Fantasy Dragon Heist (Completed)

[Yokai]

Take the money.​

Instinctively her fingers twitched at the sound of gold and for once she felt the smallest flicker of resentment. It was squashed ruthlessly down and instead Iselas leaned her back against the counter to watch Amiri go. Sometimes people needed time alone to deal with their thoughts, and pushing Amiri for details or trying to get her to open up while she was drunk? That seemed like a dirty move to Iselas. And she knew a lot about fighting dirty.

"It can go towards the garden then," Iselas replied, voice quiet as she tilted her head to the side. The human woman was still in her line of sight when she ducked her head to hide a smile. "I'll see you later, pretty warrior!" Then she turned to take the pouch of money and to down a big gulp of her mead. It'd been a long day.

 

[ArcticFox]

You spend the next three days on the same task. Every morning and evening you enter the tavern and observe Meloon as he comes down to have a drink. At times he drinks only one and then returns up the stairs. At other times however, he drinks two more and tips the bartender, then leaves the tavern.

One such time is now. It is five bells past midday and you are hidden among the crowd of patrons. Meloon took his three drinks and is currently on the doors of the tavern, going outside. You haven't seen him in company of anyone, so if he has a room in the Yawning Portal, it is a high chance that it is empty. Probably locked, though. You also don't know where is he going, his movements might lead you to more clues.

- Search upstairs for Meloon's room.
- Ask the bartender about Meloon's room.
- Tail Meloon.

 

[Yokai]

Tail Meloon.
​

Three days had passed and she was no closer to cracking this mystery than she was on the first. It occurred to Iselas that she'd have to do some more thorough intel gathering if she wanted to find out what was actually going on with her target. She couldn't just hang around and wait for somebody to approach him, or wait for him to give some sort of indication of what was going on.

So, when Meloon appeared ready to venture out of the tavern once again, she decided that it was finally time to follow him. After all, Iselas would be lying if she said she wasn't at least a little bit curious about where he was disappearing off to exactly. Carefully she waited for a few seconds for him to step outside completely before she slipped out after him into the streets of Waterdeep. His massive size would hopefully make him easier to tail.

 

[ArcticFox]

You manage to follow Meloon without being noticed. He strides through the streets with a purpose and toward the Dock Ward. When he stops it is to enter one of the houses in the shanty town, nodding at the two guards that pass him by on the street. You don't notice anything strange in his behaviour, but you are also unable to peep through any window or enter the house without being completely visible to everyone on the street, including the guards.

After some ten minutes of lying in wait, you see Meloon walk out of the house, but this time he looks different. Distraught. He is muttering something to himself again, but loud enough that you catch some words.

"...no, not now... leave it for tomorrow... we talked about this already..."

He unslings the great axe from his back and holds it gripped in his hands in front of him as he speaks. To you it looks like he is talking to weapon. Now, you have heard about powerful weapons before, but you have not seen any that talked back.

The big man is walking away from you rapidly, in the direction of the tavern again.

- Hurry and sneak into his room before he returns.
- Wait until night and sneak into his room.
- Confront him.

 

[Yokai]

Hurry and sneak into his room before he returns.​

Tailing the human giant proved to be just about as useful as her tavern stake-outs, in that it wasn't enlightening in the least and more than a little disheartening. Iselas was half-tempted to scout out the building he'd just exited from if only to see what was inside. This entire venture was an exercise in curiosity, and the fact that he had started talking to his axe only made her suspect him for a fruit cake.

Maybe he'd snapped and completely lost it? Iselas wasn't here to judge but she was supposed to be trying to help him.

Instead of tailing him again she turned on her heel and departed swiftly through the streets, attempting to return to the tavern before he did. Iselas wasn't sure exactly what he was planning to do tomorrow but she suspected there might be some clues lying around his room. Breaking in during the night, while he may or may not be sleeping, was just as dangerous as what she was about to do anyway.

