The group acknowledges the work done by the priests of Torm and makes its way to their next meeting. While walking through town, Utar offers to repay Doozey and Graxx some of the coinage they spent in an effort to even out each CRAPer's financial burden for Biscuit's resurrection. Doozey politely declines, but negotiations between Utar and Graxx remain ongoing.
(OOC#1: Again, if you are shifting some gold around, feel free to arrive at an agreement in our OOC chat. Speaking of money, please also make sure the cost is actually deducted from your inventory, including musical instruments).
"I never saw anything like that." Yan says with an air of awe. He daydreams: "Do you think they can teach anyone that kind of magic?"
Back at the Stojanow Gate, Yan waves his way through all the checkpoints and asks you to wait a moment while he handles the two horses over to a stable-hand. He then rushes back to the front of the marching order and up the western tower you go. A few more guards clear the way as you all pass. You even recognize a few faces from your previous visits. Yan then knocks on the door you know to belong to Captain Aleyd Burral's office and you are let in. Upon your arrival, one corner of the captain's mouth perks up, as if she tried to show a faint smile but didn't know how. Otherwise, she is as stoic as always: "Welcome back to Phaln. I received your message and understood it to mean you have completed your mission. Nifty little trick you have there."She picks up a small silver statuette of a raven and places it on the table, inviting you to collect your messenger. "I trust that young Yan here fulfilled your request for help? I could not spare any more soldiers. At any rate, I am in the need of some good news amidst these dire times, so please, sit and give me details."
Yan looks like he wants to say something but is hesitating for now. Instead, he busies himself with serving everyone a glass of cooled fruit juice upon being signaled to do so by the captain. The jar itself seems to be the source of the minor cooling magic, one of the perks of being a captain.
(OOC#2: To be clear, I am not asking you to retell the whole story, unless you want to, of course. This is an opportunity for you to tell the captain as much or as little as you want. If you find it easier to do it in a non-RP way, that's fine too).
Doozey largely kept his head bowed since entering the room. Perhaps not out of embarrassment or deference like some others, but there's some measure of respect being paid there all the same. Though he did have to glance up at least once to collect Gravy, and promptly slid it into his pack. "Their deaths weren't the only ones suffered over the course of the mission. But, that's hardly as immediate of interest." He would say after stepping back in line besides the others.
"And if its alright, I would prefer to stand. I've always felt strange in your tall folk seats." He said in a matter of fact tone. After which, he turns to Utar, urging him on with a head gesture. "As predicted though, there was an attack -- a skirmish involving more than just one "ghost ship". One we participated in. Mr. Utar and Ms. Neya here can feel you on the details." The stoutling adds, furthers solidfying at least the two as the main speakers while he was hopefully left to stand and listen and wait.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx is the first one to take the captain's invitation to tell their tales, though he chooses to ignore her request for good news. As the tribesman shares the news about the horses, the captain's faint welcoming expression changes back to the serious and discontent one you are more familiar with. She does not answer immediately. Instead, she balls her left hand into a tight fist and lets the pause that follows Graxx's introduction be filled by another CRAPer.
Doozey is the one to take the baton. The halfling serves another preamble to the main story. The suspense only makes the captain more irritated as it is plain to see in her face now. The second hand balls into a fist.
"I'll take the good news now, if you care to share some" she says clearly failing to contain her disappointment at the retelling thus far.
You know both from your past and from more recent interactions with the captain that she utterly distrusts mercenaries. She considers CRAP, or any group of adventurers for that matter, no better than swords-for-hire and even said so to you and the rest of the party last time you spoke to her. You have an inkling she chose to trust CRAP because of your past with her, but that goodwill might be fading. You understand that in her head, the way this conversation is going so far (bad news about the horses plus teasing of the facts without actually sharing them) only serves as further justification for her mistrust. You have a feeling the tone of this conversation needs to change soon or this relationship might be permanently damaged.
Utar sits, having undergone debriefing with Captain Burral a number of times, he falls back into a familiar pattern with ease. Using matter-of-fact explanations and allowing Neya opportunity to interject as she chooses.
