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?"

"Im not<><>sure who<><>she is. But if<><>we are going<><>hunting<><>rest will be <><>required first.. "

"My people here are couriers, spies, and urchins, not fighters. Maybe a few can hold a dagger or squeeze a crossbow but... if you are willing to spare some of your manpower..." His eyes stray from Doozey to instead "point" at Villonah, Elisande, Cassyt, Sagin, the hurt knight that survived Aleyd's ordeal, and even the Lord Regent himself. "... then we might be able to force our way through should force be indeed needed, depending on the challenge ahead, of course."  

He sighs and continues: "But more importantly, once we use the sewers to escape, that's that. It is unlikely that we'll have a second go at it if those who want to stay behind hoped to exit the same way. The enemies will know, they will start patrolling there with force. And I don't know of another way out. If you want to use the sewers, then we must stay put and wait for your return. If you want to send us ahead, then you'll have to find another way out, and I won't be of any help there. Which of these high risks are CRAP willing to take?" He then shrugs: "'Or, you know, let Spernik be for now and let's get out of here."

Then, looking at Raist, Moneus adds: "You can take a rest here if you'd like, but it won't be a fully satisfying one."

"If we are to go on Olisara's mission, I suspect it might be a one way trip. We need to agree a failsafe now so that Moneus isn't sat here waiting on a return that might never happen.... You don't happen to know of a unwatched way we might make use of, brother?

Oh! And the Black Fist who've turned coat are dabbing green paint on their armour and calling themselves the Tears of Virulence. Stupid name."

"Well, one way trip or not, if Spernik decides to take action on those agents, we're gonna lose a crap ton more folk when it comes time to actually take back the city later." Doozey conveyed after Moneus had a chance to answer Utar. "Soooo, I don't see it as much of a choice. If Big Mama Yondalla be still looking out for us, then with any luck, the guards we scattered will have plenty enough reason to still be scattered. At least long enough fer us to get to Spernik, and put his butt down for good." Doozey affirmed with a look of determination on his eyes.

But then, as he looks to Raist, his expression falters towards something approaching apologetic. "I'm sorry, Raist. But, any resting will have to wait. /Needs/ to wait." He looks then to Villonah, Elisande, Cassyt, Sagin, and the hurt Knight, considering them for a moment before looking again to Moneus. "As always, yer buddy Utar had the right of things. Think you and yours can give us at least an hour to take care of Spernik before trying for the sewers with what you have?" He asks, and if Moneus agrees, Doozey nods once before finally regarding Villionah once more. After a few fumbled attempts at saying anything, the ranger had to eventually give up and motion for Villonah to follow him aways away from the meeting (or even outside if it came to it) to talk with her with at least semblance of privacy. "Looks like ya might've been a bit more on to something where it came to Spernik, huh? Sorry fer not...Sorry fer not backing you before. I should've, but..." He bowed his head and sighed. "What happened, happenend, and all I can do is apologize now. Just as I can't ask ya to stay here in case things go wrong with the mission. As I do believe I made a promise, after all, 'bout not leave'n ya." He gives her an awkward, yet playful grin. "But, if you felt the need to be that added bit of security here, I'd understand."

Moneus regards Utar: "I'd say the rooftops but... in that armor, they'll be able to hear you from yards away. How about this: just take the most direct path. I'll send a few of my couriers ahead of you. If those-with-the-stupid-name are patrolling, my team will catch their attention and lead them in a hopeless chase. They are bound to be looking for the captives you freed, so they won't let a potential opportunity like this go. No one knows this city like my urchins, so they'll be safe enough."

Turning to Doozey: "Aye. Better than a signal that might get lost," he reaches for a drawer and pulls a large hourglass from within. "I'll wait for an hour as you suggest. With so many more people in my temporarily restricted area, I'm not sure I'd be able to wait much longer anyhow. Those Diseased Tears will surely come knocking before long."

He turns the hourglass onto his desk and looks at Utar: "I've already lost one-too-many sibling today. Make sure I don't lose another."

A moment later, Villonah replies to Doozey: "I am glad you are seeing it my way now, even if a bit late. Don't worry, I'll rub it in your face only every chance I get." She smiles and then adds: "Now, we better get going before more of that sand falls into the lower half of the glass."

Moneus whistles and four slender teenagers gathers around him. He gives them instructions in a quiet voice and they exit the Cracked Crown through a window. "Go on now," the tiefling says to CRAP. "They'll clear the way back to the gate for you, but who knows how long the vacuum they create will stand. Git!" 

Doozey let out a defeated sigh yet still found himself smiling back at Villonah. While Moneus went on to inform some teenagers on their mission, Doozey clicked his tongue a couple of times, prompting Biscuit to bring Elisande over with him, had she'd still been riding on his back. And if not, he'd call her over as well.

"Listen, Elisande. I need to head out fer a bit. Think you can hold here, and keep folk safe until I get back? I promise once I get back and we get out the city, we can sort out finding you a dragon to pet, aight? BUT, only if you can do me this favor." He says as much. Whether or not it takes is another matter. But, if she was yet determined enough to still come along, Doozey wouldn't bother trying to persuade her further, knowing she'd just follow after them eventually.

-Persuasion: 19. (if needed for elisande)

By the time things work themselves out one way or another on that front, Doozey is practically ready to move out on Moneus signal. But with awareness of Neya's Potion of Greater Healing hording, he does ask for at least one on the way out to keep on his person until needed.

"Must as<><>we must<><> im as ready <cough> as im going to be <><>im afraid."

“Then, we should give ourselves the best chance possible.” Neya says as she takes out her remaining Greater Potions of Healing.

"Kay," Elisande says nonchalantly and turns to talk to some teens nearby. The contrast between her simple response and the preemptive effort of Doozey's persuasive words leaves the halfling wondering if the girl even listened to him.  

Raist agrees to the next step in the revised plan despite being visually tired, while Neya passes around some (how many?) large vials of healing liquid.

Glancing at the hourglass, CRAP moves out. As they follow the main pathways back toward the Stojanow Gate, CRAP hears the rushing and shouting of guards identifying suspicious individuals and giving chase. Moneus' team is doing their part. It is reminiscent of what Aleyd and her squad were doing, but these adolescents have spent most of their lives sneaking by and running from pursuers. "They'll be fine," Villonah affirms. 

Soon enough, CRAP arrives at the same square where they fought the Cult of the Dragon's own knights and even a winged devil. The bad news is that the area is once again being guarded. The good news is that the Tears of Virulence could only seemingly spare two of their warriors, as the others are presumably being deployed to search for and recapture the escaped townsfolk. 

"We should try to avoid a direct fight if we can," Villonah suggests. "We know what they are after. Maybe we can fool them. All else fails, we should still be able to kick two butts, but I rather save my blade for Spernik at this point." 

Before CRAP leave, Utar takes Moneus in a big bear hug. In their embrace, he adds, "I've no intention of leaving you to do this alone, brother. But if I had to, there is no one else I'd trust to keep these folk safe."