Akai learns the following from the various adventurers, researchers, and storytellers he manages to corner and interrogate throughout the course of the day:
The Arcane Chambers make up the second level of Undermountain. They used to serve as a complex of laboratories for the apprentices of Halaster Blackcloak, the mad mage who carved out the dungeons of Undermountain over a thousand years ago.The Arcane Chambers are infested with sentient magical experiments and other remnants of the work of Halaster’s pupils. It is also said that a goblin tribe and an arm of the Xanathar guild are currently fighting over the habitable areas of this level. The goblins apparently run a black market bazaar, and are known to deal peaceably with adventurers and treasure hunters who are willing to do business. The only known entrance to the Arcane Chambers is from the level above, the Dungeon. The stairs from the first level leading down to the second are roughly south of the well bottom below the Yawning Portal.
Falshen hits the jackpot with his investigation into possible suppliers. He has a cousin who recently bought up a stock of dry goods - lumber, sacks, tools, salt meat, salt fish, dried beans, oats, flour, and other sundries. He was hoping to rig out some sort of construction expedition, but the project fell through, and now he needs to shift the stuff off his hands to cut his losses. If Falshen signs a deal in the next tenday, he can shave 200 gp off the startup cost of opening the tavern. In addition, he has now been put in touch with certain friendly suppliers, which will shave an additional 5 gp off the operations cost per tenday.
Gregor does not make any particular connection with suppliers for the tavern, but does find Teapot, who was awaiting him somewhat trepidatiously in the Yawning Portal. With a great deal of bowing and clucking and "I anticipate a lucrative future,” the kenku agrees to take on the role of general gopher, dogsbody, and eavesdropper, whenever the Manor should again be open for business.
Ian and Irma strike an excellent bargain with the proprietor of the Bent Nail for carpentry work on the Manor. He and the other shopkeepers in the neighborhood have long regretted the Manor’s derelict state, and are looking forward to the business a prosperous public house could bring to Trollskull Alley. This arrangement reduces the startup costs for the tavern by 50 gp.
As for Renaer, he is delighted to assist you, being deeply indebted for your rescue of both himself and the hapless Floon. As you describe your intended project over a civilized luncheon at Neverember House, he takes a deeper interest in your affairs. He frankly offers to front 500 gp for the startup costs - in exchange for a 10% take on the profits. Being a fair fellow, and liking the lot of you well enough, he agrees that this will also entail him covering 10% of any losses, whenever losses are incurred.
Gregor waits for the others back at the manor, "I have some interesting news," he says when they are all gathered, "a tip off on a case in the Dock Ward. One that could put us in a favorable light with the City Watch... and other interested parties. That is, if we manage to actually assist."
He looks around the group, "Are any of you interested in catching a serial killer?"
Gregor waits for the others back at the manor, "I have some interesting news," he says when they are all gathered, "a tip off on a case in the Dock Ward. One that could put us in a favorable light with the City Watch... and other interested parties. That is, if we manage to actually assist."
He looks around the group, "Are any of you interested in catching a serial killer?"
"I am always up to help take out a dangerous creature." Irma spins his hammer in his hand
With a nod, Falshen adds, "I am always in favor of stopping a killer. Though, I too have news. I have had a job offer, the pay for which could help our efforts to reopen the tavern. However, I forsee the need for help with it. Simply put, the Dungsweepers’ Guild has had trouble with violence in the city and is in need of guards for its working guild associates. If we are interested, we must contact them within the next three days to take the job. each day, we meet them at the Muleskull Tavern, on Ship Street in the Dock Ward, at six bells, and guard them while they work. We need to stay on the job for a tenday until more permanent arrangements are made with another service. As we will need to secure the necessary guild licenses and contracts to start a business in the City, we have been offered aid in easing certain requirements to that end."
[Per DM: This would reduce the tavern startup costs by 100 gp.]
Gregor looks pensive, "I wonder if this might be the same job from different sources. This serial killer operates in the Dock Ward. They seem to have chosen Elves and Half-Elves as their victim of choice, and favor decapitation at night."
”Irma and I also had success today. We have found quite equitable terms with our carpenter neighbor at the Bent Nail and an additional source of 500gp from Renaer for a 10% share in the profits and losses of the tavern. I believe that we will now be on excellent terms with our business neighbors by bringing them additional business. As to the other two quests, if they are related then we can kill two birds with one stone. If not I think a serial killer is of priority as well.”
Akai chimes in with his discoveries of the day. "Krrr, Akai also has tales to tell! Farms near city being attacked by straw-man - "scarecrow" they call it in common tongue. Only ones dead are animals, not people, so City Watch drag their feet! Lady named 'Jer...yth... Phaul...kon...,'" he stumbles a bit with the non-draconic name, "offers reward! Spreads word of our power! And there is other chance for treasure and glory!" Here Akai relays what he has learned of the Arcane Chambers in the Undermountain. He takes a moment to ponder once he finishes.
"Much to do here in Waterdeep! Catch killer of men! Then seek favor of Lady Phaulkon and burn scarecrow to ash! Then delve into Undermountain for treasure and territory!"
