The Viewing

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

Before long we all departed to see our potential new real estate in the North Ward of Waterdeep. Along the way we passed a very impressive property that Volo identified as Massalan Villa, owned by the Massalan family. Upon arrival at our destination we cast our eyes upon a large three and a half storey building with a turret and several balconies. It was quite evidently vacant, but impresive nonetheless.

I climbed up to the second floor to have a look but couldn't see much beyond the balcony. I noticed that everybody else was headed inside so I climed down and joined them. Inside I was greeted with an honestly very nice looking tavern arrangement albeit covered with debris and dust. What next caught my attention was the fireplace which was fantastic. It could absolutely house a most cozy fire.

My attention was then drawn to a painting behind the bar. It was a portrait of an individual who looked just like Ránath! That was quite curious so I let him know. He rushed over, shoved me out of the way, and appeared to be extremely confused by what he saw. He stated emphatically that it was not him although the man in the picture was wearing an amulet just like Ránath's. I examined the painting and upon touching it immediately felt a chill breeze wash over me. I started which attracted everybody's attention so I told them what happened. No cause for the experience could be found.

We continued to explore the remainder of the building. Ránath and Mingnist took a quick look in the cellar but found nothing interesting. Upstairs presented numerous rooms with many more fireplaces! The view from the turret was quite nice too. Ránath found a ladder up to the top of the turret but the door at the top was unable to be opened. Several of us attempted to open it but were inexplicably thrown back from it. I ran outside and climbed to the top window of the turret to look inside, but all was empty.

Ránath asked Volo from whom the property was purchased. He stated that he bought the building from a dwarf named Fildreck Bottledrew. Apprently Fildreck instructed Volo to never move the picture from the first floor. That seemed particularly odd. Ránath wanted to meet the former owner presumably to ask about the picture. It was decided that we would spend the night at Trollskull Manor and meet with Volo the next day along with Fildreck.

The remainder of the day would find us splitting up into groups with various tasks to perform. Ránath and Ketalysen would be heading to the library at The Shrines of Nature. The rest of us would be heading to the docks to meet up with the Dancing Delight although Mingnist would be leaving us to visit the Metalmasters' Hall. It was then decided we would all meet up at Frewn's Brews later on in the evening. The place was a bit run down but it was certainly convenient.

At that we parted ways.

Obligations Before Breakfast

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

It was a lengthy night of food and drink with Volo, Floon, and Renaer at The Yawning Portal. I may have dozed by the fire for a time before everybody wandered off for sleep. I did, however, awake before everybody else. Well, I thought it was everybody but I did encounter Lypher taking part in some sort of ritual or something outside. He inquired what I was up to so I let him know that I was checking in on my job at the Vintners Distillers and Brewers Guild. He seemed concerned that I wouldn't be back to view Trollskull Manor. I assured him that I'd be back in time.

At the guild I was given the task of delivering some alcohol from a ship at the docks to a place named Frewn's Brews. As it turned out, the ship bringing in the merchandise was the The Dancing Delight! Excellent! I was excited at the prospect of seeing Stands in Tar again. It had been far too long. Additionally, the recipient of the delivery was located on Trollskull Alley. How utterly coincidental and convenient.

I returned to The Yawning Portal to find everybody down in the tavern for breakfast, Volo, Floon and Renaer included. It seemed that the private room was becoming our regular spot so I began to write a sign indicating as such, but realised I didn't know what to write on it. Volo suggested Volo's Vanguard. Ketalysen voiced her disapproval so I scratched that out. Lypher suggested The Trollskull Gang so I wrote that on the paper and pinned it to the curtain. Ránath seemed confused at the name so I translated it into Elvish for him and wrote the name in Elvish on the paper as well.

All the talk of troll skulls raised the attention of Bonnie who suggested that Durnan still had the skull from the battle two days earlier. Lypher was quite excited (a little too excited I thought) at the prospect so Bonnie said she'd let Durnan know. In the mean time we ordered some food and the topic of tea came up. Lypher was really focused on this and the ability to locate something called chai tea to the point of suggesting a return to some location or another down in the sewers. I wasn't really following along.

With breakfast concluded it was time to view our potential real estate acquisition.

Volo's Bargain

Greengrass 1493 DR

When Ránath and I arrived back at The Yawning Portal I immediately spotted Threestrings getting ready to play so I went to talk with him. Ránath sat in front of the fire and I could see Mingnist, Lypher, Elora, and Ketalysen at a table across the room with Floon and Renaer. Things looked to be under control which is certainly a change for the tavern as of late.

Ketalysen began rounding us all up for supper. I could see Ránath and Mingnist standing at the door to the private room staring awkwardly at the patrons inside who finished up in short order and left a bit nervously. Our group all filed in for supper and during that time I asked Threestrings if we could play a song together. We kicked off the evening with a rendition of Smoke Over Waterdeep which got everybody clapping along. Soon into the song I spotted Danica nearby and waved her over to join us with her singing. It was loads of fun.

After the song I introduced her to Threestrings and they began having a rather awkward conversation. I tried to smooth things over as best I could and suggested they should find something to play together. That got them talking about a common topic and I excused myself to join the others for supper.

As luck would have it the stew for the evening was fish! We all got drinks (milk for me) and waited for the food to arrive before which Volo joined our table. He thanked us enthusiastically for rescuing Floon and gave him and Renaer big hugs. Ketalysen invited Volo to join us for supper.

We gave Volo a quick summary of our adventure locating Floon, and Renaer summarised the reason for their capture by the Black Network, that is that they are looking for information about the whereabouts of the money that his father, Lord Neverember, embezzled from Waterdeep. At this point Lypher began looking expectantly at Volo who sheepishly admitted that he was short of the monetary reward he promised. Not only that, but he did not have a copy of is book for me that he also promised. Instead he offered to transfer the ownership of a property in Waterdeep called Trollskull Manor.

There was definite reluctance from everybody else about owning property in Waterdeep. I, however, was quite interested in potential habitation within the city. This building was located in the North Ward which was a rather nice part of town. I admitted that I was soon to be in need of a place to stay, so this was a very attractive proposition for me. Renaer told us that he was the current owner of the property and would transfer it to our group as recompence for their rescue. Many questions were asked about the property and it was decided that we would all gather mid-morning the next day to view the structure to make a more informed decision on our plans to proceed.

Lypher in particular was quite distrustful of our employer and seemed unwilling to let him and his compatriots leave his sight to which Volo suggested drinking through the night with us. Out of nowhere Ketalysen asked about the location of Ardeep Forest. At any rate, it appeared we were going to be staying at The Yawning Portal for the night.