The half-orc walks around the townsfolk, aiding and assisting where he is needed - mending wounds and observing the people as they tend to the various activities. Their resilience in the face of calamity is admirable, Tengar thinks to himself. His thoughts wander back to his own tribe and especially his mentor, slain in the heat of pointless disaster - much like what he observed around him. His anger bubbles and ferments within but he pushes it down, best to save it for another day. He returns to his companions, slapping Karib on the back, “Well done, human! To the champion of Greenest!” Tengar raises an ale in tribute. Thr half-orc doesn’t stay long and retires early, praying to his god and beseeching her for the strength to face the adversity before him. He falls asleep thinking of the many different ways to kill a dragon and it’s lightning-breathing pawn.
Tengar is suspicious if this governor, his general attitude towards any who profess to have authority over others. But he will agree to the audience if the others are amenable. At the very least he might get some supplies and weapons out of it....
Castellan Escobert points at the halfling, "Right you are! Where, and intel. But! I'll leave that for the Governor to run through. He can be found this way, if you would like to follow me..."
Once all finished up, the keep's staff are left clearing a collection of plates, a larger selection around where Pimster was sitting, and are lead through the stone spiralling staircase, wide enough for two to ascending comfortably abreast. On the third floor, guards stood their post with an air of discipline. Relatively lower ceilings, of only ten feet, whereas they seemed at least double downstairs. This floor contains much of the comfortable, high quality furnishings seen previously; while there was flashes of rare metals or the odd shimmer of a gem, nothing decorative can been seen going to the excess.
Taken to a large, carpeted study of 20' by 30', where large book cases of dark wood line the walls, three on either side from the doorway. A desk of matching dark wood is in front of a large window which is flooded with sunlight and a man in rich blue overcoat paces with heavy thought. Either end of the window is a guard, easily mistaken as something decorative due to how still they remain. Amongst the shelves of neatly organised scrolls and tomes, well-dressed aides discuss and delve into records while discussing amongst themselves in hushed tones.
Despite the air of quiet focus, Castellan Escobert treads in with his louds steps, even on the carpet, and clanking armour. His appearance is expected as no one takes offence at the entrance and welcomes with you all with a warm respect.
"I got them Governor, as requested."
Governor Nighthill stops midstep and turns to his dwarf, who he smiles when he sees and this greeting is shared to seeing you all. A mature man with well-kept black hair, sleek back that flows past his neck. The flawless style is interrupted by a grisly scar at the corner of the forehead into the hairline which causes a shock of white. His well-groomed moustache and goatee shaped around a sincere smile as goes to take each of your hands or claw as he gives you each a small greeting and welcomes you to the keep. To Karib, he grasps with both his firmly.
"A true honour to have the champions of Greenest here. As shared, I am Governor Tarbaw Nighthill. While I cannot know what paths lead you all to our town, what I cannot express enough how much of a blessing it is that you stayed, and gracious enough to lend a hand, and like so many on the night. However, I am not the only who wishes to give thanks..."
The Governor gestures to the desk and there he unveils a small fortune of coins overflowing from an open chest; while there's a lot of silver pieces, there are definitely gold and silver among them, "A collection from the townsfolk in thanks. Trust my word when I say they insisted. And these are from me..." The Governor opens a simple box, stuffed with hay. Inside, five vials of a rich red liquid rest. "Potions of healing, enough for each of you."
He pauses a moment before continuing, "But, the main reason I brought you up here is to, of course, wish for your aid further. We can all agree as much as last night's horrific acts caught us off guard, it was not an isolated event. Who were these people? A cult? Under the sway of a dragon? Why here and why now? At a Governor's behest, I ask you to track this cult," he waves a hand with dismissive insult, "locate them, who truly leads them, what fuels their attacks and where they plan to strike next. Of course this is not to go unrewarded; two-hundred and fifty gold pieces a head, if all is discovered."
He steps straight and gives a little space, "What are your thoughts? There is time decide, but sooner would very much be appreciated."
Karib gains an Inspiration for taking on Langdedrosa! And for the next few days, 5 of your ability checks of your choosing can be under the effects of Guidance without casting.
