11 Nighthal
Tahlethar stood, hands on hips, not expecting all the changes to the tavern. The sign on the outside the building still read 'The Upside-Down Spider'. The outside looked like one would expect from the name, black stone rounded building, and dark wood beams made to look like spider legs. The door was situated for patrons to enter the mouth, while bubbled out stain glass windows look like spider eyes. Inside it was dark with bioluminescent plants providing a soft light for the night sight impaired. Counters were black marble with red veins. Large red gems, carved like a dead spider and enchanted with continual light spells, dangled to provide more direct light over the bar. A small platform used as a stage contained an instrument sitting on a barrel. At least ten non-locals, assumed by their dress, were scattered around the room at Zurkhwood tables. Three sat at the bar watching the barkeep perform drink pouring tricks with great skill. The tavern was known for popular drinks and meals considered exotic. It was one of the reasons it appealed to non-calishites.
Walking up to the bar, Tahlethar had suggested they grab a table in the back corner. Leucis, the barkeep, greeted Tahlethar and Jinx who joined him; he appeared to be of tiefling and elf heritage. One of the patrons at the bar stared at the odd couple with mild distrust but continued nursing his mug of ale.
"Don't mind them," the barkeep commented, "no judgement based on your race. We take all types of gharab,"
Jinx, lacking social grace, "what are you?" directly asked of his linage. Leucis had come to accustomed to questions, and affirmed his parents were indeed elven and tiefling. Leucis in turn asked the tabaxi about her own linage, having never seen one of the catfolk before. They chatted about their homes for a while, Tahlethar ordering a round of drinks and a pot of Darblalatha for the table.
"so what is with the whole new vibe you got here?" the elf asked.
"the boss remodeled with an Underdark theme."
"I can see that. I mean, why change it so much? it was just fine before."
Leucis shrugged, "Don't make the decisions. I just run the place."
"this is a bit over the top. But, ah well." Then motioning the barkeep to lean closer, "Can you send a message for Zasheida. 'I need to find a specific someone'," he whispered.
"which someone?" Leucis asked.
"Lyra. Tell them Aunrae sent us. Should know what."
Leucis mouthed the name trying to decide if it was one he knew, which he didn't. "usual payment?" the barkeep asked.
Tahlethar was able to collect books from other cities, countries, and once another continent. The elf had two volumes of the latest mystery novel from Waterdeep. "taken care of in the morning."
"Very well. Might take a few hours. Got the time?"
Tahlethar joined Zyne and Zarae, having taken the initiative to order the best dish. Zarae recognized the name of the stew being dark elvish in nature and was correct when bowls of cave crayfish stew with diced mushrooms fried with leeks appeared before each person with a mug of their preferred drinks beside it.
"it's on me," the cleric replied. "JINX," he called for the cat, "din-din."
She rolled her eyes but departed the barkeep to rejoin the friends. Zyne, having chugged his mug of dwarven ale, stared hesitantly at the bowl of stew, spooning a bit and pouring that back into the bowl several times.
"this is ye best meal?" the dwarf skeptical about tasting the dish. "where's the roast? Hells, take even a slab of venison."
"just enjoy it, picky," spooning a mouthful of his own bowl.
Leaning over to whisper to just the other three, "this is something I'd find back home."
"they really went with the theme," then Jinx picked her bowl and began drinking her stew.
A female bard who was a near spitting image of Leucis, walked out on the stage and began a tune on the cello. The night carried on; the crowds of the tavern grew then faded out until it was only a handful left. While waiting for a contact, Jinx, was talking with the various patrons. Four were from the north sword coast down to visit family, one was from Chessenta, two returning to Tashalar, three originally from Haluraa, and a couple from Chult, which the tabaxi spoke the longest with, asking if they had news from Maztica; which unfortunately the couple did not. Another round of drinks came, courtesy of the drow, or rather the patron she had pick-pocketed on the way here.
A few drinks in, the dwarf sorcerer found himself rather chatty and curious, "How does a war-based cleric come to follow some lovey-dovey goddess?" he asked the elven cleric after draining his third mug of ale.
