(IC) Vampires of Waterdeep pt. 1 - Blood of Malar

[Professor Parsnip]

Tucked away inside a block of homes and businesses in Waterdeep's North Ward, the Grinning Lion is as raucous as taverns get in this part of the City of Splendors.

Within, male and female dancers in fantastically styled mock armor sway and pirouette among the tables to the loud music. Well-dressed nobles and simpering servants crowd the tavern, carefully eyed by watchful bouncers positioned at the edge of the crowd. Broken weapons and armor, battle trophies from all across Faerun, adorn the walls. Across the room, waiters are delivering steaming plates of fried onions and eels, along with large pitchers of wine and zzar.


Rognvald:

[sblock]Rognvald frequently keeps ties with a number of street informants who keep him abreast of developments in Waterdeep which may be of interest. Recently, there has been an increase in the flow of drugs in his neighborhood. The increase of use of these drugs (such as haunspeir, mordayn powder, and tekkil) by the young people is something that Rognvald doesn't take kindly to at all. The informants have mentioned the name of Lord Orlpar Husteem as a rising player in the drug trafficking scene who operates frequently out of the Grinning Lion Tavern in the North Ward. The sources indicate that he is the supplier for the drugs now becoming more and more prevalent around Rognvald's Watchtower. They further say that a very bid drug deal is going to be taking place in the Grinning Lion this very night. Sounds like something Rognvald might want to check out personally....[/sblock]

Jana/Caladan:

[sblock]Jana's adventures across Faerun have brought her into contact with a large number of fellow adventurers. One she recalls vividly, Caladan of the Church of Lathander. The memory of his zeal against the vile undead has stuck in her mind, even after passage of several years. So, she is pleasantly surprised to find Caladan waiting outside her inn one evening, but happy to see her old friend nonetheless. She is interested in his tale of the movement of a large amount of bloodroot, and the charge of his church to investigate. The lure of adventure strikes once more, and she just can't say no.

Caladan has been summoned to the City of Splendors by his patrons in the Church of Lathander. At the Spires of Morning, Caladan meets with Corinna Lathankin of the Order of the Aster (a militaristic organization in service to the Church of Lathander). She tells Caladan that she has learned that a reputed drug dealer, Lord Orlpar Husteem, has recently come into possession of a large quantity of bloodroot (a substance known to be addictive to vampires). Many in the hierarchy of the church are skeptical that there is anything more to this matter than a simple drug deal involving a scion of a prominent noble family. Still, Corinna is not convinced. She asks Caladan to stake out the Grinning Lion, Lord Orlpar's usual haunt, in an attempt to figure out who is buying the bloodroot and why. Remebering that his old acquaintance Jana Fyrehair is also in the city, Caladan seeks her out, eager for some backup and company as he prepares to stake out the Grinning Lion.[/sblock]

Wollf:

[sblock]Creeping through the back alleys of Waterdeep, Wollf keeps his ear to ground, listening for news that might lead him to his werewolf nemesis. Recently, Wollf has heard rumors of an upswing in lycanthropic activity in the North Ward, and so he has been staking out various taverns and other gathering places seeking news or sightings. So far, he has come up short, but perhaps tonight will be different. Wollf has decided to take up watch this evening at The Grinning Lion. Who knows what turn of events will happen there?[/sblock]

Armand:

[sblock]Even in the short time he's been in the city, Armand's expertise in the ways of the shadows have earned him a bit of a reputation. Lord Orbos Husteem has summoned Armand to his lavish home, and tasked him with keeping a watch on his wastrel brother, Orlpar. Apparently, Orlpar is a drug dealer, and Orbos fears a scandal that could damage his family's reputation. With information of an imminent transaction involving his brother and large amounts of a new drug, Lord Orbos hires Armand to stake out the Grinning Lion, where Orlpar contracts all his business. Lord Orbos wants Armand to keep his brother safe, and more importantly, protect his family's reputation if something goes wrong.[/sblock]

OOC: Each of the adventurers has reason to be in the Grinning Lion tonight, as detailed in the hooks above. In your first post, please offer as much detail as possible, such as....what time did your PC arrive, any special preparations taken (spells cast, etc.), where do they sit, what do they order, etc. Thanee and Bloodweaver, of course, should collaborate on your entrance.

