Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 5: Wormford Rats
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Taking the books from the sack and setting them on the table Narnel began to flip through and scan them for information. The tomes conatined historical accounts of the old dwarven kingdom of Delzoun.
- Delzoun was the great Northkingdom of the dwarves from -3900 DR to -100 DR.
- The kingdom extended from the Ice Mountains south to the Rauvin and Nether Mountains at its height.
- The southern valley was known as Sundabar Vale while the northerly one was named Adbar Run. These two valleys intersected each other to the east along the fork between the Rauvin Mountains and the Anauroch, and to the west near the Moonlands. Adbar Run was a real wild land. No permanent settlement was built in the area included between the Cold Vale and the Fork. There were only a few orcs outposts and some underground dens of goblins along the nearby mountains. The Uthgardt barbarians, Red Tiger and Sky Pony tribes roamed in this area at irregular intervals but only in small groups.
- Much of the Delzoun wealth was gained by trading with the Netherese. They notably created the Fardrimm, a series of underground roads spanning the breadth of their empire and beyond into other areas of the North. The most famous of these underground roads was the Lowroad which linked the Delzoun lands with Netheril.
- The name survives as a middle name among modern day dwarves, one of much prestige.
- The dwarves completed construction of Citadel Felbarr in -1900 DR.
- The Illuskan Maerin Immar commissioned a number of Delzoun artisans, including Fardelver, to construct Gauntlgrym in -335 DR.
- Citadel Sundbarr and Ascalhorn accepted human refugees from the recently fallen Netheril in -333 DR. In the same year, the dwarves begin to slowly abandon Ascore.
- In the Year of Terrible Anger, -111 DR, the Delzoun fell prey to the same orc assaults that devastate other kingdoms of the North.
- In -100 DR, Delzoun fell to the phaerimms and other dangers. Surface settlements including Citadel Adbar, Citadel Felbarr, Mithral Hall, and Sundabar survived the fall but the underground settlements did not.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
In Game Time: 10:30am
So was any of that reading enlightening? I am going to speak with this inn keep if anyone wants to join.
Keaton will approach the inn keep about the job they were offered.
So we are ready to hear our responsibilities and how you want this place run. Also, I would like to request a list of names that are trustworthy and not trustworthy, this way if a problem arises we do approach the wrong people for aid. It will also give us a good idea of who we should keep an extra eye on.
You are currently in the tavern in Wormford, where you traded for the books, you have not returned to the Bargewright as of yet.
Keaton speaks slightly louder than normal, so that others that were overhearing their conversation may hear, but not loud enough to make an announcement.
Let us return to Bargewright to talk with the inn keeper. We have no more money and it would be best to take the offered employment.
Molok finishes his meal and gathers up his pack.
"Ready when you are Keaton."
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Returning from Wormford and back across the river to the Bargewright Inn, the group enters the common room and finds the Innkeeper already gone. A tense, cold-eyed human woman bearing full armor approached Keaton and hands him a note that was left for him by Nalaskur the innkeeper. She introduces herself roughly "I guess he left you in charge. I am Chalaska Muruin, the Senior Sword here and master of the inn's forty guards and I am in charge of the community here and keeping the peace. I trust there will be no trouble."
Keaton, as innkeeper for the next ten-day your foremost duty is ensuring keys to the gates and crucial inner doors remain safe from foes of the Zhentarim. The organization’s negotiations, trade, and logistical preparations must remain secure. All the keys are hung in a cabinet in the innkeeper’s office near the tavern taproom. The cabinet and office are to remain locked when no one is using the office. To unlock the door you will need the key that I slipped into your pocket earlier as well as the key that Chalaska carries. This is to ensure that both you and her are present anytime keys are replaced or removed from the office. I expect no trouble while I am gone, enjoy the inn. Room and accommodations have been made for you as well as your friends and Chalaska can fill you in on any other questions that you may have. We will settle up on your payment as soon as I return.
Looking in your pocket you find a key.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
In Game Time: 11:30am
At least he did not take anything out of my pocket.