"that might not be as interesting a story as our shady girl here I am sure," a wink twords the rogue, "but a good eye catching my specialty," he sipped his wine as to think about how to talk about it. "It depends on how much of the Seldarine you have knowledge of."
"ye got the main head and his underlings."
"very basic explanation. But correct. I once was a diehard follower of Shevarash."
Zarae perked up, remembering his previous comment of his prejudice, and a new found respect for the elven cleric willing to work with her on this adventure. While she hadn't herself ran into the followers, she'd heard about them. One of the priest of House Helvighym had encountered them and barely escaped with his life.
"that one I am unaware of," Jinx asking, "war guy?"
"you could say that. Shevarash is the god of vengeance, loss, and hatred of the drow," the elf informed.
Zarae flinched, "some of my people must have done great harm to your family then."
Pain tinted his words, "yes. Dhaerow raid upon my village, leaving only my infant sister and I alive. My mother was taken as a captive," Tahlethar describe the heinous purposeless slaughter, giving the companions the darkness and depth of his pain to further explain his path, "A band of drow warriors crept from their hole intent on blood of their surface cousins staining their blades. It was a holy day to the Spider Queen and this, we were a sacrifice. Those warriors reveled in brutality, celebrated the depraved, and took what they wanted. Children lay butchered, women, those that were not sliced up while protecting their kids, captured. The men were drawn out into a trap and slaughtered after watching their families be torn apart. Then the lone priestess of Lloth was desecrating the ground for some ritual. Our camp had been burned down and its collapse around me and my sister kept us safe from the warriors, though not unscathed." He took a steadying breath and closed his eyes, "That day forward I vowed revenge on every ebon skinned elf. I was seen by the Black Archer and given a purpose," quoting dogma of Shavarash:
"The greatest enemy of the Fair Folk is the drow, the debased followers of the Spider Queen who long ago were enmeshed in her dark web. Redemption and revenge may be achieved through the utter destruction of the drow and the dark powers they serve. Only then may the joy of life begin anew."
His anger and hatred showed in his chocolate tinted orbs as he spoke, "And so I did. No matter who. To me the only good drow was a dead drow. I became Dhaeraowathila, drowbane. I believed that Eilistraee was a trick to fool us into complacency. Until one day I slaughtered a shrine of her peaceful followers. I murdered drowlings dancing in the moonlight, females singing and sharing a meal with males as they watched their children enjoy themselves. Just as was done to my village. But one dying priestess chose not hatred or cursing by calling on the Spider Witch. She offered life and light. The idea of a Dhaerow offering me the Light. It was laughable if I hadn't vowed to never laugh or smile again."
"That I find hard to believe. You seam to smile rather easily" Jink remarked.
"It wasn't a flicker of a torch change. But her words stuck with me, and I had to search for myself. Of course, it lead to self-examination and realizing I became what I hated. I eventually came to no longer consider Eilistraee and her worshipers to be among the evil Dhaerow. Which then lead me to realize I could no longer keep following the Black Archer. My penitence, I denounced my way of life, spent a century in exile in a temple and turned to Hanali Celanil, goddess of love, beauty, and joy."
The drowess, hesitantly reached over to touch Tahlethar hand for a second, then returning her hand to her lap, "I wish I could on behalf of my people apologize for your pain and what was done."
The cleric gave her a warm smile, then lifted a glass up to toast, "to overcoming the past?"
"I'll toast to that," the tabaxi joining in followed by the dwarf and drow.
"how about you, 'Almugr'. how does a dwarf become a sorcerer over the usual jobs?" Tahlethar asked in return as he sensed the dwarf might be loose tongued.
"and what's with the name?" Jinx added.
