NEW RECRUIT:
CHES 28th (The Claw of Sunsets – 1492 DR)
00:37 am
Will the new recruit, Merf Palmer, join Alley and Zarek in their endeavours in the Grand Game? In fact, how much will they tell the new recruit about the dangers and rewards of said Grand Game, for that you will need to read on.
Alley and Zarek had managed to avoid being captured by the Goblin Crooked Moon Clan, discovered that possibly the Doppelgänger disguised as Urstul Floxin had orchestrated this attack and they were able to escape and find a new recruit to join their cause.
If he was in fact someone that they could trust. That is why Zarek uses his ‘Message’ Spell to converse with Alley, just in case.
Alley: “Well he is not the Doppelgänger if you believe that it was him that rode off?”
Zarek: That is true, good news at last.”
Merf Palmer, the new recruit, was tasked with driving them out of the Filed Ward area as Alley wanted to hide their escape and presence in the Field Ward so that their movements were not observed.
Alley: “Seeing that we were followed to the Filed Ward by the Xanather Guild, The Bregan D’aerthe, The Doppelgänger and even Oli ‘The Actor and Lucas ‘The Roach’, may they both rest in peace, we need to keep extra alert. It must have been when we visited Warble Bandlewagon, makes sense as that is where we are known and coin loosens tongues.” Alley ponders to herself.
Zarek: We need to try and remember where and who may be looking out for us as we also went to the Dock Ward undisguised.”Zarek ponders to herself.
Merf Palmer: “Well I know I can expect an exciting time with these two, but will I be able to profit, that is the question. A Halflings got to you know.” Merf Palmer muses to himself.
Alley and Zarek decided to head for Trollskull Manor and to have their new recruit, Merf Palmer, drive them there so they could say hidden.
All went well and the majority of Field Ward citizens were more interested in the Lound thunderous noises, than a single Halfling on a Wagon.
However, on approaching the Upper Towers Gates, leading into Waterdeep along the High Road, the Tiefling Rogue makes a decision to take over the driving and attempt to persuade the City Watch to allow them entry as a matter of urgency.
Alley is unsure about the plan as they were not Magically ‘Disguised’ and even the City Watch has its loose lips.
Zarek casts his ‘Message’ Spell and tells Alley of his change of plans.
Zarek: “Alley, I will use my ‘Grey Hands Token to get us through the gates.”
Alley: “We have seen from the various Grand Game reports and also heard that there are Spies everywhere in Waterdeep, are you sure?”
Zarek: “Yes I know, do not worry Alley, I know what I am doing.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, is then asked to change places before they reach the Upper Tower Gates into Waterdeep and that is when Zarek can see that their little altercation had caused the City Watch to be alerted.
The gates themselves were closed, the City Watch had all been called to the walls including the Sergeants, Corporals and all the garrison on duty that night and several citizens, along with their carts, were standing by the gates waiting to be let in.
Zarek produces his ‘Grey Hands Token’ and in his best authoritative voice, demands that the City Watch let him through.
Zarek: “You there, open the gates and let me through. I am a member of the Grey Hand and on an important mission for Vajra Safahr herself. Be quick about it.”
Again, not sure if it was Zarek’s boyish good looks, the City Watch not seeing the Gray Hands Token properly, the state of alert that the City Watch were on, Zarek’s poor projection of his voice or just bad luck, Alley could here that the City Watch were not about to just let Zarek and his Wagon through.
City Watch Guard 1: “That’s not a real Grey Hands Token Sargent.”
City Watch Guard 2: “He said Gray Watch, there no such thing.”
City Watch Sergeant: “I don’t care who you think you are no one gets past these gates until we investigate those noises. If you are who you say you are, where are your orders?”
City Watch Corporal: “Shouldn’t we ask him if he saw anything Sir, looks like he came from the area of those Thunderous booms Sir.”
Zarek was not about to just give up and so he tried to instead intimidate the Sergeant into allowing his access into Waterdeep. The Tiefling Rouge cast his ‘Thaumaturgy’ Cantrip. The intension being that he has booming voice, which booms up to three times as loud as normal, and that way he would Intimidate the Sergeant into carrying out his demands.
