Quivering Corruption (DM Lerus)

Utar's prayers reach Rhonda as well. (Rhonda heals for 16 HP.) 

"Yes," she replies to Utar. "I feel better. It is a bit strange to be healed by those who dealt the wounds, but I am thankful. As for honesty, I do not know what else to say. You want information as your victors' spoil and I am already sharing what I know. I'll admit that my claim that I am privy to more information that Yalek was an attempt to seem more valuable to you. I do not know how much that traitor knows, and he has said so himself. So yes, I understand your point about honesty and my chances of earning some mercy. I am sure you can tell my words are true."

She then begins to answer Utar's questions in succession: "This is the third wagon this group has taken. Defenses at the gate we use consist of watchtowers, palisades, and plenty of hobgoblin archers. The cloaks and a checkpoint at the gate are enough to gain access, so no password needed. There are plenty of other mercenaries there, and yes, I have seen drow and mountain tribesmen, but no fishmen. We usually leave the supplies just beyond the gate, so I know not much else. Except..." She points to the driver seat at the wagon: "...I stashed a map case by the seat. I kept a partial map of the stronghold. Bring it and I'll mark the location where this Wearer of Purple stays. I hope this goes a long way in earning my freedom."

She then looks at Graxx: "Or at least earn the right to fight. Yalek and my faces together will improve your chances to get through the checkpoint undisturbed. If things go south, the cultists, hobgoblins, and mercenaries will attack me too. At that point, I increase my chances of survival by fighting alongside you, do I not?"

@Utar & @Graxx:

Separately, Yalek nods at introductions and laughs a bit at the name of the adventuring party. After a moment, he finally dives into business: "Alright, in the interest of maximizing our chances of success, and by "our" I mean yours and the Zhentarim, I'll share all I know. First, yes, I know something extra about this Wearer of Purple: she is a pale-skinned tiefling, though I was not able to learn her name. Second, concerning returning the supplies to their rightful owners, I suggest you put a pin on that thought and instead search the wagon yourselves. I stashed a couple of helpful items in there for whenever the time came to act. Third, other Zhents are moving forward with this intervention, so I plan to do the same if you'll have me."

He pauses to wait for a response, and then continues sharing: "The new and old factions of the Cult of the Dragon are competing for the favor of an elusive dragon named Claugiyliamatar. They want to recruit her for their own separate purposes, but both sects are, more importantly, seeking for an artifact that she possesses. This item is a green mask, known as a dragon mask. I suspect that Garbul, the Hobgoblin Warlord, watches over the mask. I was not able to learn what the mask does or why it is so important, but it looks like the warlord has begun to favor the leader of the New Cult, which is unfortunate for me, since I infiltrated the mercenaries hired by the Old Cult. Anyway, taking down Garbul and this Wearer of Purple will likely go a long way in foiling their plans, and I believe this group right here is in the best position to take them out, because I know how to reach at least the tiefling lady."

"This map case. It well hidden?"

Standing and dusting himself down, Utar goes to retrieve the map case from the wagon. Opening the case he peers inside to the contents, removing them and finding the map.

Apart from a raised brow over the initial distinction, Doozey respectfully kept his mouth shut and ears open for the rest. During which he tried to keep his expression inscrutable, but keeping a poker face wasn't exactly a Redfoot tradition by any account.

"We've had a previous encounter with this Wearer of Purple, truth be told. And I think I can comfortably speak for all of  Crap by saying a second one would be most welcome, considering there won't be a third." He said. After the hearing the rest, Doozey nods solemnly and scratches his chin. "I don't suppose she plays a direct hand at all in inspecting the cargo though, does she? Or has an underlying you know that she is particular close to or use?" He asked.

"I think we can sate your curiosity as to her name, Ixas. We overheard her when she was still in command of one of their ships. She was trying to fend off pirates that were trapped in the Nine Hells along with their own ship. Something we may have inadvertently had a hand in releasing. Fortunately, both vessels are underwater, and she was the only survivor of either ship."

Graxx breathes in a little at hearing Drow and his clan will once again be present.  He hardens his stare knowing what is at stake.

"The map will help your case greatly... Be known... I we do decide to have you fight beside us and you turn on us for any reason.  I do not care if there are twenty enemies my full focus will be on coming for you.  Even if it means me own death I will take you with me.  You have proven yourself a worthy combatant and if you fight beside us I will speak to your actions to the Lords of the land."

