Iomhar’s Funeral
CHES 26th (The Claw of Sunsets)
08:00 am
Alley and Zarek have a light meal and dress for the Funeral of Iomhar ‘Bodee’ Rackham, close friend and mentor. Outside the Trollskull Manor Zarek and Alley meet with Hargadon Dudley and they make their way to the ‘City of the Dead’. Iomhar ‘Bodee’ Rackham wrapped in a shroud and on a chart drawn by Zarek’s horse Hero.
08:40 am
Once the trio had reached the ‘City of the Dead’, for Iomhar’s Funeral, Zarek realises that the 3 City Watch on the gate were Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, the friends they made in the Field Ward and the Rogue began to tear-up, they would not be alone at Iomhar’s Funeral.
Zarek then finds that Alley had contact those of the Field Ward that knew Iomhar ‘Bodee’ Rackham and wished to pay their respects at Iomhar’s Funeral.
Warble Bandlewagon, owner of the Scrap’d Rafter (A.K.A. The Earl of Lonsdale) and the ’Dhavian Trill Music Hall was there.
Alasha Gaige from the Tent Town in the Field Ward, also cam to the Iomhar’s Funeral, with 3 of her Barbarian Guards stood towards the back.
The Urchins, Nat, Jenks and Squiddly too and leading the parade was Hargadon Dudley. Mattrim “Threestrings” Mereg is at Iomhar’s Funeral to play and nods to Alley as they all gather.
Iomhar ‘Bodee’ Rackham was laid to rest on a cart and Zareks Horse, Hero, was also there pulling Iomhar ‘Bodee’ Rackham to his final resting place with the ‘City of the Dead’.
As they began the service of Iomhar’s Funeral in the ‘City of the Dead’ they were also joined by Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar.
Hargadon Dudley presides over the burial at Iomhar’s Funeral and then he hands over to the Rogue.
Zarek’s Eulogy at Iomhar’s Funeral:
The poem at the beginning is read with each line read twice, once in Elvish and once in Thieves’ Cant. By a quirk of linguistics, both languages rhyme perfectly. Alley provides the perfect melody played on her pocket harp in a key that is both sombre and hopeful. There is a deliberate shunning of the nickname “Bodee” which we know he hated.
Zarek: “Thank you all for attending Iomhar’s Funeral today…”
“Keep your head down
But listen up,
The bizzies will be everywhere,
Stay sharp on the street
Retrace your steps
Watch your back
Say enough
Not too much
Check the angles
Slow the pace
Blend in
Hide your face”
Zarek: “Iomhar Rackham was tragically stolen from us but two days ago. And how keenly his loss is now felt. In the Field Ward, his deeds were legendary, and I speak not only for myself but also for one other (who knows who she is), that without his bravery, foresight, compassion and, yes, his cunning would have preceded him to the hereafter. He sought no fame, nor honour, his aim was to take from those whose greed had consumed them and to share with those who were trapped in the daily turmoil and struggle of Field Ward existence.”
The Rogue wipes an eye, takes a deep breath and continues.
Zarek: “Thanks to him, the Tiefling who stands before you, rich in naivety, poor in common sense, is able to tell today of his deep sadness at this bitter loss, and gladness at having known Iomhar during the time he lived among us. His physical being, burnt by the reckless and murderous greed of persons as yet unknown, is no longer with us. But his wisdom and his voice will remain with me always. I ask all guests to be upstanding and raise their glasses to Iomhar Rackham: Justice for Iomhar!”
The Rogue then remembers who he was and the reason why he was standing in the ‘City of the Dead’ morning the loss of his mentor.
Zarek: “I need to look about as here and now, in this place, it is the perfect place to spy on us and hide among the citizens.” Zarek ponders as he begins to look about the place.”
The Rogue can see:
- Mainly common looking Servant and Nannies with children.
- Some Flower Sellers.
- 2 Dwarves paying their respects, each to a different grave.
- An Old Man wearing a hat and who is looking towards the group.
- 2 Human Men drinking at the Grave of another.
- Then many others walking through
Zarek also note that there were 2 Dwarf City Watch on the wall and they were paying particular attention to Iomhar’s Funeral and their group. Zarek thinks that they are keeping tabs on him and Alley and makes sure to remember to let her know.
