The two friends left the horrific scene at the Silver Lion Inn and headed down the hill towards the docks. The smell of the sea permeated the entire area and a cool summer wind blew up from the ocean and through the streets tossing Queless's hair about. It felt good to have clean air to breathe and the smell of the ocean invigorated him. "One day twould be magnificent to sail these fair seas looking for adventure on the open ocean." Queless murmured. "Not fer me." Morin said "I prefer to keep me feet on solid ground. Whatcha gonna do when that ship yer on goes down? Plus Dwarves don't swim, we sink." Queless smirked but kept his comments to himself.The two trudged on until the streets started to level out and the docks were in view ahead. Just before the docks they turned left down a side street and passed the Shipmasters Hall on their right. Vendall's Varied Goods was just ahead on the left. There appeared to be a commotion at the front door. A group of 4 guards stood outside and two more just inside the front door. A small crowd was starting to gather. From inside a guard could be heard talking very loudly as if to announce to the world his intentions. "Vendall Vermannis of Vendall's Varied Goods, you are under arrest by the Waterdeep Council on Trading/Imports & Exports for violating trade law 45338F, smuggling stolen and illegal goods from islands off the Sword Coast and dealing said goods from your shop which is in violation of trade law 45338D. You will be formally charged and attend a court session on which evidence will be presented. You may plead guilty or not guilty at that time and may call witnesses and show evidence. We have been watching you for a long time and have enough evidence to put you in prison for at least 2 years you little scoundrel. Come with us!" The guards emerged from Vendall's shop with Vendall chained and in tow. A few local pirates shouted obscenities at the guards, but the guard completely ignore them and continue on their way. Vendall was looking at the ground, but looked up as he passed Morin and Queless. Vendall's face grew contorted with anger. "You fools, I trusted you to take care of my problem and this is how you repay me? You'll get what's coming to you." At this one of the guards gagged Vendall so he could no longer speak. "Shut up criminal scum. You talk when we say you can talk."
Queless addressed Vendall as the guards hauled him past. "'Tis not our fault thou deal in contraband. I did not know the nature of thine business, but know this Vendall, thine life is in danger. Grebble Poisonsabre is dead, killed by the person responsible for the problem. There be two marks upon his neck. Mayhaps prison is the safest place for thee."
Queless began to walk away from the guards and turned to convey one last thought. "Focus thine anger elsewhere Vendall. We are not responsible for thine arrest. We will try to find an advocate for thee in a few days." Vendall looked Queless in the eyes and nodded. His shoulders slumped and Queless could tell that the anger had either been redirected or left the trader entirely.
The guards hastily exited the Dock Ward before a crowd could grow.
Queless and Morin left Dock Ward and started the long walk to Piergeron's Palace. Along the way a tough looking gang passed heading into the lower dock wards. One man was over 9 feet tall and inhumanly muscular. His skin had a bluish tint and he wore strange tribal garb and armor made from chitinous shell with spikes protruding from it. His hair was long and he was heavily armed. The man glanced at Morin and Queless but continued on his way.
Queless and Morin ignored the group and continued climbing the hill up and out of the Dock Ward. "Morin, tis been a busy morning. I feel hunger gnawing at me. Let us eat on our way to the palace. I think that Aurora's voucher may come in handy today, once we know what we need." Morin nodded in agreement "Aye, I haven't eaten at all today and my strength is running low. What I need is a steak the size of me head!" A large grin spread across Morin Granitefist's face as he imagined his large hot meal. "I might as well begin my prayers to Moradin Soulforger so we have more time for eating once we get there. Where doth we dine my good friend?"
"It matters not to I my good friend, wherever you wish to eat is fine with me." Queless said.
