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.