(Not sure how Phaedra was in there alone, but Kestrell wouldn't have let her go by herself without some persuasion.)

Kestrell speaks up in response to the Magister.

"Who says we are a menace to society?  Was it those bakers again?  Man, you leave one bad review and they can't let it go.  It's not my fault they didn't use enough chocolate glaze!"

Phaedra scoffs.

"You and the Bakers Kestrell. Those that think we are a menace probably have ulterior motives, but I also have my own motives."

"This city is awash with filth and it reaches into high places, as you clearly know. I will not lie, our first meeting with our mutual friend Barnubus was over an incident that some would have branded as us meddling, however, I will not idly sit by and allow cults of devils worshippers to flaunt power in this city or any other. Evil was purged in Elturel and it must be done here. It is the reason that I came to Waterdeep, for I heard of the troubles the city was in with the war between the Zhents, Xanathar and others and I knew it needed to be stopped before more people ended up hurt. But so far all I have really been able to do is watch others get hurt..."

"But I know that is not what you asked us. You want to know why we are interested in this man. This criminal really..."

OCC: Can Phaedra get any sense as to Barch's feeling towards the cults or how she reacts to Phaedra talking about saving the city? Insight 11

Also does Phaedra realize that Mirt is one of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep? I don't think it's ever come up but considering her position with the Harpers I was not sure if she would know or not?

Silver just leans against the door that has the conversation going on inside of it looking around. Hoping to see one of the guards from earlier.

Quote from KestrellKestrell >>

(Not sure how Phaedra was in there alone, but Kestrell wouldn't have let her go by herself without some persuasion.)

OOC: Then Kestrell should have spoken up. 😁

Quote from Hambergler >>

Silver just leans against the door that has the conversation going on inside of it looking around. Hoping to see one of the guards from earlier.

OOC: Apologies Ham, I'm confused. Is Silver inside the courtroom leaning on the door or is he standing outside of it leaning on the door.

Quote from IAmButADream >>

Phaedra scoffs.

"You and the Bakers Kestrell. Those that think we are a menace probably have ulterior motives, but I also have my own motives."

"This city is awash with filth and it reaches into high places, as you clearly know. I will not lie, our first meeting with our mutual friend Barnubus was over an incident that some would have branded as us meddling, however, I will not idly sit by and allow cults of devils worshippers to flaunt power in this city or any other. Evil was purged in Elturel and it must be done here. It is the reason that I came to Waterdeep, for I heard of the troubles the city was in with the war between the Zhents, Xanathar and others and I knew it needed to be stopped before more people ended up hurt. But so far all I have really been able to do is watch others get hurt..."

"But I know that is not what you asked us. You want to know why we are interested in this man. This criminal really..."

OCC: Can Phaedra get any sense as to Barch's feeling towards the cults or how she reacts to Phaedra talking about saving the city? Insight 11

Also does Phaedra realize that Mirt is one of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep? I don't think it's ever come up but considering her position with the Harpers I was not sure if she would know or not?

As Phaedra speaks about the devil worshippers you see the magistrate stiffen a bit, like you touched a nerve. But you're not sure in what way.
Phaedra would not know Mirt is a Masked Lord, but she would know that he is wealthy and has a measure of power.

 Kestrell clears his throat and nudges Phaedra after about 5 seconds of her long pause.

OOC: I was thinking he was outside. Thought the magistrate wanted to talk to Phaedra alone.

"Well I see that you find the presence of cults as disturbing as I do... and you must know it is hard to trust others in a city when we have encountered cultists of a devil at such a high level. I don't know where to begin. My mentor Mirt the Moneylender often says that good will find a way, even if you have to force it..." she give a nervous titter.

"I.. we can trust you right? We may be a rag tag bunch of concerned citizen and well business owner now... with the Trollskull Manor and all. Maybe you should come for a drink, when you are off duty of obviousness. We have the best dwarven ale... But but what I am trying to say is that we need to get Fenerus out. That sounds bad I know and from what you have said he does indeed deserve to be in jail."

Phaedra looks around at the group and then back at the magistrate.

