Weizol groans. So many strangers have crowded around his table when he only wanted some privacy. On another day, perhaps he could have seen this in a positive light but... The one he and Vallen was meant to meet did not show. That, and the murder has put him in a sour mood. 

When he spots the drow, he tenses up in animosity... But only for a brief moment. First a tiefling, then a drow? Perhaps their kind are not all parasites and are more widely accepted than he believed. He still regards the drow with guarded caution... "Help from strangers? With what?"

"Help from adventurers," He answers, "With an important task. First, let me introduce myself. I am Jarlaxle Baenre, Lord of Luskan. Perhaps you have heard of me."

Val leans back from the drawing of the amulet and looks up at Jarlaxle. "hmm, perhaps, this is turning out to be a very interesting day." Val's first thought is that this powerful drow could be a beneficial ally. Possibly gaining access to knowledge or at the least gold to help his research. "Please, continue..."

(I am assuming we have some knowledge of who he is) 

(Yes, assuming you know anything about the Sword Coast, you know that Luskan is a previous pirate city run by Jarlaxle, now entering into the Lord's Alliance.)

Jarlaxle replies, "I have a ship travelling north to my hometown Luskan. On the way down here, my ship was attacked by a banished pirate lord's ship. We managed to evade them, but lost much of our protection and crew in the process. With the lack of protection, I need to find some who could help protect my cargo in the event of a later attack. I would be willing to pay a fair price."

"hmmmm... i dont know. first dont get anything wrong, we dont know one another, or at least most of us dont. and also you better be paying really good money if you want me to risk my life against a banished pirate lord. how much coin we talking."

as he is talking he looks over to the other people around and looks back to the drow

"im not against nor am i talking for the rest of them but im not too big a fan of working with strangers"

"

The Tabaxi turns to Whim. 

"It seems to me," she rumbles with a note of amusement, "that if you aren't a fan of working with strangers, you have made a curious choice of occupation."

To Jarlaxle she says, "What might these protections entail? If milord expects his ship to be harried all the way home, one wants the adventurers with the most appropriate skills to be the first ones aboard, no?"

"It would be best if we had some sort of caster," He says, "As they could help the crew and fend off the pirates if we run into them. The protections entail you helping ward away pirates if we come across them, and protecting the cargo with your lives. You would be payed upon arrival in Luskan."

whim chuckles at the tabaxi then turns to his coin pouch and thinks to himself. 

"im a caster. if your paying well then.... i guess we got ourself"

Quote from SuranneofEldath >>

Quote from ExodusAsmoder >>

I look outside the window. "Personally, I don't really think that, err, going there now would be a good idea. Maybe we should, like, you know? Get ourselves ready? I Mean, just a personal opinion."

 

"No, no, you've got a point, sir—is that right, you're a sir?—but one wonders what 'getting ourselves ready' would entail."

(History check for Crow to answer her own question: 13)

 "Err, yeah, that's fine. Would rather to go by first name though... If that's not a problem. My name's Omik. What i meant was like, you know? I mean, it is kind of stormy so... Maybe umbrellas or something? Just like, getting ready."

I turn to the stranger. "Err, sorry for asking Mr. Banere, but, ehh, what parts do we have to go through?"

Can I assume that everyone in waterdeep knows jarlaxel already?

If so, I would say instead "Pardon for asking, ehh , Mr. Banere, but err, what pirate might attack the ships of such a, ehh you know? Well known individual such as you?"

(No, not everyone, but a lot of people do know he's here.)

"Omik," He says, "What parts of what do we have to go through? And, yes, a pirate ship would love attacking my ship, as I recently forced them out of my city."

"Ok Jarlaxle, give us the details, how many are you looking for and what's the pay? How long is the trip?"

"Personally I came here to meet someone." *looks at Weizol* "But, we are not sure if he is showing up soon so I may have to wait. It sounds like you are in a hurry."

"I am not in an immediate hurry," He says, "But I do need to have a group of four tied up in the next day."

Quote from Third_Sundering >>

(No, not everyone, but a lot of people do know he's here.)

"Omik," He says, "What parts of what do we have to go through? And, yes, a pirate ship would love attacking my ship, as I recently forced them out of my city."

 "Err, you know? Parts of faerun?"

,(Lost sight of my character and which hook leads where. Can I get a SitRep?)

The elf takes a moment to process this. "You.. Are a lord? Huh." He takes another moment with a blank look on his face. Really? A drow? If they do not worship the Spider Queen then perhaps...

"Well, alright. It can't be normal for a lord to try and find guards for his ship personally. Why bother instead of sending someone else?"

(So basically, my campaign is on hold for now, but if you wish to pursue it, the next course of action would be to head to the Crackling Tower, a nearby mage tower with an extensive library. Third_Sundering has also presented his campaign, which currently entails protecting Jarlaxle Banere's ship as he returns to Luskan.)

Y'reth eyes the man with interest, though at the mention of ships she visibly flinches back, her tail curling around her ankle. "I'm more suited to cities, I'm afraid; don't know nothin' 'bout ships and the like." She's been on a ship exactly once in her life and she doesn't care to repeat the experience. 

Saiba listened quietly as the Lord explained his job offer before commenting. "I believe I will be of more use in and around the city as well but thank you for your offer.  I'm sure some of my compatriots here are more suited to the task than I would be." 

Looking around at the others and settling on Weizol- "Weizol, I cannot leave Waterdeep with this mystery unsolved, you know how Ettrian and I are with these things. I will remain here in the city in case our friend shows up. What is your plan? You look as if you might want to be a sailor?" small teasing smirk at the last. 

Looking at Jarlaxle- "Sir, I thank you for your interest and I believe there are those here that can assist you. Maybe our paths cross in the future."

This has been more personal interaction than Val is used to and he has that feeling you get at a party when you are looking for the door. 

(Ok, so now, no real in-character interactions needed, who is looking to continue in which campaign? Keep in mind, it is possible that characters will be switching groups.)