Alley: “Everyone back to Trollskull Manor for some food and to drink to Iomhar.”
Alasha Gaige: “I think I should be going as the extra guests may spoil the wake.” Alasha Gaige cunningly nods in the direction of the City Watch.
Alasha Gaige, from the Tent Town in the Field Ward, and her 3 of Barbarian Guard leaves Iomhar’s Funeral.
Hargadon Dudley and Warble Bandlewagon head towards the cart, while Mattrim “Threestrings” Mereg hugs Alley and nods at Zarek. Threestrings then joins the other as the 3 Urchins run over to Alley and Zarek.
Nat begins to gesture with her hand and Squiddly them asks the Heroes if they had any more work for them. Zarek them uses his ‘Message’ Spell to chat with Alley.
Zarek: “What do you think Alley, should we send then to stake out on Gralhund Villa?”
Alley: “Is that not too dangerous if we know that they sent the Nimblewright and appear to be willing to do anything to get what they want.”
Zarek: “Then what?”
Alley: “Remember that there are several leads, Cassalanter Villa to see what coming and goings there are, or Yellow Spire which we have not even visited or even the Sea Maidens Faire as I also fear retribution from the Drow.”
Zarek: “Cassalanter Villa.”
Then they both hear the thumping sound of a larger creature acing and as they both turn, they can see Ulkoria Stonemarrow shadowed by the thing making the noise, her Shield Guardian have come to Iomhar’s Funeral.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow apologies for her lateness to Iomhar’s Funeral and offers her condolences for Iomhar and his passing. Alley make her excuses and leave Zarek to speak with Ulkoria Stonemarrow alone.
Alley: “Zarek, I will let the Urchins know.”
Ulkoria Stonemarrow and Zarek talk for a while and she says that she has something for him.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow: “A thing that now belongs to you giving our investigation are over.”
Zarek takes the velvet pouch given to him by Ulkoria Stonemarrow and he fears what it could be, he attempts to feel what is inside not wanting to look inside.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow: “We have not found its true owner and offer it to the service and protection of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors member, you.”
Zarek is conscious that Ulkoria Stonemarrow was looking at him wondering why he hesitated. The Rogue looks inside and is pleased to see the ‘Necklace of Fireballs’ which was used against Iomhar.
Zarek then reveals their recent adventures and discoveries regarding the Sea Maidens Faire, their Nimblewrights and the Gralhunds. The Rogue then gets the feeling that these matters, though truly important and shocking, are for higher levels of Law and Ulkoria Stonemarrow is simply a Mage that follows orders from those that sit within Waterdeep Place and not the Tower of the Order.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow: “This should be told to the authorities of the Open Lord; they have people that deal with such matters.”
Zarek asks her to go and tell Bowgentra Summertaen immediately and Ulkoria Stonemarrow feels that she may not be the best person to inform but if he insisted, she would and forgo the wake after Iomhar’s Funeral. Zarek realised and she that Ulkoria Stonemarrow should join them first and this make her very happy.
They all begin to leave Iomhar’s Funeral.
09:30 am
Everyone joins up and they begin to leave when the Rogue spots a pair of familiar figures in the corner of the ‘City of the Dead’ and directly under where the City Watch were, just out of their sight. They walk away from a Tomb. As the Rogue look straight at the Female Hobbit, she winks at him and then looks back in the direction of the Tomb. Next to her is the large Human Fighter that glared at our Hero.
Zarek: “What are those two doing at Iomhar’s Funeral?”
The two Zhentarim Hirelings then eventually disappeared into the crowd of people, Zarek not wanting to follow them both today after Iomhar’s Funeral.
Zarek: “Carry on I will catch-up with you all.”
The Rogue goes over to the Tomb, and felling anxious, began to search the area for traps or other potentially harmful devices. He finds none, but where they were standing Zarek finds a note that has been jammed under the lid of the Tome. The Rogue is once again very Weary and does not wish to touch it. So, he spends some time looking at it to see if it was somehow trapped or poisoned even.
