Non-Canon On a Cold Neverwinter Day IC

[Macy Moretti]

Chapter 2: Of Cults and Chaos

That evening, you all would return to the inn. Various Mintarns sat around, discussing the siege and how the party took down a Dracolich for the second time. They gestured towards Taric, Wendy, and Arslan, calling them "Heroes" and "Saviors of the Mintarn".

Quartermaster Otus had bandages wrapped around him. He nodded towards the ones who had been in the vault. The group who had been at the tower would be given ten gold pieces, each as they entered. Presumably as their reward for performing a private mission.

If he was willing, Ryze would share the information he had found in the book back in Rhazzad's Tower.

The next morning, Sergeant Knox would call everyone together again.

"Good morning. Sorry about this so soon after yesterday." He said. "But The Harpers inquired about you. They heard about your work yesterday and wish to hire you."

"Greetings, I'm Boward, a representative of The Harpers." She said, introducing herself to the group. On her shoulder was the pin that the group who had gone down into the Vaults carried. She began to speak.

"The Cult of the Dragon has begun acting openly, we think they're searching for something of great value. We've noticed their activities up and down the Sword Coast, from Luskan to Waterdeep, bringing widespread violence and eventually attracting us to investigate them." She looked around and lowered her voice. "We're looking for agents who can look into them. We need one group to join the cult to find out what information you can gather. We believe they're working with The Nashers. We need another group to raid a hideout in Blacklake District being used by both. Finally, the last member we sent to infiltrate them, Xalliana, has disappeared. We need someone to look for her." She looked around at the group. "Any questions?"

---

@Alex Azure as Alucard (Castlevania)

Yours Truly as Aqua (Konosuba)

@Takumi as Arslan (Arslan Senki/Heroic Legend of Arslan)

@Crow as Clarisse (Granblue Fantasy)

@dark as Dante Aligheri (Dante's Inferno)

@York as Elizia (Runescape)

@Lucky as Fjord (Critical Role)

@Hahli Nuva as Lucina (Fire Emblem)

@Ver as Kazuma Satou (Konosuba)

@Kaykay as Megumin (Konosuba)

@Gummi Bunnies as Merlin (Fate Series)

@Bark as Nino (Fire Emblem)

@Archmage Jeremiah as Poppy (League of Legends)

@CrunchyCHEEZIT as Richter Belmont (Castlevania)

@Ottonomous Ghost as Ryze (League of Legends)

@Yun Lee as Taric (League of Legends)

@Jeremi as Scorpia (She-Ra)​

The group might notice that this morning their numbers were one stronger than when they had gone to bed. By whatever mysterious forces had brought them to this world, another had joined them. A particularly irritated dhampir stepped forward and made himself noticed.

"Yes, I have several questions in fact. Perhaps I'm just a bit out of the loop, but where exactly are we? And what is going on?"

The man looks back towards Richter and notices the Vampire Killer whip at his side. "Ah, a Belmont. I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose. Do you have any bloody idea what's going on?"

@Minerva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Anyone​

 

[Jeremi]

Kazuma/Aqua/Megumin/Clarisse/Taric/Wendy/Arslan

A group of archers would raise their bows to launch arrows towards the dracolich and support the attackers. A wizard would raise his staff, and Alicetaria would begin charging with her lance. As Wendy attacked, it fired its lightning blast...

Before falling to the ground in a pile of bones and shattering from the sheer amount of attacks it had faced. Its skull crashed onto the battlements, causing the crowd to part around it. The army was silent for a moment before they raised their weapons in victory, shouting towards the sky. In the distance, Valindra could be seen watching. She bowed her head and disappeared.

The soldiers began climbing down the wall, with the wizard approaching the head of the dracolich and putting his hand on his chin. Sabine walked over to him, and they discussed something silently. Anyone close enough could hear them discussing if the Dracolich would resurrect and, if so, how soon.

The party would be cheered as they reentered the city. "YOU SAVED THE CITY!" People shouted. "You are heroes!"

Poppy/Lucina/Richter/Ryze

Sergeant Knox would finally barge up the stairs with his team. "We have the place clear. I see you've dealt with Rhazzad. Excellent work." He said, gesturing to the cloak in the center of the room. "We'll close down this part of town and take final casualties. Thank you for your help." He ooked towards the rest of the group. "The city of Neverwinter will make sure you're rewarded for your effort."

The guards would start cataloging everything in the room, taking notes of the books, potions, and other magical tchotchkes in the room before you all would leave.

Merlin/Elizia/Fjord/Scorpia

Finally, the automaton collapsed, crashing against the statue. It let out a giant creeeeeaaaaaaak as it fell to the ground. its sword flew across the room, landing into the wall. After a silent moment, two Neverwinter City guards ran down with their weapons drawn. They would take the two Nashers from Fjord's grasp. They would then spread out. One would crouch in the area where the portal was and angrily turn to the party.

"They got away!" He shouted, with an angry face. His partner looked at him. "We'll deal with this tomorrow." They would then escort everyone out of the vaults before sending them to the in..

---

Chapter 2: Of Cults and Chaos

That evening, you all would return to the inn. Various Mintarns sat around, discussing the siege and how the party took down a Dracolich for the second time. They gestured towards Taric, Wendy, and Arslan, calling them "Heroes" and "Saviors of the Mintarn".

Quartermaster Otus had bandages wrapped around him. He nodded towards the ones who had been in the vault. The group who had been at the tower would be given ten gold pieces, each as they entered. Presumably as their reward for performing a private mission.

If he was willing, Ryze would share the information he had found in the book back in Rhazzad's Tower.

The next morning, Sergeant Knox would call everyone together again.

"Good morning. Sorry about this so soon after yesterday." He said. "But The Harpers inquired about you. They heard about your work yesterday and wish to hire you."

"Greetings, I'm Boward, a representative of The Harpers." She said, introducing herself to the group. On her shoulder was the pin that the group who had gone down into the Vaults carried. She began to speak.

