Scupper, you find a wealthy-looking establishment, open for business in the mid-afternoon - from the outside, it matches the rest of the buildings in the street, though there seem to be fewer people coming and going through its door, though the door is wide open.
Inside, it looks half like a shop and half like a study in a wealthy merchant's house. Sitting at a desk in one corner is a young half-elf man, writing furiously in a large book. Seated near the fire, reading what might be official documents or records, is a female elf with long red hair, wearing a green dress. She stands as gracefully as few but elves can manage, and walks towards you. Good day sir. Welcome to Harrow's Fine Sundries. I am Veskaya, at your service. She holds out a hand to shake yours.
Incantis smiles wryly at the still nameless elf, purchasing 40GP worth of herbs and incense. "Say, do you know of any shops besides the Raven's Staff that sell magical items?" When he's done talking to her he goes to inspect the shop and enters.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
No! replies the elf, in a happy and friendly but also emphatic way.
After you have finished with the tobacco purchase, Strix and Varinth join Incantis as he heads for the Raven's Staff and enters. It's small, and in the inside is dark but extremely clean and tidy. There's a guard standing just inside the doorway, and he ignores you all as you enter. He looks well-armoured and alert. Another guard stands near an inner door leading to a back room. Three sides of the small shop are mostly bare walls, with a few small pictures hanging. The fourth side has a counter, with a few items on display and locked behind glass, and a few more in a cabinet behind the counter. A dragonborn is cleaning the countertop and looks up as you enter, smiles, but she does not speak.
Scupper will walk inside and see if he can't make a connection with someone here. If anyone knows about these mage gangs, it's the Zhentarim... because they might be the ones in charge of em.
Scupper, Veskaya shakes your hand. So, how can I help you today?
When you mention the Zhentarim, she frowns, appearing to think for a moment. The... trading guild, you mean? I've heard of them, but I don't have any business with them. Perhaps you have the wrong address? Her manner remains polite and calm.
Dekhan smiles graciously at Layla thank you miss, I’m just wondering if you know anything about these bandits that have been plaguing the city with their fire magic. Have you heard anything that may be helpful?
Nope, she replies. Sorry, you're not asking the right person. Have you spoken with the City Watch? And with that, she's off again, with another customer down the other end of the bar. I guess it's not Dekhan's day.
Frown all ye want. I'm looking for Harlow. I'm supposed te be... buying some trade goods. Halia told me I'd find proper representation 'ere...not frowns and secret 'trade guild' handshakes.
Oh, Halia told you that, did she? Veskaya retorts. Well, of course she must be correct. And you figured you'd wander in and 'blah blah Zhentarim blah blah' and get a warm welcome. Bane's balls lad, why do you think you were given a sodding coin? She looks over at the young man: Hold the fort, would you dearie. And she leads you into a back room office.
So, you must be the landlocked pirate. You can put the coin away now. Sit down. You're new at this, it's fine, but it does show. You might want to work on that. Well, then, are you hear looking to assist, or to give assistance? She sits behind her desk on a chair only slightly more comfortable and expensive-looking than your own, and pours you each a glass of wine.
Aye, I'm Scupper. I'm here for both, actually. As for the assistance I'm offering, let me know what type o' work ye need. Tis not likely te bend me morals any further than they's already bent.
You could also tell me what's going on with this fire mage gang. Pretty sure we killed em outside o' town but mebe there's more than one these days.
Interesting. Your interests are the same as mine, though that's hardly surprising. This new gang... if that is indeed the origin of the new and rather dangerous batch of bandits the city has found... well, perhaps there is something we could do. I heard you travel with a group of... competent adventurers, no. But not members of the Black. I wonder...
Veskaya sits and thinks for a while, sipping her wine. For a long time, and then she looks again at you. There is a new gang in town. They call themselves the Forsaken, though few outside their number have heard that name. I believe they have a good number of mages in their ranks, though fewer than many suppose. To hear people gossip, you would imagine whole armies setting the city ablaze, but in truth even a dozen with such power might endanger the city as a whole... She thinks some more.
The leader of that gang has made... overtures to the Black. Looking to establish a relationship, a trade. I think they are recruiting, and are looking for a source of arms for their new recruits. I would be very willing to assist them - very willing indeed. This new player has upset the balance of power in the underworld of Waterdeep, and there is always advantage to be had in such times. I intend to meet with their representative tomorrow. With armed support of course - I have a few mercenaries in my employ to guard the shop, and Jasson, she waves towards the front room where the young half-elf was working - has his own talents. Perhaps you would like to come along and provide additional protection? Without your comrades, I think - I am looking for a negotiation, not a brawl in the mud. I think this would be mutually convenient - your background hints at connections that might deter them from any foolish risks. And if you want to know more of them, what better way than to meet them in person?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dekhan sighs as Layla walks away, are his charms wearing thin? No, surely it’s the women who have changed. He turns and leans back against the bar and surveys the tavern, looking for anyone who looks like they may be in the know or, failing that, looks like an interesting person to talk to. perception2
They may be a bit pissed if words gotten around that we already kill someo'vem outside o' town, but it's hardly the first time me reputation has led the way. Aye, sure and I can be there. Meet ye here or there? When as well? I been wanderin' the docks so me lads are prolly figuring on me gettin' some'more me time.