"as ye said, me story might be boring," as he stroked his shorter than average (for a dwarf) black beard. "Almugr is me real name; of the Battlemug clan, originally from Underhome but lived in Iltkazar before me sister's birth. Decided to go on an adolescent journey of self-discovery; weren't skilled enough to become a smithy like me mother or a gem merchant like me father. I had natural skills in arcane magic, but it was blessed to me by Dugmaren Brightmantle instead of Dumathoin." Taking another glass of ale, "other than little disappointment to me parents in deciding to continue adventuring rather than stay home, no big traumatic backstory. Tho strange coincidence in working with Lady 'A'. Got tangled with them harpers, which was doing some mission in Waterdeep. Ended up finding a passage into Skullport. One of her girls helped me when them Skulls showed up and we avoided a big problem. Don't have the 'pleasure' of dealing with them. Maya's daughter decided me name should be Zyne."
"I wondered why a drow sounding name. My dwarvish is rather basic and wasn't sure if yall had a similar word," Zarae piped in.
After another hour and half, a cloaked elven figure entered the tavern, cowl low over her face; she walked up to the barkeep before he pointed out the four companions in the back. Walking up to the table, the female figure flashed a forced smile at Tahlethar.
"Zasheida sought me out," the elven female replied. "Sent by Aunrae?" pulling a sword shaped pendant looking like it was missing part of it.
Zyne, acknowledged the agreed upon signal, then pulled out a similar pendent and handed it over to the female. A lance around, she waved the group to follow her to a secluded meeting room on the top floor. Door secured, a spell bubble was cast to prevent ease dropping. The dressed in all black female lowered her hood to reveal a dusky skinned elf with platinum curls and amethyst eyes. Clearly, she had drow ancestry. Taking the two pendants the elf combined them into a key and offered it back to the dwarf sorcerer. She didn't answer any questions, but gave them instructions on how to meet with Lyra. "Head to Kingscourt boulevard, to the Orlesithek Estate," informing the group that this key will allow them to open the gate but only on the time set by Lyra. "Two dawns from this day. Don't be late."
"we really doing this whole cloak and dagger thing?" the black cat asked as the elven woman was getting up to leave.
"we already got the secret handshake and code. Now we need a secret lair and an obnoxious boss stroking a bald animal," Zarae added with a joke.
"cant forget the monologue."
The elven woman narrowed her eyes in annoyance at the two girls supposed jest but said nothing further. She lowered the spell and exited the tavern room. When out of earshot, the cleric laughed. The dwarf just rolled his eyes.
The cleric looked to the dwarf, "I assume you might know why so long a wait?"
Zarae sarcastically answered first, "they ran out of bald pets?"
Jinx finishing her glass, "hey, if they feed us for free, I wont complain too much."
"elves don't know how to do feast right. Ye cant get the ale right," the dwarf commented offhandedly to the cat.
Unable to hold back, "because it does not have the goblin pee taste you dwarves are fond of?" Tahlethar chuckled.
"hey now. Don't be mocking on me holy water!"
"holy water? I thought it was orc repellent," Tahlethar added in with a boyish grin.
"..funny elf now, are ye?"
"but jesting aside, I assume this Lyra, which before you ask, I have not met either, is wanting trying to keep up appearances so she doesn't look suspicious?" Tahlethar responded.
"well, we are not entering secretly," Jinx added.
"Kingscourt is the highest-class nobles, short of the WeavePasha, and heavily patrolled area at night. Visitors during business hours less suspicious. Just slightly. Anyone one entering will be documented and scrutinized. if we are trying to keep this mission a bit more hush hush, she would be better off meeting us on more neutral grounds."
"Zyne, did Lady Aunrae say anything more about her to you?" Zarae asked. "She mostly told us that she specializes in mythical. Which we will need to find more about this place."
The dwarf shook his head in the negative, "Getting the impression that this Lyra might not be how Lady 'A' knew her when they worked together."
"how long ago was this?" Zarae inquired.
"well, she's in her 5th century of life so probably 3 centuries ago? I think they were on the younger side of their long lives."
Tahlethar quick to answer, "but we Tel-quessir are not so quick to change. We don't have the same rush to do so as you shorter lived do."
"generally," Zarae added, "it changes much more for drow. Especially when fighting to keep favor of a capricious chaotic deity."
