"BWAA-BA-BAAH!" A trumpeter announces the arrival of the three heroes to the lavishly styled audience chamber. Kevori enters with them. Presto keeps his hat low on his head.
Lord Neverwinter, standing at a table with four Priests of Neverwinter, turns from wargames-style maps and chess pieces. He gestures melodramatically yet warmly, his dress already opulent for such an early morning.
Lord Neverwinter! Presented to you-- the Champions of Dungeonmaster, and deputized guardian of Neverwinter Kevori Fearnehart!
Wonderful! Welcome, young heroes! People have already told tales of your mighty deeds! How you nary stepped foot into the city but you vanquished the vicious Zalryr and his shadowy cult! And they say you are the Champions of Dungeonmaster, no less!
Yes, but, uh, no. Don't thank us. We couldn't have done anything without Kevori's brother, Delvin.
Ah, I have heard of his tragic sacrifice.
(taking Kevori's hand in consolation)
My thanks! My thanks and that of the city, indeed. While we cannot make up for your loss, we can see that you will be richly remembered.
Well, he *could* thank us, too, you know.
We are happy to call Neverwinter our friends. In fact, we are looking for a few of our friends in particular. Perhaps you can help us reunite, or point us in a direction?
Oh, dear. Missing friends?
(turning to the Priests)
Could this be more of the same?
(then, calling the heroes to join him)
Come! Perhaps Neverwinter may avail itself of your assistance once more.
Everyone stands over the collection of papers and abstract pieces. Four sketches of different faces stand out from among the collection, as does a large and extensive dungeon map.
Ooh, chess! Finally, Presto can come in handy for once!
The cult plaguing this city has kidnapped four of our most prominent citizens in the past several days. Perhaps more, even your friends?
My priests from the House of Knowledege have divined they have been taken to the Hallix Mausoleum. May I count on your help in rescuing them?
Where's this mausoleum? Oh, wait. "Mausoleum?"
Correct. Here. In Neverwinter Graveyard. The priests have been unable to see inside. Some unknown force must be blocking our good magicks.
"See inside"? Presto, maybe we are meant to help? Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
You mean...
Presto raises the brim of his hat to expose his third eye. The Priests and the Lord gasp and recoil, horrified!
My word! What-- what manner of evil have you brought here? Guards!
(to Presto)
What is your purpose? Are you here with ill intent? Explain yourselves!
Just for fun, let's roll Charisma with any Background for diplomacy or persuasion. Normal check, with an added +2 in your favor because it should be easy but there's no "easy check."
⬙(10) + CHA (4) + Level (5) + Chosen champion of the Dungeonmaster (5) + Situational Bonus (2) = 27. See, easy.
No, no, no! It's not like that! We just got *temporarily" cursed while being the good guys to help you! And now we can use our powers for good, to see inside your mausoleum and rescue your people!
Very well. We suppose one must use all tools available when forging a desperate solution. Please, you three take this map, rescue our citizens, and return as champions once more. Dear Kevori, you shall lead a regiment of guards to keep the perimeter. Do this, and you shall all gain Neverwinter's favor and great reward!
Ooh, "reward," you say?
Yes! We promise each of you a fine house in
a majestic corner of Neverwinter!
A house? What the hell?
Shush. Be good.
(moving past Eric to take the lead)
My lord, we'd be honored to serve you in the most humble way.
Besides, Eric. Think of the real estate market. Property value!
Yee-ah...! "Property value!"
We swear we will seek out those who are lost, so we can bring them back again. No one will go missing, again.