Cloudfur narrows his eyes back at Sizan......and the licks his mask.

Cloudfur: The Scarecrow issue has been going on for some time now and attacks don't even happen every day.  You may have to camp out in the fields for some time before finding your culprit.  You didn't get the sense that the urgency was such that you had to get out there as soon as possible.  You could always camp out there overnight instead - which you could do after the Opera if you wanted to.

As for suitable attire, though time is tight you shouldn't have much problem finding something suitable close by in time for the show.  The cost for fine clothes would be 15 dragons a piece.

Sizan Sidrosin

Sizan eyes narrowest to the thinnest slits... Then, clicks his tongue. "I suppose on some level I deserved that. So, fair is fair." He says nonchalantly as he stepped away from the Tabaxi, and began fishing around for a spare mask. "But regardless of reasoning, never again." With that, Sizan will step out in the cold in hopes of finding someone to sell off his short swords, seeing as he was short on coin for fancy clothing. And nothing on Chauntae's green earth will ever prompt him to ask the others for coin.

Roll investigation and then pursuasion.

Sizan Sidrosin

(You can do it, boyo! You're good at these things.)

Investigation: 12.

Persuasion: 22.

Cloudfur

"Well perhaps we can still do both...together.  We will probably need to camp outside for s few days to track the scarecrow anyway." 

(You guys are so active lately, I'm the slow one 😬)

Sizan: You quickly whip out and find a blacksmith just around the corner called the Steam and Steel, manned by a Fire Genasi named Embric.  Not the most personable.  He isn't super interested in buying a plain old shortsword but eventually agrees to give you 4 dragons for it.

Sizan Sidrosin

Sizan bows his head his head slightly and says, "Thank you for your time, Embric. But, I'm afraid that won't be enough. Perhaps another time." Sizan starts to walk away, but stops short and asks, "I don't suppose you wouldn't happen to know anyone that might be interested in trading of healing potions, would you?" As soon as he received an answer leaning in one direction or the other, he makes a beeline for the next shop on his list. 

(How much gold you looking for? )

Embric shrugs, but then says "No problem - is everything ok? You seem distracted.  Anyway if you're looking for healing potions you can talk to Fala at her shop in the alley - it's the one with the greenhouse on top of it.

Sizan Sidrosin

"The concern is appreciated, Mr. Embric, but I am fine. Tonight simply promises to be quite a busy one for me and my fellows." Sizan offers one final half-bow before making his way to Fala's shop next. Before he can get all the way, Sizan stops by the manor to check on things, and notify the group he will be back to join them in shopping soon enough. 

Dori is leaning against the bar, nodding slowly as if listening intently to a story. When Sizan returns, the goliath lumbered over. "Is there something I should be doing? If not I thinki could go out and do a couple things on my own. Find something to spend all these dragons on. More mystical trinkets or torches. Something. 

Gargan

Looking to Dori Gargan suppresses a grin at the goliath’s boredom “Aside from getting ourselves presentable for our meeting if we have time perhaps you could make sure we have the supplies for an overnight camp where the scarecrow is terrorising the farmers? If we are prepared then we can head that way once our evenings activities are complete.”

Gargan would also like to grab a particularly fine robe if available for th 15dragons, something without trousers is a necessity at the least.

Sizan: You move on from the blacksmith, back around the corner into the alley to the building with the greenhouse.  The sign on the door says Corellon's Crown.  The door is unlocked and you walk in to find a fairly ecclectic shop filled with plants, flowers and hundreds of various vials and jars filling shelves, some of which are locked up.  There is a counter off to one side and behind it is a fairly small wood elf.  They smile at you and walk around the counter to greet you.  "Hi there!  Welcome to my shop!  I'm Fala.  You don't look familiar but I hope I can find a way to help you today.  What's your name?"

Sizan Sidrosin

"I am Sizan. Pleasure to meet you." Sizan gives a small, but formal bow. "I and few other fellows recently 'acquired' the manor across the way, and will be staying there for the foreseeable future. As for why I am here, it is to see if you'd be interested in purchasing this." He pulls out the cushioned and cleaned healing potion vial, and offers it to Fala. "Much as I'd like to keep a hold of it for that rainy day, I have need of coin more before the evening." 

Fala sort of caulks their head a little, "Well I have to say it's unusual for someone to want to sell a healing potion.  Usually you types are beating down my door to buy them!", she nods to the weapons at your side.  "I mean I have a decent stock and make them myself but.. well I'll tell you what, being a new neighbor and all let's do this.  I'll buy it for 25 dragons, and should you decide you need it back (or another one) in the future, you can buy it back from me for the same price!"

