Waterdeep Factions:
Zarek and Alley have recently been sort after by the Waterdeep Factions, ‘The Emerald Enclave’ and ‘The Harpers’, to name but two.
Alley and Zarek make sure that they have returned to Trollskull Manor.
They search the building and find things have returned to normal.
In the Wine Cellar, Zarek notices that the wire, he placed by the Underdark Tunnel Wine rack, had been broken. Someone had been snooping around the Cellar of Trollskull Manor.
Zarek searches for tracks, with the aid of Alley, and finds that Squiddly had been in the Cellar looking around but that he had not noticed the bricked-up wall leading to the Duergar Mind Master’s Lair.
Zarek make a mental note to himself that he should ask Squiddly about this and if he might know of the Waterdeep Factions.
The two adventurers go to bed and wake the next morning to the sound of knocking as the Guild Members return to continue with the renovations to Trollskull Manor. Alley has once again made a point of learning everyone’s names and making sure they all have teas and sandwiches.
Zarek racks his brain and is able, with the aid of Alley, to recall his religious readings. The Tiefling believes that Spirits are usually tied to a place or location due to unresolved issues or just pure Evil intent. Zarek thinks that either the Skeleton of the dead child or Esther Greybrow cooking pot may have been what held the Hag-Shadows essence in this Material Plane.
Zarek and Alley agree to take the Witches Caldron to the Steam and Steel forge, hand it over to the two Ganasi, Embric (Fire) and Avi (Water) and ask for them to melt it down and re-use the metal for something practical and productive. Might they also know of the Waterdeep Factions?
While in Trollskull Alley, Alley and Zarek also visit the Bent Nail and ask Tally for his services. They wish to mount one on the Wine Racks in the Cellar so that they can store valuable liquors behind it. Tally agrees but says it will be a while due to his current workload.
Zarek and Alley help around the Manor until the afternoon when they have another Waterdeep Faction member come a calling.
Jalester Silvermane come to visit under the pretense that he thought the Tavern was open for business, but Zarek discerns that Jalester Silvermane was not being completely honest.
Alley and Zarek had seen Jalester Silvermane on several occasions in the Yawning Portal Tavern and when they asked Volo, Renaer and Floon about the Waterdhavian Citizen, they provided the following information:
Jalester Silvermane is a Male Chondathan Humanand an agent of the Lords’ Alliance who reports directly to Laeral Silverhand. The Open Lord of Waterdeep watches out for adventurers who might, through their actions, aid or imperil the city and its citizens. Since the Yawning portal attracts adventurers of all Sorts, Jalester Silvermane spends a lot of time here. usually seated by himself in a quiet corner.
Durnan, the owner of the Yawning Portal, knows that Jalester Silvermane works for Laeral Silverhand and leaves the young man alone. Are they members of the Waterdeep Factions?
Zarek, it becomes very obvious, very quickly, that Jalester Silvermane has been sent to recruit Alley and Zarek, another Waterdeep Faction.
Zarek and Jalester Silvermane speak for a while and the Rogue get the impression that he morns the loss of something or someone. Then as he goes on to explain the goals of ‘The Lords Alliance’, the Rogue also deduces that Jalester Silvermane has no love for Waterdeep’s enemies believing that it may also be the cause of his loss.
When Alley returns with food and drink, Jalester Silvermane continues his sales pitch while constantly making sure that there were no unwanted guests listening in to their discussions. Waterdeep Factions need new recruits.
Jalester Silvermane explains that ‘The Lords’ Alliance’ is a loose coalition of established political powers concerned with mutual security and prosperity. The organisation is aggressive, militant, and political. Fighters and Sorcerers of Lawful or Neutral alignments are commonly drawn to ‘The Lords’ Alliance’.
GOALS:
- • Ensure the safety and prosperity of cities and other settlements of Faerûn.
- • Maintain a strong coalition against the forces of disorder.
- • Proactively eliminate threats to the established powers.
- • Bring honour and glory to one’s leaders and one’s homeland, Waterdeep in the case.
BELIEFS:
- • If civilization is to survive, all must unite against the dark forces that threaten it.
- • Fight for your realm. Only you can bring honour, glory, and prosperity to your lord and homeland.
