Waterdeep Dragon Heist - Campaign Thread (DM: Webgambit)

Vassa sits with rapt attention throughout Cece's recounting of this building's fascinating history, glacing around himself with something of a new appreciation and perspective for what they've inherited.

As the obligingly knowledgeable woman finish's her historical recounting, the curious bard pipes in with a few questions,'

"So around two hundred years ago this building was a base of the Shadow Thieves. Though I've heard the name, I know nothing more of the group. Then, about a century ago, it was an orphanage... which you don't or won't talk about? Is it the former or the latter, might I ask?

Then thirty odd years ago ol' Lif gives the place a new lease on life... which tragically costs his own. An unsolved murder, it would seem. Two staff returned to Lowhills... where is that, by the way? And another over at the Mermaid's Arms, a place that I'm passingly familiar with. Was there a particular watch officer in charge of the investigation do you know? Any witnesses, or other info on the poor man's untimely death that you could share with us?

Vassa is summarising and regurgitating the information provided in an attempt to squeeze any final info out of Cece that the woman may not have previously shared.

[OOC] If needed to try and glean any further info from her - persuasion check: 25

investigation check: 12

insight check to see if she can't or won't talk about the orphanage and why: 4

Quote from WebGambit >>

"I'm sure some of the guilds may be willing to offer discounts in exchange for services, but you'd need to speak with them directly."

Pausing to finish her cup of coffee, Cece then looks back up, "I understand that you don't have the full amount. If there's any way I can get the license and guild fees today that will enable me to continue working the project. Without that, everything is on hold. If you're all planning on staying here, it would also be good to get an additional 490 gold to take care of the roof, plumbing, and masonry repairs. This will enable me to get crews in here to get the manor structurally sound so that you can legally stay here and it'll also prevent more damage from being done from rain and the like. That said, it'll take at least 5 or 6 days for the repairs to be done, so you'll still need other accommodations until then." Glancing back at Kestrell's "bed" from last night, "That's assuming you want to do everything legally. If you want to stay before then, I'd recommend not sleeping on the first floor in clear view of the street, though."

 
Vassa nods in acceptance at Cece's insistance on receiving the fees up front and pulls out five of the silver trade bars, saying,'

"Would these cover the initial licensing and guild requirements? Oh, and do you have any particular contacts within the guilds that we could speak to about getting specific work done or negotiating services for costs... that sort of thing?"

Turning back to his Kes, Phaedra and Silver, Vassa will ask his companions as he eyes up the remaining silver bars,'

"So what do we think? Do we pay up what we can now, despite us not really having another 'job' on the books at this moment... or do we gear up and go speak to these guilds about some kind of alternative payment plan? I know that you just joined us, Phaedra... but you're here with us now, so your vote counts the same as the rest in my book."

Cece lifts one of the silver bars and inspects it, flipping it over and polishing it with a cloth pulled from a pouch at her hip. You see that there's a stamp on the bottom of the bar near one end. Cece nods and looks back up, "Yes, these 5 trade bars will cover the license and guild fees."

"As for your other request," she hesitates, "I know a few people that might be willing to discount their repairs in exchange for some... help. I won't give out their names, but I'll let them know to come speak with you. Before I get their hopes up, are you willing to do tasks of dangerous and of questionable legality?"

"Yes, pay what we can now.  Get the work started, that way.  Then we should see if these guilds will negotiate services rendered, as you say.  But, perhaps before that, we should poke our heads down the portal.  I've got a powerful itch all the sudden to see what there is to see, down yonder."

Quote from WebGambit >>

...

 Glancing back at Kestrell's "bed" from last night, "That's assuming you want to do everything legally. If you want to stay before then, I'd recommend not sleeping on the first floor in clear view of the street, though."

Turning to Cece: "Right.  Helpful suggestion, thank you."

Quote from WebGambit >>

Cece lifts one of the silver bars and inspects it, flipping it over and polishing it with a cloth pulled from a pouch at her hip. You see that there's a stamp on the bottom of the bar near one end. Cece nods and looks back up, "Yes, these 5 trade bars will cover the license and guild fees."