Finding nothing more than a folded note with a faint sign of the ink bleeding through. The Rogue put the Note in his pocket without reading it and rushes to join his friends as they finally leave Iomhar’s Funeral.
10:00 am
Once they are all back at Trollskull Manor, having left Iomhar’s Funeral, the party heads to the first floor where they are holding the private wake for Iomhar. There they find Lif, behind the Bar, and Ryba, the Halfling Barmaid, serving the drinks and food prepared.
Zarek is still mindful that he wants to find more information and lore regarding the Demons, Devils and in particular Asmodeus Lord of the Nine Hells, which should also take his mind off Iomhar’s Funeral.
Zarek realised that his knowledge of the Tieflings, let alone Demons and Devils, was limited. As he thinks back it seems as if Alexander Brightlamp shielded him from such things and his own knowledge was limited. He knew what other children said to him as he grew up and the things some said to him, but he knew it was all tainted by prejudice and ignorance.
Zarek asks Ryba to bring over their fine cakes, made in-house by the pastry chef, and calls Hargadon Dudley over to join him. Alley knows what Zarek was about to do and she called everyone else to join her by the faire as she entertained them with her tales of the heroic Iomhar, even mimicking the fallen Heroes voice as she did so.
Zarek: “We need to use Alley’s ability to impersonate a person’s voice and combine that with a ‘Disguise Self’ Spell.
Zarek first thanks him for Iomhar’s Funeral, then has a long conversation with Hargadon Dudley and questions the Cleric regarding the Cult of Asmodeus and their activities within Waterdeep.
Hargadon Dudley, in between bites of the fine pasties, explains that the Cult of Asmodeus, or Ashmadai as they are called, are a subject that he was not familiar with and that the Authorities or Religious Leaders were the ones who could best answer his questions.
Zarek goes onto retell Hargadon Dudley how the Cassalanter’s had dealing with Asmodeus and their children had been cursed as a result. Alley reminds Zarek that they had said their Children, Terenzio and Elzerina, had been cursed at birth by the Cult of Asmodeus, or Ashmadai, she corrects himself.
Hargadon Dudley offer to explain what he knows of Demons, Devils and their Overmasters, and so indirectly, the Tieflings and a version of their creation.
First Tiefling:
The empire of Bael Turath (Human kingdom of old) once spanned thousands of miles and served as a testament to the power of Humans. And the Stronghold, Vor Rukoth, was one of the jewels of the Human empire of Bael Turath. Sometimes called the City of Forges, it was ruled over by the emperor’s sister, a Human named Lady Najala.
In their lust for more power and wealth, the powerful Humans of Bael Turath, Nobles, Wealthy Merchants, Spellcasters, and Priests underwent a sinister transformation through diabolical pacts. They took on the appearance of their new masters.
They had horns, tails, claws, infernal eyes, and skin as red as blood. Among the first to swear the oaths to Devils and become a Tieflings was Lady Najala. Seeing her power and influence grow as a result of her oaths, many of the other nobles of Vor Rukoth lined up for the opportunity to participate. And the might and dread exuded from the empire began to shake the world.
Bael Turath rose to power when the Empire of Arkhosia (Dragonborn Empire) was at its peak and it was inevitable that the upstart empire would come into conflict with the Dragonborn. The war that erupted when these two fearsome powers careered into each other engulfed the entire world. Dragonborn surged into the borders of Bael Turath by the thousands and the wings of their masters darkened the sky.
The Devils responded in kind. Hellfire that could sizzle Adamantine to slag rained on their foes, ending thousand-year lives in the blink of an eye. The tainted ones turned the hearts of their foes black with corruption, sparking ancient feuds among the Dragonborn. As the threat from Arkhosia grew more imminent, Lady Najala became suspicious of everyone and began scouring Vor Rukoth’s population for traitors. She called out those Nobles who had refused to take Infernal Oaths, believing they conspired against her. And she wrecked a Gate to Hell to ensure her hold on power.
Ultimately, it proved her undoing. As a Dragonborn host marched on the city, she desperately threw open the portal to any creatures that would aid her. On what came to be known as ‘The Day of Devils’, legions of fiends spilled out from the Nine Hells.
