same time, he looks around if he sees a torch that he could light to make the humans and others without darkvision a little bit more comfortable.

Then, if there is at least 10 minutes of time, he passes by the prisoners, one by one, and tries to find out out if anyone is seriously injured, meaning so much that they could not leave the cave on their own accord. While he visits each one, he prays to Yondalla for their well being and protection (Inspiring Leader, 5 temporary HP to Huttmoff, Dav‘eed,  Zelaerys and the three most injured prisoners).

(OOC: @Dedalusson: I don’t want to tell you what you should do but I want to point out that temporary hit points don’t stack, and the temporary hit points that you grant will not accumulate. The Twilight cleric feature lasts for one minute and get granted every round, that is ten times. This is extremely powerful during a fight, when incoming damage depletes the previously granted.)

Dav'eed also replies to the goliath. "Hail and well met, friend. I am Dav'eed, trained in the ways of a scout by my former master. Yes, we should get some light and escort these townsfolk back to the surface. A way out is not that far back the way we came, and the three of us should easily handle that big spider if it decides to come back out. Then, once that's taken care of, we should come back and investigate this portal and if it's the reason why the town's wells are all dry."

Although the half-elf rarely used them, he does have several torches and a tinderbox. He will light and distribute two or three to the townsfolk to provide light as they are tended to by the pair of clerics. While they are doing this, Dav'eed will investigate the portal, seeing if anything is coming through. When the group is ready, the rogue takes the lead and scouts the way back to the cellar where the trogs broke through and come into the square. 

Dav'eed passes the lit torch to Zalaerys, the flame casts dancing shadows upon the hopeful faces of the prisoners. "Thank the gods" an older man speaks first upon seeing your group for the first time. A child cries her hands and legs bound as they all are. "Where are we, how do we get out of here", and 'Are there any more of them" says a young man, searching the shadows for further Reptilians.

The Halfling and the Goliath make an odd pair, one towering over the other. As the two of them get to work untie the bindings and assessing the condition of the prisoners it seems all are able to stand and move on their own. Blood spatters their clothing, dried and rusted from head wounds but able to stand none the less. The warrior that fought back against the Large Trog unfortunately has died from grievous wounds to his face and neck. The blood staining a heavy torn tunic and suit of armor beneath.

Dav'eed slowly creeps towards the Portal in the Southern end of the room. It hangs in the air about 15-20' above the surface of the cave lake. Water splashes out of its interior, a river escaping its source. Within the deep watery interior the occasional school of white  blind fish swim by. Within the view a tiny, actually not tiny, just distant Troglodyte cuts through the underwater scene. Like gazing into a looking glass you watch the watery world as an outsider.

Getting closer Dav'eed plunges into deeper water underneath the portal. The floor of the lake descends quickly, water covers the Half-elf's head, blocking out all sound except the turbulent waves above. A faint light can be seen casting a glow to a flooded passage exiting the lake from the Southern wall. The Trog that ran away must have swum through the underwater passage. It cant go very far as torch light casts a glow, making the passage stand out against the stark darkness. 

Swimming back to solid ground your group gathers the injured and trudges back the way you came. The spider thankfully is no where to be seen. Reaching the ladder ascending to the basement of the stinky house (The stink already dissipating) you help the townsfolk up the ladder and into the light of the glorious sun. The group thanks you effusively before hobbling off to return to a life under the sun. The old man turns to your group before leaving" I can not thank you enough for the bravery you showed in chasing the monsters. We would all have been dinner if it wasn't for you." He pulls a thin silver ring from his finger and holds it out. "I have little to give in thanks but this trinket, I hope it helps" he smiles a painful small crease of his lips then turns and hobbles off.

