Odd Marvel Thumpo? Yeshil repeats it again, and makes sure she gets the spelling right. Sounds more like a code phrase than a name. Then after making herself comfortable for the night, Yeshil participates in any discussion on what to do tomorrow, while also pondering the possibilities of the puzzle, if it even is one...

DOTH DUMP REMOVAL?
MVM PRE ADULTHOOD? 
DAMP RED MOUTH LOV?

"An anagram, good thinking Yeshil, maybe you're right." Tylaerys says appreciatively, listening to the green-skinned girl's thoughts on the strange name in the ledger. "Perhaps it is unsolvable right now but maybe we will figure out in time. Anyway, this got me even more curios about who is moving in here after us, I think I'll try to spot who's checking in tomorrow."

[Terribly sorry.  The actual name in the ledger was 'Odd Marvel G. Thampo'.  Anagrams are hard.]

Watch or no, the night passes without further incident.  

You are all awakened with an insistent knocking on the door.  "C'mon you lot!  You hafta clear out.  I need to get this room cleaned and prepared."  The first light of dawn is only a hint through the balcony doors.

[You have reached Level Four.]

     During the night, while on his watch, Finn finally figures out the trick to the ritual he has been working on!  He goes through the ritual again and again throughout his watch, possibly to the detriment of his actually standing watch, and casts Magic Mouth on a handful of his items, starting with his coin purse, his backpack and other places he stores valuables.  He isn't getting too fancy yet... Right now they just have your basic screaming bloody murder if anyone but Finn themself tries to open them.  More imaginative enchantments will come in time though. 

Yeshil dreams.

The explosion... the concussive force, and the bright flash of the alchemist's fire igniting. The charred ruins of the building, and of the corpses that she didn't see but was told of. It could have been her had she arrived at the shop moments earlier. In her dream, her mind revolts against such a fate. She is destined for more than that. But how to protect herself? How to turn such power to her own advantage rather than her destruction? To use magical force energy to shield herself from harm, to harness the energy of a burst of light to blind an enemy. Over and over in her dream she relives the explosion, and each time her dreaming mind assimilates the emotions and subconsciously formulates ways to manipulate the Weave to her desires. As agile as her intellect is, it cannot hold all the spells she thus devises, and those of lesser utility retreat to the dark recesses of her psyche. One final explosion wakes her, and in a shock of panic she awakens suddenly. 

Mother!

The knocking at the door grows more impatient. A little embarrassed at her involuntary exclamation, she runs to the door to respond. Okay, thank you. We were just about to leave...

-----------------------------------------------

Yeshil has swapped out Unseen Servant for Shield, and learned Color Spray. Never played an Arcane Trickster before, but since they don't need a spellbook and still use INT to learn/cast, I thought I'd go with subconscious learning.

Some more anagram ideas to consider, with useful words highlighted. Maybe when something drops in the future it will trigger:
GODMOTHER LAMP VAD
DAMP LOV THE DRAGOM
HERALD GOD VAMP TOM
MADD PORT HAVE GOLD
MM VORPAL DEATH GOD
MORTAL MVP GOD HEAD

Tylaerys would sleep deeply and soundly after being throughly exhausted by a long day and an evening of dancing, sitting up in her bed as she hears the knockingon the door. "Hey, time to get up." She says softly, giving the blonde giantess beside her a gentle nudge. She then efficiently readies herself for another day of investigations in Baldur's Gate, washing up and getting dresses, back into her white cotton blouse under her dark green cloak, getting her gear, ready to head downstairs to hopefully have some breakfast before being thrown out of the Blade and Stars. "I think I might have figured out who hides behind that anagram." She says in a lowered melodious voice as the team is gathered. "Have you ever heard about Volothamp Geddarm?"

     Before leaving the room, Finn scrambles to find a crack or crevice in the floorboards or such in which to hide a copper piece.  The particular copper piece they are hiding is actually the first use of Magic Mouth that Finn was able to ritually cast.  This particular enchantment is that the coin will, once every seven hours, make a sharp, quick "Ping!" sound.  Just a little annoying reminder of their stay...

Jirel brings herself to her feet. She stretches out her long limbs, then grabs her gear. Finding the closest pitcher of water, she chugs it back. The giantess wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, "That's our cue." When following the others out the door, she'd hand the water jug off to the door knocker.

Outside the door, the knocker is a human servant you haven't seen before, but just behind him down the hall is Lupin, the half-orc proprietor.  She peers over the man's shoulder hesitantly... then looks relieved when she sees the room is in decent shape.  "Excellent.  I knew you wouldn't let me down.  Tell you what, you folk are welcome back to the Blade and Stars anytime... just not for the next few nights until this festival is passed.  Not a spare room left.  But tell you what else; head on down to the lounge.  Tell them Lupin said to give you the 'continental.'  And enjoy the rest of your time in Baldur's Gate, if you're visitors."

