Embedded Files
Return to Waterdeep
PREVIOUSLY - CAMPAIGN DIARIES 60 - BATTLE OF LONG SILENCES
The Owlbear League and companions rise from their tents after a good night's rest a short distance away from the ruins of The House of Long Silences, after having defeated the undead army of the red wizards of Thay. They awake refreshed and feel more powerful than ever, and the spellcasters feel they can even tap into more magical energy from the weave. ( QUOTE: AH - "Get Shit On" )
They have a fine breakfast served by Jidjack and the Swords of the Lords, and there is some small talk around the fire before the group packs up to get away from the field of undead corpses. They mount up and start down the road, the rear taken up by K'ronk with the sphere of annihilation, but they are quickly blocked by the pit fiend Baazka who lands from the sky.
The devil stands tall, leers at the group who ready their weapons, and begins to clap. Clap, clap, clap. "Well done mortals. You are my dung sweepers, you've washed the taint of the lying red wizards from this place very well. You are good servants, but you have stolen some fun from me, I came back to destroy their army and satisfy myself by pounding undead into the ground, and you have taken that fun away. But what master would chastise his servant for taking out the trash?" He chortles a deep hideous laugh.
While this is happening, Isteval, Delfan, Jekk, and Kelson start slowly spreading apart, as if they don't wish to be a singular target. Nowhere steps away from the larger group as well, thinking about the woods, but her movement is too obvious.
The devil continues "But Shalendra, you are the naughtiest. You have forgotten you are nothing but a toy, your presence here "helping" your new friends is a joke. Your mind will never be free of me as long as I wish to toy with you."
Shalendra slips a sob, but stands tall.
Nowhere whispers to Isteval as he is slipping off his horse "do we even have a hope to kill this guy"?
Isteval whispers back "with Lathander's light there is always hope, but it's not likely in a fair fight".
Isteval speaks back to Baazka "That is true fiend, but the light of Lathander can drive away any evil. Any who pledge themselves to him, even if they have bathed in darkness will have his protection." and he casts a glance at Shalendra who has tears streaming down her face now.
Delfen steps forward and speaks "Although a pledge to Lathander would require years of devotion before receiving his protective light, a simple ring of protection would serve to defend your mind in the meantime" and he hands such a ring to Shalendra, who quietly thanks him with visible relief. "This spell will do the same for the rest of us", and Delfen casts protection from evil on the group to defend against his mind control abilities.
Baazka's visage turns dark, as if he is ready to pounce, but Isteval speaks...
"Best of luck with that terrible wound in your chest. That sword looks quite painful. One of us could loose it for you if you trust us not to push it deeper. That would send you back to the hells, wouldnt it? One hundred years before you could return?"
The briefest flash of fear crosses Baazka's face. Then fury, through gritted teeth he states "Were I to need your assistance I might decide to pay you a visit in the future, or one of your friends, Lathander doesn't shine on all of them, but I need nothing from you, mortals. You have already done my bidding."
With that, Baazka flies off and quickly is out of sight.
With that, the party relaxes visibly and continues on to the Tomb of Reluraun.
The Owlbear League carefully returns the sphere of annihilation to the baelnorn in the Tomb. As The League leaves, the baelnorns begin discussing their purpose now that the House of Long Silences is destroyed. The League makes haste out of the tomb.
They party continues south, crossing the headwaters of a fork of the Ardeep River and passing the Crypts of the Deepening Moon on their way back out of the Ardeep.
The Swords of the Lords move ahead to return to Daggerford at a horse's pace instead of the walking pace of The League, but Isteval and the rest take the slow pace back.
They spend the first night in the Ardeep, the second in the empty Floshin estate, Shalendra unsure of what the future holds for her.
Isteval and Nowhere spend many hours talking together. Along the journey K'ronk bears loads of insults from Dragondoom, wondering if he should have disposed of the sword in the sphere of annihilation. He resorts to berating the sword back and letting him know that he's still stuck with K'ronk.
