Nate listens intently to Ontharr: "Hmmmm... interesting. Well it sounds like we need to figure out what they are up to sooner than later then."

Nate then looks to Leosin "Some of them might recognize me. I was there... in the prisoner camp... with you. They definitely saw my face, a bunch of them... who knows how high ranked they are."

Elspeth leans forward intently, eager to help where she can.

"I'm fairly certain we took out everyone who saw us on our second mission over, but there were a few scuffles on our first mission, although I doubt anyone got a good look at me or maybe Soar. There's probably at least some that remember Jalt, even if Cyanwrath himself is dead." She nods at Soar.

From what you have said, I think you are correct, Leosin says.  You have conversed with a few low-ranking members of the raiding party, and some might remember the Champion of Greenest from his single combat with Cyanwrath, but you have slain those in authority who might have seen you.  Nevertheless, some disguises may be in order.

Perhaps, Ontharr interrupts, we should be a little clearer about what we are asking.  He turns to face you.  The cultists carry with them wagons laden with stolen goods from the raids on Greenest and other places.  We believe they have already split up, with the kobolds and many bandits returning to their lairs or other activities in the area.  They were hired mercenaries at best, I think. 

The core group, the true believers of the cultists, they remain with their wagons and have joined a caravan headed north.  We wish you to travel speedily to Baldur's Gate and meet with the caravan there.  The caravan consists of many traders and others making the journey up north to Waterdeep, and the cultists hope to pass unnoticed in such innocuous company.  Many more travellers and traders will join the caravan in Baldur's Gate, and some of those will need to hire guards or labourers for the journey.  That is where you come in.  I doubt you will find it difficult to secure work on the caravan, and this will enable you to stay close to the cultists and observe their movements.  If they depart the caravan suddenly, you can follow them.  If they stay on the main road, you can pass reports to our agents.  

I have contacts in Baldur's Gate who can help you get hired on, and as Leosin says, we should probably also consider disguises for you.  I can also arrange swift travel to Baldur's Gate down the river - in three days you will be there, well ahead of the cultists.

Well, this is our proposal.  What say you?  Ontharr and Leosin both look expectantly at you all.  

Soar listens patiently and gets more eager as they relay their plans.

“Embedding and subterfuge, my favorite thing!! I’ll do it. Yes, I think it would be very good if we can have some long-term disguises, especially for Jalt and I. Jalt, my friend, I am sorry to say that we may have to leave the new armor behind because it will definitely be recognized, even in a new form. Leosin and Untharr, can you tell us which agents to watch for? Or is there a code word of some kind? We probably shouldn’t do anything silly like carry a pendant or get a tattoo. Also I am curious how you know all of their current status and future plans - are there others passing reports along? Is this divination magic at work?”

(OOC:  You have the option to cancel the work on the armour, or to go ahead and ask for it to be delivered to Baldur's Gate.  There will definitely be times further ahead in the story when wearing armour clearly taken from Cyanwrath will open up interesting avenues and choices for you.  However, in the coming chapter it would be very negative. It's up to you.)

We will give you a particular phrase that will serve to identify you, yes, Leosin says.  And as it would make things easier if we can share your descriptions, I would suggest disguising yourselves tonight or tomorrow morning.  I will be in Elturel one further day to arrange matters, and then I will be heading east.  There are... well, I have some questions that I need answers to, and those do not lie in Baldur's Gate.

We have spies and agents who can piece together news and send it to us.  As for how we know the movements of the cultists, we have the information you provided, and reports from one or two others.  Not very substantial, and not very reliable if the cultists are being particularly clever.  That is why it's important to get agents in the caravan with them. 

That, Ontharr adds, is where you come in.

Jalt looks to Soar We definitely can have the armor sent to us if subterfuge is the way to go. Now looking to  Leosin and Ontharr I have gotten some of the purple cultist robes. Is there something else you suggest for blending in?

Leosin shakes his head firmly.  Blending in is definitely not the way to go with this.  You need to look different to how you look now, or rather how you looked when the cultists might have seen you.  Otherwise, you need to look utterly ordinary.  Nothing that would attract attention at all.

Ontharr snorts:  Trust a harper to know how to sneak around.  His tone is light and friendly, and Leosin laughs in response.

