The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

As the sun was sinking on Ches 20, there was still no sign of Rahnee and her companions were getting antsy. Shanni departed the Gatereach, saying she wanted to go to the meeting site in advance, to see things for herself. A little while later, Aerikoth, Darrow and Dermot also headed for the district outside the West Gate. Arriving outside the Empty Fish, they looked around for Shanni, seeing nothing. Darrow yelled for “the Beast” and Shanni stepped out of the shadow of a nearby house, pulling down the hood of her cloak.

The dwarf immediately informed her that it did not look like Rahnee would be able to make it, drawing an oath from Shanni. She thought it best that she remain hidden outside to watch the place, since her “friend” in the Scarlet Company would not be expecting her at the meeting. They agreed this would be best, with Dermot going inside in Rahnee’s place. Shanni asked about ways to signal them if she spotted extra “guests” coming. Darrow suggested she throw a rock through a window or something, which earned a thumbs-up from the petite rogue.

As the others started making for the tavern door, Shanni had a brief but very loud exchange with Dermot about her not feeling well and going home. She then ducked back into the shadows while Dermot, Darrow and Aerikoth entered the Empty Fish and seated themselves at an open table. Dermot earned Darrow’s appreciation by purchasing the first round of ales, although Aerikoth refused his. Meanwhile, Shanni found herself a concealed place to watch the road leading to the tavern, settled down and dug around to find a large-ish rock.

As the three adventurers inside the tavern were settling down and trying not to look too suspicious, their half-orc acquaintance Barzog wandered in and greeted them. Darrow and Dermot returned the greeting – the ranger showing his surprise more evidently – and queried what he was doing there. Barzog explained that Jandrico had given him a message: their “order” wouldn’t be ready until hour 19 at the earliest. The half-orc asked if that was all right. Dermot thought it would not be that long and Darrow indicated that would be fine. Aerikoth, silently and without expression, simply watched.

Barzog, his task done, took his leave, only pausing to stare back at a couple of tavern-goers who had been staring at him, and briefly check the bar prices. After he was gone, Dermot remarked on the half-orc’s conspicuousness and Aerikoth broke his silence to concur. Talk then turned to their Scarlet Company counterparts. In response to a question from Dermot, Darrow said that he thought they were a competent bunch, having previously taken up a contract to clear the road to Starmantle; Aerikoth mentioned there had been trolls and manticores in the region.

The wizard recalled that there were five members of the Scarlet Company: a fighter type named Juril; their halfling rogue, called Slipster he believed; a priest, named Firewine; a sorcerer, named Allasan or something similar; and a trained tracker and warrior of the woods named Elleban or something similar. Aerikoth deprecatingly indicated he was not sure if the names were accurate, admitting that he had not paid much attention to them. He mentioned that the sorcerer reputedly had some skill with fire, so if it came to violence, it would probably be best to eliminate him first. The wizard amended this by saying that they would be better served by departing the building if violence did occur, which Dermot agreed with. (In past encounters, the Scarlet Company has been nothing but friendly and appreciative of their counterparts in Helm's Shadows, whether in Reddansyr or Starmantle. Nonetheless, I suppose that given the current circumstances of their hiring by House Cormaeril, appropriate caution in the meeting arrangements is warranted. I do find it curious that it seems no one has tried to figure out, or even really speculated about, what exactly the Scarlets have been hired to do in Westgate. That would seem to have at least some bearing on the situation. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

The three adventurers’ speculations were ended with the entrance into the Empty Fish of two men in scarlet cloaks. Aerikoth indicated that he recognized them as they walked over to the table. Firewine, the Scarlet Company’s cleric, spoke first and introduced himself and his companion, the sorcerer Ayllan. Greetings and further introductions were made by Dermot and Darrow, as their guests explained that the other members of their company should be there shortly. Firewine offered to get the next round of drinks as more chairs were found.

While the cleric was occupied at the bar, Ayllan began making small talk with Darrow, recognizing him as being from Clan Ironhelm. As the dwarf acknowledged this, Dermot broke in with a blunt question, asking why the two Scarlet Company members were early. Ayllan seemed puzzled by this, acknowledging that others had yet to arrive, but pointing out that not all of Dermot’s companions were there either. The ranger tersely responded that one lady was away on business and the other was ill; Aerikoth added that other members of their company had left to pursue their own endeavors.

