The Map House:
CHES 27th (The Claw of Sunsets – 1492 DR)
11:05 am
Zarek and Alley, still in the guise of an Old Blind Man and his Attractive Female Half-Elf companion, make their way from the Cassalanter Villa, off to the Map House on Waterdeep Way, and discuss what they had observed in and around the Villa.
Zarek is suspicious of the Conspiracy of 6 Ravens that appeared out from the trees near the Butterfly Garden. The Rogue questions whether they were at the command of the Cassalanters or if they were just reacting to the arrival of a non-member of their Conspiracy.
Zarek: “A point to remember and possibly investigate further.”
Alley: “Remember that Squiddly smartly suggested that we question the staff working for the Cassalanters.”
Zarek then recalls that the Urchins reported that all the servants who work at the Cassalanter Villa were seen to head to their 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. Also, 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.
Zarek: “This is our window of opportunity if we need to enter the property after our surveillance during the Highcoin Ball, if we choose to.”
The Rogue and Bard then reach the conclusion that they needed to wait for the staff to leave, of an evening, our catch them when they leave for work.
Alley: “So we either entice them to talk to the Heroes of the Field Ward as ourselves, or with the gift of drink or coin. Or if we catch them in the morning, on the cheap Collective Drays that transport them to work.”
Zarek: “Indeed, that is mu thinking.”
Then the Rogue and Bard go over the many treats to them, as they look to catch a Hansom Cab to the Map House.
Zhentarim:
- They had many Thugs killed.
- Urstul Floxin may or may not be alive.
- Yellow Spire is a Faction Hideout to check.
Xanathar Guild:
- Only had Gazer’s watching the Gralhund Villa.
- They have seen Zarek twice now.
Jarlaxle Baenre:
- They had many Drow killed.
- Jarlaxle Baenre knows who they are and where they live.
- They are intent on making a deal with Laeral Silverhand.
Ashmadai Cultists:
- Lost evidence of their existence.
- Aveen Street location needs to be found.
Zarek also insists that they need to follow-up on Parlek Lateriff to see if it was the real Parlek Lateriff to that came to Trollskull Manor, or if it was an imposter.
Alley: “What if we send Parlek Lateriff a ‘Paper Bird’ and ask him to respond.”
Zarek: “He could lie if he was a spy for one of the factions.”
Alley: “I feel that it would be obvious that he lied in saying he was seeing Renaer Neverember and could take the Ashmadai Report to him.”
Zarek: “You are right Ally. Then we check the docks and inquire with the Harbour Master if Parlek Lateriff did in fact board his passage to Candle Keep.”
Alley: “Excellent idea.”
Zarek and Alley find a Hansom Cab and the Rogue persuades the driver to make haste to Waterdeep Way as they have an important appointment and it had to do with his sight. The driver is sympathetic to his plight and make up some time which allows the pair to keep their ‘Disguise Self’ Spells active.
11:25 am
The Map House:
The Headquarters of the Surveyors’, Map, and Chart-makers’ Guild is found in the Sea Ward, on Waterdeep Way.
The building is stately, three-story stone building with narrow, barred, arched windows and a slate roof, the Map House sits on a quiet, respectable street not far from the coast. Brass instruments glint in the windows, and a carved lintel above the entrance depicts a compass rose encircled by the city’s wards.
A faint smell of parchment, sealing wax, and sea-salt air lingers throughout and wafts out through the main doors.
Zarek take one more look around to make sure he did not see anyone watching then or if he spotted any familiar faces in the crowds.
Zarek: “Nothing of note, we should proceed into the building before our ‘Disguise Self’ Spells run out.”
Alley meanwhile, was looking at the building’s security and finds that it is constructed from reinforced stone, oak beams, and thick, iron bound doors. Oil lamps outside and inside, with mirrored back-plates to maximise light for fine detail work.
The overall security appeared subtle but effective, well-made locks, most likely Guild Magic Wards, and an ever-watchful staff and Veteran Guards. Alley relays all the information to the Rogue.
The Rogue, in the guise of the Blind Old Male Human takes off his blind-fold and processed to continue as having sight. The Bard likes her new look as an attractive Female Half-Elf that is comfortable with showing plenty of flesh.
The Guard on the door stands to one side to allow them entry but does not pay them much attention. Inside the pair are amazed by the architecture and historical pieces held within the Map House. The Rogue can overhear, what looks like a young apprentice giving a tour to a young rich couple. The young apprentice is also wearing the green robes with the rose compass symbol.
The Rogue attempts to listen-in to the young apprentice as he begins to explain how the operations within the Map House are carried out. The Bard pulls him back and chastises him for Nib pinching and not paying for the tour themselves.
