Drow Gunslingers:
CHES 25th (THE CLAW OF SUNSETS)
02:10 am
As Alley and Zarek had been staking out the ships of the Sea Maidens Faire, they observe strange activity on the pier during their night of surveillance as they spot the Drow Gunslingers.
“A thick fog unexpectedly rises along the water, engulfing vessels and docks alike. As the gray miasma thickens, the creaking sound of shifting ships becomes increasingly haunting. Suddenly, you spot three shadows gliding through the gloom like Elves slipping through a forest. Where they came from and where they’re going, you don’t know.”
The shadowy figures later turn out to be the 3 Drow Gunslingers from the Eyecatcher.
The 3 Drow Gunslingers have used the cover of the fog to come ashore in one of the Eyecatcher’s rowboats. The boat is tied off at the end of the pier between the Heartbreaker and the Hellraiser.
Zarek thinks to himself, “This is not a natural fog and I suspect that it has been conjured up by someone or something.”
These 3 Drow Gunslingers, are later identified by Laeral Silverhand as Bregan D’aerthe Spies. Bregan D’aerthe is a term as yet unheard of by the Rogue and Bard and they are unclear as to the name.
Zarek can clearly see that the 3 Drow Gunslingers are on their way to a secret meeting and as the Rogue was still ‘Invisible’, thanks to Alley’s Spell, he chooses to follow the 3 Drow Gunslingers as close as he can and the fog allows. The Rogue approaches the 3 Drow Gunslingers as silent as an Owl and keeps them in sight, 20’ feet due to the limited vision caused by the fog.
The Rogue follows the 3 Drow Gunslingers as they first keep to the dock edge by the water and then north-west as they head towards the area of Mistshore.
There the 3 Drow Gunslingers stop and begin to talk with a figure hiding at the mouth of an Alleyway. The Rogue edges as close as he can and listens to the conversation between the 3 Drow Gunslingers and mysterious contact.
The Drow Gunslingers:
The Mysterious Contact then speaks to the 3 Drow Gunslingers and the Rogue can hear that it is a female, speaking common with a strong Waterdavian accent.
One of the Bregan D’aerthe spies passes something to the Mysterious Contact.
The Bard reaches the place where the Rogue was watching and she is able to spot him while Invisible.
Mysterious Contact: “I am not surprised that Jarlaxle Baenre lacks the courage to meet me in person.”
The 3 Drow Gunslingers stay silent and the Mysterious Contact continues to talk.
Mysterious Contact: “I thank you for delivering the letter, and I would caution you to mind the City Watch and the City Guard as you head back to the Sea Maidens Fair.”
The 3 Drow Gunslingers Spies return whence they came.
The Rogue at first wanted to follow the 3 Drow Gunslingers, but the Bard pointed to where the Mysterious Contact was and said:
Alley: “We know where those 3 are going, we need to know who the Mysterious Contact is, they may be the purchaser of the Nimblewright Assassin that did for Iomhar Rackham.”
Zarek: “That did for Iomhar Rackham? That’s called using the vernacular.”
Zarek agrees to Alley’s plan and he follows the tracks of the Mysterious Lady Contact. The Rogue easily picks up the tracks from the alleyway and follows them for a while until he finally realises that he had returned to the original Alleyway. The Rogue also finds the remains of some sealing wax which explains what the Drow handed over to the Mysterious Lady Contact.
Alley follows behind Zarek as she is able to see the Rogue even as he is ‘Invisible’ and hopes she did the right thing in letting the Drow Gunslingers go.
Mysterious Lady Contact: “Why do you follow me? Tell me your name before I do something I will regret.”
Zarek has little time to ponder how it is that the Mysterious Lady Contact is able to know that he is there and is unprepared to answer.
Zarek: “It is enough to say I know that you are there.”
Mysterious Lady Contact: “Again I ask you name, if we are to converse, I feel it only prudent that I know whom I speak with.”
Zarek: “I would not like to say at this time, what is your name and I will then decide.”
Mysterious Lady Contact: “Why is it that you were following me? Or were you trailing Bregan D’aerthe?”
Then Zarek hears Alley’s voice in his head as she uses her limited ‘Message’ Spell to communicate with the Rogue as she hides behind the corner.
Alley: “I know that voice, it’s the Open Lord herself, Laeral Silverhand. Be careful of her Zarek, she is the most powerful user of Magic in Waterdeep.”
Zarek realises that he needs to be accommodating to the Open Lord and answer her questions as best he can without giving too much away. Especially when the 500,000 Gold Dragons belong to her and the City of Waterdeep.
