Episode 9 - "Moment of Repose" - 7.31.22
After a short rest, the party minus Dorugul, travel across town to the local inn, the Grinning Bear Tavern. Rowan makes a detour on the way to bury the body of the dog near the river. Once at the inn, the group is offered free rooms for the night by an older bartender in which Furret attempts unsuccessfully to romance. After bathing and cleaning armor, the group takes a long rest while Dorugul continues to sleep in the keep. Upon waking, Roel leaves to investigate the circumstances surrounding the caravan attack and the disappearance of Markus Cleaborn. The remaining party members leave to explore town and procure supplies before returning to the inn. Furret takes this opportunity to speak to local farmers below the river to find the owners of the pack of dogs; however, he is unsuccessful in locating anyone given that citizens are still displaced from the previous night's attack. He creates a sketch of the dogs and begins handing out flyers to citizens directing them to contact him at the inn should they recognize the animals.

Meanwhile, Dorugul wakes from a restless night of nightmares in the Citadel cellblock feeling just as exhausted as ever. He travels to the Temple of Chauntea in town to meditate on his dreams and receives guidance from the priest, Eadyan Falconmoon. Feeling better, Dorugul then leaves the temple in search for his traveling companions. After inquiring with locals about a large, talking black bird, Dorugul catches up with the party having refreshments at the inn. The Half-Orc apologizes for his temper and separating from the others earlier and makes mention that he believes that the issue with the cultists is much larger than they understand. He specifically thanks Talik for saving his life after the freak lightning incident, and the Aarakocra reminds Dorugul that everyone is much safer when together.

Talik then purchases and imbibes his first alcoholic drink in which he describes as "spicy water" and immediately becomes dunk. As the large bird creature dances on the table, squawking with delight, Drift and Rowan ask for the others' help in investigating a map and an old portrait that they believe hold a connection. Dorugul translate the elven script and symbols which appear to be riddles and coordinates in connection to a location marked on the map near the Wood of Sharp Teeth, about fifty miles north of Greenest. Furret recalls that this forest is considered dangerous and rumored to be filled with monsters. Drift researches a book on Greenest lore and discovers that the forest, also known as Glimmerwood, and is known to be home to dire beasts, satyrs, dryads, werewolves, and other were-creatures. He also discovers lore on a half-elf woman named Dharva Scatterheart, the founder of Greenest who was once believed to be immortal before disappearing into the Wood of Sharp Teeth.

Concerned about the status of the missing traveling merchant, the adventurer's prompt Furret to ask the bartender as to whether Markus Cleaborn checked into his reserved Master Suite. After learning that the room is still available, Furret pockets the key. The rest of the group questions on what he was given, but Furret manages to avoid revealing his secret. Talik, having seen the bartender hand Furret something shiny, asks the bartender to provide him something shiny and gold as well. Furret having now purchased food moves to sit alone at another table gets questioned by the Aarakocra. The Bard casts Charmed on the bird and spins a successful lie to placate his curiosity. Rowan, having not seen the spell being cast, but overhearing the conversation attempts to interrogate the Halfling. However, the Eldritch Knight is unable to get Furret to admit guilt to anything.
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Hoping to check-in with Nighthill, Dorugul accompanied by Drift head out to locate the Governor. Rowan takes this opportunity to tell his first story to his shield- a tale of how he almost died from lightning damage, twice, while fighting an Adult Blue Dragon. Riggie retires early to his bedroom, while Furret sneaks upstairs to enjoy the Master Suite while Talik follows closely behind, staring as if the Halfling is gilded and covered in shiny gems. Furret manages to lose the bird in the hall and takes a moment to enjoy the privacy of his fancy bedroom for the night as he hears caws of mourning coming from the second floor…