"Well you are not as hot but . . ."
"Rewards and more work are certainly in our interests." Bhoors sighs and rubs the back of his neck. "As you say that is the big three. Currently, we are high on the watchlist for at least one." He motions to the tossed furnishings. "Worse we have a number of retainers and some dependants whose safety is at our interest. A temporary place to lay low or even a place that has some security for our hangers-on would go a long way."
Bhoors looks to the others then pulls out the stone. "Are you able to check the validity here or are we going to posture about custody and trust during an authentication process."
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Taking the stone from Bhoors, Jalester smiles as he pulls out a short, simple wand. "It should only take a moment or two. As for what the stone is, well, I'd have thought you knew that already. Didn't the young Lord Neverember tell you the tale?" He says, a bit of a puzzled tone inching into his voice. "Well, I know a little, although not all. It seems the previous Open Lord, hid a sizable amount of his stolen wealth somewhere in the city. And by sizable I mean a half-million gold dragons." He lets the amount hang in the air.
His eyes focus on the stone for several seconds as the end of the wand glows with a soft turquoise light. Finally, he shakes his head and tosses the stone in his hands.
"The only way to find the gold, is to find the Stone of Golorr. It's a powerful artifact that somehow holds the secrets to finding the gold. I don't know how it works or why." He tosses the stone back to Bhoors.
"I do know that that stone isn't it. It's nothing more than a simple rock. Probably from the harbor shore. Oh...it's been polished up and painted. Not a bad fake really. But it's definitely not what everyone is looking for. Not an ounce of magic, where it should be radiating power light the sun on a summers day." He says while slipping the wand back under his coat. He shakes his head at the tossed room. "So it seems like all of this has been for nothing."
He frowns for a moment and drums his fingers on the table in thought. "But perhaps not all is lost. You said you were looking for someone before this...whoever...disguised as Laeral sent you after this fake. Correct? A Fenerus Stormcloud...Castleweaver....Stormcastle. That was it. Fenerus Stormcastle. Well it just happens that this man is currently under arrest and staying at the pleasure of the Open Lord in one of the courthouses in the Castle Ward."
He pulls a out a silver pendant. It is a seven pointed star stamped with a silver hand in the center. Each finger is tipped with a small red ruby. He hands it to Unmei.
"This is an actual token that will grant you limited access to some buildings within the city, including the courthouse and jails, with the Open Lords blessing. I would suggest you talk with this Fenerus if he was the last to actually handle the stone, he might know something."
"If you agree to do this and put your investigations to use for the city, then I'll see to making sure you'll not have further intrusions into your home. Increased watch patrols and a few hidden guards should do the trick." He looks down at the fake stone. "And best to get rid of that. Once they know it's a fake, my guess is the pressure will let up a little."
"Well. I do know that the drow that attacked us here wanted to bring the stone to a theater, same one the fake Laurel wanted us to meet up with her again. . . .might do go to have eyes on the theater or hey raid it in force and see what you shake out."
"I think our friend is a man in the know." Bhoors lets out a whistle, "Half a million, wow. that's a heck of a carrot. Well if this really was the stone maybe the drow would have offered over the 10k promised and tacked it up as operating costs."He grows serious, "That's why everyone in the underworld's knickers are in a bunch."
"Well. We can certainly have a talk with Fenris if you think that might yield something. If we take your marker and start poking around further who exactly are we working for and how exactly do we cover our risks on this? I am a gambler by nature. . . pays better than hard work. But this . . . I can't speak for my comrades but sometimes usually before anyone of the groups that are involved here know you have hampered their business its time to look for friendlier locations. What honey is left in the pot for us? Other than maybe we will find a hoard so large that sparing a king's ransom would be a pittance in light of we will be looked after on the hard end."
Jalester shrugs casually at Unmei's concern over his information. "Let's just say the young Lord Neverember is always of interest to those in power, not to mention the young man isn't exactly tight lipped about his experiences." That last is said with a small amount of contempt mixed with a 'but nobles will be nobles' attitude.
"So is hasn't been too hard to learn about those who rescued him from the clutches of the two most powerful gangs in town." He smiles confidently. "And the Open Lord isn't without her own...resources."
He then turns his attention back to Bhoors. "You ask a good question, and one I would have been surprised not to hear." He flashes a toothy grin. "The honey, as you so aptly put it, is fairly simple. First, the Open Lord will overlook and not investigate the sudden flooding of a good portion of the Trade Ward. The cause of which is apparently a sewer blockage made up of several dead bodies. All of which have been identified as members of Xanathar's gang." He pauses for a moment. "The payment of damages alone would be enough to put most noble families in poverty for decades."
"Secondly, should you successfully recover this horde, the Open Lord would sanction a ten percent finders and recovery fee. Fifty thousand gold dragons. A quite substantial sum and enough to errr...keep a gambler comfortable for quite some time I would think."
"Finally, as already promised, we'll see to the safety of your dependents and establishment for the duration of the search. Once the job is completed, you should have sufficient fame and means to provide for your own protection or to travel where you will."