Jidjack and the Swords of the Lords are waiting at the gates of Daggerford for The League and friends, and when they are within earshot, they start clapping. They must have spread the word of the heroic actions of The Owlbear League, because commoners start clapping as they approach, and even the city watch at the gates start applauding, Sherlyn Miller amongst them.
People nod and wave as they travel the streets to Isteval's townhome and they are quickly ushered in by Smithfield and Serai to hot food, warm baths and fresh clothes. The urchins greet them joyously, and they ask where Syldan is and Immeral tells them he is gone, but is reminded he needs to find a brazier and bring his familiar back into being.
Delphen and Kelson depart with warm regards for The League and their thanks. Jekk takes Shalendra back to the Floshin townhouse in Daggerford to await the judgement of the duke.
Immeral gets hold of a brazier and re-casts find familiar, recreating Syldan as a tawny owl.
During the evening a page arrives from castle Daggerford, and it is from the Duke requesting the Owlbear League and Sir Isteval attend a dinner with the Duke tomorrow evening celebrating their return of The Bloke and the defeat of the forces of evil in the Ardeep forest.
Immeral says "I imagine Lady Morissa Breen will be there too."
Nowhere says "I know she's the fuckin' succubus."
K'ronk interjects "but we can't piss off the duke, as much as I would like to."
Isteval nods from his chair.
"We may need some better clothes for an audience with the Duke." Atlas adds.
Smithfield steps into the light and says, "all your attire from your last audience is cleaned and prepared, but new clothing can be arranged tomorrow if it is your wish."
The League spends the day selling some of the wares they have picked up recently, like Atlas selling semi-precious stones and a chest with silverware. Nowhere has a gold mask, but decides to sell it back in Daggerford. Atlas has two +1 swords that she wants to sell, but waits to find a proper magic shop.
As they arrive at the castle with Sir Isteval, stiff in their fine clothes and missing their packs, they are warmly ushered in with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Isteval only drinks water, as does Immeral, and Isteval toasts water in sobriety with the wizard. Several of the higher level guards of castle Daggerford engage you in polite conversation and thanks and have many questions as musicians compose pleasant background tunes. Lady Morwyn comes down early to greet you and offer you personal congratulations before dinner. A servant calls that dinner is served and they are all ushered into the grand dining room where Duke Maldwyn and his companion Lady Morissa already seem to have been partaking in glasses of wine.
"The heroes of Daggerford! Come in, come in!" says the Duke, and as the file in, The League notices the large amount of guards that are nearby in the dining hall, much more than their previous visit. Lady Morissa Breen is indeed alongside Maldwyn - this time physically closer and more obviously intimate. The duke is even wearing his dress armor.
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Nowhere is the first to breach the subject of the guards. "Why the extra security your grace?"
The duke replies "you can't be too careful these days, there are so many strange goings-on that we've tightened up security here at the castle. But maybe you will give me news to Lady Morissa and my concerns to rest."
Pleasantries are exchanged and the Duke gets right to the questions with genuine curiosity, "First, thank you for yours service to me and the citizens of Daggerford. I understand we are greatly in your debt. I must ask, how did you defeat this enemy I have heard so much of? The one who so sadly cut short the life of Lord Floshin may he rest in peace?"
Nowhere speaks "After rescuing Shalendra from the invaders at the Floishin estate, we secured a sphere of annihilation from the tomb of Reluraun in the Ardeep forest. We traveled to the House of Long Silences and there executed a plan of distraction and assault which destroyed the portals opened to Thay by the red wizards, the succubus Pencheska, Baazka the pit fiend and Shalendra Floshin and then used the sphere to destroy the two or three thousand undead that had made it through the portal already."
Lady Morwyn Daggerford looks amazed.
Nowhere goes on "K'ronk actually had the hardest job, flying invisibly over the army of the undead and guiding the sphere of annihilation to the perfect location to destroy the portal."
Lady Morissa Breen fawns over K'ronk, "My word, your bravery is astounding sir, perhaps the Duke will consider a knighthood for you."
"To say nothing of dodging the necrotic fireballs of a death knight as it tried to knock him out of the sky. Indeed, our K'ronk is a brave one!" K'ronk's reptilian skin actually seems to blush and he glares at Nowhere.
