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I knock the Kenku unconscious and divide the 37GP (12 GP to Adastreia and I, and 13 to Sim as she scouted and guided us).
[Tooltip Not Found] on the name Xanathar 16
We might need this kenku to guide us to the tunnels and find his boss so I let him survive for now, unless the team disagrees. Also, I collect as much rope as I can for future use.
After putting the kenku to sleep, Mokiakia shares the spoils, including some rope, hempen (50 feet). Before reuniting with her friends, Mokiakia searches her memories for the word Xanathar. She recalls the word refers to a title, not a name (akin to the word King, not the word George), although what language this refers to it is hard to say. She also recalls hearing it before in the context of a discussion over crime in Waterdeep, but the exact details are a bit hazy.
Elsewhere, Adrasteia begins to examine the reeking tarp, but before she gets a chance to derive any additional information from it, Sim pulls it off, revealing what it was hiding. The foul smells are even more pungent now. Marred by grime and the lingering stench of rancid pickled herring, an unarmed man speaks with grace and articulation, as befits one of noble upbringing, something all of you would easily recognize. His current state is in deep contrast with his poise: "Ah yes. How may I be of service, my ladies? And what may I call you?"He is wearing brown pantaloons and a blue tabbard that covers an once white shirt.
LORE BOX (KENKU: DREAMS OF FLIGHT)
Above all else, kenku wish to regain their ability to fly. Every kenku is born with a desire to take to the air, and those who learn spellcasting do so in hope of mastering spells that will allow them to fly. Rumors of magic items such as flying carpets, brooms capable of flight, and similar objects provoke a great desire for the kenku to acquire the items for themselves.
Despite their lack of wings, kenku love dwelling in towers and other tall structures. They seek out ruins that reach to the sky, though they lack the motivation and creativity to make repairs or fortify such places. Even so, their light weight and size allow them to dwell in rickety structures that would collapse beneath a human or an orc.
Some guilds use kenku as lookouts and messengers. The kenku dwell in the tallest buildings and towers the guild controls, allowing them to lurk in the highest levels and to keep watch on the city below.
I raise an eyebrow, grinning. "Interesting that you think you are the one who can be of service, given the situation...We're Ari, Adrasteia, and Mokiakia. We are looking for someone who got himself into trouble. Are you Floon? A friend of yours is worried about you."
@Adrasteia: Yes, the gentleman in question has clearly been roughed up a bit, with cuts and bruises being visible. You can either perform a medicine check {DC 10} to dress the wounds or spend one of your spell to heal him magically.
The reeking man responds to Sim: "Ah well, yes. My politeness got ahead of me. As you can see, I am indeed the one in need of help, Ari. My name is Renaer, not Floon, but if you are looking for him, I think I can be of help after all. Floon was abducted, you see. On the night of the abduction, I was sharing drink with him but was concerned that Floon was too intoxicated to find his way home by himself and offered to escort him. We were jumped by five thugs as we left Fillet Lane and headed north on Zastrow Street."
LORE BOX (KENKU: HOPELESS PLAGIARISTS)
As a result of their lack of creativity, kenku function comfortably as minions of a powerful master. Flock leaders enforce discipline and minimize conflicts, but they fail at effective planning or crafting long-term schemes.
Although unable to speak in their own voices, kenku can perfectly mimic any sound they hear, from a halfling’s voice to the noise of rocks clattering down a hillside. However, kenku cannot create new sounds and can communicate only by using sounds they have heard. Most kenku use a combination of overheard phrases and sound effects to convey their ideas and thoughts.
By the same token, kenku have no ability to invent new ideas or create new things. Kenku can copy existing items with exceptional skill, allowing them to become excellent artisans and scribes. They can copy books, make replicas of objects, and otherwise thrive in situations where they can produce large numbers of identical items. Few kenku find this work satisfying, since their quest for the freedom of flight makes them ill-suited to settle into a routine.
