Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind:
CHES 27th (The Claw of Sunsets – 1492 DR)
09:00 am
Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind come to see Zarek and Alley regarding their follow-up question in connection with the Fireball attack in Trollskull Alley.
However, for now they continued to be briefed by the Urchins regarding Cassalanter Villa and its comings and goings over the previous day and evening.
They went over the points of interest:
- They did not see any of the Tieflings, that Alley and Zarek mentioned, outside of the Cassalanter Villa and Grounds.
- The Guards are very thorough and well trained. They stay on the Grounds.
- The Grounds of the Cassalanters’ estate are patrolled by the Guards. 2 of the Guards stand outside the gate of the estate, 2 Guards stand outside the front door of the house, and a total of 6 Guards patrol the grounds at any time. These Guards are all Humans and are outfitted in livery that bears the crest of House Cassalanter.
- The City Watch has small, single-person “Watch Boxes” set up on nearly every street corner in the Sea Ward, including the intersection just outside the gates of Cassalanter Villa.
- All the servants who work at the Cassalanter Villa seen to live in dingy homes in the Dock Ward or the Field Ward and travel across the city in the wee hours of the morning to arrive before the Cassalanters awake.
- All the servants leave by the early evening and the house is left with no one but Lord and Lady Cassalanter, their children, their personal attendants, and their Guards.
- Though the most alarming news that the Urchins told Alley and Zarek was that they saw someone leave the Villa that they did not see enter, the false Parlek Lateriff.
Squiddly then seems to have a very insightful thought and suggests that if they need some more information.
Squiddly: “I would try to talk with some of the staff as they will have all the inside gossip of goings on at Cassalanter Villa.”
Nat looks over at Squiddly and scowls at him before he looks down and finishes his breakfast.
Jenks: “Especially if it comes from their famous Filed Ward Heroes.”
Jenks looks sheepishly at Alley and avoids looking over towards Nat.
Zarek and Alley were more interested in the false Parlek Lateriff and how the Rogue had handed over the only evidence they had of the Cult of Asmodeus, the Ashmadai, to the Gods only know.
The Rogue believes that the false Parlek Lateriff must be an agent of one of the factions, much like the Gralhund Spies in the service of Renaer Neverember, ‘Eagle’ and ‘Catoblepas’. The problem was they did not know which, though Zarek insisted that their plight and miraculous recovery smelled of sulphur fuelled by a deal with a Devil, Asmodeus in this case.
Zarek: “Do not forget that the Cassalanters also had their Tieflings stay in the house.”
Jenks: “Well we did see quite a few Tieflings staff leave for the evening, but they were of all races.”
Zarek and Alley then assumed that the 4 Tiefling Servants must all be close allies of the Cassalanters. Willifort Crowelle, Madame Tissina Khyret, Laiba ‘Nana’ Rosse and Jandar Chergoba.
The Rogue and Bard then talk about the security of Cassalanter Villa and can tell that their Guards appear to be very competent and alert. There was also the problem with the City Watch ‘Watch Box’ by the gates of the Cassalanter Villa.
Zarek: “This will reduce dramatically the response times of the City Watch, which means we need to know where we are targeting to allow us the most escape time possible.”
Alley: “You sound so very much like Iomhar, only without the accent. I am so proud of you Zarek.”
The pair then hypothesise where indeed the Cassalanters would hide their Eye from the Stone of Golorr. With 3 large building, a huge garden and possibly even underground space, that could mean anywhere.
Alley: “They may even carry it on their person, we just don not have enough information and I fear they, just like Xanathar, Jarlaxle and Manshoon we would do well in avoiding direct conflict with them and should them the respect they have earned.”
Alley looks over to Zarek and can see that he was somewhere else completely.
So given their current information the pair believe that infiltrating the Highcoin Ball, on the 30th of Ches, would allow them a better view of the security that the Cassalanter employed. Then there was the comment mention in the Report they found in Jarlaxle’s Cabin. It mentioned that “Perhaps the records of the Surveyors’, Map, and Chart-makers’ Guild might prove useful in identifying the site.”
Zarek: “In our case that would instead mean the floor plans of Cassalanter Villa.”
Alley: “Indeed and that brings us also nicely onto the Ashmadai Cult hideout in Aveen Street, should we ask the Urchins to see if they can sniff it out, making sure they only observe.”
The Rogue has some reservations as to if they should send them, even though he had thought to send them instead to see what happens in the aftermath of the attack on Gralhund Villa.
Alley: “It may be an idea to look at the reports from the incident. City Watch or Order of Magists and Protectors.”
Zarek: “Good idea, as I am a member of the Gray Hand. It may tell what the losses were for the factions and if anyone was left alive to talk.”
Alley and Zarek agree that interrogating prisoners or others would be a good source of information, especially if it’s on specific topics of interest to the two Heroes.
The Rogue and Bard are content that their next port of call would be the Surveyors’, Map, and Chart-makers’ Guild, which can be found on Waterdeep Way, in the Castle Ward.
