"Aye lad, we'll postpone our beard off. Dont want to feel the sting of loss so soon.. (he half grins). Worry not my young cleric. Gremryl has done alot in his life. But perishing and sitting at moradins table isn't on my list for a long time lad. We'll discuss it soon enough. Its not my custom to speak ill of the dead comrades despite their follies. Stool is ok lad. I can feel it in me bones I tell ye. Hes alot tougher than when we first met. Can you believe he thought I was gonna squash him when we first met... (wistful smile plays across his beard) hes a good shroom. "
He'll clean his beard and attempt to confirm to Abdarrian army standard.
“I don’t know Grem I am worried about him. He watched Morgana torn to pieces in front of him. That will warp the mind of someone so innocent. I worry about his mental state.”
As Grem finishes cleaning up Leon will destroy the excess water from their beard and any that may have gotten on their clothing/armor.
”Well at least your looking like a proper soldier again. Congratulations on the new shield too. Very bad ass. You heroic looking SOB. First round is on you after this.”
"Leon, I really on went to the Twin Boulders brothel and a fine ale house. Dont know that either of those places be fit for a date with a proper lady. You expecting to meet somebody in town mate?"
"Well Elmo, I could have guessed those would be the only places you had visited. No i don't think those will do for this fine lady. I have already met someone my half size friend. I will let you meet her when the time is right. Let us get through this meeting and I will introduce you two over beer."
You're taken to a dark office and met by an imposing female grey dwarf. She is fully armored and bears an insignia you have not seen on any other Duergar. She is flanked by two Stone Guards who remain by the door.
Captain Errde Blackskull - "I am Captain Errde Blackskull, commander of the Stone Guard." she says, giving each of you a calculating look. "Let me start by saying that you are worth nothing here in Gracklstugh. Most of those in my command would sell you off in a heartbeat as the cheapest manual labor. With the exception of you, Master Holderhek, of course. However, I've learned to make much better use of adventurers like you."
Captain Errde goes on to explain that her guards have been tracking the movements of a Derro named Droki. Despite his presence in the Darklake District, the Derro has managed to avoid capture, as if he somehow knows in advance where the Duergar patrols will be - invisible or otherwise. All the Stone Guards know is that Droki lives in the West Cleft District, a place you learn from Hemeth, the Duergar enter only in force and where their presence would likely provoke a chaotic uprising. Errde wants the characters to follow Droki, see what he does and where he goes, and report back. Or if they see an opportunity, seize him and either bring him in for questioning, or kill him and bring back evidence of his activities.
Captain Errde's tone turns dark as she voices her suspicions that Droki is linked to a conspiracy involving the Council of Savants, and maybe even elements among the clain lairds. She describes in detail how discovering the conspiracy and purging the corrupt will earn her great favor with the Deepking. Errde swears that she will arrange for the characters to receive supplies and gear when they leave Gracklstugh as compensation.
What are each of your intentions or questions that you have for Captain Errde?
"I thought we were here to state our intentions Sir (he calls her sir because of her position of authority). If we do this, are we free, leon and I? I let my hubris get me in trouble before. I won't take this lad into trouble again. I'll go. In me days in adbar I was sometimes called Sherlock Gremryl due to my investigative skills ye know. I'll do it Sir. "
Gremryl pointedly does not look at hemeth or the group. He stands at attention, falling back into military habits. He agrees so quickly because of the poor choice he made at the gate and before. To him, if he can do this to earn freedom and favor he's down.
“May I say young lady what a wonderfully beautiful office you have. It is sure to intimidate anyone who comes in. That being said, I would love nothing more than to help you out if it gives me and the dwarf our freedom. I do have a few questions first though before we embark on this epic adventure of a life time to save Darklake District. Do you have a description of the Derro? What does this Derro look like? What was is last wearing? Any particular weapons or items of note? Is there a time limit on locating this Derro? The dwarf and I are bit exhausted from today’s activities.”
