Cayrith; "Find us a way out of this mess, Lauren. Go, Now!"
These words echo around your head as you swiftly move through the double reinforced doors of the Upper War Room in the Tower of Order and onto the large spiraling stairs the encircle the tower and lead to the ground floor.
You pass several floors and are halfway down the tower when you spot two of your order, moving up the stairs, a cold chill is sent down your back as you see what they have clutched in the hands. A serrated blood-soaked dagger, one in each. Your eyes lock with their's for a moment. -What do you do?
They are about 20ft from you, the stairs are 10ft wide and spiral around the internal wall of the tower. You have already passed a floor and they stand between yourself and the next floor.
If I recognise them, i.e. I know them by name, I will stop on the stairs and greet them and make myself known to them. “it’s Loran, name1 and name2. Things seem to be pretty messed up. Where are you going, do you need any help?” Watch them and make an insight check.
if I don’t recognise them, then I will stop on the stairs and will challenge them, “ Stop! it is Loran of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors. Make yourselves known and tell me what you’re doing here!”
You recognize them, they are typically assigned to the Dock Ward. Dimitri and Harvey.
You stop and greet them, "Its Loran, Dimitri and Harvey. Things seem to be pretty messed up. Where are you going, do you need any help?"
They also stop, still 20ft from you. They both share a quick glance towards each other. Harvey takes a few steps forward, "Hey Loran, haven't seen you 'round these parts recently. We were just heading up to Master Cayrith. How 'bout you?"
[I've rolled your insight check, you can use "[ roll ] 1d20 [ /roll ]" without the spaces and square brackets. They seem above board and truthful if a little confused by your appearance here.]
“I’ve just come from Master Caylith, he wants us to find a way to take back the city. Maybe if we pool resources we can figure out what’s going on. We encountered some Zhentirim near the docks, glance at their blades - I take it you did too? I’ve been away on an errand for Master Cylith and only got back to Waterdeep yesterday.”
Gesture for them to join me. “Master Caylith has a map upstairs, any news with be helpful.” With that head back up the stairs.
Glance over my shoulder and laugh, as i’m walking up th stairs, “You should know me by now Harvey, If I were one of them, you’d be dead already. Now come. Master Caylith has the map and you’ve obviously been through the mill. Information is what we need now.”
Continue up the stairs, keeping my wits about me. If I feel they are closing too much or making an aggressive action i’ll turn around.
There is an awkward laugh from the two members of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors. However, they fall in line behind you as you make your way back up the Tower of Order.
The Tower's floors are empty as you make your way up the cold iron stairs. Looking out of the thin windows as you make your way back up the tower you can see that the sun is beginning to set but the city remains dark with only a few spots of light visible to you.
As the three of you arrive at the pinnacle of the Tower and see the heavy oak bound doors of the upper war room, one is shut the other slightly ajar.
Dimitri: "Say Loren, where is everyone? Its never this quiet"
Looking at the door that I only left a few minutes ago, I knock respectfully before opening it wide and entering, beckoning Dimitri and Harvey to follow me inside. “If I was you I’d put those weapons away, unless you want Master Caylith to turn you into flambé,”
Seeing Caylith at the map with his lieutenants, “Dimitri and Harvey have just come from the docks, and may have information that can help.”
I check that they’ve put their weapons away, “Dimitri, why don’t you show us where your were and describe what happened and then Master Caylith can give us his orders.”
I watch both Dimitri and Harvey closely, as Dimitri steps forward to look at the map. I am alert and paying attention to them and my surroundings.
Dimitri steps out from behind you and walks towards the map that the 3 older gentlemen are huddled over. You see that his face has gone visibly white. As he approaches the map table, you notice that the blade has been 'holstered' at his back between his belt and the traveler's clothes he is wearing.
Master Caylith, offers the man a smile and puts his hand around Dimitri's shoulder. With this, the younger man begins to point out areas of the Dock Ward where there had been altercations. it doesn't take long and Dimitri's beckons over Harvey to the table.