Alley: “I use to hate folks that would not want to pay for the service of young apprentices, that is how they earn their coin and do a fantastic job indeed, if I say so myself.”
Zarek: “Apologises to Alley and then decides to look about the Map House.”
Alley: “Still to cheep to pay for the service which could uncover plenty of information, charity starts at home.” Alley thinks to herself and smiles.
The Entry Hall is a Marble-tiled floor with a large compass rose inlaid in black stone. A reception desk staffed during daylight hours is at the back of the ground floor and Zarek can also see notices posted on a board for commissions, exploration contracts, missing surveyors.
Alley spots in the Public Gallery, Framed maps of Waterdeep, the Sword Coast, and beyond with some are for sale while others are historical pieces only. A glass case displays an incomplete Undermountain map.
The Rogue decides to bluff he way into accessing the Floor Plans for Cassalanter Villa. Alley is unsure that requests for a Nobles Home Floor Plans would be easy. They would demand secrecy for security reason, the same way that access to their bank information would be very hard to obtain, unless you are an Open Lord of Waterdeep or of more importance.
Zarek: “Good Morning, I am here by order of the Gray Hands to demand access to the Floor Plans of the Cassalanter Villa. Here is my official Gray Hand Token.”
The Rogue endeavours to portray an air of authority, enough for the member of the Surveyors’, Map, and Chart-makers’ Guild not to question him.
The Senior Cartographer, on duty at the main desk, introduces himself as Lysandra Vell and asks to see the ‘Gray Hand Token’ held by the Rogue in Disguise. Zarek hands over his ‘Gray Hand Token’ and Lysandra Vell takes a very close look at it.
Lysandra Vell: “I can see that you are a ‘Moderate Aid’ within the faction and so should be aware that a request such as yours need to be accompanied by both an official written request and it needs to be presented by someone more…err, distinguishable. You look, if I may say, as you have finished a night of Tavern Crawling.”
Lysandra Vell says while handing back the Gray Hands Token to the Rogue and looking the Bard over once more.
The Rogue announces his name to be Estran Maribor, while his comrade is called Elsionor Tylan, and explains how they need to view the Plans of Cassalanter Villa, held by the Map House, as a matter of urgency.
Zarek: “Did you not hear of the Pyrotechnics this night just gone? The Gralhund Villa was attacked and set about by ‘Fireballs’ and an assault took place.”
Lysandra Vell: “That is all very well, but how does that event mean you demand the Plans for Cassalanter Villa, they are not even in the same Ward?”
The Bard looks at the Rogue and attempts to catch his eye as the situation becomes sticky.
Then the Rogue remembers his conversation with Alley before joining the Gray Hands.
Alley: “Gray Hands are the grunts, while Force Grey is the elite.”
The Gray Hands act as trainees or the standing paramilitary force, whereas Force Grey handles the most dangerous, delicate, or high-stakes missions.
Zarek realises that the Nobility of Waterdeep is protected from all side and access to Plans to their Villas will be under lock and key.
Zarek: “I need to try another approach.” The Rogue thinks to himself.
The Rogue then asks to speak with the person in change. Lysandra Vell explains that that would be Guildmaster Halvren Dossk.
Lysandra Vell: “I don’t think that he will.”
Zarek: “Just call him it is a matter of security.”
Lysandra Vell calls over one of the Map House Apprentice and hands the boy a message. The Apprentice dashes off to one of the two small offices by the main door and closes it behind him.
11:35 am
After several minutes a Female Half-Elf in the Green Robes, and rose compass of the Surveyors’, Map, and Chart-makers’ Guild Map House, approaches and she introduces herself.
Deputy Master Elira Thann: “Good morning, my name is Deputy Master Elira Thann, Deputy Master here at the Map House. I am told you have an urgent request?”
Zarek retells his request and reasons why he needs immediate access to the Cassalanter Villa Floor Plans. Deputy Master Elira Thann repeats the request for documentation from the Order of Magists and Protectors.
Zarek then shows his Gray Hand Token and explains how he, Estran Maribor and his comrade Elsionor Tylan, work directly for Vajra Safahr and their request is time sensitive.
Deputy Master Elira Thann then politely explains how this is unprecedented and that their oath is to protect all documentation held by them.
Deputy Master Elira Thann: “Especially if that is plans of the house of a well-known, charitable family like the Cassalanters, this request is impossible unless request by someone with more authority than you have currently, I am afraid.”
Zarek feels trapped and feels he needs to continue with this line of persuasion.
Deputy Master Elira Thann: “I will contact The Blackstaff directly and she what she has to say about all this.”
Zarek: “Where is the Guildmaster?”
