"Just to be clear, you want me to find and question the talking mare? Like talking without magic and that stuff. " Sybil questions as she messes with bits of her to-her uncomfortable dress, "Got some way to get this mare to talk? What does it looks like? I doubt it's chatting it up with all the other residents of the city freely,"
Mirt chuckles. "I know, it's ridiculous. I remember my Harper initiation consisted of fighting in an arena and cleaning Elminster's tower of shadow mages. Still, this horse likely has vital information about Zhents in the city. She's not much of a chatter, but she does give rides to folks around the city. You could start with places like the inn, but Waterdeep is a big place. I'm sure you'll find them."
Mirt hands Sybil six harp-shaped pins. "For you and your friends who decide to help you. You folks don't have to take them if you don't want to. Just return the ones you don't use."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
While the rest of this is going on, Delmalis will begin the leg work part of tracking down locations to purchase food and drink as well as new furniture and such. Not purchasing anything yet, but scouting for good deals, and making acquaintances to let the word out that a new bar will be opening in the not too distant future, one run by a friendly ghost bartender, a sight to be seen to be believed, so to speak.
Demalis, you go around and meet some of the neighbors. This is a reference to shops near the manor.
T2. The Bent Nail
A small wooden sign above this shop’s main door is bare except for a large, bent nail sticking out of it. The front room contains displays of ornate wooden furniture, as well as a selection of bows and crossbows. The wall behind the counter is lined with rows of finely carved wooden canes, quarterstaffs, and shields.
T3. Steam and Steel
During daylight hours, smoke and steam billow from the many windows around this indoor forge where metal weapons, armor, and tools are made. The forge is owned and operated by a married couple: a fire genasi named Embric and a water genasi named Avi. Both are members of the Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metalforgers. As an armorer, Avi also belongs to the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, and Finesmiths.
T4. Corellon’s Crown
Fala Lefaliir, an herbalist and a member of the Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians, operates out of this stately, three-story town house, the third floor of which has been converted into a greenhouse. Its translucent glass walls allow anyone on the street to see the rainbow of flowers blossoming within.
T5. Tiger’s Eye
This private detective’s business is unremarkable on the outside, its only distinguishing mark an orange-and-black sign featuring a cat’s eyes. Inside is a regal apartment dimly lit by flickering oil lamps. The door is locked, and visitors must knock or ring the bell before being let in. The owner is Vincent Trench, a human detective and the owner of the Tiger’s Eye. He speaks concisely, dresses in a sharp suit, and smokes a slim pipe.
You also meet a few of the local guildies.
Justyn Rassk - Guild of Butchers
Dead-eyed, slack-jawed Justyn grew up in the toughest neighborhood in the Field Ward and has the scars to prove it. Jusytn also recommends the local farmer's market for fruits and vegetables. He seems excited about the reopening of the manor as it was one of his favorite places to party.
Emmek Frewn
Emmek owns Frewn's Brews down the street. He doesn't seem excited when you talk about reopening the manor and even mentions to you that he tried to buy it but Volo outbid him.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow - Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors
Ulkoria (NG female shield dwarf archmage) has defended Waterdeep with her magic more times than she can recall. She’s known as “the Gargoyle” because her face is frozen in a scowl that frightens adults and children alike. She doesn't offer food, but she does mention that she can cast Glyphs of Warding on the manor for 300 gold. When you speak with Ulkoria about reopening the inn, her eyes light up. "Oh, someone bought that place. I used to own it years ago."
As you're walking from building to building, you feel like you're being watched. Go ahead and make me two perception checks.
OOC: I'll try and find more shops for you to visit. They aren't listed in the Dragon Heist book, but I know some old sources will have more shops. I'll throw them in the player's note section or the OOC chat.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Sybil let out a sigh as she takes the pins and bids goodbye with no real interest in watching the rest of the opera show. She grabs a meal before heading back to the manor, hoping at least it's still standing as sher thinks about what is needed for do this specific job. Proably discuss it with the house mates in the morning.
