Surprising absolutely noone no doubt, Narz appeared reticent to follow after the Moonlord. But knowing progress couldn't be made without some leap of faith, and half-hopeful his recently awoken fey nature might protect him from shenaninigans that Zack and his own magic might not be better suited in overcoming, the hobgoblin shared one last look at Zack, saying nothing. Narz but gives him an appreciative nod to the magic swordsman for his having had his back thus far despite the sore subject of questionable allegiances, before turning to start heading inside the tower at her direction.

And honestly if worse came to worse, so long as noone were equipped to spy invisible rings, he felt confident in keeping at least mind readers at bay. 'Seems I kinda owe that old tortle another word of thanks and thensome fer the gift... And here's hoping he's fair far better than us so far' Narz thought. "May this conversation be a fruitful one fer sure." He said aloud.

Zack simply nods at the Moonlords comment, aside from saying You can count on me. But yeah, lets take this inside. Wouldn't want our talk to spook a random citizen, who'll then spread it around like wildfire. Zack had been watching the actions of the guards with some slight amusement, as well as the moonlords. They seemed genuine enough. He was mainly trying to gauge if tyhings were going to go south after the whole Zhent thing. Keeping his own mouth shut on his own 'interactions' for good reason.

The Moonlord leads the way, the guards standing aside to allow your entrance. Before heading inside the Captain is given orders to allow your companions into the tower should they show up. A few of the guards and the towers wizard follow along as well, still keeping an eye on Narz but seeming to trust the Moonlords judgement. Davaiana leads you to a sitting room within the towers library. Tall shelves containing what must be hundreds if not thousands of books line the walls and a soft, magically created moonlight illuminates the area. Please gentlemen, have a seat. I apologize for the less than friendly reception, but in times like this one can never be too careful about who they trust. Especially when someone who has dealings with our most hated enemy arrives at the front door. But you can rest assured, your safety is guaranteed within our halls so long as you abide our rules. Unlike the Zhents, we appreciate the value of hospitality for more than simple profit. Now, you seek use of our teleportatoon circles? It is not a widely known fact we have access to such magic. I admit I am curious as to how you learned about them. But perhaps that's not really important. You are seeking ways to deal with the giants yes? I would be curious to hear what exactly you had planned.

Although Narz kept up a calm veneer as the group made their way through the tower, he'd occasionally flex a finger in just that subtle way a wizard wary of trouble. As much as he had his guard upu however, that all change once they finally reached their destination. At which point Narz couldn't help look on enviously at the variety of books housed within the library. "I have died, and... I do not know if I mind." He muttered in his dazed state, before finally snapping back to attention on reality at the Moonlord's request.

Following an awkward and quiet "ahem, certainly", Narz took a seat as directed, but visibly struggled for a few seconds more trying to keep from oogling a few more books. "At the moment, much of the plan has been gathering intel, gaining and confirming alliances, and, uh, procuring a reliable means of being able to responding or acting upon said intel." Narz admitted. "So far, if allotted to make use of these circles even in a limited capacity, that's at least one important worry of the chest. But, while we've managed to learn quite a bit about the various movements of at least some giants, and even a couple of important figures within their varied hierarchy or of note, I... fear we are still short a solid plan of how better to deal with the overall threat." He lowers his gaze at the confession for a moment, then shook his head.

"But that ain't to say what we've found out so far isn't still a great step forward. And it is my hope that with further illumination from Harshnag, eh, er... once we find him, mayhaps we might even better sort out why or perhaps even who stirred them up so fiercely. Failing that, I wager we may be paying a Duke Zalto, a fire giant ruler, ehhh... a visit. Likely at blade point, for one reason or another." He said with a noteable bite to his tone at the end, before going quiet and looking thoughtful for a second or two. "Here. Although ultimately most of this will probably fall on our group to deal with one way or another, I -did- compose a copy dossier on the trip up here about our findings thus far as we, uh, understand things, and hope mayhaps it might even be of use to you and yours. Or failing that, be things you can pass along to other parties that be willing able to help for the good of all in ending this threat." Narz in that moment pulls out a fairly healthy stack of parchment loaded with information, sketches, and a few of his half-formed ideas on ways to approach various aspects of his findings. 

(OOC: It's basically meant to catch up the Moonlord and her people at their leisure on everything the group has discovered, researcher, etc in relation to giants and potential dragon allies. Noteably Narz was careful to exclude information about the Undead town, in so much that there is one to begin with, having instead attributed knowledge learned there via other means.)

