# NFDM Waterdeep Dragon Heist
###### tags: Waterdeep
Goodbye Waterdeep!
## PCs
### Current
Annalese Strand, dhampir wizard, Pontifex https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/62761740/Fz8Ofc
Amyr, tiefling blood hunter, Tyto https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/55011665/7Vdxz6
Beregor, hill dwarf cleric, Chedderbob https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/62857951/zweGd3
Elly, shifter druid, Scubaroo https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/66411017
Ventol Balebranta, human fighterlock, Gorolo https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/79671404
### Retired
Lucian, shifter barbarian, Scubaroo https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/62781251
Kaviad Flintfist, goliath rune knight fighter, Gorolo https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/62812258/FiheMm
Karonak Sagar, gem dragonborn monk, Verdent https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/62772270/fUhlSj
## Current Events
* ~~We have the Stone of Golorr. It's attuned to Amyr. Golorr is a former aboleth that is screwing with Amry's head. It's fine. It's fine!~~
* ~~We now think we know where the embezzeled gold is held -- the crypt of Anri Brandath, descendent of the late Lady Neverember.~~
* ~~We were attacked near the library. Status pending.~~
* ~~We still don't know how to get the gold. Of note: Lord Neverember wanted the stone brought to him, not disposed of, and presumably he remembers where _he_ hid the gold.~~
* Got the gold, killed the Cassalanters. A lot happened since this document was last updated.
* ~~We got a job from the Bregan D'aerthe to look after a Xanathar member. Apparenttly he's the Xanathar's aquarium cleaner. Claims the Guild will level the block to get him dead or alive.~~
* ~~Amyr made a deal with Asmodeus to become a full lycanthrope. We killed him. Oops, it was all in his head as we learned from Hlam. Trying to find a way to bring him back ASAP~~
* ~~We got a job from Vajra to kill Nihiloor, the Xanathar's Illithid lieutenant, in the sewers. Jarlaxle is supposed to help us with that by distracting the Xanathar with the aquarium keeper. Whenever convenient for us, should contact him no less than a few hours beforehand.~~
* ~~The Xanathar has been sending a lot of people after us every night, time to go to Skullport to reach his lair to have a stern word with him.~~
* ~~Successfully killed the Xanathar along with some of his underlings!~~
* We investigate Manshoon and intend to kill him
* Manshoon casts Wish and we get transported to a dream world 20 years in the future.
* WATERDEEP WILL BURN
* WE KILLED MANSHOON
## Info Part I: Dragon Heist
> "So here's what we know. The Zhents, which all have marks of serpents, are feuding with the Xanathar's Guild people, who all are marked up with eyes. Like the beholder on that shop we keep passing and not caring about. The Xanathar's Guild people are trying to get something from this lad's father, and they took Floon in a case of mistaken identity. Hopefully they value him as a hostage and are keeping him alive. Our possible courses of action... wake up a bird and see if they have a more civil tongue in their head. Use the paper bird. Go to see if a ransom note has been sent to the father. Or involve the city watch. Am I missing any?"
> Renaer seems to take offense at that, but answers anyway.
> “The Zhentarim thinks that my father embezzled a large amount of gold while he was Open Lord, and that he hid the dragons somewhere in the city. They think they can find it by using an artifact called the Stone of Golorr, which was in the hands of the Xanathar Guild until recently. Apparently, someone stole it. The Zhents thought I knew something about all of this, but I don’t. My father and I haven’t spoken in years.”
>My dearest Fel'Rekt
>The time has come. We have the location of the Stone, and all that is left is to reach out and take it. Work with Krebbyg to set up an outpost beside Gralhund Villa. Maintain a constant watch on the house and its inhabitants, 24 hours of the day. If an opportunity to take possession of the Stone of Golorr arises, do not hesitate to seize it. Send updates twice daily via Fenerus Stormcastle, as usual. Llorath will deliver the messages from there to me.
>A most important note: If your paths cross with the group aforementioned, do your best not to kill them. They may yet prove useful.
And lastly, simply remember that I do reward my loyal followers. What happened with Solunn was tragic indeed, but I trust it will not be repeated. When the Stone is secured and our plans are complete, we will rise together.
>Yours sincerely,
>Jarlaxle Baenre
>"Yeah. I know some things about that."
>"The gnome in the explosion was an agent of my father's."
>Renaer sighs.
>"When the Lords of Waterdeep ousted my father, I thought his long, dark shadow was finally gone for good. But his spies hound me. One of them, a gnome named Dalakhar, had been watching me for months. Then, about two tendays ago, the spy was suddenly nowhere to be seen. My father didn’t trust many people, but he trusted that gnome. And... that's where that led him, I suppose.
> I spoke to a few of Dalakhar’s friends. Apparently, he was on a special mission to retrieve the Stone of Golorr and was afraid that the Zhentarim and the Xanathar Guild were close to catching him. When he heard about my kidnapping, he wanted more information about the adventurers who had rescued me. I think Dalakhar was planning to pay you to deliver the Stone of Golorr to my father in Neverwinter."
> The streets ran red last night in the Castle Ward, in the wake of a brutal massacre at the estate of Noble House Gralhund. According to the City Watch, the Gralhund family were caught in the crossfire of a clash between Zhentarim agents and at members of least two other unidentified gangs, one of which fled the scene before the City Watch was able to arrive, and the other one of which appears to consist entirely of drow. Several drow witnessed wielding firearms also escaped, and are still at large. However, the City Watch has confirmed that Urstul Floxin, a known high-ranking member of the Zhentarim, is in City Watch custody.
> 'Notable Members:
Lord Anri Brandath (1055 DR - 1128 DR)
Lord Kulzar Brandath (1232 DR - 1295 DR)
Lord Varad Brandath (1343 DR - 1422 DR)
Lady Alethea Neverember* (1442 DR - 1477 DR)
*Formerly Lady Alethea Brandath'
> "'His ill-gotten funds, the lord entrusted
To the old dragon, in gold encrusted
T'was locked away, entombed in stone
Stashed away, at the cost of his throne.'"
>"Where laid his wife to rest
‘Midst bones of son’s blood sealed,
There where Anri laid himself to rest
Lies that which Open Lord concealed."
>"If gold you seek in ne'erember crypt,
You will find you've sorely slipped,
For now you have learnt the folly of presumption:
Your query relies on a faulty assumption."
## Info Part II: Cassalanter Arc
(This document wasn't updated during this time, but for completion's sake I put something here anyway)
Redacted ledger from Reda's shop:
> In/Out - Supplier/Destination - Item - GP - Date
In - Mr H - Routine Restock - 50 - 1492/12/14
Out - ■■■■■■■ - ■■■■ - 20 - 1492/12/17
Out - ■■■■■■ - ■■■■■■ - 30 - 1492/12/22
In - Mr H - Routine Restock - 50 - 1492/12/24
In - ■■■■■■■■ - ■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■ - 145500 - 1493/01/02
In - Mr H - Routine Restock - 50 - 1493/01/04
Out - ■■■■■■■■■ - ■■■■■■■ - 45 - 1493/01/06
Out - ■■■■■■■■■■■ - ■■■■■■■■ ■■■■■ - 150000 - 1493/01/07
In - Mr H - Routine Restock - 50 - 1493/01/14
Poem about the big bad:
>Nine. The contract you must sign.
Nine. Renouncing the divine.
Nine. Desecrate the shrine.
Nine. The contract they did sign.
Nine. A drop of poisoned wine.
Nine. In luxury they dine.
Nine. The fouled stars align.
Nine. Their tears are crystalline.
Nine. Following His grand design."
History of the Cassalanters:
> • The Cassalanters fell on hard times a few years back, but they have since reversed their fortunes and restored their lucrative banking and money-lending business.
