T'chal'fronack'zcinicker watches the exchange between the over confident elf and the group. The man seemed well informed, and was handing out information for free.....leaving T'chal'fronack'zcinicker wondering what price he exacted and when it would need to be paid. Well, until that was clear, he'd not engage the man, nor give him a chance to land a barb. He sat back and looked elsewhere around the room, getting a sense of the type of people in here. He watched the serving staff and others, looking for those social signals that might indicate who's important and who keeps a good eye on things.  

Perception : 10

Insight : 12

Kerric:

Thinking of the relative geography of the surrounding towns as well as the keep's location gleaned from the reformed bandits, Kerric tries to piece together the likely connection between the attack to the south of Red Larch and to the north of Summit Hall.

Investigation:  8

"I suppose the delegation could have split and been attacked in two different places--or there could have been a first attack that did not get them all, but the second one did.  In any case, it seems a visit to Grimjaw's keep seems in order if we are to find any surviving members of the delegation.  I thank you for the information, Nal, cryptic though it was," Kerric answered sincerely, giving the traditional Elven signal for gratitude.  

"Ancient and evil elemental cults can't be good for business, though, Nalaskar, and I assume the free travel of those wishing to trade in goods and services would benefit you.  Thank you for the information, ale, food, and lodging.  You are a gracious host," finishes Kerric, before he heads back to his table to sit down and continue eating.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker as far as you can tell, Nalaskar must be benefiting from this exchange of information. Somehow... As you observe the room, it was obvious that Nalaskar was amused with the group. And the more you looked, the more it confirmed that based off of all the individuals in this room, they all looked to Nalashkar. He was important enough and was obviously well informed. Next to him though, would be the brute behind the bar who's been silently watching all of you and tending to his loyal patrons. He'd respond with nods of his head, and once you may have heard a grunt. He appeared to be the jack of all trades of the Inn. But something told you the power status you may be looking for, wasn't within your sights.

Nalashkar's grin wouldn't waver from his lips as the elven warrior before him would ponder his thoughts out loud. He'd dip his head and move his hand to return the Elven gesture for his display of gratitude. He'd remain quiet as the elf would return to his seat.

Kerric as you pour over the connection between the two attacks, their locations and the significance of Nalaskar's words, you feel like you're close to figuring out the details. As you take your seat at the table, you'd feel compelled to write out something Nalashkar said 'Rock beats Wind. Then gets a lift from the River'. Then you'd look over the map that Bert and Ernie provided you, adding your own knowledge to it.

(Light Blue - Reaver Ambush, Dark Red - Shallow Graves, Red - Rivergard Keep, Black - Delegation Ambush)

Hawke didn't particularly like the feeling of being watched. It made him feel small, inferior, and distrusted. Might have made him a bit of hypocrite doing it himself, but there was some relief in knowing they weren't just eyeballing him. If anything, it only solidified the fact that it would definitely be best to sleep with one eye open and a weapon close by. Could never be too sure in places like these.

It took a lot of will power for the druid to not burst out in a fit of laughter seeing the monk shuffle around cautiously where the wagon had once been, but seeing the mugs of ale dangling from her staff makes him reveal his whereabouts sooner than he really wanted to. She might have found him eventually! Damn his alcoholic tendencies!

"Oop!" Hawke quickly fixes his mistake in not cheering with Ebele, clinking his mug against hers after his premature chug. "Sorry 'bout that. I just get a little bit excited when I get the chance to drink. Bit of a weakness of mine." He admits with a shrug and even without sight she could just hear the grin on his face. "Don't get to do it often, but, boy when I get the chance to, hoo-- Try to control myself since I never really got a lotta coin on me and I ain't into payin' off debts." 

When she speaks, he does take the moment to get another good gulp of ale in before settling his mug aside. He can't help but chuckle at her presumptions. "Curious and creative. Gotta add those two to the list of words to describe ya. Right next to punny and pretty. But, unfortunately, I can't tell ya what happens. Sounds like you oughta get me to say it again to find out, yeah? Haha."

The kalashar gives her a small apology when he starts up the horses again without warning, sure to remind himself next time had she been riding with a drink in hand to give her a little bit of a notice so no drink would be spilt. He gives Ebele a snort in response to her question regarding getting T'chal to keep tabs. "If you'd like him to. I'd think it'd be funny. Maybe even get him to keep tabs on how many other people you fool as well, just for funsies." 

When he notices the stables were indeed next door, he gives a small hum of surprise, but rolls with it, directing the horses in. Once in a suitable spot, he parks the horses and is just about to hop on off the wagon when he feels that feeling again. He quickly gazes over the area and spots the guard. At the smirk, he quirks a brow and asks, "Somethin' we can help ya with, or are ya just takin' in the sights?"