"As for your other request," she hesitates, "I know a few people that might be willing to discount their repairs in exchange for some... help. I won't give out their names, but I'll let them know to come speak with you. Before I get their hopes up, are you willing to do tasks of dangerous and of questionable legality?"

Vassa raises an eyebrow in suprise at Cece's question, having assumed that the major guilds would mainly be on the up-and-up. Looking at Silver for the admirably shifty man's thoughts on the matter, the bard with his own shady past simply replies,'

"Thanks for that, Cece. Dangerous we can handle. Every gander comes with the chance of danger, as my anagram loving old nan used to say, bless her heart. And if the question is still being asked, then the deed can't be definitively illegal now... can it?"

The half-drow is being intentionally cagey on just how low he is willing to go to save coin and get in good with the city's powerful guilds. Suddenly intrigued by someone he thought was just a messenger-come-tax-collector, Vassa studies Cece more carefully.

[OOC] Not rolling more perception or insight checks since I already did that (and failed for the most part), unless wanted? General info is fine, race/appearance/dress, etc. 

Quote from KestrellKestrell >>

"Yes, pay what we can now.  Get the work started, that way.  Then we should see if these guilds will negotiate services rendered, as you say.  But, perhaps before that, we should poke our heads down the portal.  I've got a powerful itch all the sudden to see what there is to see, down yonder."

Quote from WebGambit >>

...

 Glancing back at Kestrell's "bed" from last night, "That's assuming you want to do everything legally. If you want to stay before then, I'd recommend not sleeping on the first floor in clear view of the street, though."

 

Turning to Cece: "Right.  Helpful suggestion, thank you."

Vassa nods at Kes's call on the silver and begins lining up the bars for distribution to Cece, but then says,'

"I'm down for that, Kes, but shouldn't we go and see if we can get a discount or work something out first? We might not need to pay all of this after all.

Looking at the silver bars on the old counter, the bard asks the guild rep,'

"Unless we can pay now and then get some back if we work out an alternative deal with your bosses? Regardless, how much of those costs will all of this silver cover? Would it be enough to get all the structural repairs done?"

Kestrell raises an eyebrow at the implication of illegal doings, but doesn't take it any further, waiting to see how Vassa and Silver respond.

"Well, yes, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to wait around a bit and see if any of the guilds will work a discount with us."

Kestrell turns to Cece.

"By the way, 10 gold for a sign?  Where I come from, you could buy a donkey or hell a milk cow for that.  Hey, that's not a bad idea.  Maybe our new tavern needs a milk cow.  Fresh cream in the mornings, eggs cooked in butter.  Mmmm."

Quote from vassasunstar >>

Quote from KestrellKestrell >>

"Yes, pay what we can now.  Get the work started, that way.  Then we should see if these guilds will negotiate services rendered, as you say.  But, perhaps before that, we should poke our heads down the portal.  I've got a powerful itch all the sudden to see what there is to see, down yonder."

Quote from WebGambit >>

...

 Glancing back at Kestrell's "bed" from last night, "That's assuming you want to do everything legally. If you want to stay before then, I'd recommend not sleeping on the first floor in clear view of the street, though."

 

Turning to Cece: "Right.  Helpful suggestion, thank you."

 

Vassa nods at Kes's call on the silver and begins lining up the bars for distribution to Cece, but then says,'

"I'm down for that, Kes, but shouldn't we go and see if we can get a discount or work something out first? We might not need to pay all of this after all.

Looking at the silver bars on the old counter, the bard asks the guild rep,'

"Unless we can pay now and then get some back if we work out an alternative deal with your bosses? Regardless, how much of those costs will all of this silver cover? Would it be enough to get all the structural repairs done?"

Cece takes five more of the silver bars and moves them to the pile with the five from earlier. "With your permission, I'll take these ten trade bars. That's 500 gold in value and I'll use it to pay the licenses, guild fees, and then reach out to the Carpenters’, Roofers’, and Plaisterers’ Guild to fix the roof and the Guild of Glassblowers, Glaziers, and Spectacle-makers to replace all the windows."