• Victoro and Ammalia’s eldest son disappeared three years ago when the family was on the verge of bankruptcy. They have two surviving children, young twins named Terenzio and Elzerina.
• Lord Victoro Cassalanter is the only living heir of the late Caladorn Cassalanter, the former Open Lord and a renowned hero of the North.
• Over the years, the Cassalanters have founded a number of philanthropic societies and made generous donations to temples dedicated to good-aligned deities. They are known to worship Siamorphe, a demigod whose ethos is the nobility’s right and responsibility to rule.
Nevercott's article about the cult:
> Devil worship amongst the nobility!
>
> The cult of Asmodeus has taken hold among the ruling class of our City of Splendors. A Noble family fallen on hard times have traded the souls of themselves and their loved ones for the blessings of the Archdevil, and the pleasures he can offer in life. Through secret backroom deals they have since convinced others to join their cause, helping their infernal master gain significant power over the innocent citizens of our magnificent city.
>
>This terrifying cult now meets in dark and bloody midnight rituals, wearing crimson robes and golden masks. Other times they wear only their masks, engaging in drunken orgies where they cry out the name of their dark god in pleasure. On the worst of nights though, they don their crimson robes and their golden daggers, offering a humanoid sacrifice to the pits of Hell. How could a cold and hungry homeless person possibly resist the promise of never to freeze or go hungry again? And who would miss these poor wretches when they disappear from the streets?
## Info Part III: Xanathar Arc
Article about the kenku dying (from Part I)
> Four have been found dead in the Waterdeep prison of Amendsfarm, causing concerns over the security of the supposedly impenetrable lockup. The victims, all kenkus, were found dead in their cells one morning, the wall of each cell carved with a symbol of an eye. No break-ins or break-outs have been reported, and the City Watch insists nobody had passed the cells apart from routine guard patrols, leaving the question of how the kenkus were killed unanswered.
Note Amyr found on an ogre:
> To Griberob of Skullport
Those meddling adventurers must be stopped, by any means necessary. One thousand gold pieces if you venture to their miserable hovel and - okay, write this next part really big. No, don't write *this*, you imbec
>The note continues in a different handwriting
>Apologies for that interjection. I assure you the dullard responsible for scribing my letters has been promptly disintegrated and replaced. As I was saying, one thousand gold pieces if you venture to their miserable hovel and RAZE IT TO THE GROUND! Stomp them into the earth and show those fools what it truly means to invoke the wrath of the Xanathar.
Sending my regards
The Xanathar
Beholderkin:
> Beholder's brains are capable of warping reality to extreme degrees. When conscious, they can manipulate this ability to a degree, including creating eyes in solid stone, covering large areas with slime, and even causing living arms to sprout from walls. It is theorised that this is also how beholders can levitate; and good for them, because a beholder stripped of its levitation ability becomes completely immobile. When a beholder sleeps, its latent abilities become even more powerful and even less intentional, up to and including creating new life. Most beholderkin are created by a dreaming beholder in this way, as are most beholders. With very few exceptions, a beholder dreaming another beholder into existence results in a conflict and the death of one or both beholders.
Xanathar Guild and Criminal Underworld:
> Appraising the true size of the Xanathar Guild is difficult due to its relatively hands-off leadership and disconnected branches. An informant reports that the guild operates in a similar manner to a pyramid scheme, in which fairly independent branches receive protection from the greater organisation in exchange for a cut of unlawful earnings. Members of the Xanathar Guild who violate the aims of the organisation, including the above-mentioned informant, are almost universally found turned into stone, killed in their sleep, or simply vanish overnight.
Thanks to the Xanathar Guild's stance on traitors, little is known about the inner circles of the Xanathar Guild; supposedly there is a centralised headquarters of the organisation, but almost nobody has ever seen it and its existence has been disputed. Similarly, almost nobody has ever personally met the eponymous Xanathar, leader of the organisation, although almost every member of the Xanathar Guild reports acting on his orders.
Rumours persist that the Xanathar's Guild has taken control of the underground city of Skullport, which used to exist along the banks of the underground river Sargauth. The caverns in which Skullport was built were maintained by a mythal known as the Mantle, and no reputable sources have ever proven that Skullport survived the disappearance of the Mantle during the Spellplague.
Skullport
> Skullport, also known as the Port of Shadows, was an underground city that once sat on the banks of the underground river Sargauth. The Sargauth, which flowed up from the Underdark, through the third layer of Undermountain, through Skullport, and finally through a series of magical locks before emptying into the Sea of Swords, was one of the most prolific channels for trading between the surface and Northdark civilisations such as Gracklstugh and Menzoberranzan. This made Skullport a hub of trading and commerce.
> Skullport was founded milennia ago by a group of Netherese mages, who created a mythal known as the Mantle to keep the caverns containing it from collapsing. The Mantle malfunctioned following Karsus's Folly and Mystra's Ban in the Year of Sundered Webs, −339 DR, killing most of the inhabitants of Skullport with wild magic.
In the Year of the Angry Sea, 1148 DR, the ruins of Skullport were rediscovered and reinhabited, and Skullport resumed its status as a prosperous trading city.
During the Spellplague in the Year of Blue Fire, 1385 DR, the Mantle was reportedly destroyed, as were the locks allowing travel between the Sargauth and the Sea of Swords. Presumably, this resulted in the collapse of the caverns containing Skullport, and the second time the city has fallen into ruin as a direct result of the death of the goddess of magic. Skullport is currently considered a lost civilisation.
Undermountain
> "Durnan says that if Skullport is still there, it's on the third level of Undermountain. And he told me of a shortcut from the first level to the third. South of the well, a tunnel with candles, at the end is a mirror. Tap the mirror with a wand, and it will take you to the third level. From there, he says to follow the river."
Circled wazoo article
> The home of noblewoman Annalese Strand has been nearly leveled by regular attacks mounted by the Xanathar's Thieves' Guild. These acts of wanton destruction come on the heels of a similar attack on the former home of the noble house of Cassalanter, which the Masked Lords marked for preservation mere days earlier.
> These apparently random acts of violence have been growing more and more common in recent tendays, and still Silverhand refuses to increase the budget of the City Watch or better yet resign, allowing a competent leader to take her place.
> Whether Silverhand will respond to the calls for her resignation remain to be seen, but until she does, all that's left to do is lock your windows and pray to Helm you're not next.
## Info Part IV: Manshoon Arc
> **THE BLACK VIPER KILLS**
Tragedy struck last night as Lord Orond Gralhund, his wife Lady Yalah Gralhund, and their bodyguard Hrabbaz were all found murdered in their Castle Ward home. A calling card left at the scene of the brutal crime identifies the murderer as legendary assassin the Black Viper, who recently made their public return to Waterdeep. The Gralhunds' two young children have been moved into protective custody for the duration of an ongoing investigation into the Black Viper's identity.
Esvele goes missing
> **ROSZNAR HEIR MISSING**
Tragedy struck the fraught Rosznar family yester morning, when the noble Lord and Lady Rosznar awakened to find their only daughter vanished overnight from her bed. After a full day of no news, the noble Rosznars have reported the young Esvele missing to the City Watch. Additionally, a reward has been posted promising a sum of one thousand dragons to anyone with information on the missing heir's whereabouts. The Rosznars have otherwise requested their privacy during these trying times.
Relevant article from part III
> The home of noblewoman Annalese Strand has been nearly leveled by regular attacks mounted by the Xanathar's Thieves' Guild. These acts of wanton destruction come on the heels of a similar attack on the former home of the noble house of Cassalanter, which the Masked Lords marked for preservation mere days earlier.