"I been meaning to ask," a random question popping into the tabaxi's mind, "I have not seen drow with your unusual hair color. It is subtle but notable. I only been around the drow who follow the Dark Maiden. But that includes a good variety of yall."
Zarae had a slight blush, hesitating to answer, "it is a..complicated thing." Trying to decide how to answer, "My sire, you might would call them a father, was a faithful Darkmask, secretly, and very high station in the Masked Lord's church. Thus, a heretic, and a death sentence under the Spider Queen's dogma if ever caught or even suspected. My twin brother and I were blessed and cursed with these so-called gifts. To resemble him, the Masked Lord and a way to claim us, or at least one of us. It was in response to Lloth's plans for my House and the city overall."
The cleric adding, "I am going to guess, plans of death and chaos…"
Zyne with clear sarcasm, "no, that fickle Spider demon delighting in destruction?"
Jinx still curious, "that is Eilistraee's twin brother, correct? I remember seeing Lady Aunrae's consort was a Nightmask," leaning over to whisper to Tahlethar, "I had to ask about the mask."
"Correct. It also came about that my twin brother, Nilrae, converted to Vhaeraun. While, though slower to accept her, the Lady came to me."
"Intentional symbolism? Prophesy?"
Zarae shrugged unsure. But she had wondered about it since her house's destruction. "Our house was the first noble house of the city infiltrated by Vhaeraun's faithful. There was much power struggle among the deities in the city because the city had become so complacent and prosperous. Inner house wars were unseen in nearly a century. Houses and guilds were almost at peace, as much as can be for my people. And thus caught the attention of Lloth who's grown bored and annoyed with us. But whatever it was intended to be or what was purposed for us by Vhaeraun, failed. The Spider Queen won."
"how so," the tabaxi in genuine interest and not reading the social cues the drowess held in her posture.
A bluish tint of pain and sadness couldn't be hidden in her eyes. "the Great Cleansing. All suspected heretics were driven out, slaughtered, sacrificed. My own house was destroyed in that. Somehow, we were on the list. I became Dobluth, 'a houseless rogue', Nilrae…" Zarae left it at that, not willing to speak about the loss of her best friend/twin brother, the loss of the closest to caring parent- her sire, and upheaval of everything she knew.
Zyne shook his head to signal to Jinx not to ask anymore of it, and decided the four of them should be up and back to Tahlethar's apartment.
It was very early morning, still dark, when they left the tavern. They took the upper-level path that was connected to the tavern's main floor. A few merchants were leaving their homes to head to the market, while slaves were cleaning up the streets below and byways to ready the city for the day. Passing a few night patrols, Tahlethar spoke for them so the group was allowed to continue, though warily and keenly watched. The gate's night guards did not hinder them returning to the apartment. The four did not see the shadow following them from below. Passing the Tasryn Amphitheater, Zarae sensed something was about, but every time she scanned for the danger, it was gone. Cloaked figures watched following along at a distance.
Zarae leaned over and whispered her concern to the scout, "do you sense it? Someone following us?"
Jinx agreed she could sense something was amiss, but she neither could spot anyone unusual.
"I felt something odd just after leaving the Upside-Down Spider," she whispered back.
I have an idea, Zarae signed discreetly to the scout, we'll lead them to a secluded alley and get the ambush over. Jinx took a second to understand what was signed then nodded as she figured out enough.
The dwarf and elf caught on that the girls had suspected something, and a few nods and basic hand signals revealed enough for them to understand too. Zyne agreed and sought out such an alley on the street level that would work in their favor. And also hide the attack from potentially passing patrol. Once in the alley, the drowess dropped a globe of darkness at the entrance way.
The lurking figures realized they were no longer secret when the four dropped down from the upper level and turned into a narrow dead-end alley. A shrill whistle and two jumped from the byway to the street. Two more joined from the adjacent alley and the leader stepped out of the shadow of a lantern as he exited the globe of darkness. They were in jet black armor, cowls hiding their faces in the shadows of the night. The human in charge was well muscled and well over six-foot, sleeveless tunic showing his numerous tattoos and battle scars. A longsword was in his other hand as he closed in on the four companions. His minions also moved in unison enclosing them and cutting off an escape route. the lantern holder threw the light down, extinguishing it and plunging the alley into darkness.
