Marav just shifts uncomfortably glancing to the door occasionally. He is clearly much more comfortable elsewhere.

Quote from jr_el_leon >>

"We did," Ink replies as he opens the bag of holding, beginning to pull it out, "but, I was hoping that it wouldn't be necessary as it could be of use in another city where none of us, personally, have any leverage whatsoever - and leverage and favors are hard to come by these days."

Ink produces the letter, unfolding it as he slips it out, but doesn't quite let it go.

 "Hard to come by, indeed," says Zoar, examining the letter. "Well, you've gained some sympathy here, and that is indeed my sister's seal. If you're cashing in your favor, we would be more than happy to help in any way that we can. If you're looking for Barbarians, I can arrange a meeting with the preeminent expert in the field. This individual knows everything there is to know about the Uthgardt tribes, and I'm certain he would know exactly where to go to rescue your family."  

The other elders seem to be in agreement with Zoar. "We do have many other matters to consider, and you must understand the difficulty that assisting members of the Lords Alliance presents for us," says the surprisingly well-spoken Elder Stormwright. She continues, "I personally have little respect for the Alliance, and I make no secret of that; but while opinions may vary in this council, it is not wise for us to openly disagree with each other. So I am of two minds...personally, I want to help you. But politically, we must be rational, for our power is only ultimately political in nature. A favor for a favor." 

Quote from JcAndD >>

Crownsguard looks toward the others, “We still have the weapons of Orcus from the stronghold in Noanar’s Hold, do we not? That seems like that would be a strong point toward our case.”

 This puts the elders into a slight state of shock. Elder Shen looks the most wary. "What is this? Explain yourselves at once." 

Crownsguard tilts his head, confused, but then rights himself, “I see. There is a misunderstanding. The group took these weapons from the wights controlling Noanar’s Hold. Additionally, it is where we fought some sort of strange undead, along with demons. They should help to corroborate our story.” ((We did mention this to them... right? Or did I just blow a secret?))

//I believe purposely left out the town we decimated.... that was Noanar's Hold right? I mean we didn't mean to get the entire town murdered.//

"don't think of it as helping the Alliance but as helping innocent villagers, the denizens of Pogglestick don't follow any of the factions as far as I'm aware. As far as a favor for a favor i agree and had no expectations of gaining aid for nothing. If I implied thus I apologize, but my priority is my family then recompense."

Vaeril Rhuidhen asks to examine the artifacts that you say are “of Orcus.”

Horix Zoar nods at Rip’s words. “Very well then, if we have an agreement, I shall arrange a meeting and provide you the aid you seek.”

"Many thanks to you all for your time and assistance"

Ink replies to Rhuidhen's request, pulling out the warhammer known as "Be Destroyed," saying, "What Crownsguard says is true. We fought wights that were followers of... Orcus... In fact, they, in turn, were led, perhaps unknowingly, by some terrible necromancer."

Holding the warhammer out for Rhuidhen's inspection, he continues, "The group of them had the entirety of Noaner's Hold under their control. The night we arrived we were accosted by the wights. We fought them through the night, and then into the following day within their keep, and managed to provide more than a few with permanent death."

Ink pauses. Then, somberly, continues, "Unfortunately, we were routed out of the town by the necromancer who seems to have controlled the wights. This necromancer was a strange being, with a face of tentacles like a squid, dry, pallid skin, and the ability to both cast spells and tear directly into our minds. We warned people close by of the danger, so as to avoid the place, but we have yet to go into the detail as we have today for fear that it might attract similarly minded cults and evil doers. Crownsguard must hold you all in esteem given he so willingly shared this information. This war hammer is a wight weapon. I managed to abscond a powerful scimitar, but when my tie to it was severed, it burned out of existence."

"This," he waves the hammer, "is an extremely dangerous weapon with the power to bend the mind of its user to its will. Hence why we are hesitant to make its existence public, until we find a forge and a clergy with strength and experience to rid the world of it. Once we found Rip's family, we were to make way to Citadel Feldbarr where we will find both."

Through out the conversation Ink makes space in the story for the others to add comment and color and emphasis, as needed. If the others notice, they will recognize that Ink was choosing his words very carefully, factual, but carefully.

// Hopefully, doing so will provide for the HELP action, should a roll of some kind be necessary. //

Quote from jr_el_leon >>

Ink replies to Rhuidhen's request, pulling out the warhammer known as "Be Destroyed," saying, "What Crownsguard says is true. We fought wights that were followers of... Orcus... In fact, they, in turn, were led, perhaps unknowingly, by some terrible necromancer."