"Half-million gold dragons would be worth the risk and make us a target larger than a mountain."
Dacknar pipes up but his eyes not moving from what is outside the window.
"Cause we want to live long enough to spend it." Bhoors looks to Unmei. Also the first rule of breaking a contract is making the other person think you mean to keep it.
He waves his hand toward Jalester as if Unmei's comments are irrelevant and smiles.
"If we found half a mill gold how could we even carry it without a small army." Strange, I would have figured that the old girl would have been happy to hear that her street kids might be looked after."
Jalester's smile disappears in an instant when Unmei asks for further explanation. "Well, for starters the gold is the rightful property of the city and people of Waterdeep. The entirety of the horde is made up of gold skimmed and stolen by the previous Open Lord. Thus, she would be well within her rights to merely claim it all in the name of the city."
He leans forward, his face serious and much less forgiving. "Second, as your friends say and as you've already experienced, this gold makes a target of anyone who ends up owning it. How long do you think you'd survive with every gang, group of adventurers, mercenary, and likely half the other legitimate governments in the region out to steal it for themselves?" He waves his hand around the disheveled room. "This is merely a mild warning for such people. I'm certain you are all quite capable, but you do not have an army, underground vaults, extraordinary magics, and a team of spies and others to help keep your treasure and your loved ones safe."
"Finally the Open Lord herself, while occupied with matters of state and numerous other items of importance, is no force to be trifled with. A daughter of Mystra, former Witch Queen of the North." He shrugs. "I certainly wouldn't want to be on her bad side. She rarely forgets a betrayal. But her loyalty and support for those who do right by her is just as deep and rewarding. As evidenced by a more than generous offer of fifty thousand dragons. That's much more than the ten you were originally offered by this imposter."
Leaning back in the chair he stretches and stifles a yawn. "The night grows old, what is your decision in this matter? Do we have an agreement?"
"Fifty thousand dragons? I for one say yes under one condition." and for the first time Dacknar turns away from the window, with a hard look at Jalester.
"I want names, location and any other information that can be given on those that have dared to attack our home." Taking a quick look at Unmei "And threaten those, who trust us to keep them safe."
"I think 50 large is a fair amount. I would certainly be willing. Dack has a good point. We have been threatened by these Drow . . . if word on the steet is a right Bregan D'earth itself paid us a visit. Do you have any itel on them that might further protect us, or help us look after ourselves . . . premptively."
"Deputies, indeed." He says with a wry smile, before he turns serious again "But be warned. You do not have the power of the Watch or a magistrate. You still stand within the law, so be cautious should blade work be needed."
"To be honest, I know little of Bregan D'earth except by reputation. But given a little time I might be able to learn a bit more." He says tapping a finger against his chin in thought. "Certainly, they are drow, so light, sunlight especially, will always be your ally. They are skilled fighters and mercenaries. Not to be taken lightly. Nor will they fight with honor. More like assassins. A blade in the night, a poisoned bolt from the shadows, trickery and deception, those are the ways of any drow. Bregan D'earth is no exception. In fact, perhaps more so since they are dishonored among even their own foul people."
He rises. "I will see what I can learn while you follow the trail of the stone." He looks at Dacknar, his face conveying an understanding of the half-orcs desire for revenge upon those who have wronged him. "And what information I find, I will share." He adds with a nod of the head.
Dacknar nods and returns his gaze back to the window.
"Us law and order every time."
"Quick bit of logistics. How are the guards who will be keeping an eye on things here for us going to make themselves known to us. I don't want us mixing up friendly agents from with enemies."
Jalester turns back to Bhoors and nods at the star-shaped symbol. "Always let her star be your guide." He says with a laugh and then ducks out into the night.
"Are we setting a watch. . . incase of return?"
"Aye, I will take the first watch." Dacknar offers.
The morning dawns a dull dreary gray as the wind and drizzle continue to wrap the city in its autumnal cloak. The remainder of the night passed without incident and while you slept several of your charges helped to clean up much of the worst of the mess. Fortunately there was little actual damage as most things were more tossed and overturned than broken and ruined. The smell of brewing coffee and sizzling eggs soon drifts throughout the manor as the cook you hired prepares the days breakfast.
After thanking the cook for breakfast and checking on the other help. Dacknar has a seat and eats what is served to him. With the others in the room or seated he asks "So do we look up Fenris, or do we hunt some drow this morning?"
"Fenris might know that the Drow were after him. So he might know something about them." Bhoors shrugs, "I think talking to him would be beneficial we just need to figure out all the questions we want to ask. "
After finishing your meal and readying yourselves, you head off to the Castle Ward and the courthouse. The day is chill, damp and dreary but that doesn't seem to have affected the traffic and bustle of the city. It's just made people a bit more surly as they push through the busy roads and alleys.