They repelled the Dragonborn host on the outskirts of Vor Rukoth, but they also slaughtered the thousands who inhabited Vor Rukoth. Lady Najala’s victory meant little, for the city was shattered and left a ruined vestige, as was both empires of Bael Turath and Arkhosia.
The diaspora (displacement) that followed the fall of Bael Turath is a wound on the face of history. Dozens of conflicting reports on the nation’s final days, who ruled, and which factions held power, remain in the scrolls to confound historians and others who are interested in the truth.
The only certainty is that the children of Bael Turath, the Tieflings, bear a certain inherited appearance and power from their association with the dark powers. Hellish power that courses through the veins of Tieflings.
Power they can use for great good or for terrible evil.
But still the rumours of the shattered empire persist. The tainted masters of countless empires ruled from Vor Kragal, their seat of power. Vor Kragal pulsed with the terrifying might to break the souls of kings, and its markets flowed with the treasures of a hundred worlds.
The secrets of life everlasting and the power to touch the face of the Gods who are all as common place to the Tieflings of old as irrigating crops or erecting a simple stone wall is to those living in our current age. The Magic of the present is a crude tool when compared to the dance of the elements seen in the past. Such power for even a glimpse of it a person might trade his soul.
Now though, the ruins of Vor Kragal are merely an ashen landscape that unknown terrors call home. And the nightmares and hellish shades who prowl the ruined city of Vor Kragal don’t take trespass lightly. Still, Adventurers have been known to seek it out from time to time, lured by tales of Bael Turath’s lost secrets, which are mired in the sunken landscape.
Hargadon Dudley then explains how there are many tales of how all Tiefling came to be.
The origins of ‘Tieflings’ is one mired in hearsay and confusion. Beyond the common superstition and racist rhetoric on the nature of Tieflings and how they came to be, there are three well understood origin stories for Tiefling kind.
The first is simple. Tieflings are born from lineages with Fiend Genetics or Fiendish Curses inserted into their bloodline at some point in their past. Whether through Assignation, Arcane or Religious Right, or A Curse of a Powerful Entity. A Tiefling is the expression of such genes of Latent Curse Magic left in a family line.
The second ties back to the Spellplague, a disaster that struck realm space and even the planes themselves and was caused by Mystra’s Assassination at the hands of Cyric and aided by Shar.
The whiplash of this event hurled the God Azuth a minor Servitor Deity (Herald) in mistress service across the cosmos. He eventually crashed in a weakened state into the deepest pit of the Nine Hells, Nessus, seat of the Arch Fiend, Asmodeus.
It is said that Asmodeus consumed the divine spark of Azuth and thereby achieved Godhood. Subsequently, Asmodeus and a coven of Warlocks performed a right wherein the Arch Devil claimed all Tieflings in the world as his own, cursing them to bear the blood of Asmodeus. This act marked all Tieflings as descendants of the Lord of the Nine Hells, regardless of their true heritage, and changed them into creatures that resembled their supposed progenitor.
The third is most commonly found on worlds other than Toril (The Planet). This origin story claims that hundreds of years ago, the leaders of the human empire of Bael Turath made packs with Devils to solidify their holds over its enormous territory. Those Humans became the first Tieflings and they governed their empire in the name of their infernal masters. In time, Bael Turath came into conflict with Arkhosia, the ancient empire of the Dragonborn, and decades of warfare left both empires in ruins.
Tieflings descended from such an origin are the heirs of the surviving noble dynasties that ruled the empire. Their bloodline is tainted by their diabolical connections passing to their descendants through all generations. Thus, Tieflings were once Human and they owe their Fiendish Bloodline to an infernal bargain made long ago, sundered from humanity by their ancestors’ overzealous ambitions.
Hargadon Dudley then goes on to tell the history that he had regarding Asmodeus, the Lord of the Nine Hells. Asmodeus is the supreme ruler of Devilkind and a central figure of Lawful Evil in Faerûn.
While his origins are shrouded, intentionally, in conflicting myths, he is generally portrayed as an ancient, brilliant strategist who holds the Nine Hells together through iron-clad contracts, immense power, and unparalleled deception.
