Titus would nod decisively at Soar's suggestion 'No sense in hiding, they saw us and if they want a confrontation they'll find one. Better to move quickly and gather what intel we can along the way.'
The enigmatic thief gathers his gear and moves out to examine what tracks may have been left behind, motioning to Tobin to join him for some Help in ascertaining what they can about the nature of their nocturnal visitors.
Not the most knowledgeable about tracking, Tobin nonetheless moves over to help Titus, showing the sketch he made of the lead rider and describing the horses as best he remembers them. He also offers, “If you want to scout ahead very quickly, I can conjure a fast horse—It will only last an hour, but can cover about 13 miles in that time.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Titus, the tracks appear to be of normal horses with horseshoes. There are definitely five riders, as Tobin saw. There is a clear trail headed north along the road. They don't appear to be carrying an usually heavy load, perhaps some heavier than others. They pick up speed as they move away from your camp; you would need to follow to see if that changes, and stopping to inspect the tracks would slow you down.
Titus relays his findings to the rest of the party and shakes his head at the options to range ahead 'No, best we stick together and stick with the plan. I'll keep my eyes out for anything unusual as we push ahead, but don;t think we should invest much time or risk anyone to gather more information. Either they are hostile to us or they are not. Tobin's magic held them off last night - that makes me think that either they don't have specific ill will towards us, or that they are unsure of their ability to face our combined might. It's not in our interest to change that equation in a way that shifts the balance towards them.'
He finishes his analysis by looking at each member of the party in turn 'Unless that is, one of you knows something I haven't included in my assessment?"
Soar shakes her head - she knows nothing and has honestly no guesses about this group. The coldness and menace suggest more than just cult threats but the cult could have other allies of a fiendish or undead nature. Her thought was Gwen’s monitor but with no evidence, she’s got nothing. She’s fine to move fast to Waterdeep, keeping an eye out for anyone who might have reason to have info on the nighttime riders.
So you resume your journey. Over the next few days you pass by other travellers on the road; most know nothing of the riders, but two groups have someone who did see them pass by at night, though they did not stop. They recall the feeling of cold at their approach, and report that they were definitely headed in the direction of Waterdeep.
And so, some days later and without any further encounters, you reach the City of Waterdeep, vast and messy and full of mysteries. You arrive at midday, so enough of the day remains to get in some visits if you wish. The gate is not too busy; there were occasional signs, and frequent rumours of Cult of the Dragon attacks that you picked up on the way, nothing imminent or direct but clearly enough to scare people and suppress trade and travel. The guards at the gate seem alert, but not tense.
Based on your past experiences, there are a few places or people in the city that you know quite well and might wish to visit.
There is the Grinning Lion, the tavern near the North Gate that you have made your most regular base, and filled with kobolds you rescued from Oyaviggaton.
There is Castle Waterdeep, where the government of the city is based, where the Council of Waterdeep has been meeting and where your main contacts on the Council can be found - Ontharr Frume of the Order of the Gauntlet and Dagult Neverember, Open Lord of Waterdeep and leader of the Council.
There is the Temple of Kelemvor, formerly Soar's home and where she still has important connections.
There is Lady Laeral Silverhand, a powerful noble of Waterdeep who sent Titus and Tobin to meet you and has a large home in the city.
There are also various other temples, markets and shops of interest. Where would you like to go?
"If you need anything researched, I can check in at the Academy," says Tobin as they approach the city, seeming more at ease now that he is back in his home city. "But otherwise I am happy to accompany you wherever needed. Do you have an idea what our next step is in combating the Cult of the Dragon, or are we here to consult with those who might have that answer?" he asks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar spends the rest of the trip trying to get to know T&T better, telling them more of their fight against the cult. She asks them where they are from and how they got involved in this. What they like and don’t like. And she asks to explore the library!
She suggests they go to the Inn to check on the Kobolds and see if there are any bits of news or messages from them. Then she asks T&T if stopping in to see Lady Silverhand is feasible. Perhaps she has information or advice for them. Especially with what to say to the council about their failure. Because she knows she has to report to the council, either today or tomorrow. Perhaps they can get a message to Ontharr or Jalt can message him, to see about timing. If the council does not want to see them today then she will end the day with a trip to temple.
She asks En to keep a similar invisible eye for tails, spies, and watchers they tried doing in Daggerford. And if T&T can do anything they also should. Soar and the dragonborn lads have been ambushed in Waterdeep in broad daylight before, after all.
