FC gives Renaer the filthiest of looks, barely holding back his cranky frustration, wanting to pound this clueless target in to the ground. Multiple devious schemes cross his mind. It would be so easy. Holding him ransom to his father, offering him for trade with the Xanathar guild to get Floon back, demanding reward for ‘saving’ him from the gangs. But no. FC decided to choose the harder option. He looked at the large Dragonborn in cloth and began walking over to him.

Loudly, he says to the group; “A very swift and professional start to this little investigation. I obviously chose my team well. Personally, I am a lil’ cranky, lil tired, and I fink we’ve deserved a good evenings rest. We can go underground tomorrow.” 

As he approaches Azrael, he whispers; “Do followers of faith have any... reward systems in place for choosing to not do bad fings? What do youse get out of always making these hard, moral choices? Why do ya do it?”

Azrael managed to catch the coin, just barely in his large clawed hand, almost fumbling it, but managing. Thank you, it is much appreciated. I will pay you back however you wish, if it is just a return in finances, or.. something else if that is your desire. I am sure I can satisfy it. He let the implication float there when his attention was pulled back by FC.

The dragonborn turned to face Fat Cat as he spoke, his eye-ridges pinching towards themselves much like eyebrows would when taking on a more serious expression. The question seemed alien to Azrael. Of course there are... your patron may show you divine favor, bless you in any innumerable ways, and sometimes come into this world and grant you a desire so long as it is not against their alignment that no mortal could ever grant. I receive the enjoyment of doing what must be done to further my gods goals in this world. But why do I do it, how do i make moral choices? That's a ridiculous question. I turn your question back on you. Why do you do what you do? What reward is there in it? Does it satisfy you in the long run? Where does your morality lie?

FC is quick to respond to this question, as he knew the answer already. His whole life in fact. "'Coz it's easier." He replies bluntly. "There's no time like the present and I ride the wave of small victories..." his voice fades slightly as if he's contemplating his own theory. "See ya in the morn." He says, walking away.

Azrael's eyes would bore into the mans back as he walked away. Azrael was starting to get suspicious of FC's true nature. Before, he'd considered him a slightly less moral version of himself, or perhaps what he would have been if he hadn't found his own truth in Bahamut.Now, he wasn't so sure. But he wouldn't act on baseless suspicion. So for now, he just would say I see. Until then.

Astrid: "I don't know about ya'll, but I'ma headin' to my favorite inn and tavern, the 'Rusty Nugget', to meet up with my buddy Crispy.  The ale is wet and the beds are dry, and everything is cheap and clean.  Worth a good nights rest!  Anyone care to join me?"  Astrid skitters away, without looking back.  Suddenly realizing something, she turns around, and calls out to the group "Let's meet right back here, at this warehouse first thing in the morn....sunrise?  Oh, and prepare for a stink so bad it'll burn your nostril hairs....the sewers ain't no joke!"

She then turns back around, and makes her way to the Rusty Nugget, ready to play some cards and fill her belly with a good meal.

Gambling check (Deception: 17)

Lythril shoves the guardsman away with a smile of unspoken promise and follows Astrid into the night

"Oi, wait up, I heard you say something about a place where everything is being cheap..."

Regardless of how the evening progresses, Lythril will wake early and armor up. She's no going into danger without her full kit.

As the group is starting to break for the evening Pheral comes down from the upstairs The City watch is heading out and there is nothing of interest up their that i could find. Anything interesting happen down here ?

CHAPTER ONE - A FRIEND IN NEED
INTERLUDE - THE RUSTY NUGGET
WAY BETTER CLUB THAN "THE WHORE'S NIPPLE"

Alright, i'm going to set the scene for tomorrow, and let you guys post. (I'm improvising this part, just FYI)

Astrid, and i'm presuming Lythril, walk over to The Rusty Nugget. Tomorrow was going to be a big day in the sewers. They had a lead on where Floon might have been taken - follow the yellow arrows in the sewers, the Kenku had admitted.

Cheap was right. Why? Because Perkins always paid. The Rusty Nugget was more of a gentleman's club. (I'm not sure who else went with Astrid and Lythril, so i'll speak in generals.) In addition to warm meals and cold drinks, there was plenty of "entertainment" to be had as beautiful females (and males) of all types, very scantily clothed, flaunted around bringing endless food and drinks, and performing other "services" as well in closed rooms upstairs. It was a classy place, but the cover charge was steep - this place was for the well to do, and it showed. Just watching the dancers alone was worth it.

"Oi." Said the bouncer to Astrid and Lythril. "3 dragons to enter, ladies."
"They're with me, Oscar." Perkins said, stepping out and looking over both of them.
"Ah." Oscar said, letting them pass, "Sorry, Major." 

