Tyranny in Phlan (DM Lerus)

Doozey eyes narrowed at the Turmish man. Not in anger or distaste, so much as it was a result of him scrutinizing the man. But ONCE the calls goes out and things had been subsequently cleaned up, the halfling visibly relaxed and even returned the returned the greeting with a half smile of his own. "Z'all good, man. Time's being what they are 'n all that." He says, before turning his attention to Moneus.

"Good to see ya as well. Can't say all we have is necessarily good news, but it's... it's news. And by all accounts, we ain't got a whole lotta time to act on much, so you're gonna have forgive me getting flowery about it." He glances back and up to the rest of CRAP, and assuming no one volunteers to speak and/or Raist, Doozey proceeded to update Moneus on all that had occurred in as concise a manner as possible. With regards to the Lord Regent, Doozey hesitated for a moment and considered being vague, only to recall the very man stood with them making the effort pointless. As for the good captain Burral, who's the last to come up in the report, Doozey bowed his head and said, "We've also... We've, uhm... Captain Burral is on sabbatical in the afterlife, b-but not forever! Uhm.. It's, uhh.." He sighs. "She gave her life giving us a chance, and we fully intend it not be in vain. We just need to get her and everyone else outta town."

"We are living in dark times, brother. And they seem to grow darker with every passing minute. But this operation gives me hope, as does seeing you."

Moneus' attention focuses on Doozey as the halfling retells the tale of their last day. He listens attentively, digesting information quickly and looking for angles the group can use to their favor. His eyes then dart to the man in black armor, nodding in respect and letting out his first words since the initial greeting: "The big man himself, here in my... office. I bet you are glad now that your knightly hounds didn't hunt the Welcomers to the last man, are you not?" The Regent does not seem particular happy to share words with this lot, so he simply briefly says "strange bedfellows..." and allows the planning and info exchange to continue.

When Aleyd's fate is brought up, Moneus seemed visually distraught. A glance at Utar, in conjunction with the orc's words, is all he needs to realize no humorous prank is being played. "Not forever," he repeats Doozey's words in an affirmation to himself.

Despite the need to be expeditious, Moneus admits that there are too many blind-spots in his information network at the moment. He says he is not yet willing to depart if these blind-spots mean putting all these folks' lives in undue risk. He knows he can reduce that risk if only he has a bit more info to digest. In fact, as CRAP continues to share what the party knows with him, Moneus shares a few tidbits that CRAP might not know or might benefit from a reminder:

- "We all know that the town has been attacked by a very large green dragon. Rumors are that it has killed every noble (present company notwithstanding), guildmaster, and member of the ruling class. Silver linings, poor sods. At least now the people have a few less heels to suffer under if we can force the dragon out one day."

- "For some reason, the Knights of the Black Fist seem to have gone mad; they’re killing each other in the streets. Clearly a faction has turned coat, but I have not been able to find out what they call themselves as my assigned scouts never returned." Assuming CRAP clarifies this matter, you all see Moneus commit the words "Tears of Virulence" to memory as if forming a contractual vendetta in his mind.

- "These invading cultists and knightly turncoats are not alone. There are hobgoblins and kobolds running amok in the streets. When we start moving, we'll have to be careful not to make the mistake of assuming that all enemies can be easily recognized by a purple coat or green-splashed armor piece." 

- "All of the gates have been taken; there is no way out those ways. The docks are similarly locked down but perhaps..." Assuming that CRAP tells him about the ordeal with Dornal, Moneus will mentally cross out any lingering hopes of using the docks as a way out, given that the last trustworthy ship in his consideration has already left.

- "The stories I heard say that the invaders came in both through the sewers and via ships that docked in port. I don’t know how so many made it without raising the alarm or how they are connected to the dragon specifically, but your tales do help explain most of these info gaps. Since the docks are out, we'll have to go through the sewers, but please be prepared for a bumpy ride. There is no guarantee some enemy presence won't be encountered down there, given that they used the sewers themselves."  

- "There are a few ancient tunnels that do not directly connect to the rest of the sewers, except in two places. It is likely that whatever is down there will not be in them, but again, no guarantees. So, it might still be possible to get out via the sewers, but that would take a skilled smuggler who knows his way around" Moneus lets a wry smile fill his face.

Once the exchange of information settles, Moneus reaches in his pocket: "There is one more thing. A mutual acquaintance of ours asked me to deliver a note to you all. Given my line of business, I am sure I do not need to tell you that I read the note myself. Do not be mad, I know she also knew that I would." He removes the hand from his pocket and offers a piece of folded parchment to CRAP. "My advice: ignore her request. The mentioned risks are indeed costly, but we do not have the time and the lives to spare."

THE NOTE (all are welcome to read it):

Without the others having counselled against it, Doozey saw no need to mask the matter involving the docks. For without added security for those waiting at the ship, none of them in good faith could've convinced Dornal to delay the launch. Yet, hearing just how narrowed down their options had become left an uncomfortable pit in the halfling stomach.

"At the very least, they'll likely have some of the 'bolds and a few basilisk patrolling them. But, with your expertise in the sewer arena, I'm sure we can manage." Doozey later responded with a weak smirk of his own. Aside from such commentary, the halfling was content to leave the floor open for any of the other members of CRAP to weigh in on things.

The halfling latter waved off any concern about the note being read in advance, but smiled a little in appreciation for the admission. "That bad, huh? Greeaat." Doozey's words trailed off into a sigh as he nevertheless had a look at the writing, or sat back and waited patiently as whoever else in the party got first dibs reading it.

If/When the news drops, Doozey appeared is initially taken aback. But after a moment or two of silence, he let out a low pitched rumbling growl as he glared at the ground, clenching and relaxing his hands. "We should'a came here first. If we had, then maybe she wouldn't 'ove... and then we could've-..." He closes his eyes, took a few long and steadying breaths, then looked once more up to Moneus. "It was one thing when that bastard was only playing puppet. But fer him to have that sorta intel..." He grimaces. "It might've been one thing just to lose eyes on the madness inside the city. But, if these agents get compromised in such a way that they reveal too much, I shudder to think about what sorta fallout that'll lead to... So Moneus, I need you to be honest with me. Do you think you and yer people can get the folk we've gathered here out on your own?"