Laurel Silverhand:
CHES 25th (The Claw of Sunsets)
19:05 pm
Once back on land the Heroes discuss if they should return to Trollskull Manor, possibly casting ‘Invisibility’, so as not to be spotted by anyone as they entered the building and then they can see if they visit Laeral Silverhand or not.
Alley is uneasy and does not want to serve Laeral Silverhand and her bias Laws that favour the Lords before the citizens of Waterdeep.
Zarek believes that they need help and believe that Laeral Silverhand would provide all the support necessary to recover the Gold Dragons and bring to justice those that commit crimes in order to attempt to retrieve them.
Alley says that she won’t accompany the Rogue and that she instead would visit Mirt, the Moneylender, her contact of the Harpers and an owner of a compromised Nimblewright.
Zarek lets the fates decide as he tosses his coin to see if he should visit Vajra Safahr and informer her of their finds or to directly visit Ulkoria Stonemarrow and inform her of their Nimblewright infiltrator.
The fact that Zelifarn now has possession of the Nimblewright Crystal Ball, the existing functional Nimblewrights are no longer able be used to view through, Alley reminds the Rogue.
Zarek and Alley agree to meet later on back at Trollskull Manor.
Zarek initially wanted to stay somewhere else so as not to be targeted by the other factions. Alley reminds the Rogue that they have a responsibility to their staff and the residents of Trollskull Manor. Anyway, their absents would be obvious and instigate possible restitution.
The coin lands on Tymora and the Rogue does not travel to the Tower of Order, which sits on the Street of Bells, positioned between Selduth Street and Buckle Alley (John’s Place).
Zarek instead calls a Handsome Cab and travels to Blackstaff Tower, which is on Swords Street that is located on the western side of Waterdeep’s Castle Ward.
The Rogue asks the Cab Driver to take an erratic route to avert being followed but fails to look behind as they do so.
Having already gained renowned from his work for the Gray Hands, and also in investigating Zelifarn, Zarek has no problem in gaining an audience with Vajra Safahr.
Renown 3 (Moderate Aid):
As Zarek proves his worth, the faction offers more substantial help and access to resources.
- Better Assistance: Zarek can call on a faction agent of higher rank for assistance. If this agent dies, the Rogue who called upon them loses renown unless they make amends.
- Special Training: Some factions may provide access to accelerated training for Tools or Weapons commonly used by the group.
- Magical Items: Zarek may gain access to purchasing or borrowing Rare or Uncommon Magical Items from their faction’s inventory.
Blackstaff Tower:
CHES 25th (The Claw of Sunsets)
19:20 pm
Once inside the Blackstaff Tower Zarek is taken to see Vajra Safahr and there he informs her of the plot by Jarlaxle Baenre to install Nimblewrights in places of importance to be able to spy upon their owners.
Vajra Safahr sees this as an issue for Laeral Silverhand.
Vajra Safahr: “She is the Open Lord after all and it is her responsibility to deal with such issues. We are just the Hand that deals the blow.”
Zarek notes that Vajra Safahr seems to be enjoying the fact that Laeral Silverhand had missed this incursion by a foreign power. There truly is no love lost between these two women of power.
Zarek: “If only they would put their mistrusts aside, Waterdeep would truly be a city of unity and power. Maybe Alley was right all along?”
The Rogue feels he has no more to offer Vajra Safahr and feels that it best to keep her on his side and the Grand Game was in no way over, it has only just begun. Zarek thinks that his only choice now is Laeral Silverhand.
Zarek: “There is little to no chance that I will be allowed in to see Laeral Silverhand without an appointment and I need to think of another way to send her a message.”
The Rogue thinks as he walks off to find another Handsome Cab and smiles as he sees all the Waterdhavians enjoying the festivities.
Zarek: “Jalester Silvermane, the one that tried to recruit us to the Lords Alliance, he must have her ear and I will find him at the Yawning Portal. That’s what he said when he visited Trollskull Manor.”
Zarek flags down a Handsome Cab and makes his way to the Yawning Portal. The Rogue again asks the Cab Driver to take an erratic route to avert being followed but again fails to look behind as they do so.
Yawning Portal:
CHES 25th (The Claw of Sunsets)
19:40 pm
Zarek is dropped off some 200’ feet from the font of the Yawning Portal and the Rogue spends time looking at those about to see if he can spot anything suspicious.
Unfortunately, the very nature of the Yawing Portal, a place Laeral Silverhand would probably never be seen dead in, made it so that many passers-by and customers spent most of their time looking or staring at those brave enough to risk the Deep Well.