"The Cult of the Dragon has begun acting openly, we think they're searching for something of great value. We've noticed their activities up and down the Sword Coast, from Luskan to Waterdeep, bringing widespread violence and eventually attracting us to investigate them." She looked around and lowered her voice. "We're looking for agents who can look into them. We need one group to join the cult to find out what information you can gather. We believe they're working with The Nashers. We need another group to raid a hideout in Blacklake District being used by both. Finally, the last member we sent to infiltrate them, Xalliana, has disappeared. We need someone to look for her." She looked around at the group. "Any questions?"

---

@Alex Azure as Alucard (Castlevania)

Yours Truly as Aqua (Konosuba)

@Takumi as Arslan (Arslan Senki/Heroic Legend of Arslan)

@Crow as Clarisse (Granblue Fantasy)

@dark as Dante Aligheri (Dante's Inferno)

@York as Elizia (Runescape)

@Lucky as Fjord (Critical Role)

@Hahli Nuva as Lucina (Fire Emblem)

@Ver as Kazuma Satou (Konosuba)

@Kaykay as Megumin (Konosuba)

@Gummi Bunnies as Merlin (Fate Series)

@Bark as Nino (Fire Emblem)

@Archmage Jeremiah as Poppy (League of Legends)

@CrunchyCHEEZIT as Richter Belmont (Castlevania)

@Ottonomous Ghost as Ryze (League of Legends)

@Yun Lee as Taric (League of Legends)

@Jeremi as Scorpia (She-Ra)​

"...And not even a thank you," Scorpia replied as she watched them walk off. Well they knocked out that robot though, that was pretty impressive. When they got back to the inn Scorpia went straight to bed after meeting up and exchanging stories. She wanted to fight that dragon too...

The next morning she grabbed herself a hearty breakfast as she listened to what Bowards had to say. "A raids sounds fun." She managed to say between bites. "I'll do that!"

@Minerva @RaidTeam

 

[Yun Lee]

Heroes? Saviors? Taric couldn't help but find that talk rather uninteresting. He was just doing what he could to help as a Protector, after all. Fame and glory meant nothing to him; all that mattered was knowing these good people were safe. Even so...he knew still this was not where he needed to be. Valoran called to him, and he would do all he could to return.

But for now...someone out there needed his aid. Not even one person could go undefended. "I will be happy to help find Xalliana," Taric said. "The sooner she is found and brought to safety, the better."

@Minerva​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

Well, that was quite the eventful incident at the vault, but now it was time to move on! There was more that they were tasked to do, and well, one thing was for sure.

❝ Ah, in that case, I shall pretend to go join this cult that's causing trouble, hm? ❞ It was only reasonable enough, Merlin was never one cut out for combat, and this was a way to break away from possible combat. Assuming that this intel mission was to go well with no problems.

@Minerva​

 

[RyuKeiko]

Kazuma/Aqua/Megumin/Clarisse/Taric/Wendy/Arslan

A group of archers would raise their bows to launch arrows towards the dracolich and support the attackers. A wizard would raise his staff, and Alicetaria would begin charging with her lance. As Wendy attacked, it fired its lightning blast...

Before falling to the ground in a pile of bones and shattering from the sheer amount of attacks it had faced. Its skull crashed onto the battlements, causing the crowd to part around it. The army was silent for a moment before they raised their weapons in victory, shouting towards the sky. In the distance, Valindra could be seen watching. She bowed her head and disappeared.

The soldiers began climbing down the wall, with the wizard approaching the head of the dracolich and putting his hand on his chin. Sabine walked over to him, and they discussed something silently. Anyone close enough could hear them discussing if the Dracolich would resurrect and, if so, how soon.

The party would be cheered as they reentered the city. "YOU SAVED THE CITY!" People shouted. "You are heroes!"

Poppy/Lucina/Richter/Ryze

Sergeant Knox would finally barge up the stairs with his team. "We have the place clear. I see you've dealt with Rhazzad. Excellent work." He said, gesturing to the cloak in the center of the room. "We'll close down this part of town and take final casualties. Thank you for your help." He ooked towards the rest of the group. "The city of Neverwinter will make sure you're rewarded for your effort."

The guards would start cataloging everything in the room, taking notes of the books, potions, and other magical tchotchkes in the room before you all would leave.

Merlin/Elizia/Fjord/Scorpia

Finally, the automaton collapsed, crashing against the statue. It let out a giant creeeeeaaaaaaak as it fell to the ground. its sword flew across the room, landing into the wall. After a silent moment, two Neverwinter City guards ran down with their weapons drawn. They would take the two Nashers from Fjord's grasp. They would then spread out. One would crouch in the area where the portal was and angrily turn to the party.

"They got away!" He shouted, with an angry face. His partner looked at him. "We'll deal with this tomorrow." They would then escort everyone out of the vaults before sending them to the in..

---

Chapter 2: Of Cults and Chaos

That evening, you all would return to the inn. Various Mintarns sat around, discussing the siege and how the party took down a Dracolich for the second time. They gestured towards Taric, Wendy, and Arslan, calling them "Heroes" and "Saviors of the Mintarn".

Quartermaster Otus had bandages wrapped around him. He nodded towards the ones who had been in the vault. The group who had been at the tower would be given ten gold pieces, each as they entered. Presumably as their reward for performing a private mission.

If he was willing, Ryze would share the information he had found in the book back in Rhazzad's Tower.

The next morning, Sergeant Knox would call everyone together again.

"Good morning. Sorry about this so soon after yesterday." He said. "But The Harpers inquired about you. They heard about your work yesterday and wish to hire you."

"Greetings, I'm Boward, a representative of The Harpers." She said, introducing herself to the group. On her shoulder was the pin that the group who had gone down into the Vaults carried. She began to speak.