Let's get started, and head to the Grinning Lion. You all walk through the city, following Soar's lead. En becomes invisible, and makes non-committal noises about their ability to spot spies and other threats in such an unfamiliar place. Candelabra, I would assume, remains outside the city?
The Grinning Lion is, as it was before, a bright, cheerful, perhaps gaudy inn that nevertheless appears to be doing well. It's later in the afternoon by the time you arrive. Titus and Tobin, you would probably have been here before if you are fond of drinking and company in the city, that's up to you. What you might perhaps be surprised at is the number of kobolds, waiting tables, serving behind the bar, playing the drums for the small group of gnome performers in the corner of the room. They are wearing clean, dark magenta uniforms and darting here and there among the crowd that appears to be drawn from all walks of Waterdeep life, rich and poor, human, elf, dwarf, halfling and more. It's perhaps surprising to see kobolds moving freely about the city and not causing alarm.
Soar, Jalt and Bazavur, none of the kobolds on duty at the moment are ones you've interacted with much before, though you would recognise them all as having come with your on the boat from the Sea of Moving Ice.
Yes, Candelabra stays outside the city in a wooded area just off the path, and grazes and peers through the trees at the path, and Soar asks him to let her know if he sees anyone familiar following the party. (You know, as elks do.)
Soar asks the bartender, "Is Joll here? Kiff? We are back in town and looking for news, and need rooms."
Titus moves along behind Soar and cuts in 'And a bit of ale for thirsty friends' in perfect Draconic, picking up and riffing on a traditional Waterdeepian drinking toast in the strange tongue.
Following along quietly, Tobin makes sure he keeps his Mage Armor up. He also casts See Invisibility as he has a chance to do so subtly, especially when people seem ready to discuss items of import.
On the other hand, during their earlier journey, Tobin is delighted to show Soar his Library, talking at length about the many books and offer to lend any that Soar would like for casual reading or research.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar, a kobold nods and answers in draconic. Yes, Lady Soar. Joll is upstairs. It's his day off, so he's writing, I think. But he'll be happy to see you.
Titus, another kobold answers to you: Of course, sir. You travel with our saviours, after all. Please come to the back room where you can rest and talk in private.
You are all shown together to a comfortable back meeting room, where some of you have sat and talked with Leosin the monk in the past. There was a group of people already in the room relaxing and playing cards, but they are ushered out to make way for you, and don't look too bothered about it. The table is hastily cleared and wiped, and after a few minutes, ale is brought for all who wish it. A rather unremarkable kobold comes to meet you, introducing himself to Titus and Tobin as Joll. He offers his hand to all of you to shake, Jalt first, then Soar, Bazavur, Titus and Tobin, and finally Gwen, before sitting down at the table with you. En is nowhere to be seen, and Tobin, with your spell (I assume?) you can see that he is not currently with you, at least not within your line of sight.
It is good to see you are well, and you have some new travelling companions, Joll says in a friendly manner. Where is your other friend, Tangle, if I may ask?
(This is all in draconic - but I think you all speak this, aside from Gwen.)
Tobin respectfully returns Joll's handshake and introduces himself as 'Tobin the Librarian'. He does indeed cast his See Invisibility spell and nods at Soar, indicating that there were no invisible sensors nearby. He keeps the spell up as the conversation progresses and looks about often for any intruders.
Titus introduces himself as an old friend of the Librarian and claps Tobin on the back in a jovial manner. He sets about drinking and seems to be completely oblivious to the conversation.
In fact he's listening quite carefully, using the false bonhomie as a cover for his intense analysis to the Kobolds, their interactions and their intents.
Tobin: Librarian? Joll looks very interested, excited even. There were many things to read in Oyaviggaton, our home, but all were about the great... about the white dragon. Since coming to Waterdeep I have found so many more interesting things to read. And to write! I am writing the story of my people. He looks suddenly a little embarrassed to have blurted this out. There are so many things we never imagined, that people here can see and experience every day. This city is a wonder.
Titus, make an Insight check as you listen in to the conversation.
"Indeed, many books about a white dragon from your home Oyaviggaton? Quite interesting," says Tobin, looking at Soar with a raised eyebrow given their recent experiences. "I would love to hear more and offer my services as a writing consultant as time permits, Joll. Perhaps after our discussion is done here I can show you my library--it has several tomes that reference the City of Splendors and one travel guide from Master Geddarm that may be of interest to you," he adds, falling silent afterwards to let others more familiar with their hosts guide the conversation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Titus would nod decisively at Soar's suggestion 'No sense in hiding, they saw us and if they want a confrontation they'll find one. Better to move quickly and gather what intel we can along the way.'
