Hildigrim startles at Auriel’s question, his face flickering for a breath between surprised youth and the steadier Watcher he is meant to be. He brings himself under control with a slow inhale, then lets the paladin’s concern settle into his thoughts.
Carl’s ready voice warms him, and for a flicker he allows himself to return the smile — only to have Hex cut in with the practicalities he’d been trying not to force on others.
The halfling’s cheeks go faintly pink. He clears his throat, hands folding the note once more before tucking it away with the careful reverence of someone handling old margins.
“Th — thank you,” he murmurs, almost under his breath. “I was hoping some of you would be willing to help, but I did not wish to command. Having you at my side will make the task … far more feasible.” He forces a small, brittle smile and pushes his spectacles higher on the bridge of his nose. “It will also make the task far less lonely.”
He straightens and adopts the voice of calculation again. “It is my estimation that Glevith will honor his commitment. Olisara passed this note to me through him. The gesture confirms a working relationship. The Welcomers are opportunists — yes — but at their core they are guardians of Phlan’s streets in their own crooked way. If anyone will move folk unseen, it will be them. They may well relieve evacuees of coin, trinkets, and dignity on the way out, but alive and penniless is superior to dead and whole.”
He inclines his head toward Hex. “Ask Glevith tonight about the tunnels and whether they connect to Valjevo Castle or the vicinity beneath Stojanow Gate. If the tunnels reach that far, they are the simplest and safest ingress we possess. If they do not, we will need contingency plans.”
Imizael softly shakes her head without looking up at Auriel. "They can fetch themselves whatever they'd like. It doesn't matter. The Laughing Goblin is gone."
The door opens as Hildigrim speaks with the party, and boots thud across the floorboards as Aleyd Burral re-enters the tavern in the company of three other Knights of the Black Fist in equally impressive splint armor. Also accompanying her is a young female half-elf wearing a suit of ill-fitting leather armor and carrying a battered longsword.
"Sorry if you have been waiting a while," Aleyd says as she approaches the group. "Your wards are quite effective, Ms. Glenmiir."
Hex gives Hildigrim a nod before watching Auriel speak with Imizael. It's such an awful sight seeing the innkeep so heartbroken. Nearly every memory she had of her was of a strong and bold woman who wasn't afraid to get the job done. Hopefully in time, her heart would heal. Until then, perhaps it was up to them to do what she could not.
Hex stands, intending to search through the inn for any supplies when Aleyd finally returns. It takes her a moment to recognise Cassyt amongst those following behind the knight. "Huh. A day of reunions for me it seems," she mutters to herself. She gives the half-elf a nod before turning her attention to the knight. "Knight Aleyd. Welcome back. I was beginning to fear the worst, honestly. Any good news?"
Auriel eyes Hex and Hildigrim as they discuss the halfling's mission, nodding firmly when it becomes clear that Hildigrim won't be going alone—and especially when it seems the refugees will be left in good hands. Or good enough hands, at least.
Silently hoping that Glevith's tunnels will serve more purpose than simply leading the refugees out of Phlan, the paladin finally approaches Imizael. He offers no reply when she refuses to leave Fat Mar's side ... he knows grief is a road one must walk alone, and if she needs more time, it is not his place to rush her.
Leaving the inkeeper in peace, he turns as the door opens. Seeing Aleyd return—flanked by three knights and a young half-elf Hex seems to recognize—Auriel straightens and offers them a small bow. He remains otherwise silent, waiting for them to deliver their news.
Hildigrim gives Aleyd a grave nod. “We’ve only just returned ourselves,” he says. “We made contact with Glevith. He promises to escort innocents out of the city under cover of darkness tonight — or at least to show them the way.”
He pauses, eyes narrowing as he chooses his words. “He also told us that the Black Fist are fighting amongst themselves in the streets. We did not witness it firsthand, but your description fits: a kind of civil war between those loyal to the crown and those loyal to Spernik — or, at the very least, to the Cult of the Dragon.”
