The Westgate Campaign Chronicles - serial

[Carlo-One]

The morning of Ches 22, the three adventurers found their wayward mage in the bar room of the Gatereach. Jandrico greeted them and then went to help Goruna prepare breakfast. Dermot asked Aerikoth what he had been up to and the mage vaguely replied that he had some preparations to see to, elsewhere, but it did not have anything to do with House Cormaeril. Darrow and Shanni indicated that they had come around to Aerikoth’s way of thinking about a more direct approach against Cormaeril, following their meeting with Losifan Urdo the previous morning. Dermot said that they had a bit of approval from some quarters to go ahead, as the ranger put it, but he was still in favor of only killing those that mattered.

Goruna and Jandrico placed an ample breakfast before them, then Jandrico excused himself to see if there was any word from his inquiries the previous night. Shanni and Dermot explained that the magistrate in charge of the Empty Fish assassins case was dragging his feet and keeping Rahnee in custody, because he was “ill” and unable to sign her release. They were for going to see about their incarcerated companion and leaving discussion about assaulting Cormaeril Castle until later. Given that their best option, put forward by Darrow, was to enter the castle via the sewers, the wizard said he was in no hurry for it.

Jandrico returned at this point and, after ensuring that everything was satisfactory with their meal, indicated that he had some information, if they were interested. The innkeeper revealed that his sources had told him that the magistrate Lemuel, who was responsible for the order releasing the Lady Rahnee, had been poisoned – and not by the Night Masks. Shanni was unsurprised by this. Jandrico further explained that the magistrate lived, but was too sick to act in his official capacity, and was expected to receive a visit from a temple healer that morning. The innkeeper expressed his hope that Lady Rahnee would be out by the afternoon, then excused himself to attend to business.

Following some discussion about what the poisoning tactic might mean for Rahnee, the four adventurers decided they should go to the Tower in the Market District, where she was being detained by the Watch. Once inside the main entrance, Dermot approached the clerk on duty and asked to see Jomo, the watchman who had visited the Gatereach the previous night, about the Roaringhorn case. After getting more information from Dermot about himself and the company, the clerk dispatched one of the guards to fetch Jomo.

After several minutes of waiting, Jomo finally appeared, approaching the company and being greeted by Dermot. The Watchman motioned to them to follow him to an interior room, where he gave them an update on Lady Roaringhorn’s situation. According to what Watch Commander Meynn had told him, someone had poisoned the magistrate Lemuel, who was supposed to sign her release order the previous day. Jomo observed that the magistrate was known for his drinking, so his actual condition was not diagnosed at first, but a temple cleric was expected to arrive to tend to him.

Shanni said that she found the situation a bit too coincidental and they were interested in how it came to happen. Jomo's face reddened and he told them that was all he knew, speculating that perhaps someone had slipped something into the magistrate’s drink to make him sick. Some further questioning of Jomo led them to the conclusion that there was nothing more that could be done, until the magistrate had recovered sufficiently to sign Rahnee’s release. (It seems that Jandrico's sources were on the mark about all the details of this rather embarrassing incident involving the magistrate. Poisoning him in this manner appeared to be a delaying tactic - perhaps thereby giving the Fire Knives a chance to regroup after the incident at the Empty Fish? --C)

 

[Carlo-One]

After the watchman had returned to his duties, the four adventurers ended up cooling their heels for another hour or so in the main entry area of the Tower, having nothing better to do. Around highsun, however, they suddenly heard some distant shouts and yells, apparently coming from the floor above them. Booted feet running were also heard, then all of the sounds stopped. As they wondered what was going on, Darrow declared that it sounded like a ruckus, the dwarf assuring them he had heard one before.

