Jalt would be cautious to mention the mask and see if Soar will mention the sword. She's always been the group's chief historian and we wont stand in her way of recounting what they've been through. But he's growing more weary of all the secrecy considering all they have done for them.
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Soar history: 12
She listens to Leosin, and crams her face with biscuits and happily drinks teas. She makes eyes at Nub and Jalt as Leosin speaks. Then, when the others wait for her to Tell the Tale, she kicks her feet up on the table and begins speaking. In a streamlined narrative, she tells basically everything that happened in Baldur's Gate and on the caravan -- making sure to mention Carlon, and Azbara Jos' first appearance, and Jamna's interest (Soar's still unclear on who she was).
She asks if there's a way to find out what happened to Lasfelro, if he received justice, and also, shot in the dark, if Leosin knows of anyone who knows the Feywild and the goings-on of pixie royalty.
Her story gets more detailed at the Roadhouse, asking Jalt and Nub to help with the details of how they figured out what was going on there, and how they got into the storeroom, found the tunnel, and got a portion of the treasure away (she shows him their bags of treasure and valuables they recovered). "We lugged this, and more, across half of Faerun, with the goal of getting it back to the people the cult stole it from. Please tell me it wasn't in vain."She then explains the path to Castle Naerytar, fighting and then befriending the lizardfolk, the assault on the castle and the casualties. She hands over Borngray's documents, and explains what they learned from him, and the black dragon they saw sleeping nearby, and left alone. Then stepping through the teleportation circle into the forest near Parnast. She again turns to Nub and Jalt for help with the details about the lodge, the hurried deal they made with Talis, and their brief visit to Parnast en route to the castle.
"We just walked into the castle thanks to the passphrase Talis gave us, and this armor and Jalt's sword once again helped us pass as cultists among the lower-ranking ones. We just bluffed our way to the lord of the castle, the cloud giant Blagothkus. He didn't trust us at first, but I think Jalt and Nub's winning personalities really charmed him. He was just ferrying the cult to some place far to the north, and had no love for their goals. He wanted to rally the giants to take on Tiamat once she arrived, which, I mean, that's one way of going about it. I think giants deal with time a bit differently than we do?"She shrugs. "Anyhow, he said we could go eliminate the cultists if we wanted. We did want to! And we did. First this Red Wizard who we didn't get the name of, and the Azbara Jos again, who turned invisible, and ran off. Still don't know where he went. And then Rezmir appeared with some drakes, and I almost fell again. Did your mysterious source tell you that? Wouldn't have made it without Jalt, Nate, and Nub. I think I chopped her head off too, Jalt, right?"She trails off, eyes unfocused for a bit, thinking, relfective, and then comes back. "Anyhow, we found more papers with the wizards and Rezmir, here they are. And I took Rezmir's sword, which is just the cutest widdle deathblade in the world, aren't you? Aren't you?"She sort of pinches what might be the sword's cheeks if it were to be anthropomorphized. It's hilarious, and disturbing, but also adorable? This bizarre paladin is evidently not giving up on her quest to turn what is clearly an evil sentient weapon into a joyful happy danger stick.
"Then we tried to get the rest of the cultists to surrender, but they didn't want to, so we had to... fatally defend ourselves. That was mostly Nub. He's really powerful! He also got this amazing staff off the wizard. Jalt's powerful too. And he got this m--"she pauses, looking at the dragonborn, and continues on.
"Anyhow, we regrouped with Blagothkus and he casually mentioned that there was a big white dragon living in the caverns below the castle, Glazhael. So we convinced the giants to support us in planning an assault on the dragon, because he was getting tired of having a draconic roommate. We once again pretended to be cultists bringing him treasure. Nub had a neat spell to trick the dragon into thinking there was another group of adventurers attacking from the other side which gave us an opening to attack. Then I, well, I chopped its head off."She pauses again.
She pulls out the scales and teeth and claws and fiddles with them for a bit. Then looks up again. "We got some very small bits of its hoard, plus some magical items we can't really use easily, and before we knew it, Blagothkus landed the castle in the middle of nowhere. I think he could be helpful, but, well, on his own time? He wasn't compassionate, but he was nice, and he seems to want to fight the cult. Anyhow, then we wandered in a random direction for a few days through a forest, I almost died being eaten by a plant, we finally found a road, then started linking up with you, which is something we should have done before now. I think you know the rest." She takes a break from talking, looking and Nub and Jalt to see if she missed anything.
At some point within Leosin's narrative, Soar, looking at Jalt, would interject:
"But to go back to your beginning, yes. You and yours have been precious with your details and motivations and secrets. And we've been completely transparent with you. And you've said we've finally proven ourselves. Which, that's all we've been doing for many months at this point, at sustained, intense, personal risk, with little support. Nate would be storming around and yelling at this point, as I'm sure you know. But instead of doing that, I'd just like to know who the others are who have been working against the cult, and what they've been doing to prove themselves worthy. I have to assume they, and you, have been doing such worthy things. I just want to know what those things are. We need to be able to trust them, just as much as they need to be able to trust us."
She'd also ask: "I'm also curious about why we think the cult's becoming active now, rather than later, or why it hasn't prior to now. And what the metallic dragons have to say about this. How could they stay on the sidelines with the fate of the world, at the hands of their sworn enemy, at risk?"
Another random question: "I had another question, actually -- do you know what happened to those eggs we found in Greenest? Did they get to the Platinum Cadre?"
(Sorry for the wall of text mixed with intermittent questions -- pbp conversations ftw!)
(No worries, it's what needs to happen at this point in the story. I'll take the questions and points in turn, and give you Leosin's answers and responses.)
He nods at your mention of Carlon: We've already had his full report, and it seems he did well under the circumstances.
At Jamna: I don't know the name, but will pass it to my contacts. Perhaps a Harper source can tell us more.
At Lasfelro: I'm afraid I don't know. I can make inquiries. (At some point in the next few days, he would be able to inform Soar that Lasfelro is still in jail in Waterdeep, awaiting trial. Justice is slow in the city, at the moment at least.)