 

[ArcticFox]

You are very street savvy, and even if you haven't been in Waterdeep for more than a tenday, you still manage to find a shortcut to the Yawning Portal and get there before Meloon. Perhaps not much faster, but you should have at least ten to fifteen minutes before he returns.

You don't know which room is Meloon's, but you can ask one of the barmaids, or the stableboys in front of the tavern. But, as you stand there deciding what to do, someone spots you.

"Hey, I know ya." You hear a familiar rumbling voice of the half-orc woman and then heavy strides, before a hand is placed on your shoulder. "Been seein' ya hear lately. What are ya doin'?" She asks, stopping your progress.

You know that Yagra works for the Zentharim, a criminal organisation that Blackstaff doesn't particularly like which could in turn mean that Yagra also doesn't care much for Meloon, which in turn could be something that you could use.

- Tell her the truth.
- Lie to her.
- Try to get out of the situation.

 

[Yokai]

Tell her the truth.​

Time was a limited commodity when Iselas stepped into the tavern, her mind in overdrive as she attempted to shuffle through which members of the staff she could risk asking about Meloon's room. So, when Yagra's hand came down on her shoulder the half-elf had to fight back a wave of panic. She really didn't have time to waste right now.

Looking up Iselas gauged whether or not she should even bother lying. Yagra seemed like a straight forward person and Iselas had no qualms about her guild's criminal record. Lying to her presented the opportunity to be discovered and for Yagra to get angry, or worse, suspect her for spying on the Zentharim guild instead.

"Yagra!" Iselas greeted brightly, half tempted to give her hand a little kiss just to see how the half-orc would react. She resisted. "I'm just doing some recon for the boss. Meloon's being acting weird and she wants to know what's going on," A quick glance over her shoulder told Iselas that she still had time, but she'd have to make it quick. "Any idea which one is his room by the way?"

 

[ArcticFox]

"Ya with the Grey 'uns now?" Yagra's expression scrunches up, her tusks gleaming as she snarls. "I don't like yer kind. Too prim and proper. No substance."

She pats your belly, accidentally pushing all air out of you, almost making you double over. Then she laughs throatily and points at the third floor, second window from the corner that's on your right.

"I don't like Meloon especially, he's too big to be hangin' out with yer kind. Should be with the Zenths. That's the real substance." She grins at that, then shakes her hand and turns away from you, not interested in your business any more.

- Climb through the window (roll d20 for dexterity check, modifier 5).
- Go inside and locate his room.

 

[Yokai]

Climb through the window (rolled 6).​

It seemed that the dislike between the two guilds was mutual then, which also wasn't that surprising. Once Iselas had caught her breath again, she'd barely stopped herself from wheezing, she grinned at the turned back of Yagra.

"Alright, I'll catch you later, real substance," Iselas beamed. "And thank you!"

With that Iselas tried to figure out how to be subtle about this. Somebody was going to see her scaling the building, surely? In fact, Meloon might wander down the street and see her for himself, should he glance up at his own window. Well, she'd just have to try and be quick about it: climb through the window, check out the room, and then climb back out. Boom. A solid plan (it really wasn't but Iselas was getting antsy about this weird man who talked to his weapons and was as big as a small house).

 

[ArcticFox]

You do manage to get up the wall with ease, you even find the window unlocked and easily opened from the outside. What you don't count on is a child screaming from the sidewalk:

"Look, mum, a strange lady is climbing through that window!"

You stumble into the room then, but you hear the alarmed voice of the mum and then several voices joining her and you know that they will alert the owner of the Yawning Portal as well as the guard pretty soon. But you need to get out of there fast anyway.

- Look around the room (roll d20 for perception check, modifier 4).
- Hide somewhere.
- Get lost.

 

[Yokai]

Look around the room (rolled 12).
​

"Shit!" Iselas cursed, falling into the room inelegantly as the crowd of murmurs swirled below the window. She'd essentially just cut her time in half again, leaving her with very little time to search. Hopefully it'd take at least them ten minutes to get to Meloon's room. So, with that in mind, she got straight to work. Iselas did a quick glance over the room and tried not to miss anything in her own clouded haze of panic. Best to start from the left and sweep over the greater part of the room, focusing on the areas where Meloon could have hidden something.