Drow Gunslingers are Bregan D’aerthe:
However, why is she talking with the Bregan D’aerthe, as she called them, they are Drow of ill repute and they had something to do with the murder of Iomhar.
Zarek also notes that alone and outside the political maelstrom, she acts more like an adventurer than a city official. Zarek is impressed with her plainspoken manner and lack of pretence.
Zarek asks about the letter given to her by Bregan D’aerthe and she shows it to him. Then she does something surprising and asks for the Rogues opinions on Luskan’s joining the Lords’ Alliance.
Zarek responds that in his mind, Luskan is a greedy pirate state that can’t be trusted under any circumstances. Zarek feels that Laeral Silverhand feels similarly and senses that the Open Lord may be a person of trust.
Laeral Silverhand in turn trusts Zarek enough to ask for their help in finding and securing Lord Neverember’s hidden cache of Gold Dragons. In exchange, she promises them a 5,000 gp reward and Waterdeep’s gratitude.
Then her tone changes, like that of a teacher who has caught a student in a lie.
Laeral Silverhand: “However, you didn’t feel like you should join the cause when my envoy, Jalester Silvermane, came to Trollskull Manor and offered you an opportunity to make a difference.”
Zarek: “I was err, I did but then…”
Laeral Silverhand: “Or were you persuaded by the smooth words from your accomplice? Who I am sure is ever at your side.”
The Rogue now knew that Laeral Silverhand is two moves ahead in this conversation as she suddenly appeared in front of Zarek, with a copper coin in her hand.
The conversation continued and Laeral Silverhand asked many questions, of which she appeared to know the answers. Zarek realised that she must be reading his mind and he attempted to shroud his thoughts from her.
Laeral Silverhand: “How is your mother you Allegory? I hope she is keeping well.”
Alley: “Your sister is doing very well and you may wish to visit her once in a while.”
Zarek notice the tension and attempted to change the subject. He explained that he had chosen to work with Vajra Safahr as it best suited his skills.
Laeral Silverhand: “Vajra Safahr is a cable woman but there is no substitute for experience don’t you think?”
Zarek: “What of the letter that they gave you?”
Laeral Silverhand: “Here, take a look for yourself and you tell me what you think.”
JARLAXLE BAENRE’S LETTER:
The Rogue discovers that the letter bears the wax seal of Luskan and is written in anelegant hand, in Elvish.
Drow Gunslingers Letter:
It reads as follows:
“To Her Ageless Majesty, Laeral Silverhand, the Witch-Queen of Stornanter, Lady of the North, She of the Seven Sisters, Chosen of Mystra, and Open Lord of Waterdeep.”
“Your spies are to be commended! Rest assured, my presence in your fair city is purely recreational-though if fortune smiles upon me, this visit could benefit us both.”
“Your predecessor left the City of Splendors in a sorry state, but you have done wonders to lift the spirit of the citizenry during your short time in office. I know how politics offends you, so forgive me for taking this opportunity to point out the obvious. We can make both our cities stronger and strike back at he who robbed Waterdhavians of their wealth and dignity. I’m speaking, of course, of that dirty sack of rats, Dagult Neverember. That’s the phrase you used to describe him yesterday to the emissary from Mirabar, is it not? Evidently, my spies are also to be commended!”
“Why let Neverember get away with his crimes against Luskan and Waterdeep? Can we be allies, if not friends? These are the questions that haunt my dreams, as surely as I haunt yours.”
Sincerely, J
Laeral Silverhand then suggests that they both consider their choices and that she would keep a close eye on them both. The Open Lord of Waterdeep then casts another Spell and she disappears.
Alley and Zarek look at each other and realise that they have been drawn into a tangled web of intrigue and political manoeuvring. So, it looks like Captain Zardoz Zord in the face of the Sea Maidens Faire, while Jarlaxle Baenre must be the representative or head of the Luskan government.
Alley and Zarek decide that a Handsome Cabs is called for and they take their ride back to Trollskull Manor.
02:20 am
Once at Trollskull Manor they hoped to have a warm meal and head off early to bed so they are refreshed for the meeting with the Cassalanters later on that day.
However, they find that Renaer Neverember, Floon Blagmaar and Volothamp Geddarm all having an evening drink and have no choice but to join them. They eat and have a pleasant chat before Alley leaves to go to bed. Zarek is about to do the same but then remembers that he has some questions for Renaer Neverember regarding Dalakhar’s last residence and information regarding the Cassalanters.
Zarek does not want to involve Floon Blagmaar and Volothamp Geddarm any more than is necessary and asks Renaer Neverember to join him as he has purchased some new Wine and would like his option.
Though Renaer Neverember regarding the new wine he happily answers Zarek’s questions.
