The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

As the Watch began searching the guest house and grounds, the party – still without Aerikoth – headed north towards the secret well entrance to the abandoned smuggler cave. While walking on the road to the district outside West Gate, the party twice encountered mercenaries asking for directions to inns in the area, the Leaning Man and Spitting Cockatrice. After finally shaking the mercenaries and being unobserved for a space by the local inhabitants, everyone carefully climbed down the well into the cave.

Several hours passed as Rahnee, Brok-Tul, Marik and Jokull tried to make themselves comfortable in the cave. The old traps were still there, although now carefully flagged by Brok-Tul. Bats periodically flew around the cavern, the noise of their wings flapping echoing around the adventurers. Some noises were also heard in a cave pool, apparently from the fish living in it. Then, someone was heard descending the well rope.

After carefully investigating the sound, they discovered that it was Aerikoth. It was a tense reunion, with the others treating Aerikoth cautiously, as both sides explained what they had been doing. Aerikoth had found out about the Watch occupying the guest house, so he assumed the others had (literally) gone to ground. Brok-Tul commented that they felt threatened and observed that they had probably been followed by mercenaries from the guest house. Aerikoth explained that he had been with an acquaintance the previous evening, then had run into another acquaintance who had informed him of the Watch's presence. The Watch had failed to capture Zeluth, Aerikoth's familiar, and Aerikoth felt that it would not be prudent to approach the Watch on his own. Aerikoth explained that he had heard, via a paid informant, that the Watch had not found out anything of use. (A remarkable story and perhaps even true. –R).

Retiring into a back portion of the cave, Brok-Tul and Aerikoth took first watch, then Rahnee and Marik kept guard the following four hours. Jokull woke for the next shift, with Marik volunteering to pull a double shift and stay up with Jokull. Brok-Tul and Rahnee then took over, although neither Jokull nor Marik could fall back asleep. After some time, Aerikoth awoke and joined the others. They decided to venture to Castle Thalavar for their meeting with Iono via an indirect route. The party exited the well unnoticed and headed for the Market district, where they found some fruit and vegetable sellers. The merchant bantered with Rahnee about the harsh weather, crop deliveries, and rumors about pirate raids. Aerikoth excused himself, saying he had something to attend to in the Mulsantir's Gate district and that he would meet the others later, at the scheduled place. (The wizard seems busier than a one-armed juggler while spending time away from the others, yet they evince little curiosity about his activities and contacts. Or perhaps they do not think he would bother to answer their queries? --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

An hour or so later, the four journeyed to Castle Thalavar and joined Aerikoth, who had arrived shortly before, outside the main door. The guard, informed that they were there for Baron Pahar’s item bounty, let the group inside. Once in the entry hall, they had to patiently wait their turn while two mercenaries ahead of them attempted to convince Iono they had a dead evil magical rabbit in their possession. Iono eventually dismissed them and turned to Rahnee, who introduced herself as "Hannah Harde" (A name no doubt taken from a Waterdhavian romance novel. --R) and mentioned that she had brought a rare scroll. Iono bid them follow him into the eastern library, a more discreet area where Garis was already waiting.

Brok-Tul opened the conversation by saying that he had bad news: the Watch had temporarily taken over their guest house, apparently tipped off by someone. Iono said that his sources in the Watch had informed him that the searchers had found nothing incriminating. Iono excused himself briefly, saying that he had expected the group to come later in the day and still had some business to take care of. While engaging Garis in conversation, Rahnee discovered that he had located two “professionals” of Sembian origin that had been responsible for Captain Yar's death; Garis indicated, however, that he wanted to wait for Iono to discuss the details. Brok-Tul mentioned in turn that the Watch had found two Sembians murdered recently. Garis said he knew one of them had in fact participated in Yar's murder, but was unsure who the second one was. Garis did mention that there was one Sembian professional alive - the one he had managed to reach in time. Iono at this point returned and asked Garis to begin explaining what he had discovered.

