"And we are honoured by your choice," joined Ola the conversation, "indeed, Black Fist need to protect the town, not to go out seeking adventures. However, if we are talking about hunting a ship - ghost or not - there might be a complication: our group does not have a ship of our own, nor skills to manage one. Or did I get you wrong and you want us to find the lair of that dracolich somewhere around Phlan?"

Eonis begins on a surprisingly empathetic note, saying, “Where is this witness now, the man who was raving? The appearance of insanity is often evidenced following a great trauma. As someone who has been through similar circumstances, I’d like to do what I can to help this man, and perhaps we can get a bit more clarity on the picture by speaking with him directly.”

She turns to the others, and promptly adds, “If you all have a different suggested course for how to begin this investigation, as the newest member to the group I’ll follow your lead, however. You’ve had more practical field experience in these matters, while my own has been mostly theory-craft and simulation.” 

"Eonis," Ola said it calmly and seriously, "I suggest we first listen everything the high priest has to say to us. Only then, when we discuss the ideas of how to approach the situation, the members of the group began to talk to each other. What do you say?"

Eonis nods curtly to Ola in response. “Certainly. Doomguide, what else can you tell us about these events and rumors?” 

Uragum, nods to Ola.  "Agreed, we should hear all that there is to be said.  Then with all the fact can we make a strategy," he comments.  Then leaning back in his chair he smiles widely.  "That said, the idea of ghost ships and undead dragons has my blood burning."

Sylyra remains silent, waiting for the whole story.

While Eonis waits for the Doomguide to elaborate with whatever additional information the others are expecting, she tries to recall any bits of historical or religious lore that might intersect  a dracolich and ghost ships, perhaps some endeavor by the Cult of the Dragon, or another similar sinister agency that was considered anathema by both the order of Tyr and that of the Red Knight.  Recalling specific bits of lore has become much more of a struggle, subsequent to her years of drug abuse and obsession with The System And The Strategy, but she tries to order her thoughts to do so none the less.

History:  15

Religion:  17

Yovir responds and continues,

"Of course, you may speak with the man that was given to us. We have him at our temple if you wish to examine him or attempt a conversation. I certainly am not asking you to do any sailing. I wish mainly to gain insight into the situation that the Black Fist has not obtained. In general, rumors of ghosts and liches disturb me; these sorts of powerful undead are extremely rare, but unfortunately have not been all that uncommon in the Moonsea. We followers of Kelemvor are staunch enemies of the undead. If they do exist, I want them stamped out, but we can do nothing until we learn more."

"I would suggest that you begin gathering information in Phlan about the attacks, and see what you can learn. When you are done speaking with the recovering madman at the temple, seek out Aleyd Burral of the Knights of the Black Fist. From there, you may be able to follow other leads. If you have ties to factions within the city, I would also suggest speaking with them. They may have useful information, especially if your investigation takes you outside of the city."

"And do please return to me should you have any further questions."

"Very well," Sylyra says to the Doomguide, "which way to the temple?"

Eonis begins preparing items from her Herbalism Kit in advance for treatment of anxiety and trauma, then reseals the kit and prepares to set off once the Doomguide provides instructions.  "I should have a thing or two that can help."  

Not a sea fare after all. Ola could not say for sure whether she was relieved of disappointed. May be both. And though collecting information was not her forte, she was ready to do what is necessary.

"Would you happen to know where can we find Aleyd Burral of the Knights of the Black Fist? If we are about to speak to him directly would be more convenient to get straight to him." Ola was not above talking with the Sergeant again, but had a feeling they both can take a break from that meetings. 

"Information... the key component to any good plan.  So, lets get all that we can.  We'll figure the truth of it and I'm confident we can put a stop to it.  We got bow, blade, magic and faith.  I'm sure we can handle some ghosts.  Come now to Burrel," Uragum shouts and starts ushering everyone forward.  He stops, "Which way is that again?"

Eonis gestures politely to the Doomspeaker elder, "I'd like to speak with the witness at the Kelemvorite temple, if that's alright with all of you.  Perhaps we'll learn more from this source before we consult with the black fist authorities."  

