Reporting back to Lord Hawklin
The party set off with Feng in the lead, following the tracks of the Zhentarim Lord and his ogre companions...
"Lead on oh great tracker" Rizzit mutters not liking to be silent for too long.
"This is awfully exciting. Does anyone want a sweety?" Says The Wizard Nosnibor as he passes round the Sherbert Lemons.
"Wow!!" exclaims Beltain "It's ages since I had one of those, yes please Nosnibor"
Limara fixes the broach to her blouse and occasions a remark from The Wizard "Oooh. Limara that brooch really off sets the flash of colour in your eyes. It's so pretty." and she blushes prettily at the complement, although Beltain is not so pleased at Nosnibor's flattering words.
After a while Rizzit asks "Do you think we are getting close Feng?" looking bored with the inaction.
After approximately half hour..Feng locates a small camp. There is a tent, three ogre sized piles of straw and a horse. "This is really strange" says Beltain "I have a funny feeling that the horse tethered by the rock is called Robinson... Now how could I possibly know that?"
"You know" says The Wizard Nosnibor "He does look like Robinson you know. He may have come here."
"FENG IS HERE! SURRENDER!" bellows the barbarian, but nothing stirs and without pausing, muscles his way inside, dagger at the ready
Elinor dismounts and draws her sword. She peers through the goggles and scans the area around the camp.
"Feng... I think the owner of the tent is lying across the back of Beltain's horse.." say Limara with a chuckle and she dismounts and walks toward the tent, hair shimmering in the moonlight "Maybe there's some information in there about what he is doing around here with those ogres"
Feng pushes through the flaps but here is nobody inside. A bedroll, a small pile of clothing, and several small bags containing food stuffs are all that is inside the tent.
"Well nothing here it seems" says Rizzit "Let's get rid of this prisoner and then we can get on with the mission"
"Yes" agrees Feng "Soon as we get rid o' matey, we can do our real job."
Elinor checks the horse over. It looks healthy enough, but from what she's heard of Nosnibor's reputation for ostlery, the poor creature probably hasn't got long to live...."Nos- do you want to come and get your horse?" she calls out. Elinor swings her leg over Legend's back. "Let's go"
The Wizard Nosnibor approaches the Horse joyously. "Oh Robinson you silly Billy. What are you doing out here? Come with me boy" jibbers the semi-delusional thaumaturgist and he strokes Robinsons nose and feeds him some sugar lumps from his pack. "Are there no documents at all about? Shouldn't we have a proper search?" he suggests timidly.
Limara knocks the tent down then remounts venomblood "If we come back this way it will be obvious if anyone is inside now. Let's go deliver this zhent to the purple knights then"
"Come on Rizzit, come on Nos. Stay close- we need to get to the Purple knights as fast as we can. They may be able to glean important information from the Zhent."
"Bel.. have you finished searching?" Limara calls to Beltain
Beltain finishes his search fruitless of the tent, ogre bedrolls then takes the saddlebags and mounts up and follows the others. "I'm ready, Princess" he replies to Limara "And I can't wait to get rid of this zhent. His presence here, alive, offends me!"
"I am ready to leave too" says the kobold sulkily.
"COME ON! FENG TIRES OF THIS!" calls the big barbarian and sets off at a pace.
After 3 and a half hours of riding the party arrive at the Purple Dragon camp near Tilverton. Captain Dunman emerges from one of the tents and watches expressionless as the party ride into the camp.
Beltain greets Captain Dunman courteously and enquires how her assignment is proceeding. Beltain tells Captain Dunman about the trip to the ruins and the discovery of the portal guarded by the orcs, the discovery of the cultist bodies and the encounter with the Zhentish Lord and ogres. He presents her with Lord G for return to Lord Hawklin and interrogation. He asks that any pertinent information, which could aid the mission, is sent to them at the ruins. He then goes on to tell her about the Nexus and that a number of the portals still appear to be active. He explains in conclusion that the party will return to the nexus to determine where the other portal emerge and to neutralise any threats to the realm that they find.
