"What? Oh, thanks for reminding me! I should start writing my first letter to Kendra."
Harold coughs loudly as he tips the front of his bowler hat slightly further back on his head with one meaty, sausage-sized finger, "While I'm sure we'll accept yaaahr kind offer ter lodgings an' a frank discussion, Captain... Ollwind was it? We'll do so under aaahr own free'll an' not because ov any fnly veiled freats. Thee should see da last guy who freatened me, 'e is literally in pieces strewn across da lengf ov bloody Harrowstone."
The large half-orc saunters in front of the captain, glaring down at the man with an unbreaking stare as he folds his arms in front of his chest, "First, yew can check wiv aaahr carriage driver an' send fer word from Ravengro as aaahr time ov departure an' see we only just arrived. Second, we 'ave a verified'll an' le'er from Professor Lorrimor statin' da books listed was ter return ter Mr. Crowl 'ere as soon as possible fer safe keeping. The Flesh book bein' returned was as a favor fer a friend ov da Professor's in Ravengro, once again i' is easily verified. Third, aaahr naive young friend 'ere was speculatin' what a strange small statue what was stolen by a rampagin' 'beast' was magical but yew know what, I'm sure a number ov folks might get da same idea. Out ov all da fngs I'm sure ov mawer value bof monetarily an' academically in da University, why steal a single statue? Oh, I don't know, maybe da bloody fn' is magic. If yew start arrestin' everyone who speculates dis awer that, you'll be a very busy man, Captain." Harold finishes his tirade with a huff through his toothy maw. He motions toward the door as well, "Befawer we join yew fer dinner an' da sharin' ov speculashuns thuff Captain, I'm sure Judge Daramid would like ter be notifed what we're gon'a be late in payin' aaahr respects an' passin' on da late Professor's last wishes."
Lucius blinks at Harold's mini rant. "Thanks, Roldy."
"See? He defended me."
Alexei lets out a low whistle, impressed at Harold's tirade. He smiles guiltily, trying to hide behind Bjorn and direct attention away from himself after the uncharacteristic action.
Korvus waits quietly as Professor Crowl leaves to fetch the Captain, listening to his companions' discussion as he ponders the strange theft at the University.
Korvus listens attentively to the Captain Ollwind's speech. When the man finishes, Korvus steps forward, doffing his hat an bowing politely to the Captain. "It is an honor to meet you, Captain Ollwind. My name is Korvus Slade, a former student from Magnimar of the late Professor Petros Lorrimor of Ravengro. I must say, your offer of food and lodging sound most appealing after our long journey from Ravengro these past two weeks!"
"But please forgive me, for while I quite understand you are in the midst of an investigation, I am a bit confused by your implications as to our involvement with the theft here at the University. I can assure you that we had no involvement in this matter, but we would be happy to assist with your investigation by any means that would be helpful. However, as my associate Master Grimsley stated, Professor Lorrimor's will instructed us to meet with Judge Embreth Daramid after delivering Professor Crowl's tomes, and I am afraid that we must leave to meet with her now."
Captain Ollwind listens patiently as the group responds to his invitation.
He calmly looks up at Harold, "If you are as innocent as you claim, then you have no reason to refuse my offer, do you? A nice dinner, some conversation to pass the time, and a good night's rest in a quiet bed. And if your stories check out, you wake up refreshed with the freedom of the city."
"But I think you malign my words - there are no veiled threats, sir, I say exactly what I mean. We do not use magic or torture to interrogate, they are both unreliable. We focus on asking the right questions and listening to the answers. I promise you, neither I nor any of my men have any intent of harming you or your companions."
Looking past Harold toward Korvus, Ollwind says, "And if the Judge is expecting you, we shall inform her of your circumstances, and I'm sure she will be pleased to know of your respect for the local law enforcement procedures here in Lepidstadt."
His voice takes on an edge as he stares Harold in the face, "But that said, Mister Grimsley, my men and I will not hesitate to respond if provoked. My only goal in this is to learn more about you, and whatever role you may, or may not, have had in this robbery. Now, will you come willingly?"
"Of course, Cap." Lucius nervously answers.
Alexei nods, moving to stand at Lucius' side. "We will, of course. I must say, however, that though Harold is a tad rough in his expressing of them, his feelings are mine, as well," the bearded man states, but he maintains his calm and collected stance.
