Ordrag isn't the kind of orc that goes for shields, but the artifact seems powerful enough.

Adray's hope increases slightly and then he frowns.  "This sounds great and all but isn't this a little too convenient?  I mean, well I guess I don't know.  I don't trust it I guess, is all I'm saying.  Maybe we take it to the temple with Thavius and have them give it the once over too.  I mean if it is celestial wouldn't the higher clerics be able to confirm it?" says Adray.

"What about them fancy folk in the cells? They're closer. The fella who doodled our map seemed teh know lots. Can let 'em know it's safe teh leave now too."

"I..trust it," Choir paraphrases back at him, but without argument. "We take it to the temple, to confirm it." She has confidence that the Huddle Lord will be found to be genuine.  As long as the Torm clerics aren't Knights of the Shield.

"That's a good idea Fran.  But if I recall they weren't leaving until they get that item and we'll have to go find the last brother for that.  Regardless we can get their opinion on this Hidden Lord shield."

Haha looks like huddle lord is sticking 😂 

“I’m with Adrey. It seems almost too easy. If something is too good to be true it often is. Anyway, it is a really powerful artifact so I think maybe we should use it for now.”

From bits and pieces of history, religion and Arcane knowledge Polly possessed, she remembered that The Knights of the Shield were a group of information dealers and political manipulators. And indeed there was some Duke joining them at some point, that was bearing the shield that he claimed to be the mystical artifact, given to him as a divine gift that heralded the group's ascension as a force to be reckoned with across the Realms. And indeed the "Knights" participated in many wars. But all of this is quite ancient history - centuries old. They did not operate openly for a very long time.

Before the group finished it's rest, the shield spoke again: "I see Thurstwell sent a messenger. Show yourself, fiend!" And indeed, under the ceiling appeared an imp. He did not attack, and was just hoovering there, flapping his wings with the very familiar sound. "My master wish to talk to you. He does not want to fight."

(The shield obviously needs attunement to work)

((If Ordrag doesn't want it, looks like it's between Fran and Choir who will wield the shield.)

Ooc, can someone attune strap it to their back and only gain the ac bonus when being attack from behind?

"Attuning to an item requires a creature to spend a short rest focused on only that item while being in physical contact with it" Walking around with an item strapped to your back does not really count as a short rest, does it? And "attack from behind" can include a head-shot or lag cuts - this is not a tower shield, not to mention, I say turning yourself into a turtle with the shield strapped to your back would means disadvantage on attack rolls for loss of agility. 

occ, that was me being silly and really a serious question but now I know turtling is an option.

Unrelated - totally forgot one more magical quality of the shield: resistance to fire damage.

Polly share what she knows about the The Knights of the Shield

(OOC: Ordrag's build is heavily invested in two-weapon fighting, hence no desire for a shield)

Ordrag hears the imp and responds: If your master is gonna cooperate, then no need for fighting, eh? But if he's not gonna cooperate, then ... and Ordrag slaps the flat of his scimitar against his leg.

Creature looked straight into Ordrag's eyes: "These are the words of my master: you freed me from my mother and brother. Take what you want and leave. I can defend myself and you are trapped in the dungeon, but I am grateful and do not wish to fight. The cult is no more and I am willing to talk to your Captain, all I want is to live in peace."

Ordrag agrees to go talk to the third and final brother

Adray's hand had gone to his dagger preparing to throw it at the devil before it began to speak.  After the proposition, Adray slowly looked at all of his companions.  "That, is an offer," he calls out before relaxing slightly.  "I think there is room for further negotiation.  Can we meet to discuss? Say a neutral location or hell even with him on the other side of a door or such."

Imp went silent for a while staring blankly in nowhere. "One can come and talk." finally said he, "or all can come to the door. Choose."

"Door," Choir suggests.  With the devils at their command, she does not like the thought of sending someone in alone to maybe be charmed or have other horrible things done to them  Better to keep some distance and have support from friends.

Nodding, "alright let's head to the door."  Turning to the captives he says, "No funny business now.  Fran grab the hazard pay, Chior, the shield.