 

[ArcticFox]

After a moment of thorough examination of what is actually a very plain room (containing a double bed with a sturdy mattress, a side table, an unused desk with a couple of candle stubs tossed onto it carelessly and a closet) you notice a curious sound coming out of the closet. It sounds like scrapping or a patter of small feet and an occasional squeak similar to a mouse.

It either notices your attention or there really wasn't anything in the closet in the first place, because the sound dies down the moment you focus on the closet. You also feel that it is a great idea to stay there for long enough to meet the guards. After all, they are just a ragtag group of people in silly hats, what possibly could they to do you?

- Investigate the closed (roll d20 for investigation check, modifier -2).
- Get out of there.

 

[Yokai]

Investigate the closet (rolled 1).​

Unfortunately it seemed like Meloon's room was just as unremarkable and strange as the rest of him. Iselas tried not to feel too disappointed by this revelation. Briefly she reflected on how much time she had and decided she'd be cutting it a bit close. Better make this quick then.

The scratching behind the closet was clearly something, unless she was hallucinating or extremely drunk and she just thought that this entire debacle was happening when in reality she was just hammered at home. Still, Iselas took a step closer to the closet and steeled herself before opening it and peering inside. She sort of half expected something to either launch itself at her face or for nothing to even be in there.

 

[ArcticFox]

The moment you open the closet you start feeling sick. Your head is swimming with irrational thoughts and ideas that you know are bad, but they seem so good at the moment. You close the doors of the closet knowing that it's just silly to go searching through it.

You can hear the footsteps on the stairwell, a couple of pairs of feet rushing up. When the guards burst into the room, you have already tied yourself up with your rope. They give you baffled looks, but also seem quite glad that they don't have to do anything about it. You are hauled off to Waterdeep's prison.

You realise that something had gone terribly wrong only when you feel a goblin's hand trying to swipe at your coin purse. As he sees you looking at him with clarity now, he flinches back, hands raised.

"No harm done!" He says quickly and scampers backwards to the other side of the large cell.

Yes, you are in a holding cell, together with twelve other occupants. It seems that crime is bustling in Waterdeep. Your cellmates are a varied sort, half-orcs, goblins, halflings, elves and humans. Only one dwarf, a young girl, leaning onto you and snoring softly. Through the bars you can see two sentries playing cards at the table and laughing.

- Talk to the prisoners.
- Talk to the guards.

 

[Yokai]

Talk to the prisoners.​

When the golden haze had worn off Iselas found herself in a cell, a literal prison cell, with various strangers. Unlike when she'd been under the influence of alcohol the half-elf found herself less disoriented and more annoyed. It seemed that her own curiosity had come back to bite her. Just what kind of magic had she been dealing with?

Iselas tried to breathe through her nose.

"Hey," She called out quietly to the goblin, unbothered as to whether the guards heard her. "Do you know how long I've been here?" And then, deciding that she'd rather plead magical intervention -- I didn't go into that room willingly, sir! I was clearly under the influence of magic as you saw! -- Iselas added, "Do you know why I'm here? I can't remember anything."

 

[ArcticFox]

"Just arrived!" The goblin screeches, still unsure whether he should step closer or not. The dwarf girl sleeping on your shoulder isn't fazed by your movement, she's still sleeping soundly.

At your question one of the guards looks over disinterestedly, then shrugs.

"Everyone always pleads magic. Or insanity. Or both. You'll get a chance to explain it soon enough."

- Ask something else.
- Wait in silence.

 

[Yokai]

Ask something else.
​

Dammit! Iselas had been sure that that would work or at least swayed the guards. Still, she attempted to keep her face clear of panic and instead eyed the dwarf asleep on her shoulder. Whoever they were they appeared to be sleeping soundly and Iselas resolved herself to leave them be for the moment. Though she kept her gold close to her. No harm in being paranoid.

