Quivering Corruption (DM Lerus)

Graxx nods and sits down as far away from the Drow as possible.  As he sits he almost unconsciously runs his hand along his pocket to feel the knife he has placed.  This gives him comfort.

"More than that. I'd even dare say more than coincidence," Neya says as she takes her seat. "Especially since most of my companions also seem to recognize more than a few familiar faces for them. Outside of Madame Freona and her daughters, of course."

 Doozey had faintly nodded along in agreement, though its not until the end -- until the hint of worry, if not tone than at least in the pause, that growing confidence turned to something else. "Villie. You don't need to worry overly so much about the bargain. Between you and me, after giving it a bit of thought admittedly... I don't care about the coin personally. I just want to make sure that we didn't put you in a bad spot frankly. Truth is.. I still felt bad for not having been more helpful. Both with the mission, and... you know." Doozey gives her a meaningful look, and then pats her on the shoulder. "But we're here now, and together now we'll make the best of it. Okay?" He tries to effect a reassuring smile, and thinks he just about manages it before being distracted by the elder gnome.

Though he didn't look for longer than to see Aleyd had some connection with her, there's a bit more pride and ease about the halfling seeing another made the bold move of choosing comfort over nonsense sensibilities of nobles. If there was time get Villonah's meeting with the boss out of the way he'd would yet join her. But once the announcement is made, the stoutling kept to her side until either directed to sit elsewhere or seating arrangements simply made it impossible to remain there.

Villonah to Doozey: "Thank you for the kind offer and consideration, but I said I was going to pay you for that contract and so I shall. It is important to me that I complete this mission in a professional manner, even if it has been delayed." 

Graxx reaches Aleyd at this point, kindly saying hello to the frog-bearing gnome.

Harper agent to Utar: "Now that is a good little piece of information, my friend. Color me intrigued... Very well. I'll share a thing or two about our kind host. He is..." He doesn't finish the sentence, being interrupted by the nobleman's speech.

Neya says a few more words but doesn't get a chance to hear a reply, as Caah politely turns to pay attention to the nobleman instead.

The nobleman speaks: "Please, most distinguished guests, sit and grab a drink if you have not yet done so. Food will be served shortly. We have much to talk about, so pardon if I start before the meal is served. Worry not, our host for the evening is a much uniquely qualified one. Madame Freona and her daughters serve the best food in town, if you ask me. Now, most of you have been gathered here as my staunchest allies. However, we have at least four new individuals in this table. It seems some of you have had the pleasure of meeting them before I did, but that just goes to show the quality of their references. Please welcome the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party. It is by virtue of the information they have uncovered that we are meeting tonight." He pauses so others can clap for a second. Chaab does not clap. 

Pleasantries taken care of, the heavily armored man switches tone: "For those of you who do not know me, I am Valero of House Brokengulf. My House originates from Waterdeep and for far too long has my family suffered under the tyranny of Old Gnawbones. This dreadful dragon has killed many of my family over the centuries, and has manipulated many-a-influential-person in Waterdeep such that my honorable House was at one point driven into bankruptcy." He pauses and points to the lady in burgundy next to him. "We have only recently, over the past decade or so, financially recovered. That was only possible through the help of Lady Dala Silmerhelve and her unrivaled House. This is a story that pains me deeply, and while I do not like sharing it, I feel I must as its conclusion may be within our reach."

He makes a motion with his hands as to symbolize a long trip: "When we hit rock bottom, I led a small, loyal group and ventured northeast. House Brokengulf has survived in Waterdeep, but our revival was only possible because a branch of the family decided to move away from Old Gnawbones' territory and settle right here in the Moonsea region. Yet, we do not know peace. So vicious is the green-winged menace that she sent one of her offspring to continue to pester the Bronkengulf contingency who settled here in Phlan. At first, we thought that is was Old Gnawbones herself, but thanks to Chaotic Relief and the information they found and shared with my allies, I have now learned the truth, and then some. We learned that this offspring of Old Gnawbones not only adopted its own mother's name, Claugiyliamatar, but also baptized its new lair here in the Moonsea region with the same name as its mother's lair near Waterdeep: the Kryptgarden Forest. This was surely meant to cause us Brokengulf more mental anguish. To you and me, however, the nearby woodlands remain named Quivering Forest, and so there is that silver-lining to be thankful for: its new name has not yet overtaken the old one in the people of Phlan's minds. This is little solace, however."

