NOW LIVE! -- Presents for Goblins: Festive Resources for 5E on Kickstarter! A festive softcover of holiday-themed D&D 5E resources, including the short adventure 'Presents for Goblins'.

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 7820719" data-attributes="member: 7015827">As Brok-Tul and Rahnee slipped out of the common room to explore the rest of the tavern, a man who had been talking with the sailors detached himself and trailed behind them. Once they were alone, hushed words referring to "Helm's shadow" were exchanged and the man - who introduced himself as Garis, a Thalavar agent - invited Rahnee and Brok-Tul into his private room. After some tense moments, Rahnee agreed to inform Garis of what they had discovered about Istvan Cormaeril and the night of the Sembian's murder.Garis showed surprise at House Cormaeril being implicated, taking time to ponder the significance of the information. He said that he had been able to identify those responsible for Captain Yar's death, but admitted he had been puzzled by what happened to Senthur Signe; Garis believed that the party likely had the missing piece of the puzzle. Marik and Jokull came by the room to check on Brok-Tul and Rahnee, receiving a sign from Brok-Tul that the situation was under control. Garis told them he would set up a meeting at Castle Thalavar with Thalavar Steward Iono in two days, asking the group to come in the afternoon and pretend they were delivering magic items for Pahar, in order to provide a cover for their presence at the castle. Garis could shed no additional light on why Pahar in fact wanted evil magical artifacts, nor what would be done with them. (The Baron, it seems, is reticent to share this information even with close allies. Or perhaps Garis does not see it as his place to divulge it, if it is indeed known to House Thalavar. What appears as a minor mystery now will eventually play a critical role in the struggle against the abomination. --R). Garis said he knew nothing more of events at the Temple of Mask, when Brok-Tul asked, advising him to raise it with the Steward. Garis then left, saying he would see them in two days.The party then had great fun playing the role of increasingly drunk tavern patrons, in order to provide a cover for their activities at the Old Beard. After finishing their evening at the tavern and while heading for home, a drunk accosted Jokull, asking him if he had anything to do with the Sembian's murder, since Jokull looked like he was from Cormyr. Jokull manfully held his silence and the drunk was soon distracted by a nearby prostitute. Jokull expressed his disdain for the man after he moved away.Once they reached the guest house Rahnee and Brok-Tul explained in detail what had happened in the meeting with Garis. Rahnee said she expected Istvan, who had not been seen since his "interview" with Brok-Tul and Jokull, to turn up dead. She also expected that an attempt against Garis might be made, and - most importantly - that the group would be in similar danger in the two days before the meeting with Iono. Several possible courses of action were debated. The party ended up deciding to keep a round-the-clock watch that night at the guest house, then would hide out in the abandoned smuggler's cave under the well outside West Gate the following day.  (This seems somewhat paranoid, as there is no evidence presented here that "Helm's Shadows" are known to the murderers. No doubt the pressures and dangers involved in the investigation have taken their toll on the group over time, so their actions are nevertheless understandable. I shall remember this, should I find myself in a similar situation. --C)The night of the 15th day of Uktar passed slowly. Rahnee and Jokull took first watch, while Brok-Tul removed all of his stored equipment from the hallway armoire. Brok-Tul retired to his bedroom, while Marik remained, clearly on edge and claiming that he kept hearing noises. The three in the hallway exchanged speculation on how an enemy could attack: using fire? Posing as the City Watch? Coming through an upstairs window? They decided to move the hallway armoire to block the stairs leading up and sleep on the first floor, for better safety. Marik went upstairs and retrieved some extra bedding, then watched Rahnee and Jokull manhandle the armoire up the first flight of stairs, blocking the stairway door. Marik then joined Brok-Tul in the main bedroom.Four hours passed and Rahnee went to wake up Marik and Brok-Tul, apparently interrupting a dream Marik was having about Lady Thalavar bringing him ale. Rahnee gratefully went to bed, while Jokull preferred to doze in the hallway, sword at the ready. After snuffing most of the torches to embers, Brok-Tul sat down with Marik and bantered in low tones about the Harpers, which produced some laughter, and discussed their tactical situation. Rahnee rose early, spent some time brushing her hair, then joined the others, waiting for dawn.</blockquote>

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