Talliree sneaks about listening at each door...
Nothing is heard.
Snoring , definitely goblin snoring, can be heard.
Nothing is heard.
Nothing is heard.
Hob is absolutely certain that the mosaic and the wall markings, and the tattoos on Baldy are all trying to represent the same thing.
Talliree tries to quietly open the second door after checking the other three. Her sword is out and there's that glimmer in her eyes, the one that happens when she's about to shed blood, but not in a fight. Unfortunately for her attempts at stealth...
The snoring goblin snorts a bit when the door squeaks as Talliree eases it opens, but begins to buzz again almost immediately.
Talliree sees a room much like the other , the goblin sentry is ensconced in the very arrow niche it should have been guarding.
It is unaware of its pending fate...does anyone prevent Talliree from delivering it's doom upon it's sleeping head?
Hob holds up some rope but isn't advancing... getting between her and the goblin seemed foolhardy.
He tries to listen in on the conversation between the two friends without being too obvious.
Perception
"Swords!" Ellena whispers, seeing Talliree delve further in the chambers. "You don't want to meet the illithid and we have a wounded man, let's fall back and get our reward!"
Before the goblin has a chance to wake up, Talliree drives her sword down through him.
"Are we sure he didn't just bail on these guys? I mean, if he wanted us dead, why didn't he stick around?"
The goblin lets out a startled, "Urk!! before it's breath leaves it for the last time.
Mitchell eavesdrops on Renaer's conversation with Floon, hearing Renaer reiterate what he's already told the party: his father while Open Lord of Waterdeep, supposedly embezzeled a large sum of gold. The Stone of Golorr is the Zhent's means of finding the gold. The Xanathar had this artifact , but someone stole it. The Zhent's though Renaer had it or knew where it was...which is why they kidnapped Floon....thinking it was Renaer.
Floon is quite understanding about the whole thing, "Let's get back to the Yawning Portal...I could use a drink!"
"Getting out of here either way seems like a good idea. I don't want to fight something like that without a lot of preparation."
"It up and disappeared from what Tania, oh darnit, I meant Cups said. If it didn't just poof on out of here, then why isn't trying to kill us?"
Talliree doesn't even bother with stealth as she begins checking the other doors for a way out.
Talliree finds two of the other doors lead to non-descript rooms with old straw pallets on the floor and rust manacles bolted to the walls.
The other door beside the one leading to the now dead goblin guard leads to a short corridor ending in a small door with a metal handle.
Tania nods at Talliree's observation, "That's right, it just up and vanished!!! I bet if it was still here...we'd be pretty dead."
"Right, and I bet this is the way out," Talliree says as she walks up to the small door and opens it.
"But we came the other way..." sighs Ellena, shortbow in her hand, keeping a clear line of sight to cover Talliree.
"Right and the other way goes right by a door that two of 'em were guardin' to keep somethin' on the other side of. I say we don't go that way les' we gotta."
"But here me out... the deadly brain eating monster went this way... so we shouldn't?" Hob volunteered hopefully but had a sneaking suspicion Talliree wouldn't be dissuaded.
Mitchell waits for the two rescued men then follows the others forward.
"Stay close to me and I'll protect you".
The door Talliree opens, swivels silently on hidden hinges, revealing....the sewer. The smell, for a while just a drying memory on your boots, assails you once again.
Leaning out, Talliree can see the original platform they found directly in front of her, and then looking back , she can see that the door was obviously designed to fit flush against the
sewer wall, hidden from view.
Renaer smiles at Mitchell and motions with his hand as if to say, "Lead on!"
"See? Nothin' deadly here but the stink," Talliree says with a smug smile on her face before taking the lead.
Ellena sighs in relief as the way is shown. "Ah, Tymora's smiling on us now. Let's get out of here and to the closest bathtub."
Hob keeps his dagger handy and casts light on it. "This stopped being so much fun when the brain eating horror became a known factor."
"Oh stop worrying. If it's really that powerful and it wanted to dine on our brains, then why didn't it stick around? If you want to worry about something, then worry about how we're gonna get the stink out of our clothes. E has the right idea. Out of here and into a hot bath and some warm blankets with a mug of cider is where I'm headin'!"
Renaer smiles and declares, "Have no worries tonight, your libations and lodging are my honor to pay tonight! Come let us not tarry here , our objective has been met!"
He clasps his friend , Floon, about the shoulders then waits for you all to lead them out of the sewers.
