"Ok, Lawrance, let's give the man a hint as to where we are going and see if this dragon job is likely to line up.  If not, we'll pay the 2500 advanced fee now."  Velon proceeds to work with Lawrance to give some general direction, always avoiding any obvious hint as to their mind flayer lair destination.

  Lia rolls her eyes and then grins at Perry.  " I can see you riding a purple dragon one day.  " She winks and glances at Velon. 

 Mari stands with her arms crossed watching this drow for signs of deceit.  " Do you have any poison you would be willing to sell?" 

Working with this contact, Lawrance brings up layer after layer of the map he's memorized, going down bit by bit without mentioning a specific destination. Following what seems to be the easiest path, or the suggested one, he'll develop a planned route. Once he reaches the level that Vadim indicates the location of the dragon, he'll stop and show the rest of the group, estimating distance and how out of the way it might be. 

Cartography 23, (advantage? 19)

Morgaine will follow the group to the meeting but will stay quiet through out, unless she is spoken to directly.

Vidam looks to Mari as she makes her request and shrugs, "Sure, in fact, here." He pulls out a slim vial and sets it on the table. "I'll throw that in free if you agree to help with the dragon. Its a soporific, pretty effective at taking most things down without killing them. I've found it helpful in bringing in bounties. Keep it out of direct sunlight though or it will lose potency in a hurry."

In response to Lawrence's questions, Vadim takes on something of a lecturing tone as he explains. "The first thing to understand is that Faezress is not just a barrier to spells, it is the key to life in the underdark. The plant life down there that everything else ultimately needs to live in turn lives on that energy. It is as important to them as sunshine is to the trees and grass you're used to. If you're in an area that's lit with a faint purple light, chances are you're in an area where it is particularly strong."

"As to spells its mostly a nuisance making it tough to scry on others. Teleportation spells are a bit different in that regard, they can be quite dangerous to attempt."

"If you feel a dire need to push back the faezress so you can cast something without interference without traveling to the nearest dead zone, there is one method I've seen put into use once before. Some plants have a voracious appetite for faezress. Wall yourself with stone or metal into a small area along with a bunch of those suckers and wait. Within a few hours, perhaps a day depending on the strength of the energy in the area, they'll consume all of it in your little pocket. Just make sure there are no nodules of tumkeoite in the pocket with you, or it won't work at all, and make sure to have a way to refresh the air you're breathing too."

The conversation turns to planning routes, as Vadim considers the destination. "We'll want to avoid that cavern, it got taken over by a tribe of derro about a year back, they're always more trouble than they're worth. That means taking the old magma fissure through here, and..." He keeps working it out before eventually saying, "I'd say about a two to three day detour to the deep dragon, on a trip that would take eight to ten days if we head straight there. Certainly could be worse."

"Alright, we'll go and take a look at your deep dragon and if I decide I don't like it, then we'll pay your normal fee.  I imagine the Blaze won't want to back down from a challenge though."  "When do we leave?"

Poljen shrugs.  "Another color dragon scale to add to our collection?  Count me in."

Vidam states, "I'll get the word to assemble out as soon as I leave, we can have the escort ready and waiting as early as tomorrow afternoon.  We can rendezvous at the base of the well in the Yawning Portal Inn if that works for you, and proceed from there. Its a pretty famous place, you shouldn't have any trouble finding it if you've never been before."

"If that is all then, I'll get moving, a fair bit of work to get done. My people have supplies on hand, but it needs to be taken from storage and triple checked. I prefer leaving little to chance."

Once everything is confirmed, the drow resumes his human disguise and departs, leaving the tiny vial of poison on the table.

  Mari grins and takes the bottle. She stashes it in a pouch.  " These guys seem to be real professionals. Can't help but admire that. We had better get moving.  " 

Velon thanks Vidam and sticks out his hand to shake.  "Sounds like a deal.  Will you be joining us?"  Either way he adds "we'll be there tomorrow."

Upon departure Velon jokes with Lia and Perry "definitely Jarlaxle."

Once reaching their rooms, Lawrance spends the time on his researches, hoping to finish the spell he has spent so long on, and deciding what he will keep on his person during their travels, since his Secret Chest will be dangerous to use.

OOC- All his potions, one collar of magic suppression, his Spell book, 250 gp of gems, food, regular camping gear and clothes, all kept in the Pouch of Holding (100lbs or less)

Vadim nods as he takes Velon's hand, "Honestly I would rather sit this out. I mean no offense, but you folks practically smell like the sort of trouble I try to avoid. But yes, I will be joining you. Its policy in most cases for those of us making the deals that send our clients and men somewhere to join in on the fun. It adds a personal stake to risk assessment, helps with any trust issues, that sort of thing."

He pauses in the doorway, "Oh, one last thing. It would be advisable for you to make sure that everyone has an ability to see in the dark if you have not already. Light sources are a dangerous luxury where we're going."

When Vadim mentions that the Blaze smells like the sort of trouble he usually tries to avoid Velon smiles and happily remarks "that's us!"  The paladin also acknowledges the need for darkvision of some sort, looking to the rest of the party to confirm that they all got the message and have a plan for this.

After departing Velon whispers to Mari "I'd appreciate your usual eye for trouble tonight while we're in town and people partake in whatever revelry they get into."  "We'll have to owe you a nice bottle of something for a night that we're safe back at the castle later."

  Mari eyes Velon seriously and nods. " Count on it boss, " she whispers back. Her mind goes over all the dangers the city might pose. 

  Lia laughs. " Jarlaxle... He is perceptive. We are trouble. It follows us everywhere. " 

Lawrance shakes his head in disagreement "It's more like that we expose trouble that has been festering, ignored. Like a rot that eats away at the inside of a body before it finally reaches the surface and is seen. We are finding the rot that doesn't want to be seen too early."

With regard to trouble following us everywhere, Velon replies to Lia "not me, I'm like a shadow in the night."  Then then clangs two parts of his armor together and noisily strides off towards the inn of their choosing.

  Lia grins and follows along.  She takes his arm and says, " There is still hope for you.  Maybe many years of  living amongst my people will teach you a little agility. " Mari snickers behind them. 

"Do you think our children will be stout, foolhardy, dim witted and red haired, or more like their mother?"  He smiles at her.  "Luckily it seems half elves are more likely to inherit your qualities."

  " I hope they have your caring heart and bravery.   Red hair would be nice too.  Sune is redheaded and it is considered a blessing.  You are not dimwitted by the way. " She pokes him. 

As the group heads down, Perry asks the others, "What do you guys think purple dragons like to eat? Do you think they eat purple vegetables? Do you think they are nice and friendly? Do you think it will be our friend like Old Man Death?"