If Mr Creel is disappointed at the lack of detail about the mission in the north, he doesn't show it. Instead, he simply takes down a few notes, shuffles some papers around, and turns back to the group. "I trust I don't need to tell you to remain quiet about all this? We've done that song and dance before." He looks around at you all only briefly before continuing, "Yes, well, as you should have been informed, the Zhents picked that island as neutral ground for the exchange. We wanted to skip that mess and just take the mask, get it secured as quickly as possible, we were even willing to make the exchange on their turf if need be, not something we would normally consider. But they seem concerned more about the cult finding out about them handing the mask over to us. My guess is they are doing business with the cult on the side, even if the Zhents don't actually want them to succeed. They're playing a dangerous game, but that is pretty much always true."

"We have other forces in place, and contingency plans for a variety of scenarios. The others have their own jobs covering most of the angles. We want you to be the wild cards, ready to react to anything we could not foresee." He sighs, "One thing I've learned over the past century or so is that when its important, nothing ever happens as planned, so please do not get complacent."

"The exchange should be simple enough, the Zhents are sending their emissary to sign the contracts we've agreed on along with ours. We've arranged for the signing to be witnessed by a few lesser archons to ensure there is no deceit for the sake of both parties. Then the physical items being exchanged will be brought out. The dragon council is sending some of their own to take possession of the artifact at that time. After that, both groups will go their separate ways."

"Bear in mind that the contracts are binding in a rather serious fashion. A part of the terms includes one month of effective immunity for their emissary, his escort, and the belongings of that group from unprovoked aggression or theft from our side. More than enough time for them to retreat back to one of their secure locations. if you choose to, for instance, attempt to recover the items being given in exchange for the mask, we would be forced by interplanar law to choose between killing you as punishment, or returning the mask . Please do not test this. Of course, they face rather serious penalties as well should they try something."

"I suggest caution if straying from the coastline where the exchange will be made. The inner depths of Moray are populated and run by a particularly savage tribe of werewolves. They should stay out of this, but messing with them or their territory would be ill advised."

"Any particular questions?"

Velon thinks for a moment and asks Creel if they would like the Blaze's presence to be known to all during the exchange, or if they should keep their distance, perhaps merely circling above in the clouds waiting for a message.  He also asks who from the dragon council will be attending.

The paladin then ponders aloud, looking to the others as well, about why they might have chosen this island and how the cult might try to intervene if they know about the exchange.  "It seems to me it might be one of two extremes, either they have a spy attending the meeting, or a giant red dragon will pay us a visit.  Hard for them to send a larger force to this island without being spotted from afar.  Perhaps they'd get the werewolves involved?"  He looks to Poljen and Cratol with a grin.  "Perhaps we'll get a visit from your brethren."

Upon hearing Velon's 'brethren' comment, Lawrance let's out an involuntary snort/laugh as he recalls the first battle he joined the Blaze in. "More like brethren-in-law, considering. There are many ways they could send a large force to the site suddenly, especially since they may know far more about this island than we do. Are there any known portals or the like on it, that may give them - and possibly us - a quick way to get around?"

Later on, back aboard the Castle, Lawrance spends time with the mask and magic, asking Mari's help with the deception "I'm not really good at this kind of thing. Any pointers or guidance you can give me would be appreciated." Recalling the details of the mask he saw through the scrying they did before, he tries to duplicate it with the ersatz one, editing it with magic, colour and knife, then adding the Magic Aura spell to complete the copy. 

OOC - Magic aura to replicate the artifact school etc of the original masks. 

Poljen says, "It is not my decision, but I'd rather we be in the open.  It might discourage them from trying anything.  At worst it will keep them looking at us rather than others we have hidden."  He thinks a moment then shrugs.  "Maybe not."

He asks Creel, "Do the contracts cover what happens if the Zhents, after getting stuff from us and handing over the mask, then try to sell us out to the Cult?"

Mr Creel shakes his head in response to Lawrence's question, "Not to my knowledge, a historian who has studied the region could tell you more, but as far as I am aware that island has never been important enough to warrant something like a permanent portal. Of course, even if that was always true, that doesn't mean that some forgotten mage did not build a Haven there with such a thing."

"As to where you are deployed, I do believe that on the ground and in the open would be preferable. The snow leopard has the right of it, your open presence should put both the Zhents and any hidden cult members on edge, and give them something to focus on and worry about other than my people who are watching for trouble."