City Watch Guard 2: “He is mumbling something.”
Zarek: “Do as I say and open these Gate as I will not be responsible for the trouble you will be in if you do not.”
City Watch Guard 2: “He’s cast an enchantment, listen to his voice, its changed.”
Unfortunately, Zarek is unable to intimidate the City Watch into opening the Gates for him and in fact has made them all a lot more suspicious and wearier for the lone Tiefling on a covered Wagon who wishes to enter Waterdeep quickly as he distances himself from the Thunderous booms.
City Watch Sergeant: “You do not have the authority to enter and you will wait right there to be interviewed and checked.”
The City Watch Sergeant turns to two of his City Watch Guards and they both dash off in different directions and down behind the walls into Waterdeep.
Zarek believes that valour is the better parts of disappointment and he urges the Horses to take him and the Wagon past the waiting Citizens and off into the dark of the night.
City Watch Sergeant: “You there, hold in the name of the law.”
Zarek heads west towards the two other gates in that direction. The Armoury Gates and the Trolltower Gates. Zarek intends to head for the Armoury Gates as he feels that he has allies there.
As they make their way to the Armoury Gates, Alley spends the time speaking with the new recruit, Merf Palmer. Alley begins with asking the new recruit, Merf Palmer, if he was injured and needed healing.
Merf Palmer: “No thank you I am fine enough.”
Alley then strangely asks if new recruit, Merf Palmer, was hungry or thirsty.
Merf Palmer: “Oh I can always eat and drink. However, maybe we should finish the task at hand?”
Alley is looking and judging the new recruit, Merf Palmer, all the time even though they were in pitch black darkness.
As they continued to be driven along the road, Alley continued to chat with the new recruit, Merf Palmer, and he felt that she was trying to find things out about him and also testing his character. The funny thing was he didn’t mind as she was so charming about it all.
Merf Palmer: “I have recently arrived from Daggerford where I had to leave because the Zhentarim (The Black Network) were looking for me. I acquired something that they were going to possess themselves and the Zhentarim have been looking for me.
I decided to join the first caravan out of Daggerford that was heading out of the town. It ended up that it was heading for Waterdeep, the Field Ward to be exact. The poorest of the wards and with no Law enforcement as the City Watch keeps to Waterdeeps other Wards and who’s citizens all pay taxes.
I only had time to grab a few things as my placed was being watched and so only have what I was carrying in my backpack and a handful of coins.
I worked my passage as a guard and then left the caravan. Then I found myself walking the dark, unlit, streets of the Filed ward at midnight looking for somewhere safe to stay and hideout for a few days or weeks.
That is when I saved you and your Hellspawn friend’s lives.” Merf Palmer jokingly says and smiles.
Alley had requested the Purple Candle owned by Zarek, which he had bought from the Old Xoblob Shop along with a mechanical bird, and this provided some light.
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, noticed that the candle was a stub, yet it did not produce running wax or wear out.
Merf Palmer: “Interesting.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, was also able to see what was in the Wagon. This included some money pursers, weapons a sack full of items and someone that had been tied up and had a small sack placed over his head. They were wearing fine Studded, Black Leather Armour.
Alley can see his face and words are telling the truth.
Alley: “My name is Alley Yaeldrin an my good Tiefling Friend is call Zarek Brightlamp.”
Merf Palmer: “My name is Merf and it is a pleasure to meet you, Alley.”
Alley: “I wonder if he meant to leave out Zarek, professional rivalries I guess.” The Bard muses to herself.
Zarek, still driving the Wagon, casts his ‘Message’ Spell again and speaks with Alley.
Zarek: “We are getting close to Armoury Gates, stay alert.”
Alley: “Zarek, I think it’s best to have the new recruit, Merf Palmer, drive. Just in case.”
Zarek is finally persuaded to have their entry into Waterdeep covert and changes places with the new recruit, Merf Palmer. Alley, now knowing that the Halfling Rogue can also cast the Spell ‘Message’, asks the new recruit, Merf Palmer, to keep her appraised of where they were and she would guide him onto Trollskull Manor.
