This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I ask Staget, "Renear has reason to believe the friend we seek to rescue has been taken by the Xanathar Guilds' men, what can you share with us that may be helpful?" Persuasion20
"Indeed they would, my lady" Staget answers Adrasteia. "Unfortunately, we are currently short-staffed with all of the skirmishes happening around the city, and the processing and return of such property may take years, if I may be candid. And that is assuming an official report was filed, which is not always the case."
Renaer adds: "Your heart is in the right place, Lady Margaster, but such trivial quest should not be our priority. We can either let the City Watch take care of it in its less than efficient approach, or I can use my position to claim ownership over the items so that we can use them as resources for our true noble quest. I'll leave that decision to you and your companions, however."
Captain Staget does not seem to object. In fact, he simply moves on to the next question: "I would advise you stay away from the Xanathar Guild. Most people think they are nothing more than a myth, but the truth is that they are a powerful criminal organization. The City Watch is instructed to not recognize their existence in public, as to not give them legitimacy, but I dare not affront Lord Neverember's presence with such a lie. But, if you were to insist, I'd add that they have an open recruitment policy. Anyone can join the Xanathar Guild, which, despite its name, does not have official guild status in Waterdeep. Before membership is granted, however, an applicant must pass a test that always involves the perpetration of a serious crime. Possibilities include murdering a guild member who has failed them, kidnapping a Waterdavian citizen, collecting a ransom, robbing a hire-coach, or looting a warehouse. This is as much as I have been able to uncover in my many years protecting the Dock Ward."
LORE BOX (SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE - ADVICE BY VOLO)
The many idioms and slang expressions of Waterdavians would take a whole book to explore, but here I explain a few that might otherwise mystify.
“Dabbler but no master” and “No mastery blazing forth” These idioms trace their origin to Ahghairon, who early on in his studies of magic humbly said, “I am no wizard. I am a dabbler but no master of magic; it seems no mastery burns within me.” Both now serve as expressions of false modesty applied to any skill or craft, not just magic use.
“Sharpjaws,” “fastfists,” “bullyblades,” and “alleyblades” Those who boast of martial skill but who shrink from violence or lack real ability are “sharpjaws.” In sharp contrast are Waterdeep’s “fastfists” (any lout easily provoked to violence), “bullyblades” (battle-hardened mercenaries hired as muscle), and “alleyblades” (muggers and thieves).
“Longride” and “Last ride” To a caravan merchant, a drover, or a farmer from the lands around Waterdeep, as well as any Waterdavian who rides for sport, recreation, hunting, or falconry, the late afternoon is “longride,” and dusk is “last ride.”
“Which the greater thief?” Tuezaera Hallowhand was a famous “lone cat” thief of Waterdeep in the 1200s DR, who disappeared suddenly and is thought to have come to a violent end. She once robbed a wizard and wrote this on his wall with a fingertip dipped in his favorite red wine: “I take things. You take freedom with your spells. Which of us is the greater thief?” Waterdavians now use this phrase in argument with one another over all kinds of matters when comparing wrongs done.
“Doth thy mirror crack?” or “Hurl but think not?” or “Take but not count cost? Be nothing, then!” Laeral Silverhand, then the Lady Mage of Waterdeep when she was married to Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun, once publicly rebuked an overambitious wizard of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors thusly: “If I hurl spells but think not of consequences, I am nothing. If I take lives but count not the cost, I am nothing. If I steal in the night and see not the faces of the devastated come the next morning, I am nothing. If I make decrees like a ruler but undertake none of the other responsibilities of the throne, I am nothing. And if I do all these things in the name of the Watchful Order, I am less than nothing. Doth thy mirror crack?”
These scornful words are remembered and used almost daily in Waterdeep even a century later.
After some hard eye-rolling at the offer to return our treasure, it seems better judgement comes to Ada's senses and claim ownership of the loot. (is it ok to you Ada?)
I nod, tip my hat to Staget, run insight check at them 7 and exit. While questioning continues, I start looking for ways to get to the sewers, such as manholes.
Mokiakia can't read Staget very well, but one thing she is sure of as it is pretty obvious: the involvement of a Renaer Neverember has prompted the captain to be on his best behavior.
Captain Staget then answers your last few questions and throws in some extra advice for good measure: "It is under Lord Neverember's power to claim ownership over property of unknown origin. You will find no resistance from the City Watch. However, if the noble quest this treasure is funding is indeed taking you into a path of conflict against the Xanathar Guild, I feel it is my duty to warn you that it is best not to meddle in criminal matters. All I know about this shady organization I have already shared with you, but I insist, leave this dirty business to the City Watch. It is also my duty to make sure citizens of Waterdeep are current in their knowledge of the law." Staget pauses here and gesture for his Veterans to pass around a few flyers to the three of you. They dare not risk offending Renaer by giving a copy to him (see spoiler box below).
