Killilli’s Dragon Heist

Edvord looks at the sign by the box office and scratches his head. Lyss, Aimee, and Aldrik hear the man speak in a low voice intended not to carry out into the crowd. "Now that is odd. Father has established quite a fine small trading empire... but it is still quite small compared to some of the other Waterdhavian companies... And speaking of company, Amelia's name seems a bit out of place amongst her new peers... Either she significantly upgraded her station while I was away, or she is up to something... I know this is not why we came here, but my curiosity is piqued."

While the other three are deciding their next move, Edvord saunters over towards the box office, and makes a few discreet inquiries from the bystanders and workers regarding the selection criteria for the charity poker event.

All of you are aware of the following names(with no check or background stuff….)

Laeral Silverhand - She’s a millennia old mage who is the Open Lord of Waterdeep. A powerful and ageless silver haired human, she’s said to be a daughter of the goddess Mystra herself. 

Vajra Safahr - The newly appointed ‘Blackstaff’ responsible for the safety of the city. Answers only to Laeral Silverhand. There’s a lot of talk in the streets, particularly among older mages that she’s too young and inexperienced for her new position.

Edvord

the teller is helpful enough, a dry and lofty yet subtly charming and polite human. “The event was arranged by Lady Haventree sir, we are merely hosting it graciously for her.”

 Cico

It seems like they are preparing for a banquet later this evening. Though a few plates are being served as you prep the carrots, six trays of canapés catch your eye. Heaped with camembert, a selection of breads, little sausages wrapped in bacon, salmon bellinis and the like.

Kerri

Cico has been gone a little while. You are distracted by a clomping and neighing outside the gates to the estate. A dray rattles past, helmed by a red haired, freckled, toothy human. The horse trots proudly, a purple flower tucked behind its ear. 

Cico eyes the trays of canapés as he works with the carrots. While he thinks he should get going, he can’t leave the carrots unfinished. He chops through them as quickly as he can, ignoring the rest of the noise in the kitchen.

Once the carrots are done he moves quickly to the trays, picks one up and heads for the doors into the casino.

Edvord politely thanks the teller, before returning to Aldrik, Lyss, and Aimee, "Any luck seeing the person in blue? Perhaps we should first meet with our sister before the charity poker event begins... Hopefully the event will provide cover for us to carefully ask some circumspect questions."

Aimee remembers she is looking for someone in blue, gives the room a quick scan, and comments,

"Oh, Vajra wants to talk with me! Maybe now is good? It's probably good now! She'll know stuff!"

She looks to Lyss for confirmation.

Looking around: 8

Lyss nods encouragingly.

Aldrik nods. "Well, then up and away, shall we? I'm sure Amelia will be pleased to see at least you, Edvord."

Quietly, "She might still be mad after how drunk I got at her birthday, but hopefully water under the bridge."

Aimee asks the first person she sees that looks like they work here and asks,

"Hi! I'm Aimee, Vajra Safahr wants to see me! Where is she?"

"I have to put on different clothes? They're not going to be too dumb, are they?", Lyss asks Aldrick.

Aldrik nods. "We'll find something that isn't dumb. Unless you want to wear a frilly collar that's like a foot across, just some finer cloth that will keep you from sticking out like a sore thumb."

To Aimee, "She's probably near where my sister is. We can check in with Amelia, get Lyss changed, hopefully find Cico and Kerri, then you can find Lady Safarh."

Aldrik looks for Cico and Kerri in the crowd. Perception: 13

Lyss pulls a face and sticks her tongue out at the collar suggestion.

Looking around for somebody wearing blue, it seems there are too many to really pick anyone out as being suspicious. A fair few minor noble houses use different shades of blue as their official colours. 

A waiter carrying flutes of sparkling wine is taken aback by Aimee’s directness, but remains courteous to the well dressed young woman. “All of our esteemed guests are staying in suites on the first floor. I can show you the way ma’m?”

 Cico

Everyone in the kitchen seems distracted, but you still don’t want to draw too much attention to yourself. Make a stealth check. You can see the bustle of dinner tables in a grand dining hall through the swinging door to the kitchen. Ahead a grand doorway to the casino itself and some lavish stairs heading up between the two. What’s your intention heading out here? Where are you going and what are you looking for?