- • Don’t wait for the enemy to come to you. The best defense is a strong offense.
Jalester Silvermane: “Everyone wants to sleep at night and feel safe in their homes, but how many want to do what it takes to keep the
tide of evil at bay? To stand in the cold and rain, waiting for battle while hunger gnaws at their bellies? Many wish
to reap the rewards of a good harvest, but few care to remove the stones and till the fields for planting.
“The Lords’ Alliance fights the things that the shopkeeper in his bed has never even heard of. We remove threats
before the town mayor even knows about it. We make bad things go away. That’s what we’re good at.”
Alley, whether on purpose or just due to her scholastic competitiveness, then calls out the author of the words recited by Jalester Silvermane, she may not like the Waterdeep Factions.
Alley: “I believe that Rameel Jos if I’m not mistaken?”
Zarek thinks back to his reading of all Tome related to Waterdeep and the Lords and remembers that Rameel Jos was an original founder of ‘The Lords Alliance’. Jalester Silvermane appears to be put out but keeps his emotions in check as he is representing the most important of the Waterdeep Factions.
Zarek: “Alley really doesn’t like authority does she.” Zarek thinks to himself so as not to arouse her displeasure.
Alley uses her Deception to fain interest in the ‘Lords Alliance’, another of the Waterdeep Factions.
Jalester Silvermane thanks the pair for their time and reminds then that being part of ‘The Lords Alliance’ will be rewarding but also dangerous. Jalester Silvermane mentions the Grand Opening and Zarek insists that he would be invited and Alley explains her ideas for the Tavern and appears to agree with her ideas and Jalester Silvermane provides some of his own.
Alley: “A very pleasant man I must say and even though he trusts to the Law explicitly, I do believe he has a gentle way about him.”
Jalester Silvermane leaves and the two Heroes have a choice to make, which of the Waterdeep Factions, if any to join.
Zarek and Alley then sit together for a late lunch, in the Taproom, and the Rogue notices that Alley stops, stares into space for a few seconds and then continues her conversation as if nothing had happened.
Alley: “So its settled then, we will request them to seal-up the tunnel to the sewers in the Ale Cellar and ask Tally to construct a swinging wine rack in front of the wall to the Underdark.”
Zarek: “Hold on Alley, what just happened there, tell me the truth you have been acting weird for a while now.”
Alley: “I was just contacted by Vajra Safahr, using a ‘Sending’ Spell demanding that we go and visit her at Blackstaff Tower in the Castle Ward.”
Zarek: “And you weren’t going to mention it, she is the head of the Waterdeep Faction that you work for and also serve, are you crazy.”
Alley: “Don’t worry, she won’t be offended, I guess it is you she really wants to talk too, we, we don’t see eye to eye on many things.”
Blackstaff Tower is a fortress and a Wizard training academy all in one. From here, Vajra Safahr watches over the city and asserts herself as Blackstaff. You now know that ‘Sending’ Spells are her preferred way of communicating with her operatives.
Alley says Vajra Safahr offers the adventurers membership in the Gray Hands, another of the Waterdeep Factions, a private security force under her command. Adventurers who complete these missions won’t gain enough renown to join Force Grey yet though, but she always says that they will gain something valuable: the Blackstaff’s patronage. Vajra Safahr will continue to take an interest in their adventuring careers, helping out when she can, and also requesting they keep her informed at all times.
Zarek: “What is the Blackstaff like, Vajra Safahr I mean.”
Alley explains that Vajra Safahr is a very capable Wizard in her mid-thirties, the youngest person ever to hold the position of Blackstaff. As the High Wizard of Waterdeep, she is charged with using all the magic and resources at her disposal to defend the city against threats. She was handpicked for the job by Khelben Arunsun, and wields the Blackstaff from which Khelben Arunsun derived his name and the title of the office.
Vajra Safahr isn’t the city’s most powerful Wizard, but she can hold her own. Despite her many gifts, she still questions her ability to meet the demands of her role, and she rarely makes a decision without first soliciting the advice of the Blackstaff, which contains Khelben Arunsun’s spirit as well as the spirits of all the other Blackstaffs who preceded her. She also gets intelligence from many other sources.