Pointing to the remaining five trade bars, "You keep those. I'll reach out to my friends. One is a member of the Guild of Stonecutters, Masons, Potters, and Tile-makers and the other is a member of the Cellarers’ and Plumbers’ Guild. I will tell my friends to come speak with you here later today. They can tell you what they need done and you can negotiate everything from there. If you decide that you can't," glancing at Phaedra and then away, "or won't do what they need just let them know. No harm, no foul. Does that work for you all?"

"Fresh cream for the coffee and butter for thick hearth cooked toast? Sounds brilliant to me, Kes.

Oh, and did anyone else notice how when this place was signed over to us, it was noted that we didn't have a group name? From the old tales and songs I've learned about legendary adventurers, which we are clearly destined to become, party names seem like a definite thing. That might be something we can start to think on over the coming week or so."

Quote from WebGambit >>

Cece takes five more of the silver bars and moves them to the pile with the five from earlier. "With your permission, I'll take these ten trade bars. That's 500 gold in value and I'll use it to pay the licenses, guild fees, and then reach out to the Carpenters’, Roofers’, and Plaisterers’ Guild to fix the roof and the Guild of Glassblowers, Glaziers, and Spectacle-makers to replace all the windows."

Pointing to the remaining five trade bars, "You keep those. I'll reach out to my friends. One is a member of the Guild of Stonecutters, Masons, Potters, and Tile-makers and the other is a member of the Cellarers’ and Plumbers’ Guild. I will tell my friends to come speak with you here later today. They can tell you what they need done and you can negotiate everything from there. If you decide that you can't," glancing at Phaedra and then away, "or won't do what they need just let them know. No harm, no foul. Does that work for you all?"

 
"Sounds more than fair to me, Cece. Perfect, in fact. It'll even leave us a little to get a few things we might need... particularly if we're going down the Portal.

Come to think of it, here, Silver. I found a nice little short sword for you. Interesting story to go along with it, but I'll tell you all about it after we finish our business with Cece."

Vassa hands over the short sword that he took from the would be drow assassin.

Quote from vassasunstar >>

"Fresh cream for the coffee and butter for thick hearth cooked toast? Sounds brilliant to me, Kes.

Oh, and did anyone else notice how when this place was signed over to us, it was noted that we didn't have a group name? From the old tales and songs I've learned about legendary adventurers, which we are clearly destined to become, party names seem like a definite thing. That might be something we can start to think on over the coming week or so."

 "Regarding the cream, Agreed! Cece, strike the sign from that list, and point us in the direction of the cow guild?  Or is it a dairy guild?"

"Destined to become legendary, you say, Vassa?  Hmm.  Yes, let's think of something.  The Cow Milkers? The Milk Masters?  It probably doesn't have to be just milk related titles.  I'll think on that some more."

Quote from KestrellKestrell >>

Quote from vassasunstar >>

"Fresh cream for the coffee and butter for thick hearth cooked toast? Sounds brilliant to me, Kes.

Oh, and did anyone else notice how when this place was signed over to us, it was noted that we didn't have a group name? From the old tales and songs I've learned about legendary adventurers, which we are clearly destined to become, party names seem like a definite thing. That might be something we can start to think on over the coming week or so."

 "Regarding the cream, Agreed! Cece, strike the sign from that list, and point us in the direction of the cow guild?  Or is it a dairy guild?"

"Destined to become legendary, you say, Vassa?  Hmm.  Yes, let's think of something.  The Cow Milkers? The Milk Masters?  It probably doesn't have to be just milk related titles.  I'll think on that some more."

Cece looked up from loading the silver bars into her bag. "For cream you'll want the Council of Farmer-Grocers. The various farms have delivery routes through town. Once you're up and running you should be able to get on your chosen farm's route and have fresh cream delivered daily, should you wish."

Bag loaded, Cece asks, "If that'll be all, I'll be on my way."

Quote from WebGambit >>

Cece looked up from loading the silver bars into her bag. "For cream you'll want the Council of Farmer-Grocers. The various farms have delivery routes through town. Once you're up and running you should be able to get on your chosen farm's route and have fresh cream delivered daily, should you wish."

