Torsus: Mrs. Melborn considers for a moment, as if trying to determine what spell requires such a specific component. Seemingly unable to come to a conclusion she shurgs as if it did not matter. That is a much more difficult request then unfortunately. A talented jewelry could probably hollow it out to allow for the liquid to be placed, but you'll need magic to restore the gem and keep the liquid in place. Now I'm certainly a talented jeweler but I'm no mage. My late husband knew a spell that could mend objects. It worked best on small things but it would be perfect for this task. Do you know such a spell or perhaps know someone who does? She waits long enough for you to think on it and give her a reply before finally adding. Well, if not I can always sell you the gem now if you'd like. I would recommend heading to Waterdeep for the rest as you'll find skilled jewlers and mages in droves there. As for that training I mentioned, I would offer it to you for free, as a bit of professional courtesy in my husband's memory. Besides, you're already paying more than the gems worth. You may consider that the payment if you wish.

The Inn group:  Aeyd pauses and stares at Rollo, a half chewed bit of bacon still in her mouth. She looks back to Claire trying to see her reaction and make sure she heard correctly herself. With a cough she spits the bacon back to its plate and turns back to Rollo. What in the hells is that supposed to mean? What did you get into last night?

Torsus would nod that atleast getting the gem itself would put him atleast one step closer to his goal, and it was likely that someone in his party, even the seemingly clue-less Claire who seemed to not be aware he existed unless pointed out specifically... may have such a thing, though Torsus felt that Narz was the most likely to have the spell he needed. Regardless, after a moment, he realized he had allowed himself to sink into internal thought during an ongoing conversation, coughing in embarrassment, and shaking his head to loose the cobwebs. Ahem.. Apologies, but yes, that sounds like a solid plan. A step forward is better than none at all, afterall. And I'm sure, whether through mundane or magical means, I will find a solution to my problem. Since this is the largest hurdle (in my opinion) so, I shall leave you with the payment I offered since you seem to have accepted it. And I shall go to inform my compatriots that I shall be... delayed. Then I shall return so we can begin, whenever you are prepared. 

he then stands, and bows. THough he doesn't leave immediately, allowing the woman a chance to reply out of common courtesy.

When able, he would then leave, and head back to the inn where the others are to inform them of his plans, not knowing trouble was brewing.

(To All: Sorry for the delayed post. Was not confident until recently when Narz could rejoin)

As the pieces begun to fall into place, Narz bowed his head with a sigh before pinching the bridge of his nose. But he could not dawdle for much longer. So, following a final check of his supplies for anything useful, he gave Spaz mental orders to stay in range of their connection and find a spot to hide in the main room that might allow him to keep an eye out. Although he very much doubted the monster that turned Rollo would be so bold as to be anywhere nearby, it was best to play things safe. 

'Fool I was to kick garlic from my diet' He thought as stepped outside, Spaz a few steps behind him, padding along the ground as to better avoid notice. Once the pair made their way to the front, the Tressym breaks away to act as instructed. Meanwhile, Narz tugs up his collar a tad, before approaching the group with a stern look on his face. "I hope your conversation has been fruitful in my absence. But we need to step outside. Mn, kind of right now. As there is matter that we need to address, but cannot inside here."  He said, addressing the group while avoid looking at Rollo directly at the moment.

Once everyone agreed to as much, he intended to lead them around to stand just outside the stables. If he sees Torsus on the way out, he is sure to wave the Tortle on over to follow. 

Rollo pauses as Narz appears and waits to say anything until he sees with the hobgoblin has in mind.