Zarek asks Alley for her last Magical ‘Paper Bird’ and writes a message to Laeral Silverhand.
Lady Lord Silverhand, (Zarek uses her correct title)
I trust this urgent message reaches you in good time and that you are in good health.
In the interest of brevity here the appended matters:
1. Krebbyg Masq’il’yr was apprehended by your niece and I in the Field Ward after a botched ambush upon us by both the Xanatharians and the Bregan D’aerthe. He is in our custody.
2. We were also attacked openly in the Field Ward by a large party of Goblins. They were commanded by someone who had assumed the appearance of Urstul Floxin but who we suspect is a Doppelgänger working for the Cassalanter family. Our only evidence is circumstantial but compulsive.
3. Estran Icehorn, a Luskan, is an ally and friend who is currently a prisoner of Jarlaxle aboard the Scarlet Marpenoth.
4. You have diplomatic channels to Jarlaxle. Please negotiate the release of Estran. You may use Krebbyg as collateral.
Please appreciate that time is of the essence.
The fate of Estran is in your hands.
PS Tell the City Watch at the Troll Tower to let us into the city!
Z.
Alley: “Reduced that down Zarek as the ‘Paper Bird’ only allows 50 words.”
Zarek makes the necessary changes to his message, writes it down and sends it off.
Lady Lord Silverhand,
Krebbyg Masq’il’yr apprehended Field Ward, ambush from Xanatharians and Drow.
Goblins attempt capture. Fake Urstul Floxin Doppelgänger from Cassalanters.
Evidence circumstantial but compulsive.
Estran, ally, Jarlaxle’s prisoner on submersible.
Negotiate release, use Krebbyg.
Time sensitive.
Fate of Estran in your hands.
Tell Watch, Trolltower, allow entry!
Z.
00:50 am
Merf Palmer: “We are approaching the Armoury Gates now Alley.”
Alley: “You just need to keep going and head west to the Trolltower Gates. Sorry change of plans.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, is slightly confused but is happy to follow Alley’s request.
Once they are approaching Trolltower Gates, the new recruit, Merf Palmer, ‘Messages’ Alley again.
Merf Palmer: “We are reaching the Trolltower gate.”
Alley: “Great, you just need to get us all through, making sure they do not look under the canvas. Good Luck.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, is now convinced that the sweet, kind Alley was testing him and gauging his skills and abilities.
Merf Palmer: “OK, now it’s time to show them my skills.” The new recruit thinks to himself.
Upon reaching the Trolltower Gates, the new recruit, Merf Palmer, could see that one of the Gate Doors were open and that there were three of four Waterdavians waiting to be let in by the three City Watch Guards at the Gate. A City Watch Armar (Sergeant) a Human and two City Watch Constables, a Human and a Dwarf.
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, could see that they did not harass the people in front him too much and traffic was minimal. The Halfling Rouge began to practice what he was going to say to himself.
Merf Palmer: “Hello there, No good. Good evening. No, no, no too formal. Hi City Watch, maybe, not sure?”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, is waved forward as a pair of Waterdavian workers, and their hand chart, trundle in and along the cobbles of Waterdeep.
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, is reminded of what Alley had said regarding the way to this Trollskull Manor, they must have cash if they live in a Manor Merf thinks.
Alley: “You need to enter via the Trolltower Gates and then you will be in Waterdeep’s wealthiest ward.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, can see beyond the open Gate, that this City must be notable for the many-spired, grand homes of the nobility, the gleaming edifices of the city’s leading temples, and the imposing towers of the City’s premier Wizards.
Merf Palmer; “If the whole City is as fine as this, I will be having not only my First and Second Breakfasts, but possibly a Third and Fourth.” The Halfling Rogue says to himself.
One of the City Watch Constable, a fresh-faced, young, male human (Damarans), and looks at the horses. The second City Watch Constable, an older male human (Damaran), holds a sheet of parchment and a quill. Finally, the third of the City Watch Constables, a middle-aged male human (Tethyrian), appeared to be in charge and questioned the Halfling.