Bag loaded, Cece asks, "If that'll be all, I'll be on my way."

 
"Fantastic. Thanks for your help, Cece and we'll look forward to meeting some of your guild contacts when they come to call."

After Cece leaves, Vassa will take one of each of the five remaining silver bars and hand one each to Phaedra, Kes and Silver. When he hands the bar to Phaedra, he'll lean forward and murmer just loud enough for the priestess to hear,'

 With a wink, the bard turns to tell them all about his late night dark elf assailant, looking at the sword that Silver is swinging back and forth,'

"So get this right. After magnamoniously leaving you all to divide my silver and finish the drinks off, I went for a stroll down by the docks... and who should come at me with that blade swinging, but a dark elf. Not a half-elf like Silver and I - an honest to goodness drow. 

Anyway, this guy starts spouting off about Darthirr Iblith and hating on half-elves generally while trying to give me a too-close shave. Needless to say that he eventually fell for my charms and I left him in good humour... but I have a feeling that the attack wasn't a coincidence and that we might see him again. You wouldn't have any ideas on what he might have wanted, would you, Silver?"

As he finishes his cup of coffee with another nod of appreciation to Kes, Vassa just quietly studies Silver for a response.

[OOC] insight check: 14

Phaedra shoots Cece a pointed look when she mentions that Elminster sometimes bends the truth in the service of Mystra "The goddess would simply have him recite the accurate truth Cece, it would be in others retelling such stories that facts wonder."

Phaedra is a little taken back when Vassa hands her the silver bar and then mentions about last night, "Well that... it is alright. It was a, well hair was let down... drinks had, silly stories told... ahh you know what I am trying to say... maybe we should just start over... hi I'm Phaedra, nice to meet..." stop being stupid Phaedra

"no, well, thanks for the trade bar, so the Milk Masters Kestrell...that sounds like a great name" your an idiot Phaedra, she thinks to herself. Your going to walk around with a group of supposed adults, trying to strike fear into the hearts of the Zhentarim and Zanathars Guild, while being called the Milk Masters... what are we going to do? Bring the boys to the barn?

"Or at least a good first suggestion for a name... could also be something like Mystra's Mighty... Marauders..."

"Thank you Cece, see you soon."

Kestrell takes the offered silver bar from Vassa and turns it over in his hand.  "What is this for?  Are we not putting it towards the repair and reconstruction cost of this place, so that we can have a grand opening of...The Milk Inn Cow?"

Kestrell turns to Phaedra as she speaks softly: "Thank you Phaedra.  Yes, really just brainstorming here.  No bad ideas as they say.  Mystra's Mighty Mauraders isn't bad.  It's got that alliteration going for it.  Of course, so would Mystra's Mighty...Milkers...hmmm."

Kestrell trails off then continues.  "What was I saying about no bad ideas?"

"I can see this could be a process..." she says as she thinks through other M options "Milkers. Marauders, Murd....no...Mischief Makers...no. Mad...no...Machiavellian, Manipulative...messy, megalomaniacs?"

She looks over to Vassa. Be nice Phaedra. "No...Mature. Definitely not. Merry Mystics? Hmmmm. Maidenly, Mystra's Mesmerizing Maidens." Phaedra looks over at the rugged ranger. "Nope. Mirthful, Modest?" says the cleric, nodding to herself.

Vassa just pours the dregs of the coffee into his mug, as he listens to the proposed party names. Finally, with a grin, the bard says,'

"All wonderful names. Being a huge fan of alliteration, I like where you are both heading with this. The Mirthful Megalomaniacs does have a nice ring to it, Phaedra, and undoubtedly speaks to something deep within me. But then Kes' milk themed names are also rather refereshing - The Milk Magicians or Masters of Milk both have a certain ring to them. The latter we could shorten to the Moms! Or we could go with something left field - The Waterdeep City Trollskull Rollers... a bit wordy, but just think how cool we'd look with sparkly jackets and rollerskates?

