Waterdeep: Camel Heist (2020)

Varinth will go visit Miss Whatsername in the afternoon to purchase a new set of Saddlebags for Soodi (4gp) to carry the food that he will purchase for the whole party. He will also purchase four Waterskins (8sp) and fill them at the town well. He will then speak to Tolben and organise rations for the party for one week. 5 Adventurers over 7 days= 35 rations x 5sp = 175sp / 10= 17gp 5sp

Total: 22gp 3sp (all sorted on character sheet)

Strix begins to laugh, punctuating guffaws with stabs of guttural Orc

"Oh you have to love them, these Phannies - no matter how much they sink they refuse to acknowledge how deep the shit they're in is, or let unfortunate circumstances come between them and their comfortable racism. Ha! You would think they were sitting down at that table as brokers, not beggars. Do they not see that sooner rather than later the Black Spider - Oh, remind us to tell you about him! - will come looking for his men, realise they're all dead and raze the town, and who's going to stop him? That malignant half-man? The self-righteous apple farmer?

But why deal with that when they can just look across the table, see you and assume a moral superiority because green skin is evil skin. Honestly... Evil is a choice. A creature cannot be born inherently evil, it's an oxymoron. And the fact that you sat down at that table rather than flipping it over, setting it on fire and eating everyone in the room shows that you are capable of choosing and have chosen reason - something that cannot sit side by side with either the concept of congenital evil or true, conscious evil... and then to hammer out an agreement that puts strict controls on your movements and the only ones who can enforce those restrictions are the very people restricted - Classic Phandelin! But I digress.

The thing to remember is that there's a back door to that hideout that opens into the woods. These guys aren't willing to take a chance on you, so if you're ever in a situation where you don't think it's worth you taking a chance on them, there's always the option to walk away from the table. But secure it as soon as possible, it's a major hole in the town's defenses. Also, the woods are a good source of.... well, wood! If you're going to live under the ruins, no reason they have to look a mess. You could build yourselves a nice little redoubt up there. Stockade, guard tower or two, go nuts. When trouble comes, see if they don't cast their prejudices aside like yesterday's mice and come banging on your sally port! Anyway, good luck Oggor - good luck and deep breaths!"

He smiles sweetly at Sr Garaele and clears his throat.

"Hear you harp lady! Banshee sed! Need lesson - play flute - like harp, but strings is holes! Help?"

If Vaz happens to bump into Scupper on his afternoon errands he will mention;

"Should we tell the lads about the One Eyed Fella? Not sure if he moved out, didn't seem the sort to have luggage.."

Dekhan listens to the deal with an inscrutable look on his face. As Sister Garaele finishes explaining his face turns a bit sour. He then listens to Strix, his face returning to (chaotic?) neutral. When Strix finishes Dekhan looks at Oggor. Once again Strix‘s take is correct, I would argue that it’s missing some nuance, though. Some in this town are frightened, and their fear breeds contempt, it’s true. Others, the Sister here, Nilsa and her children, Sildar, see you for what you are a great boon and a greater opportunity. The boon of protection for the village and the great opportunity of strengthening the peace between human and orc. Once again I would ask you to let your honor guide you. Keep their ridiculous restrictions, but allow Sister Garaele, Sildar, and others who would come to you to do so. Show the others the error of their fear by being the better people. Let the relationship between you and the town grow and prosper. Build a life here and in time those who’s minds are clouded will learn to see beyond their fear and ignorance. 

He looks at Sister Garaele. Thank you, sister, for being a voice of reason and compassion. What the two of you accomplished here today will echo through history. Now there’s the matter of the Banshee...

Dek reports what happened with the Banshee and asks the sister what she thinks and the best way to proceed.

The half-elf speaks up to the group, having watched the exchange silently. "Isolation leads to misunderstanding, to fear, and to violence. I am glad they have a plan to make these orcs part of their town. I worry though, about what might sow in their month of solitude. All the same we have done a great good here friends; Oggor you have the opportunity to forge a better life for your tribe in a true home, and these people have an opportunity to grow past their admittedly reasonable misgivings." Incantis stands awkwardly. "Garaele, who is Bowgentle?"

Oggor listens quietly and attentively as first Strix, and then Dekhan, and finally Incantis speak.  Then he takes his turn.

Honour, Chief.  Yes, that is what counts here.  What does honour demand of six orcs lost in the world, far from home?  The old ways demanded victory, war and destruction.  We want no part of that.  The new ways demand different things.  He looks at Strix, and nods.  Honour demands that we do not harm the weak.  You are not prey, or food.  But honour also demands that we do not coddle the weak.  You will not cower behind your walls while we shed the blood of proud orcs in your defence.  Sister Garaele seems about to speak, but Oggor cuts her off.  We, my brothers and I, we will teach you strength.  We will teach you war.  We will take your young and turn them into warriors who can defend their homes.  We will protect you until you can protect yourselves.  It will be a great good, as Incantis says, to see you stand strong and proud like orcs.  And then, who knows?  Perhaps we will choose to stay.

