Waterdeep Dragon Heist - Campaign Thread (DM: Webgambit)

Vassa smiles noticing Bonnie's quick stare but says nothing as he sips his wine. The bard is studying the room, looking to see if he spots any number of familiar faces around the taproom. When the waitress finishes her invitation to delve beneath the Portal, the relaxing half-drow says,'

"Well, with a property in need of repair and a new business to build, we certainly could use some of that wealth that you say is just waiting down there to be collected. While I had planned to merely have a few drinks and take care of some other matters tonight, I suppose that we could participate in a quick delve below. I mean, if we run into trouble or just tire of the whole thing, we just backtrack to the entrance and call out to be lifted back up... right?"

[OOC] perception check to see if Vassa spots Stew, Stagrik or Zemk around the bar: 13

"That sounds like a good plan, Vassa. Let's drop down, it probably smells better than the sewers did."

"As if it is a sport? I think I will just have a wine thank you Bonnie."

She looks around at the others "So you are saying that the fabled Undermoutain is down that hole. The one created by an evil wizard and filled with monsters and fiends? If so why don't they just...climb out?"

History 13 for knowledge of Undermoutain.

"Indeed, Kes. I'd planned to just take stock for a day or two, maybe do a little shopping, foster a few productive acquaintances, that sort of thing, but now that I look at it... I find myself strangely drawn to its dark depths. 

Phaedra raises some good points though. Legendary evil wizards are nothing to be sniffed at and the reason all those beasties don't boil up into the city is a valid one. Perhaps it has something to do with an over-abundance of brave but none-too-bright hero types going below to vanquish monsters... and choke up the tunnels with their never-to-be-seen-again bodies?"

Vassa finishes his wine and orders another with a habitual smile and wink at Bonnie, though the bard's gaze keeps returning to the too-quiet tiefling sorcerer at the table. Pulling out his viol, the bard puts his newly polished (thanks Airus) boots up on the table and stares intensely at the beckoning portal as he starts to sing and play a darkly beautiful song that he picked up at a tavern on the way up to Waterdeep. Alas, the bards pondering and dark thoughts lead to a somewhat muttered rendition of the lyrics, almost as though the half-drow were muttering a portending incantation rather than singing a song.

Silver just smiles looking at the girl as he stands up "Let's try it then - one at a time right?" he just lifts up a gold piece "Where do I go and I'd like some rose wine when I get back please. Maybe, take a little care of my friends also beautiful." he just does a little trick to make the coin disappear in his hand and gives the waitress a wink. His hands drifting down to check his daggers and shortsword, he looks at his companions "Mind if I borrow a shortsword from one of you all?"

[OOC]

sleight of hand check to make the coin disappear: 24

persuasion check on the waitress to give priority to the group for service: 12

"Is it really something you dive down into at a whim? I believe that is why the tombs bloom with the foolish, wouldn't you agree. I am not saying I do not have a steely heart like my mothers, which some would say was cut from the metal of Helm's shield, for i do not fear to venture below. But not more than ten minutes past we had been discussing guard duties at the manor, sleep and there was also the promise of a story over good wine. I now have the wine but if the song was meant to be a good story, then much is left wanting..." 

Phaeda's blue eyes rest on Vassa as she sips her wine.

"Nice trick Silver, but as i said, most unprepared " she adds.

Silver just smiles "Fortune favors the fool - but not unprepared. I don't usually carry two shortswords, but if going down there can get us some gold or a fun story then I might as well go down as prepared as possible which means two short swords instead of one. Plus we do need all the financial help we can get for the manor."

Aenio just shakes his head as he looks back to Bonnie, "I'd also like a glass of wine and whatever you have for supper this evening."

"Yes sir, I'll bring that right out." Bonnie says and turns to go.

Looking back to the table, "I must agree with Phaeda, this does seem foolhardy, Silver. But, I wish you the best of luck."

Lost in his thoughts with his violet eyes still locked on the yawning opening in the floor, Vassa suddenly realises that Phaedra was speaking to him and that the consensus seems to be against trying the portal below right now. With a casual shrug and smile, the once again mentally present bard says,'

"I'd give you a sword if I had one to pass on, Silver, but alas all I have are my crossbow and daggers. I wouldn't mind picking up a rapier myself to be honest.

You're probably right, Phaedra. And you, Aenio. Best we stretch our hamstrings and do our research before jumping down that particular hole, I guess. Not sure where my mind was at just now, but we've likely got enough on our plates at the minute without taking unnecessary risks. Sorry, Kes. Maybe tomorrow night, eh?

And as to the story I promised, my dear... have you heard the one about the motley assortment of ever-do-wells who stumbled into each others company before being commissioned by a famed personage to find and rescue a lost friend, then ended up saving both he AND the captured prince of a far away kindgom, besting not one but TWO vicious criminal cartels along the way, before being rightfully lauded as landed gentry and toasted the city over? No? Well then, please allow me to fill you in on all the juicy and at least partially factual details, my good lady of magical mystery..."