(( Crossed posts...this goes just after Tengar's ))
Karib gives Tengar a long look, his habitual smile nowhere to be seen, "I'm no hero..." he says in a low voice, "...but I meant what I said." he glances around, conscious of the public space, and the likely fragility of the people. He continues in a louder voice. "This was a victory for the town: they stuck together in the face of a powerful and insurmountable evil. One day...one day, the injustices meeted out by that horde will be answered for, and on that day...on that day, maybe there will be heroes. Or maybe, just ordinary folk, doing what they do -- working together for a common good."
He looks around at the recovering townsfolk, wondering how many died, and if any truly feel like it was a victory. It is the way of evil to prey upon the weak, to divide them, and thus convert them, or consume them. He takes another swig of ale from his mug, then looks around once more, his smile returning. "We did well, though, didn't we?"
Karib takes in the room carefully. Not as excessive of many a local lordling, but still... A good sign, I suppose. Battle scarred too, by the look of it. But where was he last night, I wonder?
"It's good to finally meet you." he says as he finishes looking around the room. "Your people held together through difficult times and Lord Escobert here...he rallied them when necessary. The real credit should go to them all."
'More honey, less judgement' as Master Penzal used to tell me. "They are a credit to your leadership, my Lord. A lesser town would have fallen."
He glances around at his companions, then back to Governor, "I can not speak for my companions, though I think I have some sense of what lies in their hearts. But for my part, I will gladly help: there is unfinished business between me and that lizard." Both of them, he thinks, grimly.
Pimster is fairly huffing by the time they get to the top floor of the tower. "Why do they have to make the steps so tall?" he mumbles on the way up. But seeing the treasure and potions of healing as reward brightens his outlook!
After the governor's request, and Karib's answer, Pim nods enthusiastically. "Yes, I am destined to follow this path, and am honored to have found such honorable and courageous companions. That horde has swung the balance too far and must be stopped before the scales tip entirely."
Doing his best to ignore Pimster's dragon pun, Kano volunteers, "Yes, for the town to survive we must hunt down the cult and devise a counter to their plans. I have few plans of my own and would be happy to take part in this effort."
"As long as it doesn't take me back that way I came--I want to put my former life forever behind me," he thinks, happy to have found a purpose and a place among friends.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
“The memories of our victory and failure here serve to honor my queen, so she has confided to me,” Tengar ventures. “Destroying these creatures would bring me nothing but pleasure and in so doing, further honor my dread queen. Your gifts have my appreciation and will last long in my thoughts. We will need to resupply and plan. One of the creatures mentioned a camp. It can’t be far away...” Tengar nods to the scholars pouring over the books and maps, “Have you found anything you can share?”
After politely requesting to join the party through a window rather than trudge up several flights of cramped staircases, Ka'Burra eventually trails along near the end of the Governor's speech. To Burra, material wealth was a temporary, fluctuating amenity in the ever-changing world. It was useful to have, but the main draw to the mission was the promise of ending the threat of the cultists. "I do not pretend to understand why gold is offered as a reward, but I will certainly add my efforts towards investigating the purposes behind the attacks," he clucks, head swiveling every which direction. The low ceiling is evidently causing no small amount of discomfort to the claustrophobic Burra. "The Traveler ordains that I serve as a force of good in the chaos of the world. I feel compelled to aid the town. Is there any additional information you have to offer?"
After politely requesting to join the party through a window rather than trudge up several flights of cramped staircases, Ka'Burra eventually trails along near the end of the Governor's speech. To Burra, material wealth was a temporary, fluctuating amenity in the ever-changing world. It was useful to have, but the main draw to the mission was the promise of ending the threat of the cultists. "I do not pretend to understand why gold is offered as a reward, but I will certainly add my efforts towards investigating the purposes behind the attacks," he clucks, head swiveling every which direction. The low ceiling is evidently causing no small amount of discomfort to the claustrophobic Burra. "The Traveler ordains that I serve as a force of good in the chaos of the world. I feel compelled to aid the town. Is there any additional information you have to offer?"
Tengar
He looks at Burra quizzically, laughing a little, "Not to worry, bird. The gold is always welcome in my pouch - I will take care of it!" Tengar moves over to the rows of books, looking for anything that catches his eye relating to the following topics: advanced military tactics, religions or deities, the boundaries of life and death, dreams and memories, divine spells, and maps of the region. Perception - 8
*with help if anyone wants to or offers; or if Tengar can get a bookhead to help him: 9
Karib is waiting for the Governor to respond, but would happily help looking though the bookshelves once he knows what Tengar is looking for.