Beltain then asks if it is possible that the Captain could arrange for supplies to be procured in the city and made available to the party; of particular interest to himself would be scrolls of healing but the others (he looks around soliciting suggestions) may need other items.
"Also a rest and a heart meal would be welcome" adds the Wizard Nosnibor. "Indeed a saucer of milk for my pussy and a bag of oats for my loyal steed Robinson would also be greeted with eager wiffly noises."
Captain Dunman listens to Beltain, no emotion visable on her face. When Beltain finishes she nods to the party and speaks "That is very useful information. I, on behalf of the crown, thank you." Her eyes narrow "So you have deduced the ruins are of Netherese origin? You would conclude the portals are too?. And the involvement of the Cult of the Dragon and Zhentarim, are they working together?" her eyes scan the party "...questions.. questions." She looks down at the unconscious zhentarim "He will be questioned"
She once again looks at the party "You have done good work. The portal to Suzail will be opening at 9am, if you wish you may speak to Lord Hawklin at this time. He may have news regarding your friends the dwarf and the bard. Or if you have determined time is of the essence, feel free to leave and I will pass on this information to Lord Hawklin personally."
She pauses to look at The Wizard Nosnibor "Of course. We can offer refreshments here, or you could wait for the portal to open, I'm sure Lord Hawklin will feed you whilst you relay this information. And I assure you, his food will be superior to what we have here" Several of the purple dragon nights make muttering noises at the talk of food.
Captain Dunman looks directly at Beltain "The crown is stretched, both militarily and financially. Arabel still has to be properly rebuild, we face threats from all sides, then there is Tilverton. We cannot give you any magical supplies. If we could I assure you we would. If I'm not mistaken some of your companions were resurrected, free of charge. Do not be complacent and think this will be a regular occurrence. What we do, we do for the crown and the safety of its lands. Do not ask what the crown can do for you, ask what you may do for the crown."
With that she bows at the party, then kneels "Come here Pussy...what a FINE specimen you are!" Pussy runs over, purring at the captain.
Dismounts and bows deeply to the captain "I am going to stretch my legs for a bit while you decide what to do, I am keen to get back to those interesting portals but if you feel we need supplies already then we can go back. If possible though can we make sure this time we stock up for more than an afternoons picnic and more for a prolonged expedition"
Beltain smiles frostily at the Captain "I did not mean that you should pay for the items just that you would enable the items to be procured and allow us to be on our way as quickly as possible and without a lengthy detour into Suzail. Is that possible?" he asks "And as regards our mission for the noble Lord Hawklin, I would have thought that the capture of a high-ranking enemy so early would speak for us on this. I hope that the zhenterim can deliver useful intelligence to the crown and that any information that might help us, in our mission, would be speedily relayed to us at the ruins. That seems to be our both our benefits and I hope that you will be able to get the information, if there is any, to us?"
"If you wish to purchase supplies, by all means" Captain Dunman replies "Wait until the portal to Suzail is open and you can go shopping all you like. As to information, if Lord Hawklin and I consider it relevant that you know something, then you will know it"
Captain Dunman strokes Pussy "You could do with a little bath, couldn't you...yes you could!"
"For the sake of 2 hours, then we should wait until the portal opens and speak to my Lord Hawklin" says Elinor "Then we can make sufficient purchases to support us through the next few days and weeks."
"Whatever!" says Feng wearily "Just let us have done! Feng's axe is restless. I also mislike the company of these stiff purple dragons whose welcome is as cold as their manner."