To Chalaska
Maybe you could give us some explanation on a few of these details. I have found that assuming details that are uncertain usually does not end well. Would you like to talk plainly out here or behind closed doors?
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Standing straight up in her splintmail, Chalaska barks "Clear the taproom.... NOW!" as she does so the few patrons sitting around clear out immediately. The woman then stomps her foot twice and two guards suddenly appear in the doorway. "Make sure we are not disturbed." she orders them as they take up a blockade position at the door.
Turning back to Keaton "Here will be fine, I do not even know why you are in charge. It seems that I would have been better suited for this than some stranger. But orders are orders. What do you need clarification on? You are the barkeep. We are the keymasters."
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
In Game Time: 11:31am
Big smile as everyone scurries at Chalaska commands.
I like you, and applaud the power you hold over this place. I will speak openly and honestly, we have nothing to hide, and no doubt you could gather information about us in short time. So to answer your question, our group was deputized in Red Larch for unrooting a cult under their town, killing a necromancer that was preying on travelers, and helping their sheriff.
I think your inn keeper looked at the badges we were wearing and figured we could keep the shenanigans away while he does chores. The news this is a Zhent establishment is new to me. I do not care one way or the other as long as the promised payment is paid after our tenday stay.
Why he did not choose you, or any other more acquainted with the inn is beyond me. I hope you take no insult on us running the inn, we only are doing what we were asked. My concerns are few, but I have several questions.
Is there someone collecting tabs? Or is that our duty to collect coin? Is there a written list of prices or is there someone else that will be taking care of these duties? How do we secure the coin, I do not want to do any of this incorrectly and find I have a tab to pay off due to mismanagement.
Regarding this key in my pocket. How do I know who has access to what is behind the locked door? Is there a secret phrase or handshake to look for? If you are needed for the other key can I plainly ask you, wake you at all hours of the night for these requests? Again, I assume that if you have a secret door, with two secret keys there should be some secrecy on all levels of this topic that we must abide by.
The clients here, are they usually rowdy? Are there bar fights? What is not allowed, as in rules and customers.
I know I ask many questions, but when given a job like this I want to ensure we do it correctly.
One more question...
Narnel approaches Chalaska.
Keymasters of what, exactly?
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
There is a list of prices with a lockbox for coins under the counter, we run NO tabs here, You as well as your servers will collect coin. Each morning at sunrise and each evening at sunset, me and you will take the lockbox and count the coin and lock it away in the office until the proper innkeep returns. Also when we lock the coin away for the evening you will take the keys to the outer gates and you and I will go out and lock them. No one gets in the gates after dark. Then we will return and lock the keys back away. In the mornings we will do the same but in reverse and open the gates."
"No one has access to the office but YOU and me. Period. There should be no other reason to enter the office. But if there is you can feel free to wake me at any hour."
"The crowd can get rowdy and there are occasional fights, nothing me and my guards can not handle. Usually if the disagreement is between two men, then we just escort them out to the yard so they can settle it. If it is a larger skirmish then we throw them out the gate, what happens after is no concern of ours. The only rules we have here is do whatever you want, just don't get caught doing something we don't like."
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
In Game Time: 11:35am
Ember stands sullenly to the side, frowning, feeling that this chore is a colossal waste of time.
Hopefully we can at least gather information in a place like this...
Keaton continues to be pleasant.
That is really straight forward. Thank you for the explanation, we will run this inn by the guidelines you have outlined. Umm... Glasseye, that will be our secret word incase we expect either one of us being an impostor or need to secretly communicate trouble.
To the rest of the group.
Glasseye, remember it. Well how do you want to break up the responsibilities. I am the keymaster, which is fun to say, Keymaster Keaton, yes, has a ring to it. But besides that we should plan on who will be manning the inn, break it up into work shifts. I do not mind doing the afternoon to midnight shift, I imagine the crowd will be most rowdy then as well as fun. Is anyone a night or morning person? I imagine breaking the shifts into three shifts, morning, evening, overnight, would be best. I would suggest there being two people on the evening shift, it should be the most busy and crowded then. Sound good?