She looks over the information briefly, taking in just the amount of information you've gathered so far. My my, you have been busy. It pleases me to see others have found similar information we have these past few months. Theres even information here we didn't know. This will warrant some further investigation if you'll allow me to make copies of these notes. However more pressing, you seek out Harshnag the frost giant? That is most curious. I'm afraid you missed him by some tendays. Hmm, perhaps its time I come clean about who we are exactly. Though I am Moonlord of this tower that is only one of my titles and duties. I am responsible for the towers defense and daily operations, but more importantly, this tower serves as stronghold of our organization. An organization known as the Harpers. Though we usually work in secret, much like the Zhentarim our reputation usually proceeds us, so I hope you would have heard of us. If not, allow to simply state we seek peace and stability along the sword coast. We use spies to keep an eye on various settlements in the region but our agents do most of the hard work in putting a stop to various threats. Putting an stop to the giants is currently our main priority. Harshnag, whom you seek, is also one of our agents

(side note because I keep forgetting to have her mention it and its too late now but just fyi Artys family having their lands destroyed was not a zhent thing. It kinda came off that was but it was not and I meant to have the moonlord mention that like 8 posts ago yet here we are)

Zack find himself quiet once more, as they continued down the hallways. At most, he idly takes in the route there and whatever visuals it may have with passing interest but for now, it was still Narz's show. Mainly, Zack didn't want to risk upsetting what was going on overmuch. Zack hadn't known about the teleportation circles anyway, atleast not until Narz had told him and so he didn't have much to add initially either. He understood what 'teleportation' was but couldn't do so himself, nor could he speak to these circles. Unlike Narz, to Zack, the books were just that - books. He read from time to time but not much. He wasn't a musclehead like most warriors, but  most books contained little of interest to the man outside of tales of heroes and their journeys. 

By this point, Zack had assumed his usual casual demeanor, fingers lacing behind his head hammock-fashion as he looked to the roof, listening to the exchange, his attention piquing at the harpers as he looks the moonlord over for a moment. Once she's finally done speaking, he grunts and finally chimes in again.

Seems to me like we're all on the same side then. My own mission isn't that different from yours, or his. We're all pursuing the same end-goal, just going about it in slightly different ways. Myself and my step-sister came done here looking for a powerful druid for an ally, who was looking for the same frost giant. (I believe thats what she said, if not, just retcon to were after the same targets) I'm out forming diplomatic ties, and trying to gain more sources, just like Narz. 

Though that is sort of what I was doing before, with my then-girlfriend and our group before we met Narz here. In the end, seems we're trying to make it so we can find where these giants are, and strike hard, rather than wandering aimlessly and hoping to find one while on a midnight stroll. It'll help us focus our efforts and be more effective since we can move a bit faster and freely than someone like you, with all due respect Daviana. 

But thats what Adventurers are for! To do what others cannot. Sure I may be the MaA for Daggerford but I'll always have the adventurers spirit in me. Hell, if I wasn't already in possession of a title and duty, I'd offer my services to you by joining the Harpers. From what little I've heard they're closer to my alley than most of the other independent factions out there. 

So as my friend here said, we'd love to be able to use your circles to help us help you and everyone as a whole. Even if you limit our capacity, even a little helps. And if by chance you know what direction my druid, or your giant was going.....

Although Narz appeared to relax more into the back of his seat, he still listened closely, and for a while well after the Moonlord finished her piece, brushed his beard and looked thoughtful. "While I yet hesitate to count myself as an adventurer as eagerly as my compatriot here has somewhat attached himself to, there's little denying at this point in it being an apt title for our band." He "hmphs" and grins in mild amusement.

"Regardless, feel free to keep those notes of mines, Moonlord. For like I've said, they were but copies of my original iterations with a few updates here or there." He freely offers before waving a hand offhandedly to the side in dismissal of the whole matter. "As for you and yours being Harpers, I can't say I'm too surprised given your vitriol for the Zhents... But that too is neither or there. What are, are the things my compatriot here has hinted at in regards to his and the druids heading at least. And if say the heading may coincide with the odd job or resource you might need tapped along the wae that you've, uh, otherwise been unable to tap of late, mayhaps then we can be of assistance while at it.... so long as it's not in direct content with the Zhents given my, eh... relatively neutral standing."

(To Urben: Thanks for the clarification about that whole incident.)

The Moonlord nods and says I think I can help you find both your druid and Harshnag. We've had a druid at the tower a tenday ago. I assume this is likely to be the same druid you seek as not many come into the city, and as you said he sought information on Harshnag. I'll tell you the same thing I told him. Last I knew Harshnag had been heading to Ten Towns in Icewind Dale, specifically to their largest settlement, Bryn Shander. Word had it that his kin were causing some trouble up there so he went to try and act as a mediator of sorts though I've not heard from him since. Lukcily for you, one of our circles connects to the town. I could send you right away should you so wish though I would suggest you prepare for the frigid environment. Icewind Dale is dangerous enough without Frost Giants.

Its around now that Claire and Natasha arrive to the tower and are led into the library where they are caught up on the conversation thus far.