> These apparently random acts of violence have been growing more and more common in recent tendays, and still Silverhand refuses to increase the budget of the City Watch or better yet resign, allowing a competent leader to take her place.
> Whether Silverhand will respond to the calls for her resignation remain to be seen, but until she does, all that's left to do is lock your windows and pray to Helm you're not next.
About the Thanns
> The Thanns are a noble house with a long history in Waterdeep, here's a family tree that traces Corylus Thann's lineage directly back to Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun
> As for their actual assets, the Thann house also owns several vineyards around the city. In addition, Thann Holdings owns and leases a number of homes across the North, Castle, and Trades wards, in addition to shares of numerous other business. Thann Holdings' most recent acquisition was a purchase of 51% of Rudderbust Ltd.
Manshoon's spell book: `alarm, alter self, animate dead, antimagic field, arcane lock, blight, dispel magic, dominate monster, dream, etherealness, Evard’s black tentacles, feather fall, fireball, fly, gaseous form, geas, gentle repose, glyph of warding, hold monster, major image, mass suggestion, phantom steed, protection from evil and good, scrying, symbol, telekinesis, teleport, teleportation circle, Tenser’s floating disk, tongues, true seeing, vampiric touch, wall of fire, wish, detect magic, mage armor, magic missile, shield, detect thoughts, mirror image, misty step, blink, lightning bolt, sending, fire shield, greater invisibility, polymorph, Bigby’s hand, scrying, wall of force, flesh to stone, globe of invulnerability, finger of death, simulacrum, feeblemind, mind blank, imprisonment, power word kill`
## Journal
### Dragon Heist:
### Nightal 27 1492 DR
The party (most of it) is together for the first time at the Yawning Portal. As they are getting introduced (some know each other already), some Xanathar's Guild hooligans start to behave menacingly. A [half-orc](#Yagra-Strongfist-sheher) says they're there for her, a fight ensues, she kills one and we subdue the rest. A bit of apologizing calms [the barkeep](#Durnan-hehim) and we pay for some repairs.
After this, Volo came up to us and _lied to our damned faces_ about paying us to go rescue Floon. Needing money, we went to rescue Floon. This took us to:
* A bar, which sucked.
* A warehouse, where we fought some Kenku, and then questioned them. The Kenku was... uncooperative, saying "kill me" and "Xanathar sends his regards." Xanathar sounds pretty bad. We rescued some lord who said Floon got kidnapped instead of him. The Kenku eventually told us where to find Floon.
* There was a sewer, with a gazer in it.
* This led to the gang hangout, with mindflayer! Those things that, need I remind you, _flay your goddamned mind_.
* The mindflayer decided we weren't threatening enough and left his intellect devourer to deal with is. He just _slightly_ underestimated us, as we barely escaped with our lives, Floon in tow.
At this point we returned to Volo, where he sprung the surprise on us: he had no money! Instead he gave us a deed to this manor. What could go wrong?
### Nightal 28 1492 DR
Here's what went wrong.
***The Haunting Of Trollskull Manor, a limited series on Netflix***
volo: oh hey u guys are back early
party: manor's haunted
volo: what?
party: *loading a crossbow and getting back on the wagon* manor's haunted
***The current state of repairs***
Amyr: What do you think, Anne?
Anne: I think this building should be condemned. There’s a hole in the roof, the windows are blown out, there's water damage, and the kitchen hearth doesn't function in the middle of winter.
***It comes with children***
_Children._
Here's what went right: the manor is infested with rodents. And frankly only one of the party members wants any rodents.
Other important events:
* A dwarf showed up and he lives with us now, as sometimes happens with dwarves who are clerics meet people who like to stop bleeding.
* We met the neighbors!
* Anna told the children a bedtime story and it was horrifying but children are too young to figure that out apparently.
* Crime half-orc, the half-orc who crimes, comes by in the middle of the night to tell us she only does the good crimes, not the bad crimes, and since we're so good at things we might also be good at good crimes. If we want to get paid money for our obvious talent at violence, come to the Yawning Portal and sign up for crimes. No stupid tatoos needed.
* Big group chat: We're going to join a gang, and Anna is really Miryam Oberskyr, an Actual Goddamned Princess.
### Nightal 29 1492 DR
Busy day! Repairs begin on the house. We meet an elf who tries to sell us drugs, but don't buy any. Yet. We get an invitation to the opera from a mysterious source. We need opera clothes.
Then we are randomly (maybe) visited by a tailor who offers to make us formal clothes. Not sus! We go and he's very handsy (and into Anna) and the says he'll give us half off if we take a handkerchief to a certain orphan, who is not yet part of the Party Orphan Collection.
Then we go to the Yawning Portal, join a crime gang, have an arm wrestling contest. Yagra's into Kaviad, we think. Amyr gets what is technically a handkerchief from some nobles in the bar, although it's terrible.
We go, and apparently the orphan isn't collecting handkerchiefs as part of a network of orphan spies, she just likes fancy things or something. Details not clear? Anna, who may be changing her character flaw from "horny" to "likes orphans," concocts an elaborate ruse to get a handkerchief.
The party goes to collect the clothes, and the tailor asks Anna out. This is fine and causes no drama whatsoever.
Then the party goes to the opera. We're joining the Harpers! And spying on the crime gang we just joined! Double-crossing one half of a gang war while killing off the other half will in no ways cause us problems down the road. Time to wake up refreshed and buy those drugs we forgot to get today.
### Nightal 30 1492 DR
Last day of the year. Time to make a new year's resolution!
Bought drugs. Did drugs. Paid taxes while on drugs.
Investigate killings in the dock ward based on a note from the Zhent. Afterwards: date night! Afterafterwards: gun night!
### Hammer 1 1493 DR
Anna goes and talks to Nevercott and absolutely doesn't reveal way too much to someone who's our enemy.
We talk to the Zhents. It goes badly.
Nighttime gift of a dead drow. We put the drow in a barrel and dump him in the dock ward.
### Hammer 2 1493 DR
Anna goes and talks to Nevercott and absolutely doesn't reveal way too much to someone who's our enemy, Part 2 The Return.
Dead Body Disposal. Plant rumor with the Wazoo. Profit!
Anna's date with the tailor.
### Hammer 3 1493 DR
Morning fireball.
Met Captain Zardoz Zord. Anna is annoyed by him.
Gralhund Villa! We get the stone! And now we're staying at the Harpers.
### Hammer 4 1493 DR
The stone is being... persnickety.
We may have found where the gold is, but we got attacked leaving the library, because that's our luck.
### Hammer 5 1493 DR
Fight dragon, kill Clone Manshoon, kill Mind Flayed Meloon, get gold.
### Hammer 6 1493 DR
Lunch with the Open Lord
Amyr thoroughly embarrasses himself
We get invited to the Force Grey Initiation Test
### Hammer 7 1493 DR
Kaviad and Lucian leave
Start of Downtime
### Hammer 8-15 1493 DR
Downtime
### Cassalanter Arc:
### Hammer 16 1493 DR
Ventol and Elly join the party
Force Grey Initiation
then Anna fucks Esvele on a roof
then Amyr uses Golorr as a dating app and meets Archie later
then Ventol has a date with Anna
then Elly meets the Black Viper on a roof
### Hammer 17 1493 DR
We talked to Captain Zord again. He's definitely heard of the Bregan D'aerthe before ( ;) ) he also rudely rejected Kanorak
We smoke some pipeweed. Esvele showed up, it was awkward
### Hammer 18 1493 DR
We Were told about a job investigating a shady potion shop by the Blackstaff
Kidnapped Reda (owner of said potion shop)
got a redacted ledger
Elly and Amyr almost died to a gelatinous cube
### Hammer 19 1493 DR
Reda is killed by the cult of Asmodeus (this is totally our fault)
Amyr no longer attuned to Golorr
Ball at Cassalanter Villa
* Empty vault
* A disguised Jarlaxle found our antics very amusing and stabbed the Cassalanters' 'butler' (some sort of devil?)
