As the rest of the party arrives back at the Manor, leaning against the wall near the door stands two men. One an obvious foreigner from his dress, the other . Upon sight of you, the foreign man steps forward and approaches.
Tall and lean with an olive skin complexion and dark slicked back hair, the man carries himself with an air of confidence. Arms held off of his sides to show that he is not planning on drawing the rapier easily hanging from his side.
”Hola mi amigos, I believe whee have a problem whee should deescuss.“ and reaches into lapel cautiously and produces a piece of paper with multiple signatures.
The document appears to be a deed for the same Trollskull Alley Manor as yours.
Annett warily takes the paper from the strangers hand and begins looking it over. As she does so her brows drop further and further into a frown. By the time she's finished she needs a few seconds to unclench her jaw and relax her hands enough to keep from crumpling the pages any more than they already have been.
"Sooo." She starts off slowly. "It seems the worthy Volo has pulled a bit of a fast one." She adds handing the paper off to Unmei and the others to read for themselves.
Brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, she turns back to the foreigner with the odd accent. "You have been swindled my good sir. Volo already sold the mansion to us. And as you can see..." She adds gesturing the the various repair work already completed. "We've already invested some time and effort into restoring the place to something of its former purpose."
Her eyes narrow in thought as an idea strikes. "However, a few of our other...investors...." She pauses for a second over the word, then continues. "Seem to have disappeared. If the others are agreeable, I'd for one welcome some additional hands to help get things rolling."
"Can you play that or is it just for show?" She adds pointing to Bhoors and the instrument he's carrying.
Bhoors chuckles at the old woman and looks to Marquez and speaks quietly, "You like the cougars right."
Bhoors smiles politely. "I am Bhoors. Bhoors Thistledown and the Amnaird here is Marquez. We were just taking stock of our new residence?" He taps the rolled up deed in his hand noticing a similar parchment held by the others.
He listens as Annett offers the explanation.
"Its a show when I do play it." He winks.
"May I see your deed? For comparison."
Looking at the deed, Dacknar growls and shoves it back to the new comers. ”. I needs rum, a nap, 'n me flayin' knife. I be goin' t' gut that pink skin wee guppy. I warned 'im wha' would happen if he betrayed us. 'N t' reckon this night started so well.” he says with clenched teeth.
Dacknar storms into the manor, up the stairs dumps off the items he was holding, grabs a dagger and his sword. He stomps back into the bar taking a mug off a tray that was going past and sits down to begin sharpening his blades.
Annett ducks behind into another room, reappearing shortly with another deed to Trollskull Manor. Handing the paper over to Bhoors, she leans in close while glancing back over toward the fuming Dacknar.
"You've a fine set of features on you, I'd hate to see them mussed by an angry half-orc's fist. Believe me, I saw just a few hours ago what can happen to a poor fool who gets him riled. Give the offer some thought."
Bhoors glances up and looks Annett in the eyes a moment, "We are agreeable folk, perhaps even ones that could make music together . No need to resort to our last cards in the deck. Not yet anyway. Or do you rush all matters? That might be interesting." He leaves the flirting aside and leans over to Marquez, pointing to the dates on the deed.
He leans back over toward Annett, "I do see signs of recent construction and a bit of clean up." He looks about hoping to lock eyes on something to suggest he sees their efforts. "I think Volo is playing matchmaker a bit. You have lost some investors we had some people in our crew who are moving on. Perhaps we can work things out as you say."
He leans in closer, "We have time enough I would say for figures and features getting to know one another." He smirks letting his flirt linger a moment.
He takes a step and looks about. "So what plans do you have for the place? Looks like it might have been a proper pub at one point."
Shaking her head at the bard's flirting, Annett looks over toward Unmei, her eyes smiling. "I believe Unmei saw you first." She says innocently. "And I wouldn't want to be accused of stepping on Lathander's toes." She adds before turning and gesturing toward the restored bar, stairway, and interior of the main common room.
"Yes, we're reopening as a full bar with entertainment and food, once the kitchen is refurbished." She says. "If you know of any young chefs who're looking to make their mark in the city send them our way. We need someone who can cook beyond just the usual camp meal."
She pours and ale from one of recently delivered kegs and slides it over Dacknar. "Dacknar provides security and keeps the riffraff out. Unless they are friendly riffraff, in which case..." She smiles and shrugs. "Unmei keeps an eye out for some of the local street kids. While Rakdon does...well...whatever Rakdon does."
"As for me, I play a little." Gesturing toward her lute. "And try to keep up with all of the various guild payments and rules. But generally just beat my head against the wall of running a small business, while still trying to find time for music and getting in front of the crowd now and then."
