"Come!" Khessa just smiles, helping Indrina to get out and using a few bits of her minor magic to eliminate any traces of bad smell left on the poor woman.

The blonde arcane warrior takes her along with Sarcelle and Umberto: "Here's another good person who will soon be able to see the light of day again!"

"Now, just one thing, Indrina..." the tall adventuress looks at her sweetly with her blue eyes "If the cultists captured you, you probably know something about a certain lich Vecna... Maybe things you learned from somewhere else... Or you have a connection of some kind with him. At least, that's how Umberto and Sarcelle thought! They confided in us... and that'll help us spoil the party for old Vecna! How about following their good example? Would you like to tell us what you had to do with Vecna? It could be the start of some good revenge" she winks "for the stench you had to put up with because of him!"

Tristan:

”Yes, anything you can tell us may help us in our struggle against the evil cultists and their leaders,” adds Tristan, trying to support Khessa’s friendly approach.

(Help action on Persuasion)

'Helped' Persuasion, if needed: 21

Indrina shakes her head. I know nothing of any cult, and I don't know of any Vecna. I didn't know who it was that even kidnapped me...I thought...never mind. I'm sorry, but I know nothing about these cultists. I'm an actress, by the gods.

“We know you’re an actress, Indrina” Khessa puts a reassuring hand on the woman’s shoulder. “But that’s exactly why it’s strange that cultists kidnapped you…"

"What were you saying anyway?" the blonde arcane warrior insists "Come on, we’re women… We know what curiosity is… You can’t possibly talk to me, start a sentence... and end it with ‘never mind’; you can't get away with it, you know, don't you? Come on, what is that ‘you thought’? Jokes aside, it could be important…”

Ozus tilts his head curiously, gazing at the actress.  "To my understanding, Vecna is obsessed with secrets. Those of us practiced in stagecraft are well versed in hidden truths. You may not know anything about him, I admit I only know what I've been told. But you know something."

He gestures at the room with the scratched off plaques. "You were also the only prisoner with a significant guard directly blocking the path to their cell. I don't know what those things were, but they seemed, at the very least, vaguely demonic. I know a thing or two about summoning such creatures, and it takes no small effort."

"My colleagues asked nicely, I will not. It is in your best interest to cooperate with us. Kindly tell us what you know, or at least, suspect." His tone is polite enough, but his words carry a dark undercurrent.

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Intimidation: 21

Ozus is gonna be just a bit salty if she really knows nothing, considering how close to death he came XD

Khessa is a bit... perplexed at Ozus' approach... tbe prisoner has been through so much already... but dhe decides to just stay silent and see how this develops.

Well, Ozus too has been through much, to be honest! She jusr kerps at the prisoner's side, as a comforting presence. Either with vinegard, or with honey, the f'ly' should get caught... and talk.

Neverember...he did send you, didn't he. He sent you here to kill me, or shut me up, or whatever. Well do your worst, it won't change anything. Frightened, but defiant, Indrina pitifully tries to strike a brave pose in her tattered, stinking clothing.

Even Ozus seems caught off guard by  the actresses reaction.  "You're half right... what issue would Neverember have with you? As far as we know, we were sent here to rescue you, along with two others."

Tristan:

Unwilling to fully buy in to the actress' performance, Tristan looks for the truth behind the posturing.

Insight:  11

"We are indeed here to rescue you, if you are truly one of the people abducted by the cult and not a cultist merely posing as such.  Of course, we would never force you to come with us, should you wish to take your chances with the cultists.  Perhaps you should speak with the two we have already rescued," responds Tristan carefully.

Rescue? Indrina responds, now the one being caught off guard. I...I thought he'd wish to silence me. He-well...I assembled proof that Neverember did not descend from Lord Alagondar, as he has claimed in the past. I assumed he caught wind of this and thought to just be rid of me. She finishes with her words in a rush, jumbled and hurried, now taking shaky breaths. 

(You have learned a new secret: Lord Neverember’s claim to the throne isn’t legitimate.)