Chanting: “Dip! Dip! Dip! Dip! Dip! Dip!” Zarek remembers the calls from the patrons of the Yawning Portal fondly, the start of his and Alley’s Adventuring.
The Rogue may need to Honeypot those that may be following him or Alley. So far, the list of those involved in the Grand Game stands at:
- Xanathar – The first faction to have their plans skuttled, hideout infiltrated and members were killed by the 2 Heroes.
- Zhentarim – The second faction to have their resources stolen and their members killed by the 2 Heroes.
- The Cassalanters – The third faction who will have their offer rejected and you fear some deception behind their circumstances.
- Bregan D’aerthe – The fourth faction to have their residences infiltrated, resources stolen and members killed by the 2 Heroes.
There are also those that are lesser players that yet can harm the Heroes progress and person:
- Chimera Addicts – The smell of the drug in the Tavern means Zarek has not forgotten this threat.
- Emmek Frewn – The Trollskull Manor rival who coverts the property.
- Rogue and Fighter – The pair from the warehouse have been making inquiries and cannot be forgotten.
The Rogue heads straight to the Bar whist looking around to see if he could spot Jalester Silvermane in the crowd. Having not spotted the Right-Hand of Laeral Silverhand, Zarek stands at the Bar and waits to be served.
Within a short time Durnan the Wanderer comes over and recognises the Rogue from his fight with the Marauding Savage Troll from the Undermountain.
Durnan the Wanderer: “Zarek if my memory doesn’t fail me, Ale straight up if I also remember correctly?”
Zarek: “I am glade that you remember me Durnan, I feel very honoured.”
Durnan: “The drink man, I never forget a drink, don’t think that I…”
Zarek: “No of course not, as I was saying I am looking for Jalester Silvermane, have you seen him?” The Rogue quickly changes the conversation to avoid any further discomfort.
Duran tells the Rogue that Jalester Silvermane usually keeps a table over by the Well Entrance and as he looks over towards the Well, the Rogue notes that he is not there.
Durnan: “Strange to not see him at this time of the day, the man likes a drink, I fear he mourns.”
Zarek tries to remember his conversation with Renaer Neverember regarding the famous patrons of the Yawning Portal but he fails to recollect his friends’ words.
Zarek determines it is best not to leave any paper trail or information to those he does not fully trust. So far that is a very short list. The Rogue takes his drink and attempts to find a table so that he can wait for Jalester Silvermane. Lady Luck abandons Zarek and he is unable to find a table and he is left sharing a table.
The festival of Fleetswake celebrates the sea, maritime trade, and the gods of the sea, navigation, and weather. These days are great for business and entertainment, the Trollskull must be doing well.
The Rogue waits too long for his liking and leaves the Yawning Portal having thanked Durnan for his fine Ale. Unable to speak with Jalester Silvermane, the contact of Laeral Silverhand, Zarek set off back to Trollskull Manor, remembering that he had not eaten all day.
The Rogue has even worse luck as the patrons are being sent home to their families and the workforce of Waterdeep were also homeward bound. This meant no Handsome Cab and perambulating or Public Transport was his two options. Zarek begins to walk not wanting to wait any more than he needed to and the Tiefling was eager to speak with Alley.
Zarek: “The mistrust Alley has with authority is hampering our investigations, but then again she does have a point, sometimes?”
Trollskull Manor:
CHES 25th (The Claw of Sunsets)
22:00 pm
Once back at Trollskull Manor, the Rogue attempted not to make his arrival obvious to all. Zarek can see that the place was rocking and decided to enter the building by the rear stairs and head straight towards the upper residential areas.
As the Rogue reaches the stairs, leading to the first floor, he noticed that there was a woman standing at the top of the them. Zarek sees that she is one of Iomhar’s door staff recruits that often take on work when Trollskull Manor is full.
The pair share pleasantries but Zarek forgoes mentioning his mentor’s funeral and heads to his room. The Common Room and Den had been opened to the public and the Rogue slipped past the guests and headed for the library.
Seeing that Alley had not yet returned from her visit to Mirt, Zarek sits down and spends a long time pondering which direction to head in next, what thread to pull and those that they should not anger. Then he realises one of his best talents is research and he was in a Library and so he set about researching the Gralhund Family.
House Gralhund (pronounced: GRAWL-hund):
The Gralhund Family is a minor, ambitious noble family in the city of Waterdeep, established in 1260 DR.
They are known for their conniving nature and efforts to “Punch above their weight-class” in city politics, the family primarily deals in hiring mercenaries (Hireswords) and the manufacturing of weapons.