Remember, Leosin says, you want to be mixing mostly with the other members of the caravan, the guards, travellers and so on.  If you try to impersonate the cultists, wear their paraphernalia or claim to be one of them, you'll immediately attract attention and be exposed as frauds.

Understood. Jalt replies Stealth has never been a strong suit for the Platinum Cadre. They usually point and we attack. He stops to think Then wearing my vestments too will bring attention to us. I shall pack those away and say a prayer to Bahamut who will undoubtedly know that I hide it for the greater good of all dragons. What you two ask of us, is understood.

Jalt, Ontharr nods in approval and says in a solemn voice:  This is a hard thing that we ask of you.  I have in the past put away the signs I bear of Torm, and had to pass unrecognised, and it pained me in a way my allies respected but could not fully understand, I think.  Thank you, Jalt.  Thank you all.  Binden, please go and bring Teresa.  We will have need of her services.

You can continue to discuss details with Ontharr and Leosin as you wish, though they have little more to share with you about your mission - you now know about as much as they do, or so it seems.  About a half hour later, Binden returns with a middle-aged woman, who he introduces as Teresa, a seamstress and owner of a trading company that deals in clothing of all descriptions.  She takes your measurements.

You could now take a moment to design a disguised look for yourself, with aid from Leosin, Ontharr and Teresa.  To assist, Teresa can provide clothes that will make you look like a regular traveller, a mercenary guard, or anyone else who might be in the caravan.  Ontharr has resources to provide basic armour, studded leather for Elspeth and Nate, chain mail for Jalt and Soar, but without any identifying features (such as Soar's Doomguide armour) that would serve to identify you.  Leosin has some vials that will enable you to dye your hair, though there's not much he can do for Jalt.  Whatever you decide to do is not final, and you will likely have the opportunity to make adjustments in Baldur's Gate, but not for free.

Soar asks Leosin, “Can the Harpers can perform any magic that would change our appearance for more than a day? I worry that Jalt might not be able to change his appearance enough with makeup and dyes. And if anyone who was there to see his big fight with Cyanwrath hears him talk, they will get suspicious, Bahamut symbols or no. I’m sorry to say my friend, you’ve a steady, intentional way of speaking. Wait... what if we changed clothes and general appearance and also how we acted? I could dye my hair black and act like I am expecting the worst of the world, instead of my usual sunny disposition. And Jalt, you could be, well, more flamboyant. Performative! Like everyone’s favorite bard. Nate, you could look like a polished, well-to-do businessman, a merchant on the road ready to... invest in... commodities... or something. They saw you scruffy, remember. And if all else fails you can turn into a fly and get out of there. Same for Elspeth - though I don’t think anyone in the cult really saw much of you, my friend. You weren’t prisoner and you weren’t near the big fight. Anyone else we saw in the skirmishes is either dead or a mercenary, I think. Those are just ideas but I think it would help with disguises if we act the opposite of normal. What do you think? Leosin, would I make a good Harper?” she says, with a grin.

Jalt would dress as a mercenary guard. Basically allowing him to use chain mail and not looked at differently for it. He would ask perhaps for some charcoal that he could rub over his face and then a mask of sorts to cover his face. Just allowing his eyes to be seen. He would try to hide as much of his silver skin as he could.

Leosin shakes his head.  I have considered that, but no, nothing that would last weeks, which is what you would need.  I share your concern for Jalt, but while silver dragonborn are rare in Elturgard, you will be headed to Baldur's Gate where all races are plentiful.  Nevertheless, you are right that you must do everything you can to change you appearance, and changing your manner is a good idea if you can carry it off.  However, it is a difficult skill to learn, and an imperfect false accent or mannerism, if you allow it to slip from time to time, will only attract greater suspicion.  Someone who is normally, well, like our friend Jalt here, might feign flamboyance for an hour or two, but for two weeks without erring?  Only an experienced actor might even attempt such a thing.

I think, at least, you should all dye your hair.  Leosin provides dyes for this purpose, and enough to last for months if needed.  He also reminds you, in case you haven't dyed your hair in the past, to do the roots regularly.

