ARANAT:
CHES 28th (The Claw of Sunsets – 1492 DR)
01:30 am
Aranat had taken Daisy Shadowfoot, jumps on one of the two horse that they had stashed by the side of Trollskull Manor, make their escape from the residence of Alley and Zarek.
The race was on for Merf to chase and follow Aranat, and the recently deceit Daisy Shadowfoot, and make sure he recovers the ‘Bag of Holding’ and its contents.
He chose to follow the Fighter, Aranat, and Rogue, Daisy Shadowfoot, rather than aid Zarek or contact Alley and alert her of the fate of the Tiefling.
The Halfling Rogue, using the Magical abilities, for the ‘Raven’s Dagger’, flew to the end of Saerdoun Street and looked about for signs of the two Zhentarim agents.
Seeing signs of their escape, as passer-by were looking and pointing south, Merf chose to fly after the fleeing couple and recover the property of Zarek and more importantly, the ‘Stone of Golorr’.
Merf followed Aranat and Daisy Shadowfoot, out along Delzorin Street and heading towards Saerdoun Street, and realised that they did not go the way he expected, which was to Yellowspire. Merf knew of its existence and location after his talk with Zarek.
As Merf flew south he noticed that there were signs of fallen creates by a green space near a luxury mansion, Stormweather Villa, and he head in that direction hoping to catch-up with the fleeing Aranat. At this point he noted that those in the Ward, workers returning home and staff finishing their shifts at the mansions, began to point in his direction. The sight of a Flying Halfling was enough for someone to alert the City Watch at their station huts, after all suspicious flying Thieves were not encouraged in the affluent North Ward.
Merf continued flying, at roof height some 30’ to 20’ feet depending on the buildings, parallel to Ussilbran Street and that’s when he heard his first Copper Whistle being blown and he caught the flashes of people running in his direction dressed in uniforms of Gold and Green. Aranat cannot be allowed to escape.
Merf: “I don’t understand, I haven’t done anything wrong, well not today anyway. There’s no law against flying is there?”
Undeterred and determined to catch-up with Aranat and Daisy Shadowfoot, Merf continued on knowing that the City Watch would not be able to catch him whist he was flying.
Merf: “It’s not as if they have flying City Watch or Priests and Wizards in their employ. Aranat has a head start and I need to catch him up.”
Unfortunately, that was exactly what the City of Waterdeep had to keep it citizens and visitors safe.
Merf flew onto the next Villa which also had a lovely lush green area and there he spotted one on the two horses, used by Aranat to flew, still with its saddle on and gently grazing the grass without a care in the world. Staff from the residence, Tarm Villa on Ussilbran Street, were looking out from the villa’s staff areas out onto the green.
Still no sight of Aranat.
Aranat Escapes:
As Merf began to descend to further investigate the area for clues, the Halfling Rogue first heard a screeching sound form the skies behind him and then spied a large flying creature in the distance moving directly for him.
Then there were also several groups of City Watch, blowing on their copper whistles and heading to attempt to cut the Halfling Rogue off.
Merf then flew diagonally from Tarsar’s Street, at a lower level, and he missed seeing the Swordmaiden in all her glory.
One of the eight enormous statues called the Walking Statues of Waterdeep, scattered throughout Waterdeep to defend the city in times of great peril. This statue appears virtually identical to the Honourable Knight, except for its female form and open-faced helm.
The flying creature was also getting even closer and faster than Merf had calculated.
Merf: “Whatever it is, it’s doing 160’ feet or so, easy. Faster than I can fly.”
The creature was in fact a Griffon Cavalry Rider and a member of the ariel force used to patrol the skies of Waterdeep.
Merf could see that there was a small force of City Watch waiting for him on the street where he was heading to. Merf had to guess, as was trying to avoid the City Watch, as to which way Aranat had ridden and once more decided to attempt to avoid the City Watch, know that his task was of great importance.
