"I would, thank you,"the paladin says. Soar nods to Nate, and leads anyone else who wants to come into the temple behind Grayla.
"I'm glad to see you are well. This place doesn't change, does it? It's very comforting, after seeing so much of Faerun in the last year. I've oiled the hinges these doors so many times, but they would still always creak. I think Brother Astire used to come by every night and dry off the hinges to bring back the sound. It became a sort of game between us. It appears he's winning."She gives the door a familiar tug and a very ominous creaking sound erupts from the hinge.
She holds up one finger in a 'just be a sec' gesture, pulls out one of two vials of oil, and daps a few drops into each hinge, working the door back and forth for 30 seconds until the creaking fades. With a grin, she looks back at Grayla. "Don't tell him it was me."
She enters and kneels by the alter, bowing her head in a brief prayer. After a beat, she rises, smiles up at the various sepulchral friezes, carvings, and statues. "Hello, Munson, you'll always be my favorite skeleton," she says to herself, looking up at a vaulted carving of a long skeletal figure. "Let's go see Deraray. I've... missed her."
Grayla smiles warmly, but says little, as has often been her way. She stays with you for a while, but returns to her gardening shortly.
The carving is also silent, but you do feel the strange sensation of being home, or at least, the closest to home you've ever know.
Arianna Dereray is in her office, writing grumpily - yet another very familiar scene to Soar, who has rarely seen the woman happy without a sword or axe in her hand. She raises her head, and then her left eyebrow. Child? This is... unexpected, but not unwelcome. She stands, walks around her desk and gives you an awkward, but sincere hug.
(Is there anything in particular you want to ask or discuss with her, or with the others at the Temple? We can summarise, or role-play, as you prefer.)
(Just to speed things along and not bore everyone else to tears....)
She returns the hug with more warmth than she expected. She's missed this place, as dour and dark as it is, and its people, as dour and dark as they can be. She'd like to think that she helped brighten even Dereray's affect a bit, enough that she got a hug.
Soar will very briefly summarize the year-plus traveling throughout Faerun with Elspeth and getting to Greenest with Jasa and Jalt. She'll then lapse into her training and efficiently tell her about the assault on Greenest, the dragon, the cult leaders, dueling Cyanwrath, surveilling the camp, rescuing prisoners, returning to clean out the caves, everything about Tiamat, beheading Cyanwrath, the egg, beheading Mondath, returning to Greenest, then Elturel, a bit about the allies gained with the Harpers and the Order of the Gauntlet, and the highlights of the trip from Baldur's Gate to Waterdeep.
The only thing Dereray probably doesn't believe is that Soar was able to sneak through a camp mostly unnoticed, given her bumbling, uncoordinated gait in training. She explains her new powers to show how far she's come and what she's learned. She emphasizes her prayers to Kelemvor, during which she received acceptance of the path she's on. She feels a bit guilty she's not been focusing on ridding the world of the undead, but trusts that Kelemvor also does not want Tiamat running loose across Faerun, so she is hoping for Dereray's blessing on her current path. She'd ask for any advice, and ask if she has any contacts with the Harpers or the Order of the Gauntlet in Waterdeep. Either way, she wanted her to be aware of the cult's plans so that Kelemvor's finest were not caught off guard. She also mentions the elf lord being stuck in stag form, and asks if anyone here would be able to help turn him back to normal, after her current quest is done.
Other than that, she would want to stop by the armory to see if Bastion is there to see her new armor.
Nate, most of the buildings are mausoleums, though there are perhaps one or two other temples, they are distant and you can't quite make them out from here.
Soar, Arianna Dereray listens to your tale without interruption. She does believe you, and comments on how far your skills have improved. That is often the way of things. Sheltered here, there is only so much we can teach, and the tasks you performed for us were perhaps not so challenging. Out in the world, you make a difference, and Kelemvor favours those who bring his will upon the world.
She offers her blessing, and one piece of advice. I know little of the Harpers, truth be told - or at least, I've had little contact with them. The Order of the Gauntlet is another matter. I am not a member myself, but there are Doomguides among their ranks. You might consider joining, if your heart leads in that direction. They are... not usually so secretive, but if they are working with the Harpers, perhaps they have reached a compromise. As for your friends, well, many followers of Kelemvor take up arms and seek adventure in the company of others of good heart. It is good to see you taking this path - it suits you. Stay with your friends, learn from them, and when you are ready, come home to us. There is always work that needs doing.
