Torinn does some stretch exercises before joining the others, chiming in, "Well I'm ready to head back. We have a long way to go after all."

Samel takes care to put his cape on and indicates that he is also ready.

Last edited at 14/01/13(Mon)20:16:20

The six adventurers mount griffons--Bernkastel needing to be supported on Aghanim's griffon--and set off back west. It's a rather long, uneventful journey, with many uneventful stops to eat and rest in the wilderness. Though several times the makeshift camps are approached by wild beasts, none seem willing to get closer to the griffons, and there are surprisingly no attacks by intelligent humanoids.

It's the twenty-second day into your journey when the familiar sight of Baldur's Gate appears on the horizon, looking quite normal from a distance. As you close the gap, it would appear that this is, in fact, the case--there's nothing obviously wrong going on here. Everyone seems to be going about their everyday lives, though those living outside the city walls do have their attention focused on the approaching griffons and their riders, being a rarely-seen spectacle. It would seem you have a choice of any place in the city where you could land--the Arcanimus, the palace, the Flaming Fist headquarters, the docks, or even the Helm and Cloak tavern, though it's only mid-morning.

"Is she okay?"
"Let's land in the port, someone should be take to take care of the griffons there."

>>74316
"Sounds like a plan. We'd draw far more attention than necessary if we landed elsewhere."

While landing the griffons in the docks area does attract a fair amount of attention from the city-folk, it doesn't get the group immediately approached by anyone in particular. You are all able to dismount and situate yourselvs without any interference.

"Finally back."
Once he's down, Sureiya looks around and tries to discern if there's anyone there who works for the Duke or the Flamming Fist. Or maybe any familiar face?
Perception for seeing around, Insight to discern: (31,16) http://orokos.com/roll/160247

Perhaps it's a bit odd, but Sureiya doesn't recognize any faces in the crowd. Most people seem to be going about their business, but some are still staring at the spectacle at six well-equipped adventurers dismounting griffons in the docks area.

Sureiya does spot Sid's undersea vehicle docked in the harbor, though there's no sigh of the gnome himself.

>>74320
The shaman eventually returns to consciousness. "Wherever we go, can we try to avoid letting the duke know about me?" requests the shaman, wearing a hood to cover her head.

>>74321
"Very well," Torinn replies absentmindedly as he looks around the place. "In any case, we should figure out where to take the griffons."

Aghanim looks around a bit, then suggests, "Perhaps some stables would take them? Griffons aren't their usual stock, but as well-trained as these are, it's worth a shot."

>>74323
"We may as well."
seek out a suitable stable

While the group does need to wander a bit, it doesn't take much effort to find a stable with a nervous-looking elf attendant who takes the griffons. They are informed that the service is on the house, as the stablekeep recognizes them as a group that has the favor of the ducal palace.

>>74325
Well that was awfully nice.
"Now let's not waste any more time."
lead everybody to ducal palace

Once it's clear Torinn is leading to the Palace, the ranger questions. "Are you staying somewhere while we go with the Duke?"

>>74327
"I think I'll go with you, but maybe stay outside. And could someone with coins at least tip the attendant?"

Last edited at 14/01/19(Sun)19:39:20

Rifling through his sparse coin pouch, Myn tosses 2sp of spare change at the loathsome elf.

"I would be surprised if Mister Prestor should manage to overlook you. You may as well accompany us."

As the party approaches the palace, they are perhaps surprised to encounter Letharst just within view of the palace walls. He seemed to be a in hurry, but upon catching sight of the six, he suddenly stops, grins, and walks up to the group. He addresses you in his familiar slightly-grating, yet seemingly-friendly tone, "Ah, yes, friends! It is good that you have returned! Things are changing here, quickly, yes!"

"And we got a few things to report" says the ranger, trying his best not to turn his head to look at the troubled shaman.

"So, any sign of Halvangh yet?"

If Letharst has been unsettled by the appearance of "Bernkastel" and Aghanim, he has not yet shown it. "Ah, actually, we were contacted by Elayne via sending some time ago, yes!" Letharst confirms, nodding. "Apparently, the ritual was a success! Yes, yes, they located the Fell King. A week ago the duke left for Mithral Hall with as much of an army he could conscript from the Flaming Fist members, and is meeting with those he secured the aid of in his diplomatic endeavors in Luruar." The tiefling pauses for a moment, rubbing his hands together thoughtfully as his gaze drifts, then adds, "However, I have important business here, in the city, yes. A trusted informant has notified me of a plot that may be unfolding here in Baldur's Gate as we speak, yes. I need to keep my ear to the ground to make certain things do not unravel in the duke's absence, yes yes!"