The enigmatic thief gathers his gear and moves out to examine what tracks may have been left behind, motioning to Tobin to join him for some Help in ascertaining what they can about the nature of their nocturnal visitors.
Tobin:
Not the most knowledgeable about tracking, Tobin nonetheless moves over to help Titus, showing the sketch he made of the lead rider and describing the horses as best he remembers them. He also offers, “If you want to scout ahead very quickly, I can conjure a fast horse—It will only last an hour, but can cover about 13 miles in that time.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"You can take Candelabra too, he is very fast," Soar says. (50ft/round)
Titus, the tracks appear to be of normal horses with horseshoes. There are definitely five riders, as Tobin saw. There is a clear trail headed north along the road. They don't appear to be carrying an usually heavy load, perhaps some heavier than others. They pick up speed as they move away from your camp; you would need to follow to see if that changes, and stopping to inspect the tracks would slow you down.
Titus relays his findings to the rest of the party and shakes his head at the options to range ahead 'No, best we stick together and stick with the plan. I'll keep my eyes out for anything unusual as we push ahead, but don;t think we should invest much time or risk anyone to gather more information. Either they are hostile to us or they are not. Tobin's magic held them off last night - that makes me think that either they don't have specific ill will towards us, or that they are unsure of their ability to face our combined might. It's not in our interest to change that equation in a way that shifts the balance towards them.'
He finishes his analysis by looking at each member of the party in turn 'Unless that is, one of you knows something I haven't included in my assessment?"
Soar shakes her head - she knows nothing and has honestly no guesses about this group. The coldness and menace suggest more than just cult threats but the cult could have other allies of a fiendish or undead nature. Her thought was Gwen’s monitor but with no evidence, she’s got nothing. She’s fine to move fast to Waterdeep, keeping an eye out for anyone who might have reason to have info on the nighttime riders.
Tobin:
"No objection here," says the small librarian, "Let's get on the road."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
So you resume your journey. Over the next few days you pass by other travellers on the road; most know nothing of the riders, but two groups have someone who did see them pass by at night, though they did not stop. They recall the feeling of cold at their approach, and report that they were definitely headed in the direction of Waterdeep.
And so, some days later and without any further encounters, you reach the City of Waterdeep, vast and messy and full of mysteries. You arrive at midday, so enough of the day remains to get in some visits if you wish. The gate is not too busy; there were occasional signs, and frequent rumours of Cult of the Dragon attacks that you picked up on the way, nothing imminent or direct but clearly enough to scare people and suppress trade and travel. The guards at the gate seem alert, but not tense.
Based on your past experiences, there are a few places or people in the city that you know quite well and might wish to visit.
There is the Grinning Lion, the tavern near the North Gate that you have made your most regular base, and filled with kobolds you rescued from Oyaviggaton.
There is Castle Waterdeep, where the government of the city is based, where the Council of Waterdeep has been meeting and where your main contacts on the Council can be found - Ontharr Frume of the Order of the Gauntlet and Dagult Neverember, Open Lord of Waterdeep and leader of the Council.
There is the Temple of Kelemvor, formerly Soar's home and where she still has important connections.
There is Lady Laeral Silverhand, a powerful noble of Waterdeep who sent Titus and Tobin to meet you and has a large home in the city.
There are also various other temples, markets and shops of interest. Where would you like to go?
Tobin:
"If you need anything researched, I can check in at the Academy," says Tobin as they approach the city, seeming more at ease now that he is back in his home city. "But otherwise I am happy to accompany you wherever needed. Do you have an idea what our next step is in combating the Cult of the Dragon, or are we here to consult with those who might have that answer?" he asks.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar spends the rest of the trip trying to get to know T&T better, telling them more of their fight against the cult. She asks them where they are from and how they got involved in this. What they like and don’t like. And she asks to explore the library!
She suggests they go to the Inn to check on the Kobolds and see if there are any bits of news or messages from them. Then she asks T&T if stopping in to see Lady Silverhand is feasible. Perhaps she has information or advice for them. Especially with what to say to the council about their failure. Because she knows she has to report to the council, either today or tomorrow. Perhaps they can get a message to Ontharr or Jalt can message him, to see about timing. If the council does not want to see them today then she will end the day with a trip to temple.
She asks En to keep a similar invisible eye for tails, spies, and watchers they tried doing in Daggerford. And if T&T can do anything they also should. Soar and the dragonborn lads have been ambushed in Waterdeep in broad daylight before, after all.