City Watch Druid: “Hold there in the name of the City Watch. Descend immediately or suffer the consequences of your actions.”
Merf: “I am chasing a villain named Aranat who has stolen a valuable artifact and should not be hindered or they will escape.”
City Watch Druid: “Of course you do and the city thanks you for it. However, you need to desist and come down here to discuss things further, we might be able to help you out son.”
Merf did not much like his tone and began to dream-up a plan of escape.
Merf: “My Raven’s Dagger has 2 charges left, enough to teleport somewhere, but where to?”
Merf gambles and throws his ‘Raven’s Dagger’ over the building on Suldown Street and trusts to luck. His luck was in, either that or Zarek put in a good word to Tymora. His ‘Raven’s Dagger’ sailed over the buildings and into an area next to Gelthoon Street and Aveen Street. There it landed on a wooded table which had on it a hot meat pie and a warn tankard of spiced wine.
Merf is teleported right next to the ‘Raven’s Dagger’ and the perusing City Watch are sent scurrying as they search for the Halfling Rogue. A loud screech is heard from above as the Griffon Cavalry Rider swoops down out of the night sky at a tremendous rate.
Merf:” Aveen Street, Aveen Street… Why does that name ring a very large bell for me?” The Halfling Rogue ponders as he hides in the shadows of the buildings, tucks into his free pie and wine and imaging the many ways he can kill Aranat.
Merf can clearly hear the noise of the City Watch as the Sargent barks out orders and the Druid calls out for the Halfling to give himself up.
City Watch Druid: “It will be in your best interest to surrender Halfling, otherwise charges of resisting arrest will be brought forth. Furthermore, the City Watch is legally authorised to use lethal force if an offender resists or poses a threat to lives.”
Merf decides to silently go to observe the City Watch and see what option he had. Merf could see that the Druid was casting or employing a Spell. The remaining City Watch were either blocking off the street or speaking with witnesses as the Griffon Cavalry Rider continued to patrols the sky above.
Merf: “Now I remember where I’ve seen these Griffon Cavalry Riders before. The City Guard is Waterdeep’s army, charged with protecting the city’s walls and gates, government buildings, harbour, and officials. The City Guard also patrols the roads to Amphail, Goldenfields, and Daggerford. These City Watch however must police the city. Interesting.”
The City Watch Druid continues searching for the Halfling Rogue, using his Locate Object Spell and more City Watch seem to appear form nowhere.
Merf: “Well at least it means Trollskull Manor is well protected in the North Ward.” The Rogue muses.
The Rogue realises that he has no real way to escape and that they had already seen him. The best thing would be to explain his intentions and hope that revealing some names and information would allow some leniency with the City Watch, after all Alley and Zarek are close friends with the Open Lord of Waterdeep.
Hunting Aranat:
01:31 am
Merf flies over to the City Watch Druid and gives himself up, though he still professes his innocence.
The City Watch Druid appears to take the declarations of the young Halfling as adolescent playfulness and now that he was standing in front of the old City Watch Druid, he could smell wine on his breath.
Merf: “I am working for the Grey Hand; I am chasing two Zhentarim contactors, Aranat and Daisy, who have the ‘Stone of Golorr’ and they killed my associate too. You need to have your patrol follow me and apprehend the Thief and bodyguard that I’m chasing’”
The City Watch Druid, in true law enforcement urgency, was in no hurry to peruse anyone, let alone be in a hurry to believe everyone that had a tall tale to tell. The City Watch Druid insisted on taking his details, asked the Rogue about his recent activities and when he arrived at Waterdeep. Meanwhile, the majority of the remain City Watch drifted away and moved the passers-by on their way.
01:55 am
After a long time, and far too long for Merf’s liking, the City Watch Druid insisted that Merf accompanied him back to his residence.
Merf: “Yes, I am staying at the Trollskull Manor with my associates Alley and Zarek.