"The Cult of the Dragon has begun acting openly, we think they're searching for something of great value. We've noticed their activities up and down the Sword Coast, from Luskan to Waterdeep, bringing widespread violence and eventually attracting us to investigate them." She looked around and lowered her voice. "We're looking for agents who can look into them. We need one group to join the cult to find out what information you can gather. We believe they're working with The Nashers. We need another group to raid a hideout in Blacklake District being used by both. Finally, the last member we sent to infiltrate them, Xalliana, has disappeared. We need someone to look for her." She looked around at the group. "Any questions?"

---

@Alex Azure as Alucard (Castlevania)

Yours Truly as Aqua (Konosuba)

@Takumi as Arslan (Arslan Senki/Heroic Legend of Arslan)

@Crow as Clarisse (Granblue Fantasy)

@dark as Dante Aligheri (Dante's Inferno)

@York as Elizia (Runescape)

@Lucky as Fjord (Critical Role)

@Hahli Nuva as Lucina (Fire Emblem)

@Ver as Kazuma Satou (Konosuba)

@Kaykay as Megumin (Konosuba)

@Gummi Bunnies as Merlin (Fate Series)

@Bark as Nino (Fire Emblem)

@Archmage Jeremiah as Poppy (League of Legends)

@CrunchyCHEEZIT as Richter Belmont (Castlevania)

@Ottonomous Ghost as Ryze (League of Legends)

@Yun Lee as Taric (League of Legends)

@Jeremi as Scorpia (She-Ra)​

Heroes? Saviors? Taric couldn't help but find that talk rather uninteresting. He was just doing what he could to help as a Protector, after all. Fame and glory meant nothing to him; all that mattered was knowing these good people were safe. Even so...he knew still this was not where he needed to be. Valoran called to him, and he would do all he could to return.

But for now...someone out there needed his aid. Not even one person could go undefended. "I will be happy to help find Xalliana," Taric said. "The sooner she is found and brought to safety, the better."

@Minerva​

Wendy blushed a bit as they called Taric, Arslan, and herself heroes. "O-Oh.. It's really nothing!" She squeaked, walking along with the group. "We only helped the people in need!" As modest as she was about the scenario, she knew that Carla and the others would have been proud of her actions, and she represented Fairy Tail and their values.

Enjoying a small glass of water, Wendy finally relaxed with all the new faces around her.

-----------------

The next morning, whilst Wendy was enjoying a small bite of bread, Sergeant Knox had called them all together. After listening to what was needed, Wendy pondered amongst her thoughts.

"I'll join the search team!" she said, pushing towards the front a bit. "I can try and keep people's stamina up with my Sky Dragon Magic, and I can also fight alongside them!" She said. Being so small, she spoke louder than usual, so she could be heard.

@Minerva @Yun Lee

 

[Minerva]

Heroes? Saviors? Taric couldn't help but find that talk rather uninteresting. He was just doing what he could to help as a Protector, after all. Fame and glory meant nothing to him; all that mattered was knowing these good people were safe. Even so...he knew still this was not where he needed to be. Valoran called to him, and he would do all he could to return.

But for now...someone out there needed his aid. Not even one person could go undefended. "I will be happy to help find Xalliana," Taric said. "The sooner she is found and brought to safety, the better."

@Minerva

Wendy blushed a bit as they called Taric, Arslan, and herself heroes. "O-Oh.. It's really nothing!" She squeaked, walking along with the group. "We only helped the people in need!" As modest as she was about the scenario, she knew that Carla and the others would have been proud of her actions, and she represented Fairy Tail and their values.

Enjoying a small glass of water, Wendy finally relaxed with all the new faces around her.

-----------------

The next morning, whilst Wendy was enjoying a small bite of bread, Sergeant Knox had called them all together. After listening to what was needed, Wendy pondered amongst her thoughts.

"I'll join the search team!" she said, pushing towards the front a bit. "I can try and keep people's stamina up with my Sky Dragon Magic, and I can also fight alongside them!" She said. Being so small, she spoke louder than usual, so she could be heard.

@Minerva @Yun Lee

Boward would nod. “She was last seen in Tower District. There’s a garrison set up there to prevent the Many-Arrows orcs from overrunning the area.” She would furrow her brow. “Xalliana’s one of our best agents.

When you all arrived at Tower District, you would see a bunch of ruins, primarily a watchtower with another energy pillar coming from it with a sign indicating it had been turned into a tavern. A group of guards killed around in heavy armor, an archer held a bow to her hand, looking over the scene from the top of a makeshift wood tower behind a barrier.

A guard approached you all. He pushed back his cloak, revealing a Harper Pin. “I was told you would be coming.” He said calmly. “Something about Xalliana?”

@Tower District

---

Well, that was quite the eventful incident at the vault, but now it was time to move on! There was more that they were tasked to do, and well, one thing was for sure.

❝ Ah, in that case, I shall pretend to go join this cult that's causing trouble, hm? ❞ It was only reasonable enough, Merlin was never one cut out for combat, and this was a way to break away from possible combat. Assuming that this intel mission was to go well with no problems.

@Minerva

Merlin, and any who followed him, would be given several purple robes to put on. They would be led by Harper Boward to a back alley within Protector’s Enclave and a door would stand in front of them.

She would speak quietly. “This is as far as I can take you. It’s too dangerous for me in there.

The slot in it would open, and sharp golden eyes would pierce through.

A sharp voice would reach out, piercing like a knife. “What is is that you will break even when you name it?"

@CultoftheDragon

"...And not even a thank you," Scorpia replied as she watched them walk off. Well they knocked out that robot though, that was pretty impressive. When they got back to the inn Scorpia went straight to bed after meeting up and exchanging stories. She wanted to fight that dragon too...

The next morning she grabbed herself a hearty breakfast as she listened to what Bowards had to say. "A raids sounds fun." She managed to say between bites. "I'll do that!"

@Minerva @RaidTeam

After a small waiting period within the, also heavily guarded, Blacklake district, Boward would show up. She carried a small crossbow in her hand. Two guards stood with her, swords at their side. She would lead whoever volunteered and the two guards to a large abandoned manor house overlooking a dry lake.


painted on the wall of the building next to the door was a familiar symbol:

She looked towards the gathered group with a nod. "Are you all ready?" She asked.