She doesn't have direct contact with the Harpers or Order in Waterdeep, though she could probably reach either if it was important. She says that she suspects the elf is indeed under a curse, and that Grayla might have the strength to counter it, but would need an armed escort to the right location.
Bastion is not present at the armoury at the moment, and with the day now into the afternoon, it seems unwise to wait for him to return from whatever errand has taken him into the city. You are headed out of the temple when you see him walking in. He looks at you with a frown that turns to a smile.
(OOC: Perhaps you would like to describe your mentor, and play the conversation with him.)
(Following the temple, the next stop is the Field Ward to check the inn for news from Jamna, right? Then to the Company office? Have I missed anything?)
(Ah, sorry, now I see where I got confused -- I said previously she was looking for "the armorer, her mentor, and any friends who might be around." I meant that sequentially -- three separate items. Not that the armorer is her mentor! My apologies. I'd consider Deraray her mentor. The armorer is someone she saw as knowing his craft, and I imagine he'd like to see the new works. They have a great relationship, but she's nervous he won't like it -- he probably doesn't work in purples that often. Mostly skulls. And hers has the skulls still, only with flower buds in the mouths.)
"Bastion! It's very good to see you, I was about to head out again and I was worried I'd missed you. I've been all around and, well, I just gave a very detailed report to Deraray, so if you want a couple good stories, she can most certainly oblige. I know you two are... well... maybe you can hear it over dinner. Finally? After all those years of pretending you don't like each other? Anyhow, I did want you to see this armor -- it was reworked by Kaerus in Elturel. Have you heard of him? Friend of my friend Jalt's, over here. Incorporates the old mail of someone I, well, shortened. Deraray can fill you in. I just wanted to show you this, and say hello, before I have to head off again."She gives him an apologetic smile.
Bastion gives Soar a firm handshake. Good to see you're doing well, Soar. He looks over the armour. Good work. I met Kaerus once, when I was a lad. My master was visiting him. Good fellow. Very good work. A bit flashy - he pokes at some of the more ornate elements - but good.
You chat for a few minutes before you head out. Though it's been a rushed visit, because you have important matters to attend to, you feel invigorated knowing that your home is safe and the people you care for are well. You are determined to ensure they stay that way.
(Soar can take a DM inspiration, but must be used in the next ten days.)
Waterdeep Interlude Part Four: The Defiant Kobold (again)
You leave the City of the Dead behind you, peaceful and bright in the sunny autumn afternoon. You head north through the city, first through winding back streets, then once again on the main road, until you reach the tavern that some of you visited the night before, the Defiant Kobold. You head in, and see it quieter than before. The tall human woman with wooden earrings is there again, and she nods as you walk in, gesturing towards the same private room.
You sit in relative darkness for a while, the one small window only allowing a little light in, even during the late afternoon sun. After some time, the innkeeper comes in. Message for you, she says simply. She hands you a folded piece of parchment, and then leaves you to it.
You sit, the four of you round the table, alone as far as you know. Soar, you received the parchment, which says:
Our very good friends are at the Charter Company's gathering point in the Field Ward. They have joined the convoy that will go to the Carnath Roadhouse workcamp, leaving tomorrow. Not sure if that's their destination, or they will continue on to Neverwinter with another convoy. Speak to Ardred Briferhew to hire on as guards, labourers, or join as travellers. They leave at noon tomorrow. Don't be late!
Soar hands the parchment to the others and begins thinking, looking around the room contemplatively.
”Travelers, I assume? Or laborers? We might not be with the company for the whole trip.Anythjng else we need to do, other than go to see Ardred, and see if we see Caron?” she says after a minute.
Nate enjoyed his time alone outside the temple while the others finished up business. He gives Soar a smile and proceeds with the party to the tavern.
Nate reads the parchment. "Oh god... here we go again. Yeah travelers I think would work. Hopefully no one from the previous caravan is on this one... although I'll just deny knowing anything about a "Cowboy Nate" whoever the hell that is. Although I have a bad feeling we are going to have to make something up again. It won't be as easy as just jumping in as travelers... or will it?"
"Yeah, sounds about right... maybe Caron can also give us more information before we go see Ardred."
“Going in as travelers will make it easier for us if we have to leave the group.” Jalt replies “I do think seeking out Carlon before we make that choice would be a good idea. Better to have an idea of who if anyone will be on our side during the next bit of travel.”
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
So I believe we are heading to the Company, and Soar would do a circuit of the property looking for Carlon or other observers. She confirms her plans with Jalt and Nate, and asks if they have any specific plans.