I continue to search for things that may be worth taking, especially in the sewers. Also, I search for secret passages since we feel breeze Investigation13
"That would be very useful, sir. If you can guide us, we'll protect you." I say, taking a subtle step back as his stench hits me. "Could we offer you some clean clothes?"
(@Mokiakia: You don't see an entrance to the sewers. The kenku mentioned something like that but you don't know where that is.)
Mokiakia continues to search the room for clues and successfully finds a patch of false-wall in the northern part of the room. It should slide aside as a sliding-door would, but she has not yet opened the door.
Renaer feels invigorated by the healing magic: "Thank you, m'lady. Adrasteia was it? Your nobility shows in your impeccable armor set. Which House do you belong to? I will ensure it gets the proper recognition when .... hmm.... once I'm back in a position to do so."Ranaer then accepts the dagger that Adrasteia offers him, and walks over to one of the crates to grab a low-quality rapier. A few practice swings against the fetid air in the room are enough for you to notice that Renaer has had the best fighting instruction gold can buy.
Turning to Sim, he asks: "Your kindness seem bottomless. Yes, if any of you carry a spare set of clothes that would fit me, I would graciously accept, although I am afraid I would just soil them. What I need, is a bath!" He blushes a bit in admitting that in the presence of three strong ladies. He then changes the subject: "I feel guilty that Floon was taken, since I believe that they mistook Floon for me. Yes, I will join your noble quest to find Floon."He stares upward with his rapier's blade pressed against his chest, as if posing for a heroic portrait.
LORE BOX (KENKU: IDEAL MINIONS)
Kenku gather in groups called flocks. A flock is led by the oldest and most experienced kenku with the widest store of knowledge to draw on, often called Master.
Although kenku can’t create new things, they have a talent for learning and memorizing details. Thus, ambitious kenku can excel as superb spies and scouts. A kenku who learns of clever schemes and plans devised by other creatures can put them to use. The kenku lack the talent to improvise or alter a plan, but a wise Master sets multiple plans in motion at once, confident that underlings can follow orders to the letter.
For this reason, many kenku make an easy living serving as messengers, spies, and lookouts for thieves’ guilds, bandits, and other criminal cartels. A network of kenku can relay a bird call or similar noise across the city, alerting their allies to the approach of a guard patrol or signaling a prime opportunity for a robbery.
Since kenku can precisely reproduce any sound, the messages they carry rarely suffer degradation or shifts in meaning. Human messengers might switch words or phrases and garble a message inadvertently, but the kenku produce perfect copies of whatever they hear.
I grin again at his heroic pose, when he's not looking. "So kind of you! We can use your fighting skill."
I show him traveler's clothes meant to fit Sim. "Will these fit? They belong to a friend who won't miss them. If not, maybe one of the other's have a larger size?"
Depending on the time of day/night, I think it is best if we retire for the evening. I would like to regenerate my spells and get something to eat. From the sound of things, our new companion would also really appreciate a bath.
Renaer thanks Sim for the clothes. He then spends the next few minutes changing into them, using his dirty clothes as rags to clean as much of the fetid sludge as possible: "Make sure to thank you friend on my behalf, little Ari."
"A rest and a bath sound like an outstanding idea, m'lady Adrasteia of House.... What was it again? Either way, I recommend we inspect this building thoroughly before we leave. Any clues we find may prove invaluable."
I agree with Ranaer that we should continue to explore. Noticing Mokiakia sliding the wall, I motion to the others and approach, finding a spot with some cover where I can shoot my bow at enemies on the other side.
Once done putting on the ill-fitting women's clothes Sim offered him, Renaer sees Adrasteia running around and looking into the boxes and says: "M'lady, I'm afraid these boxes have nothing but low workmanship weapons and armor, the kind the Zhentarim use to arm their initiate mercenaries if I had to guess. I meant that it would probably be in our interest to investigate upstairs, once your friend is done snooping around."He points to Mokiakia on the other side of the staircase, who is getting ready to open the secret sliding door.