Firewine returned with their drinks and Darrow joked jovially about it just being a boys night out, winking conspiratorially. Ayllan, a glass of Westgate Ruby in hand, mentioned that he had become aware of the quality of Ironhelm work when spending some time in Teziir, but said he had not had the pleasure of visiting the clan itself. Dermot quipped in response that it was a great place to go for the beer and stay for the politics. Darrow somewhat apologetically admitted that his clan were not exactly welcoming hosts.

The Scarlet’s sorcerer mentioned that they had spent their time lately around Reddansyr and Starmantle, with Darrow’s fights in the latter city now somewhat legendary, which the dwarf was pleased to hear. Ayllan understood that his companion Slipster made some coin wagering on Darrow’s success. The reference prompted Firewine to ask when their hin was expected to arrive. Ayllan admitted that he did not keep track well of his comings and goings, which he commented was probably for the better. Dermot pressed further on the other members and was reassured by Firewine that they were expected shortly. He alluded to the understanding that the meeting would occur after sundown, noting he and Ayllan had watched the sunset on their way in.

As Firewine continued with some small talk, the cleric querying about the lack of a priest in Helm’s Shadows, another man in a scarlet cloak entered the Empty Fish, holding out an open palm to their table in greeting. Darrow invited him over for a seat and and ale, receiving a polite thanks in return; the newcomer said he preferred a mulled wine, as the night air was crisp. Walking over to the table after placing his order, he looked around for a chair, eventually finding one and sitting with his back to the door. Dermot raised his near-empty flagon in greeting, as the man introduced himself as Elebril.

The Scarlet’s ranger, looking at Dermot, said he trusted he would watch their backs for them, which Dermot acknowledged. Elebril then observed that two members of both companies were missing from the gathering. Darrow explained that one was under the weather and one away on personal business. Dermot asked if this was a problem and Elebril said in response that as long as their discussion was fruitful, he had no issue, expecting to say relatively little in any case.

Some lighthearted joking and conversation followed, until Dermot asked when they would start “business talking”. Firewine retorted that he believed Helm’s Shadows was the one who had called the meeting. The cleric indicated he had no problem waiting for the others, having no other business to discuss, and mentioning that he enjoyed meeting fellow comrades of the road, as he put it, and hearing about their adventures. However, they could talk business whenever they liked. Dermot took a deep breath in response and got to the point: his company was there on behalf of the Guild.

 

[Carlo-One]

Firewine asked which guild Dermot was speaking of and was told the Merc’s Guild, who was not happy about an off-the-books contract with a noble house around there (meaning the Cormaerils). This led the Scarlet’s cleric to further query which “books” he was talking about and assert his unfamiliarity with such a concept. Dermot looked to Darrow for help and the dwarf explained that the mercenaries guild controlled mercenary contracts inside the city of Westgate. Specifically, the guild was saying the Scarlet Company was not registered with them and had taken a contract with a certain noble house in the city. Dermot further explained that the way the guild saw it, the Scarlets were working on their turf without cutting them in. Darrow, wanting to be fair, admitted that they’d had bad run-ins with this noble house in the past, and it was true they had done a lot of work for a rival house. But, the dwarf continued, the house the Scarlets were supposed to have hooked up with was bad news.

Interrupting the serious tenor of the conversation, the Scarlet’s rogue Slipster arrived, asking if he had missed any fun. Darrow, just as he had the last time he saw the hin at the Gatereach, immediately moved his hand to his coinpurse. Slipster mentioned that his companion Juril had stayed out front, mumbling something about door duty, in case anyone wanted the big lug. The hin then announced he was getting a drink and grabbed a Suzale from the bartender. As Slipster walked over to their table, Darrow made a show of putting his coinpurse on the table in plain sight, with a somewhat wry grin at the others at the table, announcing that he didn’t want it growing legs. The hin looked around and announced that he would just stand at the table, given the lack of halfling-sized chairs.