Jinx had an arrow knocked just waiting for the fight to start. Just as one of the ruffians were lifting an arm as if to throw a dagger, an arrow was released, hitting a shoulder while the dagger whizzed by just nicking her cheek. Another arrow knocked and let loose striking in between two ribs in a joint of the armor. The black armor warrior nearest the tabaxi charged in, scimitar raised. The scout backpedaled ducking the clumsy chop across. Metal struck air a few times before making contact with the enchanted elven bow. Another arrow hit true into the thigh. The scimitar slashed again, Jinx stepping just out of range. She noted she was losing space to back up, nearing the back wall of the alley.
"We suppose to know what we did to you? Or are you just stupid iblith," the drow drawing her sai and moving for the nearest to her. The darkness of the night hid her in the shadows and the hooded human lost sight of the drowess. A black metal blade appeared hitting its target, the side of the neck; bright blood poured from the wound. However, it wasn't enough to kill him, and he blocked the second attack from the rogue with his own sword. The rogue stepped back as the human's swing came in for her hip, just missing. Spinning, he came ahead in a flurry of strikes. Blade twirled and thrust for an exposed side, sword and dagger countering. Retracting the dagger, the black garbed human sliced upwards just catching the edge of her forearm, drawing a thin red line. Calling on the magic of the bracer, two dagger flew out aimed for the neck of the bandit.
"No discussion? Ok so be it. Guess we tango," Tahlethar twirling his morningstar. Radiant energy glowed from the weapon as it struck his opponent. His mithril shield was up then blocking an incoming attack for his head, the clank ringing loudly in the night. He kicked out shoving the fighter back a step causing him to stumble. "Kreeshah... barool... hottaisk!" Zyne fingers releasing several bolts of purple energy into an enemy. The man stumbled, returning the attack with a crosscut at the dwarf. His mage armor stopped the worst of the blow. Zyne responded with an overhand swing with his staff to the head. The ruffian fell unconscious. An arrow struck another target, knocking the warrior back against the building who slid to the ground and leaving a thin trail of red on the wall. The leader of the ruffians shoved the drowess back with sheer strength. Then he turned and went for the spellcaster, taking a ray of frost to the face. It only slowed him a second, but it was enough for a morningstar to catch him on the back shoulder. The leader tumbled only catching half the blow. What he didn't see was the sharpened sai from behind as the shadows solidified into a dark-skinned elven girl. The blade slid into the side of the human. The wound was deep and painful, the leader fell to a knee grasping for his side. The female next to him charged the drowess when a beam of crackling, blue energy struck the charging female dropping her to the ground. But not without consequence; a dagger from the leader sliced a deep gouge into the dwarf's arm. An arrow dropped the leader, tho he was still breathing. Zarae walked over and snatched the male by the hair demanding answers.
He laughed, "we are not afraid of you demon elf," spitting in her face. He was daring her to strike.
That earned her blade across his throat. Tahlethar couldn't get the words, "wait!" out before the leading ruffian was dropped to the stone street. Jinx went about with kicking nudge to check the responses of the other bandits. Five unconscious or dying, three dead.
"kill them?" the tabaxi asked as she was checking the least injured of the five.
The dwarf shook his head in response. Holding his arm at the deep gash, red dripped from between his finger, "a little help?"
The elf spoke the prayer, the dwarfs skin knitting back into place and stopping the bleeding. Shaking his arm to get the tingling out, the sorcerer, on a hunch, knelt to the leader, lifting up his hand to inspect it. There was a branding on his ring finger, marking him a member of the Reforged Ring. Removing the hoods from the others revealed the female was a half drow. In her possession was a small token engraved with a dagger crossed against a mask. One of the other ruffians had the finger brandings. The rest held a similar token as the half drow. They should have known to expect retaliation, but it was odd they strayed so far from Skullport.
