THE ’DHAVIAN TRILL
Zarek and Alley are now at the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern, owned and run by Warble Bandlewagon, and which is situated in Stench Alley and intend to go to the ’Dhavian Trill.
Warble Bandlewagon is a male Stout Halfling Innkeeper and former adventurer. Warble is a stout Halfling of nearly 100, who hops along on a pronounced limp on a platform behind the normal-sized bar counter. Warble is a worn-down stump of a barkeep that will easily recognize other Halflings and figures of any reputation. He was also the builder and is owner of this establishment. Warble is shaved bald, with very thick bags under his eyes and a few missing teeth due to exposure and his old age. He stands shorter than the average Halfling with a surprisingly round belly. He is curt in times of stress or looming danger.
Zarek notices he wears many ‘gold painted lead rings and a thick leaden chain with a pan-flute hanging from it, over his leather apron.
Alley explains that Warble is a kind man at heart and that his family once owned and ran a now abandoned music hall formerly known as the ’Dhavian Trill, that now stands as a squatting place in the Field Ward.
Zarek tells Alley of his misfortunes before entering the Field Ward of Waterdeep as his subsequent dealings with Oli, Lucas and Rufus. Zarek once again thanks Alley for her help in dealing with Rufus.
Zarek asks why would they let him in if the Filed Ward was in quarantine and how did they manage to smuggle a horse into the Filed Ward?
Alley suggests that someone in the City Watch is helping Oli, Lucas and Rufus enter and the Filed Ward.
“They are co-conspirators or they have incriminating evidence against a member of the City Watch.” Alley offers.
“What too has happened to the body of Lord Lothian, that poor soul to attempted to aid me and paid the price, another I must live with death.” Zarek bleats outs.
“That death is not on you Zarek, it lies with Rufus and his two lackies Oli and Lucas.” States Alley.
Zarek is intent on not only finding the three blood eyed Villains, but to also recover the body of Lord Lothian and give him the proper last rites that his religion will demand. Zarek makes a note to return and check the area of the murder for clues or a trail.
Alley questions Zarek about the bloodshot eyes that he said Oli, Lucas and Rufus had and if he had seen others with the same affliction. Zarek explains how the 2 Thugs in front of the ’Dhavian Trill music hall also had them as well as 2 other citizens that were approaching the 2 Thugs but stopped and hide after a gesture from one on them.
Alley explains that she has seen that exact effect of the dead that have been collected. Alley tells Zarek how she helps out to the, makeshift, morgue which is manned by Hargadon Dudley, but knows nothing of the ’Dhavian Trill.
Hargadon Dudley is a male Human Grave Cleric. Alley goes on to say that he is a stubbornly quite middle-aged Waterdhavian man, who dutifully carries out his responsibilities as a custodian of the dead. His devotion to the god Kelemvor makes this not just a duty, but a privilege among those in the order.
Custodian Dudley wears simple dark robes and a silvered amulet that serves as a holy symbol of his faith.
“I believe that you will find more and more who also show the Bloodshot eyes, look about Zarek. I too see them more than I did before.” Alley says while looking about the Tavern.
Zarek looks once again about the Scrap’d Rafter and notices a few interesting characters but is incapable of concentrating on all the patrons within the Tavern as his is too easily distracted and perceives less than wanted.
First and loudest in the Tavern is a female Gold Dwarf, Playing Liar’s Dice at the table, aggressively taunting the other patrons.
Alley explains that she is one Kemper Copperfury a Gold Dwarf with a love for gambling, misfortune and schadenfreude (the emotional experience of pleasure in response to another’s misfortune 😊). Her tight, painted red braids hang low to the small of her back with mats and tangles throughout. She will use Dwarvish curse words often and stands at average build and height.
Then Zarek notices a male hooded individual in deep conversation with one of the service wenches.
Alley says that he is Iomhar Rackham, yet most of his dubious nature seam to call him ‘Bodee’. Bodee stands above average height with a malnourished but sturdy build, he is very young among other Half-elves and his olive skin is dressed in tattered black traveller’s clothes and a boot-length charcoal cloak. Under the cloak, I have spied two simple, pitted daggers are on the right side of his belt and a well-made leather satchel hanging heavily from the left. Under his grey hood, his long straw hair would lead you to believe he is human.
Zarek also spots one male human who shows signs of the bloodshot eyes and his companion has his back to him and so he can’t tell.