The City Watch members on duty in the entry chamber began to look uneasy, so Darrow offered them a hand in busting some heads, if needed. The Watch clerk, after somewhat nervously stating he was sure everything was under control, asked him to just wait. Shortly thereafter, the City Watch shift commander arrived, accompanied by a watchman, and pointed at Aerikoth. He then asked the watchman if Aerikoth was the wizard in blue robes he had previously described. After a bit of squinting and appearing somewhat crestfallen, the watchman indicated that was not the case, mentioning that “the other one” was taller and had an enormous moustache. As Shanni inquired after the problem, using colorful language, the Watch shift commander just sighed.

Dermot diplomatically offered to help, prompting the Watch shift commander to briefly introduce himself and mention that there had been an incident. He then went off to see if Watch Commander Meynn could be found. Shanni guessed that a wizard had escaped, or had come into the Tower and helped someone else escape, which led Darrow to wonder if it might not be Rahnee. Further speculation was cut short by the arrival of Meynn, who asked them to adjourn with him to an antechamber.

The Watch Commander first offered his apologies for the delay in releasing Lady Roaringhorn, although he claimed that was beyond his control. After first carefully looking Aerikoth over, Meynn told them that a short while ago, a blue-robed mage had appeared in the room that Lady Roaringhorn was being hosted in. Despite the scrutiny, Aerikoth showed no reaction and just stared intently at Meynn. The Watch Commander then related how the guards outside had not noticed the mage's arrival until Rahnee called them over and politely explained that she had go on “family business”, after which she and her companion disappeared.

Meynn explained that this had caused some consternation, as the guards at first thought the two had turned invisible and fled. The Watch Commander, although professing little knowledge of magic, believed that they were long gone by now. He also noted there had been some confusion among the Watch as to who was responsible, as the wizard's clothing was similar to that of Aerikoth’s. Shanni, looking as irritable as ever, folded her arms and questioned if there was any word other than “family business” to explain Rahnee’s disappearance. Meynn said he was afraid that it was all they knew, or would be likely to know. The Watch Commander indicated that he would have to sort out the mess on his end, but the others were free to leave the Tower whenever they wished.

 

[Carlo-One]

With Rahnee now gone, it was decided to decamp back to the Gatereach and have a private conversation about what to do next. Jandrico Swift, as soon as they arrived, asked for news of Lady Roaringhorn and was told by Shanni that a wizard came in and whisked her away. After they had waited for a couple of hours, of course, she added with irritation.

Jandrico at first was puzzled by this, but when the petite rogue added that Rahnee had not tried to resist and had mentioned something about family business, the innkeeper nodded knowingly. Jandrico explained that Rahnee’s brother Madrigal had once made an appearance at the inn, on "family business". The innkeeper described him as quite a character, with his flowing blue robes and a great moustache.

Dermot thought he remembered the occurrence and Darrow confirmed the description matched that provided by the Watch. Jandrico, although demurring to speak of the Lady Rahnee’s business, noted that she had intimated having last left her family in Waterdeep on somewhat uncertain terms. Shanni found this at least somewhat reassuring.

The innkeeper then took orders from the four adventurers, including a top-up for Dermot’s flask and an ale for Darrow; Aerikoth required nothing. Shanni had been talking about a bubble bath, but sighed and said she was not sure how long they would be there for, so settled for whatever Dermot was getting in his flask. After the ever-efficient Jandrico had met their needs, they retired upstairs, where once behind closed doors they discussed in detail how and when they wanted to hit Cormaeril Castle. While they talked, Shanni sorted and packed Rahnee’s leftover belongings, followed by her own, in preparation for departing the Gatereach.

The consensus was to wait past midnight and enter the castle via the secret sewer entrance, which would give them the best chance for achieving surprise, as well as for Aerikoth to prepare his spells. Dermot summarized the plan thusly: wait for cover of night, just after midnight. Head to the Shore, get into the sewers, and try their luck at the way in they found down there. Look for signs of the Fire Knives and the Cormaeril family, and do what they can to hurt both, looking for any useful information on the way that might help finish the job. The Black Boot tavern in Market would be where they could rendezvous afterwards if they succeeded but needed to scatter; if they failed, they would try to get out of the sewers and head outside the city to take the road to Teziir.

