It is 29 Kythorn, the day after the murder by the gazer in the tavern. Spirits aren't especially high today after everything that's happened, but the company is hard at work preparing for the opening of the tavern. Soon, though, Renaer, Floon and Volo pay a visit to the tavern to see how things are progressing, as Renaer and Ray share a hug of greeting and they talk a bit. While Volo is enthusiastically interviewing Lif, and Floon is exploring the mostly renovated tavern, Renaer tells the party that he wants to invite them to a dinner party of a friend of his, Remallia Haventree of House Ulbrinter, which ironically is only about a ten minute walk from Trollskull Alley. Yuan is suspicious though and asks why, and Renaer says he simply wants to treat his friends to a good time and get to know some allies of his. Yuan gets a sense that while Renaer isn't plotting anything malicious, he's not quite giving all of the information... Renaer plays it cool regardless and is offered a drink, which Chef eagerly prepares. Soon, Tally, who is also present at the tavern helping the carpenters, tells the group some good news - apparently, a mysterious benefactor has paid forth the costs for a Raise Dead spell on the fallen carpenter. The party is surprised, as the cost of this would have been at least five hundred gold for the spell itself plus any service fees the caster might have charged. When asked, Tally says he doesn't know - the carpenter's guild said the donor wanted to remain anonymous. Ray is initially suspicious but can't voice them for now. Tally also mentions offhand that there's something else he wants to talk to the group about, but it has to be private. He says he's going to his shop to grab some extra supplies and will meet them there later, and makes his exit. Later, Ray pulls up to Marcellus with Renaer in tow and asks him about his draconic heritage. Marcellus, playing a lute for once - stating he needs to mix up his talents a bit and he was taught by Three-Strings, who is a lot better than he makes himself to be - says that it shows up in him in a variety of ways. A lot of people think he is Illuskan, like Renaer is - that is, hailing from the region of the Sword Coast North up near Neverwinter - but the truth is that he's from the deserts of Calimshan, and his heritage has altered his body in a few various ways. Most notably, his eyes have a brass-like quality to them, and he rolls his sleeve to show a coating of a thin sheen of draconic scales cover parts of his body. He claims his lineage is from a brass dragon named Lovaas, which is the draconic word for music, who was actually found and raised by a halfling bard who taught him the musical arts. Since dragons live a very long time, when the bard eventually passed, the dragon honored his memory by traveling across Faerun and spreading its love of music and the arts, which eventually resulted in Marcellus' family line, the Smokespeakers. He tells Ray that it's entirely possible he too might have draconic lineage, but it's a little difficult to say for now. Maybe the chance to find out will present itself soon? Afterward Sigurd catches Yuan up to speed with what's been going on with him - the tl;dr is that he pissed off a minotaur warrior named Raisha at the temple of Tempus, the god of war, during a fighting tournament, by sending her out of the ring and disqualifying her by ringout, which she threw a huge tantrum over. He made quite a lot of money from the win but is a bit worried that she might come after him later. When Ray says that attacking people is illegal, Sigurd reminds him that the legality of an action hasn't stopped people from taking them before. Oh boy... In any case, the party leaves to go visit Tally at the Bent Nail, and he takes them aside to a back room to talk quietly. He directs his question at Yuan, and asks him how he learned how to make the bow he has. Yuan is a bit hesitant, but mentions he learned from an orc. Tally corrects him saying if it was a half-orc, which Yuan confirms, and Tally simply smiles. He asks the party to follow him to Fala's shop so he can pick up an herbal tea he ordered recently and heads on down the street to Corellon's Crown to visit Fala. When he asks them if they have the tea he ordered, Fala confirms it and asks the group to follow them up the stairs to the second floor - while also locking the door to the shop. Much to everyone's surprise, inside is Ziraj the Hunter, the Zhentarim assassin, sharpening oversized arrows leisurely in a common room! Fala then closes the door to the room behind the group, and begins explaining the