Hannibal's Journal - Kythorn 4

We have been invited by Etchzeeth to accompany him on a mission to Skullport to strike out against the slave lords there. A noble endeavor, but do we trust this Drow? Only a fool walks into a dragon's lair with soldiers he cannot trust... we will have to find out more about this Etchzeeth.

More disturbing, we were able to go over the files from Ellanzo's office and they reveal some troubling information about Giovanni's father.

Apparently, Ellanzo had a reputation for using over-aggressive methods of policing. He had several inquiries brought against him but was still a highly decorated officer. This by itself isn't dishonorable... I too understand forcfully negotiating when the situation warrants.

The troubling part is that he had himself assigned as the partner of Leif's father shortly before he was killed "mysteriously" in the line of duty. He was also Jax's partner when he "mysteriously" died. Coincidence, or something else? This explains Rose's distrust of the man.

Much to my relief, Riddick was able to sneak the files back into Ellanzo's cabinet before he noticed. Despite my initial reservations, Riddick has grown to be a valuable member of our party. His skills will prove to be very important if and when we journey to Skullport.

Hannibal Journal - Kythorn 3

Tonight Ellanzo summoned us and about 20 or so other deputies to help in a raid to sweep up all the slave ring contacts we had located in the last several weeks. We were formed into multiple groups with members of the regular constabulary and elements of the Arcane Task Force so that we could hit as many targets as possible that night. Surprisingly, Walton and Billy Barrue were there as well. As a candidate to Ellanzo's office, the Barrue's were entitled to be there to monitor this raid, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were connected to this slave ring in the first place.

The leader of the raid, Sgt. York, explained that we were to use a "Flush and Scrub" tactic where one team would go into a dwelling to take out the targets and a second group would wait outside to pick off any stragglers that escaped. The Arcane Task Force would stay at a central location and provide support when needed. Each team was given a glass rod that, when broken, would summon a squad of the mages.

Our first mission was to take out a small group of slavers at an inn by the Docks District. We were the "flushers" on this mission and were able to efficiently take out our targets without anyone escaping or any civilians getting injured.

Our next couple of hits involved us playing the role of "scrubbers". The first operation went smoothly with no blood spilled. The second went horribly wrong. Our "flush" team went into a warehouse on the docks as we formed a perimeter around the target. Moments after they entered the warehouse we heard fighting break out. There was a flash of light from within the warehouse and a squad of Arcane Task Force appeared and joined the fray. Suddenly multiple explosions rocked the warehouse and we heard bloodcurdling screams. Out of the back of the warehouse, 6 men-at-arms appeared escorting either a squat human or dwarf. The figure wore a blood red robe etched with golden sigils, a pure white fur cape, and hid its face under a cowl. As we moved to intercept, the figure struck a large scepter on the dock which erupted in an enormous explosion! The warehouse and the surrounding dock were blown apart and we were thrown with the men-at-arms into Waterdeep's bay.

A fight for survival ensued with the combatants vying for pieces of dock to stay afloat. The heavily armored Giovanni seemed to make out since he landed in neck deep water near what remained of a pier. I was hoping he'd be in position to look for the crimson robed figure, but he was immediately beset upon by giant crabs from the bay. What is widely regarded as a delicacy in Waterdeep was now trying to make a meal of our friend! As Giovanni dealt with the crabs, the rest of us managed to pull ourselves onto large floating pieces of the dock while we battled the men-at-arms. While Brolgar, Leif and I battled guards on larger, more stable section of dock, Riddick and Jax had managed to take out another guard and pull themselves up on a smaller section.

This being our lucky day, a large water elemental suddenly appeared next to Riddick and Jax... obviously summoned by the crimson figure or drawn to the large release of magic that had precipitated our plunge in the bay. It quickly tangled the two in its nets and skewered Riddick with its trident. The creature resisted my attempt to draw it to the larger section of dock, so Brolgar and I did what any self-respecting, heavily armored warriors would do and leapt in the water toward it. Thankfully, Brolgar landed several telling blows. Riddick, inspired by our charge into battle, recovered to deal it a vicious stab and Jax was able to freeze the creature with his Icy Rays. By this time Giovanni had overcome the giant crabs and we were able to mop up the remaining guards and make it to dry land.

Unfortunately, and probably luckily, there was no sign of the crimson figure once we made land. We went back to the station so we could report and get a short breather before going out on another raid. While we rested, Riddick took advantage of the chaos at the station and relieved Ellanzo's cabinet of a couple of files that dated to the death of Leif and Jax's fathers. I hope we can get those back before Ellanzo finds them missing.