She tosses the bard a mop and points to the waiting bucket. "So if you're in, the floors need a good mopping. Especially there where Dacknar tracked in a bunch of drow blood after last night's escapade." She starts to step up the stairs grabbing a brush and paint, then stops and adds with a bright, warm smile. "Oh! And don't tick off the ghost. The last thing we need is him getting all bent out of shape again." She says shaking her head.
"That reminds me..." She looks back at Unmei with a wink. "Is it my turn to visit ole Took at that home for broken minds?"
Bhoors smiles "I think she likes the Amniard. So you know."
"Second mopping is way too much like a job. Jobs are for suckers. We can help get things running. I am happy to play. Never underestimate the power of music. Marquez is a gamer of fortune he can get a little action going and he knows how to spot a cheat."
He stops, "Drow blood. I think this might get interesting. Did you say ghost?"
"Well I think I have an angle on a cook." He smirks, "A ghost as local color." He shakes his head, "That's why you come to Waterdeep."
Work continues on the manor with various workers coming in and out of the space over the next several days. Goods are delivered. Rooms and equipment restored or replaced. The manor takes on a whole new look and feel from the broken down, dusty, abandoned building of a few short weeks ago. A few local customers who've watched as you toil away to get the place cleaned up and ready for an 'official opening' have already dropped in to sample the brews and check out the changes.
Bhoors and Annett have managed to hire kitchen help and round out the wait staff while Marquez has already got at least one regular game in the works. Unmei's network of urchins is growing while Dacknar and Rakdon run off any troublemakers and 'research' other local pubs to 'get a sense of the competition.'
On the morning of the Fourteenth of Marpenoth, the windows rattle as the roar of an explosion fills Trollskull Alley. What was once a pleasant, crisp fall morning filled with the sounds of geese migrating south is now filled with anguished screams and a thick cloud of acrid smoke that billows outward from the blast. A blast that seems to have occurred right outside your door.
Bhoors rushes to a window and looks down on the alley.
Bounding down the stairs with his great sword in hand, Dacknar yells out ” Be th' city under attack?”
He sprints out the door looking for a fight wearing only his stained tighty whities with some cheek peeking out of a hole that was torn open from too much scratching.
Smoke continues to fill the air outside of the manor, blocking much of the view for Bhoors looking through the windows above. Despite the scattered bodies and obvious devastation, what the bard really can't help but notice is Dacknar rushing out the front door of the manor. The vision of the scantily clad half-orc burning directly into the bard's brain. As she steps around the corner, Unmei is greeted by the same glory of Dacknar's exposed cheek only more up close and personal. Most of her urchins are unable to gather much as they are either too busy giggling and pointing at the half-orc or poking at the bodies with various ewwws and ahhss.
In the middle of it all Dacknar finds himself surrounded by horror that assaults even his hardened pirate heart. The smell of blood, smoke, and waste just as bad as any fight on the open sea. Perhaps worse as it looks like most of the victims were simply innocents in the wrong place at the wrong time. A quick count reveals eleven victims of the blast which seems to have taken place within a few feet of Trollskull Manor. Among the victims four halfling street performers who had only a day ago dropped into the manor for quick pints and a little gossip. A gnome, an elderly woman, two human maid servants, and a handful of others are also among the dead.
Startled and bewildered neighbors slowly emerge in various states of dress and disarray. All trying to access what happened. The distant sound of whistles erupt a few blocks away and start moving toward the alley. A tell tale sign that it won't be long before the City Watch arrives.
The gnome was also wearing a cloak, and curiously his boots are caked in the dark muck common to the sewers. He's also wearing a small pouch, partially hidden under the shredded remains of his cloak.
Bhoors rushes downstairs and out to the street. Looking for signs of trouble. He tosses a tarp at Dacknar, "Our neighbors need only one horror today."
"This one has a tattoo."
Marquez hears the boom and calmly looks to the others. He is fairly new to Waterdeep and wanted to make sure that this was indeed something unexpected. The current game was slow and happened to be right in between a deal when the explosion went off. Collecting his winnings, the swordsman heads with the others to the window.
At the scene Marquez recognizes a smell in the air.
And begins looking for it’s source.
Finding a nearby street vendor, Marquez can’t help but buy a churro from him. ”Just like home.” He buys another for Bhoors and walks over to the other bard. Handing over the treat, ”Herrre. Rey is better to investigate with food in your belly. Whhat have you learned?“
Looking around and seeing no one fighting, no wizards casting spells at one another. So he does a quick scan of the bodies in hopes that his bed time companion, Yagra is not among them.