Having quickly realized that they had nothing to contribute to the discussion between the elves, Rhegys made their way back to Xalkas."Can I give you a piece of advice, friend?  If you like her, why don't you tell her? Instead of sitting here thinking about whatever it is your pondering in that brain of yours, go find her outside, spend some time. I'm sure that the problem you're trying to solve will still be here when you get back."

Xalkas gets Bardic inspiration (1d6)

Inside:

With Reghys returning to the table, Nalaskar was left back to himself. He'd kick his feet back up on the table and return to picking at the rest of his finger nails. His wide smirk would not leave his face. Though, his ears were always listening and his eyes watching.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, Kerric, Xalkas and Reghys all seated back at their table, ales in hand.

Outside:

"Don't we all got a vice?" Ebele would chuckle at Hawke's confession of enjoying his drink. She had only been pulling his chain with the gesture, but appreciated him making a conversation out of silence. The monk wasn't one to judge unless it truly was hurting someone else maliciously. There's balance to everything, and alcohol to enjoy! Being a brew master, it was obvious she enjoyed her fair share too. "Well, if the Argent Alliance ever gets a day off from saving the world, we should all go 'shot for shot.'" She'd chuckle, then smile widely at the idea of all of them enjoying a fresh batch of one of her best brews, in copious amounts. "More for T to tally!" The half elf would take a drink of her ale. I wonder if Xalkas could help me tweak my kit for the wagon? If not, we can maybe retrofit that place sooner than later? Dreams. She'd chuckle to herself.

Ebele would feel the wagon come to a halt in the stables finally. Good timing, she also finished her stew. "Are you talking to me?" She'd tilt her head in confusion to Hawke's question. "What sights am I missing?" The monk would chuckle. Eventually, figuring he was probably talking to someone else, she'd shrug to herself and hop off the wagon. She'd watch over the horses and their stuff if he needed to go check things out.

The guard stood outside of the stable. They'd see that Hawke moved his lips, but was unable to hear what he said over the sound of the horses and the distance between them. The guard's smirk didn't fade and they'd wiggle their fingers to wave a greeting the druid's way.

Kerric:

Spreading out and combining the maps with his cartography skill, Kerric sees their connection and motions the others to come join him.  Pointing at the location of the Delegation's Ambush, he says, "Rock beats Wind.  I can only assume that Rock means the Black Earth cultists, given that we found delegation trade bars on their leader.  I would not call dwarves of the delegation 'wind', but there must be some connection there."

Now pointing at the river, he adds, "Getting a lift from the River must refer to the Crashing Wave cultists, and we now know that they lair at the Riverguard keep," as he runs his finger down the river and rests it on the keep.  "I assume any surviving dwarven delegation members would be at the keep, as well as the bulk of their possessions.  Perhaps some of their number tried an escape to the southwest and were caught, getting buried in these shallow graves we found," finishes Kerric, doing his part to try and piece this situation together.

"I doubt going to the initial site of the ambush will be helpful at this point, and we do know the hand signals for the Crashing Wave cultists, so we should be able to approach the keep without being immediately attacked.  Should we leave the wagon here and start moving to the keep in the morning?" he asks, eager to hear what the others thought as well.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker would quickly shush Kerric before he says too much. "Our plans are our own, and best not to advertise where we'll be going at this juncture."  He eyes motion to Nalaskar. "Let us perhaps have this conversation in the privacy of our one of our rooms?" 

Assuming the others agree, he goes and fetches Ebele and Hawke for a group powwow in one of the rooms, and they all retire to a room, drinks in hand and preferably with a bit of food, to chat. He looks back and forth out in the hallway before asking Ebele to stand near the door to listen for anyone who might try to overhear their conversation, then lets Kerric continue. 

"Your suppositions all seem solid. One thing to add. The dwarven books we purchased, were apparently bought off a river boat captain here in Womford. If this riverkeep is indeed involved, and they have been hiring people for this cult, it would stand to reason they have some river boat captains working with them. We should go down to the docks first thing and see if we can get a bit more info, before heading to the keep. Oh, and we should also sign this contract before we go, just in case we get into some trouble and one of us dies, it'll ensure....."  He glances around at their faces, "....right let's go back to drinking then retire." 

Kerric:

Kerric will certainly agree to a quieter venue that their table in the corner, given how interested Nal seemed in their planning.  

“Perhaps we can arrange a trip up river as well, if you think we can deceive the River boat captains well enough to deliver us there,” responds Kerric.