"Aye, we'll eat at Boduccio's Dockside. I've heard it's a good place, although we'll have to backtrack a bit. It's down on the waterfront. Follow me!" Morin turned on his heels and walked back down the hill. Queless followed Morin back down to the waterfront. Many enormous and beautiful ships were docked here along with small fishing skiffs. The waterfront was alive with sailors unloading cargo and fish. A few stands sold fish for a discounted price to the public after dealing the majority of their goods to the local restaurants and inns. The smell of the fish and garbage mixed with the occasional fresh breeze blowing in off the sea. A large wall ran the length of the harbor straight through the water with a few breaks here and there to screen and allow ships in and out of the City of Waterdeep. Large groups of men fresh off of ships laughed, drank, and walked the docks and waterfront area. Visitors and locals meandered through the crowds of fishermen and sailors looking for a good deal or tasty meal. Morin pointed out the establishment at which he longed to dine, Boduccio's Dockside.
BODUCCIO'S DOCKSIDE - Note link to map of dining establishment.
Proprietor: Vincelli Boduccio
Location: Dock Street (Dock Ward) Right on Waterfront 1/2 block west of Odd Street.
Prices: High
Quality: 5 stars
Boduccio's Restaurant is a fine dining establishment right on the Docks of Waterdeep. The prices are high and the view magnificent. There are three walls of windows that allow patrons to lookout onto the harbor while they eat. Boduccio's specializes in foods from around the realms and fine wines.
Vincelli Boduccio is the owner of this fair establishment. A native of Tethyr, he came here to escape the ravages of the wars and regain his former wealth. At one time he owned large amounts of vineyards. Vincelli is very charming and courteous, especially with the noble women of Waterdeep. He is also an expert on wines and while he maintains an air of nobility about him, Vincelli often brings food to Waterdeep's homeless.
There are some rumors however, that say Vincelli has more than a few dealings with 'the city below' although no one can prove any of these stories. Vincelli makes sure to keep on the good side of the City Watch, giving them a warm drink during the winter (or cool one in the summer) free of charge.
Vincelli Boduccio is becoming quite successful in his venture and is quickly becoming 'the new thing' in Waterdhavian Society, especially with the nobles.
25 gold and a damn fine meal later Morin and Queless exited the five star dining establishment thoroughly satisfied and with Morin slightly intoxicated off fine Tethyrian wine. Both heroes picked their teeth with a new invention made of wood called "tooth picks". Morin kept his in his mouth as he walked the waterfront and breathed in the air. "Ah, you know Queless, although I once hailed from great underground dwarven halls where Moradin Soulforger ruled with all his might. But, the City of Splendors is such a marvelous place full of people and goods from all over Faerun. I can find the halls of Moradin and the dwarves here, food from Maztica, wine from Tethyr, what else could one ask for? I just have to remember to always uphold the ways of Moradin and never forget from where I hail. The great god Moradin is my father and always will be, but Waterdeep is starting to feel like home. Maybe it's the wine talk, but I feel good here. You're like a taller and darker brother I never had and together we'll get this Fellowship of Lightning well known and help those less fortunate. I think we should take some jobs that don't pay after this. Let's help out those in need in that they may also give back when they're back on their feet." With this Morin tossed a platinum piece in a performing minstrel beggar's hat. The musician did not stop playing but nodded enthusiastically and called out "Thank ye fine sir!"
"Let's make haste to Piergeron's Palace to collect our reward!" With that Morin was off like a stallion, using the energy of the fine food and wine to power his small but strong and muscular legs up the great hill towards the Castle Ward of Waterdeep, the City of Splendors.
Before long the two were at the giant steps leading up to the entrance to Piergeron's Palace. "I guess we should keep this as low key as possible." Morin said. "We don't want to draw any extra attention to this as Council Member Grendmeer Mendothian wanted us to keep the job silent. Shall we?" "Let us proceed cautiously and see if we can meet and parlay with him." Queless said.
After climbing the steps two guards blocked the way. Luckily the council member stood just inside the entryway perhaps watching and waiting for the two. He moved forward and spoke quitely to the guards who nodded and allowed entry.