With the Scarlet Company now all present and accounted for, Dermot summed things up by telling them the Merc's Guild was upset, they might be in some bad business, and the guild wanted them to leave the city for a bit. The ranger and his companions thought they would see if they could help sort this out. The Scarlet’s cleric Firewine informed Slipster about the fact there was a history of bad blood between Helm’s Shadows and House Cormaeril. Ayllan stated that he failed to see why historical issues had to disturb their current situation. Aerikoth immediately replied, speaking for the first time, pointing out that the issues they had were current and not historical, looking impassively at the Scarlet’s sorcerer. Dermot backed this up, saying that the politics were hot, meaning the situation the Cormaerils found themselves in. In a more conciliatory tone, the ranger then appealed to the Scarlet Company as fellow professionals, saying he knew leaving a contract was galling, but that it might be best all round to make peace with the local guild and look for something elsewhere.

Firewine then changed tack and queried if he had it right, that Helm’s Shadows were being employed by House Urdo against House Cormaeril. Aerikoth bluntly denied this and Dermot stated that they were just the voice of the guild, not having taken a contract from any noble house. Firewine persisted, however, and asked who ran the guild, implying that he knew about Losifan Urdo’s role in it. The Scarlet’s ranger, Elebril, meanwhile appeared to have taken Dermot’s words to heart, admitting that it was true they may have run afoul of the local mercenaries guild rules. Dermot, addressing Firewine’s implication, temporized by saying he was sure there was a noble or two somewhere in the guild, but emphasized that they all had to follow the guild rules. (Of course Losifan Urdo, as the head recruiter for the Mercenaries Guild, is taking advantage of his position in order to run off the Scarlet Company mercenaries hired by Urdo's enemies in House Cormaeril. Given the previous experience of the members of Helm's Shadows in having to register with the guild to gain work in Westgate, I have little doubt that such rules have validity, at least from the guild's perspective. I also have little doubt that such rules are selectively enforced, namely when it suits the guild leaders. --R)

There followed a good deal of back-and-forth about the validity of the rules, both among and between the two companies, although it was kept at a respectful level. Slipster, who was drinking heavily and rather dismissive of the politics involved, suddenly asked how the party knew the Scarlet Company was working for Cormaeril. Darrow, shrugging, explained that the guild had come to them with the job. The hin muttered something about Urdo spies in reply. After Darrow pointed out that they didn’t want to run afoul of each other if it could be avoided, the conversation seemed to reach a natural break, as first Firewine then Darrow decided to refresh their drinks.

Slipster resumed the discussion by telling Helm’s Shadows that they had nothing against them personally, nor business-wise, which Dermot reciprocated. The hin then asked, however, why they were doing the merc guild’s dirty work. Darrow explained that they had done jobs for them in the past, actually for as long as he had been a member of the group. So they had a good working relationship with the guild. Slipster more pointedly asked why them, specifically, asking about the guild’s angle. Dermot and Darrow could not answer to the hin’s satisfaction and the conversation went in circles for a little while, although they all ended up chuckling about it.

The Scarlet’s cleric Firewine tactfully intervened, observing that they seemed to have some conflicting orders as companies. He nevertheless hoped that their discussion could be fruitful, leading to a just resolution of the situation. Darrow thought that was part of the reason they were picked for the job by the guild and agreed with the priest. Ayllan, the Scarlet’s sorcerer, sighed at the prospect of further drawn-out discussions, saying it could be a long night.

 

[Carlo-One]

Rahnee shortly afterwards entered the tavern, pushing her hood back and casually looking around. Darrow glanced at the door, smiled and waved a greeting. As Rahnee walked up to their table, Slipster managed an approximation of a bow and offered to fetch a chair for her, an offer which she sweetly accepted. The halfling, apparently not having expected her to take him up on it, muttered to himself as he lugged a chair as large as himself over. Rahnee thanked him and greeted everyone as she sat, apologizing for her lateness.

After wiping his sweaty brow, Slipster got straight to the point, saying that her companions had been dancing around the problem, that apparently their bosses did not like his company’s bosses. Dermot rolled his eyes at the halfling’s description, but nonetheless nodded in agreement. Slipster’s eyes went to the door then back to Rahnee, who picked up on his meaning; she mentioned that the Scarlet’s fighter Juril was still standing outside when she entered the Empty Fish. The halfling explained that he had insisted on pulling door duty on a cold night.