"I can't gainsay you on that Feng" says Beltain sadly "They don't seem at all grateful or even pleased with our assistance. Let us buy what we need and return and finish the job. Do people feel that there are any party items that could be gainfully sold at this stage?" he asks
"What does mislike mean?" asks Rizzit "I think these Purple Dragon Knights are just great, look at all that shiny armour and the Purple looks divine. That Captain Dunman is babe, if only she went for two foot lizards, maybe I could impress her with my great balls of fire"
Elinor leads Legend over to the horse corral so that he can have a drink. While she's there she will try to engage one of the knights in conversation. "Do you mind if I put my horse in the paddock so he can have a drink?" Elinor says to the knight, "We've been travelling all night and he got a bit too close to some ogres at one point. Have you seen any ogres around here? We found their camp but we're not sure where they came from. So, have you been here long? It looks as though things are pretty serious. Lord Hawklin sent me to accompany that party of adventurers on their fact-finding mission. They seem like a fair bunch to travel with. An angry half-orc who likes the feel of his axe in his hand, a dreaming mage, 2 lovers, and a fire wielding lizard. But all enthusiastic partners in combat. "
"I better tie Beaker up over here where he cant bite anyone" says Rizzit and ties up the Axebeak then fetches him some food and water
"Captain Dunman is obviously a lovely lady" says the party's wizard "Look how Pussy has taken to her. And Pussy is such a good judge of character. You know Pussy is an important cat, she used to be Minister of Cat affairs for a whole Country. I'm ever so lucky to be her Familiar. She could have had any one she wanted. But she chose me. I don't really need many supplies. Though maybe some more Sherbert Lemons or a packet of Jelly Babies. Might come in handy."
"OK" says Limara, "We wait to talk to Lord Hawklin and see if he wants Thunder Peaks explored... or another portal. Or maybe he wants us to continue searching the area we were heading in." sits down and fusses her dog. Then she gets a cigar out, lights it with a tindertwig and .... after a moment .... blows a big fat smoke ring
Beltain sites on the grass watching the others and waiting for the portal to open.
The party wait until 9AM. Captain Dunman stands stiffly, looking south, in the distance, far below the hill the camp is on, can be seen the Moonsea Ride. A wagon can be seen traversing slowly down the road. Suddenly obscuring the view a vortex of swirling light comes into being. When it fades a warehouse can be seen. The doors to the warehouse stand open. Inside the party recognise the familiar figure of Lord Hawklin. His handsome features stretch into a smile. "Ahh, The Order of Initiative have returned!"
He nods to Captain Dunman "We will speak later Captain. Firstly let me offer these brave adventurers some refreshment, I'm sure they have much to tell" He beckons the party through the portal. Once the party are inside he mutters a few words and shuts the doors. He moves to the other side of the warehouse and opens another set of doors. Outside is Suzail. They procede along the promenade to Lord Hawklins luxurious manor.
Rizzit helps himself to a candle before sitting down to examine the ring
"Mmmm..shoulda purchased more candles" muses the Lord as he watches Rizzit.
Rizzits casts a spell that reveals the ring is a ring of sustenance. The ring continually provides its wearer with life sustaining nourishment. The ring also refreshes the body and mind, so that its wearer needs only sleep 2 hours per day to gain the benefit of 8 hours sleep. The ring must be worn for a full week before it begins to work. If it is removed, the owner must wear it for another week to re-attune it to himself. "Cool" mutters Rizzit
"Want me to check the shield for you Beltain?" asks Rizzit pleased with the result.
"Yes please Rizzit, that would be an excellent idea" agrees Beltain "And it would be great to know exactly what the bottle is, if you have another spare spell". So saying he hands the shield to the diminutive sorcerer. "If we are selling items then the Banded mail would fetch a pretty price" says the cleric "I am happy to go back to wearing my Chain-shirt! But the shield I like and would like to retain that for a while, if the party agree" he adds, looking to Rizzit to see if the object has any other characteristics.
Rizzit attempts to cast identify on the shield.. However, he is missing a important reagent and the spell will not cast.
"I think we should take the 100gp materials cost for identification out of a general party fund" says Nosnibor "It is unfair for Rizzit to pay it every time. I'll pay it if you want to though."