Dermot then raised the question of what they should do with the heads of the family, Tagreth Cormaeril and the others. Shanni asked if he meant that literally and the ranger nodded, saying he wished he had something better as an option than “eliminating” the threat, as Darrow put it. Dermot and Shanni agreed it would be helpful to look for something that would serve to bring down the House for good, by destroying their power.

Dermot also brought up the matter of disguises and covering their tracks. Although Shanni was short on extra clothing, the idea of leaving behind at the scene some of their previously looted Night Mask equipment was approved, to help point the blame elsewhere. Dermot then volunteered to go to the Market and procure some extra clothing and dyes, so they could all prepare dark outfits for the coming night assault. Shanni and Darrow decided to go along as well.

 

[Carlo-One]

The remainder of Ches 22 was passed in preparation for that evening's efforts. With midnight close at hand, Darrow, Dermot and Shanni made their way to Aerikoth’s house outside of West Gate. The sunny day had turned into a rainy night by then, perhaps slightly dampening the spirits of Darrow and Shanni; Dermot claimed that he welcomed the rain. The wizard’s place was found by memory and spotting his raven familiar Zeluth perched under the eaves. Dermot knocked a couple of times and was told by Aerikoth to enter.

The three adventurers dripped on the wizard’s floor as Aerikoth welcomed them inside, although he noted he had no food or drink there to offer. Zeluth flew in and found a perch, coming in out of the rain and curiously watching his master’s guests. Dermot offered the wizard a bundle, saying he hoped it would fit. Aerikoth regarded the dark robe and indicated he was loath to remove his enhanted robes for it, but would comply. Shanni mentioned that she had the same situation with her tunic, but needs must. The adventurers then split up to change into their new, darker gear. Aerikoth also donned (with a frown) a helm provided by Dermot, which provoked a derisive squawk from Zeluth, evidently amused by the wizard’s change in appearance.

The plan for the assault on Castle Cormaeril was reviewed again, summarized by Darrow as: they bust in through the sewer entrance, fight whoever fights them, and kill or capture whoever they thought was related to the Fire Knives. Dermot added a reminder to cover each other's backs, use the corridors to their advantage in fighting, and if all went well retreat to the Hidden House in the Temple District. If things went bad, the ranger concluded, they would hightail it and not stop until Reddansyr. Aerikoth said that as soon as they entered the sewers, he would work some protective magics on each of them.

From Aerikoth’s house they made their way to the sewer entrance located in a cave in the Shore district. Once inside, Darrow reminded Aerikoth via pantomime that it was time to cast spells. The wizard began to chant words of magic over each of his companions and himself, giving all of them stoneskin protection. Progressing further into the sewers, the party was ambushed by a group of large spiders, but had no difficulty defeating the creatures, along with some other vermin, both large and small, encountered in their path. Darrow guessed that at least their Fire Knives foes had not come through the same passage that night, something which was confirmed by Dermot and Shanni’s searches of the area.

 

[Carlo-One]

In the western part of the sewers, the four adventurers reached the secret door leading into the basement of Cormaeril Castle. They were uncertain whether House Cormaeril actually knew about it, as Dermot had slipped through it undetected earlier; the area it lead to was guarded, in any case. The ranger held up three fingers and silently counted down, Shanni quietly opening the door and letting Darrow through on the count of two, followed by the others. They immediately were involved in a melee with men they recognized as Fire Knives assassins, from their garb. With Aerikoth’s protective spells and the others’ fighting abilities, however, their foes fell quickly.

Shanni, while snaffling some arrows off the corpses, noted they now had proof of the link between the Fire Knives and House Cormaeril. Darrow, checking out an adjacent room, grabbed a map he found on the floor. The party kept up a quick pace moving through the castle basement, passing through a barracks and a corridor lined with storerooms, before arriving at a large room with a shimmering archway in its center. Aerikoth declared that he had expected to find a portal, believing it led to the chest that they had found in Hallton’s manor house.