General History:
- Origin: Founded during the “Year of the Broken Blade” (1260 DR), the family is of Tethyrian descent.
- Rise to Power: They established themselves as a notable house in the late 13th century and are involved in mining and crafting, often utilising superior materials like Mithral-Laced Steel.
Family Members and Characteristics:
- Lord Orond Gralhund: Patriarch, described as a short, stocky man with a boorish nature, a fragile ego, and a disdain for the “Common rabble”.
- Lady Yalah Gralhund: The driving force behind the family’s ambition, she is cold, conniving, and determined to be elevated to the higher echelons of Waterdeep society.
- Children: They have at 3 children: Zartan (13), Greth (10), and an 18-year-old daughter, Tomassin.
Business and Reputation:
- Operations: They own several Warehouses and Forges around Waterdeep.
- Alliances: The Gralhunds have maintained a tenuous, and in some cases dangerous alliance with Waterdhavian Families and other Factions.
- Reputation: Known for being cunning and ruthless, they are often seen by other Nobles as desperate social climbers rather than established power brokers.
Zarek also notes that their Coat of Arms is also very dubious, but who can truly tell of these old families.
‘We see both sides’
Alley makes her way back from Mirt’s Mansion and heads home. Zarek has rested and recovered his stamina.
Trollskull Library:
CHES 25th (The Claw of Sunsets)
23:00 pm
Once inside Trollskull Alley asks Lif for refreshments to be sent to the library she joins Zarek upstairs. They both go through the items recovered by their Eyecatcher Heist, Zarek’s research on the Gralhunds as well as going through the Butcher Bill for that night.
Cultists of Asmodeus Faction Issue:
First, the Report on The Cultists of Asmodeus clearly shows that they are a Faction that may, or may not be, involved in the Grand Game. This information could be useful to the Cassalanters or show that one of the other Factions are dealing with them. Much work has been undertaken to compile this information from various sources throughout history.
Conclusion:
Find their Location, assess their Involvement, their Threat and Report or Deal with them.
Next was the:
Ledger of The Nimblewrights Sales:
Having looked through the list together they can clearly see that, as a political effort, having Nimblewrights in these locations would provide plenty of useful Political intelligence regarding many areas of Waterdeep.
Conclusion:
With the Scrying abilities of the Nimblewright Crystal Ball no longer available to Jarlaxle Baenre and Captain Zardoz Zord, Zarek and Alley feel it should restrict the advantage they may have had.
Zarek believes that they should look into the Crystal Ball for more intelligence, both present and passed, but fear that Zelifarn may have left for his lair having recovered his mother’s item.
The Gralhund Villa will need to be surveilled the old fashion way and someone alerted to the Nimblewrights real function, which also explains their bargain price.
Finally, Alley and Zarek both read through Jarlaxle’s Report of the Grand Game and it is fascinating reading.
Jarlaxle’s Report of the Grand Game:
This report and Jarlaxle’s comments evidently show that the Drow is only interested in joining the Lords Alliance and the money in itself is of no importance, meaning that rewards would be far higher.
There are Numerous factions in play, but I suspect the most significant are these:
- The Cassalanters.
- The Xanathar Guild.
- The Manshoonian Zhentarim.
- The Gralhunds.
- Lord Dagult Neverember (Currently in Neverwinter)
- The Open Lord Laeral Silverhand.
The Black Viper, who Zarek has met and will be his trainer, is also involved, or interested in involving themselves. Others are not mentioned in the report.
Conclusion:
Recover the Stone of Golorr and its 3 Eyes to find the stash of 5000,000 Gold Dragons. Preventing one Faction without completing the mission may lead to endless fighting and many casualties.
- Xanathar’s Eye entrusted to Sylgar’s keeping.
- Manshoon’s Eye secured within Kolat Towers.
- The Cassalanter’s Eye probably in their Estate.
- The Stone of Golorr in the Gralhund Estate.
As Jarlaxle’s Report of the Grand Game does not mention the location of the Stone of Golorr it is of the greatest importance to retrieve this first before any of the other Factions discover it for themselves.
Zarek and Alley discuss what to do next, and as it was still early, they would reduce their workload and visit the Inn of the Dripping Dagger, the last known residence of Dalakhar.
The Rogue and Bard rest for an hour or so, replenish their Strength and they head off for Inn of the Dripping Dagger, the tavern was located in the Trades Ward of Waterdeep on the High Road between Selduth Street and Coffinmarch.