Before she gets close to the field ward, however, she will draw her cloak fully about herself to conceal her armor. If her cloak can’t do that, she will buy another larger, heavier cloak that fully conceals the armor.
She suggests that either Nate or Elspeth turn into an animal again to surveil the inside of the property and look for the cultists, to learn what they might be up to when they think no one is watching. “If I could turn into any animal I would do it all the time! It sounds amazing. Nate, how are you doing? You’ve seemed glum, even foreboding, recently. We are getting closer to your goal, right? Taking down these jerks? That would make me excited.”
She’d also look around the company property for a nearby tavern to try gossiping and learning for perhaps an hour. She’d make conversation about being a caravan guard, and ask about the convoy, ask if people knew Ardred, any recent stories about the High Road Compny, and ask about a friend of theirs, describing Caron but not giving his name. She has missed being herself and really just lets fly and tries to charm the pants off everyone she can, seeking to get information before they head in to find Ardred.
Waterdeep Interlude Part Five: The Office of the High Road Charter Company
It's a tiny office, perhaps two blocks into the Field Ward, and there's a single halfling sitting inside who immediately shoos you out. There's no-one here, not while the convoy's getting ready to travel. Head another two blocks north then take a right. That's where they all are. Everybody's helping Master Briferhew there. Go talk to him if you want to sign on or travel with them. Go on. Shoo! As you exit the little office, you hear the halfling bar the door behind you.
Soar, there are a few taverns around, though you are still all very near the one you stayed in last night. In any case, make a Insight check to find the sort of tavern that might Carlon might frequent. You're insight-checking the patrons more than the building, I suppose...
Soar, there are taverns here and there wherever you go in Waterdeep, at least one on each block. Here in the Field Ward they're obviously not high-end establishments, but more than that, you're not sure. You can't really get a sense from looking at the building or the trickle of patrons coming and going.
(Will Soar pick a tavern relatively near the Company Office to make her inquiries? Or somewhere else?)
"It gets a little old... the animal thing, that is. Way back when I was younger,(which is funny since little human Nate is only in his early 20's) I used to want to change my shape all the time. Even recently I have used it successfully in battle, before I met all of you and even with all of you. It's just lately... I haven't been feeling the desire to do it. I know the spider helped a lot with Jalt in the inn that night... but... I don't know. I suppose if Carlon has no info for us, I can try and sneak around as a spider again if need be."
"To be honest Soar, I've been meditating more on my magic... and some strange things I've been feeling and dreaming about which I am not sure I want to talk about just yet. At least until I figure out what they mean. This cult I fear has scarred me here(points to his head)much worse than here. (rolls up his black robes and looks at the scars on his arms). Anyhow, shall we see if we can find Carlon now?"
Nate lowers his head as it sinks into the darkness of his robe as they head to the Field Ward and Nate follows along as Soar tries to find Carlon after they get the info from the halfling about the company office as well.
(apologies, I should know this, but is the caravan now going to Neverwinter? I ask because Nate is from the Neverwinter woods, which would give him a good reason for being on the travelling caravan for this next leg.)
(OOC: I don't think you know the full details. Nate would need to ask someone from the convoy - perhaps its leader - of their full travel plans. All you know is that the cultists are going with them.)
I think Soar would advocate for heading to where the halfling directed -- two blocks north and taking a right. She'd look to see what's there and where the gathering was, and then look for the closes tavern. Stepping into that tavern briefly to ask about per the above and gossip is something she'd like to do unless it seems there's something pressing or interesting to do at the gathering place. Basically she's trying to get intelligence about what to expect from Ardred and the rest of the group before they all walk in to ask about joining it. If that well is dry then she'll not waste time and move along to finding Ardred per Jamna's note.
Again, Soar's not the sharpest knife in the drawer -- what she knows best is people and so she relies on personal interaction to figure things out.
To Nate, she listens with rapt attention and empathy. "I think I understand. Or at least I can try. Maybe you could try shifting to a cat? There are plenty of cats around here and no one pays them any mind. Might be nicer than a spider. But maybe that's not your point. I'm not sure I know what you mean about your magic, but just know that we're here for you, and if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here to listen. I have total faith you'll be able to find the path that's best for you. Just know that you're not in this alone. And the cult has no more hold over you. You can choose your own destiny. I am here to help you defeat the cult, and try to make the world a better place, if that's your destiny."