City Watch Constable 3: “Hold there and state your business within Waterdeep before we grant you access.”
Unfortunately, as the new recruit, Merf Palmer, preparing for this conversation, he failed to hear the monotone of the City Watch Constable as he spoke, as if he had said the same words on many occasions.
Merf Palmer: “Hello, I am working for the Grey Hands and need to reach my meeting urgently, so let me through.”
City Watch Constable 1: “Oh you think so do you.” Says the Constable by the horses as he begins to walk around the Wagon.
Zarek realises that the Halfling Rogue had copied his reason, but that he was not a member of the Grey Hand, knew who they were and more importantly, did not have proof.
Zarek casts his Spell ‘Message’ and tells Merf Palmer to take what he is giving him, his Token of the Grey Hands.
Zarek: “Here, take this and be subtle, it is my Token of the Grey Hands.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, and the Tiefling Rogue pass each other the Grey Hands Token and Merf Palmer gets ready to show it.
City Watch Constable 3: “Grey Hands you say, let me look at the Token.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, hold out the Grey Hands Token and the Constable in charge nods his head, while the older Constable notes something down.
Merf Palmer: “Now that I have shown you my credentials, you need to allow me past, my meeting will not wait and it is of great importance.”
City Watch Constable 3: “There no hurry lad, rule is rules.”
Alley, having heard the conversation so far, is then forced to use her last charge of ‘Message’ and contacts the new recruit, Merf Palmer.
Alley: “Well done, nearly there. Maybe a little Silver would grease the wheels of bureaucracy?”
Merf Palmer: “Silver, but I don’t have any Silver currently. Will I be getting a refund?”
There is no reply form Alley and the new recruit, Merf Palmer, believes this to be another test.
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, digs into his money pouch and pulls out his last 2 Gold pieces and drops them on the ground in front of the 2 City Watch Constables.
City Watch Constable 3: “Here are those your coins? You’re not trying to bribe us, are you?”
Merf Palmer: “Oh no, there not mine.”
City Watch Constable 3: “Then they must have drop out of my pouch. Well, what are you waiting for, move along and stop holding up the line.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, looks back and can see no one else behind. He gets the message, thanks the City Watch and drives off into the City of Splendors, Waterdeep.
00:55 am
The Wagon eventually reaches Trollskull Alley and Zarek instructs the new recruit, Merf Palmer, to look out for any suspicious characters. Zarek does the same as best he can from under the canvas covers of the Wagon.
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, immediately spots, what he knows to be a Drow, a figure on the rooftop opersite the north entrance to Trollskull Alley. Merf Palmer uses his ‘Message’ Spell to inform Zarek and the Tiefling Rogue thinks that they need to go somewhere else and tells the new recruit, Merf Palmer, to keep driving past.
Alley can see Zarek is communicating as questions Zarek. They have a discussion as to what to do next. Zarek wishes to go somewhere else and Alley points out there is nowhere else.
Alley: “Besides, wherever we go only places that location and the people there in danger.”
Zarek: “But Trollskull Manor is not safe or protected.”
Alley: “If there is no one else then we enter via the Kitchen, we pretend to be delivering. That way we can get the Drow in too.”
Zarek: “Then what.”
Alley: “Then we keep Krebbyg Masq’il’yr in the lair of the Duergar Mind Master.”
Zarek finally agrees and he casts ‘Disguise’ on himself, under the canvas in the Wagon, to look like a male, human butcher. Alley the used her Prestidigitation Cantrip to conjure 2 sacking covers with the word Best Pork on them, one to take Krebbyg Masq’il’yr and one for her to be carried in.
As they continue round Trollskull Alley, the new recruit, Merf Palmer, keeps looking out for potential enemies. The north-east and south entrances are clear. They decided to enter Trollskull Alley via the south entrance and park right next to the Kitchen door.
Zarek wraps up Krebbyg Masq’il’yr and heads for the Kitchen door. Once there he pretends to call out and knocks on the door, while at the same time he takes out his key and opens the door. The kitchen is dark and empty and so Zarek begins to enter.