Harold keeps his stare going at the Captain, "As stated by me friends, we're mawer van willin' ter offer up any 'elp awer answer what quesshuns we are able fer yaaahr investigashun, Captain Ollwind. I just wan' i' on da record what we protest any 'in'ed insinuashuns what we're somehow suspects in a matter we only recently stumbled onto da scene. I'm 'ry ter remain civil if yew an' yaaahr's can do likewise, Captain. Thee'll just find me patience somewhat at a low freshold fer bein' blamed fer fngs I 'ad no 'and in."
Ollwind nods at you all and opens the door. A dozen heavily-armed guards wait outside, watching him anxiously.
The next fifteen minutes pass quickly, and you notice that your treatment is relatively lax - you feel less like prisoners than guests. The Captain and the guards lead you outside to several waiting carriages. Two of you board each carriage with two guards, and in no time, you find yourself being driven at an extreme rate of speed through the streets of Lepidstadt. Somewhat surprisingly, you are not restrained or disarmed.
The carriages rumble for a few minutes before stopping. You exit to find yourselves below ground with Ollwind gesturing to a staircase leading up. Bracing yourselves, you head upstairs to find a austere stone room with several doors leading out in all directions. The Captain briskly walks to one, opens it, and ushers you inside.
The room contains a long table with chairs at either end and two long benches down the sides. "Make yourselves comfortable." he says as he walks to the far end of the room. He opens a door, speaks to someone on the other side, and returns to take a chair.
"Now, let's get down to business. We can speak freely in this room. I know you had nothing to do with the crimes, but Professor Crowl detected a strange aura on the flesh golem manual you returned to him. It was cleverly added to the book in a way that would be completely hidden ... it was purely by chance that Crowl noticed it at all. Please forgive the ruse back at the University but we hoped that whoever was tracking you was also listening as you were 'arrested'. A little show for them, and your honest reactions were a necessary component."
He drums his fingers as he continues speaking, "The Professor wasn't sure what to make of you; after all, your guess about the idol was insightful. Take that along with everything else: the surprising news of Petros Lorrimor's death, mentioning The Whispering Way, and those other books... I think you can understand why he became suspicious. But then he found that sigil."
"That tracking spell was the piece of the puzzle that let us see what your malefactors hoped to accomplish - they were hoping to give us just enough circumstantial evidence to arrest and charge you as accomplices. Even if you were found innocent, you would have been stuck in a cell for a few months while the trial worked its way through the process. I think there's no doubt about it - somebody wants you out of the way."
The meal is delivered soon after, and Ollwind encourages you to dig in as he listens to your responses.
Alexei eats slowly, a sour look on his face. "I knew they were up to misdeeds and such, but to this extent? Everlight forgive me, but I am feeling entirely up to strangling the lot of them right now," he says, taking another bite of his food. Suddenly, realization dawns on him. "Did Master Ghoroven know about this sigil? This whole situation leaves an awful taste in my mouth, and I'm not sure even this delicious food can help..."
"Oh that's a relief. I wouldn't do well in prison. They tried to frame us? That's not cool." Lucius starts voraciously eating as he hadn't had anything all day. "Yea, it just made sense that the idol was magic. How did they even know we were going to return the book or that we were even going to find it?" He says in-between bites. "This food does help a little. What is this stuff?"
Harold stands behind the others while the Captain spills the beans about his little charade which causes the half-orc to adopt a chargrinned expression, "It appears I owe yew an apology, Captain Ollwind. Thee're obviously a be'er investigator an' geezer what I was gon'a give yew credi' fer at first introducshuns. Thee should join an actin' troupe as well as yew played yaaahr part." The big man steps over to the food platter as it is brought in, grabbing a plate of something delicious while Alexei and Lucius chime in. Harold's eyes narrow somewhat at the mentioning of Ghoroven by Alexei, "If 'e ain't workin' wiv 'em an' is instead just a patsy, then they left someone awer fn' behind ter keep an eye on anyone what might go snopin' in'er their business. Either opshun means deese Whispers 'ave a long reach an' 'ave taken serious precaushuns in protectin' whatever plot they are up ter wiv da Professor's dearf an' da Warden's spirit."
"Wait, you guys actually think Ghoroven's one of them? He may be the most boring man I've ever met, but I don't think he's a cultist."
Alexei shakes his head. "It is merely a possibility. It's entirely possible that he knew absolutely nothing about the sigil, especially if he wasn't looking for it. I simply am frustrated at how the Way has their fingers in everything, it seems..." the oracle states, shoulders slumping.