Alley: “Now that we have the time, until that is, we could use one of your flying Familiars to look about the Cassalanter Villa, from a Birdseye view if you would.”
Zarek: “That would take some time and I would need to send Boris the Spider away and call back ‘Joe the Owl’.”
Alley: “Will he not stand out this early in the morning in Waterdeep?”
Zarek: “I have a better idea and according to my leanings, and the limited number of creatures I can call upon, a Raven may be a better call Alley.”
09:20 am
Sergeant Saeth Cromley:
The Bard then happens to look up and spots two familiar faces entering Trollskull Manor, those of Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind.
Alley ushers out the Urchins attempting to hide then from the sight of Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind.
The Urchins decide to carry out a mission of their own and head south towards the North Ward and Aveen Street.
The City Watch Sergeant and the Member of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors walk over to where the Rogue and Bard were sitting, as if they knew they would be there. Sergeant Saeth Cromley is polite, yet invasive with his questions, while Barnibus Blastwind is awkward and evades the gaze of them both.
Zarek attempts to apologise for their failure to attend the Tower of The Order to provide further interview the previous day.
Sergeant Saeth Cromley, sensing that Zarek was endeavouring to restrict what he was saying, began to directly question the Rogue.
Sergeant Saeth Cromley: “We have been told that no one had come to speak with Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind at the Tower of The Order.”
Zarek offers Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind refreshments and Sergeant Saeth Cromley is happy to accept a tankard of Ale and some food, while Barnibus Blastwind declines and walks about. Alley seems to remain silent and concentrates on finishing her breakfast. Then the questioning continues.
Sergeant Saeth Cromley: “May I ask where you and you partner Alley where yesterday and why it was so important that you failed to attend your meeting?”
Zarek felt that he did not want to divulge where and what they were doing on the previous day, as he knew that they were specifically told not to interfere in their investigation. Also, the Rogue was slowly beginning to become defensive and attempted to divert and withhold details.
Ryba, the Halfling Barmaid comes over with the drink and food.
Zarek goes on to explain how they were carrying out their mission, assigned to them by Vajra Safahr.
Zarek: “Vajra Safahr herself sent us on the mission.”
Sergeant Saeth Cromley: “Oh we know that young Zarek. However, that was on the previous evening and you had all of yesterday to attend and yet you chose not to.”
Zarek was in a jam, knowing that he had valuable information to give to Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind, but that would indeed reveal that they had avoided the interview for their own investigations. Alley realised that when Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind asked questions, it was only because they already had the answers, they may have even questioned the Trollskull Manor Staff and other residents of Trollskull Alley.
Zarek then remembers that there was the information on the Ashmadai, Cultists of Asmodeus, that would prove that they having been working for the benefit of Waterdeep, yet that was acquired while trespassing on the Eyecatcher and that they had given the documents to the false Parlek Lateriff. Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind know more than they are letting on.
Barnibus Blastwind: “He is avoiding the question Saeth, that is a problem. Order, order, we need order.”
Zarek begins to feel that he is being overwhelmed and bullied into answering questions and he hits back. Yet eventually he realises that they were all on the same side and he finally admitted to being in or around the area of Gralhund Villa. Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind obviously knew this due to the interrogation of witnesses at the scene of the disturbance.
Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind then insisted that they make a full statement, and send them onto the Tower of The Order via the 4 Magical ‘Paper Birds’ provided to them by Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind.
Zarek was visibly upset and he started to understand why Alley may have reservations about the Law within Waterdeep and those who administrate it.
Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind thank the pair for their hospitality and attention to their questions and request of their statements. They leave Trollskull Manor and the Rogue hopes that they would have an easy rest of the day, but that was not to be.
09:40 am
Alley subtly uses her Magical ‘Earring of Message’ to send a communication to Zarek.
Alley: “Do not look now, but I have spotted the Old Man in a Hat that was at Iomhar Funeral and came to look for us here at Trollskull Manor.”
Zarek looks at the Old Man in a Hat via the window reflection and avoids directly turning around. The Old Man in a Hat was directly looking at him and Alley with a smile on his face. We should have asked Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind to question him, but that opportunity had gone.
Zarek, under the pretext of carrying out his daily tasks, walks past the Old Man in a Hat, behind the Bar and into the Kitchens all without making eye contact with him. Once in the Kitchen, the Rogue then attempted to discern if the Old Man in a Hat was wearing a disguise or if he had seen him before. He was not wearing a disguise and the Rogue did not remember seeing his face before. The Rogue made his way back to the table where Alley was sitting.
Then the Old Man in a Hat came over to their table, bid them a good morning and sat down.
Old Man in a Hat: “Hello, I believe that we have some business to discuss.”
The Old Man in a Hat then proceeded to explain how he was here to negotiate the return of his property.
Old Man in a Hat: “The authorities need not be involved and your trespass, attack on his crew and the eventual theft of his property.”
The Old Man in a Hat went onto to threaten the Rogue, as the Bard once more said little and looked intensely, as they were but two young novice adventures who obviously were blessed with beginner’s luck.