[OOC] Akai is also willing to chip in for repairs and renovations once we get a final quote of the amount needed per team member.
Irma nods in agreement with the Akai. "Sounds like this is all coming together lads, when should we head out? I'm planning on meeting with the local Paladin Order here, the Order of the Gauntlet, tomorrow. I can stop by there, ask if they have information to share about our killer then meet you all at the docks."
Ian has business to conduct in securing an appointment with a haberdashery tomorrow morning. Unless he is immediately drawn into the business of having a fitting on the spot, he should be back relatively quickly once an appointment is scheduled. After that he will make all haste back to the agreed upon meetup location to conduct the business of the day with the rest of the crew.
To note: Ian is impartial to the crew's decision as to which quest they seek, though he advises them that the more time-sensitive concern should be considered first priority. If the crew are able to manage investigating a serial killer and also doing the dung-sweepers guild quest, then we should consider that as well. Frankly, Ian is the go-to serial killer bait of the party, although he would prefer to avoid any undue parting of his head from his shoulders. Consider this Ian opting out of a vote and letting his advice be his voice in the matter.
Falshen agrees with prioritizing by time sensitivity but, beyond that, has no strong preference. He is willing to tackle the dungsweepers job by himself if necessary. That said, his job is scheduled for a tenday - if necessary, he could assist the group for three days and then break off to guard the dungsweepers solo until the lest of the party can join him.
Also, since Akai's scarecrow job does not seems to have a time-specific component, perhaps we should tackle during the day and then seek the serial killer in the evening?
"I'll defer to the group. I would note that if at all possible i would like it not to become too public knowledge that I practice magic. Though the title of Wizard could open some doors for me, it might shut other, more valuable ones that we could all benefit from. I plan on avoiding conspicuous magic in public unless it can't be helped, and I would appreciate that you not advertise me as a mage to our future contacts... at least not without conferring with me first."
Ian, not one blessed with intellect, will refrain from investigating unless in order to support another party member's more intelligence-based investigations. He will plan on supporting Gregor or Falshen in their efforts.
Edit: Ian also reports that he has a little side-quest with the possibility of remuneration as well that could be performed at a later time.
Akai learns the following from the various adventurers, researchers, and storytellers he manages to corner and interrogate throughout the course of the day:
The Arcane Chambers make up the second level of Undermountain. They used to serve as a complex of laboratories for the apprentices of Halaster Blackcloak, the mad mage who carved out the dungeons of Undermountain over a thousand years ago.The Arcane Chambers are infested with sentient magical experiments and other remnants of the work of Halaster’s pupils. It is also said that a goblin tribe and an arm of the Xanathar guild are currently fighting over the habitable areas of this level. The goblins apparently run a black market bazaar, and are known to deal peaceably with adventurers and treasure hunters who are willing to do business. The only known entrance to the Arcane Chambers is from the level above, the Dungeon. The stairs from the first level leading down to the second are roughly south of the well bottom below the Yawning Portal.
Falshen hits the jackpot with his investigation into possible suppliers. He has a cousin who recently bought up a stock of dry goods - lumber, sacks, tools, salt meat, salt fish, dried beans, oats, flour, and other sundries. He was hoping to rig out some sort of construction expedition, but the project fell through, and now he needs to shift the stuff off his hands to cut his losses. If Falshen signs a deal in the next tenday, he can shave 200 gp off the startup cost of opening the tavern. In addition, he has now been put in touch with certain friendly suppliers, which will shave an additional 5 gp off the operations cost per tenday.
Gregor does not make any particular connection with suppliers for the tavern, but does find Teapot, who was awaiting him somewhat trepidatiously in the Yawning Portal. With a great deal of bowing and clucking and "I anticipate a lucrative future,” the kenku agrees to take on the role of general gopher, dogsbody, and eavesdropper, whenever the Manor should again be open for business.
Ian and Irma strike an excellent bargain with the proprietor of the Bent Nail for carpentry work on the Manor. He and the other shopkeepers in the neighborhood have long regretted the Manor’s derelict state, and are looking forward to the business a prosperous public house could bring to Trollskull Alley. This arrangement reduces the startup costs for the tavern by 50 gp.
As for Renaer, he is delighted to assist you, being deeply indebted for your rescue of both himself and the hapless Floon. As you describe your intended project over a civilized luncheon at Neverember House, he takes a deeper interest in your affairs. He frankly offers to front 500 gp for the startup costs - in exchange for a 10% take on the profits. Being a fair fellow, and liking the lot of you well enough, he agrees that this will also entail him covering 10% of any losses, whenever losses are incurred.
All of the above brings our heroes to the early evening of Day 4.
Are you meeting back up at this point? If so, where? If not, what else are you up to?
Gregor waits for the others back at the manor, "I have some interesting news," he says when they are all gathered, "a tip off on a case in the Dock Ward. One that could put us in a favorable light with the City Watch... and other interested parties. That is, if we manage to actually assist."
He looks around the group, "Are any of you interested in catching a serial killer?"