On the feywild: Nothing at all, I'm afraid. There are grand libraries and impressive bookshops in the city, so you might be able to learn more. I'm afraid it's not an area of my expertise; you might learn more in the great elven cities, but I'm sure there will be something in Waterdeep.
On the treasure, he thinks long and hard before answering: I can see two ways forward. The most direct approach would be to hand it over to the leaders of the lands whose people were robbed. You may be meeting some of them soon, after all. They can take responsibility for seeing that it is returned to the owners, or otherwise used in their interests. Of course, a political leader might decide that the best use of the gold is to hire mercenaries to face the dragon cult threat. You may or may not agree, but by law it is their decision to make. An alternative would be to hand it to us... the Harpers, I mean. We have a network that can do its best to see the money passed on to those who lost most if the original owners cannot be found. But our network is a little busy gathering information at the moment, or trying to. I cannot say how long this way will take. He sighs. I cannot think of anything else. Indeed, if you were to keep the money now and purchase equipment and supplies that will aid you in the upcoming fight, I would see that as justifiable. I cannot overstate the disaster that would befall the land if the cultists succeed and Tiamat is loosed upon us all.
On the documents, from Borngray, the Red Wizards and Rezmir, he gladly takes them and promises to return them shortly.
On the giants: That is interesting to know. I am glad they see the threat, yet alarmed that they would be aiding the cult in any way. I do not fully understand this Blagothkus's reasoning, but as you say, things are different for giants in many ways. It is good that you have a line of contact with them; that will be something we will need to explore more fully.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
On the items retrieved from Rezmir: 144 A sword? Most interesting. Tell me Nub, have you had a chance to examine it? Nub shakes his head: Soar has studied it, and it is clearly magical and also very effective. Leosin frowns. I am sure Rezmir had numerous items; or perhaps the tales of artifacts are false. It is hard to piece rumour and conjecture together to make truth.
On Glazhael: The world is much better off without a white dragon that is in league with the cultists, of that I am certain. He inspects the scales briefly, and returns them. A most impressive victory. There are not so many dragonslayers in the world, you know. You should know that the cultists are likely to seek you out as dragonslayers, perhaps even more than as the slayers of Rezmir. Their obsession with dragons is quite strange, but consistently strong.
On the news of the second Red Wizard, he looks unhappy: I had feared this, but hoped my fears would be unfounded. I do not believe the Red Wizards of Thay as a whole are in league with the cult. But it seems there is a large faction, perhaps based here in the Sword Coast, or perhaps in Thay itself, who are working with them. The Council will be interested to see these documents, and learn news of this alliance.
On what he and others have been doing to oppose the cult: I don't believe anyone has yet opposed them as effectively as you have. That gives you... a certain status, and power to influence discussions when the Council meets. However, it could go well or poorly; you will be speaking to a group of people who are not accustomed to having their actions and decisions challenged so directly. It is, of course, your decision how to proceed. Perhaps bluntness will win the day, but... I counsel caution. I will be glad to tell you as much as I know of those who will attend, but perhaps that is too much for today. And the list is not final. We can meet in a day or two's time to discuss it, perhaps?
As to what we have been doing, the Harpers have been identifying and tracking the leadership of the cult, with mixed success as I have said; we know three names, and suspect a few others. We have been trying to follow the treasure to its destination, though without any success. And we have been trying to persuade others of the seriousness of the threat, including convening this council. I will tell you directly, since it is what you prefer: the dragon cultists have been doing much more than gathering treasure. They are gathering an army. Not so many from the Sword Coast, but they have been spreading their lies and false beliefs to the east and the south, and we have tracked them to several strongholds where they seem to disappear. We have not yet managed to penetrate these locations, but your story of a network of portals would answer that. Alas, it means it will be difficult to locate the place where they are gathering, but news will come out soon - an army of any size eats too much to hide for long.
This is one reason why the Council will be important. There will be representatives there from many of the cities of the Lords' Alliance and further afield. They can bring armies to the field where groups like the Harpers cannot. Their support will be necessary if we are truly to defeat the cult and foil all its plans.
On the metallic dragons: I do not know. We won't know where they are or how to contact them; they prefer to involve themselves in our affairs when they choose, not when we choose. I suspect that if the giants know of the cult's plans, the metallic dragons do too. Perhaps they have plans in place. But they have not shared them with us.
On the eggs: Yes, they have reached the platinum cadre. Three black dragon eggs are a tempting target for the cultists, so I dispatched some agents to ensure they reached their destination. The dragon eggs are an interesting point; there will be some on the council who would have preferred you destroy them, and others who will be glad you spared them. When you tell your tale, please do not be offended when your actions are discussed and criticised. It is inevitable, in such a group, that differences in beliefs and practices will surface, as well as old rivalries and quarrels that have nothing to do with the matter at hand.
(As I recall, Jalt contacted the Platinum Cadre to come collect the eggs from Greenest, is that right?)
Jalt has grown accustomed to Soar's storytelling. She has a gift for remembering everything. When the Platinum Cadre is mentioned, he interjects They are in no better hands than of those who serve the Platinum God. He has guided us so far in this journey against the Cult. They are many and are indeed zealots to their cause. But we have shown that they can be defeated. So it is imperative that we keep the pressure on them. If someone doesn't agree with this, then we need to look for help elsewhere.
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
That is also my view, Leosin answers. As far as possible, we must continue to hunt and harry the cult, as we learn more of their plans and how we might fight against them. For the moment, however, I would suggest that you take these days to rest. No-one can go through what you have without it taking a toll on both mind and body. You have rooms here, paid for by my associates. There are shops in the city where you can buy supplies, and places where you can conduct research, if you have a line you want to follow. Perhaps we could meet here in three days, so that I can brief you on the Council?
Leosin will continue to chat and to answer any questions that you have, throughout the day. You now have ten days of downtime, which you can use however you wish; most options are available in Waterdeep.
In terms of shopping, through Leosin and with asking around, you are able to find four magical shops in Waterdeep.
The Riven Shield (which the party has visited before) in the Trade Ward sells mostly basic magical weapons and armour, but also has a few other items that adventurers have sold over the years.