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
(His trip was less about getting to know them and more about getting the word out, finding out what people think and start advertising, that sort of thing.)
OOC: Good to know. I'll just leave the names out there for reference.
Other than the one person, Demalis, everyone you've talked to seems excited about the reopening of Troll Skull Manor (or if you guys want to call it something else that's fine).
During the middle of your trip, you see a grey-furred robust cat trailing you for a moment. When you turn toward him, he walks away, almost with a swagger. On the way home, the streets get busier you spot a couple of hooded figures watching you. You notice thick strands of white hair peeking from one of the hoods.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Sybil let out a sigh as she takes the pins and bids goodbye with no real interest in watching the rest of the opera show. She grabs a meal before heading back to the manor, hoping at least it's still standing as sher thinks about what is needed for do this specific job. Proably discuss it with the house mates in the morning.
Sybil, you make it back to the Manor without incident.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
OOC: Good to know. I'll just leave the names out there for reference.
Other than the one person, Demalis, everyone you've talked to seems excited about the reopening of Troll Skull Manor (or if you guys want to call it something else that's fine).
During the middle of your trip, you see a grey-furred robust cat trailing you for a moment. When you turn toward him, he walks away, almost with a swagger. On the way home, the streets get busier you spot a couple of hooded figures watching you. You notice thick strands of white hair peeking from one of the hoods.
The cat confuses him, but he leaves it alone for now. When he sees the figures with the white hair, he’ll head for one of the busier streets, try and lose the, for a moment while he circles behind them, still in a busy area, and taps one on the shoulder, ”Looking for me?”
Sybill will purchase a map of Waterdeep if possible, post it up on her room before retiring for the night to discuss the matter with the party in the morning. (I feel liket his map will get a lot pins and string attached soon)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls - Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against Demogorgon Silas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of Annihilation Done
Demalis, one of the drow nods. "Yes, our boss was curious about you and the ranger. We heard about your rescue of the Nevermember boy. We don't want to start a fight."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Twitch spent the rest of the day hunting rats and searching the building from top to bottom for hidden passages and secret rooms......haunted places were supposed to have those.
Twitch, you go around the manor, stalking prey and searching for the manor's hidden treasures. A voice guides you to a room on the second floor, and you almost think you've found a door with the word "Secret Door," written through the dust but it turns out Lim was just tricking you. However, you also manage to find 6 rats and a couple of spiders nest.
As you do this, a flying serpent enters the room and approaches you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Twitch, you go around the manor, stalking prey and searching for the manor's hidden treasures. A voice guides you to a room on the second floor, and you almost think you've found a door with the word "Secret Door," written through the dust but it turns out Lim was just tricking you. However, you also manage to find 6 rats and a couple of spiders nest.
As you do this, a flying serpent enters the room and approaches you.
Twitch stared at the flying snake, " Hello. Are you food or friend?"
Worried about poison Twitch still gingerly held out their hand.
Demalis, one of the drow nods. "Yes, our boss was curious about you and the ranger. We heard about your rescue of the Nevermember boy. We don't want to start a fight."
Delmalis stands, leaning on his quarterstaff, "Then why not just come and ask? Why the sneaking and following? What exactly does your boss want to know?"
"He wants to see if you and your ranger friend got what it takes to work with us," the gunslinger says before placing an eyepatch in Demalis' hands. "He'll also be interested to see the manor reopen. It's a favorite spot of his. We must be going. He'll be in touch."
Twitch
The snake shakes as you ask if it's food and drops the small parchment on the ground before flying away.
The parchment reads
“Want to be part of something big? Speak to Davil Starsong at the Yawning Portal.”
Delmalis will return to the manor and inform the others of his encounter with the drow, "Probably those brigand darthe I encountered on my way up here." (Misspelling intentional.)
After spending most of the day closed, the study door opens, and a three foot tall drow elf appears to walk out, carrying a large spell book. He looks perfectly proportional and bears a strong resemblance to Delmalis, but his robes swish from behind like he has a tail for some reason. Anyone who looks in the study sees small scorch marks on the table and some of the walls. The small drow walks calmly but tiredly downstairs to the bar, and in Meep's voice, says "Lim, I'd like some tea, please. It's been a long day. If you've got a rat handy back there, that'd be good too, I'm famished."