I have seen this kind damage before on a ship, it was caused by a spell caster. Big explosion, and fire, what was it called again..fire..cracker..no that not right, hmmm muses Dacknar as he looks over the bodies.
"What tattoo?"
See the watch coming Dacknar heads back into the manor to get dressed. Having spent 6 days in the brig and getting 10 lashings for punching out that two timing pink skined Volo, Dacknar is not on friendly terms with the watch. He guesses that the watch did not like his sailor chanties that he was singing during his time in the brig.
"Right here winged snake."
Both Bhoors, and once it is pointed out to him, Dacknar, recognize the tattoo as the standard marking for a member of the Black Network. It is unclear whether they were the targets of the blast, merely caught up in it, or perhaps the initiators who had something unexpected go wrong.
While Dacknar rushes back inside to avoid arrest by the watch for indecent exposure. Unmei and her small crew mingle into the crowd. She ends up bumping into the herbalist Fala Lefaliir, who used to know Lif. The wood elf seems a little shaken as they greet Unmei.
"Terrible business, terrible." Fala says with a shudder. "I was watering my plants up in the greenhouse." The elf says nodding toward the second floor of the Corellion Crown. "Then...kaboom! The blast blew out my windows and this wretched smoke everywhere. Lucky I wasn't injured! But a half dozen of my pots broke and I'm not sure if the thyme and rosemary will make it through the experience at all."
Leaning in toward Unmei the elf's voice drops conspiratorially. "But you know, I did see something curious as I looked out my poor shattered windows. Through the smoke, I saw a cloaked man take something from the body." She says pointing to the dead gnome. "I couldn't see what it was he took, because he slipped it right under his own cloak and then start limping away. It looked like he was badly burned and the whole time he staggered off he was casting glances back over his shoulder." A look of disgust crosses the half-elf's features. "And he should be worried. Stealing from a body that's not even cold yet. It's remarkable. What is Waterdeep coming to? He was headed off toward the Bent Nail and I plan to set the watch on him as soon as they get here." He adds wandering toward the sounds of the oncoming whistles.
Moments later, Squiddly, the young tiefling orphan comes running up with another young boy in tow. The second boy, a young halfling, from his appearance has been crying and is quite nervous. Pulling on Unmei's skirts, Squiddly nods toward the other boy while he leans in quietly. "Miss, this 'ere is Martem and he just lost a whole bunch of his folk in the blast." He says showing a bit of concern for the newly minted orphan. "Me an the others 'll look after him, but I thought you'd be interested because he found this, right after things went boom."
The boy holds out an odd looking necklace. A simple leather thong with two beads hanging on clasps that can easily detach from the leather. Both beads are large, perfectly round spheres of swirling red and orange. Oddly there are clasps enough for more beads, but they seem to be missing.
"It seems Martem saw his whole family go up in the blast and he ducked behind that rain barrel over there after the explosion. " He says pointing to a spot across from Trollskull Manor. "And not more than a few moments later, ker-plunk that necklace drops into the barrel." The boy pauses for a moment and then looks back up at Unmei. "I thought you could tell us if it's worth anything. If'n it is maybe Martem can stay with us a while?"
Martem nods along, shaky hands constantly wiping tears and grit from his eyes as Squiddly tells the tale for him.
Bhoors' eyes go wide, "He calmly takes the necklace. I think this caused the explosion." He shows the other adults. "More gang warfare."
"If I wanted to keep it I wouldn't have shown you."
While purchasing his morning snack, Marquez can't help but overhear a young Waterdavian woman in tears talking to another onlooker. A shaky hand constantly dabs her eyes with a blue silk kerchief as she relates her tale.
""I tell you, it was not a man. More like a puppet shaped like a man. A puppet without strings." She says, her voice trembling. "It was right over there on the rooftop. It hurled something into the crowd that caused the explosion." The rooftop she points to, just happens to be directly above the water barrel that young Martem hid behind.
She stares off into the distance for a few seconds before her voice goes quiet. "I...I... saw those poor halflings burned alive. I saw them!" The last is a shout before she breaks down sobbing again.
"A puppet." Bhoors looks puzzled. "When Volo sent Marq and I on our mission we ran into some guards talking about some sort of crime gang scuffle. This snake symbol was one."