(OOC: You pick up that "Old Gnawbones" is the nickname that House Brokengulf has given the dragon, whose real name is Claugiyliamatar.)

He continues: "With this new information, we were able to somewhat locate the general area where this dragon's lair is within the Quivering Forest. Our spies have also discovered that she has had visitors. The Cult of the Dragon seeks Old Gnawbones' favor, and they are not the only ones. The Hobgoblin tribe of Zartruss also pays visits to the offspring flying lizard. This cannot be allowed to continue. I am not sure how old this offspring is and whether we can defeat it, but at a minimum we must not allow her allies to get their way, strengthen their positions, and elevate the despicable green menace even higher. As such, I ask each and everyone of you to help me in my family's plight. There is much to be gained. If wealth is what you seek, we can pay. If it is clout, you shall have it through me. Ask and you may receive, contingent on our success."

He pauses for now, to gather everyone's reactions. Lady Dala of House Silmerhelve remains quiet for now.

Unsure of what exactly he's being asked to sign up to, Utar let's the pause drag out. The soldier in him reckons he'd rather tangle with a hobgoblin than a dragon though, all things considered.

Under his breath he whispers to the Harper, "I know his name now, friend. I hope you've something interesting to share after he finishes his speech."

Doozey seems fairly impassive at first, as it was a story as old as time. A small part even urged him to admonish the noble, but the fault he knew not with absolute certainty fell upon him alone. Not that it was his job to, in any case, so he listened quietly and attentive; only showing a mark increase in interest upon hearing of the name change of the forest. That got him to stand if not in some booster seat to better the noble, and if so already, lean in instead with his hands on his knees.

In either case, not knowing much of decorum Doozey is frank and open, or gearing up to be if noone stops him. "Don't take this the wrong way, but... well, I guess better way to actually would be what else you've already found about this hobs, if anything? As foolish as this may sound, have you already tried entreaty with them in some way upon making this discovery? And are there other known tribes of other races making use of the forest out of curiosity?"

A Dragon... Graxx thinks... Yes... This is destiny.  This would be the deed that would be worth of him challenging his chieftain... But is he ready?  No time for self doubt! Tempus has guided him to this moment.

Graxx looks to the Nobleman.

”Lord Valero... My name is Graxx of the Chaotic Relief Adventuring Party and of the Sky Pony Tribe.  You ask what we seek.  I seek the first rights to any body part I choose from Old Gnawbones once we kill the dragon.”

”I will help to kill any and all allies to the Dragon but I need assurances from this group that we will attempt to kill the beast and rid it from this land.  Even if that means that we may die.  If we do not kill the threat it will outlive many of us and more allies will come to the dragons aid.  Then the next generation and the next will have to keep fighting this battle. Meanwhile the Dragon grows stronger and stronger.  No... we must put an end the cycle now.”

Neya listens to the nobleman's troubles with interest and is taken aback by the proximity of the dragon.

"Small wonder nobody has heard of this dragon so close to the city until now! The Quivering Forest is already a dangerous place by itself. It seems like a perfect place for it to hide and grow in power with no one's notice."

"And with the Cult of the Dragon in the area as well, what do they hope to accomplish...? The ones we had fought before were looking for prisoners and artifacts."

The Harper agent smiles back at Utar and whispers, clearly enjoying the astute back-and-forth: "Indeed... he took away the low-hanging fruit. I'll save my info until after he has finished talking. I wouldn't want to be embarrassed like this again."

Doozey is the first to raise a question when Lord Brokengulf implicitly invites them with his pause. The nobleman responds: "Your tone needs some work, son, but I admire that you have already begun to strategize. It speaks well of you and your group's capabilities. As for your questions, some of our colleagues here in this room will be better able to answer them, shortly."