@Jeremi @Blacklake
​

 

[Jeremi]

Boward would nod. “She was last seen in Tower District. There’s a garrison set up there to prevent the Many-Arrows orcs from overrunning the area.” She would furrow her brow. “Xalliana’s one of our best agents.

When you all arrived at Tower District, you would see a bunch of ruins, primarily a watchtower with another energy pillar coming from it with a sign indicating it had been turned into a tavern. A group of guards killed around in heavy armor, an archer held a bow to her hand, looking over the scene from the top of a makeshift wood tower behind a barrier.

A guard approached you all. He pushed back his cloak, revealing a Harper Pin. “I was told you would be coming.” He said calmly. “Something about Xalliana?”

@Tower District

---

Merlin, and any who followed him, would be given several purple robes to put on. They would be led by Harper Boward to a back alley within Protector’s Enclave and a door would stand in front of them.

She would speak quietly. “This is as far as I can take you. It’s too dangerous for me in there.

The slot in it would open, and sharp golden eyes would pierce through.

A sharp voice would reach out, piercing like a knife. “What is is that you will break even when you name it?"

@CultoftheDragon



After a small waiting period within the, also heavily guarded, Blacklake district, Boward would show up. She carried a small crossbow in her hand. Two guards stood with her, swords at their side. She would lead whoever volunteered and the two guards to a large abandoned manor house overlooking a dry lake.


painted on the wall of the building next to the door was a familiar symbol:

She looked towards the gathered group with a nod. "Are you all ready?" She asked.

@Jeremi @Blacklake
​

Oh boy she sure was! "So how are we going to do this? I bust through a wall to create a diversion, or I bust through the front door and you sneak in from the back..." Either way Scorpia seemed to want to go in guns a blazing on this one

@Minerva @Blacklake

 

[Ver]

View attachment 3613

"Another day, another quest, and without any monetary compensation, huh..." Kazuma sighed as though put into a depressive state during the new debriefing. While it was true that he could be considered the kind of person who worked hard when he was poor, it wasn't like that meant he was necessarily a better worker, speaking from a certain way of looking at it.

Still, between the three missions laid out to everyone around him, the young man considered his options, putting into account how it would go if Megumin were to take along as well. After all, the mentor needed to look after his dear subjects' needs.

Raiding a hideout? That personally didn't really appeal to Kazuma, and Megumin would be useless there, as much as bringing a nuke to a knife fight would be. Looking for a missing person? Not so much either. However, pretending to get an in with a cult? Kazuma definitely had experience with that -- that is, running into crazy cults -- as he remembered the members of the Axis Order. Figured that only crazy people would follow a crazy goddess like Aqua, and this was probably no different here either.

So with that, Kazuma had opted to join the cult, donning its purple robes, presumably with Megumin in tow if she felt so inclined. As he and the others reached a back alley that probably led to its base or something like that, the boy furrowed his brow as the man behind the door poised a riddle. Was that supposed to be their version of a special password? Oh, well. He shouldn't complain. Still, considering those next to him were Megumin and some mage who gave really nasty vibes that were reminiscent of Darkness, Kazuma figured he should probably be the one to answer.

Stepping forward, he cleared his throat, and spoke in a forced (fake) deep voice, as if to make himself sound more imposing. "The answer is silence! Now let us inside!" He answered before laying out a demand, trying to put on a tough act.

@Gummi Bunnies @Kaykay @Minerva @CultGroup​

 

[Takumi]

Boward would nod. “She was last seen in Tower District. There’s a garrison set up there to prevent the Many-Arrows orcs from overrunning the area.” She would furrow her brow. “Xalliana’s one of our best agents.

When you all arrived at Tower District, you would see a bunch of ruins, primarily a watchtower with another energy pillar coming from it with a sign indicating it had been turned into a tavern. A group of guards killed around in heavy armor, an archer held a bow to her hand, looking over the scene from the top of a makeshift wood tower behind a barrier.

A guard approached you all. He pushed back his cloak, revealing a Harper Pin. “I was told you would be coming.” He said calmly. “Something about Xalliana?”

@Tower District

---

Merlin, and any who followed him, would be given several purple robes to put on. They would be led by Harper Boward to a back alley within Protector’s Enclave and a door would stand in front of them.

She would speak quietly. “This is as far as I can take you. It’s too dangerous for me in there.

The slot in it would open, and sharp golden eyes would pierce through.

A sharp voice would reach out, piercing like a knife. “What is is that you will break even when you name it?"

@CultoftheDragon



After a small waiting period within the, also heavily guarded, Blacklake district, Boward would show up. She carried a small crossbow in her hand. Two guards stood with her, swords at their side. She would lead whoever volunteered and the two guards to a large abandoned manor house overlooking a dry lake.


painted on the wall of the building next to the door was a familiar symbol:

She looked towards the gathered group with a nod. "Are you all ready?" She asked.

@Jeremi @Blacklake
​

View attachment 3613

"Another day, another quest, and without any monetary compensation, huh..." Kazuma sighed as though put into a depressive state during the new debriefing. While it was true that he could be considered the kind of person who worked hard when he was poor, it wasn't like that meant he was necessarily a better worker, speaking from a certain way of looking at it.

Still, between the three missions laid out to everyone around him, the young man considered his options, putting into account how it would go if Megumin were to take along as well. After all, the mentor needed to look after his dear subjects' needs.

Raiding a hideout? That personally didn't really appeal to Kazuma, and Megumin would be useless there, as much as bringing a nuke to a knife fight would be. Looking for a missing person? Not so much either. However, pretending to get an in with a cult? Kazuma definitely had experience with that -- that is, running into crazy cults -- as he remembered the members of the Axis Order. Figured that only crazy people would follow a crazy goddess like Aqua, and this was probably no different here either.