Torsus: You leave the payment and the elderly woman nods to her servant who leaves the room only to return shortly after with a fairly decent sized ruby. Your gem dear. Do return later if you're serious about learning a bit more about them. Taking your leave you head back to the inn to find Narz heading outside with the others. He beckons you to follow him behind the stables where the rest ofnthe party have now gathered. (You may add a ruby to your inventory and edit the value to be 300 gold. Narz may continue with his confrontation)

(To Urben: Forgot to roll stealth for Spaz as well, in case it matter. Here it is now: 11)

(Forgot to ask if it is overcast or not. But, I assume it inconveniently is atm)

Provided everyone followed as planned, Narz has them hold off for a moment while he had Vigo released from the stable and standing at his side. Only then would he drop all pretenses and stare flatly at Rollo. "You are supposed to dead, eh?" He states frankly. "Yes, I am aware. It took some time, but I eventually had it relayed to me that you came under attack by a vampire. Or, the "Wormford Bat", as the locals call it. Clearly they thought you might be useful to some extent. And I would have you speak plainly on what they use is. And if you can't, well... give us one good reason why we shouldn't see to your destruction, Rollo. Because while some matters can be managed--" He glances pointedly at Torsus, then back at Rollo. "Having a Vampire Spawn as an ally is a bit much to ask now, wouldn't you say, eh? And according to my understanding on the subjects, the sorta magic that can reverse this would be well beyond anything we can reach any time soon.... /if/ its even possible."

Rollo stands with his hands by his side. "All of this is true, as I just told the others, in as much of a way as I could, so thank you. I will tell you I've been directed not to tell you anything more than what I have, unfortunately. And I would ask that you don't fight me because I've been ordered to fight you back and I'm afraid that I'm even harder to kill than before, and I would hate to kill you all."

Claire steps between Narz and Rollo with a stern look on her face. "I'm not exactly sure what's going on... but no matter what happened to Rollo, we're not seeing to his destruction.  Why would you even say that?"  Claire seems more confused and surprised than angry or hostile, uncertainty plain in her expression; she thinks highly of Narz's intelligence and tends to look to him for direction or information.  Despite that, her interposition remains unwavering.

Torsus reluctantly followed the canadian orkin, wanting to inform them of his business and be about it, as .. the sooner he started, the sooner he was done. However his mood changed as Narz went into detail about the situation. Part of him, mentally chiding the barbie for having gone out on his own, part of him amused, and part of him pitying the man, considering his own situation. However when Narz's eyes fall on him after making a certain implication, his own eyes grew stern, as he stared back at the hob. He held off for now though, to address the more immediate matter.

I.. empathize with your situation more than you know if this is true. However .. if you have been told to attack us if we attack you, how are we to be sure that you haven't also been instructed to attack us when we sleep? Whether to end us, or add us to his harem of puppets? My knowledge of this is somewhat limited but everyone knows the most minor rumors about such things. And though you could argue that you were not, we would be unable to know if you were also commanded to be false with us in your reply. And such leads us to our current conundrum.

However Killing us all is a feat I doubt you could accomplish. As much as I respect your strength, you are outnumbered, and there are multiple casters among our ranks. You would be tossed like a straw doll if it came to that. Despite his words, Torsus wasn't making threats, though it was also clear that Torsus wouldn't hesitate to fight if it came to it.

His mind then expanding to Claire's and speaking solely to her. Dear child... What is going on was already explained. It seems Rollo is already dead. And has been turned into an undead servant. Though he retains his personality, he is, without question.. if what he says is true, a vampires thrall. Whether a Vampire himself... or simply an intelligent undead, I do not know.

Once his thought-speech finished, taking only a second considering... he then addressed Narz Comment.... Narz. I am goign to have to ask you to explain exactly what you mean when you call me a 'matter' and how exactly I require 'managing.'

Rollo shrugs. "Then do it. If you are paranoid about it, make your attempt. Just know that magic only goes so far and apparently I now heal on top of the amount of damage that my body could already take. So, make your attempt, but know that without sunlight, running water, or luck, you will be as dead as I am now and I will have to find a new group of friends, because I'm not bringing you all back."

(I'm never going on vacation again guys lmfao what HAPPENED)

Aeyd had fallen silent when the group had decided to discuss matters further in private. The monk needed time to process the news, to process the information Narz had provided them, and to figure out where she stands on the matter. Though, she is soon ripped away from her thoughts when Rollo speaks, her brows furrowing. "We are not killing him." Aeyd states firmly. "Or 'seeing to his destruction'. I cannot fathom why any of you," Her eyes flicker to Narz and Torsus. "Would even consider..." She trails off, shaking her head. "I understand the paranoia, but I think there are better ways we can handle this than immediately going to the extreme."