situation... Several months ago, Fala and Tally were out in town buying supplies for their respective businesses, when they were jumped by some Xanathar street thugs looking for an easy score. However, much to their surprise, the thugs were eviscerated in a hail of arrows from a nearby rooftop, from none other than Ziraj the Hunter, who happened to be in the area at the time. The pair eventually met up with Ziraj again later and wanting to thank him, offered him a few services. Tally taught Ziraj how to make the elven warbow and its arrows, and Fala offered the second floor of their shop as a loft for Ziraj to crash in, stating that Ziraj actually visits from time to time and the three of them are all good friends. The two of them know Ziraj is involved in the Zhentarim, but Ziraj purposely keeps them out of the loop of what he actually does and the three of them trust each other implicitly. Ray is suspicious of Ziraj, but finds no underlying malice in the typically stoic Ziraj. Ziraj speaks up and states he's aware of the situation with Tally and the Gralhunds, and asks Yuan what he plans to do first before voicing his own opinion. Yuan doesn't have anything to offer, though, having never dealt with this kind of situation before, and Ziraj simply shrugs. He gives his opinion of the situation - the Gralhunds are a nasty bunch, and if the offer is refused, if they do plot anything, it will be in a way that doesn't implicate them. Confirming what Jalester had said previously, they'll likely try and poo-poo on Tally's business, ruining him financially. Ray wonders if his new partnership with the Steam and Steel might help him cover for that, but Tally says it's more of an informal thing, and even if it wasn't, the two businesses likely stood no chance against someone as influential as the Gralhunds. Ziraj continues, stating that as much as he would like to put an arrow through Yalah Gralhund's face for putting his friend in such a bad predicament, he can't do that - unless sufficient compensation was provided - and messing with them is asking for trouble. However, he's certain that 'something stinks' about the Gralhunds and isn't quite sure what it is. He thinks this situation might be a good chance to possibly learn something about them. Ziraj also says that the Gralhunds are lowballing Tally for the offer, which is five hundred gold for the recipe and one of the warbows; he thinks they should try and bilk as much money as possible out of the Gralhunds if they intend to take the deal, because they are 'filthy, stinking rich'. Tally says that while he could definitely use the money, he isn't keen on selling the information or the weapon that he and Yuan worked so hard on. However, he ultimately leaves the decision to Yuan. When he seems hesitant, Ziraj offers an idea - he pulls forth a spare oversized longbow and says that he can use that as part of the deal instead so Yuan can keep his new weapon, on the condition that any take from the deal that Yuan and his team make, Ziraj is cut in at 20%. Tally explains that he had intended to split the take with himself and Yuan if he went through with it at two hundred fifty gold a piece, which would mean Ziraj claims fifty gold if the original deal was made. Yuan accepts this and takes the spare oversized longbow, thanking Ziraj, who for all of his surly demeanor, doesn't seem that bad of a fellow. Tally turns to the team and tells them that he's going to write a response letter to Yalah stating he wants to negotiate the terms. This will probably eventually involve the two meeting face to face in the near future. He asks the team if they will be there with him at the time of the negotiation, stating that, quite frankly, he's a little terrified, and having his friends nearby to support him will bolster his courage. Yuan readily agrees as do the rest, which he is very grateful for. Before they leave, Ziraj mentions offhand to Yuan that Davil will have a job for him soon and to be on the lookout... Fala thanks Ziraj and escorts the team back out onto the floor, with Tally eventually actually acquiring the Forest Frolic tea he had ordered. Fala also sees Yuan is eyeballing their merch and asks if he would like to buy something. They say that since he's been so helpful, they are willing to give him a discount on a potion of healing for 35 gold instead of the usual 50. Yuan accepts and the transaction is made, with Yuan making a rather heartfelt comment to Ray that since he does so much to keep the team going, Yuan wants to return the favor and be ready if Ray ever needs help. Friendship! Eventually, the