He draws a steadying breath and squares his shoulders, whether from duty or to summon courage. “I have been tasked with silencing Spernik, so I will not be accompanying those fleeing the city this evening.” He looks around the table, sincere. “I am fortunate to have these adventurers’ commitment. We hope the same tunnels that will guide Phlan’s people to safety will also provide us a covert passage into Valjevo Castle.”
Carl turns to hear what Aleyd and the other Black Fist knights have to say, keenly paying attention when there is mention of inner fighting among the Black Fist, hoping for further insight and explanation. “Aye, he won’t go alone. We will lend support to the task, then evacuate ourselves. We need to get as many of these good people to the Cracked Crown by nightfall as we can. But, what other news..". Carl waits to hear the word from the Black Fist knights.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Knight Aleyd. Welcome back. I was beginning to fear the worst, honestly. Any good news?"
Aleyd shakes her head. "I wish I had more." She looks at her reinforcements behind her. "But as you can see, I did not return empty handed. These men and women are loyal to Phlan and the Lord Regent."
“He also told us that the Black Fist are fighting amongst themselves in the streets. We did not witness it firsthand, but your description fits: a kind of civil war between those loyal to the crown and those loyal to Spernik — or, at the very least, to the Cult of the Dragon.”
"Aye, the Tears of Virulence," one of the Black Fist knights by Aleyd states, a stern looking human man with dark grey hair and a trimmed beard. "Former Black Fists who have decided to support the dragon. Whether by greed or simply wanting to be on the winning side, they are cowards, the lot of them."
"They took us by surprise," the human woman next to him says. "I don't think any of us knew they existed, or if they existed at all before the attack. Now they are exterminating all of the Knights of the Black Fist who have not joined with them."
We need to get as many of these good people to the Cracked Crown by nightfall as we can. But, what other news.."
"The town will be locked down by nightfall, Aleyd says. "The Tears completely control the docks and the town gates, and the Stojanow Gate has been closed for the first time in living memory. The good news is, we have enough time to be able to reach the gate and return these people before nightfall. The bad news is, we'll be relying on the Welcomers to get out."
“Tears of Virulence,” Hildigrim repeats, the name tasting like a bruise. He looks surprised — and not a little alarmed — that so many Black Fists have turned that they control swathes of the city.
Turning back to the knight, he folds his ink-stained hands together. “I share your reservations about relying on the Welcomers, but in these circumstances we have little alternative.” He gives a steadying nod. “I am hopeful Glevith will act in Phlan’s interest. Without the people, the city is nothing — those who profit from its ruin have no future in a restored Phlan. It is in their interest, too, to see the Cult expelled.”
He inhales, forcing himself from policy into action. “Now — shall we spend the remaining hours before sundown scouring the city for innocents? We should shepherd as many as we can, no?”
"Actually, Knight Aleyd, do you know of any secret tunnels that may lead to Stojanow Gate or Valjevo Castle?" Hex turns to Cassyt. "Or even you, Cassyt? I remember the tunnels we traveled through before were pretty extensive. Our plan was to help lead the refugees out with Glevith and then head towards the Gate afterwards but that was just based on some assumptions."
"The Tears of Virulence,"Auriel repeats as well. "Are there truly so many of them that they pose such a threat to the Black Fists? How could so many have fallen under the Cult's sway? Could this be connected in any way to the cultist you mentioned before, Captain Aleyd — that man, Spernik? Does his influence reach so far that he might have helped turn so many?"
He pauses, brow furrowing. "And where is Spernik now, by the way? You never said. Is he within the Gate, or perhaps in the Castle?"
“Now — shall we spend the remaining hours before sundown scouring the city for innocents? We should shepherd as many as we can, no?”
Aleyd shakes her head. "Our mission should be to rescue the Lord Regent and then get out of the city with him and as many others as we can find. If we wait too long and find the Lord Regent after sundown, then we'll have lost our opportunity to escape," she says.
"Actually, Knight Aleyd, do you know of any secret tunnels that may lead to Stojanow Gate or Valjevo Castle?" Hex turns to Cassyt. "Or even you, Cassyt? I remember the tunnels we traveled through before were pretty extensive. Our plan was to help lead the refugees out with Glevith and then head towards the Gate afterwards but that was just based on some assumptions."