If he draws any attention, it'll occur to him he hasn't dropped Disguise Self yet, and he'll wave a hand and return to his true nature. "Sorry, practicing."
"He wants to see if you and your ranger friend got what it takes to work with us," the gunslinger says before placing an eyepatch in Demalis' hands. "He'll also be interested to see the manor reopen. It's a favorite spot of his. We must be going. He'll be in touch."
Twitch
The snake shakes as you ask if it's food and drops the small parchment on the ground before flying away.
The parchment reads
“Want to be part of something big? Speak to Davil Starsong at the Yawning Portal.”
Twitch takes the note and excitedly runs downstairs and shoves it into Meeps hands hands moments after they reappear.
Meep you hear some thumping on the table, then silence, then a crack from the opposite side of the room, almost like someone is smashing a rock or a book on the floor. Lim brings you a dead rat on a dusty plate.
Next to the plate, Lim writes "We need to get some real food in here soon."
As you're about to eat your food, Twitch comes down with something in their hands.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Alberich greets the blackstaff with a nod and a "Vajra." He nods and smiles happily at the mention of the rescue, and after getting the mission responds just with an "Of course", but continues on another matter: "If I could bother you for a second. Back on that rescue of ours, this was a foe we beat." He takes off the satchel he's carrying, and shows the dead Intellect Devourer within. "I'm not sure what it was, though I'm more interested in what seemed to be its master. Somewhat humanoid shaped and sized, had tentacles on its face, and teleported away as it saw us. I was thinking learning whatever language they are known to use could come handy, if you happen to know it, and I think I'd have time to learn another one too if you can recommend any. Any books on them you could loan would be a help too, but I can of course try my luck in a library or bookstore instead", he goes on.
(Just setting up for my subclass next level, I get two languages and I think it would make more sense if I actually studied for them beforehand instead of just magically learning them on level up. Planning to buy a Disguise kit and a Forgery kit too for the same reason.)
Vajra looks over the creature. "That's an intellect devourer and from your description, sounds like you encountered a mind flayer. If you're wondering about speech, they speak deep speech and can communicate telepathy." She waves her hands and a book flies next to her titled "Manual of Monsters." The page flies open with a picture matching the creature you encountered earlier and a voice that sounds like a voice actor from another world belts out "Mind Flayer."
"Feel free to take it, just return it when you can, or I'll have someone pick it up. You also don't have to speak to Hlan right away. You can try tomorrow if that suits you. I know you just moved."
Alberich gives the entry open on the book given to him a quick scan. "...harvest entire races...? Oh boy, this really isn't something a regular watchman would typically face. I wish we won't need to face this thing, but I know not to hope for miracles. Well, I'll give this a good read, and let the others take a look too if they want to. My thanks for this", he says, ending with a polite bow. He moves to grab the satchel as he readies to leave, which brings up one more question: "Er, would there happen to be any protocol for dealing with corpses like this, or should I just throw it in the thrash?"
After giving his good-byes and leaving the Blackstaffs precense, Alberich turns to Lussa and asks: "Well, this mission doesn't sound like it would be hard or take long. Want to get it out of the way before we return to the manor?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Mirt chuckles. "I know, it's ridiculous. I remember my Harper initiation consisted of fighting in an arena and cleaning Elminster's tower of shadow mages. Still, this horse likely has vital information about Zhents in the city. She's not much of a chatter, but she does give rides to folks around the city. You could start with places like the inn, but Waterdeep is a big place. I'm sure you'll find them."
Mirt hands Sybil six harp-shaped pins. "For you and your friends who decide to help you. You folks don't have to take them if you don't want to. Just return the ones you don't use."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Demalis, you go around and meet some of the neighbors. This is a reference to shops near the manor.