So with that, Kazuma had opted to join the cult, donning its purple robes, presumably with Megumin in tow if she felt so inclined. As he and the others reached a back alley that probably led to its base or something like that, the boy furrowed his brow as the man behind the door poised a riddle. Was that supposed to be their version of a special password? Oh, well. He shouldn't complain. Still, considering those next to him were Megumin and some mage who gave really nasty vibes that were reminiscent of Darkness, Kazuma figured he should probably be the one to answer.

Stepping forward, he cleared his throat, and spoke in a forced (fake) deep voice, as if to make himself sound more imposing. "The answer is silence! Now let us inside!" He answered before laying out a demand, trying to put on a tough act.

@Gummi Bunnies @Kaykay @Minerva @CultGroup​

As him, Wendy, and Taric were labeled heroes, Arslan would humbly disagreed that anything he did was heroic to any who bothered to listen.

Arslan, after some thought, had joined the group pretending to join a cult, only for the fact that he expected (well, hoped) for the least combat during this mission. There was some doubt but from what he had seen, Kazuma and Megumin were....somewhat dependable for a strong offensive attack. Maybe.

This other man, he wasn't sure about.

@Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Ver @Kaykay @CultGroup

 

[Minerva]

View attachment 3613

"Another day, another quest, and without any monetary compensation, huh..." Kazuma sighed as though put into a depressive state during the new debriefing. While it was true that he could be considered the kind of person who worked hard when he was poor, it wasn't like that meant he was necessarily a better worker, speaking from a certain way of looking at it.

Still, between the three missions laid out to everyone around him, the young man considered his options, putting into account how it would go if Megumin were to take along as well. After all, the mentor needed to look after his dear subjects' needs.

Raiding a hideout? That personally didn't really appeal to Kazuma, and Megumin would be useless there, as much as bringing a nuke to a knife fight would be. Looking for a missing person? Not so much either. However, pretending to get an in with a cult? Kazuma definitely had experience with that -- that is, running into crazy cults -- as he remembered the members of the Axis Order. Figured that only crazy people would follow a crazy goddess like Aqua, and this was probably no different here either.

So with that, Kazuma had opted to join the cult, donning its purple robes, presumably with Megumin in tow if she felt so inclined. As he and the others reached a back alley that probably led to its base or something like that, the boy furrowed his brow as the man behind the door poised a riddle. Was that supposed to be their version of a special password? Oh, well. He shouldn't complain. Still, considering those next to him were Megumin and some mage who gave really nasty vibes that were reminiscent of Darkness, Kazuma figured he should probably be the one to answer.

Stepping forward, he cleared his throat, and spoke in a forced (fake) deep voice, as if to make himself sound more imposing. "The answer is silence! Now let us inside!" He answered before laying out a demand, trying to put on a tough act.

@Gummi Bunnies @Kaykay @Minerva @CultGroup

As him, Wendy, and Taric were labeled heroes, Arslan would humbly disagreed that anything he did was heroic to any who bothered to listen.

Arslan, after some thought, had joined the group pretending to join a cult, only for the fact that he expected (well, hoped) for the least combat during this mission. There was some doubt but from what he had seen, Kazuma and Megumin were....somewhat dependable for a strong offensive attack. Maybe.

This other man, he wasn't sure about.

@Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Ver @Kaykay @CultGroup

The face would nod. You would hear a lock unlatch, and the door would open. Once inside, you would see what looked like an opulent party. Banners hung from the wall with the cult’s symbol emblazoned on them. At the back, a man and a woman wore armored dress:

Several other figures stood around in purple robes, holding large pole arms, watching the crowd. It was definitely unlike a normal party, just by the vibe.

Now that you were in, however, it was time to mingle.

There was a bar with a group of young nobles sitting around it and chatting. An altar was at the other end. Finally, there was an elf woman standing by a painting.

@Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay

Oh boy she sure was! "So how are we going to do this? I bust through a wall to create a diversion, or I bust through the front door and you sneak in from the back..." Either way Scorpia seemed to want to go in guns a blazing on this one

@Minerva @Blacklake

“The diversion will be great.” Boward said, loading the crossbow. “Thank you.” The two guards with her nodded as well, putting their hands on their swords.

@Jeremi @Blacklake​

 

[York]

Spoiler: Replies

Kazuma/Aqua/Megumin/Clarisse/Taric/Wendy/Arslan

A group of archers would raise their bows to launch arrows towards the dracolich and support the attackers. A wizard would raise his staff, and Alicetaria would begin charging with her lance. As Wendy attacked, it fired its lightning blast...

Before falling to the ground in a pile of bones and shattering from the sheer amount of attacks it had faced. Its skull crashed onto the battlements, causing the crowd to part around it. The army was silent for a moment before they raised their weapons in victory, shouting towards the sky. In the distance, Valindra could be seen watching. She bowed her head and disappeared.

The soldiers began climbing down the wall, with the wizard approaching the head of the dracolich and putting his hand on his chin. Sabine walked over to him, and they discussed something silently. Anyone close enough could hear them discussing if the Dracolich would resurrect and, if so, how soon.

The party would be cheered as they reentered the city. "YOU SAVED THE CITY!" People shouted. "You are heroes!"

Poppy/Lucina/Richter/Ryze

Sergeant Knox would finally barge up the stairs with his team. "We have the place clear. I see you've dealt with Rhazzad. Excellent work." He said, gesturing to the cloak in the center of the room. "We'll close down this part of town and take final casualties. Thank you for your help." He ooked towards the rest of the group. "The city of Neverwinter will make sure you're rewarded for your effort."

The guards would start cataloging everything in the room, taking notes of the books, potions, and other magical tchotchkes in the room before you all would leave.

Merlin/Elizia/Fjord/Scorpia

Finally, the automaton collapsed, crashing against the statue. It let out a giant creeeeeaaaaaaak as it fell to the ground. its sword flew across the room, landing into the wall. After a silent moment, two Neverwinter City guards ran down with their weapons drawn. They would take the two Nashers from Fjord's grasp. They would then spread out. One would crouch in the area where the portal was and angrily turn to the party.