Rahnee unsuccessfully tried to prompt Aerikoth to speak, then decided to take the reins of the conversation. She artfully described her company’s surprise at their company being hired by their current employer – meaning House Cormaeril – alluding to the Cormaerils’ history and her previous impression that the Scarlet Company was more inclined to the side of rightness. The Scarlet’s cleric Firewine interjected that they had so far seen nothing evil about their employers. He admitted that some of the things they had done in Westgate had been irregular, as he put it, but not terribly malicious. The Scarlet’s ranger Elebril chimed in, saying that their employers did not seem to be terribly concerned about the welfare of others.

Rahnee then bluntly offered up the information that there was a price on the Scarlet Company’s head – a fairly substantial one – to make sure that they left town, dead or alive. Firewine was aghast at this, while Slipster wondered how much was being offered and Elebril was sobered by the thought. Rahnee leaned back casually in her chair, watching their reactions, before making the point that House Cormaeril was not well-liked, so there would be many who would take some joy in spiking the House, as she put it. Darrow and Dermot took the opportunity to reinforce her points.

Firewine quickly protested that they had not known of their employer's reputation before coming to Westgate. The Scarlet’s cleric explained that one of their representatives had found the company in Starmantle and made a business proposition. Rahnee with a friendly chuckle remarked that all too often in their line of work, they found out too late what the real story might be – especially in Westgate, added Darrow.

 

[Carlo-One]

Further discussion was interrupted by Rahnee, lacking a drink of her own, deciding to lean over and grab Darrow's mug to take a sip from it. The dwarf’s eyes bulged as he protested, but then he relented and said he would get another round. As he got up, he slid his ale over to his companion, saying all she had to do was ask. Slipster warned of dwarf hairs in there, but Rahnee continued sipping anyway, after a suspicious glance into the mug. Aerikoth declined another drink, so Rahnee said she would take another as well. Dermot, perhaps feeling the effects, said he only wanted half an ale.

Darrow returned, precariously balancing four ale mugs, but managed to hand them out without mishap. Dermot, continuing with the theme of House Cormaeril’s history, described them as a pack of Cormyrian exiles with a gang of assassins at their back, which Rahnee confirmed was the Fire Knives. Dermot also referred to them beating up nobles after dark to strongarm electoral votes. As Slipster received the last ale, he said he would bring it outside to Juril, then walked out the tavern door.

Outside, the halfling found the Scarlet’s fighter looking rather cold and talking to Shanni. The halfling told his large companion with a wink that he’d brought him something, offering up the ale, but not one for his girlfriend. This gave some pause to Juril, who was surprised and perhaps did not take it as a joke. Shanni, however, smoothly told Slipster that she had just been getting a bit of air, not having been feeling too good and thinking it would help. Slipster invited them in, saying he didn’t think anyone would bother them. While Juril pressed the ale mug to his lips, hiding his face, Shanni asserted she didn’t think a stuffy tavern would make her feel any better. The halfling in response said he would leave the two lovebirds alone for the moment, inviting them again into the warmth when they were done.

Back inside, Slipster sat down and informed the others around the table that Juril was outside talking to his girlfriend and should be in shortly. This earned an eyebrow raise from Dermot, as conversation continued about House Cormaeril’s past. Rahnee, challenged to offer an example of something despicable done by Cormaeril, described how one of their nobles was responsible for the murders of “street ladies” and how she had disguised herself as one to trap them, nearly being killed in the process. Addressing the Scarlet’s cleric Firewine, she also offered to have a truthsaying spell cast upon her, to verify her story. In response, he said that they had offered his company much to think upon, then called for another glass of wine. (As the chronicles tell it, the incident Rahnee describes involving a minor Cormaeril noble named Istvan was perhaps not so clear-cut. Dressed as a streetwalker, she lured him behind a building outside West Gate. There, her companions Brok-Tul and Jokull, posing as Fire Knives, beat and threatened the noble, in order to confirm the assassins' link with House Cormaeril. Given the sorts of things Cormaeril and the Fire Knives actually did, however, I cannot fully condemn even such an apparently underhanded and violent action. --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

As Firewine was receiving his drink at the bar, the Scarlet’s fighter Juril came through the door and greeted his companion. The cleric inquired how it was going and the fighter replied that he had been speaking with Shanni for a bit. She said she was feeling a great deal worse than she thought originally and asked to be escorted home. Firmly, Juril said he would do this, in order to protect her. This earned an eyebrow raise from Firewine, who assented. As the fighter departed with an uneasy stride, Darrow, Dermot and Aerikoth exchanged wary looks and Rahnee shrugged slightly in response.