Garis stated that he began investigating the murder of Captain Yar the day after it occurred, on the 13th day of Marpenoth, making it a little over a month ago. His first break in the case came after he approached the Ssemm guards at the dock where Yar's body was dumped. That night, they had been distracted by a woman's scream and caught a fleeting glimpse of her. The men allegedly molesting her, whose voices they also heard, had Sembian accents. Garis spent the next tenday attempting to follow up on this lead, trying to discover the men's whereabouts or the identity of the woman. Finally, he determined they were rooming above a particular tavern. Garis went there, only to find that the men had disappeared shortly before his arrival. However, the woman was still there and Garis befriended her. After several days she broke down and confided in him, confessing that she was the one who had distracted the guards at the dock, along with her male companions. (I am impressed by the capacity of this Garis, and I gather he must be the House Thalavar spymaster. There is much to learn from him. --C)

With her information, Garis was able to track down one of the men - the one now in Thalavar custody - but was unable to find his companion. One still remained unaccounted for, the one who had placed the body by the docks. Garis told Iono that the party had informed him more than one Sembian body had recently shown up with their throats slit, so the accounting might now be final. The man in Thalavar custody reported that he had been hired by a Sembian to kill Captain Yar. The name of this Sembian was allegedly not known by the killer, but Garis concluded from the information available to him that it must have been Senthur Signe, the now-dead official from the Sembian Representative's Office.

 

[Carlo-One]

Garis said he had been sorely puzzled by the subsequent murder of Senthur Signe, along with the other Sembians who had participated in Yar's murder, until the party told him of what they had found. Garis told Iono that he believed theirs was the missing piece of the puzzle. Iono asked the group to continue the story and explain what happened to Senthur Signe. It seemed clear to Iono why Yar had been murdered and the Fire Knife insignia left as a diversion.

Brok-Tul explained that the group had explored contacts with local Houses, but Rahnee's meeting turned up nothing beyond flirtatious offers. A contact on the seedier side informed them that Istvan Cormaeril had been warned off the Quivering Thumb the night of the killing. Although the party was unsure about its exact significance, they anonymously "interviewed" Istvan, posing as enforcers sent to make sure his allegiances remained true. According to Brok-Tul, Istvan was unsurprised at the appearance of armed thugs, and indicated he remained loyal to Tagreth Cormaeril. Brok-Tul was unsure about the story from this point, including what motivated Cormaeril to take these actions; Rahnee suggested that House Cormaeril might hide the Fire Knives organization.

Aerikoth then posited that the Fire Knives were annoyed that the Sembians had used them as their scapegoats and decided to retaliate for the affront. He pointed out that the calling card with a Fire Knife symbol had likely been left at the scene of Yar's murder deliberately, a point confirmed by Garis based on the Sembian prisoner's account of the evening. Iono agreed with Aerikoth's analysis, that the Fire Knives had taken their revenge on the Sembians. He and Garis commented that events had been explained to their satisfaction. They excused themselves briefly, saying they had to confer on their next steps.

The party relaxed and took to exploring the library, except for Jokull, who stood with his arms folded, looking disappointed. Brok-Tul noted a large chest in the corner, which also attracted the attention of Aerikoth, and cast a spell to confirm that something magical was kept inside. Earning Aerikoth's disapproval, Brok-Tul cast Knock on the chest and opened it briefly for a look at its contents, which he described as a scroll to create undead, a Bodak's tooth, and a staff. Jokull pointed out that these must be the evil items House Thalavar was collecting for delivery to Baron Pahar.

 

[Carlo-One]

Iono and Garis returned. After reviewing their understanding of the situation, Iono stated that he faced a unique situation: the party had identified the likely source of the Fire Knives, but at the same time the Knives apparently had not acted against House Thalavar. The Thalavar Steward believed that the Knives might represent a long-term threat, but were not currently opposed to his House. Iono considered that the group had fulfilled their mission and handed out the gold due them. Jokull resisted payment, saying that his job was not yet done, but eventually took the gold at Rahnee and Iono's insistence, saying it could go towards his custom gear business. (Jokull's disappointment is evident and the Cormyrian warrior must be frustrated that his personal vendetta against the Fire Knives can go no further, at least for the time being. I understand Iono's logic, however, as it is his duty to look after his House's interests, rather than start an underground war in the city. --C). Iono paused when it was Marik’s turn, commending him for his hard work despite having been kidnapped and interrogated at the beginning. Marik gladly accepted a final share equal to the rest of the party, which was above what had been agreed originally. Iono dryly commented that he believed Marik could be of future use and would stay bought. (Rented perhaps is a better way of putting it. --R)

