Assault on Dragonspear (5e PBP) IC

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"Because the ritual is based on the placement of certain heavenly bodies and other factors, time is important. It would be too risky to leave any of the locations unchecked.1

We do have the advantage of being able to individually use Sendings to communicate to each other any activity we find, or don't find. Which will make everyone else's missions easier. If one of us discovers something and we can't handle it, we can pivot and redeploy our efforts pretty fast.

For our team, we shouldn't need to rough it. I have magic that will keep us safe and warm - although, it's not very subtle.

I think we should leave this afternoon if people are ready."

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Tommi listens to Ashfell's answer, and nods. "I'm sorry, sir. I was just afraid that...." He lets his voice trail off, not sure whether or how to articulate what he was feeling. He doesn't love the answer, but he appears to accept it. "And I guess we can always Send a message to the other group if we learn anything?" (He's asking, but thinks that should be possible.) "We can probably head to Dragonspear within the hour..." he turns to Morgan "...if that gives enough time to do the final search for Escella and Titus?" He knows he's been told they can't be detected magically, but it seems weird to him not to mention them at all.

Kobold Stew said:

Tommi listens to Ashfell's answer, and nods. "I'm sorry, sir. I was just afraid that...." He lets his voice trail off, not sure whether or how to articulate what he was feeling. He doesn't love the answer, but he appears to accept it. "And I guess we can always Send a message to the other group if we learn anything?" (He's asking, but thinks that should be possible.) "We can probably head to Dragonspear within the hour..." he turns to Morgan "...if that gives enough time to do the final search for Escella and Titus?" He knows he's been told they can't be detected magically, but it seems weird to him not to mention them at all.

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"I'm worried that, with Escella and Titus already having been influenced by the Xingax, that they'll most likely be found at one of the ritual sights, possibly under their influence again."

Morgan completes Tommi's thoughts and, as a way of putting his mind to rest,

"It's been fairly evident from what happened to our two comrades, as well as Lady Shalindra, that possession is Xingax's most used and powerful tool. Is there some assurance that no demonic influences will overwhelm His Lordship, Sir Floshin? We had discussed the possibility of gaining an item or getting access to potions of Protection from Evil.* If he's going alone, I think having some kind of ward against fiendish influence is a prudent measure. Especially if he has a connection in his bloodline."

Morgan's direct manner is partially due to the fact that many of these details have been discussed at the Blackstaff tower but, also, that as an expert in Wards and Protections, he feels it's his duty to lay all possibilities and options on the table as it pertains to his expertise.

Morgan scratches his beard.

"Those are excellent suggestions," agreed Delfen, proud that his apprentice had come so far. "We will take all these precautions and more before we do our bit, after sending you south."

At this point, there was a knock on the townhouse door. One of Lord Darfin's human servants went to answer, and soon a group of six militia-men entered the library, now far too small for its occupants. They were led by Constable Sherlen Miller, and Tommi smiled upon seeing her, at first thinking that she must be here to help.

But she had that grim expression that he had seen when she was annoyed with him, and she said unhappily, "I am here on behalf of the Duke, with a warrant for Lady Shalendra's arrest, for 'Aiding and Abetting the Enemies of the Shining Vale.' I am also told to bring the Wizard Ashfell in for questioning, for being a 'Wizard that is Unknown to Us (and therefore possibly a Thayan Agent.)'"

Her six militia-men were known to Tommi, Dandin, and Lionel as six of the toughest, longest-serving fellows. Even so, they looked very, very nervous to be here among such illustrious local figures.

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Morgan gives Wizard Delphin a meaningful gaze. Ashfell is his guest, after all, but Morgan chooses not to say much lest he make Delphin a suspect as well and they need Delphin to teleport them. Besides, knowing that Ashfell is a powerful caster, a regular cell won't keep him from his duties. Morgan has no doubt that Ashfell will make it to the appointed place on time.

What is more alarming is questions of the Duke's loyalty. It's one thing to look for spies but it's a different thing altogether to arrest and detain those who are actively trying to help. The delay could be costly.

Morgan has no status and doesn't feel there's anything he can do to sway the guards beyond what Lord Floshin could do. Morgan is a well known healer and so he leans into that,

"Please, you only know part of the story. Lady Shalindra was recently the victim of Thayan plot, not the mastermind. They used magic, if I can be so crude, to rape her mind. It feels excessively cruel and unjust to arrest someone who was a victim to their schemes. Her mind is fragile right now and she needs rest and compassion, not stress. Instead of humiliating her why not put her under Delphin's watchful eye. Put guards outside his tower, if you have to."