Duke Daggerford changes the subject "His own half-sister part of the plot. The villainy. What has become of her?"
Isteval speaks "She is in my custody your lordship, until I can give you the full details of her actions. In short, I am unsure we will ever be able to separate the actions of Shalendra from the influence of the pit fiend and the red wizards on her mind."
"You could always separate her head from her torso with a public beheading" says Lady Morissa. She laughs and the duke joins her.
Isteval is unamused and even he seems to be glancing at the many guards. The meal is served and small-talk continues, while even more guards enter the large dining room.
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Lady Breen says "You all have such interesting weapons! Have you seen The Duke's sword? Show them dear."
Duke Daggerford stands and draws his sword and says proudly "This is lawflame! It has been in my family for generations, our father gave it to me" (acknowledging his sister), "and only a Daggerford heir may bring out its true power". Suddenly the sword is bathed in flames and Lady Morissa squeels with delight.
"Oh it is so beautiful, may I hold it?" she says.
"Of course dear" he replies "just be careful where you swing it" as he hands it carefully to her.
She looks upon the flames for a moment and they dance in her eyes. Lady Breen then plunges the sword through the heart of the Duke, is is burned, unconscious and bleeding out.
Morwyn screams, Isteval draws his sword and pushes back from the table as do most of The League as well as the eight guards in the room.
"How horrible is your treachery that you just murdered the Duke right at dinner." Lady Morissa states. "Surrender now and the guards will not have to kill you."
Nowhere stands and draws Icerazor. "If you think you scare us, we defeated an army of undead and even your friend Baazka fled from us. We don't easily scare."
Her features change and she turns into her succubus form, including wings.
"I have nothing to fear from you pitiful mortals. If you kill me I return to the nine hells, and all I lose is you little playthings."
Atlas says "Well I'm going to kill you dead."
Immeral adds "You have nothing left to gain here, your plan is in tatters." Suddenly he feels a great compulsion to take Pencheska's side, but through force of will the wizard overcomes the urge.
"Guards, take the assassins into custody!" and then she disappears. They start moving but are hesitant.
Lady Morwyn rushes to her brother's side and cries out "Guards - take them into custody, even Isteval, but keep them here in the castle dungeon."
Isteval interjects "This may not be the time or place for a fight, we should let them take us."
Immeral asks "why?"
Isteval responds "Because we now have more allies than they do." Several of The League lower their weapons. Nowhere says "We don't need the entire city to come down on us right now."
The guards start closing in. Immeral dons his cloak of stars and is transported to the ethereal plane where he clearly sees a gleeful Pencheska watching the disarray she has caused. She is startled though, that Immeral has risked following her into the shadowy realm.
Pencheska leaps at Immeral, flying across the room, but he casts ray of sickness before she is on him and a ray of sickening greenish energy lashes out towards his enemy, and the energy turns her skin streaks of a sickly green pallor. She rakes at Immeral with claws, slashing him across the arms and the chest as she screams at the wizard.
Immeral rips a star off his robe and casts it at the succubus. It turns into seven magic missiles which tear into the creature's flesh and tear their clothes to shreds. She screams at the pain and blind fury enters her eyes even as her skin turns sicklier due to the poisoning of his spell. She claws at Immeral again but this time he react with a shield spell that deflects the damage.
Seeking to finish the battle, Immeral casts lightning bolt and the devil is struck with fierce spell, but seems immune to some amount of the electrical energy and flies through the wall of the ethereal dining hall to the air beyond the walls. Screaming in fury as she departs.
Immeral casts chill touch at the devil, and the spell strikes true right as the creature would have been out of range. She screams and disappears in a puff of white smoke as she appears to disintegrate.
The rest of The League is unsure for a moment as the guards start closing in. Isteval says quietly to Nowhere "Can you distract the guards while I take care of Morwyn?"
Nowhere jumps on the table and starts kicking food and brandishing Icerazor. "You'll never take me alive!" She runs from one end of the table to the other smashing plateware and sending goblets and cutlery flying.