Ollwind nods as you speak. "I plan to have some of my associates investigate Master Ghoroven to see if he is part of this conspiracy. My guess is he isn't, simply because it would be too easy to trace his involvement - he is the person who gave you the book. "
"As for what you should do now... I think you're right; if you move around freely, your 'watcher' will know the plan failed. I have an idea about that, but I need some official approval - you mentioned Judge Daramid, so I'll get a message to her immediately."
"For now, I'll have you stay here a few more hours, then we'll release you, making a show of telling you that we're still investigating everything and you're not to leave the city. It should be enough to convince interested parties that you're still under suspicion."
"Once I have more information about our next steps, you will be contacted by a guard or messeger of the Court. Does that work for you?"
Alexei nods to Ollwind. "We shall try to keep our activities to a minimum, or at least not be terribly open in our actions."
"Besides, we don't really have any other plans do we? I mean we already accomplished what we were sent here to do. Anything else is just bonus."
Later that night before heading off to sleep, Lucius writes his first of many letters to Kendra.
Dearest Kendra,
Our first day here has been a really exciting one! For a few moments, I thought we were going to be arrested! But it turns out, the Whispering way just tried to frame us. How lame is that? Well the authorities want us to help, but we have to lay low for now. So things are gonna be boring for a while. How are things with you and your uncle? I bet you're bored too.
I really hope you're okay. I miss you, this is the first time I've ever been farther than across the street from you.
Lucius
First thing in the morning, he awakens and sends the letter off with a a courier set for Caliphas.
Several hours after you arrive, the guards - rather rudely - escort you out the front door. It's obvious that the Captain did not inform these individuals about the special arrangements he's making for you. In harsh tones, a one-eyed sergeant reminds you that you're still under suspicious for the crimes, and that it would be in your best interest to stay in the city for a while. He sneers in a way that makes both Bjorn and Harold leap up to rip his head from his shoulders, but he turns and heads back inside before they can move toward him.
An hour and six inns later, you finally hand over a few silver to the innkeeper of The Silver Mug for semi-private room at the end of the upstairs hall.
The room has six narrow beds in the room, but the room smells fresh, and the sheets appear to be pest free. All in all, not a bad place to spend the night. As you finish removing your gear and preparing for the rest of your evening, a knock at the door draws your attention.
Quickly placing hands on weapons, Bjorn nods at everyone, then opens the door. A small boy stands there holding out a folded piece of paper. Bjorn takes the paper, but the boy stands there with his hand out, palm up, obviously waiting for payment.
What do you pay the boy?
The piece of paper is apparently torn from a larger sheet of parchment. Unfolding it, you see the following message: "One past midnight, your place."
There is also a small drawing in the corner of the paper. It seems to be a small person, but instead of a head, it has a thick black scribble mark. Despite your experiences, none of you recognize this drawing.
What, if anything, do you want to do until the meeting time arrives?
-----
It's about ten at night when you finally find the room at The Silver Mug.
Having remained uncharacteristically quiet during the hours at the guard station, Korvus rouses himself from his ruminations upon hearing the conversations in the taproom regarding the upcoming trial of The Beast of Lepidstadt.
Up in the rented room, Korvus finishes stowing his gear as the knock at the door draws everyone's attention. Before the boy leaves, Korvus hands him a silver coin to augment the coppers that Bjorn gave him. "If we should need to send any messages while in Lepidstadt, I trust you will be around, yes?" the half-orc wizard asks the messenger.
After the boy leaves, Korvus turns to his companions. "As you no doubt heard on our way up, the conversations in the taproom were dominated entirely by talk of the upcoming trial of The Beast of Lepidstadt. I suggest we head back down for a late meal and listen to what the other patrons have to say."
Alexei nods at Korvus' suggestion. "If it's got the locals in a tizzy like this, then we definitely should. But we need to keep our heads low. Can't go breaking our promise to Ollwind in a single night!" he says, chuckling lightly.
"Yea, this is obviously a big deal. I've never seen that symbol before. Why did we get this?"
Harold holds out his hand for the message to give it a gander. He turns it upside down and rotates it about a few times before laying it down on the table, "Must be da local mark fer da guild. When da bloke arrives, don't anybody get antsy round da weapons. We play i' cool an' professional an' 'e should do us da same caaahrtesy. Some coins get passed abaaaht an' we should 'ave a be'er picture as ter da local terrain as i' were. Till then though, I fnk I'm in agreemen' what a nice late bi' ter eat would be nice. If we get all da juicy gossipy bits done now, we won't 'ave ter listen ter da drivel much afterward."
