"Indeed," Lord Teratt replies. "The wheel tattoo confirms it's the same man, or part of the same group at least. Either way, it is a thread I can pull, if I... Well, perhaps justice for this man will be enough. Perhaps." He's lost in thought for a moment, turning away and muttering something under his breath.

The interview concludes soon after; Lord Teratt asks for you to remain in the city for a few days, or to return shortly so that he can reward you after confirming your story. He is grateful, but seemingly eager to be alone with his thoughts.

(If there were any questions you wanted to ask him, you can do so.)

You find yourselves out in the street. The task is done, and the reward - 3,400 gold if he is convinced the man you captured is his son's murderer - should be with you in a few days.

What would you like to do?

Alton looks at his companions, "Time for those drinks and hot meal, I think."

Rhane:

”Agreed,” says Rhane, relieved that he was able to help with his rescuers’ mission.  At the mention of the reward, he starts trying to figure out what he might do with that much money…

Balassar smiles as he looks at his companion “Then to the smithy it is.” He says leading his friends to his family home and smithy.

So, as the afternoon turns to evening, you find yourselves in the comfortable and welcoming home of Tarhun Silverstone, master smith and Balassar's father. It's not been too long since Alton and Balassar were last here, and the family is happy to greet their three new friends. You eat with Tarhun and with Balassar's sister Surina.

"How was your last adventure, then?" Surina asks, to the whole group. "Get up to any interesting mischief?"

Rhane:

As typically is his way, Rhane initially keeps his mouth shut.  His powers of observation usually serve him much better than those of idle conversation.  Still, he listens and learns, alert to any possible warning signs.

(Insight 1d20ad+6 if needed)

Balassar just smiles as he reunites with his family giving them hugs and as they sit down for dinner he just enjoys the moment. As Surina asks her question he chuckles “Took out a bandits den. Leader was a maniac with a weird tattoo. That’s it.”

Rhane, there's no danger here - this is a safe place and a warm and welcoming family home.

Balassar, Surina snorts with laughter in your direction. "Chatty as ever." She looks at Alton and Rhane. "That really it?"

Rhane:

”My apologies,” says Rhane, feeling more comfortable now that he has listened and watched for a bit.  “I am used to surviving in the wilds and not polite conversation.  Thank you for your hospitality.”

Somewhat awkwardly answering the original question, he adds, “I spent the last month imprisoned by bandits and forced to heal them when the innocents they preyed on tried to defend themselves.  Thanks to Balassar and Alton, I am free and in your debt.”

"Imprisoned?" Surina repeats, eyes widening. "You poor thing. And you've just... well, I'm glad Balassar was useful and managed to free you. You and your friends were all captives?"

Swin replies briefly to explain that this was not the case.

"I see. Well, in any case, you are welcome to stay here and rest, as long as you like. Any friend of my brother's is a friend of the family." Balassar's father, an impressive elder dragonborn, nods firmly in agreement, his mouth full of excellent stew.

Alton nods, "Thank you all again for the great hospitality, and in a quick summed up way, yes." He closes one eye and gives Surina a cheeky smirk, "I can tell you the finer details later. Some I'm sure would embarrass good ol' Balassar here." 

Balassar just looks at his friend with a smirk “Gonna include all the explosive details right for her right.” He just smiles more as he eats the stew and looks at the group “Was gonna sharpen my weapon and patch up armor tomorrow. Do any of you all need work done? Can’t promise it’ll be as good as my dads work, but it’s free.” He asks

Rhane:

Rhane says, "I haven't used armor in awhile and I find I move better without it.  I could use a resupply of arrows, though--that would nice.  I don't suppose you have any special bows or archery-related items?  When we get paid, I might just be able to afford something special."

"Nothing magic or enchanted or anything like that," Tarhun replies. "Silver arrowheads I can do, if you can provide the silver. We don't sell regular arrows here, but I have a fletcher who's a regular customer; if you let me know how many you want, I can ask her to send them over."

