Nerissa Vale:
CHES 27th (The Claw of Sunsets – 1492 DR)
21:20 pm
Zarek, in the guise of Margen Darn a male Tiefling, thinks he has found a way to gather information on the Cassalanters and that would be Nerissa Vale.
Out of the all the Cassalanter Staff members Zarek hopes to gain the confidence of Nerissa Vale as she too was a Tiefling.
Alley, in the guise Arannis Winterflower a female Half-Elf, take everyone to the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern for the prize-winning meal and other surprises. The Bard leads everyone though the Tavern and into their private room set aside for the group.
All the way Alley was recounting historical events from the Field Ward, reading from a script and sounding less intelligent and knowledgeable than he was used to.
Zarek: “I think she is aiming to make herself less threatening.”
Once at the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern, for the prize-winning meal, the party are led to a private room where they find that estrays and drinks had already been prepared. The party sit down at the table and the hierarchy of the Cassalanter Staff is obvious.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn sat at the head of the table, to his right sat Margen Darn, Zarek using his ‘Disguise Self’ Spell and next him sat Marek Thul. Then there was Edric Rosalor, opposite him sat Davin Creel. Then there was Tolli Underbough sitting next along the table. Finally, at the far end of the table sat the two females, Selvi Hart and Narissa Vake. Nerissa Vale was Zarek’s main targets to speak with this night.
21:30 pm
As the party ate and drank their appetisers, Alley, in the guise of Arannis Winterflower, helped the Barmaids with the food and drink. This allowed her to provide Zarek with water that tasted, looked and smelt like Strong Ale, and strong Alcohol that she made taste, look, and smell like Fruit Punch.
Zarek throughout the dinner attempted to converse with the members of the Cassalanter Staff. He began with Marek Thul, the Stablemaster of Cassalanter Villa, and found it hard going as he was a little reserved and shunned the main house and the Waterdeep politics.
Alley, used her Magical ‘Earring of Message’ to send Zarek some encouraging words and reminded the Rogue that they would all be as weary of him as he himself is of all of them.
Alley: “Guide them don’t lead them, let them talk and do not push too hard.”
Alley then filled Zarek’s Glass, he took a sip and realise her last-minute plan.
Alley: “Welcome everyone and congratulations on your luck. Let us all start by raising our glasses and toasting to Tymora for your good fortune. Then if we could go around the table and everyone can introduce themselves.”
Everyone apart from Zarek looks confused as she saw them all together and the Rogue was the only new person, this however, played into Arannis Winterflower not being the sharpest weapon in the weaponsmiths.
Marek Thul opened up a bit as the Fruit Punch, plus the drinks already provided, helped to loosen everyone up.
Zarek: “It is a great honour to be able to speak with you knowing that you work for the Cassalanters.”
Marek Thul: Stablemaster
Marek Thul is a human Male (Damaran). Marek Thul is a lean, weathered man in his early forties with tired brown eyes, rough hands, and short black hair beginning to grey at the temples. He wears heavy riding coats and sturdy boots stained by mud and horse oil.
Marek Thul occupation is as the Senior Stablemaster at Cassalanter Villa. Zarek also manage to weevil out of the Damaran that he was also the delivery overseer. Managing all goods and other items that are brought through the stables area. These items also include goods for the various festivals.
Marek Thul even hinted to private parties or gatherings where access to Cassalanter Villa is made through the Stables and not via the main house entrance.
Zarek supplied Marek Thul with some of Alley’s, or Arannis Winterflower in her current guise, drink. The Drink was a strong alcohol to which Alley had cast ‘Prestidigitation’ to make it smell and taste like a fruit punch.
Marek Thul went to explain how he himself spent years driving caravans along the Trade Way before losing everything to the brigands called ‘The Wormridden’, who were led by ‘Jocko the Wily’, which in turn lead to mounting debts. The Cassalanters hired him after he prevented a panicked carriage team from injuring several Nobles during a festival parade. He now oversees the household stables and manages late-night deliveries arriving at the Cassalanter villa.
Marek Thul tells Margen Darn that he suspects the Cassalanters entertain strange guests and conduct secretive business, but he avoids asking questions. Marek Thul let on that the house servants are periodically asked to gather in one area of the house or another; it’s an open secret that this is done so that the Cassalanters can host secret guests.
Marek Thul: “I will always be loyal to the family because they fed and housed him and his children during a harsh winter.”
Marek Thul then must be an exceptional horse handler, skilled wagon driver and can calm frightened animals with remarkable skill and speed.