Talliree takes a deep breath of the relatively fresh air as they come out of the warehouse they'd gone in what seemed like weeks ago. She turns to the others and fixes her eyes on Renear.
"I think we could all do with a bath, a nice, hot soak would help all of us I think, and since we're celebratin', I say we get the biggest, fanciest bath in town!"
As Talliree ponders who has the fanciest bath, and comes to realize she hasn't spent much time in the fancy bath parts of Waterdeep, Mr. Whiskers peeks out of his hiding place and scurries to Talliree's shoulder to give Renear and Floon a low, mousy bow, like an accomplished minstrel feigning humility at a compliment.
"I guess I can wait till morning to report my findings to the church... and a hot bath, delicious meal, and warm bed sound mighty enticing right now".
After a few minutes of not really getting anywhere, Talliree spins and gets a little too close to Mitchell.
"Hey, your family's rich, right? Where are the fancy places with the fancy digs?"
The journey back through the sewers is uneventful, the party follows the same markings that led them to the hideout. They do notice that the markings are starting to fade, so it's a good thing they're leaving now.
You all wash up with the clean water and brushes courteously left by Xanathar's lackeys and ascend the ladder into the secret room.
Hefting the box of landscapes, you open the secret door to see a transformed warehouse,not a box or crate hasn't been opened and emptied, the detritus of a hasty pillaging scattered across the floor.
An urchin leaning over a nearby box, looks up with alarm when you emerge. With a squawk he sprints out of the warehouse, arms filled with last summer's foot fashion.
Renaer laughs at Mr. Whisker's antics and Talliree's enthusiastic desire to taste the finer establishments Waterdeep has to offer, "Volo is the expert on such places, let us hasten back, he must be sick with worry!"
The victorious party leaves the warehouse, a cutting north wind whipping the meager snow fall here and there, and makes their way to the Yawning Portal...
...Entering the tavern, accompanied by a strong gust of wind, the party, Renaer and Floon are immediately seen by a worried looking Yolo, who jumps up with a yell and runs over to congratulate you on a deed well done!
"Ah , my friends " he pratically yells, gathering each into a strong hug, the gathering his friend Floon into a closer embrace, his elation at his safe return more than evident.
"Drings on me!" he does yell, to the happiness of the assorted adventurers scattered about the 'Portal, "Come...Come and sit and tell me of your adventure." he demands , laughing,and arm slung aroung Renaer's shoulders.
He's very serious about hearing details about finding Floon, his ever present notebook beside his flagon.
As he jots down notes, Renaer leans over and whispers into Yolo's ear. Yolo's eyes widen and he sheepishly smiles at the party, "Ah, Ren has reminded my of my obligation to you!"
His sheephish smile becomes even more sheepish,as you realize he may have stretched the facts of his ability to pay the reward a little, as he says, "I confess that I have but few coins to spare. But never let it be said that Volo reneges on a promise. Allow me to present something much more valuable ." He holds out a scroll tube. The deed to a remarkable property here in Waterdeep! We'll need a magistrate to witness the transfer of ownership. I'll arrange a meeting with one after you've inspected the estate and deemed it satisfactory"
He lays the scroll tube on the table, waiting for your reaction to his offer...
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Glad to have escaped the sewer, Ellena takes out her lute and strums a simple, catchy round of chords, improvising some lines about the escapade. Just in case some patrons are in the crowd, her beret lies at her feet.
There is a beholder around Waterdeep
Whose guild skulks around, hoarding secrets to keep,
They wanted a young lord, his knowledge a boon,
But they got the wrong one, a good lad known as Floon!
And a hey, ho, what a story to tell,
The bandits were nasty, but worse was the smell,
The bathhouse's coffers with our gold will swell
'Cause pecunia non olet, but we stank like hell!
We went down to Candle Lane, hoping to find
The thugs, and to give them a piece of our mind,
Turned out they were kenkus, and after a fight
The creepy crowpeople were sent to goodnight!
And a hey, ho, what a story to tell...
There Lord Neverember from his bounds we freed
But Floon was not there, and a rescue he'd need,
We took to the sewers, and forward we snuck
Through critters and guards, flunkies, monsters and muck!
And a hey, ho, what a story to tell...
We captured a flunkie, he tried us to fool
Till Mitchell passed justice (it was very cool),
At last we found Floon with an orc most uncouth
And a horrid Mind Flayer with a tentacled mouth!