First it was Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind, and now this Old Man, thought that they were somehow superior or entitled than the young Rogue and Bard were.
Old Man in a Hat: “If you wish to see the festivals of Ches and have no unfortunate accident befall you, I would tell where my property is or return that which you stole from me.”
Zarek: “More threats and all empty, the property that you speak of is not yours, or mine, and it is now with its true owner, Zelifarn the Bronze Dragon. Now that his more Asphosis is dead by your very hand.”
Old Man in a Hat: “I can see that you appear to think that you are able to enter the Grand Game, which brings me onto my other property which you also stole, I will also demand you return my papers as they cost me both time and coin.”
That was one demand too many for Zarek and he, feeling safe in a Taproom full of people and facing only one person, let the Old Man in a Hat know just where and what he could do with his demands. The Rogue began to explain how he had many friends in high places and they would aid in crushing his enemies.
Alley realised, just like Zarek had, that this Old Man in a Hat was Jarlaxle Baenre but the Bard felt that the Rogue was pushing his luck.
Alley: “If Jarlaxle Baenre was able to defeat an Adult Bronze Dragon, then I would not speak to him like this. Maybe Zarek was braver than Alley had given him credit for.” The Bard though to herself.
Then the Old Man in a Hat explained of how their lives would be in danger if they did not return his property or left Waterdeep for good. Again, the Rogue stood-up to the Old Man in a Hat and that seemed to seal his fate. The Old Man in a Hat smiled intensely at Zarek and hoped that no ill befell him in the next few days.
The Old Man in a Hat got up and left Trollskull Manor.
09:55 am
Then it was decided that Zarek would stay at Trollskull, while he summoned a new ‘Raven Bird Familiar’, while Alley went to order more Magical Potions and Scrolls from Fala Lefaliir, the herbalist and a member of the Guild of Apothecaries and Physicians at the Corellon’s Crown and Rishaal the Page-Turner, the Dragonborn of gold dragon ancestry at the Book Wyrm’s Treasure.
Zarek chose to go down into the Cellars of Trollskull Manor, and there summon his ‘Raven Bird Familiar’.
Alley returned and the Rogue and Bard made their way to Cassalanter Villa with the intension of sending the ‘Raven Bird Familiar’ on a recognisance flight over the Villa.
Alley: “Let us hope that Sergeant Saeth Cromley and Barnibus Blastwind have not sent members to spy on us, keep an eye or two open Zarek.”
11:00 am
Cassalanter Villa:
Zarek and Alley make their way to the Cassalanter Villa where they hide near an alley, to the south-west of the Villa and its Gardens. From there the Rogue releases his ‘Raven Bird Familiar’ newly named called Matthew.
Cassalanter Villa’s stark white walls and gleaming crimson roof and turrets stand out even among the other opulent estates of the Sea Ward. A three-story mansion lies in the midst of picturesque green gardens dappled with hedges and water features. The estate is surrounded by a tall white brick wall, with a single wrought-iron gate as an entrance. The Cassalanter family crest-a green Y overlapping a stylised goose being fed-is emblazoned on the gate, and armoured guards stand at attention on either side.
Alley and Zarek have cast the Spell ‘Disguise Self’ on themselves, Zarek as a Blind Old Man and Alley as a Female Human carer/servant. This would allow Zarek to move, guided by Alley, whilst blinded by the restrictions of his ability to view through the eyes of Matthew, making him blinded to the activities around him.
The grounds of the Cassalanters’ estate are patrolled by hired Guards. A further 2 of them stand outside the gate of the estate, 2 more stand outside the front door of the house, and a total of 6 patrol the grounds at any time. These guards are humans and are outfitted in livery that bears the crest of House Cassalanter.
The house is surrounded by a well-manicured lawn. A cobblestone path leads from the estate’s exterior gate to both the front entrance of the three-story Main House to the east and the entrance to the Coach House in the north-east corner of the Villa. Finally, there is also the two-story Guest House or Guards Barracks in the north-west corner of the Villa grounds. The Villa’s grounds also feature numerous deciduous trees and meticulously tended gardens.
Matthew then spots the 2 children of the Cassalanters playing in the Garden. Terenzio and Elzerina, looked over by their guardian, the Female Tiefling name Laiba Rosse or better known as ‘Nana’.
The ‘Raven Bird Familiar’, Matthew, swoops down closer to investigate the panorama and is set upon by an unkindness or a conspiracy of 6 Ravens that appear out from the trees near the Butterfly Garden.
Terenzio, Elzerina and ‘Nana’ all pay no attention to the assault and Zarek is able to command Matthew to escape and return to him having flown around the Cassalanter Villa and out of the Rogues range for a short while. Matthew returns to the Rogue and he and Alley decide where and what to do next.
Alley: “Cassalanter Villa will be a hard nut to crack I suspect by that look on your face.”
Zarek: “How can you tell Alley, I am disguised.”
Alley: “I can tell.”
11:05 am