Hawke tilts his head to the side, not expecting the distance between them making it hard to hear him, but then again, the horses were making noises. The guards strange wave earns him a quirk of the brow, but, not wanting to be rude, Hawke gives him a two fingered salute. When Ebele speaks up, he turns back to look at her for a moment and says, "Sorry 'bout that. Yeah I was, but they didn't hear me, just lookin' at me creepily. However, the sights you're missin' is me." He gives a light chuckle and fully hops off the cart. 

He eyes the guard for a second more before turning back to take care of the horses, and while doing so, he creates a telepathic link to Ebele. Sorry for the mind intrusion, but one of the guards from earlier before is just... hangin' out near the entrance to the stables. Dunno if you've felt it yet, but everyone watchin' everyone here. Maybe I'm thinkin' too much into it, but I'm gettin' bad vibes off that guy and this place as a whole.

The druid tries not to think too much about it as he finishes up, giving the horses a final pat on the neck for a job well done today. When he hears the sounds of footsteps, he perks up and guides his eyes to the entrance of the stable where T'chal had entered to gather them up for a... group pow wow? "Oooh, sounds sexy~" He jokes, taking his mug and bowl of unfinished stew from the wagon. As they make their way out of the stables, Hawke gives the guard a final glance and finishes off his drink.

He'd drop off the mug at the bar and tell the bartender he'd bring back the bowl after having some fun with it upstairs, even giving them a wink prior to walking off and following behind T'chal and Ebele. During the little meet up Hawke would be seen eating his meal while the group discussed what was found out and what they planned to do next, interested in this turn of events. Just what in the Nine Hells did he get mixed into now?

"I'm all for a little decivin' if I ain't the one doin' it," Hawke tosses in, putting his now empty bowl to the side. "But I'm down for whatever the group as a whole decides."

Xalkas nearly falls out of his chair as Ebele sets food and drink down in front of him. He mumbles, “I suppose I should.” As Ebele walks out to visit with Hawke.

Startling again when Reghys comes back over to the groups table, Xalkas nearly knocks over his ale. He turns to the Satyr and sees the logic in their words and simply gives them an affirmative nod.

After sitting in silence for a few moments, he is about to get up to go find Ebele when Kerric begins discussing plans and is quickly hushed by T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, and at their suggestion, the entire party moves to a private area upstairs. ‘I’ll wait for a better time I guess.” Xalkas thinks to himself.

During the discussion of what to do next, Xalkas shares the information he remembered about the zhentarim as well as any information he had from his studies on the elemental cults. (Will roll if needed)

After sharing what he knows, he then sits back quietly and begins tinkering with the music box he’s made for Ebele.

A small amused chuff could be heard from Nalashkar as the tiefling would hastily shush the warrior. I like that one.

So I'd have permission to stare, but not the guard? Ebele would chuckle to herself, and was about to say something out loud.

Hawke you could hear a slight interrupted shuffle of Ebele's feet as she'd pause in confusion when she'd first hear your voice in her head. Her heart even skipped for a moment when her ears didn't register your voice, but she still heard you. The monk essentially froze in place as it was a bit disorienting for her and she wasn't sure how it worked exactly. It would take some getting used to in the future. Uhh. Hello? Is this both ways? Can you hear my thoughts? Could you listen to them? Do I think back? Maybe that should have been the first question... Maybe they like you and want a drink? Haha. Okay. Focus. Ebele, focus... Serious... Uh. Er. Well. Yes. She'd admit. At the same time, it wasn't that much different than what she felt most of the time she went anywhere. But truthfully, she was grateful you were keeping an eye out and communicating what was going on, regardless of whether you thought you were over thinking it or not. She'd be more attentive. Thank you.

Ebele would take this time as training to work on her perception. She was in a new place, tending to horses in a stable which she's never done, with the person she's spent less time around in the group. It was an opportunity if she allowed it to be. So the monk would relax her breathing, moving into a semi meditative trance so that she could zone her focus in on listening to the sounds around her, learning from Hawke as she went. The half-elf would fall into her rhythm as a shadow. When she looked at it like learning a new dance, it didn't seem so hard. And she could take swigs mid routine. Though the mug did run dry.

There was something to T'chal'fronack'zcinicker's timing, always perfect timing. Ebele could only pop a brow before letting out a chuckle from Hawke's excitement. It appeared it was time for a team meeting.

Hearing Hawke gather his items and start making his way out of the stables to T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, she'd walk around to her side of the wagon to collect her mug, bowl and staff. The half-elf's hair on the back of her neck would raise, sending a chill down her spine.

