Day 14 - Arrival at Bargewright
At Morg's question, one of Chalaska's guards sniggers. "No one's allowed in or out during the night," the greasy-haired man says behind a thick, bushy moustache. "'Les you want to get hauled up and down t'other side on a rope-slung chair. T'ain't cheap neither, as the guards don't like hauling ropes at night."
After some time, Bruldenthar reappears from a back room, and eyes the slowly dwindling population of the common room. The revelry has died down and been replaced by multiple hushed conversations in the darkened corners of the irregularly shaped room.
"It turns out," Bruldenthar begins quietly to the group, as he gestures toward the back room with a hand holding a glass full of green liquid, "that although Bargewright Inn is largely under the direct control of our good friend Chalska Muruin back there, for several years now it is deeply connected to an influential group known as the Zhentarim." His eyes flicker around the room once again, to ensure no one is too close to hear his words.
"Now while I am hesitant to ally myself with a somewhat shadowy group full of spies, cutpurses, and the like, we are rather serendipitously aligned in our goals, and least in the short term. They are interested in working with me to recover my books and rescue the rest of our ill-fated delegation, as well as furnish myself and my fellow escaped prisoners with a regular salary. In exchange, I am working to improve the Zhent's relationship with Mirabar, which could be quite lucrative in trade alone."
"In addition," the dwarf continues, "If your group is amenable to continuing your investigations of the cultist incursions on behalf of the Zhentarim, they will assist you in your efforts to recover the delegation. This could include providing supplies, equipment, information, and so forth. There is an intimation that certain special favors may be required from time to time, but I doubt those would be terribly burdensome."
"In that vein, Chalaska did mention that the Bargewright has recently encountered delayed and short changed barge orders from up river that is impacting their profits, and they believe intrigue in Yartar may be the cause. If you find yourself with any information relating to this, or even have the opportunity to visit Yartar to investigate, they will make it worth your while."
"So," Bruldenthar finishes, "you have an option before you that may require discussion, though no immediate decision is necessary. If you do decide to work with the Zhentarim I of course would remain your humble servent and point of contact, as I am forever in your debt from rescuing me from that pit of despair." Bruldenthar then seeks out the barkeep to take care of the group's food and drink.
XP Award, rescue of Black Earth prisoners: 1,800 XP
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:55, Thu 30 Nov 2023.