Orsabbas's Fine Imports, also in the Trade Ward, carries odd items from all corners of the world; you are more likely to find wondrous items here.
Balthorr's Rare and Wondrous Treasures, a shop in the Castle Ward that specialises in rings, jewels and coins, both magical and non-magical.
Diloontier's Apothecacy in the Castle Ward specialises in magical potions.
Rather than engage in extended roleplaying, let me know in general terms what you want to buy, and I will tell you if they have it. In general, you can find all uncommon or common magical items including +1 weapons and armour. They will also have some rarer items, but there's no guarantee of that. You can also let me know if there are any items you want to sell.
If you want to visit any contacts in the city, we can roleplay that or do it as a summary, as you prefer.
(I'd want to sell off the unused/unwanted magic items, but it's possible new party members may want them, so probably should hold!)
Soar's fine with handing over the treasure, or most of it, to the leaders to lawfully try to return it to their people, or trust them to use it to defend their people.
Does Jalt keep the mask secret for himself?
When told she might be sought as a dragonslayer, she asks if there is cult activity in Waterdeep, and if she should stay disguised. She demonstrates her new ability to perpetiually disguise herself.
She's impressed at what the Harpers and others have been doing to track down the rest of the cult. Maybe less so at the results, but she's glad they haven't just been waiting for her and Jalt and Nub to do all the work. She asks, "are there others who might be able to keep up with us, given all the work and danger we have on our path? Nate wasn't always the most easy person to work with, but we could use some support. Anyone in mind?"
She also asks when she might meet more of his associates, and asks if Ontharr is in town.
She'd go out later that day, and on other days, only disguised as different people she might imagine in Waterdeep -- a fancy noble, a hardworking, industrious carpenter, a sullen, grumpy adventurer, etc, looking nothing like herself. She doesn't want to be recognized by cult agents. She'd want to hit up the different magic item shops to see if anything seemed useful for the dangers ahead. Just shopping, playing coy. (Let me know if there's rarer items, but I'll look at the uncommon and common magic items.) She might visit at armorer to see if her or Jalt's armor might be augmented usefully with the dragon scales they got. And also talk over with the party if there's anything useful we'd want the claws and teeth for -- otherwise she'd ask about what she could get for them at the magic shops.
Later, she'd also want to check in with her mentor at the chapterhouse in the City of the Dead, and would tell her everything she'd done since leaving Waterdeep. She'd gloss over only the details of her patron, but only because she doesn't really know much about them. She'd tell her that she felt Kelemvor's blessing, though. She asks if it's possible He works through demigods in the Feywild, and if anyone there might know more about her patron (perhaps the Raven Queen, who I'd imagine might work with Kelemvor?).
Otherwise, after shopping, she'll pick through the bits of the hoard they got from Glazhael, and any useful gems or platinum they got from the roadhouse, and with the group's blessing, hand over the rest of the treasure to Leosin.
(You'll definitely have time after you meet the new people to discuss whether they want any items, and to visit the magic shops.)
Nub is also in favour of handing the money to the rulers of the Lords' Alliance, and argues that the Harpers' efforts are better spent elsewhere.
On the dragon cult in Waterdeep: They are undoubtedly here. They are less obvious than when they are attacking small, undefended towns and villages. But they have murdered Arthagast Ulbrinter, a noble of Waterdeep and a very powerful figure here. So you would be wise to do nothing that attracts attention. And wear nothing as well.
On others who might join you: I suspect that you will find your numbers strengthened soon enough. A word of caution though: when Nub here joined your group, I hope it was clear that he joined fully as a member of the group, and was not in some way acting as an agent of the Harpers to report back on your actions. If any others join, it must be on the same basis; you may need to make this clear at the Council.
On meeting his associates or Ontharr: I'm not sure you will meet many more. Nub, you are free to seek out your friends, of course. Some are within the city. He smiles as Nub perks up at this. Ontharr is on his way; he will be part of the Council, but I do not know if you will have a chance to speak with him beforehand.
On Soar's expeditions outside into Waterdeep, she finds the experience strange but enjoyable, and no-one recognises her. She finds a warm welcome back at the chapterhouse, but the suggestion that the Raven Queen might be involved is something that concerns them; though she is something of an ally of Kelemvor, the god discourages his clerics and paladins in the Prime Material Plane from contact with the Shadowfell.
On magic purchases, you can find any common or uncommon item, so let me know what you want and I'll tell you the cost. As for more expensive items, tell me the kind of things you're interested in, and I'll tell you what they have as well as the price. For example, would Soar want something to increase her defences in battle perhaps? Or something to help her pass unseen?
Also, on the history check for the Grinning Lion, Soar would know it's a place mostly for nobles, but sometimes adventurers who are working for nobles stay there as well.
Jalt is definitely keeping the mask close to his vest, literally. Knowing the power it possesses, he feels its best that only he or his brethren ever have a hold of this. He still doesn't trust the Harpers or the other "alliances." Jalt would also be interested in maybe upgrading his armor. They've fought one dragon, pretty sure there are more coming.
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
(As Jalt doesn't have any of the treasure recovered to be returned, I will say that Nub and Soar's agreement to return the money takes place. Leosin won't take it immediately, but the following day some officials turn up and ask you to hand over whatever you have, to be shared among all the towns that have suffered cultist attacks. Please make sure Soar and Jalt's character sheets are updated to remove any treasure that is to be handed over to the authorities.)
Jalt is currently wearing Splint that has been modified with parts of Cyanwrath's armour. If he wants that to be upgraded to Splint, +1 it will cost 400 gold pieces and be ready in eight days, which is in time for the Council. You could have a different enchantment if you wish, but not both - let me know what you want to do. The Riven Shield's proprietor has contacts with a wizard who can perform the necessary enchantments.
Would Jalt want to buy any diamonds while in the city?