### Hammer 20 1493 DR
We run some errands
Not really anything important
### Hammer 21 1493 DR
Talked to Trench
Found Zelifarn (Young Bronze Dragon) in Deepwater Harbor. He's just chilling, amassing a hoard
### Hammer 22 1493 DR
Trench tells us about the Cassalanters' intentions
> "The one hundred doses of Midnight Tears poison will be administered at a feast at Cassalanter Villa on Deadwinter Day."
### Hammer 23-27 1493 DR
Downtime
Elly and Esvele find a potentially plot relevant ransom note in the Thanns' vault
Anna has a chat with Lady Cassalanter
Beregor and Ventol get girlfriends
### Hammer 28 1493 DR
The Grand Opening of Trollskull Manor
### Hammer 29 1493 DR
We ally with the Bregan D'aerthe (first undisguised meeting with Jarlaxle)
Everyone but Elly (who couldn't stop them) falls to Victoro's rod of rulership and turns themselves in
Fel'rekt was also captured during the distraction
### Hammer 30 1493 DR
Everyone (including Fel'rekt) but Elly break out of jail
We successfully raid Cassalanter Villa; kill Victoro Cassalanter as well as a Nerzugon and Nightmare
We have a chat with Jarlaxle on the Eyecatcher
Confirmation Nevercott (both of them)/Zord/the guard are Jarlaxle disguises
### Deadwinter Day 1493 DR
Curse of Strahd crossover episode
### Alturiak 1 1493 DR
Curse of Strahd crossover episode part II
### Alturiak 2-9 1493 DR
Downtime
Amyr makes a deal with Asmodeus to become a full lycanthrope (allegedly)
### Xanathar Arc:
### Alturiak 10 1493 DR
Fel'rekt gives us a Bregan D'aerthe job: look after a Xanathar Guild prisoner for 3 days
We kill Amyr because of his pact with Asmodeus
Anna, Beregor and Elly meet the monk Hlam on Mt. Waterdeep > "Amyr only suffers from self doubt"
Beregor, Ventol and Elly clear out Cassalanter Villa
### Alturiak 11 1493 DR
We take the prisoner to Cassalanter Villa
Beregor and Elly dump some bugbear bodies
We try to mislead the gazers. Successfully!
### Alturiak 12 1493 DR
Anna, Beregor and Ventol find and fight a necromancer to revive Amyr
Elly and Fel hang out all day
the Xanathar Guild attacks Cassalanter Villa again. We beat their spectator and gauth
We get a new job to deal with Nihiloor from Vajra > Xanathar's lieutenant. We met him before!
### Alturiak 13 1493 DR
Jarlaxle offers to help by distracting the Xanathar when we infiltrate his base by luring him with the aquarium cleaner
Otherwise we spend the day relaxing and preparing
Elly buys some Amulets for the group for delivery in 1-2 weeks
### Alturiak 14 1493 DR
Ventol isn't a paladin anymore. This causes some drama.
We infiltrate the Xanathar's hideout first thing in the morning and kill Nihiloor
We flee to Blackstaff Tower and actually get a reward for once!
A bunch of ogres and a couple goblins attack the manor at night. Xanathar Guild
### Alturiak 15 1493 DR
Anna is depressed. The new part is she admits it! Elly is also depressed I think. Elly and Amyr go to the library and learn a whole bunch of thing. Anna, Ventol and Beregor go talk to the Zhents and learn a lot less.
The Harpers have an informant who hasn't shown back up yet. The entrance to the lair we used was destroyed
Anna went looking for a fight and got one. They ran
the Xanathar sent us some more friends. Necromancer got away
### Alturiak 16 1493 DR
Anna got info on Undermountain from Durnan, including a shortcut to the third level
We got the Bregan D'aerthe guard the tavern in our absence
We're going to Undermountain!
We fought *a lot* in Undermountain. Including gelatinous cubes, hobgoblins who wanted to see our papers and weird Underdark shit
We made it to Skullport! Bought some stuff, had dinner in a huge, petrified worm and went to sleep
### Alturiak 17 1493 DR
~~We have an appointment with the Blackstaff today, but probably will not be attending.~~ Yup.
Guilders found us in the morning and we immediately went to the basement of the inn to enter the Xanathar's lair
Amyr, Ventol and Elly breathed in some spore. It'll be fine!
We killed the Xanathar!
Anna got petrified, but she'll be fine!
### Alturiak 18 1493 DR
We depetrified Anna
Ventol will make Flip the albino gazer his familiar
We talked to Jarlaxle and he told us about his plans. Anna is finally getting that second date!
Talked to the Blackstaff
### Alturiak 19-30 1493 DR
Downtime!
Kaviad and Lucian visit, it went alright
We checked out Jarlaxle's submarine, he didn't like that
Anna talked to Lady Gralhund
### Ches 1-10 1493 DR
More downtime!
Esvele went missing
> ROSZNAR HEIR MISSING
Tragedy struck the fraught Rosznar family yester morning, when the noble Lord and Lady Rosznar awakened to find their only daughter vanished overnight from her bed. After a full day of no news, the noble Rosznars have reported the young Esvele missing to the City Watch. Additionally, a reward has been posted promising a sum of one thousand dragons to anyone with information on the missing heir's whereabouts. The Rosznars have otherwise requested their privacy during these trying times.
Elly has a chat with Jarlaxle, it went well
Anna has a chat with Manshoon and, well: https://hackmd.io/@pontifexexmachina/rkakmeyVj
Ventol has a chat with Vajra Safahr and also the Sacrosanct who is the embodiment of anarchy
Amyr and Beregor go on a date, but not with each oher
Anna finally goes on that second date with Jarlaxle
Ventol talks to his father about his mother, he wasn't cooperative
Elly and Beregor investigate Kress and that remaining cultist
### Manshoon Arc
### Ches 11 1493 DR
End of downtime!
>**THE BLACK VIPER KILLS**
Tragedy struck last night as Lord Orond Gralhund, his wife Lady Yalah Gralhund, and their bodyguard Hrabbaz were all found murdered in their Castle Ward home. A calling card left at the scene of the brutal crime identifies the murderer as legendary assassin the Black Viper, who recently made their public return to Waterdeep. The Gralhunds' two young children have been moved into protective custody for the duration of an ongoing investigation into the Black Viper's identity.
We talk to the Blackstaff to cast Speak With Dead on Lady Gralhund.
We do some investigating on the Wazoo:
> As for their actual assets, the Thann house also owns several vineyards around the city. In addition, Thann Holdings owns and leases a number of homes across the North, Castle, and Trades wards, in addition to shares of numerous other business. Thann Holdings' most recent acquisition was a purchase of 51% of Rudderbust Ltd.
Talked to Kressando
We used Amyr's mirror to get a vision of Esvele finding a force field. We go there, Manshoon realizes we found his towers and we talk to him back at Trollskull Manor.
We decide to kill Manshoon or die trying the next day.
### Ches 12 1493 DR
We get up in the morning and go to Kolat Towers to find Manshoon and fight him.
Kolat Towers was not teleporting, magic detecting, wall climbing, portable hole having vampire proof.
Anna used the signet ring she got from Simulacrum Manshoon to activate the Teleportation Circle that leads to his demiplane.
We talked to him, Esvele was also there.
