Part 2 - Chapter 5.5
The party convened with King Natali over a fine lunch to discuss all that had occurred, and all that they’d learned in the wake of Dagoth’s attack. They also spoke about the coming inception of the Watchful Order, and what membership might look like.
Natali, having come to trust the party as her best counsel with regards to all things concerning Dagoth or the unnatural as a whole, leaned heavily on the group for intelligence regarding the outcome of the raid. Treading lightly, the group shared what they knew regarding Eshrokk, and Dagoth’s connection to that larger evil - most pressing, the news that Eshrokk may be revitalized and capable of much greater deeds within just a couple of weeks. Research by the parties’ allies may have provided the location of the ancient dragon, which just leaves the task of slaying it. It was also discussed that Dagoth will likely be present overseeing Eshrokks’ recovery, and no doubt supported by more of their minions. The dark elves seem to remain a rogue and unknown element in all of this - perhaps no longer operating as major players after escaping the raid with a bounty of captured citizens.
Absorbing all of this information, Natali took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding She felt - regrettably - that sending a contingent of recently returned warriors from Canibri would be akin to political suicide. She was already under pressure from the nobles and merchant class to establish the security of the capital and ensure that the shipping of goods could be conducted safely again. All of the recent violence and mobilization has left Redharbor feeling less than stable, and more than ever there is a need to project security and a sense of normalcy - even if the events of late prove that the benchmark for normal may be forever changed. Natali offered instead to provide whatever gear, weaponry, and tools the party deemed necessary to find and slay both Eshrokk and Dagoth. A small levy of volunteers would be requested to accompany them, assisting in whatever way their skills allow. All of this was to be done by the following afternoon, ensuring that the group could set out on their hunt with all haste. In addition to all of that, she’d hoped that the group may set about this undertaking bearing the title Blackguard of the Watchful Order - a political move really, and potentially a win-win for both her and the party.
This kickstarted the conversation regarding the group’s membership in the Order. The party was split nearly down the middle; some worried about being constrained by a blanket clause making them beholden to the ‘Ruling Council’ - another new and unknown factor. Others saw no real downside, but an opportunity for income and security. Natali explained about the formation of this Ruling Council with some consternation. It was to be a council made up of representatives from each of Redharbor’s districts, who would join Natali and her advisors in discussing matters of policy affecting the city. Her hope was that this might assuage some of the folks’ outrage with the recent unrest, and restore some good faith in the citadel. This raised a few eyebrows around the table, and a bit of debate was then had between mouthfuls of the lunch spread, before Boot piped in with some of his rare wisdom. If a membership could be arranged that left the group free to roam, while bearing the name of the Order and perhaps enjoying some of the outlined benefits, the party would likely be wholly in favor. Natali and Naia shared a look, before agreeing to discuss the proposal and have an answer for them before they set out on their journey.
With that, Natali excused herself to attend another meeting with the discontent nobles. As the chamber’s door swung open, raised voices could be heard echoing around the halls of the citadel. Indeed, the citizenry were in a state. The party was left to discuss what they might need to go dragon hunting.
The walk back to the Boar’s Lodge provided a bit of time for the group to chat about what comes next, and what to do with the blank check Natali had just given them. The general consensus was that they needed to seek the wisdom of their allies - looking to Jiub and the Elven Conclave, as well as the Harple clan for guidance.
Over the course of the afternoon and evening, the companions took time to check their equipment, visit the marketplace, and discuss amongst themselves how best to tackle their next journey into the Deeping Woods. Jiub was invited to join them at their old haunt, and he responded hastily. His wisdom on the matter of Dragon hunting was useful, if simple - bring heavy weaponry, and magic. During his visit to the Lodge, he also offered his own aid in the quest; being invested in the death of Eshrokk, he thought it only fitting to accompany the adventurers and assist in the task. Before agreeing, Torgren interjected - wishing to know more of Jiub’s mysterious past, and what had led the dragon-turned-elf to Redharbor in the first place. Jiub obliged, and told a tale of his past life spanning the land - from a youth spent among the eastern sands, to wandering all the way to Redharbor, all driven by simple curiosity. None could detect any deception in the story, and so it was that Jiub would be welcomed as a traveling companion.
Not long after Jiub took his leave of the inn, did Morgan Harple stride in. The group had a very similar conversation with her - during which, they learned the true nature of the scrolls which had been offered to them - scrolls of Flame Strike, of Disintegrate, of Prismatic Spray, and of Teleport.. Similarly, Morgan offered to join the group on their trek - though her motivation was the simple excitement of it all. The group happily accepted her company, as well as that of her ever present companion Brutogg.
As the night grew longer, the party finalized the first draft of their list of materiel - sending it to the Citadel to be quickly looked over and worked through. They had requested all manner of things - numerous spell components, an additional wagon, provisions for the road - the list was thorough. They received quick word back from their runner, confirming that most of what they’d asked after could be acquired, although some of the more esoteric components may take time to source.
Sindri resolved to speak with the elves - specifically her now friend Eulid, the proprietor of a rare and enchanted goods store in the marketplace - with the hopes of picking up any potentially helpful enchanted goods, or at least a bit more of the poison antidote that they so expertly brew.
The dwarves took to discussing the matter of their cart situation - with Turi showing Torgren around their current moldering wreck on wheels, which - against all odds - they’d rode out of the Deeping Woods a few weeks past. After the inspection, Torgren concluded that the actual frame of the wagon was likely salvageable, though the outer shell and decking would need replacement. To that end, the dwarf sent a runner out to place an order for lumber to be delivered to the Lodge as quickly as possible.
Charax took time to look in on Gorwill and pick up a satchel full of cartridges for his hand-crossbow, as well as to discuss the possibility of having the smith mend the mysterious broken wooden blade which had become just one of the many cursed or malefic objects now carried by the bard. It had been hinted at in discussions with Jiub that Gorwill may be experienced in crafting magical or enchanted items, even if he doesn’t let on openly. The surly dwarf agreed to attempt the mending, but, like so many before, confirmed the heeby-jeeby and thoroughly evil vibes given off by the thing. Charax would have to return after dark that evening, prepared to offer blood for the re-forging…
Defeated: —
Characters met: —
Acquired: Blank check from King Natali
Quests: Hunt and destroy Eshrokk