"Now, does anyone see Caron? Or anyone who's nonchalantly looking -- or very nonchalantly not looking -- at the High Road Charter Company?" she says as they walk from the office to the gathering place.
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"I would, thank you," the paladin says. Soar nods to Nate, and leads anyone else who wants to come into the temple behind Grayla.
"I'm glad to see you are well. This place doesn't change, does it? It's very comforting, after seeing so much of Faerun in the last year. I've oiled the hinges these doors so many times, but they would still always creak. I think Brother Astire used to come by every night and dry off the hinges to bring back the sound. It became a sort of game between us. It appears he's winning." She gives the door a familiar tug and a very ominous creaking sound erupts from the hinge.
She holds up one finger in a 'just be a sec' gesture, pulls out one of two vials of oil, and daps a few drops into each hinge, working the door back and forth for 30 seconds until the creaking fades. With a grin, she looks back at Grayla. "Don't tell him it was me."
She enters and kneels by the alter, bowing her head in a brief prayer. After a beat, she rises, smiles up at the various sepulchral friezes, carvings, and statues. "Hello, Munson, you'll always be my favorite skeleton," she says to herself, looking up at a vaulted carving of a long skeletal figure. "Let's go see Deraray. I've... missed her."
Grayla smiles warmly, but says little, as has often been her way. She stays with you for a while, but returns to her gardening shortly.
The carving is also silent, but you do feel the strange sensation of being home, or at least, the closest to home you've ever know.
Arianna Dereray is in her office, writing grumpily - yet another very familiar scene to Soar, who has rarely seen the woman happy without a sword or axe in her hand. She raises her head, and then her left eyebrow. Child? This is... unexpected, but not unwelcome. She stands, walks around her desk and gives you an awkward, but sincere hug.
(Is there anything in particular you want to ask or discuss with her, or with the others at the Temple? We can summarise, or role-play, as you prefer.)
(Just to speed things along and not bore everyone else to tears....)
She returns the hug with more warmth than she expected. She's missed this place, as dour and dark as it is, and its people, as dour and dark as they can be. She'd like to think that she helped brighten even Dereray's affect a bit, enough that she got a hug.
Soar will very briefly summarize the year-plus traveling throughout Faerun with Elspeth and getting to Greenest with Jasa and Jalt. She'll then lapse into her training and efficiently tell her about the assault on Greenest, the dragon, the cult leaders, dueling Cyanwrath, surveilling the camp, rescuing prisoners, returning to clean out the caves, everything about Tiamat, beheading Cyanwrath, the egg, beheading Mondath, returning to Greenest, then Elturel, a bit about the allies gained with the Harpers and the Order of the Gauntlet, and the highlights of the trip from Baldur's Gate to Waterdeep.
The only thing Dereray probably doesn't believe is that Soar was able to sneak through a camp mostly unnoticed, given her bumbling, uncoordinated gait in training. She explains her new powers to show how far she's come and what she's learned. She emphasizes her prayers to Kelemvor, during which she received acceptance of the path she's on. She feels a bit guilty she's not been focusing on ridding the world of the undead, but trusts that Kelemvor also does not want Tiamat running loose across Faerun, so she is hoping for Dereray's blessing on her current path. She'd ask for any advice, and ask if she has any contacts with the Harpers or the Order of the Gauntlet in Waterdeep. Either way, she wanted her to be aware of the cult's plans so that Kelemvor's finest were not caught off guard. She also mentions the elf lord being stuck in stag form, and asks if anyone here would be able to help turn him back to normal, after her current quest is done.
Other than that, she would want to stop by the armory to see if Bastion is there to see her new armor.
Nate, most of the buildings are mausoleums, though there are perhaps one or two other temples, they are distant and you can't quite make them out from here.
Soar, Arianna Dereray listens to your tale without interruption. She does believe you, and comments on how far your skills have improved. That is often the way of things. Sheltered here, there is only so much we can teach, and the tasks you performed for us were perhaps not so challenging. Out in the world, you make a difference, and Kelemvor favours those who bring his will upon the world.
She offers her blessing, and one piece of advice. I know little of the Harpers, truth be told - or at least, I've had little contact with them. The Order of the Gauntlet is another matter. I am not a member myself, but there are Doomguides among their ranks. You might consider joining, if your heart leads in that direction. They are... not usually so secretive, but if they are working with the Harpers, perhaps they have reached a compromise. As for your friends, well, many followers of Kelemvor take up arms and seek adventure in the company of others of good heart. It is good to see you taking this path - it suits you. Stay with your friends, learn from them, and when you are ready, come home to us. There is always work that needs doing.