“Leaving Phlan, we encountered Brother Yovir and from him received the information that allowed us to chart the movements of the ghost ship as well as it’s likely next target. We moved down the coast on horseback and were attacked as we camped by a large fey dog. Given we were attacked by similar creatures on our return to Phlan you should consider warning and outfitting any guards you have on the roads as conventional weapons had no effect on them. Magical or silvered weapons seemed more effective...”
Utar continues his debrief, covering the following points:
Making contact with the villagers on their island, the discovery of the spy held there and the discovery of the tactics employed by the ghost ship;
Preparing for battle with the villagers, the make up of the forces put out by the ghost ship and the fact that they seemed intent on taking hostages but also that there was a group sent out by the ship with a specific goal in mind;
That CRAP drove off the village attack and then went after the group sent inland, discovering an ancient altar and a pact made with a sea-serpent thought to be Tiamat herself. At this point Utar doubles back to the fact the village is constructed in salvaged timber from boats and prominently shared the story of the nameplate of the Audacity, stepping back to recount the history of the ship;
He notes that whatever bargain was struck, was brought to an end by actions taken in the cave housing the altar;
He then notes the need to stop the ship and recounts the journey to it and the fight with the captain of the ghost ship, Ixas the Wearer of Purple a member of the Cult of the Dragon, who later escaped, but a purple clad tie fling should be fairly noticeable;
He adds in the fact that a second ship, rising through the waves as though from beneath the sea joined the attack, noting the infernal nature of the sailors and its captain;
He notes both were sunk into the bay following the death of the captain of the audacity and that CRAP returned to shore with the captured villagers; and
CRAP left the island wanting to report back but slowed by the loss of their horses, their message to the Captain and their meeting with Yan.
Captain Burral listens attentively. Her preoccupied facial expression doesn't change, but her muscles and fists relax. "Plenty of questions, Utar."
She begins showing gratitude: "I am glad you were able to arrive at the place to be attacked before the assailants. However, it sounds like the villagers you protected were guilty of their own sins. More importantly, you succeeded in stopping these attacks. In fact, if you hadn't, Phlan would have been attacked last night judging by the four-day interval between raids. For that, I thank you. Few others will, as most were convinced this was a matter of no concern for the city. But you do have my gratitude. It does not sound like this was a cleanly executed mission, but a successful one nonetheless."
She looks at the group: "The fact they were taking prisoners explains why there were so few survivors in all four previously attacked locations. However, this still doesn't address the madness of those we did find. How about the many little bones we found in these other locations? What about the significance of the time interval between attacks?"
She thinks a bit more. "Now, back to these villagers. How could isolated simpletons who make huts out of flotsam make a deal with Tiamat herself? This sounds unlikely, and dangerous. If any backwater grouping of sheds could strike infernal deals, the world would be pure chaos. There must be something else we are missing. Is there anything else you gathered concerning these villagers, apart from the hellish deal and the earned revenge from infernal pirates?"
She sighs while pondering on next steps. "Now, we have to learn more about our enemy. We have to be ready for future attacks on our city. You said the organization behind these gradual attacks was the Cult of the Dragon. I was afraid that was the case. Their influence and numbers have grown over recent months. I fear they might have grandiose plans for Phlan and the Moonsea in general. What could they possibly want in an isolated poor village. The pattern of their attacks, clustered but uncertain, suggests they were looking for something. But what? We'll have to keep a close eye on purple-clad tieflings, as you said. Maybe we can get more answers. Unless... you have more to share?"
"I can field a few of those questions..." Neya speaks up. "The small bones were actually used by an accompanying gaggle of Kobolds as disguises. Such disguises gave them the appearance of small, undead creatures, which did fool a few villagers. There were also some kuo-toa and even some drow among them, during the raid."
Neya takes out Verik's journal, "Regarding the spy we had exposed. While we weren't able to get anything useful out of him, we did pry this off of him. He wrote in dragon script, but we were able to decipher it. It was filled with information of persons of interest to get information from, specifically of artifacts, and how to get them to divulge."
"We did not find any such artifact on the island itself, even in their shrine. However, we were able to keep the cult from obtaining information on the whereabouts of one. Seems there is something called a 'green dragon mask' a place called 'Kryptgarden Forest.' Is there such a location in the Moonsea area?"
”There is something else you should know for coming battles. Along with the kuo-toa, kobolds, and the Drow there were also...”
Graxx hesitates...