Teresa promises to bring a mask and other clothing in the morning.  I need to check the markets.  Having a mask is both an opportunity and a risk.  To avoid raising suspicion, the whole outfit must work together so that people feel it is natural you wear a mask at all times.  I can draw elements of Tymantheri design, but cast you as an outlander from the Sword Coast.  Hmmm.  Yes, I think it will work.  Charcoal?  Another risk.  It would be impossible to stop small pieces falling off, and would raise suspicion.  I would suggest finding something more durable in Baldur's Gate, or remaining a silver dragonborn.  

Elspeth bobs her head now and then to show her agreement to Soar's plans, but interjects when the topic changes to her. "I'm not a good actor though, but I've been lucky enough to avoid my face being seen, mostly. Surely it can't hurt if I just acted mostly normal. I'll wear a cloak or something, change up what I'm wearing if necessary." She frowns when Leosin offers dye,  shaking her head for refusal. "I'd just feel silly, playing a part for two weeks. Teresa, for Jalt, is there any chance of magical disguises? My talents don't extend in that direction, but if there's any sort of market for magical items or services we could use?"

Soar asks Teresa to help show her how to dye her hair, since she's never done it before, and asks for her advice on clothes that would help change her appearance the most.

"So if we're having the armor sent after us, where will it go? We're intercepting the cult in Baldur's Gate, but if we get it sent there, we might be following the cult who knows where, and we wouldn't want it with us when we're tracking it."

She expresses agreement about the charcoal, and the mask, arguing that everyone wants to know who's behind the mask.

"Best way to hide is to seem expected and boring. Is there a mercenary company that wears a certain kind of uniform, especially one that you have contacts in, gentlemen? That could be very helpful -- if we adopt a uniform, that might be all they see. Then no one gets to- has to act."

Elspeth, Teresa shakes her head.  No magical items that aid with disguises are permitted in the city, and none are offered for sale.  The authorities would say that only criminal elements would desire such items.  I believe in taking the world as it is, not as we wish it to be, but I will not break the law of the land.  However, as I said, such things might be procured in Baldur's Gate.  Teresa does promise you a change of clothes and traveller's cloak, to be delivered in the morning.

Soar, Teresa assists you in dying your hair after the meeting breaks up, and suggests muted browns and greys, the kind of clothes that most travellers wear, neither particularly bright nor particularly gloomy.  Your half-elf friend is right, as are you.  Don't stand out, either in mannerisms or in apparel, she suggests.  Be normal.  Be average.  Such is the way of those who seek to blend in.  If you have not the actor's talent, then under no circumstances attempt to act.  She smiles as she says this, trying to make light of the situation.

My contact in Baldur's Gate is Ackyn Selebon, Ontharr says.  You'll find him in the Outer City on the north side.  He doesn't operate the caravans himself but he has good contacts and will be able to help you.  He doesn't know the details of what you are investigating and he's not expecting you.  You need to speak to him in private, where you cannot be overheard, and tell him that you come to him 'from the Black Antlers, for the good of all'.  He will know I sent you, and will do what he can to aid you.  And if you have requested armour or weapons from Kaerus, I can arrange for that to be sent to him at my expense.

I cannot think of a mercenary company that it would make sense for you all to be members of, Leosin says.   Only the larger ones have such diverse footsoldiers, and in the case of the well-known companies you would run the risk of meeting real members who would see through the ruse easily.  We have not time to coach you on that degree of infiltration.  You might do better to split up and not appear to be travelling together; hire on with different merchants, and perhaps some of you can pose as simple travellers.  From what you say, it is Jalt and Soar who have been seen together by most cultists during your single combat, so perhaps you two should take care to keep apart.  However, it is up to you.  If you pretend to be separate, and then still meet up for clandestine meetings, that there is yet another risk that might alert the wary.

Soar was also thinking that pretending to be apart would be a good idea, at least for Jalt and Soar, so she nods at Leosin’s suggestion.

“Splitting up is a good idea. I’d be happy to be paired with either Elspeth or Nate. Can Ackyn Leosin and Untharr, can you tell me everything they know about how these kinds of caravans usually work, how often they come through, where they stage, where merchants hire guards? The less blind we can arrive in Baldur’s Gate, the better chance we will have. What does Ackyn look like and where on the north side is he? How do you usually contact him when you are there? I’m asking a lot of questions but if we are leaving you so soon this is our last chance. Maybe our sword and armor can be disguised as something else innocuous? The fewer questions the better.”

She’s otherwise ready to turn in for the night.