Aleyd looks to Cassyt, who says, "None that would make it faster or more convenient, I'm afraid. At best, we'd emerge in the prison, right in the midst of the dragon's new stronghold."
"The Tears of Virulence,"Auriel repeats as well. "Are there truly so many of them that they pose such a threat to the Black Fists? How could so many have fallen under the Cult's sway? Could this be connected in any way to the cultist you mentioned before, Captain Aleyd — that man, Spernik? Does his influence reach so far that he might have helped turn so many?"
"It's the clergy of Bane," Cassyt responds. "It must be. Spernik couldn't have convinced so many on his own." Seeing perplexed faces, Aleyd explains, "The Knights of the Black Fist were once the military arm of the Lyceum of the Black Lord. When it fell to ruins, they formally severed their ties to serve the Cinnabar Throne of Phlan. Many of those who remain from that time have been vocal that the Lord Regent is weak. Cassyt is right, they likely made up for what Spernik lacked in the Tears of Virulence."
"And where is Spernik now, by the way? You never said. Is he within the Gate, or perhaps in the Castle?"
"He was being held in the prison beneath the Gate. In all likelihood, he and the Lord Regent are both there," Aleyd answers.
Hildigrim’s mouth becomes a thin line as the others debate plans and priorities; his ink-stained fingers absently worry the edge of his Harper pin.
The Lord Regent … the innocents … the city itself. Which thread does one pull when the whole tapestry is unraveling?
He exhales sharply through his nose. The Harpers had never trafficked in simple answers — “Protect the people,” they said, but which people? Those who can still run, or the one whose survival might steady all the rest?
He thinks of Olisara’s note, of the trust she placed in him, and of the thousands hiding in cellars and alleys while the Tears and their allies fill the streets.
Without the Regent, Phlan may never recover, his logical mind insists. But without the people, there’s no Phlan to recover, answers his conscience.
He adjusts his spectacles and lets his shoulders settle under the weight of both truths.
“Then perhaps,” he murmurs, “the only right course is the impossible one — to save both.”
When the others’ eyes fall on him, he comes within a breath of pleading. “I cannot turn my back on the people of Phlan. And yet I know the Lord Regent must also be saved.” Images of his family — not so far away — flash through his mind. “They all must be protected. Both are essential. Both need our help.”
Hex nods at Hildigrim before quickly standing up from the table "I agree. We should move as quickly as we can then. We head to Stojanow Gate and find the Lord Regent then return here before sundown to get the refugees out, as Knight Aleyd said before." She places a hand on Aya shoulder. "Aya, if we don't come back in time, you need to get everyone out and to the Cracked Crown without us. Do you think you'll be able to do that?"
Auriel looks at Hildigrim with a flicker of disbelief. Do the impossible? How? The last time the he checked, they were but four — eight, counting Aleyd and her knights. How could they hope to save the Lord Regent and the people of Phlan, and still deal with Spernik in a city overrun with enemies, all before sundown?
The Eladrin exhales quietly through his nose and shakes his head. Still, it seems they are of one mind — their path leads toward Stojanow Gate. Whatever the gods have planned, they will learn it soon enough. With that in mind, he looks to the others and says, "To the Gate, then. I take it you will accompany us?" he asks, turning to Captain Burral and her knights.
"Aya, if we don't come back in time, you need to get everyone out and to the Cracked Crown without us. Do you think you'll be able to do that?"
Aya looks horrified at the thought, but gives Hex a sharp nod. "I don't suppose there's another choice. I will do what I can," she says.
"To the Gate, then. I take it you will accompany us?" he asks, turning to Captain Burral and her knights.
"Of course," Aleyd says. "Would that I could have found an army, but we nine will have to do. Our brains will have to carry what numbers cannot."
The streets of Phlan are deserted as you near Valjevo Castle, the residents having long since fled or been captured. Your group and Aleyd's small contingent are able to approach the Stojanow Gate with relative ease now that the poisonous breath flooding the streets has passed, though there's a harsh and foreboding chill in the early autumn air as you walk. You soon come into sight of the immense gate, a pair of massive iron-bound doors, the only opening in the 60-foot-tall wall that surrounds Valjevo Castle and the large rock mound it sits atop.