Addressing the group, Iono said he had a proposal he wished them to consider. He asked Rahnee if she planned to stay in Westgate and was pleased to hear her affirmative response, saying that his proposal was for the group as a whole, which had seemed to function well with her as their titular leader. Iono said it had occurred to him that House Thalavar could use such a group, one that others perceived as independent, but who could secretly accomplish tasks where Thalavar's hand should be hidden. The primary task would be to obtain information out of Thalavar's usual reach, largely as part of the group's normal activities. Iono indicated he might from time to time also desire to call on them for special services. As part of this arrangement, Iono would agree to continue to pay for lodgings at the Gatereach and would also covertly sponsor their 100 gold per head bond required for the Mercenary Guild. Iono said he believed they would fit in well there and could be extremely useful to Thalavar, citing Rahnee's information on House Bleth's relationship with the guild leadership as being of particular interest. Rahnee responded that they would consider the offer.

Iono urged the group to take the necessary time to carefully consider the proposal. In the meantime, he had a specific task for which he desired to hire them. He stated that House Thalavar, as the group was already aware, had been collecting magical artifacts for Baron Pahar. They were of an evil nature, what was required by the Baron; Iono said it was best the Baron explain why. He intended on sending the items to the baronial seat in the town of Turnon in four days' time and explained they would need to be escorted, to ensure their safety in transit. In response to a question from Brok-Tul, Iono said the group would be briefed on the items prior to transport. House Thalavar was willing to pay 100 gold to each of the group, if they agreed to protect the magical items and deliver them to the Baron. Rahnee commented that 100 gold seemed to be light recompense for protecting artifacts. Iono countered by saying 500 gold for a delivery job was quite adequate. Jokull expressed his desire to know the items' use in advance. Iono replied that it was not his story to tell, it was the Baron's, but assured Jokull that they would be used to no ill purpose. Although Rahnee and the others remained suspicious, they agreed to respect Iono's word and accepted the assignment, promising to return on day 21 of Uktar. Garis departed via a side door, while Iono escorted the group out via the main entrance.

 

[Carlo-One]

Upon returning to the Gatereach guest house, the company found that things had been returned to their original locations by the Watch following the search, although the wardrobe looked as if it had suffered in the process. Rahnee and Brok-Tul went to check in with Jandrico Swift, who apologized for the unpleasantness with the Watch, and mentioned that he had insisted that everything be put back properly. Everyone returned to their individual rooms and confirmed that the Watch, while apparently having been quite thorough in their search, had not removed or damaged their possessions. Rahnee and Brok-Tul headed into the city together, presumably for shopping and other errands. Marik, Jokull, and Aerikoth then went their separate ways into the city as well. By chance, these three ended up together at the Black Eye in Market, late afternoon of day 17 of Uktar.

After making their way back to the guest house in the evening, the three were greeted by Rahnee and a rather jumpy Brok-Tul, who apologized to the others about still feeling paranoid. Much discussion then ensued about possible improvements to the guest house, including a bookshelf for Aerikoth and a locked chest for Jokull. Rahnee mentioned that she had sent a message, via Aurora's, back to her brothers in Waterdeep, asking for assistance in expanding Clan Roaringhorn operations in Westgate. Some light-toned speculation was also made about "cleaning house" at Castle Cormaeril and establishing “Castle Roaringhorn” in its stead.

Due to Jokull's curiosity, conversation then turned to Brok-Tul's experience in coming back from death and his inner conflict in following different gods, having moved away from his originally chosen deity, Mask. (This is a thoughtful question and is often neglected by adventurers, may of whom seemingly care little about death. This no doubt has a deleterious effect, however, as if one does not value one's own life, how can one value the lives of others? --C). Rahnee, apparently blaming herself as the cause of Brok-Tul's inner turmoil, ran sobbing upstairs, although was eventually comforted by Brok-Tul, Jokull, and Marik. Aerikoth, who had earlier sought privacy in his room, emerged as well to see what was happening. While Aerikoth and Rahnee had a short, private talk, the others returned downstairs; Aerikoth returned to his room afterwards. Following some further discussion, everyone turned in, exhausted from their long day.