"Rizzit. I have 505gp" says The Wizard "That's enough for 5 identifications. Feel free to take as much as you need old chap. Although I can't help thinking if we had stuck to the swear box when I had suggested it we would have had enough cash for 20 identifications."
"I have no great desire for the goggles if the decision is to sell them" says Elinor generously "I think we should keep the ring, the brooch, the shield, and the horn. And maybe the bottle if that is useful following detection."
"I am also loathed to sell the magical items that we have accrued. I think that just because they do not have an obvious use at this time it does not mean that that will not be the case in the future. Especially with magical night vision goggles, keep hold of them Elinor, they could save all of our lives one day. I also think we should do what Feng says. Let's not get him any more sulky. He might want to eat one of us.. Me.. Us... Sorry. Don't be offended."
"I really don't want to sell the goggles. If you want Elinor, I will swap them for the broach.... I agree with Nos, we shouldn't sell any magic items from the party treasure.... unless no one can use it or no one will ever use it, such as the axe Feng mentioned. Everyone should agree to any sale before it happens though, that way it will stop future arguments and yes Rizz identifying party treasure should come out of the party coffers."
Limara talks to Lord Hawklin about the parties discoveries and asks him which direction he would like them to search next... The portals.. Thunder Peaks.. further north of Tilverton ??
"The brooch is far to useful to sell Limara, the goggles are not, if we had one person that couldnt see in the dark fair enough but we have four so will always need to bring lights. The brooch could save a life one day. The club seems an oafs weapon Feng, the battle axe is a better weapon to keep as a backup and easier to store away"
"The club an oaf's weapon?" queries Feng "Perhaps to those who lack the strength to wield it. The battleaxe is too light and "flashy" for my taste. A true weapon takes both hands to use. I'd rather smite an enemy good and proper, than cut him up over several blows. Also, If you slap the chieftain so hard his brains come outa his ears, the followers widdle their drawers and climb over each other to be first away on their toes."
"Well it sounds like the party only want to sell the battleaxe so can we do that and get going please" says the kobold "Who wants to wear this ring as it will take a week to activate? I don't need it"
"A ring that makes people not get hungry? And therefore not want to eat my lovely and wholesome home cooked food? Get rid of the evil thing. It is surely an item of terrible and evil power." says the elven wizard, with feeling.
"That axe is a mighty weapon Feng, it has the potential for greater damage that even Nibbler" advises Beltain, unconsciously fingering the scar left by Lord Gs axe. "Perhaps if you don't want to use it then Lady Elinor could wield it to the advantage of the party?"
"If I find a way to enchant Laskur's Bane, we can sell the Greatclub - I'm big enough to forgo the pleasure of splatting in order to more easily divide our foes. I also feel the ring is a good find - as any who have travelled in the wild, light and hungry would agree. Beltain, the axe may be a mighty weapon to any only verse in the sword, however I find it a little light for my taste. Also, Nibbler takes two bites at any cherry, and is a weapon that helps define me. The battle axe is merely a piece of frippery, and unsuitable for a real warrior. As such, Elinor may find it amusing for a while."
"One day I would like enough cash to get a magical repeating crossbow a fire enhancement and maybe keen on it" says Rizzit dreamily.
"Rizzit I will not agree to selling the goggles... I, as a human, will always find them useful as would any one of us. The weapons seem to have no one wanting them, so maybe we can sell them. Your constant demand for money to spend is getting annoying. You have already had the armour and sold that. We are all managing on the same money as you and we don't want to keep selling everything we find. To solve Rizzit's problem we should all pick an item from the loot, keeping the rest as party treasure for the mean time. If there are any items that are not wanted by everyone, we sell them off and share the money. That should help your bank balance along with the repayment of your identify components.... you are gonna have to learn to limit your purchases though. Maybe you should seek financial advice..."
"I agree with everybody." says the Wizard Nosnibor earnestly not wanting to offend anyone.