Graxx speaks next, and he gets a nod of appreciation for being properly addressed by the human warrior: "You are a valiant warrior, and your stance on the matter matches all that I have heard about your adventuring party. I could not agree more, but even if we are successful in defeating this dragon in the next days, its mother remains at large. I'm afraid the best of outcomes is for us to win tomorrow's multiple-front battle, as my House's engulfing war against the senior of the two dragons would still remain. As I mentioned before, we have also failed in learning the age of the junior dragon, but..." He stops there as Lady Silmerhelve places a hand on his arm and steps forward: "Perhaps it is best if Olisara elaborates on this particular topic, in a moment or two." The nobleman agrees: "Very well. Any further questions before we continue?"

Neya raises her hand and makes a couple of short statements. The lord agrees: "Indeed. These woods are a danger in and of themselves, green dragon or no." For a moment, it looks like he will continue responding to Neya's points but he is interrupted by five halfling women who have begun to pour out of the kitchen carrying trays upon trays of food and beverages. Utar, Graxx, and Neya recognize them as Blaizette, Briez, Grelinda, Reece, and Whittlee, the tavern owner's daughters. Doozey has seen the green-haired, ill-tempered Grelinda around town before, but just in passing. It is obvious that Madame Freona has brought out the best her halfling hospitality has to offer. The troop serves steamed salmon, braised lamb, roasted pheasant, and baked boar meat, along with side servings of poached and boiled eggs, dried dates, picked artichokes, roasted garlic, bitter goat cheese, and wheat biscuits. As for drinks, multiple bottles of gin, brandy, and bitters are brought out, alongside smalls caskets of red wine, beer, and mead. The smells are delectable and the warmth nostalgic. What's more, the music from the street band outside helps bring it all together.

(Another post coming soon.)

Several minutes pass as all the guests pause conversing to indulge in the feast. There are enough servings of food and drink to satisfy a group twice as a large. Anything less would surely be seen as an offense by Madame Freona herself.

Once all guest are through about a third of the meal, the conversation picks up again. Lord Valero Brokengulf rises: "Now, lets us not pretend we do not know of each others affiliations. Tonight we are all allies under my banner, as well as Lady Dala's. Perhaps we should have Olisara share her findings first." The short-haired elven lady who has remained mostly quiet until now nods and rises. Her poise and posture are immaculate, and her voice is slow, rich, and smooth like molasses: "My name is Olisara Lightsong, and since we are among a trusted group, I can share that I represent the Harpers along with my robed colleague over there." She points to the unnamed Harper agent Utar has been speaking to. "My organization supplied the spies that Lord Brokengulf mentioned earlier. In addition to what he has already shared, we have also confirmed that the senior Claugiyliamatar is an spectacularly old and powerful dragon. Unfortunately, that only means that the junior dragon could be centuries old herself. If we are lucky, she isn't. As per the Cult of the Dragon, I can confirm that there is a bit of a philosophical divide within their ranks. Our intelligence suggests that those loyal to the Old Cult cling to their worship of dracoliches and the pursuit of their creation. The New Cult, however, seeks to bestow Faerûn upon Tiamat and the living chromatic dragons who will rule it. We believe both Cult factions are seeking the junior Claugiyliamatar's favor." Olisara takes a step back and sits down.

Lord Brokengulf then gestures toward Dornal Whitebeard, who raises a finger while finishing yet another tankard, before setting it down and rising: "Yes, my Lord. I am Dornal Whitebeard, and I represent the Lords' Alliance. This balding man behind me is my subordinate." CRAP notices the dwarf did not mention Brother Keefe's name, likely on purpose. "Coin feeds every city on the Moonsea region, but the Cult of the Dragon would see us starve. Commerce is vital and abundant around the region, and the Phlan's port is an important trade hub. Groups of cultists have intercepted wagons coming from surrounding villages and towns and headed to the port, surely taking the cargo back to their stronghold within the Quivering Forest. They continue to do so as we speak, and another attack is apparently scheduled for tomorrow, we just learned. On behalf of the Lord’s Alliance, I can share the likely route where this next attack will take place. We can hit them strategically, and as such, I call upon some of you to intercept those supplies and learn the location of the Cult's leadership." The over-the-top but well-spoken dwarf sits back down, already reaching for more food and drink.