"Council Member Mendothian, The Fellowship of Lighting have returned to claim what is rightfully ours. We must also petition thee for sponsorship and discuss certain matters in private." Queless said to the council member.
"My heroes!" the council member said affectionately. "You have no idea how happy you have made the council. They have agreed to expedite your adventuring guild charter and official name status so that you will be able to pick up your papers today! This is grand news indeed as it usually can take up to a month to process. Come with me to my office and we shall discuss our other form of payment."
After climbing two flights of grand marble stairs the three arrived at a small wooden door leading past a woman doing paperwork at a desk and into a beautiful office looking out on the city. "Have a seat friends. I'll make this as quick as possible for you. Please sign these papers, I will have my secretary run them down while we look over the magical items available for you to choose from." Council Member Mendothian handed them the official adventuring guild charter for the City of Waterdeep. At the top was the name FELLOWSHIP OF LIGHTNING and below that were places for up to 20 members. At the top were the names Queless Huldane and Morin Granitefist with places to sign and a final spot to sign at the bottom. Both men signed the paperwork and handed it over. "You may adopt up to 18 more members before any fees apply. Normally we require a fee for each new member, but we have waived these and expedited your charter in return for your honorable silence regarding both the secret chambers and the hidden passageway contained therein. We would like to keep the entire matter quiet and we appreciate your cooperation in this matter."
Queless leaned close while filing out the paperwork and spoke in hushed tones. "Thank thee for thine time Council Member. We know thee art a busy man, but this concerns the whole of Waterdeep." Queless rummaged for items in his pack while speaking. "It is our suspicion that a Vampire is on the loose. The undead attack and fire in the Dock ward, the attack at thine palace, Aurora's Whole Realms warehouse and another place are all linked." Queless displayed the items. "We petition thee to sponsor our us and our cohorts to rightfully do our job here. We also seek permission to access the sewer system of Waterdeep for a period of one week. His brazen attack today proves we are close and he is scared, but THOU art still in danger. Keep a close guard at all times." Queless showed him the note from the inn. "We are in contact with people to help us with information, but anything thee can add would be greatly appreciated. Once we are geared up we and rested we shall descend into the sewers and with a little luck flush out this rat."
The council member leaned back in his chair while reading the letter the group obtained during the fire at the Silver Lion Inn. "Hmmm, this is not good. May I keep this letter or make a hand copy of it for you and keep the original? I have someone who maybe able to magically gain more information about the individual who wrote this. If this is indeed what you fear I can see if the city would hire you to facilitate the removal of this individual. I doubt with only 2 members though that they would deem you worthy of taking on this threat. If you were able to obtain more members than I would be more likely to get somewhere with this request. Why don't you see what you can do this week and get back to me when you have at least 6 members? I could probably get you a large sum of Dragons and a permanent access pass to the sewers as a reward. You would be surprised how many adventuring guilds request this pass and how few actually get it. There are many hidden chambers and old access points to Undermountain down there. It's like a giant maze!"
Queless signed the necessary paperwork. "Council Member Mendothian, thou hast been too kind to us. We humbly bow before thee and give thanks." Queless bowed to Council Member Mendothian while Morin stood tall and watched this ritual of servitude. "If we shalt live through this and emerge victorious please consider us at your service."
"We will definately consider using your services in the future, thou hast done well." Council Member Mendothian adopted the Dalelander tongue for a moment in respect of Queless and his proper ettiquette.
Council Member Grendmeer Mendothian took the adventuring guild paperwork and passed it on to his secretary who immediately carried it downstairs. "Now, we promised two magical items. Here are your choices, choose carefully as I cannot allow you to come back and exchange your item for something different. You may each pick one and discuss it privately if you wish before you choose. We value your privacy so let me know if you need more time and I will step out of the room for a moment." The council member opened a drawer of his desk and began to pull out various magical devices and set them upon the table explaining each as he went.