Alexei nods to Harold, making sure to leave most of his equipment in their rented room, save for his coin pouch, armor and dagger. "Indeed," he states, but then his stomach growls hungrily. The oracle looks embarassed, laughing softly. "Dinner sounds fantastic."
Even this late at night, the crowd in the common room is still rowdy and full of excitement. Bar "wenches" ply the crowd, and most barely have time to speak before being swept off their feet by newly-discovered admirers. Harold and Bjorn quickly find themselves with a woman on each knee.
As the group digs into their meal - a hearty venison stew and large mugs of ale - you manage to speak with several other patrons and servers about what has everyone so excited.
From what you can tell, the atmosphere in The Silver Mug is common all across Lepidstadt - people are coming from all over the region to see the trial of the century - the Beast of Lepidstadt has been caught and will finally stand trial for its crimes!
Other individuals also provide the following information:
-----
Characters may also use Diplomacy at the DCs listed above +5.
If there is anything else specific you want to learn about, feel free to ask and make a Knowledge (local) roll.
Later that evening, at one in the morning, you all wait anxiously for the expected meeting. In one moment, you are the only people in the room, but in the next, there is a slim figure dressed in black leaning on the window sill. His (you think it's "his") arms are crossed in front of his chest, and his face is covered by a black cloth. No skin or hair is visible, and this individual carries no weapons that you can see.
The figure tilts its head to the side in a jerky motion, then looks at Harold. In a high-pitched voice, it addresses him, "Harold Grimsley, Caliphas, Third Street Slicers." Its head moves again, jerking to "look" at the other people in the room. It whips back to stare at Harold again, but the voice is deeper and draws out the word, "Retired."
The figure uncrosses its arms and speaks again, this time in a heavily accented voice, "This is the Night Man, and Our Voice. How can those of our Fellowship help you?"
Alexei doesn't managed to get much out of the patrons, and eventually decides just to indulge in the meal provided.
When the Night Man makes his appearance, the oracle can't help but look a bit shocked at him practically coming from nowhere. He says nothing, however, waiting for Harold to address him.
Alexei nods, and takes a moment to calm himself before he responds. "Came out of nowhere. Poof! Quite impressive, really," he whispers to the Northman.
"That's a neat trick. How do you do that?"
Korvus listens attentively to the tavern patrons, and manages to charm a few into divulging some details of the trial of The Beast, which he then shares with his companions.
"The trial’s first day detailed a long list of crimes against the Beast, three of which are to be used as the basis of its execution - murdering children in Hergstag, killing swampers in Morast, and burning down a hospice operated by one Doctor Brada. The barrister defending The Beast is named Gustav Kaple, who apparently stutters so badly that he can barely utter a complete sentence. The general populace believes that the prosecution's case is watertight. Even now the Punishing Man, a giant pyre, is being raised outside the courthouse."
------------------------------------------
Korvus' jaw drops in surprise and Maximus lets out an alarmed squawk at the sudden appearance of the Night Man. Wizard and familiar both quickly regain their composure and study the black-garbed stranger carefully - the half-orc with academic curiosity, and the blackbird with beady-eyed suspicion.
Harold enjoys the few hours of drink, food, and wenching that they can squeeze into the evening before the meeting. The half-orc's ugly vestiege doesn't seem to scare off the seasoned barmaids which does his heart good.
Later, as one in the morning rolls over in her sleep, Harold is sitting in their room, waiting with the others for the visitor while he puffs away on one of his cigars. The skill of the Night Man as he appears as if from thin air is even enough to impress Harold though the big man tried not to show it as much as some of the others. He'd been around slippery fellows such as this in his youth even if he didn't have much use for being all stealthy.
Harold sizes up the Night Man as he blows out a stream of sweet smelling smoke, "Oi. First, greetings ter da Night Man an' those behind da Curtain. On ter business, me friends an' I are new arrivals ter Lepidstadt an' wish ter know da lay ov da land. The Fellowship knows all what 'appens awer does not in their territory, I'm sure. A transacshun, shiney fer da know. We 'ave unfinished business wiv those what Whisper, yew know da ones, an' would like ter find aaaht if they 'ave been operatin' in da area? If so, where? If where, when an' fer 'ow long? Lastly, we seem ter 'ave been blamed fer a crime dis 'Beast' ov yaaahr ci'y commited. What is da know ov dis creature?" The half-orc starts setting one gold coin on top of another while he speaks, creating a small and balanced tower of them as he goes. He then glances to the others in the room, "Anybody else got any quesshuns I didn't cover?"
