Soon enough, a message arrives, and the Blaze are invited to enter the sewers at a particular junction in an alley not far from the docks.

Silas turns into a rat, and stows himself away in Velon's pack for the time being as the group proceeds. They're led down a twisting maze of sewer tunnels, eventually arriving at a large room, obviously not regularly used. Silas slips out and around the corner just before you enter.

You are confronted by a strange creature. Its bulbous body floats over the ground, and numerous writhing tentacles curl around it. Six of them bearing eyes, in addition to the one huge one dominating its central body. It opens a fanged maw, and speaks, "What is it you would beg of the Xanathar?"

Velon bows slightly but quickly returns to making eye contact with this unfamiliar creature.  "Greetings, we seek permission, and perhaps aid, for a quest near your territory.  We...beg... for no trouble from the mighty Xanathar.  We have brought gifts suitable for this honor, as well."

  Lia moves up close beside Velon.  She caresses his arm softly.  The beautiful elf beseeches Sune to aid them in this. Velon feels a wave of confidence infect him.   

OOC: She cast guidance upon him.  He gets a plus D4 to his next roll within the next minute.  It is a cantrip so she can keep it active on him. I assume she can tell when the spell is used.  

Cratol will be towards the back of the group as they enter the Beholders lair.  He will remain quiet unless he is asked a question.

The creature narrows its eyes, "What is this... quest, and why should The Xanathar lend you aid?"

"On top of our gifts, we think the Xanathar would be interested in the information we have.  Another group is causing a lot of potential trouble nearby and we think the Xanathar might have interest in having us clear them out of your neighboring territory."

The being huffs at you, "And you presume to guess at what our interests are? What fools." It looks over the fish tank, "Still, your gifts are welcome. Tell us everything, and do not lie, I will see through them."

Velon proceeds to tell this agent of Xanathar the basic facts about the cultist threat.  He does not tell any lies, but leaves out specific reference of Silas, simply stating that "we" have discovered a threat, etc. etc., which is true if one considers themselves to be partnered with Velon's mentor.

The creature hesitates, then states, "I must check on something." Then it floats out of the room.

It is gone for quite some time, and when it returns, it bears what looks like an electrical burn on the side of its body, Formally, it declares, "The Xanathar, in our graciousness, has decided to grant your request. Some of our men will be dispatched to search the most likely areas, and the assistance of a guide will be granted to your group. If they warn you are about to enter an area you are not premitted, I do suggest that you listen."

A bit disappointed at not being able to actually meet the nightmare weaver itself, Lawrance hopes they can come back and negotiate for something else, another day. With a last glance at the beholder-kin envoy, he exits with the group when indicated. 

Velon nods and says "we are grateful for the Xanathar's generosity."  "We will take our leave, if you like.  Where and when shall we meet our guide?"

Poljen finally exhales.  He was worried they would get in a fight with this beholder's minions, rather than their targets.  He whispers to Velon, Lia and Lawrance, "Nicely done."

Lia looks at him thoughtfully and to her friends.  Her eyes are wide . She wonders if he was telling the truth. 

Mari sits back and tries to determine if the creature is being truthful or not. 

Lia insight 21

Mari insight 12

Cratol watches all that went on and stays a bit quiet as he ponders what this will mean for their future.  Will they now have a ally in thee sewers if they are able to rid them of the cultist as  they continue in their quest to remove them from this plane of existence?  Will they be double crossed by the gang in the sewer?  maybe this quick arraignment will pay off in the long run but that is some that they will have to wait and see if it turns out for their good and benefit all.

The creature simply states, "Gerrick, attend them!" then floats back out of the room.

A short man among those who had escorted you down in the first place steps forward, he is balding, and bears a long, if scraggly mustache. His entire face twitches as he opens his mouth to reveal oversized yellow teeth and states, "If it pleases you ladies and gents, we have all sorts of lovely things to see and smell, if you're unlucky, you'll even get a few tastes. Shall we get to it?"

Hearing this statement, Lawrance reviews in his mind his cleaning cantrips, and wonders how many times he's going to have use that magic to get the smells out, afterwards. 

  Lia looks somewhat horrified at his comments.  She says a silent prayer to Sune for aid in this loathsome environment. 

  Mari constantly studies their surroundings.  Trust of Xanathar isn't very strong with her at the moment.  

Poljen will offer to stay near the front of the group.  If they are walking into any sort of trap, he hopes to be the target as usual, trusting in his resilience to keep him alive long enough for his comrades to help him and go on the attack if needed.

Velon replies to Gerrick cheerily "let's get to it, no place I'd rather be!"  The paladin attempts to keep an eye out for Irdeith to see if the rat wants to ride along inside his armor.

Velon is more than happy to let Poljen take the lead while he covers the rear, one of many reasons including the noise he tends to make.

(OOC: Dai are we passing by where we left Silas?)

In between regular Prestidigitation castings, Lawrance keeps a sharp eye out for trouble, with Gamliel on his shoulder adding to the watchfulness. Every so often, he flinches when his boot steps in something unidentifiable and disgusting. 

Perception for Lawrance and his Robe 9, same for Gamliel 18,