After dividing the bedrooms in their newly acquired home, the party has a first night of well deserved rest.
When they wake up they are once again greeted by Volothamp Geddarm. He explains to them that he has made de necessary arrangements with all the local guilds to make sure that the tavern will be patched up and made ready for business with all the required paperwork done and ready.
He thanks them once more and lets them know that he'll be leaving to visit Unbekannt later today. He'll try to come and visit them again in a few weeks time.
Joining Factions
While the party continues to have their breakfast and sharing some stories to get to know each other better they are greeted by many a strange people, creature, and things.
Cracuta is greeted by a white elk that comes knocking on the door. When he opens up the door, he can hear the following coming out of it's mouth in a melodious male voice:
“Interested in joining the Emerald Enclave? Come meet us at Phaulkonmere in the Southern Ward.”
Later that day they would go visit the Emerald Enclave. When the characters arrive at Unbekannt for the first time, Unbekannt introduces them to the lady of the estate: a noblewoman-turned-demigod and Chosen of Mielikki named Unbekannt. Jeryth, the only member of her family who currently resides at Phaulkonmere, manifests as a disembodied female voice that can be heard by anyone in the villa gardens. She offers membership in the enclave after they finish a mission for them.
“Outlying farms are being terrorized by a scarecrow come to life. It has slaughtered livestock, chased horses, and spooked farmers. No people have been killed as yet, so the City Guard is dragging its heels. Something must be done!”
Punko, while opening up a window, is greeted by an old grey flying cat, a Tressym called Slobberchops. The cat relays the following message:
“I am Vajra SafahrSafahr, the Blackstaff. Come to Blackstaff Tower in the Castle Ward at once. Bring your friends.”
Later that day to go and visit Blackstaff Tower. They are met by some members of Force Grey and are brought to the Blackstaff's chambers by Albion Dusklight.
Vajra offers the characters membership in the Gray Hands, a private security force under her command. She doles out missions designed to tax the characters’ resources and test their loyalty to Waterdeep. People who complete these missions won’t gain enough renown to join Force Grey yet, but they will gain something valuable: the Blackstaff’s patronage. She offers them the following mission:
“Seek out Hlam, a monk who lives in a cave on the side of Mount Waterdeep. Ask him what he’s heard about threats to the city, but try not to annoy him or overstay your welcome.”
Quertex manages to catch a flying Paper Bird that managed to get its way inside. Written on the paper bird was the following:
“Renaer Neverember tells us you are a good bet. He bought you tickets to the opera tonight at the Lightsinger Theater in the Sea Ward. If you are interested, meet Mirt at intermission. Private Box C. Formal attire is required for admittance.”
Later that day they go shopping for some fancy clothing. Quertex end up buying a fancy purple suit from the Old Xoblob Shop.
Lightsinger Theater is a high-end establishment located in the Castle Ward. When the party meets Mirt in his private box during the opera’s intermission, he describes the Harpers and offers membership to them. The party accept and receive a silver pin of a harp within a crescent moon, along with their first mission. Mirt also tells them that if they ever need to speak with him directly, they are welcome to visit his manor in the Sea Ward.
Their mission is the following:
“One of the drays working in the city is pulled by a talking mare named Maxeene. Locate her, find out if she’s learned the identity of any Zhent operatives, and if so, determine their whereabouts.”
Nithgrea hears someone knocking on the door. When she opens up a human knight named Unbekannt is standing before her. She tells her:
I've heard you've just been kicked out from Lathander's paladin order? We could always use some more power at the Order of the Gauntlet. You're all invited to come discuss work at our temple.
Later that day they go and visit the local temple of Tyr to meet Savra. They are giving the following mission, depending on if and how they complete it, they will be granted membership to the Order of the Gauntlet:
“We hear that the Zhents are paying gangs in the Field Ward to attack suspected Xanathar Guild members. Fights are breaking out in the ward daily. Stop a fight before it happens. We need to send a message to these thugs that further altercations won’t be tolerated.”
Skálmöld sneakily detached some parchment tied to a flying snake that found its way into her pocket. The message reads:
“Want to be part of something big? Speak to Davil Starsong at The Yawning Portal.”
Later that day, the party visits the Yawning Portal and are greeted by a familiar face. Yagra Strongfist, the half-orc that was being assaulted in this very bar just yesterday.
Yagra takes them upstairs to meet Davil, who after some quick-witted tests offers the party membership to their faction of The Black Network who are trying to cut back on most of the illegal actions and fighting taking place in the main faction. He also knows of Skálmöld's alter ego and her actions as one of the fake leaders of the Black network. They are given the following mission:
“Someone is killing elf and half-elf sailors in the Dock Ward — three dead so far, each one decapitated by a blade in the dead of night. Look into it, will you? Methinks the City Watch could use a little help.”