Tyranny of Dragons - Session 15

Wow it's been a long time. Life got away from me a bit; sorry about that. We ran sessions 15 and 16 a while ago, but I haven't posted them (until now). I'm getting a bit more free so hopefully we'll run session 17 soon, but I wanted to catch up here too. Without further ado...

When we last left our heroes, they were approaching the city of Elturel, capital of Elturgard. After returning their horses, they made their way into the city at near dusk. Adolphus decided that he needed to take some alone time. He said goodbye to the group while heading to the temple of Bahamut.

Meanwhile, the group headed off to A Pair of Black Antlers, a popular tavern in the city, where they expected to meet Leosin and report what they had found in the cultists' cave. once there, they were treated by a very comfortable tavern:

The walls are decorated over the bar with a truly gigantic rack of antlers. They look to be a full 20 feet across! The walls are also dotted with the relics and trophies of many adventurers: old, notched and scarred weapons; split shields; the heads, tails and claws of sundry shocked-looking, dusty, long-dead monsters; and fading maps, bloodstained and covered with angry error-correcting scribbles, of old castle dungeons, dwarven holds, tombs, that presumably once held rich treasures. Wood-paneled, dimly lit and smoky from the low fire burning in the fireplace, this cozy place is a maze of stone support pillars, low, massive overhead beams and dark massive furniture salvaged from old villas and castles. You can see many levels with balconies overlooking the common room.

They spotted the familiar half-elf pretty easily and Gwen, in particular, recognized Ontharr Frume, the dwarf paladin of Torm who had hired some of the group out of Waterdeep. With them was a small entourage including Nessim and another human male. Tall with strikingly white hair, he wears an outwardly dour expression, but smiles crack through thanks to Ontharr's jokes. He doesn't look like a soldier, but has a military air about him nonetheless. Upon approaching the group, Ontharr introduced this mysterious human as Dom Lucent (same player as Adolphus).

Dom explained that he has been looking into dark deeds of the Cult of the Dragon as well and Ontharr has suggested he join up with the group of adventurers. After some back and forth, the group agrees that if Ontharr trusts him, so will they. Much drinking and celebrating ensued, including several stout chugging contests between Ontharr and Thamior, Alexa playing her lute, and the consumption of several rare cheeses and liquors like Elturian Grey (cheese) and Elverquisst (ruby-colored elven liquor).

Leosin told Thamior about a wrestling contest that an interesting monastery is participating in; if Thamior can impress them, they might show him the secrets of their Way.

Dom explained a bit about the Creed Resolute, the series of oaths and truths that unite Elturgard, and a bit about the Inquisition, a lesser known arm of the government of Elturgard tasked with missions requiring more finesse than the Companions or Hell Riders. After explaining more about the history of Elturgard, the group was further reassured that Dom was acting from a good place and there was no evil within his mysterious guise.

In the heart of the night, another halfling male approached Luther saying, "Luther Greenbottle? I can't believe it's you. I thought I'd never see you again." Taking a second to place the face, Lou recognized the halfling as Baldo, another member of his platoon from his days as part of the War Wizards in Cormyr.

Looking confused at first, and then horrified for just a moment, Lou caught himself himself and took Baldo to the side. It turned out that Baldo had turned to worship Lliira after "everything that happened" and encouraged Lou to come by because it had really helped him get over everything. Lou asked that Baldo not reveal what happened to the rest of the group and introduced him to everyone. Baldo, noticing Gwen's holy symbol gravitated toward her and mentioned at one point to keep an eye on Lou for him while they adventure.

✱ ✱ ✱

Eventually Ontharr led the group through a concealed door and into a basement room with the walls covered in tapestries and banners of, what they would shortly find out, the Order of the Gauntlet. Ontharr beckons everyone to sit around an oval table laden with wine, ale, and various meats and cheeses.

The paladin's face wears a serious expression, unlike its usual open countenance. "My friends, we have important business to discuss. T this point, you know almost as much about it as we do, and thanks to you, we know twice as much today as we did a tenday ago. Something rotten is afoot. We have no formal organization to oppose these rascals — not yet anyway. We're working on that. And we need people like you, who know how and when to fight, and how and when to keep their heads down and just observe. We can't promise you anything expect long days filled with danger and stress — but what could be better than that, eh?"

The group began to fill in Ontharr and Leosin with everything they had found in the cave, including evidence that the Cult would be moving through Baldur's Gate on their way to Waterdeep to the north. Ontharr revealed this confirmed some other information they had intercepted.

Leosin revealed to the group that he was a member of the Harpers, a scattered group of spellcasters and spies and other talented individuals. He explained that they advocate equality and covertly oppose the abuse of power. As such, the Harper organization, such as it is, stands with the Order of the Gauntlet in opposition to the Cult of the Dragon. Leosin also related that Thamior had displayed all the qualities of a Harper agent and offered membership, which Thamior accepted and became a watcher.

Ontharr did much the same, explaining the Order of the Gauntlet, a group of faithful seekers and deliverers of justice who protect others from the depredations of evil-doers. He offered Gwen and Dom positions in the Order. Gwen accepted the rank of Chevall, but Dom, citing potential conflicts with his oaths to the Inquisition, declined, only offering friendship and support.

As far as next steps, Ontharr recommended that the group change their looks, and try to shadow the Cult as they travel north. Once they arrived in Baldur's Gate by river boat, they would likely have a few days until the Cult arrived to settle in. Ontharr told them about a contact in the Order named Ackyn Selebon who runs an equipage in the Blackgate district of Baldur's Gate, north of the wall. He would be able to help them infiltrate any caravans that head north to Waterdeep.

Additionally, the group spent some time forming a proper name to call themselves and settled on "The Fellowship of the Sunstrike" (or just "Sunstrike" for short). Lou, Gwen, Thamior, and Alexa all got tattoos to commemorate the christening.

The group spent the next few days resting and taking advantage of the urban activities in Elturel like various other skill challenges and contests. Lou picked up a Robe of Useful Items and Thamior got a +1 Longsword named "Nimble," of elven design.

Gwen travelled to Lliira's shrine to see Baldo again and to worship. Baldo told her that Lou had a dark secret, but it was his to tell the group. He urged her to ask Lou about it because talking about it had helped him too.

Approaching the priestess of the Shrine, Ella, and asking about the dissonance she was feeling regarding worshipping the goddess of Joy, yet killing others, Ella responded, "I see. You are not alone, sister. There are several members of the Companions who are paladin's of Lliira who perform unfortunate deeds. But it is always in the service of joy, for the innocents, for their peers, for their families, for themselves. They serve the good people. It is a hard thing and our burden to bear as Lliira's worshippers."

Spending some more time praying at the Shrine, Gwen felt Lliira's presence and was reassured that Lliira would always be with her, regardless of what she did, as long as why she did it remained true to her goddess' cause.

Thamior also joined the Way of the Kensei after impressing the local monastery.