After an full bell's worth of slogging through the crowded streets, you arrive damp and muddy at the door of the courthouse. A pair of guards casually stand outside, watching people come and go, but not hindering anyone. Easily passing the guards you step inside and come upon a long open room. Uncomfortable wooden benches line the walls on each side, mostly vacant although there are a handful of other people waiting to conduct business with the court. Multiple flaming sconces light what would otherwise be a dark, cavern-like stone room. At the far end is a simple desk flanked by two more city guards. Sitting behind the desk is a gruff looking dwarf with small wireframe glasses perched atop a bulbous nose. His graying beard is spotted with various shades of black, blue and red ink and his sits hunched over a stack of parchments and scrolls.
"Yes, what's your business with the court today?" He says in a gruff, bored voice barely taking time to look up from his work. He points out three stacks of paper kept in neat, orderly places at the front of the desk. "For appointments with the magistrate, fill out the blue form WD-CR-APT-003-A. If you've a fine to pay, I'll need a copy of the original notice plus you're to complete form WD-CR-OFF-002-C. Finally, if you need to apply for a license you'll need your guild credentials and approvals and a completed copy of the yellow WD-CR-GALF-02A-B....in triplicate."
Bhoors smiles politely. "You are a dwarf who loves his job. Paperwork a true tribute to order." He presents the 7 pointed star coin. "We have business with a prisoner. Fenris Stormcastle. Where can we speak with him?"
Dacknar nods to the extra security. And keeps walking to the courthouse. About have way there Dacknar tells Bhoors
"With the extra security watching our place, Your man seems to be holding up his end of the bargain. We need to up hold ours."
At the court house Dacknar keeps his mouth shut and stays out of the way.
Pushing the glasses back up onto his nose, the dwarf looks from the coin to Bhoors, back to the coin, and back to Bhoors.
"Hmmmm....yes...highly irregular." He mumbles to himself as he pulls open a drawer filled full with additional forms, instructions, regulations, and other official documentation. He thumbs through to the back of the drawer. Glances at each of you momentarily and then pulls out four copies of a puce colored parchment stamped with a similar looking seven pointed star symbol.
"Stormcastle, was it?" He says sliding the forms over to Bhoors. "Fill these out. One for each of those wishing to visit the prisoner." He points to a small standing table in the corner, complete with quill and two messy ink pots.
"Bring each signed copy back and we'll have the prisoner in question brought up to one of the visitation cells." He adds nodding down a hallway that runs off to the left from beyond his desk.
Considering the current business complete he hands the coin back and returns to his paperwork.
You look around the spartan layout of this main entry hall and see little of real interest. An older woman sits at one of the benches talking quietly with a younger one, her daughter or some other relation as they sport the same hooked nose and close set eyes. A young elf, sits across the way reading through a thick stack of papers, occasionally folding the corner of one to mark its place.
Both guards watch over things, although the one to the left of the dwarf seems to be a bit heavy-eyed as if he were having trouble staying awake.
Two narrow doors marked male and female are in the southwest corner of the room while behind the desk and to the north is a hall marked with doors spaced every ten feet.
Bhoors smiles, "I certainly trust your prudence and savvy as to the day in and day out. But as you say this is unusual. It is also pressing. My hope is to say that you were most helpful. When we have done our lady's work. Perhaps you could make the arrangements now, fill out the boilerplate and mundane bits of the form and we can sign it before we leave. Everybody gets what they want and your tribute to order continues."
Dacknar just looks at the paper and ink pen.
"Aaah ok"
And starts to fill out the form, But his writing looks like someone just dumped the ink bottle on the paper.
The dwarf removes his glasses to rub his nose and eyes. Then putting them back on he stares at Bhoors and the others. "Look I don't care if you're the Open Lord herself. No one gets to see a prisoner without completing the waiver and agreement of consequences." He jabs a finger toward the puce parchments. "All you have to do is sign here. Here. And Here. Intial here and check the I accept box. Done. Easy. Then you're off to see your prisoner for whatever reason is deemed so important that you're here bothering me first thing in the morning."
He notices Dacknar's feeble attempt to sign his own name. "By the gods man! Just mark an X where it says and tell me your name." He shakes his head in disbelief. "Where is she getting agents the days?" He mutters, marking the paper with Dacknar's name.
"Hmmm. I see. I will be sure to make note of your cooperative help in any and ALL reports. Yes here and the x yes. Well, I must say these forms are far less litigious than those in Amn but of course, Amn is full of bastiches trying to get you in the back."
Ignoring any remarks the dwarf takes the forms, examines them, grunts in a somewhat satisfied manner and them proceeds to stamp each one with three different stamps, each creating a resounding thud...THUD as he smacks a pad of ink and then the parchment.
With the forms completed he points to the benches. "Wait there while I call for your escort." He then pulls a thin rope attached to a pulley just below his desk. Once, twice, and a final third time.
Not long after another guard comes striding down the hall and grabs the top form off the dwarfs desk. "Bhoors Thistledown and company to see Fenerus Stormcastle!" He calls out looking around the room.
Dacknar grunts seeing the guard enter, and places his hands behind his back to be cuffed, so he be escorted in like every other time he has been housed here.
Talking to the guard "Hows the family been? Have they finely put put carrots in the stew?" Dacknar says as he waits to be cuffed.