The Lord of Lies:
He is the undisputed master of the Nine Hells of Baator, ruling from the deepest layer, Nessus.
The Pact Primeval:
According to lore, Asmodeus and his Angels were once charged with fighting Demons. When they became corrupted, they made a deal (the Pact Primeval) with the Gods of Law. This allowed them to turn the Nine Hells into a prison for wicked souls, which they consume for power to heal wounds sustained from their fall.
True Form and Appearance:
While Asmodeus often appears as a 13’ foot tall, handsome red-skinned humanoid, his true form is a massive, miles-long serpent covered in bleeding wounds from his ancient fall.
The Blood War:
Asmodeus views the eternal war against Demons as a necessary, albeit wasteful, distraction that keeps his armies occupied and prevents the Abyss from overrunning the multiverse.
Divine Status:
Asmodeus has achieved full Godhood, consuming the divine essence of the God of Magic, Azuth, during the Spellplague.
Motivations and Personality:
Asmodeus is not merely Chaotic Evil; he is the embodiment of Lawful Evil. He believes only he can impose the order necessary to prevent total cosmic chaos. He is patient, waiting millennia for plans to bear fruit, and prefers to corrupt mortals through binding contracts rather than direct violence. Despite his sophistication, he is known to fall into rages of extreme cruelty when challenged. Asmodeus is the ultimate patron of Warlock “Fiend” pacts and is often worshiped by Tieflings.
The Nine Hells:
The Nine Hells is a plane of existence divided into Nine Layers, or Circles, stacked upon one another. It is the home of Devils, who are Lawful Evil Fiends, not to be confused with Demons, who are Chaotic Evil. The two hate each other and are locked in constant war.
The Ninth Layer, the bottom layer, rules over the rest. To sit upon the throne there is to rule the Nine Hells entirely, with each level answering to the one below it. The Nine Hells vary greatly and are often not what you would expect.
Running through the Nine Hells is the River Styx. The river flows through the Abyss and the Nine Hells before dumping its foul waters into the Astral Sea. One can use the River Styx to descend into the deeper layers of the Nine Hells.
10:30 am
Zarek and Alley then thank everyone for attending and explain that they have other commitments to attend to. They actually head off for bed making sure to tell Lif that they are not available.
Alley reminds Zarek that they need to send a message to the Cassalanters explaining how due to unforeseen circumstances they will need another day to determine if they were able to help them.
Zarek arranges for a note to be sent and writes it himself.
17:30 pm
Zarek and Alley both wake after Iomhar’s Funeral and have an evening breakfast in their Library brought to them by Lif.
Lif first recounts the Tendays earning and Trollskull Manor had made a profit of 60 Gold Dragons. Then Lif informs the Rogue and Bard that several patrons had been at the Trollskull looking for them.
Lif: “Barnibus Blastwind and Sergeant Saeth Cromley had a few follow-up questions that they needed asking. They said they would return this evening and if they were not available, they were required to attend the Tower of the Order the following morning or pay the price of not doing so. Sergeant Saeth Cromley was very insistent.”
Alley: “That is your fault Zarek as you mentioned them the other day.”
Zarek “What?”
Lif: “Then there was an Old Man wearing a hat that was also inquiring after you both. He asked for the Heroes of the Field Ward and that he wished to petition you for help. He would not say what exactly but he did say that when you spoke he would make things Crystal Clear.”
Zarek: “An old man wearing a hat that sounds familiar, where did I see that.”
Lif: “Finally, there is Parlek Lateriff, friend of Renaer Neverember, who has been downstairs for a couple of hours now, waiting to speak with you both.”
Alley: “Remember that he is also a friend to Meloon Wardragon, and he may know more about your parents as you read in Alexander Brightlamp’s Journal. Talking about Tieflings reminded me.”
Zarek: “We could ask him about the Asmodeus Cult, what do you think?”
Alley: “That would be helpful.”
The Rogue asks Lif to invite Parlek Lateriff to the Library, Book talk would allow him to further get over Iomhar’s Funeral..
Parlek Lateriff arrives and the Rogue and Bard ask Lif to bring some refreshments and they speak with the old Sage.
Zarek: “What brings you here Parlek is there any way we can help?”