"Keep the goggles then," says Rizzit glaring at Limara "I just want the stuff sorted out so we can get back onto the job at hand. Are you sure we all manage on the same money? Seemed you were pretty well kitted out when you first joined us"
"If there are items, such as the weapons, that nobody wants to use then we should sell them. If there is someone that would like to use them then they should stay with the party" says Beltain "But we need to be getting back, we still have complete our mission and remove the threat to this land for Lord Hawklin"
"I agree." Says The Wizard Nosnibor as he turns to Rizzit. "We want to see more of that Daring Zoodoo that you-do so do-do."
Lord Hawklin confirms that he would like the party to check out the "open" portals in the Nexus, to see if they pose any threat to Cormyr..
"Your friend Bibaboba..." he pauses "Bibabub...Bibaboob.." he stutters attempting to pronounce the name "THE DWARF!... Has gone to the dwarven village of Glen, in the Dalelands. There has been a drow attack there and he has relatives who reside there. The bard Coleridge has not been seen, apparently he did a rousing performance in the Laughing Lass, but he hasn't been seen since. Rest assured if he turns up we will inform him of your current status."
"We sell the unwanted arms and armour only?" Beltain asks the group "Are you sure that you don't want to use the Battleaxe Lady Elinor?"
"I am not interested in the battle axe" says Elinor in reply, "I'll wear the goggles if we are travelling at night and I am at the front of the party, but I'm not bothered about owning them."
"If I can raise enough from my share of any money to enchant my greataxe, I will willingly give up the battleaxe and the greatclub for sale. It seems also that Beltain has a valid reason for not keeping the Banded armour... I gotta raise around 1300 shiny ones, tho. As for the bottle, I agree with Rizzit - sellin' it for 50 seems like a thief's bargain. I think that if I can use the ring, I'll stand all the night time watches. I like the idea of a ring that removes the need for rest and food. Too often I've been short of both."
"Well I have the Horn. Which I think I'll find useful. I don't really need treasure, it's not really what I'm in this for, but I'll put this horn to good use. If no one else wants the bottle I can take that too. Perhaps it's full of nice spicy sauce or something. Mister Feng. If you need 1300 gold pieces I can give you about 500 towards your goal. I wish I had more, I probably would have if we'd kept up the swear box."
"Rizzit, I think you should 'identify' all the unknown magical treasure" says Limara with a smile at the kobold "I can detect magic on them to make sure there is something for you to detect. We can take the money for the pearls you need from the party funds. "
Limara sweetly smiles at Rizzit,"Your opinion is just as valid as mine, my little dragon friend. Please don't ever think it isn't.... I understand your need to replenish your stock, I just don't want us to be hasty in what we sell and find we regret it later." she then turns to the party's paladin "Elinor, if you don't want to own the goggles then I would like select them as my choice... it would seem that no one sees their use, where as i would say they were the pick of the haul... is there nothing that you would like from the booty? Say what you want, if someone else wants it too then a brief discussion, or a roll of dice, can sort it out.."
The beautiful cleric then turns and addresses Lord Hawklin, "Your Lordship, thank you for keeping us informed about our friends. The open portals will be our next target and we will endeavour to bring concise details of what lies beyond."
Then she turns her charm on her fellow cleric "Hon, if we sell the mundane stuff, the shocking axe, the greatclub and the banded armour, how much will that raise?.. Is everyone sure they don't want the great-club? It's a magical blunt weapon.." and then continues to the rest "I do think everyone should have an item from the treasure. It would be unfair if someone missed out. If someone is missing out on a choice, would it not be fair for them to have an item from the sale pile to sell for themselves? My suggestion would be, if anyone wanted to raise money, instead of choosing from the 'treasure' list they should be able to choose an item from the 'to sell' list, sell it and keep the money. That way people can improve their weapons and buy spells and the like without having to sell something they want to keep in the party.... what do people think? "
Beltain responds to Limara's question "Well Princess, as you know we did not bring the mundane items with us but left them in a pile outside the steps to the nexus. The only ones with us are those that party members thought useful to them. For example Elinor took a Longbow and Nosnibor some arrows. If we sell the battleaxe(2,000), club(1,000) and banded mail(2,125) we would get 5,125gps which is 854gps each, not a fortune but enough to restock on potions and such or maybe to buy a wand of magic missiles! Also remember that we have found some cash, not a lot, 102 gp, but that might be useful for Rizzit if he is Identifying items."