Soar, Jalt and Nub go about their various tasks, meeting up again each night to share the events of the day. On the third day, Leosin sends a note apologising but postponing their next meeting for two days; he also asks to meet Nub. The following evening, Nub meets you all and lets you know that he won't be joining you for the Council meeting or for your next adventures, as there is news from his home that has troubled him and he needs to go see his family. He apologises profusely and promises that he will rejoin if he can, and that he will certainly be active in the fight against the cult, even if there is no chance to rejoin you.
You have an opportunity to say goodbye to Nub, and the following morning he leaves at the side of a half-elf bard who he seems to know well, headed out of the city.
For a Revivify spell, you would need diamonds worth a total of 300 gold - it can be one big diamond or several small diamonds. So you would need to spend 300 gold, or 200 gold plus the diamond you already have.
Which damage type are you choosing resistance against?
Got it..... 200 gold of one big diamond. And I'll go with fire resistance. So taking 700 gp out of Jalt's inventory, adding Armor of Resistance fire and have 2 diamonds worth 300 gp
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Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
Nub and Soar spend a very nice lunch together, talking about his homeland, her background, and their adventures. There's lots of smiles and missed jokes. They promise to stay in touch, and he promises to let her know if he needs help at home (but he won't).
Soar looks for a bag of holding, handy haversack, boots of elvenkind, a shield +1 or +2, potion of fire breathing, a wand of smiles, and asks about enchanting her splint armor that incorporates Cyanwrath's armor. She also looks into paper birds, which she'd tell Leosin about, as a backup for the sending spells.
She gives back "a silver hand mirror worth one gold piece, and a 'handful of jewelry with distinguishing marks' worth fifty gold and weighing 4 lbs" they got from the castle. And prepares 3,000gp of what the got from the crates before she goes magic shopping, planning on setting aside 500 more gp of the original larger total in case she or Jalt need it for their items.
She splits "10 semiprecious stones worth 50 gp each" and "6 rubies worth 200 gold each, 9 sapphires worth 300 gold each" with Jalt from other looting (believe dragon?).
She asks what the resale price for the "magic axe, a set of studded leather armour, and a pair of bracers" would be at each store, though she doesn't sell yet.
Unfortunately, with the shop's enchanter busy with Jalt's armour, Soar won't be able to get her existing armour enchanted this time. It may be possible in the future; alternatively, a fresh set of Splint, +1 will cost 450 gold.
You could sell the magic axe for 150 gold, the studded leather armour +1 for 150 gold, and the pair of bracers for 500 gold, if you want to do so later.
Soar is able to sell the semiprecious stones, rubies and sapphires, and gets 4,400 gold from the sale. So she's proposing to split this with Jalt: will Jalt accept the 2,200 gold?
I'm a little unclear on what Soar is doing with the 3,000 gold - could you please clarify?
Nub indeed shakes his head at Soar's suggestion. You are kind to offer. I think I will be able to deal with it quite quickly, at least so I hope. He leaves your party and the city.
A day or two later, Jalt and Soar meet up with Leosin, in the same back room of the Grinning Lion.
Leosin explains that the Council will meet soon, and he goes through the people who he knows will be at the Council, and gives you a little information about each one.
Remallia Haventree is the Harper's representative. Leosin informs you that he himself won't be allowed to join you in the council chamber, but he has briefed Remallia on what you have told him already. She values honesty between allies more than most Harpers, and has less regard for secrecy. However, she is happy to use deception and subterfuge against the enemy.
Ontharr Frume represents the Order of the Gauntlet. You met him in Elturel, and though he is slow to trust new people, Leosin believes you have won his respect and you will find him a strong supporter. As with all factions, though, he is only a representative, and has to balance his own beliefs with what others in his faction will accept or support. In any case, he values boldness and deeds that serve the greater good, and has an instinctive dislike of deception.
Delaan Winterhound will represent the Emerald Enclave; Leosin knows nothing about him except the name. The Emerald Enclave values the natural world and balance, and see the summoning of Tiamat as an act that will throw the world into imbalance, with dragons dominating and destroying all else.
Lord Dagult Neverember is the Lord Protector of Neverwinter, the Open Lord of Waterdeep, and the formal Head of the Lords' Alliance. He has a reputation for being strong and decisive, acting for the good of his people, and getting results by whatever means necessary.
The Lords' Alliance is a group of several cities, and while Neverember is its head, he does not rule those cities and it will be important to win support from each city in order to strengthen the forces against the dragon cult. Several cities have sent their own ambassadors to the Council:
Ambassador Connerad Brawnanvil represents the mostly dwarven city of Mithral Hall. By reputation he is hot-tempered, but commands great respect as the former King of his city who abdicated to lead its forces into battle. However, Mithral Hall is known to be reluctant to commit its forces outside its own territory.
Marshall Ulder Ravengardof Baldur's Gate leads that city's armed forces, the Flaming Fist. He is a stern man who favours discipline and disdains levity. The Flaming Fist is the single largest fighting force in the Lords' Alliance, though it is pressed at the moment overseeing the rebuilding of Baldur's Gate after recent devastation.
King Melandrach of the Misty Forest is representing both his own elven kingdom and the High Forest elves; he is known to be extremely cautious, and Leosin worries that he make take an overcautious line in opposing the dragon cult.
Taern “Thunderspells” Hornbladeis a wizard representing the city of Silverymoon, also known to be cautious and reluctant to commit his city's sizable forces against the cult.
Sir Istevalis nominally at the council representing Daggerford, though that town has few resources to commit. Leosin believes that, as he is a fomer Purple Dragon Knight of Cormyr, that he may have been sent by that nation to consider committing its might against the dragon cult. Leosin knows that Sir Isteval is a veteran dragonslayer who walks with a cane due to an old injury inflicted by a dragon.
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Jalt would be cautious to mention the mask and see if Soar will mention the sword. She's always been the group's chief historian and we wont stand in her way of recounting what they've been through. But he's growing more weary of all the secrecy considering all they have done for them.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Soar history: 12
She listens to Leosin, and crams her face with biscuits and happily drinks teas. She makes eyes at Nub and Jalt as Leosin speaks. Then, when the others wait for her to Tell the Tale, she kicks her feet up on the table and begins speaking. In a streamlined narrative, she tells basically everything that happened in Baldur's Gate and on the caravan -- making sure to mention Carlon, and Azbara Jos' first appearance, and Jamna's interest (Soar's still unclear on who she was).