Further exploration yielded more storerooms, then a corridor with several prison cells, one of them occupied. Its occupant appeared to be raving mad, babbling about them carrying him off to the Abyss. Shanni nonetheless picked the lock on his cell door and opened it, allowing the prisoner to run off while loudly cackling. The petite rogue then slipped into the shadows and set about looking for more loot, while her three companions explored the remaining cells.

She returned after a short time, observing with some disgust the bodily remains in one cell as she handed over a sheaf of scrolls to Aerikoth. Although slightly injured, Shanni waved off Darrow’s ministrations, saying she had a potion to heal herself. Aerikoth however insisted that she use one of their rings of regeneration, offering her his own, which she accepted after some hesitation. She mentioned that she had found some gold and also some holy scrolls, in addition to the arcane ones she had already passed to Aerikoth.

The four located the stairs leading up from the castle basement and went all the way up to the top, skipping the main floor. Shanni spotted the tripwires of a trap on the entry door and set about disarming it. Once on the upper floor, they saw that all the doors were trapped. They slowly started to work their way around the corridors and enter the various chambers, but were ambushed by several Fire Knives assassins. After dispatching their foes, they also began leaving behind “evidence” of their passage, as Dermot stabbed a Night Mask sword into a handy corpse. (This type of misdirection is common among thieves guilds and other such organizations, but is not often used by adventurers. It never hurts to sow confusion among one's enemies, although the party's various attempts at this have not always been successful - or sometimes have lead to unintended consequences. --R)

 

[Carlo-One]

It took some time to clear out the remaining Fire Knives from the upper level, but eventually Shanni’s careful trap removals and their melee skills brought the party success. A separate set of stairs down was discovered, along with a well-trapped study. Aerikoth swiftly looked for any pertinent information in the study's desk and shelves, while Shanni took care of the chest in the room. Aerikoth confirmed that it was the same chest they had originally found at Hallton’s manor and had been removed from the burned-down Gatereach guest house. Aerikoth again hypothesized that the portal in the basement led to the chest, being how Cormaeril had supplied magical equipment to Hallton’s forces.

As the four were ransacking the study, they heard the faint sound of an alarm gong coming from the level below, along with children wailing. The adventurers quickly took stock of the situation, concluding that they had not yet found the Fire Knives’ leadership, although they had found some evidence in the form of a ciphered document and Hallton’s chest. Shanni also pointed out an amulet that she had looted which had the sign of Kelemvor on it. Aerikoth in response noted that it might have belonged to the monk Veran, a former member of the company killed at Hallton manor. Darrow showed the map seized in the basement to Dermot, who observed that it seemed to show a specific part of Westgate.

Dermot opened the new door leading downstairs and saw several guards and nobles, some with children in tow, running about. The ranger relayed this information and put it to a vote whether they should continue the assault. All were in agreement that they did not need to abandon it at that time, but should take care not to injure any of the children.

Descending to the main floor, the adventurers encountered several Cormaeril guards who were shouting to save the women and children, as well as to kill the intruders. The party dispatched the first pair of guards they saw, then Dermot kicked in the door to a noble’s bedroom. The noble begged for he and his wife to be spared, shrieking that they had done nothing. Dermot, looking grim-faced, demanded to know where Tagreth Cormaeril was. The noble claimed in response that Tagreth lived upstairs, where the nobles had never gone.

The ranger menacingly repeated the question, saying Tagreth wasn’t up there, but was interrupted by another noble, yelling at them and accusing the adventurers of killing defenseless women and children. Darrow helpfully clarified that they had not killed any women or children yet. Dermot again asked about Tagreth and received the same information – that Tagreth’s room was above and that the other Cormaeril nobles did not go to the upstairs or basement floors, since all that was there were servants’ quarters and dungeons. Meanwhile, Shanni had investigated two other bedrooms, one with kids and another with screaming idiots, as she put it. She and Darrow worked to barricade the civilians inside their rooms, to keep them out of the way as the party moved to search the rest of the main floor of the castle.

