1. Journals

#39 The Reason You're Here

March 1, 2023

Location: Gauntlgrym

King Bruenor summons Party to a private chamber; his friendly demeanor has turned grave

  • he had spoken with his fellow hostages, who are revealed to be the representatives of the major factions of the country
  • the events of the dinner party had only convinced him further of the importance of his cause
  • but before he can defeat the Demon Lords, he needs to learn more about them

King Bruenor asks Party to help him with a special mission that he believes only they are the best qualified for

  • he asks Party to persuade the faction representatives to join him in tackling the Demon Lord threat
  • he stresses the importance of the Zhentarim, as they can provide a guide to an Underdark trading post called Mantol-Derith
  • at this trading post, Party should be able to meet with a Zhentarim agent named Ghazrim DuLoc
  • this agent can (supposedly) provide them with a map to a legendary library of infinite knowledge: Gravenhollow
  • it is at this library where Party can hopefully find more information about how and why the Demon Lords are here, and how they can be banished again

predictably, Mylz accepts the mission

  • Sarith also accepts, but Skjorn immediately refuses and everyone else hesitates
  • King Bruenor reassures that he isn't sending them to fight the Demon Lords directly; while the Underdark is inherently dangerous, their main goal is to find information
    • he answers all of Mylz's questions about the expedition
    • he promises Zaz that he is under the king's protection in regards to his bounty; Dibrael and Zaz agree to go
    • he assures that Skjorn will be provided with mental health support upon his return; Skjorn reluctantly agrees to go
  • King Bruenor provides Party with a list of names and dismisses them

begin quest: Win Over the Faction Reps, Destination: Mantol-Derith, & Destination: Gravenhollow

since Mylz already knows him, she suggests starting with Sir Lanniver Strayl of the Order of the Gauntlet

  • a girl sits outside of his room, reading a book; she says he's not in
  • the girl is a huge fan of Mylz and asks her to sign her book; Mylz smiles and nods, but Party can tell she's uncomfortable
  • the girl says that Sir Lanniver went to visit the shrine of his god, but she doesn't know which god he follows

Party heads down to the Iron Tabernacle

  • along the way, Zaz and Shoor tease Mylz, asking her to sign things for them (she actually does)
  • Party correctly guesses which shine Sir Lanniver would be visiting, based on his character and position in the Order of the Gauntlet

upon meeting Sir Lanniver, Party pays their own respects to his shrine, which he approves of

  • Sir Lanniver gives them a little history of Tyr, who is a lawful good god of justice
    • Tyr happens to be an amputee, receiving injuries in battle
    • Sir Lanniver comments on the party's collective disabilities, complimenting their bravery

Sir Lanniver says he is already devoted to Party's mission and wants them to succeed, pledging his support and 2 new NPCs

  • he also recognizes the stars-in-his-eyes look on Dibrael and tells him he's going to do great things
  • Skjorn asks what he should do if he "encounter[s] evil but they are hot"
    • Sir Lanniver offers honest advice: "No one night stand is worth losing your life or the love of your life."
  • Zaz asks for advice on going back into the Underdark and how to persuade the other faction members

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