Esther Greybrow:
Esther Greybrow is a name that will not be soon forgotten by both Allegory Yaeldrin and Zarek Brightlamp.
Alley and Zarek cannot agree on what to do with the body of the Duergar Mind Master Spy, or the discovery of a tunnel leading to the Underdark, presumably?
Zarek believes that they should inform the City Watch of the Duergar Mind Master Spy, his activities and the tunnel down to possibly the Underdark.
Alley and Zarek go back and check the Duergar Mind Master Spy’s cavern once more to make sure they missed nothing.
Alley thinks that the Duergar Mind Master Spy, and she emphasises the word Spy, would keep his actions and location secret from others and feels they are safe to keep this information from the authorities.
Alley: “Anyway, the City Watch would inform the authorities and they will become involved and they lives will be ruined and compromises made, a punishment for being forthcoming.”
Zarek: “Are we talking about Trollskull Manor, or something else Alley.”
Alley snaps back to her controlled self and continues to say,
Alley: “Yes of course, this may delay or even scupper our plans.”
Alley then offers to talk contact Hargadon Dudley, as he may be able to help and provide advice. The Bard also suggests that the soul of the unknown child in the basement is their highest priority and Hargadon Dudley will be able to help with that too.
Zarek is Persuaded by Alleys calm nature and simple reasoning and they agree to release the child’s skeleton from the manacles and lay it with the dead Duergar Mind Master.
Zarek has some minor issue with unlocking the old and rusted manacles, but quickly and respectfully gathers the bones in his Cloak. Little knowing that this was the work of Esther Greybrow.
Zarek: “Who or what killed the Duergar Mind Master is another mystery that we have overlooked too.”
Alley: “There is nothing more to do until Hargadon Dudley the Cleric arrives.”
The Rogue and Bard then move one of the Wine Racks to cover the Brick Wall which Zarek made a hole through.
Zarek and Alley, now in the Taproom of Trollskull Manor discuss what they intend to do next. Alley will go and ask Hargadon Dudley to help them with their issue and Zarek will visit the local North Ward Courthouse and request copies of any incidents reported to the City Watch, or convictions, involving Trollskull Manor and Trollskull Alley for the Years: 1400s DR – 1450s DR.
Alley and Zarek then head off to bed, Zarek is sore and tired, and hope for a better day tomorrow.
The following day appears brighter and Zarek heads down to the Taproom, exiting outside from the upper residential area, heading down the stairs and through into the Taproom. Alley had already prepared breakfast and it was this morning that the Tiefling realised the food and refreshments tasted exceptionally good.
Zarek: “Alley, do you cast your Prestidigitation on all the food you make and is that safe?”
Alley: “It tastes nicer than the alternative, believe me. Unless you want to cook?”
Zarek then spots the top of two small red horns at the window behind where Alley was sitting.
Alley rolls her eyes and continues to enjoy her breakfast.
Zarek thinks he knows who it was and stealthily moves over and startles the two Urchins under the window, presumably listening-in.
Zarek: “Good morning Squiddly and Jenks too I see, coming in we are just sitting down to break our fast, come an join us.”
Zarek can see that Nat is standing by the front door of Trollskull Manor and she rolls her eyes at the two boys, or is that three. The three Urchins enter, sit down at the table and all are very happy to see Alley. Even Nat nods at Zarek when she enters.
Squiddly: “Shiver my timbers landlabbers, Yo h oho and a bottle of Rum.”
Zarek volunteers to bring more food and uses that as an excuse to listen in on the group.
Zarek: “Alley has an affinity with these children and I will see what they have to say.”
Alley speaks with Jenks and tells him that their books, including the Magic Tomes and Books of Lore, will be arriving soon and his help with still be greatly appreciated.
Alley then turns her attention to Squiddly and asks if they are any news from the Docks. Squiddly goes on to tell Alley how there has recently been the arrival of the Three ship, that travel the coastline, and the Sea Maidens Faire will be set-up by the docks.
Zarek returns with more food and drink and sits down with the others. Jenks then stats to question Zarek regarding his Skills with Magic and is interested to learn that the Rogue only knows a few Cantrips and one Spell, ‘Disguise Self’.
Zarek: “Curious little boy, aren’t you Jenks?”
Jenks: “It’s always good to know your limits.”
Alley offer the Urchins 2 Copper Nibs each to stay in Trollskull Manor for the morning whilst Zarek and herself ran some errands.
Squiddly: “Avast ye, we will batten down the hatches and make all those that dare enter walk the plank.”
Nat then signs to Squiddly. Alley and Zarek both look at Squiddly and he asks for more sugar, even though there was more sugar on the table.
