D&D 5E [IC] Creamsteak's Princes of Elemental Evil

[Creamsteak]

Thurl seems to sigh with the exasperation of an aged man. "These cultists, their base of operations is the Scarlet Moon Hall. That said, in the past, this place did not have that name. Many years ago, I was among a group of adventurer's not unlike yourself and your companions. We explored the hall, and other corners of the Sumber Hills like it. The hall is built on top of something older. At the base, below the keep, is a passage leading into ancient dwarven ruins. We attempted, many times, to breach these depths. Eventually one of my friends... Elizar... did in-fact join one excursion that made it quite a bit deeper. When we next crossed path, he was turned to the side of these elemental cultists. He had formed this new Scarlet Moon order."

"Elizar was a druid. He was respected by the very same order as this Maighan. He now leads this outpost of cultists. Whether she realizes it or not, any information she reports will reach his ears. Even now, Elizar gathers druids and naturalists of all orders into his rituals."

When pressed about the great evil... "I fear that these fire cultists are only the surface of a great wound. The dwarven caverns... they too were built upon something more ancient. I only saw small hints and heard faint stories, but deeper still are relics of the drow... from an ancient time. I fear that this land rests upon the heaped up mounds of an even more ancient and evil curse."

 

[Creamsteak]

As the rest of the group lounges around the dining hall, a few servants seem to be making some minor efforts to scrub floors. There doesn't appear to be anyone watching the group or guarding the area at this point. Does anyone want to do anything?

 

[Forged Fury]

Noticing the distinct lack of spire inhabitants in their vicinity, Tolan tipped his straw hat and said, "Well... we do have a job to do and now that our illustrious leader is keeping the head honcho here busy, should we maybe go snoop around?" The elf looked at Carrodoc and Maighan in turn.

 

[Kobold Stew]

"Let's do it," says Carradoc, genuinely interested. "We've seen the stables, um, aviary? Stables, probably. But I think there's more here than meets the eye."

He knocks back the drink he's been nursing, leaving a gulp at the bottom as he sets it on the table.

"Where to?"

 

[Forged Fury]

"I seem to remember a few locked doors on one of the floors. Care to try your hands with them?" Tolan replied. He gathered his belongings, assuming the sorcerer was up for the adventure.

OOC: I can't remember if we found locked doors or if we were just told to not try to access any areas behind locked doors.

 

[Shayuri]

"I wouldn't mind seeing the stables," Maighan muses. "Mounts witness a great deal, and few pause to consider what they may say to those with the ears to hear them."

 

[Steve Gorak]

Thaliss pauses and looks at the Valley to seemingly reflect. He takes the occasion to mumble a few arcane words. He then turns back to the commander and says "I appreciate your concerns Commander Thurl, and will confront Maighan directly. I assure you, I will not tolerate treachery in my ranks, but I do not believe she is part of any plot" Thaliss was not sure of this last bit. "But aside from suspicion, you don't have real proof tying her to these cultists, or do you?"

After a small pause, Thaliss continues: "Since you have been forthright with me, it is my duty to be so with you. Tell me Commander, do you suspect any treachery among your ranks? I have to ask, because about a fortnight ago, we were attacked by aerial knights, and they were riding giant vultures; quite similar to those in your stable. The Aarokra creatures we met today also spoke of malevolent riders of such giant vultures. Please understand, I am in no way accusing you of anything. There appears to be many plots within plots at play, and I would appreciate if you could enlighten me if you have any information about this."

OOC: Cast guidance Thaliss will try to see if Thurl is lying or holding something back insight [roll0] add guidance insight [roll1]

 

[Creamsteak]

"You have my testimony. I am sure you will find my experience invaluable on such matters."

When asked about traitors, "There have been whispers of men disappearing in the night. Mounts as well. As you have no-doubt surmised, many of these men are of an unshapely lot lacking proper integrity or discipline. Some leave here, dejected and embarrassed. I am afraid the bird-men are an unsightly lot. They prey upon caravans and poach from lands rightfully owned by others. I can certainly say that some of my own knights have been in conflict with those foul fowl."

- - - - -

Meanwhile, in the stables, the group finds the mounts they used and four others at rest. The animals seem content and most are resting peacefully.

 

[Steve Gorak]

Thaliss reflects a bit, looks again at the valley and mumbles a bit, and looks at the commander: "Forgive me, and I do not wish to cause friction nor be forceful, but I find the feud you have with these foul fowls is fundamentally flawed, and filled of fallacious fiction." He takes a breath and continues, "The Aarakocra we met could have ambushed us, yet did not. They behaved honorably, and told us about another clan, their enemies, that is allied with dark powers. Much like us, there are many factions among them."

Thaliss then proceeds to ask the commander how he ended up in charge of the tower, and tries to extract as much information as possible, while maintaining a friendly and open conversation. He also mentions to the commander that they have faced water and earth cultists, and the commander mentioned fire cultists, and wonders where air cultists are, and tries to see if the commander knows or is hiding anything. Thaliss does mention that the tower would be a natural location for this.

OOC: sorry, I couldn't help it, foul fowls started it! ;-) Cast guidance when he mumbled. insight to see if the commander is lying [roll0] plus guidance [roll1]

 

[Creamsteak]

"Ten years. The Feathergale Society was founded ten years ago. Hense the celebration today."

He beams with a strange pride.

"I was once a griffon rider of Waterdeep. I retired after a storm nearly claimed my life. I remembered this tower from the adventures of my youth, and thought that I could do a great deal of good for the realm if I were to reclaim it and establish a garrison of sorts."

"I realized that there were others among the wealthy of Waterdeep who might be of like mind. I formed the Feathergale Society to bring us together in a united cause, to protect the realm. Of course, some amount of revelry has bled into our activities. Hunting and hawking are also among our shared interests."

He pauses with your mention of the air cultists. "It is very possible that there could be a fourth cult if there were already three. While our numbers are few and far between, this tower is quite defensible given its natural position. I would not willingly let it fall into the hands of evil."