He then picks up where he left of: "You said you are looking for someone named Floon? I do not know the man, but if he is involved in this, he might as well be either a Zhentarim mercenary or a Xanathar Guild spy for all I know. You'll understand I cannot send a force into the sewers in search of such a man. I cannot stop you from seeking this Floon either, but I will offer two last pieces of wisdom. First, remember that not all City Watch officers are as nice as me, so avoid getting on their bad side, alright? Second, I don't care what happens in the sewers, but keep the blood off the streets, okay?"With that, he signals to his men and women to let you pass.
Mokiakia is the first to step out, but the other three adventures follow suit promptly. You are now back outside in the Dock Ward. It is late afternoon and the narrow streets and alleys of the ward are now a bit more lively, with people walking about. That are no obvious manholes leading into the sewers in your immediate surrounding. What would you like to do next?
"Would you like me to guide you back to the Yawning Portal, where you can get some rest?" I ask Mo and Adra, thinking eagerly about getting Ranaer a bath, returning to the form of Sim, and a nice mug of ale. "Or is there someplace else you think we should ask about Xanathar, before we leave?"
I turn to the nobleman with connections: "Renaer, can you think of a safe place where we would be welcome? Otherwise, we can go to the place we know, but it is a bit far."
Renaer simply agrees: "Safe place where we can eat, drink, rest, and bathe? The Yawning Portal offers all of that and sounds like the type of inn where we wouldn't look out a place."
Unless the group disagrees or wants to do something on the way to the tavern, we can expedite this portion by saying you all go back there, rent a few rooms, eat a good dinner and rest until the morning. Please deduct 5gp from each of your wallets to cover all of those costs. If this sounds good to you, go ahead and click on the "Long Rest" option in your character sheet (don't forget to "confirm" it).
You may also add another 100 XP to each of you characters, for defeating the kenku, investigating the Zhentarim warehouse, and rescuing Renaer.
WELCOME TO 2nd LEVEL(I can go over your new abilities in the other chat, if you'd like).
Feeling refreshed, I meet my companions back in the form of Sim. I feign that I am meeting Renaer for the first time, but tell him I've heard about what happened yesterday from my friends.
I'm not quite sure where we should go from here...I want to know whether Renaer has any thoughts about where the Xanathar would have take Floon, and I want to hear more about whether he thinks his father is truly capable of embezzlement...maybe I can convince him to share why he has been estranged from him. Persuasion: 16
Edit: Deception check, if needed, for the first paragraph 14
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I walk to the bar to ask for a mug of ale. While sitting there and making small talk with the bartender, I carefully see if patrons have any of the identifiable tatoos of either the Zhentarim or the body we found at the warehouse. investigation15
It is now the next morning and you all feel both fresher and stronger.
Renaer: "Ah, yes, Sim. It is nice to meet you. You must be the one whose clothes I borrowed from your friend Ari yesterday. I thank you, but I must confess I much rather be wearing my own clothes." He gestures to some fresh threads he is now sporting."On the subject of my father, I would not put embezzlement past him, but I wish to talk about him no longer, so allow me to elaborate on your other question. The best lead we have on finding Floon is to search the sewers for the Xanathar Guild's hideout, as that kenku said. Perhaps we could ... hmmm... "donate" some coin to those with eyes on the street? in exchange for information."
Mokiakia orders some ale but is too engrossed by Durnan's conversation about all kinds of ale they used to offer in the past to really pay attention to the crowd in the tavern.
(I'll assume your loot is being stored in Adrasteia room at the Yawning Portal for now.)
"Since we've already checked out the site of Floon's disappearance, I agree about heading to the sewers...maybe we should try the Skewered Dragon, where hopefully the locals will remember us (and our coin) and give up some more information about where to start. We could wear our traveling clothes," (I eye Renaer's finery), "so we aren't immediately recognized as nobles."
"Traveling clothes may work for you, but I prefer my armor, Sim. We never know who or what we'll run into to. I do think that taking the sewers is probably our best bet. Are we all in agreement?"
"You are an intelligent one, Lady Sim." Renaer says, "I'll quickly change into simpler clothes and be back, so we can follow through with your plan to visit the Skewered Dragon on our way into the sewers. I'm sure they'll remember me from that night, and perhaps be more inclined to help as they saw me drink with the victim."