Vajra Safahr also runs Blackstaff Academy, a school for Mages, out of Blackstaff Tower in the Castle Ward. She is also in charge of Force Grey, one of the many Waterdeep Factions, an order of highly skilled adventurers who are called upon to defend the city in times of need.
Vajra Safahr is always looking for new adventurers to fill the ranks of Force Grey, and she is particularly interested in those who can bring unique skills, abilities, or spells to the mix.
Several of the older and more seasoned Wizards in Waterdeep consider Vajra Safahr an upstart, I do like that about her I must say, but they are smart enough not to challenge her. Only the Open Lord, currently Laeral Silverhand, can strip Vajra Safahr of her title.
Zarek: “And what does Force Grey do exactly?”
Force Grey serves as Waterdeep’s most elite strike force, answering directly to the Blackstaff. The group’s members are always said to be exceptional adventurers, skilled, cunning, and fiercely loyal to the defense of the city. When the threat is too dangerous, too strange, or too politically sensitive for the City Watch or the Griffon Cavalry, Force Grey is dispatched to deal with it swiftly and decisively.
Unlike the more covert Harpers, Force Grey operates openly when called upon, though its missions are often shrouded in secrecy. Its members are trusted to handle threats that may destabilize the city, from Rogue Wizards to planar incursions. Each member is handpicked by the Blackstaff herself and is expected to be both a weapon and a shield for Waterdeep.
Force Grey’s reach does not extend far beyond the City of Splendors, but its influence within the city’s walls is considerable. Known for both their skill in combat and their discipline, they command respect from adventurers, Guildmasters, and lords alike.
Membership in Force Grey is a privilege, not a right. Its members are called upon to take great risks without hesitation, trusting that their service protects countless innocents. When the call comes, they answer without delay.
Zarek: “How many times have you heard that speech?”
Alley: “Too many.”
GOALS
- Protect Waterdeep from threats mundane, magical, and extraplanar.
- Carry out missions too dangerous or delicate for the City Watch or Guard.
- Preserve the stability and security of the city at any cost.
- Maintain the Blackstaff’s authority and safeguard the city’s magical deference.
BELIEFS
- Waterdeep must be defended against all threats, seen and unseen.
- Swift action is often the only way to prevent disaster.
- Loyalty, discipline, and skill are the cornerstones of a Force Grey operative.
- Those who endanger the city—no matter their power or station—must be stopped.
Zarek: “I think that we should let the Guilds know what we want done and have an early night, I think.”
Zarek and Alley retire early, once the Guild Members have left and both have a very restful night. They spend all of the morning and early afternoon in Trollskull Manor .
The first to arrive are the Urchins, Squiddly, Nat and Jenks. They appear to have come for breakfast and work that may offer a Nib or two. They all eat together and Alley then puts them all to work. Nat oversees all of the Guild Members keep a close eye on them all, Squiddly is in charge of refreshment with the aid of Lif. Finally, Jenks help to unpack and catalogue all the books from the ‘Alchemists’ Library. Jenks spends most of his time asking Alley and Zarek of their Magic experiences and if he can see the Magic Items that they had.
Alley show what she has but Zarek notes that she keeps her ’Dagger’ hidden. The Dagger has a saw-toothed edge and a Black Pearl nested in its pommel.
Zarek asks Squiddly for a quick hand in the Caller first and the young Swashbuckler joins him. Down in the basement Zarek attempts to question Squiddly using his Infernal speech but Squiddly looks at him sheepishly and explains that he does not understand Infernal.
Zarek: “That is no problem as I will be very happy to teach you, after all it is your heritage.”
Zarek then questions Squiddly and asks if he had been down in the Cellar, knowing full well that he had. Squiddly denies entering the Cellar and Zarek tries to Persuade the young Swashbuckler to tell the truth.
Squiddly explain that he had been down, but just as a dare as you told them not to do so. The Rogue believes that Squiddly that only had a brief look and did not discover the Underdark Tunnel. However, he is holding something back as to the full reason and the Rogue seams to remember that the Urchins have been very interested in them both.
The two heroes and the Urchins then sit down for a late lunch, the talk of Waterdeep Factions not mentioned.