T2. The Bent Nail
A small wooden sign above this shop’s main door is bare except for a large, bent nail sticking out of it. The front room contains displays of ornate wooden furniture, as well as a selection of bows and crossbows. The wall behind the counter is lined with rows of finely carved wooden canes, quarterstaffs, and shields.
T3. Steam and Steel
During daylight hours, smoke and steam billow from the many windows around this indoor forge where metal weapons, armor, and tools are made. The forge is owned and operated by a married couple: a fire genasi named Embric and a water genasi named Avi. Both are members of the Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metalforgers. As an armorer, Avi also belongs to the Splendid Order of Armorers, Locksmiths, and Finesmiths.
T4. Corellon’s Crown
Fala Lefaliir, an herbalist and a member of the Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians, operates out of this stately, three-story town house, the third floor of which has been converted into a greenhouse. Its translucent glass walls allow anyone on the street to see the rainbow of flowers blossoming within.
T5. Tiger’s Eye
This private detective’s business is unremarkable on the outside, its only distinguishing mark an orange-and-black sign featuring a cat’s eyes. Inside is a regal apartment dimly lit by flickering oil lamps. The door is locked, and visitors must knock or ring the bell before being let in. The owner is Vincent Trench, a human detective and the owner of the Tiger’s Eye. He speaks concisely, dresses in a sharp suit, and smokes a slim pipe.
You also meet a few of the local guildies.
Justyn Rassk - Guild of Butchers
Dead-eyed, slack-jawed Justyn grew up in the toughest neighborhood in the Field Ward and has the scars to prove it. Jusytn also recommends the local farmer's market for fruits and vegetables. He seems excited about the reopening of the manor as it was one of his favorite places to party.
Emmek Frewn
Emmek owns Frewn's Brews down the street. He doesn't seem excited when you talk about reopening the manor and even mentions to you that he tried to buy it but Volo outbid him.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow - Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors
Ulkoria (NG female shield dwarf archmage) has defended Waterdeep with her magic more times than she can recall. She’s known as “the Gargoyle” because her face is frozen in a scowl that frightens adults and children alike. She doesn't offer food, but she does mention that she can cast Glyphs of Warding on the manor for 300 gold. When you speak with Ulkoria about reopening the inn, her eyes light up. "Oh, someone bought that place. I used to own it years ago."
As you're walking from building to building, you feel like you're being watched. Go ahead and make me two perception checks.
OOC: I'll try and find more shops for you to visit. They aren't listed in the Dragon Heist book, but I know some old sources will have more shops. I'll throw them in the player's note section or the OOC chat.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Sybil let out a sigh as she takes the pins and bids goodbye with no real interest in watching the rest of the opera show. She grabs a meal before heading back to the manor, hoping at least it's still standing as sher thinks about what is needed for do this specific job. Proably discuss it with the house mates in the morning.
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneDelmalis perceptions: 12/19
(His trip was less about getting to know them and more about getting the word out, finding out what people think and start advertising, that sort of thing.)
OOC: Good to know. I'll just leave the names out there for reference.
Other than the one person, Demalis, everyone you've talked to seems excited about the reopening of Troll Skull Manor (or if you guys want to call it something else that's fine).
During the middle of your trip, you see a grey-furred robust cat trailing you for a moment. When you turn toward him, he walks away, almost with a swagger. On the way home, the streets get busier you spot a couple of hooded figures watching you. You notice thick strands of white hair peeking from one of the hoods.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Sybil, you make it back to the Manor without incident.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
The cat confuses him, but he leaves it alone for now. When he sees the figures with the white hair, he’ll head for one of the busier streets, try and lose the, for a moment while he circles behind them, still in a busy area, and taps one on the shoulder, ”Looking for me?”