"The Zhents are prevented from attacking us, and a part of the contract affirms that neither party has knowingly informed the Cult about the meeting or its purpose. But nothing prevents them, or us for that matter, from telling the cult about it afterwards. That should not present too much of a problem however. Talking to the cult would compromise their own interests. Also, according to the message from the Dragon Council, one of their emissaries is among the very few capable of a true teleport spell. They can have the mask in a safe place within moments of taking possession."

"Of course, that does not mean there is no possibility of betrayal. The most obvious possibility is that they have no intention of signing the contract at all, and with or without the cult they are using this as a means to draw important people into a trap. They would be giving up on some very lucrative benefits doing that, but it would not be out of character for them to have found another way to profit off of this. We have been careful to affirm the words of those we have been negotiating with, and as far as we can tell they are being as honest as that bunch ever gets. Besides, regrettably, I'm not sure we have much of a choice but to try, and be ready for anything."

Velon nods at Creel and Poljen.  "In the open it is then.  Is there anything else you wish us to know, or do?"

"What news of the cults elsewhere in the world?  Any sign of Hoondarrh?"

Velon looks to the rest of the Blaze to see if they have any questions relevant to the mission or the war with the cults.

  Lia frowns at this but nods.   " The Silver Blaze will stand strong as always.  If the Zhents decide to betray the agreement we will deal with them. " She thinks about all the ways things could go wrong.   Maintaining a calm composure she speaks mentally to Velon.  " i don't like this situation. Maybe we need to have some help available that none will expect.  Be sure that the Zhents will have their surprise.   I have an idea...." 

  A few days prior Mari worked alongside Lawrance on the mask.  As the final touches are done she grins. " I think that is an excellent job.   It should fool people for just long enough. " 

  Current: The voluptous redhead nods as Creel speaks.  She doesn't say anything due to wanting to keep her identity secret. Mari frowns in worry as she doesnt like being out in the open.  She knows how important getting the first blow in is. The Blaze will be giving up the initiative and the first blow to any enemy that may strike.   

Mr Creel shakes his head, "No sign of Hoondarrh since his first appearance. I wish I knew more of his movements, but at least he's not causing more death and destruction at the moment. The cult's mostly been stirring up trouble in general lately. Among other things, they've incited no fewer than three major orc tribes to conduct attacks on their respective enemies in the past few months. There's also been a significant increase in Drow raids which we suspect is their influence as well. Nothing big enough to cause a major threat, but it is taking attention and resources away from other things, which is undoubtedly the point. Oh, and some really bad news. It appears that Thay is getting directly involved. A few of their people have been seen aiding the cult. We're still assessing whether this is a full alliance or just a bargain made for some assistance."

If there are no further queries, Mr Creel bids you goodbye and returns to his other work.

Velon thanks Creel for his time and promises to do their best at the exchange.

------------------------------

After the meeting Velon asks the rest of the Blaze if they have any business left in town before they depart.  He reminds them "I do suggest you all buy some potions of healing, if you don't already have an ample supply."  "When you are on your last breath in a fight that has turned against us and reach into your hip pouch, you'll surely be glad to find extra vitality there over some bits of metal.  That goes double if a friend is about to slip away from you forever, oh an triple if that friend happens to be a handsome redhead in shiny plate!"

"Oh, and we do anticipate having to deal with this ancient red at some point, yes?  What measures can we take against his fire?  Potions?  If so we'd better get those now as well."

------------------------------

Once the Blaze has left their escorts behind and heads back to the privacy of the castle, Velon shares more thoughts on their situation.  "I think we should make haste to the island now to keep an eye on things.  If anyone is setting an ambush ahead of time, perhaps we will witness it.  I do fear the cult may monitor the movement of Castle Skyreach, however, so I'd hate to give the importance of the location away ahead of time unintentionally just by being there.  Perhaps we should simply have the castle pass over nearby without stopping?  Lawrance, could we depart the castle unseen somehow, and survive the trip to the ground, of course?  I know we have some magic for invisibility, and more for flying, but I'm not sure if it's enough for all of us."

"Once we're on the ground we could watch the area from afar via Lawrance's arcane eye, perhaps from inside one of his favorite huts, or through other means.  For the meet, Poljen, Lia, Lord Stormcaller and I should certainly be out in the open as Creel stated.  For the rest of you, do you see any benefit in having a few folks hidden nearby as a wild card?  Mari? Perry? Lawrance?  Morgaine?  I'd hate to be too far apart such that we can't support one another, but I'd hate to be clustered too closely together awaiting an ambush as well.  Lawrance, are there any wards or glyphs that could protect those of us standing out in the open?  Perhaps I could be alone, and the rest of you would just be an illusion?  Your true selves could be nearby.  Can your huts be invisible, Lawrance?"