If the governor doesn't make any additional comments he asks directly, "Do you have any idea why this town was targetted? They seemed to be searching for something."
"With all your acceptance a burden of worry has been eased, for that I thank you. Of course, you are welcome to any simple equipment or ammunition; these are also as gesture of thanks from myself and the town." The Governor strokes his goatee in thought, "Hmm, yes. They most probably left quite the tracks. Starting there sounds a good place to start." Nighthill gestures to one of those doing research, waiting to respond to Tengar's request.
An elf steps forward. She says, "Nothing that is already established; a cult that reveres dragons, grants them immortality through undeath and does their bidding. No recent records of of any activity that could have built to the attacks of last night."
Tengar's approach to the books is given a nod of approval from the Governor as the researchers look a bit hesitant. ((I'll call this check Investigation and make it 6 with Karib'sHelp.)) To blindly look through books is known to lead to pitfalls of lost hours, even days; Tengar experiences a sample of this. Any time a segment gets close to being a bit of sufficient information, the chapter ends or goes in a different direction. While looking up religions you comes cross gods of dragons and they're essentially divided into two sects; the Chromatic Dragons and the Metallic Dragons. The Chromatic consist of red, green, blue, white and black dragons who revere the Queen of the Dragons. The Metallic Dragons consist of the gold, silver, bronze, copper and brass who are devoted to the Platinum Dragon. The two greatly oppose one another.
"Right, if there's anything else I -"
"Governor! A moment!"
You all see helping themselves into the study a young man limping in on a crutch. His tanned skin sickly bruised around his left eye with his dark brown hair tied back, a few wavy locks bouncing in in the front as he limps through on his right leg the room towards the meeting.
"Nessim? You should be resting!" The Governor goes to meet him halfway, helps him balance and to catch his breath.
The young man gathers himself quickly and sees you all and gives a very stiff half-bow, but quickly turns to Nighthill, "They've taken her, Governor! The cultists taken Master Lesona. All that remained was this..." The young man opens his hand to show a braided leather neckband with a silver dragon design chased into the leather.
The governor holds on to the man, but turns to you all, "This adds urgency. If you have any questions, we will do our best. Dawn's rays guide you all."
"Who is Master Lesona? What does she look like, what does she do, why would the cultists take her? Does she possess any skills, abilities, or specialized knowledge? And let's have a look at that neckband...was it hers? Or perhaps left behind by the cultists?" Pimster asks, eager to get started to find this person but needing a greater amount of information about her before setting off all hot and bothered!
Karib's gaze goes from the newcomer, to the Governor and then to Pimster as the quickfire questions are asked. When the strem of questions finally ends he nods, and his attention back on the newcomer and governor. After a moment he would also ask, "Was there evidence she was taken against her will?" Could they be behind this?
Quietly musing, almost to himself, Kano said, "Could abducting her be the entire reason for the attack? Certainly nothing obvious of great value to death dragon cultists would be in this town, would it?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Burra’s claustrophobia doesn’t appear to be limited to the narrow ceilings of the room - the poor bird’s head rapidly swivels between speaker and listener, sometimes twisting a full 360 degrees around to track the flow of the conversation. “I cannot imagine the attack was solely for abducting Master Lesona. If they specifically wanted her, they would have taken her long ago rather than attack other cities. Are such abductions common occurrences from the other attacks as well?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tengar
Tengar pauses in his reading to look up at the disturbance. Damned words! he thinks to himself. I can't think straight! He sees the flash of silver and a thought occurs to him - finally, a useful bit of info from this glorified outhouse paper!
Tengar walks over to the governor and to the wounded youngster. "May I?" the half-orc says, gesturing to the medallion. "I know there is animosity between the followers of different dragons, indeed, amongst the dragons themselves. This Lesona, perhaps she is also a follower of a different type?" Tengar will look it over carefully: Religion - 3
Edit*looking for any sense of connection between the two and if successful will ask if we can check out where she slept or did work.
The young man Nessim listens intently to the array of questions asked by Pimster and Karib, but hesitates to answer then looks to Governor Nighthill, who gives him a nod.