Inn of the Dripping Dagger:
CHES 25th (The Claw of Sunsets)
23:20 pm
The Dripping Dagger:
The walls of this old inn are fieldstone at street level and timber for three upper floors. The owner of the inn, 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 orders some food and drink and Tessele Swiftwater is very accommodating. They pair attempt to find a place to sit but the Inn of the Dripping Dagger is also full to the brim this evening. Then after sometime, one of the Barmaids comes over and shows them to a table. Zarek spots Tessele Swiftwater winking to the Barmaid.
Alley and Zarek both have their meal and drinks and both agree that it was very tasty and well-priced. The Barmaid comes back and the Rogue complements the service and food and orders another drink for them both.
The Barmaid returns with their order and also brings 2 shots of Almond Brandy.
Barmaid: “Here you are dear, a drink on the house for your kind words”, the Barmaid says as she smiles at her.
Zarek: “We did not order these.”
Alley: “No Zarek, they are from the young lady.” Alley whispers to Zarek.
Zarek: “Oh I see, please thank Tessele Swiftwater for her generosity.”
The Barmaid giggles and goes off to serve someone else.
Alley: “Oh Zarek, I meant the Barmaid you fool.”
Zarek looks confused and blushes.
Alley encourages Zarek to go and talk to Tessele Swiftwater so he can enquire about Dalakhar. As Zarek picks-up the glasses to return to the bar, Alley looks about the Inn and subsequently spots a hooded Dwarf sitting in the corner, of the Inn of the Dripping Dagger, and he was paying far too much attention to then both to just be curiosity.
Alley points this out to Zarek as he leaves for the Bar.
Tessele Swiftwater and Zarek strike up a conversation as the Rogue fails to spot that she herself had the trappings of a Rogue.
Zarek begins by asking for Dalakhar saying that they were meant to meet him here but they had not seen him all night.
Tessele Swiftwater is suspicious, of anyone asking for the whereabouts of her customers and asked what their business was, to see if Zarek really knew the Gnome or not.
Zarek is caught in a lie and Tessele Swiftwater demeanour changes slightly until the Rogue tells the Rogue the truth about them looking for Dalakhar due to the death of Iomhar.
Tessele Swiftwater not only believes Zarek, but leaves the Bar to keep their conversation secret. Tessele Swiftwater leans in to Zarek, and says:
Tessele Swiftwater: “Dalakhar paid for his room for 4 nights but stayed for only 1 night, having received a message on his first night at the Inn. I have not seen him since”
Zarek: “So his things are still in his room, would you be kind enough to allow me to look through his things and we will be on our way.”
Tessele Swiftwater heads back behind the bar and says to the Rogue:
Tessele Swiftwater: “Room 3E and you already have the key.” The Female Rogues tell Zarek as she puts her Coin purse.
Zarek: “How did you do that, and Thank you?”
Zarek walks back to their table and notes that the Hooded Dwarf was no longer there and they did not pass by him by the front door.
Zarek: “He must have slipped out the back way.”
The Rogue heads upstairs first and tells Alley to follow-up behind in a minute. The third floor has several guests, some are getting ready to leave, while a Dwarf is discuss the loud noise mad by his neighbours, also Dwarves.
The Rogue, not wanting to fall for anything, checks the door to see if it had been picked recently, but the constant use of the room made this hard to decern. Then he checks for Traps and is about to un-lock the door as he sees Alley reach the third floor. Zarek waits for Alley inside the room and lets her in as she reaches it.
The Rogue and the Bard begin the inspection which reveals that Dalakhar’s room was scrubbed clean in a very professional fashion.
Zarek’s check also reveals ash in the base of the room’s oil lamp suggesting that a piece of correspondence was burned. The Rogue uses his Spell ‘Mending’, and that reveals that the note was Renaer Neverember’s response to Dalakhar’s original missive setting up the meeting at Trollskull Manor.
Then Alley points out something laying out in plain sight on the pillow. It is a round disk of black stone painted with Xanathar’s stylised beholder Sigil. It’s a Death Mark, left here as a threat by the Xanathar’s Minions that were after Dalakhar.
Zarek: “I wonder if Xanathar’s Minions left this here before or after the ‘Fireball’ attack?”
Alley: “Indeed, the Zhentarim were following Dalakhar on the day of his Death, so did he lose the Xanathar’s Minions in the Sewers and then the Zhentarim followed him to Trollskull Manor.”
After spending some time in the room, the Heroes believe that they have found everything that was available, but Alley feels that they should ask for Tessele Swiftwater to inform them if anyone else comes looking for Dalakhar or if there are any more correspondence sent.