"What other ideas does everyone have for this meeting?  Hopefully our planning is all for not, but the cult and Zhents are cunning and will at least have thought of many ways to leverage the situation which I have not."

Cratol will purchase a few healing potions and a fire resistant potion for dealing with a red dragon before heading back to Skyreach. 

While listening to Velon he nods his head about being out in the open.    "Having my staff and speed if they do try anything I may be able to counter some of it or divert their actions off some."

Considering Velon's questions, Lawrance agrees "Getting there ahead of time would be to our best advantage, although I'd not be surprised if the Zhentarim also show up early for the trade. I can get us down invisibly, although it may be a little windy at first. We'd have to jump, and then I'd stop our fall just before the ground, invisible after we are all floating safely. Other than that,  we could debark with our cargo platform,  the bottom and surface illusioned to whatever colours make sense, and with us invisible on board or in a white/blue Hut? An Arcane Eye, with our Bond active would be just as useful for scouting as it was before in the Green's lair, for sure. A Hut can only be a colour, so if the location is relatively uniform in colour, it could be concealed, but not truly invisible. I could make a detailed illusion of us right next to you, that would move and seem alive, but it would detect of magic. We could also hide underground, if we dig out a suitable ramp and hiding hole with stone walls and such, and that wouldn't detect as magical, concealing us well. A telepathic Bond would work in that case to keep us appraised of what is occurring up above. As far as wards and such, I could set up some kind of triggered protection in an area that would at least help you or anyone nearby,, we'd just have to determine what exactly would be triggered. Perhaps a sphere of invulnerability against any magic spells below a certain power level? "

Velon nods enthusiastically at Cratol's confidence in stopping any shenanigans at the exchange.  "Indeed, and if we decide to do an illusion you and Poljen can use your speed to close the gap and aid me if anything happens, assuming you'll be hiding nearby.  We can keep the illusions a good distance from the Zhents in case they are detecting for magic."

"Excellent Lawrance.  Since I don't love the idea of jumping from the castle, despite knowing we have several magic means of... not splattering on the ground... I like the idea of using the platform with an illusion of the sky on the bottom as the castle speeds past.  Poppo can do a large sweeping loop of the region, high in the clouds, to keep the castle safe and return in time for the meeting, circling above in case we need them or they need us.  We can load the platform with our food and supplies for several days and camp on or near it a mile or so away from the meeting site.  If the Zhents see our during their own scouting, so be it.  Simply saying that yes, we are there to ensure the security of the exchange does not violate the deal."

"I also like your other ideas, including a telepathic bond that includes Poppo so we are in constant communication with the castle.  Well done, Wizard!"  He winks at Lawrance.

  Lia listens solemnly to the others discussing preparations for the meeting. " Velon, I will be in the open with you.  I will not allow you to take such a risk by yourself. You will like the surprise that i have in store for you.  You will not die in this war Velon. I swear it.   " She looks at him with great determination on her face. " Since we are in the open Velon we should ride our wyverns down. What do you think? " 

  Mari looks around thoughtfully for a moment.   " I would rather strike from  ambush if needed.   Controlling the tempo of a battle is of the utmost importance. Lia, may i use your broom in order to aid you and Velon if necessary? " Her friend nods at her. 

OOC: Lia bought a 1000 gp diamond for raise dead. She sold her staff of the python and purchased 3 arrows of dragon slaying. If anyone wishes to contribute she will purchase another diamond.   She can only raise one person from the dead with the one diamond. Mari will place an order for a frostbrand to be made. 

Cratol bought three potions of supreme healing.  He also bought one potion of fire resistance.  He is very low on funds now  LOL

With purchases and arrangements made, the group returns to the castle, and it lifts off as it proceeds west towards the Moonshae Isles. The islands themselves form a roughly circular archipelago around the Moonshae sea. They were once mostly united under a single banner, but since the spellplague, each of the larger islands is now in effect its own nation. Moray in particular is on the southwest edge, is among the smallest of the islands with its own name, and by far the least civilized.

Most of Moray is controlled by lycanthropes dedicated to the lesser deity Malar. Malar is a deity of the hunt, bestial savagery, and bloodlust, with lycanthropes being his most favored among races on the prime material. However, the werewolves mostly confine themselves to the dense jungles of the island's interior. A few tiny and scattered fishing settlements, largely inhabited by humans, exist on the beaches. As savage as their neighbors are, there are rules governing the hunt, and Malar disapproves of wanton slaughter of those that provide no sport or challenge.