Squiddly: “All hands-on deck. Be you looking for booty?”
Zarek: “I am off to the Courthouse and Alley is to see her friend.”
The Urchins wish the Heroes well and relax in the Taproom with the shadow of Esther Greybrow watching over them.
Zarek: “Don’t go down into the Cellar.”
Zarek makes his way to the Courthouse where he has to fill in a Scroll with his request and choose if he wants to return in a few days or have it delivered, form more coin, in a Tendays time. He elects to return and heads back to Trollskull Alley.
On his way back, stopping at his favourite clothing store, he notices someone following him and he thinks it to be Iomhar. Thinking that Iomhar wanted to talk the Tiefling made it obvious that he knew he was being flowed and tried to guide Iomhar to a quite place to talk. On noticing this Iomhar backs off and chooses not to follow the Tiefling Rogue.
Zarek: “That is very strange, I must make a mental note to talk to Iomhar about today.”
Zarek remembers to buys some special cakes for Hargadon Dudley, Alley and the Urchins and then heads back to Trollskull 4 hours after leaving that morning.
When Zarek enters Trollskull Manor he finds Alley, The Urchins and Hargadon Dudley all sitting by the table. Zarek produces the cakes and that makes all those present very happy. In fact, as Zarek is unwrapping the pastries Squiddly accidently drops the cutlery, apologises and help Zarek to pick them back up. When the Rogue returns to his task he spots that on of the Winter Berries Tarts had disappeared.
Zarek and Alley enjoy their Tea with their friends and they wait for the Urchins to leave before they get down to the business on the dead bodies in the Cellar. Zarek finds that the Trapdoor down to the cellars is easy to open but thinks nothing of it.
Alley: “Wait, I have something which I purchased for this very task Zarek, it’s behind the bar.”
Zarek finds a brand-new Ladder, with the sign of the Bent Nail branded on its side.
Zarek, Hargadon Dudley and Alley all descend into the Ale Cellar and the Rogue asks for Hargadon Dudley’s professional option as to the cause of death.
Hargadon Dudley: “I am afraid that the poor child has been dead for many decades, too many to truly know for sure.”
Zarek: “Can it not has a Clerical Spell cast upon it so as to ask it questions?”
Hargadon Dudley: “That would be possible but difficult without a true reason. It would require an Apostle to cast and permission from the Order too.”
Hargadon Dudley takes the bones of the child and promises to provide a proper burial. The body of the Duergar Mind Master Spy will be collected by someone sent by Hargadon Dudley and he will present it to the City Watch and say it was left at the Morgue Door at night.
Zarek is still uneasy about not alerting the authorities, but knows that Alley is not so inclined and why would this be? Zarek reminds himself to make another Mental Note.
Alley insists that Hargadon Dudley take a Hansom Cab with the bones of the child back to the Hospice of St. Laupsenn, a temple devoted to Ilmater, the god of endurance and compassion and the place where Cassia Yaeldrin serves.
Later on, that day Broxley Fairkettle comes knocking on the door of Trollskull Manor to take possession of the down payment form the works to be carried out on the Manor. Alley and Zarek politely offer Broxley Fairkettle refreshments, Ale Bread, Cold Cuts and Cheese. As the three were about to start their late lunch/early dinner, there is another knocking at the door.
Zarek: “Is this the life of a Tavern Owner, its more work than I first imagined.”
At the door the Rogue finds Renaer Neverember and Floon Blagmaar, a little worse for wear, and Volothamp Geddarm who is looking a bit sheepish.
Zarek: “Welcome my friends, coming in and join the late lunch.”
Floon Blagmaar: “Is there Wine?”
Renaer Neverember pushes Floon Blagmaar into Trollskull Manor and enters himself. Volo give Zarek a polite nod.
Volothamp Geddarm: “Any news on the Spirt, sorry Lif was his name if I’m correct in remembering.”
Zarek lets everyone into the Taproom and explains t Volothamp Geddarm that they have not heard from Lif in a while, but suspect he is just waiting for the Grand Opening.
At that Volothamp Geddarm sits down at the table with the others and explains how he has a list of staff that he highly recommends and is in the process of contacting. Once they have agreed, he will send them onto Trollskull Manor for Alley and himself to interview.
Once they have all finished eating, with Floon asking for more Wine and finding only Ale, Broxley Fairkettle attempts to request the payment as he and his guards need to leave before it gets too dark.
Alley: “We have nothing to hide from these gentlemen, we consider them as friend even. Volo was the one who give us the property and so he is to blame for the bill we are about to happily pay for.”