The day after tomorrow. Evening, an hour before sunset. We will meet in Hopper Alley, on the edge of the Dock Ward. Veskaya gives you directions, and it's only about a half-hour walk from the Blushing Mermaid. I would prefer that you don't mention that you have fought them before, if indeed it was the same gang. There might be time to use that nugget of information, but not yet I think. I will introduce you as a business partner and member of the Black, rather than as one of my bodyguards - that way they will not be surprised when you ask your own questions. I hope you are not planning to provoke them. It would be unwise - we know very little of their strength, and I want to take my time before deciding to work with or against them.
Scupper can stay and discuss matters more with Veskaya, or head back to the Blushing Mermaid, or somewhere else. It will be dark soon.
Dekhan, you wait and watch for a while, but no-one of interest seems to be around. About an hour after sunset, a traveller wearing a long and mud-spattered cloak enters, looks around and takes a seat in one of the darker and quieter corners. You're not quite sure why he attracted your attention. He seems to be human, a man in his forties with brown hair and a short brown beard. He buys a drink and seems uninterested in speaking to anyone.
Varinth will head back to Mermaid and find a big comfy chair near the fireplace, purchase an expensive drink that you're meant to sip, and finally smoke his pipe.
Varinth, you return to the Blushing Mermaid to find Dekhan alone in the now crowded common room.
Dekhan, shortly after the traveller enters, Varinth returns, joins you and starts to smoke.
Varinth, pay 10 gold for a bottle of fine wine. You light your pipe and begin to smoke. The coughing fit ends about a minute later - the wine helps a little, though you suspect you're not getting the full flavour. Will you continue to smoke?
A few people laugh and grin at Varinth, but no-one comes over to speak to you as you sit together.
Scupper comes back to the Mermaid after the meeting. He'll let the group know about the info he picked up on the docks but keep mum on the Zhentarim info for now
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dekhan will point out the mysterious traveler to Scupper and Varinth. Does anything strike either of you as odd about that man? He seems a bit... mysterious Dekhan will study the man for a few moments seeing if he can figure out what’s drawing his attention to the man investigation19
Scupper, you find a wealthy-looking establishment, open for business in the mid-afternoon - from the outside, it matches the rest of the buildings in the street, though there seem to be fewer people coming and going through its door, though the door is wide open.
Inside, it looks half like a shop and half like a study in a wealthy merchant's house. Sitting at a desk in one corner is a young half-elf man, writing furiously in a large book. Seated near the fire, reading what might be official documents or records, is a female elf with long red hair, wearing a green dress. She stands as gracefully as few but elves can manage, and walks towards you. Good day sir. Welcome to Harrow's Fine Sundries. I am Veskaya, at your service. She holds out a hand to shake yours.
Incantis smiles wryly at the still nameless elf, purchasing 40GP worth of herbs and incense. "Say, do you know of any shops besides the Raven's Staff that sell magical items?" When he's done talking to her he goes to inspect the shop and enters.
Incantis, half-elf warlock (great old one) 4/bard 1 ● Thorok Earthhand, hill dwarf mountain druid 6/grave cleric 2
Cragmyre Ironseed, earth genasi ancestral barbarian 3 ● Cyrus Natriallae, aquatic half-elf warlock of the deep 3
No! replies the elf, in a happy and friendly but also emphatic way.
After you have finished with the tobacco purchase, Strix and Varinth join Incantis as he heads for the Raven's Staff and enters. It's small, and in the inside is dark but extremely clean and tidy. There's a guard standing just inside the doorway, and he ignores you all as you enter. He looks well-armoured and alert. Another guard stands near an inner door leading to a back room. Three sides of the small shop are mostly bare walls, with a few small pictures hanging. The fourth side has a counter, with a few items on display and locked behind glass, and a few more in a cabinet behind the counter. A dragonborn is cleaning the countertop and looks up as you enter, smiles, but she does not speak.
Scupper will walk inside and see if he can't make a connection with someone here. If anyone knows about these mage gangs, it's the Zhentarim... because they might be the ones in charge of em.
Scupper, Veskaya shakes your hand. So, how can I help you today?
When you mention the Zhentarim, she frowns, appearing to think for a moment. The... trading guild, you mean? I've heard of them, but I don't have any business with them. Perhaps you have the wrong address? Her manner remains polite and calm.
Dekhan smiles graciously at Layla thank you miss, I’m just wondering if you know anything about these bandits that have been plaguing the city with their fire magic. Have you heard anything that may be helpful?
Nope, she replies. Sorry, you're not asking the right person. Have you spoken with the City Watch? And with that, she's off again, with another customer down the other end of the bar. I guess it's not Dekhan's day.
Alright. Scupper places the coin on the table.
Frown all ye want. I'm looking for Harlow. I'm supposed te be... buying some trade goods. Halia told me I'd find proper representation 'ere...not frowns and secret 'trade guild' handshakes.