And a hey, ho, what a story to tell...
I'll say that I thought that my life was to end
That Kelemvor soon to our souls would attend,
But the illithid left, leaving us with the orc
And his pet, and of them we made quickly short work!
And a hey, ho, what a story to tell...
Hob begins to open the scroll tube and examine it's contents but as Ellena got into her song he became rather distracted.
The halfling man stands on his chair cheering and applauding his ally as her song comes to it's end.
"When did she get a chance to write that!?!" He then remembers the deed. "Even if the roof is caved in it's got to be worth more than we were promised. It's a tavern... we could have a tavern!"
"♫...And a heeey hooo!♫Wait?we'vegotatavern?!"
Talli abandons the last chorus just at the start, too excited about the news to finish as she seems to teleport behind Hob, her eyes glittering. It takes her a little bit to read the deed, given that a life on the streets doesn't give one an opportunity to practice.
Mitchell smiles and taps his foot to the song describing their exploits. And concentrates on the terms of the deed trying to decide the best course of action.
Well this complicates things. What shall I do about this. Perhaps I shall give it time to evaluate this property, and try to determine it's worth. Maybe the church will wish to buy out the others and take this property over.
He then turns to their patron. "One question if I may. What is the catch. This seems... well... unusual in every way"?
Insight
Through the doorway to the jakes, a figure emerges into the raucous inn.
Average height, slender build, dark cloth over peeking scale armour.
Ears pointed but not as pointed as an elf's. Eyes and hair a golden yellow not like a human's.
Amid all this, glancing around at whom has left and entered...and a widening grin at familiar faces.
Himo Liadon strides towards the group, humming along to it - and listening to the import carefully.
They've been busy!
The half-elf walks up, arms out-stretched and says:
"Hello folks! Nine bloody months to find uncle Garald, get him out o' the thick, and get home. But the smile on mum's face was worth it! I'm back, ready to back you all up with the power o' the divine. Sounds like you've just had a good run!"
He then looks at Tania, his mood dipping a little.
"Tania, I'm sorry to say that your dad is in bad shape in Baldur's Gate. He wants to see you. Your aunt got me to pass on the word."
"Himo!" Talliree laughs as she rushes up to the half-elf and spins them both around as she wraps an arm around his shoulders. "We did, although you owe me for that favor I did before ya left. She left scars!"
"Himo, we're getting a tavern!" Hob gleefully points at the paperwork.
Returning the spin, Himo is clearly perked up by infectious glee.
"Ah Tally, Dalretta was bad news from the start! I'm sorry I ever got involved with her - or let her get the drop on me. You took her down when she could have easily put another knife in my back, and I won't forget it!"
Himo pauses, Hob's words sinking in.
"Wait, a tavern!?"
The half-elf steps over to look at the papers himself.
"Aye, and I still have the scars," Talliree says, lifting the hem of her shirt up to show three faint lines of white just under her ribs. "See? I think that's worth something nice and expensive, don't you?" Talliree grins as she pulls her shirt back down
"And yeah, this guy's letting us have a tavern and the house that comes with it if we want it! This will be great! I've always wanted a place that wouldn't kick me out."
"Well we did rescue his friend. We had to fight a gang of criminals! Ellena made a song about it and everything. This is instead of the money but sounds like a great deal.... I mean it might be a flop house for otyughs or something. There has to be a catch but we can make it work."
"A-hello my elfin friend. Long time no see" cheers Ellena, laying her lute carefully at her side and stamping a kiss on Himo's cheek. On her fingers dances a Knave of Cups card. "Although your arrival throws into disarray the suits scheme I was using to call all of you, I'll have to find an alternative. Now, what's this thing about taverns?"
Her eyes dart over the paper, widening as she goes. A manor, old as it may be, is such a huge step forward from her humble beginnings. "Woah. Woah. We'll have a bedchamber each! And if we can get the tavern running, that'll be one hell of a place to come home to!"
"Or we could liquidate it, and split the earnings".
This one's going to be a paperwork headache the way it is.
Tania's eyes light up at Ellena's musical rendering of the group's efforts to find Floon, and a wide smile crosses her face as the reality of what the deed represents occurs to her.
Himo's entrance further buoys her spirits, but his mention of her father causes a scowl to form on her face, "My Aunt you say told you this? " she asks, her frown easing a bit as Himo confirms his tale.