“There were also my Tribesman. Warriors of the Sky Pony Tribe. You probably never heard of us as we are from far away at the Spine of the World.”
”I left the tribe as I disagreed with its path. They forged an alliance with the Drow for protection and were taking prisoners for them. I do not know their relation to this dragon cult.”
Graxx raises a hand.
”Rest assures my allegiance lies with this crew and not them. We cut my tribesman down just like we did the others. But they were very good warriors and it’s better for you to know of the threat.”
Doozey pats Graxx on the leg in solidarity, as much as the stoutling can so as much these days. "... It's likely that the pattern repeated with a spy being sent to these settlements in as much attempt to learn what they wished as it was for kidnapping the people there. Thus, besides sea travel there were days of them just waiting for news. Or so I have come speculate." Doozey finally expressed, properly meeting the Captain's eyes for the first time.
"As for the villagers. While it cannot be certain that those previous that came under the attack had the same sort of backing, the ones we met-..." He paused and looked down, eyes darting side to side and bottom lip pulled back from deep thought. A likely case of choosing his next words carefully. "Things were fairly hectic. But once we were able to leave having done our part in aiding them in their plight... undeserved in hindsight though it may have been, I was able to give more thought to these Crones we met." He explained. "My... The Conclave of Hunters I trained with taught me, though I had not fully been able and willing to recognize the signs given circumstances... Not that their so called 'Forest Children' being summoned to aid in repelling the forces weren't clue enough in hindsight."
Doozey scowled inwardly at that. "But these Crones were a type of Hags. A full Coven. How long they have been influencing that village, we cannot say. But, they certainly played a heavy hand in turning them to Tiamet, of that I have doubt."
He paused to let things sink in. "Fortunately for us, they did not fully suspect us of the knowing, least they'd perhaps have been less inclined to let us leave... Or maybe they did, and did not care. It can go either way with their kind. Either way, with the bargain broken, they should not be an immediate threat to Phlan. Not compared to troubles close at homes, or so Mr. Yan here has mentioned. Troubles that could probably use a unique perspective in solving, hm? Even a temporary suspension of sentencing of someone to help resolve this, perhaps? With certain precautions of course taken." He mentions, giving her a both nonchalant yet somehow still pointed look in a raised brow.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
At this point, the captain demands Yan to leave the room, and he promptly does (before Neya speaks).
The Captain responds to the information shared by Neya and Graxx: "Cultists, Kuo-toa, Kobolds, Drow, and Tribesmen working together... The influence and power of the Cult of the Dragon goes beyond my wildest imaginations. They even implement battle plans and fear-seeking tactics. They are a force to be reckoned with and the longer we delay, the stronger they might get. But at least now we know what they are after... these dragon masks sound powerful, and could mean the end of us if the Cult manages to collect them. You say one of them is in a place called Kryptgarden Forest? I know of a location of similar name, but it is months worth of travel away, near Waterdeep. If they are looking for it nearby, than that can't be the correct location."
Doozey jumps back into the conversation, and the captain replies: "These villager you describe and their frightening leadership are too close to Phlan for the news of them not being aligned with the Cult to be comforting. But I agree with you, they are still a lower priority at the moment relative to these cultists. The same goes for the troubles closer at home that you reference. We have been seeing an increase in home break-ins and robberies. The Black Fist is stretched thin, especially the small portion of soldiers in which I can trust. The others are too corrupt to care. We'll need to tackle both of these problems in due time. That and the murders of my previous unit," she adds, looking at Utar. "So much to deal with..."
At this point she seems lost in thought for a bit. The amount of silence in the room begins to feel a bit uncomfortable, but the captain herself eventually breaks it: "I must talk to a few contacts. People who might have more information on this. People more familiar with the Cult, and maybe Waterdeep. I need time, even though there is not much to spare." She looks straight into your eyes: "Perhaps you could look into some of these other issues while I gather the information we need on the cultists. If peace is not motivation enough, consider it repayment for the lost horses. As for the gnome girl, you were right about her lack of involvement with those conspiring to kill me and the rest of my previous company. Her impromptu, misguided, and opportunistic attempt at revenge-killing me pales in comparison with all these other problems. So, if it serves as further incentive to you, I am willing to pass favorable judgment on her by the time we meet next, which should be soon. She'll have to agree to some conditions if we get to that point."