The group is then alerted to the arrival of new patrons by the sound of heavy footfalls on the cobbles outside of Trollskull Manor.
Zarek dashes quietly to the window to take a peak before he opens the main door and see the following hulk of a beast standing outside Trollskull Manor, another Waterdeep Faction? Zarek realises that it must be a Shield Guardian.
Wizards and other spellcasters create Shield Guardians for protection. A Shield Guardian treads beside its master, absorbing damage to keep its master alive as long as possible.
A Shield Guardian’s solitary focus is to protect the Amulet’s wearer. The Amulet’s wearer can command the Guardian to attack its enemies or to guard the wielder against attack. If an attack threatens to injure the wearer, the construct can Magically absorb the blow into its own body, even at a distance.
A Spellcaster can store a single spell within a Shield Guardian, which can then cast the Spell on command or under specific conditions. Many a Wizard has been rendered helpless by enemies, only to surprise those foes when its Shield Guardian unleashes potent magical power.
Zarek then moves to open the door and finds a Female Dwarf outside.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow: “Good afternoon my name is Ulkoria Stonemarrow and I come from the “The Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors” and you have been requesting information regarding the previous ownership of Trollskull Manor.”
Zarek: “Please do come-in, I believe you already know Allegory Yaeldrin.”
Alley looks obviously uncomfortable as she realises who has arrived.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow is a Female Shield Dwarf whose face has been frozen in a terrible, almost horrifying rictus. Alley later tells Zarek that Ulkoria Stonemarrow is Nicknamed the ’Gargoyle’ due to the horrible scowl frozen on her face. Frightens children and adults alike. No one knows where she lives, but it’s believed to be underground, possibly a cellar or a dungeon under one of the city’s oldest estates.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow is offered some fine Dwarf Ale and Zarek follows all of the Dwarf customs when it comes to food and drink and Ulkoria Stonemarrow is obviously impressed. Alley sit upright, pays close attention to them both and says very little. The Urchins are sent away and the Dwarf, Human and Tiefling sit down together.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow, making sure that there is no one listening in, then goes on to explain her involvement with Trollskull Manor and its history as far as she knows:
As Ulkoria Stonemarrow tell her tale of Trollskull Manor, Zarek and Alley realise that she is not here regarding Waterdeep Factions, but to explain that she was the owner of the Tavern and they both get the feeling that Ulkoria Stonemarrow had waited longer than she could have to come and replay to Zarek’s initial enquiry.
Zarek and Alley give each other a side glance as Ulkoria Stonemarrow takes a quaff from her fine Dwarven Ale.
A Consolidated Reference of The Manor’s History:
- Owned by Ulkoria Stonemarrow. She sold the tavern to go adventuring.
- Sold to a family of Shield Dwarves. They fell on hard times and sold it to a woman named Esther Greybrow.
- Esther Greybrow converted the building into an orphanage. She turned out to be a Hag-Shadow who was cooking and eating the children.
- The building was then abandoned for several years, haunted by its horrible reputation.
- A Half-Elf named Lif took over the building and converted it back into a tavern.
- Lif was killed in a terrible accident 40 years ago, having fallen into debit and borrowed money from a new lone shark called Istrid Horn, when one of the support beams on his ale casks broke and collapsed on top of him. He was alone in the Cellar with nothing but a Doll grasped in his hands when found.
- A couple named the Morleys bought the property and attempted to reopen it, but the haunting of the property combined with the economic recession which preceded Lord Dagult Neverember becoming Open Lord saw them go bankrupt.
- The property changed hands several times, but with no serious efforts to occupy it.
- A small Halfling clan named the Curlbottoms bought the property around 1476 DR. They didn’t reopen the tavern, using the property exclusively as a residence for until 1484 DR when they moved to Neverwinter, caught up in Lord Dagult Neverember’s dream of rebuilding the city.
- Most recently, Emmek Frewn attempted to purchase the property at public auction, only to be outbid by Volothamp Geddarm (who was interested in researching its “haunted history” for his next book).