Walking over to one of the dirty, dust-caked windows with cracked panes of glass, Vassa tries to peer out into the street, looking for any skulking forms or loitering figures in dark cloaks and cowls, before muttering in a somewhat distracted manner,'

Personally though, I'd prefer something short and catchy... the Mystery Meisters, maybe? Regardless, there's no rush I guess. Just thought that I'd bring it up. Getting back to the whole murderous drow thing though, I don't suppose that any of you saw or know anything relevant. I mean, he could have just been a Zhent or Xanathar goon, but his racist ranting seemed quite specific."

[OOC] perception check (with disadvantage due to the dirty window and his poor vantage point) to notice anything suspicious out front: 9 /  14

"Yes, yes, now we are really getting the hang of this!"

As Vassa tells them about his drow encounter, Kestrell get serious:

"Well what do you suppose that was about?  You think you were targeted specifically for some reason?  What would that be though?"

"Alright, we shouldn't split up again.  No one goes out alone, got to have at least one other person with them.  Now let's come up with a plan.  We are going to wait here until a guild comes to visit?"

Silver just leans against the counter as Vassa asks for ways to find funding and give a smirk "Maybe we just find a lost dungeon in the city and begin exploring...I hear that there is a mind flayer on the lose."

At the mention of the attempt on his life, Silver just sighs understanding what Vassa went through "Figure it was the same guy that was after me when we met. He probably just wants to eliminate us half-breeds. Wouldn't be the first man to try and accomplish and won't be the last."

He just looks over to Kestrell "We have to figure out what guilds we want to even do business with - some may appear clean up front or like they offer a good deal, but eventually they may come asking us to do something not necessarily legal. I recommend that we try to avoid the guilds for now and try to remain neutral ground, the last thing we need is factions like the Bregan D'aerthe or the Order of the Gauntlet making this their territory."

"Yes and No, Kes. Yes, I think that this dark elf attacked me specifically because I'm half-drow, but also no, in that I think that it could have just as easily been Silver or another half-drow that he attacked. I've certainly never met him or run afoul of any drow in the past that I can recall... and I'm fairly certain that I'd remember something like that. 

Agreed on the no splitting up from now on. Last night was my bad. Even if this dark elf doesn't attack again, we've still got possible Zhent or Xanathar retaliation to consider. 

On a plan... I thought that we could go together to purchase a few things. Silver's got his shortsword now, but while I do want to pick up a rapier at some stage, what I'd really like is some studded leather armor. If we're going to act like adventurers, then we should be equiped as such. That's why I thought we should try to hold onto a few of those silver bars."

As Silver mentions that this drow seems to want all of their kind dead, he says with a grimace,'

"Well I'm kind of partial to existing, so this chap is going to have to find another not-quite-a-species to wipe out. So he's just a racist nut-job with an axe to grind? He's not working for or with anyone else on this that you know of?"

When his fellow half-drow mentions the guilds, Vassa shrugs and looks around at where they're all standing, replying,'

"I don't think we have much choice about dealing with the guilds, though I take your point about not getting in too deep. You're right that we should definitely avoid getting involved in guild politics or becoming a pawn for their machinations."

Bason head up to the door of Trollskull Manor. He looks the place up and down. He hasn't been here since he was a lad, barely able to grow his own beard. He hopes these nameless adventures can turn this place around. It was a fine tavern in its day. 

The 4.5' tall dwarf stands before the door to the manor. He hair is a bright red color. His bushy beard is about 5" in length, and his hair goes down just past his shoulders. He has braids starting at his temples, going back and combining to a single braid going down the middle of his hair, it typical Waterdhavian dwarf fashion. He eyebrows are very long and wild as well, almost looking like flames. He's wearing a well used set of chain mail, with a shield and battleaxe on his back. He is carrying a cask on his shoulder. 

He bangs loudly on the door. "Hello! Anybody home! I hear you want to start up your taproom here! I figured I'd come by and introduce myself! I'm Bason CrimsonBrow, I come from the Vintners', Distillers', & Brewers' Guild." 

Bason will attempt to enter the manor.

If Lif attempts to stop him: He will look the spirit up and down. "By the Bearded One! Lif, is that you. You look a lot paler then the last time I saw you."