Heading downstairs, the word 'continental' nets you each a piece of bacon and a hard but warm biscuit... wrapped in a piece of wax paper and clearly intended to be for the road.  A parting gift for departing lodgers.

Outside, the sky is lightening to a orange-red glow, with a smattering of grey clouds.  It is brisk but not cold, though the breeze, when it blows, does have a chill to it.  House sparrows huddle under awnings and chirp pleasant sounding threats to one another, while rival gangs of pigeons and seagulls stake their claims to the best alleyways and rooftops.

The city is already awake - or still awake from the day before - and there are clusters of people moving up and down the street.  Most of the shops are still closed and there are no street vendors yet, but it is only a matter of time before the business of Baldur's Gate picks up for another day.

[What would you like to do?]

Tylaerys frowns slightly as Luipn is apparently surprised they didn't wreck her precious room, but later she eagerly accepts the tasty continental, taking her first bite as soon as she steps out of the Blade and Stars. A nice place all in all, she would likely return there some day. "What do you say, find us a warm place with something hot to drink were we can sit down and make some plans?" The young blonde half-elf suggests with her warm melodious voice, pulling her cloak closer to protect her from the chilly breeze.

(Having some prior knowledge of the city, would Tylaerys know of such a place, or have spotted one the night before? History: 12 )

Tylaerys:

You know that the lower city has many, many places where a cold citizen can obtain a hot drink.  Most are clustered around the docks, in the form of small corner kiosks where longshoremen and warehouse workers can catch a hot, cheap cup of coffee on their breaks.  

The Eastway district has a few tea and coffee shops as well.  These tend to be more 'cafe' type establishments and charge more per cup, though they are mere shadows of the fine bistros to be found in the Upper City.

One cafe is just a couple of blocks south of the Blade and Stars, a quiet little shop with a sign out front reading simply, Gemaline's.  There is a short line inside the colored glass double doors and the interior is filled with small two-seat tables, though most of the patrons seem to take their drinks and go.  Just outside, there is a small square with public benches for seating as well.

A chalkboard over the counter offers the following menu:

• Coffee - House Blend: 5cp
• Coffee - Decaffeinated: 5cp
• Coffee - Chultan Dark Roast: 3sp
• Hot Cocoa: 1sp
• Honeyed Tea: 3cp

"What do you say, fancy a Chultan Dark Roast?" Tylaerys asks the others as they stand outside Gemaline's in the chilly breeze, eager to get inside it seems.

     Finn shrugs over the beverage choice and just looks around at the people of the city a bit aimlessly.  "So, what is our plan?  Any leads we want to follow up on today?  And hey, where can one get a paper?  Wonder if our little trouble maker caused any riots last night..."

"Not sure we have one right now, I mean I suppose the plan is to somehow track down any cultists in the city, but I honsetly have no good idea on how to do that. I got the sense last night that you had something to go on Finn?" Tylaerys asks, looking at the others pleadingly to get inside. "I suppose we could ask inside if they heard anything about any troubles last night, more than the usual troubles in this city I mean." She adds with a wink.

     "Me?" Finn asks with surprise.  "Hardly.  I had some crazy gnome looking to sell his soul to me for power.  No a strong lead on dragon cults as far as I am aware..."

     "I suppose I could always get a job as a porter?  Or, better yet, replace one of the porters and see if I can find anything out before they expect me to actually do any work or know anything."

Entirely out of her routine and element, Jirel follows the others along much too distracted by the rollercoaster of emotions this morning to contribute to any immediate suggestions. She chufts in deep disappointment after such a high delight... "What is this, breakfast fer ants?" Are the first words the goliath grumbles. There's a frown, maybe even a pout, on her face as she stares down at the lone dry biscuit and bacon bit in the palm of her hand. That's what they call continental? Pfft. If she would have known they were going to toy with her heart like that, she should have packed left overs from last night's dinner. Her stomach growls. And with that, she pops the snack into her mouth in one bite.

That was one dry biscuit. If she didn't wet her tongue soon, she'd cough dust. Good thing Tylaerys found a cafe. And as the scent of sweet honey hits her nose, Jirel feels her mouth salivate and her mood begin to soothe. "Honeyed tea." She'd order two.

After Tylaerys and Finn get the discussion going, Jirel would eventually chime in. "Only thought I had was teh stick 'round teh see what this Odd Marvel Thumpo, er, Volothamp Geddarm's 'bout." She gestures over her shoulder to the inn back down where they came from. Now that she was awake with a hint of brain power, and now that she had some time to think, and figuring that none of the other's answered Tylaerys' question, the goliath did wonder whether she would even know who that was.