Zarek then in turn retells their tale of Hag-Shadow and Gibbering Mouther, Zarek is please to relay that Esther Greybrow is no longer on this Plane of existence and that the Souls of all the Children have been release to their Gods and may they have mercy and rest in peace.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow, who could also be a member of the vast number of Waterdeep Factions, appears to have warmed to Zarek, even as Zarek feels she has cast a Spell to ‘Detect Lie’, ‘Detect Good or Evil’ or even possibly ‘Detect Thoughts’, and leave happy that the two adventurers have done what others failed to do. Ulkoria Stonemarrow then proceeds to provide the Heroes with two prizes for their good deeds.
The first was a pouch with 50 gp Dragon’s for the hospitality, Ulkoria Stonemarrow may feel the place was worth reviving. For the second favor she waited until all the Guild Member to go before she produce it. Ulkoria Stonemarrow, the Archmage, then cast a ’Glyph of Warding’ onto the Trapdoor in the Taproom leading to the Cellars. It is imbued with a spell of ‘Detect Evil and Good’ and warns them to activate it with the command word (‘Shalgaddah’) if they ever suspect that Esther Greybrow’s evil has returned.
Ulkoria Stonemarrow and her Shield Guardian leave Trollskull Manor and Zarek and Alley have lots of things to think over.
Just when Zarek has thought he would like to Join the Emerald Enclave, another knock at the door of Trollskull Manor makes things more complicated.
Tickets to the Lightsinger Theatre arrive. Alley explains how the Lightsinger Theatre is a high-end establishment located in the Castle Ward.
Zarek: “A lot fancier than the Dhavian Trill Theatre I guess?”
Alley: “Slightly so.”
Waterdeep Factions – Harpers:
If the characters meet Mirt in his private box during the opera’s intermission, he describes the Harpers and offers membership to eligible characters. Characters who accept receive a silver pin of a harp within a crescent moon, along with their first mission (see the Harpers Missions table). Mirt also tells them that if they ever need to speak with him directly, they are welcome to visit his manor in the Sea Ward.
Zarek and Alley then have to acquire some Formal Attire for tomorrow’s performance and Zarek is very excited as he has never been to a performance in a Theatre. Alley and Zarek acquire the correct Formal Attire and both look very handsome indeed. The pair end up spending 30 gp Dragons on an outfit each.
Alley spends most of the day getting ready for the visit to the Lightsinger Theatre and tonight’s performance of ‘The Fall of Tiamat’, an opera sung in Giant describing the Evil Dragon Queen’s defeat at the Well of Dragons. Alley casts her Spell ‘Comprehend Languages’ so as to understand the play and translate for Zarek when needed.
At intermission they go to meet Mirt at his private Box C in the Lightsinger Theatre. Mirt is exactly as described by Alley, if not a lot more dramatic.
Zarek makes a point of being professional and spends the initial part of the meeting perceiving all that he can about Mirt.
Mirt is a portly, aging Male Human with a mane of thinning white hair and a neatly trimmed beard, dressed in fine but slightly rumpled clothes that smell faintly of wine and roasted meat. His face is perpetually flushed from laughter (and more than likely drink), with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. The Harper carries a hidden dagger or two, despite his jovial demeanor though Zarek notes. His fine garments are often patched, hinting at a frugal streak despite his wealth.
Known as Mirt the Moneylender and The Old Wolf, Mirt is one of Waterdeep’s most notorious retired adventurers. Mirt amassed a fortune during his adventuring days and invested it shrewdly in businesses, properties, and mercantile ventures. Alley said that he must have been a long-time member of the Harpers, using his wealth and connections to subtly influence events in Waterdeep in favor of the faction.
The old adventurer tells the Heroes of the Field Ward that he maintains a residence in the Dock Ward, though he is just as likely to be found at the Yawning Portal or attending noble gatherings. Zarek and Alley can sense that his jovial public persona hides a shrewd negotiator and cunning operator who has survived multiple assassination attempts over the decades.
Mirt then goes on to present the Harpers to the Rogue and Bard. From the start Zarek feels that the Harpers are destined to take Alley and he is yet to be clear where his future lays.