I'll assume you all won't exactly want to be easily identifiable as nobles going back into the Dock Ward, except Adrasteia.
(@Adrasteia: Don't forget to level up!)
As you all converse and eat your breakfast, Renaer tells you more about himself and his father. Other aspects of his personality, you picked up from interactions during the previous day or while talking to him this morning (please check the LORE BOX below).
LORE BOX (RENAER NEVEREMBER)
Renaer is the estranged son of Dagult Neverember, the former Open Lord of Waterdeep and the current Lord of Neverwinter. Father and son detest one another, and Renaer is least happy when he finds himself forced to deal with some mess his father left behind. Qualities that both share include striking good looks, a love of drink, and a flair for diplomacy. What Renaer lacks is his father’s belligerence, ill temper, and bad judgment, although the son can be quite naive or gullible on occasion.
Renaer lives off a sizable inheritance left to him by his mother. Approaching middle age, he spends a lot of time defending Waterdavians against those who, like his father, would deprive them of their coin and rights. He owns Neverember House, a four-story residence in the Sea Ward. Renaer spends as little time there as possible, however, since it’s constantly under surveillance by spies loyal to his father. Therefore, Renaer prefers to spend most of his free time in taverns and festhalls.
Some believe that Renaer’s estrangement from his father is nothing but an act, and that anyone who bears the Neverember name is an enemy of Waterdeep. Renaer just shakes his head at such accusations and gets on with his life. He believes he has many powerful friends to watch his back if necessary.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Despite deciding to keep my armor on, I decide to rough up my appearance some. I spill some ale from a nearly empty cup on my clothes and mess up my hair some. I rub some grit from the floor on my armor and walk with a slovenly posture. Deception or Performance check? 14
Since I never changed my clothes, I still look like a beggar and I like it. Also, I am outside fidgeting analyzing the orb of direction while waiting on the crew.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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I ask Staget, "Renear has reason to believe the friend we seek to rescue has been taken by the Xanathar Guilds' men, what can you share with us that may be helpful?" Persuasion 20
"Indeed they would, my lady" Staget answers Adrasteia. "Unfortunately, we are currently short-staffed with all of the skirmishes happening around the city, and the processing and return of such property may take years, if I may be candid. And that is assuming an official report was filed, which is not always the case."
Renaer adds: "Your heart is in the right place, Lady Margaster, but such trivial quest should not be our priority. We can either let the City Watch take care of it in its less than efficient approach, or I can use my position to claim ownership over the items so that we can use them as resources for our true noble quest. I'll leave that decision to you and your companions, however."
Captain Staget does not seem to object. In fact, he simply moves on to the next question: "I would advise you stay away from the Xanathar Guild. Most people think they are nothing more than a myth, but the truth is that they are a powerful criminal organization. The City Watch is instructed to not recognize their existence in public, as to not give them legitimacy, but I dare not affront Lord Neverember's presence with such a lie. But, if you were to insist, I'd add that they have an open recruitment policy. Anyone can join the Xanathar Guild, which, despite its name, does not have official guild status in Waterdeep. Before membership is granted, however, an applicant must pass a test that always involves the perpetration of a serious crime. Possibilities include murdering a guild member who has failed them, kidnapping a Waterdavian citizen, collecting a ransom, robbing a hire-coach, or looting a warehouse. This is as much as I have been able to uncover in my many years protecting the Dock Ward."
LORE BOX (SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE - ADVICE BY VOLO)
The many idioms and slang expressions of Waterdavians would take a whole book to explore, but here I explain a few that might otherwise mystify.
“Dabbler but no master” and “No mastery blazing forth” These idioms trace their origin to Ahghairon, who early on in his studies of magic humbly said, “I am no wizard. I am a dabbler but no master of magic; it seems no mastery burns within me.” Both now serve as expressions of false modesty applied to any skill or craft, not just magic use.
“Sharpjaws,” “fastfists,” “bullyblades,” and “alleyblades” Those who boast of martial skill but who shrink from violence or lack real ability are “sharpjaws.” In sharp contrast are Waterdeep’s “fastfists” (any lout easily provoked to violence), “bullyblades” (battle-hardened mercenaries hired as muscle), and “alleyblades” (muggers and thieves).
“Longride” and “Last ride” To a caravan merchant, a drover, or a farmer from the lands around Waterdeep, as well as any Waterdavian who rides for sport, recreation, hunting, or falconry, the late afternoon is “longride,” and dusk is “last ride.”
