Lord Neverember listens to your respones, and as Jack expected, winces a little when Khessa calls him by his first name. Nevertheless, he pushes past the social faux paus and continues speaking "Vecna is the Undying Lord. The god of secrets and undeath. Your friend here seems to have some knowledge of the horrors of this particularly foul deity and his followers" he gestures to Erven with an expression of sympathy upon his worn face

"For years, various small cults have plagued the city, but as of late, one has risen to prominence: The Cult of Vecna. You found one of their cells and managed to handily defeat it, but there are more out there, hidden. News of their defeat will spread, and the other groups of the cultists will lay low for a while, most likely." he says with a grave scowl on his lips

"My officer, Kevori, filled me in on what exactly went down in there, and I am impressed by your heroism. So much so that I must ask a favor." he leans forward in his chair, taking a deep breath as he opens a drawer in his desk and begins rummaging around for something. The room is silent as he does so.

The room started off silent. But doesn't stay silent long. "Well Mr Dagult, if you wanted us to find something in your drawer, I'm sure you could have asked just one of us. Unless your drawer is some magical extended space like a bag of holding and filled with monsters? If so, I would love to talk to whoever enchanted that."

The dark-haired young man glances over at the feline artificer with an amused smile. They were indeed entertaining company. "I believe Kevori might have given us too much credit, but if we in any way be of service, especially if it concerns sinister cults operating in the city, I'm sure we can do your lordship whatever favour you are about to ask for." He says with a polite smile, turning to face Lord Neverember again with a small bow.

"No, I don't need anybody to help me look through my drawers" Lord Neverember replies tersely. Maybe these people weren't the right group for the job? But alas, they were all he had.

At least the young man had some respect and sense "Thank you for the offer, and I think I'll take you up on it" he addresses Jack as he pulls out six coins (Mud disappeared after you left the dungeon and you haven't seen him since. You did hear about a tussle in the market though, featuring some priests and a Dragonborn. Maybe he had something to do with that?)

"These are some magical coins designed by my advisor and personal mage, Valius Spiralstag. If I need you, I can simply rub my coin" he pulls out a similar coin from his pocket, and rubs it. "And the other coins will warm, signifying you should come see me. If this cult re-emerges, I may call on you to help stamp it out. If you do, you'll be handsomely rewarded..."

"Oh, that reminds me! Here," he says, handing each of you a parcel wrapped in silk. Each parcel varies in size and shape, some very large and others very small. "Your reward for your services. Open those later in a safe place." Then, he starts passing out the coins, not even giving you time to refuse.

Once all this is done, he sits back in his chair and sighs as he wipes his forehead. "Thank you for your services. Let's hope that I never have to call you back here with these coins. Good day." he raises a hand and motions one of the servants, who ushers you out of the office and outside of the manor. 

And so ends the first part of our adventure: the Nest of the Eldritch Eye! Look in the OOC chat, where I'll post next steps.

Khessa, at the revelation that Kevori is in the service of Lord Neverember, murmurs enthusiastically: "Hey! I didn't know you were in Daggy's service! Congratulations!"

The blonde arcane warrior smiles warmly at the Lord, taking the reward and looks at him with gratitude: "Thank you Dagult; we did what we had to do willingly, to defend the defenseless - and for the same reasons we will return, if necessary - but your gratitude is precious to us".

"But speaking of Vecna..." the tall adventuress hesitates for a moment to leave "could you give me just a few more minutes? I thought of a possible connection... Possible allies Vecna ​​might have, considering recent tragic events I have witnessed..."

And, if Lord Neverember accepts, Khessa explains to him how her village, Twardens, was completely wiped out by a sudden Drow raid. The Drow enslaved everyone they did not kill (including Khessa herself and her family). Since Khessa (not long ago) managed to free herself (and some other slaves - but not her family, sadly) and escape into the Underdark until miraculously returning to the surface world, she continues to search for news of her family or any other 'operations' the Drow are preparing. Considering that Vecna ​​was looking for sacrificial victims for his Champion, she is considering the hypothesis that he may have allied himself with the Drow and that the raid that destroyed Twardens is just one of several raids to procure victims for the Dark Overlord, in exchange for riches, power or favors.

[[ OOC: ...And Khessa may also be completely wrong in this - I'm not asking the DM to incorporate this in the campaign. However, it is a hypothesis that Khessa would take into consideration and would certainly try to talk about it with Lord Neverember, who is certainly much more able than she is of gathering information. ]]

Kit watches her cohorts with mild amusement as they behave themselves like uncultured rabble.

"This could work to our favour," she thinks, "His Lordship must certainly have other powerful allies. Perhaps he'll call on some whose presence he finds less distasteful when he needs assistance."

At least Jack knows how the game is played. He's humble, respectful, and quick to offer assistance. "You'd make a excellent courtier," Kit thinks to herself, a statement that is somehow equal parts compliment and barb.

For her part, Kit tries to keep as low of a profile as she can. It's quite possible Lord Neverember has already figured out who she really is but that's no reason to take any risks. Perhaps, if she can prove herself useful, he might be disinclined to send her back to her parents and the more onerous obligations of her position...

Tabitha makes a mental note to talk to Valius Spiralstag. And also tries to take a peak inside her parcel but sees the others taking the instruction seriously so puts it in her bag for safekeeping 

Ketangu is suppressing his inner child who really wants to tear open the parcel like it is a holiday, but he stops himself. "Thank you for this gift, Lord Neverember" He will offer an awkward bow before leaving. 

