Following the fight with Xazax, a large number of the beholder's slaves made themselves known to the party.
A discussion about what to do with these now freed slaves, how to support them, and where they should be taken became an ongoing topic while the party rested and explored the beholder's lair.
Joseph spent some time with the duodrone, healing it and seeing if he could do any additional maintenance.
Alan requested a count from the slaves and found that there were:
•27 shield dwarf commoners
•17 human commoners
•11 moon elf commoners
•8 female drow, 1 male
•5 deep gnomes
•23 goblins
•15 grimlocks
A deep gnome named Gander did much of the talking and they learned that he had been a slave for about 100 years. The party was able to find out that Xazax did feed the slaves and were able to find enough food that each person would be able to eat 12 meals.
Joseph spent some time looking for children and seeing if he could help - of the slaves, there are 12 kids: 4 human, 1 Goblin, 5 Child Dwarves 2 Grimlocks.
Considering the journey ahead, the figure that they are about:
- 8 days to Araj
- 10 to Blingdenstone
- 12 to Mentol Derith
- 20 to Gauntlgrym
Blingdenstone is the leading contender. A few of them ask who the party works for and find out that an archmage has tasked them with getting the eye. They ask to be taken to him for protection but the party doesn't think that is in their best interest.
Garrick polymorphs and heads to treasure. Then, after a long rest is joined by Alan and they begin to count.
Garrick sends a message to Virizian asking for a bag of holding and implying that Virizian is on the hook for helping Gunther.
Alan decides to give each of the freed slaves 2 GP and then tell them they are headed to Blingdenstone. Some of them (31) are afraid to leave, having known nothing other than slavery.
During the journey, each person would get a half meal in the morning and the other half in the evening, leaving 1 meal per person if there were any issues along the way.
On the 4th day of travel, they found that someone had built an alter overnight. It was noted, slightly examined and then they moved on.
On the 5th day, Richter helps Alan finds some rodents to kill.
On the morning of the 7th day, Richter lets the group know that he has gotten a message from a Grimlock city that is under siege by demons. Joseph replies that they do not have enough food for a side quest.
The discussion continues and Richter is adamant that they help.
They alter course and within 3 hours they come to the city gate. Joseph remains outside with the refugees and the others enter. In the meeting hall, they find 8 orog and 2 mind flayers. The area is actually under mind flayer control and they are the ones that sent the message.
Alan informs them that it was annoying that they falsified their message and they respond that it was unlikely they would get help if they did not. Negotiations fail and they party heads for the exit.
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