Swin and Darren mention they would quite like to rest for a few days and recover from their anxious search for Rhane, and would be happy to contribute to the family's expenses. Tarhun insists they stay as honoured guest and will accept no payment.

The evening ends, you are given rooms - which you must share, as this is not some great manor - but you are comfortable, and feel a desire to spend some time resting in the city of Zadash.

So, the downtime begins.

Alton
You are going to do some research into your grandfather's journal, as well as some of the documents you found in the mage's tower, which seem connected. This isn't your city - you don't know it, and you are not sure where to go. You will spend the first four days finding out about people and organisations in the city who might be able to assist in that research. You ask around, talking to guards, shopkeepers, people you meet in taverns. Roll me an Investigation check to see how well you do. Swin will help, giving you advantage if you choose to accept.

Also, you said you are contacting some people via Sending. Who are you contacting, and what are you saying?

Rhane
You are spending your time crafting silvered arrows, or rather, helping Tarhun and his staff as they do so. War is a busy time for a blacksmith - the smithy is hot, noisy, full of work from dawn to dusk and beyond. On the second day yet another large order comes from the Crown, which threatens to slow progress, except that Darren is interested in joining, taking on some basic tasks so that one of the junior smiths can help. You craft 1d4+1 silvered arrows.

(Please roll in the game log if you can, otherwise on Discord on Avrae, but not here on the forum.)

Balassar
You spend the time with your family. Working at the forge earns you a little coin, so roll 1d4+1 gold pieces for your time. Your family have not heard from Donaar, not for a very long time - and it's not so long since you were home, so little time has actually passed. Your sister is worried; she tries not to show it. She spends most of her evenings away from the family, with her partner - it's clear they are serious.

Four Days:
After four days have passed, you are invited back to the manor of Lord Teratt. His representatives have confirmed your story, and the prisoner has being transferred to Zadash now for interrogation. You are given your reward of 3,400 gold pieces; it's up to you how you want to divide it.

Alton, would you ask Lord Teratt at this point about your research project?

I'll take that advantage on investigation: 20 

Alton will send the first sending to his mom: "We made it to Zadash and made some new friends. Hopefully, they'll stick around for a while. Silent left, but he'll be fine, I'm sure."
The second sending will be to his sister. "You'll never guess where I'm at. Zadash! I bet you'd thought I wouldn't get so far from home. Write to mom, dad, and bro."

Alton

Let's do the Sendings first. Your mom replies: "Oh, my, Alton, hello dear. Zadash? Please stay away from the war, dear. I'm glad you're with friends. Sorry about Silent, he was lovely. Is...? And then it cuts off mid-sentence as the word limit is reached.

Your sister: "Hi Alton. Zadash isn't that far, you know. When you get to Tal'Dorei, let me know. And bring me back something tasty. I did, and..." And it cuts off.

With a 20 on investigation, you learn of a few possible approaches:

• Lord Teratt has a rather eccentric second cousin who lives in a manor near Kamordah, and has a rather famous collection of books on odd subjects and has an interest in cryptography. He would be willing to write you a letter of introduction if you wish to travel there, or he could provide a courier who would take your documents there, and request that his cousin study them and send information back to you. If you don't want to send the originals, you could make and send copies.
• The monks of the Cobalt Soul maintain an archive that is open to the public (though not all material is accessible without authorisation); it's in the city, by the pentamarket district, and you could probably find some help there too.
• If you are looking for a magical solution to understanding the journal, that would be under the control of the Cerberus Assembly; they are based in the wealthy Tri-Spires, and have an extensive library in the city and even more in Rexentrum. You don't really have an 'in' with them - you might be able to offer a service in payment for access to research, but they are not the most welcoming or open-minded organisation, and still less in war time.

You can choose one of these approaches to pursue for the rest of the downtime period.

Alton will go with getting a letter of introduction from Lord Teratt.

 kay, so Alton gets a letter of introduction, and heads off to Kamordah. Swin and Darren off to accompany you, but this remains downtime.

Balassar and Rhane, give me your rolls and what you will do while Alton is away - unless you go with?