>>74333
"A plot? Is there anything you can tell us about that?"

Hesitating a brief moment, Letharst elaborates in a very uncharacteristic, quiet voice: "We believe there has been a dragon posing in humanoid guise in Baldur's Gate, making only brief appearances, and attempting to utilize our city's resources to accomplish its own goals. That is what my source has told me, yes."

It's hard to see while hiding one's face. http://orokos.com/roll/161110

>>74335

"One would usually consider such a claim outlandish. What kind of evidence could your informant possess?"

"And why would he leak any variety of secret information around such a loose-lipped party, I wonder."

Last edited at 14/01/21(Tue)23:09:28

Bernkastel: (Insight) The shaman has a tough time getting a read on the shifty tiefling one way or another.

"To put it simply, it's the source that has me convinced," the tiefling replies easily. "I feel as though you deserve to know, as it's a good chance that if there is a dragon in the city, it has its eyes on your group by now, yes. As for my source, he is very reliable on matters such as this--I am not privy to his methods, but I do trust him, yes! Indeed, I believe he has pre-empted our enemies move and headed east at the same time you all departed for the plague-wrought lands. Yes, yes, he believes the enemy may target you and your families in particular, and is taking precautions to make certain that no harm comes to them." Letharst gestures empty-handedly and sighs, "Unfortunately, my own endeavors have left me empty-handed thus far. It would seem the dragon I seek may not currently in the city, yes--or it is exceptionally good at remaining hidden, which would be an alarming revelation."

"Source? That stinks of Valanor."

"My family needs no protection, they'll be fine" says Sureiya pretty sure of himself. "But yeah, we received a threatening message shortly after finishing the ritual, so this source of you is suspiciously sharp."

>>74339
"I also heard there was a dragon spotted near Tymanther. You think it's related?"

Letharst tilts his head and replies, "Hmmm, I wouldn't think so, but anything's possible, yes? It'd be difficult to connect events in such distant parts of the realm, yes. Oh, I'd be sure to visit the Flaming Fists headquarters! One of them was anxious for your return, if I'm not mistaken, yes!"

"Must be Thelkra. Well, we can pay a visit there later. The palace should be kind of near from here."

>>74342
"But if the Duke isn't there, is there much need to visit in the first place?"

"Oh right. I must be tired from the long trip. Let's go there then."

The group arrives swiftly at the Flaming Fist headquarters and heads inside. It seems mostly empty, though there are a few armed men and women milling about, examining their armor and polishing their weapons. Upon waking up the gnome secretary, she addresses them, "Oh... Thelkra, Thelkra... yes, she stayed behind, I think she went to the Arcanimus. She's been quite concerned about... something, I think." The gnome tilts her head and looks as though she's straining to remember, "I think she was asked to accompany most of the remaining senior members to Mithral Hall, but she wouldn't until she knew you adventurers were back safe. She's been looking for her other friend, too..." Her voice trails off into a yawn a this point, and she leans back in her chair quietly.

"Her other friend? Valanor must be busy with the threat thing. Anyway I'll head to the Arcanimus now. Is anyone else coming?"

>>74346
"I'm coming with you."

Making their way over to the Arcanimus, the first thing the group notices is that there are still quite a few people here. The second thing is that they spot a half-orc female that is very clearly Thelkra apparently harassing Ilar, who looks a bit confused. She immediately notices the group and walks over a little too quickly, and addresses the six while hunching over slightly.

"Seven hells, yall've been gone quite a bit! What happened over there?" she asks, sounding a bit out of breath.

>>74348
What's up with her? "Erm, we found a long-lost settlement, had a griffon stolen by a kenku, crossed a desert, fought storm giants, and had to fight a powerful wind elemental before we got threatened by what I assume was the Fell King. Sariel got fed up early on and left... But you seem like you have something important for us?"

"Mmm, not really, it's just everythin's been moving so fast... we knew ya'd completed the ritual, and they wanted me to go wit' the rest of the more advanced Flaming Fists. But I wanted to wait fer y'all," Thelkra says, straightening and apparently catching her breath. "Sid wants to go with us too, he's been busy modifyin' his underwater boat thing with an expanded cargo hold, and shuttlin' elves outta that underwater city ya found. Most of the guard has joined the Fists and headed out for Mithral Hall. I hear a certain warlord is up there at the Hall, leading a regiment of dwarves outta East Rift too!"