Mirt: “This clandestine network of Spellcasters and spies seeks to tip the scales in favour of the innocent, the weak, and the poor within the Realms. Harper agents pride themselves on being incorruptible defenders of good, and they never hesitate to aid the oppressed. Because they prefer to work behind the scenes, they are rarely noticed as they thwart tyrants, depose rulers, and head off any growing force that is rumoured to have Evil intent. The Harpers has its finger on the pulse of power in the Realms and works tirelessly to even the odds for the downtrodden.
Individual Harper agents operate alone, relying on their wits and extensive information networks to gain an advantage over their enemies. They know that knowledge is power, so gathering intelligence beforehand is paramount to their success. They are well-informed and always have access to aid, magical and otherwise. Veteran members have access to secret caches of knowledge stashed all over Faerûn, along with trusted sources stationed in every major town and city.
The organization is always on the lookout for powerful items, expressly to keep them out of the hands of evildoers. To this end its agents use various guises and identities to gain access to carefully guarded secrets such as Ancestral Maps, Buried Cities, and Mages’ Keeps.
The bond between Harpers is strong, and their friendships are nigh unbreakable. Rarely do they operate in the open, but on rare occasions they must, because there is no other choice. When that happens, you can be sure that a fellow Harper is watching closely, ready to emerge from the shadows and help a comrade at a moment’s notice.”
Zarek is interested but thinks how they can compliment his choice, when made.
Mirt: “A Harper is first and foremost self-reliant, for once you are autonomous then no one can tempt you into using power as a crutch. You are sovereign unto yourself. Therefore, a Harper’s soul must be incorruptible. Many believe themselves to be so, but power comes in many guises, and it will surely find your weakness. Of this you may be certain. Only a true Harper can pass this test and transform weakness into strength. That is why we are the hand that stops the tyrant, feeds the oppressed, and asks for nothing in return.”
Alley: “We are the song for those who have no voice.”
Mirt: “Indeed my child.”
Mirt hands Alley a Silver Pin of a Silver Harp nestled within a Crescent Moon. Alley had her choice made for her a long time ago Zarek thinks to himself.
Mirt thanks them both for coming and insist they stay and watch the second half of the performance with him. Zarek and Alley have a fantastic evening and return to Trollskull Manor by their rented coach and are pleasantly surprised when Lif has a nightcap waiting for them on their return.
The next morning is spent agreeing the alterations to Trollskull Manor and, for Zarek at least, which of the Waterdeep Faction is he to join. Then at one bell after midday, Zarek receive the intrusive message from Vajra Safahr the head of Force Grey (A.K.A Grey Hands).
Vajra Safahr: “I am Vajra Safahr, the Blackstaff. Come to Blackstaff Tower in the Castle Ward at once. Bring your friends.”
Zarek: “I think my mind has been made-up for me.”
Alley: “What ever do you mean Zarek?”
Zarek explains that he has chosen to join Force Grey, the best of the Waterdeep Factions. Alley remind him that he will assisting Force Grey and may one day be allowed to join. Thinking that Alley is once again showing her dislike of the Waterdeep Factions that be and ignores the Bard.
Waterdeep Factions Mission:
It is at that exact moment that a Magical ‘Paper Bird’ fly’s in and lands in front of Alley from the Waterdeep Faction the Harpers. The Bard opens it and read the contents out to Zarek, in Elven just in case.
“Gang war is causing unrest throughout Waterdeep. We offered protection to members of the Dungsweepers’ Guild; you are assigned to protect them. Meet them at Muleskull Tavern, on Ship Street in the Dock Ward, at six bells and guard them while they work. Do this every day for a tenday.” (50 words exactly)
Alley agree to the mission and Zarek accompanies her. The plan is to have Alley guard the group of the Dungsweepers’ Guild members, while Zarek watches for afar. The first eight days go without anything interesting happening. At first, they are both on guard and professional, but as the days dragon they are both not sure if this is a test of endurance or if they are really needed as protectors?
Then on the nineth day, towards the end of the shift, the evenings silence is broken by a blood curdling scream, the sound comes from an alley near by and has nothing to do with the Dungsweepers’ Guild members. Zarek rushes towards Alley, telling her to stay put with the Dungsweepers’ Guild members for now as he then Dashes off towards the scream.
Upon turning the corner of the road and entering the alley, the Rogue has to suddenly stop as he sees the following terrifying scene. Two City Watch guards are looking up at a large slug-like creature, 10’ feet long and 5’ feet wide, with only their long truncheon and a buckler to hand.
