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One of Frume's squires comes to get you a day or so after, in order to show you to a private room in the back of the tavern. Frume's squire shows you to a private space off the taavern's common room and closes the door when he leaves. Waiting for you in the room are the broad-shouldered human paladin, the monk Leosin, and many pitchers of dark red wine. The paladin's face wears a serious expression, unlike its usual open countenance.
My friends, we have important business to discuss. At this point you know almost as much about it as we do, and thanks to you, we know twice as much today as we did a tenday agao. Something rotten is afoot. We have no formal organization to oppose these rascals- not yet anyway. We're working on that. And we need people like you, who know how and when to fight, and how and when to keep thier heads down and observe. We can't promise you anything except long days filled with danger and stress - but what could be better, eh?
Longdayshuhthatsongstiringlikethattimeistayedawakeforliketendaysorwellitsee medliketendaysbecauseihadtostandstillforsooolongbuteveryonetoldmeitwasonlya fewhoursbutitcouldnthavebeenthatbecauseitwassooolong...
Zat is speaking so fast no one can follow him, but from his enthusiastic tone and facial features you figure that is a Yes from him.
Darius had a business-like manner as he said, "I have a personal stake in seeing the Cult brought low, so I will continue in this endeavor. However, perhaps it would be for the best, Masters Frume and Erlanthur, if you explained your own parts in this. Just who are you? And who do you represent? I have no real tolerance for mysterious benefactors. They are always more trouble than they are worth."
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Onthur Frume says the he works for the Order of the Guantlet, and Leosin Erlanther a member of the Harpers.
The top concern of both groups is the Cult of the Dragon. In the past, the cult was more active to the east and it was focused on creating dracoliches. Its shift to the Swoard Coast and new emphasis on living dragons and on Tiamat are cause for concern.
I started down this path to protect Greenest, but now I see that the problem is bigger. I pledge myself to further destroy this cult, wherever it is.
"I am also committed to destroying this cult totally and completely"
Darius grimaces at the additional intrigue of the two groups interested in the cult's actions. But he supposes they mean well enough.
"Well, as I said before, I have a personal stake in this. So, yes, I am committed."
Darius consulted his notes.
"We found a note referring to Naerytar. Specifically it said something about 'everything being freighted north' to there. Can you tell us anything about this place?"
Aye, it seems we are all committed, but you have yet to say where we our skills best fit the cause.
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Your skills best fit now in a clandestine aspect, we need to track the treasure and find out exactly what the cult is doing with it. They would like you to join the cults aracan and accompany it on the journey. Get yourselves hired out as guards in the caravan, if not for the cult then merchants travelling with it. Frume says he has contacts among many merchants and can get you hired out and is certain he can arrange the work.
Timing is off the essence. The tracks and the map say they were heading west to the Coast way, tehn to Beregost and then Baldur's Gate, about 550 miles. Wagons will travel 25-35 miles a day. They have at elast a day ahead of you. You have a tenday maybe a tenday and a half to get there to get a job.
A sailing vessel can get you to baldur's gate in about three days. Frume can also arragne the transprot if you cannot. He gives you each 50 gp for supplies and expenses on the trip.
"I assume this sailing vessel can accommodate our mounts then? Well, no matter. I can pay extra if it's required. If we beat the Cult to Baldur's Gate, do you have any contacts there who could help us?"
Well, boats are not my best friend, but point me to it. It seems to be the only way to catch them.
aboatsoundsgoodIoncetookaboatfromoneplacetothenextbuttheythreatenedtothrowm eoverboardbecauseIwasalwaysfilchingapplesfromthecook.. Zat natters on for a while before stopping and taking a breath
Boat.Sounds.Good.
"We understand. Is there anything in particular you would like to know? I assume you want to know their leadership, and aims. But is there anything else?"
Who do we talk to when we arrive in Baldur's Gate?
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To Darius.
Buy new clothes and gear, even new weapons. Change your appearance as much as possible to reduce the odds of anyone you might met having been at the cult camp recognizing you.
Then look for ways to monkey wrench the whole operation.
To Ragar
Seek a human trader named Ackyn Selebon. He operates an equipage busines in the outer city north of the city wall. in a district called blackgate. There he sells all the material needed ofr long distance freight hauling. He is not directly involved in the hiring of guards for caravans but he knows people who are. With him to vouch for the you, you should have no trouble getting hired on as guards for a northbound caravan. And tell him that he still smells of day old ale and a whore's vomit.
Darius thanks the Frume and Erlanthur for their suggestions.
"Although, I'm not sure how much good that will do. My longbow was bought in Greenest. Decently made, but not particularly distinctive. As for my rapier and daggers, I doubt that would distinguish me either. But perhaps some hair coloring might be in order. I've always thought I'd look dashing with black hair."
"Beyond that, whatever arrangements for a ship you can make, do so quickly. We can't spare a moment."
"Ah, Bauldur's Gate," Darius said to the others in a faux wistful tone. "I truly hate this place with a burning passion that knows no end. I should kill the cultists just for making me come back here."
Darius took a deep steadying breath.
"Okay, here's the plan as I see it. We are in need of a cover and we need to be outfitted for our next endeavor. So why not kill two birds with one stone. So we shall act as," Darius said with a put-upon sigh before continuing.
"As adventurers. Any discrepancies, half-truths, and secrets we keep, will merely come off as a bunch of ignorant sellswords looking to make a fortune in some blood-stained ruin, and not as a bunch of would-be spies attempting to thwart a conspiracy by an evil cult of dragon worshippers."
"So simply put. We should spread the wealth a bit. Personally, I was thinking of going to the Helm and Cloak. It caters to a more well-to-do crowd. There we should be able to get the word out that we are interested in purchasing magical supplies. We might also attract some thieves, but let's not be modest. I pity whatever cutpurse is dumb enough to mess with us."