Beltain pauses and thinks, not wanting to offend his partner "As far as I am concerned Princess, the party allocation after the Zhent fight worked well and although there were not appropriate items for some of our number the overall capability of the party was improved. As regards selling items, I think that all items, that we can't see a need for now or in the future, should be sold and the money shared equally" he says, "Those items, that someone can use, should be allocated to party members. We should keep track of who has what so that we can ensure, as far as possible, each member has a fair share. If there is disagreement then we should obtain party consensus, as we do now."
"I agree with Beltain," says Rizzit tiring of the discussion "He should be the keeper of the treasure records and as such his decision should be followed"
"Feng does not want to own the ring, but will use it until we get a larger haul to split up. It's been a while since a foe has tumbled down to the netherworld to serve Feng in the afterlife - Feng's axe is restless."
"Have we discussed enough? I think we need to kick on and get back to the Nexus."
Feng grunts his assent
"Feng I can lend you my share of the loot if it gets your enchantment"
Feng brightens up at the thought of the magical enhancement and nods "That would be most generous - perhaps if both Nosni and yourself shared the burden until I come into the funds required?"
"Sounds good to me" agree Rizzit
"Laskurs' Bane will then bite hard upon Feng's enemies!" says the barbarian with a bleak smile.
Elinor picks up the goggles. "Limara- we can take turns wearing these, depending on who is at the front"
Feng screws up his brow, caught in the throes of tortured academia "I Got 788 Gold, I'm getting 800 gold, I'm spending 100 gold on potions which leaves me about 600 short to enchant Laskur's Bane. That means Rizzit and Nosni would have to lend me 300 each?"
"Me an' Laskur's Bane are better at division than addition.." he adds with a smile.
Rizzit hands Feng the Ring "This is better on either you or Beltain bud, you to give you more time on guard duty and Beltain if he wants time to scribe scrolls and other magicy stuff"
"Better on me, I reckon. Also, I'd be happier on guard." says the warrior Feng
"Works for me Feng" agrees Beltain "I'm not able to do much crafting at the moment, if I need it then I'll ask to borrow the ring"
The Wizard Nosnibor gingerly moves closer to Feng and nervously hands him 300 gold pieces. Feng notices that this is probably the closest he has ever come to the lanky elven prestidigitator and he never noticed that he sweats so much. Feng also notices the The Wizard Nosnibor seems to be muttering something under his breath. Listening carefully he thinks it could be the words 'DON'T EAT ME' over and over again. Once he has given Feng the cash the Wizard "Eh.. I.. I .. I Agree with everyone especially Beltain." the wizard tells the rest of the party.
"Bel hon," Limara says, glad the issues have been resolved "That is fine by me. I am glad you are now the keeper of the treasure list.... I will gladly carry the party funds in my haversack, you will keep the accounts though, for your pen is mightier than my sword... on this occasion.." she giggles, "Make sure Rizzit's pearls are paid for, or he will have an i.o.u in the first page. I also agree to picking from the treasure at a later date when we have more to choose from. That way everyone will get something they want..."
"Thanks you all for trusting me with this" says Beltain and proceeded with the sale of the Battleaxe, club and Banded mail and the division of the money gained. He dons his chain shirt ready to set out again.
Limara buys up a veritable banquet of food in the town and has it shipped through the portal for Captain Dunman and the knights, who are surprised and overjoyed with the magnificent fare which will brighten their somewhat tedious duty in watching the crater.
The rest of the party buy their provisions speedily and make hast back to the ruins and the steps down to the nexus.