Jalt will participate in the race as we. Hoping the moment of competition will bring some lightheartedness to the situation which is clearly a proving ground.

Animal Handling 18

animal handling 22

Sir Ontharr's riding skill:  22

Nate, Binden does not take part in the race.  He trots along with you as Jalt, Elspeth, Soar and Ontharr gallop off into the distance.  You're not taking part?  he asks cautiously.  You handle your horse pretty well, maybe better than the others.  He pauses, hesitant.  Is there a story behind that?

The horses ride across wild grass, sure of foot and fast as the wind.  It's a short race, perhaps half an hour, and the horses tire quickly.  Ontharr opens up a healthy lead at first; this is his land, he and his horse know each other and the terrain very well.  But Elspeth's horse seemed possessed with a strange determination not to be left behind, and after the first few minutes settles in to match Ontharr, staying within ten feet, letting him set the pace, and conserving your energies.  

As you come within sight of the city gate, Ontharr gives a massive roar that you suspect might be heard a mile away.  Hundreds of feet in front of you, the guards at the gate look up, and begin ushering passers-by to the sides of the road - you would guess that Sir Ontharr and his races are not a rare occurrence, and it's noteworthy that the city guards don't hesitate in accommodating him.  And as you race, Ontharr leading, Elspeth on his tail, Jalt a little behind and Soar thirty feet behind Jalt.  Sir Ontharr seems to rise, almost standing in the saddle.  He's confident of victory.  But... Elspeth and Netta have judged the distance better.  Barely fifty feet from the gate, and Ontharr's horse starts to falter and fall back, and Netta edges ahead, Elspeth low in the saddle and fixed upon victory. 

As she passes through the gate first, the guards and citizens cheers, as they do with Ontharr, Jalt and Soar.  Ontharr laughs, dismounts, and comes over to congratulate Elspeth.  A fine victory, and skilled riding.  Where were you taught?

Nate and Binden are bringing up the rear, and will arrive in five minutes or more.

Soar's ride was a gangly, well-meaning, but hilarious mess. Visions of the chapterhouse's stablemaster admonishing her for bowed-out knees, fidgety hands on the reins, and poor posture flash in front of her eyes the entire ride back to the gate. She's laughing the whole time, though, loving every second, and cheering Corala on.

When she sees Elspeth pull ahead, she raises her fist in the air and lets out a big whoop, dismounting as more of a fall once they all pull up, scrabbling over and running to her friend, trying to hug her legs while the poor druid's still on Netta and unable to really hug back.

"You were like the wind!" she says, beaming. 

Nate says to Binden: "Who me? Naaa... I'm not sure Sir Ontharr wanted me to participate. I think maybe I should take your advice and keep to myself for the time being. Especially around him. I mean... this is the only way I'm going to be able to find out more about the dragon cult, so I suppose I'd better shape up."

Nate watches the others race away.

"Wow... they sure are fast! Yes, I have a thing with animals... they kind of raised me. I don't have much experience actually on horseback, but most animals like me and so I get along well with them. Better than people I'd say, wouldn't you agree?!" Nate tries to make Binden laugh, and now that the others are ways ahead he will ask more about the cult and/or the companion to see if Binden will give him any other info now that he might be getting on his good side. Basically everything he already asked previously.

Persuasion with disadvantage if required: 11

When Nate and Binden eventually get back, Nate would say to everyone: "So... who won?"

Elspeth focuses on her own riding posture during the first part of her ride, making sure to not overtire Netta as they followed close behind Sir Ontharr. As the race progresses she leans into Netta's stride more, eyes fixed on the horizon, determined to win. She urges Netta to go faster as the race nears the end, laughing with delight, feeling the wind on her face. 

She slows and pulls Netta to a halt, quickly dismounting, whispering her thanks to Netta for her work and promising her the best of care and as many apples as she wants.

"Thank you for the high praise, Sir Ontharr, but it was as much Netta's skill as it was mine." She pauses, giving her horse a gentle pat. "I guess I'd say I learned riding in my village. It was in the middle of nowhere, so everyone had to be comfortable on horses if they wanted to get anywhere. The rest I picked up on the road."

Elspeth, Ontharr nods, clearly pleased with your answer.  The best riders know their horses strengths and skills well.  Whoever taught you did a fine job, even finer if you were your own teacher.  

A guard runs up:  Sir Ontharr, I have an urgent message for you. 

He and Ontharr walk away some distance, and you see the messenger speaking urgently to the paladin, just as Binden and Nate arrive.  Sir Ontharr walks back to you.  My apologies, but I have been called away on some urgent business.  I thank you for your company this morning, but perhaps I have learned what I need to.  I would ask you to meet me again tonight after sunset, in my chambers at the Black Antlers.  We have important matters to discuss, and Leosin will be there.  He gives an uncharacteristic sly smile.  You should be sure to ask him of his own allegiances, while you have the chance. 