(Not wanting to forget. )

Dori hands the pouch of 18gp and 62 silver to Gargan. "Sizan handed this to me." He'd shrug as to the reason why. "What type of supplies? I've spent most my life surviving in the wilds so food and water won't be a problem. ".

Sizan Sidrosin

Sizan glances briefly to the weapons at his side. "I'm not what you think, if you are thus implying. Though I can understand the perception." He admits as much, and then cupped his chin in consideration of what followed. "... Deal. Though mayhaps next time, I'll be seeking something more unique for dealing with worrisome catmen." Sizan exchanges the potion for coin, and with another formal bow bids Fala goodnight for the day.

If he does not catch folk at the manor again, he'll try so at the tailor. But if after all that he doesn't come across them, he'll put his faith in Tymora ensure they meet at the opera house. If it can be managed, Sizan sees to it that his new 'outfit' held the duel purpose blending or masking his armor and a few smaller arms. But failing that, he makes due with his own adjustments that by the end leaves him at least armed in some fashion, and the lower half of his face at least covered by a thick, furred scarf.

Ok, you all gather at the manor and set out to buy the garb required for the evening entertainment (everyone add Clothes, Fine and deduct 15g).  These clothes could conceivably be worn over leather armour, but not anything heavier than that.  Small weapons and projectiles could be concealed but it's unlikely a sword or anything larger would pass.  You also pick up whatever provisions you might need should you decide to camp the night (just let me know what and add items/deduct coin as applicable).

You make your way to the Sea Ward in the evening.  Night has fallen and it is very cold, but the sea ward is well lit.  This is probably the most prestigious area of town.  The most rich and powerful people in the city either live or run businesses here.  It is populated by palatial homes and old castles, many of which are home to the nobility of Waterdeep.

You arrive at the Lightsinger Theatre to a parade of coaches delivering wealthy patrons for the show.  You present your tickets, and enter into the grand foyer.  The theatre is a well known building in the city, and one which none of you have ever seen the inside of.  It is fairly spectacular - two ridiculous chandeliers hang from the ceiling in the main hall, which is lined with white pillars divided by walls covered with prestigious works of art.  Two sets of large, ornately carved wooden doors lead into the auditorium, but are still closed.  The room is crowded - finger food and drinks are served, patrons chat and laugh as they socialize with each other.  Even the fine clothes you've bought leave you looking near the bottom rung of the social and financial ladder here.  You definitely feel out of place, but you try and look the part and pull it off with moderate success.

The doors swing open and the ushers announce that seating will begin.  You fall in line, present your tickets and are escorted to your seats.  You are seated around 10 rows back fairly close to the centre.  By any measure these are among the best seats in the auditorium proper.  It's not a box, but you have a spectacular view of the performance.  The room fills, the lights dim, and silence falls over the crowd.  The large curtains pull across and the production begins.  

Most of you have no idea what they're singing about, though Dori is able to follow the lyrics.  The first part of the production describes the assembly of the forces which intend to defeat the dragon queen.  The Silverymoon Knights, the Dwarves of Adbar and Felbar, the Flaming Fist Warriors from Baldur's Gate, along with the army of Waterdeep, the Red Wizards of Thay, and the Arcane Brotherhood.  The first part of the show ends with the combined forces at the doorstep of the Well of Dragons, prepared to defeat the 5-headed dragon.  The curtains swing closed for intermission and the crowd starts to file out.

You leave your seats and find your way up to the mezzanine in order to access the private boxes, find box C, and knock on the door.  It opens and you are let inside where you are presented to an older, balding and somewhat rotund gentlemen.  He greets you with enthusiasm:

"Good evening Sizan, and to you all.  I hope you are enjoying the performance.  I must thank you all for accepting our invitation, as well as for the service you have provided to the city by protecting our mutual friend.  I'll be direct - Having heard of your activities I'm here to ascertain your interesting in joining our organization.  Sizan here has been a member for some time now and has been valuable to be sure".

He turns and walks back to a table to pick up a drink.  An attendant offers you a tray adorned with drinks as well.

"I belong to an organization called the Harpers, which exist to protect the city and serve the Open Lord in an .. unofficial capacity.  We work to keep the darker influences on the city in check, primarily by brokering information and making contacts everywhere we can.  We are occasionally asked to get more directly involved but usually the Gray Hands take care of that sort of .. business.  

As Sizan here can likely attest, our intentions are good - we just look to protect the long term interests of the city and the people who run it.  We think you may have similar interests and in that way we might work together.  The requirements are not significant - simply keep your eyes and ears open and report any relevant information to us if you find some.  We may also occasionally have tasks we'll ask of you, and for which you will be rewarded of course.  Now, I've done all the talking so far, and I do believe I'd like to hear your views".