Zarek stands up and he makes his feels felt. The Rogue goes on to attempt for the passivity of paying in instalments, or a smaller percentage upfront.
Broxley Fairkettle looks worried and stares at Alley, Renaer Neverember listens on closely and Floon Blagmaar mumbles about the lack of good Wine. Volothamp Geddarm is obviously embraced and tries to start another conversation.
Broxley Fairkettle: “We signed the agreement and in it, it clearly states that the first party of the…”
Alley: “Please do not listen to him, it is another of his jokes in poor taste and little substance.”
Alley stares Daggers at the poor Rogue who chooses to move away from the group and back down. Zarek recovers the Gold Dragons and counts them out for Broxley Fairkettle to take away with him and his Guards.
Broxley Fairkettle: “Also, very important, if you wish any changes of additions, please make sure you let the Guilds know as soon as possible, to save on delays and more expenses later.”
Broxley Fairkettle provides Alley and Zarek with a receipt and bids everyone a good day.
As he leaves and Zarek closes the door he spots the 2 Guards that were accompanying Broxley Fairkettle and after a few seconds another 2 Guards walk out from the sides of the Manor and followed the group.
Renaer Neverember then makes and excuse to talk to Zarek regarding the Bar and any further refurbishments. Once out of the hearing of the others, Renaer Neverember offers Zarek his assistance as he said he would.
Renaer Neverember: “I can not offer much in the way of physical help young man, but I can offer coin. In turn you may wish to go into partnership, a small percentage only, so it is not a handout.”
Zarek: “Thank you for the offer, I would need to discuss it with Alley but think it to be a great idea.”
Renaer Neverember then tells the other two that the night is still young and that another Tavern awaits them this night. The 3 friends leave Alley and Zarek to tidy-up and go to bed, tiered but happy that their new adventure will begin very soon.
The next morning Zarek and Alley are woken-up by all of the Guild Members that are going to be working on Trollskull Manor. Alley is tasked with overseeing the initial once over, uncovering the boarded windows and assessing the materials needed and the scope of work required.
Zarek thinks it best that he goes and attempts to sell off the 4 Gems that they found in the Duergar Mind Master Spy’s Trapped Chest. The chest is now currently in Zarek’s Room. Zarek once more changes his appearance to that of a local rich merchant from Baldur’s Gate.
However, the Rogue is not sure if it was his bad Persuasion Skills that day, that fact that it was only a small number of Gems or if Maelra Harlathurl, of Harlathurl’s Fine Gems, was annoyed that the rich merchant had lied as to the amount and type of Gems that he actually had, but his luck was out and only received 20 Gold Dragons per Gem, 80 Gold Dragons in total to add to the Trollskull Manor’s, dwindling, Renovations Fund.
Maelra Harlathurl: “These are truly exquisitely worked Dwarven Gems and will fetch a very pretty price among the Nobles of Waterdeep, a good day’s work.” Maelra Harlathurl thinks to herself as she waves off the rich merchant from Baldur’s Gate.
Zarek heads back to Trollskull Manor, after cancelling his ‘Disguise Self’ Spell and finds that the whole of Trollskull Manor is now a building site.
Alley: “They have moved your things into the Master Bedroom with me, they aim to work fast and will leave it to be worked on last. I have also told them to leave the library for now, unless they find anything major that needs repairing.”
Zarek, very impressed with Alley’s management skills, helps out where he can, providing refreshments for the Guild Members and them making dinner for them both in the evening.
Zarek: “wow, this tastes rather nice if I do say so myself, I think it was the extra spice that I…Hold on Alley, have you Magicked my food?”
Alley: “Do you really want to know or should we just enjoy out meal Tiefling?”
The two Heroes have a pleasant meal and are then interrupted once more by a knock at the main door.
Guild Member: “I have a delivery from the Field Ward by request of the City Watch. Either one Zarek or Allegory to sign.”
Zarek opens up and there are 3 Guild Members, 2 that move the creates of books up to the library, while the last one has the receipt signed for by Zarek. The books are from the library in Ivan’s Hideout. The books recount a History of Waterdeep, and Various Arcane Rites and Rituals. The value of these books vary, Zarek thinks but there is no price great enough to pay for knowledge. All of the books are written in or translated into Common.
Alley and Zarek both go to bed and Zarek hopes to visit the Courthouse tomorrow to collect the records regarding incidents in and around Trollskull Manor.
The next morning Zarek and Alley are once again woken-up by all of the Guild Members.
Alley: “I will stay home, wow that’s the first time I have called it that, overseeing the works, requests, questions and possible extra costs for materials required.”