Later Keaton will get a cord and tie the key to it. He will wear it under his shirt like a necklace, which will make it hard to steal or detect.
Since I am most adept at fisticuffs, I will share the evening shift with someone.
How about me and Kenna on the morning shift, you and Ember on the evening shift, and Molok can keep everyone in line during the night.
Addressing Chalaska
Does the inn shut down its tavern during the night? Will one of us be required to man a post during the overnight?
Kenna has been quiet so far, but her demeanor suggests she is not entirely happy with staying here.
"When are the fewest patrons around? I'd like that shift. Doesn't matter if those few are the most troublesome ones. I can handle that. I... just don't like crowds."
The smallest crowds, probably the overnight or morning.
Molok shrugs and nods his head in agreement.
"Night sounds good to me. If anyone gets out of hand, are we allowed to use deadly force?"
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The day drifts slowly by, the work of innkeeper is quite boring work, especially in a fortified place like this. (Not a lot of people are willing to start trouble.) Once the sun begins to set and darkness is about 30 minutes away, Chalaska comes to get Keaton to get the keys to lock the main gate up for the night. Using both their keys they enter the inn's office and then again using both their keys they open the key locker within the office.
The black, thick-barreled keys are as long as a big human’s hand, with distinctive red teardrops painted on their handle ends. The number of red drops identifies which lock each key belongs to. Inside the key box it is apparent that six of the keys are missing as their hangers are empty. Chalaska immediately is alarmed and states that the six missing keys unlock the outer wall’s main gate, the outer wall’s postern, two similar inner wall gates, the meeting rooms in the southern inn tower, and the strong room at the base of the northern tower. This last room is where the Zhentarim store pay chests, stolen items, valuables, and important objects.
Chalaska immediately returns to the inns taproom and sounds an alarm, ordering double guards at the gates. No one is to leave and no one else is allowed inside the facility. She also orders her swords (guards) to begin searching the facility and its guest for the missing keys. Four guards take up a position at the taproom door to keep everyone inside and not to let anyone else in.
Turning to Keaton in a burst of outrage "What are you going to do about the missing keys? Maybe they aren’t missing at all!", turning to one of the guards at the door "Frisk the innkeeper, search them all for the missing keys."
You remember a well-dressed human male who left the tavern quickly just before Chalaska asked for the keys. Give me a Insight check to see if you can recall any further information about the man.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
In Game Time: 7:35pm
She remembers the man looked worried and held a small note in his hand.
Kenna comes up next to Chalaska, "There... there was a man who just left a moment ago, he looked like something worried him." she says meagerly.
"And he was holding something. Looked like a note. Perhaps we should try to get him back here."
Narnel, listening carefully, simply nods and rushes outside to get a glimpse of the guy.
"His clothes looked expensive!" Kenna adds hurriedly as Narnel dashes off.
Keaton starts to disrobe for Chalaska.
Those keys are quite large, I do not have them. How the hell did someone get back here unnoticed? As boring as this has been I really like this job, I would not ruin it.
If no one stops him, he will strip everything off.
Over the last few days would we of been able to gather any info or rumors?
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
After Kenna explained what she saw Narnel tries rushing out the door to try to get a glimpse of the guy but the guards at the door stop him from exiting. "Not so fast! No one leaves this room until all pockets are turned out and each person is searched and cleared. If this man is on the grounds then we will find him in short order." Chalaska says.
As everyone inside the taproom is searched and cleared, a young male tavern server named Grendoo is found to have a note in his pocket during the search. The crumpled parchment reads, “Tell Kendrin Feldarr it’s Chalaska.” Grendo doesn’t know how he got the note and has never met someone named Kendrin. He seems afraid of and a little smitten with Chalaska, so he seems completely honest.
Searching through the listings in the inn's guest book for the name Kendrin, the guest book shows a merchant named Kendrin Feldarr is staying at the inn. In room #12.