"The Snake finds the Weeping Glove..."

Perception/Insight:14

Ebele would swallow, clutching her staff tightly. "Wait for me!" With wide, smooth strides, the blonde would quickly maneuver her way around the wagon. She'd trot to catch up to Hawke and T'chal'fronack'zcinicker outside the stables to head to towards the Inn for their meeting. Her pulse was quickened.

History: 16

Hawke as you walk by, glancing at the guard with your mug to your lips, they simply gesture an 'after you' with a slight bow, only peaking up when Ebele would catch up to you and T'chal'fronack'zcinicker. With your heightened awareness, you hear the horses shuffle only slightly, followed by swift movement back behind the wagon where you and Ebele just were. It was as if some one just disappeared into the night. The monk followed so closely, she was just short of stepping on the tiefling's heels. Turning to take one more look behind you before entering the establishment, the guard would be gone.

Ebele would follow Hawke to the bar to drop off her bowl and cutlery. Trying to put out the same enthusiasm, she'd ask the bartender to top off of her ale and load up her staff with another round on the go. Almost as if she couldn't get up the steps fast enough, she'd happily follow T'chal'fronack'zcinicker up the stairs.

Hawke, you managed to get the big burly bartender to raise a brow before you head up the stairs.

Once in the room, Ebele would look distribute the mugs of ale. "Have you ate?" She'd check in while getting settled. If it was a no, the monk would hold your ale back. She'd then happily take up post by the door, holding a sentry position. Her arms were crossed, staff held with a spare mug or two hanging from the end. Her head would tilt forward, chin dipping towards her chest. Anyone watching her would notice colour returning to her skin as her body language relaxed a bit. She slipped into her partial meditative trance to hone in on listening once again.

Ebele was quiet for quite a while, intently hearing the conversation recap and discussions all while listening for any peepers at the door.

Perception: 7
Investigation: 20

Ebele would hold a finger up to pause the conversation at one point. She heard footsteps. They staggered by to another room, door closing behind them. After a few more seconds of listening, she'd indicate to continue the conversation. The half-elf was confident they were being left alone at this time. It was just another patron making their way to their room. When the discussion continued, the monk returned to her state of listening. Though, when Xalkas would speak up to share all the information about the Zhentarim, her ears would visibly twitch as she paid full attention to his thorough follow up of what he had to contribute to what Kerric had mentioned at the gate. There was definitely something that caught her attention above all else.

Ebele would finally move her head, tilting it towards where Kerric stood. "Kerric, thinking about what you were saying about 'Rock beating Wind. Getting a lift from the River'... If the two refer to cultists and their 'element', what if there was a third group that we're missing? What if 'Rock' attacked 'Wind', took their 'possessions' and cut a deal with the 'River' for transport?." Then she'd 'look' T'chal'fronack'zcinicker. "I think T'chal'fronack'zcinicker is on to something about the docks in Womford. Perhaps they control the flow of goods on the river?"

After some silence hung in the air, Ebele would then turn her head towards Xalkas. "I think the 'Senior Sword' was watching..." That voice.

History or Religion Check
Roll call: Xalkas
Decisions: You may ask for help.
For information on elemental cultists.

History Check
Roll call: Xalkas, Reghys and Kerric
Decisions: You may roll separate, ask Hawke, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, or eachother for help. Not Ebele.
For information on the Senior Sword

Kerric:

"Hawke, what do you know about this 'Senior Sword' phrase?  Could it be a mark of prestige or rank within one of the cults?" Kerric asks, hoping to jar his own memory by thinking aloud...

History with Advantage:  16

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker gladly helps.

Xalkas confers with T'chal'fronack'zcinicker on knowledge about the elemental cults. ‘After all’ he reasons to himself, ‘that is what he said he was doing along with ... map making’

history w/adv.: 15

Reghys happily ssures Hawke that they are more than willing to come up with a story that would get them up to the river keep, but that it might be wiser to approach the keep from the landward side, since that one would likely be less well guarded. The satyr cites the battle of Northwater Bay, when a clan of hobgoblin raiders dropped their clan several miles away from the bay, before lashing the boats together and having a skeleton crew sail back out. While the army made their way towards the forest behind the town, the sailors made sure to have the fleet appear on the horizon at dawn. As the town's defences took up positions to defend agains the naval onslaught, they were surprised and crushed by the army attacking the now weakly defended landward gates.

Reghys would perk up when Ebele mentioned the Senior Sword. Not because they recognised the name, title or weapon, but because Ebele sounded off, a bit like she did in the thunderstorm.