"It's true," Iselas grumbled. "I'm pretty sure everyone who saw me could attest to the fact I was bewitched." Who tied themselves up willingly for the guard to collect them? Nobody in their right mind would do that!

"Hey, mister!" She called out to the guard that had answered her first question. "Do you know how long I've been here and how long will it take before I can testify? I need to get back to renovating my house!"

 

[ArcticFox]

The guards don't give you any more attention, shaking their heads and turning to their game of cards. You are left among he chatter of the merry band of misfits in the holding cell, but thankfully not for too long.

Some quarter of an hour later you hear more voices and the sound of footsteps. The guards drop their card game quickly and stand alert. The man who walks down the steps and stops in front of the bars is as familiar to you as you are to him.

"What did I tell you about keeping he blood off the streets?" Sergeant Staget shakes his head in disapproval, but orders the gate unlocked. "Come out. You have friends in high places who've paid your bail."

Sergeant Staget escorts you up the stairs to the first level of the prison, all the while telling you how you should leave thieving to the thieves and fighting to the gangs. He still thinks that you are decent person as Neverember keeps vouching for you, but he will have to up your punishment for more than monetary if you cross paths again.

"Oh, and, you are banned from the Yawning Portal for the remainder of the year unless Durnan is willing to withdraw the restraining order." He informs you, adding. "Sir Wardragon will want to know what you were doing in his room still, so stay off the streets. I value the Force Gray much more than you and I will not stand between you and Meloon Wardragon should he find you."

With such good, and less good, news you are unceremoniously released from the Waterdeep's prison and onto the street.

- Find Renaer to thank him.
- Go back to the Yawning Portal.
- Go to Blackstaff to report.
- Go home and rest.
- Explore the city.

 

[Yokai]

Go to Blackstaff to report.​

Renaer had bailed her out? He didn't even know the full story either! Iselas felt a hot flash of guilt sear itself across her chest. Not for the fact that she'd broken into Meloon's room, snooped around, and gotten caught, but rather that she'd avoided Renaer since obtaining the estate. He wasn't anything like the nobles she'd grown accustomed to in the past, and because of that she hadn't known what to do with him.

"I... thanks, Serg. I will report back to Blackstaff now," Iselas said to the Sergeant before mustering a flirtatious grin that didn't touch her eyes. "And if you wanted to see me so bad, you didn't have to lock me up. Next time send a letter~" It was weak, even by her standards, but Iselas had aimed for flippant and flirtatious.

Regardless of his response, she glanced around to solidify her surroundings in her mind and then headed straight for the tower. Meloon had some freaky thing in his closet and he needed to be warned. Whether or not that was connected to the dazed look in his eye or the whole 'talking to his axe' thing... well, she didn't have any actual solid proof. And once this was over Iselas figured it was about time she paid Renaer a visit.

 

[ArcticFox]

Staget bristles at your response, lips pursing into a thin line. He is not amused by your humour as he doesn't find any matter of public safety a laughing matter.

However, since you are free to go wherever you want, the City Watch does not stop you and you make your way to Blackstaff without any issues. You are let inside and Varja greets you with slight surprise.

"It isn't a tenday yet, is it? What brings you here so early?"

You don't really know the details and thus cannot make a full report. All you know are some minor coincidences and a potential source of magic in Meloon's room at the Yawning Portal.

- Report what you know.
- Observe Meloon some more before reporting.

 

[Yokai]

Report what you know.​

"There is something magical hiding in Meloon's room at the tavern," Came the half-elf's opening line, arms crossed over her chest tightly and her brow furrowed in an impressive frown. Iselas clearly wasn't in a good mood. "Whatever it was, it managed to somehow convince me to tie myself up and wait for the collection of the guards.

"I'm not sure if this has anything to do with Meloon's distant gaze and his weird-o behaviour," Iselas acknowledged lightly, though she was pretty sure it had to have something to do with that. "But I was wondering whether you had anything in the ways of protection? I don't want another run in with that thing or to get thrown into jail again."