Turning back to Keaton Chalaska states "We need to split up into groups to search the grounds quicker. Your group take one assignment and I will lead a group of guards toward the other. One group needs to go find this Kendrin or at least search his room if he isn't there and the other needs to go check on the strongroom, since its key was missing as well. What is the call Keaton?"
All characters are currently in the taproom.
This occurred the first night so you have not been here for a few days as of yet.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
In Game Time: 7:41pm
Pants already around his ankles, but covered over by his oversized tunic.
I know where room 12 is, not so much the strong room. We will look into room 12 and meet you at the strong room if we find nothing.
He pulls up his pants and fumbles with his belt buckle as he moves to the direction of room 12.
When Chalaska and her troops are out of sight, and Keaton is alone with his group.
Also, room 12 is right here and I do not feel like running.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Reaching room 12 and not even waiting to knock Keaton opens the door with the key he remembered to grab on their way here. Opening the door Kendrin is in the middle of packing up his belongings. He matches the description of the man Kenna saw leaving the taproom earlier. The man instantly drops a wooden box and a note he is holding onto the bed and takes off running, out of his head and screaming in fear down the hall. When the box hits the bed it bounces and falls to the floor, it breaks and releases four exotic poisonous spiders.
Round 1 Initiative
PC's
Kendrin
Exotic Spiders
* Conditions: None
* Everyone please post your Round 1 actions.
* Actions will be processed IN the order that they are posted.
This will be a theater of the mind encounter (No Map Needed)
Kendrin is only about fifteen feet down the hall from you.
The spiders are about fifteen feet in front of you by the bed.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
In Game Time: 8:00pm
"That's the man! I'll get him, you take care of the spiders, careful ot to get bit!", Kenna turns toward the fleeing man and takes off afterhim, incanting a few words, holding a hand out to the man as if to grasp him, as her Wolftooth pendant glows with silver light.
Move directly after Kendrin, and past him if possible.
I will aid you, Kenna!
Narne darts by Kenna, overtaking the man, and attacking with his staff and a flying kick, as he propels himself athletically off the wall.
Molok moves forward and slices at one of the spiders.
Attack:
Damage: (re-roll 2 ) = 9 damage
Keaton places Molok between him and the spiders and casts ray of frost on the closest one.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Kenna tried using her restraining magics on the fleeing man but they seemed to have no effect in his panicked state, she moved past him and got in front of him to try and slow his departure.
Narnel come running up behind the man as he turned back as Kenna past him, swinging his staff down he struck the man across the breastplate which protected him from the blow. Narnel then delivered a round house kick to the man's face that almost took his head off but the man somehow still stood as he pleaded "Ok, Ok I give, I think you broke my ribs." he then drops to his knees.
Molok moved in and killed one of the four exotic spiders. Keaton killed another with a cold Ray of Frost.
"Don't kill my spiders!" screams the man from the hall. "They are a special order, I'll never be able to replace them in time."
One of the two remaining spiders managed to bite Molok on the hand.
Round 2 Initiative
PC's
Kendrin
Exotic Spiders
* Conditions: None
* Everyone please post your Round 2 actions.
* Actions will be processed IN the order that they are posted.
This will be a theater of the mind encounter (No Map Needed)
Kendrin is only about fifteen feet down the hall from you.
The spiders are about fifteen feet in front of you by the bed.
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok takes 1 hitpoint of piercing damage from spider's bite.
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 8:00pm
Narnel, finishing his attack on the other side of the retreating Kendrin, prods him with his staff.
Get back in there and collect the spiders, or they WILL all die and you WILL suffer.
Kenna turns back: "Let me see what I can do. Step back, everyone."
She incants a spell aimed at one of the surviving spiders.
Stands back and lets the others deal with the insects.
To Molok. I think I am gonna yell down stairs for a guard.
When Kendrin gets back in his room to collect the sides Keaton will yell downstairs for the guards.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Returning the man to the room he carefully gathers up the remaining spiders back into the box and places the broken lid back on it just as two guards arrive from Keaton's call to join the others in the small room.
The man explains nervously that his name is indeed Kendrin and then explains his situation.