Sim and Adrasteia also notice Mokiakia's intention, and find strategic locations to wait for whatever is inside. Mokiakia opens the door and you can all hear the faint sound of a bell ringing in the chambers upstairs, but no further reaction for now. The room beyond the sliding door is no larger than the closet Renaer was hiding in up until a moment ago. It looks like the Zhentarim have stashed two open wooden crates here. The first, stolen from the docks judging by the markings on it, contains four wood-framed paintings wrapped in leather. The second crate contains fifteen 10-pound silver trade bars, all black from corrosion.
LORE BOX (KENKU: ADVENTURERS)
Kenku adventurers are usually the survivors of a flock that has sustained heavy losses, or a rare kenku who has grown weary of a life of crime. These kenku are more ambitious and daring than their fellows. Others strike out on their own in search of the secrets of flight, to master magic, or to uncover the secret of their curse and find a method to break it.
Kenku adventurers, despite their relative independence, still have a tendency to seek out a companion to emulate and follow. A kenku loves to mimic the voice and words of its chosen companion. A kenku adventurer's constant attempts to mimic noises can come across as confusing or irritating rather than entertaining. A well known kenku adventurer named Snapper, for example, would constantly imitate the noise of a hammer slowly and rhythmically tapping a stone to show how bored he is, and to the annoyance of his companions.
My eyes dart to the stairs when we hear the bell. "We need to either hide here and wait to ambush who's coming, or get going upstairs and get a jump on them," I say to the others in a low voice.
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I knock the Kenku unconscious and divide the 37GP (12 GP to Adastreia and I, and 13 to Sim as she scouted and guided us).
[Tooltip Not Found] on the name Xanathar 16
We might need this kenku to guide us to the tunnels and find his boss so I let him survive for now, unless the team disagrees. Also, I collect as much rope as I can for future use.
Less patient than my friend, I approach cautiously, grab the corner of the tarp, and pull it off, expecting to see Floon!
After putting the kenku to sleep, Mokiakia shares the spoils, including some rope, hempen (50 feet). Before reuniting with her friends, Mokiakia searches her memories for the word Xanathar. She recalls the word refers to a title, not a name (akin to the word King, not the word George), although what language this refers to it is hard to say. She also recalls hearing it before in the context of a discussion over crime in Waterdeep, but the exact details are a bit hazy.
Elsewhere, Adrasteia begins to examine the reeking tarp, but before she gets a chance to derive any additional information from it, Sim pulls it off, revealing what it was hiding. The foul smells are even more pungent now. Marred by grime and the lingering stench of rancid pickled herring, an unarmed man speaks with grace and articulation, as befits one of noble upbringing, something all of you would easily recognize. His current state is in deep contrast with his poise: "Ah yes. How may I be of service, my ladies? And what may I call you?" He is wearing brown pantaloons and a blue tabbard that covers an once white shirt.
LORE BOX (KENKU: DREAMS OF FLIGHT)
Above all else, kenku wish to regain their ability to fly. Every kenku is born with a desire to take to the air, and those who learn spellcasting do so in hope of mastering spells that will allow them to fly. Rumors of magic items such as flying carpets, brooms capable of flight, and similar objects provoke a great desire for the kenku to acquire the items for themselves.
Despite their lack of wings, kenku love dwelling in towers and other tall structures. They seek out ruins that reach to the sky, though they lack the motivation and creativity to make repairs or fortify such places. Even so, their light weight and size allow them to dwell in rickety structures that would collapse beneath a human or an orc.
Some guilds use kenku as lookouts and messengers. The kenku dwell in the tallest buildings and towers the guild controls, allowing them to lurk in the highest levels and to keep watch on the city below.
I raise an eyebrow, grinning. "Interesting that you think you are the one who can be of service, given the situation...We're Ari, Adrasteia, and Mokiakia. We are looking for someone who got himself into trouble. Are you Floon? A friend of yours is worried about you."
