#session 16

Cynn spend her day trying to get her life in gear and trying to set up a routine of training and learning to be a better person. Cael went down to the law office on level 15 to talk to the Lawmaster Jackson Washington. She told Cael about the impending gang war and about the two up and coming new gangs, the Fireflies, and the Neon Blades. Cael then tried to snoop in the evidence locker, but found nothing and returned to the embassy.

On day two Jax and Cynn took a taxi over to the St. Cloud residence so Cynn could apologize to Lady Yuza. On the way their Jax asked Cynn about her dad selling Cynn's soul and said that she just found out she was legally dead. Cynn shared her concerns about her newly lost magic. Jax said that she didn't hate Cynn, but Cynn had needed to be punched and that she'd make sure Cynn didn't get hurt. They then the two talked about their cultural differences with throwing drinks at people. They arrived and were instructed to wait in the entry hall before being rushed up the stairs to catch Lady Yuza between meetings. Lady Yuza was incredibly busy at being in charge, but Cynn apologized for her behaviour at the gala, saying that she was regrettably not at her best, and that her behaviour was not representative of Leon. Lady Yuza accepted the apology saying it was water under the bridge. Jax flashed Yuza a grin as they left and noticed from her tail that Yuza was also *very* happy to see her.

Elton continued to train for most of the day.

Cael decided to explore the lower levels of the city in disguise. She made her way all the way down to the 7th level where the police was replaced by people in Atlas Industries uniforms. She got into the Atlas building by pretending to be an older workman looking for work and was given a stone work card with the address to company accommodations on the back. She found out at thd near by bar that conditions at the Atlas vents were extremely poor and dangerous. At the company housing she made contact with a drug dealer who told herr she should go to the Last Drop on the floor below if she wanted less lawful work. Cael then returned to the higher levels buying some assorted cupcakes at the grand bazaar to be delivered later and returned to the embassy with plans to come back to the lower levels with Jax within the next couple days to investigate further.

17:32

One day left of my holiday, and… It’s been too short. I’m worried that I’ll become stressed. I’m feeling the pressure already. Two weeks isn’t enough. God, I wish I could have more. One more. I haven’t done nearly enough of what I wanted. Of course, as usual, I’ve been setting myself up for more than I can swallow… but at the same time, changing and making new decisions instead of just… going for it, getting on with it. 

The party has quickly gotten to work on their new property, even with Nygarth disappearing for the next few hours to unwind from the recent adventures. Together they all explored the various rooms to make an effort at assessing the damage and cost of repairs. Fortunately the new ownership is already noticed by the many guilds of Waterdeep and the party are introduced to Broxley Fairkettle from the Fellowship of Innkeepers. Despite his friendly demeanour, he ensures that they are all very aware of the “encouragement” to join the appropriate guilds and prosper as a business in Waterdeep.

Once the new owners of Trollskull Manor pay for their membership, Broxley promises to send out word to relevant guilds so they may come to inspect the building and begin repairs.

During the first sweep of cleaning up however, the party is made aware of a strange presence leaving messages in the dust in an attempt to scare them off. Thirgrim manages to determine the nature of this spirit and together they all aim to communicate with the spectre residing in the tavern. Hijinks ensued where Lif, a half-elf poltergeist, rapidly befriended the new owners who promised the former bartender that they would restore Trollskull Manor to its former state and run the business with his most welcome help. Lif’s initial protectiveness quickly replaced with friendly banter. However his backstory was a somewhat unpleasant surprise when he informed the party that his remains were hidden behind a fake wall down in the basement. Having been murdered by one of the previous owners, who cheated on his wife. Information Lif found out and had threatened to reveal.

During next few hours, Theryn went to explore the surrounding streets and businesses. Being immediately drawn to the bookshop nearby and making a rather poor first impression with the dragonborn owner. Chester too went to visit the nearby shops to introduce himself and make it known that they were restoring the tavern. The nearby Carpenter of the Bent Nail expressed an eagerness to provide the new furniture, and his wares were swiftly inspected by Thirgrim to confirm their quality being up to his standards.

Valanthe made the journey to her parental home to retrieve some more of her belongings and search the library for books or tomes of possible value for the party. Upon returning she offered to give her find to Theryn, simultaneously hoping to establish trust towards her. Especially after the party had informed her they were not quite comfortable with shared housing as of yet, so shortly after meeting.

Meanwhile Thirgrim spent time to produce a physical form for Lif to occupy, rather than be invisible at all times. A suit of armour for the bartender was presented along with a trollskull head as homage to his attachment to the former name. Lif himself seeming all too pleased with his new appearance and also grateful for the party that has retrieved and buried his remains on the property.

Together they welcomed the first representatives of the many guilds and shared a meal in the now tidied tavern. During this time, many of the party were surprised by various messages requesting a meeting. Theryn was contacted by none other than the Blackstaff through a sending spell, while Valanthe was visited by a speaking cat that vanished shortly after. Inviting the young druid to come visit the Emerald Enclave. Chester on the other hand received a note from a flying snake. Bidding him to come to the Yawning Portal.