Sybill will purchase a map of Waterdeep if possible, post it up on her room before retiring for the night to discuss the matter with the party in the morning. (I feel liket his map will get a lot pins and string attached soon)
Kirin - Level 15 High Elf Wizard (Evocation) - Zorg's Lost Souls- Overchannel Steel Wind Strike for the Win against DemogorgonSilas - Level 11 Human Cleric (War Domain) - Tomb of AnnihilationDoneSybil, the map costs 1 copper
Demalis, one of the drow nods. "Yes, our boss was curious about you and the ranger. We heard about your rescue of the Nevermember boy. We don't want to start a fight."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Twitch spent the rest of the day hunting rats and searching the building from top to bottom for hidden passages and secret rooms......haunted places were supposed to have those.
Perception:6
Investigation:2
Twitch, you go around the manor, stalking prey and searching for the manor's hidden treasures. A voice guides you to a room on the second floor, and you almost think you've found a door with the word "Secret Door," written through the dust but it turns out Lim was just tricking you. However, you also manage to find 6 rats and a couple of spiders nest.
As you do this, a flying serpent enters the room and approaches you.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Twitch stared at the flying snake, " Hello. Are you food or friend?"
Worried about poison Twitch still gingerly held out their hand.
Animal Handling: 17
Delmalis stands, leaning on his quarterstaff, "Then why not just come and ask? Why the sneaking and following? What exactly does your boss want to know?"
Demalis
"He wants to see if you and your ranger friend got what it takes to work with us," the gunslinger says before placing an eyepatch in Demalis' hands. "He'll also be interested to see the manor reopen. It's a favorite spot of his. We must be going. He'll be in touch."
Twitch
The snake shakes as you ask if it's food and drops the small parchment on the ground before flying away.
The parchment reads
“Want to be part of something big? Speak to Davil Starsong at the Yawning Portal.”
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Delmalis will return to the manor and inform the others of his encounter with the drow, "Probably those brigand darthe I encountered on my way up here." (Misspelling intentional.)
After spending most of the day closed, the study door opens, and a three foot tall drow elf appears to walk out, carrying a large spell book. He looks perfectly proportional and bears a strong resemblance to Delmalis, but his robes swish from behind like he has a tail for some reason. Anyone who looks in the study sees small scorch marks on the table and some of the walls. The small drow walks calmly but tiredly downstairs to the bar, and in Meep's voice, says "Lim, I'd like some tea, please. It's been a long day. If you've got a rat handy back there, that'd be good too, I'm famished."
If he draws any attention, it'll occur to him he hasn't dropped Disguise Self yet, and he'll wave a hand and return to his true nature. "Sorry, practicing."
Twitch takes the note and excitedly runs downstairs and shoves it into Meeps hands hands moments after they reappear.
Meep you hear some thumping on the table, then silence, then a crack from the opposite side of the room, almost like someone is smashing a rock or a book on the floor. Lim brings you a dead rat on a dusty plate.
Next to the plate, Lim writes "We need to get some real food in here soon."
As you're about to eat your food, Twitch comes down with something in their hands.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Vajra looks over the creature. "That's an intellect devourer and from your description, sounds like you encountered a mind flayer. If you're wondering about speech, they speak deep speech and can communicate telepathy." She waves her hands and a book flies next to her titled "Manual of Monsters." The page flies open with a picture matching the creature you encountered earlier and a voice that sounds like a voice actor from another world belts out "Mind Flayer."
"Feel free to take it, just return it when you can, or I'll have someone pick it up. You also don't have to speak to Hlan right away. You can try tomorrow if that suits you. I know you just moved."
Manual of Monsters entry
https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/mind-flayer
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Alberich gives the entry open on the book given to him a quick scan. "...harvest entire races...? Oh boy, this really isn't something a regular watchman would typically face. I wish we won't need to face this thing, but I know not to hope for miracles. Well, I'll give this a good read, and let the others take a look too if they want to. My thanks for this", he says, ending with a polite bow. He moves to grab the satchel as he readies to leave, which brings up one more question: "Er, would there happen to be any protocol for dealing with corpses like this, or should I just throw it in the thrash?"
After giving his good-byes and leaving the Blackstaffs precense, Alberich turns to Lussa and asks: "Well, this mission doesn't sound like it would be hard or take long. Want to get it out of the way before we return to the manor?"