"they have allies this far south?" Jinx asked.
"let us get off the streets before we discuss this further and a patrol blame us," the drowess suggested thinking she heard boots of the flagstone heading that way.
Back in the apartment, they sat discussing the attackers and what they knew of the Reforged Ring. Zyne explained his knowledge. At Skullport's height, the Iron Ring controlled slave trade until it dissolved. It was rumored a group has taken up position and came to call itself the Refored Ring. This was the group the Eilistraeen often fought most frequently against. Currently they own a scattered network of slave pens and workhouses throughout Skullport and were known to send raiding teams to sweep the streets for the weak and capture those who could not defend themself. Trusted members were branded, which was what the dwarf had shown them back in the alley. Listing the organizations of Skullport, they found a name in common with a Calishite organization. Both slavers, the Reforged Ring was likely allied with the Dark Dagger, known to be active in Calisham. It was suspected the half drow female and the others holding the tokens were a part of the Dark Dagger. Tahlethar knew Masoj Naerth was leading the Calisham cell; he had run ins once with a member. The poisoned blade left its mark, the elf showing the old scar on his upper arm. The Dark Dagger was well known for its dealings in general criminal endeavors along with slavery. Because Calimshan allowed slavery, pro-slaver organizations thrived here. They frequently recruited humans and half-elves using the similarities of Mask's and Vhaeraun's symbols as an entry. Zarae confirmed the possibility when she described the importance of the mask symbol to followers of Vhaeraun.
The tortle was back in her office, Brom beside her as the scrying bowl had finally been able to show what their spy had reported back. Brom clapped Helmyn on the back earning a deep scowl of anger.
"we wouldn't been in this situation had you done your job to begin with."
"then we would be carrying the majority of the work load. This way they do the dirty jobs and face the danger. We step in to take it."
"you are assuming they work according to your so called plan. Nothing goes according to your plans."
"ye of such little faith. Did you expect to get such a powerful caster to work for you?"
Helmyn shot him another scowl. Brom hands raised in a fake surrender, stepping back before he pushed her too far. He would have to pay this elven woman a visit soon. And best he be prepared to deal with the powerful woman.
When the aasimir was gone, she began another spell. The water of the bowl began swirling before it showed a another location. Three cloaked figures slipping through a dark alley. The first stopped, held up a gloved hand to stop the others. The one in the middle whispered asking what the problem was. The first, whispered a few words and the water bowl went back. The tortle cursed. they sensed the magic and stopped the spying. Helmyn fell onto her plush chair rubbing her forehead in frustration. A journal on the side table drew her attention. Opening to an entry, she read it again for the hundredth time. she was searching for something, some clue she hadn't discovered yet had to be here. Something to help her find the Beast. The best lead was attempting to escape Skullport and she wouldn't hold her breath over her other agents getting Eris. The Dark Ladies were good at their jobs and would get the woman out. If she waited till Eris was on her own, she'd no doubt lose too much time. No, it was a race now with these others scrambling after the legendary location and for now, they had an advantage. For now, she had to rely on Brom to get in with this elf mage.
Helmyn hopped up from her chair and carried the journal with her into the makeshift chapel, an abandoned temple crumbling with age. Upon entering the main chamber, she carried her head low in reverence. A small altar of white marble stood in the center. Along the wall were numerous drawings of serpent creatures with runes of lightning motifs and thunderclouds. A whisper 'Mual-Tar' filled her ears. The tortle knelt before the altar and fell deep into meditation and prayer. Her mind replayed the events that lead her to this.
A scroll of mithril writing unraveled before her. The beast faced her, his glare cutting into her soul. Helmyn fell on her face in absolute fear and reverence. The creature, draconic like, was bound in chains by five adamantine stakes. It writhed in eternal fury. Storm clouds roiled and churned above it, and lightning swept across the sky. A deep maniacal laugh was indistinguishable from the thunder's constant booming. When the parchment fully opened, one end bumping into her, she finally dared a peek. Smoke formed into a dangerous beast, and the words 'scroll of tarrasque summoning' caught her attention.