End of Chapter II of the Chronicles​

 

[Carlo-One]

Interlude from "R"

I meditate now upon the role of chance and destiny. We are taught in the Order that Kelemvor's realm is the ultimate destination of life's path and is to be respected as such. Yet even this seemingly certain ending to our tale is subject occasionally to the whims of fate, the roll of a die, or the overweening pride and blasphemy of those who seek a warped form of immortality. And what threw the companions described here together, other than chance? Yet certain patterns already have emerged...

In the absence of guidance from my superior, I chose to read these chronicles through in their entirety, before beginning anew and adding my own commentary. I believed this would give me greater insight into the events depicted and the paths chosen by those involved. Yet I did not wish to impose this perspective on any who came after - life is lived forward, not backward - so I have limited myself to making certain allusions, where later events are foreshadowed or can be clearly traced back to their roots.

And even with my knowledge of this epic tale, I must admit that many questions still remain. Some individual motives and actions are hidden and may never come to light. I also have acquired greater sympathy for the flawed yet sometimes heroic individuals depicted. Judgment comes to all, but perhaps it is best reserved for the end of things, rather than the beginning. --R

 

[Carlo-One]

Interlude from "C"

My predecessor's writings revealed more about the task in front of me - to read and provide commentary on these Chronicles - and I now understand it better as what must be the final test of the Order's senior initiates. I believe that how I go about it may be just as important as what I learn about today's world from the Chronicles. I do not fault "R" for his choice in how to approach the matter, but I prefer to place myself in the shoes of the characters in a contemporary manner, seeing their trials and tribulations with untainted eyes and limited information. For they certainly could not know the ultimate result of their actions, instead having to do as best they could in the present moment. As must we all.

It may aid my understanding of these events and certain personages to make notes on them at the end of each chapter, then compare them as progress is made. I shall list them in order of their longevity in the Chronicles:

Aerikoth Ankharat - the diminutive wizard's origins are not defined and he does not seem to wish to reveal much about himself or his actions. He appears to be one step ahead of the situation (and his companions) in many instances, revealing a formidable information network and intellect. Aerikoth's service to the others appears to have assuaged any concerns related to his activities away from the group. I wonder if that will continue. What exactly is his relationship to House Bleth and what was the nature of the wizardly test they provided him? This is but one example to consider.

Rahnee Roaringhorn - a young Waterdhavian noblewoman with more than just a taste for adventure, it seems she has leadership qualities both bred within and learned on the city streets. It often appears that just when she has bitten off more than she can chew, she rallies and finds a way to win, or at least skirt the precipice she was about to tumble over. (She must worship Tymora faithfully.) The development of her relationship with Brok-Tul, the half-orc cleric, came as a surprise, but is in keeping with her adventurous yet caring nature.

Brok-Tul - in many respects, he is a mass of contradictions. His origin as a half-orc living on the mean streets of the Shore in Westgate, his time as a cleric of Mask, and then becoming a priest of Helm following his raising from the dead, are all ingredients in his simmering pot of a personality. Yet a certain logic, even if occasionally random, does permeate his actions. He is loyal to what he believes to be right - even if that may change over time - and is willing (perhaps even too willing) to sacrifice himself for others. His emotions in the moment often rule over him, which may be endearing to some, such as Rahnee, but can also be dangerous.

Jokull - the Cormyrian warrior appears to be split between knightly ideals of service and a burning desire to seek revenge on the Fire Knives, for not fully known reasons. He is self-reliant and like Aerikoth does not hesitate to pursue his own ends away from the rest of the party - although Jokull does not seem to care nearly as much about concealing his activities, being perhaps indifferent rather than secretive. One gets the sense that he prefers expediency to principle, which perhaps is why he no longer wears the purple of Cormyr.

Marik Tann - as a former Fire Knife, Marik has shown himself to be a friendly but calculating rogue, who seemed to have understood which way the wind was blowing when deciding to throw in his lot with the party. The matter of the Sembian gem I found to be very revealing, as Marik preferred to pursue lining up the conditions necessary for its heist while the others were more concerned about investigating the two murders. He is certainly capable, but will he be reliable? Presumably the next chapter of the Chronicles holds the answer.