>>74350
"? Are we expected at Mithral Hall, too?"

"Oh, yeah, I was hoping ya'll would come," Thelkra replies, scratching the back of her head and looking a bit embarrassed. "We're looking to put an end to this whole Fell King business there, and I was hopin' ya could help me find miss Cragmaul. They were saying something about a really big up-front payment, too."

>>74352
"If every last combatant leaves with the duke for Mithral Hall, is there anyone left to defend Baldur's Gate?"

"Oh, not everyone's left. Just the most experienced ones, and most of the elves, since they're not familiar with the city yet," she explains.

"So everything's gonna end in Mithral Hall? Sounds good to me. Anyway, do you know what happened to the guy we left here for treatment?"

Thelkra thinks for a moment, then her face brightens in recognition. She nods as she replies, "Oh yah, Savenoul? I think he's workin' with Sid now. Treatment's going to be slow as far as reversing the mutations, I think, but he's apparently in his right mind now so he put his impressive physique to good use."

"Apparently, they know that there is at least one entrance to the Shadowfell in a region of the Underdark connected to Mithral Hall, so that's why they're using it as a staging ground," Ilar adds, approaching the ground. "And I'm sure Elayne would love to hear about your experiences using the ritual!"]

>>74356
"We've gained some interesting insights when using it, for sure."

"We had some sort of visions at the end of each ritual. I believe this girl has a good theory about them" says Sureiya while pointing to Bernkastel. Then he returns with Thelkra.

"So, is this new machine of Sid transporting us there? If you were waiting for us it means it's ready to go."

"Actually, I was thinkin' we could take yer griffons. After restin' here a spell, 'f course," Thelkra replies, nodding.

>>74359
Torinn clicks his tongue as he remembers something. "We can do that, yes. Though I should say that one of them was stolen some time back and its whereabouts are currently unknown."

"Ah... so you still have four? That'll be enough to take me an' Sid along," Thelkra comments, apparently not too concerned with the loss of a griffon. "Frankly it's surprising that's all you've lost so far, considerin' the danger. Say, speakin' of which, whatever happened to that stuck-up elf girl who was wit'cha?"

>>74361
"She defected from the group because of irreconcilable differences."

>>74362
"'Zat so? But that wasn't related to the griffon theft, I take it," the half-orc comments. "At any rate, it's good that yer all back and safe. I was startin' to think having you fly all the way out that far wasn't the greatest idea."

Ilar seems to be deep in thought about something, and appears to have taken a step or two backwards.

"It was good enough, anyway we should get some goods for the trip. I was looking for maybe selling something as well."

"Ya might wanna hold off until ya reach Mithral Hall, they're arming for war up there. I'd imagine they could cut you in on some deals," Thelkra suggests. She seems to be focusing mostly on Torinn and Sureiya and not directly looking at the rest of the group.

>>74371
"I need to wrap up some business here in Baldur's Gate first, but I have no problems with leaving immediately afterwards."

"Well, get some rest, I say, we're likely to not have many more opportunities to sleep in a comfortable bed fer a while," comments Thelkra off-handedly as she walks out of the Arcanimus, shooting Sureiya a pointed look as she goes. Ilar is still there, though it seems you are free to attend to any other business now.

Torinn goes off on his own, seeking out the private investigator's place he visited before.

Torinn discovers the office is empty, with nothing but a note on the door informing would-be customers that she'd be back in a few weeks.

>>74377
"Was worth a shot," Torinn murmurs before heading to the inn.

It's only a few moments after the party disperses that Sureiya is approached by someone who identifies herself as a messenger from the Flaming Fist HQ, who had a letter for him. As the half-orc opens the letter, the messenger departs, and Sureiya finds enclosed a message from his father.

His father is glad that the young half-orc is doing well, though he seems dubious that the affairs of Baldur's Gate could cause ripples as far as Amn. Nevertheless he assures Sureiya that he and the Emerald Cabal will be vigilant, and his parents will even leave the city if need be. Sureiya realizes from the tone of the letter that his father has apparently joined the Emerald Cabal in his absence.

"He got in, huh. I wonder how many wars will it take for me to be as strong."

Sureiya will go to the usual inn to get a break, urging Samel to come with him.

>>74366
The shaman turns to the elf, curious. "Hi, something in mind?"