“Which the greater thief?” Tuezaera Hallowhand was a famous “lone cat” thief of Waterdeep in the 1200s DR, who disappeared suddenly and is thought to have come to a violent end. She once robbed a wizard and wrote this on his wall with a fingertip dipped in his favorite red wine: “I take things. You take freedom with your spells. Which of us is the greater thief?” Waterdavians now use this phrase in argument with one another over all kinds of matters when comparing wrongs done.
“Doth thy mirror crack?” or “Hurl but think not?” or “Take but not count cost? Be nothing, then!” Laeral Silverhand, then the Lady Mage of Waterdeep when she was married to Khelben “Blackstaff” Arunsun, once publicly rebuked an overambitious wizard of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors thusly: “If I hurl spells but think not of consequences, I am nothing. If I take lives but count not the cost, I am nothing. If I steal in the night and see not the faces of the devastated come the next morning, I am nothing. If I make decrees like a ruler but undertake none of the other responsibilities of the throne, I am nothing. And if I do all these things in the name of the Watchful Order, I am less than nothing. Doth thy mirror crack?”
These scornful words are remembered and used almost daily in Waterdeep even a century later.
I concede, "Alright, Renaer, let's claim ownership to make things easier on both the city watch and ourselves."
I decide to ask Staget about Floon, and whether he might know anything about where the Xanathar Guild's headquarters are.
I also wait with amusement to see how Mokiakia responds to Adrasteia's desire to return the artwork.
After some hard eye-rolling at the offer to return our treasure, it seems better judgement comes to Ada's senses and claim ownership of the loot. (is it ok to you Ada?)
I nod, tip my hat to Staget, run insight check at them 7 and exit. While questioning continues, I start looking for ways to get to the sewers, such as manholes.
Mokiakia can't read Staget very well, but one thing she is sure of as it is pretty obvious: the involvement of a Renaer Neverember has prompted the captain to be on his best behavior.
Captain Staget then answers your last few questions and throws in some extra advice for good measure: "It is under Lord Neverember's power to claim ownership over property of unknown origin. You will find no resistance from the City Watch. However, if the noble quest this treasure is funding is indeed taking you into a path of conflict against the Xanathar Guild, I feel it is my duty to warn you that it is best not to meddle in criminal matters. All I know about this shady organization I have already shared with you, but I insist, leave this dirty business to the City Watch. It is also my duty to make sure citizens of Waterdeep are current in their knowledge of the law." Staget pauses here and gesture for his Veterans to pass around a few flyers to the three of you. They dare not risk offending Renaer by giving a copy to him (see spoiler box below).
He then picks up where he left of: "You said you are looking for someone named Floon? I do not know the man, but if he is involved in this, he might as well be either a Zhentarim mercenary or a Xanathar Guild spy for all I know. You'll understand I cannot send a force into the sewers in search of such a man. I cannot stop you from seeking this Floon either, but I will offer two last pieces of wisdom. First, remember that not all City Watch officers are as nice as me, so avoid getting on their bad side, alright? Second, I don't care what happens in the sewers, but keep the blood off the streets, okay?" With that, he signals to his men and women to let you pass.
Mokiakia is the first to step out, but the other three adventures follow suit promptly. You are now back outside in the Dock Ward. It is late afternoon and the narrow streets and alleys of the ward are now a bit more lively, with people walking about. That are no obvious manholes leading into the sewers in your immediate surrounding. What would you like to do next?
"Would you like me to guide you back to the Yawning Portal, where you can get some rest?" I ask Mo and Adra, thinking eagerly about getting Ranaer a bath, returning to the form of Sim, and a nice mug of ale. "Or is there someplace else you think we should ask about Xanathar, before we leave?"
I turn to the nobleman with connections: "Renaer, can you think of a safe place where we would be welcome? Otherwise, we can go to the place we know, but it is a bit far."
Renaer simply agrees: "Safe place where we can eat, drink, rest, and bathe? The Yawning Portal offers all of that and sounds like the type of inn where we wouldn't look out a place."
Unless the group disagrees or wants to do something on the way to the tavern, we can expedite this portion by saying you all go back there, rent a few rooms, eat a good dinner and rest until the morning. Please deduct 5gp from each of your wallets to cover all of those costs. If this sounds good to you, go ahead and click on the "Long Rest" option in your character sheet (don't forget to "confirm" it).
You may also add another 100 XP to each of you characters, for defeating the kenku, investigating the Zhentarim warehouse, and rescuing Renaer.