Gremryl is tired as shit, looks at Leon... a bit surprised
to Leon : “you sure lad? I’ll go and find this derago, drako... or whatever they call him.. you want to roll with me? I got us into this mess. I owe it you to get us out. I’m sure Master Hemeth can give you roof and bread while I do this task. I got us into barrel of mess, it’s me to get us out. “
to captain erdde
“Sir, can my companions find safe harbor with Master Hemeth whilst I find this Derro? By the will of Moradin I’ll find him and he’ll be brought to justice. The Human and halfing need not go Sir. “
“Grem you are not going in your condition. You need to rest first. We are a team. You are not doing anything on your own. Beard bros remember? If we are allowed, we shall hunt this vermin in the morning together and even with young master Elmo if he wants.”
Leon looks back at the captain
”My apologies for any offense for the disagreement here.”
“Young Cleric... ( he sighs) we are indeed brethren of the beard. Fair enough. “
To Elmo
”And you master Halfling? Seems you have established yourself. You have my thanks for my Bella and what you did to her. (motions to the shield) but I fear to follow me leads to ruin and possibly death.. you owe not a thing and need not go with us lad. Find the surface, make your way. “
To Hemeth
” You may not see me as a brother as I see you. Nonetheless , you are. I’m sorry for what happened back in the caverns. I’ve never been good at eh, ‘calming things’... but know you stay my brother regardless of what you think of this old dwarf ye see before you. Take Elmo and make sure he’s safe. Leon and I do what needs to be done. “ he smiles wistfully.
I dont think I have a choice in the matter mate. Hems power cant protect me anymore apparently, we're in the same boat. Besides, if I didn't go, who would keep ye alive ye stout oaf? (elmo cuts his joke short realizing that the Captain wont stand for disrespect.)
To the Captain,
With respect Captain, Would it be possible to see somebody in town about a new crossbow I got coming to me before we head out to handle this fugitive derro?
Captain Errde - "Free? Hahahahaha! There is no such thing. Not here, not anywhere. There will always be those who rule above us and those who serve below us. That goes for Duergar as well. You have my word though, that the Stone Guard shall not seek to enslave you, nor unfairly prosecute you." Leaning in with a mean scowl and casting a glare at each of you, including Hemeth, she continues further, "That said, Dwarf, should my men see you or any of your companions attempt to steal or cheat or otherwise disobey our laws, you will face the punishment that fits the crime. Ask Master Hemeth...We don't take kindly to law breakers around here."
Captain Errde - "What does he look like? A fair question. I assume this means you're accepting of my request then. So be it. That dirty Derro was last seen wearing a floppy hat fitted with two tentacle-like things that bob up and down in time with his brisk pace. He's pale of face, like most of his kind and my reports say that he mutters a repetitive series of phrases to himself at different volumes. Unusual things like 'Droki is late! They will be so angry! Stupid, stupid, stupid!' and other such nonsense." She clears her throat and spits to her side as if ridding her mouth of the description she provided you. "Bring him in dead with evidence of his activities, or alive so we can wring him of his wrongdoings ourselves. I don't care how long it take as long as you do it before leaving the city." Looking over Leon and Gremryl, she says, "Maybe it best you two clean up first. Master Hemeth I'm sure can provide suitable accommodations to do so."
{DM note - If it wasn't clear in her response, you don't have a given time limit to fulfill her request, other than accomplishing it before leaving the city. You may prioritize this quest accordingly. :) }
Hemeth - "If there are no further questions, I suggest we bid our farewell of Captain Errde and make our way to my father's manse where we can regroup and figure out our next steps." He does make specific glance toward Gremryl to ensure the Dwarf recognizes that he's included in this gesture. Nothing more.
Gremryl chuckles ...
"Aye lad, we'll postpone our beard off. Dont want to feel the sting of loss so soon.. (he half grins). Worry not my young cleric. Gremryl has done alot in his life. But perishing and sitting at moradins table isn't on my list for a long time lad. We'll discuss it soon enough. Its not my custom to speak ill of the dead comrades despite their follies. Stool is ok lad. I can feel it in me bones I tell ye. Hes alot tougher than when we first met. Can you believe he thought I was gonna squash him when we first met... (wistful smile plays across his beard) hes a good shroom. "
He'll clean his beard and attempt to confirm to Abdarrian army standard.
“I don’t know Grem I am worried about him. He watched Morgana torn to pieces in front of him. That will warp the mind of someone so innocent. I worry about his mental state.”