Insight http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4398653/

The elf seems startled by the shaman's approach, but smiles as he addresses her, "Oh hmm? I don't believe we've been introduced." He nods and then bows slightly, saying, "I am Ilar, the apprentice of Elayne, who is the curator of the Arcanimus. You're one of that adventuring group's associates, no? I was merely pondering what the half-orc said about the visions... it's strange that the ritual as designed would produce such visions. Sadly, I was not privy to the creation of the ritual, so the details are outside of my scope of knowledge. I was merely considering the possibilities."

Insight: You feeling is that he is being honest, almost to a fault. He seems reasonably pleased to meet you, and obviously isn't aware of what happened with the fiery leyline.

>>74382
"I'm called Bernkastel, and yes, an associate. But what kind of possibilities, Mr. Ilar?"

The elf spreads his hands and shakes his head in reply, saying, "Difficult to say. The ritual was created in part by my mistress Elayne, but also by a silver dragon and an orc shaman. I can only speculate that the ritual somehow, unintentionally, opened some sort of 'connection' with someone 'on the other side,' as it were. Perhaps it is because whoever that individual was, they had more skill utilizing the leyline? There is also much about the leyline I do not know..."

>>74384
"It's the Fell King, right? The ritual was made to track him."

A little disappointed, the shaman goes on to ask, "By chance, do you know where Mr. Silversprocket is?"

Myn wonders to himself how difficult it would be to find out where Ilar sleeps.

Streetwise:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4398789/

Last edited at 14/02/09(Sun)19:40:57

Myn: Strangely enough, you aren't able to divine much about the elf's sleeping habits.

"That's if that assumption is correct... yes. It's possible that there is a connection with the Fell King. As for Sid, I believe he is here, in a section of the building we've set aside for his laboratory. I can lead you there, if you wish."

"Thank you, please do."

Ilar leads "Bernkastel" and Myn around the curved elven bookshelves and a few scattered magi to a thick, runed door. Opening it reveals a large, windowless room filled with strange arcane contraptions of all shapes and sizes, with papers and tools scattered across the floor. A gnome nearly falls off a ladder as the door opens, and you recognize this well-dressed artificer as Sid Silversprocket. He adjusts his silver-rimmed goggles and hops down from the ladder, still holding some strange arcane focus as he waves and says, "Greetings, adventurers! Good to see you come back!"

He closes the distance between himself and the group and spreads his arms, open-palmed as he looks up at you and says, "So, what brings you to ol' Sid?"

>>74389
"Hello, Mr. Sid. I was hoping to show this ritual book to someone with leyline expertise," says the shaman, pulling out the giant book. "Some of the rituals are familiar, but apparently there's some leyline-specific research on the back?"

Sid takes a quick look at the book, then struggles to open it and flip through it a bit. Finding the pages that "Bernkastel" alluded too, he creases his brow in thought as he says, "W-well, it's difficult to make heads or tails of, honestly. But I think it uses an archon forge in combination with the leyline, from just a quick read! I could learn more if I had some time to study it, perhaps!"

Meanwhile, Ilar seems to have wandered off.

>>74391
"It's okay, please take your time. We'll leave you with the book."

Unless something else happens, I'm finished.

Once the group finishes with their business around the city, they meet up again at the Helm and Cloak. The six adventurers are now in a meeting room that has been set aside for them, though they also have their own bedrooms in the upstairs section.

>>74393
"So, why are we here?"

At that point Thelkra enters the room, unnoticed before now, and says, "'Cuz I thought it'd be a good idea to discuss what to do next. Ya'know, with all of yas."

Aghanim clears his throat and speaks up, saying, "You do plan to oppose the Fell King, yes? It looks like things are moving in the direction of a confrontation soon. I for one would think that Mithral Hall would be a good place to utilize our assets in order to equip ourselves and prepare for the next step. And we do have the griffons for swift travel."

>>74395
"Do we know where we're going from there, though?"

"The caverns that extend from Mithral Hall to the Underdark stretch across the entirety of the Spine of the World. I think there's a way to the Shadowfell through there," Thelkra comments.

>>74397
"This is still a bit unclear. Is there a commander, or are we doing whatever we please?"

The half-orc shrugs a bit and explains, "I imagine they've got it organized down there, but I don't know off-hand. I imagine we'll find that stuff out when we get there. What're you guys interested in doin' down there, anyways? I'm sure there's a lot that needs doin'."

>>74399
"For better or worse, as a unit, we're probably best off fighting something."

>>74399

"Perhaps we could take a survey of the cavern species."

Looking at both Myn and the shaman, Thelkra puts her hands on her hips and tries to address both of the points, saying, "Well, I'm sure there's gonna be plenty of fighting to be done. Besides the Shadowfell itself, the caverns aren't likely to be home to much that's friendly. Y'all sure you're ready for this, though? Fighting in the Shadowfell ain't gonna be no picnic."