The old gnome lady in her sombrero gets a nod. She stands on her chair so that all can see her well: "I am Seranolla, though some of you may know me as The Whisperer. I speak on behalf of the Emerald Enclave. I bring a warning: the forest's balance has changed as Claugiyliamatar junior grows in power. The Quivering Forest could become permanently corrupted if the evil within is allowed to grow. As for the previous question on what dangers may reside within the forest, I ensure you it would be an easier task to list those who aren't present. For example, there are many capricious Fey within, but I sensed no Treants in this forest. What a loss!"

Next, The Hammer of Impiltur gets a nod. "Zern Xerkstil, at your disposal. I have also invited another agent within the Order of the Gauntlet to this meeting. She sits on the other end of the table. I welcome you, Villonah Leadstopper. Now, our association has learned that hobgoblin emissaries are making their way toward the realm of a fey lord within the Quivering Forest. Such an alliance could change the Moonsea region forever. We need to convince this fey lord not to ally with the Dragon that this band of hobgoblins represents. You heard it correctly, The Zartruss hobgoblin clan acts as intermediaries for the green dragon. Sometimes the only way to fix a problem is to strike it with a mighty hammer."

Lastly, Lord Brokengulf invites Chaab to speak. The drow rises: "I will not pretend that I, Chaab of the Zhentarim, would have been invited to the table if a common enemy were not to bring us together. But alas, I will share what I know: our spies have uncovered that the Cult of the Dragon's network reaches far. Not only have they successfully recruited allies from the depths of Faerûn in the shape of the Kuo-toa, but also from barbaric tribesmen from the far north. And that is not all. Red-robed wizards bearing the symbol of undeath are to meet with the cultists tomorrow. We must know if Thay is involved and why."

Finally, Lord Velero Bronkengulf addresses CRAP directly: "Your capabilities come highly recommended by Captain Aleyd Burral. Despite the wealth of information my allies have uncovered, this meeting would not have been possible were it not for your success in retrieving the lost journal, which detailed the piece of the puzzle needed to put this all together. The Cult seeks an ancient artifact known as the Green Dragon Mask, located somewhere within Kryptgarden Forest. Knowing that Old Gnawbones junior has renamed her lair to match that name, there is a chance that the mask is right here in the Quivering Forest. The original location of this journal you recovered cannot be a simple coincidence. We must not allow the cult to get it, and in the process, we may also strike a victory for House's Brokengulf's plight."

He pauses before entrusting you with an central role: "I place on you, Chaotic Relief, the honorable task of coming up with part of our group's strategy. We must divide this group of fifteen capable warriors into three parties, each of which will tend to one of our tactical missions: intercept the supplies, parlay with the fey lord, or investigate the red-robed wizards. Should we succeed, Lady Dala and mine respective retinues will stand ready to invade the dragon/hobgoblin stronghold. I invite you to enjoy the rest of your dinner, but also to speak with each of the other adventurers in this room. Speak with them, learn what they have to share, and also their skills. Then, let me know how you'd like to form these three teams, yourselves included."

Potential team members besides CRAP:

• Captain Aleyd Burral
• Unnamed Harper agent
• Chaab
• Brother Keefe
• Buhrell Caah
• Olisara Lightsong
• Seranolla, the Whisperer
• Dornal Whitebeard
• Zern Xerkstil, the Hamemr of Impiltur
• Yet unnamed, yet-to-speak, white-feathered owl-man
• Villonah Leadstopper

Neya talks with The Whisperer, "You seem to know much about the quivering forest and its inhabitants. If the hobgoblins are going to speak with a fey lord, would you know with whom they are likely to speak?"

Insight: 25

Graxx moves to Chaab once more.