 

[Carlo-One]

The four adventurers soon found the Cormaeril’s seneschal, Lyter. With as much dignity as he could muster, the man asked if they had come for his life. Darrow’s curt reply was to ask where Tagreth Cormaeril was. The seneschal stated that if he were in the castle, they would find him upstairs. Dermot demanded to know where the House accounts were and Lyter pointed to a ledger by the table in his room. The ranger cursed, realizing that Tagreth must have escaped them. The seneschal began to berate them for plundering the castle, but his speech was cut short by a punch to the gut from Dermot, who hauled off the big ledger book and departed the room along with his companions.

The party avoided one group of guards on the main floor and then charged through another, before heading back upstairs to see if they had missed anything. They began to wonder if the exit portal might have been used by Tagreth; Aerikoth admitted that the portal might lead to somewhere other than Hallton’s chest. The four took the stairwell down to the basement and returned to the portal room, where after some further examination and discussion, Darrow attempted to dive through the magical doorway. Shanni tried to grab the reckless dwarf, but he was brought up short anyway, bouncing off the shimmering portal rather than passing through.

Endeavoring to discover the portal key, Aerikoth borrowed the thin book on the Cormaeril cipher that Shanni had purloined, comparing it with a ciphered note previously found in Hallton’s mansion. The book referred to a key word of seven letters; the only potential clue were the words “exit portal” scrawled in the margin of the first page. Shanni hoped that they might be able to use the book to find the code word to activate the portal.

The wizard took some time poring over the cipher. Shanni used the break in the action to rearrange her inventory. Darrow, growing impatient, pulled out a spare hand axe, wound up and lobbed it underhanded at the portal, where it bounced off and fell to the ground. The dwarf, disappointed at the lack of excitement, retrieved the axe and stuffed it into his pack.

Looking up from the book, Aerikoth observed that he would need seven letters or a seven-letter word to decipher the note. Shanni suggested ‘arsehole’ but then immediately observed that it was eight letters. Darrow began mumbling to himself and counting on his fingers. Dermot spoke up and suggested “Tagreth”. Aerikoth reached into his magical bag for some writing equipment, saying it would take some time to check against the cipher. Dermot and Shanni were uneasy about the time factor, while Darrow figured they had plenty of it.

Dermot and Shanni were about to argue further when they both noticed a peculiar draft coming from the far corner of the room. When they went over to check on it, they found a hole in the ceiling which had not been there previously. The hole was man-sized and appeared to lead to a steep passage. Dermot cupped his hands and gave Shanni a boost up, but she fell back down, after wobbling and scrabbling at the opening. Blaming the tightness of her tunic, she made some adjustments and made it through the opening on the second try, boosting herself to the lip of the hole and getting a stable hold on its edge. She called down to the others that the passage was slippery, going up a bit and then around a curve, probably up at least one floor.

Shanni observed that it might be a way to slip down fast from the above floors. Dermot said that if he had to guess, it led to Tagreth’s rooms; Shanni agreed with this. As Aerikoth continued to work on the cipher, Darrow kept a watch out for any signs of pursuit by Cormaeril guards. With Dermot’s help, Shanni lowered herself back down to the floor. The ranger then asked Aerikoth if there was any chance he could figure out how to open the magic door in the next minute or two. Aerikoth indicated that “Tagreth” had not been the correct word and said it was unlikely he could resolve it so quickly. Darrow helpfully offered “AleBeer” as a suggestion, noting that “BeerAle” was also possible, but he thought somebody like Tagreth would go in alphabetical order.

After some further speculation, Aerikoth announced that the word was “Hallton”. He had been able to partially decipher the note taken from Hallton’s manor, which began “This is the last shipment...” The wizard then inquired whether he should continue working on it, or if they should move on. Shanni, anxiously looking over her shoulder at the room’s entrance, observed that if it didn’t tell him how to get into the portal, then it wasn’t of much use right then. Darrow agreed they should probably head back out through the sewers, although he thought they could give Aerikoth a bit of time to figure out the cipher.