"They got away!" He shouted, with an angry face. His partner looked at him. "We'll deal with this tomorrow." They would then escort everyone out of the vaults before sending them to the in..

---

Chapter 2: Of Cults and Chaos

That evening, you all would return to the inn. Various Mintarns sat around, discussing the siege and how the party took down a Dracolich for the second time. They gestured towards Taric, Wendy, and Arslan, calling them "Heroes" and "Saviors of the Mintarn".

Quartermaster Otus had bandages wrapped around him. He nodded towards the ones who had been in the vault. The group who had been at the tower would be given ten gold pieces, each as they entered. Presumably as their reward for performing a private mission.

If he was willing, Ryze would share the information he had found in the book back in Rhazzad's Tower.

The next morning, Sergeant Knox would call everyone together again.

"Good morning. Sorry about this so soon after yesterday." He said. "But The Harpers inquired about you. They heard about your work yesterday and wish to hire you."

"Greetings, I'm Boward, a representative of The Harpers." She said, introducing herself to the group. On her shoulder was the pin that the group who had gone down into the Vaults carried. She began to speak.

"The Cult of the Dragon has begun acting openly, we think they're searching for something of great value. We've noticed their activities up and down the Sword Coast, from Luskan to Waterdeep, bringing widespread violence and eventually attracting us to investigate them." She looked around and lowered her voice. "We're looking for agents who can look into them. We need one group to join the cult to find out what information you can gather. We believe they're working with The Nashers. We need another group to raid a hideout in Blacklake District being used by both. Finally, the last member we sent to infiltrate them, Xalliana, has disappeared. We need someone to look for her." She looked around at the group. "Any questions?"

---

@Alex Azure as Alucard (Castlevania)

Yours Truly as Aqua (Konosuba)

@Takumi as Arslan (Arslan Senki/Heroic Legend of Arslan)

@Crow as Clarisse (Granblue Fantasy)

@dark as Dante Aligheri (Dante's Inferno)

@York as Elizia (Runescape)

@Lucky as Fjord (Critical Role)

@Hahli Nuva as Lucina (Fire Emblem)

@Ver as Kazuma Satou (Konosuba)

@Kaykay as Megumin (Konosuba)

@Gummi Bunnies as Merlin (Fate Series)

@Bark as Nino (Fire Emblem)

@Archmage Jeremiah as Poppy (League of Legends)

@CrunchyCHEEZIT as Richter Belmont (Castlevania)

@Ottonomous Ghost as Ryze (League of Legends)

@Yun Lee as Taric (League of Legends)

@Jeremi as Scorpia (She-Ra)​

Well, that was quite the eventful incident at the vault, but now it was time to move on! There was more that they were tasked to do, and well, one thing was for sure.

❝ Ah, in that case, I shall pretend to go join this cult that's causing trouble, hm? ❞ It was only reasonable enough, Merlin was never one cut out for combat, and this was a way to break away from possible combat. Assuming that this intel mission was to go well with no problems.

@Minerva​

Boward would nod. “She was last seen in Tower District. There’s a garrison set up there to prevent the Many-Arrows orcs from overrunning the area.” She would furrow her brow. “Xalliana’s one of our best agents.

When you all arrived at Tower District, you would see a bunch of ruins, primarily a watchtower with another energy pillar coming from it with a sign indicating it had been turned into a tavern. A group of guards killed around in heavy armor, an archer held a bow to her hand, looking over the scene from the top of a makeshift wood tower behind a barrier.

A guard approached you all. He pushed back his cloak, revealing a Harper Pin. “I was told you would be coming.” He said calmly. “Something about Xalliana?”

@Tower District

---

Merlin, and any who followed him, would be given several purple robes to put on. They would be led by Harper Boward to a back alley within Protector’s Enclave and a door would stand in front of them.

She would speak quietly. “This is as far as I can take you. It’s too dangerous for me in there.

The slot in it would open, and sharp golden eyes would pierce through.

A sharp voice would reach out, piercing like a knife. “What is is that you will break even when you name it?"

@CultoftheDragon



After a small waiting period within the, also heavily guarded, Blacklake district, Boward would show up. She carried a small crossbow in her hand. Two guards stood with her, swords at their side. She would lead whoever volunteered and the two guards to a large abandoned manor house overlooking a dry lake.


painted on the wall of the building next to the door was a familiar symbol:

She looked towards the gathered group with a nod. "Are you all ready?" She asked.

@Jeremi @Blacklake
​

View attachment 3613

"Another day, another quest, and without any monetary compensation, huh..." Kazuma sighed as though put into a depressive state during the new debriefing. While it was true that he could be considered the kind of person who worked hard when he was poor, it wasn't like that meant he was necessarily a better worker, speaking from a certain way of looking at it.

Still, between the three missions laid out to everyone around him, the young man considered his options, putting into account how it would go if Megumin were to take along as well. After all, the mentor needed to look after his dear subjects' needs.

Raiding a hideout? That personally didn't really appeal to Kazuma, and Megumin would be useless there, as much as bringing a nuke to a knife fight would be. Looking for a missing person? Not so much either. However, pretending to get an in with a cult? Kazuma definitely had experience with that -- that is, running into crazy cults -- as he remembered the members of the Axis Order. Figured that only crazy people would follow a crazy goddess like Aqua, and this was probably no different here either.

So with that, Kazuma had opted to join the cult, donning its purple robes, presumably with Megumin in tow if she felt so inclined. As he and the others reached a back alley that probably led to its base or something like that, the boy furrowed his brow as the man behind the door poised a riddle. Was that supposed to be their version of a special password? Oh, well. He shouldn't complain. Still, considering those next to him were Megumin and some mage who gave really nasty vibes that were reminiscent of Darkness, Kazuma figured he should probably be the one to answer.