Wincing a little, the young man goes on, "Master Lesona Erlanthar is from Berdusk, north-east of here. She is a sage who specialises in dragon folklore, and together we were on our way to Candlekeep before stopping here for a night. She is a half-elf; five-foot six, dark brown hair, grey eyes and a scar on the left of her face, similar tanned skin tone to mine and shoulder length hair, usually tied. Like most half-elves it's difficult to tell her age, but she's definitely not young. She has passed all her Fufillment Trials and is recognised among her peers to hold the title of Master. The neckband is hers, it was recovered at the Calstons'; Lesona's good friends and the place we were staying that came under attack by the cultists. It was returned to me at the make-shift infirmary where I was recovering, as the night before my Master and I gave the family enough time to flee to the keep before we were overwhelmed. The last I saw of her was continuing to fight while they closed in..."
The young man gently shakes his head at Burra'squestions, "Master Lesona has been tracking these particular part of the cult for months, but I really do not believe she knew they would have attacked here, and she has not spoken of any other attacks; word would have been surely sent around and it is far too brazen for their numbers. I am sure she holds more information that could lead to why last night took place, that it is why it is imperative she is found, and soon."
Tengar looks at the medallion on the neckband. While it does not match the symbol of the Platinum Dragon from the book a moment ago, it is of a silver dragon, one of the dragon colours which follow him. Silver dragons are known, through story and myth, to protect people and the lands.
Tengar's looking through the books previously, does hold a map of the local area:
Karib ponders the words for a time before speaking, "So we may have found the reason for the raid. If this woman is important to the cultists, then she is important to us. We just don't know exactly why..." he says with an amused smile, his mind still working slowly on the problem.
He glances around at his companions, "The trail gets cold, though likely we could follow it in a week, given their numbers. But now we now need not only to find the camp, but to rescue the half-elf before she gives up whatever information it is they seek. Or they kill her."
"Yes...yes...information. The currency of the powerful. It must be that they seek her knowledge: for themselves, or to suppress it."
He turns back to Nessim, "Tell me more about her work, lad. And don't leave anything out."
((@DM: just to be clear, I don't actually expect a long treatise here...but I imagine a long discussion might ensue in which they might learn more about her specialy, her recent discoveries, and why they were going to Candlekeep etc ))
More a man of action than deliberation, Kano waits impatiently for the questions and answers, wanting to get on the road and chase down these dragon cultists as soon as possible.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Tengar
The half-orc walks around the townsfolk, aiding and assisting where he is needed - mending wounds and observing the people as they tend to the various activities. Their resilience in the face of calamity is admirable, Tengar thinks to himself. His thoughts wander back to his own tribe and especially his mentor, slain in the heat of pointless disaster - much like what he observed around him. His anger bubbles and ferments within but he pushes it down, best to save it for another day.
He returns to his companions, slapping Karib on the back, “Well done, human! To the champion of Greenest!” Tengar raises an ale in tribute.
Thr half-orc doesn’t stay long and retires early, praying to his god and beseeching her for the strength to face the adversity before him. He falls asleep thinking of the many different ways to kill a dragon and it’s lightning-breathing pawn.
Tengar is suspicious if this governor, his general attitude towards any who profess to have authority over others. But he will agree to the audience if the others are amenable. At the very least he might get some supplies and weapons out of it....
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Castellan Escobert points at the halfling, "Right you are! Where, and intel. But! I'll leave that for the Governor to run through. He can be found this way, if you would like to follow me..."
Once all finished up, the keep's staff are left clearing a collection of plates, a larger selection around where Pimster was sitting, and are lead through the stone spiralling staircase, wide enough for two to ascending comfortably abreast. On the third floor, guards stood their post with an air of discipline. Relatively lower ceilings, of only ten feet, whereas they seemed at least double downstairs. This floor contains much of the comfortable, high quality furnishings seen previously; while there was flashes of rare metals or the odd shimmer of a gem, nothing decorative can been seen going to the excess.
Taken to a large, carpeted study of 20' by 30', where large book cases of dark wood line the walls, three on either side from the doorway. A desk of matching dark wood is in front of a large window which is flooded with sunlight and a man in rich blue overcoat paces with heavy thought. Either end of the window is a guard, easily mistaken as something decorative due to how still they remain. Amongst the shelves of neatly organised scrolls and tomes, well-dressed aides discuss and delve into records while discussing amongst themselves in hushed tones.