Enjoy!
-PP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC Thread
RG Thread

 

[Voadam]

The lean, dark haired man entered the Grinning Lion early and took a discreet side table that afforded a view of both the entrance and the main floor. Everytime the door opens the tall man's gaze swings over to scrutinize those entering, as if he were expecting and waiting for someone.

 

[Thanee]

Jana Fyrehair

“This seems to be the place to be these days, what do you think? Any idea what to look out for, Caladan?” Jana asked her companion absentmindedly, while watching the show of the dancers from the entrance and looking around for a free table.

If she can find one, that would grant them a decent overview over the tavern, and more importantly the patrons, she will head there and take a seat, slinging her cloak over the back of the seat and positioning her backpack underneath between her feet.

While staying in the city, Jana has stored all her bulky equipment, among that all her weapons, in her small backpack, which she always keeps within reach. As usual, Jana is dressed in black traveling clothes and her wide cloak hides most of her athletic figure. The little jewelry she wears, most of which magical in nature, is unostentatious and tastefully matched with her overall appearance. Also a common sight, her long, red hair is worn in a single braid along her back and down to her waists.

Flaps is happy to stay outside in the dark, away from the loud noise, hunting for small insects and generally keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding area.


OOC: Routine spells running 24/10 (cast on the evening before going to bed) are extended Mage Armor, extended False Life and extended Greater Magic Weapon on [smallcaps]Twilight[/smallcaps].

 

[Mista Collins]

Armand Gutowz

Ever since mid-afternoon a man has been leaning up against the wall and studying the tavern with eyes hidden by the shadow of his wide-brimmed hat. The man shifts his backpack from one shoulder to the other with grace. The backpack seems not be carrying much inside. Now which of these men could be the man I seek, Armand asks himself as his eyes scan the tavern.

Although Armand doesn't seem to different from other patrons in the Grinning Lion, there seems to be something out of place. His dark cloak seems to shift with dark shades of gray and black, but others have been seen with cloaks very similar. The two short sword hilts sticking out from his cloak at the waist are definitely not it. It would be out of place not to carry protection while traveling alone. The few pieces of jewelry he wears are not descriptive and don't seem to be impressive one bit. Finally you notice that with the light so dim and with the air so smoky from the three dwarves smoking tabac at the table next to Armand, his shadow seems sharper and more distinct than should be natural in any lighting situation.

Eventually he moves from the spot he was standing at, walking right through the middle of the dance floor, easily dodging all the patrons who have been enjoying their time at the Grinning Lion. Ordering a glass of water from the bar, he asks about the man he has been sent to seek.

 

[Scotley]

The tall man approaching middle age enters the club at dusk. His simple shirt and breeches tied with sashes and a rope belt contrast with the costumed dancers. His thin muscular form moves with and economy of motion that also contrasts sharply with the exaggerated movements of the dancers. A scull cap and a simple silver circlet give his head an odd ringed appearance. His Illuskin features are strong and he has scars and old tattoos that suggest he was once a ruffian of some sort. He wears a bandoleer and rope belt stocked with throwing stars and other exotic weapons including blunt daggers with large curved guards and what looks like a miniature Scythe of dark metal and polished oak that glows with a yellow light. On his shoulder he carries a tube filled with javelins. He forearms are covered by metallic bracers and he wears an amulet in the shape of a fist caved from stone. He wears a single gold hoop earring. A bulge in the tight fitting gloves suggests he wears a ring of some sort, but no other adornments are visible. He slides easily through the crowd making a circuit of the room before ending up at the bar. He orders a stout and drinks it slowly. He notes all the exits from the place. He converses with fellow patrons as they come and go from the bar. He watches the dancers and seems to follow some of the ones with the more practiced moves with interest. He also scans the other inhabitants of the bar more subtly, but a careful observer can see he is looking for someone. He inquires as to the identity of various important or wealthy looking men women in the bar. When his glass is empty he orders a refill. Which of these peacocks is Lord Orlpar Husteem?

OOC: Any chance he heard shadowy man ask about Husteem?

 

[Voadam]

The dark haired man muses to himself "He's unlikely to have gotten to a noble and left them intact, his control of the infected would turn them into his servants and he would enforce that status on them. Maybe one of the dancers, or possibly patrons who have not shown up yet." As the non-nobles mix into the crowd the dark haired man notes them with interest.

Possibles so far:

Fire haired woman with traveling backpack.

Shadowman with unnatural grace. Wolf-like grace?

Silver circlet well armed illuskan.