Deputy Master Elira Thann: “Guildmaster Halvren Dossk is otherwise engaged and I am afraid and I will endeavour to assist you in the most lawful and appropriate way possible.
Deputy Master Elira Thann request that they follow her to a more private location upstairs and Zarek and Alley follower her and they are flowed by a Veteran Map House Guard up the first floor. They all entered via the corner room which lead to the tower containing spiral stairs heading only up to the first floor.
Zarek and Alley follow Deputy Master Elira Thann along a corridor that stretches the length of the building and held the odd Map House Apprentice working away. The Deputy Master of the Map House then opened some double doors to reveal an opulent chamber filled with row and rows of shelves, all contain a myriad of Map from local plots and regions, to Maps of Faerûn and the many lands of Abeir-Toril.
Zarek: “Before you go Deputy Master Elira Thann, I need you to say that Zarek Brightlamp is my real name.”
Deputy Master Elira Thann: “Then why did you come saying it was Estran Maribor?”
Zarek: “Because I am undercover and did not wish to disclose my real identity.”
11:50 am
Deputy Master Elira Thann leave the Heroes here and goes off to communicate with Blackstaff, Vajra Safahr, and walks off along the corridor and back to the spiral stair. The Veteran Map House Guard if left up on the first floor watching over the Rogue and Bard.
Zarek: “I need to make a mental Map of the layout of the Map House.”
Elated that they had the chance to view the Specialist Map Room and to be able to watch the Cartographers’ working on their desks, with Ink pot, compasses and rulers was a treat.
Zarek begins a conversation with one of the Cartographers’ and inquires about their filing system.
Zarek: “How on Abeir-Toril do you manage to keep all these Map and Chart in order, it seems like a logistical headache? Amazing work indeed.”
Zarek remembers how Alley always uses honey, not vinegar, to catch her Stirges and he employs the same tact here. The
Cartographer begins to explain how:
Cartographers: “We divide the Map and Charts, then they use a Size and date filing system which help inordinately…”
The Map House Cartographer is cut short and scurries off to his desk when Deputy Master Elira Thann returns.
“Deputy Master Elira Thann must have used Magic to contact Blackstaff so rapidly.” Zarek and Alley think to themselves.
Deputy Master Elira Thann, of the Map House on Waterdeep Way, goes on to explain how she has just spoken directly to the Blackstaff and believes that there has been a miscommunication.
Deputy Master Elira Thann: “The Blackstaff has said that she is able to confirm that access should be provided for the Gralhund Villa, following the ongoings mention by the Gray Hand operative the previous night, and that the paper work must have been misplaced.”
Zarek just nodded his head and imagining the trouble he was in and the favours that he now owed to Vajra Safahr. Satisfied that she had finally correctly navigated the Request from Zarek Brightlamp, Deputy Master Elira Thann, of the Map House, ordered the Map House Guard to escort us up to the second floor where we could wait to have the Gralhund Villa Floor Plans brought to us.
Deputy Master Elira Thann Heads off down the spiral staircase, presumably to have the Gralhund Villa Floor Plans retrieved.
The Map House Guard then escorted Zarek and Alley to the same spiral staircase and up to the second floor. The spiral staircase did not ascend any further and access to the third floor.
Zarek: “Another security feature to keep in mind. I wonder how they access the Vault.”
Once they reached the second floor, the Map House Guard leads the Rogue and Bard through a room, the Senior Cartographers’ Office, where there were several cartographers completing commissions for Build Plans and Maps. They exit the room and enter the room opposite, which Alley believes is the Council Chamber due to the Rose Compass and other insignia depicted on the Walls and chairs. A large oval table with an inlaid map of the Sword Coast stands in the centre of the room which in surrounded by high backed chairs.
The Map House Guards remains silent and just watches the Rogue and Bard. After several minutes, Deputy Master Elira Thann returns accompanied by an Apprentice carrying a large scroll, or on this occasion a Map, case.
12:10 pm
Deputy Master Elira Thann leaves the Guard and Apprentice with the Rogue and Bard and makes her excuses and leaves to carry out her tasks and those of the Guildmaster so it seems.
The Rogue and Bard examine the Gralhund Villa Floor Plans and Alley makes a crude copy. They continue with the pretence that they were looking for these Plans all along and find, to their amazement, that Gralhund Villa did not in fact have any basement or cellar.
Zarek: “Would there be any older plans of the building or grounds prior to these plans?” Zarek enquires of the Apprentice.
The Apprentice explains that generally all aspects of a building are mapped on plans, unless they have unauthorised work or are building of government.
Zarek thanks the Apprentice and the Guard, who still accompanies the pair to the main doors regardless of their verified credentials, and they make their way out of the Map House.