As he is halfway in, a Kitchen Knife files off one of the tables and sticks into the door frame by Zarek’s head. The Tiefling Rogue then remembers that they are not totally unprotected.
Zarek: “Lif, do not throw any more cutlery at me, It’s me, Zarek, I’m in disguise.”
Zarek explains quickly that he and Alley were back and they are accompanied by a new recruit, Merf Palmer.
Zarek places Krebbyg Masq’il’yr on the floor by the trap Door down into the Cellars and heads back for Alley and Merf Palmer.
Zarek: “Don’t just sit there, give me a hands boy.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, hitches the Wagon and helps the disguised Zarek in carrying Alley into Trollskull Manor. Once inside, Zarek locks the door behind them and introduces Merf Palmer to Lif.
Alley, now out of her Pork Wrapping, asks if Lif had seen or heard from the Urchins and, as he had been doing with Zarek, writes on the blackboard with chalk.
Meanwhile, the new recruit, Merf Palmer, looks about the Trollskull Manor and he thinks to himself that it has the feel of the ‘Lady luck Tavern’ in Daggerford.
The two-story taproom and former warehouse dedicated to Tymora, the Goddess of Luck, catering to Soldiers, Caravan Guards, and Adventurers. There was even Tymora’s Goblet. A dedicated cup of wine is left as an offering to Tymora. Daggerford patrons whisper that the goddess herself occasionally drinks from it when the goblet mysteriously vanishes or wreaths in flame.
Merf Palmer: “However, the décor here is not my liking and much prefer the Memorial Pillar with inscribed symbols remembering patrons who died or vanished on quests. I miss the toasts which require a salute to the pillar and the words, “To those who have fallen before us. Bringing relics of a fallen comrade earns you a free drink. Also, the walls lack the weapons, armour, and battle trophies brought back by patrons, alongside a giant colour map of Faerûn which the ‘Lady Luck’ has.
Zarek: “What do you think of the place?”
Merf Palmer: “It’s nice.”
Alley is worried even though she says nothing.
Alley and Zarek carry the unconscious body of Krebbyg Masq’il’yr down into the Ale Cellar. Merf Palmer is all the time looking about at his surrounding and can see that this Trollskull Manor is in fact a Tavern, and a very fine one at that. The Halfling Rogue can also clearly see that recent renovations have been carried out on the property.
Merf Palmer: “I’m getting a good feed this night, whatever happens.”
Zarek then begins to recite to Merf Palmer that they are being hunted by various Factions and not just Goblins. He tells Merf of Zhentarim or Black Network, the Xanathar Guild or defector only Thieves Guild in Waterdeep and various Noble Lords of Waterdeep.
Merf Palmer: “If there’s no Thieves Guild and only this Xanathar Guild runs the rackets in this massive City, then what’s to stop me from forming my own. Interesting.” The Halfling Rogue muses to himself.
Alley realises that the new recruit, Merf Palmer, has not questioned the body in the sack or the Goblin attack very much.
Alley: “Not sure if that is a Good or Evil thing?” She mumbles to herself.
Then Zarek also explains the reason they have Krebbyg Masq’il’yr, the Drow are also in the Grand Game.
Merf Palmer: “Grand Game?”
The Tiefling Rogue then name drops Laeral Silverhand, the Open Lord of Waterdeep, how he is a member of the Grey Hands secret force, which is head-up by Vajra Safahr.
They all then move onto the adjacent Wine Cellar and the new recruit, Merf Palmer, see that most of the wine stored here is expensive. The keen-eyed Rogue also spots that one of the wine racks has a lot more than the other and misses the clue.
Then Zarek continues to explain how all these, and possibly more, factions are all seeking a treasure.
Merf Palmer: “Just a treasure.”
Zarek; “Yes, for now it’s best you know enough to not be tortured to death for the information.”
The new recruit, Merf Palmer, feels that the Tiefling Rogue is holding a lot back.
The Rogue then points out the secret door behind the Wine rack and Alley asks him to open it. More tests. The Halfling rogue is victorious and finds the catch, opening the door to reveal a roughly dug tunnel leading off into the distant darkness.
