2. Wyrm's Rock

"Thank you for that, Koveras," Duke Jannath says. "So not Iron Throne reinforcements, and not a guild of assassins. Any other ideas?"

"I dunno, Blood," Aiwë flashes the man a grin, "in our experience the assassins he's got have been rather sub-par and as a result me and mine have been thinning their ranks." She sighs.

"But... if we're sure that won't work, then how about Zhentarim agents? With Harpers at large," she gestures to Jahiera and Khalid, "it's a reasonable story that they might hesitate to have more of their ranks enter the city. We even know a few bona-fide members," she spits her last words though her teeth, "but they're wild cards."

Koveras dips his head in a bow to Aiwe. "That you have. However, I worry that he may have more talented ones at his disposal yet. Not would-be bandits or amateur Black Talons, but other... special assets. You have seen the doppelgangers, for example."

Jaheira raises her voice. "As a mercenary company and mercantile organization, with plenty of shady dealings and plots of its own, the Zhentarim could be ideal. In fact, for a time we suspected they were the ones behind the Iron Crisis."

Her eyes pick through the council members again, as if daring anyone here to come out as a Zhent. "I would never trust an actual Zhentarim agent to do anything for the good of the Sword Coast, but... neither am I in charge of this venture. It could be that only a true Zhent would be convincing to Rieltar." She says the last with a shrug.

Dieter nods in affirmation to Koveras’ words. There are always bigger fish, always.

"The Zhents I know want to stop the iron crisis too, at least at the order of their superiors. I in no way trust them, but we may be able to use them to make our ruse more convincing. If there are no other ideas..." She looks around just short of pleadingly.

Belt leans forward and rests his hands on his knees. "Duke Jannath mentioned the Knights of the Shield. Information dealers, political manipulators... They could also be a good match. Though Duke Silvershield has some history with them..." He turns to look at Entar.

Entar's frown grows even more severe. "I hate to even mention them. But..." He meets eyes with the other Grand Dukes. "It's true. They would make a tempting offer for Anchev. Though I couldn't stomach working with any of them personally. Better yet if we could simply masquerade as them, rather than employ any of their agents."

Aldous' frown mirrors his father's. "What? Who are these Knights of the Shield? What 'history' do you have with them? I-"

"Not now, Aldous," Entar snaps. "Not here."

In an uncharacteristic display, the Duke rests his elbows on his knees and lapses into silence.

Liia clears her throat to bring the attention back to her. "So. The Zhentarim, or the Knights of the Shield. Which one shall we decide? And who will lead the team impersonating them?"

She scans everyone, impressing on each the importance of the situation. "Remember that we will also need a team to infiltrate the Iron Throne compound, and must also decide who will make up that team. If you have any thoughts to share on these matters, then do so. If we cannot come to a consensus, it might come to a vote."

Koveras straightens. "Whatever the charade, I will be part of that team."

(Insight: The half-orc's eyes blaze. He wants to be in the group that gets him closest to Rieltar.)

Liia frowns. "Koveras. I had thought you would take lead in the team that infiltrates the compound. You know its layout, after all, and stand the best chance of reaching the office undetected."

Aiwë looks at Koveras sharply and speaks to him in Orcish. "To truly cripple the Iron Throne Rieltar can't die until we have the evidence we need, otherwise it will spawn another one just like him."

Koveras' face darkens and he opens his mouth to retort... but as he looks at Aiwe his expression cools. Perhaps he's thinking of the calm he felt last night under Aiwe's spell. He closes his eyes a moment and then nods to both her and Duke Jannath. "It will be as you say. I will go with the team that enters Rieltar's office. Though, I may not be the leader you want for such a mission."

Xan speaks for Aiwe's keen ears alone. "That was impressive. I had heard the son of Rieltar was strong-willed, but you seem to have tamed him somehow."

Aiwë nods to Koveras, then murmurs her reply to Xan.

"He has an Orcish will forged in pain. They are not tamed, they are understood. He knows I understand him and his thirst for Rieltar's blood." At least, she hopes he does.

She speaks to the group after another moment. "I will go with the group Stella chooses, though I recommend the infiltration group. Rieltar is likely to remember the descriptions of those who's assassination he ordered."

Stella seats herself by Aldous.
Why does everyone cut their hand?! It is orders of magnitudes more sensitive to pain than, say, the arm!

When Duke Eltan enters, she studies him, and scratching some notes in her tome, filling out a previously blank entry where she had already written his name. During the presentation, Stella is absorbed by the illusory visuals.

Quote:

"This isn’t a hole in the plan, it’s merely undecided;"

That's...still a hole, Stella noted. Just one she hadn't overlooked.

When asked for ideas for a group to impersonate, the Zhentarim is the first Stella thinks of.

Quote:

Eltan's eyes widen in surprise. "You are correct, Aldous. Forgive my error, I am trying to find a place in this plan for myself and my men, and I spoke too soon."

Stella is immediately impressed by the humility of the Duke Eltan. And is pleased by Duke Silvershield's.

Quote:

Maybe a g-guild of... assassins?"

Stella's eyes widen and she nods. He loves his assassins. Or, having them, that is.

Quote:

"Rieltar has already got assassins," Koveras calls out. "Why would he need more?"

Because we killed many of them.

Quote:

"not a guild of assassins."

Why not?

Quote:

"It could be that only a true Zhent would be convincing to Rieltar."

We do know a few true Zhents...and a few...partial Zhents? What is Gemini?
"Agreed," Stella says, speaking up for the first time. "My companions are more adept with infiltration than subterfuge, especially if disguises are required. We can be part of the infiltration team. If Duke Silvershield doesn't believe working with the Knights of the Shield to be wise, our connections with the Zhentarim may be our best option."

"I agree" Dieter speaks up. "We will take part in the infiltration. What are our rules of engagement?"

Liia's eyes dance as she smiles, clearly pleased with the party's choice, as well as Aiwe's handling of Koveras. "Very well! Your specialized party will infiltrate the compound and procure the evidence we seek." Then she speaks to Dieter: "With respect, there will be time to discuss the details of your mission later. For now, there are other things yet to decide that require the council's attention."

Liia turns to Duke Entar. "It seems the decision is yours as to whether the lure team disguises itself as members of the Knights of the Shield or the Zhentarim. I understand that this is a difficult issue for you, and so I propose we take a short recess. When we reconvene, this is a point we will need answered."

Her gaze takes in the entire group. "Just across the hall is a room with refreshments. Please be back in..." She conjures an image of a clock face. "...twenty minutes ready to continue our discussion."