Vassa will begin to recount their meeting and recent adventures, only embellishing the party's perils and triumphs slightly, and his own barely more again, but keeping the story largely factual though entertaining. Hoping to interest others in the tavern in order to raise their group's profile - and also to repair his own somewhat bruised ego after his recent musical short-comings - the animated silver-haired bard will leap up onto the table and pantomime their adventures through the city streets and sewers below, asking his companions involvement as needed and using his own vocal, acting and instrumental talents to help tell the tale, with prestidigitation and dancing lights also used to suitable effect throughout.

[OOC] performance check to tell the enlivened tale of their exploits so far (with advantage I hope): 25

Phaeda tries to look as neutral as she can while listening to the incredible story but is easily enchanted by the bards tale. She "ooohhhhs" as the dancing lights come out, and "aauhhhs" as the deeds are impressive. She sits wondering if her father could spin a tale like this.

Deception 7

After hearing Vassa's song, Kestrell winces and says: "Wow, Vassa, that is a suitable subject, and very pertinent to the topic at hand, but you'll have to wrap me up in Chains  if I'm to listen to any more of it.  Makes me think of a Lice infestation."

"Well, we can always postpone our date with the portal until tomorrow night.  We probably could use a good night's sleep, regardless."

Kestrell also orders dinner and listens to Vassa's story telling, with rapt attention, chiming in occasionally with helpful corrections and embellishments.

Silver just shrugs looking at the bar maid "I'll just take some rose wine I guess. If you still want to go down we can just do it ourselves Kestrell." he says sitting down in the chair "So we're going to go shopping then?" he asks just wondering what the plan exactly was.

Quote from KestrellKestrell >>

After hearing Vassa's song, Kestrell winces and says: "Wow, Vassa, that is a suitable subject, and very pertinent to the topic at hand, but you'll have to wrap me up in Chains  if I'm to listen to any more of it.  Makes me think of a Lice infestation."

"Well, we can always postpone our date with the portal until tomorrow night.  We probably could use a good night's sleep, regardless."

Kestrell also orders dinner and listens to Vassa's story telling, with rapt attention, chiming in occasionally with helpful corrections and embellishments.

 
Glad to see Phaedra enjoying the story and laughing at Kes's predicatably on-point commentary, Vassa winks at the former and chuckles at the latter, smiling as a number of other patrons laugh and clap at the mostly accurate tale. Finishing his third glass of wine for the evening and motioning for another bottle, the now merry bard tosses the passing Bonnie another gold piece to go along with the two that he'd passed the barmaid earlier to secure a room.

Spying a familiar sour halfling face across the room, the half-drow grins to himself and nudges Kestrell to get the couple of gold back that he'd slipped him earlier. Discreetly summoning his unseen servant Airus, Vassa passes his ephemeral and oldest companion the two gold whispering instructions for its delivery, before sitting back to sip his wine with a satisfied smile upon his face and a somewhat wicked twinkle in his eye, as he reaches casually for his flute. A few moments later, the ungracious halfling Stew is being thumped heartily on the back by a tablemate after almost gulping down the two gold pieces that somehow materialised at the bottom of his mug. As the spluttering patron catches his breath and holds up the two coins in puzzlement, the half-drow trickster blows a clear trilling note on his flute to draw the flustered fellows attention, before giving him a wink and salute with the woodwind instrument.

Turning back to Kes, Vassa says in apparent good spirits,'

"You mentioned going back to the manor for the night, Kes. But isn't Locky still there? As he didn't seem to interested in celebratory refreshments, I'm sure that he can hold down the fort for the night while we carouse a little. Then in the morning, we go turn our silver into gold, line up the some initial repairs, grab some equipment and maybe a little info, then get ready for our descent into the portal... what do you say?

Oh, and you're spot on regarding that last tune I played. It'll hardly take one to Nirvana, but it does make me yearn for my old Sound Garden back in Amn."

Quote from Hambergler >>

Silver just shrugs looking at the bar maid "I'll just take some rose wine I guess. If you still want to go down we can just do it ourselves Kestrell." he says sitting down in the chair "So we're going to go shopping then?" he asks just wondering what the plan exactly was.

 
Looking outside at the settling darkness with a doubtful eyebrow raised, Vassa says,'

"Not unless you know an after-hours dealer, Silver? How about we leave the shopping and suici... 'adventuring' for tomorrow, and we drink and make merry tonight while we've coin in our pockets and friends to toast with?"

Looking around at the cheerful patrons nearby, some of whom undoubtedly enjoyed his earlier story, Vassa whispers somewhat co-conspiratorially to his fellow half-drow with a wink,'

"And maybe a game of cards with some of our new friends?"

Quote from vassasunstar >>

...