He gives a short bow, mounts his horse, and he leads Binden and the guard off into the city. 

The day is your own.  You stand, with your horses, in a wide and busy street near the gate into Elturel.  What would you like to do?

(Nate, Binden makes small talk to be polite, but he's unable to hide the fact that he really doesn't want to talk to you.  As you arrive in the city, he is immediately called away to accompany Ontharr.  He says a polite Goodbye and rides off.)

"Ok. Well thanks for the advice earlier Binden, it was nice riding with you." Nate's annoyed that he couldn't get him talking more but shrugs it off. 

Nate watches Ontharr urgently leave. Nate does not say anything to him. 

Nate can see from the reactions of Soar and everyone around that Elspeth won the race. "Nice job Elspeth... you guys were all very fast."

He then looks at the party, "I know you are all likely pretty upset at me... it's just that the companion makes me really uncomfortable, and I've been feeling really upset with the cult and our situation, and it's all just getting to me and I guess I had a lack of judgement again. I can't help how I feel, but I've realized with talking to Binden and with your obvious reaction that I really messed up this time."

"I want to help you fight the cult and I hope Ontharr will still allow me to help. But more importantly I hope you all will still allow me to come."

Nate, on his black stallion horse Hunter, walks in a circle now looking down awkwardly, awaiting a response. 

Seems I have some time to seek out Kaerus. You all are welcome to join but after that trip I will meet back at the inn. Jalt says I feel that there's something Ontharr and Leosin haven't told us and I'm curious to what it is that they're holding back.

Soar waves goodbye to Ontharr and Binden cheerfully. With her arm around Elspeth, still genuinely happy for her friend, she turns to the others. "Nate, I think you really charmed Untharr! And Binden and you were talking for a while together, did you hit it off as well as it seemed like you did? They are just really nice people," she says, grinning and only now perhaps reflecting on the last day, once she takes a beat to look at Nate's face as he speaks to them.

"My friend," she says, walking forward and reaching out to hold one if his hands in both of hers, expression radiating empathy. "I am so sorry I did not see this. You are hurting. And we have not been caring like we should have been. I am not upset at you and would love you to come with us. You've, well, it's clear you've barely fazed Jalt. Elspeth is probably fine? Obviously we just have different impressions of that bright sun over there. I can understand, now, that perhaps not everyone sees it as a completely positive force like I do. Fighting the undead is sort of everything I am. Doomguide, and well, other personal reasons. They're awful, cruel enemies of life, and the way I see the world, abominations of nature's balance as well. But I want to understand your point of view, and I will try. It... is a little bright, I'll admit. I think I may have stared at it too long, and I see it when I close my eyes. Probably should talk to a healer about that. And it probably confuses the plants around here. Hadn't considered that. Maybe they can turn it down a notch." 

She grins a bit more, sheepishly. 

"Still, while Untharr's not really someone I'd consider best friend material, he might be able to help us fight the dragon cult. We don't have many friends here right now, and who knows how far we'll have to chase these buggers north. So maybe... here's a thought! If you have bad things to say about the Companion, just tell me! Out of earshot of Untharr and your new best friend Binden. Or tell a passing bird, perhaps. Or shout them into a pillow! Something where you can still express your very valid opinion... and still gives us a shot at getting back at the cult. How does that sound?"

She'll offer to listen to Nate about his painful past, his thoughts on the cult, his concerns about the Companion, for as long as he wants. She really wants to win him back. That's Soar.

To Jalt, she'll say "I'd love to join you! After all this time and buildup, I have to meet this Kaerus, and see about his armorsmithing skills. And I guess it was a bit odd that Untharr mentioned Leosin's allegiances. Maybe her's part of that gauntlet group too. I guess we'll find out later today."

Together, you lead your horses through the city in the bright daylight of two suns.  In Elturel, the main street from the gate to the High Hall is not used for market stalls; instead it is kept clear for traffic and the passage of military forces.  However, every street that leads from the main thoroughfare is overflowing with life and commerce:  shops, markets, artisans, customers and travellers, guards on patrol on every street.  The atmosphere is one of safety, happiness and order.  This is a pleasant place to be.  At all times, it's noticeable that Elturel is almost entirely made up of human citizens, though there are visitors of all shapes and sizes.

You know already that that famed smith Kaerus Thambadar has his workshop in the High Hall itself, the large keep that serves as the centre of government for the city of Elturel and the nation of Elturgard.  Your path there is clear, and when you reach the main gates, you are asked respectfully to stable your horses outside (without charge) while you enter the keep on foot.

You walk into a vast courtyard which is a hive of activity. Scholars, clerks, soldiers, travellers, tradesmen, citizens, cluster in groups or march purposefully through this space.  And above the noise of the crowds, you hear the unmistakable clanging of hammer on metal, and you look across to see a large smithy - several smithies in fact, though part of the same complex.  As you approach, you see humans and dwarves working together, making swords, metal shields, and armour.  The smithy backs up against the keep's high main walls, and one section of the wall is dedicated to showcasing the smiths' wares - all of it high quality.  Some seems intended for the city guards, perhaps the officers of higher rank than those you have seen before; several large examples of plate armour bear the symbol of an upturned crescent.  