She sat you down at a booth full of food and drinks, with a couple other male agents enjoying the "view", and not really paying attention to Astrid and Lythril. It wouldn't matter anyways, no one argued with whom the Major kept company with. The serving girls brought refills and while you ate and drank, other women sat with you and danced way too close, smelling like sunrises, fruit, and honey.  Perkins would eye them hungrily as she spoke with you, casually asking Astrid questions along the lines of what you're up to, who's your new dwarf friend with the nice tits, and warning you to stay out of trouble. She tells you why she got stuck with helping lowly silly amateur city watch dumbasses, and then told you how her and Aerik are one night going to try and swindle the Xanathar - that part made you worry, but there was nothing to be said that would dissuade her from such a feat.

Occasionally, men walking by would look at all three of you with hungry eyes, other times women would, too. Sometimes, she would casually wave employees over depending on what you both wanted or desired, and no one made a fuss and literally bent over backwards to fulfill her requests - as if she had skin in this game - like an investment. Perkins drank till her eyes started to get heavy, but the small talk continued, and you three got to know each other very well in the evening. Normally, she was very cranky and annoyed, but alcohol always made her settle down, and the beautiful women were quite plentiful - so she was happy and willing to get to know Lythril, catch up with Astrid, and ask inquisitive questions about Dani's current social status. She told you if you needed to rest in a private, undisturbed room, she would comp you on that as well. The beds were extra soft upstairs, and she promised you wouldn't be disturbed.

As the evening wears on, it gets late, and eventually a gorgeous blonde - whom she introduces as Arianna - wearing nothing but what seemed like a shoelace for a top and a bottom, whispers in Perkins' ear and helps walk with her to an upstairs room. The Major looks back at you both, winks, and heads up to bed - the best goodbye she could give in her current buzzed state. 

You learn a few things from Perkins over the evening in the shape of advice, collaboration, stories, so to represent this "wisdom" - both of you each gain a level once you wake up. If anyone else wished to join them, feel free to add your own perspective to this interlude. 

The journey continues "tomorrow"!!!

Pheral would return to The Yawning Portal. She promised Threestring the possibility of a more personal get together. And she also wanted to discuss the things she learned this evening. Maybe he would help her shed, among other things, some light on the missing person. 

She enters the tavern and spots her close friend finishing a song. When he approaches her she says rather coyly Well, my dear friend. I promised some private time tonight didn't I ? Shall we retire to you room for a persona debriefing. And we can talk current events afterwords

All we see is FC retiring to a large armchair by a fire. The girls are waved off and he's alone with his poison on ice, giving off a slight purple haze in the glass. He thumbs a gold dragon over his knuckles, deep in thought before it falls from his limp hand, hitting the hardwood floor.

Danitriel came with them to the Rusty Nugget until it came time to retire for the night. She went back to her room in the Elfstone Tavern, provided to her thanks to her family being distillers who craft the highly prized liqueur Elverquisst, and prepared for sleep.

Leon watched as the group dispursed, some following behind Astrid to the destination she had offered (and he contemplated going as well) and the others in multiple other directions. Ultimately he decided to simply return to the one place he knew; the Yawning Portal. He just needed to rest was all and after making note and checking the items he had with him, he retired to bed, aiming to wake up just before sunrise to meditate and prepare himself for what is to come.

Azrael noticed the lack of response to his statement from Danitriel, and mentally put it away as 'financial it is then'  I suppose I'll stick to Dragons. he said, chuckling once everyone else had left. He considered following the rest, but decided to retire back to his hovel room in his temple for the night. Making a short stop by a local general goods store in the market district, and purchasing his pouch for his spells. It took him roughly an hour of walking to get back, and the rest of the few priests there were already asleep. 

Then, finding his way to his room, he would slough off his robes, neatly, folding them and putting them to the side, in the need-to-be-repaired pile. His body was toned for a caster, but he boasted no exceptional strength. It was part of his lineage that lent itself to the natural physique. Leaving on only enough to not be nude, he would once again pull out his incense candles, and lay his Holy Symbol/Focus on the table. Kneeling, and praying to Bahamut. Oh great and mighty Bahamut. I do not see where this path will take me, but I know if it is your will, then it is my fate, and my test. I pray only that you guide me on this road towards the future to better serve you. Religious intensity: 17

 The next morning je did much the same, prostrating himself, and paying for guidance and success to bring Bahamut's justice to the deserving, and his mercy to those in need.

He made his way down towards the rendezvous, making sure to be there on time this time. His spells refreshed, and his mind clear. He made himself ready for the day, awaiting the others.

CHAPTER ONE - A FRIEND IN NEED
PART FIVE - INTO THE SEWERS
MUTANT TURTLES?! WHERE?!

PHERAL: Threestrings was very happy to see you. Wrapping up his song, perhaps a bit hastily, he joined you afterwards for a bit more of an..intimate..conversation. It was a very up close and personal situation. Both of you sung a different song that night, and you played HIS lute for a change. You gain a level from a very pleasant evening.

FC: When you wake up in the morning, you feel the wisdom of experience with everything you contemplated over last night work it's magic. You gain a level as well.