"I am always up to help take out a dangerous creature." Irma spins his hammer in his hand
With a nod, Falshen adds, "I am always in favor of stopping a killer. Though, I too have news. I have had a job offer, the pay for which could help our efforts to reopen the tavern. However, I forsee the need for help with it. Simply put, the Dungsweepers’ Guild has had trouble with violence in the city and is in need of guards for its working guild associates. If we are interested, we must contact them within the next three days to take the job. each day, we meet them at the Muleskull Tavern, on Ship Street in the Dock Ward, at six bells, and guard them while they work. We need to stay on the job for a tenday until more permanent arrangements are made with another service. As we will need to secure the necessary guild licenses and contracts to start a business in the City, we have been offered aid in easing certain requirements to that end."
[Per DM: This would reduce the tavern startup costs by 100 gp.]
Falshen adds, "That all said, catching a serial killer should certainly take priority!"
Gregor looks pensive, "I wonder if this might be the same job from different sources. This serial killer operates in the Dock Ward. They seem to have chosen Elves and Half-Elves as their victim of choice, and favor decapitation at night."
Ian rubs his neckline concernedly. He reports,
”Irma and I also had success today. We have found quite equitable terms with our carpenter neighbor at the Bent Nail and an additional source of 500gp from Renaer for a 10% share in the profits and losses of the tavern. I believe that we will now be on excellent terms with our business neighbors by bringing them additional business. As to the other two quests, if they are related then we can kill two birds with one stone. If not I think a serial killer is of priority as well.”
Akai chimes in with his discoveries of the day. "Krrr, Akai also has tales to tell! Farms near city being attacked by straw-man - "scarecrow" they call it in common tongue. Only ones dead are animals, not people, so City Watch drag their feet! Lady named 'Jer...yth... Phaul...kon...,'" he stumbles a bit with the non-draconic name, "offers reward! Spreads word of our power! And there is other chance for treasure and glory!" Here Akai relays what he has learned of the Arcane Chambers in the Undermountain. He takes a moment to ponder once he finishes.
"Much to do here in Waterdeep! Catch killer of men! Then seek favor of Lady Phaulkon and burn scarecrow to ash! Then delve into Undermountain for treasure and territory!"
[OOC] Akai is also willing to chip in for repairs and renovations once we get a final quote of the amount needed per team member.
Irma nods in agreement with the Akai. "Sounds like this is all coming together lads, when should we head out? I'm planning on meeting with the local Paladin Order here, the Order of the Gauntlet, tomorrow. I can stop by there, ask if they have information to share about our killer then meet you all at the docks."
Ian has business to conduct in securing an appointment with a haberdashery tomorrow morning. Unless he is immediately drawn into the business of having a fitting on the spot, he should be back relatively quickly once an appointment is scheduled. After that he will make all haste back to the agreed upon meetup location to conduct the business of the day with the rest of the crew.
To note: Ian is impartial to the crew's decision as to which quest they seek, though he advises them that the more time-sensitive concern should be considered first priority. If the crew are able to manage investigating a serial killer and also doing the dung-sweepers guild quest, then we should consider that as well. Frankly, Ian is the go-to serial killer bait of the party, although he would prefer to avoid any undue parting of his head from his shoulders. Consider this Ian opting out of a vote and letting his advice be his voice in the matter.
Falshen agrees with prioritizing by time sensitivity but, beyond that, has no strong preference. He is willing to tackle the dungsweepers job by himself if necessary. That said, his job is scheduled for a tenday - if necessary, he could assist the group for three days and then break off to guard the dungsweepers solo until the lest of the party can join him.
Also, since Akai's scarecrow job does not seems to have a time-specific component, perhaps we should tackle during the day and then seek the serial killer in the evening?
"I'll defer to the group. I would note that if at all possible i would like it not to become too public knowledge that I practice magic. Though the title of Wizard could open some doors for me, it might shut other, more valuable ones that we could all benefit from. I plan on avoiding conspicuous magic in public unless it can't be helped, and I would appreciate that you not advertise me as a mage to our future contacts... at least not without conferring with me first."
Ian clarifies his intentions and intends to join with the others and help tackle the scarecrow problem after his haberdashery visit.
Irma nods in agreement, He will meet up with the others for the scarecrow quest after visiting the Order.
Falshen will prepare to set out after the scarecrows whenever the group is ready.
OOC: Until we reach the scarecrows, Falshen has no additional tasks to manage.
Akai will also prepare for the scarecrow hunt.
Day 5 - Fifth of Eleint
After Ian and Irma return from their morning engagements, the party head out of the City proper and into the surrounding farm country of Undercliff.
How are you undertaking your investigations?
Ian, not one blessed with intellect, will refrain from investigating unless in order to support another party member's more intelligence-based investigations. He will plan on supporting Gregor or Falshen in their efforts.
Edit: Ian also reports that he has a little side-quest with the possibility of remuneration as well that could be performed at a later time.
Gregor will inquire after Lady Phaulkon to see if a meeting can be arranged to go over specific details.