Despite the air of quiet focus, Castellan Escobert treads in with his louds steps, even on the carpet, and clanking armour. His appearance is expected as no one takes offence at the entrance and welcomes with you all with a warm respect.
"I got them Governor, as requested."
Governor Nighthill stops midstep and turns to his dwarf, who he smiles when he sees and this greeting is shared to seeing you all. A mature man with well-kept black hair, sleek back that flows past his neck. The flawless style is interrupted by a grisly scar at the corner of the forehead into the hairline which causes a shock of white. His well-groomed moustache and goatee shaped around a sincere smile as goes to take each of your hands or claw as he gives you each a small greeting and welcomes you to the keep. To Karib, he grasps with both his firmly.
"A true honour to have the champions of Greenest here. As shared, I am Governor Tarbaw Nighthill. While I cannot know what paths lead you all to our town, what I cannot express enough how much of a blessing it is that you stayed, and gracious enough to lend a hand, and like so many on the night. However, I am not the only who wishes to give thanks..."
The Governor gestures to the desk and there he unveils a small fortune of coins overflowing from an open chest; while there's a lot of silver pieces, there are definitely gold and silver among them, "A collection from the townsfolk in thanks. Trust my word when I say they insisted. And these are from me..." The Governor opens a simple box, stuffed with hay. Inside, five vials of a rich red liquid rest. "Potions of healing, enough for each of you."
He pauses a moment before continuing, "But, the main reason I brought you up here is to, of course, wish for your aid further. We can all agree as much as last night's horrific acts caught us off guard, it was not an isolated event. Who were these people? A cult? Under the sway of a dragon? Why here and why now? At a Governor's behest, I ask you to track this cult," he waves a hand with dismissive insult, "locate them, who truly leads them, what fuels their attacks and where they plan to strike next. Of course this is not to go unrewarded; two-hundred and fifty gold pieces a head, if all is discovered."
He steps straight and gives a little space, "What are your thoughts? There is time decide, but sooner would very much be appreciated."
(( Crossed posts...this goes just after Tengar's ))
Karib gives Tengar a long look, his habitual smile nowhere to be seen, "I'm no hero..." he says in a low voice, "...but I meant what I said." he glances around, conscious of the public space, and the likely fragility of the people. He continues in a louder voice. "This was a victory for the town: they stuck together in the face of a powerful and insurmountable evil. One day...one day, the injustices meeted out by that horde will be answered for, and on that day...on that day, maybe there will be heroes. Or maybe, just ordinary folk, doing what they do -- working together for a common good."
He looks around at the recovering townsfolk, wondering how many died, and if any truly feel like it was a victory. It is the way of evil to prey upon the weak, to divide them, and thus convert them, or consume them. He takes another swig of ale from his mug, then looks around once more, his smile returning. "We did well, though, didn't we?"
"Come on...let's go see his lordship!"
(( This is in response to his lordhip ))
Karib takes in the room carefully. Not as excessive of many a local lordling, but still... A good sign, I suppose. Battle scarred too, by the look of it. But where was he last night, I wonder?
"It's good to finally meet you." he says as he finishes looking around the room. "Your people held together through difficult times and Lord Escobert here...he rallied them when necessary. The real credit should go to them all."
'More honey, less judgement' as Master Penzal used to tell me. "They are a credit to your leadership, my Lord. A lesser town would have fallen."
He glances around at his companions, then back to Governor, "I can not speak for my companions, though I think I have some sense of what lies in their hearts. But for my part, I will gladly help: there is unfinished business between me and that lizard." Both of them, he thinks, grimly.
Pimster is fairly huffing by the time they get to the top floor of the tower. "Why do they have to make the steps so tall?" he mumbles on the way up. But seeing the treasure and potions of healing as reward brightens his outlook!
After the governor's request, and Karib's answer, Pim nods enthusiastically. "Yes, I am destined to follow this path, and am honored to have found such honorable and courageous companions. That horde has swung the balance too far and must be stopped before the scales tip entirely."
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Kano:
Doing his best to ignore Pimster's dragon pun, Kano volunteers, "Yes, for the town to survive we must hunt down the cult and devise a counter to their plans. I have few plans of my own and would be happy to take part in this effort."