Alley: “Did you not get the feeling that the Guard was Ex-City Watch, they must have all been recruited from the City Watch I would wager, very cleaver indeed.”
Zarek then lists where and what needed to be addressed next.
- Find the Urchins at their digs and get more information on the subject of the Cassalanter Staff. (Fishgut Alley, Dock Ward)
- Obtain confirmation that Parlek Lateriff did in fact sail from Waterdeep to Candlekeep, which is on the Coast to the south of Baldur’s Gate.
- Talk to Vajra Shafar as to why they needed the Cassalanter Villa Floor Plans.
- Join the Lords Alliance as quickly as possible, so as to get a pardon from Laeral Silverhand. Which means finding Jalester Silvermane.
- Obtain or view any City Watch reports regarding Gralhund Villa to provide a picture of what the Gralhund said happened and who died or was captured.
Alley: “Or we can go now, the Apprentice is possibly still retrieving the Gralhund Villa Floor Plans and they must be taking them down to the vault that I believe they have.”
Zarek: “Are you sure that sounds crazy Alley.”
Alley: “No crazier than your plans, sometimes.” Alley smiles at the Rogue knowing that a little push is all Zarek needs to be dared into something.
The Rogue realises that they only have a few minutes of their current ‘Disguise Self’ Spell and that it may be a good idea to cast the Spell on themselves again. Alley suggests that they look like Zhentarim, Urstul Floxin even, that way if they are seen, the blame is pushed onto those seeking Neverembers Enigma.
They find a nearby Alleyway and cast their Spell.
Alley was about to disguise herself as Urstul Floxin, as she had heard enough of his voice and accent to mimic it to a high degree. However, Zarek elects to do so and believes that he could imitate his voice well enough to pass as him.
Alley: “Maybe, if they have never meet Urstul Floxin, otherwise you need to cast a Spell or have years of training like myself, that is.” The Bard thinks to herself.
Then Alley has an epiphany, regarding the fake Parlek Lateriff if he was indeed fake, that must also be true for him. We need to determine how the fake Parlek Lateriff did so as he was at Trollskull Manor for several hours during the Grand Opening an over an hour, the Spell duration for ‘Disguise Self’, when he was in their Library.
The Rogue and Bard then cast their ‘Invisibility’ Spell on themselves and dash back to the Map House. The Rogue has no problem, at this point, in stealthily moving past the Guard at the main doors and waits by the door to the office to see if the door was locked. The Bard follows up behind him, doing her best to cautiously slip past the Guard, employing her skills which she had purposely honed in order to keep pace with Zarek.
The Rogue hears footsteps approaching the door and so waits for his chance to slip pass, expecting Alley to be able to see him and follow. An Apprentice comes out of the room and there is enough time for The Rogue and Bard to slip past. The pair make their way down the spirals stairs and eventually reach a heavy oak door, banded with iron, which had a sliding peephole.
The door was still open as the Cartographer inside the octagonal chamber beyond, was still conversing with the Guard and Captain of the Guard within. The Rogue slips past and enters the room silently, followed by the Bard who used the advantage of the carpets, on the chamber floor, to dampen the sound of her movement.
Inside the hexagonal chamber beneath the Map House is a large desk with papers and scroll upon it, a chair and various Map displayed on the walls. There was also the Captain of the Guard, who looked more Soldier than City Watch, the Guard and a Tiefling Cartographer. Opposite the door they came in by, there was an open, large circular Steel Vault Door. Behind that was an open Metal Bar Door, also open and leading into the Vault beyond.
The Rogue was able to hear the sound of paper and someone moving about within.
The Rogue then moved inside the Vault, not wanting to miss where ever they were storing the Gralhund Villa Plans, as this would be a clue to where the Cassalanter Villa Plans would be held. Inside the Map House Vault the Rogue sees that a Dwarf Cartographer was on some steps and place the Gralhund Villa Floor Plans back onto the storage shelves.
The Rogue then had to make an instant decision as to what to do next.
- The Vault Door would be closed, or the Bars, either way their exit.
- He needed time to search for the Cassalanter Villa plans, even though he had a general area to check.
- The Door out of the Hexagonal Chamber would also be closed, sooner rather than later.
All these challenges needed to be dealt with and all without becoming visible if possible. What could the Rogue do next.
Zarek: “I have it, the ‘Deck of Illusions’ that we liberated from the Neverluster sunken Ship.”
The Rogue pulls the ‘Deck of Illusions’ from his ‘Bag of Holding’, draws a card and flicks it under the tables in the middle of the room.
Above the card’s location, a terrifying and arousing figure materialises, an Erinyes Devil of the Nine Hells.
12:20 pm