As the group arrives back at the castle, they notice a familiar pegasus out in the courtyard sniffing about the grounds and generally minding his own business. Inside the main dining hall, Perry can be seen sitting down quietly at a table looking absolutely exhausted while leaning his head back in a chair. When he notices the others, Perry abruptly stops leaning back and looks to the others with a somber expression.

"Hey everyone, I'm back," he says softly. "Sorry that I took longer than expected, I didn't quite expect those errands to be so...involved this time. I...I'm not sure, but I might have made a big mistake."

As he says that last sentence, it is evident on the bard's face that he is weighed down by a great deal of guilt. Eventually he continues, "I may have done something irredeemable, something that put the lives of a few in great danger. I think it was for the greater good, or that's what I hope at least, and I did gain something." 

He places a curved blade on the table similar in shape and size to the ones he normally wields on the table. The blade itself is completely black in color, as if made from obsidian. It appears to swallow light itself in the way that it maintains it's "color." The pommel of the blade is in the likeness of a raven's head. 

"It's just...at what cost?" he asks. "I had thought that any price was worth it for the power to help defeat the Cult and Tiamat, but now I'm not so sure. Lia, I'm sorry...," he says as he looks down, feeling the most guilt when he looks at her.

"Hey, there he is!  We missed you, Perry.  Your private trip must have been pretty important for you to miss some shopping!  You would have been proud, though.  I complimented the vendors and their wares so well that I think I got us some pretty good prices.  I suppose I didn't ask what the prices were before hand though..."  Velon seems to be pondering the effectiveness of his bargaining techniques in hindsight.

The paladin starts to speak again but Perry says hello and seems pretty somber.  "What happened, Perry?  I can't imagine you'd do anything too terrible.  After all, as long as one has the greater good in mind..."  Velon looks to Lia, although his overall level of concern is tempered by the knowledge that Perry may simply be upset that his shoes did not match his cloak during a meeting with someone important.

  Mari looks at the tiefling hard.   She glances from Velon to Lia with concern evident.  Mari then studies the dark blade briefly.  She cant help noticing it's beautiful lines.  

  The young wood elf gazes at Perry with serene eyes.  Behind her outward calm is barely suppressed fear for her friend. " Perry, I am sure that you did what you thought was best.  What happened? Please  tell  us.  Do not carry your burden alone. It is worth paying a heavy price to stop this cult from ruling the world.  " 

Perry seems reluctant to give the story, but nevertheless feels obligated to do so. "Well, you guys know how I get some of my abilities from a weird dark entity, right? It's similar to whatever Tazskan had going on, though to be fair a little less creepy than Tazskan. Anyway, she is known as the Raven Queen and from what I can tell she really hates the undead, especially intelligent undead or other beings that go against the natural cycle of death like liches and vampires and stuff. But yeah, she has only ever asked me to do something once and it wasn't that bad. This time though, after the incident with Velon in the frozen castle filled with undead, I willingly decided to ask her for some help. I needed some way to get stronger because I felt like I let you all down, especially you Lia. Also, we really, really need to stop Tiamat from destroying the world as we know it. So anyway, she responded and asked me to go to a few different places to meet up with some adventurers then bring them to certain areas. In exchange, I would get some powerful magical artifact thing. "Ok cool," I thought, "that's not a big deal." You all know me, that's easy for me to do since I can be very convincing and stuff. So yeah, I lured them and stayed with the various adventurers for a time, but the next thing I knew they would disappear into the night."

The bard looks down, pauses, then eventually continues, "I don't think they are dead, but I also don't think they are here anymore. Maybe they were spirited away by her? But then why would she need me to take them to a specific spot? It's all very confusing. And why those few specifically? I just have so many questions and I'm unsure about it and she won't answer me anymore and I'm worried." 

Perry seems upset.

"Oh, well, um, you said this raven just doesn't like smart undead stuff, right Perry?  So she probably doesn't want to hurt these adventurers you met?  I'm sure it's all ok Perry.  She's good, right?  She wanted to help our cause?  She must have needed their help pretty badly if you couldn't just help her alone.  You're pretty powerful."

"I'm glad it's less creepy than Tazskan, so that part is good, too.  I swear I could hear him breathing shallowly on me from the shadows while I slept.  I think he wanted to replace Lia."  Velon shivers.  "Weirdest cat I've ever met, and I've known all of you, and Ge-off-roy... is that how you said it?  ...and Zarra, and that weird wizard guy that stole the dragon egg and ran away, and that girl that wouldn't talk, and those two wizards in that tower, and lots of others so that's saying something!"

"Anyway, so what exactly IS that thing, anyhow?"  Velon looks at Perry's new weapon.

"Oh, and, um, will anyone be looking for those adventurers, or you?  Should we expect any trouble?"