 

[Carlo-One]

Chapter III: Mercenaries

The morning of Uktar 18, Janatha arrived with the breakfast tray, including a new herbal tea Jandrico Swift had obtained from a Teziir merchant. Rahnee enjoyed the novel taste; Brok-Tul appreciated it, but declared he still liked ale better. Jokull, after grabbing an apple, said he had go away for a bit and would return shortly. After he left, the others went to see Jandrico about their proposed additions to the guest house. Jandrico said that he had managed to extract some funds from the Watch after their search of the Gatereach’s premises, which he intended to use on the guest house. Their list of requests was presented and noted down by Jandrico, who commented that the Watch funds would not likely cover it all. Rahnee told him that they would pay up to 500 gold to contribute. Jandrico then begged ignorance when asked his advice about setting up a small smithy, noting that he would be wary about starting a new trade in Westgate without sufficient "protection." Brok-Tul appreciated the advice and retired back to the guest house with Rahnee and Marik, while Aerikoth headed into the city on his own.

The Seven Hills
Later in the afternoon, everyone regrouped at the guest house, in advance of their scheduled meeting at Gondeth the mage's establishment. Jamal was also expected to show up at the mage’s shop, in order to hear what had been uncovered in researching Jamorin's ancient tome. Egged on by Marik, Brok-Tul disparaged the Harpers' need to investigate “everything they didn't own.” (It is interesting for me to see the sometimes visceral reaction the Harpers provoke among others. The resentment of an organization sworn to fight against evil in the world is logically puzzling, but I have encountered similar doubt and even occasional hostility to our Order's mission. I must meditate upon this phenomenon further. --C) Rahnee turned the conversation to House Thalavar's offer to sponsor them into the Mercenaries Guild, an idea which everyone liked except for Aerikoth.

Brok-Tul asked that they stop at the city’s perfume shop on the way to Gondeth's, in order to get Janatha a token of their appreciation. While the half-orc and the others went to Chalaratha's Fragrances, Aerikoth instead headed directly for Gondeth's. When Marik, Rahnee, Brok-Tul and Jokull arrived at the mage’s place, brushing rain from their garments, they saw a haggard-looking Gondeth standing silently by a large tome and Jamal in conversation with Aerikoth. Jamal greeted Brok-Tul with her usual acid tongue, while complimenting Jokull on his devastating-looking new robe. Jokull then kissed her offered hand and returned the compliment regarding her appearance.

Gondeth, leaning on his staff, approached the group and wearily asked if they were ready for him to share his findings on the tome. Gondeth said that unlocking its secrets had taken many a late-night session, with details yet remaining to be uncovered, although he had deciphered the tome's general meaning. Its language was from the time of Netheril, before the death of Mystryl, the original goddess of magic. The magics described in the book were powerful, according to Gondeth, but unable to function in the current world, due to the nature of the Weave and changes in the laws of magic. Gondeth declared that Jamorin, who had original possession of the tome, must have been an evil man, as was also shown through his personal journal. At Gondeth's offer, Aerikoth took Jamorin's journal for further study. (Let us see whether the wizard shares this knowledge later with the group. –R)

Irritated at a question from Rahnee about the apparent lack of significance of the tome in today's world, Gondeth explained that it contained the story of the creation of the first lich and could well prove valuable - and dangerous - to wizards today. He continued by saying that the book traced the history and magics of the first lich, which according to the tome had ended its journeys in the Seven Hills area outside of Westgate. After the party expressed its concern, Gondeth stated that this lich must have been destroyed when magic was disjoined upon the death of Mystryl. However, he was concerned that Jamorin had deliberately traveled to Westgate with the tome, obviously seeking something in the area, perhaps a legacy of the lich that still remained. Gondeth explained that the Seven “Lost Gods” Hills contained a shrine to Silvanus, the natural setting being most appropriate to him, and many old shrines to ancient and dead gods. Gondeth speculated that the first lich might have been worshipped as such. The group thanked Gondeth for his efforts and exited, save for Jokull, who remained behind for a few minutes, speaking privately with Jamal.

 

[Carlo-One]

Everyone agreed to head to the Black Eye for a drink, where they overheard several inebriated patrons discussing a Cormyrian gladiator named "Josurr Mountbatten" who had entered the next round of fights at the Quivering Thumb on Uktar 20. Josurr was referred to as a rogue Purple Dragon and some speculation was made regarding his possible involvement in the Sembian murders, as well as his odds of surviving in the arena against the "snow cat." (At least one of the adventurers’ heretofore private activities will soon come to light. –R)

After the drunken fight fans departed, conversation among the companions turned to comparing Westgate and Waterdeep as cities, as well as the information shared by Gondeth. Aerikoth declared he had little desire to pursue the leads uncovered from Jamorin's tome, which he viewed as meaningless, while the others were interested in seeing what might be uncovered. (This seems somewhat unusual for the wizard, does he not normally thirst for knowledge? –C) After the last ales were finished, the group walked back to the Gatereach guest house, Jokull admiring the clear night sky, which for once was free of rain. On entering their place, Rahnee, Brok-Tul and Marik nervously queried each other about the open meeting chamber door, until they decided it had simply been left ajar by themselves earlier. The companions then retired for the night.