Harvey acquiesces and wanders over to the table and begins to help Dimitri explain what is going on in the docks, from where you are stood you can see frantic hand movements over the map, several pins are placed upon its surface of varying colour.
Seeing you stood by the entrance to the large war room. Master Caylith turns to you.
"Thank you for bringing these two to us, Loran. I apologise for my callus words earlier, this night is going to get worse before it gets better but the city has been a powder keg for a while and tonight might be our one chance to get it back. From what the boys have said, there are two main culprits; The Zhentarim and one of the larger Thieves 'guilds', and they are both searching for something. The worrying thing for me is that they are willing to reveal their assets in the Order, the Watch and the other main organisations of the city. Whatever they are looking for it must be valuable."
Cayrith turns back toward the table and points to a location on the large map of Waterdeep. "From what I can see there are a much large proportion of disturbances in the Dock Ward, specifically in the area around Candle Lane, where oddly there are none."
Cayrith turns back to you. "Loran, It's dangerous but from what I've read recently that it something you are accustomed to. Can you go down to Candle Lane and investigate?"
Loran nods, “Of course Master Cayrith. I shall head there now.”
Turning Loran heads back to the stairs, taking one brief detour to grab one of her old cloaks from her room. The cloak covering her, she heads out into the street waving at her friend on the desk as she goes. Her stride long and purposeful, attentive to her surroundings, Loran heads towards the docks and Candle Lane, excited by the prospect of an interesting night.
[How are you planning to cross the city? Stealthy or overtly]
Exiting into the expansive area of peace and tranquility that surrounds the Tower of Order, the many statues of powerful wizards and warlocks from ages past that cast long shadows as the sun settles beath the horizon. You head for the Dock Ward.
The Tower of Order is in the center of the Castle Ward and you are heading for Candle Lane.
[Here is a map of Waterdeep, both locations are available, what route do you take?]
Loran will be taking the most direct route from The tower to Candle Lane. She won’t be stealthy as it’s not really her style. Walking with purpose. She will, however, keep her wits about her and an eye open for anything that looks strange
As she gets closer to Candle Lane, she will ditch her covering cloak and relying on her new Elvenkind cloak, will fall back to stealth.
The city being almost a second home to Loran Valdez'rand, you lift the hood of your long dark cloak and turn right out of the Gardens of the Order and into the heart of the city.
So focused on the path ahead you miss the wizened old woman who darts out from the entrance of the tower and waves frantically to get your attention.
Turning south down the street of bells, you find buckle alley, its tall dark structures so hastily constructed that they almost learn so far over as to meet in the middle blocking what little light there is of the day from the entrance in the street.
Buckle Alley snakes to the north then back east and as you turn to head east with the street you see three bodies lying in the road. Two are together lying almost next to each other, one is wearing a set of polished split mail which bears a curious insignia, one which you recognise... Order of the Gauntlet, the other simple traveller's clothes, a pool of liquid forming beneath the two bodies. The third body is several feet away its arms outstretched clawing at the broken cobblestones and a thick dark red trail.
Loran darts forward and checks the bodies. Not 100% sure whether they are alive or dead - medicine check she bandages them as best she can. (3 uses of my healing kit).
“What happened?” Loran asks the one she just bandaged, that moments before had been clawing at the ground.
Realising what you have found, you quickly head forward and begin to check the bodies. Both the Order of Gauntlet and the body lying next to him are dead. The one slightly further away is breathing. You flip him over, retrieve you healing kit from your satchel and begin to apply pressure and bandages where appropriate.
After several moments the dark-haired human's eyes flash open and you attempt to get his attention, "What happened?". The dark haired human seems to either not hear you or ignores you with his eyes darting from left to right and around the area, focusing on the two bodies lying nearby. You snap your fingers in-front of his face several times, his eyes now focused on you and once again you utter the words "What happened?".