A hastily-constructed barricade of barrels, sacks and crates blocks the passage into the main courtyard of Valjevo Castle. Barely visible beyond it, a throng of people sit in groups on the ground, bound to one another by the wrists and ankles. The acrid stench of poison still sits very strong here and irritates the nose and throat with every breath.
A couple dozen men and women mill about, dressed in Black Fist uniforms splashed with bright green paint. A separate group of heavily armored soldiers stand watch over the prisoners just inside the barricade.
"I count twenty six," Aleyd mutters as you crouch about fifty feet away from the barricades, concealed from view.
Hildigrim startles at Auriel’s question, his face flickering for a breath between surprised youth and the steadier Watcher he is meant to be. He brings himself under control with a slow inhale, then lets the paladin’s concern settle into his thoughts.
Carl’s ready voice warms him, and for a flicker he allows himself to return the smile — only to have Hex cut in with the practicalities he’d been trying not to force on others.
The halfling’s cheeks go faintly pink. He clears his throat, hands folding the note once more before tucking it away with the careful reverence of someone handling old margins.
“Th — thank you,” he murmurs, almost under his breath. “I was hoping some of you would be willing to help, but I did not wish to command. Having you at my side will make the task … far more feasible.” He forces a small, brittle smile and pushes his spectacles higher on the bridge of his nose. “It will also make the task far less lonely.”
He straightens and adopts the voice of calculation again. “It is my estimation that Glevith will honor his commitment. Olisara passed this note to me through him. The gesture confirms a working relationship. The Welcomers are opportunists — yes — but at their core they are guardians of Phlan’s streets in their own crooked way. If anyone will move folk unseen, it will be them. They may well relieve evacuees of coin, trinkets, and dignity on the way out, but alive and penniless is superior to dead and whole.”
He inclines his head toward Hex. “Ask Glevith tonight about the tunnels and whether they connect to Valjevo Castle or the vicinity beneath Stojanow Gate. If the tunnels reach that far, they are the simplest and safest ingress we possess. If they do not, we will need contingency plans.”
Auriel Persuasion: 10
Imizael softly shakes her head without looking up at Auriel. "They can fetch themselves whatever they'd like. It doesn't matter. The Laughing Goblin is gone."
The door opens as Hildigrim speaks with the party, and boots thud across the floorboards as Aleyd Burral re-enters the tavern in the company of three other Knights of the Black Fist in equally impressive splint armor. Also accompanying her is a young female half-elf wearing a suit of ill-fitting leather armor and carrying a battered longsword.
"Sorry if you have been waiting a while," Aleyd says as she approaches the group. "Your wards are quite effective, Ms. Glenmiir."
For Hex:
The half-elf is Cassyt.
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Hex gives Hildigrim a nod before watching Auriel speak with Imizael. It's such an awful sight seeing the innkeep so heartbroken. Nearly every memory she had of her was of a strong and bold woman who wasn't afraid to get the job done. Hopefully in time, her heart would heal. Until then, perhaps it was up to them to do what she could not.
Hex stands, intending to search through the inn for any supplies when Aleyd finally returns. It takes her a moment to recognise Cassyt amongst those following behind the knight. "Huh. A day of reunions for me it seems," she mutters to herself. She gives the half-elf a nod before turning her attention to the knight. "Knight Aleyd. Welcome back. I was beginning to fear the worst, honestly. Any good news?"
Auriel eyes Hex and Hildigrim as they discuss the halfling's mission, nodding firmly when it becomes clear that Hildigrim won't be going alone—and especially when it seems the refugees will be left in good hands. Or good enough hands, at least.
Silently hoping that Glevith's tunnels will serve more purpose than simply leading the refugees out of Phlan, the paladin finally approaches Imizael. He offers no reply when she refuses to leave Fat Mar's side ... he knows grief is a road one must walk alone, and if she needs more time, it is not his place to rush her.