Alley hands Merf Palmer Zarek’s Magic Purple Candle and he makes his way along the passage. It eventually opens up into a large elongated cavern, with an area with a bed and chest, an area with a burnt table and creates and there are other creates, boxes and barrels strewn about.
At the far end of the chamber is a narrow passage. Zarek and Alley place show the body of Krebbyg Masq’il’yr down on the floor and Zarek show Merf Palmer the small round chamber, which contains a small table, 2 chairs and a 1’ foot wide tunnel at floor level.
Zarek: “This is the tunnel that I think leads to the Underdark.”
They both head back and Merf Palmer watches as Alley and Zarek uncover Krebbyg Masq’il’yr and sit him on a chair in the middle of the chamber.
Zarek inspects Krebbyg Masq’il’yr, checking to see if he was close to death and needed medical/magical attention. Zarek confirms that he had lost a lot of blood, but he had stopped bleeding.
Alley casts ‘Prestidigitation’ and produces a bucket, which Zarek fills with water from a barrel and throws it into Krebbyg Masq’il’yr’s face and it wakes him up,
If he was still unconscious is unclear.
Alley and Merf Palmer remain behind the Drow and watch as Zarek removes the sack over Krebbyg Masq’il’yr’s head.
Merf Palmer: “Did he just get me wet on purpose?” Merf Palmer thinks to himself as Zarek puts the bucket down onto the floor.
Zarek begins to talk to Krebbyg Masq’il’yr before they think of interrogating him for information. Zarek is still ‘Disguised’ as a male, human, Illuskan Butcher and wearing a blooded apron.
Zarek: “Well we have you and things are not looking good for you. In fact, you may not survive at all.”
Krebbyg Masq’il’yr squints as he looks at the Butcher and assess him carefully. His dry tongue pushing against the gag in his mouth.
Zarek wipes his hands on his apron which is covered in bloodstains.
The Butcher: “Jarlaxle will need to release Estran and we can all go our separate ways, happy and alive. We know that you have him on the Scarlet Marpenoth, but I am not threatening you.”
Zarek concentrates on Krebbyg Masq’il’yr’s reactions to see what his response is.
The Butcher: “But what we are thinking is that there may be lots of factions that would like to get hold of you. That means that we get paid either way.”
Krebbyg Masq’il’yr is looking hard at the Butcher and after a while ignores him and begins to look about the cavern.
The Butcher: “We know that Laeral Silverhand knows of your presence here and what you intend to do, so let blood not be spilled and consider our proposal if you know what is good for you.”
Zarek is unable to scare or even bother Krebbyg Masq’il’yr as he seems intent on observing his surroundings.
The Butcher: “The Xanathar Guild pay well and the Zhentarim have many contacts to exploit. Then there is the Waterdeep authorities who can apprehension all of your comrades and ships as a result of your detention. I am sure your bosses’ plans will be disrupted and he will not be happy.”
From behind Krebbyg Masq’il’yr, Alley is paying close attention to the Drow and can see that he is slightly tilting his head to the side, as if he was listen out for something.
Alley: “He may not know where he is as this cavern does not look as it belongs in Waterdeep. However, I think we should not underestimate him, he saw both me and Zarek and is he looking for us in the chamber?”
Zarek: “Don’t talk then, it’s no skin off my nose and we will achieve our goals regardless.”
Krebbyg Masq’il’yr raises an eyebrow as he is gagged and not able to reply.
Zarek: “Alle…”
The Tiefling Rogue catches himself before he calls out his partners name and reveals her presence.
Zarek: “Enough, we will deal with you later.”
The Tiefling Rogue places the sack back over Krebbyg Masq’il’yr’s head, points at Alley and at where she stands.
Alley understands and stays standing quietly behind Krebbyg Masq’il’yr. Zarek then beckons for Merf Palmer to follow him back towards the Wine Cellar.
Both Rogues walk away as quite as mice and close the Secret Door behind themselves. Zarek now begins to reveal as much information as he thinks the new recruit, Merf Palmer, should know.
Merf Palmer thinks he may have jumped from the frying pan into the fire with these two young Adventurers.