Renaer Neverember tells Zarek that according to his contacts, Dalakhar’s last residence was the Inn of the Dripping Dagger.
Renaer Neverember: “A fine establishment, the Inn of the Dripping Dagger is the favoured bar and home to many adventurers, mercenaries, misfits and soldiers of the City of Waterdeep. The Dripping Dagger’s prices always seemed to be a bit lower for those who were down on their luck. Steak and kidney pies is a staple of the inn’s menu.”
Zarek: “Do you know of the owner or any other information that would be of any help with our investigations?”
Renaer Neverember: “The walls of this old inn are fieldstone at street level and timber for three upper floors. The owner of the inn, is a former adventurer named Tessele Swiftwater, employs an extensive staff of waitresses, kitchen staff, chambermaids, hostelers and a Minotaur Bouncer named Thoat. The food is tasty and plentiful. Tessele Swiftwater is a tall, middle-aged, woman with long brown hair, green eyes, and a warm and friendly smile. She was considered extremely good at her trade. Tessele Swiftwater is a retired Rogue, who now makes a point of helping younger Adventurers who frequented her establishment.”
Zarek thanks Renaer Neverember and then asks about the Cassalanters.
Renaer Neverember: “Why do you ask they are a powerful Family in Waterdeep, you are not in any trouble are you?”
Zarek explains that they have been invited to their Villa and had no inclining why they would do so. Renaer Neverember believes that maybe their recent heroics, and the incident in the Field Ward, may have them wanting to display the latest famous celebrities for one of their Balls.
Renaer Neverember is happy to relate the following information on the Cassalanters:
- The Cassalanters fell on hard times a few, three to be exact, years back, but they have since reversed their fortunes and restored their lucrative banking and money-lending business.
- Lord Victoro and Lady Ammalia’s eldest son left high society three years ago when the family was on the verge of bankruptcy. They have two surviving children, young Twins named Terenzio and Elzerina.
- Lord Victoro Cassalanter is the only living heir of the late Caladorn Cassalanter, a former Masked Lord and a Hero of The North.
- Over the years, the Cassalanters have founded a number of philanthropic societies and made generous donations to temples dedicated to Good-Aligned Deities. They are known to worship Siamorphe, a demigod whose ethos is the nobility’s right and responsibility to rule.
- The Brandy Cassalanter was created in their honour.
Zarek is then told to be careful when they visit the Inn of the Dripping Dagger and to make sure they keep a low profile.
Renaer Neverember: “As for the Cassalanters, you may find that high society may be the most dangerous terrain that thy could encounter. That’s why I have 3 properties and try not to sleep in any of them.”
Zarek heads off to bed and hope for a quite night’s sleep.
09:20 am
Alley and Zarek sit down for breakfast and discuss how they intend to proceed. Zarek retells his conversation with Renaer Neverember and all the information that he gave the Rogue.
Zarek had forgotten to contact Vajra Safahr regarding the mission for the Gray Hands and the Young Bronze Dragon, Zelifarn. Alley suggests that he only provide the information asked for and nothing more.
Alley: “Vajra Safahr asked you to confront the Dragon, and learn its intentions.”
Zarek uses another of his ‘Paper Birds’ and it leaves him with only one left.
Zarek keeps it short and sweet.
Dear Vajra Safahr,
I have made contact with the Young Bronze Dragon and his intensions are non-aggressive towards the citizens of Waterdeep. His name is Zelifarn and I believe he is no danger.
Rest regards,
Zarek Brightlamp
Alley: “I think it is important to follow up the Inn of the Dripping Dagger, but after we have visited the Cassalanters and also carried out our heist on the Eyecatcher.”
Zarek: “Agreed.”
Alley: “I think that we need to indulge the Cassalanters and make sure that we are well turned out but wear our adventuring gear. You can never have too much good favour with the Nobility I say.”
The Rogue and Bard are unsure as to what the Cassalanter want and they have no time to infiltrate the staff or question the guard on their days off to gather valuable information. According to Renaer Neverember they are very devoted to the worship of Siamorphe, the Lawful Neutral Deity.
Alley and Zarek make notes as to what they may need, equipment wise, for the Eyecatcher Heist. This included Potions from Fala Lefaliir’s shop Corellon’s Crown and Scrolls, or possibly Spells cast upon them, from Rishaal at the Book Wyrm’s Treasure.
Then Lif comes over with a package address for Zarek and with the name Nim written on the back of the package. Inside the Rogue finds his Mechanical Bird, which had been repaired and a brand-new Lock made by the Nimblewright.
13:00 pm
Alley and Zarek head off to the Cassalanter Villa on Diamond Street. They catch a Handsome Cab and make sure they are dropped off before they reach the Villa in order to be able to walk around the Villa to familiarise themselves with the property.