Seraphina ducks down tries to cast cure wounds on Maldwyn Daggerford, but finds him dead. She instead casts revivify and Maldwyn starts breathing again, but lays unconscious. Morwyn looks on her with wide eyes and some confusion.
The guards yell "drop your weapons" but Orryn picks up a chair and putting it between him and a guard says "I'm not holding a weapon!"
"Come down of the table" yells another at Nowhere, and he casually swings his sword at her feet. Nowhere jumps over the sword, breaking the table and collapsing in a pile of food, drinks and plates.
Dain stays seated and keeps drinking the delicious wine - saving a decanter while the table collapses. He tells a nearby guard that he will surrender when there is no more wine.
Atlas moves quickly out of her chair and standing in an aggressive monk pose signals to the closest guard to fight "come on!"
K'ronk casts sleep on the guards and Morwyn Daggerford and they all immediately drop to the floor and begin a one-minute slumber.
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Isteval nods to K'ronk and states "nice job".
Immeral reappears with fresh scrapes and looks around, taking in the situation.
Maldwyn stands up, gets a strange look in his eye, cocks his head to the side and says in Baazka's infernally deep voice "This is not the last you've heard from me little fleas!" and runs towards one of the windows and dives through it.
K'ronk casts feather fall and his intended suicide is slowed down greatly. Maldwyn's voice returns as he starts screaming "Help!" as he flails around in mid-air, the soldiers on the ground closing in.
Nowhere asks K'ronk if she could jump out and catch him and he says she would drag them both down.
The soldiers catch the duke before he even lands in the snow below and stand him up and lead him back towards the castle entrance.Isteval goes over to the sleeping Lady Morwyn and slips a ring on her finger. Immeral asks "do you have many rings of protection laying around?" Isteval smirks and says "Borrowed from a friend after I learned we were dealing with a pit fiend. Lathander's light keeps me protected from such intrusions."
Immeral says "The succubus is dead. Or at least driven back to the nine hells. It was very satisfying to make sure she won't be back for a hundred years."
Isteval shakes Morwyn awake and she questions "what happened?" He responded "You were under the spell of a pit fiend. That ring should be added to your permanent jewelry collection" and he helps her to her feet. "The Duke is being escorted back here."
Nowhere steps over, covered in food and wine - hair a mess, clothes ruined. "That was a hell of a dinner party." Immeral casts prestidigitation on Nowhere and cleans up the sordid mess that she is, restoring her clothes and hair to former condition.
Isteval says "Lovely, I was worried you were going to smell of pork roast and wine for the rest of the night." and he smiles at the tiefling.
More guards rush in, concerned about the ruckus as the other guards start rising from their slumber. "It's alright" says Lady Morwyn. "The League and Sir Isteval are heroes, and not to be harmed."
The Duke and more soldiers enter the dining room. Maldwyn seems gravely shaken, thanking you all and K'ronk especially for saving his fall, and Isteval for his leadership.
Isteval tells the Duke that he will make sure Delfan puts wards on the castle to prevent this sort of thing from happening again since the pit fiend is still at large.
( QUOTE: CK - "I So Love the Succubus" )
"What of Lady Morissa?" Maldwyn asks sheepishly.
Immeral states gravely, "I destroyed the succubus in the ethereal plane - she is banished for a hundred years."
Maldwyn nods, lost in the thought of his companion being a devil.
Dain finishes the last of the wine that survived the attack. "I'd like to go to a tavern for a drink." even though his speech is already a bit slurred. The League nods and Isteval says "With your leave Duke Daggerford, Lady Morwyn"
They both nod and The League and Isteval leaves. As they leave the castle Immeral states "I'm ready to go back home and see our new townhouse" and a surge of excitement enters The League.
Isteval says "I will meet you back at the townhouse. Taverns are not my place." and he takes leave of them.
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Entering the tavern, the Owlbear League finds it relatively busy, but there is a familiar face sitting at a large table and he waves The League over. It is Curren Corvalin their first acquaintance in Daggerford.