Janatha was pleasantly surprised the next morning on Uktar 19, arriving as usual with the breakfast tray, when Brok-Tul presented her with a perfume bottle from Chalaratha's as a token of the group's appreciation. Pleased and excited, she wished the group a good day, rushing out to try her new fragrance. After Rahnee's bellowing summons to Aerikoth was met with silence, Brok-Tul went upstairs and knocked on Aerikoth's door. Aerikoth responded with his usual disinterest and said he would be down shortly.

When all were gathered around the breakfast table, Brok-Tul half-jokingly asked Aerikoth to chill his ale for him with a spell, which Aerikoth reacted to coldly. (This passage is evidence that the anonymous original chronicler, who appears to be scrupulously factual and neutral, does - even if very rarely - have a sense of humor. --R) Discussion turned to exploring the Seven Hills, which everyone, for various reasons, expressed interest in - except for the wizard. Aerikoth could not be convinced to accompany them, although he indicated he would go looking for them to discover their fate if they failed to return by day's end. Rahnee, Brok-Tul, Marik, and Jokull gathered their gear and headed out the door, leaving Aerikoth behind to pursue his own interests. (Was this simply a feint on the wizard's part, to further distract the others from whatever he is doing? If so, it seems to be successful. If not, perhaps something else is going on regarding his distaste for exploring the legacy of the first lich. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

Late that afternoon, the four returned to the guest house, helping a groaning Marik to his room. Aerikoth emerged from his own room, having noted the return of the others. While everyone had been out, Jandrico's workmen had entered the guest house and placed the new furniture and other items requested. The adventurers, minus a recovering Marik, gathered in the common room, where Aerikoth asked how the others' venture had gone.

Rahnee said that the experience had been quite interesting, looking to Brok-Tul. The half-orc explained that they had talked to a tree - which had talked back, and had asked them not to mention the conversation to others. (This is likely a reference to an encounter with a treant. It seems none in the group had previous experience with wild forests and their magical protectors. --C) In addition to that, Brok-Tul and Marik had been affected by an old stone block, which had caused Brok-Tul's bloodlust to rise against Rahnee and had caused Marik to act strangely as well; neither Rahnee nor Jokull were affected, however. The tree told them that Brok-Tul and Marik had the "feral beast" within them, which the stone was able to call to. The others mentioned that they also had to defeat some wolves near the stone, one of which had been larger and more powerful than the others. Jokull recalled that the tree had been satisfied when told of the wolves' vanquishing, saying that there was "honor to their hunt." There was general agreement, if not eagerness, that at some point they should further investigate the Seven Hills.

When asked how his day had been, Aerikoth indicated it had been nowhere near as interesting as talking trees and whispering rocks. He said he had unsuccessfully sought Khair in the city, not knowing at this point the last time the mercenary had been seen. Brok-Tul said he had spoken to Khair two or three days previously, having asked him to try and obtain the password to the temple of Mask. Aerikoth retired to his room again for a short while, then was fetched by the others to go and settle accounts with Jandrico.

At the Gatereach, Jandrico tallied up the guest house work on his ledgers, subtracting the gold paid by the Watch as compensation. He reaffirmed that installing a fireplace was not possible without extensive remodeling, noting that Westgate normally was a temperate clime and that the cold weather hopefully was a temporary phenomenon. (Another indication of the strangeness of the winter. --R) Janatha came out of the kitchen, mentioning that they were out of carrots. Spotting the group, she took the opportunity to thank them again for the gift of perfume before disappearing back into the kitchen. Some additional discussion occurred over a few glasses of Westgate Ruby and a stout. Jandrico pleaded ignorance to a question about anyone offering weapon enchantment services. Bringing their drinks with them, the group retired for the evening.