Parlek Lateriff: “Yes, you mentioned that I could come any time and look at your collection, maybe there is something that I would enjoy. I am a Sage to the end and there is a few items that I am missing from my collection.”
Parlek Lateriff looks about the library and he can see the many books lying about that all came from the ‘Alchemists’ Library in the Field Ward.
Parlek Lateriff: “You have many fine books and I am hunting for several tomes and wondered if you had them and would be willing to sell them?”
Zarek then became uneasy of Parlek Lateriff behaviour and questions so he thought through Parlek Lateriff’s words and he also looked at his demeanour to see if he was telling the whole truth.
Zarek: “He appears credible and not lying to us, I think anyway.”
The Rogue and Bard become more comfortable with Parlek Lateriff and feel they can divulge more of their adventures, especially as he was a member of Renaer’s Adventuring Party once upon a time. They leave the matter of the books and ask the Sage for all he knows about the Asmodean Cult in Waterdeep.
Parlek Lateriff: “The Ashmadai, or the Messengers of the Raging Fiend, are a secretive Devil-worshipping cult dedicated to Asmodeus but from what I know they are mainly based in Neverwinter. The Ashmadai has always been well connected in Neverwinter and now even better connected having infiltrated the ranks of the New Neverwinter organisation. The Ashmadai also previously worked as agents of Thay.”
Zarek then goes on to ask Parlek Lateriff if he knew of any Ashmadai were operating in Waterdeep and the Old Sage explained how adventures were no longer part of his life and most of his contacts or information had dried up.
Parlek Lateriff: “Why do you ask is there someone you suspect, there are no names in this report from, where did you say you acquired them from?”
Zarek explains how they acquired them from the Eyecatcher, of Captain Zardoz Zord, Jarlaxle Baenre and the Assassin Nimblewright. Zarek explains how the Gralhunds bought and used the Nimblewright to kill their friend, but the Rogue does not mention Neverember’s Enigma or the Grand Game.
Zarek: “However, it is a Noble Family called the Cassalanters that I have my suspicions of, their 2 young children have been cursed by the Asmodean Cult, Ashmadai as I now know them to be called, but I feel they are more involved than they let on.”
Alley: “Do you know of the Cassalanter Family Parlek?”
Parlek Lateriff admits that he does not and so Zarek explains what they know of the Cassalanters and the Gralhunds.
Parlek Lateriff: “If the Coat of arms is anything to go by, they look more likely than the other Nobles. After all are their children not the ones cursed and did you get a sense that they were lying?”
Zarek: “No, I did not and they openly answered all our questions, yet…”
Parlek Lateriff: “I will be seeing Renaer Neverember tonight, I can ask him for advice. Maybe he can help or provide insight into the Cassalanters was it?”
The Rogue agrees and then offer the report to Parlek Lateriff so he can pass it onto Renaer Neverember.
Zarek: “Should I have invited Renaer to Iomhar’s Funeral, no they never met.”
Parlek Lateriff: “I will make sure that Renaer Neverember receives this promptly.”
Zarek then calls for Lif and let him know that Parlek Lateriff should have full access to their Library and is of confidence.
Parlek Lateriff: “I will also index and catalogue all those books that you have not had the opportunity to complete. At no charge or cost.”
Parlek Lateriff then excuses himself and leaves the two Heroes to prepare for their meeting with Zelifarn at the Neverluster in Waterdeep Harbour.
Zarek: “That was lucky you talking to Parlek Lateriff about our library, he has been a great help, especially with the information on the Ashmadai.”
Alley: “Me, I thought that you had spoken to him, there were so many people at the Trollskull that night I cannot remember speaking to him more than just being introduced to each other.”
Zarek: “Odd, I thought the Dwarf, Harug Shieldsunder, was also a Sage.”
18:00 pm
The Rogue and Bard then visit Book Wyrm’s Treasure, in Trollskull Manor, to acquire more Spells for the meeting from Rishaal the Page Turner. They ask for the Dragonborn for several Spells to be cast directly on them.
The both require Water breathing and Alley requests for Darkvision.