Well, that story is not far from the truth. A mercenary group of adventurers fits our group. I am with you Darius.
Darius lives the high life while not too subtly trying to track down someone in Baldur's Gate who had magical items to sell.
Erlmander sits in the crowded taproom of the Helm and Cloak watching as the people flow in and out of the building. He has been here for several days looking for, well he is not too sure. Something drew him to this place, but who or what is was, he has no idea. So he sits and watches and waits for the feeling to come over him once again to tell him his new quest.
Zat shrugs iguesswecoulddothatbecausethatswhatweareafterallsothenwearentpretendingbutt hatremindsmeofthetimewhenipretendedtobeahalflingwowthatwasinterestingiranaf oulofsomedrugdealerswhothoughtiowedthemsomemoneybutturnsouttheyworkedforthe sameguyistolefromthepreviousweeksowellitwascomplicatedbutitallworkedoutinth eendbutremindmenevertopretendtobeahalflingagain
He takes a deep breath Sure. We. are. adventurers. right?
Zat will also ask around after his friend Talis who he went looking for in Greenrest
As the group enters the Helm and Cloak, people cannot help but notice Ragar due to his size and race, which he does not make any effort to conceal.
So, Darius, any luck making friends or influencing enemies? We need to get ourselves hired on, eh? When do we head outside the walls to Blackgate to find Ackyn Selebon?
Ragar grabs a table for the group and settles in. He waves over a barmaid.
I will have an ale, and please get a round for my friends, ma'am.
Is there any temple or shrine to Lathandar here in Baldur's Gate? If there is (or there are any other clerics she can find) Emyrelda will go there and talk to the locals.
If not Lathandar, any other Good aligned deities with a temple?
She will live a fairly quiet life. Not a monastic one, but a quiet one. She will try and see if she can buy any scrolls of healing from her temple or an allied one
At the temple, Emyrelda will first check in with the local high priest. She will tell him of her mission to try and destroy the foul cult of the Dragon and ask if the Cult has been active in the area.
Will see if they can offer any aid in her quest (ie, basically try and buy magical scrolls)
So, Darius, any luck making friends or influencing enemies? We need to get ourselves hired on, eh? When do we head outside the walls to Blackgate to find Ackyn Selebon?
Darius looked despondent as he said, "Well I caught up with a an old acquaintance of my father's who apparently doesn't remember him fondly. It turns out he recently stole something from him. I really wish I could pretend to be shocked, but I'm not. Not even a little bit."
Darius frowns as he looks around.
"I forget. Was Mistress Emyrelda going to join us for dinner? Or was she dining in with her order?"
"Well, regardless, here's to fame, fortune, and good health," Darius toasted with his drink.
Emyrelda was approaching the table as Darius spoke.
"Of course I'm joining you. You DID invite me, after all" she says with a grin. "So, what is on the menu? Any halfway decent beer here?"
"The best in the city, or so I've been assured. I prefer their wines myself. Please, take a seat. I hope your order was more accomadating than my own city contact. Granted, unless someone leveled a crossbow on you it would have to be."
Should we head out to Blackgate after a meal, or do we need to meet with anyone else before we secure a spot on that caravan?
"We'll head there first thing in the morning and put some feelers out for when the cult arrives. For now, I don't think a single evening of revelry will kill us."
Darius spends the next few days enjoying the luxuries afforded to an adventurer who is reckless with their money. In other words, he plays his part.
Aside from this, he makes a point to keep an eye out for the cultists. Everyday, he travels with at least one of the others to the Blackgate.
Ragar tracks down Darius and Emyrelda on the morning of the second day.
Let's be off to Blackgate to speak with Ackyn Selebon. Emy, we will need your silvered tongue, as I tend to rub people the wrong way at times. We need to get hired onto that caravan.
Zat sticks with Ragar if his investigations into Talis' disappearance don't uncover anything of substance.
"Certainly I'll try and speak to Ackyn. We had better all go together since he'll want to at least see what he is hiring"
"He is hiring only the best, of course," Darius responded with playful bravado.
Perception:
Quietly listening in on a group of adventurer's speaking, Erlmander interest is peeked when they talk about being hired for something. Having waited in this tavern for a week or more, this has been the only mention of something truly out of the ordinary. He gets up and slowly approaches the table where the group is speaking about a job.
"my pardon friends. I do not mean to intrude but I could not help hear you speak of a possible job. I too am looking for work, and am skilled in my chosen profession. Might you need a person trained in the arts of combat and magic? My name is Erlmander."
Darius eyed the moon elf - no wait, Eladrin - there was a difference, stronger connection to the Feywild. Regardless he gave the fellow a onceover. He noted the sword and crystal pendant, both lying within easy reach.
"Actually, we're looking for work ourselves. We were heading to Blackgate to see if we could find something fun, challenging and that hopefully paid decently. You're welcome to accompany us," he said jovially.
When the Eladrin turned his head, he signaled to Ragar to keep an eye on their new tag-along - just in case.
Ragar nods to Darius in recognition of this signal, and approaches the Eladrin. He slaps him on the back heartily.
Welcome, Elmander! I am Ragar. Like Darius said, join us while we head outside the city to Blackgate.
He turns back to his other friends.
Everyone, this is Erlmander. Erlmander, everyone. He claims to have some skills that may help us in our tasks. What did ya' say? Combat and magic? Are ya better at one than the other?
With a short bow, Erlmander addresses the group.
"I thank you for that warm welcome. I have trained with both the rapier and magic for many years. I am part of a company who travel the world and help where they can. I look forward to learning about you and your group and helping where I can."
The Eladrin calls over a server and orders the table a round of drinks and some bread, cheese and fruit. He then take a seat with his new comrades.