Zarek: “Speaks his mind but keeps himself to himself and avoids the main house and its guests.”The Rogue thinks to himself.
Then the starters were served and Alley provided more historical facts regarding the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern and the associated Theatre, the ’Dhavian Trill.
Zarek took the opportunity to speak with Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn, who had been trying to converse with Alley all night with little luck for now, and he immediately believed that Vaz, as he likes to be called, was a member of the Asmodeus Cultists.
Zarek: “It is a great honour to be able to speak with you and admire the position you hold within the Cassalanter Household.”
Vaz pretends to engage with Margen Darn, but he clearly only has eyes for Arannis Winterflower. The Rogue enquires about a job stating that he work for the Gralhunds, in the stables and was to join the main staff the day after the attack on Gralhund Villa.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn: “So you worked for the Gralhunds did you and you say that you were there the night they were attacked was it?”
Zarek explains that he was away that night but would love the opportunity to join the Cassalanter Household.
Alley then enters the Private Room with Mattrim ‘Threestrings’ Mereg and a very attractive female human singer called Esme. Alley speaks with Mattrim ‘Threestrings’ Mereg and they perform while the prize winners eat and drink.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn: “Good looking filly don’t you think Margen Darn?”
Margen Darn: “I could not possibly say.” The Rogue replies making a face as did so.
The Rogue looks over to Nerissa Vale.
21:45 pm
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn: House Steward
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn is a Tiefling Male. Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn is crimson-skinned with black swept-back horns and sharp gold-flecked eyes, Vaz dresses with unusual elegance for a servant and wears gloves.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn’s occupation is a House Steward. Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn talks with Margen Darn, not in Infernal the Rogue noticed, and proudly explains how he was born in the Field Ward, he survived, and his grace and professionalism caught the attention of Ammalia Cassalanter during a Noble masquerade. The Cassalanters elevated him rapidly due to his intelligence and charm. He now manages household schedules, servants, and private guest arrangements.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn is a loyal servant and cannot praise the Cassalanters enough for their charity, piousness and family values.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn: “Tell me who you work for, Megan was it?”
Zarek: “No it’s Margen Darn. It is a great honour to be in such high company such as yourselves and the Cassalanter Family are one of the great Noble Houses.”
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn: “Yes indeed you seem to be very honoured. Tell me what you did there as I know the staff there very well.”
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn: “The Cassalanters hire our kind to show how we can be accepted and that the working class are a vital cog in the machine that is a Noble Household.”
Margen Darn describes his position and hold long he worked for the Gralhunds but Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn only had eyes for Alley.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn then excuses himself and leaves, presumably to use the outside convenience, and exits through the door into the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern.
Moments later, Tolli Underbough, also state he needs to use the commode and exits via the door out to the courtyard. Tolli Underbough is watched by the Female, Human Rogue Bouncer on the door and she closed it behind the Maintenance Halfling.
Zarek is left at the table with Edric Rosalor and Darvin Creel. At the far end of the table, Arannis Winterflower, was talking to Selvi Hart and Narissa Vake. With Narissa Vake little to no talking, even Alley’s persuasive powers faulter sometimes.
Darvin Creel does most of the talking, while Edric Rosalor listens closely.
Zarek: “It is a great honour to be at this table with you Darvin as I hold the Cassalanter Household in such high esteem.”
Zarek goes on to explain how he worked for the Gralhunds and was about to join the main service before the attack. Neither Darvin Creel or Edric Rosalor responded to the news.
The Rogue looks over again towards Nerissa Vale looking for the best opportunity to speak with the shy Tiefling.
21:55 pm
Darvin Creel: Ledger Keeper
Darvin Creel is a Human Male (Chondathan). Darvin Creel is thin and anxious, Darvin Creel has prematurely white hair, narrow shoulders, and ink-stained fingers. His spectacles constantly slide down his nose when he becomes nervous.
Darvin Creel Occupation is as a Household Clerk and Ledger Keeper.
Zarek managed to discover that Darvin Creel was formerly employed by a moneylender, called Istrid Horn, in the Dock Ward, Darvin Creel fell onto hard times, into gambling debt Zarek concludes, before being quietly rescued by Lord Victoro Cassalanter. He now maintains estate records, tax ledgers, and supplier accounts.
Zarek learns that Darvin Creel personally manages the finances and ledges for the Cassalanters and works directly with Lord Victoro Cassalanter. Darvin Creel also discloses that he is the only member allowed within Lord Victoro Cassalanters office.
