Karib Investigation: 5

The object doesn't seem to be far from the opposite side of the door, as the angle changes while Karib walks back and forth in the warehouse.

OOC: Awaiting further action from the party before continuing here.

Rogram scans the faces behind him, and as no one else appears to be ready to take the lead, he gives a little shrug and checks the door to see if it is locked.

The door is indeed locked, bolt rattling against the frame as Rogram attempts to open it. 

Rogram looks around at the others. "Anyone have a skeleton key?"

OOC: Awaiting a response from the party before continuing. 

OOC: Pausing while we recruit to fill out the party.

OOC: Resuming from the following morning...

The smell of damp earth is prevalent in the kitchen of the Carnath Roadhouse this morning, if the kitchen can even be called that. Beyond the shuttered windows of the roadhouse, rain hammers the thatched roof in steady rhythm. Aside from the grumbling of Gristle Pete prepping meat and chopping vegetables, the tavern-like room is quiet, a single table occupied by the three remaining members of the investigation team sent by Leosin Erlanthar of the Harpers and Ontharr Frume of the Order of the Gauntlet. Seated with them are Carlon Amoffel, the wiry human Harper that had been rescued from being buried in the road by the Cult of the Dragon, and Jamna Gleamsilver, the sly gnome woman with a near-permanent smirk etched on her face.

"Eyes up," Jamna says as the doors to the kitchen swing open. "They're looking for us."

Indeed, the genasi and human that enter from the soaked and muddy courtyard don't hesitate to approach and join you at the table. The pair catches a very brief glimpse of the Harpers' symbol tattooed onto Carlon's arm as the human adjusts his position.

OOC: Take a moment to re-introduce the existing party and introduce our new characters to one another as they become acquainted! I'll be here to help fill in any gaps, but I'd like the party to relay what they can of the group's mission before Carlon and Jamna say much about it.

As the little fire Genasi enters from the courtyard, he attempts to shake the mud from his boots. Hand still raised infront of himself, a small flame flickers just above it, leaving an ever-changing glow on his clean shaven face and fire in his eyes, possibly just a reflection, but possibly more. His high collar still flipped up on what would best described as a blackened militant style jacket with long coat tails, still dripping, looks orderly, in complete contrast to the messy locks going every direction on his head.

Seeing the lone occupied table, he looks back at his companion to see her reaction. Seeing what he believes to be a similar conclusion, he blows the flame out from his hand and approaches. "Well, for a lot who wish to lurk about, you were surprisingly easy to locate, perhaps that's speaks more about me I suppose. I am Hono Shadowsong, sent to assist you in your current duties on behalf of the Emerald Enclave. We too have a shared interest in the success of this investigation. My newly acquainted associate and I are your reserves in this matter."

“And what exactly do we need help with? Building the road to Neverwinter?”  Merric looks up from his cup, thoughts still occupied with the locked door from last night, as the newcomers approach the table, but they can see a glint of recognition cross his hazel eyes when they mention the Emerald Enclave.  He casts a quick look over his shoulder, making sure the room is clear of any other occupants. 

Merric is a lean elf with coppery skin and an unruly mop of chestnut hair.  A cloak mottled with greens and browns cover well-worn leathers and a longbow and quiver with a pair of short swords strapped alongside leans against the table within easy arm’s reach.

Entering alongside Hono is a human woman who seems almost as dark as he is bright. She wears a high-quality black traveling cloak, and she pushes back the cowl as she enters, revealing her shoulder length hair. At her back is a large round wooden shield, which she starts to remove. At her belt are a pair of axes and a warhammer.  As she removes her cloak and hangs it on a peg not far from the door, it reveals a black shirt and grey jacket with a gold-colored border. Woolen breaches and polished black leather boots complete the outfit. All look in good condition. 

The genasi had long since made his way to the table by the time she comes over. "We did not exactly come here to build a road, but rather to join your task force. To help with your investigation," she says plainly. "I am Rachael Bearbloom, representative of the Lords' Alliance." Her light blue eyes scan the others seated. 

Character Portrait

At the words "Lord's Alliance", one of the four males — the strong-looking and relatively young-faced ... human? — immediately shifts from a look of suspicion and wariness to utter delight. This one has an auburn beard that looks like it once might have been well kept, but is now a little rough around the edges, and a leather beanie down over his ears. He smiles up at Rachael, staring at her unabashedly as she sits.

Leaning across the table, he loudly whispers. "Finally! I've been trying to get a message to the Lords' Alliance for ... well, since we left for Elturgard!"