Stepping forward, he cleared his throat, and spoke in a forced (fake) deep voice, as if to make himself sound more imposing. "The answer is silence! Now let us inside!" He answered before laying out a demand, trying to put on a tough act.

@Gummi Bunnies @Kaykay @Minerva @CultGroup​

The face would nod. You would hear a lock unlatch, and the door would open. Once inside, you would see what looked like an opulent party. Banners hung from the wall with the cult’s symbol emblazoned on them. At the back, a man and a woman wore armored dress:

Several other figures stood around in purple robes, holding large pole arms, watching the crowd. It was definitely unlike a normal party, just by the vibe.

Now that you were in, however, it was time to mingle.

There was a bar with a group of young nobles sitting around it and chatting. An altar was at the other end. Finally, there was an elf woman standing by a painting.

@Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay



“The diversion will be great.” Boward said, loading the crossbow. “Thank you.” The two guards with her nodded as well, putting their hands on their swords.

@Jeremi @Blacklake​

Elizia
@Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay @Minerva

It was a long, grueling fight, but Elizia had fought worse things before, from goblins, to genocidal dragons. Even some... Unlikely foes, but all the same, once all was said and done, she reported back to the Inn with the others.

Although she never got any kind of monetary compensation, just the fact that Otus was fine was enough consolation for her. This didn't stop her from feeling frustrated that the Nashers had managed to escape with the crown though.

But that was something she could take care of later.

For now, she receded to a corner to sulk, and stew on where the crown might be by now. Maybe it was being sold on some kind of Black Market? No, too easy. It was more likely to be part of some intricate, sinister plot, but who knows. Was this a long-running quest line? Or just a loose end she had to tie up?

Her mind was far from at ease as she slept that night, but alas... She regained her focus when she awoke in the morning, and was given another mission so to speak.

The 'Cult of the Dragon' has apparently been acting up lately. Their presense being an insidious one it seems that had more recently started to create more high profile problems. While they had other side options, in Elizia's mind, the answer was clear. The most direct way to resolve the issue with this cult, is to help infiltrate it.

Following the lead of Merlin, and another party member, who easily solved the riddle presented to them, she slipped on the robes she had been given... And followed the others into the cult.

As her eyes scoured her surroundings, her attention was immediately captured by the elf woman standing by that painting. Wordlessly, she stepped closer, trying to remember if she had seen her before. Although... She would pretend to be looking at the painting the elf woman was gazing at as well, so she wouldn't seem too suspicious.​

 

[Crow]

"Me? A hero?" Clarisse smiled. Just a while ago she was scorned for devastating the bridge, but now people were praising her for shared collaborative Dracolich-slaying.

---

"I'm at a bit indecisive... I don't have Master Cag's wisdom... I'm not sure if I can pull a cult infiltration off too well... I the hideout raid might be best for me and my explosive power! See you all later!"

@Minerva @Jeremi @Crow @Blacklake​

 

[Jeremi]

The face would nod. You would hear a lock unlatch, and the door would open. Once inside, you would see what looked like an opulent party. Banners hung from the wall with the cult’s symbol emblazoned on them. At the back, a man and a woman wore armored dress:

Several other figures stood around in purple robes, holding large pole arms, watching the crowd. It was definitely unlike a normal party, just by the vibe.

Now that you were in, however, it was time to mingle.

There was a bar with a group of young nobles sitting around it and chatting. An altar was at the other end. Finally, there was an elf woman standing by a painting.

@Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay



“The diversion will be great.” Boward said, loading the crossbow. “Thank you.” The two guards with her nodded as well, putting their hands on their swords.

@Jeremi @Blacklake​

"Then off I go!" This was going to be great! Scorpia made a beeline towards the closest window not even bothering with any stealth. If she managed to get this far with out anyone stopping her she'd leap inside the manor through the window to try and get everyone's attention.

@Minerva @Crow @Blacklake

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

How lively this party appeared to be. Well, even if this was an intel mission, Merlin saw no reason to really rush and to be pushy with gaining information. That would just blow his cover and surely everyone else's that happened to tag along. He had to ease his way into blending in first! Strolling over to the bar, the mage worked up the most casual-sounding opening he could muster up.

❝ Ah, is there room for one more to partake in this wonderful conversation? ❞ A flirtatious wink was the cherry on top from Merlin's attempt to join these young nobles at the bar.

@Minerva @Ver @York @Kaykay @Takumi​

 

[Ver]

"... Hmm."

Watching Merlin try to blend into the group at the bar with a disapproving edge, Kazuma decided to see just how this would turn out. Considering how the mage came off to the group, Kazuma figured he'd probably have to watch out for how literally anyone else would react to Merlin; it felt like he just oozed a viscous, uneasy aura to him.

Especially with his "How do you do, fellow kids?" approach.

@Minerva @Kaykay @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @York​

 

[Kaykay]

Megumin followed Kazuma and a few of the others to the cult infiltration. Her...very precise skill-set didn't lend itself to much but she didn't really have much luck with parties other than Kazuma so here she was.

"...Kazuma, our plan this time wouldn't happen to be trying to seduce the cult members, would it?"

The archwizard whispered quietly to Kazuma, even if it wasn't so much a question as much as it was her own vocalization of unease with Merlin's choice of approach.

@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @York​

 

[Ver]

"If it was, you'd be useless in that area too," Kazuma responded to Megumin without a hitch, pointing his finger directly at her chest.

@Kaykay​

 

[Kaykay]

"Y-you intend to keep sexually harassing me even in these circumstances?!" Megumin cried, wrapping her arms around herself.

@Ver​

 

[Takumi]

The face would nod. You would hear a lock unlatch, and the door would open. Once inside, you would see what looked like an opulent party. Banners hung from the wall with the cult’s symbol emblazoned on them. At the back, a man and a woman wore armored dress:

Several other figures stood around in purple robes, holding large pole arms, watching the crowd. It was definitely unlike a normal party, just by the vibe.

Now that you were in, however, it was time to mingle.

There was a bar with a group of young nobles sitting around it and chatting. An altar was at the other end. Finally, there was an elf woman standing by a painting.

@Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay



“The diversion will be great.” Boward said, loading the crossbow. “Thank you.” The two guards with her nodded as well, putting their hands on their swords.

@Jeremi @Blacklake​

How lively this party appeared to be. Well, even if this was an intel mission, Merlin saw no reason to really rush and to be pushy with gaining information. That would just blow his cover and surely everyone else's that happened to tag along. He had to ease his way into blending in first! Strolling over to the bar, the mage worked up the most casual-sounding opening he could muster up.

❝ Ah, is there room for one more to partake in this wonderful conversation? ❞ A flirtatious wink was the cherry on top from Merlin's attempt to join these young nobles at the bar.

@Minerva @Ver @York @Kaykay @Takumi​

"Pardon, but if my companion here is bothering you, then I apologize." Arslan spoke up as he approached the nobles at the bar that Merlin tried speaking to. He didn't have mich experience speaking with nobles, but this could be good practice...hopefully anyway.

If whatever the heck Merlin tried failed, Arslan hoped he could potentially fix it.

@Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Others/Bar

 

[Minerva]

Elizia
@Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @Kaykay @Minerva

It was a long, grueling fight, but Elizia had fought worse things before, from goblins, to genocidal dragons. Even some... Unlikely foes, but all the same, once all was said and done, she reported back to the Inn with the others.

Although she never got any kind of monetary compensation, just the fact that Otus was fine was enough consolation for her. This didn't stop her from feeling frustrated that the Nashers had managed to escape with the crown though.

But that was something she could take care of later.

For now, she receded to a corner to sulk, and stew on where the crown might be by now. Maybe it was being sold on some kind of Black Market? No, too easy. It was more likely to be part of some intricate, sinister plot, but who knows. Was this a long-running quest line? Or just a loose end she had to tie up?

Her mind was far from at ease as she slept that night, but alas... She regained her focus when she awoke in the morning, and was given another mission so to speak.

The 'Cult of the Dragon' has apparently been acting up lately. Their presense being an insidious one it seems that had more recently started to create more high profile problems. While they had other side options, in Elizia's mind, the answer was clear. The most direct way to resolve the issue with this cult, is to help infiltrate it.

Following the lead of Merlin, and another party member, who easily solved the riddle presented to them, she slipped on the robes she had been given... And followed the others into the cult.

As her eyes scoured her surroundings, her attention was immediately captured by the elf woman standing by that painting. Wordlessly, she stepped closer, trying to remember if she had seen her before. Although... She would pretend to be looking at the painting the elf woman was gazing at as well, so she wouldn't seem too suspicious.

The painting was a large one of a dragon destroying a city. The title was "Waterdeep" and the painter was Osril Vekere. The painting seemed to move. The elf woman appeared to be Valerie, the one who had been watching the group during the riot. She put her head down and went back into the crowd.

A man in purple robes came up. "Beautiful painting ain't it?" He said.

"Me? A hero?" Clarisse smiled. Just a while ago she was scorned for devastating the bridge, but now people were praising her for shared collaborative Dracolich-slaying.

---

"I'm at a bit indecisive... I don't have Master Cag's wisdom... I'm not sure if I can pull a cult infiltration off too well... I the hideout raid might be best for me and my explosive power! See you all later!"

@Minerva @Jeremi @Crow @Blacklake

"Then off I go!" This was going to be great! Scorpia made a beeline towards the closest window not even bothering with any stealth. If she managed to get this far with out anyone stopping her she'd leap inside the manor through the window to try and get everyone's attention.

@Minerva @Crow @Blacklake

She would break into a room where four soldiers in Nasher gear stood around crates and weapon stands. They seemed surprised and grabbed weapons to charge. Suddenly, Boward kicked down the door. She fired a crossbow into one, causing him to collapse n pain. "Let's go!" She shouted, loading another bolt.

How lively this party appeared to be. Well, even if this was an intel mission, Merlin saw no reason to really rush and to be pushy with gaining information. That would just blow his cover and surely everyone else's that happened to tag along. He had to ease his way into blending in first! Strolling over to the bar, the mage worked up the most casual-sounding opening he could muster up.

❝ Ah, is there room for one more to partake in this wonderful conversation? ❞ A flirtatious wink was the cherry on top from Merlin's attempt to join these young nobles at the bar.

@Minerva @Ver @York @Kaykay @Takumi

"... Hmm."

Watching Merlin try to blend into the group at the bar with a disapproving edge, Kazuma decided to see just how this would turn out. Considering how the mage came off to the group, Kazuma figured he'd probably have to watch out for how literally anyone else would react to Merlin; it felt like he just oozed a viscous, uneasy aura to him.

Especially with his "How do you do, fellow kids?" approach.

@Minerva @Kaykay @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @York

Megumin followed Kazuma and a few of the others to the cult infiltration. Her...very precise skill-set didn't lend itself to much but she didn't really have much luck with parties other than Kazuma so here she was.

"...Kazuma, our plan this time wouldn't happen to be trying to seduce the cult members, would it?"

The archwizard whispered quietly to Kazuma, even if it wasn't so much a question as much as it was her own vocalization of unease with Merlin's choice of approach.

@Minerva @Ver @Gummi Bunnies @Takumi @York

"Pardon, but if my companion here is bothering you, then I apologize." Arslan spoke up as he approached the nobles at the bar that Merlin tried speaking to. He didn't have mich experience speaking with nobles, but this could be good practice...hopefully anyway.

If whatever the heck Merlin tried failed, Arslan hoped he could potentially fix it.

@Minerva @Gummi Bunnies @Others/Bar

The two nobles would stop their conversation for a second. "Excuse us, sorry. We were just discussing the future of the cult." The woman said. "The Cult of the Dragon seeks to move the races forward by bringing forth Tiamat. The leader Severin Silraijin hopes to bring new life to the cult." She said.

The two looked confused at each other during the Kazuma-Megumin kerfuffle.​