(( @DM: Sterling would have reunited with Jasper when he got back last night. Did he notice anything amiss? ))

Sterling smiled at Mana's warm appreciation, but remained silent. He wasn't comfortable with showing emotion himself, and besides, there wasn't much else to say, as far as he was concerned--they were partners now, for better or worse, until the situation merited otherwise.

Turning to Oriace, he gave his thoughts. "I agree with your plan--selling the boots seems like a good idea. And Wagner had said he wanted to come with me, so we can take care of the Harpers."

(( @Charwoman_Gene: would Wagner want to be the one to talk with the Harpers? Sterling would probably be eager to fill them in while discounting Yagra and Davil's mentioning, but he'd step aside if Wagner really wanted to make the report. ))

(nothing from Jasper) 

Toser heads towards the South Ward with Mana, walking the streets and taking in the sights.  As they are welcomed into the manor he gives a short bow at hearing the voice of  Jeryth Phaulkon,.

"I thank you for the invitation and I accept.  I will do my best to help you meet your goals." Toser says in thanks.  He accepts the charm and gives another thanks.

His face shows concern at the information given by Melannor.  "We will look into it." he replies nodding at Mana. "I am sure our other companions will also be willing to aid us."

Mana courteously bows before Melannor as if he were introduced to nobility and then confusedly offers a shortened bow to the disembodied voice of the lady Jeryth Phaulkon.

”These grounds are gorgeous, I’ve never seen their equal. If I may be so bold, may I let my friend here ‘touch the grass’ and perhaps frolic a bit during our discussions? She is more accustomed to the cobblestone streets.” Referring to Yersinia.

”I, too, will gladly accept your invite.” He speaks back to the female voice, if a bit unnervingly. He then gathers the proffered charm (and Yersinia, if she is allowed to play a bit) with a gracious thank you for the gift to both the one he can see and the one he cannot.

On the stride back to the manor, Mana muses out loud to Toser, “I don’t know much about scarecrows, but I would think one would be averse to fire, wouldn’t you? Made of straw and all. We might consider stockpiling some torches and oil for this mission, don’t you think?”

Mana is woefully short of spendable coin on person right now so decides not to suggest a re-route in our travels to add a stop by a supply store on the way home.

"Yes, oil and torches would be a good idea.  I still have a few dragons left. There should be a shop, I think, near the manor that we can we can purchase some.  They should not be too expensive. Also, some of the others may have some as well.  If need be we can purchase more." Toser says in conversation with Mana as they head back to the manor.

We they get there Toser informs the rest of the group of what transpired with the Emerald Enclave. 

"They have requested our aid. There are some outlying farms that are being terrorized by a scarecrow come to life. It has slaughtered livestock, chased horses, and spooked farmers. No people have been killed as yet, so the City Guard is dragging its heels. We have offered our help."

He pauses a moment.

"I was hoping you would be willing to help us in this?" He asks of the others.

"Also, how did the meeting with the Harpers go?"

((This will go a bit back before Toser and Mana returned... I rolled a natural 1 for Investigation and a total 12 for Persuasion, thankfully Halfing's Luck let me re-roll the 1 into a total 16 for Investigation. I hope the post does justice to the feature. One thing for sure, he will not sell for less than 1000 dragons, if not offered that much he rather returns with them.))

Oriace left the manor with a sense of purpose, the magical boots tucked securely under his arm. He headed towards the bustling market district, hoping to find a buyer among the many traders who specialized in rare and enchanted items. His first stops were less fruitful than he'd hoped. The merchants he approached were either uninterested in the boots or offered lowball prices, clearly hoping to take advantage of his eagerness to sell.

Frustration began to build, but Oriace refused to give up. He paused for a moment on a quieter street, letting the noise of the city wash over him as he considered his options. Then, an idea struck him. Instead of just seeking out magical merchants, why not try an approach that combined the practical with the fashionable? He decided to try his luck with upscale tailors who might see the value in the boots beyond their enchantment—a piece that could be marketed as both functional and fashionable.

With renewed energy, Oriace set off again, determined to make this work. He straightened his posture, adjusted his tunic, and headed toward the more prestigious part of town, where the wealthier clientele sought unique, high-end pieces. He was confident that someone would see the boots not just as gear, but as a statement.

Indeed someone does see them as a statement. They are a rare piece of fashion indeed, with markings of drow craftmanship. On the surface this is particularly rare indeed, and so nobles will be fighting for this in their collection. The fact it is magical adds to the appeal even further. You are given an initial offer of 1200 dragons, and after some haggling, are able to get a final offer of 1450 dragons.

Mana, Yersinia is allowed to have a little play.

Wagner just wants to make his presence known to the Harpers. He actually would prefer Sterling make the report as he doesn't really feel right about the plan to minimize the info about Yagra and Davil. He is absolutely fine with other people saying what they will. He will tell Sterling as much.