"If I fight back I still do not believe you could without Claire, but even still. Know that if I was not ordered to resist then I would let you, beg you even. This is no life that deserves to be lived. I'd rather be dead and cold in the ground, never to see Valhalla, than exist like this."

Apart from a raised brow at Torsus after hearing him actually agree to Narz' point after a fashion, Narz remained visibly unmoved by the others reaction. He noticeable doesn't fold his hands behind his back as per the usual, clearly taking the volatile situation serious enough to warrant being more ready to sling a spell at a moment's notice. Sensing the tension, Vigo lowered his posture a tad as if ready to pounce into action at a moment's notice. The Worg might have even growled a bit at any anger picked up in tone from the others, but that is likely lost in conversation.

In any event, after politely staying silent and letting everyone speak their piece(some people more than others), Narz sighed, looks to the skies considering the weather a moment, and then back down to Torsus. "One thing at a time. But if you insist to hash that out now while a far more pressing matter is at hand, I will be sure to help clear the air there in detail sooner than later, then so be it. For now, know that I have not forgotten what happened after you decided to pick me up against my will the night of the battle, and the one -- the 'thing' -- that spoke through you. Pretend if you want. Or, if you genuinely don't remember then... will have more to discuss later."

He then looked to the rest. "I believe you've been told twice now the issue, and why the need for such extremes. Vampirism isn't a matter that can just be brush aside, or hope to manage. While I have no qualms working with undead to some degree, working with a puppet -- one with a... 'personal' connection that could be exploited is a high risk variable. Even if we were to 'remove' the controller -- a task far easier said than done even compared to the destruction of a particularly tough spawn, it will not free Rollo beyond granting him a choice:--" He said, and with next point he'd hold his hands. "Whether to continue out his existence, only to inevitably be absorbed by the hunger for blood, or darker impulses. Or... die." Narz explained, then looked to Rollo.

"A choice he's clearly made up his mind in regards, eh?" He added, the faintest hint of a smile in his voice, before his attention turned to the others. "There's always the choice of heading to Waterdeep of course with our 'friend' in vain hope of finding another solution. In which case, he will be -your- responsibility." He looks pointedly at Claire and Aeyd. "Or, we can attempt to remove his shackle. However, seeing as he's been given the 'autonomy' that he has so far, I very much doubt the one that turned him wouldn't be prepared." He added frankly. "But... the choice I leave to you all. Including you of course, Rollo. Though, you'll have to forgive me if your choice is taken with an ongoing degree of speculation."

"I will say, if you intend to attack that thing I cannot help you. In fact, I will spend as long as I can running as far away in the other direction as I can go. That way, if I am called back I won't be anywhere close enough to help for a long time." 

"Can we do that then?" Aeyd questions, hopeful. "Have Rollo run off while we take care of his, erm, master? Then we can try to find a way to... reverse the curse? Unless he would want us to..." She trails off, her lips thinning into a frown. "... It would be better to at least try."

Torsus shrugs irreverently not particularly caring either way. He in some indirect way knew what Rollo was going through, it's why he had gotten.... He shook his head, removing that thought from his head.. for now atleast. Or simply use some fire... or tear off your cloak in the middle of the day.. which it is now. I am quite curious if I made an illusion of the sun where its light would touch your skin if it would have any effect...  he said, grabbing his chin in thought, seemingly unconcerned if Rollo would attack him or not since Rollo didn't possess the DM's dice.

Before allowing it to expound any further, he says in response to Narz's other implicating comment... Nothing could have spoken through me, unless you are trying to claim I was not myself. Though there is a blank in my memory... I believe it to be due to my age. Perhaps you will enlighten me. All I remember is picking you up and dropping you off as you requested. he said, seemingly entirely certain that those were the true events. Though truly, I don't understand why you didn't wish to accept hat we could both deal damage from afar and my way was the fastest way to achieve it. Anyways that is another topic that is irrelevant to the conversation at hand. he says, idly fiddling with his pack, where he had stowed the gem.