AND THEN HE CAST WISH
### Ches 13 1513 DR
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
We wake up 20 years later in New Waterdeep, Manshoon's "perfect world"
> The New Waterdeep Wazoo
Ches 13
PREPARATIONS FOR FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND GOING SMOOTHLY
CRIME RATE OFFICIALLY DROPS TO 0%
SEA MAIDEN'S FAIRE RETURNS TO WATERDEEP
ARCANALORD MANSHOON APPROVAL RATING REACHES 100%
Thought for the day: Blessed is the mind too small for doubt.
Some new laws:
Assaulting or impersonating a Lord: death
Assaulting or impersonating an official or noble: death
Blackmailing an official: death
Bribery or attempted bribery of an official: death
Murder of a Lord, official, or noble: death
Using magic to influence a Lord without consent: death
Using magic to influence an official without consent: death
Arson: death
Brandishing weapons without due cause: exile up to 10 years
Espionage: death
Fencing stolen goods: fine equal to twice the value of the stolen
goods and exile up to 10 years
Forgery of an official document: flogging and exile up to 10
year
Hampering justice: exile up to 10 years or death
Littering: fine up to 10 gp and edict
Poisoning a city well: death
Treason: death
Disturbing the peace: fine up to 25 gp and up to 10 days imprisonment
Murdering a citizen without justification: death
Assaulting a citizen: exile up to 10 years
Blackmailing or intimidating a citizen: fine or damages up
to 500 gp and exile up to 1 year
This continues for some time
Everything appears far too clean. No uprisings, no crime etc.
We contact Vajra and Jarlaxle and get their help burning down Waterdeep after we confirm it's an illusion through divination magic.
Getting Fel'rekt's and Esvele's help didn't work out. Oh well.
### Ches 14 1513 DR
WATERDEEP NEEDS TO BURN
### Ches 12 1493 DR again
WE KILL MANSHOON
### Tarsakh 13 1493 DR
Epilogue.
Farewell, crew!
## Major NPCs
### Unaffiliated
#### Volo (he/him)
Apparently broke. And a liar.
Actually went to Chult!
> Dear Ms Annalese Strand, noted patron of the arts
>
> The trip has been odious, and the boat ever so slow, but as of this morning I have officially made my arrival in Chult. Already the trip has proved itself fruitful; Mere minutes after agrounding, I was given to observe a real, live velociraptor specimen, and made ever so fascinating notes on its anatomy. Volo's Guide to Chult Brought to You by Annalese Strand, Noted Patron of the Arts (working title) will grace bookshelves in practically no time!
>
> Sincerely yours, Volothamp Geddarm
#### Floon Blagmaar (he/him)
Friend of [Volo's](#Volothamp-Geddarm). Kidnapped by the Zhentarim and Xanathar's Guild in turn because they thought he was someone else. We rescued him. I don't actually remember him thanking us.
#### Renaer Neverember (he/him)
Son of the former Open Lord. Spoiled noble. Not as pretty as the birds made him sound like.
#### Dagult Neverember (he/him)
Former Open Lord, has fled to Neverwinter.
#### Durnan (he/him)
Barman and proprietor of the Yawning Portal. Friend (or at least friendly acquaintance) of Kaviad.
#### Bonnie (she/her)
Barmaid at the [Yawning Portal](#Yawning-Portal). May or may not be tired of Annalese asking for apricot liquer, but that will probably stop because Anna bought the whole bottle.
UPDATE: No, Anna still comes by for more apricot liquer.
Might be involved with a Cassalanter cultist
#### Black Viper (She/Her)
> The Black Viper, a notorious mugger, burglar, pickpocket, and assassin, was the terror of Waterdeep when they first surfaced over a century ago. However, many assumed the infamous thief either retired or dead when their activity suddenly stopped in the late 14th century. Nearly a century after the legendary criminal's disappearance, a string of reported sightings have left many wondering: Has the Black Viper returned?
See: [Esvele Rosznar](###Esvele-Rosznar-(She/Her))
#### Golorr (he/him)
This fucking guy.
Somehow tricked Amyr into being friends with him, it wasn't hard
Currently with [Vincent Trench](###Vincent-Trench)
#### Esvele Rosznar (She/Her)
aka best girl
~~Currently dating Anna and Elly~~ :(
Her family was involved in some scandal a while ago
Has a twin brother named Kress and overbearing parents
#### Kressandro Rosznar
Esvele's brother. Might be involved in some criminal shit.
Apparently selling/smuggling drugs
### Trollskull Alley
#### Lif (he/him)
Former owner/bartender of Trollskull Manor. Dead. Haunts Trollskull Manor.
Bookmarked this page in its "Living With Your Undead Housemate" book:
> Chapter Six: Poltergeists
>
> Poltergeists are created when a creature's soul, for one reason or another, refuses to move on after death. This is typically caused by the creature having a real or perceived unfinished task, or simply an overwhelming fear of death.
>
> Poltergeists are invisible and incorporeal, but can still physically affect the living world if they so choose. They are, however, limited to a small area, usually a building, which is related to their place of death or unfinished business.
>
> Poltergeists maintain their living selves' mind and personality, but are unable to speak. They are usually hostile to change, and may react violently to people they perceive as bringing change, although a poltergeist can be appeased by simply making it clear that you don't want to hurt it or what it holds dear.
#### Rishaal the Page Turner (he/him)
Gold dragonborn, proprietor of the Book Wyrm's Treasure. Really into smut.
#### Vincent Trench (he/him)
Private detective. Human, thin, well-dressed in a suit and smokes a pipe. Lives at the Tiger's Eye. Currently has the Stone of Golorr. Also a Rakshasa apparently.
#### Talisolvanar Fellbranch (he/him)
Half-elf, runs carpentry shop.
#### Squiddly (he/him)
Slim tiefling child. Wears an eyepatch, may be an affectation (I really hope so). Good pickpocket. Disturbing propensity to hug. Had been squatting at Trollskull Manor.
Him and his friends left Trollskull Manor after Amyr's temporary death. I wonder if we'll ever see them again or if they're still alive
#### Nat (she/her)
Human girl. Friend of Squiddly. Deaf, communicates with sign language. Had been squatting at Trollskull Manor.
#### Jenks (he/him)
Human boy. Friend of Squiddly. Shy. Had been squatting at Trollskull Manor.
#### Avi (he/him) and Embric (he/him)
Fire and water genasi. Operate the forge near Trollskull Manor. NOT BROTHERS ANNA YOU DUMBFUCK
#### Fala (they/them)
Proprietor of Corellon’s Crown. Wood elf, with long braided hair.
### Bregan D'aerthe
Mecenary and mercantile group of mostly drow
Operate out of three ships that make up the Sea Maidens Faire
Were going to give the money back to the city > Goal: Political favors? Political power?
We're allied with them now
#### Jarlaxle Baenre (He/Him) aka J.B. Nevercott, Zardoz Zord, random guards, etc.
Leader of the Bregan D'aerthe
Hasn't left Waterdeep after not getting the gold.
Larger goals:
> "You may or may not be aware that I am involved in the government of the port city of Luskan."
> "Luskan is suffering somewhat, and an invitation to the Lord's Alliance would do the city wonders in terms of legitimizing the city and expanding its economy."
> "Lady Silverhand, who happens to lead the Lord's Alliance, is disinclined to extend such an invitation."
> "Five million gold pieces would have gone a long way in building goodwill."
> "I am looking into alternate routes."
Is currently playing it by ear
#### J.B. Nevercott (he/him)
Tiefling, blue-skin. Extremely attractive. Tailor. Incredibly fucking handsy. Actually [Jarlaxle Baenre](#Jarlaxle-Baenre-HeHim-aka-JB-Nevercott-Zardoz-Zord-Random-Guard-1-and-2-etc).