”I’ll get right back staying away from you but as you heard we need to determine who’s going where.  Wherever you go, I won’t be present.  Do you know more about Fey-lords or red-wizards?”

Insight: 8

Doozy manages to resist the urge to look to the other members of the group in response to the 'Tone or Son' comment, but would yet raise a brow. It's as far as any visible "concern" out of the stoutling goes prior to being side tracked the sudden arrival of food. Knowing little of the daughters, and... seeming more visibly unnerved by their presence, Doozey takes care not to meet any eyes as everything is set in place. Breathing comes back only easier once they are gone.

He is reserved when eating, and would on the sly try to sneak various bits of dates and artichokes into his pack(assuming he got away with being allowed to carry it inside) for Taters; excluding meat, at least for now. Perhaps after he learned more about Taters species and whether the horn was for more than just defending themselves...

When finally given a moment to converse freely with the others, if Doozey wasn't already at her side, he practically beelines it for Villonah at a casual enough pace. At which point, if Zern wasn't already in earshot he asked, "Are we getting the you know what out of the way, or might we be warming ourselves up first finding out together what, uh-..." He trailed off looking around, and upon realizing the Whisper and Zhent had been occupied, began to sweat somewhat nervously realizing the limited options. "Uh.. Dronal? To see what he might be good at, considering at least one of us may or may not be working closely with him come the morrow? O-or maybe that odd owl man."

AND IF Zern is within earshot (though assuming VIllonah wasn't immediately occupied by someone other than him), he gets her attention with a wave and a mouthed 'Now?' alonside a questioning look. From there, he'd follow her lead, or... find himself walking up to the owlman and offering him a plate of various meats and an awkward grin.

Seranolla to Neya: "Well, I do not know such a fey personally, but villagers have tales of the dark fey lord, calling him King Witchthorn. He may be our key to winning this battle. But beware my dear, though I believe that the fey are the key to victory against Claugiyliamatar, you should realize that fey are capricious creatures with a fondness for gifts and should not be taken lightly. If they have been corrupted by the dragon’s presence, they may be outright deadly. Nonetheless, should you encounter any fey during this mission, I ask that you do not slay them. The dragon’s presence has corrupted this forest and all within it. The balance must be restored by destroying the stronghold within but not at the expense of the forest and its residents."

@Neya: You observe the gnome has full control of the frogs that live in her sombrero, and her knowledge of the woods is likely unparalleled. You also recall that Aleyd had mentioned Seranolla's name to CRAP before. She had interviewed the gnome while gathering information about the attacks on the small coastal villages. Putting all of this together, you conclude this gnome has a deep understanding of natural magic, likely due to druidism.

Chaab to Graxx: "You. Again... " he sighs but relents: "I guess we have to collaborate if we want to be successful. Here it goes: the red-robed wizards looked Thayan, including the traditional shaved heads and bearing symbols of death and necromancy. The Cult of the Dragon is rumored to be operating as two separate groups. One holds to the old ways of worshiping dracoliches, but the other is said to be uniting living dragons. If I had to guess, the Old Cult is the faction seeking the Thayan necromancers. It just makes sense that way. At any rate, the fact that the Cult is divided may be a weakness to be capitalized upon. Whoever among us seeks the wizards, It is imperative that we discover the actual reason behind their presence in the area. I'd aim at subduing cultists and necromancers alike, such that we may discover their real goals with Claugiyliamatar."

@Graxx: You find it hard to judge Chaab's abilities from your current conversation, but you have met him before, and recall that he was actually pretty good at running away in a sneaky fashion once he was freed from his cage.

(@Ori: There is plenty of food. Saving some for Taters should be easy enough, even if you are seen doing so.)