The guards, standing watch over the building check the rescued townsfolk before letting them wander home. Turning to the three of you a grim smile upon their lips. "How did you triumph good sirs, I think Captain Janaath would like to hear what has befallen. I will send word of the rescue." As he gets closer his nose wrinkles at the stench that clings to you. "Perhaps a bath and some clean clothes are in order. Come by 'The Keep' when you are ready, The Captain will be waiting"

[Huttmoff]

As they finally get the group to the surface, Huttmoff's massive body relaxes tension he didn't even realize he was holding once we get the people to the surface, and he pauses, basking in the warmth of the light of the sun. That moment, that transition from darkness to light being the holiest of moments for him. He wonders at his good luck. His mission into darkness went about as horribly as it could, but now he finds himself in the company of unlooked-for friends. 

Gazing into the light of the halfling's eyes, Huttmoff is immediately fond of Zelaerys, finding something of a kindred spirit. He has always had a difficult time connecting with people with words, so he is moved and impressed with the halflings easy way with people, how his words and caring seemed to bring the townsfolk to ease. Huttmoff tried to help, as he could, administering basic first aid, but found his efforts much less effective. He feels he can learn from this one.

Similarly, Huttmoff has instant respect for Dav'eed: for his capability, for his sureness of action. He feels himself naturally want to follow this half-elf. "I feel like maybe we should stay together and report back to the Wintershields, but I can see we will be better received having cleaned up a bit. Where are the two of you staying in town? I got wrapped up in the mission before I secured myself a place to stay, and rooms are hard to come by in this town."

Before their departure, Zelaerys insisted on a quick burial ritual for the fallen townsmen. He must have been from the guard or a mercenary sent down to free the troglodytes‘ prisoners. In any way, he didn’t deserve to remain here and rot and they could not bring him all the way up (What kind of heavy armor does he wear? Something better than Zelaerys‘ chain?).

Dav‘eed‘s findings, he feels, are very important, „Maybe we should return once the townspeople are save. If we leave the portal as it is, we are going to have the same problem again in no time.“ 

(more to come… I’m a bit too busy today. @DM at which tavern could Zelaerys be staying?)

Dav'eed offers the old man's silver ring to Zelaerys, explaining that he already had one from today's events. On the way out, Dav'eed would also retrieve the body of a hobgoblin, although the brute's size means that he needs to ask for help carrying it back to the surface. Several of the adult townsfolk would likely recognize Tufts, the bouncer at the Flowing Flagon tavern. "He was brave and cared for others more than many humans I've encountered..." Dav'eed would say of the big, hairy guy. "He deserves the same burial rights as anyone else." 

At the tavern, the half-elf would show his new companions to the rooms they were offered for helping out the guard (if I remember that correctly...=) "I agree that we have unfinished business in the sewers, but we should get cleaned up, make a report, heal up a little tonight, and see if we can get some additional help before going back down there...I don't think the troglodytes will be back before tomorrow. And the guards know where to guard now, thanks to us! But - I recognize the potential danger and am willing and able to head back down now to take care of it while we still reek!!" Dav'eed grins as he confers with the others.

Once back at the surface, Zelaerys excuses himself to fetch his belongings from his residence and brings it to the tavern described by Dav'eed. He agrees that there is more to do in the sewers and that they should take a rest before returning there, "I remain at your service Dav'eed. I have been shown on this path and I believe our encounter has not been mere chance, there is more to do for me here in the mother's name. Let's return tomorrow at first light. You're right, it doesn't seem that this is something that needs immediate attention but it also can't be left unchecked. And I can't argue against a bath! Let's go to the captain and report about your findings, Dav'eed, as the guard suggests, but first I need to get presentable. By the great mother, Yondalla the pristine, we must be stinking to the heavens. Any blind man surely takes us for troglodytes and I won't be running through the city like this and mar her spotless image."  Zelaerys insist on taking a bath and he changes into another set of vestments that he had in his traveler's chest. He carefully cleans his armor and pouch, too, and leaves the latter to dry in his room. Afterwards, he is ready to go reporting to the captain. 

Dav'eed is glad to get himself cleaned up - living in the woods he was used to natural scents and even odors, but the troglodyte stench was awful! It still assaulted his senses, even after leaving the source...so he cleaned himself, then cleaned his leather armor and rapier. He tried using the juice of tomatoes on the armor...he had found that helped with the scent of skunks... Afterwards, he meets his new party in the common room so they can report to the captain in the keep.