She finishes her juice: "So, what say you? Can I count CRAP as an ally in the strife that approaches?"
Utar nods, “You can count on my support, on both matters. But I’ll let the others speak for themselves.”
Rubbing a hand over his road stubble, he continues with a query of his own.
”From what we know about the tactics of the cult, they would send ahead spies to infiltrate and disrupt their next target. Do we think that the spate of mugging and burglaries here are connected?”
Doozey winced at the title, and whispered up to Graxx with a hand cupped around it, "We might want to re-think that name in the future, eh?" Turning back on to the captain, he clears his throat and stands straighter up. "Like the others have said, you can count on us to do our best of assistance." He expresses. "Before we go -- I go, might I be able to talk with her once we're done here?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
In response to Utar: "I guess anything is possible. Though spies wouldn't likely make their presence known by committing crimes, I'd wager. Also, Utar, if you so choose to pursue this at this time, I found out that Moneus has joined the Welcomers" (reference).
To Graxx: "I am sorry your kin has joined the enemy. Perhaps you can help right this wrong on their behalf. And yes, out blacksmith forge is just a few steps away from the stable. I am sure you have seen it on your way in. Hand this note to them so that they know you are an ally. I''m afraid they will still charge you, however, as you don't pay their wages."
Replying to Neya: "Do you mind leaving this Verik's journal here? I'd like to study it."
Finally, to Doozey: "Yan can escort you to the gnomish girl. Don't tell her about our agreement on a potential favorable sentencing just yet. I'll deliver the news once the circumstances are better suited for her to agree on my conditionalities. Also, don't linger. We all have work to attend to."
Before you leave, the captain adds: "Utar, be careful out there. The white armor might have been better but, unlike my trust in you, it is now part of my past."
ASSUMING THE GROUP LEAVES HER OFFICE
Yan guides the party down the tower and eventually leads you to Villonah's cell. She rises from a corner with a smile on her face. She looks at Yan and he takes a few steps away from the cell to give you some privacy. She starts the conversation: "You are back! It is good to see friendly faces. What have you learned? Was my superior correct on his hunch about infernal involvement? Did you bring proof? Where's that fuzzy big oaf of a good boy?"
Utar makes sure he is the last to the leave with Yan, taking the opportunity to pick up on Burral’s closing comments, “I’m guessing we need to have a conversation with Moneus then? If he’s joined the Welcomers doubt he’d been keen to meet here. I’ll look to arrange something in the coming days.”
With that he tags along at the end of the group, following Yan to the cells.
Graxx gets a lump in his throat and he quickly looks to Doozey.
"The ol, fuzzy biscuit is just resting right now. The journey took a lot out of him." says
Graxx rubs his head...
"It's all kinda confusing to me Villonah. There are so many moving parts that still don't quite make sense. The Cult of the Dragon seems to be behind most of this madness."
Doozey sighed in relief, and following a curt nod, left without another word or motion beyond a polite gesture for Yan to start down the tower. The whole way down there's a nervous energy about the stoutling. One that culminates with his jumping on the spot from hearing VIllonah's voice, despite having spotted her first. Fortunately, Doozey's quick to recover, and spent the next few moments looking her up and down with a mixture of worry and growing relief upon seeing her no worse for wear.
"It is... as he says, Villie. Uh... There's more to things of course, including Biscuit. But, it can wait a second more." He says, and if given the chance, he reaches through the bars to clasp Villonah's hands. "Are -you- alright?" He asked, sounding sincerly concern despite whatever little assuredness the group had been given about things. Once he had her reply, even if it might just be a chastising for the question, a weak but warm smile briefly blooms into being... before waning from a solemn thought.
"Mn... While not necessarily directly involved in the attacks themselves, the cult did have some tiefling leading the attack." He goes off into a short description of the Wearer of Purple. "But beyond that? The only infernal rumblings... actually came from those we found ourselves protecting -- at -least- prior to our fully discovering the truth of things." From there, he launches into a short explanation of the "Crones", the "Forest Children", and the contract with Tiamet. He keeps it bare bones however, recalling the time constraints that Yan would likely enforce.
"I don't know if its the necessarily the kind of involvement you hope, or if the contract would be proof enough. But.. it's as far as that goes. I... I'm sorry." He ends on, bowing his head. "Not exactly information of a calibur needed I bet."
