Rotthran, you make your way to the Yawning Portal. As you go inside, someone sees you and motions you to go up the stairs. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Sybil talking with a man you know as Mirt. 

Waiting for Mirt to shows up, ignoring him while signs of Bill are still present, "Bill's being annoying me more often, any advice?"

Mirt chuckles in Bill's voice before he returns to normal. Sybil, when you ask that question, he says," Don't make deals with him and let him inside your head. He's right though. Your friend Roland is in danger. So are some other people in this city and we're working on that. As for Roland, he's got Cormyearan noble blood, and he's died before and came back to life. If you and your housemates want, I can talk to Lady Silverhand and we can have security at Trollskull Manor."

Rotthran looks around to see any other familiar face, especially any opposing faction members.

Perception: 22

Nice roll. You see at a table that's about 20 feet from the well, a group of Xanathar thugs. They appear in normal clothes, but the face tattoos are dead giveaways. You also see Yagra arm wrestling an elven woman and when she sees you, gives you a nod. 

"I'll talk to my housemates about it. I can't speak on their behalf. You've seen how chaotic they can be," Sybil states as places her drink on the table, "I'll keep you inform about what they decide," She stands up and starting heading for the door. 

Rotthran goes to sit at a table with a view of all the Xanathars and Yagra. He patiently waits whilst sipping his drink.

Rotthran, you see the Xanathar whisper to each other as you hear mailed footsteps apporach. You see a dark-haired woman in chainmail armor. Around her neck is a holy symbol with a Black hand on it. She sees you and nods. "Glad you could make it, Wolf. Chadis Darkhope." 

You know that Wolf is the second ranking in a Zhentarim.  The Darkhope name is familiar to you and other members of the Black Network. Scyulla Darkhope was one of the top ranked Zhentarim members during the 14th century. She was once the right hand of Fzoul Chembryl and she captured Shadowdale but was later killed when Shadowdale took back the city. 

"Ah, so it was Miss Darkhope whom had summoned me. If I had known I would be in company of someone so beautiful and alluring, I would have smartened up a bit. My name is Rotthran," he says offering a small bow whilst keeping an eye on the Xanathar goons.

"Would you prefer to take this somewhere more private?" he asks, flicking his eyes to the goons.

Darkhope nods. "Yes. Normally I'd love to skewer some Xanathar goons, but I respect the Yawning Portal too much for that. Besides, I wouldn't want to get your housemate over there in a fight she didn't ask for. Let's go my room." 

She begins walking up stairs. 

Rotthran takes another quick look around before retreating upstairs.

Heading back to the manor, seeing some people were out already, Sybil writes a note "Need house meeting in morning - Sybil." leaving in on the table before retiring to her room. 

Quote from KappyTheLimey >>

Rotthran takes another quick look around before retreating upstairs.

Rotthran, you go upstairs and enter Darkhope's room. On the note is a piece of a paper as she grabs it. "Apologies for not sending this information to you in a note, but we have an urgent matter. There's a witch going up and down the Sword Coast looking for people who've died if that makes sense. She's seeking people for some ritual to bring her son in from some place called Barovia. I don't know much, but we're on guard because one of our spies snuck into her hut - a walking hut with chicken legs - and found this list of people she's hunting. At the top is Manshoon. She must be seeking him because he's lived a long life and died, but I don't think she's taken into account his clones. Still, we're keeping a close eye on him, as well as other potential targets. One of those happens to be your manager, or groundskeeper. I'm not sure which. Roland, I think his name was."

 She takes a swig of water and adds," We've also learned that she's been in contact with the Xanathar. He must have supplied her with the names of people in Waterdeep who she could hunt. We don't know what he's getting in return, but it's likely something to help him take control of the city.  

She hands you the paper and it's a list of names that include Manshoon and Roland. Below is the whole list

"What are you asking of me, to stop these inquires the old fashioned way? I know of this Roland but not too well however the group I blend with seems to be more familiar with him," Rotthran asks as he pockets the list.

"I wouldn't recommend trying to kill any of these targets," Darkhope says. "Most of them are powerful beyond your capabilities. Those who aren't, like this Roland, are well connected. I want you to find this Barovian witch and take any magic items that she may have. She might have something useful. I also want you to find out the specifics of her dealings with the Xanathar. Perhaps we could make this witch a better offer, or the City learns of the Xanathar's dealings with this witch and hunt more of them. Making things easier for us."  

Twitch sprawls on the floor in front of the fire at the manor but will accompany anyone who needs a bodyguard.

"I'll see what I can do," says Rotthran, turning to leave.

Quote from KappyTheLimey >>

"I'll see what I can do," says Rotthran, turning to leave.

Darkhope gives you a thumbs up. "Good luck." 

With that, Rotthran leaves without incident. Anything else you wish to do for the evening?

Quote from Damian_May >>

Twitch sprawls on the floor in front of the fire at the manor but will accompany anyone who needs a bodyguard.

Twitch, it appears no one needs a bodyguard for now. Jaina and Roland leave together as Brew prepares some drinks for some new patrons. Guhner is meeting folks at the door but he'll walk over and give you a scratch on the neck. 

Rotthran will keep his ear to the ground on Xanathar activities and then head back to the Manor.