Zarek does not break stride and fires his Hand Cross-Bow at the Carrion Crawler, where are the Waterdeep Factions when you need them?
Zarek: “Carrion Crawler typically live in the Underdark or Sewers in large metropolitan city’s and they use their tentacles to paralyze their prey, before carrying it off. As I can see that the other one is doing.”
Alley rushes to the alley to help Zarek.
Alley: “Other one?”
Zarek: “Finish this one off, I’ve done most of the heavy lifting, and I’ll chase the other one.”
Zarek heads down towards the sewer cover and listens out for the Carrion Crawler carrying its victim but hears nothing.
Zarek: “The creature moves surprisingly fast for such a large bulk of a beast.”
Alley: “Be careful Zarek, I fear that we are once again entering a lair where our enemy has the advantage.”
Zarek initially, due to the night soil of the Waterdhavians above, has trouble in finding the trail of the Carrion Crawler but eventually picks up the overflow of the dark river of ungodliness and they follow on after the large monster and its captive.
Alley: “Did you see who it took Zarek?”
Zarek: “Shhh, no let’s be quite I have a bad felling about this. I always feel like we are chasing ourselves into traps.”
Zarek and Alley follow the Carrion Crawler down the Sewer Tunnels, without lighting a lantern so as not to alert the Carrion Crawler of their coming. The two Heroes then pass through a pair of rooms, with the sewer river continuing to flow under then, which must be for Maintenance or for the Dungsweepers’ Guild to rest?
It was as Zarek reached toe second room, separated by the sewer from the first room, that the Rogue saw the figure taken by the Carrion Crawler on the floor. Zarek listens out but hear nothing and forgets the words of his mentor Iomhar Rackham.
Iomhar Rackham: “You have 5 senses to keep you for being pinched by the Bizzies, use them all our kid.”
Zarek enters the room concentrating on the body on the floor and forgets to look up, where all monster hides in those cheep 2 Nib rags that the kids love, and that is where the agile Carrion Crawler clings onto the ceiling.
An attempt is made by the Carrion Crawler to Sting, and so Paralyze, our Tiefling Rogue but it is unsuccessful. The Rogue returns the attack in kind and Slashes at the beast with his Rapier. Alley then joins in and fire her ‘Fire Bolt’ at the Carrion Crawler.
The battle is brief, but longer than our Heroes would have liked, and the Carrion Crawler dies by their attacks.
Alley: “I feared for our lives Zarek, we need to be more careful or prepared, if that Is even possible given the frightening type of obstacles we are facing. Maybe we have chosen the wrong profession.”
Zarek: “Helping people is not a profession but the sign of humanity, or fiendishness?”
Alley giggles and feels content that Zarek is with her and still alive.
The Rogue gets back to business and searches the body. It is dressed in dark and black cloths, Studded Leather Armour, carried a Scimitar and Dagger and a Rolled-up Black Velvet pouch that contained 2 long fine metallic needles.
Alley: “Wait don’t touch them, let me use the Crystal first.”
Alley takes out her Magical Purple Crystal, that can Detect Magical Items, and it glows. These will be looked at later on to see what they truly are.
Finally, Zarek spots the now all too familiar Tattoo of the Black Flying Snake on the dead body.
Zarek: “A Zhentarim operative. I wounder what they needed these Needles for.”
Between Alley and Zarek they pool together their knowledge and believe that these items are Magical Tattoos. They are produced by a special Needle; this Magic Tattoo depicts protective imagery and uses ink that resembles liquid metal.
Zarek chooses the Masquerade Tattoo and alley takes the Barrier Tattoo.
Tattoo Attunement: To attune to this item, you hold the Needle to your skin where you want the Tattoo to appear, pressing the needle there throughout the attunement process. When the attunement is complete, the Needle turns into the ink that becomes the Tattoo, which appears on the skin.
If your attunement to the tattoo ends, the tattoo vanishes, and the needle reappears in your space.
They then both carry the body of the Zhentarim operative back to the surface and hands him over to the City Watch who are both appreciative and Impressed by their selfless actions.