Huttmoff reports to the room is shown, and begins to clean himself and his equipment. As he removes each garment, and sees the amount of filth and gore there, the magnitude of what he has gone through begins to set in. So much death. Losing an entire party. He hadn't known any of them long, but they were his group. Once he's striped to his small clothes, soaking his regularly clothing in a bucket, he pauses to meditate. He envisions the rising of the sun, an image of the moon revealing itself from behind a bank of clouds, the first spark of a fire being lit. He says a prayer to Lathander for each of the lost compatriots. It was so much easier when he was on his own in the wilderness, but he remains committed to his course.

Once he gets everything clean, he gets gets his gear back on, and prepares for what comes next. He is tremendously nervous to see the Captain, as he feels that his mission was a complete disaster. So he hopes that by attaching himself to Dav'eed and Zelaerys, he can reduce his shame. 

Returning to the Flowing Flagon, the owner Potuss takes one look at the lot of you, the body of Tufts laid upon the floor. He growls "I knew this would happen, I told him many times. How could you lead him to his death." You can see the strength of emotion welling up within the man, he turns it to anger and rage. "Grab your things and get out" he yells, pointing to the door you just entered. Perhaps for the best, a bath is more important right now.

Zalaerys heads back to the inn he was staying in previously to collect his back pack and other belongings. He heads to the public bath to join the others in a soak. Wandering the streets of Abiershire in late afternoon the wrinkled faces of passerby greet him as they give the Halfling a wide berth. Crossing the street to avoid the stench wafting from his clothes and armor. He heads to the public bathes to join the others.  

A young woman greets you, long straight hair and a beautific smile wrinkles quickly. Despite her exposure to the worst, or perhaps best of odors she barely contains her disgust. "Tomatoes of course, I think we should try vinegar. The bath will be a Noble (gp) please" Before you can scoff at the price she smiles "Water is becoming hard to find in town sir. We can provide the tomatoes for free"

Zalaerys

The guards at the keep greet you sternly, the sun beginning to dip, creating a halo over the pointed tower of the administrative building. They nod at you and lead you to Captain Janaath. The Captains office is a small unadorned, stone room. Only large enough for the desk and chair and a space for a couple people to stand before it. He rises from his seat as you enter. "I have received little report other than you had returned" He looks to Huttmoff, his face a flash of confusion. He manages to get it under control in the blink of an eye. "Now I believe there is a story to be told, you were part of the river expedition were you not?"

Quote from Rhanloi >>

Dav'eed offers the old man's silver ring to Zelaerys, explaining that he already had one from today's events.  

Zelaerys almost drops the ring passed on to him by Dav'eed. "Holy mother, have you felt that?" He asks in surprise. "Did you feel that energy discharge, too, Dav'eed?" He inspects the ring visually for inscriptions or other remarkable features. "I think I have this checked out before anyone wears it," he says and pockets the ring.

Quote from Ssymith >>

Zalaerys heads back to the inn he was staying in previously to collect his back pack and other belongings. He heads to the public bath to join the others in a soak. Wandering the streets of Abiershire in late afternoon the wrinkled faces of passerby greet him as they give the Halfling a wide berth. Crossing the street to avoid the stench wafting from his clothes and armor. He heads to the public bathes to join the others.  

A young woman greets you, long straight hair and a beautific smile wrinkles quickly. Despite her exposure to the worst, or perhaps best of odors she barely contains her disgust. "Tomatoes of course, I think we should try vinegar. The bath will be a Noble (gp) please" Before you can scoff at the price she smiles "Water is becoming hard to find in town sir. We can provide the tomatoes for free"

Humbled by the experience, Zelaerys silently prays as he walks, "Great Mother Yondalla, grant me the humility to accept this shunning with grace. Though I may bear the stink of my deeds, let my heart remain pure and my intentions true. May your wisdom guide me to embrace modesty in all things." Reaching the public baths, he joins the others, eager to cleanse himself of the grime and the lingering odor he pays the fee without hesitation (1 gp deducted), "Thank you, anything you can offer to get this off will be appreciated. Anything, really."