Listening to Rollo's response as well as Aeyds responses then... I am not so sure that would work. The master may be able to listen to the servants thoughts, or perhaps even conversations around and would be alerted to our plan. Most likely... that is. I am just taking a precautious guess. Though it isn't entirely without consideration. Though I must needs ram this into the conversation before its timing is lost... I plan to stay a few days in the city to learn a new skill that is indirectly helpful for my spellcasting to some degree.

But if we are to do this I will stay with you all until we are done. Though I feel we should inform the tavernmaster, and have him let others know so as to reduce collateral damage, and hopefully maintain the goodwill of the town if the fight should lead into it. And now would be the best time, since it is day, and should he be of the town, then he will have nowhere to run, since the sun is already up and out. And the more we delay, the greater his odds become. Sometimes the hand of fate, must be forced.  Torsus says, not knowing that the vampire was already in town. So master Rollo, if you intend to flee, you should do it now. you should also lose your weapon along the way if only to stall yourself longer.

Apart from a bushy brow raised and some insight rolled(Insight: 8), the hobgoblin was content to at least appear accepting of Torsus' reply before focusing more on the main topic at hand.

Narz regards Rollo with a 'Well obviously' sort of look in response to the initial statement, but would nod to the rest. In response to Aeyd and Claire -- doubtlessly spouting or showing a similar hopefulness in the situation -- the hobgoblin grimaces, and may even look a touch disappointed in the pair. However, the hobgoblin would remain true to his words; and thus, he would let apart of his mind wander in the direction of steps and tactics would be necessary for their to be any hope of victory.

But as if to add another layer of problems to the growing headache that was just... everything, Torsus' wanting to stay anyhow for some training had Narz rubbing at his temple and softly sighing. "Before he is to go, and any other presumptions made, I will need him or a few moments. Though out of respect for Torsus fair point about being listened on, I will not give exacting details. All I will say, Rollo, is that I will soon need you to close your eyes and think of the monster. What I intend will not cause you harm, so.. it should work." He expressed, and once Rollo did as requested, Narz takes out a copper piece and use it as a focus for peering into the mind of Rollo.

(Casting Detect Thoughts)

(To Urben: The goal being is to learn what the Vampire looks like, where did Rollo see it last/was taken, and commands given by the Vampire to Rollo. Because these three are technically separate things, they'll take separate actions probably.)

Rollo thinks hard, working around what Narz sees as solid walls in his mind, places he's not allowed to go. 

Narz never gets a look at what the vampire looks like but you see Rollo's walk this morning, up the stairs to the attic of the inn you all just stayed in. 

Narz is also unable to hear the commands but Rollo imagines himself writing them down on a piece of paper, allowing him to see them. 

     1. Cannot bring harm to the vampire.

     2. Cannot harm self.

     3. Leave town by tonight.

After this Narz just hears Rollo's voice in his head. "And that's it. Also him hearing through me is ridiculous. I'm a vampire spawn, not a familiar like Spaz. Did you all not read?"

"They are like, pretty legendary creatures in there on right, being undead creatures and all that. And while there is plenty of tales and documents and so forth about their abilities and weaknesses out there, people like to get creative about such things. Exaggerating some things, and failing to mention others. So, you'll have to forgive us for not being too arrogant about a situation in which all of our -lives- are at stake... like you were, when you departed last night." Narz replied calmly, but would level a stern look at Rollo.

Thenen, Narz looked to the others, start to speak, but then looks around for a moment just to make sure there hadn't been no other prying eyes about to worry about. (Perception: 19.) Once satisfied, he would relay to the others what he picked up Rollo's mind. 

"I did tell you all that places like this make me uncomfortable and that I would prefer not to be in them. I offered another way. It was decided that this was the way." Rollo replies in a calm tone that his annoyed demeanor does not back up.