CASSALANTER VILLA:
The Cassalanter Villa’s stark white walls and gleaming crimson roof and turrets stand out even among the other opulent estates of the Sea Ward. A three-story mansion lies in the midst of picturesque green gardens dappled with hedges and water features. The estate is surrounded by a tall white brick wall, with a single wrought-iron gate as an entrance. The Cassalanter family crest-a green Y overlapping a stylized goose being fed-is emblazoned on the gate, and armoured guards stand at attention on either side.
As the pair walk around the Villa, they can clearly see a large guest House and large stables, both to the north of the main building. In-between is a large garden.
Alley and Zarek head off back to the main entrance to the property.
The Guards, are no Drow Gunslingers, and they request that they introduce themselves and say why they were here. Zarek takes out the invitation from the Cassalanters and they are shown into the Villa.
C1. ENTRANCE HALL:
This hall has the following features:
- A magnificent Harpsichord sits in the hall.
- A Crimson Carpet runs down the hall toward an open door to the foyer.
- Light from a Crystal Chandelier reflects off more than three dozen Holy Symbols of Siamorphe perched on wall shelves, each in the form of a silver chalice with a golden sun etched on its outside, not real Silver since Silver is harmful to Devils.
After a short time, Willifort Crowelle awaits them here and guides them to the to meet with Ammalia Cassalanter. Before they can leave the Entrance Hall 2 young children come from a room to the north.
Lady Ammalia Cassalanter then comes out personally to gather the adventurers from the Entrance Hall and shoos the children away. She leads Alley and Zarek to the Reading Room.
Zarek is able to grab a peek into the ‘Garden Mudroom’ and can see the following:
C2. GARDEN MUDROOM:
This room has the following features:
- A Guard dressed in House Cassalanter livery sits idly on a crate, watching the outside door.
- The floor is caked with mud. Several rows of muddy boots and gardening gloves are strewn about the floor.
They pass through the ‘Library’ where they are presented by the following:
- The scent of old parchment hangs thick in the air.
- The walls are lined with tall shelves packed with colourful, leather-bound books. Each bookshelf is outfitted with a ladder on a rolling track to enable people to reach the highest books.
- Shelves that take up the entire southwest wall hold not books but eighty wide-necked glass bottles filled with swirling mist and sealed with corks.
- Hanging on the north wall between two bookshelves is a 7’-foot-tall portrait of Lord and Lady Cassalanter holding two infant children and standing beside their teenage son, Osvaldo.
Beyond the ‘Library’ they enter the ‘Reading Room’.
C4. READING ROOM:
This reading nook has the following features:
- Light pours into this room through four tall bay windows that look out on the Butterfly Garden.
- Furnishings include a luxurious armchair and a small side table where an empty wine glass sits atop a small book.
- A Door in the northern wall has a butterfly-shaped, stained-glass peephole.
- A Black Dragon’s Head is mounted on the wall as a hunting trophy.
Here they wait for Lord Victoro Cassalanter where they look out over the ‘Butterfly Garden’. The children have scampered through the ‘Garden Mudroom’ and are playing out there now.
Zarek inquiries about the Jars in the ‘Library’ and Lady Ammalia Cassalanter explains That they were Jars of Mist.
JARS OF MIST:
The glass bottles on the shelves contain Magically Captured Sounds, including songs, operas, and recorded lectures. Uncorking a bottle temporarily releases its auditory contents into the library, after which the sound returns to its bottle. Breaking a bottle releases the sound, but the sound dissipates after it plays once. All the bottles are labeled.
- “Ahghairon’s Dragonward”, a lecture given by Khelben Arunsun about the dragonward that protects Waterdeep.
- “Canticle of the Silver Chalice”, a hymn to the demigod Siamorphe. Wulfgar and the Crystal Shard, an epic opera detailing the adventures of a Barbarian, a Dwarf, and a Drow in Icewind Dale.
- “Your Beardy Face”, a traditional Dwarven love song popular in the Moonsea region.
After a short while Lord Victoro Cassalanter arrive at the ‘Reading Room’ and Willifort Crowelle awaits orders by the door into the room.
VILLA FEATURES:
The following features are found throughout the villa:
- Ceilings in rooms are 25’ feet high, with 7’-foot-high Corridors and Doorways connecting them.
- Doors are made of exotic hardwood.
- Floors are made of wood and covered with soft woollen Carpets.
- All areas are well lit by Oil Lamps, Lanterns, or Chandeliers.
Lady Ammalia Cassalanter: “Thank you so much for attending today we are at our wits end and urgently require your assistance.