"As long as it doesn't take me back that way I came--I want to put my former life forever behind me," he thinks, happy to have found a purpose and a place among friends.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Tengar
“The memories of our victory and failure here serve to honor my queen, so she has confided to me,” Tengar ventures. “Destroying these creatures would bring me nothing but pleasure and in so doing, further honor my dread queen. Your gifts have my appreciation and will last long in my thoughts. We will need to resupply and plan. One of the creatures mentioned a camp. It can’t be far away...”
Tengar nods to the scholars pouring over the books and maps, “Have you found anything you can share?”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Karib turns and frowns at Tengar, his expression openly curious. "Wha...." he pauses, closes his mouth, and turns back to the Governor.
(Mobile)
After politely requesting to join the party through a window rather than trudge up several flights of cramped staircases, Ka'Burra eventually trails along near the end of the Governor's speech. To Burra, material wealth was a temporary, fluctuating amenity in the ever-changing world. It was useful to have, but the main draw to the mission was the promise of ending the threat of the cultists. "I do not pretend to understand why gold is offered as a reward, but I will certainly add my efforts towards investigating the purposes behind the attacks," he clucks, head swiveling every which direction. The low ceiling is evidently causing no small amount of discomfort to the claustrophobic Burra. "The Traveler ordains that I serve as a force of good in the chaos of the world. I feel compelled to aid the town. Is there any additional information you have to offer?"
Tengar
He looks at Burra quizzically, laughing a little, "Not to worry, bird. The gold is always welcome in my pouch - I will take care of it!"
Tengar moves over to the rows of books, looking for anything that catches his eye relating to the following topics: advanced military tactics, religions or deities, the boundaries of life and death, dreams and memories, divine spells, and maps of the region. Perception - 8
*with help if anyone wants to or offers; or if Tengar can get a bookhead to help him: 9
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Karib is waiting for the Governor to respond, but would happily help looking though the bookshelves once he knows what Tengar is looking for.
If the governor doesn't make any additional comments he asks directly, "Do you have any idea why this town was targetted? They seemed to be searching for something."
"With all your acceptance a burden of worry has been eased, for that I thank you. Of course, you are welcome to any simple equipment or ammunition; these are also as gesture of thanks from myself and the town." The Governor strokes his goatee in thought, "Hmm, yes. They most probably left quite the tracks. Starting there sounds a good place to start." Nighthill gestures to one of those doing research, waiting to respond to Tengar's request.
An elf steps forward. She says, "Nothing that is already established; a cult that reveres dragons, grants them immortality through undeath and does their bidding. No recent records of of any activity that could have built to the attacks of last night."
Tengar's approach to the books is given a nod of approval from the Governor as the researchers look a bit hesitant. ((I'll call this check Investigation and make it 6 with Karib's Help.))
To blindly look through books is known to lead to pitfalls of lost hours, even days; Tengar experiences a sample of this. Any time a segment gets close to being a bit of sufficient information, the chapter ends or goes in a different direction. While looking up religions you comes cross gods of dragons and they're essentially divided into two sects; the Chromatic Dragons and the Metallic Dragons. The Chromatic consist of red, green, blue, white and black dragons who revere the Queen of the Dragons. The Metallic Dragons consist of the gold, silver, bronze, copper and brass who are devoted to the Platinum Dragon. The two greatly oppose one another.
"Right, if there's anything else I -"
"Governor! A moment!"
You all see helping themselves into the study a young man limping in on a crutch. His tanned skin sickly bruised around his left eye with his dark brown hair tied back, a few wavy locks bouncing in in the front as he limps through on his right leg the room towards the meeting.
"Nessim? You should be resting!" The Governor goes to meet him halfway, helps him balance and to catch his breath.
The young man gathers himself quickly and sees you all and gives a very stiff half-bow, but quickly turns to Nighthill, "They've taken her, Governor! The cultists taken Master Lesona. All that remained was this..." The young man opens his hand to show a braided leather neckband with a silver dragon design chased into the leather.
The governor holds on to the man, but turns to you all, "This adds urgency. If you have any questions, we will do our best. Dawn's rays guide you all."