Zarek: “Someone that would know of the state of their finances and whether the Cassalanters indeed had 500,00 Dragons available. A possible contact also regarding Lord Victoro Cassalanter and his office.” The Rogue thinks to himself.
Though Lady Amelia Cassalanter did appear to be more vocal that Lord Victoro Cassalanter when they met.
Edric Rosalor then intercedes and asks Darvin Creel to hold his tongue and Zarek questions him in turn seeing that Nerissa Vale was still engaged with Alley and Selvi Hart.
22:10 pm
Edric Rosalor: Tutor and Secretary
Edric Rosalor is a Half-Elf Male. Edric Rosalor is a handsome Half-Elf with olive skin, dark brown hair tied neatly behind his head, and thoughtful green eyes. He dresses modestly but carries himself with quiet refinement.
Edric Rosalor occupation is as a Tutor to Terenzio, and Elzerina, with Osvaldo no longer at Cassalanter Villa, and as correspondence Secretary to Lady Amelia Cassalanter.
Zarek had a lot in common with the Tutor and was able to glean a lot more form him than the other Cassalanter Staff. Also, Darvin Creel was inebriated enough to let slip his past.
Edric Rosalor was once a promising student at New Olamn’s Academy of Music and other Arts, known to all as just New Olamn, but Edric Rosalor lost his position after a scandal involving a Noble patron. The Cassalanters discreetly employed him afterward to educate younger household retainers and manage sensitive correspondence.
Zarek: “I feel that Edric Rosalor knows a lot more that he is able, or willing, to say.” The Rogue thinks to himself.
Darvin Creel was also kind enough to let slip that Edric Rosalor was able to speak several languages, including ‘Fork-tongue’, Darvin Creel apologies to Margen Darn for using the term and corrects himself, saying he meant infernal.
Edric Rosalor thinks it enough and as Tolli Underbough returns, via the courtyard door, Edric Rosalor takes Darvin Creel for a walk outside in the fresh night air.
Seeing that Nerissa Vale was still engaged with Alley and Selvi Hart Zarek thinks to follow the pair outside to question them further.
Arannis Winterflower leave the private room and glances at Margen Darn, this is enough to remind him that he needed to recast his ‘Disguise Self’ Spell.
Zarek decides to join Edric Rosalor and Darvin Creel outside. It was at this point that the Rogue noticed that Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn had not returned from where he had gone to.
Zarek attempts to join Edric Rosalor and Darvin Creel outside as they walk about but Edric Rosalor insists they are fine and encourages him to return to the festivities. Zarek take the opportunity to join the queue for the Water Closet and is just in time to recast his ‘Disguise Self’ Spell on himself and reappear as he entered, that was lucky.
Margen Darn, the Male grey skinned Tiefling, re-enters the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern and sit opposite Tolli Underbough and waits for his chance to speak with Narissa Vake, the Male grey skinned Tiefling cleaner.
Zarek: “It is a great honour to be able to share this meal with you Tolli and I hope to join your household as I lost my position at the Gralhunds after the assault.”
Tolli Underbough had no idea of what Margen Darn was talking about and seemed to be the kind of worker that was dedicated to his craft and paid no attention to outside noise.
22:20 pm
Tolli Underbough: Maintenance and Lamp keeper
Tolli Underbough is a Lightfoot Halfling Male. Tolli Underbough is a round-faced Halfling with curly sandy-brown hair, cheerful green eyes, and permanently soot-smudged clothes. He smells faintly of lamp oil and pipe smoke.
Tolli Underbough’s occupation currently is as a Lampkeeper and Maintenance Servant for the entire Cassalanter Villa.
Margen Darn has a great chat with Tolli Underbough, having been reminded to pour Alley’s Fruit Punch liberally, while he himself enjoyed water that had ‘Prestidigitation’ also cast on it to look, taste and smell like Strong Ale. Tolli Underbough recounts how he once maintained lantern systems in Dock Ward warehouses before an industrial fire ruined his employer. The Cassalanters hired him cheaply due to his size and talent for navigating cramped maintenance spaces. He has served at the Cassalanter Villa for nearly six years.
Tolli Underbough: “Many of the casual staff don’t stay long. Some leave to other families and others to other cities we are told.”
Tolli Underbough wants absolutely nothing to do with the strange happenings on the top floors. He seems to have a superstition or unreasonable fear.
Tolli Underbough: “When working on the third floor once, I heard horrible screams coming from above me on the roof.”
Margen Darn thinks it more sinister than just superstition.