The wizard took a few moments more to reveal the entirety of the message: "This is the last shipment for now. Continue to guard the location that was shown to you and more may come in the future. Do not fail us." Unfortunately, he noted, it did not include any clues as how to operate the portal. Aerikoth then stowed the thin book and deciphered note in his magic bag.

 

[Carlo-One]

Feeling that they had worn out their welcome at Castle Cormaeril and with Tagreth, the head of the Fire Knives apparently on the loose, the party decided to depart. Dermot asked Darrow to bring out the map they had found, which after some examination was found to show an area of the Castle District, not far from the headquarters of House Urdo. The four adventurers headed back through the sewers, following the map carefully.

While still in the western part of the sewer network they heard loud chittering and then came face-to-face with some large spiders. The monstrous creatures were dispatched quickly, Dermot finding the soft underbelly of the last one with his sword. Having had enough of the sewers, they exited in the West Gate district, then made their way towards the Castle District, taking a somewhat circuitous route through Market. Dermot and Shanni felt somewhat exposed and conspicuous, but the group was generally ignored as they made their way through the dark streets in the wee hours of the morning.

Once in the Castle District their sense of direction did not improve much, but they did manage to find the sewer entrance marked on the map, and with some reluctance descended it. Darrow complained the most about the stench, while Aerikoth had to remove his helm to recover his breath after his exertions. After confirming that they had located the starting point of the path marked on the map, they gladly returned aboveground, the mage even more tired after repeatedly clambering down and up.

The pathway marked on the map ended at a wall, next to which Dermot concealed himself as the others continued looking about the area. Not finding anything else of interest nearby, the ranger decided to scramble up the wall, only to be discovered by a male commoner who happened to stroll by. Both seemed equally surprised, then the commoner started yelling that they were thieves and calling for the Urdo guards. Dermot immediately dropped down and joined Darrow in hightailing it away from the site, the ranger complaining that things were so much easier in a forest. Aerikoth meanwhile had moved away, unnoticed, and Shanni was able to conceal herself in the shadows and watch the guards as they fruitlessly searched the area.

Both the wizard and the rogue soon caught up with the other two. Shanni told them that she heard the guards say the place they were looking at had been used by some assassins a tenday ago to try and get in the palace. This made her conclude that they had evidence of the culprits, in the form of the map. Aerikoth agreed that House Cormaeril must have had intentions of assassinating the current Croamarkh.

After some debate about where they should hole up for the night, they opted for heading to the River Gate district, further east into the city and away from their known haunts. At Shanni’s suggestion, they went to stay at the Black Boot inn, where they had previously met the elf wizard Lomilith. The innkeeper found three rooms available for them - if they weren’t picky he said - although Aerikoth declined to stay for the night. His three companions, despite expressing a certain amount of cautiousness, each quickly went to sleep in their individual rooms, exhausted from their long day.

 

[Carlo-One]

Laying Low, Adventurer Style​

The morning of Ches 23, Darrow arose and got a drink from bartender Marshby to start his day at the Black Boot. The dwarf then wandered outside for a short walk, to see if there was any unusual activity. He soon ran into Aerikoth, who had just teleported in, and the two decided to go back into the inn.

After settling on a table, the adventurers overheard two thugs talking nearby, mentioning plans to knock over an abandoned building. After the apparent criminals had departed the premises, Darrow wondered if they were talking about the Hidden House. Aerikoth said he thought it more likely they would be headed for someplace in the Shore district. The wizard and the dwarf then spent some time reviewing how the assault on the castle had gone, among other topics. As they could raise neither Shanni nor Dermot, they decided to go to the Mercenaries Guild and present the results of the raid on Cormaeril Castle to Losifan Urdo.