Dermot resumed the conversation, telling the Scarlet Company that if there was no more to talk about until additional thought was given to the situation, maybe they could meet again the next day. Firewine, sipping some more Westgate Ruby, said perhaps that would be best, but perhaps they could come to some sort of resolution now. The cleric was particularly troubled by the price put on on their head by the Mercenaries Guild, a point which Dermot honed in on. Darrow further advised that the Scarlets make inquiries about their current employer. Both the dwarf and Rahnee emphasized that the two companies had not done anything to each other previously, encouraging the other company to move on to a different city and drop the Cormaeril contract. Dermot said he didn’t know if they could get the price on the Scarlet's heads lifted, but they could sure throw their weight behind it.

A stone then came crashing through a small window, causing Rahnee to immediately leap to her feet and Dermot to utter a worried exclamation. Firewine asked if there was a problem, to which Darrow replied that it was a sign that the meeting was over and trouble was brewing. Firewine in response finished his drink as Dermot said it was nice meeting them, but that was the signal for if someone with malice aforethought decided to show up. The Scarlet’s cleric, perhaps influenced by the amount of wine he had imbibed, suggested that those of his company should remain and talk, as they had much to discuss. Rahnee indicated she and her companions would return at sundown the following day. Darrow, after checking his coinpurse, got up to leave along with Aerikoth and Dermot. The ranger nodded towards the back door, leading them and Rahnee outside.

As the four stepped into the moonlit night, Shanni snuck up behind the back of a shadowy figure flanking the rear entrance and slashed his throat. She then quickly explained to the others that a group of assassins had snuck up, after the Scarlet Company had gone inside. Darrow asked where Jandrico’s insurance was and Dermot replied that time had run out.

The party was then targeted by crossbow bolts coming out of the night and the adventurers scattered to engage their foes. After dealing with two assassins in the back of the tavern, Shanni called out that more were coming from around front, prompting Darrow to yell out a challenge and charge around the corner of the building. After a flurry of blows and bolts from all sides, including some originating from beyond the tavern grounds, the company remained standing. A total of five assassins lay dead, their bodies sprawled around the grounds of the Empty Fish.

Still breathing heavily from his exertions during the short but sharp fight, Darrow complimented Shanni on the signal. The petite rogue said she had hoped her companions would catch onto the situation from what Juril said to them in the tavern. The dwarf replied he hadn’t been sure what she was playing at, in that regard, but that the stone through the window was subtle enough.

Juril at this point ran over and asked what had happened, saying he had heard fighting out back and was just about to come help Shanni. Rahnee explained that Shanni – who had stepped back into the shadows when she heard someone approaching – had been attacked by thieves; this prompted an expression of concern from Juril. Shanni appeared and told the Scarlet’s fighter that he had best get his friends out of the tavern. As Dermot encouraged them all to leave the scene, Darrow suggested they check the bodies for clues and then head back to the Gatereach. Juril said he would let his companions know of the ambush and charged off. Darrow and Shanni then carefully looted the bodies as Dermot tried to get them moving, eventually succeeding.

On the walk back to the area outside Mulsantir’s Gate, Shanni mentioned that if nothing had happened, she would have come inside the tavern in around another ten minutes, not having seen any danger until then. Darrow agreed with her that the Scarlet Company likely was not in on the ambush. The dwarf was not completely sure, however, and Dermot qualified this by saying not all of them were, at least. Shanni stuck up for Juril, saying she was pretty sure he totally was not, in her words. The rogue also mentioned her appreciation for Jandrico’s friends, as the fight might’ve been worse if not for their presence – which her companions had barely noticed in the heat of battle.