Zarek asks Alley about her life and reason for being here in the Filed Ward and Alley tells her tale.
Zarek listens closely and, at first, questions her real motives and sincerity.
She says her father is in the service of ‘The Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors’, while her mother spends her time at the ‘Hospice of St. Laupsenn’ looking after those in need.
Alley then questions Zarek and asks if he should not note all this down on his… and then changes the topic. Zarek is not sure what she meant and is left wondering.
“What do you intend to do to, or with, the Villains if you confront them? Hand them over to the City Watch or have your revenge?” Asks Alley.
Zarek turns the question on Alley and said that he is unsure but the City Watch Should be the ones to deal with them. Zarek checks to see if Alley’s response is truthful or if she is hiding the truth. Zarek believes Alley’s motives to be honourable.
Zarek suggests they go and visit Dudley, who had already left after finishing his meal, at the temporary morgue next to the North Gate.
This is where Zarek entered the Filed Ward in his true form of a Tiefling and was allowed to enter by the City Watch, having told them that there had been a murder and theft. Even though there was a quarantine about the Filed Ward?
“A little tip that will help with the introductions, Dudley has a sweet tooth and maybe a treat from the kitchens can help.” Alley imparts to Zarek.
Zarek spies ‘Bodee’ getting up, squeezing the Tavern wenches’ buttocks and handing her something before he leaves the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern. Zarek’s eyes then instantly go over to Kemper Copperfury, who exclaims in Dwarvish that she has no more time to gamble with the poor retches in this Tavern and that she was off to find richer pickings. Kemper Copperfury follows Bodee out after a few minutes.
Zarek goes to the bar and talks with Warble Bandlewagon, formerowner of the ’Dhavian Trill. Warble treats Zarek with kindness but warns the young Tiefling that he should take care not to molest Alley in any way, shape or form or he will have Warble Bandlewagon to deal with. Zarek pleas his innocence and states those thought didn’t even enter his thoughts and Warble Bandlewagon is satisfied that Zarek is telling the truth.
“Fine, just remember that anything you do to her, lovey, I will do to you. Now, how can I help?” Warble tells Zarek.
Zarek asks for something sweet from the kitchens and for some information.
“Both I can supply and both will cost coin.” Says Warble.
Zarek takes the food for now and states that he will come back for the second once he has finished his business at hand. He thanks Warble and joins Alley at the table.
“let’s go, I’m ready.” Whispers Zarek.
“One last thing a small prayer over the sweet for Dudley will be advantageous.” Parys Alley.
“What religion do you follow Alley?” Zarek asks as he once again is distracted and can’t make out the words or even language chanted by Alley over the sweet treat.
“I am not sure.” Saya Alley.
“Good response. “Zarek thinks.
Zarek takes his things to Alleys room with her and finds that a small cot had already been setup of the young Tiefling.
NORTH GATE:
Zarek and Alley reach the Northyard, by the North Gate, and Alley leads Zarek toward Jaxim & Dallas Delacourt. A pair of humans, Amnian Merchants, guild merchant and siblings from Baldur’s Gate who didn’t make it out of the city before the quarantine began. They will sell simple items from their portable cart. They also sell Delacourt Kaeth (Coffee) to those that have cash.
Alley introduces Zarek and they are very welcoming and treat Alley like a family member.
“Do you still have any Delacourt Kaeth on the pot we are to work late into the night and could use it’s restorative powers?” asks Alley.
Zarek is very dubious that the black steaming liquid is the contents of an Alchemists experiment.
“Here I still have some of the sweet stuff you love so much Alley, would you like some too Zarek?” Asks Jaxim as she pulls a small pouch out from under her robes.
Zarek accepts the substance and tries the Delacourt Kaeth. His is instantly hit by the bitterness of the liquid and is told to stir it well and that makes the substance dissolve and the Delacourt Kaeth taste much better. Zarek can instantly feel the effects, his senses are heightened and his movement become more rapid.
Alley and Zarek thank Jaxim & Dallas Delacourt and head toward the morgue. In front of the build are posted 2 members of the City Watch and Alley walks straight up to them. The ’Dhavian Trill will have to wait.
THE MORGUE:
“Hello Caspar and Melchior how are you and your families doing? I have a helper with me today as the working load is increasing. His name is Zarek.” Says Alley.