City Watch Druid: “The Trollskull you say, and you are associated with Alley and Zarek? Is that correct?”
Merf: “Yes, yes. Now can I go?”
City Watch Druid: “I’m afraid not young Halfling we will need to accompany you back to said Trollskull Manor and verify all that you have said in your statement. If you are not too busy chasing Artifacts and Stones of plenty.”
Merf: “Golorr, not plenty you hippy wannabe wizard.” Merf mumbles to himself.
Merf and the City Watch Patrol make their way to Trollskull Manor on foot and it takes them around 15 to 20 minutes.
On the way to Trollskull Manor the City Watch Druid introduces himself as Haldark Stormshot and keeps the conversations to a minimum once he had explained the charges, possible penalties and the process of the Courthouse where Merf will need to appear and face his charges.
Haldark Stormshot also hands over a copy of Waterdeep’s Code Legal:
The Code Legal being the official system of laws and standard punishments used to maintain order in the City of Waterdeep.
Structure of the Code Legal:
The laws are divided into four main categories, called plaints:
Crimes Against the Lords: Offenses targeting nobles, officials, or the Masked Lords (such as bribery, blackmail, or impersonation).
Crimes Against the City: Offenses against public infrastructure and safety (such as arson, treason, forgery, or brandishing weapons without cause).
Crimes Against the Gods: Offenses against temples and religious figures (such as open blasphemy, tomb robbing, or assaulting a priest).
Crimes Against Citizens: Offenses harming everyday people or their property (such as murder, assault, burglary, and slavery).
02:15 am
Once at Trollskull Manor, Merf is confused when, after having knocked on the front door, it is opened by Alley as she greats the City Watch Druid.
The City Watch Druid introduces himself as Haldark Stormshot and explains why they had arrested Merf, also explaining how he gave Alley, Zarek and Trollskull Manor as his residence within Waterdeep.
Alley acts like she does not know who Merf is, the reason why he gave Trollskull Manor as his residence or how he in fact knew her name.
Haldark Stormshot explained what had happened and leaned over to whisper to Alley.
Haldark Stormshot: “I think the lad has been drinking and went for a joy ride. Wanting not to appear suspicious, flying around looking like a tiny version of the Black Viper, he has made up a fanciful tale of chasing murders who stool a wonderous item.”
Merf hears the City Watch Druid and protests his innocence.
Alley: “Let it not be said that we do not offer charity here at the Trollskull, I will take the young lad in and give him a bed and he can sleep it off. No harm no foul, Haldark Stormshot was it?”
Haldark Stormshot: “I think the youngling called it the ‘Stone of Glory’, or some such thing.”
Alley: “How fanciful. Ah, Lif thank you.”
Alley looks very annoyed at Merf for having divulged so much information regarding the Grand Game as she walks over to the Main door of Trollskull Manor, takes a bundle of something wrapped in linen and walks back to Haldark Stormshot.
Alley: “Here is something for you and your patrol to keep your energy up.”
Haldark Stormshot: “I think this may be seen as a bribe and I cannot accept…”
There is a murmuring and grumbling from the City Watch standing behind Haldark Stormshot and he decides to accept the gift, which once unwrapped, turned out to be mini warm pies.
Haldark Stormshot: “That is very kind and I thank you on behalf of my men and women of the City Watch. Have a pleasant evening Ally.”
Haldark Stormshot hands over the pies to the City Watch and Merf spots the Druid City Watch slip a pie into the sleeves of his robe as they all leave Trollskull Manor.
Meanwhile, Vara Silvershield is making her way along Trollskull Alley looking for the Tiefling named Zarek.
Alley, still keeping up the pretence of not knowing Merf, ushers the Halfling Rogue into Trollskull Manor.
Alley then silently waits to hear Merf’s account of the evenings flying chase across the rooftops of the North Ward.
Alley: “Very good Merf, I do have one comment though. Please stop volunteering information about us, our activities or our plans. We know that there are many Spies and something able to mimic that appearance and voice of others.”