Edric Rosalor and Darvin Creel eventually return and take their places for the main course.
Margen Darn sits down to eat, opposite from where he was sitting before and they all began to eat their fantastic meal, with Alley having cast ‘Prestidigitation’ on all of the food.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn also arrives back at his seat, via the Courtyard Dorr this time, proceeded to eat and gave no explanation as to his absence.
After a long half hour of mainly silence, Margen Darn decided that he needed to speak with Selvi Hart and Narissa Vake, especially with Narissa Vake for some reason that Alley thinks is silly.
Alley: “I means she is no way as pretty as me, or as fun and adventurers. I bet she could not even swing my Rapier her arms as so skinny” The Bard thinks to herself.
22:35 pm
Zarek excuses himself and is about to be interrupted by Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn, but Arannis Winterflower intervenes and sits next to the Cassalanter House Steward. This allows Margen Darn to go and introduce himself to Selvi Hart and Narissa Vake.
Margen Darn cleverly sits next to Selvi Hart and introduces himself as he notice how she stay next to and protected Narissa Vake.
Zarek: “It is a great honour to be able to talk to such an accomplished cook and hope soon to join the Cassalanter Household.”
Narissa Vake lets out a giggle.
Selvi Hart is interested in the kitchen staff of Gralhund Villa and Zarek manages to avoid making excuses for not know any of their names as she is shocked to hear that many were slaughtered recently in the attack.
Selvi Hart is honest and kind, or a very good liar, and they have a good conversation as Narissa Vake listens to their conversation.
Selvi Hart: Cook
Selvi Hart is a Human Female (Illuskan). Selvi Hart is a broad-shouldered and stern-faced, Selvi Hart has pale freckled skin, iron-grey eyes, and thick auburn hair braided tightly behind her head. Burn scars mark her forearms from years spent over cookfires.
Selvi Hart occupation is Cook at Cassalanter Villa.
Margen Darn got on well with Selvi Hart and learnt that Selvi Hart once travelled with mercenary companies as a battlefield cook before settling permanently in Waterdeep. Her kitchens are famously efficient, and her temper is equally well-known among servants. Selvi Hart also modestly explained how she also manages feasts, festivals, and charitable soup distributions sponsored by the Cassalanters.
It was very clear to Zarek that Selvi Hart believes Noble households survive on silence and discipline. And it was part of the staff’s job to do so. She did not mention any suspicious events within Cassalanter Villa.
Zarek: “I am not too sure that Selvi Hart is not in some way involved with the Cassalanters and their Cult.” Zarek ponders.
Selvi Hart, also now merry from the Fruit Punch, provided earlier by Arannis Winterflower, blabs that she has concerns as Ammalia is worried sick about her children, although they seem in perfect health as far as Selvi Hart can see.
This is disputed by Edric Rosalor, the Tutor who was listening into their conversation, as he said they were both well and content.
Margen Darn then turns his attentions to Nerissa Vale, who at first was extremely shy but did eventually respond once she was encouraged to do so by Edric Rosalor, and also when he spoke Infernal to her.
22:55 pm
Nerissa Vale: Night Cleaner and Laundry:
Nerissa Vale is a Tiefling Female. Nerissa Vale has ash-grey skin, delicate curved horns, silver-white hair, and pale eyes without visible pupils. She moves quietly and keeps her expression carefully neutral around strangers.
Nerissa Vales occupation is as a night cleaner and also laundry attendant when called for.
With the help of the cook Selvi Hart, Zarek learnt that Nerissa Vales grew up orphaned in the Field Ward and survived years of abuse and suspicion because of her infernal appearance. The Cassalanters offered her stable work and protection when few others would. She now works mostly during the night hours, cleaning halls and servant quarters.
Zarek can sense that Nerissa Vales was lying when she said the nice things about the Cassalanters and her work there. Zarek then spoke to Nerissa Vales in Infernal and was able to lean more information as a result.
Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn and Edric Rosalor kept a close eye on Margen Darn as he spoke to Nerissa Vales. Little more was learnt from Nerissa Vales as Zarek could see that she was scared for her life.
Zarek: “A possible source of information but no adventurer, I would not wish to have anything happen to her.” The Rogue thinks to himself.
Nerissa Vales then attempts to scare Zarek from joining the Cassalanter household and tells the tale of when she once saw a number of people go down into the wine cellar. She waited around for twenty minutes before Willifort Crowelle shooed them away, but nobody came back up.
Then the night was coming to an end and the Theatre ticket prize raffle was drawn.