Some time later, after returning from the meeting at the guild, Darrow departed in search of supplies for his Tallwell brewery project. Shanni then walked into the Black Boot and saw Aerikoth standing at the end of the bar, nursing an ale. The petite rogue did a double take at the spectacle and queried if the mage were feeling unwell, having never seen him consume anything but water. The wizard corrected her, stating that he at times preferred to drink the red wine named after the city, but admitted that the libations at their current establishment were limited.

The two adventurers moved to a small private meeting room at the end of the hall, which Darrow had paid for before leaving; Aerikoth left the ale behind. The room’s seating left much to be desired, despite the long, well-used and stained table in its center. The wizard therefore leaned his staff against the wall and stood with his arms folded into the sleeves of his robes, as Shanni closed the door and perched on the table.

Aerikoth related that Losifan Urdo had been pleased with what was discovered within the Cormaeril compound. Shanni interjected that there were some new rumours flying around the city linking House Cormaeril to a bunch of assassins. The wizard noted that this was vague but accurate. The map they had found linking the Fire Knives assassins to a recent attempt on the Croamarkh was something Losifan was especially interested in; the Urdo noble commented that it would be more than enough for them to move on House Cormaeril. He also stated plainly that the adventurers’ absence over the next tenday would be opportune, since their actions were not officially sanctioned. That said, Losifan had reassured the adventurers that they would not be considered criminals.

Aerikoth informed Shanni that he and Darrow had spoken of possible destinations to spend the next tenday, which had prompted Darrow’s current errand. Shanni did not disagree with the idea of laying low and inquired after Darrow’s plans for Tallwell. Before speaking of that, the wizard first mentioned Losifan’s belief that Castle Cormaeril would soon be available for purchase, given the disgrace of the noble family and its seizure by the city administration. Shanni half-jokingly responded that if the Ironhelm dwarves could advance her share of the dragon hoard, she might be in the market.

Turning back towards discussing their next destination, along with Tallwell, Aerikoth mentioned that Starmantle would also be a possibility, along with Turnton and Teziir. Shanni thought Tallwell might not be so bad, especially given the presence of the Beast’s undiscovered hoard. Aerikoth also noted the past desire by party members, by Lady Roaringhorn most of all, to see that settlement changed for the better. As for Reddansyr, the wizard saw little to do there, other than spend time at the inn.

 

[Carlo-One]

It had reached highsun by the time the two adventurers reached a pause in their conversation. As Shanni’s backside was getting sore from perching on the Black Boot’s meeting room table – there being a lack of chairs in the room, for whatever reason – she and Aerikoth decided to head back to one of the other rooms rented the night before, at the risk of apparent impropriety. The petite rogue confirmed with the bartender, Marshby, that the room was still available. He generously said he would throw in her next ale for free if she cleaned the bloodstain out of the corner, but Shanni demurred and passed over a gold coin instead for her drink.

Just as she and Aerikoth were heading for the room, after overhearing some thugs talking about a job, Dermot entered the inn. Shanni complemented him on his timing and the three adjourned to more private quarters, Shanni eagerly resting herself on the comparatively soft bed. Aerikoth filled in the ranger on the visit to Losifan Urdo and Darrow’s subsequent quest for brewery supplies in the city, which he was still out on. Dermot in return shared some of the rumors he had heard, mostly to do with soldiers moving into the Cormaeril’s castle.

Talk again turned to their next destination, given the need to lie low for a while. Aerikoth noted that Darrow was set on going to Tallwell, which the wizard was willing to do; however, he expected he would nonetheless teleport away shortly after arriving, to check in with Losifan at the Mercenaries Guild. Shanni somewhat wistfully mentioned the Beast’s hidden hoard in Tallwell, but admitted that the trail might be cold. She then brought up some of the loose ends they had left in Starmantle, including rumors of strange magical activities, which Aerikoth stated he had not focused on while there, due to their urgent search for Teziir Council Member Queron Ulanthar’s daughter Janatha. Shanni appeared keen at the prospect of tracking down a rogue wizard in Starmantle and, perhaps more to the point, taking whatever treasure he had. They agreed to confirm their plans with Darrow, whenever he returned later that day.