(G140 06/07/2012 BG - JF(GM) , AP , ON)
DAY 140 (30th Flamerule) (July) cont...
Later Corum said this:
''
Well, I guess you got my letter? Anyway, to go over it again then, there is
good news and bad news.
The bad news, obviously, is that Jesker Smint has kidnapped Zoltan Thunderstaff,
the young brother of Fenrir. He is demanding that we hand over Jade to him in
return for Zoltan. We don't know where Jade is, we think she's left the city.
The good news, is that Raya found the house with Wathuss and Jesker in it.
It wasn't one of the ones on your list, but she managed to find it anyway. It
is heavily defended, with at least twenty assorted assassins, thieves and
half-blood yuan-ti. There are about ten servants, one of which we've managed to bribe.
If needed we can smuggle on of our rogues in to scout the place out, disguised
as a servant.
I've been permission by the senior civilar of Castle Ward to handle this as I
see fit. It would take at least twenty watchmen to raid the place, which may not
be the best way as it could endanger Zoltan. The Grey Hands are not an option
either as most of them are in the Undermountain. I've been watching the place
though, being a dungsweeper has its advantages, and have a decent idea of the
lay out of the place and their guard routine. We also have an inside man.
Stealth may be the best option.
Oz then talked to Raya about Wathuss's House. She didn't know anything about
how they got their water but she could tell Oz the following things:
The 'inside man' is a fourteen year old scullery maid who can sneak
people in through her window. Her name is Fatima Farouk, she is from
the south and thinks the yuan-ti are 'dreadful' and wants to help.
All the other staff are scumbags.
The guard routine is a bit sloppy. There are always two guards at the
main gate, but they sometimes swap out between tough types and sneaky
types. They are not liveried. Zoltan is being held in the southern
part of the east wing. Fatima is not sure exactly where as the
servants are never allowed into that area.
Four men stay awake at night in the house and patrol the corridors,
check the lights, look out windows etc.
The rogues almost always stay awake until about 5 am playing cards
and drinking then go to bed and wake up in time for lunch.
In the evening they go out on whatever errands they happen to be on.
The yuan-ti generally stay in the house. They never go on guard.
Wathuss sometimes goes out, but if in during the day skulks around
with her yuan-ti pals scheming.
The head butler's name is 'Staness'.
Oz then tasked Corum with finding out if sewers ran underneath the house, Raya
to gather more information from Fatima and Nestoone to find out about the houses
water supply and whether it had a 'poo fairy'. He also had his feathered friend
look over the roof of the place and pay particular attention to sky lights,
chimneys and windows.
While talking this night, Corum also told Oz and Alduin about the 'Blue Death'
that was now taking hold in the city, mainly around the courts where the
refugee's were living and the Dock Ward.
The primary symptoms of it were profuse, painless diarrhea and vomiting of
clear fluid. These symptoms usually start suddenly. The diarrhea would
frequently be described as "rice water" in nature and would have a fishy odour.
Anyone left untreated would continue voiding themselves until they died.
It was called the "blue death" due to a person's skin turning a bluish-gray hue.
That night, after 10 strikes of the city bells, Oz and Alduin went to the
Temple of Ogma and talked to Roberta. They asked if she knew a high-ish level
wizard and she said the could try someone she knew called 'Solid' Mollenia at
the Ship's Prow Inn. He was a potion brewer.
She also said:
''
'Last ten day (day 130) a poofy paladin came looking for you. He didn't say
but he was obviously part of the inquisition. Said he wanted a talk with you
and asked where you live. I told him to bugger off! Bloody money grabbing
scumbags I'll tell you, but don't tell them that! They seem to be able to burn
anyone they like these days. Waterdeep is going to the dogs!'
DAY 141 (Midsummer - Feast Lethander)(August)
At 1 AM they arrived at the Ship's Prow and found a slightly drunk half-elf
who answered to the name of 'Solid'. He seemed a bitter and sullen sort of
fellow, but was willing to help with the rescue attempt and could cast
Dimension Door at the cost of 1000 gold.
At 2 AM the headed back to the OJB. Oz noticed someone watching the place, from
a side alley and between himself, Alduin and Liamae they managed to catch him,
most of the work being done by Oz's sap, a useful weapon in the right hands.
The fellow nearly escaped, but a carefully aimed sling bullet to the back of the
head brought him down.
They dragged him into the OJB and Alduin had the bright idea of nailing the
assassin (for such he was) into a barrel with only his head sticking out.
They then went to bed, leaving the barrel in Corum's large bedroom.
After waking, the woke up the assassin and then talked to him with charm spells
cast by Liamae. He revealed that he was one of the people working out of Wathuss's
House although he firmly pointed out he was no one's servant and his own master.
When his answers were not straight forward enough Alduin started tapping him on
the head with his mace. The assassin then got so angry he managed to tip the barrel
over onto the floor. This situation was no better for him though as he then just
rolled around, unable to escape.
Alduin asked Corum if it was ok to leave the fellow at the OJB while they went
out about their business and Corum replied that it was very much NOT ok!
Oz meanwhile, had murder in his eyes.