>>74402

"It's a shame that Mister Prestor can't spare a few dozen to assist us."

"Or properly deliver pay, for that matter."

"It will be alright, besides you're coming too this time" remarks the ranger, who seems worried by something else.

>>74404
"By the way, What are you planning to do there, Ms. Thelkra?"

"Me? First I'm gonna find miss Cragmaul and bust her outta wherever she's being held. Then, who knows? There's gonna be a lot of people down there and a lot of things that we need to do." he gaze lazily drifts at this point, and she changes the subject quickly, saying, "By the way, the Flaming Fist is getting together the payment the duke left for you for yer last job. It'll be ready before we head out."

>>74407
"Do you have any suggestions on what to purchase?"

"I think you'd know that better than I," Thelkra comments dryly. "I haven't any better idea of what we'll face down there than you."

"It will be tough" says the ranger throwing a discreet glare to Thelkra. "I think I'll go get some fresh air."
Saying this, Sureiya leaves the inn and heads to somewhere else.

Thelkra shrugs and nods to the rest, saying, "See you tomorrow, then," and departs.

Sureiya heads to the roof of the Flaming Fist, and it doesn't take long for Thelkra to show up. The sun's starting to set, and the rogue approaches the ranger with a bit of caution, saying, "Say, nobody followed you here, did they?"

"I left alone. If someone tried I would have noticed" the rangers says.

"So, are there any news about the situation in Mithral Hall? Has Valanor told you anything about it?"

"As I implied before, I don't know much about what's going on there. Last I heard from Valanor was a letter he gave me before you guys left," Thelkra says in an off-hand manner, before leaning against a building strut and facing Sureiya. "If yer lookin' to probe me for information about the mission, afraid I can't be much help. I've just been... uneasy, being out of contact with Valanor for so long, but if miss Cragmaul is alive, I'm definitely going to find her and break her outta that hole."

"Cragmaul is tough. She wouldn't kick the bucket that easily" says Sureiya, sure of himself.

"You know, during the trips, every time we casted the ritual we all had some kind of visions. They were all conected and gave us some interesting insight about who we think is the Fell King.

I would like to share you what we know, and what we think we know... But it might be a little difficult to believe, so I'll think I'll let you go first. Is there anything you would like to talk about?"

"I guess I'm just antsy about the fight," Thelkra explains, squirming a bit noticeably. "Kinda feels so... final, ya'know? Remember what I said about the gods and them havin' plans? Ever feel like maybe yer part in their grand plan could be comin' to an end?"

She shakes her head a bit incredulously. "I dunno what's gettin' to me. Just, with miss Cragmaul gone, and Valanor off who-knows-where, seems awfully empty in Baldur's Gate these days. And ain't that a weird though, with all these people around? I think I'm just nervous, but yeah. I can't shake the feeling that this upcoming mission's gonna be an ending of sorts."

"An ending of sorts? You know, your hunch may be true" says Sureiya making a short pause.

"During the visions we saw the life of Ragrim Dragonsworn. Something strange happened during the war, and he got transported into the Shadowfell... and gained some strange powers with it. Once he was back he tried to return with his family, but in the end the village where they lived was raided and now only ashes remains. This man... we believe he is the Fell King."

Thelkra absorbs the information Sureiya relates with a few nods, and once he's finished, replies, "So yer sayin' ya think Ragrim is the Fell King? I figured it was a Dragonsworn orc, given what we've seen so far, but the chieftain himself... that's a bit of a surprise."

"We are pretty sure of it, but we still wonder why we had the visions..." Sureiya asserts, while folding his arms.

"You know, we asked you once what you knew from the Dragonsworn clan. I wonder, do you know anything else you didn't tell us back then?" asking this, the ranger shows her a talisman with dragon carved on the front. It was the relic Valanor trusted to the party.

Thelkra tilts her head, and says a bit quizzically, "If yer askin' if the visions are part of some Dragonsworn ritual, not that I ever heard of."

"Hah, no, that's not it. You know, this talisman was lent to us by Valanor, and he received it from Ragrim itself. He tried to not to tell us a lot about it, but we think he was close to Ragrim, after all we saw him on the vision as well..."

Making a pause after hesitating a little, Sureiya goes straight to the point.
"Thelkra, it's kind of unclear, but your age and your mysterious past fit perfectly. I think you're Ragrim's daugther."

Last edited at 14/02/17(Mon)20:40:07