She asks if there's a way to find out what happened to Lasfelro, if he received justice, and also, shot in the dark, if Leosin knows of anyone who knows the Feywild and the goings-on of pixie royalty.
Her story gets more detailed at the Roadhouse, asking Jalt and Nub to help with the details of how they figured out what was going on there, and how they got into the storeroom, found the tunnel, and got a portion of the treasure away (she shows him their bags of treasure and valuables they recovered). "We lugged this, and more, across half of Faerun, with the goal of getting it back to the people the cult stole it from. Please tell me it wasn't in vain." She then explains the path to Castle Naerytar, fighting and then befriending the lizardfolk, the assault on the castle and the casualties. She hands over Borngray's documents, and explains what they learned from him, and the black dragon they saw sleeping nearby, and left alone. Then stepping through the teleportation circle into the forest near Parnast. She again turns to Nub and Jalt for help with the details about the lodge, the hurried deal they made with Talis, and their brief visit to Parnast en route to the castle.
"We just walked into the castle thanks to the passphrase Talis gave us, and this armor and Jalt's sword once again helped us pass as cultists among the lower-ranking ones. We just bluffed our way to the lord of the castle, the cloud giant Blagothkus. He didn't trust us at first, but I think Jalt and Nub's winning personalities really charmed him. He was just ferrying the cult to some place far to the north, and had no love for their goals. He wanted to rally the giants to take on Tiamat once she arrived, which, I mean, that's one way of going about it. I think giants deal with time a bit differently than we do?" She shrugs. "Anyhow, he said we could go eliminate the cultists if we wanted. We did want to! And we did. First this Red Wizard who we didn't get the name of, and the Azbara Jos again, who turned invisible, and ran off. Still don't know where he went. And then Rezmir appeared with some drakes, and I almost fell again. Did your mysterious source tell you that? Wouldn't have made it without Jalt, Nate, and Nub. I think I chopped her head off too, Jalt, right?" She trails off, eyes unfocused for a bit, thinking, relfective, and then comes back. "Anyhow, we found more papers with the wizards and Rezmir, here they are. And I took Rezmir's sword, which is just the cutest widdle deathblade in the world, aren't you? Aren't you?" She sort of pinches what might be the sword's cheeks if it were to be anthropomorphized. It's hilarious, and disturbing, but also adorable? This bizarre paladin is evidently not giving up on her quest to turn what is clearly an evil sentient weapon into a joyful happy danger stick.
"Then we tried to get the rest of the cultists to surrender, but they didn't want to, so we had to... fatally defend ourselves. That was mostly Nub. He's really powerful! He also got this amazing staff off the wizard. Jalt's powerful too. And he got this m--" she pauses, looking at the dragonborn, and continues on.
"Anyhow, we regrouped with Blagothkus and he casually mentioned that there was a big white dragon living in the caverns below the castle, Glazhael. So we convinced the giants to support us in planning an assault on the dragon, because he was getting tired of having a draconic roommate. We once again pretended to be cultists bringing him treasure. Nub had a neat spell to trick the dragon into thinking there was another group of adventurers attacking from the other side which gave us an opening to attack. Then I, well, I chopped its head off." She pauses again.
She pulls out the scales and teeth and claws and fiddles with them for a bit. Then looks up again. "We got some very small bits of its hoard, plus some magical items we can't really use easily, and before we knew it, Blagothkus landed the castle in the middle of nowhere. I think he could be helpful, but, well, on his own time? He wasn't compassionate, but he was nice, and he seems to want to fight the cult. Anyhow, then we wandered in a random direction for a few days through a forest, I almost died being eaten by a plant, we finally found a road, then started linking up with you, which is something we should have done before now. I think you know the rest." She takes a break from talking, looking and Nub and Jalt to see if she missed anything.
At some point within Leosin's narrative, Soar, looking at Jalt, would interject:
"But to go back to your beginning, yes. You and yours have been precious with your details and motivations and secrets. And we've been completely transparent with you. And you've said we've finally proven ourselves. Which, that's all we've been doing for many months at this point, at sustained, intense, personal risk, with little support. Nate would be storming around and yelling at this point, as I'm sure you know. But instead of doing that, I'd just like to know who the others are who have been working against the cult, and what they've been doing to prove themselves worthy. I have to assume they, and you, have been doing such worthy things. I just want to know what those things are. We need to be able to trust them, just as much as they need to be able to trust us."
She'd also ask: "I'm also curious about why we think the cult's becoming active now, rather than later, or why it hasn't prior to now. And what the metallic dragons have to say about this. How could they stay on the sidelines with the fate of the world, at the hands of their sworn enemy, at risk?"
Another random question: "I had another question, actually -- do you know what happened to those eggs we found in Greenest? Did they get to the Platinum Cadre?"
(Sorry for the wall of text mixed with intermittent questions -- pbp conversations ftw!)
(No worries, it's what needs to happen at this point in the story. I'll take the questions and points in turn, and give you Leosin's answers and responses.)
He nods at your mention of Carlon: We've already had his full report, and it seems he did well under the circumstances.
At Jamna: I don't know the name, but will pass it to my contacts. Perhaps a Harper source can tell us more.
At Lasfelro: I'm afraid I don't know. I can make inquiries. (At some point in the next few days, he would be able to inform Soar that Lasfelro is still in jail in Waterdeep, awaiting trial. Justice is slow in the city, at the moment at least.)
On the feywild: Nothing at all, I'm afraid. There are grand libraries and impressive bookshops in the city, so you might be able to learn more. I'm afraid it's not an area of my expertise; you might learn more in the great elven cities, but I'm sure there will be something in Waterdeep.