Crime #2: There were six children killed who lived in the farming community of Hergstag. This happened nearly 7 months ago.
Crime #3: The Beast attacked the Sanctuary on Karb Isle, causing a massive fire which resulted in the deaths of Doctor Brada and his patients and the blinding of the doctor’s assistant, Karl. The Sanctuary was an asylum for those suffering from physical and/or mental deformities or challenges.
Those facts are fairly well known, but no further details are available, except that everyone knows the crimes were committed by The Beast.
Morast is 6 miles east of Lepidstadt.
Hergstag is 10 miles northwest of Lepidstadt.
The ruins of the Sanctuary are 4 miles north of Lepidstadt on Karb Isle (so you need a boat to get there).
-----
The Night Man looks at Lucius, then stands up, woodenly, as if unsure of his movements. He takes a tentative step forward, then three quickly, so fast most of you barely register the individuals footsteps.
Leaning down so the black mask is facing Lucius, the Night Man slowly extends his arms toward the young man. He splays his fingers out, inches from Lucius' face, then begins to wiggle them. The Night Man's head cocks to the side and a high-pitched giggle issues forth from behind the mask, in the voice of a little girl, he says, "I used magic, silly goblin!" The Night Man lightly smacks Lucius on the forehead with his palm, then skips back to the window ledge. Turning quickly, he resumes his original position, leaning back and facing everyone.
In the heavily accented voice, he speaks, "We know of The Whispering Way, and they have dealt with us in the past fairly... and generously. We would not be inclined to discuss their dealings with other customers. It is about our Code, something you would understand, Harold."
"As for The Beast, do you want the rumors or the truth?"
The Night Man's head ticks to the side and you hear the unlearned hoarse voice of a peasant, "Burn it! Burn the Beast! The monster killed me pigs! And me cows! Killed 'em and ate 'em!"
The head twists again, and the monotone voice of a scholar emerges, "The Beast is an enigma. Apparently a golem of some sort, it is definitely not natural. But strangely, it has exhibited intelligence on occasion, which is the only explanation for having avoided capture for these many years. Demonstrably strong and durable, it is a wonder The Beast was captured at all - the guards in Lepidstadt must train very hard to become such powerful warriors - they didn't even lose a man!"
The Night Man's head straightens up and the accented voice once again emerges, "Keep your coin, we know little more than you about The Beast, there is too much noise right now to parse truth from fiction."
The voice changes abruptly, and seems to almost hiss as it speaks, "But you might help uss, yess? The museum job was not ourss, not the Fellowshipss'. Freelancersss." The voice almost spits the word with vehemence. "They are not welcome in our city. Let uss know if you hear any newss of the robbery, yess? Be our friendss in this matter, yess?"
Alexei thinks for a moment, but then shakes his head in the negative to Harold. "I can't think of anything," he says, before looking to the others.
He listens quietly as the Night Man speaks, gritting his teeth hard at the mention of them working with the Way.
Harold nods in turn with the Night Man's words, "Understandable. I remember da creed, 'Never burn a good bridge unless yer ge'in' paid aaaht da arse ter do it.' We'll be in town fer a little while as we figure aaahr next step out. It may be what we run in'er deese freelancers. If we do, might yew be willin' ter offer us a tidbi' on where da Way is operatin' 'eavily deese days? Tit fer tat, as they say?"
Lucius just blinks at the Night Man's antics. "Where do we even begin? I mean asking around for info on these Freelancers will just arouse suspicion, right?"
His brow furrowed in thought, Korvus stands to the side as he listens to all that the Night Man says. His head snaps up at Lucius' question, and his eyes narrow as he fixes the Night Man with an intense gaze through the lenses of the pince-nez perched on his snout. "You said that the museum burglary was the work of 'Freelancers' - not The Beast. And yet the entire city believes that The Beast was the perpetrator of the crime. So in what capacity was The Beast actually involved? As a willing accomplice? Or as an unfortunate yet convenient scapegoat to distract the forces of justice while the true thieves - these 'Freelancers' - escape suspicion?"
"A moment ago, one of your voices - the scholarly one - stated that The Beast is an apparently intelligent golem of incredible strength and durability... And yet, not a single guardsman was lost in the attempt to capture the creature. That implies that The Beast allowed itself to be captured."