"Hello all!" he exclaims "What have you been up to?"
They look at each other and laugh as they sit. Immeral says "You have no idea, friend. We have a tale to tell you."
Nowhere is lost in though about her last night with Isteval and how to share what she feels about the hero.
( QUOTE: CK - "I Enjoy Your Company..." )
Seraphina asks "what will you tell him?" knowing the Tiefling Ranger like she knows herself.
"I think that it simply isn't meant to be, we are too different."
Seraphina nods, thinking it proper and toasts her friend.
Nowhere and Isteval sit alone, Isteval looking a bit worn from the events of the day. They have had a good, warm, playful conversation but Nowhere has informed him they will return to Waterdeep on the morrow with the children. That they will all miss him but he is welcome to visit them in Waterdeep any time. Isteval says he will certainly visit them once they are settled in.
Isteval returns his magical message box and about the potion of longevity says "would you mind if I hold onto this for a bit? I am still waiting for clarity from Lathander about what to do about it. I find I am not ready to let go of where this might take me." She nods with some hope still in her heart. With that they each separately retire.
They leave the next day for the journey back to Waterdeep yet they are somewhat sad at the friends they leave behind including Lady D still slumbering at the stables where they will come get her in the spring.
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Drask Polu meets The League and Urchins at their newly renovated building and he begins a tour and hands them each a set of keys on a leather rope.
The alehouse and the townhome above are shiny and clean and like new and it has everything they need, bedrooms and shrines and studies and a loft for the children. Rooms for a maid for the children and for a few servants on the second floor. There is an expansive new patio outside, a bit covered with snow, and a stage for performers in the tavern.
The basement is expansive, with a large vault and even a secret entrance to the sewers with a great iron door blocking access.
"We could wall of the entrance, but given the nature of some of your activities, I thought it best to keep your options open."
The League loves this.
The kids excitedly run around their new quarters and are yelling to each other to check out this and that. They each pick their own rooms on the fourth floor, above the rooms of the rest of The League on the third.
The League inspects all the work done under the supervision of Drask Polu and although things are tight, they are very happy with the results. Congratulating him and thanking him for his work.
"Tomorrow I have interviews arranged for some of the staff you need." says Polu.
The League relaxes in their new lounge and discuss wanting to shop at the magic acquisition shop with Sumat Pol, wanting rings of protection and taking inventory of the gems and gold they have to sell now that they are back in the big city of Waterdeep.
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The next morning, the League rises, makes some breakfast since they don't yet have servants in place, and heads to the Permanent Transient to move and acquire some magic.
Sumat Pol, all three of him, manages the counter with his unique clipped way of speaking. "We have a special on potions of superior healing, only 400 gold."
Nowhere says "Everything is so expensive."
Sumat says "That's because it's magic." Immeral sells a scroll of silence, getting 60 gold.
K'ronk brings out Dragondoom and says "could I get a price on this sword?"
Sumat Pol looks at the sword "Well, we'd have to do a bit a research." as a second Sumat comes over and says "Ya, depends on how rare it is, how many manifolds it transposes on and inflection variables."
The sword starts talking aloud and says "Oh god, what's that on your face? Oh it's just your face."
Sumat Pol pays little attention, examining the magical weapon.
Dragondoom continues "I've seen prettier cockatrices than you."
( QUOTE: CK - "Bitch Baby..." )
"If there was a doppleganger that took your ugly form it might kill itself. I have seen scabs prettier than you."
Sumat says "give us a bit and and we can give you an offer, ya" and one of the Sumats runs off to do some research.
Nowhere sells two magical longswords she has acquired and gets 100 platinum (worth 1,000 gold). As well as the magical dragon-embossed breastplate for another 1,000 gold.
Atlas says "what sort of magical ranged weapon might you have?"
"We have some seeker darts. They can go around corners and even find targets behind cover. They hit with lightning energy too." says Sumat Pol. They are 400 gold each though - pretty pricy, yah!
"What about arrows?" Atlas further inquires. "Oh we have some of dem arrows of slaying, they run 600 gold each. But they're one and you're done, but they do massive damage."