They both make their way downstairs and do exactly what was decided and Tessele Swiftwater agrees and is happy to take the Gold Dragon and the balance on any more information. Alley and Zarek leave the Inn of the Dripping Dagger and talk about the possibility of joining forces with Laeral Silverhand.
Alley and Zarek have both overlooked the Hooded Dwarf as they leave the Inn of the Dripping Dagger.
The Rogue and Bard are making their way back to Trollskull Manor when they hear a cry of Bloody Murder.
Stranger: “Help, Murder…”
The two Heroes can tell that the screams come from the alleyways behind the Inn of the Dripping Dagger and they look at each other. They feel they need to check, as it is something the pair would not allow again, the innocents being hurt.
Zarek: “I feel that this is a ruse to get us to help someone that is an enemy.”
Alley: “I will use my ‘Invisibility’ Spell Zarek and follow you, I will be able to see anyone doing the same or at least get the drop on them.”
Zarek: “A very good idea Alley, I will recall Boris and send him ahead.” The Rogue calls forth the Spider Familiar and it sits on the Tieflings shoulder.
Stranger: “Ahhhh, Help, I’m bleeding out”
The Rogue makes his way down the alleyways and then can see a figure sitting up against a building with blood over his arms. However, Zarek cannot see anyone, or thing, in the general area though the alleyways are narrow, twist and disappear off into the darkness. Luckily, Alley still had her ‘Darkvision’ running and made a note to acquire more Scrolls.
The Rogue endeavours to see if the injuries were genuine but could not see clearly but the blood looked real. However, he is shocked to find that the figure is the Hooded Dwarf that was watching them in the Inn of the Dripping Dagger.
Zarek approached silently looking about and waiting for the ambush that was bound to happen and as Zarek reaches the Hooded Dwarf, he is set upon from the side and one of the four alleyways branching off from the spot that the Hooded Dwarf was slumped.
The Rogue was struck, and, as he looked up, the Rogue is confronted by a Large Duergar Dwarf that had ‘Enlarged’ and became visible having also turn ‘Invisible’ prior to the attack.
The fight begins, as they have now become accustomed to, and several things happen at once. From another of the alleyways another Duergar Dwarf, normal size and visible, steps out and calls out in Undercommon to his allies as he points to Zarek, the Tiefling Rogue.
Zemk: “ಅವು ಒಂಜಿ, ಆರ್ ಎಂಕಲೆನ ಔಟ್ ಪೋಸ್ಟ್ ಡ್ ದಾಳಿ ಮಲ್ಪೆರೆ ಮುನ್ನಡೆ ಮಲ್ತೆರ್.”
Zarek braces for the fight and hopes that Alley will watch his back.
The Large Duergar attacks the Rogue and he in turn fights back, having sent Boris off to stand to the side. Then Zemk, the Duergar from the Xanathar Outpost, appears and also assaults the Rogue before Alley can aid him.
The battle is swift and bloody for all those involved and one Duergar is killed outright, while Zemk is once again spared as the Rogue smacks him with the hilt of her Rapier and goes down.
Zarek: “Where did the Hooded Duergar disappear to, crafty bugger has scurried off to his lair.”
Alley: “At least we can interrogate this one.” Alley smiles and points at the Duergar Zemk, who is laying on the floor.
The Rogue and Bard, after questioning the Duergar Zemk, will need to decide what they will do next.
- This night, interrogate Zemk (Xanathar Agent).
- This night, go and reconnoitre the Gralhund Estate.
- This night, go and reconnoitre the Cassalanter Estate.
- This night, go and reconnoitre the Yellow Spire (Zhentarim – Zhents – Black Network).
- This night, recover and regain Spells and items.
- Tomorrow, buy supplies, Potions, Scrolls or Items.
- Tomorrow, send a message to the Cassalanters asking for more time.
- Tomorrow, find Jalester Silvermane.
- Tomorrow, attend Iomhar’s Funeral.
- Tomorrow, Roll for Profit and Loss of Trollskull Manor.
- Tomorrow, carry out any of the following surveillances (Gralhund Estate, Cassalanter Estate, Yellow Spire or Sea Maidens Faire).
- Tomorrow, investigate Cultists of Asmodeus.
- Tomorrow, investigate the Seven Masks Theatre (Jarlaxle’s Outpost).
- Tomorrow, investigate Grinda Garloth in Mistshore.
They also find a note on the dead Duergar as they searched him written in Common and composed by a familiar hand.
A DIRECTIVE FROM N’ARL XIBRINDAS:
Before you proceed, get properly outfitted by Grinda Garloth. Her workshop is located in Mistshore.
- N’arl Xibrindas