Zarek: “I hope not to be too long at the Courthouse and will come straight back with all the information.”
Alley: “I am worried that we have both overlooked the disappearing blood on two occasions, the falling masonry, you being locked in the Cellar, the attack on the ladder holding the Dwarf that nearly died and now the death of the Duergar Mind Master Spy. Someone needs to keep an eye on the Cellar.”
Zarek leaves pondering who could be responsible for the happenings in Trollskull Manor and why has Lif not appeared, it had been days since they last had contact from him.
Zarek collect all of the documentation and is able to place it all in his ‘Bag of Holding’ without anyone seeing.
Zarek: “This is a great Magic item; I am so glad that we have it.”
Zarek returns to Trollskull Manor, after collecting more provisions, enough to feed a small army, from the Trades Ward. He remembers that Alley said a small kindness goes a long way with Guild Members, praising their work never hurts either.
Zarek and Alley spend the remainder of the afternoon attending to the Guild Members and then they both sat down for their meal before the Rogue and Bard both spend the early evening going through the Incident Reports from the Courthouse. As they both prepare their work areas it becomes clear that a friendly rivalry begins to emerge between the 2 Sages.
Zarek: “Alley, lets keep the document I believe are most important, I am a qualified Sage you know, and that will allow me to filter out the most relevant information.”
Alley: “Indeed, I will then attempt to read what you have left me if only I had the skill to do so. Letters are not my strong point considering I am also a Sage, a member of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors, head of the Guides of the Tower of the Order. So, I think I may find more than you, young Sage my lad.”
Zarek laughs on the inside and set out to prove, little miss I live in the big city, wrong. They both read through the night and many a candle is spent that night.
Zarek and Alley then stop for a break and head down for a meal in the Taproom. As they are finishing their meal a fluttering is heard by them both and a ‘Paper Bird’ flying in and towards Zarek.
Zarek opens the Paper Bird, obviously directed at him, and reads out the message within:
“Renaer tells us you are a good bet. He bought you tickets to the opera next week at the Lightsinger Theatre in the Sea Ward. If you are interested, meet Mirt at intermission. Private Box C. Formal attire is required for admittance.”
Enclosed are tickets for the two members of the party to The Fall of Tiamat, an opera sung in Giant describing the Evil Dragon Queen’s defeat at the Well of Dragons.
There is a small symbol in the top right-hand corner of the message which Zarek see just as the ‘Magic Bird’ turns to dust.
Zarek: “I guess no one would believe us if we said we received a letter from this Mirt. Do you know who that is Alley? And I spotted a symbol, Ten Points for team Zarek”
Alley: “Yes, I do know who that is. Ten points for team Alley”
Mirt the Moneylender, also known as Mirt the Merciless or the Old Wolf, is a prominent figure in Waterdeep, known for his wealth, past as an adventurer, and current role as a Masked Lord. Despite his age, he remains strong and clear-minded, with a reputation for being shrewd and kind-hearted. He’s also known for his larger-than-life personality, often appearing drunk and blustering, which could be a deliberate act to hide his true cunning
They both know what the symbol was and who the Harpers are. The Harper’s symbol, a Silver Harp and Crescent Moon on a Black or Royal Blue Field. This symbol represents the faction’s values of Balance, Freedom, and opposition to Tyranny.
The two Heroes return to their research.
Alley: “Prestidigitation, Light.”
Alley lights another candle and the two Heroes of the Filed Ward both go over their finding. Unsurprisingly they both uncover the same link and discard the false lines of inquiry.
Alley & Zarek: “Esther Greybrow, owner of the Orphans residents.”
Zarek and Alley realise that they now have a potential person of interest one Esther Greybrow, though Esther Greybrow would be long dead so what is the connection? The Heroes head off to bed, with Zarek already having moved back into his Bedroom, and hope to find out more about this Esther Greybrow.
This is when the Rogue hears the gentle creak of the floorboards outside of the library, the stairs would be the Tieflings bet if he was a betting man. The door to the library had been shut to keep out the dust from the renovations and to keep the recently acquired books from the Filed Ward safe. Had they evoked Esther Greybrow by calling her name?
The Rogue gestures Alley to keep still and moves over deftly to the door and listens out for any more movement, silence. Zarek gently opens the door and there, sitting at the top of the stairs was a white cat that speaks the following message in a melodious male voice to the Rogue and Alley as she steps forward.
“Interested in joining the Emerald Enclave? Come meet us at Phaulkonmere in the Southern Ward.”
The cat appears to be an ordinary animal, as it did make noise on its arrival, upon which a Magical Spell was cast. The White Cat blinks, appears to realise it was in an unfamiliar location and dashes away after delivering its invitation.