"I am but an exotic animal merchant that sells my wares around the Sword Coast. Trade troubles around the Long Road has me on a edge and I thought you were some of the people come looking for me." he picks up the note off the bed and hands it to Keaton.
The note read:
They're watching. You aren't safe here.
"I found the note in my pocket in the taproom earlier and I came here to pack and leave. I am not a member of the Zhentarim and I thought my adversaries might try to have me killed if I remained."
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 8:01pm
Narnel folds his arms and leans against the wall with his eyebrow arched.
Where is the key?
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"What key?" he reaches into his pocket and produces a small key and throws it on the bed. "My room key? What is this all about?"
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 8:02pm
Narnel begins a quick search of the room for the large key.
We need to meet Chalaska in the Strongroom. Something is not right, here. I suggest you bring him.
Agreed. If he tries anything funny break his hands. Let us see him try throwing poisoned spiders with broken hands, jerk.
Keaton will lead the way to Chalaska, letting the guards accompany their prisoner.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Narnel searches the room for any of the missing keys but finds none.
The group with guards and Kendrin in tow. Kendrin protest "I don't know anyone named Chalaska!"
Upon arriving that find a tense scene unfolding....
The guards are at a standoff with Chalaska with weapons drawn at each other. "Stand down Chalaska!" commands one of the guards. As the group enters the strong room one of the guards tries to quickly explain things "The strong room had been entered and everything was tossed. Five hundred gold was missing for the coin cache." he says still eyeing Chalaska "And then we found these two distinctive silver fox-head buttons on the floor near the chest. Everyone knows they are from a dress shirt that Chalaska commonly wears. I believe we have found our thief." he hands the buttons to Keaton.
"But she is refusing to give up. We may have to take her by force." he states.
Chalaska yells "Don't be a fool, this evidence is obviously been planted to frame me. Why would I have lost two buttons off a shirt in here while taking money from the treasury. Do you take me for an amateur?"
Turning to Keaton "Have MY men stand down, or I will put them down." she says.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 8:10pm
Kenna scrutinizes both Chalaska and the guard.
Chalaska
Guard
"That is a good question, how would someone lose buttons off their shirt doing this?"
Narnel concentrates on the guards and Chalaska to see if the story rings true.
I am not sure who to believe...
Insight (Guards):
Insight (CHalaska):
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Based on the current situation neither Kenna or Narnel could tell what was really going on or who, if anyone was telling the truth.
However Molok could tell that the guards was being truthful of what they had found but he believed that Chalaska had to much honor to commit such an act in this fashion. If she was going to steal from you then she would do it to your face.
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 8:13pm
"I think there might be a 3rd party active in this caper. I believe the guards are telling the truth, as far as they know it, but I also feel the Chalaska had nothing to do with this theft. Quite frankly, this robbery was too amateurish for her level of skill. No, I think there is a third person involved who is trying to get both of you chasing each other...but that is just my gut feeling."
Hmmmm...interesting thought, Molok. Do we still have a missing key? If so, we find that, and our culprit is at hand.
Act 2: Secret of the Sumber Hills
Scene 6: New Management
Active Maps: Dessarin Valley Map
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Chalaska looks at Narnel "There are still several missing keys. Six to be exact, they unlock the outer wall’s main gate, the outer wall’s postern, two similar inner wall gates, the meeting rooms in the southern inn tower, and this strong room. The outer wall's were no doubt that whoever did it could slip away but with the doubled guard on all exits it is likely they are still here. We can return to the taproom and try to sort this out or we can go to the meeting rooms in the southern tower and see what we find there."
Looking at Keaton "But first you need to get these guards to stand down before they get hurt."
"There is also a priest of war staying here that is not a member of the Zhentarim, if we return to the taproom we might find him. He may know more. If not in the taproom then we can find his room number in the ledger. Also what do we do with your prisoner that you have there?"
Keaton Wand of Magic Missiles (5 of 7 charges remaining)
Kenna used one second level spell slot (1 of 2 remaining.)
Molok has 27 of 28 hitpoints remaining.
In Game Time: 8:15pm