 

[Carlo-One]

Shanni went on to describe some of what she had seen from her vantage point outside the Empty Fish. She drew the conclusion that the Scarlet Company had been very wary of them; the rogue had observed their sorcerer sending in his familiar first, then coming to take a look see with one of his buddies, as she put it. This did not bother Rahnee, who said it was good to know that they had not turned stupid since they had last met. Shanni continued her narrative, mentioning that a third company member had arrived, then finally Juril and Slipster last. Juril stopped outside to watch, like she had asked him to.

Dermot wondered out loud if they had done enough to change the Scarlet Company’s minds. Rahnee perceptively stated that if they did not attend the next meeting on the morrow, then she would say so. Darrow said he thought that if five dead assassins weren’t enough to sway them, nothing would, Rahnee nodding in agreement.

The company put further discussion on hold until they reached the safer environs of the Gatereach Inn. Shanni mentioned Juril had told her the Scarlets would have to pay back the contract fee if they departed, but they did not have enough to do so. Both she and Darrow brought up the idea of providing them with some funds, Darrow suggesting splitting the reward with them. Dermot found the situation awkward, observing that either way, the Scarlet Company would have rich nobles with knives out for their necks.

The ranger was less keen on doling out any more of the party’s gold, given what their “insurance” had already cost them, but he did suggest they might hire them for something. Rahnee shared that she had bought several wagons of goods to go to “Veranbrok” and Shanni added that Darrow’s brewing gear would need to be delivered there, as well. Rahnee then asked how much the Scarlet Company needed to pay off their contract. Shanni told her that Juril had said 1,500 gold, which caused Darrow’s eyes to bulge and Dermot to grimace in response. The petite rogue mentioned that she had picked up a couple of the assassins’ magic daggers, which could sell for a bit. Aerikoth questioned why the needed to pay at all, as the contract was obviously agreed upon under false pretenses, and from the Mercenaries Guild’s point of view was null and void from the beginning. (The legal logic is impeccable, of course. In practical terms, it would be a dicey prospect for a small adventuring company to inform a noble house with a large assassins guild that they are abandoning a contract and keeping the money. The smart move would therefore be to keep the money and leave town immediately. As Rahnee and her companions have observed, the Scarlet Company has previously demonstrated its lack of stupidity. --R)

Rahnee at this point turned the conversation to why the Fire Knives had sent assassins. Shanni queried how she knew they were Fire Knives; Rahnee responded that she had seen the insignia before, up close. All agreed that prior to continuing the fight against the Fire Knives and House Cormaeril, they wanted the Scarlets out of the way before any further trouble occurred. Shanni excused herself, saying she wanted to do a quick prowl before bed and might try to see if the Scarlets got away. Rahnee thought this a good idea but warned her to be careful, bantering a bit with her about Juril as well before the petite rogue put the hood of her cloak up and went out again into the night.

 

[Carlo-One]

Cormaeril Castle​

The next morning on Ches 21, members of the company trickled into the Gatereach’s bar room and greeted Jandrico Swift, who was glad to see them well after the previous night’s events. Aerikoth was the last to arrive, as usual not having slept at the inn with the others. As he walked in, the others were in the midst of breakfast, Darrow enthusiastically tucking into a large quantity of sausages and griddle cakes. The mage helped himself to a modest portion of food as the conversation turned to the prospect of going after House Cormaeril, with Shanni suggesting they concentrate on proving the House’s relationship with the Fire Knives, rather than on directly destroying them, which could get them in hot water with the Westgate authorities.

Dermot, looking grim, said she should tell Aerikoth about the Watch. Shanni revealed that the Watch had sent a summons to the Gatereach, which led to Rahnee leaving earlier that morning to go see the Watch Commander. Aerikoth remarked that this was not the first time they had received such a summons. Regarding the matter of House Cormaeril, the wizard made it clear that he did not share the others’ hesitancy in taking them on directly, given their history with the company and the other noble houses of Westgate.