Oriace returned to the manor with a triumphant smile, his eyes gleaming with excitement. As he stepped through the door, he held up a small, well-stuffed pouch, the clink of gold unmistakable. "Well, my friends," he announced, his deep voice carrying through the room, "Lady luck smiled upon us today! The boots were quite the rare piece of craftsmanship, and I managed to find a buyer who appreciated their full value. After a bit of haggling, I secured a deal for 1,450 dragons!" He tossed the pouch onto the table, the coins spilling out, glittering in the light. "This will go a long way toward getting our tavern up and running, maybe even allow us to do more than we’d planned. We could use it to refurbish the living quarters, or if we’re feeling bold, take it a step further and aim for a higher-class clientele." Oriace's face still bore the traces of his earlier frustration, but now it was replaced by satisfaction. "So, what do you all think? Shall we celebrate?" (I added the funds to the tavern chest on my sheet.)

Oriace turned to Mana and Toser, nodding as they shared their experience with the Emerald Enclave. "A scarecrow terrorizing farms, you say?" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Seems like quite the challenge, but it sounds like you've got a solid plan with the oil and torches. I'd be more than willing to help, of course. We’ve dealt with enough unnatural things lately to know when something needs to be put down. As for supplies, use what you need from our new earnings—we'll be well-prepared for this."

Then, turning to the others, he joins Toser in inquiring, "And how did the meeting with the Harpers go? Anything we should be concerned about?"

(I added the funds to the tavern chest on my sheet.)

(I still see the Boots of Elvenkind in the tavern chest on your sheet, Oriace.)

”Well done, Oriace!”

Mana smiles at the volume of spilt out coinage. It’s very impressive. He also waits on the report from the meeting with Mirt (Harpers).

Quote from Charwoman_Gene >>

Wagner just wants to make his presence known to the Harpers. He actually would prefer Sterling make the report as he doesn't really feel right about the plan to minimize the info about Yagra and Davil. He is absolutely fine with other people saying what they will. He will tell Sterling as much.

Sterling noted Wagner's concerns, then sighed. "You may have a point. Again, I don't think they will come to any trouble anyway, so I suppose the best bet is to just be as direct and clinical about the info as possible, with no asides. Alright, then. Shall we?"

(( @DM: Sterling will just try to give a verbatim report of exactly what Maxeene said, making it clear they were her exact words. He'll then remain silent afterwards, adding nothing, and just wait for the response. ))

You go to Mirt's residence, and no one is there, and no one opens the door. But as you are leaving, he returns. You head inside and tell him what Maxeene said, including the descriptions she gave, and Mirt thanks you, handing over 50 dragons. "I am not saying we don't trust new recruits, but we did need to verify your story. Our agent gave the same message as you so as you are clearly trustworthy, I doubled the agreed pay. I was hoping that you would have met my expectations like this so thank you for not making me look stupid. Unfortunately, the information was nothing new, we are already keeping our eye on those two, but they have, as of yet, done nothing to warrant our interfering. Thank you for reporting back, you may leave."

Returning to the manor, Sterling gave a full report on the discussion with the Harpers. Noticing the still-bulging bag of spilled coin on the table, he grimaced and then tossed the dragons he'd gotten beside it. "They doubled our reward to 50 dragons, which is nice, considering it wasn't much of a task, but still barely a dent in our needs. I'm glad those boots fetched a decent price, at least.

"So.... any new missions?"

(( I'll presume everyone tells Sterling about the scarecrow quest, so we won't need a recap. ))

The would-be jeweler gave a suspicious look to Toser and Mana, then just shook his head and shrugged. "Sure, I'll help with that. How hard can a creature made of straw be to beat? Although..." He then sighed. "Another 'organization' I'm going to have to dig into. I know sometimes businessmen can't avoid dealing with politics, but I swear, it just adds a layer of inefficiency to everything!"

Done with his complaining, he gathered his things (including Jasper) as he readied himself for the next outing.

(( @DM - how close are we to leveling up? I'm really eager to give Sterling his subclass. ))

Mana begins to think out loud.

”Scarecrows are usually mounted on stakes and don’t move around, but clearly this one does. So that begs the question. Will we be hunting it or will it be hunting us? And could we plan an ambush should it approach us?

Obviously we’ll need to leave the walls of Waterdeep and maybe plan on camping out in the fields and orchards of Undercliff for up to several days. So we’ll all need rations, bedrolls and blankets and a staggered sleeping schedule. It’s getting pretty chilly overnight. (I think we’re in Autumn, right?). Also, torches and oil for everyone. Ideally we can keep it at range and light it up, but I don’t think I would be accurate with a flask toss of more than say 20’, so that will bring it in pretty close. A lit torch I could probably toss a bit further.