"what will you have of me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper and mostly a squeak.
Images of the tarrasque destruction followed by vision of a new world were imparted to her mind, "the tarrasque was created by primoridals to overthrow the Toril gods and bring back the true gods of the worlds. Its divine destruction will restart the world and remove all the evil of the gods who are the cause of so much pain and suffering. You know this well."
The aasimir cursed again. It should have been easy to follow the four companions considering that they stuck out in a predominantly human city. But the four had managed to escape his spy for the moment. The plan was to slip his pet into the company before they arrived at the she-elf mage. Getting his spy in alone through the main city gate, however, was proving impossible. None of the travellers into the city offered to take the young pup who sat on the side of the road. When that didn't work, she tried just entering the city on her own. The wolf was chased off, spears threatening her. Even when she pretended to be part of a caravan.
Brom didn't want to appear in the city in person yet. He preferred running things from his own place. But at this rate, he was going to have to get his hands dirty, figuratively speaking. He thought a form change might be needed, but that path might draw the wrong attention. Or get the right attention. no, he didn't want to chance a powerful mage, which the city was full of, including the ruler who was known to be an abolitionist, able to break the 'bond' between him and his beloved pet. All it would take would be her speaking the truth to the right person.
His boss suggested seeking a valuable ally. She knew one that would be delighted to get back at the Eilistraeen for their interfering work. The idea did not appeal to Brom; he hated working with the Dark Dagger. They always had their own agenda and it usually cost him. In some ways the Dagger proved more treacherous than himself. It was expected from a drow ran organization, even if it was not devoted to the Spider Queen. The aasimir met with representatives of the Reforged Ring and the Dark Dagger, laying out the task. The Ring was quick on the offer, a chance for revenge. The Dagger needed more incentive, in particular, the cell in Calimshan who would be carrying out the task. Treasure, knowledge, the capture of a drow noble, also offered. Brom didn't actually know about her linage, but the Dagger didn't need to know that yet.
Eight were selected to hunt down the four and bring them back, preferably alive. The network manage to spot them entering the Underdark themed building. Surrounding the building they waited for the targets to leave. The plan was to follow them back to their place of staying and take them during a rest. They didn't expect the wait to be so long. The door opened and an elf and dwarf stepped out, a few laughs exchanged between them, followed by a bipedial cat and a cloaked elven figure. She had to be the drow. The human leader sent word to all seven of the spies to follow, above and below.
Brom threw the bowl of water watching the fight. The eight had spectacularly failed; underestimated the four companions and it cost them. He cursed a few infernal and abyssal words as the magical energy dissipated from the room. Brushing off his tunic, he reached over to snatch his glittering robes and hook the raiper to his belt. Opening a spellbook, he read the magical lines precisely. The gathered magical power coalesced into a large vertical disk as tall as himself. Looking into it was a field, scattered trees, and a cobblestone path. It was then Brom made an appearance beside the wolf, an exaggerated frown on his fair face as he exited the portal gate.
"come pet," knowing it grated on the wolf's nerves. He began casting a spell from a scroll and opened another portal, this time into an abandoned alley. Signaling for her to step through, she looked hesitantly to the aasimir who mentally commanded her to enter. After her, he stepped through, a wave of his hand, closing the portal behind them.
"you draw too much attention to walk into the city in this form," the aasimir mumbled softly to himself, "and time is precious as you well know."
The wolf was puzzled at the comment, a whine to express the thought. Brom just straightened his robes as he motioned for her to follow out of the back alley. The streets were clean and well maintained. A pleasant odor of winter blossoms reached her nostrils. Ears twitched to the sounds of conversation a few alleys over. Large estates surrounded them, keying her to being in one of the richer districts. He motioned for her to his side as he searched for the right imagery that was the correct estate. The wolf looked at the aasimir questioningly, but he shook his head no.
"not yet," he whispered to her, "We are paying a she-elf mage a little visit and I need you as my secret weapon."