There is a hint of reluctance as the young dark-haired man accepts the gifts offered by Lord Neverember. He couldn't quite recall being given anything ever by a person of power. The coin wasn't really a gift though, just a way for the lord to have them all at his beck and call, or so he thought. Jack had never been good at keeping on to any coins and chances were good that this coin would find it's way onto a barcounter somewhere, maybe even this evening. The parcel admittedly had him curious though and he gives Lord Neverember another polite bow and a nod to the others before making his way to his favourite tavern to take a peek at the other gift.

Erven nods to Lord Neverember, with a slight bow.  He takes the coin and puts in his front pocket, looking at it and turning it over before putting it away.  He takes the package as well and wonders about it, curiosity nearly getting the best of him, but in the end he walks out behind Jack, headed to the same tavern to look it over and get some refreshment after their harrowing encounter.  He starts to relax a little, nerves on edge finally releasing, walking toward the tavern he starts to take deep breaths and hum a little tune, lost in his thoughts.  

"Care to join me for a drink while we find out what the Lord Pretender has deigned us worthy of having." The dark-haired young man offers the scarred elf as they step outside the mansion.

Erven chuckles to himself, a strange laugh as he walks with Jack.  “Yes, I’m curious to see what he thinks we could use.  I seriously need a drink.  Share one with me?”  Erven looks up at Jack with a wry smile.

"Of course I will share a drink with you my brave friend." The young dark-haired man says with a friendly smile. "The Gray Raven is fairly close." He adds, taking the scarred elf to one of the finer bars in the city. "So what will you do now? Back to hunting the walking dead?" He asks curiously.

Khessa, as previously posted, stays a little longer than the others, if Lord Neverember allows her.

Once the blonde arcane warrior has also finished speaking with the Lord of Neverwinter, before going to celebrate or rest, she tries to have Tabitha introduce her to her master, to try to deepen her understanding of the arcane arts.

Tabitha is more than happy to oblige. 

Kit watches wistfully as the Human and Elf depart. Khessa had remained on her own after the others had left and Mud had long since vanished like a half-forgotten memory.

Feeling suddenly very alone, she looks for the Tabaxi and the...blob...in the hopes that they might not be as quick to part ways.

Tabby was planning on going back to her home with her master (which Khessa joined with for introductions). She will give the address to any of the party who want it and is more than happy to have/give company at any time, and (almost) any place within Neverwinter

Months have passed since you foiled the plans of the Cult, and your coin still has not grown warm. After this, each of you went your own ways, though some of you stuck together, ready to take on the world.

Khessa, Tabitha, and Erven journeyed into the Underdark, intent on freeing Khessa’s village from the clutches of a Cult of Lolth. They traveled for many miles through the caverns, until they finally found the Cults headquarters. They made a plan, and snuck in, freeing the prisoners and battling their way through an army of Lolthite warriors intent on their capture. They managed to fight their way out, saving most of Khessa’s village, and they journeyed back to the surface, hailed as heroes near and far.

Ketangu went his own way, journeying back to his home. But, the peaceful existence of a fisherman was shattered when mysterious underwater forces began to churn within the depths of the sea. Ketangu, along with his parents, fought red back against the dark forces, and managed to save the day, as well as learning that maybe his old man could still beat him in a fight, no matter how old his father got (but, seriously, Ketangu’s dad with a sword was one of the scariest things the monk has ever seen)

Jack and Kit both stay in or near the city, doing good and helping others. Through this work, they become more connected and influential with the nobility, including Lord Neverember. Their courtly charms and heroism allow them to gain his patronage, and he bequeaths them multiple gifts as well as the privileges of a high ranking member of the city watch, giving them authority over other sanctioned protectors of the city as well as some shiny badges.

Then, one day, your coin warms, and you feel the call of destiny. Something is happening, and you are needed once more. You each travel back to Neverwinter, and are brought in to the house of Lord Nevember. A guard seats you in a posh foyer, a fire burning in the hearth, and you wait. And wait. And wait.

what does your character say to their old friends as they each arrive in the room?

In addition, here are your rewards:

Erven gains Bracers of Archery and a Starshot Hand Crossbow taken from a prominent drow champion he single-handedly defeated

Khessa gains an Bronze Horn of Valhalla, made for her Tabitha, which summons the spirits of those amongst her village who died during the escape

Tabitha gains one very rare magic item of her choice that she crafted with some materials she found in the Underdark

Ketangu gains a Helm of Brilliance, a gift from the Tritons

Jack gains a Rod of Rulership, a gift given to him by Lord Neverember as well as an Amulet of the Drunkard he won in a drinking contest (tip: those are real easy to win if you make an illusion of you drinking it but don’t actually drink it)

And Kit gains an Anstruth Harp, a gift from a kind older noblewoman who quite enjoys the half elves company.

If these don’t work for your character, just let me know and we can change them

[[ OOC: The horn to summon the fallen is well connected with Khessa's story... That's fine! ]]

Khessa is very happy to meet Tabitha and Erven again and runs to hug them with enthusiasm, grateful for the precious help they received in the dangerous liberation of her family and many other drow slaves: "Tabby! Erven! How are you, friends! We just had time to return from the Underdark that Daggy's coin immediately became hot... Who knows what trouble Vecna ​​is causing this time..."

The blonde arcane warrior also recognizes and greets the adventurers she hasn't seen since the original confrontation with the Vecna ​​Cultists: "Ketangu, Jack, Kit! You look great! What have you been doing to kill time until now?"

Erven grins (a rarity) and hugs Khessa right back.  “I felt it too.  I had almost forgotten, had put it aside when I felt it glowing warm in my pocket one day.  Always glad to help against anything involving Vecna…”. He looks round at the others, greeting Jack, Kit and Ketangu.  “I want to hear all about it, what trouble have you been getting up to?”