#### Zardoz Zord (he/him)
> The Sea Maidens Faire is a spectacular, seafaring carnival that travels up and down the Sword Coast, and it's recently made it's dock in Waterdeep's eponymous Deepwater Harbour. But what's so special about it? Some might say the attractions themselves; stalls and rides unique and wonderful, many of which make use of cutting-edge Lantan technology. Personally, I think it's the man of the house, Captain Zardoz Zord, who regularly charms and wows fairegoers with extravagant tricks and eccentric outfits.
> Nimblewrights; Thinking, feeling, fighting constructs. The perfect bodyguard, house guard, pit fighter, or butler, a Nimblewright is the peak of luxury afforded by the beautiful combination of modern technology and magic. If that sounds good to you, you're in luck! The ritual to create Nimblewrights was invented in the far-off land of Lantan, but thanks to Captain Zardoz Zord, you can buy your very own Nimblewright right here in the City of Splendors' Deepwater Dock, starting at the low low price of ten thousand dragons only while stocks last. For more information, come to the Sea Maidens Faire and ask for Captain Zardoz Zord.
Gave us a tip. Doesn't think Anna is a princess. Kinda... a lot. Actually [Jarlaxle Baenre](#Jarlaxle-Baenre-HeHim-aka-JB-Nevercott-Zardoz-Zord-Random-Guard-1-and-2-etc).
#### Gun Drow of the Bregan D'aerthe
#### Fel'rekt Lafeen (He/Him)
> 'My dearest Fel'Rekt
The time has come. We have the location of the Stone, and all that is left is to reach out and take it. Work with Krebbyg to set up an outpost beside Gralhund Villa. Maintain a constant watch on the house and its inhabitants, 24 hours of the day. If an opportunity to take possession of the Stone of Golorr arises, do not hesitate to seize it. Send updates twice daily via Fenerus Stormcastle, as usual. Llorath will deliver the messages from there to me.
A most important note: If your paths cross with the group aforementioned, do your best not to kill them. They may yet prove useful.
And lastly, simply remember that I do reward my loyal followers. What happened with Solunn was tragic indeed, but I trust it will not be repeated. When the Stone is secured and our plans are complete, we will rise together.
Yours sincerely,
Jarlaxle Baenre'
Homies with Jarlaxle
Thrown out a window by Kaviad
Helped us against the Cassalanters
Helped us when Amyr was dead
Helped us against some Guilders
~~Has a crush on Elly~~ In a relationship with Elly
#### Krebbyg (He/Him)
Works with Fel'rekt
DR7 at Gralhund Villa: Thrown out a window by Kaviad, attacked by Lucian, saw Beregor disarming everyone and Amyr ripping a guy's throat out
#### Soluun (He/Him)
Has a scimitar and a _fucking poison gun_. Responsible for the beheadings on the 22nd. Almost killed Amyr. Very fucking dead.
Nar'l's brother.
Anna thinks killing the elves and half-elves was a Bregan D'aerthe mission.
#### Nar'l Xibrindas
Bregan D'aerthe spy in the Xanathar's Guild. Helped us for a hot second before bouncing once his skin was in the game.
Didn't leave the Underdark with us.
Disloyal to Bregan D'aerthe because Jarlaxle killed Soluun, aka his brother.
### Cassalanters/Cult of Asmodeus
#### Victoro and Ammalia Cassalanter
made a deal with Asmodeus to gain riches in exchange for the souls of their children
Osvaldo (their eldest) "disappeared" three years ago
Were going to kill 100 people to save the souls of their remaining 2 children
#### Cultists
Several nobles with gold masks, as well as some down on their luck homeless people
A tiefling got away when we were fighting the cult on Alturiak 10
### Force Grey
We work for them now. Well mostly Vajra on unofficial missions.
#### Meloon Wardragon (he/him)
Has a really cool axe, made by Ahghairon, with (probably) real dragonhide and blue sapphires. Not sure he knows how to use it.
#### Vajra Safahr the Blackstaff (she/her)
has the Open Lord's husband's soul in her staff
Leader of the Force Grey
Wazoo article:
> The long-known rivalry between Open Lord Laeral Silverhand and Blackstaff Vajra Safahr has deepened: Asked for response on Safahr's claim that she is too slow to act regarding crime, Silverhand rebuked that the young Blackstaff was 'Irresponsible and reckless', elaborating that she sees Safahr as 'An upstart, insecure child, and a dabbler but no master'. The Blackstaff has yet to publicly respond.
### Harpers
Not bad. Probably.
#### Mirt the Merciless (he/him)
Former adventurer. He and Durnan raided Undermountain nearly 200 years ago, and he made a fortune. Now a member of the Harpers.
#### Remallia Haventree (she/her)
Sun elf, member of the Harpers. First met her at Ulbrinter Villa.
#### Thorvin Twinbeard
Harper spy within the Xanathar's Guild
owns a trap workshop in Skullport
### Xanathar Thieves' Guild
Bad.
#### the Xanathar
the big guy. He's a bit crazy and paranoid.
Unhealthy obsession with his gold fish Sylgar
Had a bit of a grudge after we killed Nihiloor, but he got over it. (We killed him.)
#### Nihiloor
Mind flayer, the thing that flays minds! the Xanathar's lieutenant. Makes intellect devourers including those that infiltrated the Watch
We killed his ass
#### Grum'shar (he/him)
Died twice. Kinda overconfident, frankly. Part of the Xanathar's Guild, boss is a _fucking mind flayer, those things that flay minds_
#### Ott Steeltoes
The Xanathar's aquarium cleaner, and a huge pain in the ass.
#### These two dwarves
We never got their names, but they have art, so they have to be important right?
### Zhentarim
The half-orc is a member. Mercenaries.
"The Zhentarim's been fractured since the Manshoon Wars. The branch of it I work for is led by a retired adventuring party called the Doom Raiders, and it's everything I've said so far. The other branch of it in Waterdeep is much more evil, and that's the ones you will have seen with shaved heads and tattoos. The other branch has recently tried to take over the Xanathar Guild, causing all the strife you see in the streets. Unfortunately, the distinction is not so clear to the Xanathar Guilders."
#### Yagra Strongfist (she/her)
Half-orc. Met her at the Yawning Portal, where she killed a gang member and got kicked out. A member of the Zhentarim. Davian's bodyguard.
#### Davil Starsong (he/him)
Yagra's boss. Zhent.
#### Lady Gralhund (she/her)
Had the stone. We got it from her.
#### Manshoon
> Manshoon was an infamous arch-wizard who founded the organisation known as the Zhentarim before being slain in 1370 DR. Following this, however, it transpired that Manshoon had cloned himself over a dozen times, and each one of these clones awakened simultaneously, triggered by the death of the original. The clones proceeded to annihilate one another in a conflict known colloquially as the Manshoon Wars, which lasted several years and (reportedly) ended with every clone dead.
> Yesterday, the City Watch categorically shot down a long-running rumour that a clone of Manshoon had in fact survived, and taken refuge in Waterdeep. If half the reports about the Manshoons are to be believed, we certainly hope they're correct.
## Locations
### Castle Ward
#### Market Square
```The market is massive and bustling. Stalls advertise anything and everything, from food to candles to hunting traps to musical instruments to umbrellas to cart wheels. One stall even sells subscriptions to the local newspaper, the Waterdeep Wazoo.```
#### Gang hideout
DO NOT GO HERE THERE WAS A MIND FLAYER HERE ONCE AND IF YOU DON'T KNOW, MIND FLAYERS _FLAY MINDS_
Other information, if that's not enough information:
* The bathroom is apparently haunted.
* There's arrow slits by the entrance.
* The signs to get here from the warehouse look like yellow circles with lines coming out of them, maybe like a sun?