The dark haired human brings his bloody hand around and rests it against your ear with his fingers around the back of your head, his drying blood now matting your hair and across your face, you notice that on the back of his hand is the tattooed image of an eye. The human begins to pull your head toward his, you can feel his strength waning, he whispers to you "Xanathar sends his regards", as he releases your head a large smile spreads across his face, he closes his eyes and you feel his pulse quicken then stop completely.
Realising there is little I can do here and that he was most likely a member of the Thieves Guild I resume my journey. With both the Thieves guild and Zhentirim involved I pull the cloak of Elvenkind close, thanking Lady Simba under my breath for gifting it to me. The journey to Candle Lane continues
Getting up, you focus upon the quest that Master Cayrith had given you... Candle Lane.
Leaving the carnage of Buckle Alley behind, you emerge onto The High Road that cuts into the Trade Ward, then taking a right onto the Way of The Dragon.
Thinking ahead, you duck into Drakiir Street that borders the Trade and Dock Wards, are confrunted by the sight of 'The Honorable Knight' one of the eight enormous walking statues of Waterdeep that are meant to protect the city in times of great peril. Many Waterdevians have gathered under the statues are huddled together with their families. You are given a few inquisitive looks as you begin to head down book street away from the statue and into the night. As a student of the arcane you know that these statues will not be of any use to the people of Waterdeep, they can only be activated by the famed Blackstaff herself and she is unlikely to activate them in simple (if deadly) war between guilds.
Heading past Black Wagon Alley you come to the turning into Candle Lane.
Gloom envelopes the narrow alley, as dark as any dungeon or cave you have encountered before. Unlike the streets around where the streetlamps are smashed, a lone streetlamp about halfway down the alley attempt to turn back the darkness.
Cayrith; "Find us a way out of this mess, Lauren. Go, Now!"
These words echo around your head as you swiftly move through the double reinforced doors of the Upper War Room in the Tower of Order and onto the large spiraling stairs the encircle the tower and lead to the ground floor.
You pass several floors and are halfway down the tower when you spot two of your order, moving up the stairs, a cold chill is sent down your back as you see what they have clutched in the hands. A serrated blood-soaked dagger, one in each. Your eyes lock with their's for a moment. -What do you do?
They are about 20ft from you, the stairs are 10ft wide and spiral around the internal wall of the tower. You have already passed a floor and they stand between yourself and the next floor.
Questions - do I recognise them?
If I recognise them, i.e. I know them by name, I will stop on the stairs and greet them and make myself known to them. “it’s Loran, name1 and name2. Things seem to be pretty messed up. Where are you going, do you need any help?” Watch them and make an insight check.
if I don’t recognise them, then I will stop on the stairs and will challenge them, “ Stop! it is Loran of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors. Make yourselves known and tell me what you’re doing here!”
I will see how they respond, insight check.
i am ready to engage if necessary.
You recognize them, they are typically assigned to the Dock Ward. Dimitri and Harvey.
You stop and greet them, "Its Loran, Dimitri and Harvey. Things seem to be pretty messed up. Where are you going, do you need any help?"
They also stop, still 20ft from you. They both share a quick glance towards each other. Harvey takes a few steps forward, "Hey Loran, haven't seen you 'round these parts recently. We were just heading up to Master Cayrith. How 'bout you?"
[I've rolled your insight check, you can use "[ roll ] 1d20 [ /roll ]" without the spaces and square brackets. They seem above board and truthful if a little confused by your appearance here.]
“I’ve just come from Master Caylith, he wants us to find a way to take back the city. Maybe if we pool resources we can figure out what’s going on. We encountered some Zhentirim near the docks, glance at their blades - I take it you did too? I’ve been away on an errand for Master Cylith and only got back to Waterdeep yesterday.”
Gesture for them to join me. “Master Caylith has a map upstairs, any news with be helpful.” With that head back up the stairs.
Harvey: "It, not just the Zhentirim, there are eyes everywhere."