Narz gives a soft grunt in agreement. "Then the sooner we head out the better. But as you say, we'll need time to do a bit of, uh, shopping around town first for the extra supplies." He further cements. "'specially on the off chance our little rendevous winds up leading to us needing to do a bit of extra hiking beyond the town. We'll just need to inform-..." Narz pauses there as Claire and Natasha's arrival is announced, and then once everyone is brought up to speed, he appears to study Claire for an odd moment, before turning to Natasha and saying, "With all that said, I take it yer coming with us? 'cause unless I'm mistaken and the druid decided to head elsewhere, our druid is up north with 'ol Harshnag too."

After receiving answer, he looks to the Moonlord again, "'fore we go, is there anything else we aughta know 'bout Bryn Shander? I know a little something 'bout the more northern settlements, but not enough that it wouldn't help to learn as much as I can 'fore we wind up there."

By this point, Zack had already gotten up, and started preparing to leave, though he stood there as he waited for the conversation to die down and the answers to the last little bit to be given. Clearly, he wasn't looking forward to going to the cold region, but what could be done? Soon Claire and Natasha joined them and everything is explained, thus catching everyone up. And as he eyes the room he states the most obvious thing:

So, it is pretty late. Are the shops and carts and merchants of this city still up and about? if so we can grab what we need now and head out at sunrise. If not.. well... we should head to bed, get up and grab our stuff then, then head out. Assuming that's not asking too much since I know not everyone is used to the soldier routine.. But I figure the sooner we're there, the quicker we'll catch up to them. Hells, if we didn't need the prep I'd say to head out tonight! 

The Moonlord nods to Zack Oh yes I imagine most of the shops are still open. You've some time still before the close for the night. As for your request Narz, I'm afraid I don't know ow much but I'll share what I do. I've not had the uh, pleasure, of visiting Bryn Shander but I know its the largest settlement of a group of towns collectively known as Ten Towns. The area is, as the name Icewind Dale implies, a desolate tundra. There is little to be found outside of Ten Towns beyond to local barbarian tribes and a settle of dwarves in the nearby mountains. The land is deadly to those unprepared and the people who live there are hearty folk, but by most accounts kind folk who survive the harsh environment by relying on one another. Each of the towns has a representative, speaker Duvessa Shane is the speaker for Bryn Shander currently. Our reports indicate one Markham Southwest has been appointed town Sheriff. I would seek one or the other upon arriving. I would imaging if Harshnag has been there or even been sighted they would have been made aware. 

Zack nods quickly, though clearly his mindset had changed from the formal to the duty sided aspect of things, as he seemed eager to catch the shops before they closed so they could get what they needed, to leave as early as possible the next morning. Well Daviona(sp?) I thank you for your time, and the information. I'm especially glad this all ended peacefully and with us all coming to an understanding! I'll be sure to let my township know of your assistance and I can say with atleast some confidence that Daggerford will likely repay it in some way once this is all over with. Considering everything - I hope you can excuse us so we can get our needs done with tonight, and we can leave early tomorrow. The sooner the better in my opinion - THough I'm sure everyone could use a goodnights rest so I'll spare the whip cracking for the morning! he says with a smirk, giving her a one-eye wink accompanied by a confident smile, and a thumbs-up.

(Obviously Everyone will be looking for cold weather clothing (Except Zack himself!) Zack would fill up on some rations to get himself to 15, a bedroll, a single set of Crampons, 10 flasks of oil, 20 Piton's, 100ft of regular rope, and 4 potions of healing.)

Narz nodded where and when it appeared most appropriate, but otherwise, for once, actually lives up to his moniker and remained quiet for the rest of the meeting. Excluding of course any moments stirred up by others that made it necessary for him to add more of his two cents in one shape or form. As he'd accomplished everything he'd hoped for and a little more to boot.

So, short of any other last minute points to cover, surprises, or more, then it is when the time came to bid the Moonlord adieu (following reconfirming an agreement on time and whereabouts of the circle for the morrow's transport), Narz partially bowed at the waist in thanks for the meeting, before readily setting off with others for the supply run in town. During which, he is more cautious, and makes a point of being in the company of one or both of his more human compatriots, if but to limit any tensions. But after all is said and done, and the party is eventually able to retire in some Inn (with Narz still making most of his usual wards and other preparations), any lingering issues or news to cover with the group is plum forgotten, and left to future Narz to maybe cover, if not prompted that evening.

Also to expedite what he later seeks for purchasing in town:

(I assume Claire also purchases the necessary cold weather gear if she needs it. You can remove any necessary gold and add the items you want later. Natasha also purchases a heavy fur cloak and several extra layers of clothes, snow shoes and crampons.)