I want to do an Investigation check to see if the person under the tarp has any injuries that are in my ability to attend to. 12
@Adrasteia: Yes, the gentleman in question has clearly been roughed up a bit, with cuts and bruises being visible. You can either perform a medicine check {DC 10} to dress the wounds or spend one of your spell to heal him magically.
The reeking man responds to Sim: "Ah well, yes. My politeness got ahead of me. As you can see, I am indeed the one in need of help, Ari. My name is Renaer, not Floon, but if you are looking for him, I think I can be of help after all. Floon was abducted, you see. On the night of the abduction, I was sharing drink with him but was concerned that Floon was too intoxicated to find his way home by himself and offered to escort him. We were jumped by five thugs as we left Fillet Lane and headed north on Zastrow Street."
LORE BOX (KENKU: HOPELESS PLAGIARISTS)
As a result of their lack of creativity, kenku function comfortably as minions of a powerful master. Flock leaders enforce discipline and minimize conflicts, but they fail at effective planning or crafting long-term schemes.
Although unable to speak in their own voices, kenku can perfectly mimic any sound they hear, from a halfling’s voice to the noise of rocks clattering down a hillside. However, kenku cannot create new sounds and can communicate only by using sounds they have heard. Most kenku use a combination of overheard phrases and sound effects to convey their ideas and thoughts.
By the same token, kenku have no ability to invent new ideas or create new things. Kenku can copy existing items with exceptional skill, allowing them to become excellent artisans and scribes. They can copy books, make replicas of objects, and otherwise thrive in situations where they can produce large numbers of identical items. Few kenku find this work satisfying, since their quest for the freedom of flight makes them ill-suited to settle into a routine.
I continue to search for things that may be worth taking, especially in the sewers. Also, I search for secret passages since we feel breeze Investigation 13
I use cure wounds on Renaer. Which amounts to 1d8+3 11
edit: I also offer him one of the weapons from one of the dead kenku to help defend himself.
"That would be very useful, sir. If you can guide us, we'll protect you." I say, taking a subtle step back as his stench hits me. "Could we offer you some clean clothes?"
(@Mokiakia: You don't see an entrance to the sewers. The kenku mentioned something like that but you don't know where that is.)
Mokiakia continues to search the room for clues and successfully finds a patch of false-wall in the northern part of the room. It should slide aside as a sliding-door would, but she has not yet opened the door.
Renaer feels invigorated by the healing magic: "Thank you, m'lady. Adrasteia was it? Your nobility shows in your impeccable armor set. Which House do you belong to? I will ensure it gets the proper recognition when .... hmm.... once I'm back in a position to do so." Ranaer then accepts the dagger that Adrasteia offers him, and walks over to one of the crates to grab a low-quality rapier. A few practice swings against the fetid air in the room are enough for you to notice that Renaer has had the best fighting instruction gold can buy.
Turning to Sim, he asks: "Your kindness seem bottomless. Yes, if any of you carry a spare set of clothes that would fit me, I would graciously accept, although I am afraid I would just soil them. What I need, is a bath!" He blushes a bit in admitting that in the presence of three strong ladies. He then changes the subject: "I feel guilty that Floon was taken, since I believe that they mistook Floon for me. Yes, I will join your noble quest to find Floon." He stares upward with his rapier's blade pressed against his chest, as if posing for a heroic portrait.
LORE BOX (KENKU: IDEAL MINIONS)
Kenku gather in groups called flocks. A flock is led by the oldest and most experienced kenku with the widest store of knowledge to draw on, often called Master.
Although kenku can’t create new things, they have a talent for learning and memorizing details. Thus, ambitious kenku can excel as superb spies and scouts. A kenku who learns of clever schemes and plans devised by other creatures can put them to use. The kenku lack the talent to improvise or alter a plan, but a wise Master sets multiple plans in motion at once, confident that underlings can follow orders to the letter.