Oh, Halia told you that, did she? Veskaya retorts. Well, of course she must be correct. And you figured you'd wander in and 'blah blah Zhentarim blah blah' and get a warm welcome. Bane's balls lad, why do you think you were given a sodding coin? She looks over at the young man: Hold the fort, would you dearie. And she leads you into a back room office.
So, you must be the landlocked pirate. You can put the coin away now. Sit down. You're new at this, it's fine, but it does show. You might want to work on that. Well, then, are you hear looking to assist, or to give assistance? She sits behind her desk on a chair only slightly more comfortable and expensive-looking than your own, and pours you each a glass of wine.
Aye, I'm Scupper. I'm here for both, actually. As for the assistance I'm offering, let me know what type o' work ye need. Tis not likely te bend me morals any further than they's already bent.
You could also tell me what's going on with this fire mage gang. Pretty sure we killed em outside o' town but mebe there's more than one these days.
Interesting. Your interests are the same as mine, though that's hardly surprising. This new gang... if that is indeed the origin of the new and rather dangerous batch of bandits the city has found... well, perhaps there is something we could do. I heard you travel with a group of... competent adventurers, no. But not members of the Black. I wonder...
Veskaya sits and thinks for a while, sipping her wine. For a long time, and then she looks again at you. There is a new gang in town. They call themselves the Forsaken, though few outside their number have heard that name. I believe they have a good number of mages in their ranks, though fewer than many suppose. To hear people gossip, you would imagine whole armies setting the city ablaze, but in truth even a dozen with such power might endanger the city as a whole... She thinks some more.
The leader of that gang has made... overtures to the Black. Looking to establish a relationship, a trade. I think they are recruiting, and are looking for a source of arms for their new recruits. I would be very willing to assist them - very willing indeed. This new player has upset the balance of power in the underworld of Waterdeep, and there is always advantage to be had in such times. I intend to meet with their representative tomorrow. With armed support of course - I have a few mercenaries in my employ to guard the shop, and Jasson, she waves towards the front room where the young half-elf was working - has his own talents. Perhaps you would like to come along and provide additional protection? Without your comrades, I think - I am looking for a negotiation, not a brawl in the mud. I think this would be mutually convenient - your background hints at connections that might deter them from any foolish risks. And if you want to know more of them, what better way than to meet them in person?
She looks at you, trying to assess your reaction.
Dekhan sighs as Layla walks away, are his charms wearing thin? No, surely it’s the women who have changed. He turns and leans back against the bar and surveys the tavern, looking for anyone who looks like they may be in the know or, failing that, looks like an interesting person to talk to. perception 2
They may be a bit pissed if words gotten around that we already kill someo'vem outside o' town, but it's hardly the first time me reputation has led the way. Aye, sure and I can be there. Meet ye here or there? When as well? I been wanderin' the docks so me lads are prolly figuring on me gettin' some'more me time.
The day after tomorrow. Evening, an hour before sunset. We will meet in Hopper Alley, on the edge of the Dock Ward. Veskaya gives you directions, and it's only about a half-hour walk from the Blushing Mermaid. I would prefer that you don't mention that you have fought them before, if indeed it was the same gang. There might be time to use that nugget of information, but not yet I think. I will introduce you as a business partner and member of the Black, rather than as one of my bodyguards - that way they will not be surprised when you ask your own questions. I hope you are not planning to provoke them. It would be unwise - we know very little of their strength, and I want to take my time before deciding to work with or against them.
Scupper can stay and discuss matters more with Veskaya, or head back to the Blushing Mermaid, or somewhere else. It will be dark soon.
Dekhan, you wait and watch for a while, but no-one of interest seems to be around. About an hour after sunset, a traveller wearing a long and mud-spattered cloak enters, looks around and takes a seat in one of the darker and quieter corners. You're not quite sure why he attracted your attention. He seems to be human, a man in his forties with brown hair and a short brown beard. He buys a drink and seems uninterested in speaking to anyone.
Varinth will head back to Mermaid and find a big comfy chair near the fireplace, purchase an expensive drink that you're meant to sip, and finally smoke his pipe.
And no doubt cough up a lung.
Varinth, you return to the Blushing Mermaid to find Dekhan alone in the now crowded common room.
Dekhan, shortly after the traveller enters, Varinth returns, joins you and starts to smoke.
Varinth, pay 10 gold for a bottle of fine wine. You light your pipe and begin to smoke. The coughing fit ends about a minute later - the wine helps a little, though you suspect you're not getting the full flavour. Will you continue to smoke?
A few people laugh and grin at Varinth, but no-one comes over to speak to you as you sit together.
Varinth will push through, determined to look suave.
And after a while, you suspect that you do. You get used to the taste; it's not pleasant, not yet, but perhaps it will be. The smell is nice enough.
Scupper comes back to the Mermaid after the meeting. He'll let the group know about the info he picked up on the docks but keep mum on the Zhentarim info for now
Dekhan will point out the mysterious traveler to Scupper and Varinth. Does anything strike either of you as odd about that man? He seems a bit... mysterious Dekhan will study the man for a few moments seeing if he can figure out what’s drawing his attention to the man investigation 19
((it’s a man in a cloak, innit?))