Quote from Ssymith >>

The guards at the keep greet you sternly, the sun beginning to dip, creating a halo over the pointed tower of the administrative building. They nod at you and lead you to Captain Janaath. The Captains office is a small unadorned, stone room. Only large enough for the desk and chair and a space for a couple people to stand before it. He rises from his seat as you enter. "I have received little report other than you had returned" He looks to Huttmoff, his face a flash of confusion. He manages to get it under control in the blink of an eye. "Now I believe there is a story to be told, you were part of the river expedition were you not?"

Before Huttmoff can respond, Selaerys steps forward, his deep blue eyes catching the fading light. He takes a breath and it seems for a moment that he wants to say something, but then it comes nothing. He glances briefly at his own feet and looks up - again - to Huttmoff, waiting patiently for his response.  

Huttmoff looks gratefully at Zelaerys, who bought him a few moments to collect himself. He starts to speak, but his throat catches. He collects himself, then clears this throat. He tells himself, "this has to be done. Need to do it now."  

Making clear eye contact with the Captain, the goliath starts, his voice deep and resonant. "As you instructed, our group started at the river cave near the docks. We started deeper into the cave. At first there was no sign of anything, but we started noticing the smell got stronger and stronger. We were also surprised that the cave seemed empty of life: no fish, little plant life, it was just felt dead. We had just rounded a corner, when these lizard creatures erupted out of the water, completely surprising us. Before we realized what was happening, Veth's throat had been ripped out, while Mirur was pulled underwater. Gradrath got in a few good hits and he and I got organized. Tekik ran off, I never saw him again. Gradrath and I were back to back, fighting creatures off while backing deeper into the cave, and I was fortunate that Gradrath finished off the monster we were fighting as he died. There were still four other creatures, but they were attending to my fallen compatriots, and I made good my escape. Unfortunately, I went deeper and deeper in the cave, so I got completely lost . I had been wandering a few hours before I stumbled upon these two. They were in the process of rescuing a whole group of captured townsfolk. I jumped in and helped as I could, but they deserve most the credit. It appears both our assignments lead to the same source. We handled the immediate threat, I believe. But I think Dav'eed and Zelaerys believe we still need to go and find a more permanent solution. I would ask the chance to see this through to the end." 

Having said his piece, Huttmoff takes a step back and nods his head to the others. 

Dav'eed nods back, an acknowledgement of Hutmoff handing off the update. "Captain, I was also part of a larger force to enter the underground and attempt to rescue the townsfolk who were captured in the raid outside of the Flowing Flagon. Most of that team were also killed by the troglodytes before we met Zelaerys here - one of the captured who managed to escape on his own. The two of proceeded on to discover the main party. Together with another fallen member of the town and Huttmoff, we were able to vanquish all of the monsters and free the good people of this town."

He pauses for a breath before continuing. "However - we do not believe our job is complete. We saw a mystical portal to an underwater area down in the caverns that should likely be sealed or dispelled. We also need to discover what happened to the water source upstream to make all of our wells go dry. I'm not sure they are related, since the troglodytes seemed perfectly happy in the water, so why would they want to block off the water?" He stops, thinks for a moment, then turns to his partners. "Did I miss anything?"

Zelaerys stood solemnly during his companions reporting and nodded on occasion during the final part of Dav'eed's recount. "I have nothing to add, Sir" he proclaims when the others appear to be waiting for him but -after a short break of gathering his thoughts- he decides to tell his tale anyway. "As he said, I was dragged down unconscious myself but got liberated by a chance encounter with a giant spider that killed my captor and scared off his friends. In hiding and barely a breath away from being the spider's dessert, Dav'eed appeared and unnerved it, so that I could escape. From him, I learned about the missing townspeople and when I heard that his party had dwindled, I finally saw how Yondalla had laid out my path and had chosen for me to be there at that time, to protect those that cannot protect themselves. As Dav'eed says we found that the problem is larger and requires further attention and for this I remain at your service if it pleases you."