Both men make take little notice in the Tiefling and instead look cow eyed at the young Alley. Caspar and Melchior allow the two volunteers to enter and inside they find Dudley work by candlelight.
Alley introduces herself and Zarek is courteous to the point that Dudley being to respond to his questions and Alley sticks her thumb up.
“My friend Zarek is looking for a companion that was missing presumed dead and he what to look through the dead to see if he can find him and give an appropriate funeral.” Allet tell Dudley and Dudley appears to approve of the care and respect given to the dead.
Zarek looks through the many bodies in the building and can’t find Lord Lothian, but he can see that all of the dead have the tell-tale bloodshot eyes. Some more emaciated and completely blood covered eyes. These bodies seaming to be the most recent arrivals.
Zarek returns, tells Dudley that his companion is not among the dead and then asks about the causes of the deaths.
At first Dudley is reluctant to say anything as he has been given orders by the City Watch, but he is eventually persuaded by Zarek and his Sweet.
Dudley tells Zarek about:
TRAVELLER’S DUST:
Following the Spellplague, this highly addictive and dangerous drug made its appearance in the Realms. Soon after, most civilized places outlawed the use and sale of the substance. Many users refer to “walking the crimson road” due to the tiny roseate crystals only slightly larger than a grain of spice which is applied to and dissolved in the eyes. As a result, it leaves the user’s eyes blood red, bodies shaking and speech slurred. The drug enables the user to gain a limited form of Truesight and, according to rumours, esoterically charged powers over vision itself, including the ability to “see” emotional and existential connections, the true appearance of illusions and other planes of existence.
Dudley goes on to explain that that there is now a new drug available which is much deadlier:
CHIMERA:
This alchemical and arcane concoction is an inexpensive, bastardized, highly addictive and often fatal drug developed by someone the users and, family members of the dead, called ‘the Alchemist’.
The Chimera Effects include exhaustion after the effect ends. Users experiencing withdrawal become lethargic, irritated and/or lose muscle control in fits or spasms.
Dudley finishes his, and Zarek’s slice of the sweet and tells the two he has to return to work and knows nothing about the ’Dhavian Trill, except that it has been empty for a long time.
“I must get on children as I am a very busy man indeed dure to this Chimera.” Dudley announces as he goes back to work.
Alley suggest that they survey place of interest that our Villains may return to.
“As Shirelock says in his mysteries, criminals are not the smartest operators and usually return to the scene of the crime.” States Alley.
“You mean from the mysteries of Lord Arthur. C. Doyle, fiction?” Asks Zarek surprisingly.
The pair decide to have Alley visit the ’Dhavian Trill music hall, as it is close to the City Watch post set-up in the Endshift Tavern. Whilst Zarek, would first return to the site of Lord Lothian’s murder.
TRACKING OLI, LUCAS & THE BODY:
At the site of Lord Lothian’s murder, near the Almondine’s Delight Tavern, Zarek can find and follow the heavy indented tracks of Oil and Lucas as they head South-West and then circle back North and finally end in Trollwall Way.
There he can see that the tracks head to the back of the building which sells grains and vegetables. Still, there are 2 human guards that patrol around the building. This will be because of the recent events and hardships in the Fieldward or it is for more nefarious reasons.
Zarek attempts to stealthily move past the guards and work his way to the back of the building but he does not make it, as he is spotted by one of the guards.
A hue and cry rings out and as the guards see that the intruders are a young Tiefling he warns him to be off.
“Leave now young blood, least the others find you and punish you for just attempting to enter here.” Said the guard as he tells the others that exit the building that it was nothing but a stray dog.
THE ALMONDINE’S DELIGHT TAVERN:
Zarek dashes away and heads back to hide and wait outside the Almondine’s Delight Tavern, thinking if the place was connected to the ’Dhavian Trill, where from his position he can view both the side and front doors into the building. It begins to rain again.
After about 45 minutes Zarek spots a hooded figure walking down the Alley towards him. The figure turns out to be Oli and the Villain is constantly looking about the floor as if he is hunting for something.
Oli suddenly stops, looks to the area under the running water from the roof and suddenly begins to dash.
Zarek stares down to where Oli had been looking and also spots the item. A gorgeously crafted ornate leather pouch, with gold and silver finishes.
“Whatever’s in that pouch,” he muttered, “could be the key to unravelling this mystery.” His tail lashed once before he moved, determination driving him ahead into the rain-soaked night.
