Chapter 5: Return to the Surface

It appears that the dwarves had tried to much holy water already and they pass out or vomit rather quickly. Amazingly, the tiny half-elf winds the contest!

Sarith grumbles as he hands over a small handful of coins.

Sarith moves over and offers a hand to Elfog, "Get up, you drunken fool, before you fall asleep here," he says seriously, but there is the barest hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.

Two days later you are called upon again and led to a huge feast hall. The banners of numerous factions are draped on the walls and many well-to-do people mill about the tables, making lighthearted conversation. You recognize the banners of the Order of the Gauntlet, The Harpers, The Emerald Enclave, The Lords' Alliance, and even the Zhentarim.

You are led to the high table to sit with Bruenor Battlehammer himself. As you settle in, he stands up and the gathered people go quiet and sit down. He gives thanks to them for coming and offers them the warmth and welcome of Gauntlgrym, as well as the blessings of the dwarven gods.

With that, you settle in and enjoy the best meal that you've had in ages while you participate in conversation with those around you.

---

Once the meal is over, you are led into a side chamber for a small meeting with just Bruenor.

"I've told the allies ye met tonight what ye told me," he says. "I invited them here to learn what is happening, to share what we know, and to get their backing for what it is I propose. Ye have braved the Underdark and lived to tell the tale. Ye know, better than anyone, what it is we face, but we need to know more.

"The Zhentarim have a stake in a secret Underdark trading post called Mantoi-Derith. If ye can get them on our side, they'll guide ye there, where ye can meet with one of their agents, Ghazrim Du Loc. He can provide ye with a map to Graven hollow. It's a legendary place built by the stone giants long ago. said to contain all the knowledge of the depths. If there's answers to be found for what has happened, ye might find them there. If ye are willing to go back, that is.

"I don't propose to send ye into the dark unprepared, and I hope ye make an impression on those gathered here so they'll support our cause and your mission. From all I've seen and heard, there's no one better to do what needs be done.

"So, what say ye?"

Sarith sighs, "There's no place like home, right?"

"They're kinda shady, it's true," Bruenor says, "Selfish and self-reliant, but they are well connected. Like I said, they have an outpost in the Underdark that'll be important to our goals there, so it's important that we get them on board with us."

Hunter knows that the Zhentarim are an organization that seeks power and wealth above all else. They put on a benign front, but they aren't above getting their hands dirty to get what they want. They are rumored to be heavily affiliated with the black market, are very protective of their own, and are a group you don't want to get on the bad side of.

Sarith thinks for a moment, "I haven't had dealings with them personally, but their touch reaches even down below the surface. They are big in circles that like to import goods and services from the surface world."

"I don't think the Zhentarim are involved in importing people, no,' Sarith says, shaking his head, "My people do that on their own."

"Then it's a good thing that we have lots to offer. A good trade deal should be enough to bring 'em around."