Interrupting what was becoming an increasingly heated debate between Shanni and Aerikoth, the Scarlet’s rogue Slipster waltzed into the room, saying he thought he would find them there. Dermot did a quick double-take in response as the halfling removed his hood, apparently having traveled incognito. Slipster said he just wanted to let them know that his company was heading out of town. They planned to take the road to Starmantle, to see what it looked like after they had reopened it, and check in on a few villages along the way.

Darrow, after saying he was glad nothing had happened to the Scarlets the previous night, also thought this was a smart move. Shanni expressed regret that the two companies had had to cross paths in this way and Dermot asked if there was anything they could do. The halfling declined, saying they could just come look up the Scarlet Company someday in Starmantle if they had any work for them. As an apparent afterthought, Slipster mentioned that “somebody’s boyfriend” had wanted to come and say goodbye, but they had all decided it wouldn't be a good idea. Both the halfling and Darrow chuckled at this, which actually elicited a sympathetic expression of thanks from Shanni to Juril. Slipster then put his hood back up and departed. (I am glad to see that the matter with the Scarlet Company was resolved without violence - at least between the two adventuring groups, that is to say. My predecessor as senior initiate "R" previously hinted at such an outcome. The Scarlets' actions, involving the deliberate breaking of a contract and fleeing the city, would not normally be something I would consider in their place. Yet, given the circumstances, this indeed seems to have been the best path forward for them, and not unjustified. A good example of how one must think and sometimes act outside of the formal strictures of agreements. --C)

The debate over what to do with House Cormaeril resumed. Shanni and Dermot were for raiding Castle Cormaeril to find proof of the House’s links to the Fire Knives, without necessarily leaving everyone there dead. Dermot pointed out there was the quiet way in through the sewers they had found, which might offer a more thiefly approach. Even Darrow was skeptical that going into the castle and using violence to completely eliminate the Cormaerils would then garner a favorable reaction from the other Westgate houses. Shanni made the ironic point that the dwarf was actually supporting a less violent approach than Aerikoth, which should tell the wizard something. The wizard, however, would not be deterred from his stated goal: to eliminate the members of the Cormaeril family that took an active hand in the assassins guild. Clarifying his stance, he stated there was little need to kill every hireling or servant if they chose to leave the castle instead. (Implying that they all would be massacred without hesitation, if they remained? --R)

Still wanting some official cover for their future actions, Shanni, Dermot and Darrow said they planned to go see Losifan Urdo at the Mercenaries Guild. Aerikoth refused to accompany them, saying he had some things to check on and did not understand their desire to talk further with various individuals about the issue. He added, however, they should be sure to inform Losifan of the success of getting the Scarlet Company to depart. Dermot and Shanni both attempted to get Aerikoth to go along with the group, saying they all should be on the same page in what they heard from Urdo. However, the mage remained adamant in his desire to hear nothing further on the matter, as his opinion would not be swayed.

 

[Carlo-One]

Darrow, Dermot and Shanni said a brief goodbye to Aerikoth and then headed for the Mercenaries Guild in the East Gate district. The clerk at the entry desk said they could go up to see Losifan Urdo shortly, but first needed to update the list for “Helm’s Shadows” to list any new company members and everyone’s place of origin; she explained there had been an unfortunate mix-up with a mercenary from Waterdeep that had led to the new rule. The three filled in their own information and Rahnee’s, being aware she was from Waterdeep, but none of them knew where Aerikoth was from. His entry was therefore left blank, which was noted by the clerk. (Yet another indication of how little is known by the rest of the company about the wizard. --R)

Upstairs in Losifan’s office, the adventurers gave a summary brief of their success, which the Mercenaries Guild officer was naturally pleased to hear about. He told them that if the Scarlet Company had not been seen in the city by the end of the month of Ches, thereby proving they had actually departed, then the contract fee could be collected. Losifan also strongly hinted that while the Mercenaries Guild could not officially do anything about House Cormaeril and the Fire Knives, he suspected that if an aggrieved guild member company chose to go after them, neither the Guild nor the Croamarkh of Westgate – meaning Lord Scirkas Urdo – would be displeased.