Nate is onside about the disguises for sure and also gives Leosin and the others an approving nod. There's no way he wants to blow the whole thing if someone recognizes him. That being said, he doesn't really want to try and fake a persona or anything like that. He thinks a simple disguise like the travelers clothes that Teresa can make will be perfect.

"Guys I think I'd make an excellent traveler. Remember, I've traveled for many years from Neverwinter to down here... I am a nomad at heart and I think it will be easy to pass me off as a traveler. Also this way I don't get all awkward if I have to lie... because it's kind of the truth. Maybe Soar... you could come with me just in case I get... well... lets say intellectually stuck and need bailing out. Would that be ok Soar?"

To Leosin and Ontharr "I am confident I can fake as a simple traveler looking for some short time work for hire from a merchant to pay some debts back home..."

To Teresa: "Do you think you could make me some common travelers clothes? I can just wear them over my armor and I'll put my other clothes and robes away for now."

(OOC: so we are supposed to mingle with the travelling caravans, in hopes of finding and infiltrating the cultists, and also recon with Ackyn Selebon at Baldurs gate to get further details as well. Is that all a correct summation of what is next?)

Nate will also say goodnight and retire for the night. 

Soar, Ontharr shrugs, as the night is getting late.  Most of your questions are better directed to Selebon himself.  He gives you clear directions to his place of work, and also a brief description of the man himself.

Nate, Teresa says the clothes will be delivered to you in the morning.

You can, if you wish, make a Persuasion check to get Leosin to let you keep the horses.  You can make it at advantage, as I assume someone is helping, and the DC is 15.

You all head off to bed and get a good night's sleep.  You also all reach level four.

In the morning, you rise before the sun (before the normal sun that is) and eat breakfast outside the tavern in the light of the Companion.  You have all received a package from Teresa and/or Ontharr, containing whatever mundane armour and bland travelling clothes you agreed, and you all look remarkably uninteresting as you eat your fruit and bread.  Ontharr reassured you that he will contact Kaerus and arrange for your new armour to be sent to you.  Binden leads you down to a small dock not far from the city gate, and you are introduced to Jamel Corm, the captain of the riverboat 'Merry Stoat', who will ferry you to Baldur's Gate.  She's a middle-aged gnome who seems unused to taking travellers rather than trade goods, but she welcomes you and you settle in on the boat as she pushes off.

(OOC:  In terms of your mission, that's almost it.  You'll be in the same caravan as the cultists, and your task is to keep an eye on them.  But not to get too close or try to infiltrate them - that probably won't work and will be risky for Jalt and Soar in particular as they might be recognised.)

"Thank you madam Teresa" Nate takes the travelers clothes. "Ah, you've done a great job, thanks again!" Nate rifles through the clothes. Yes... yes these will do just perfect he thinks to himself. He's holding a pair of the most normal pants you've ever seen. Slightly faded dark blue denim with a faded brown button up shirt. Nate has it tucked in. He would've also asked for a cowboy hat (or whatever the equivalent of that is in the d&d world!), and he's going to totally go for the Cowboy look. This should play nicely as well into his roll to keep the horses. He will also look a lot different than he did prior, as he had on a black robe before, and looked really nothing like a cowboy. So he has on all of his original armor, and boots, etc. he just has the new "jeans" and shirt and cowboy hat. Robe is stored in backpack.

Nate looks to everyone  "What do you guys think!? I am a ranch hand for hire... any manual labor I'm up for it!" Nate hopes this might convince some of the caravan merchants, or better yet cultists, to hire him on as a hand. "Actually... I think I should also ditch this Spear.... and... hmmm... I wonder if I could get a Whip somewhere? I have no idea how to use it, but might just make the disguise perfect." (could I have got that retro before we left? I have removed the Spear from Nate's inventory and added the Whip. Let me know if that is ok. He's going to keep his daggers though as he can hide them.)

Oh.. when they are all eating breakfast... Nate thinks to himself  ugh isn't it still supposed to be dark outside... I can't wait to get away from this fake sun..... it's "god" awful. 

(OOC: thanks!)

Leosin Persuasion "Leosin... Hunter, your Black Stallion... was, well, magnificent to say the least. I'd love to keep her for this mission.. it'd fit perfectly with my disguise as well. What do you say you let me keep the old boy?"

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