Looking down at the serrated dagger held in his hand.
Harvey: " in our very mists too... How do we know you aren't one of them?"
Glance over my shoulder and laugh, as i’m walking up th stairs, “You should know me by now Harvey, If I were one of them, you’d be dead already. Now come. Master Caylith has the map and you’ve obviously been through the mill. Information is what we need now.”
Continue up the stairs, keeping my wits about me. If I feel they are closing too much or making an aggressive action i’ll turn around.
There is an awkward laugh from the two members of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors. However, they fall in line behind you as you make your way back up the Tower of Order.
The Tower's floors are empty as you make your way up the cold iron stairs. Looking out of the thin windows as you make your way back up the tower you can see that the sun is beginning to set but the city remains dark with only a few spots of light visible to you.
As the three of you arrive at the pinnacle of the Tower and see the heavy oak bound doors of the upper war room, one is shut the other slightly ajar.
Dimitri: "Say Loren, where is everyone? Its never this quiet"
Looking at the door that I only left a few minutes ago, I knock respectfully before opening it wide and entering, beckoning Dimitri and Harvey to follow me inside. “If I was you I’d put those weapons away, unless you want Master Caylith to turn you into flambé,”
Seeing Caylith at the map with his lieutenants, “Dimitri and Harvey have just come from the docks, and may have information that can help.”
I check that they’ve put their weapons away, “Dimitri, why don’t you show us where your were and describe what happened and then Master Caylith can give us his orders.”
I watch both Dimitri and Harvey closely, as Dimitri steps forward to look at the map. I am alert and paying attention to them and my surroundings.
Dimitri steps out from behind you and walks towards the map that the 3 older gentlemen are huddled over. You see that his face has gone visibly white. As he approaches the map table, you notice that the blade has been 'holstered' at his back between his belt and the traveler's clothes he is wearing.
Master Caylith, offers the man a smile and puts his hand around Dimitri's shoulder. With this, the younger man begins to point out areas of the Dock Ward where there had been altercations. it doesn't take long and Dimitri's beckons over Harvey to the table.
Harvey acquiesces and wanders over to the table and begins to help Dimitri explain what is going on in the docks, from where you are stood you can see frantic hand movements over the map, several pins are placed upon its surface of varying colour.
I shall watch intently and listen to the update and await master Caylith’s instructions.
Seeing you stood by the entrance to the large war room. Master Caylith turns to you.
"Thank you for bringing these two to us, Loran. I apologise for my callus words earlier, this night is going to get worse before it gets better but the city has been a powder keg for a while and tonight might be our one chance to get it back. From what the boys have said, there are two main culprits; The Zhentarim and one of the larger Thieves 'guilds', and they are both searching for something. The worrying thing for me is that they are willing to reveal their assets in the Order, the Watch and the other main organisations of the city. Whatever they are looking for it must be valuable."
Cayrith turns back toward the table and points to a location on the large map of Waterdeep. "From what I can see there are a much large proportion of disturbances in the Dock Ward, specifically in the area around Candle Lane, where oddly there are none."
Cayrith turns back to you. "Loran, It's dangerous but from what I've read recently that it something you are accustomed to. Can you go down to Candle Lane and investigate?"
Loran nods, “Of course Master Cayrith. I shall head there now.”
Turning Loran heads back to the stairs, taking one brief detour to grab one of her old cloaks from her room. The cloak covering her, she heads out into the street waving at her friend on the desk as she goes. Her stride long and purposeful, attentive to her surroundings, Loran heads towards the docks and Candle Lane, excited by the prospect of an interesting night.
[How are you planning to cross the city? Stealthy or overtly]
Exiting into the expansive area of peace and tranquility that surrounds the Tower of Order, the many statues of powerful wizards and warlocks from ages past that cast long shadows as the sun settles beath the horizon. You head for the Dock Ward.
The Tower of Order is in the center of the Castle Ward and you are heading for Candle Lane.