We’ll probably want an open flame going at all times, one we can light multiple torches with quickly. But that initial flame should be kept small, to not scare it away until it is within range. Speaking of bringing it to us, Toser and I know Dancing Lights. If we detect it within 120’, together we can cast up to eight lights which will appear as torches in a broad semi-circle behind it, each up to 20’ apart from each other. The poor thing will think it’s beginning to be surrounded by angry farmers tired of its shenanigans and we could draw it towards our position by moving the lights, tightening the dragnet. Only to reveal ourselves when it is within 20’ by covering it with thrown oil and lit torches.

Of course, we may never encounter it this way, but I just wanted to throw that out there, since it has been something I’ve been stewing over since our walk back from the Southern Ward.”

Mana blinks as he exits that train of thought and in a complete non sequitur,

”That’s a lot of coin, there. I think we should get the renovations started immediately. Might as well have the place be noisy and dusty while we’re away.”

Oriace listened intently to Sterling’s report about the Harpers, feeling a sense of relief wash over him that the Zhentarim were not going to be targeted for now. He kept that to himself, however, maintaining a neutral expression. "It’s good to hear they doubled your reward," he commented, trying to sound as casual as possible about the whole ordeal.

When Mana outlined his plan for dealing with the scarecrow, Oriace couldn’t help but smile at the thoroughness of his companion’s thinking. "You've really thought this through, Mana," he said, nodding in approval. "It’s a solid plan, and I don’t have anything to add myself. I’m in for this, of course."

After being asked by Mana for the whereabouts of the thieves' tools which they had discussed earlier, Oriace pulled them out from his pack and handed them over to Mana with a smile. "Here, I've found them again, take them. You’re the one who knows how to use these properly, so they’ll be more useful in your hands." 

He glanced at the pile of coins they had accumulated from the sale of the boots and the Harpers' reward. "And I agree—let’s get the renovations started as soon as possible. The sooner we start, the sooner we can be up and running as a proper establishment. No sense in delaying that, especially if we're heading into a mission that might take us away for a while." With that, Oriace felt a renewed sense of focus—both on the mission ahead and the future of their tavern.

(Shall I add the 50 gp from the harpers to our stash? With it we've got a whopping 2010gp, 17sp and 16cp. We could each take a hundred gold for expenses during the mission and still have enough for the renovation - what do you think?) 

Toser graciously took the tinderbox.  

"I agree, let's get the renovations underway.  No time like the present. Meanwhile we can look into the farmer trouble.   Not sure if day or night is the better time but if say daytime.  That way we are gone while he workers are in here working on the manor. I'd like to pickup a few more torches on the way as well."

cyreon... that works for me

Quote from cyreon >>

(Shall I add the 50 gp from the harpers to our stash? With it we've got a whopping 2010gp, 17sp and 16cp. We could each take a hundred gold for expenses during the mission and still have enough for the renovation - what do you think?)

(( Go ahead and combine the 50gp with the rest; I hadn't even added it to Sterling's inventory since I figured that was what we'd do with it. But I agree, taking a bit now for our expenses is probably wise; we'll might need a few more supplies for this mission, and for anything else that crops up. ))

Sterling handed his tinderbox to Toser, while nodding at the idea of starting renovations immediately.

He also had to compliment Mana on his plan for taking on the rogue scarecrow, and he even gave the young verdan an encouraging smile.. After a moment's thought, he added, "Keep in mind, though... this could just be someone using magic or makeup to pretend to be a scarecrow. That said, fire should still be a sufficient deterrent and means of attack. I do find myself a little curious as to the true nature of this harassing creature; I'd think it was a simple prank except for the livestock being killed. That makes it worth dealing with, and it's a bit disappointing that it wasn't enough for the city guard.

"Oh! Also, I've got a couple rations, but if we have some leftover coin, we should be able to buy enough to cover our... camping."

"Is it necessary to camp?  Could we not just hang out in the vicinity of the attacks during the day and return to the city before the gates are closed?" Toser asks.  "As for gear, a bit of shopping is in order before we go.  I'd like to get a chest to store stuff in my room.  Might be time to start looking for a real bed too if that isn't included in the renovations we have in mind. I can also pick up a pearl for my spell."

Quote from Paladin54 >>

"Is it necessary to camp?  Could we not just hang out in the vicinity of the attacks during the day and return to the city before the gates are closed?" Toser asks.

 “I just assumed the scarecrow would roam at night and hide itself during the day. But that is just going off the adage, ‘evil is best practiced in darkness’, but I wouldn’t mind wrapping this up in daylight.”

Mana looks appreciatively at Toser for the suggestion.

Oriace nodded at Toser’s practical suggestion. "Sounds good. Let’s get this moving. I’ll provide everyone with 50 dragons from the party stash for gear and personal supplies, and Toser, here’s an extra 100 for that pearl you need for your spell. We should also reach out to the carpenter today and see when he can begin the restoration. I’ll get in touch with the guild and make sure everything is in place." He paused, thinking about the group's future security. "While we're at it, we should probably get a strongbox installed here for the group’s funds. No point in leaving such a large sum lying around. What do you all think?" He looked around the room for their responses.