01:00 am
Zarek covers several topics with Merf Palmer.
Zarek: “We acquired Trollskull Manor form Volothamp Geddarm, now a good friend of ours, when we rescued his two companions, Reamer Neverember and Floon Blagmaar from the hands of the Xanathar Guild, who had just taken them from the Zhentarim. It was their Warehouse.”
Merf Palmer: “Right, I think I follow you so far. Do you mean the famous author Volothamp Geddarm?”
Zarek: “Yes. In Trollskull Manor we discovered Lif, the Ghost that inhabits the building, and we have become close friends.”
Zarek: “Esther Greybrow, the previous owner of Trollskull who was killing and eating orphans in her charge as she ran the place as an Orphanage. Esther Greybrow became a Hag Shadow once she was killed by the City Watch and the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors and her Evil Spirit was unleashed by the Blood of an innocent.”
Zarek does not explain any further.
Zarek: Then there was an attack on a Gnome called Dalakhar, who worked for the old Open Lord of Waterdeep, Dagult Neverember, and he and others were killed. Including my friend and Mentor Iomhar.”
Merf Palmer: “His friends don’t seem to have a happy ending.” Merf Palmer worrying thinks to himself.
Zarek: “Turned out that a Nimblewright was sent to kill Dalakhar and he was successful. A Nimblewright is a construct made of both burnished copper and pale wood. It takes orders from its master and is worth a pretty copper too.”
Merf Palmer: “Hold on, go back. Reamer Neverember and the Open Lord of Waterdeep Dagult Neverember, any relation?”
Zarek: “Yes indeed, they are all after the same thing. All the factions and some Noble Houses, their Lords and Ladies scheme and plot like the Red Wizards of Thay. To tell you the truth I am not sure which I fear most.”
Merf Palmer thinks and realises that someone is always after something, be it Gold, Gems Weapons or items that would give them power above others, and so he just asked Zarek.
Merf Palmer: “So what is it that everyone is looking for young Zarek and how may I seem to help you with that task?”
Merf Palmer: “Collecting as much Gold, or Dragons I believe they are called here in Waterdeep, and fill my belly on the way.” The Halfling Rogue thinks quietly to himself.
Zarek: “They all seek a large fortune in treasure and we intend to get our hands on it before they all done.”
Merf Palmer feels that Zarek is holding something back, well quite a bit he was guessing. This was usually the case and Merf Palmer was a clever enough Rogue, Arcane Trickster, Burglar, Goblin Slayer and Adventurer to know this as trust needs to be earned.
Merf Palmer: “How unfortunate that there is no more trust in the world of Faerûn.” Merf Palmer thinks as he feels the mysterious box, stolen from the Zhentarim in Daggerford, poke him in the back through his Backpack.
Merf Palmer: “Oh, yes. I forgot all about the Box.”
Zarek: “That is when we discovered that Drow in 3 Ships, Magically Disguising them using Spells cast on their ships, masquerading as a Carnival. They were in fact Illuskan emissaries who we followed as they met with the Open Lord to discuss politics and one hand scratching another back.”
Merf Palmer: “Dagult Neverember was there?”
Zarek: “No, Laeral Silverhand, the current Open Lord, keep up. Anyway, they supplied the Nimblewrights and on their ships we discovered a Prisoner named Estran. But we had to leave him behind, but that a story for another day.”
Merf Palmer was feeling like he was being told a fictional story and, in any case, the odds seemed stacked against the pretty girl and the Trickborn.
Merf Palmer: “Alley seems nice, but I can sense a fury there too. As for Zarek, I can work with him, I guess. Though I hope that he can pull his weight a bit more.” Merf Palmer chuckles to himself.
Zarek: “As a result we discovered that a Noble Family had purchased the Nimblewright and commanded it to kill Dalakhar. Then a second Noble Family, the Cassalanters, then requested our help but I suspect that they are also after the treasure and they are Devil Worshipers. Though Alley like to remind me that we have no real evidence.”
Merf Palmer: “Is that it, is there anything else I need to know?”
Zarek: “Hold That Thought…”
01:15 am