* The nearest sewer grate to the hideout is near the statue of the Hawk Man in the Castle Ward
### Dock Ward
#### Yawning Portal
Major bar in Waterdeep. We got into a fight there and managed to avoid getting into trouble for it by being very endearing and helpful.
#### Skewered Dragon
Bar near the docks to the south, in the (shock) Dock Ward. Filthy. Windows are broken and there's an anchor lodged in the roof. The house special is "beer," according to the barman, but anyone who has drank elsewhere might question that assessment.
#### Old Xoblob Shop
Who cares? In the Dock Ward (I think), near the Skewered Dragon.
#### Warehouse
A warehouse, near the shop we don't care about. We put the fear of us into a bunch of kenku. Sewer nearby leads to gang hideout
#### Sea Maidens Faire
> The Sea Maidens Faire is comprised of three ships. Two are docked across from one another at the end of a large pier, and the final, most extravagant one is anchored about a mile out into the harbour. Human crew mill about the decks of the ships.
> The pier is absolutely packed with carnies performing various stunts and tricks, and carnival-goers watching in wonder.
Legitimate business functioning as base for Bregan D'aerthe. We come here a lot
### Sea Ward
> The Sea Ward is the wealthiest district of Waterdeep, and this is immediately apparent as you enter it. Villa after luxurious villa stand within high walls, crisscrossed by shining streets. You notice every street corner has a pair of constables standing guard, looking bored. None of them give you a second look as your carriage rolls by.
#### Lightsinger Theater
In the Sea Ward. Opera house.
#### Cassalanter Villa
Stronghold for stupid devil worshippers.
### North Ward
#### Trollskull Manor
In Trollskull Alley, part of the North Ward. Our house. [Has its own section.](#Our-Home:-Trollskull-Manor)
#### Ulbrinter Villa
Harper hideout.
#### Gralhund Villa
Home of Lady Gralhund. We fought a lot of people here.
#### Never Say Dye
Tailor shop, run by J.B. Nevercott.
Apparently no longer being used as a Bregan D'aerthe front
### Trollskull Alley (North Ward)
#### Bent Nail
Near the manor, carpentry shop. Run by [Talisolvanar Fellbranch](#Talisolvanar-Fellbranch).
#### Book Wyrm's Treasure
Shop near Trollskull Alley. Mundane books can be borrowed free, one at a time. Amyr has already done this. Spell copying service: "Simple [read: level 1] spells start at a reasonable twenty five dragons, while the most complicated [read: level 5] come at a less reasonable seven hundred and fifty. Vellum and ink used to copy the spells not included." Run by Rishaal the Page Turner.
#### Tiger's Eye
Shingle hung by Vincent Trench, private detective. Has a very nice orange-and-black sign featuring a cat's eyes above the door.
#### Forge
Near the manor, didn't get the name for it if it has one. Run by Avi and Embric
#### Corellon’s Crown
Run by Fala.
"My magical potions are my most popular wares, and they go for between fifty dragons for a potion of healing or climbing, to two hundred and fifty for a potion of greater healing or water breathing. Actually, that might not be entirely true on the popularity front; there's a plant I grow which has leaves in great demand, especially among halflings."
### Our Home: Trollskull Manor
The house so nice it gets mentioned twice.
#### Bedrooms in manor
**Kanorak:** Library
**Lucian:** Attic Bedroom
**Anna:** Corner bedroom w/ turret
**Amyr:** Master bedroom
**Kaviad:** 2nd floor bedroom
**Beregor:** 2nd floor spare room
#### Renovations
|Renovations |Price (gp)|
|------------------------------|----------|
|~~Hole in roof~~ |~~200~~ |
|Crumbling Plaster/Brick repair|~~45~~ |
|Water Damage |~~325~~ |
|~~Broken Windows~~ |~~50~~ |
|Broken Furniture |~~50~~ |
|Replace Kitchen hearth |~~190~~ |
|Lighting |~~25~~ |
|Plumbing |~~100~~ |
|Sign |~~15~~ |
|**REMAINING** |**0** |
|**TOTAL** |**1000** |
## Other Wazoo Articles:
### Nightal 29
> **'Too slow to act' - Blackstaff points blame at Silverhand following cutbacks to Watch budget** Vajra Safahr, the Blackstaff, has expressed frustration at the recent cutbacks to City Watch funding, calling it 'tone-deaf' amongst record gang violence and saying Open Lord Laeral Silverhand has been 'too slow to act' to quell violence and crime in the city. When asked for comment, Silverhand simply stated: 'I assure you I am keenly aware of the crime rates, and feel your frustration. It is most unfortunate I inherited such a budget deficit from my predecessor, Dagult Neverember, that these cutbacks are necessary.'
### Nightal 30
> **AD: Cassalanter Offer Loans** The noble house of Cassalanter is now offering long-term, low-interest loans. Investments fallen through? Laid off due to budget cuts? Does the thought of a cutting-edge Nimblewright pain your wallet? Don't delay, simply send a letter to House Cassalanter and make a free appointment to see if you're eligible for one of our not-predatory loans.
> **Opinion: Privatise the City Watch** The City Watch has long been a bloated, expensive drain on the taxpayer. Long response times, subpar equipment, and unattractive officers are just a few of the Watch's many problems. So the time has come to see reason: Privatise the City Watch. Now, I know you may be thinking: isn't public safety being operated for profit a terrible idea? Won't poor people be priced out of security? And to that I say, no.
### Hammer 1
> **Gunshots Over the Dock Ward** Gunshots rung out over the Dock Ward last night, in what some assume to be an armed attack. Guns, of course, are a highly experimental and foreign technology, hailing from Lantan, and - if the sound heard was indeed a gunshot - this marks the first known instance of one firing in Waterdeep in many years. No suspects nor victims have been confirmed as of writing, and the City Watch has declined to comment.
> **AD: Vincent Trench** Whether you seek to know about the party your neighbour didn't invite you to, your spouse's infidelity, or the tax records of Laeral Silverhand, no secret is too obscure and no mystery too unknown for Vincent Trench, proprietor of the Tiger's Eye private detective agency in Trollskull Alley. Prices to be negotiated per order.
> **Public Defense** The situation in Waterdeep is terrible, and everyone knows it. So why doesn't anyone do anything about it? The Open Lord speaks of 'the budget' as though the common defense exists to provide the collection of revenue instead of the collection of revenues being justified by the provision of the common defense. The nobility of this city is committing a dangerous deriliction of their duty to the citizens of Waterdeep. Waterdeep deserves better -- from its leaders. Why isn't it getting it?
> Signed,
> A Concerned Citizen
### Hammer 2
> **Open Lord on Vajra Safahr** The long-known rivalry between Open Lord Laeral Silverhand and Blackstaff Vajra Safahr has deepened: Asked for response on Safahr's claim that she is too slow to act regarding crime, Silverhand rebuked that the young Blackstaff was 'Irresponsible and reckless', elaborating that she sees Safahr as 'An upstart, insecure child, and a dabbler but no master'. The Blackstaff has yet to publicly respond.
> **Where is Neverember now?** Dagult Neverember was the Open Lord of the city, only a few short years ago. In 1489 he was ousted from his position by the Masked Lords for reasons the public are not privy to, although rumours range from him worshipping Asmodeus to embezzling city funds to hosting secret orgies in the Palace of Waterdeep. Whatever the truth, Neverember left the city and returned to his home in Neverwinter, where he quickly rose the ranks to become Lord Protector there (The equivalent of Waterdeep's Open Lord)! Perhaps the Neverwintians have not heard the rumours regarding their new ruler, or perhaps they are simply more open to certain 'unorthodox' religions.