"Other than that, my body's achin' teh be put teh work." Jirel starts in response to Finn's suggestion. It was true. She was incredibly restless. "Can seek work, an' I can actually do the heavy lifting teh get mah hands in there while you, Finn, werks yer angle yer way." She then starts rubbing her temples as if trying to remember something, or if she was just imagining it. "Didn't one of ya find out who's actually movin' the goods?" Was it the Flaming Fist? Or were they just paid to turn a blind eye? Which one of these factions was it? Wasn't that riot the Little One encouraged be against that? Was it related? But it could be a good distraction? Direction? .... Her brain power faded a lot faster than her stamina, especially when only fueled by a dry biscuit and a lonely piece of bacon.

"No, I meant from earlier in the day, when you and Jararaka were away?" Tylaerys tries to explain to Finn what she was referring to. "Oh, and yes, for those of you who might not have heard of him..." The blonde half-elf continues, smiling up at the giantess beside her. "...Volothamp Geddarm is a famous traveller, mostly known for his guidebooks. I doubt he has anything to do with the cult but he might have heard something that could be helpful to our cause, perhaps we could talk to him and offer him to write a book about our adventures once this business with the cult is take care of?" She suggests with a hopeful smile. "Anyway, let's continue this inside, I'm freezing." She finally says and steps inside Gemaline's, ordering a hot cocoa for herself.

As you order your drinks and sit down to discuss your next move, Finn spots a man with a cart of parchment.  He approaches one of the Gazetteer boxes on a building wall, does... something... causing the box to open.  He removes a roll of paper from inside, sets it in his cart, and replaces it with another.  He closes the box again and moves on.  A half-dozen persons hurry over, dropping coins into a slot and receiving a copy of the morning's latest edition of the Baldur's Gate Gazetteer.  

[Taking the liberty of assuming one of you pays the 1gp to buy a copy...]

Baldur's Gate Gazette    Vol. XIV 314

News

• Outbreak of Violence Grips Outer City: Basilisk Gate and Wyrm's Crossing Closed

Baldur's Gate - Chaos reigned supreme in the Outer City of Baldur's Gate last night as a wave of violence and unrest swept through the district, leaving the community on edge and the authorities struggling to regain control. The iconic Basilisk Gate and Wyrm's Crossing remain shut to traffic, leaving citizens and visitors alike stranded and apprehensive.

Details of the violent outbreak are still scarce, with conflicting accounts and rumors circulating through the city like wildfire. While official reports from the Flaming Fist, Baldur's Gate's vigilant peacekeepers, are yet to be released, sources within the city guard have indicated that the incident was marked by sporadic clashes and disturbances that erupted in several areas of the Outer City.

Eyewitnesses describe scenes of unrest, with mobs roaming the streets, shouting slogans, and engaging in altercations with one another. Some reports even suggest sightings of monstrous creatures taking part in the mayhem, though these claims have not been substantiated.

Authorities, led by Captain Corwin Ravengard of the Flaming Fist, wasted no time in responding to the crisis. Units have been deployed throughout the Outer City, performing sweeps to restore order and ensure the safety of the district's inhabitants. A curfew has been imposed, prohibiting any unnecessary movement within the affected areas.  Captain Ravengard addressed the press earlier today, stating, "We are committed to bringing this situation under control and restoring peace to the Outer City. The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we will not rest until order is once again established."  When questioned about the reopening of Basilisk Gate and Wyrm's Crossing, Captain Ravengard remained optimistic, assuring the public that they are working tirelessly to expedite the process. "We understand the inconvenience this has caused, and we promise to have these critical routes open again soon."  Captain Ravengard turned away questions about whether this would impact the upcoming festival preparations in the city.

The Flaming Fist has urged citizens to report any suspicious activity or information related to the outbreak to aid in their ongoing investigation.

Byline: Vaelin Alathar

• Wyvern Sightings on Dusthawk Hill Spark Concern

Baldur's Gate - Residents of Baldur's Gate have been shaken by reports of menacing wyverns sighted in the vicinity of Dusthawk Hill.  Fear has gripped the city as local authorities are concerned about what, if any, impact this development may have on the upcoming Highharvesttide celebrations planned for later this week.

While initial rumors warned of dragons, eyewitness accounts of these creatures describe them as having venomous stingers that hang menacingly from their tails.  Local experts confirm this marks them as wyverns and not true dragons.  Nevertheless, the reports have prompted many citizens to voice their trepidation, fearing the potential danger these creatures pose to both travelers and nearby settlements.

There is no word yet as to any action planned by the Flaming Fist to address this new threat.

Byline: Thaddeus Stonehand

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