team will head off to House Ulbrinter, dressed sharply, for their meeting with Remallia Haventree. They are let in without a fuss, though Ray can't help but think that one of the horses is winking at him... he wonders if horses can wink and is seen winking rapidly, much to the disturbance of the rest of the party. Sigurd also explains that House Ulbrinter has been around for a while, once lead by Arthagast Ulbrinter, who sadly was assassinated and his remains destroyed. Remallia leads the house now with two children, and their chief line of business is the overseas mercantile trade. They are prolific worshippers of Waukeen, the goddess of merchants and trade. However, they are eventually let into the rather lavish estate and join the private dinner party, hosted by "Remi" as she is addressed by her friends. Much to the party's surprise, they are joined by Mirt as well as Vajra Safahr, the Blackstaff of Waterdeep, who asks the party to ignore her station for now and simply enjoy a fine dinner as friends. Renaer is also present, and is quite happy to see everybody made it, and the group joins in a fine meal and conversation. "Remi" gets to learn more about the party - with Renaer hinting to Ray that he's safe to speak freely here - and is quite intrigued and excited to meet the group, having heard of Ray's exploits so far in helping prepare for the Dragondown festival, as she has heard from Vajra that a lot of work and thought was put into it. Vajra claims it was one of the best festivals they've had in recent years, and Remi states that Ray has a very promising and fulfilling career ahead of him in the Musician's Guild at this rate! Ray also talks about the situation with Lif, and how one of the carpenters were killed. He's curious about who the mysterious benefactor is, and while Mirt claims ignorance, the small smirk on Renaer's face might seem to give away who was really behind that act of generosity... Remi more or less confirms the facts that Sigurd had mentioned previously, and further explains the meaning of the coat of arms of House Ulbrinter, that it is the noble's duty to help ease the burdens of all regardless of station, and they use their wealth responsibly by ensuring fair and free trade for all, such are the teachings of Waukeen, the Merchant's Friend. Vajra also explains her position as Blackstaff, that she's guided by her predecessors, including the original Blackstaff, Khelben Arunsun, whose spirits inhabit the staff. She's in charge of Force Gray, which are an army of adventurers who help defend the city in situations where the Watch and Guard are insufficient, and is in control of much of the city's magical defenses. She also runs Blackstaff Academy which is run out of (naturally) Blackstaff Tower, a prestigious mage school for aspiring wizards! She also talks about Meloon Wardragon, one of her trusted lieutenants, and talks about his axe Azuredge, which was a weapon made back during Ahghairon's time as Open Lord. When the dinner is concluded, Remi says that she must excuse herself and bids the team farewell for now before leaving. Mirt, Renaer and Vajra pull the team aside into a private room and explain that, indeed, there was another purpose to this meeting, confirming Yuan's suspicion! The truth is that Mirt is not actually the leader of the Harpers here in Waterdeep, and a lot of the shots are actually called by Remi herself. House Ulbrinter is a safe haven for Harper spies, Renaer says, so if the team needs to lie low for any reason, this is an excellent place to do so. Vajra also explains that she is in touch with Harper spies regularly to learn about the goings-on of the city and has an agreement with Remi for the two to work together. She says that the Harpers owe her a favor and she has a job for them, which she normally would have assigned to one of her own agents but the person she had in mind was not available and has instead turned to Mirt for assistance. They explain the situation that a bronze dragon has been sighted in Deepwater Harbor, startling some sailors. While it hasn't hurt anyone, Vajra is curious of its intentions and wants the party to confront it - she thought that Ray's smooth talking would be perfect for the job. To complete the task, she offers a Potion of Water Breathing to each member, although Ray states he doesn't need it, much to Vajra's surprise, as he is a waterborne species. She simply shrugs and says he can keep it anyway (with Yuan getting the idea that maybe they can sell it to Fala later...) The party thinks this might be an excellent opportunity for Ray to learn some things