Holding the warhammer out for Rhuidhen's inspection, he continues, "The group of them had the entirety of Noaner's Hold under their control. The night we arrived we were accosted by the wights. We fought them through the night, and then into the following day within their keep, and managed to provide more than a few with permanent death."

Ink pauses. Then, somberly, continues, "Unfortunately, we were routed out of the town by the necromancer who seems to have controlled the wights. This necromancer was a strange being, with a face of tentacles like a squid, dry, pallid skin, and the ability to both cast spells and tear directly into our minds. We warned people close by of the danger, so as to avoid the place, but we have yet to go into the detail as we have today for fear that it might attract similarly minded cults and evil doers. Crownsguard must hold you all in esteem given he so willingly shared this information. This war hammer is a wight weapon. I managed to abscond a powerful scimitar, but when my tie to it was severed, it burned out of existence."

"This," he waves the hammer, "is an extremely dangerous weapon with the power to bend the mind of its user to its will. Hence why we are hesitant to make its existence public, until we find a forge and a clergy with strength and experience to rid the world of it. Once we found Rip's family, we were to make way to Citadel Feldbarr where we will find both."

Through out the conversation Ink makes space in the story for the others to add comment and color and emphasis, as needed. If the others notice, they will recognize that Ink was choosing his words very carefully, factual, but carefully.

// Hopefully, doing so will provide for the HELP action, should a roll of some kind be necessary. //

 Crownsguard leans over to Ink, “Did we not mention that? I am sure that we did. It was in Rip’s story, right before the werewolves. You remember, when he told of my joining the part- We didn’t mention that did we. I believe I am hurt by this exclusion, but I am not sure.”

"Be at ease Crownsguard, ye  did join us there as is plain ta  see, an' no offense gained that it weren't mentioned."

"Ahem, aye indeed, that's th' foul weapon that attached itself ta  me, a fact ah'm not proud of. Now that ah'm free o' it, ah hear the steel within' screamin' fer release from it's evil purpose.  We thought not  ta  mention it only ta  protect ye from fallin' ta  th' curse yerselves. We mean ta  rid th' world of it in the forges  an' temples o' me kin."

In this room, the weapon's enchantment seems to be quelled. Rhuidhen makes comments to that effect, saying, "It's a good thing that magic does not work here. Put it away at once, and I would advise you destroy it at your first opportunity! The very idea..."

After considering for a while, the elders seem satisfied with your story. Horix Zoar, by this time obviously the spokesperson of the group, nods and says "Very well, if you'll bequeath the letter of recommendation to me, I'll see to the meeting at once. Give me an hour after sundown, and I'll send a messenger to...wherever it is that you're staying with instructions." 

"We're stayin  at th' Danivarr's house Eldar Zoar, an' thank ye  fer any help ye can provide." Flint says, repeating his earlier bow and looking to his companions to see if there is further business.

//my suggestion is to spend the letter here, didn't figure we'do not get it back//

The elders bid you farewell, “if you have no further business.” That last, spoken by the shou elder Shen, was more curt than necessary, though not wholly unkind. 

The sun has now set over the eastern walls of the city, and twilight rules the sky. Most merchants have long since packed up their wares, and foot traffic in the cold streets is mostly nonexistent.

"Let's hope this specialist they are referring to us can guide us to Rip's family. It feels like we're finally close to finding them," Ink comments as they return to the tavern.

"In the meantime, I'll be looking forward to these books purchased today - hopefully, I will learn more of the Weave and better prepare us for what lies ahead."

Ink stops in the middle of the street. He turns to the party and says, "Would you all mind one more jaunt through the city? Just received a request from the Moongleam tower to bring the ring - perhaps are luck is doubled today."

"Fine by me."

// Let me know how you proceed! Moongleam Tower is open to you. //

Ink turns to the others and says, "Flint and I are going to take the cart over to the Moongleam tower. I've been advised that there have been new developments. Hopefully, we can rid ourselves of the ring quickly. Any and all of you are free to join us, in fact, I'd prefer it - but it's been a long day so I understand if you want to rest instead."

While traveling to the Moongleam tower, Ink will ask Flint if he'd mind driving the cart so that Ink can attune himself to one of the admantine rods. 

After attuning to it, he'll use it to cast locate object seeking out another rod like the one he's holding.

Crownsguard will volunteer to help!

Marav silently follows... he knows that splitting up from the party usually involves being chased by creatures my larger than himself