Alley: “This must be from the group of Hippies that call themselves the Emerald Enclave.”
Alley goes on to explain who they are:
The Emerald Enclave in Waterdeep is a faction focused on preserving the natural order and balancing civilization with the wilderness. They are a group of Druids, Rangers, Bards and others who believe the natural world needs protection from both unnatural threats and unchecked expansion of civilization.
In Waterdeep, they actively guard the city against aberrations and Undead, while also keeping watch over the ‘City of the Dead’ and the city’s parks.
Zarek: “I think I will go and visit Fala Lefaliir and ask him, her, they, if they know of this Esther Greybrow as they have been here possibly the longest.”
Alley: “Also, you should replenish your ‘Potion of Greater Healing’ while you are over there.”
Zarek: “And have fewer Dragons than we already have?”
Alley: “What was that?”
Zarek: “Nothing, I will be right back.”
Zarek asks Fala Lefaliir if they know of an Esther Greybrow and Fala says they did.
Fala Lefaliir: “Esther Greybrow was a pleasant enough lady that did what she could for all those orphan children. She was a sweet, loving widow.”
The Rogue returns to Trollskull Manor with his ‘Potion of Extra Healing’, finds that Alley had gone to bed, he can’t tell her what Fala has said about Esther Greybrow and so declared himself the Head Sage and went to bed himself.
Zarek is woken from troubled sleep, but not before the last whispers of a nightmare warn of the horrors to come:
“The nightmare has you in its jaws. Down through the depths you fall, tasting salt and blood on your lips while water rushes into your lungs. The depths are dark but not empty and the dead wail together as one haunting chorus. As the seas churn and drag you deeper, you burst free from the nightmare with a sheen of sweat on your flesh.”
“The night is cold. Try as you might, there’s no more sleep for you tonight so long as you can taste that blood on your tongue and the salt on your lips.”
Zarek sits up bolt right and sweat drips down his back. Then the Rogue see himself in a mirror opposite his bed, and he finds blood on his face.
“As Zarek tries to drift off to sleep once more, his tongue scrapes against something in his mouth, a chunk of flesh. Salted, wet flesh. And it isn’t yours. Sickness blooms in the Tieflings belly as he reaches into his mouth and pull out a small, wet chunk. He holds it up to the moonlight, and sure enough, its viscera. Actual viscera.”
The Rogue has a newfound Constitution for death and gore and is able to hold back his repulsion and manage not to wretch and throw-up all over his bed. Esther Greybrow?
Zarek: “Mine God, das felt so very real to me and not just a mere dream.”
Meanwhile, earlier on that night, Alley throws off her bed covers and she jump out of bed fully clothed and with every intention of finding just one more clue or insight that would allow her to be considered the Head Sage of Trollskull Manor and the Band Adventurers called ‘The Insightfuls’, well it was a working title.
Alley spent some time in the library but she was unable to improve on her or Zarek’s Booklore and eventually her eyes begin to droop with the name Esther Greybrow ringing in her ears.
“Midnight has come and gone. As Alley pours over the old records and scrabbled notes, her eyes begin to shut. As darkness presses in on her young vision, a chill wind sweeps through the library… And on it, rides a voice:”
“Who’s that trip-trapping over my bridge? roared the Troll,”
An old woman crows to a crowd of restless, aweing children which Alley can now see all sitting on the floor behind her. Esther Greybrow?
“Why, I’m off to eat sweet, green grass!” said Little Billy Goat Gruff.
“No, you’re not, roars the Troll, Because I’m gonna gobble you up!”
The library erupts into a tangle of children’s shouts and surprise as the old woman snatches up a youngster, laughing, cackling, but when Alley lifts her eyes from the desk, she finds nothing and no one in the library but herself. Was it all but a dream?
Alley makes a cursory exploration of the library and finds a Tome on the floor: A Hundred Tales of Fae, and as Alley picks it up it open on Three Billy Goats Gruff. No harm befalls the Bard, but a wind sweeps through the hall when Alley looks at the Tome it causes all the pages to flutter to an inscription written on the first page. It reads,
“Children, know that Mama Esther will always love you.”
Alley: “this book must have belonged to Esther Greybrow, but how did it get here?”
Alley then hears Zarek’s cries and they both meet each other on the landing outside of the library.
Alley: “Can you hear that? It sounds like children talking and running around upstairs, could it be the Urchins.”
Zarek: “I can’t hear that but I can hear some other noise, it sounds like music of some sort, coming from below us. Can you not hear that?”