As Grem finishes cleaning up Leon will destroy the excess water from their beard and any that may have gotten on their clothing/armor.
”Well at least your looking like a proper soldier again. Congratulations on the new shield too. Very bad ass. You heroic looking SOB. First round is on you after this.”
"Leon, I really on went to the Twin Boulders brothel and a fine ale house. Dont know that either of those places be fit for a date with a proper lady. You expecting to meet somebody in town mate?"
"Well Elmo, I could have guessed those would be the only places you had visited. No i don't think those will do for this fine lady. I have already met someone my half size friend. I will let you meet her when the time is right. Let us get through this meeting and I will introduce you two over beer."
What are each of your intentions or questions that you have for Captain Errde?
Gremryl says
"I thought we were here to state our intentions Sir (he calls her sir because of her position of authority). If we do this, are we free, leon and I? I let my hubris get me in trouble before. I won't take this lad into trouble again. I'll go. In me days in adbar I was sometimes called Sherlock Gremryl due to my investigative skills ye know. I'll do it Sir. "
Gremryl pointedly does not look at hemeth or the group. He stands at attention, falling back into military habits. He agrees so quickly because of the poor choice he made at the gate and before. To him, if he can do this to earn freedom and favor he's down.
Insight check on the captain.
Insight; 21
“May I say young lady what a wonderfully beautiful office you have. It is sure to intimidate anyone who comes in. That being said, I would love nothing more than to help you out if it gives me and the dwarf our freedom. I do have a few questions first though before we embark on this epic adventure of a life time to save Darklake District. Do you have a description of the Derro? What does this Derro look like? What was is last wearing? Any particular weapons or items of note? Is there a time limit on locating this Derro? The dwarf and I are bit exhausted from today’s activities.”
Gremryl is tired as shit, looks at Leon... a bit surprised
to Leon : “you sure lad? I’ll go and find this derago, drako... or whatever they call him.. you want to roll with me? I got us into this mess. I owe it you to get us out. I’m sure Master Hemeth can give you roof and bread while I do this task. I got us into barrel of mess, it’s me to get us out. “
to captain erdde
“Sir, can my companions find safe harbor with Master Hemeth whilst I find this Derro? By the will of Moradin I’ll find him and he’ll be brought to justice. The Human and halfing need not go Sir. “
“Grem you are not going in your condition. You need to rest first. We are a team. You are not doing anything on your own. Beard bros remember? If we are allowed, we shall hunt this vermin in the morning together and even with young master Elmo if he wants.”
Leon looks back at the captain
”My apologies for any offense for the disagreement here.”
“Young Cleric... ( he sighs) we are indeed brethren of the beard. Fair enough. “
To Elmo
”And you master Halfling? Seems you have established yourself. You have my thanks for my Bella and what you did to her. (motions to the shield) but I fear to follow me leads to ruin and possibly death.. you owe not a thing and need not go with us lad. Find the surface, make your way. “
To Hemeth
” You may not see me as a brother as I see you. Nonetheless , you are. I’m sorry for what happened back in the caverns. I’ve never been good at eh, ‘calming things’... but know you stay my brother regardless of what you think of this old dwarf ye see before you. Take Elmo and make sure he’s safe. Leon and I do what needs to be done. “ he smiles wistfully.
To Grem,
I dont think I have a choice in the matter mate. Hems power cant protect me anymore apparently, we're in the same boat. Besides, if I didn't go, who would keep ye alive ye stout oaf? (elmo cuts his joke short realizing that the Captain wont stand for disrespect.)
To the Captain,
With respect Captain, Would it be possible to see somebody in town about a new crossbow I got coming to me before we head out to handle this fugitive derro?
Grems tries to keep a stoic face... and fails. He smiles “Aye... stout like an oaf I am.. or is it Oak?”
{DM note - If it wasn't clear in her response, you don't have a given time limit to fulfill her request, other than accomplishing it before leaving the city. You may prioritize this quest accordingly. :) }
“Right, then we shall take our leave, C’mon lads, let’s go with Master Hemeth then. “
To Hem,
"Lets go see what yer father wants Hemeth."