OOC: I am assuming the temple of Kelemvor is nearby, close to the graveyard, or on the grounds?

"Aleyd may not take kindly to being referred to as a man," Yovir flatly states. "She maintains a presence at a guard station near Podol Plaza. As for our temple, you can find it near the center of the grounds; it is the largest structure as well. Ask for Yip, and you shall be taken to the madman. Here..."

The Doomguide removes two bottles of red liquid from his belt pouch. "I do not take your services lightly. It means much that you would consider my call for aid. I cannot offer much in the way of coin, but since you did not so much as ask, please take these potions of healing. You are welcome to keep them even if they do not prove fruitful in this current endeavor. I will also arrange horses at The Laughing Goblin for you. I will let Imizael know that the Order of the Silent Shroud will pay for your rooms this evening. The horses are a loan, however, so please take care - if they are lost or stolen, I will ask that you repay their cost," he says.

For Eonis:

Eonis bows briefly without breaking eye contact with the priest of death. “Thank you for the information, the use of horses and potions, the paid lodging, and the access to your temple. I’m sure it will be more than sufficient to start us on our way to deciphering these disturbances.”

Looking to the others, she adds, “Tactically those among us without innate healing abilities would benefit most from carrying those, as they could be used to stabilize someone else in a scenario where our healers, like myself, are disabled or dying.” 

If the others do not have any further inquiries for the Doomguide she will head in the direction of the temple of Kelemvor where the witness is being treated. On the way she adds to the others, “I have heard rumors of ghost ships since my arrival in the Phlan.” She leaves it at that, an oddly sudden end, having nothing else of use to share on the matter. 

"Thank you, Reverend Glandon, it is the most generous gift." (She would take the vials, but only if no one else picks them up right away, and mostly in order to not leave high priest standing there with potions in his hands) "The moment we learn anything, we will inform you."

Outside Ola did not comment the obvious (she was very much agree with Eonis on potion handling) and just mentioned: "Not sure the several armed people will calm the mind of that already suffering witness. May be it make sense if we split for a while. I would like to talk to Aleyd Burral. Do not know if a Black Guard of any rank will be happy to see our group, but willing to find out. Anyone else wants to visit Podol Plaza?"

Eonis seems briefly panicked at the suggestion, but pressed her black and white gloved palms together tightly, and takes a single deep breath to collect herself.  "I don't think it's ever wise to split our forces, even in seemingly non-combative circumstances.  As for the witness, his trauma is associated with the undead, not the living.  The presence of armored and armored living people is more likely to provide him comfort, not a source of anxiety.  Additionally, unless we have Sending Stones or a similar means of instantaneous communication, we're more likely to lose more time coordinating meetups and the sharing of information as opposed to simply going as a single unit, and speaking to one source of information at a time.  I strongly recommend we all visit the witness, first, and then proceed to speak with the Black Fist.  Together."  

She pauses afterward, adding, "I obviously can't dictate anything to your group, if separating is how you prefer to operate.  But I strongly recommend staying together, both for efficiency as well as security."  

Ola looked surprised: "I honestly thought you would be the first one to suggest careful approach to the injured. To calm your worry - we do not need to set up any meeting, we all live in the Laughing Goblin, and at least this night you have a room there as well, already payed by the Order of the Silent Shroud. Therefore we will meet at the evening in any case. There is no special tactic here, simply the wish to cove as much ground as possible in the shortest of time, especially since we all were suggested to visit organizations we represent here, where most of us will go alone. But I see your point and we are already here anyway. Let's visit the witness".

Uragum watches Ola take the potions and says nothing to start with.  Once out on the road he would ask for one as a precaution.

"After we talk to the witness I'd like to hit the bars by the docks.  May sailiors pass through and maybe they have some news of these.  If anything I want to see if there a pattern.  If there is we might know where they may hit next and lay a trap."

Arnald nods his head considerately, "Good idea Uragum. After we speak with the witness I think Eonis and I should go visit with the Order and see if they know anything."