@Doozey: Villonah is actually busy talking to Caah at the moment. She seems interested in knowing how the half-orc came to meet CRAP. You overhear Caah saying that it was at this very tavern, though she is being shady with the details and trying to change the subject. You inadvertently help her out when you briefly interrupt the conversation to ask Villonah about her request to you. Villonah simply asks you to come to her aid if you see the other half-orc, Zern Xerktill, approaching her. You look over your shoulder and notice that he is instead talking to the elegant elf lady, Olisara Lightsong, on the other side of the table, so you should have some time to spare. When you ask about Dornal, she nods in agreement that you should probably talk to the dwarf. Nonetheless, when you find yourself walking towards another guest to start a casual conversation, curiosity gets the best of you and you are suddenly offering meats to the owl-man instead. He accepts the kind gesture and replies in a somewhat accented Common.

Owl-man to Doozey: "Phank you for phe offering. I reckon you are not one of Madame Freona's daughters, phough it seems you cannot escape your race's hospitality. I am Senitir, advisor to Lord Valero Brankengulf. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. How may I be of service?"

At the close of Valerie's speech, Utar glances around the dining room at the various guests trying to size them up and guess as to which mission they might be best suited for. Some, Aleyd and Zern appear more martial in skill but the others...he has no idea.

Continuing his conversation with the Harper he attempts to change the subject into their collective tasks. "So, Olisara," nodding to the she elf, "trusts us with a name. Do you want to follow suit? I also wonder if we might trade a little information on the Cults of the Dragon, I happen to know of a member at large in the area."

While conversing with the mysterious Harper, Utar attempts to size him up, drawing on his recollection of their various meetings to help.

Insight 18

A smirk briefly played at the edge of Doozey's lips for the comment of being a 'daughter', but he wouldn't comment on it. Rather, the stoutling at least seemed to have reflected, and so bowed as others have slightly at the waist. "Doozey Redfoot,member of the perhaps poorly named adventuring party, and it is pleasure to make your acquantance as well." He replied politely, before coming out of the bow. "I'm also something of a hunter, but, uhm... that's not why approached you. Rather, I was curious about Vel's... Lord Valero's statement seeming to imply that you as well were a capable warrior?" Doozey asked, seeming genuinely curious.

It takes a moment to sink in how his words sounded, and when it did, he cringed before correcting, "Not that I doubt it of course. We all have our expertise, after all. But I'm curious what is yours? And if I might be so bold, what do think the others are from your initial impressions and so forth." Despite the somewhat(at least for Doozey) embarrassing slip up, Doozey looked the Owl-Man eye to eye, giving him his full intention, but while also searching for peculiarities regarding the strange man. As this would be the first time he's seen his kind.   

Neya nods as she says, "I will take your request to heart and pass it on to the others. That is as far as I can promise, as I do not know how many will heed it."

After the conversation with Seranolla ends, she approaches Olisara, "I am curious about something, would you know what may have facilitated the rift in the Cult of the Dragon? The two respective goals sound starkly different, while simultaneously not being mutually exclusive."

Insight: 17

DM's Screen:

Harper agent to Utar: "You are a persistent one, my friend. Very well. If you promise not to laugh and to keep it mostly to yourself, my name is... Harper. No, that is not a jest. My parents were simply too simple-minded to know about one of the biggest secret societies in all of Faerûn. As for the Cult of the Dragon, I admit I haven't gotten around to research much about them, but I did pick up on a few interesting bits about their allies. It is troubling to learn that the Wizards of Thay have thrown their lot in with the Cult. They know secret things that are dire to say the least. Secret information that would probably be worth quite a bit in my trade. If you were to seek them out, I'd pay you handsomely for the spellbooks of any Thayan wizards you come across, even if acquired through violence if need be. And the hobgoblins, well... both hobgoblins and the cultists have a number of lieutenants and captains. It is to these that the stolen supplies are being sent, or so I hear. There... plenty for you to digest. Now, share some juicy info with your friend Harper, would you?"

@Utar: This is the third time you meet with this half-elf, and you are starting to see a pattern. He is normally secretive, but it seems he is opening up to you now. He must have enjoyed your conversation quite a bit. His words are cautious and measured, and you get the impression his mastery of words may extend to magic use as well. Speaking comes naturally to him, so too must whatever magic he wields. However, there is something else to him. Harper seems light on his feet if need be, and you are sure some sort of thin short blade is hiding in his person somewhere.