@Kerri what are you up to?

Aimee smiles,

"Yes, please!"

She follows the server dutifully.

Cico Stealth: 12  

Cico's intent is to snatch one of the canape trays and head up the stairs, assuming the wealthier and more powerful will be 'above' the common gamblers, thinking that the party will have headed that way if they're looking for someone that wants to blackmail Mirt. The canape tray being his cover for being there - he's making a delivery. 

Cico grabs a plate, hurriedly pacing to the stairs. As much as he tries to hold himself like a waiter, his awkward stiffness belies his charade. As he climbs the stairs he hears hurried footsteps behind him. 

Aimee is led upstairs by the waiter, along lavish hallways she passes fine varnished oak doors with gold handles and hinges leading into the many guest suites. Finally you reach your destination. A pair of young robed humans guard the door. “A guest for Lady Safahr” the waiter bows before heading back the way he came. As you stand before the pair, an elven waiter, dressed in black monks robed comes up the stairs stiffly. He looks an awful lot like Cico. 

Aldrik can’t see Cico or Kerri in the crowd, but one of those waiters heading up the stairs on the other side of the hall sure looks familiar, strange outfit for a waiter too. Heading up, Aldrik and Edvord recognise Amelia’s retainers who pop in for a second before letting you in. The suite is piled with food and wine, silk drapes over the double doors to the balcony. Amelia stands in the middle of the room, a servant tightening her bright jewelled corset. A brightly clothed, feather hatted man, familiar to Lyss, stands observing, enthusiastically giving direction. “More, more, more! The waist needs to be as small as the eye of a needle!” Amelia smiles at you through gritted teeth. You recognise her feigned enthusiasm as being pretty half hearted and a smidge antagonistic. “Aldi, Eddie! What an absolute pleasure. Eddie, congratulations on such a swift graduation! And Aldi, I here you’re a bartender now, how lovely.”

"Hello sister! That dress, you are lovely as always, and didn't even need the winch to get fitted!" Aldrik's tone is... Familiarly sarcastic? Tit for tat as is normal between siblings but he doesn't need to piss her off out the gate. If he sucked up to her she'd figure that out real quick.

"And bar owner. Possibly." A glance at Lyss. "Bit better than tending, though if you want to shark cards in an up and coming gentile neighborhood, it'll be the place to be." 

"Yep! It's already great, and we're gonna make it better!"

She gives Nevercott a wink.

Amelia’s shrill cackle pierces your ears. “Ha, well try not to drink the bar dry before it opens.” she glances over at Lyss, “Oh dear, did you knock up some halfling bar wench Aldi? I’m afraid I’m a little busy to babysit for you. This is an important night for the family, and we will be looking our very best, thanks to my charming friend here” she gestures towards her outfitter. 

The halfling outfitter takes a bow, “Greetings lords and lady. J.B. Nevercott at your service. Haberdasher, hatter and newly branching out into womenswear. I believe Lady Reinholdt is not aware of the great deeds of Lady Lysslin. She saved the young Lord Neverember from some ghastly gangs, a true hero of the city.” 

“Oh really, how fascinating! Now, as much as I love a chit chat, what brings you here on my special day?”

"That's part of it. I'm glad that Mister Nevercott here is familiar with my friend and partner Lysslin, here. I figure, you can scratch our backs, we can scratch your back, and ultimately the family wins, yeah?" Aldrik paces around the room, and gives Mister Nevercott a nod before returning his attention to Amelia.

"Ames, you want to drum up some support for your charity, surely. After all, the more donations, the more prestigious, right? And low and behold, here is your brother, showing the world that the Reinholdt family is not just empty platitudes and coffers that might as well drain into the Underdark, no, here we are actually making a difference in a poor child's life. But, we could use Mister Nevercott's assistance in helping Lysslin fit the role."

He puts an hand on Edvord's shoulder. "As for why, well. Eddie's always had the better ear for intrigue, so I'll let him explain."

Kerri stays outside for the moment, keeping an eye on any comings and goings from the house. She wasnt a fan of parties on a normal day, but tonight was worse as she feels a headache coming on.