All know that within Tania's extended family, only her Aunt has been one that could be trusted. If the bad news came from her...it was most likely to be true.
Tania thinks for a moment, then her mind is made up, "I hate the man....but he's my Pa, I have to see him before he dies. So I'm off to Baldur's Gate....alone! You all have a new tavern to see to! " she says forcefully, a hand up , forestalling any objection, especially from Talliree.
She gathers her wild friend up in a giant hug, and kisses her gently, "You have to take care of our friends, Tal." she says simply, the grabs Himo by his shirt and pulls him close, "You watch Tal's back as good as I would...got it?" she says seriously.
Then, grabbing her pack, she points at Yolo, "Get him," pointing at Himo, "on that deed...he's one of us."
Then looking each of her friends in the eye, she blinks back some tears, smiles and departs the inn in a rush...
Himo's grin gets wider as he realises what his friends have been given, and at Tal's words.
"Don't worry, Tally! The Shadowy Lord will point him to something I'm sure."
When Tania absorbs the news, Himo knows better than to stand in the way of her determination.
He claps a hand on her back and replies:
"Absolutely, Tan. And for you, a blessing for the road. You know the drill. Go, do, come back in one piece."
"Starting when you choose this domain at 1st level, you can use your action to touch a willing creature other than yourself to give it advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. This blessing lasts for 1 hour or until you use this feature again."
Tania is definitely someone who could benefit from that! Though it's more of a gesture in the circumstances.
Talliree's smile fades into a more sober expression as she realizes that Tania was leaving, possibly for good.she returns the hug with the desperation that only comes from being alone as she buries her head into her friend's shoulder. She doesn't want to let, to lose a friend, but she knows she can't keep Tania from going to see her pa either.
"Tymora smile on you," she whispers before letting go and watches her friend leave before plopping down in a chair, the mirth having left with the Tania's departure.
Mitchell watches the emotional displays stoicly, and simply smiles and offers his hand as Tania departs. "May Luck and Fortune follow you".
Slight of hand
As he slyly attempts to place one of his brass tokens of Waukeen's fortune somewhere in her travelling gear... not so slyly.
"I'll say some prayers in the temples of Ilmater and Lathander for your father." Hob chimes in. "When you come back you'll get to see the tavern running just right"
Though she wanted to make a quick departure to avoid tears and...well, feelings, Tania's friends made that impossible.
She gives Himo a smile at his blessing, a wider smile at Mitchell's clumsy but heartfelt offering, helping him to place the token securely in her belt pouch.
She nods to Hob, accepting his invitation and grateful for whatever prayers he offers.
But, it's Talliree's farewell that breaks her. She turns to leave after embracing the wild half-elf, and turning her head back sees Talliree unhappily plop back into her chair.
With a snort and a shake of her head, Tania rushes back to the table, tossing her pack to the side and declaring, "The old man can wait one night! " smiling at Talliree, then slapping her hand on the table, looking pointedly at Yolo and the deed.
"Oh, yes!" Yolo stammers, picking up his stylus and quickly inscribing Himo's name on the deed.
Renaer grins and says, "Most excellent! Talliree mentioned a desire to be entertained at one of Waterdeeps finer establishments...Yolo , any ideas?"
The writer ponders for a moment, tapping his stylus on his chin, not noticing the ink being deposited there, before thrusting the writing implement into the air, "Yes! I think Nara's Rebuke will do! I know the owner quite well...good food, drink and music.. and wonderful baths ! "
He gathers up the deed and his writing gear, "We can make this official tomorrow ! But first, let us celebrate! Shall we?"
"Nara's Rebuke it shall be!"
Talliree grins and throws and arm around Tania's shoulders as she comes back and decides to stick around for a little while longer.
"Just think, you, our little songbird over there, an' I getting pampered by pretty boys in togas! Who'dathunkit?! It'll be the most fun we've had since putting itching powder in that one captain's pants!"
Ellena offers her own farewell to Tania with a bitter smile. For an orphan urchin such as her it's hard to relate with the loss of a parent, but she strums sad chords before wishing her good luck, may her purse be heavy and her beer be heady.
Her mood brightens at the proposal to head to the bathhouse. "Oh yes, yes, yes. And it's appropriate for my song's refrain. Let's-a go."
"Yes. That sounds like a good plan. It would be good to relax a bit before visiting the temple in the morning. And I need to wash the dust from my eyes... they seem to keep watering up".