DANI: It was an interesting experience. Astrid and Lythril clearly know how to party, and Major Perkins seemed to be much more relaxed and easy going when smothered in alcohol and attractive women. She would make eye contact with you a bit more than the others, and would occasionally compliment you and ask probing questions of generalities about you. She was clearly someone of importance, but deep down you could tell there was much, much more to it. The next morning when you woke up you received an arcane message that a very handsome sum of money was "donated" to the business. Feeling refreshed, you, too, gain a level.

LEON: Returning to The Yawning Portal to retire, you can see Pheral and Threestrings "talking over" a few things. With how close they're leaning in to one another, it's probably more than just business. Giving the chair you tripped on a dirty look as you head to bed, you sleep well and were undisturbed that night, so you gain a level as well.

AZRAEL: When you woke up, you noticed you were facing the sunlight, and it was warm, and comforting - almost..spiritual. As if your prayers did not go unnoticed, you wake up enlightened and refreshed, your mind clear and free of impurities. Feeling blessed and devoted, you gain a level.

(EVERYONE SHOULD BE LEVEL 2 NOW)

Behind The Skewered Dragon was a sewer grate large enough to be lifted off with three strong individuals, and pushed aside - revealing a ladder heading down. The sewers have no natural light, so anyone without darkvision can't see. A putrid stream flows along this sewer tunnel, which leads in two directions. In one direction, you see a tiny symbol drawn on the wall in yellow chalk: a palm-sized circle with ten equidistant spokes radiating out from its circumference.

This morning Danitriel dressed in a much more plain fashion than her usual flamboyant outfit. Dark blue tunic and trousers under plain black leather armour and a dark blue hooded cloak over the top. Looking at the ladder she said to the others, "Remember, we're to follow the yellow, not swim in it.", before climbing down.

"Right right...Anybody have a light? I'm sure everybody is comfortable stepping on unseen ugly.."

Lythril has no problem being in front of behind (snerk) knowing she's probably (?) the best armored of the group. She'll go with group consensus on best placement.

Azrael would greet the ones who arrive as they do, and everything would seem relatively normal. And unless someone disagree'd he would take up the 2nd or 3rd position in line. He knew this trek was going to be tedious for those without darkvision, including himself as they couldn't risk bringing light without alerting whatever might be there they were coming.

CHAPTER ONE - A FRIEND IN NEED
PART FIVE - INTERLUDE
DON'T DO IT. FOR ME?

Cora "Crispy" Perkins awoke the next morning. She had a headache, that was usual, so she took a pill and waited for the dizziness to fade. She washed up, got dressed in her uniform, and thundered downstairs. In addition to employees and management setting up the club for today's business, Arianna was there helping out, wearing a bit more clothing than last night. Perkins grabbed something to eat from the kitchen, and came back out to eat. She pulled out some documents, some maps, and began reading. Arianna glided up to her, her blond hair waving, her green eyes sparkling.

"I had fun last night." She said softly.
Perkins didn't say anything right away, but gave her a "Mmhm." eventually.
"I saw how you were looking at the Elf." She said softly, lowering her head.
Immediately Perkins flustered, and got defensive, her usual response. She stopped, turned, and glared at her, coldly. "Yeah, and? What of it."
Arianna said nothing for a few moments. Eventually, she shrugged weakly and looked away, hurt. Sad. "Nothing."
Perkins rolled her eyes, going back to her reading and eating - casting aside the affection Arianna poured on her, most of it was returned from Perkins unappreciated. Stupid puppy love, Perkins thought."Today's the day, Ari. Aerik and I are going underground. Xanathar won't know what hit him. This is the big swindle. The big con. I can feel it. It's gonna change our lives forever."
Arianna looked at Perkins, worry all over her face. She loved her so much. It didn't matter that Perkins didn't return it. Perkins treated her like a sex object, used her whenever she wanted a fix. Arianna stayed around because she knew deep down inside Perkins was more. She was just..broken. There was something more to her. It was exciting and dangerous and it kept her yearning for more, even if Perkins didn't feel the same way. Maybe one day she would change that? Arianna grew with worry. She was simple, but she knew Xanathar was dangerous.
"Please. Please don't do this. For me?" She whispered. Begging.
Perkins didn't move for a moment. Nothing would stop her today. Nothing. Then she made the decision that would change her life forever. "I don't have time for this. I have to go."

I know people have stuff to do so i will update tonight, my peeps.

"Who can't see?" FC asks the group in an upbeat tone. As he's chowing down on some kind of breakfast burger with egg, he takes an item of whoever needs light and rubs it in his off hand slightly, imbuing it with the light cantrip.

Brushing the crumbs off it, he then hands it back.

FC is wearing a small adventurers pack- an obvious run of the mill standard pack freshly bought. It doesn't even look like it's been opened yet. He's donned more adventurous clothes rather than his suit, consisting of some fine leather armour and a fancy rapier by his hip.