Spending a moment thanking his Brothers and Sister, Utar turns to Yan and asks him to lead them on.
Neya takes the time to thanks the priests of Torm for their time and service before following the rest of the party out.
Extended Signature
The group acknowledges the work done by the priests of Torm and makes its way to their next meeting. While walking through town, Utar offers to repay Doozey and Graxx some of the coinage they spent in an effort to even out each CRAPer's financial burden for Biscuit's resurrection. Doozey politely declines, but negotiations between Utar and Graxx remain ongoing.
(OOC#1: Again, if you are shifting some gold around, feel free to arrive at an agreement in our OOC chat. Speaking of money, please also make sure the cost is actually deducted from your inventory, including musical instruments).
"I never saw anything like that." Yan says with an air of awe. He daydreams: "Do you think they can teach anyone that kind of magic?"
Back at the Stojanow Gate, Yan waves his way through all the checkpoints and asks you to wait a moment while he handles the two horses over to a stable-hand. He then rushes back to the front of the marching order and up the western tower you go. A few more guards clear the way as you all pass. You even recognize a few faces from your previous visits. Yan then knocks on the door you know to belong to Captain Aleyd Burral's office and you are let in. Upon your arrival, one corner of the captain's mouth perks up, as if she tried to show a faint smile but didn't know how. Otherwise, she is as stoic as always: "Welcome back to Phaln. I received your message and understood it to mean you have completed your mission. Nifty little trick you have there." She picks up a small silver statuette of a raven and places it on the table, inviting you to collect your messenger. "I trust that young Yan here fulfilled your request for help? I could not spare any more soldiers. At any rate, I am in the need of some good news amidst these dire times, so please, sit and give me details."
Yan looks like he wants to say something but is hesitating for now. Instead, he busies himself with serving everyone a glass of cooled fruit juice upon being signaled to do so by the captain. The jar itself seems to be the source of the minor cooling magic, one of the perks of being a captain.
(OOC#2: To be clear, I am not asking you to retell the whole story, unless you want to, of course. This is an opportunity for you to tell the captain as much or as little as you want. If you find it easier to do it in a non-RP way, that's fine too).
Graxx bows feeling embarrassed as he knows how he acted last time he was in the captains presence.
”Captain Burral, sorry for running a bit late.” says Graxx
Graxx drops his head.
”We fought a mighty battle... The most intense one I have ever been part of. Many fell. Our... Your horses perished fighting with honor.”
Graxx raises his head and puts his hand to his chest.
”Their deaths were avenged with a vengeance no one on that isle had ever seen. How much do we owe you as their master?” Asks Graxx
Doozey largely kept his head bowed since entering the room. Perhaps not out of embarrassment or deference like some others, but there's some measure of respect being paid there all the same. Though he did have to glance up at least once to collect Gravy, and promptly slid it into his pack. "Their deaths weren't the only ones suffered over the course of the mission. But, that's hardly as immediate of interest." He would say after stepping back in line besides the others.
"And if its alright, I would prefer to stand. I've always felt strange in your tall folk seats." He said in a matter of fact tone. After which, he turns to Utar, urging him on with a head gesture. "As predicted though, there was an attack -- a skirmish involving more than just one "ghost ship". One we participated in. Mr. Utar and Ms. Neya here can feel you on the details." The stoutling adds, furthers solidfying at least the two as the main speakers while he was hopefully left to stand and listen and wait.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx is the first one to take the captain's invitation to tell their tales, though he chooses to ignore her request for good news. As the tribesman shares the news about the horses, the captain's faint welcoming expression changes back to the serious and discontent one you are more familiar with. She does not answer immediately. Instead, she balls her left hand into a tight fist and lets the pause that follows Graxx's introduction be filled by another CRAPer.
Doozey is the one to take the baton. The halfling serves another preamble to the main story. The suspense only makes the captain more irritated as it is plain to see in her face now. The second hand balls into a fist.
"I'll take the good news now, if you care to share some" she says clearly failing to contain her disappointment at the retelling thus far.