A young human woman approaches, with short hair and a ready smile, wearing a heavy iron apron and clearly fresh from hard work.  Greetings, and welcome to the High Forge.  How can I assist you?

(I'm assuming everyone is with Jalt - let me know if you do something different.)

Rhogar... of Clan Jalt from the Platinum Cadre. Here to speak with Kaerus. Jalt answers the young woman. Here to see if he can do some custom work for us. He pats the bag full of equipment.

Rhogar of Clan Jalt, she repeats.  I'll ask Master Kaerus.  She heads into a large building nearby. 

Shortly afterwards, she returns with an older dwarf at her side.  Jalt?  he says, and he comes over to look you up and down.  Too young.  Maybe your father or uncle?  Maybe a grandfather?  Yes, maybe.  Met a Jalt, you see.  Hmmmm.  He just stands there, looking at you and thinking.

Jalt Tuanek, my grandfather. Jalt replies When I heard we were on our way to this city, I knew there was a great smith that he had spoken so highly about. One that could make magic happen with his forging hammer and anvil.

Nate replies to Soar "Yes... I think Binden liked me... although he wouldn't talk to me all that much when we were out, but I guess that isn't surprising. As for the companion... well at first when we all first saw it, yes it was about how it looks, just like everything you said, it's so bright, and especially about the plants. It's just not natural. It really bothered me and I noticed all of you admiring it, and I didn't know what to do. But then once we got into the city and I realized that everyone worships this thing and it's all about religion, I just felt overwhelmed as I've only known religion as something that has caused wars, and so kind of... lost it for a minute. You have a good point about Ontharr and the cult and while you all might have different values and beliefs than me, I want to help you defeat this cult. So I can have my revenge."

Nate kind of looks cold and zones out for a minute, then snaps out of it in fear of looking nuts.

"One thing Binden didn't tell me... does the Companion actually fry the undead if they get near it?" Nate asks this in all seriousness. And this too: "Can it attack things other than zombies? And what god put it there?"

Nate will come with everyone to Jalt's smith, and will remain silent with the most pleasant, friendliest face he can fake.

"I believe so. The Companion appeared to help fend off a vampire that was running this place so I would assume it's fairly powerful, although Sir Ontharr didn't mention where it came from, just that it appeared one day. Sir Ontharr seemed fairly eager to talk about the companion, so I'm fairly certain others in this city would be willing to tell us something, if not anything new." Elpseth does her best to answer Nate's questions before they leave for the armory, giving what she hopes is a reassuring smile, uncertain if anything she says will make Nate feel better or worse but trusting Soar to know the right thing to say to comfort her fellow druid. Elspeth will definitely accompany Jalt to the armory, eager to at least glimpse Jalt's family friend.  

Tuan...Tuanek.  Yes, yes.  Sprightly young fellow, he was.  Very keen eyes.  Might have learned smithing himsel, had he an interest.  Well, come in, come in. 

The elder dwarf ushers you into the building, into a small room that has the feel of a parlour, despite being surrounded by offices and other workplaces.  You take your seats in large, high-backed and comfortable chairs as tea is brought and served.  The woman goes about her other work with a polite nod to you all, and as the servants bustle about you, Kaerus continues:

Now then, I assume this is not just a visit to catch up on old family history.  You have come because you need an interesting item repaired, or forged perhaps?  What is it to be?

Jalt places the bag of equipment before him and takes out the 2 scimitars, the greatsword and the splint armor. I would like for the 3 weapons to be melted down and made into a new sword with the symbol of Bahamut on it. And for the splint armor to be repurposed into new suits for me and my friend He points to Soar. We would cover the cost of the difference as we know it is not enough exactly to be split into two pieces.

Jalt, the master smith inspects the materials you've provide, and gives, not surprisingly, a similar assessment as his son gave you in Scornubel.  The only real difference is time - with the resources of a large smithy around him, Kaerus's workers can have the work completed more quickly than elsewhere. 

As a reminder, the options are as follows:

• To turn the armour into two pieces of splint armour, for you and Soar, for a cost of 70 gold pieces for each one.  He would need to add pieces from regular splint armour.  This would take two days.
• To turn the armour into splint armour as above, but instead using more expensive metals to match the colouring of the existing armour, to produce something that looks more impressive (though with no mechanical benefit).  Kaerus, unlike his son, has these metals to hand and so it will not add any time - it will still take two days.  The cost is 160 gold for each piece of armour.
• The creation of the greatsword with the mark of Bahamut interests him most, and he responds well to the request.  He indicates that the price his son gave you was correct, and it should cost 60 gold, but you can make a Persuasion check with advantage if you want to bargain the price down.  This will take seven days, not the ten days Dorik needed.