We set off on our last raid for the night, this time as the "flushers". Remembering what happened to the last group; we steeled ourselves and entered a nondescript house in the Warehouse district. Riddick performed some trick where our entire group was shrouded in shadow and moved as silently as cats. We moved quickly and quietly through the house meeting no resistance and discovered slave pens with occupants in the basement. The slaves, alarmed by our appearance, attracted the attention of their slavers, a group of Drow led by a formidable looking warrior named Etchzeeth. Surprisingly, Etchzeeth seemed willing to be brought in by us without a fight, but his lackeys had other ideas. Swords were drawn, but before they could take a step a powerful wizard appeared from a glowing portal and immolated all the Drow save for the sensible Etchzeeth.

This powerful wizard turned out was one of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep! Etchzeeth was his servant and a double-agent who was investigating the slave ring at the behest of his master. The Lord had heard of the raids and had come to avoid any conflicts between his servant and the constabulary. We released the slaves and found paperwork revealing the vile intent of this cell of slavers, a bill of lading indicating that the slaves were to be used in a foul ceremony in an underground church of Cyric.

Back at station, the operation appeared to be a fantastic success. All of our targets had been rounded up and eliminated. Our celebration was sobered by the loss of five fine constables and a squad of the Arcane Task Force at the docks. I gathered the names of the fallen so that their memory might be honored. I also pledge to seek justice for these fallen comrades by putting the head of our crimson clad foe on the end of a pike!

We had suffered other losses as well. Most notably, Billy Barrue had gone and gotten himself killed again. With the death of his son and the overwhelming success of his political rival's raid, Walton Barrue was conspicuously absent from the celebration.

Hannibal's Journal - Kythorn 1

At Ellanzo's request we have been investigating the contacts mentioned in Hit Skip's paperwork. With the evidence in the documents and information coerced from Hit Skip we have identified the names and locations of a large portion of the Drow slave network located in Waterdeep. We've also taken the opportunity to learn more of Skullport, since it seems we are destined to go there soon. Its a nasty, lawless place teeming with slave traders and pirates from the surface trafficing with illithids, drow, beholders and less savory creatures from the Underdark. We will have to tread lightly there!

In the meantime, both Giovanni and Leif have been becoming more and more haggard. It seems that Leif is unable to sleep for more than an hour before he wakes screaming from a recurring nightmare. He can never remember what the nightmare is about, but he and his roommate Giovanni are not getting much sleep. Giovanni refuses to sleep in another room because of concern for his friend.

We stopped by Rose's shop to see if she had a remedy to help her son sleep. Rose went to mix some medicine, fell into a trance, and started talking to one of her invisible "friends". When she came to, she claimed that investigating the circumstances of her husbands death would be the best remedy for Leif's nightmares. Perhaps Leif's father is haunting him from beyond the grave? Could explain the form of his spirit companion.

Us: Where should we begin this investigation?
Rose: The files in Ellanzo's office would be a good start.
Us: Why don't we just ask him for the files?
Rose: Oh, you absolutely cannot do that! Ellanzo would be furious if you asked him!

Bahamut's Breath, this woman is frustrating!! So this nightmare remedy involves breaking into the office and stealing the files of an elected officer of the law that I respect? Now I'm having nightmares.

I know Rose doesn't care for Ellanzo and she's definitely a couple of eggs short of a cache, but experience has told us not to underestimate her advice. We asked Giovanni about this afterwards and he said that his father never talks about what happened to Leif's dad... and if pressed he does get angry. He reluctantly agreed that, given the chance, maybe we should take a peek.

Operation Flush and Scrub

1489
Year of the Warrior Princess

Kythorn 3

We start out finding Leaf has a bad case of nightmares so much so that it is keeping his roommate Giovanni up at night, and Leaf is coming close to being too tired during the day to be effective.

Anyway, after several weeks of doing some research into Skullport and walking the street gathering intel, Ellanzo gathers the party along with 20 or so other deputies to make a big push against what is left of Hit Skip's gang and other affiliated gangs. The are introduced to Sgt. York, a grizzled half-elf and veteran of many years on the Waterdeep force. They also meet some of the green and silver sigil-ed mages known as the Arcane Task Force. The group is surprised to see Walton and Billy Barrue there as well. Walton as a political candidate to the office that Ellanzo now holds is entitled to come along on police functions such as this one, tonight he is also bringing his son but luckily they assigned to a different squad.