 

[Bloodweaver1]

Caladan has his heavy cloak drawn snug over his shoulders. The earth tone cloak is drawn close enough to cover the better part of his full armor, both his arms and his heavy mace, CHANI. But yet still leaves enough room for his shield to remain out and to be strapped loosely to his arm. The shield’s unique and detailed engravings of the Morning Lord are the only visible indication to his faith and possible occupation. His helmet, a simple partial open face helm with a nose guard does a good job of covering his short red hair and facial tattoo.

Combined with the sounds and aromas of the bustling city, he cannot help but remember the life that he used to live back in Neverwinter as he walks through the city with his long time friend, Jana. A time when life and everything with it was simple, with good cheer and good friends. A time to when he had a house to go home to and a loving family to share it with. Now that house is empty and his family buried under a small headstone on a quite hilltop. Suddenly emotions that he believed were safely buried come rushing back to haunt him. Quickly, he desperately fights back the feelings that now threatened to overwhelm him. Trying to concentrate on the task at hand he does his best to ignoring the pain that had once almost destroyed him and focus on the path that is laid out before him.

Arriving at the Grinning Lion he walks in besides Jana and follows her to a table off to the side of the main gathering. A smile forms on his face in response to Jana’s question as they move through the crowd and by the time they sit down at an empty table. He simply replies, “Time will tell…”. Leaning back in his chair he places his shield on the floor and against his leg. After motioning over one of the servants and placing an order for both Jana and himself. He begins to scan the crowd looking for the man described to him by his superiors as Lord Orlpar.


OOC: Active Spells:
Gr. Magical Weapon w/ Divine Spell Power on Chani
Good for 17 hrs

 

[Professor Parsnip]

Eventually Armand moves from the spot he was standing at, walking right through the middle of the dance floor, easily dodging all the patrons who have been enjoying their time at the Grinning Lion. Ordering a glass of water from the bar, he asks about the man he has been sent to seek.

The bartender is a burly man with a shaved head and sinister countenance. Several of the other patrons have called out to him by the name of 'Unger.' He sneers when Armand orders water to drink, but provides a glass of water just the same. When asked about Lord Orlpar Husteem, the big man looks as though he might be about to offer a sarcastic comment, but he then takes a closer look at the shadowy Armand, and seems to think better of it. "Orlpar's not here yet, he usually comes in later," Unger growls. "Why, you got some business with him?"
----------------------------------------
UNGER

 

[Professor Parsnip]

The tall man approaching middle age enters the club at dusk. His simple shirt and breeches tied with sashes and a rope belt contrast with the costumed dancers. His thin muscular form moves with and economy of motion that also contrasts sharply with the exaggerated movements of the dancers. A scull cap and a simple silver circlet give his head an odd ringed appearance. His Illuskin features are strong and he has scars and old tattoos that suggest he was once a ruffian of some sort. He wears a bandoleer and rope belt stocked with throwing stars and other exotic weapons including blunt daggers with large curved guards and what looks like a miniature Scythe of dark metal and polished oak that glows with a yellow light. On his shoulder he carries a tube filled with javelins. He forearms are covered by metallic bracers and he wears an amulet in the shape of a fist caved from stone. He wears a single gold hoop earring. A bulge in the tight fitting gloves suggests he wears a ring of some sort, but no other adornments are visible. He slides easily through the crowd making a circuit of the room before ending up at the bar. He orders a stout and drinks it slowly. He notes all the exits from the place. He converses with fellow patrons as they come and go from the bar. He watches the dancers and seems to follow some of the ones with the more practiced moves with interest. He also scans the other inhabitants of the bar more subtly, but a careful observer can see he is looking for someone. He inquires as to the identity of various important or wealthy looking men women in the bar. When his glass is empty he orders a refill. Which of these peacocks is Lord Orlpar Husteem?

OOC: Any chance he heard shadowy man ask about Husteem?

(Listen Check, Roll 1+14=15)
Rognvald's sharp ears do indeed pick up on the conversation at the bar between Armand and Unger.

 

[Professor Parsnip]

Around 6 o'clock, a woman enters the Grinning Lion who looks rather out of place, compared to the various nobles and dancers that are the majority of the crowd. She has weathered skin, sunken eyes, and limp, brown hair. She is wearing a stained and tattered brown frock and a smile that's almost a grimace. She shuffles alone to a small table in the back, and sits down.

Unger looks up from his conversation with Armand as she enters, and gives her a small nod of acknowledgment.
------------------------------------
?????