Insight, to see how she is doing: 10

During Ebele's telepathic questioning, she could hear Hawke chuckle from where he was. This was how it usually was when he linked up with someone, so it didn't bother him much. If anything, it was cute to hear some people panic/be intrigued/etc by his ability of his. Normally, he would use it to speak with people in his animal shapes since he couldn't talk in them, but with the guard about, unsure if with some breaks in the noise he would be able to hear them talk about him and this place, he didn't want to take the risk. 

Yes, hello hello, I can hear your thoughts n' questions. Promise I couldn't hear anything before I linked up to you, so don't worry, I couldn't hear you thinkin' about how hot my voice sounds. There's another chuckle from him before he continues. I won't be linked up with you forever. This only lasts an hour or until I sever it, so just lemme know if you want me out of your mind. Just thought it'd be easier this way, in case, you know? If anything, I'll cut the link once we're in the inn, 'kay? You have my word. His eyes would flicker over to the guard again, wondering just how long he planned to stay there. Not a 'I wanna buy you a drink' look, honestly, but maybe I'm just bein' dumb. Let's finish up here and get the heck out.

Hawke tries his best to not let the unsettling feeling of the guards eye get the best of him, but he truly couldn't help taking a split second to glance over to where he once was. Noticing he was no where to be seen, he tells Ebele mentally, He's gone. And had she had nothing to add, as promised, he severs the link once they enter into the inn.

Reghys' assurance is greatly appreciated when they say they would help them get in if they decide to go the river route, thought they do pose a point when say going the landward route would be better. Had his opinion mattered by that point, Hawke would agree that going the landward route would be better. When Kerric had questioned him on the "Senior Sword" phrase, his expression twists as he thinks on it, trying to boggle his own memory and hoping to help the elf in some way.

Hawke, before you entered the inn and just before you severed the link with Ebele, you would have heard her repeat the words she heard to herself before as her mind went blank in fear.

The Snake finds the Weeping Glove.

Kerric as you and Hawke put your heads together to discuss the term 'Senior Sword', you realize that it's more of a military rank than a cultist rank. With that thought in mind, you remember that you heard the term a couples times before. Most recently, Xalkas mentioned it during his review of the Zhentarim 'the unofficial local leader of the area is a cold-eyed 'Senior Sword'. Female'. You're confident it's recognized as a high rank of regional leadership, although unofficial in nature. It is part of a shadow network after all.

Xalkas, as you nudge T'chal'fronack'zcinicker with your thoughts on elemental cultists, your back and forth eventually brings you to remembering the groups earlier adventures before Hawke joined the group. There was Lance Rock, and then the Old Quarries. You remembered had scribbled lots of notes on some of the symbols and research you did around them, including the cultists who represented them. Since your first introduction to the Cult of the Black Earth, you've been more aware of the group and have some insight to their behaviour. Your logical discussion with T'chal'fronack'zcinicker draws the conclusion, that based on your findings and research, it made sense that Black Earth and the Crushing Wave aren't the only two 'games in town'. Nalaskar's riddle to Kerric alludes to a third, Wind. And any academic that's aware of the elements, knows there's usually a core four... And sometimes elements can get along, and some times elements can clash. Reflecting on the riddle, you believe this is the case. The Cult of the Black Earth may have an ally with the Cult of the Crushing Wave, yet made enemies with 'Wind'.

Reghys, your watchful eyes over Ebele easily pick out the loss of colour in her complexion. You are the only one who knows where the blindfolded monk's fear of thunder stems from, so your attentiveness to her body language and how she exhibited symptoms of fear makes it easy for you to determine that she's a little shook. What's different this time though, compared to when she was distressed by thunder, the half-elf was exhibiting extreme confusion. Her brows were furrowed and she'd twitch her head as if to try to shake herself to focus.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker nods to Xalkas, "Solid reasoning. This indeed is starting to sound like something a little more worthy of investigation that a few bandits. I think we may be walking around the edges of this 'unauthorized evil' i'm supposed to look into.  Maybe not one.....but four....somehow clashing  over something they all want in this region."   He stands up, grabs empties, and says, "Well, it's a bit early for bed.  I'll be down in the bar for a short time if anyone wants me."  He heads downstairs to drop off dishes at the bar. He does a quick scan, especially for anyone who might be eyeing him, then heads outside to check on their wagon, horses, and gear, before heading back inside. 

As T leaves, Reghys reaches for Ebele by the door: "Hey, is everything alright? Something I can help you with?" The satyr would give Xalkas a glance, trying to get him to understand that something was up with Ebele, and that maybe his magical talents were required.