The first task is to infiltrate a pub and shut down the gang gathered there, avoiding injuring the public at all costs. This goes as planned, no one escapes especially with Jax and Giovanni at the back entrance.

The second quick hit involved playing the scrubbers, that is another team flushes out the enemy while our heroes wait to clean them up. The first operation goes very easily, no combat is involved. The next scrub is not so clean... Hanging out in back of a large older warehouse built next to the docks, the party waits. The flush team enters a several moments later blood curdling screams and explosions follow. Out of the back door comes six "wise guys" or low level goons, following what appears to be a squat human or dwarf. He or she is wearing crimson colored clothes with gold symbols etched in them. A pure white fur cape flowing from its shoulders to the knees is also seen. This person is also wearing a cowl of far east make with odd symbols. It looks at the group and hits its 5 foot long scepter on the docs, the group sees sonic waves ripple through the road and docks next the warehouse as the ground explodes and throws the group in to Waterdeep's bay! A bloody fight ensues as the party tries to get out of the water an into floating pieces of wood. There are two larger pieces both wise guys and party members try to get to them while attacking each other. Giovanni was thrown back to the dock area where he was in chin high water being attacked by crabs. The rest of the party realizes with shock that the magic some how disturbed an aquatic elemental! It attacks with whirlpools and its trident trying to drown the group. Somehow they prevail and make it back to head quarters. Everyone is congratulated and given some time to rest before handling the last task of the night.

While the party rests, Riddick sneaks into Ellanzo's office and retrieves some files that date to the deaths of the Jax's father and Leaf's father. What does he find?

We set off to flush out the last of the gang arriving at an inconspicuous looking house. They sneak in and find slave pens in the back some populated with unfortunate persons - at least up until now. The bill of lading indicates they are to be used in a religious ceremony at Cyric's church, an underground faith here in Waterdeep. They encounter a group of Drow, led by Etchzeeth. A discussion ensues and a fight almost starts when a lord of Waterdeep teleports in and destroys all the Drow save Etchzeeth. Later they meet Etchzeeth who is a double agent for the lords of Waterdeep. He invites them to a mission to Skullport to strike out against the slave lords there.

Exp awarded: 1020

Hannibal's Journal - 25th of Mirtul

An epilogue to the events from the other night....

When we retired to the inn tonight after another day of slave ring investigation, who should we see making himself very conspicuous in the back? None other than Billy Barrue!! He was looking a little worse for wear, but eyed us defiantly all night.

Walton Barrue has brought his son back from the grave.... I've made a very powerful enemy indeed!

Hannibal's Journal - 23rd of Mirtul

What had been a frustrating week of missteps and false leads in investigating the Museum break-in has turned in our favor tonight....

At the suggestion of Ellanzo, we attempted to track down Nip Skit's brother Hip Skip. The goblin had simply disappeared and no one seemed to know where...or wouldn't reveal his location even if they did. Granted, our information gathering skills leave something to be desired and on several occasions I had to excuse myself from questioning for fear that I would start cracking the skulls of some of the dimwitted thugs we were interviewing. Unfortunately, intimidation only goes so far and I probably require a little more subtlety in my technique....

Oddly, things finally came together when we passed Rose's (Leif's mother) shop which had been recently vandalized. I finally met Jax's mother, Matron Lilith Frost when we found her arguing with Rose inside the shop. We managed to catch: "He's bad news for our boys." and "You know what happened." before the ladies fell abruptly silent when we entered.

Were they talking about Barrue? Hip Skip? .. or someone else?

The Matron Frost is a fine and well-respected lady in the city. By her assured stance and bearing she both expects and commands respect. Rose on the other hand seems somewhat brain addled... she gets continuously sidetracked and will start addressing invisible "spirits" when you are trying to talk to her. The hatchling hasn't strayed too far from the wyrm in this case. Both the Matron Frost and Rose seemed to be very concerned about their boys. Hopefully they will eventually cut the apron strings and let their boys become men.

We promised to find out who the vandals were and in return, Rose promised to ask one of her ghost friends about Hip Skip. I will truly be embarrassed if an unstable woman's imaginary friend can turn up more details on Hip Skip than our week long investigation.

Our search for the vandals was much easier than our search of Hip Skip... they left a convenient trail of broken shop windows and overturned vendor carts in their wake. We followed the trail down to an old warehouse in the merchant district and walked in thinking that we'd be rounding up a gang of young toughs. Much to our surprise in the middle of the warehouse next a pile of obviously stolen contraband, we found Billy Barrue and his gang!