Khessa puts a hand on the actress' shoulder, reassuringly saying: "Of course we're here to save you! Come on, your troubles are over! Dagult may not be perfect, but he is not a murderer"

"And now it's even clearer why these Cultists kidnapped you..." the blonde arcane warrior muses aloud "They probably intended to use this proof that you assembled to undermine Dagult's power and perhaps take advantage of the chaos of the temporary power vacuum that would have been created".

"Very good!" the tall adventuress is satisfied with the successes of the 'strike team' she is part of "The only one still missing is Eldon Keyword". She tries to think about it; are there other unexplored doors (or areas) nearby? If so, she is inclined to try the closest one...

Tristan:

Smiling, Tristan says, “Come, speak with the others who we have saved, and stay with them.  I have tasked my loyal mount KJ to protect you three should battle begin.  All the same, be careful—combat is an unpredictable mistress.”

Ozus sighs, sounding somewhat disapointed. "Not quite as dramatic a reveal as I hoped but it'll do. Do as the paladin says, stay with the others behind us, and we'll get you out just fine."

 (Next door would be the only one on the south side of the westward corridor)

Naero 

"We should not delay here much longer. I fear the sound of battle might travel through the halls. Shall we to the next room?" Without waiting for a response Naero, in human form, strides to and inspects the next door.

Khessa is immediately at the elf's side... and if he detects no particular threats, she she prepares herself with a quick magical protection then opens the new door.

Ozus follows along, still pondering the previous exchange. He glances at Khessa, his curiosity evident. "You use his first name so casually, and you seemed quite certain he is no killer. How is it you became so familiar with Lord Neverember? Enough so that you are so quick to defend his intentions, at that? There are many 'good men' that would kill, given reason enough. Protecting one's claim to a throne is one hell of a motivation after all."

Khessa's blue eyes are serious and reflective as they meet Ozus's: "Yes, I am on good terms with Dagult... and for this very reason I have had the opportunity to know him more closely than other people. As far as I know him, Dagult is an ambitious person, but not evil. Would he kill for the reason you say?"

"Well..." the blonde arcane warrior sighs "I have often looked into his eyes, but I am not capable of looking into hearts - so I admit that I could be wrong. But I think he wouldn't. He was willing to help me in my time of greatest need, without being obliged to do so. It all happened in a way... naturally. I began my adventuring career helping common folk in Neverwinter. During my adventures, I had the opportunity to help the city several times - and therefore Dagult; indirectly at first, then, sometimes, directly, tasked by himself. Getting to know each other a little better slowly over time, I came to reveal to him my plan for an expedition into the Underdark to save my family, enslaved during a drow raid. And to ask for his support. He, despite having nothing in particular to gain, accepted; he helped me obtain information, equipment, he provided me with aid... All in all, I owe him the freedom of my family".

"I have always been able to see more light than darkness in him" the tall adventuress concludes. "Therefore, I am convinced that he would find the strength to resist the temptation to commit a murder just to silence someone. Especially since he could convince that someone with other means... perhaps by rewarding its silence. Could I be wrong, Ozus? Sure, I could... who among us couldn't? But what I sincerely believe is what I just declared".

His smirk is practically audible as he shrugs

"Clearly you know him well then. Call me a cynic. I only know what people have told me. The summons I got said I've worked with him before, but I couldn't tell you a thing about him."

After he thinks on it for a moment he laughs. "You certainly have more to say about it than I. You should never take me that seriously, but you're quite a wordsmith."

"I also know that life can be cruel and mean, Ozus" Khessa puts a hand on his shoulder, heartily returning the laugh. "Becoming cynical is not that difficult, when most people start to become as cruel and mean as life".

"However, I have also met people who try to be better than that, who try to cultivate care, understanding, gratitude, good feelings..." the blonde arcane warrior's blue eyes become vaguely dreamy "People who, instead of letting life make them worse, try to be the ones who make life better!"

"Maybe it is not wise to forget the former ones..." the tall adventuress winks "but it is not good to forget the latter ones either, right?"