WELCOME TO 2nd LEVEL (I can go over your new abilities in the other chat, if you'd like).
I agree that we should head back to the Yawning Portal and that we have now laid claim to some hard-earned loot.
Feeling refreshed, I meet my companions back in the form of Sim. I feign that I am meeting Renaer for the first time, but tell him I've heard about what happened yesterday from my friends.
I'm not quite sure where we should go from here...I want to know whether Renaer has any thoughts about where the Xanathar would have take Floon, and I want to hear more about whether he thinks his father is truly capable of embezzlement...maybe I can convince him to share why he has been estranged from him. Persuasion: 16
Edit: Deception check, if needed, for the first paragraph 14
I walk to the bar to ask for a mug of ale. While sitting there and making small talk with the bartender, I carefully see if patrons have any of the identifiable tatoos of either the Zhentarim or the body we found at the warehouse. investigation 15
It is now the next morning and you all feel both fresher and stronger.
Renaer: "Ah, yes, Sim. It is nice to meet you. You must be the one whose clothes I borrowed from your friend Ari yesterday. I thank you, but I must confess I much rather be wearing my own clothes." He gestures to some fresh threads he is now sporting. "On the subject of my father, I would not put embezzlement past him, but I wish to talk about him no longer, so allow me to elaborate on your other question. The best lead we have on finding Floon is to search the sewers for the Xanathar Guild's hideout, as that kenku said. Perhaps we could ... hmmm... "donate" some coin to those with eyes on the street? in exchange for information."
Mokiakia orders some ale but is too engrossed by Durnan's conversation about all kinds of ale they used to offer in the past to really pay attention to the crowd in the tavern.
(I'll assume your loot is being stored in Adrasteia room at the Yawning Portal for now.)
I join Sim and the rest of the group and propose we head to the sewers asap.
"Since we've already checked out the site of Floon's disappearance, I agree about heading to the sewers...maybe we should try the Skewered Dragon, where hopefully the locals will remember us (and our coin) and give up some more information about where to start. We could wear our traveling clothes," (I eye Renaer's finery), "so we aren't immediately recognized as nobles."
"Traveling clothes may work for you, but I prefer my armor, Sim. We never know who or what we'll run into to. I do think that taking the sewers is probably our best bet. Are we all in agreement?"
"You are an intelligent one, Lady Sim." Renaer says, "I'll quickly change into simpler clothes and be back, so we can follow through with your plan to visit the Skewered Dragon on our way into the sewers. I'm sure they'll remember me from that night, and perhaps be more inclined to help as they saw me drink with the victim."
I'll assume you all won't exactly want to be easily identifiable as nobles going back into the Dock Ward, except Adrasteia.
(@Adrasteia: Don't forget to level up!)
As you all converse and eat your breakfast, Renaer tells you more about himself and his father. Other aspects of his personality, you picked up from interactions during the previous day or while talking to him this morning (please check the LORE BOX below).
LORE BOX (RENAER NEVEREMBER)
Renaer is the estranged son of Dagult Neverember, the former Open Lord of Waterdeep and the current Lord of Neverwinter. Father and son detest one another, and Renaer is least happy when he finds himself forced to deal with some mess his father left behind. Qualities that both share include striking good looks, a love of drink, and a flair for diplomacy. What Renaer lacks is his father’s belligerence, ill temper, and bad judgment, although the son can be quite naive or gullible on occasion.
Renaer lives off a sizable inheritance left to him by his mother. Approaching middle age, he spends a lot of time defending Waterdavians against those who, like his father, would deprive them of their coin and rights. He owns Neverember House, a four-story residence in the Sea Ward. Renaer spends as little time there as possible, however, since it’s constantly under surveillance by spies loyal to his father. Therefore, Renaer prefers to spend most of his free time in taverns and festhalls.
Some believe that Renaer’s estrangement from his father is nothing but an act, and that anyone who bears the Neverember name is an enemy of Waterdeep. Renaer just shakes his head at such accusations and gets on with his life. He believes he has many powerful friends to watch his back if necessary.
Having a soft spot for gingers, I begin to feel less suspicious of Renaer, and sympathetic to the position his father has put him in.
When we're all ready, I head for the door.
Despite deciding to keep my armor on, I decide to rough up my appearance some. I spill some ale from a nearly empty cup on my clothes and mess up my hair some. I rub some grit from the floor on my armor and walk with a slovenly posture. Deception or Performance check? 14
Since I never changed my clothes, I still look like a beggar and I like it. Also, I am outside fidgeting analyzing the orb of direction while waiting on the crew.