On the way back to the Gatereach, Darrow, Dermot and Shanni stopped at Shalush Myrkeer’s shop in the Market district, selling some of the items they had looted from their encounter with the assassins and making a few purchases as well. Once safely back at the inn, they were just starting to have lunch in the bar room when they heard someone in the main room inquiring for Lady Roaringhorn’s companions. Presently a middle-aged man with an erect posture in a City Watch uniform strode up and introduced himself as Commander Meynn, confirming that they were in fact associates of Rahnee. Shanni painted a grin on her face and curtsied, as Darrow and Dermot greeted the Watch officer and the two silent Watch guards who had accompanied him.

Meynn informed them that earlier that morning, Rahnee had come to the Watch headquarters in the Tower in Market district in order to discuss the recent occurrence at the Empty Fish tavern. He indicated that she had satisfied his inquiries, but there would be some delay before she could be released, as the presiding magistrate was temporarily unwell. Meynn, with a bit of embarrassment, further explained that it was the kind of unwellness that normally cleared up in several hours, he believed. Until then, Rahnee would remain as an official guest, although he expected her to return to them by that evening. Meynn said she had asked him to convey this information to them at the Gatereach, given her current circumstances.

The Watch officer then turned to leave, but then suddenly paused and turned back, causing Shanni to hurriedly brighten her grin that had started to immediately fade. Meynn said that, since they were new to Westgate, perhaps he should mention one peculiarity of the city’s law: the remit of the City Watch did not extend to noble dwellings outside of the city walls. He then counseled them to be careful, if they found themselves in such a dwelling. For if there were an incident, he stated, the Croamarkh in theory could order an intervention, yet he did not recall this ever happening. Shanni protested there was no need to worry, as they were not going knocking on any nobles' doors any time soon. Meynn smiled slightly in response, as he took his leave.

After some discussion among Darrow, Dermot and Shanni regarding the implications of the Watch Commander’s visit, the three informed Jandrico Swift that they might be leaving town for a bit, departing before nightfall. When the innkeeper asked where they would be headed, Shanni temporized, saying probably in the direction of Tallwell, then see where the road took them. Jandrico simply nodded in response, saying that should Aerikoth or Rahnee inquire about it, he would inform them.

 

[Carlo-One]

After waiting until nightfall on Ches 21 and having neither Rahnee nor Aerikoth appear, Shanni, Dermot and Darrow – most especially Shanni – were getting antsy. The petite rogue snapped a bit at Jandrico Swift as he politely inquired of them if there had been any word, while they occupied stools at the bar. Dermot, at least, took advantage of the situation by ordering three drinks appropriate for gulping. Darrow paid for his own beer and the ranger got himself a slug of spirits; Shanni declined, believing it would not be good for her mood.

Jandrico, tactful as ever, moved to the inn’s common room, leaving the three alone. As they debated what to do in the absence of their two companions, a City Watchman entered the bar room, brushing some rain from his outer garment. He inquired if they were “Helm’s Shadows”, a fact which Dermot confirmed, although seemingly halfheartedly.

The watchman, who was apparently glad to get in out of the storm, but somewhat taken aback by Shanni’s grumpiness, stammered out that Watch Commander Meynn had sent him to give the company an update. He explained that the magistrate in charge of Lady Roaringhorn's situation had not recovered yet and was perhaps even a little worse. Shanni muttered that the magistrate should stop drinking, then he’d get over the hangover, which earned a chuckle from Darrow and a raised eyebrow from Dermot. The last part of Meynn’s message, however, warned them to be on their guard and invited them to come to the Tower in the morning.

Dermot said that they acknowledged the message. The ranger, taking sympathy on the beleaguered watchman, then offered him a healthy swig from his flask, as Jandrico had apparently left the building and was not available to provide any drinks. The watchman in gratitude offered his name – Jomo – and said to ask for him at the Tower if they needed anything. Shanni merely humphed in reaction as Jomo departed.

A few minutes later, a wet-looking Jandrico took up his usual position behind the bar. He asked what news was there from the Watch, mentioning that he had passed the watchman going and coming. Dermot shared that the magistrate was “ill” again, which did not seem to surprise the innkeeper. Jandrico informed them that he had made some inquiries about Rahnee’s situation and hoped to receive some information on the morrow. This did nothing for Shanni’s impatience, but her two companions philosophically decided to drink and speculate more, before turning in upstairs.