about his heritage, as well. What a convenient coincidence! Also, Ray delivers his findings of the Stone of Golorr to Mirt and co., and asks about the Dragonstaff of Ahghairon, which is still unaccounted for. Vajra confirms that all attempts to divine its location, even through magic, have failed. Unfortunately, nobody knows where the Stone is or who has it, but they must be lying low or they would have definitely made a move by now. Mirt also reaffirms that the Gralhunds should not be confronted, simply because of the lack of evidence and that a confrontation will end poorly if the team is caught in the act! Vajra also explains more about the nature of an aboleth, at Ray's request, stating they are primordial underwater aberrations which have existed since the dawn of time, even before the gods, and have perfect clarity and memory. They never forget anything - ever. The Stone of Golorr is an aboleth turned to a stone form, so its memory must be incredible and capable of recalling most anything, including possibly the location of the Dragonstaff and Dagult's embezzled funds... With Ray's new mission assigned to him, the team returns to the party and concludes the evening on a high note. They leave the private party as the night draws near and head back to the tavern, when Yuan encounters a peculiar sight. He spots a halfling man with a cart full of metal goods he is purchasing from the Steam and Steel, who speaks in a rather familiar rustic tone... Yuan approaches the halfling and simply states "Mr. Goodhill?" When the halfling turns, he is surprised that the person asking is very tall. However, he recognizes Yuan in an instant, and the two exchange greetings! Phames Goodhill introduces himself and is surprised to see Yuan wearing such fancy clothes, but asks if they can talk somewhere more private. Yuan says he'll take him back to the manor, surprising Phames again, and helps him move his cart to Trollskull Manor, where it is left in the care of some personal guards Phames has hired to protect his goods. The team heads inside and Phames sits down for a drink, and is very excited to see Yuan is doing well for himself, ordering a Red Dragon Crush wine, an exported wine from Barovia. Yuan explains that things haven't gone quite so smoothly as the Red Wizards have caught up to him, but he's working with the Zhentarim for protection. Phames is disappointed in learning the Red Wizards of Thay have found him somehow, but says he's still in much better shape here than anywhere else. When asked what he's doing here, he says he wanted to attend the Founder's Day festival as well as pick up some supplies and catch up with some friends during the Sornyn festival, which is also coming soon. When Yuan explains they are opening the tavern soon, he says he's going to bring his old crew along to join in the opening. He also asks if Yuan, being part of the Zhentarim, knows of a guy named Arrigal. When he doesn't, Phames says that Arrigal was someone he knew during his time in Barovia and says he's one of the best assassins he's known, and was instrumental in dismantling Strahd's reign over the land. He tells Yuan to ask his superiors about Arrigal sometime since he hasn't seen him in a while, and goes on to talk about many other things about his Barovian adventure. When Ray talks about the Curse of Strahd opera, Phames excitedly says that it is lead by one of his friends, Ireena, and the two chatter about her amazing performance. He says he's not much for that acting stuff though and claims to have handpicked an actor to represent him well, which Ray says he did since he almost thought the Phames sitting here and the actor on stage were the same person. While Phames says the opera is mostly accurate, it leaves or embellishes some details and says if anyone wants to hear the full story they should talk to him some time later. He's going to be in town until the end of the Sornyn festival which is when he plans on returning to his farm in Daggerford. Finishing his drink, Phames says he doesn't want to take up too much of the groups time but is very happy to see Yuan is alive and well, bidding the team good evening and heading off for the night. Later, Yuan receives a missive by flying snake, containing information about his next mission, in the dead of night... How will the meeting with Yalah Gralhund go? Will Sigurd's minotaur 'fan' get her revenge? What awaits the team at Deepwater Harbor? Who is really pulling the strings in the Harpers? And how much of a sneaky bastard is Renaer, really? Find out this and more, next time... on Waterdeep: Dragon Heist!!