@Utar (passive insight):
You know both from your past and from more recent interactions with the captain that she utterly distrusts mercenaries. She considers CRAP, or any group of adventurers for that matter, no better than swords-for-hire and even said so to you and the rest of the party last time you spoke to her. You have an inkling she chose to trust CRAP because of your past with her, but that goodwill might be fading. You understand that in her head, the way this conversation is going so far (bad news about the horses plus teasing of the facts without actually sharing them) only serves as further justification for her mistrust. You have a feeling the tone of this conversation needs to change soon or this relationship might be permanently damaged.
Utar sits, having undergone debriefing with Captain Burral a number of times, he falls back into a familiar pattern with ease. Using matter-of-fact explanations and allowing Neya opportunity to interject as she chooses.
“Leaving Phlan, we encountered Brother Yovir and from him received the information that allowed us to chart the movements of the ghost ship as well as it’s likely next target. We moved down the coast on horseback and were attacked as we camped by a large fey dog. Given we were attacked by similar creatures on our return to Phlan you should consider warning and outfitting any guards you have on the roads as conventional weapons had no effect on them. Magical or silvered weapons seemed more effective...”
Utar continues his debrief, covering the following points:
At the end, Utar leans back in his chair,
”Any questions, Ma’am?”
Captain Burral listens attentively. Her preoccupied facial expression doesn't change, but her muscles and fists relax. "Plenty of questions, Utar."
She begins showing gratitude: "I am glad you were able to arrive at the place to be attacked before the assailants. However, it sounds like the villagers you protected were guilty of their own sins. More importantly, you succeeded in stopping these attacks. In fact, if you hadn't, Phlan would have been attacked last night judging by the four-day interval between raids. For that, I thank you. Few others will, as most were convinced this was a matter of no concern for the city. But you do have my gratitude. It does not sound like this was a cleanly executed mission, but a successful one nonetheless."
She looks at the group: "The fact they were taking prisoners explains why there were so few survivors in all four previously attacked locations. However, this still doesn't address the madness of those we did find. How about the many little bones we found in these other locations? What about the significance of the time interval between attacks?"
She thinks a bit more. "Now, back to these villagers. How could isolated simpletons who make huts out of flotsam make a deal with Tiamat herself? This sounds unlikely, and dangerous. If any backwater grouping of sheds could strike infernal deals, the world would be pure chaos. There must be something else we are missing. Is there anything else you gathered concerning these villagers, apart from the hellish deal and the earned revenge from infernal pirates?"
She sighs while pondering on next steps. "Now, we have to learn more about our enemy. We have to be ready for future attacks on our city. You said the organization behind these gradual attacks was the Cult of the Dragon. I was afraid that was the case. Their influence and numbers have grown over recent months. I fear they might have grandiose plans for Phlan and the Moonsea in general. What could they possibly want in an isolated poor village. The pattern of their attacks, clustered but uncertain, suggests they were looking for something. But what? We'll have to keep a close eye on purple-clad tieflings, as you said. Maybe we can get more answers. Unless... you have more to share?"
"I can field a few of those questions..." Neya speaks up. "The small bones were actually used by an accompanying gaggle of Kobolds as disguises. Such disguises gave them the appearance of small, undead creatures, which did fool a few villagers. There were also some kuo-toa and even some drow among them, during the raid."
Neya takes out Verik's journal, "Regarding the spy we had exposed. While we weren't able to get anything useful out of him, we did pry this off of him. He wrote in dragon script, but we were able to decipher it. It was filled with information of persons of interest to get information from, specifically of artifacts, and how to get them to divulge."
"We did not find any such artifact on the island itself, even in their shrine. However, we were able to keep the cult from obtaining information on the whereabouts of one. Seems there is something called a 'green dragon mask' a place called 'Kryptgarden Forest.' Is there such a location in the Moonsea area?"
Extended Signature
Graxx drops his head then rises once more...
”There is something else you should know for coming battles. Along with the kuo-toa, kobolds, and the Drow there were also...”
Graxx hesitates...
“There were also my Tribesman. Warriors of the Sky Pony Tribe. You probably never heard of us as we are from far away at the Spine of the World.”
”I left the tribe as I disagreed with its path. They forged an alliance with the Drow for protection and were taking prisoners for them. I do not know their relation to this dragon cult.”
Graxx raises a hand.
”Rest assures my allegiance lies with this crew and not them. We cut my tribesman down just like we did the others. But they were very good warriors and it’s better for you to know of the threat.”