On the treasure, he thinks long and hard before answering: I can see two ways forward. The most direct approach would be to hand it over to the leaders of the lands whose people were robbed. You may be meeting some of them soon, after all. They can take responsibility for seeing that it is returned to the owners, or otherwise used in their interests. Of course, a political leader might decide that the best use of the gold is to hire mercenaries to face the dragon cult threat. You may or may not agree, but by law it is their decision to make. An alternative would be to hand it to us... the Harpers, I mean. We have a network that can do its best to see the money passed on to those who lost most if the original owners cannot be found. But our network is a little busy gathering information at the moment, or trying to. I cannot say how long this way will take. He sighs. I cannot think of anything else. Indeed, if you were to keep the money now and purchase equipment and supplies that will aid you in the upcoming fight, I would see that as justifiable. I cannot overstate the disaster that would befall the land if the cultists succeed and Tiamat is loosed upon us all.
On the documents, from Borngray, the Red Wizards and Rezmir, he gladly takes them and promises to return them shortly.
On the giants: That is interesting to know. I am glad they see the threat, yet alarmed that they would be aiding the cult in any way. I do not fully understand this Blagothkus's reasoning, but as you say, things are different for giants in many ways. It is good that you have a line of contact with them; that will be something we will need to explore more fully.
On the items retrieved from Rezmir: 14 4 A sword? Most interesting. Tell me Nub, have you had a chance to examine it? Nub shakes his head: Soar has studied it, and it is clearly magical and also very effective. Leosin frowns. I am sure Rezmir had numerous items; or perhaps the tales of artifacts are false. It is hard to piece rumour and conjecture together to make truth.
On Glazhael: The world is much better off without a white dragon that is in league with the cultists, of that I am certain. He inspects the scales briefly, and returns them. A most impressive victory. There are not so many dragonslayers in the world, you know. You should know that the cultists are likely to seek you out as dragonslayers, perhaps even more than as the slayers of Rezmir. Their obsession with dragons is quite strange, but consistently strong.
On the news of the second Red Wizard, he looks unhappy: I had feared this, but hoped my fears would be unfounded. I do not believe the Red Wizards of Thay as a whole are in league with the cult. But it seems there is a large faction, perhaps based here in the Sword Coast, or perhaps in Thay itself, who are working with them. The Council will be interested to see these documents, and learn news of this alliance.
On what he and others have been doing to oppose the cult: I don't believe anyone has yet opposed them as effectively as you have. That gives you... a certain status, and power to influence discussions when the Council meets. However, it could go well or poorly; you will be speaking to a group of people who are not accustomed to having their actions and decisions challenged so directly. It is, of course, your decision how to proceed. Perhaps bluntness will win the day, but... I counsel caution. I will be glad to tell you as much as I know of those who will attend, but perhaps that is too much for today. And the list is not final. We can meet in a day or two's time to discuss it, perhaps?
As to what we have been doing, the Harpers have been identifying and tracking the leadership of the cult, with mixed success as I have said; we know three names, and suspect a few others. We have been trying to follow the treasure to its destination, though without any success. And we have been trying to persuade others of the seriousness of the threat, including convening this council. I will tell you directly, since it is what you prefer: the dragon cultists have been doing much more than gathering treasure. They are gathering an army. Not so many from the Sword Coast, but they have been spreading their lies and false beliefs to the east and the south, and we have tracked them to several strongholds where they seem to disappear. We have not yet managed to penetrate these locations, but your story of a network of portals would answer that. Alas, it means it will be difficult to locate the place where they are gathering, but news will come out soon - an army of any size eats too much to hide for long.
This is one reason why the Council will be important. There will be representatives there from many of the cities of the Lords' Alliance and further afield. They can bring armies to the field where groups like the Harpers cannot. Their support will be necessary if we are truly to defeat the cult and foil all its plans.
On the metallic dragons: I do not know. We won't know where they are or how to contact them; they prefer to involve themselves in our affairs when they choose, not when we choose. I suspect that if the giants know of the cult's plans, the metallic dragons do too. Perhaps they have plans in place. But they have not shared them with us.
On the eggs: Yes, they have reached the platinum cadre. Three black dragon eggs are a tempting target for the cultists, so I dispatched some agents to ensure they reached their destination. The dragon eggs are an interesting point; there will be some on the council who would have preferred you destroy them, and others who will be glad you spared them. When you tell your tale, please do not be offended when your actions are discussed and criticised. It is inevitable, in such a group, that differences in beliefs and practices will surface, as well as old rivalries and quarrels that have nothing to do with the matter at hand.
(As I recall, Jalt contacted the Platinum Cadre to come collect the eggs from Greenest, is that right?)
Jalt has grown accustomed to Soar's storytelling. She has a gift for remembering everything. When the Platinum Cadre is mentioned, he interjects They are in no better hands than of those who serve the Platinum God. He has guided us so far in this journey against the Cult. They are many and are indeed zealots to their cause. But we have shown that they can be defeated. So it is imperative that we keep the pressure on them. If someone doesn't agree with this, then we need to look for help elsewhere.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
That is also my view, Leosin answers. As far as possible, we must continue to hunt and harry the cult, as we learn more of their plans and how we might fight against them. For the moment, however, I would suggest that you take these days to rest. No-one can go through what you have without it taking a toll on both mind and body. You have rooms here, paid for by my associates. There are shops in the city where you can buy supplies, and places where you can conduct research, if you have a line you want to follow. Perhaps we could meet here in three days, so that I can brief you on the Council?
Leosin will continue to chat and to answer any questions that you have, throughout the day. You now have ten days of downtime, which you can use however you wish; most options are available in Waterdeep.
In terms of shopping, through Leosin and with asking around, you are able to find four magical shops in Waterdeep.
The Riven Shield (which the party has visited before) in the Trade Ward sells mostly basic magical weapons and armour, but also has a few other items that adventurers have sold over the years.
Orsabbas's Fine Imports, also in the Trade Ward, carries odd items from all corners of the world; you are more likely to find wondrous items here.
Balthorr's Rare and Wondrous Treasures, a shop in the Castle Ward that specialises in rings, jewels and coins, both magical and non-magical.
Diloontier's Apothecacy in the Castle Ward specialises in magical potions.