Korvus looks at each of his companions in turn as he proposes the next step in the investigation, "Gentlemen, I see but one course of action before us in order to obtain information about the 'Freelancers' - we must gain an audience with The Beast!"
Alexei turns to the Half-orc, looking unsure. "I... I don't know if that's such a good idea, Korvus. While you may be right in that it allowed itself to be captured, there's nothing to say that speaking to it will do us any good," he says, pausing for a breath and frowning. "And furthermore, we're supposed to be keeping our heads down. I can't even imagine a worse way to do that than to waltz into wherever this thing is being held and asking to talk to it. We don't need Ollwind's men getting even more suspicious of us."
"Oh, that makes a lot of sense, Korvus. Maybe he can explain what's going on. I mean if we ask to talk with it in the presence of some guards, that should shake any suspicion. I can't wait."
The Night Man's head turns to keep its "face" toward Bjorn, though it doesn't move from its position.
The accented voice again, "Yes, the city thinks The Beast did it, because it got caught... and this city is full of idiots. But as for the details you ask, we do not know."
The sibilant voice interrupts, "But the Freelancerss, yess. What did the Beasst ssteal? Where iss the idol? Why did the Beasst do it - come to Lepidstadt and reveal itsself in ssuch an obviouss manner after yearss of hiding!? Even the Guardss know the Beasst did not act alone!"
Strangely, that voice continues speaking, but the accented voice attempts to speak as well. The voices raise in volume until they are nearly shouting, and it is difficult to discern what each one is saying. Then another voice begins yelling, followed soon after by the little girl's voice screaming and cutting through the chaos, "Be quiet! Be quiet! All of you be quiet!"
The Night Man ceases all sound and movement for several seconds before the accented voice continues, "To answer the unspoken question, we are not in a position to learn anything more about the theft at the museum. Anyone providing information about this theft would be richly rewarded. Our position in Lepidstadt shall not be challenged, by anyone, and we are willing to do anything to protect it, even if our actions mean angering," his voice drops to a whisper, "those who were formerly our friends."
The Night Man stands up from its position and drops its arms to its side, "If we have an accord, then the typical rules apply - we do not exist. If you are not comfortable with this arrangement, then we shall disappear and not speak with you again. But if you accept, then you are as one with The Fellowship in this matter, and your words must protect us as surely as ours will protect you. Do we have an agreement?"
Going by what you've seen so far, these guys have some seriously powerful people at their disposal, and this is as professional an operation as you've encountered. This is several magnitudes greater than a street gang. These guys will not offer a fair fight, and they will absolutely slaughter innocents to get their target.
The vow of silence in criminal enterprises is the pinnacle of a guild such as The Fellowship. Breaking that trust is an action they would burn down the city to avenge. They would go so far as to destroy The Fellowship rather than have a broken pledge of silence since they would lose all credibility and purpose if such an affront went unpunished.
Harold taps his cigar, its tip falling into a small pile of ash on a plate set beneath it as he listens to the Night Man's counter offer. He nods his head in understanding before clearing his throat and addressing his comrades, "For those in da room whom 'aven't lived da life, what aaahr visitor 'ere is sayin' what if we 'work' together on dis, aaahr skill an' discreshun fer their infawmashun, we'll be bound by a code ov conduct. First rule ov da streets: nobody likes a snitch. We don't mun'ion dis meetin' awer arrangemun's between us an' 'em nor any uvvers we might come ter later. We don't work fer 'em, we don't know 'em, we don't say anythin' ter anybody abaaaht anythin' discussed 'ere tonight. Ever. If we break Rule One, those behind da Curtain'll 'ave ter protect 'emselves by silencin' us... permenantly. I've lived under deese restricshuns befawer so I'm not much worried myself but if any ov yew find i' an' all 'eavy a burden ter bear awer distasteful ter yaaahr sensabilities, speak up now befawer we proceed forward. Thee agree ter da Night Man's terms then i' doesn't expire. Ever. Or we do."
The half-orc turns to give everyone a serious look and points his cigar at them, "Don't take dis lightly, any ov you. I'd rarfer go abaaaht ignoran' van see yaaahr froats sli' one night cause yew agree ter da Fellowships' terms an' then go mun'ionin' i' ter some barwench awer da Captain awer even 'in' at i' in a le'er ter a 'friend'."
Alexei frowns deeply. Though it appeared they could get the ever-so-necessary information on the Way and their activities, they'd have to work towards destroying another group, just like them. The oracle begins to stroke his beard, thinking hard about the benefits and downsides of working with the Night Man's employers.