Doozey pats Graxx on the leg in solidarity, as much as the stoutling can so as much these days. "... It's likely that the pattern repeated with a spy being sent to these settlements in as much attempt to learn what they wished as it was for kidnapping the people there. Thus, besides sea travel there were days of them just waiting for news. Or so I have come speculate." Doozey finally expressed, properly meeting the Captain's eyes for the first time.
"As for the villagers. While it cannot be certain that those previous that came under the attack had the same sort of backing, the ones we met-..." He paused and looked down, eyes darting side to side and bottom lip pulled back from deep thought. A likely case of choosing his next words carefully. "Things were fairly hectic. But once we were able to leave having done our part in aiding them in their plight... undeserved in hindsight though it may have been, I was able to give more thought to these Crones we met." He explained. "My... The Conclave of Hunters I trained with taught me, though I had not fully been able and willing to recognize the signs given circumstances... Not that their so called 'Forest Children' being summoned to aid in repelling the forces weren't clue enough in hindsight."
Doozey scowled inwardly at that. "But these Crones were a type of Hags. A full Coven. How long they have been influencing that village, we cannot say. But, they certainly played a heavy hand in turning them to Tiamet, of that I have doubt."
He paused to let things sink in. "Fortunately for us, they did not fully suspect us of the knowing, least they'd perhaps have been less inclined to let us leave... Or maybe they did, and did not care. It can go either way with their kind. Either way, with the bargain broken, they should not be an immediate threat to Phlan. Not compared to troubles close at homes, or so Mr. Yan here has mentioned. Troubles that could probably use a unique perspective in solving, hm? Even a temporary suspension of sentencing of someone to help resolve this, perhaps? With certain precautions of course taken." He mentions, giving her a both nonchalant yet somehow still pointed look in a raised brow.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
At this point, the captain demands Yan to leave the room, and he promptly does (before Neya speaks).
The Captain responds to the information shared by Neya and Graxx: "Cultists, Kuo-toa, Kobolds, Drow, and Tribesmen working together... The influence and power of the Cult of the Dragon goes beyond my wildest imaginations. They even implement battle plans and fear-seeking tactics. They are a force to be reckoned with and the longer we delay, the stronger they might get. But at least now we know what they are after... these dragon masks sound powerful, and could mean the end of us if the Cult manages to collect them. You say one of them is in a place called Kryptgarden Forest? I know of a location of similar name, but it is months worth of travel away, near Waterdeep. If they are looking for it nearby, than that can't be the correct location."
Doozey jumps back into the conversation, and the captain replies: "These villager you describe and their frightening leadership are too close to Phlan for the news of them not being aligned with the Cult to be comforting. But I agree with you, they are still a lower priority at the moment relative to these cultists. The same goes for the troubles closer at home that you reference. We have been seeing an increase in home break-ins and robberies. The Black Fist is stretched thin, especially the small portion of soldiers in which I can trust. The others are too corrupt to care. We'll need to tackle both of these problems in due time. That and the murders of my previous unit," she adds, looking at Utar. "So much to deal with..."
At this point she seems lost in thought for a bit. The amount of silence in the room begins to feel a bit uncomfortable, but the captain herself eventually breaks it: "I must talk to a few contacts. People who might have more information on this. People more familiar with the Cult, and maybe Waterdeep. I need time, even though there is not much to spare." She looks straight into your eyes: "Perhaps you could look into some of these other issues while I gather the information we need on the cultists. If peace is not motivation enough, consider it repayment for the lost horses. As for the gnome girl, you were right about her lack of involvement with those conspiring to kill me and the rest of my previous company. Her impromptu, misguided, and opportunistic attempt at revenge-killing me pales in comparison with all these other problems. So, if it serves as further incentive to you, I am willing to pass favorable judgment on her by the time we meet next, which should be soon. She'll have to agree to some conditions if we get to that point."
She finishes her juice: "So, what say you? Can I count CRAP as an ally in the strife that approaches?"
Utar nods, “You can count on my support, on both matters. But I’ll let the others speak for themselves.”
Rubbing a hand over his road stubble, he continues with a query of his own.
”From what we know about the tactics of the cult, they would send ahead spies to infiltrate and disrupt their next target. Do we think that the spate of mugging and burglaries here are connected?”
