"I'll be heading to the Sea Ward for my own inquiries about his Black Viper. I'll see you at the manor I guess." Sybil states before she departs.

"See you at home then.  Be safe."  Lussa nods and heads for Phaulkonmore to see if they have any information on the Black Viper.

Meep's eyes grow wide. "You have cats? Then why are you eating fish? Never mind, never mind. We're actually looking for information about -" Meep looks around conspiratorially. "- a Black Rattlesnake. Or maybe a Cobra. I'm not entirely clear. But it's very important we find one. We can make it worth your while."

Meep and Demalis

The captain turns to Meep before leaving. "You shouldn't be eating cats because they can help you catch the rats." 

J.B. nods and listens to Meep's question. "I haven't heard about any black rattlesnakes, except of someone who frequents the fighting pits and drinks a lot of beer. Nor have I heard of cobras, except for a small street gang that shouts 'Cobra' everywhere they go. I think you might be referring to the Black Viper." 

Both Meep and Demalis give me a Persuasion check or a different check you think is appropriate. 

Quote from Shodai_Kishi >>

"I'll be heading to the Sea Ward for my own inquiries about his Black Viper. I'll see you at the manor I guess." Sybil states before she departs.

We'll say it's getting to be about dusk -

Sybil, I take it you're going to see Mirt at his house or are you going somewhere else? 

Lussa

We'll say you arrive at Phaulkonmere at dusk. Melannor greets you with a smile. "Good to see you, Lussa. You've come on a good day." He waves you to come inside. When you do, he introduces you to a dark-skinned woman in leathers with a green-golden crown on her forehead. It takes you a moment to realize that the woman is actually a statue. 

Melannor bows. "May I present, Lady Jeryth Phaulkon, Chosen of Mielikki elevated to demigod status." 

A brief moment of silence fills the area before a disembodied voice says," Melannor, you know I don't like when you do that. This woman is the one you spoke of - the one who defeated the skeletons. Lussa was it. You and your companions did well. Have you come to join the Emerald Enclave?" 

Meep's Persuasion: 19

Sybil heading to Mirt's to ask about Black Viper as someone seem to be doing with their contacts.

"It appears that the break-in was a targetted attack to steal the ledger marked 1374 DR. The gold stolen seems to be a cover to not bring attention to the missing ledger, my question is to you, why would someone break in into your home to simply steal a book? Any information that you would provide would help with this investigation," Rotthran gives a little courtesy bow.

Rotthran

The woman stops for a moment and glances at the desk and ledgers. "They contain valuable information about our family's resources and income over the last several years. We've been using them as a way to extort our family history. My family has spent the last few years trying to rebuild their reputation. 

Go ahead and make an insight check. 

Meep and Demalis

With that Persuasion, J.B. pours a drink and nods. "I've heard of this Black Viper. She's been ruffling the feathers of various noble houses in Waterdeep. When I met with the Open Lord Laeral Silverhand, a Lord Cassalanter came in demanding the Watch do something about the Black Viper. His house hadn't been robbed, but he was just cautious about it. Lady Silverhand said the Blackstaff is putting together a small group of Watch officers to investigate the matter. Lord Cassalanter didn't like that and he raised his voice to Laeral to which she also flung him out of the building. That would have been a sight. I'd say your band of folks is doing fine, unless you know of any nobles associated with your tavern. Is there anything else?"

Sybil

You reach Mirt's house at about dusk and he's looking over his garden. "Good day, Sybil. I trust you're not here for a visit." When you ask about the Black Viper, Mirt smiles. "I haven't heard that name in a long time. She was a notorious burglar, pickpocket, and assassin. Rumor has it her name was Alauneth Orrane. I thought she had died but it looks like someone else has taken the mantle."

With that give me a Persuasion or other appropriate check to see what Mirt can tell you about this new Black Viper.  

"Any information you are able to pass on would be to great benefit. be of this miss Orrane or new Black Viper," Sybil states.

Persuasion 7

Sybil

Mirt strokes his mustache for a moment. "Miss Orrane is long gone. You can find her in the City with all of the other dead in Waterdeep. This new Black Viper has mostly been hitting the Castle Ward, specifically nobles who've had a sketchy past. The latest house that was hit was House Rosznar, a house that was exiled from Waterdeep because of their history in trading slaves and poison. We've been keeping an eye on them since their return to Waterdeep. Another house that was hit was House Shadowdusk, a house that consorted with the Far Realm and fell from grace. Word has it they're trying to make a comeback."

A butler brings Mirt some tea and he sips it. "Bring Lady Sybil some tea or some brandy." 

Mirt waits until the butler leaves. "Nobles aren't her only target Rumor has it she took out a group of Xanathar thugs and injured a lieutenant on separate occasions. Anything else?"

Consulting her memory and recall just for information is Sybil is satisficed, "I believe that would be enough for my housemate inquiry. Much is happening in Waterdeep recently. As someone who's used to diving into ruins than cities, this is normal or is something causes the mischief to emerge?"

Sybil

Mirt chuckles. "Waterdeep typically goes through cycles of mischief. At the moment, the war between the Zhentarim and the Xanathar is escalating, though I'd say that's more 'evil mischief.' There's also the rumor about Dagult Nevermember's stash of gold dragons buried somewhere in the city. I hear it's upwards into 10,000 gold dragons he embezzled during his time as Open Lord and he buried it somewhere. Many people want to acquire that gold, including Xanathar himself. There's also that carnival outside of the city, but that's more along the lines of cheeky and fun." 

Insight Check: 19

"Understandable considering the sordid history of the house but why would someone steal the ledger in particular, in fact, who else other than yourself has access or the knowledge that these ledgers exist and are kept here?"

Rotthran gave a mental nod to the Viper, takes professionalism to do your homework rather than smashing and hoping for a good turn.

"I thank you for the information, I'll be taking my leave after the drink if you don't mind," Sybil states. She'll head back to the manor asap. 

Meep thanks Nevercott, and says "That was extremely informative - thank you! I am prepared to offer you a free rat, on the house, at Trollskull Manor for your assistance. We also have wine, and we can give you a couple of bottles of that as well. Unless my friend has anything else, I think we'll be getting a move on - lots of repairs and improvements to make, you know."

Rotthran

"Just my brother and I" is all she says and you believe her. "Leave when you're done," she adds before going upstairs.