She doesn't have direct contact with the Harpers or Order in Waterdeep, though she could probably reach either if it was important. She says that she suspects the elf is indeed under a curse, and that Grayla might have the strength to counter it, but would need an armed escort to the right location.
Bastion is not present at the armoury at the moment, and with the day now into the afternoon, it seems unwise to wait for him to return from whatever errand has taken him into the city. You are headed out of the temple when you see him walking in. He looks at you with a frown that turns to a smile.
(OOC: Perhaps you would like to describe your mentor, and play the conversation with him.)
(Following the temple, the next stop is the Field Ward to check the inn for news from Jamna, right? Then to the Company office? Have I missed anything?)
(Ah, sorry, now I see where I got confused -- I said previously she was looking for "the armorer, her mentor, and any friends who might be around." I meant that sequentially -- three separate items. Not that the armorer is her mentor! My apologies. I'd consider Deraray her mentor. The armorer is someone she saw as knowing his craft, and I imagine he'd like to see the new works. They have a great relationship, but she's nervous he won't like it -- he probably doesn't work in purples that often. Mostly skulls. And hers has the skulls still, only with flower buds in the mouths.)
"Bastion! It's very good to see you, I was about to head out again and I was worried I'd missed you. I've been all around and, well, I just gave a very detailed report to Deraray, so if you want a couple good stories, she can most certainly oblige. I know you two are... well... maybe you can hear it over dinner. Finally? After all those years of pretending you don't like each other? Anyhow, I did want you to see this armor -- it was reworked by Kaerus in Elturel. Have you heard of him? Friend of my friend Jalt's, over here. Incorporates the old mail of someone I, well, shortened. Deraray can fill you in. I just wanted to show you this, and say hello, before I have to head off again." She gives him an apologetic smile.
Bastion gives Soar a firm handshake. Good to see you're doing well, Soar. He looks over the armour. Good work. I met Kaerus once, when I was a lad. My master was visiting him. Good fellow. Very good work. A bit flashy - he pokes at some of the more ornate elements - but good.
You chat for a few minutes before you head out. Though it's been a rushed visit, because you have important matters to attend to, you feel invigorated knowing that your home is safe and the people you care for are well. You are determined to ensure they stay that way.
(Soar can take a DM inspiration, but must be used in the next ten days.)
Waterdeep Interlude Part Four: The Defiant Kobold (again)
You leave the City of the Dead behind you, peaceful and bright in the sunny autumn afternoon. You head north through the city, first through winding back streets, then once again on the main road, until you reach the tavern that some of you visited the night before, the Defiant Kobold. You head in, and see it quieter than before. The tall human woman with wooden earrings is there again, and she nods as you walk in, gesturing towards the same private room.
You sit in relative darkness for a while, the one small window only allowing a little light in, even during the late afternoon sun. After some time, the innkeeper comes in. Message for you, she says simply. She hands you a folded piece of parchment, and then leaves you to it.
You sit, the four of you round the table, alone as far as you know. Soar, you received the parchment, which says:
Soar hands the parchment to the others and begins thinking, looking around the room contemplatively.
”Travelers, I assume? Or laborers? We might not be with the company for the whole trip.Anythjng else we need to do, other than go to see Ardred, and see if we see Caron?” she says after a minute.
Nate enjoyed his time alone outside the temple while the others finished up business. He gives Soar a smile and proceeds with the party to the tavern.
Nate reads the parchment. "Oh god... here we go again. Yeah travelers I think would work. Hopefully no one from the previous caravan is on this one... although I'll just deny knowing anything about a "Cowboy Nate" whoever the hell that is. Although I have a bad feeling we are going to have to make something up again. It won't be as easy as just jumping in as travelers... or will it?"
"Yeah, sounds about right... maybe Caron can also give us more information before we go see Ardred."
“Going in as travelers will make it easier for us if we have to leave the group.” Jalt replies “I do think seeking out Carlon before we make that choice would be a good idea. Better to have an idea of who if anyone will be on our side during the next bit of travel.”
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
So I believe we are heading to the Company, and Soar would do a circuit of the property looking for Carlon or other observers. She confirms her plans with Jalt and Nate, and asks if they have any specific plans.
Before she gets close to the field ward, however, she will draw her cloak fully about herself to conceal her armor. If her cloak can’t do that, she will buy another larger, heavier cloak that fully conceals the armor.