For this reason, many kenku make an easy living serving as messengers, spies, and lookouts for thieves’ guilds, bandits, and other criminal cartels. A network of kenku can relay a bird call or similar noise across the city, alerting their allies to the approach of a guard patrol or signaling a prime opportunity for a robbery.
Since kenku can precisely reproduce any sound, the messages they carry rarely suffer degradation or shifts in meaning. Human messengers might switch words or phrases and garble a message inadvertently, but the kenku produce perfect copies of whatever they hear.
I grin again at his heroic pose, when he's not looking. "So kind of you! We can use your fighting skill."
I show him traveler's clothes meant to fit Sim. "Will these fit? They belong to a friend who won't miss them. If not, maybe one of the other's have a larger size?"
Depending on the time of day/night, I think it is best if we retire for the evening. I would like to regenerate my spells and get something to eat. From the sound of things, our new companion would also really appreciate a bath.
Renaer thanks Sim for the clothes. He then spends the next few minutes changing into them, using his dirty clothes as rags to clean as much of the fetid sludge as possible: "Make sure to thank you friend on my behalf, little Ari."
"A rest and a bath sound like an outstanding idea, m'lady Adrasteia of House.... What was it again? Either way, I recommend we inspect this building thoroughly before we leave. Any clues we find may prove invaluable."
I thoroughly run an Investigation Check the crates and furniture (desk drawers, cabinets, etc.) for anything of value or significance. 10
I proceed to slide the false wall with stealth 21
I agree with Ranaer that we should continue to explore. Noticing Mokiakia sliding the wall, I motion to the others and approach, finding a spot with some cover where I can shoot my bow at enemies on the other side.
I want to run a Stealth check as I sneak along with my companions. 3
Once done putting on the ill-fitting women's clothes Sim offered him, Renaer sees Adrasteia running around and looking into the boxes and says: "M'lady, I'm afraid these boxes have nothing but low workmanship weapons and armor, the kind the Zhentarim use to arm their initiate mercenaries if I had to guess. I meant that it would probably be in our interest to investigate upstairs, once your friend is done snooping around." He points to Mokiakia on the other side of the staircase, who is getting ready to open the secret sliding door.
Sim and Adrasteia also notice Mokiakia's intention, and find strategic locations to wait for whatever is inside. Mokiakia opens the door and you can all hear the faint sound of a bell ringing in the chambers upstairs, but no further reaction for now. The room beyond the sliding door is no larger than the closet Renaer was hiding in up until a moment ago. It looks like the Zhentarim have stashed two open wooden crates here. The first, stolen from the docks judging by the markings on it, contains four wood-framed paintings wrapped in leather. The second crate contains fifteen 10-pound silver trade bars, all black from corrosion.
LORE BOX (KENKU: ADVENTURERS)
Kenku adventurers are usually the survivors of a flock that has sustained heavy losses, or a rare kenku who has grown weary of a life of crime. These kenku are more ambitious and daring than their fellows. Others strike out on their own in search of the secrets of flight, to master magic, or to uncover the secret of their curse and find a method to break it.
Kenku adventurers, despite their relative independence, still have a tendency to seek out a companion to emulate and follow. A kenku loves to mimic the voice and words of its chosen companion. A kenku adventurer's constant attempts to mimic noises can come across as confusing or irritating rather than entertaining. A well known kenku adventurer named Snapper, for example, would constantly imitate the noise of a hammer slowly and rhythmically tapping a stone to show how bored he is, and to the annoyance of his companions.
I want to run an insight check on Renaer before I can fully trust or follow his lead upstairs. 16
Although the paintings could probably fetch us some money, I decide to leave them in place for now.
My eyes dart to the stairs when we hear the bell. "We need to either hide here and wait to ambush who's coming, or get going upstairs and get a jump on them," I say to the others in a low voice.