Morgan looks to the others. He doesn't want to stir up any trouble. They need to leave.

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Tommi is embarrassed that he finds himself caught between his responsibility to Sherlen and his fellow Daggerfordians. Suddenly the belt he wears feels awkward and heavy. It's not like he hasn't been on the wrong side of Sherlen in her official capacity before -- he has; it's how they met -- but at the same time he has tried to be good, and he can see the sense of urgency.

He tries bluffing his way out of this:

"Officer Miller," he begins, sounding as formal for the others as he can, "We have just convinced Ashfell to leave Daggerford. We were taking him out the city gate as you arrived. He will be gone for some time, but should he return, he commits to subjecting himself to any formal enquiry."

Perhaps removing the problem is a solution she can accept.

Dandin could feel his heart sink as the militia announced their warrant. Nobody was happy to be in the room right now, with the tension thick enough to be cut by his apple-knife. Fortunately, he wasn't far removed from his past as a merchant, and knew how to make a sale.

"Friends, constabulary, please." The halfling piped up with the intention to refocus the conversation. "Let's not be coy about this." After a just small pause to see if he had their attention, Dandin continues. "What we are about to discuss is of the utmost confidentiality, absolutely no bragging to the boys down at the bar." He says with a raised finger. "We all remember the incident with that two-bit Zhentarim agent that slipped away due to loose lips." A bit of levity to lead, so as to soften the mood.

"Now, we had hoped to walk the Duke through the plan of action this morning, during our unfortunately canceled meeting. But right now we simply don't have to backtrack, so I trust you can fill him in." The bait had been set, and it was time to hook them in, standard art of the deal. "We are going after the Thayans. This very day: We. Cannot. Delay." The emphasis and rhymes were for that earworm effect, the catchier the better. "It is a time-critical situation: The Red Wizards already have a working plan of attack! The nature of our counter-offensive depends on Lady Shalindra's information, and the Wizard Ashfell's logistical expertise. While we understand the Dukes concerns, arresting these two souls and impeding our quest will only lead to DISASTER for Daggerford, if not the entire Sword Coast."

The once-merchant quickly shifted his tone back into something more friendly. "Look, we simply need them in our custody. They won't be free to wander around town. Hells, Ashfell won't even be in town. With their help, we can succeed! And if we don't..." Dandin inhales sharply, putting a bit of quiver into his voice and, coaxing a tear out of his eye. "The horrors those Thayans are preparing to unleash if we fail, are going to demand the full attention of you brave folk. There just isn't time to negotiate an arrest right now, we need to get going. And you, you need to be training, as hard as you can."

Discussion about Lord Floshin going alone
"I disagree with this plan, my lord and lady. While you may be powerful, any one individual can be overcome. Or have bad fortune. Or simply be caught unawares. This is why we rarely talk about adventurer, but about adventurer*S*; to dangerous places you go in groups. That cover wide range of skills and abilities. And even if you're caught by surprise, you may have someone close by to administer first aid, feed you the potion to restore your mind or simply fight together. Take someone with you at the very least. Family secret or no, you, a powerful wizard simply CANNOT go to a site that is such an important focus for the ritual if you can be possessed. Take me with you."

When there was teleportation issue
"Will we lose more than two day walking instead of riding? If yes, or if it about equal, the teleport can be better used elsewhere. And we should go and find the horses."

When the militia enters
The cleric puts himself immediately between the threat and Lady Shalindra.
"If the duke thinks Floshin family has anything to do with this, he might try and reconsider given that all the dukes through the centuries were advised by the father of current Lord Floshin or the lord personally. The invitation to discuss is one, an order for the arrest...one could wonder if someone is telling poisonous lies to the duke? Or if the duke himself might be possessed? We already know this evil is capable of doing such. But also Thayans are perfectly capable of putting someone in position for years before making their move. Which is right now delaying us. What happened with the basic courtesy to invite the nobles to talk instead of sending militia for them? Isn't that a sign that something is off? And duke's sister is locked in her tower. Does that sound like your duke is alright?"

He awaits the reaction of the leader...this officer Miller...knowing she probably cannot do anything about the duke, but hoping she might let them go. In any case, she's not taking lady Shalendra.