She suggests that either Nate or Elspeth turn into an animal again to surveil the inside of the property and look for the cultists, to learn what they might be up to when they think no one is watching. “If I could turn into any animal I would do it all the time! It sounds amazing. Nate, how are you doing? You’ve seemed glum, even foreboding, recently. We are getting closer to your goal, right? Taking down these jerks? That would make me excited.”
She’d also look around the company property for a nearby tavern to try gossiping and learning for perhaps an hour. She’d make conversation about being a caravan guard, and ask about the convoy, ask if people knew Ardred, any recent stories about the High Road Compny, and ask about a friend of theirs, describing Caron but not giving his name. She has missed being herself and really just lets fly and tries to charm the pants off everyone she can, seeking to get information before they head in to find Ardred.
Waterdeep Interlude Part Five: The Office of the High Road Charter Company
It's a tiny office, perhaps two blocks into the Field Ward, and there's a single halfling sitting inside who immediately shoos you out. There's no-one here, not while the convoy's getting ready to travel. Head another two blocks north then take a right. That's where they all are. Everybody's helping Master Briferhew there. Go talk to him if you want to sign on or travel with them. Go on. Shoo! As you exit the little office, you hear the halfling bar the door behind you.
Soar, there are a few taverns around, though you are still all very near the one you stayed in last night. In any case, make a Insight check to find the sort of tavern that might Carlon might frequent. You're insight-checking the patrons more than the building, I suppose...
Soar insight: 4
(Can skip the tavern search esp if we are being directed to a tavern already!)
(sorry everyone Nate will respond tomorrow early am!)
Soar, there are taverns here and there wherever you go in Waterdeep, at least one on each block. Here in the Field Ward they're obviously not high-end establishments, but more than that, you're not sure. You can't really get a sense from looking at the building or the trickle of patrons coming and going.
(Will Soar pick a tavern relatively near the Company Office to make her inquiries? Or somewhere else?)
"It gets a little old... the animal thing, that is. Way back when I was younger, (which is funny since little human Nate is only in his early 20's) I used to want to change my shape all the time. Even recently I have used it successfully in battle, before I met all of you and even with all of you. It's just lately... I haven't been feeling the desire to do it. I know the spider helped a lot with Jalt in the inn that night... but... I don't know. I suppose if Carlon has no info for us, I can try and sneak around as a spider again if need be."
"To be honest Soar, I've been meditating more on my magic... and some strange things I've been feeling and dreaming about which I am not sure I want to talk about just yet. At least until I figure out what they mean. This cult I fear has scarred me here (points to his head) much worse than here. (rolls up his black robes and looks at the scars on his arms). Anyhow, shall we see if we can find Carlon now?"
Nate lowers his head as it sinks into the darkness of his robe as they head to the Field Ward and Nate follows along as Soar tries to find Carlon after they get the info from the halfling about the company office as well.
(apologies, I should know this, but is the caravan now going to Neverwinter? I ask because Nate is from the Neverwinter woods, which would give him a good reason for being on the travelling caravan for this next leg.)
(OOC: I don't think you know the full details. Nate would need to ask someone from the convoy - perhaps its leader - of their full travel plans. All you know is that the cultists are going with them.)
I think Soar would advocate for heading to where the halfling directed -- two blocks north and taking a right. She'd look to see what's there and where the gathering was, and then look for the closes tavern. Stepping into that tavern briefly to ask about per the above and gossip is something she'd like to do unless it seems there's something pressing or interesting to do at the gathering place. Basically she's trying to get intelligence about what to expect from Ardred and the rest of the group before they all walk in to ask about joining it. If that well is dry then she'll not waste time and move along to finding Ardred per Jamna's note.
Again, Soar's not the sharpest knife in the drawer -- what she knows best is people and so she relies on personal interaction to figure things out.
To Nate, she listens with rapt attention and empathy. "I think I understand. Or at least I can try. Maybe you could try shifting to a cat? There are plenty of cats around here and no one pays them any mind. Might be nicer than a spider. But maybe that's not your point. I'm not sure I know what you mean about your magic, but just know that we're here for you, and if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here to listen. I have total faith you'll be able to find the path that's best for you. Just know that you're not in this alone. And the cult has no more hold over you. You can choose your own destiny. I am here to help you defeat the cult, and try to make the world a better place, if that's your destiny."
"Now, does anyone see Caron? Or anyone who's nonchalantly looking -- or very nonchalantly not looking -- at the High Road Charter Company?" she says as they walk from the office to the gathering place.