> **Four prisoners found dead; eye symbol left on wall of cell** Four have been found dead in the Waterdeep prison of Amendsfarm, causing concerns over the security of the supposedly impenetrable lockup. The victims, all kenkus, were found dead in their cells one morning, the wall of each cell carved with a symbol of an eye. No break-ins or break-outs have been reported, and the City Watch insists nobody had passed the cells apart from routine guard patrols, leaving the question of how the kenkus were killed unanswered.
> **Opinion: Nobility a net good for Waterdeep** Many point to the city's nobility as the cause of the issues in funding with the city, but when you really think about it, isn't it the fault of the city's poor? The nobles create jobs, spreading wealth and happiness, while the poor just laze around public areas, subsisting entirely on handouts from the wealthy and destroying the cleanliness of our beautiful city.
### Hammer 3
> **EXCLUSIVE: FIREARM-WIELDING DROW MURDERS EN MASSE!** According to anonymous sources speaking to the Waterdeep Wazoo, the gunshots heard over the Dock Ward a few short nights ago were in fact fired by a drow, who has beheaded no fewer than three elves in the past tenday. Questions abound, not limited to: Why are there drow in Waterdeep? Where did this drow get a gun? Where are they now? Will they strike again?
The City Watch has declined to comment.
> **Blue Alley** Blue Alley, as it has come to be known due to its distinctive blue cobblestones, is a maze of deadly traps in the Sea Ward. A few months ago, a group of adventurers managed to brave the Alley and escape with the treasures within, leaving Blue Alley empty and inert. Last night, however, the every trap in the enigmatic alley sprung to life, resetting the dungeon. It is possible that this means the treasures within have also reset, although the Wazoo categorically does not encourage anyone to venture into the infamous deathtrap that is the Blue Alley.
> **Manshoon** Manshoon was an infamous arch-wizard who founded the organisation known as the Zhentarim before being slain in 1370 DR. Following this, however, it transpired that Manshoon had cloned himself over a dozen times, and each one of these clones awakened simultaneously, triggered by the death of the original. The clones proceeded to annihilate one another in a conflict known colloquially as the Manshoon Wars, which lasted several years and (reportedly) ended with every clone dead.
Yesterday, the City Watch categorically shot down a long-running rumour that a clone of Manshoon had in fact survived, and taken refuge in Waterdeep. If half the reports about the Manshoons are to be believed, we certainly hope they're correct.
### Hammer 4
> **Gralhund Villa!** The streets ran red last night in the Castle Ward, in the wake of a brutal massacre at the estate of Noble House Gralhund. According to the City Watch, the Gralhund family were caught in the crossfire of a clash between Zhentarim agents and at members of least two other unidentified gangs, one of which fled the scene before the City Watch was able to arrive, and the other one of which appears to consist entirely of drow. Several drow witnessed wielding firearms also escaped, and are still at large. However, the City Watch has confirmed that Urstul Floxin, a known high-ranking member of the Zhentarim, is in City Watch custody.
> **Fireball!** even innocents were killed yesterday by a huge fireball, which tore through Trollskull Alley in the early hours of the morning. The culprit and motive are still undergoing investigation by the City Watch, which have temporarily restricted access to the alley to inhabitants, Watch members, and members of the Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors. The Wazoo will continue to report on any updates regarding this case.
> **Silverhand Speech** Open Lord Laeral Silverhand has announced her intention to make a speech to the public at noon today, in front of Castle Waterdeep. She is expected to address the recent spikes in crime, as well as the growing dissatisfaction with her reign as Open Lord.
> **Vajra Safahr vs. Silverhand Part II** A petition calling for Laeral Silverhand's replacement as Open Lord by Vajra Safahr has amassed thousands of signatures and counting among the people of Waterdeep in the wake of recent increases in crime. Both Silverhand and Safahr have expressed disagreement with this petition, however: Silverhand maintains that the cutbacks to funding for the City Watch are entirely her predecessor's fault, while Safahr has simply stated that she prefers the role of Blackstaff to that of Open Lord.
### Hammer 5
> **Crime, Force Grey and Taxes** Laeral Silverhand is temporarily raising taxes to up the city watch budget. Some people like that the watch is getting better funded, some people do not like the tax hike.
The City Watch is keeping tight-lipped about evidence regarding the massacre, but there's speculation that Urstul Floxin has squealed.
The Force Grey is officially authorised to do shit now. Additionally, they're recruiting people; go to the Blackstaff Tower to go to a special recruitment exercise, which is classified.
House Cassalanter still really wants you to take a loan.
Again, a lot of people like that Laeral Silverhand is actually doing something about crime now.
Hylorick's recipes continue to get more concerning and less edible.
People are really pissed about crime.
### Downtime!
### Hammer 17
> **Headlines** Black Viper strikes again
Open Lord declares end of state of emergency, unauthorises Force Grey
AD: Fantastical automaton servants for sale!
City heroes spotted at festhall
Hylorick Eats: S̴̔͌Ô̶̇Ȗ̵͆L̶̿͛S̵̋͘.
Opinion: Maybe we shouldn't be worshipping celebrities quite so much
### Hammer 19
> **Headlines** Laeral Silverhand; what is she good for?
Elturel returns!
AD: House Cassalanter offers low-interest loans
Knucklehead trout shortages continue
Hylorick eats: .
Opinion: We should stop idolising vigilantes once they happen to do something good for the city
### Hammer 20
> **Headlines**
> Ship sinks at docks: Seems the ship sank suddenly, nobody knows what sank it or what was on board, if anything.
>
> Cassalanter philanthropy funds shrine of Siamorphe; two new orphanages
>Fugitive druid escapes into Manycats Alley: Some random druid apparently stole an old lady's purse, and escaped the City Watch by running into Manycats Alley and using their wildshape to blend in with the... well, the Many Cats.
>
>AD: Frewn's Brews, the greatest up-and-coming-tavern in the North Ward!
Brawl erupts after guild hikes prices
Hylorick eats: eats: eats: eats: eats
### Hammer 21
> Deepwinter Day next tenday
Silverhand approval rating at all-time high
AD: No secret too obscure for Vincent Trench
Inter-ward griffon race on Hammer 25
Sbolirxp Vzgh: Svok nv.
Opinion: Those adventurers should really fucking talk to their private detective neighbour
### Downtime!
### Alturiak 10
> Three dead found dead in graveyard: Apparently some reanimated corpses were found dug up and then re-killed in the City of the Dead. The City Watch are investigating, meaning it'll probably stay unsolved.
>
> Cassalanter Villa to be preserved, rule Masked Lords
Black Viper strikes again!
AD: Two for one deals at the Jade Dancer
The Blackstaff wore a different robe than usual the other day, and what that means for the fashion industry
Lkrmrlm: Svok.
Hylorick eats you:
### Alturiak 16
The home of noblewoman Annalese Strand has been nearly leveled by regular attacks mounted by the Xanathar's Thieves' Guild. These acts of wanton destruction come on the heels of a similar attack on the former home of the noble house of Cassalanter, which the Masked Lords marked for preservation mere days earlier.
These apparently random acts of violence have been growing more and more common in recent tendays, and still Silverhand refuses to increase the budget of the City Watch or better yet resign, allowing a competent leader to take her place.
Whether Silverhand will respond to the calls for her resignation remain to be seen, but until she does, all that's left to do is lock your windows and pray to Helm you're not next.
### Ches
> **ROSZNAR HEIR MISSING**
> Tragedy struck the fraught Rosznar family yester morning, when the noble Lord and Lady Rosznar awakened to find their only daughter vanished overnight from her bed. After a full day of no news, the noble Rosznars have reported the young Esvele missing to the City Watch. Additionally, a reward has been posted promising a sum of one thousand dragons to anyone with information on the missing heir's whereabouts. The Rosznars have otherwise requested their privacy during these trying times.
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