Most likely due to our previous run-in, Billy ordered his gang to use lethal force against us as he charged us wielding a maul imbued with powerful magic. Using the magic, Billy grew to the size of an ogre and used the weapon to great effect. After our frustrating week of dead-ends, it appeared that our party welcomed the fight and after recovering from the surprise of Billy's new-found height, we laid Billy and his gang low... lethal force being dealt against lethal force. Unfortunately, Billy's side-kick Hank was able to escape down a secret trapdoor into the sewers. Before we could give chase, Ellanzo, a regiment of Waterdeep Wizard Corps and a large contingent of the local press showed up... accompanied by Walton Barrue, the recently deceased Billy Barrue's father.

Accusations started to fly, but luckily Ellanzo was able to piece together what happened and talk everyone down. Normally I would honor a father who had just lost his son, but the lies, hate and deceit that spewed forth from Walton Barrue were more than I could stomach. He was showing no remorse for his son and was instead attempting to use his death for political gain! I confronted Walton in front of Ellanzo, the press corp, and anyone else that would listen and told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of him. Ellanzo paled and Walton, obviously taken aback, simply retrieved his son's body and left. In retrospect, probably not the best move as I've certainly made a powerful enemy, but I couldn't stand there while this corrupt and deceitful individual tried to gain political favor at the expense of Ellanzo with lies, lies and more lies!!

Afterward, a visibly shaken Ellanzo impressed upon us to find Hit Skip soon so that we could get some positive press. We hurried back to Rose's shop while Ellanzo investigated the warehouse and escape hatch to the sewer. When we reached the shop the shame of losing my temper with Walton Barrue was amplified... Rose's "spirit" friends had given her what turned out to be accurate information on the whereabouts of Hit Skip.

Using this "otherworldly" information, we tracked Hit Skip down to his hideout in the Dock Ward that night. It was an unfamiliar section of town, especially at night, but we coaxed a young street urchin to guide us to the correct alley.

Turns out that this "young street urchin" was actually a cleverly disguised henchman of Hit Skip's that had led us into a trap! Garbage and debris had been piled up giving the thugs a decided advantage and avenue of escape, but with superior tactics and an amazing cut-off of the escape route by Brolgar, we were able to successfully subdue Hit Skip and his friends. The "street urchin" didn't make it unfortunately.

Among Hit Skip's possessions we found some paper work and bills of lading describing a slave trading ring based out of Skullport. Perhaps Nip Skit was better connected than we expected, explaining his unlikely museum heist. Ellanzo was pleased and charged us with researching Skullport and investigating some of the Waterdeep contacts mentioned in the paper work.

Roommates, Mothers and Brothers

1489

Year of the Warrior Princess

Mirtul 23

The past couple of weeks the party has been searching for more information about the break in at the Museum of Antiquities. They have put out feelers and been doing streetwise checks to find Nip Skit's brother Hip Skip. One day while searching they find the shop of Leaf's mother, Rose, vandalized and they hear loud voices inside arguing. It turns out that Rose and Jax's mother, Matron Lillith, are arguing about something important. The only snippets the group manages to hear are: "He's bad news for our boys." and "You know what happened." The ladies stop their argument when the group enters, and Rose promises "other worldly" assistance with their case if they track down the vandals. They search and find the vandals are lead my non other than Billy Barrue, who was trying to silence critics of his father, Walton, who is running for the Merchant Quarters General-in-arms, a post that Ellanzo now holds. The confrontation leads to a fight where Billy and most of the vandals are slain. Walton, Ellanzo, the Waterdeep wizard corps, and a large contingent of press show up soon after and accusations start to fly. Luckily the group realizes how best to handle the situation which is to let Ellanzo do the talking. Hannibal does intimidate Walton into leaving before he can do further damage to Ellanzo's position. Ellanzo impress upon the group that they need to catch Hit Skip soon so they have some positive press. Rose comes through with some valuable information and they track Hit Skip down into a section of the Dock Ward, one of the worse parts of Waterdeep especially at night. After intimidating their way past a number of stalkers, thieves, and drunks, a fight ensues with their target and aiding Hit Skip is the street urchin the group hired to guide them through the Docks. Instead of a 10 year old orphan, they find he is a 30 year old Halfling rogue! The ally is strewn with rubble and garbage making passage difficult. The group gets the better of Hit Skip and arrests him. They find a small chest with some coins and paper work describing a slave trading ring base out of Skullport! Thing are getting interesting...

Exp awarded: 1550