- Water Breathing 150 gp x2 = 300 gp
- Darkvision = 75 gp
18:30 pm
The Rogue and Bard comment on Iomhar’s Funeral as they make their way to the Dock Ward and decide to rent-out a rowing boat, this time, and them make their way to the location of the Neverluster.
They manage to reach the location with Zarek navigating and drop the anchor. They then prepare for underwater travel and head down to the sunken wreck of the Neverluster. There the Rogue and Bard have to wait for some 20 minutes before Zelifarn arrives.
19:20 pm
Zelifarn eventually arrives and the Heroes greet him with great respect. Zelifarn explains how he had not reached his lair, when he received their ‘Paper Bird’.
Zelifarn: “I made a promise to you and here I have my Crystal Ball. I need to leave and feel uneasy here, you have until the moon is above and then I must leave.”
Zarek thinks they have some 4 hours or so to investigate the Crystal Ball and its records.
The Rogue then begins his investigation of the Crystal Ball, using his Arcana knowledge, and spends an hour on the process.
20:20 pm
Zarek: “I’m in Alley, I can now access all the connected Nimblewrights and I am also able to go backwards and forwards through the Nimblewrights eyes and ears.”
The Rogue first looks at the current location of the Nimblewright.
The Nimblewright is in the corner of a wood-panelled library includes these features:
- Tall bookshelves are packed with tomes. Sliding wooden ladders mounted on rails allow easy access to higher shelves.
- In one corner stands an iron lectern with a closed, locked, leather-bound tome resting on it.
- Two padded chairs face a large fireplace. One has a wolf skin draped over it and the other has documents laying on the arm this chair.
Next, Zarek fears watching but knows he has to, he looks to the death of Iomhar and confirms that the Nimblewright was truly to blame. He also sees the Nimblewright take the Stone of Golorr from the dead Gnome Dalakhar.
Zarek then follows the Nimblewright as he flees east, via the alley and off to the Gralhund Villa.
Zarek tells Alley what he has seen and how he will now look through the Nimblewrights memories for its connection to the Gralhunds.
Then he looks at the command given by the Lady Yalah Gralhund and it is to recover the Stone of Golorr, whatever it takes. Lady Yalah Gralhund then hands the Nimblewright the ‘Necklace of Fireballs’ and says the following:
Lady Yalah Gralhund: “You have your orders and know how to use the Necklace, do not fail me.”
The Nimblewright nods and leaves.
Zarek is unsure where to visit next and elects to choose one of the other Sold Nimblewrights. He chooses the one held by Mother Tamra’s House of Graces, at Mendever Street in the Castle Ward. This Nimblewright has Eight halos of different precious metals circle the Nimblewrights head at strange, intersecting angles.
The Nimblewright is cleaning a room, which looks to be a dormitory for young girls.
Zarek: “This is no help.”
The Rogue then looks at the Nimblewright that is owned by Lord Labdar Adarbrent, research showed that he was Head of a Noble Waterdhavian Family who owns the fourth-largest shipping fleet in the city and has strong ties with the Master Mariners’ Guild.
His Nimblewright stands as a guard in his front hall, replacing the human guard who once stood there.
Zarek then changes his line of inquiry and elects to Map-Out as much of the Gralhund Villa that the Nimblewright saw.
Zarek: “It’s always good to see where you are going to prevent unexpected surprises.”
Alley: “Good old Iomhar.”
The Rogue marks the Library, The Lords Office, Great Hall and Gardens.
Finally, the Bard then says that he may wish to check the purchase of the Nimblewright and the Rogue Agrees.
Zarek sees that Lady Yalah Gralhund is the one that makes the purchase from Captain Zardoz Zord, not Jarlaxle, and arranges for it to be taken.
Lady Yalah Gralhund is accompanied by a Half-Orc, who Lady Yalah Gralhund called Hrabbaz.
Zarek: “I think we need to acquire a piece of the Grand Game to gain some standing and leverage and the Stone of Golorr may be the most pivotal of all.”
Alley: “That is why the place is being watched, and we need to strike first or ride the wave.”
Zarek: “There is no room for error I fear.”
Alley: “I fear for Estran Icehorn and have had enough with Iomhar’s Funeral to want to go to another.”