Graxx nods to agree also.
"It seems our path are destined to walk together for some time.”
Graxx asks genuinely.
”Our supplies have run low. Is there a Blackfist blacksmith or merchant that arms your warriors?” Asks Graxx
Neya nods, "Those terms are agreeable. Count me in."
Extended Signature
Doozey winced at the title, and whispered up to Graxx with a hand cupped around it, "We might want to re-think that name in the future, eh?" Turning back on to the captain, he clears his throat and stands straighter up. "Like the others have said, you can count on us to do our best of assistance." He expresses. "Before we go -- I go, might I be able to talk with her once we're done here?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
In response to Utar: "I guess anything is possible. Though spies wouldn't likely make their presence known by committing crimes, I'd wager. Also, Utar, if you so choose to pursue this at this time, I found out that Moneus has joined the Welcomers" (reference).
To Graxx: "I am sorry your kin has joined the enemy. Perhaps you can help right this wrong on their behalf. And yes, out blacksmith forge is just a few steps away from the stable. I am sure you have seen it on your way in. Hand this note to them so that they know you are an ally. I''m afraid they will still charge you, however, as you don't pay their wages."
Replying to Neya: "Do you mind leaving this Verik's journal here? I'd like to study it."
Finally, to Doozey: "Yan can escort you to the gnomish girl. Don't tell her about our agreement on a potential favorable sentencing just yet. I'll deliver the news once the circumstances are better suited for her to agree on my conditionalities. Also, don't linger. We all have work to attend to."
Before you leave, the captain adds: "Utar, be careful out there. The white armor might have been better but, unlike my trust in you, it is now part of my past."
ASSUMING THE GROUP LEAVES HER OFFICE
Yan guides the party down the tower and eventually leads you to Villonah's cell. She rises from a corner with a smile on her face. She looks at Yan and he takes a few steps away from the cell to give you some privacy. She starts the conversation: "You are back! It is good to see friendly faces. What have you learned? Was my superior correct on his hunch about infernal involvement? Did you bring proof? Where's that fuzzy big oaf of a good boy?"
Utar makes sure he is the last to the leave with Yan, taking the opportunity to pick up on Burral’s closing comments, “I’m guessing we need to have a conversation with Moneus then? If he’s joined the Welcomers doubt he’d been keen to meet here. I’ll look to arrange something in the coming days.”
With that he tags along at the end of the group, following Yan to the cells.
Graxx gets a lump in his throat and he quickly looks to Doozey.
"The ol, fuzzy biscuit is just resting right now. The journey took a lot out of him." says
Graxx rubs his head...
"It's all kinda confusing to me Villonah. There are so many moving parts that still don't quite make sense. The Cult of the Dragon seems to be behind most of this madness."
Doozey sighed in relief, and following a curt nod, left without another word or motion beyond a polite gesture for Yan to start down the tower. The whole way down there's a nervous energy about the stoutling. One that culminates with his jumping on the spot from hearing VIllonah's voice, despite having spotted her first. Fortunately, Doozey's quick to recover, and spent the next few moments looking her up and down with a mixture of worry and growing relief upon seeing her no worse for wear.
"It is... as he says, Villie. Uh... There's more to things of course, including Biscuit. But, it can wait a second more." He says, and if given the chance, he reaches through the bars to clasp Villonah's hands. "Are -you- alright?" He asked, sounding sincerly concern despite whatever little assuredness the group had been given about things. Once he had her reply, even if it might just be a chastising for the question, a weak but warm smile briefly blooms into being... before waning from a solemn thought.
"Mn... While not necessarily directly involved in the attacks themselves, the cult did have some tiefling leading the attack." He goes off into a short description of the Wearer of Purple. "But beyond that? The only infernal rumblings... actually came from those we found ourselves protecting -- at -least- prior to our fully discovering the truth of things." From there, he launches into a short explanation of the "Crones", the "Forest Children", and the contract with Tiamet. He keeps it bare bones however, recalling the time constraints that Yan would likely enforce.
"I don't know if its the necessarily the kind of involvement you hope, or if the contract would be proof enough. But.. it's as far as that goes. I... I'm sorry." He ends on, bowing his head. "Not exactly information of a calibur needed I bet."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.