Nowhere asks "how about something to fly, like a broom of flying? I want to make like a witch."
Sumat Pol says "they're even more expensive, maybe 8,000 gold" very hard to acquire. Winged boots would be about the same price, but you don't have to carry them around, you just wear them. Very convenient, yah."
Immeral says "what about a periapt of wound closure?"
Pol replies "those are in high demand, people like their wounds closed, yah. $5,000 gold."
Immeral says "Yikes, what about a brooch of shielding instead."
Sumat says "they're even pricier, $7,500 maybe."
Nowhere "what's that cloak up there?" she asks Sumat2, pointing to an item a ways in the back.
"Oh that's a cloak of arachnida, very rare. Give you spider-like abilities, crawling on ceilings and such, can even shoot web spells. That's 5,000 gold." Nowhere considers it.
K'ronk asks Sumat3 about the sentient sword Dragondoom, describing its history and the abilities he knows of. Failing to mention the character of the sword. After a bit consult, they offer him 16,000 gold for the sword and he takes it, getting rid of the somewhat racist and acerbic sword.
Nowhere stops at a jeweler to sell a gold mask she picked up for another 1,000 gold. They stop at their bank to deposit some of their gold. (NOTE - each of the members of The League have about 1,000 gold with the exception of K'ronk).
Atlas decides to buy a cat for the tavern, then Dain adds one, and Immeral follows so there is one for each urchin. Atlas's is a black cat named "Kozu" for Squiddly. Dain names his cat "smudge" for Nat. Immeral names his cat "Luin" for Jenks and the cat is dark blue. They return to the tavern to settle the cats into their new abode.
At noon, The League starts interviewing chefs for the tavern as scheduled by Drask Polu.
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The first is Flaybe Bob, who considers himself the best chef in the Sword Coast and challenges any chef to take him on head to head. He comes across a bit cocky and was recently released from Castle Waterdeep for carousing with one of the local notables wives named Deegada.
Next they interview Guy Pisgetti - A young but white-haired wild man who has a red horse-drawn carriage with no top. A master of cravable tavern food that attracts the common man. He says he has hopped around a lot of different restaurants.
Next they meet Balton Rownd - A balding mad scientist type who comes up with interesting twists on traditional Waterdavian dishes. He appeals to an educated, cerebral crowd but has practical prices.
Chulia Jiled - Recently returned from Calisham, this elderly cook prepares amazing homey dishes that take hours and hours of kitchen work. Guaranteed to please, calling customers with all-day scents from the kitchen, but its very traditional fare.
Finally they meet Emerald Blagasso - this older dwarf runs an aggressive kitchen, he can often be heard pounding out meat and yelling blam! He spent time in Chult, so he specializes a spice-rich island cuisine.
The League consults on the choice of chef. Atlas wants a cook off, but they decide to go without and offer the head cook position to Guy Pisgetti. When he comes by a bit later in the day after being paged, he shares his thanks and general excitement. He has already drafted a menu.
STARTERS
Gazer Balls: Deep-fried meatballs stuffed with minced Gazer eye and a spicy dragon fire sauce.
Mimic Morsels: Crispy fried chicken nuggets in the shape of Mimics, served with a tangy mustard dip.
Rust Monster Ravioli: Homemade ravioli filled with a mixture of mushrooms and grated Rust Monster antennae, topped with a buttery garlic sauce.
ENTREES
Dragon Breath Tacos: Grilled steak tacos topped with a fiery Dragon Breath salsa and a cool, creamy avocado crema.
Displacer Beast Burger: Juicy beef patty topped with a slice of slow-roasted Displacer Beast tentacle, smoked gouda cheese, and a roasted red pepper aioli.
Crispy Griffon Bun: A crackling crisp griffon breast sandwich drenched a red spicy chultan pepper oil.
Hippogriff Osso Buco: Slow-cooked Hippogriff shank in a rich tomato and herb sauce, served with buttery mashed potatoes.