You all return to the tower the following morning and are led to the teleportation circle room. Well Goodluck on your search. This should put you right in the center of the town. From there I'm sure you'll figure it out. The moonlord conducts the necessary rites before there's a flash of light and you suddenly find yourself in another room with a similar circle, albeit faded, carved into the stone floor. The room you're in appears to be a storeroom of some kind as there are several barrels and crates stacked upon one another and little light. Outside you head the bustle of footsteps and shouts from merchants peddling their wares.

(Stuff added, gold removed. I no longer posses 1000+ gp ; ; )

Zack, ever bold once the teleportation finishes, takes only long enough to get his bearings, and find the 'door' before pressing forward towards it. If there was an actual door, he'd open it swiftly and make his way out, otherwise simply walking through the threshold, basking in the brisk air of the cold north, wearing little more than his normal armor and attire. However since there, he looked for the nearest person, especially if they were a peddler of some kind, sticking out his hand in offer of handshake, his bright, generally handsome smile accompanying it.

Hey there! Names Zack Fair! Just arrived in town, and I have no clue where anything is. But I'm here on very important business... Trying to get ahold of either Duvessa Shane, or the town sherrif. Either one works. I'll throw a few gold your way too!

The door leads you to a small alley just off a main road, which directly connects to what appears to be the town marketplace. The marketplace is a roughly circular space in the center of town where local and foreign traders sell their wares. Tents and covered wagons provide some shelter against the cold wind, but not much. In a few places, campfires with people huddled around them crackle and smoke.

One heavily bundled figure sits on the side of the road looking at you as you exit the storeroom. Shes a haggard, homeless young woman wearing boots far too large for her and thick walrus hide gloves. She bundles by a fire and watches your group with interest. As you pass she calls Alms for the poor? 

Narz, ever the more reserved individual, had initially tried to take a few seconds after getting his bearings to try and listen to the hustle and bustle outside. Namely, or so he told himself, to see if any passing mentions of giant or giant-kin in the area might still be circulating throughout town. But with Zack choosing to take matters into his own hands, well... he hadn't disliked it to be honest, and just quietly stepped out after gesturing for Claire and the young half-elf(whose name escaped both Naz & his player at the moment) to proceed ahead of him.

He needed the moment to anyhow to don his more wintry clothing, if only to better blend in once he stepped into view. Not that would've stopped any from looking at least wary if not alarmed at the hobgoblin in their midst. But seeing as acting as if he'd belonged worked so well back in Everlund, why not a repeat performance? Yet even as his goal was the one thing, he'd find himself regarding the homeless young woman with interest. ".... Hmm... For one that watches over the musician's path, I don't see why not." He says, eyeing her closely for an reaction, before looking to Claire and Zack for any signs of them paying the "toll".

(OOC: I presume mounts had to be left behind, so Narz would've paid to have'm put for at least 10 Days in the stables. And if need be would've also hired a hireling to tend to him. Preferably someone that knows the goblin tongue, so that they could act as a translator/speak with Vigo as needed. With all that in mind, he'd drop another 100gp bare minimum to get that all sorted)

(Good point about the mounts and yes they would be left behind until your return.) She gives Narz a knowing look in return and says M'M'sicians? Oh my but you've no instruments! Rendarils Emporium is where you want to go for such things. Many goods go through him. She points towards a shop whose entrance faces the square. A large wooden building with a storefront that allows passersby to view goods from outside and with several carts parked along side it. Sure to have what you need. If you're looking to play for the speaker, you can find her home just in a ways from here. Nicest home in town though still modest, Ms. Shane isn't one for much finery. If she's not there the town halls that way, she's probably there with our Sheriff or one of his deputies. Respectable lot that bunch. Of course you'll probably be looking for a crowd. Marketplace is too cold. Kelvins Comfort is the inn you want. Just around the bend here, most popular inn in town with strong drinks to keep ya warm. They'll sing your praises from here to Everlund if yer song is good enough.

Zack cocks his head a bit as he crosses his arms, looking at the woman just a little side-eyed. He'd just told her he'd give her some gold if she had the information he wanted only for her to respond with alms for the poor... but as Narz's statement seemed to dredge the answer out of her he smiled nonetheless... in the end it didn't matter so long as they had a guiding star... or in this case, direction to head. His eyes following where she points, and mentally marking them down. Once she finishes, he does think back on what she said, and how she acted, trying to see if her intentions were good or bad. Or if she was in some way false. (Insight: 21 )And if she happened to have good intentions behind her words, he'd give her fifteen gold, if she seemed ill intended or otherwise deceitful or 'hiding something' she'd get three gold. If she was neutral or he couldn't tell, he'd give her seven gold.

Regardless of the outcome there, he'd say Thanks for the information! Hopefully what we do here will be able to help everyone, including you, in the future! Don't spend it all in one place, and if you know anyone worse off than you, share the wealth! he said his gaze ended towards the town hall. If she or the sherrif were anywhere of those places listed, the town hall had the highest odds!

(She spoke to you before you spoke to her just fyi. Will respond later)