Leaving the inkeeper in peace, he turns as the door opens. Seeing Aleyd return—flanked by three knights and a young half-elf Hex seems to recognize—Auriel straightens and offers them a small bow. He remains otherwise silent, waiting for them to deliver their news.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hildigrim gives Aleyd a grave nod. “We’ve only just returned ourselves,” he says. “We made contact with Glevith. He promises to escort innocents out of the city under cover of darkness tonight — or at least to show them the way.”
He pauses, eyes narrowing as he chooses his words. “He also told us that the Black Fist are fighting amongst themselves in the streets. We did not witness it firsthand, but your description fits: a kind of civil war between those loyal to the crown and those loyal to Spernik — or, at the very least, to the Cult of the Dragon.”
He draws a steadying breath and squares his shoulders, whether from duty or to summon courage. “I have been tasked with silencing Spernik, so I will not be accompanying those fleeing the city this evening.” He looks around the table, sincere. “I am fortunate to have these adventurers’ commitment. We hope the same tunnels that will guide Phlan’s people to safety will also provide us a covert passage into Valjevo Castle.”
Carl turns to hear what Aleyd and the other Black Fist knights have to say, keenly paying attention when there is mention of inner fighting among the Black Fist, hoping for further insight and explanation. “Aye, he won’t go alone. We will lend support to the task, then evacuate ourselves. We need to get as many of these good people to the Cracked Crown by nightfall as we can. But, what other news..". Carl waits to hear the word from the Black Fist knights.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Aleyd shakes her head. "I wish I had more." She looks at her reinforcements behind her. "But as you can see, I did not return empty handed. These men and women are loyal to Phlan and the Lord Regent."
"Aye, the Tears of Virulence," one of the Black Fist knights by Aleyd states, a stern looking human man with dark grey hair and a trimmed beard. "Former Black Fists who have decided to support the dragon. Whether by greed or simply wanting to be on the winning side, they are cowards, the lot of them."
"They took us by surprise," the human woman next to him says. "I don't think any of us knew they existed, or if they existed at all before the attack. Now they are exterminating all of the Knights of the Black Fist who have not joined with them."
"The town will be locked down by nightfall, Aleyd says. "The Tears completely control the docks and the town gates, and the Stojanow Gate has been closed for the first time in living memory. The good news is, we have enough time to be able to reach the gate and return these people before nightfall. The bad news is, we'll be relying on the Welcomers to get out."
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OOC: Awaiting party's response before continuing here.
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“Tears of Virulence,” Hildigrim repeats, the name tasting like a bruise. He looks surprised — and not a little alarmed — that so many Black Fists have turned that they control swathes of the city.
Turning back to the knight, he folds his ink-stained hands together. “I share your reservations about relying on the Welcomers, but in these circumstances we have little alternative.” He gives a steadying nod. “I am hopeful Glevith will act in Phlan’s interest. Without the people, the city is nothing — those who profit from its ruin have no future in a restored Phlan. It is in their interest, too, to see the Cult expelled.”
He inhales, forcing himself from policy into action. “Now — shall we spend the remaining hours before sundown scouring the city for innocents? We should shepherd as many as we can, no?”
"Actually, Knight Aleyd, do you know of any secret tunnels that may lead to Stojanow Gate or Valjevo Castle?" Hex turns to Cassyt. "Or even you, Cassyt? I remember the tunnels we traveled through before were pretty extensive. Our plan was to help lead the refugees out with Glevith and then head towards the Gate afterwards but that was just based on some assumptions."
"The Tears of Virulence," Auriel repeats as well. "Are there truly so many of them that they pose such a threat to the Black Fists? How could so many have fallen under the Cult's sway? Could this be connected in any way to the cultist you mentioned before, Captain Aleyd — that man, Spernik? Does his influence reach so far that he might have helped turn so many?"
He pauses, brow furrowing. "And where is Spernik now, by the way? You never said. Is he within the Gate, or perhaps in the Castle?"
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Aleyd shakes her head. "Our mission should be to rescue the Lord Regent and then get out of the city with him and as many others as we can find. If we wait too long and find the Lord Regent after sundown, then we'll have lost our opportunity to escape," she says.