Utar approaches the wagon's front seat and asks a question of Rhonda. She uses her manacled hands to point to the side of the bench. Utar sees that a couple of squirrels have made their way down the trees and onto the wagon, nosing about the cargo. He then spots a map case nailed to the bench, rips its leather straps, and opens it. The crude drawing shows an opened gate protected by palisades and a watchtower. Just beyond it, there is an open area marked with the word "wagons". There is also a large building not far from that spot marked with the word "barracks". Rhonda yells: "Bring it here."

After Graxx threatens her once again, Rhonda nods and reassures him: "I'll fight."

"She does not inspect the carts herself" Yalek replies to Doozey. "And I am not aware of any particular follower she favors, though I am pretty sure she detests her New Cult counterpart. Unfortunately, I have no intelligence on them, given we hired by the Old Cult and all..."

"Ixas, the Wearer of Purple... Sounds more like a royal's name than a cultist captain's if you ask me." Yalek plays with a dart as he speaks: "Their reach must be vast if they came here from afar, on ships, don't you think, Neya?"

Villonah asks: "If we are taking the time to talk, investigate, and plan, should we also try to rest a little bit? We can use that time to see what supplies the wagon carries too... knowing that piece of information wouldn't hurt."

Setting the map down for Rhonda, Utar motions for her to proceed.

“Wait!”

Graxx throws his arm up in front of Rhonda.

”Let me take a look first.”

Graxx looks over the map taking it all in before Rhonda steps in case she wants to destroy it.

After Graxx has looked over the map he takes a step back.

”Alright go ahead.”

Graxx interrupts Utar so he can get a chance at memorizing the map before Rhonda has a chance to do anything with it. Once allowed to proceed, the prisoner struggles to point her manacled hands toward the piece of parchment and place her finger on a spot: "Here, beyond the barracks, follow this direction and you'll be on your way to where the Wearer of Purple holds her meetings. It is where we were brought to agree on our initial contract with her."

She then scoots backward a little, signaling she has nothing else to share on the map and giving you space.

"Considering that this dragon's parent is near Waterdeep, it stands to reason." Neya replies to Yalek.

Neya takes out her crowbar and answers Villonah, "A sound plan. Identifying the kind of supplies taken could give a strategy to use later on. Shall we?"

"Who said we can't do all four? And would you look at that-..." Doozey gestures over to the log. "A nice, long seat for everyone, assuming Utar and Graxx are about done with our 'moral' ambiguous friend over yonder." He said, regarding the others general direction with look of mild displeasure. He then sighs and shakes his head. "I trust you to handle the whole searching the supplies. Perhaps Mr. Yalek here can more directly point out the things he stashed away. I need to...  I need to take a bit of walk." Without waiting on anyone's response, Doozey gets up, dusts himself off, and marches away; keeping generally in parallel with the road for a good twenty to thirty feet away from the carriage itself before doubling back. 

If he sees any birds or any animals along the way, he at least tries to make use of his potion from before to get a few to join him at random intervals. He wasn't sure what he was gonna do with them yet. But then, the distraction had been more the point then a job in mind.

Utar at least would notice by now that every big movement from Rhonda is watched closely by a still lurking Taters. And any attempt to move away from the watchful Almiraj as a whole, leads to him hopping along after.

Yalek and Villonah nod at Neya's points on both the cult's clout and the contents of the wagon. When Doozey suggests Yalek just show them where his stash is, he says with a smile: "And spoil all the fun of searching?" We waits a second or two to gauge reactions and adds: "I jest... I jest. I'll show it to them." With that, he joins the two ladies in searching the wagon.

After shooing away some of the squirrels, Neya pops a few crates and barrels open to reveal large amounts of food and grain, several sets of tools (hammers, ropes, wood, nails, oil, etc.), and a good quantity of tradable goods (bricks and masonry). It is easy to see how all of these supplies would be very valuable to a stronghold, especially if it is being repaired and a lot of mouths need to be fed.

Yalek then picks up a shoe-box-sized wooden chest from the back of the wagon and says: "This, I would prefer to keep it to myself" He opens the chest and flashes the contents to Neya, for the sake of trustworthiness. The monk sees what amounts to several hundred silver pieces inside, but nothing that would break bank once converted to its more reliable golden counterpart. Yalek continues, pointing to something wrapped on cloth: "But your are welcome to have that. It is not my style anyway." Villonah reaches for the package and unwraps it. A meticulously maintained shortsword can be found inside. The hilt mimics a lizard's scales, and the cross-guard its claws. The otherwise simple looking double-edged blade has three runes etched into it, though they just show on one of the flat sides of the blade. "I can't tell you what that says, but it looks mystical, wouldn't you say?"