Merf: “OK, keep things on the low-down, I get it.”
Alley: “As for Aranat and Daisy, if they have not fled to Yellowspire as you had first thought Merf, I only know of the Zhentarim Warehouse in Candle Lane as a possible place for them to lay low in.”
Alley then tell Merf that she needs to acquire some assistance, in the form of Scrolls and Spells.
Alley: “I will get them from a friend of ours, only mine now.”
Merf sees that Alley is preoccupied and can imaging that the death of Zarek is hitting her hard, though if her mother is an all-powerful Priestess of Ilmater then surely, he is in the best hands possible?
Merf is left with Lif and he helps himself to a freshly poured Ale and some form of fried, thin, salted root vegetable snack.
Lif (Scrawled on the Blackboard): “Salty Root Slices.”
After his third bowl and second tankard of Ale, there was a sudden knocking at the door to Trollskull Manor.
Merf, feeling already like a part of the family, makes his way to the door, opens it and find an unexpected figure waiting for him.
Lit by the lantern, Merf is confronted by a Female Silver Dragonborn Paladin. Fine, leathery silver scales cover most of her body, with larger, heavier, gleaming plates protecting her shoulders, forearms, and shins. Her scales emit a faint, cool luminescence or a clean, mirror-like sheen.
She has a blunt, regal Draconic snout with a strong brow, reptilian cheek frills, and a crest of horn-like silver scales sweeping backward like thick, ropey hair. Piercing, luminous eyes of brilliant silver-white that reflect her metallic ancestry.
Standing 6′ feet 8” tall and weighing over 300 pounds, she has a heavily muscular, imposing frame suited for heavy armour. Like standard Dragonborn, she lacks a tail and wings.
She wears polished steel chainmail armour accented with silver filigree and the holy symbol of her deity (Bahamut, A stylised, noble silver or platinum profile of a dragon’s head.) or her sacred oath. She carries a gleaming longsword and a towering shield bearing her order’s crest.]
Vara Silvershield: “Good evening little brother, my name is Vara Silvershield and I am looking for someone called Zarek. Do you know of his whereabouts?”
Vara Silvershield: “I am a Paladin of the Oath of Devotion and a follower of the lawful-good deity of justice, protection, and the metallic dragon called Bahamut. I do not worshiper as such, but aim to emulate her ethos of Justice, Wisdom and Protection of those that cannot protect themselves. Furthermore, my Paladin order…”
Merf: “Hi, I’m Merf. Zarek is dead, killed this very night.”
Merf felt uneasy as Vara Silvershield was towering over him, the size of outside privy and with the face of a Silver Dragon, yet her voice was soft and gentle. This reminded Merf too much of his dealing with the orphan priestesses that attempted to rescue him from the streets, not know he loved it there.
Merf: “This overgrown Iguana sound like she’s not mad, seconds before she breaths fire in your face, imposing yet gentle.” Thinks the Halfling Rogue.
Vara Silvershield is taken back with Merf’s reply thinking that she had come to the end of a thread, as so often happens in her line of work, and the thought of having to prolong the arrest and incarceration of the murders of her close and dearest friend, Brother Harvek Stonebough.
Merf: “Alley may be able to help you though.”
Vara Silvershield: “Alley, who is she?”
Merf: “Alley was Zarek’s best friend and they both owned this place. She was there at the fight with the Goblins.”
Vara Silvershield: “Where is Alley now and do you think she would be kind enough to talk with me?”
Merf then remembers that Alley had explicitly told him not to volunteer information to strangers or people that he doesn’t know.
Merf: “That’s silly really as I don’t know anyone here in Waterdeep. Unless you count Thear Chessar, the famous thief of Waterdeep and mentor to the infamous Frimly Greenish of Daggerford.” The Halfling Rogue thinks to himself.