At your words the Captain truly looks concerned. His practiced ease , his ability to control himself cracks just a little. "This is very concerning. I am sorry for the loss of your companions, each of you have been through a terrible ordeal. It is a blessing to hear that you have not lost the spirit to fight, to triumph. This Town is in your debt for what you have accomplished already."

He turns towards his desk and opens a drawer with a quick twist of the knob. "If your are returning to the depths I can offer some aid in your task". He hands over a small hard sided leather pouch, the gentle tink of glass sounding from within. "How are the two linked. We have never encounterd troglodytes in thi Town or the city as far as I am aware. They are beasts of the legendary deeps well beneath our feet. Do you think the Portal is where they are coming from? Where did this gate arise from, a nefarious hand, a dire ritual, from the gods perhaps. I do think it paramount we learn more of this before it becomes a true calamity." He ponders his next words as the three of you stand before him.

"If you are willing, investigate this gate with more detail, I have a member of the court who may join you" He steps out the door to speak briefly with a guard standing nearby then returns. "This water issue has become most dire, a mob had gathered in the center swuare to demand action. We have begun construction on a wheel pump but that will take time." He looks at the three of you and grimly states "We are in need of your strength and bravery again, please return and get to the bottom of this".

The case carries 3 vials of a thick red liquid: 3 Potions of healing

Zalaerys

Dav'eed nods and replies, "Roger, sir. We will return to the caverns to investigate this portal, and then see if we can discover why the wells are all dried up. I think, perhaps, that we should rest up tonight and head back in tomorrow morning so that we have a chance to recover from today's ordeal. Perhaps you have some room here in the Keep? The death of Tufts was taken hard by the tavernmaster and I don't think he will welcome us back... Also, would you be able to spare a few guardsmen to keep an eye on the portal through the night - just in case something else wanders through it?"

(If agreed, I suggest taking a long rest, then investigate the portal, and then head upstream to determine why the water flow stopped.)

"I will assist you. It is the path that has been laid out for me," asserts Zelaerys. "Any help you can offer," he says to the captain, "would be greatly appreciated. And, yes, a rest would be most welcome before we return to the town's bowels, it has been an awfully long and eventful day."

Huttmoff nods his assent. "I will gladly bring the light into the darkness enshrouding your town. Once we get some rest, at morning's light we will endeavor to clear this threat." He then pauses, his eyes go to the middle distance as he remembers the scene of slaughter from yesterday. "I do believe that any help you can provide would go a long way to increasing the likelihood of success."

OOC: Should we start a private message for OOC talk? How do we want to split up the rewards here? Should we each take one Potion of Healing? Zelaerys, do you want the ring? I don't think it will help my character much, but it might be best used for the Dav'eed as a rogue? That said, I think only you know about it, so you don't have to tell us! :)

"It is a sad affair, the loss of such brave citizens. I knew Tufts for several years, even before I became Captain her in Abiershire." The captain turns to open the door, the clean fresh spring air drifting into the room. "There is a private barracks on the other side of the keep, Petyr" he yells to a nearby guard "Take these folk to the Priory, they will use it as needed." He turns back to you "I will have you shown to the room. Please use it as you will. I can extend a welcome to you here at the Keep as you need"

Long rest complete

The sounds of soldiers practicing in the courtyard awakes you from your slumber. Wooden practice swords hitting each other in a steady rhythm of thrust and parry. The Captain didn't say anything about the hospitality of the barracks, only the room. Your stomachs growl in desire for sustenance. A Woman arrives almost in tune with the rising sun. She introduces herself as Hilke of Neverwinter.

During the evening Zelaerys discusses with Dav'eed and Huttmoff what would be the best use of their assets, most notably the ring that he identified. Dav'eed had mentioned another ring and Zelaerys offers to try and analyse its use in case it is magical. "I agree with Huttmoff that a Dimension Door would be most useful in your hands, Dav'eed," and he hands back the silver ring to its original owner.