Rather than engage in extended roleplaying, let me know in general terms what you want to buy, and I will tell you if they have it. In general, you can find all uncommon or common magical items including +1 weapons and armour. They will also have some rarer items, but there's no guarantee of that. You can also let me know if there are any items you want to sell.
If you want to visit any contacts in the city, we can roleplay that or do it as a summary, as you prefer.
(I'd want to sell off the unused/unwanted magic items, but it's possible new party members may want them, so probably should hold!)
Soar's fine with handing over the treasure, or most of it, to the leaders to lawfully try to return it to their people, or trust them to use it to defend their people.
Does Jalt keep the mask secret for himself?
When told she might be sought as a dragonslayer, she asks if there is cult activity in Waterdeep, and if she should stay disguised. She demonstrates her new ability to perpetiually disguise herself.
She's impressed at what the Harpers and others have been doing to track down the rest of the cult. Maybe less so at the results, but she's glad they haven't just been waiting for her and Jalt and Nub to do all the work. She asks, "are there others who might be able to keep up with us, given all the work and danger we have on our path? Nate wasn't always the most easy person to work with, but we could use some support. Anyone in mind?"
She also asks when she might meet more of his associates, and asks if Ontharr is in town.
She'd go out later that day, and on other days, only disguised as different people she might imagine in Waterdeep -- a fancy noble, a hardworking, industrious carpenter, a sullen, grumpy adventurer, etc, looking nothing like herself. She doesn't want to be recognized by cult agents. She'd want to hit up the different magic item shops to see if anything seemed useful for the dangers ahead. Just shopping, playing coy. (Let me know if there's rarer items, but I'll look at the uncommon and common magic items.) She might visit at armorer to see if her or Jalt's armor might be augmented usefully with the dragon scales they got. And also talk over with the party if there's anything useful we'd want the claws and teeth for -- otherwise she'd ask about what she could get for them at the magic shops.
Later, she'd also want to check in with her mentor at the chapterhouse in the City of the Dead, and would tell her everything she'd done since leaving Waterdeep. She'd gloss over only the details of her patron, but only because she doesn't really know much about them. She'd tell her that she felt Kelemvor's blessing, though. She asks if it's possible He works through demigods in the Feywild, and if anyone there might know more about her patron (perhaps the Raven Queen, who I'd imagine might work with Kelemvor?).
Otherwise, after shopping, she'll pick through the bits of the hoard they got from Glazhael, and any useful gems or platinum they got from the roadhouse, and with the group's blessing, hand over the rest of the treasure to Leosin.
(You'll definitely have time after you meet the new people to discuss whether they want any items, and to visit the magic shops.)
Nub is also in favour of handing the money to the rulers of the Lords' Alliance, and argues that the Harpers' efforts are better spent elsewhere.
On the dragon cult in Waterdeep: They are undoubtedly here. They are less obvious than when they are attacking small, undefended towns and villages. But they have murdered Arthagast Ulbrinter, a noble of Waterdeep and a very powerful figure here. So you would be wise to do nothing that attracts attention. And wear nothing as well.
On others who might join you: I suspect that you will find your numbers strengthened soon enough. A word of caution though: when Nub here joined your group, I hope it was clear that he joined fully as a member of the group, and was not in some way acting as an agent of the Harpers to report back on your actions. If any others join, it must be on the same basis; you may need to make this clear at the Council.
On meeting his associates or Ontharr: I'm not sure you will meet many more. Nub, you are free to seek out your friends, of course. Some are within the city. He smiles as Nub perks up at this. Ontharr is on his way; he will be part of the Council, but I do not know if you will have a chance to speak with him beforehand.
On Soar's expeditions outside into Waterdeep, she finds the experience strange but enjoyable, and no-one recognises her. She finds a warm welcome back at the chapterhouse, but the suggestion that the Raven Queen might be involved is something that concerns them; though she is something of an ally of Kelemvor, the god discourages his clerics and paladins in the Prime Material Plane from contact with the Shadowfell.
On magic purchases, you can find any common or uncommon item, so let me know what you want and I'll tell you the cost. As for more expensive items, tell me the kind of things you're interested in, and I'll tell you what they have as well as the price. For example, would Soar want something to increase her defences in battle perhaps? Or something to help her pass unseen?
Also, on the history check for the Grinning Lion, Soar would know it's a place mostly for nobles, but sometimes adventurers who are working for nobles stay there as well.
Jalt is definitely keeping the mask close to his vest, literally. Knowing the power it possesses, he feels its best that only he or his brethren ever have a hold of this. He still doesn't trust the Harpers or the other "alliances." Jalt would also be interested in maybe upgrading his armor. They've fought one dragon, pretty sure there are more coming.
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
(As Jalt doesn't have any of the treasure recovered to be returned, I will say that Nub and Soar's agreement to return the money takes place. Leosin won't take it immediately, but the following day some officials turn up and ask you to hand over whatever you have, to be shared among all the towns that have suffered cultist attacks. Please make sure Soar and Jalt's character sheets are updated to remove any treasure that is to be handed over to the authorities.)
Jalt is currently wearing Splint that has been modified with parts of Cyanwrath's armour. If he wants that to be upgraded to Splint, +1 it will cost 400 gold pieces and be ready in eight days, which is in time for the Council. You could have a different enchantment if you wish, but not both - let me know what you want to do. The Riven Shield's proprietor has contacts with a wizard who can perform the necessary enchantments.
Would Jalt want to buy any diamonds while in the city?
Soar, Jalt and Nub go about their various tasks, meeting up again each night to share the events of the day. On the third day, Leosin sends a note apologising but postponing their next meeting for two days; he also asks to meet Nub. The following evening, Nub meets you all and lets you know that he won't be joining you for the Council meeting or for your next adventures, as there is news from his home that has troubled him and he needs to go see his family. He apologises profusely and promises that he will rejoin if he can, and that he will certainly be active in the fight against the cult, even if there is no chance to rejoin you.
You have an opportunity to say goodbye to Nub, and the following morning he leaves at the side of a half-elf bard who he seems to know well, headed out of the city.
Jalt would be interested in obtaining diamonds yes... and also what other enchantments are available?