SIDES
Hippogriff Grits: Creamy grits with sautéed Githzerai vegetables and topped with a fried egg.
Rusty Dagger Fries: Crispy fries cut to a point and tossed in a tangy Rusty Dagger seasoning blend and served with a side of garlic aioli.
DESSERTS
Gelatinous Cube Jello: A wiggly and jiggly cube-shaped dessert made with flavored gelatin and fruit chunks.
Bag of Holding Cake: A magical cake that looks like an ordinary bag, but when sliced open reveals layers of chocolate and vanilla cake, frosting, and candy treasures.
Drow Eggs: Decadent dark chocolate truffles made with Drow cocoa beans and rolled in crushed almonds and dark cocoa powder.
Panna Cotta Potion: A smooth and creamy dessert made with vanilla bean, served in an edible sugar-glass vial.
The rest of the day is uneventful, and The League settles into their new estate.
Atlas takes the time to read a letter from Hembry Tinkerchap back in Phandalin received through her magic message box.
Dearest Atlas, I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I miss you more than words can say, every day I think of your smile your voice your touch. You're the light of my life, the reason I fight on. We live in troubled times and our love is not accepted by many but I don't care what they think - you're the only one who understands me, who sees me for who I am. You are my soul mate, my partner. I wait for the day when I can return to your arms and kiss you with all my passion. Until then please know that you're always in my heart and prayers, I love you more than anything in this world. - Your Hembry.
Inspired, Atlas writes a letter back.
My beloved Hembry, I received your letter and it filled me with joy and hope. I cherish every word you write me. You're the most brave and noble person I've known, you're my hero, my inspiration, my love. I'm proud of you for standing up for what's right and defending the innocent from that villainous mayor Harbin Wester. You have a good heart and a strong spirit. You're true warrior in every sense of the word. I miss you terribly my darling. I wish I could be by your side to comfort you and support you. I dream of the day when we can be together, until then please stay safe and take care of yourself. I love you with all my heart - yours always, Atlas.
Later in the day, she thinks about it and sends him more:
Hembry, would you be willing to come work at our new establishment the Three Urchins Alehouse? You could be a guard for the tavern and our townhome above. We could then be together.
That evening, she gets a response:
Atlas...my dear Atlas. Your kind words have warmed my soul and filled me with happiness. I am grateful for your love and support. You are my angel, my refuge, my joy. I'm grateful for you opening your home and heart to me. I will leave the militia and move to Waterdeep to be with you. I can no longer tolerate the violence and injustice of this town. I want to start a new life with you far away from here. I know it's a big risk, but I'm willing to take it for you. You are the only one that matters to me, you're my home, my future, my everything. Yours eternally, Tinkerchap.
She swoons and sends him a quick reply.
My darling Hembry, your response surprised and delighted me. Thank you for your courage and honesty, you are the most loyal and faithful person I have ever met. You are my knight, my protector, my happiness. I am overjoyed you have decided to move to Waterdeep. I cant wait to see you and hold you in my arms and share a life with you in our new home. I love you with all my heart.
P.S. I have a special offer for you my love - how would you like to be my tavern boy for all time? You would guard all the alcohol and keep me warm at night. Whatever your decision, please come quickly.
The next day are more interviews, this time for head barkeep.
Their first interview is Zando a gregarious male halfling. The League wonders how he will manage behind their tall bar, but Zando pulls some unique shoes out of his pack, they are foot-shaped blocks of wood that he ties to his feet to stand at a more appropriate height for a bartender. He was the owner of the broken beak tavern for over thirty years. He is talkative, honest and kind, but maybe a bit forgetful. He likes being single and avoids politics although he is friends with the mayor of Waterdeep and some of his female "companions". The League starts to get a dirty little halfling sort of vibe.
Calib is a female snow elf who is also of slight in size, but imposing with bright blue eyes, pale white skin, and a shock of platinum hair. She is very muscular, but her voice is soft and feminine. She speaks in an almost sad way and wears common simple clothes and a cloak. Her conversation is friendly but guarded, and seems like she just wants to earn an honest living. She was recently running a tavern in Crowthorn, but wanted to make her way in the big city.