He gives a quick glance around the room to make sure he's not being overheard. "We're following the Cult of the Dragon north. They attacked Greenest — my home — and we followed them to a camp and rescued some of my family that had been taken prisoner. We got them back home, but when we went back to the camp to look for my Pa, they had moved on." He glances toward the human with the shaved head. "That's when I met Karib. He is a blacksmith, too, and he worked with my Pa in the camp!"

"Anyway, he's helping me follow the Cult to rescue my Pa. And to stop the Cult if we can."

He motions to the other three, giving quick introductions, ignoring Merric's initial caution.

Turning back to Rachael, he frowns. "Leosin and Ontharr wanted me to swear allegiance to either the Order of the Gauntlet or the Harpers ... but the only faction I really know is the Lords' Alliance. They help keep the peace in Greenest. Or did. I think if Pa was going to choose an organization for me to work with, it would be them." He pauses. "But I really want to talk to him about it first."

He sits back, clearly troubled by the end of his revelations — now appearing to struggle with his own thoughts.

OOC: I will refer to Rogram as a half-dwarf because that's what he is. He is currently trying to hide that as they try to infiltrate the cult. You can decide when your character realizes this and decide if they would say anything.

Rachael smiles at the favorable reception from the man from Greenest.  "It does seem your message must have reached the Lord's Alliance!" She nods in greeting to Karib as he is mentioned. And then each of the others in turn as they are introduced.  (Presumably Merric - who didn't give a name before, Carlon, and Jamna.) "And what is your name sir?"

"I'm not sure who Leosin and Ontharr are, but If you wished it, I am sure the Lord's Alliance would be glad to have you as an agent based on your work here," she adds, pausing at the end as she notes him struggling. 

"I'm curious as well," she cautiously goes on. "I heard that the cult raided villages in the south of the Sword Coast. But you are following them into the north?"

Merric sighs loudly, the exhale of air pushing up a curl of hair hanging down over his face. “Easy, Rogram.  No need to spill everything to strangers. But at least it appears we are among friends.  Both the Lord’s Alliance and the Enclave.  What a band we make!”

He looks over to Rachael and Hono and nods graciously. “Merric Greenleaf, at your service.   I am the eyes and ears of my King, a friend to both the Alliance and the Enclave, sent to find out information behind rumors of this cult.”

“You have indeed found us amidst an investigation, and we welcome the help” He leans forward. “But it is best to be discreet. You never know who is listening. We found this Harper buried to his neck alongside the road.” He jerks a thumb at Carlon. “And unless I miss my mark, which I never do, the cult is firmly in control of this little waystation.”

"Well, for a lot who wish to lurk about, you were surprisingly easy to locate,"

A bullky and scarred human male with what appears to be uneven tufts of hair sprouting from his head looks up at the words. He stares at the newcomer, frowning.

"Do I look like the sneaking sort, lad? Just a humble caravan guard here."

He pushes his empty breakfast plate to the centre of the table and lifts an almost empty mug of ale to his lips. He takes a long swig, not expecting an answer, and continues to examine the newcomer closely. "The name's Karib, bye the way. Blacksmith and tinkerer, specialising in breaking things and fixing things."

A weather beaten hat sits on the table next to him, a limp feather sagging near its brim. His chain mail, on the other hand, looks very well maintained and has a distinctive black sheen. A finely carved long walking stick shod in metal leans against the table within easy reach.

"We did not exactly come here to build a road, but rather to join your task force. To help with your investigation,"..."I am Rachael Bearbloom, representative of the Lords' Alliance.

His gaze turns to the second newcomer and his frown deepens, "If you say so."

Glancing around the room he wonders if more newcomers are likely to introduce themselves, then catches Jamna's eye, wondering what she thinks of the two strangers.

His reverie is interrupted when he hears Rogram start to speak. He closes his eyes and sags in his seat.

At the words "Lord's Alliance", one of the four males — the strong-looking and relatively young-faced ... human? — immediately shifts from a look of suspicion and wariness to utter delight.
...
Merric sighs loudly, the exhale of air pushing up a curl of hair hanging down over his face. “Easy, Rogram.  No need to spill everything to strangers. But at least it appears we are among friends.  Both the Lord’s Alliance and the Enclave.  What a band we make!”

Karib laughs at Merric's comment, "Rogram's specialty is saying too much, too soon, to too many people."

He grins and the half-dwarf. "Don't worry lad, your secret's safe with me."

"I'm curious as well," she cautiously goes on. "I heard that the cult raided villages in the south of the Sword Coast. But you are following them into the north?"

Karib runs his hand over his tufty head and grunts. "One goes where the trail leads," he says, returning his gaze to the two newcomers, still trying to size them up.

"I don't want to seem unwelcoming ..." he shrugs, clearly not perturbed by the idea at all, "...but I have to ask if you have any proof you are what you claim to be? We can put it to the test, if not." He glances at Carlon with a grin.