His tone softens a little.  It will be a good deal, Sister.  When we are finished with it, you and I.  There will be many discussions, over the coming months.  My Chief consents, so now I must go to my brothers and lead them to our new home.  I will see you there soon, Sister.  He nods to each of you in turn, and walks down the street.  Before he has gone too far, he stops and turns.  And Sister?  That halfling... the whiny one.  Hester?  Keep him away from our camp.  He makes me.... hungry.  He gives the Sister a salute, and walks off.  

Sister Garaele exhales.  He's joking, right?  I think he's joking.  She looks tired, not unhappy, but rather overwhelmed by what has just happened and at her central role in all of this.  I... what?  Bowgentle?  How...?  Oh, that.  Oh, sure, let's just discuss it in the middle of...   Sorry.  I need to sit down.  Please, come with me to my shrine.  Or maybe the tavern.  Some ale might be good right about now.  She also walks off, towards the tavern.

Dekhan smiles after Oggor then turns the smile on his friends. I’d say we earned another ale, boys. Shall we to the tavern, then?

Sitting back at the inn with Sister Garaele, you spend a few hours relaxing. The Sister seems happier with a bit of ale in her.

Well Incantis, in answer to your question, I don't know much about Bowgentle, except he was a spellcaster. Did I actually tell you that? That was the quest I had for you, certainly, but I thought Dekhan that you were going to talk it over with your friends. I don't recall that you ever came back to me and accepted the quest. Does this mean that you have an answer?

(If you're not at the tavern with Garaele, let me know where you are and what you want to do.)

Still at the tavern with whoever happens along, Scupper mostly sours on the lack of direction. Sure scouting the brother's camp might give some needed insight but there's clearly a lot of factions in play.

"Feel like we're being pulled in four directions even though every shadow all have the same goal." At anyone who cares to ask. 

When Vaz ask about Blinky...

"I'll be honest with ye, Vaz. I never trusted that feck, shadow or no. There's a hunger beyond meat. Sure and tell the orcs. Blinky wouldn't likely try to sneak up on em...but he might."

" No hand on tiller, Scup - sail where wind blow. Wind in Phan'lin blow cold. Need take helm fast, fore Sis blow 'gain. Sildar want find Rockseeker. What us want? Find cave? Find spider? Find more ale? 

Strix worry - this 3rd ale, not had lunch. Strix on Vaz road."

Perhaps I didn’t formally accept the quest, Sister, I thought we were to ask the banshee for the location of the book... 

Indeed, of Bowgentle's spellbook, confirms Garaele.  And I'm not complaining, just surprised.  If you have an answer, I would be happy to hear it.

Vaz is where the ale is after his errands are done but upon hearing Scuppers reply he downs the rest of his ale and stands. He addresses those that are there;

Be back in a bit Lads. Gunna go give the Arrow Boys a heads up on the maybe gone, maybe there One Eyed Brain Tickler. Feel bad that I didn't think of it before.

Tolben, do you have a keg I can take up to the Orcs? Hate to go without a housewarming gift

Strix, I can't wait te get out o' this place either. We hit the trail with Sildar and get away from what appears to be all the whispers and nudges te do this or that. Let's find Rockseeker and then maybe drop anchor in a new place fer a bit. I don't hate the town and there's good people but there's a lot o' underlying intent amongst the upper echelon.

(Thanks Nunberry!)

Varinth is able to purchase a keg of ale for the normal price, and sets off towards where the orcs were headed (or straight to the base under the manor?)

Sister Garaele sits awkwardly as Scupper passes judgement on the town, and silently waits for someone to respond to her.

Dekhan takes a sip of his ale and clears his throat before addressing Sister Garaele. According to Agatha she traded the book to a necromancer,  Tsernoth of Iriaebor, over a hundred years ago. She didn’t know what became of it after that, though... of course a hundred years is not so long for a necromancer. Have you heard of him, Sister?

I haven't, I'm afraid.  But it doesn't matter.  Tsernoth?  She checks the spelling and makes a note of it.  Thank you, Dekhan.  I thought when she refused to see me that that was the end of it; thank you for your help.  To you and your friends, too.  She is notoriously prickly, so I can only imagine the effort it took for some of you to hold your tongues.  It's possible that her eyes flicker to Scupper and Strix, but hard to tell; there is a small smile on her lips.  My thanks to you all.

Garaele remains and chats for a while; afterwards, she heads out, returning shortly with three potion of healing, which you can add to your inventory as you like.  She then takes her leave.

Sildar plans for you all to head out to the supposed Rockseeker brothers' camp tomorrow at sunrise; it's now midday.  How would you like to spend the rest of the day?

OOC: Varinth will head to wherever he thinks they might be considering the time that has passed. If this is after he has done all his errands then probably the Manor otherwise, the camp.