Involving the Factions S02E02 Report

The only thing certain about any negotiation is that it will lead to another negotiation.

General Summary

Meeting Gunther

After leaving the king, the band of heroes explored a bit more of the city. While doing so, Mr. Garrick spots a small man in a cloak. Unnoticeable to most others the cloak has a pin identifying the man as a member of the Zhentarim.
Intrigued, Mr. Garrick with Richter in tow, introduces himself.
They hear a small shaky voice say, "Gunther's master was killed. Gunther doesn't know what to do, he needs help."
Mr. Garrick asks where Gunther is only to discover that the man is talking about himself. Gunther is a goblin whose Zhentarim mater was killed and is looking for what he should do next.
Richter asks what skills he has, does he hit things or do magic?
Gunther talks with rats.
In Gunther's mind, and Zhentarim will do and he decides to Garrick's dismay, he has been chosen.

The Banquet

After introducing Gunther to the other members of the party, they return to the throne room for the banquet. The servants hastily set up an extra place for Gunther. As dinner begins, the King introduces the various factions that are in attendance and then says a few words to everyone to honor the heroes and pat respects to Edith Feldrun, who fell in the Underdark while protecting the lives of the honored party.

During the banquet, Richter tries to talk to Davra, the lead representative of the Zhentarim but is brushed aside. While Richter moves on to another Zhent at the table, Davra pulls Mr. Garrick aside to talk. Richter learns that the Zhents are an organization that protects trade and deal in goods and information.

Learning about the Factions

Richter continues to work the room in an effort to learn more about each faction:

• Emerald Enclave - is being represented by Ginnabelle Markin who tells Richter that they believe that Zugtomy and Jubulix are responsible for some of the corruption in the plant life on the surface.
• Order of the Gauntlet
• Harpers
• Lord's Alliance

Following the banquet, the characters are asked to meet with King Bruenor. When they meet, the King is more serious than in the past.

I've told the allies ye met tonight what ye told me. I invited them here to learn what is happening, to share what we know, and to get their backing for what it is I propose.
Ye have braved the Underdark and lived to tell the tale. Ye know, better than anyone, what it is we face, but we need to know more.

The Zhentarim have a steak in a secret Underdark trading post. If ye can get them on our side, they'll guide ye there, where ye can meet with one of their agents, Ghazrim DuLoc .
He can provide with a map to Gravenhollow. 'Tis a legendary place built by the stone giants long ago, said to contain all the knowledge of the depths. If there's answers to be found for what has happened, ye might find them there. If ye are willing to go back, that is.
I don't propose to send you into the dark unprepared, and I hope ye make an impression on those gathered here so they'll support our cause and your mission. From all I've seen and heard, there's no one better to do what needs to be done.

So, what say ye?

With some negotiation, they agree to meet with the representatives.

Who will help?

Zhentarim

Mr. Garrick informs his party that the Zhents have already agreed, so long as they get 20% of the treasure that is found. There's a bit of back and forth about the price and a suggestion is made not to tell them about any treasure that is found. Another asks, "If they're coming, won't they see it?" To which Mr. Garrick responds that the Underdark is a dangerous place and that 'they' might not make it back. This brings a new debate.
Additionally, with this new task at hand, the robbery of the Gem store is temporarily tabled.
In addition to directions to the outpost, the Zhents will supply 8 thugs to help with travel and protection.

Harpers

Bug meets with Lord Zelrain Roaringhorn representative to the Harpers. After some small talk, Roarington challenges Bug to a game of dragon chess in order to determine the child's mental capacity and worthiness.
Bug seems to blunder his opening move, but is really lulling Roarington into a false security. They both struggle mid-game, but Bug pulls off a decisive victory. As reward, Roarington loans bug his child guardian for their trip into the Underdark.

Order of the Gauntlet

Richter was sent to meet with Sir Lanniver Strayl.
Most interested in the character of the group, he questions the involvement of a goblin and wants to know more about the motives of the 'Asshat,' Alan.

Emerald Enclave

Ginnabelle Markin represents the Emerald Enclave and is also an advisor to the king. Getting her approval goes without problem and the team is provided with 3 scouts and 8 riding lizards - 1 for each scout and 5 for the party members. Ginnabelle sends 3 scouts and 8 lizards

Lord's Alliance

Lord Eravien Haund was unconvinced that the Lord's Alliance should get involved in this mission. Alan convinced him that significant non-tangibles, like having the favor of King Bruenor was well worth considering. Alan did such a good job of convincing him that in addition to providing guards and spies, Haund gave them 51 gold pieces of his own to help with provisions and other things that may be needed along the way.

Setting Out

With the factions on board and with the King's blessing, the party sets off for Manthol-Derith.

Rewards Granted

Richter gets a shield.
For travel, the group is loaned: 8 Zhentarim, a shield guardian, guards, spies, riding lizards, and veterans.
51 gold pieces.

Missions/Quests Completed

Worked with Harpers, Order of the Gauntlet, Emerald Enclave, Lord's Alliance and the Zhentarim to gather people and supplies to head into the Underdark.

Character(s) interacted with

Lord Zelrain Roaringhorn , Sir Lanniver Strayl , Ginnabelle Markin , Lord Eravien Haund , and Davra Jassur

Campaign

Out of the Abyss

Protagonists

Report Date

06 Sep 2019

Primary Location

Gauntlgrym

• In Attendance
• Christian (Bug)
• Korey (Richter)
• Kevin ( Mr. Garrick)
• Nick (Alan Cardew)
• Carson (Gunther)