"Alright Lif." Cora said, sitting down. She spoke in a pleasant but firm tone, like giving instructions. "Someone's gotta lay down the rules and have the hard conversations. That's where I come in right now. So here's what's gonna happen. We're the new owners here. I know you used to be the barkeep. We're gonna get this place all nice and cleaned up. We're gonna fix the furniture, tidy up everything, make this place look spit shine nice and show it the respect it deserves. In return, you get to stay, and, perhaps more importantly, - you get to have purpose again. We would enjoy your company here, and I believe that you can be an asset. So that means you work for US, now. Do we have an understanding?"

You see the ghostly image of a half-elf float down through the ceiling. It nods and picks up some of the remaining broken things laying around. 

OOC: When Lif pulled out a chair, it had been for Lu-Lu to sit down in, was trying to be nice. But I wrote it badly and everyone's response was worth it to not correct myself. 

Vincent takes one of the badges from the box and looks it over briefly. “Reminds me of the days I served the Flaming Fist...” He murmurs, a forlorn look crossing his face before he shakes away the thoughts from flooding in. “Very well. I will lend you my sword for the time I am here. Haven’t decided on whether or not I’m stayin’ but...” He shrugs. “Maybe this’ll get me to stay.”

"Excellent." Cora says. "My name is Cora." she gets up from her seat. "I have someone to meet at the Yawning Portal. Let the others know where I am should I not return from there first. I will be back soon."

She dresses back up, and puts on her sword belt again and heads off to meet the Zhent contact at the Portal.

Drusilla takes one of the symbols. "You have my services as well."

Heishe picks up one of the symbols and turns it in her hand for a long moment before setting it back in the box. "I apologize, but I must turn you down, at least for now. Wouldn't want to overwhelm myself quite yet..." The dragonborn inclines her head. "You have my thanks for the offer, and I am honored that you would extend to me, and regretful I cannot accept it at this time."

The Blackstaff looks curiously as Heishe, "The offer stands as long as you wish to protect the city." She then turns to Vincent, "We would be honored to have you stay and aid this great city." 

Cora, you make your way over to the Yawning Portal. Once inside you see Yarga wave you over. She welcomes you warmly, "Glad to see you again. Glad you got the message. Davil is over this way." She leads you to a table in the center of the tavern. Sitting at the table, a handsome elf with long blonde hair and tan skin sits, sipping a drink and watching you. Davil offers you a seat, "Ah, hello. You must be Cora. I have heard much about you from Yarga and my other sources. Where are my manners?" He stands up and bows, "Davil Starsong, at your service. Once a famed adventurer, after joining the Zhenarim with my companions, I decided to retire and focus more on the Black Network. We... help those in need, for a price. Although, recently, another Black Network gang has infiltrated the city. They are the ones you found dead in a warehouse. They tried to take over the Xanathar guild, the idiots. Hence the war in the streets. It is interrupting our good business. Me and my colleagues would like to put and end to them so we can resume our normal work. You in? Pay is good."

"Hi Yagra." Cora smiled, walking in. "Thanks." she said to her and let her lead her to the table where Davil was waiting.

She listened patiently as to what he had to say.

"I couldn't give two ****s about the Xanathar Guild. If anything, if what you guys do in any way thwart them..i'm in." she said, finally. "What do you need me to do?"

Lu-lu picks up a badge, “I am in the order of Aster, which is my focus right now, but I will chip in to aid the city as needed!” She smiles warmly at the blackstaff.

Davil looks at Cora, he seems to be sizing you up. “Someone is killing elf and half-elf sailors in the Dock Ward — three dead so far, each one decapitated by a blade in the dead of night. Look into it, will you? Methinks the City Watch could use a little help. I bet if you manage to save someone, there could be some coin for ya. And you would earn some favor with me, which always comes with benefits." 

Vajra nods to Lu-Lu, "Of course. Often we find that the good of the city aligns with what your order stands for. I know of a few paladins who have served in Force Grey." She turns to address you as a group, “Seek out Hlam, a monk who lives in a cave on the side of Mount Waterdeep. Ask him what he’s heard about threats to the city, but try not to annoy him or overstay your welcome.”

“WE GET TO CLIMB A MOUNTAIN?!” Lu-lu is PUMPED.

“Alright. I’ll look into it.” Cora said, then stood up. She returned back to Trollskull and told Lif to let everyone know she would be at the Dock Ward tonight on a scouting mission. She then left and then headed that way.

Outside the city, you begin climbing the beautiful scenery of the mountain. I need everyone to make a Con save DC12 or gain 1 levels of exhaustion as you climb up the mountain. Sitting in a cave near the top, you find Hlam. The monk is sitting in meditation when you arrive. 

Con:21

Con ST: 9

CON: 4

Get the Iron Lung: 11

Drusilla walks up to Hlam. "Good day sir. We're with Force Grey, we were sent here to ask about threats to the city."

The monk, without turning to face you or opening his eyes, says, "And why would I do that young lady?"

"Waterdeep is one of the greatest bastions of civilization in Faerun. Would you allow that to come to harm through inaction?"