Nygarth was invited to come along when Theryn and Chester made their way to Blackstaff Tower. Having only just returned from his own sojourn in the city in search of exotic experiences. His own return to the tavern having been met with Lif barring his entrance.

Despite being a woman of young age, the Blackstaff is a woman in a position of significant power and has invited the party (including those not attending) to join the Grey Hands in defense and protection of the city. An invitation they didn’t find all too easy to decline. Vajra asks those present to seek out Hlam, a monk that lives in a cave on Mount Waterdeep. Telling them to ask him if he has heard anything in regards to threats to the city.

Upon departing from the tower, Chester went towards the Yawning portal by himself as Nygarth and Theryn returned to Trollskull Manor.  Considering the obvious manner of communication it was no surprise to Chester to be introduced to the Zhentarim. A familiar face welcomed him to join her at the table, Yagra’s boss Davil being equally familiar considering his own residency being within the Yawning Portal. Already there however is a new individual, a pale skinned tiefling introduced as Passion who is to accompany Chester on this assignment if accepted.

Currently they are investigating the killings of half-elf and elf sailors in the Dock Ward, Passion already having spent various nights keeping an eye out for suspect activity. The City Watch seems to be in need of help to stop the spree of decapitating murders.

Down at the Dock Ward, they firstly approached the guard house to seek out Captain Staget for information but were not permitted entry by the guard on duty at the door. Leaving them to go out on the streets and after spending some time keeping out an eye they see a drunken helf-elf leave a nearby tavern. Deciding that this is likely a target for the mysterious killer they follow in the dark and are indeed proven correct.

Passion and Chester are quick to intervene when the sailor is attacked and sustains quite some damage. Thanks to their appearance he manages to make a run for it to safety while the two agents attempt to subdue the man who turns out to be a drow. In the fighting that ensues, both Chester and Passion are severely injured but are fortunately joined by the City Watch making their appearance when the drow attempts to escape. Together they join Captain Staget after the culprit is detained and receive medical aid at the station. Staget promises to inform them of any further information they obtain about the drow, as well as the smoke powder and the weapon it was used with.

Meanwhile at Trollskull Manor, Valanthe had been bid to return home immediately. Thirgrim had further welcomed representatives of the various guilds and has started to build a list of costs and repairs from their visits. A surprising return arrives at Trollskull Manor as well, Raivyre having sought out her travelling companions after having spent some time at Tyr’s Temple and having joined the Order of the Gauntlet. Now more confident in her path thanks to the guidance she received from the other priests instructing her where needed. She has already assisted with the rising tensions between Zhents and Xanathar agents by breaking up some of the fights breaking out in the Field Ward. Dispersing some of the trouble-makers.

When there is finally a break in the various arrivals, Thirgrim makes his way to the Trade Ward so he can enlist himself with the various guilds of his interest. Ensuring that he is covered for the many craftmanship abilities he possesses to practise further in Waterdeep.

When Chester returns, his arm in a sling and accompanied by Passion they begin their discussion about the future plans for the tavern. Deciding that some of them would head out to scout the District for other similar establishments and their current appeal. Nygarth, Thirgrim and Raivyre together go to various inns and taverns to establish what the district is in need of and what would yield them the most profit. 

Now that they are all together once more it is time for them to seek out the Monk living on Mount Waterdeep as per instructions of the Blackstaff. The journey not quite as easy as they had anticipated as the climb leaves them rather exhausted during the summer’s heat.

Once in the cave they are welcomed by a sour old man who at least has the courtesy to offer them a cup of tea. Not very impressed by the gaggle of adventurers, Hlam proposes a friendly duel to test their mettle and picks out Nygarth from the group as his first opponent. Unfortunately, despite his advanced age the monk is a quick and efficient combatant with very little mercy. Nygarth is quickly floored and unconscious without having delivered damage to the elder. Thankfully Hlam ensures that Nygarth received some manner of healing and got him back to his feet after the ordeal.

Chester himself stepped up to the challenge and manages to stay up on his feet longer, although equally failing in landing an attack upon the monk. Who mid-fights determined to simply sit back down to have his cup of tea. Not quite impressed by the Blackstaff’s choice of adventurers sent to his cave, especially considering the woman’s remarkable power and capabilities. The only information they depart with is the cryptic message from Hlam stating that “Evil’s twin hides its face for now. Expect that to change before winter’s end.”

Back at the Manor, Theryn receives a paper bird message to invite the party to the Opera that evening. Alongside are a multitude of tickets for admission. Considering the explicit requirement of formal attire, all of them head towards Maerados Finery & Furs to acquire the neccesary gowns and suits for the evening’s trip. After the many challenges and dangers faced, it appears that the majority of the party are not quite comfortable with an evening out in such high brow society.