Zarek realised that their ‘Disguise Self’ Spell would run out soon and they wanted to return and thank Warble Bandlewagon for his help at such short notice.
Alley made it so that Nerissa Vales won the Theatre Tickets and the night came to an end with everyone taking a food hamper home. Warble Bandlewagon came to wish everyone well and Arannis Winterflower stayed to talk with the retired Bard. As the others all left the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern and stood about outside for a short while, as pub goers are want to do.
As the Cassalanter Staff stood about have the last chat before all going home, Zarek spies someone familiar emerging from the dark streets of the Field Ward. That person was Willifort Crowelle the personal Butler of the Cassalanters. Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn went to speak with him immediately and the Rogue suspected that he had been called to come and see if these two were known to him.
Zarek: “Luck that we cast ‘Disguise Self’ but we are still a Male Tiefling and Female, which may have been enough to alert them. Also, only the females did not leave the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern.”
As Margen Darn turns he can see that Alley had kept out of sight within the Scrap’d Rafter Tavern but Willifort Crowelle did not look pleased and he left with Vazriel ‘Vaz’ Morn. Nerissa Vales left with Selvi Hart and also Edric Rosalor who insisted in escorting the female’s home.
Darvin Creel left with Tolli Underbough and Marek Thul made his way home to his children alone.
23:20 pm
Arannis Winterflower and Margen Darn stay behind to thank and pay Warble Bandlewagon. They have arranged to stay in the Private Room and that allows the Heroes of the Field Ward to revert back to their true appearance.
With Midnight rapidly approaching, Zarek and Alley them make their way back to Trollskull Alley with more questions than answers.
23:40 pm
Cassalanter Questions:
- The Cassalanters have private Guests that visit the Villa.
- The Guests or others have visited the wine cellar and not been seen again.
- They do have a higher-than-normal turnover of casual staff.
- There may be illicit parties in the Guest house.
- Screams were heard coming from the top floor roof area.
- Lord Victoro Cassalanters Office is off limits to the most of the staff.
- The Cassalanter Staff fear to say too much.
- The Lady Ammalia Cassalanter real is worried for her children.
The pair also go over the items in Zarek’s ‘Bag of Holding’:
Zarek’s ‘Bag of Holding’ Contents: (500 lbs of weight or 64’ cubic feet of volume)
- 3 Lantanese Pistols, 12 Leather Packets of Smokepowder, 3 Leather Pouches containing Twenty Bullets
- Opaque Crimson Coral (3 x Gem 100 gp each)
- Deep Purple Amethyst (1 x Gem 50 gp each)
- Ivory Statuette of a Monkey (250 gp)
- Magical Scrolls (1x Misty Step, 1x Haste)
- Enduring Spellbook
- Backpack (With all Zarek’s equipment)
- ?
The Bigger Picture:
- The Gralhunds:
- Investigate the aftermath of the attack and their current position
- The Gralhunds Red Tome
- The Zhentarim:
- Investigate Yellow Spire further
- Research Teleportation Circle
- Find Urstul Floxin
- Find the Zhentarim Lair
- Xanathar Guild:
- Research Gladiatorial games using the Strange Weapons from Glenda Garloth
- Glenda Garloth Magical Items and Gold
- Find the Zhentarim Lair
- Cassalanter Family:
- Plan heist for Highcoin Ball or another Secret Guest Party
- Ashmadai (Asmodeus Cultists):
- Investigate Aveen Street
- Research Devils and their Minions (Imps)
- Jarlaxle Baenre and Captain Zardoz Zord:
- Investigate the Seven Masks Theatre
- Keep an eye on their intentions
- Kalain of the Nine Waters:
- Investigate Kalain of the Nine Waters
- The Lords Alliance:
- Talk to Jalester Silvermane regarding joining the Lords Alliance
The Doppelgänger, the Female Halfling Rogue and Human Fighter, the Old Man in the Hat that visited Trollskull Manor and Follow-up on Meloon Wardragon, mentioned in Alexander Brightlamps Journal, in connection with your parents.
23:50 pm
Then suddenly, as usually happens in these situations, two figures step out of the Alleyway as the strong smell of Chimera permeates out from both their skin and clothing.
Oli ‘The Actor’: “You’ve got something belonging to me Zarek the THIEF. No prison can hold us and we‘re now going to make you pay for messing with us.
”Lucas ‘The Roach’: “Less of the soliloquies Oli, let’s just let the kids have it. Make them bleed.”