Merf: “Alley, err, sorry I don’t know.”
Vara Silvershield: “Then may I ask you this Merf if I may. Were you there with Alley and Zarek at the time of his death.”
Merf: “Oh he wasn’t killed in the Field Ward, he was killed by Arrraaaaa, err I’m sorry but who are you again?”
Vara Silvershield once more introduces herself and explains her purpose.
Lif then purposely drops some glasses and the noise alerts the Halfling and Dragonborn. The Ghostly barman then writes a message on the chalkboard ask for Merf’s help. Merf then stands and calls for Vara Silvershield to join him and she stands.
Merf walks behind the bar and can see broken glass and spilled beer. Lif then draws an arrow pointing towards the Kitchen.
Merf misunderstands the Spectres intension and calls for Vara Silvershield. Merf makes his way to the Kitchen and there spot the Ghost writing a further message to the Halfling Rogue.
Lif (Written in flour): “Alone.”
Merf realises what the apparition wants to communicate with him alone and tells the Dragonborn Paladin it was nothing and he had in all under control. Lif makes it clear that the Halfling Rogue should not say more to the unknown entity until Alley returns.
Vara Silvershield: “As a Paladin of the Oath of Devotion and a follower of the lawful-good deity of justice, protection, and the metallic dragon called Bahamut. I do not worshiper Bahamut as such, but I aim to emulate his ethos of Justice, Wisdom and Protection of those that cannot protect themselves. Furthermore, my Paladin order, The Oath of Devotion, binds all us Paladins to the ideals of justice and order. We therefore hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct, and I myself, for better or worse, hold the rest of the world to the same standards.”
Merf’s eyes begin to glaze over as all the fighting, eating and the fine Trollskull Ale are making him feel very sleepy indeed. Vara Silvershield continues:
Vara Silvershield: “Many who swear this oath are devoted to gods of law and good and use their gods’ tenets as the measure of personal devotion. Others hold Angels as their ideals and incorporate images of angelic wings into their helmets or coats of arms. These paladins share the following tenets. Let your word be your promise, protect the weak and never fear to act and finally, let your honourable deeds be an example.”
Vara Silvershield goes on to tell Merf how she arrived at the Shrine to Silvanus only to find his mentor, and closest friend, Brother Harvek Stonebough dead on the floor of his holy temple. There was clear evidence of Goblins being involved in this deadly attack, but he had no idea as to why they would have targeted the Priest of Silvanus.
Vara Silvershield: “He was a kind and generous man that was no threat to anyone. There were no treasures to take, save his simple Silver Pendant which they stole.”
Just then Alley walks into the Taproom via the main door and begins a conversation with Merf before she noticed the big Silver Dragonborn sitting at the bar with Merf.
Alley is explaining how she had acquired some Scroll that would help in their endeavours in killing Aranat, once and for all. Then she spots Vara Silvershield and her deminer changes completely.
Alley: “Who is this Merf, who have you let in after I said not to?”
Vara Silvershield: “My name young miss is Vara Silvershield. I am a Paladin of the Oath of Devotion and a follower of the lawful-good deity of justice, protection, and the metallic dragon called Bahamut. I do not worshiper as such, but aim to emulate her ethos of Justice, Wisdom and Protection of those that cannot protect themselves. Furthermore, my Paladin order…”
Alley: “We do not wish to buy anything and we give to our chosen charity of choice.”
Vara Silvershield continues by explaining to Alley of her current situation. Merf continued to take advantage of the exceedingly nice food and drink on offer at Trollskull Manor, though he felt that Lif was hold back now that Alley had returned.
Alley: “But why have you come to Trollskull?”
Vara Silvershield: “Merf said…”
Alley: “There’s no need to continue missionary, I get the point.”
Alley is not sure, she still has reservations about Merf, how fortunate it was that he was there to help at the exact time that he was needed, then again so was she when Zarek needed her help. There was also the fact that there were at least 2 players in the Grand Game that had the ability to change their aspect and seem to seem fair yet look foul. The Doppelgänger and the Man in The Hat being 2 of them.