"Who is Master Lesona? What does she look like, what does she do, why would the cultists take her? Does she possess any skills, abilities, or specialized knowledge? And let's have a look at that neckband...was it hers? Or perhaps left behind by the cultists?" Pimster asks, eager to get started to find this person but needing a greater amount of information about her before setting off all hot and bothered!
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Karib's gaze goes from the newcomer, to the Governor and then to Pimster as the quickfire questions are asked. When the strem of questions finally ends he nods, and his attention back on the newcomer and governor. After a moment he would also ask, "Was there evidence she was taken against her will?" Could they be behind this?
Kano:
Quietly musing, almost to himself, Kano said, "Could abducting her be the entire reason for the attack? Certainly nothing obvious of great value to death dragon cultists would be in this town, would it?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Burra’s claustrophobia doesn’t appear to be limited to the narrow ceilings of the room - the poor bird’s head rapidly swivels between speaker and listener, sometimes twisting a full 360 degrees around to track the flow of the conversation. “I cannot imagine the attack was solely for abducting Master Lesona. If they specifically wanted her, they would have taken her long ago rather than attack other cities. Are such abductions common occurrences from the other attacks as well?”
Tengar
Tengar pauses in his reading to look up at the disturbance. Damned words! he thinks to himself. I can't think straight! He sees the flash of silver and a thought occurs to him - finally, a useful bit of info from this glorified outhouse paper!
Tengar walks over to the governor and to the wounded youngster. "May I?" the half-orc says, gesturing to the medallion. "I know there is animosity between the followers of different dragons, indeed, amongst the dragons themselves. This Lesona, perhaps she is also a follower of a different type?" Tengar will look it over carefully: Religion - 3
Edit*looking for any sense of connection between the two and if successful will ask if we can check out where she slept or did work.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
The young man Nessim listens intently to the array of questions asked by Pimster and Karib, but hesitates to answer then looks to Governor Nighthill, who gives him a nod.
Wincing a little, the young man goes on, "Master Lesona Erlanthar is from Berdusk, north-east of here. She is a sage who specialises in dragon folklore, and together we were on our way to Candlekeep before stopping here for a night. She is a half-elf; five-foot six, dark brown hair, grey eyes and a scar on the left of her face, similar tanned skin tone to mine and shoulder length hair, usually tied. Like most half-elves it's difficult to tell her age, but she's definitely not young. She has passed all her Fufillment Trials and is recognised among her peers to hold the title of Master. The neckband is hers, it was recovered at the Calstons'; Lesona's good friends and the place we were staying that came under attack by the cultists. It was returned to me at the make-shift infirmary where I was recovering, as the night before my Master and I gave the family enough time to flee to the keep before we were overwhelmed. The last I saw of her was continuing to fight while they closed in..."
The young man gently shakes his head at Burra's questions, "Master Lesona has been tracking these particular part of the cult for months, but I really do not believe she knew they would have attacked here, and she has not spoken of any other attacks; word would have been surely sent around and it is far too brazen for their numbers. I am sure she holds more information that could lead to why last night took place, that it is why it is imperative she is found, and soon."
Tengar looks at the medallion on the neckband. While it does not match the symbol of the Platinum Dragon from the book a moment ago, it is of a silver dragon, one of the dragon colours which follow him. Silver dragons are known, through story and myth, to protect people and the lands.
Tengar's looking through the books previously, does hold a map of the local area:
Karib ponders the words for a time before speaking, "So we may have found the reason for the raid. If this woman is important to the cultists, then she is important to us. We just don't know exactly why..." he says with an amused smile, his mind still working slowly on the problem.
He glances around at his companions, "The trail gets cold, though likely we could follow it in a week, given their numbers. But now we now need not only to find the camp, but to rescue the half-elf before she gives up whatever information it is they seek. Or they kill her."
"Yes...yes...information. The currency of the powerful. It must be that they seek her knowledge: for themselves, or to suppress it."
He turns back to Nessim, "Tell me more about her work, lad. And don't leave anything out."
((@DM: just to be clear, I don't actually expect a long treatise here...but I imagine a long discussion might ensue in which they might learn more about her specialy, her recent discoveries, and why they were going to Candlekeep etc ))
Kano:
More a man of action than deliberation, Kano waits impatiently for the questions and answers, wanting to get on the road and chase down these dragon cultists as soon as possible.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"