Gaius Kron is their next interview, a male half-orc barkeep. He is fit and muscular and surprisingly tan with just the lightest tint of green orcish hue. He is tall, standing at 6 feet, and has short red hair. His eyes are blue, and he has a thick scar down his left cheek. His demeanor is gentle and kind, and his personality is friendly, but he speaks with a loud booming voice, and is quick with a joke. He mentions he will often spend his nights sitting in the bar, swapping stories with soldiers, merchants, and adventurers. He shares that he was once a soldier, but was discharged after his facial injury and the healing potions were needed for the mortally wounded, hence the permanent scar. He was a sergeant, and could bring in some of the city guard if that was the clientele they wanted.
Nowhere and Atlas swoon over the man a bit while the others insist on a few more interviews.
Odo is a male human who is slightly overweight with a large curly mustache. He has a big cheerful smile and a thick accent from the southlands. He did arrive with a stained white apron, and a torn undershirt. He tells some good stories and has been a tavern-keeper for over 30 years.
The last interview is Cringly, a tall lean human in his middle ages. He has a bit of a scowl with thick dark eyebrows, and his eyes are bright blue. He shows a bit of age, and comes across a bit grumpy, but talks about running a tight ship having come from a life of hard work and industry, starting out just carrying water to the local tavern in Sawing Wood where he grew up. He admitted to being in the thieves guild for a time, but wants a change of lifestyle.
After the interviews, The League decides on Gaius as their bartender. The League is reminded to get some pickles from Gruss for the tavern. They also interview a few servants and maids, choosing a few to start taking care of the urchins and the townhouse.
They also have some visitors who heard The League was back in town. Renear and Floon come by and are happy to see them all. Some of the neighbors wave to them as they pass by, some do not.
Jidjack and a half-dozen mercenaries from the Swords of the Lords also drop in and propose a business proposition. They are interested in being the security force for the Alehouse and townhouse. Jidjack says they like working for the Lords of Waterdeep, but the work is not steady and his crew is looking for regular work at better pay- they only make 3gp per week each.
The League likes this idea, especially wanting to keep the children safe. Immeral calls up to the children and they run down and start interacting with Jidjack's crew, affectionately known as Jiddy's Biddys, but The League wants to work on that name. Nat seems to know one of the female mercenaries - she even seems to sign a bit to Nat, who is delighted.
Jidjack says there is just one thing - as mercenaries for Waterdeep, we can sleep at the overflow barracks of the city guard. If we leave the guard, we wont have a place to stay, we would need a housing arrangement, but as big as the tavern is, we don't think it can house us. Could there by a stipend for housing nearby? With the seven of us we could cover the tavern with three people at all times.
Nat does some signing and Jenks states - there is a floor available around the corner for 30 gold per month.
Jidjack says "So that puts us about 250gp/month for salary and room for the seven of us, and we can offer three guards at all times round the clock."
Atlas says "make sure there is room for Tinkerchap in the rental and we have a deal." He nods and they shake hands on the deal. Nowhere looks at her quizzically. "My man is coming." Atlas responds. Seraphina asks "won't he just be staying with you?" in a sarcastic tone. "I'm not giving the goods away without making him work for it." she laughs and The League laughs.
Nowhere hands Jidjack a sack of a thousand gold she had counted out already and says this should cover us for the first four months.
(NOTE - WHY DID LAUREN SAY 166 EACH WHEN THERE ARE SEVEN CHARACTERS? DID SHE FORGET SERAPHINA? )
The Owlbear League receives a page from Volo, welcoming them on their return to Waterdeep and hoping for the swift and successful opening of their tavern. They spend the rest of the day decorating the Tavern with the various collectables they have acquired in their adventures - including the skulls collected by Nowhere.
Will the Three Urchins Alehouse be a success, or is the former Trollskull still cursed? Time will tell.
NEXT - CAMPAIGN JOURNAL 62 - Rats in the Tavern
This adventure used material from the D&D Module "Waterdeep: Dragon Heist".Google Sites
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