[Here is a map of Waterdeep, both locations are available, what route do you take?]
Only half the map loads.
Loran will be taking the most direct route from The tower to Candle Lane. She won’t be stealthy as it’s not really her style. Walking with purpose. She will, however, keep her wits about her and an eye open for anything that looks strange
As she gets closer to Candle Lane, she will ditch her covering cloak and relying on her new Elvenkind cloak, will fall back to stealth.
The city being almost a second home to Loran Valdez'rand, you lift the hood of your long dark cloak and turn right out of the Gardens of the Order and into the heart of the city.
So focused on the path ahead you miss the wizened old woman who darts out from the entrance of the tower and waves frantically to get your attention.
Turning south down the street of bells, you find buckle alley, its tall dark structures so hastily constructed that they almost learn so far over as to meet in the middle blocking what little light there is of the day from the entrance in the street.
Buckle Alley snakes to the north then back east and as you turn to head east with the street you see three bodies lying in the road. Two are together lying almost next to each other, one is wearing a set of polished split mail which bears a curious insignia, one which you recognise... Order of the Gauntlet, the other simple traveller's clothes, a pool of liquid forming beneath the two bodies. The third body is several feet away its arms outstretched clawing at the broken cobblestones and a thick dark red trail.
Loran darts forward and checks the bodies. Not 100% sure whether they are alive or dead - medicine check she bandages them as best she can. (3 uses of my healing kit).
“What happened?” Loran asks the one she just bandaged, that moments before had been clawing at the ground.
Realising what you have found, you quickly head forward and begin to check the bodies. Both the Order of Gauntlet and the body lying next to him are dead. The one slightly further away is breathing. You flip him over, retrieve you healing kit from your satchel and begin to apply pressure and bandages where appropriate.
After several moments the dark-haired human's eyes flash open and you attempt to get his attention, "What happened?". The dark haired human seems to either not hear you or ignores you with his eyes darting from left to right and around the area, focusing on the two bodies lying nearby. You snap your fingers in-front of his face several times, his eyes now focused on you and once again you utter the words "What happened?".
The dark haired human brings his bloody hand around and rests it against your ear with his fingers around the back of your head, his drying blood now matting your hair and across your face, you notice that on the back of his hand is the tattooed image of an eye. The human begins to pull your head toward his, you can feel his strength waning, he whispers to you "Xanathar sends his regards", as he releases your head a large smile spreads across his face, he closes his eyes and you feel his pulse quicken then stop completely.
Realising there is little I can do here and that he was most likely a member of the Thieves Guild I resume my journey. With both the Thieves guild and Zhentirim involved I pull the cloak of Elvenkind close, thanking Lady Simba under my breath for gifting it to me. The journey to Candle Lane continues
Getting up, you focus upon the quest that Master Cayrith had given you... Candle Lane.
Leaving the carnage of Buckle Alley behind, you emerge onto The High Road that cuts into the Trade Ward, then taking a right onto the Way of The Dragon.
Thinking ahead, you duck into Drakiir Street that borders the Trade and Dock Wards, are confrunted by the sight of 'The Honorable Knight' one of the eight enormous walking statues of Waterdeep that are meant to protect the city in times of great peril. Many Waterdevians have gathered under the statues are huddled together with their families. You are given a few inquisitive looks as you begin to head down book street away from the statue and into the night. As a student of the arcane you know that these statues will not be of any use to the people of Waterdeep, they can only be activated by the famed Blackstaff herself and she is unlikely to activate them in simple (if deadly) war between guilds.
Heading past Black Wagon Alley you come to the turning into Candle Lane.
Gloom envelopes the narrow alley, as dark as any dungeon or cave you have encountered before. Unlike the streets around where the streetlamps are smashed, a lone streetlamp about halfway down the alley attempt to turn back the darkness.
I investigate for anything unusual or out of the ordinary, whilst taking care to conceal my activities.