MAGICAL ITEM CHOICES (CHOOSE 2 FOR YOUR ADVENTURING GUILD):
Bergett's Deck of Many Things : A special Waterdeep version of a Deck of Many Things- Please take warning that some of the effects could be harmful and the City of Waterdeep is not responsible for damage caused by these. The user is entirely responsible for the useage of this magical device within the city.
Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun Rings of Item Teleportation : Counts as 2 items - 1 ring goes around an item or is tied to it. The other goes on one's finger. When the magical command is spoken that item will teleport to the wielder. This will only work with basic items such as a weapon, shield, magical wand, and numerous other basic items. Devices that contain portals to other dimensions or planes cannot be teleported such as a bag of holding.
Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunsun Rings of Item Teleportation : Counts as 2 items - 1 ring goes around an item or is tied to it. The other goes on one's finger. When the magical command is spoken that item will teleport to the wielder. This will only work with basic items such as a weapon, shield, magical wand, and numerous other basic items. Devices that contain portals to other dimensions or planes cannot be teleported such as a bag of holding.
Gertrude's Magical Bakeware : These magical pans and pie tins will allow even a novice baker to prepare the most delicious dishes from scratch! Only minimal cooking experience is required. Note: these can only be used in bakeries within the City of Waterdeep. These could be sold at high profit to a local baker as everyone remembers the legend of the famous baker Gertrude of Sea Ward.
Memminok Freingwend's Gavel of Truth : When struck upon a large piece of solid wood all creatures within 40 feet must save vs. spells or be unable to speak a lie for 1d10 rounds. Creatures may flee as normal, but if asked a question they cannot respond with a lie. If they try they will not be able to speak. Note: this magical device only functions on the living and those able to speak in a tongue understood by the user.
Ve's Hypnotic Harp : This magical harp when played by a skilled musician causes all creatures within 60' to issue a save vs. spells or be drawn like zombies to the music. They will stand and simply sway to the music for 1d10 +2 rounds or until attacked. Note: the harp is over 200 lbs. and must be moved carefully by professionals as it is quite old and delicate. Ve was a master craftsman of musical instruments in Waterdeep over 150 years ago and this is but one of his many creations.
JubJub's Charismatic Longbow : A longbow crafted by the dark skinned master bowyer/fletcher JubJub in the South Ward for those of great flamboyance and beauty. In addition to normal modifiers to the bow weapon this also grants a +1 for every 4 points of Charisma the wielder currently has.
"This is a fine bow and shall serve the Fellowship well, don't ye think Morin? What item shall ye choose? That deck of cards does sound interesting."
"I find this Gavel something that Moradin Soulforger would appreciate I use in his service. I thank thee council member for your gift in return for Moradin's service in Piergeron's Palace."
Queless and Morin gave their thanks and exited the palace with completed paperwork in hand. The Fellowship of Lightning was now official. They could now prove to guards and other groups that they were a legitimate business and were available for legal hire in and around the City of Waterdeep. Now it was up to Morin and Queless to find and add new members so that they would be able to take on bigger missions. They stopped at the First Bank of Waterdeep to deposit the paperwork, platinum, gold, and a few other valuables that they wished not to carry with them. After that they were off to the Spires of the Morning - the temple of Lathander Morninglord to speak with Misha regarding those that might assist the Fellowship of Lightning in their ongoing pursuit of the evil vampire who seemed intent on stopping them from discovering the truth behind the ancient necromantic magical devices planted about the city.
After walking for an hour or so the Velvet Champion sped by and came to an abrupt halt before them. "My friends! If you would need my services again please climb aboard!" They took him up on his offer and made it to the Spires of the Morning in but a few minutes. Morin paid him extra and dropped a platinum piece into his hands. "Thank ye kind sires! I shall be at your beck and call. Should you need a ride anytime please blow this magical whistle." The Velvet Champion handed Morin a purple whistle, smiled, and took off like a bat out of the nine-hells.
The great temple of Lathander stood tall and proud before them. A few priests stood outside talking, they all carried book and looked to be acolytes.
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