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
It's easy enough to obtain diamonds; let me know how much you are buying, and mark on your equipment list.
For 500 gold, you could have the armour enchanted with resistance to any one damage type: Armor of Resistance. This would be instead of the +1 bonus.
How much would 300 diamonds cost? And I have an idea... rolling a D20... 1-10 = +1 splint 11-20 = armor of resistance
19
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
For a Revivify spell, you would need diamonds worth a total of 300 gold - it can be one big diamond or several small diamonds. So you would need to spend 300 gold, or 200 gold plus the diamond you already have.
Which damage type are you choosing resistance against?
Got it..... 200 gold of one big diamond. And I'll go with fire resistance. So taking 700 gp out of Jalt's inventory, adding Armor of Resistance fire and have 2 diamonds worth 300 gp
Hoard of the Dragon Queen - Jalt Rhogar - Dragonborn Cleric (9)
"Ive heard it both ways."
Nub and Soar spend a very nice lunch together, talking about his homeland, her background, and their adventures. There's lots of smiles and missed jokes. They promise to stay in touch, and he promises to let her know if he needs help at home (but he won't).
Soar looks for a bag of holding, handy haversack, boots of elvenkind, a shield +1 or +2, potion of fire breathing, a wand of smiles, and asks about enchanting her splint armor that incorporates Cyanwrath's armor. She also looks into paper birds, which she'd tell Leosin about, as a backup for the sending spells.
She gives back "a silver hand mirror worth one gold piece, and a 'handful of jewelry with distinguishing marks' worth fifty gold and weighing 4 lbs" they got from the castle. And prepares 3,000gp of what the got from the crates before she goes magic shopping, planning on setting aside 500 more gp of the original larger total in case she or Jalt need it for their items.
She splits "10 semiprecious stones worth 50 gp each" and "6 rubies worth 200 gold each, 9 sapphires worth 300 gold each" with Jalt from other looting (believe dragon?).
She asks what the resale price for the "magic axe, a set of studded leather armour, and a pair of bracers" would be at each store, though she doesn't sell yet.
1 1 4 2 1
Soar, you enquire about several useful magical items:
You can get a Bag of Holding for 300 gold pieces.
They don't have a Handy Haversack.
A pair of Boots of Elvenkind costs 400 gold pieces.
You can't find a Shield, +2, but a Shield, +1 costs 300 gold pieces.
A Potion of Fire Breath costs 100 gold.
A Wand of Smiles costs 100 gold.
Unfortunately, with the shop's enchanter busy with Jalt's armour, Soar won't be able to get her existing armour enchanted this time. It may be possible in the future; alternatively, a fresh set of Splint, +1 will cost 450 gold.
You could sell the magic axe for 150 gold, the studded leather armour +1 for 150 gold, and the pair of bracers for 500 gold, if you want to do so later.
Soar is able to sell the semiprecious stones, rubies and sapphires, and gets 4,400 gold from the sale. So she's proposing to split this with Jalt: will Jalt accept the 2,200 gold?
I'm a little unclear on what Soar is doing with the 3,000 gold - could you please clarify?
Nub indeed shakes his head at Soar's suggestion. You are kind to offer. I think I will be able to deal with it quite quickly, at least so I hope. He leaves your party and the city.
A day or two later, Jalt and Soar meet up with Leosin, in the same back room of the Grinning Lion.
Leosin explains that the Council will meet soon, and he goes through the people who he knows will be at the Council, and gives you a little information about each one.
Remallia Haventree is the Harper's representative. Leosin informs you that he himself won't be allowed to join you in the council chamber, but he has briefed Remallia on what you have told him already. She values honesty between allies more than most Harpers, and has less regard for secrecy. However, she is happy to use deception and subterfuge against the enemy.
Ontharr Frume represents the Order of the Gauntlet. You met him in Elturel, and though he is slow to trust new people, Leosin believes you have won his respect and you will find him a strong supporter. As with all factions, though, he is only a representative, and has to balance his own beliefs with what others in his faction will accept or support. In any case, he values boldness and deeds that serve the greater good, and has an instinctive dislike of deception.
Delaan Winterhound will represent the Emerald Enclave; Leosin knows nothing about him except the name. The Emerald Enclave values the natural world and balance, and see the summoning of Tiamat as an act that will throw the world into imbalance, with dragons dominating and destroying all else.
Lord Dagult Neverember is the Lord Protector of Neverwinter, the Open Lord of Waterdeep, and the formal Head of the Lords' Alliance. He has a reputation for being strong and decisive, acting for the good of his people, and getting results by whatever means necessary.
The Lords' Alliance is a group of several cities, and while Neverember is its head, he does not rule those cities and it will be important to win support from each city in order to strengthen the forces against the dragon cult. Several cities have sent their own ambassadors to the Council:
Ambassador Connerad Brawnanvil represents the mostly dwarven city of Mithral Hall. By reputation he is hot-tempered, but commands great respect as the former King of his city who abdicated to lead its forces into battle. However, Mithral Hall is known to be reluctant to commit its forces outside its own territory.
Marshall Ulder Ravengard of Baldur's Gate leads that city's armed forces, the Flaming Fist. He is a stern man who favours discipline and disdains levity. The Flaming Fist is the single largest fighting force in the Lords' Alliance, though it is pressed at the moment overseeing the rebuilding of Baldur's Gate after recent devastation.
King Melandrach of the Misty Forest is representing both his own elven kingdom and the High Forest elves; he is known to be extremely cautious, and Leosin worries that he make take an overcautious line in opposing the dragon cult.
Taern “Thunderspells” Hornblade is a wizard representing the city of Silverymoon, also known to be cautious and reluctant to commit his city's sizable forces against the cult.
Sir Isteval is nominally at the council representing Daggerford, though that town has few resources to commit. Leosin believes that, as he is a fomer Purple Dragon Knight of Cormyr, that he may have been sent by that nation to consider committing its might against the dragon cult. Leosin knows that Sir Isteval is a veteran dragonslayer who walks with a cane due to an old injury inflicted by a dragon.