"You mentioned going back to the manor for the night, Kes. But isn't Locky still there? As he didn't seem to interested in celebratory refreshments, I'm sure that he can hold down the fort for the night while we carouse a little. Then in the morning, we go turn our silver into gold, line up the some initial repairs, grab some equipment and maybe a little info, then get ready for our descent into the portal... what do you say?

Oh, and you're spot on regarding that last tune I played. It'll hardly take one to Nirvana, but it does make me yearn for my old Sound Garden back in Amn."

 

 "Sounds like a plan to me!  I'm sure Locky can hold down the fort, so to speak. It probably Smells Like Old Spirit, thanks to Lif, anyway.  Wait, how do we turn our silver into gold? Are you an alchemist?"

Suddenly remembering the pounds of silver bars they have:

"Oh, the silver bars.  I'm with you now."

Quote from KestrellKestrell >>

 "Sounds like a plan to me!  I'm sure Locky can hold down the fort, so to speak. It probably Smells Like Old Spirit, thanks to Lif, anyway.  Wait, how do we turn our silver into gold? Are you an alchemist?"

Suddenly remembering the pounds of silver bars they have:

"Oh, the silver bars.  I'm with you now."

 
"Haha, old spirit, indeed! Nice one, Kes. It just so happens that I have a deck of cards right here. Who is up for a game? Friends both old and new, welcome!

What about you, Phaedra? No ecclesiastical doctrines against a little harmless fun, surely?  Who knows, you might even witness a bit of... magic... along the way!"

As Vassa says the word magic, he will have Airus tap Phaedra on her left shoulder at the exact moment that the smiling bard leans forward to 'pluck' the queen of hearts out from behind the priestess' right ear.

[OOC] Vassa is engaging in persuasion to tempt either the wealthiest OR most interesting looking patrons in the taproom to play cards with the newly advertised heros: 15

Vassa uses his still present unseen servant Airus in an attempt to gain advantage via the help action with his sleight of hand trick: 22

Phaedra blinks and lets a smiles slip as she looks over her shoulder and then back to see the card in Vassa's hand. The priestess shakes her head,

"You are a smooth one are you not? No I have not take any ecclesiastical vow against the playing of cards, though I am more concerned with matters of the spirit and mind, rather than pub games. I will indulge you one game if you wish, seeing we are hear now. But I will say that I am here for a reason, not just to be a healing aid for you to wonder Undermoutain. But we can talk more of that later."

She finishes off her wine and sets the glass down. "So then, as I believe they say, deal me in"

Silver just nods looking at Silver "Why not - deal me in also." He just sips his wine watching the banter between the two go on, slipping for a moment into a memory before coming back out of it, his lips just curling into a pleasant smile.

"Of course, deal me in.  You don't even have to ask, I'm game."

Quote from IAmButADream >>

Phaedra blinks and lets a smiles slip as she looks over her shoulder and then back to see the card in Vassa's hand. The priestess shakes her head,

"You are a smooth one are you not? No I have not take any ecclesiastical vow against the playing of cards, though I am more concerned with matters of the spirit and mind, rather than pub games. I will indulge you one game if you wish, seeing we are hear now. But I will say that I am here for a reason, not just to be a healing aid for you to wonder Undermoutain. But we can talk more of that later."

She finishes off her wine and sets the glass down. "So then, as I believe they say, deal me in"

"Excellent! Smooth? Who... me? Well, if you say so, hahaha. I more like to think of myself as a simple purveyor of peaceful pleasures, though I always have been susceptible to a pretty face and warm... heart."

Vassa says the last with a self-depreciating chuckle and a smile that takes in the table, though his wink and enticing grin are directed at Asa alone. Dealing out the cards, he also tosses Bonnie another gold piece to keep the table's drinks flowing, though the bard notices approvingly that Silver seems to have ensured the waitresses attentive services for their entourage.

[OOC] Pleased with the reaction from the priestess and the fact that she is playing, Vassa will deal in all his friends plus any of the interesting or wealthy folk that he can tempt from among the tavern patrons and begin teaching them all Zero Barrier Pokhhair. The bard will continue telling stories and singing songs throughout, using Airus, his other distraction magics, handing out free drinks and plying his own theatrical ability to entertainingly confound any non-PC card opponents. As he usually does in such situations, Vassa is attempting to use his wiles to gain an advantage while also leaving his 'marks' feeling rewarded in some way, either via a good story, song, joke or bit of harmless flirting... even as he divests them of coin or other valuables.

An astute observer might note that the bard is discretely diluting his wine with ice or alternating between alcohol and juice - DC15.  Below skill checks as/if needed and with advantage for above reasons.

Vassa's deception check with advantage to fool his marks: 27

Vassa's performance check with advantage to distract and entertain his marks: 16

Vassa's playing card set proficiency check (cha based rather than dex, otherwise -2) with advantage to cheat his marks: 24