Let's get started, and head to the Grinning Lion. You all walk through the city, following Soar's lead. En becomes invisible, and makes non-committal noises about their ability to spot spies and other threats in such an unfamiliar place. Candelabra, I would assume, remains outside the city?
The Grinning Lion is, as it was before, a bright, cheerful, perhaps gaudy inn that nevertheless appears to be doing well. It's later in the afternoon by the time you arrive. Titus and Tobin, you would probably have been here before if you are fond of drinking and company in the city, that's up to you. What you might perhaps be surprised at is the number of kobolds, waiting tables, serving behind the bar, playing the drums for the small group of gnome performers in the corner of the room. They are wearing clean, dark magenta uniforms and darting here and there among the crowd that appears to be drawn from all walks of Waterdeep life, rich and poor, human, elf, dwarf, halfling and more. It's perhaps surprising to see kobolds moving freely about the city and not causing alarm.
Soar, Jalt and Bazavur, none of the kobolds on duty at the moment are ones you've interacted with much before, though you would recognise them all as having come with your on the boat from the Sea of Moving Ice.
Yes, Candelabra stays outside the city in a wooded area just off the path, and grazes and peers through the trees at the path, and Soar asks him to let her know if he sees anyone familiar following the party. (You know, as elks do.)
Soar asks the bartender, "Is Joll here? Kiff? We are back in town and looking for news, and need rooms."
Titus moves along behind Soar and cuts in 'And a bit of ale for thirsty friends' in perfect Draconic, picking up and riffing on a traditional Waterdeepian drinking toast in the strange tongue.
Tobin:
Following along quietly, Tobin makes sure he keeps his Mage Armor up. He also casts See Invisibility as he has a chance to do so subtly, especially when people seem ready to discuss items of import.
On the other hand, during their earlier journey, Tobin is delighted to show Soar his Library, talking at length about the many books and offer to lend any that Soar would like for casual reading or research.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Soar, a kobold nods and answers in draconic. Yes, Lady Soar. Joll is upstairs. It's his day off, so he's writing, I think. But he'll be happy to see you.
Titus, another kobold answers to you: Of course, sir. You travel with our saviours, after all. Please come to the back room where you can rest and talk in private.
You are all shown together to a comfortable back meeting room, where some of you have sat and talked with Leosin the monk in the past. There was a group of people already in the room relaxing and playing cards, but they are ushered out to make way for you, and don't look too bothered about it. The table is hastily cleared and wiped, and after a few minutes, ale is brought for all who wish it. A rather unremarkable kobold comes to meet you, introducing himself to Titus and Tobin as Joll. He offers his hand to all of you to shake, Jalt first, then Soar, Bazavur, Titus and Tobin, and finally Gwen, before sitting down at the table with you. En is nowhere to be seen, and Tobin, with your spell (I assume?) you can see that he is not currently with you, at least not within your line of sight.
It is good to see you are well, and you have some new travelling companions, Joll says in a friendly manner. Where is your other friend, Tangle, if I may ask?
(This is all in draconic - but I think you all speak this, aside from Gwen.)
Tobin:
Tobin respectfully returns Joll's handshake and introduces himself as 'Tobin the Librarian'. He does indeed cast his See Invisibility spell and nods at Soar, indicating that there were no invisible sensors nearby. He keeps the spell up as the conversation progresses and looks about often for any intruders.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Titus introduces himself as an old friend of the Librarian and claps Tobin on the back in a jovial manner. He sets about drinking and seems to be completely oblivious to the conversation.
In fact he's listening quite carefully, using the false bonhomie as a cover for his intense analysis to the Kobolds, their interactions and their intents.
Tobin: Librarian? Joll looks very interested, excited even. There were many things to read in Oyaviggaton, our home, but all were about the great... about the white dragon. Since coming to Waterdeep I have found so many more interesting things to read. And to write! I am writing the story of my people. He looks suddenly a little embarrassed to have blurted this out. There are so many things we never imagined, that people here can see and experience every day. This city is a wonder.
Titus, make an Insight check as you listen in to the conversation.
Tobin:
"Indeed, many books about a white dragon from your home Oyaviggaton? Quite interesting," says Tobin, looking at Soar with a raised eyebrow given their recent experiences. "I would love to hear more and offer my services as a writing consultant as time permits, Joll. Perhaps after our discussion is done here I can show you my library--it has several tomes that reference the City of Splendors and one travel guide from Master Geddarm that may be of interest to you," he adds, falling silent afterwards to let others more familiar with their hosts guide the conversation.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
(rolled a 24 in the game log for Insight)