Magic really, really wasn't her area of expertise. But the person who'd hired her in the first place was a sorcerer, Iselas figured she might as well get some advice on how to deal with the situation.

 

[ArcticFox]

"Something magical?" Varja raises an eyebrow at you. "That is not much to go on, is it?" She sighs. "I do have a plethora of potions and charms, however unless you find out what exactly that magical thing is, I cannot help you. I am glad you have found something, though, I knew that Meloon was not acting normal." She pauses, then approaches you, leaning over to confide.

"There is something you can try, if you are feeling brave enough. Meloon has a task for Force Grey tonight, in Candle Lane. You will have the opportunity to sneak into his quarters once more, or tail him, but do not interfere with his task. Either way, this is your chance to get more information on his... condition."

- Agree to tail him.
- Agree to sneak into his room again.
- Confront him directly.
- Ask for help from Regongar/Amiri.
- Do nothing.

 

[Yokai]

Agree to tail him.​

There was no certifiable way that Iselas would be returning to Meloon’s room in the next few days, not until she was granted something to protect herself with. Not being in control of one’s self was traumatic to say the least, especially when it came to the half-elf. Iselas sighed but allowed the subject to drop, she couldn’t ask for something if she didn’t have the necessary information to back it up. And, in reality, she really had nothing on the giant man.

Regongar’s magical abilities would be useful in a situation like this, and even Amiri’s battle prowess could be helpful despite the lack of subtlety. But this was supposed to be Iselas’ mission. It almost felt wrong to ask for help, like back-up calling for more back-up. She'd have to continue alone.

“Brave enough?” Iselas repeated with a slight smirk; more like reckless enough. Bravery had little to do with the matter. In fact, out of the two options she definitely preferred tailing him over checking that closet again. Besides, she hadn’t collected enough evidence on his strange behaviour yet. Mostly she’d only seen him talk to his axe and found something weird in his room, hardly anything concrete.

“Alright, I’ll tail him tonight and no interfering. I got it.” She offered Varja a lazy salute, having uncrossed her arms as she headed for the door. She tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that she wasn’t any closer to solving this mystery than when she had started.

 

[ArcticFox]

That night you set out toward the location Varja had market on the Waterdeep map for you. Whether by good timing of sheer luck, you spot Meloon Wardragon the moment you turn into Candle Lane. It is impossible not to recognise his broad form and not to hear his crazed mumbling.

He is louder this time, gripping the axe in both hands in a manner that looked quite like he is trying to strangle it, his words partially audible to you.

"No... you're mine... don't care... not leaving..."

In all, it looks like his situation had gotten worse. The people on the streets notice it too, deliberately avoiding walking too close to the big man. This, and his total lack of awareness for his surroundings, allows you to follow him without any trouble.

Eventually he turns left into an alleyway with no street lights, leaving you with a choice to follow him directly (without knowing if there's any cover in the alley) or climb up to the roof of the house overlooking the alley and observe from there.

- Follow him.
- Climb up (roll d20 for dexterity check, modifier 5).
- Go back.

 

[Yokai]

Climb up (rolled 16).​

It seemed that in her absence Meloon’s situation had gotten progressively worse; the mutterings were considerably louder now, though they still seemed to be directed towards the axe. A small, vaguely guilty, part of Iselas wondered whether her interference had amplified the process and she wondered what would happen if things continued they way that they were.

Tailing him down the street -- Iselas wasn’t too worried about being spotted though she did make some effort at stealth -- she noticed the way that the crowd parted around him and winced. While she personally didn’t know the burly man, Iselas couldn’t help but feel responsible for his fate and for the way that he was being treated.

When he eventually turned left to shortcut his way through an alleyway she was forced to make a decision. Risk herself climbing along the rooftops or risk following him through the alleyway, possibly without cover. Iselas mumbled something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like a pep-talk and then took to the roofs instead. Her last climbing experience hadn't gone that well and sometimes she needed a little emotional support.