"Fenerus knows the location of a gem that unlocks a hidden vault of Dragons. Well you know gold, don't know why you Waterdavians call gold coins dragons. Just because you put a picture of a dragon on a coin... it makes no sense. Anyway we need to get to the money before the Zhent's, Xanathar or even the Cult of Asmodeus does and then uses it to fund a reign of terror in this fair city. I know you are thinking we are grubby adventurers after a quick win but I tell you we are not. We wish to stop further bloodshed and terror, we are trying to save the city. We really are. I swear on the sacred image of Holy Mother Mystra."

Phaedra takes out her holy symbol of Mystra and kisses it.

"I... I am also a Harper..." Phaedra pulls out her Harper pin, which hangs with her holy symbol.

OCC: I'm taking that nudge from Kestrell as advantage on any roll I need to make!

Please don't lock us up in jail!

Kestrell nods, putting the "ass" in assist.

Selinae nudged Elon, " So whats happening?"

Elon whispers to Selinae "not sure.... I think Phae is trying to convince the official looking person that we aren't the bad guys"

Quote from Goingcrazy614 >>

Elon whispers to Selinae "not sure.... I think Phae is trying to convince the official looking person that we aren't the bad guys"

" Right....we're not the bad guys....are we sure we're not the bad guys?"

" I mean...from their perspective."

Quote from Hambergler >>

OOC: I was thinking he was outside. Thought the magistrate wanted to talk to Phaedra alone.

OOC: I think you might have missed a post (#3543). 😁

While Phaedra continues speaking Magistrate Barch stares at each of you for a second before moving to the next one. As Phaedra wraps up her speech, the magistrate looks back to her and nods her head. "Very nice speech. And I have heard of this missing cache of coins that you speak of. That Fenerus knows the location of the key... well that is a surprise." The magistrate takes a few steps so that she's directly in front of Phaedra. "I will help you in this but it will be done my way. And I will give you a warning. There are no laws preventing the worship of any deities or devils in Waterdeep. If you assault or otherwise harm a citizen of my city while on your holy crusade, you will be locked up just as Fenerus is now." Taking a step closer she whispers:

Stepping back and looking at the whole group the magistrate continues, "Please return here first thing in the morning. I have an idea of how to learn the location of this gem Fenerus is hiding. If it does not work, then we will come up with a new plan." The magistrate nods to you all and then turns to walk back to her office.

OOC: For those who are not Phaedra, DC 15 Perception check if you want to hear what the magistrate whispers.

Kestrell Perception: 18

'Ohh well thank you Magistrate... yes yes I agree. I will do my best and I won't cause extra trouble."

I won't but I bet Kestrell does.... or Silver... or that Elon. At least Vassa can't make too much trouble from behind the bar.... can he?

Phaedra looks back at the others with a glowing expression, some would say smug.

"Looks like things are finally going our way. I am not sure what the plan is but hopefully we will have an answer from Fenerus in the morning! So... back to Trollskull?"

OCC: What time of day is it?

Quote from IAmButADream >>

OCC: What time of day is it?

OCC: Way later than I expected. Holy heck y'all packed a lot in one day. Let's say it's around supper time on the 23rd day of Marpenoth (the 16th day of this adventure).

"I think its time to catch a nice meal cooked by at Trollskull. Shall we?"

If therr are no objections Phaedra will head back to Trollskull.

Elon follows Phae back to Trollskull, 

"So what do you think? This all seems to be going too easy. Can we trust that magistrate lady?"

"You know what Elon... I think i get an ok sense from her, kind of like Barnibus. A follower of the law above all else but she needs someone to work around the edges. Not like thay gnome... he was a criminal!

At this stage we will have to wait and see. I was not sure what else to tell her and I don't speak proficient lier.

Do you think we should watch the station tonight? Having said that I'm ready for bed."

"Yes, we can trust her.  But, let's not get distracted from the main issue at hand.  We need a way to keep that ice cream cold!  After dinner, who's with me to head over and find this magic box lady?"

"You do what you need to do Kestrell. I'm going to have a hot bath and a cup of tea. It's been a long day and about the only other thing I will be able to stay awake for is a good meal. But that icecream... food isn't meant to be that cold."