While this is happening, Doozey is taking a short stroll. Missing his bunny a bit, he makes use of the potion he took earlier and tries to invite one of the squirrels Neya shooed away to join him. The ranger looks into the rodent's eyes and, instead of a friendly reaction, he feels a horrendous sense of diseased dread overcome him for a brief second. The critter hisses menacingly and runs away faster than Doozey can react. He takes a gander around and notices all squirrels, mice, and birds that have been prancing/fluttering about since they entered the forest are suddenly gone and thoroughly out of sight.

From afar, Villonah shouts so everyone can hear: "Alright, time to take a sit, plan, and rest a bit. To the log, everyone!"

Still somewhat shook by his encounter, Doozey followed Villonah's instruction with the air of someone going through the motions. It's only after he takes a seat on the log that he even thinks to let out a short whistle to summon Taters to his side. Though the Almiraj has no qualms going a step further, and outright leaping up practically into his arms.

"I know we were told her presence was warping things, but... for it be to this extent even." Doozey said off-handedly while looking to the ground and absently petting Taters. He then shakes his head, and then finally looks to the others gathered up nearby. If he sees Rhonda had been drawn in as well, the stoutling immediately clams up and looks to Utar and Graxx for answers.

Graxx unlocks Rhonda’s manacles and looks at Rhonda.

”Be smart...”

Graxx then makes his way over to Doozey and the others at the log.

”The Wagon Leader’s name is Rhonda.  They aren’t cultist but mercenaries hired by them.  Now instead of fighting for coin she will fight beside us to make penance for some of her wrong doings.  I have questioned her and do not detect that she will harm is. She knows what will happen if she tries... I told her I cannot guarantee her freedom but can speak on behalf of her actions to Lord of the land who can decide her fate.”

Graxx points to Utar.

”Rhonda has showed us a camp of the coming battle.  Specifically where Ixas’s quarters are.  When we strike we can try to take this area to ensure no escape.”

"I recall Ixas being able to use magic. I may have a solution to that particular issue."

"If we are able, we could try and sabotage a catapult or two, as well. Also, there is the problem that is the dragon-calling horn."

The group gathers around the log used for the ambush and lets their shoulders relax for a moment. They catch their breath, patch their wounds, and more importantly, begin to plan how they will approach the stronghold, bypass the gate, reach Ixas, and sabotage the Cult's defenses. Yalek has no reservations in getting closer, sharing the log with the group, and discussing their collective options. Rhonda, however, stays a few paces away, rubbing her recently released wrists, but still in plain view of the overall group. She looks harmless at the moment, possibly due to a mix of her state of mind and an active will to not irritate Graxx. At some point, she asks if she can bury the dead mercenaries while the group rests.

(OOC: Go ahead and roll your hit dice for this Short Rest and mark them in the character sheets. Don't forget to also hit the "Short Rest" button in your character sheets. We'll have a few extra things to do during this rest, so feel free to RP while I get my ducks in a row.)

-> Rhonda's hit dice: 18

-> Villonah's hit dice: None

-> Yalek's hit dice: None

Resting his back against the log, Utar considers their options. Sneaking in seems the only option. The spare cloak seems like a good fit for one of them. Neya most likely.

So how do the rest of them manage it? Hidden in the wagon? Fake prisoners? Each option seems to be fraught with issues. He and Graxx are likely too large to fit within the wagon and be well hidden, though Villonah and Doozey likely could manage. 

Seems like the old fake prisoners routine might have to be it but... Knowing Ixas is in there, Utar can't see him or Graxx getting a comfortable ride. Hoping one of the others might be touched by a moment of genius, Utar keeps his thoughts to himself for now.

Graxx Hit Dice:  33

Graxx sits on the lg on ponders.  He looks to Yalek and to Rhonda.

"Hey... Either of you folks heard anything about a horn that calls a dragon?  We're going to have to deal with that when we get there."

Graxx looks to the rest of CRAP.

"Rhonda here has told me some of my tribesman and drow are present at the camp... They will most likely recognize me.  It'll be hard to disguise ourselves as cultists.  If I could pretend to be a prisoner or something we could get close.  I just want to get close enough to the drow wizards to take them out before they use their foul magics on us."