Alley: “I need to make sure that they are sent by Tymora and not any of the many Factions after us, or just me now.”
Alley had beg for help from Rishaal the Page-Turner, and his Spells and Scrolls, as well as Fala Lefaliir and her Potions, and they both aided Alley as best they could. Alley will need to arrange for payment with them both.
A ‘Potion of Mind Reading’ (200 gp – 10% = 180 gp) from Fala Lefaliir at the Corellon’s Crown.
A 4th Level ‘Locate Creature’ Spell cast onto a Scroll (300 gp – 10% = 270 gp) will allow Alley to describe or name a creature that is familiar to her, then she will sense the direction to the creature’s location if that creature is within 1,000 feet of the Bard. If the creature is moving, she will know the direction of its movement.
Finally, a 3rd Level ‘Speak with Dead’ Spell cast onto a Scroll (150 gp – 10% = 135 gp) will also allow Alley to question Aranat, Daisy Shadowfoot or any unfortunate Zhentarim that may get in the Bards way. Both acquired from Rishaal the Page-Turner at the Book Wyrm’s Treasure.
Alley: “I think I will need to use the Potion of Mind Reading to verify that these two unbidden adventurers were in fact who they profess to be.”
The Bard goes to the bar and has a drink, which covers her consuming the ‘Potion of Mind Reading’. A very expensive outlay, as Zarek would have said, but most definitely required.
Alley is satisfied that the two new recruits were not hiding anything important or that they were members of one of the competing factions, and so she planned yet another test of their willingness to combat the forces of Evil and greed.
The Bard explains her thoughts and how she believes that if Aranat had not headed west, towards Yellowspire, then she believes that they may have headed for Candle Lane and the Zhentarim Warehouse where they all first met.
Vara Silvershield continues to ask questions but she is innocently ignored as Alley and Merf, who was intent of finishing the job he had started and killing Aranat and Daisy Shadowfoot possibly, for a third time. Vara Silvershield was confident that she would be able to both aid Alley and Merf in bringing the culprits to justice and in turn gather the information needed to also arrest the murders of Brother Harvek Stonebough.
The Bard, Rogue and Paladin then all take to the Wagon. Merf drives, as he is still mostly unknown to the Factions in the Grand Game, Alley hid under the canvas and Vara Silvershield was asked to do the same.
Alley: “You standout like a freshly plucked chicken in a room full of foxes, best to take cover with me.”
Vara Silvershield: “I am not use to subterfuge and hiding Alley, I like to face obstacles head on.”
Alley: “That’s fine when you are spreading the missionary word, but maybe today you try it?”
Vara Silvershield is not too happy but is willing to compromise for information leading to the capture of the murders.
The three heroes ride off south as they head for the Zhentarim Warehouse in Candle Lane. Once there, they slowly ride past the main gates and see nothing that stands out.
Vara Silvershield spots a flickering lantern that seems odd and makes a mental note to further investigate it.
The Rogue has little time to waste time and believes they need to deal with Aranat as soon as they can to prevent him for having someone deal with the dead Halfling Rogue. For this reason, after seeing nothing to show that Aranat was in the warehouse, drove around the side of the warehouse and to the loading sliding door on the first floor of the double story building.
Merf then alerts Alley and Vara Silvershield and begins to climb the wall up to the sliding door. Once there, and not having taken the time to hide his actions, the Rogue finds the door unlatched and so pulls it open. A bell rings out somewhere in the warehouse below.
Merf: “Oppps.”
Merf signals Vara Silvershield to join him and lowers a rope. The Paladin climbs up and joins Merf in a dark office. Alley comes out from under the canvas and sits on the driver’s seat of the wagon.
Several citizens notice the activity by the abandoned warehouse.
02:45 am