Aleyd looks to Cassyt, who says, "None that would make it faster or more convenient, I'm afraid. At best, we'd emerge in the prison, right in the midst of the dragon's new stronghold."
"It's the clergy of Bane," Cassyt responds. "It must be. Spernik couldn't have convinced so many on his own." Seeing perplexed faces, Aleyd explains, "The Knights of the Black Fist were once the military arm of the Lyceum of the Black Lord. When it fell to ruins, they formally severed their ties to serve the Cinnabar Throne of Phlan. Many of those who remain from that time have been vocal that the Lord Regent is weak. Cassyt is right, they likely made up for what Spernik lacked in the Tears of Virulence."
"He was being held in the prison beneath the Gate. In all likelihood, he and the Lord Regent are both there," Aleyd answers.
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Hildigrim’s mouth becomes a thin line as the others debate plans and priorities; his ink-stained fingers absently worry the edge of his Harper pin.
The Lord Regent … the innocents … the city itself. Which thread does one pull when the whole tapestry is unraveling?
He exhales sharply through his nose. The Harpers had never trafficked in simple answers — “Protect the people,” they said, but which people? Those who can still run, or the one whose survival might steady all the rest?
He thinks of Olisara’s note, of the trust she placed in him, and of the thousands hiding in cellars and alleys while the Tears and their allies fill the streets.
Without the Regent, Phlan may never recover, his logical mind insists. But without the people, there’s no Phlan to recover, answers his conscience.
He adjusts his spectacles and lets his shoulders settle under the weight of both truths.
“Then perhaps,” he murmurs, “the only right course is the impossible one — to save both.”
When the others’ eyes fall on him, he comes within a breath of pleading. “I cannot turn my back on the people of Phlan. And yet I know the Lord Regent must also be saved.” Images of his family — not so far away — flash through his mind. “They all must be protected. Both are essential. Both need our help.”
Hex nods at Hildigrim before quickly standing up from the table "I agree. We should move as quickly as we can then. We head to Stojanow Gate and find the Lord Regent then return here before sundown to get the refugees out, as Knight Aleyd said before." She places a hand on Aya shoulder. "Aya, if we don't come back in time, you need to get everyone out and to the Cracked Crown without us. Do you think you'll be able to do that?"
Auriel looks at Hildigrim with a flicker of disbelief. Do the impossible? How? The last time the he checked, they were but four — eight, counting Aleyd and her knights. How could they hope to save the Lord Regent and the people of Phlan, and still deal with Spernik in a city overrun with enemies, all before sundown?
The Eladrin exhales quietly through his nose and shakes his head. Still, it seems they are of one mind — their path leads toward Stojanow Gate. Whatever the gods have planned, they will learn it soon enough. With that in mind, he looks to the others and says, "To the Gate, then. I take it you will accompany us?" he asks, turning to Captain Burral and her knights.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Aya looks horrified at the thought, but gives Hex a sharp nod. "I don't suppose there's another choice. I will do what I can," she says.
"Of course," Aleyd says. "Would that I could have found an army, but we nine will have to do. Our brains will have to carry what numbers cannot."
The streets of Phlan are deserted as you near Valjevo Castle, the residents having long since fled or been captured. Your group and Aleyd's small contingent are able to approach the Stojanow Gate with relative ease now that the poisonous breath flooding the streets has passed, though there's a harsh and foreboding chill in the early autumn air as you walk. You soon come into sight of the immense gate, a pair of massive iron-bound doors, the only opening in the 60-foot-tall wall that surrounds Valjevo Castle and the large rock mound it sits atop.
A hastily-constructed barricade of barrels, sacks and crates blocks the passage into the main courtyard of Valjevo Castle. Barely visible beyond it, a throng of people sit in groups on the ground, bound to one another by the wrists and ankles. The acrid stench of poison still sits very strong here and irritates the nose and throat with every breath.
A couple dozen men and women mill about, dressed in Black Fist uniforms splashed with bright green paint. A separate group of heavily armored soldiers stand watch over the prisoners just inside the barricade.
"I count twenty six," Aleyd mutters as you crouch about fifty feet away from the barricades, concealed from view.
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