Marquez, after over hearing the woman and catching some info from Bhoors asks around about the direction of The Bent Nail. ”We have a deescription now, whe should follow thee trail. Maybe we find the creminal that causes this. “
As Marquez and anyone else turns to leave Trollskull Alley, the way is blocked by several men and women in the unmistakable uniforms of the City Watch. With quick efficiency they cordon off the entire alley blocking anyone from coming or going. Soon after some of the watchmen start to question everyone while others tend to the bodies and any wounded still in need of aid. A griffon rider circles overhead, it's piercing cry occasionally breaking through the babble of voices as it keeps watch for anyone trying to sneak away from the crime scene or who otherwise might seem suspicious.
A quarter hour passes when a watch sergeant escorts a tall lanky man in impeccably well kept black robes into the alley. The new arrival spends several minutes investigating the scene before he eventually steps into Trollskull Manor asking to speak to the owners and anyone else staying in the building.
"I'm Barnibus Blastwind, Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors." He says in an authoritative voice that is used to being obeyed without much question. "And I've a few questions to ask regarding this morning's incident outside of your door."
Marquez comes to a halt when the guard blocks his way. A bit surprised, but unabashed he continues to the guard line. ”I believe we are on thee trail of the ones responsible for thees tragedy. Step aside or fetch el Capeetan with haste so that we may continue our search.”
Marquez waits with a calm demeanor while his pacing back and forth reveals at least some level of agitation until Barnibus introduces himself. ”Finally...” he walks up to Barnibus with an air of nobility that may or may not be respected my the watch investigator. ”While whe wait, the veellain has gotten away. “
Hearing the order for everyone to come outside. Dacknar steps out, with his pants on now, smiling "Ah Mr. Blastwind, did you track me down for more singing?"
After Marquez speaks to the watch investigator
Turning to Marquez "You know who did this? Good, case closed and I can go back to sleep."
And Dacknar turns to step back inside.
The investigator wrinkles his nose at the memory of Dacknar's singing voice. Then gives an officious shake of his head. "No sir. That is not why I am here in this dismal little alley on a chill autumn morning." He gestures back toward the open door. "I am here to bring to justice whoever is responsible for the rather large explosion that occurred outside your door and resulted in the deaths of several Waterdavion citizens." He looks back over to his sergeant who stands holding a small pad and writing charcoal. "Ready Cromley?"
"Yes sir." The man replies crisply and begins taking notes as the inspector questions each of you regarding the blast, your whereabouts, and actions since.
Throughout the process you learn that the dead gnome was apparently being pursued and that he was headed for Trollskull Manor, but neither he nor those chasing him saw their killer, although one of the pursuers did leave the scene based on the other witness statements.
To Marquez he says brows furrowing in displeasure when the half-elf mentions chasing after the suspected villain. "Sir, please leave the investigation to the professionals. If you have evidence or knowledge regarding this crime please share it with me. But I must remind you that interfering with an investigation of this type can result in heavy penalties here in Waterdeep."
"Now..." Blastwind says addressing everyone in the manor, "Did any of you know who this gnome is and why he would be coming here?"
Unmei manages to slip the gnome's pouch into her hand and under her robe before one of the constables sees her. "Oy! You there. What are you doing?" He shouts rapidly walking toward Unmei. He points to the cordon around the bodies. "This is a restricted area maam."
In the manor, Blastwind frowns and sighs as he looks over the unusual mix of garb, backgrounds, and equipment of the party. Not to mention the array of weapons.
Seeing the classic signs of mercenaries or adventurers and their usual unwillingness to talk to the law. Most likely because they've got fourteen illegal schemes of their own in the works. He sighs again and speaks directly to Bhoors, Rakdon and Marquez while Unmei is still out among the victims.
"I assume by your reticence that you do not know this gnome or have any idea of why he was rushing to your establishment? Nor do you have any other information that is relevant to the case?" He looks at Marquez, "You....didn't you say something about being on the villain's trail? What is it you know, or think you know?"
"Blast went off outside our doors, we rushed to help." He adds to Unmei's assessment.
Marquez, leaning against the bar comfortably, looks up at the direct line of questioning. He does not shy away from the small yet formidable man. ”I said that whe were on thee trail of the veelain. Whe have a brief deescription of a strange wounded man fleeing thee scene. Eef we could have caught up to them before blinding with thee whole city population, whee might have caught him. I appreeciate your thoroughness, but in thees case, the lack of reesponse has cost you a chance at catching thee actual suspect.” he finishes by calmly drinking from his cup of mulled wine.
"Master Blastwind th' watch was sayin' how short handed they be. Maybe this crew might be o' some help t' ye. Plus it might be easier t' keep tabs on us. Wha' do ye say? We do th' work 'n ye get th' credit."
As Dacknar leans in the door way.